#bless Lexi for putting up with me

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

Find the word

Thanks to @elsie-writes here and @winterandwords here!

My words: soft, silk, sapphire, sugar, time, place, when, where

Your words: pair, tense, origin, distant

Tagging @dyrewrites @sunset-a-story @i-can-even-burn-salad @elsie-writes @drchenquill

TSP intro

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites

@nebula--nix @literarynecromancy

Keep reading for:

Lexi and Ash in the Gateway

??? I have not used silk ???

Here's a repetitive bit from my fantasy short story

Coffee talk

Where are Lexi and Ash?

Lexi attempts to climb

Gwen meets Akash

Wade punches Parker

Soft - from The Secret Portal Part One (Lexi POV)

We sat in the middle of a seemingly endless field. The grass that stretched in each direction appeared freshly mowed, though it lacked the smell that usually came with it. Instead, a chillingly sterile air hit my nose. “Ash,” I asked, low-key freaking out, “where are we?” Ash looked around. “Where did—how did we get here? Where’s the school?” I couldn’t answer. The sun that had been burning in the late afternoon was no longer casting a deathly heat paired with Houston humidity. In fact, looking up, the burning mass seemed to be missing, despite the sky being a soft periwinkle.

Sapphire - from "Fantasy Short Story Take Two"

Silk - N/A

“With this emerald, I bring another year of peace to the Fairy Realm.” Thalia raised her scepter, placing her gem on top. A blinding green light surrounded it. She flew back, and Maylin took her place. “With this topaz, I replenish the power of the Fairy Realm.” Maylin’s golden stone flashed an amber-gold halo. “With this amethyst,” Almehda commanded, “I preserve the lifeforce of the Fairy Realm!” “With this sapphire,” said Rychell, “I bless good health in all corners of the Fairy Realm.” “With this diamond,” announced Ettrian, “I bring truth across the Fairy Realm.” “With this pearl,” Beluar said strongly, “I grant knowledge to the people of the Fairy Realm.” A white blast of light flashed throughout the room. Beluar turned and nodded at Nyana. She fluttered forward, her heart beating rapidly.

Sugar - from The Secret Portal Part Two (Hye-Jin POV)

Noelle looked down at my singular glass. “What’s that?” “Protein shake,” I answered. “Honestly, I can’t have much this early in the morning. I get sick otherwise.” “You don’t drink coffee?” Noelle asked as the replicator dinged with her breakfast. “No,” I said. “Never found a need for it, and it’s a little bitter.” “We could experiment with different combinations and proportions of sugar, milk, creamer, whatever.” Noelle sat down at the table in front of me. “But if you don’t need it, that’s fine.”

Time - from The Secret Portal Part One (Maddie POV)

“Ash said her stepmom would be here,” said Rose, peeking around the corner to the tennis court, “but I don’t see her car.” “Well, maybe they had to stay after class,” Noelle said. “Or Mary’s stuck in traffic. This is nothing to worry about, Maddie. My mom’s late all the time.” I pressed my lips together. Falcon was on a busy road. “Maybe Lexi was held back by that crazy gray-eyed teacher,” I thought aloud. “Ms. Moon?” Gwen asked. “Lexi’s in her final class,” Rose pointed out, “so that’s possible.” “Or, Lexi just didn’t answer her phone,” said Noelle. “But she always does that!” I protested.

Place - from The Secret Portal Part One (Lexi POV)

Putting the ring temporarily on my finger, I ran forward to place my hands on the vines, ready to climb up—fight or flight kicking in and for some reason choosing fight. I set my boots up against the tree—not sure what I was planning—and I attempted to climb, but wasn’t that athletic outside of afternoon bike rides, and my boots just slipped. It didn’t help that the vines started curling themselves against me, crawling up my forearms. “Ash, I’m coming!” I said more to myself. My hands were still fists on the vines, and I tried to pull myself upward. Why did I think this was a good idea? “Just go away!” I hissed at a vine enclosing my thigh as I tried to shake it off. In an instant, a flash of teal light wrapped itself around the vines. I yelped again as I slipped off the tree trunk and landed on the forest floor—thankfully my climbing endeavors had failed in that regard.

When - from The Secret Portal Part One (Gwen POV)

“Hey, who’re you?” a voice said. I looked around, trying to find the owner of the voice when my eyes finally rested on a boy. He was probably a year or so older than me with dark brown skin. He had short and spiky hair and his ears stuck out a little. He wore a yellow polo t-shit over a long-sleeved white shirt and dark-blue jeans. It took a moment to realize the boy was at eye level while I hung from the ceiling. I looked down and saw the boy’s feet were a good ten feet from the ground. He was floating.

Where - from The Secret Portal Part One (Gwen POV)

“Do it!” Parker said to the blond without missing a step. “Man, I don’t—” “You gotta practice, Wade.” Parker reared back his arms over his shoulder before thrusting forward, his arms out and stance strong. A strong wind blew across the room, and I could feel it from where I stood. Wade’s hair blustered around his face, and he held up his arms in a protective “X” in front of his face. He pushed forward against the wind. Once close to Parker, Wade punched the kid in the face, sending Parker over the barricade. I let out a squeak of alarm, bringing my hands up to my mouth as Parker crumpled beside me. As I wondered if I’d have to perform more first aid, and despite the blood on his face, Parker laughed.

[joeys-babe]

Someday We’ll Be Together

Chapter 5: Can I get your number?

———————————————————————

(y/n's pov)

when we got back to joes house after practice i grabbed my stuff that i had left there this morning.

"are you gonna come back over later?" - joe

"yeah sure, i'm gonna shower and get presentable first." - you

"i'll make us some lunch if you want." - joe

"sounds good joe, thanks. i'll see ya later." - you walked over to the front door

"yeah bye y/n!" - joe

"bye joe!" - you smiled at him as you shut the door and made your way over to your house

i knew as soon as i walked through the door my parents would be ready to berate me with questions.

i was right; as soon as i walked through the door i saw my mom standing in the kitchen.

"why are you smiling?" - your mom grinned

"nothing." - you

"mhm, so how was hanging out with joe last night and going to practice today?" - your mom

"really good. last night we were having movie night but it ended up going a different direction. lexie was at a party and joe found out she was making out with another guy." - you

"oh my gosh, bless his heart! did he finally break up with her?" - your mom

"yes, that's why i stayed the night. he was really upset and didn't want me to leave." - you

"awwww how sweet. now how did practice go?"

- your mom

"good! two girls that are dating players walked up to me since i was alone and asked if i wanted to sit with them. they were really nice and we hit it off." - you

"look at you already making friends with the WAG's!" - your mom

"mom." - you rolled your eyes

"i'm just teasing. are you going back over to joes today?" - your mom

"yup, i'm gonna shower and change then head over there for lunch." - you

"sounds good!" - your mom

after talking to my mom, i went upstairs to my room and finally got in the shower. it felt good to wash the sweat from being at the practice fields off.

when i got out i dried off and did my skincare before blow drying my hair and putting it in a ponytail.

once that was done i put a pair of jean shorts on along with a random band shirt i had.

i didnt wear much makeup, just mascara. growing up i had really bad acne and practically caked my face to cover it up, now wearing a lot of makeup just brought back bad memories of insecurity.

now that i was finally done getting ready i grabbed my keys, phone, and water bottle before heading downstairs.

"going over to joes now!" - you

"okay! have fun." - your dad winked

"dad." - you glared at him before leaving

as i was walking across the road i noticed a couple cars parked in joes driveway. who's here?

i knocked on the door and my heart stopped when i the door opened and i made eye contact with #85.

"oh you must be y/n! i'm tee, joes teammate."

- tee smiled

"yeh that's me, it's lovely to meet you." - you

"oh come in, sorry" - tee laughed when he moved to the side and let you in

tee shut the door behind me and was now standing next to me.

"joes in the kitchen making lunch, i'm assuming you're here of him?" - tee

"uh yeah, but i can chat with you for a bit." - you

"cool." - tee smiled

we moved over to the couch and sat down next to each other.

"y/n that's my spot!" - ja'marr

"oh hey marr!" - you turned to see ja'marr behind you

"hey! haven't seen you since college, you look great." - ja'marr

"you too! it's crazy you and joe got drafted by the same team, huh?" - you asked as ja'marr sat on the other side of tee

"oh for sure, and sam too you know since they played together at ohio state." - ja'marr

"i talked to his girlfriend today at practice, she seems really nice." - you

"oh she is, she told sam that you had been looking rather closely at one player." - ja'marr

"what- what are you talking about?" - you stuttered

"do you really think i'm cute?" - tee smirked

"yeah" - you returned the smile

tee opened his mouth, about to say something back but joe interrupted him.

"food's ready!" - joe yelled from the kitchen

"finally" - ja'marr jumped up from the couch and ran into the kitchen

tee and i stood up as well but he grabbed my wrist.

"how about we go out to dinner tomorrow night? you seem sweet, and you're really pretty. i'd love to get to know you." - tee

"i'd like that." - you smiled

tee let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in.

"good. can i get your number? i'll text you a time and address tomorrow." - tee

"yeh of course." - you got your phone out and exchanged numbers with tee

little did you know, joe was watching the whole exchange from the kitchen. he was left feeling lots of feelings jealous, upset, disappointed. not disappointed in you or tee, disappointed that his feelings that were coming back would have to be shoved away again.

*time skip - the next day*

right now i was currently getting ready for my dad with tee; at least i think it's a date. he said he wanted to get to me, but never fully said it was a date.

tee had texted me early today with a address to the restaurant we were going to, i looked some pictures up online to see what kind of outfit i'd have to wear. it was nice but not super upscale so i thought some jeans and a nice top would do the trick.

i had just finished up curling my hair when i heard the doorbell ring. i hurried down the stairs to get to the door first, definitely didn't want to put tee in an awkward spot with my mom or dad.

the thing is when i went downstairs it seemed like neither of my parents cared at all that tee was at the door. my dad was sitting on the couch and scrolling on his phone while my mom was making dinner in the kitchen.

"okay i'm off to my date, i'll see you guys later!"

- you

"have fun" - your dad mumbled, not even taking his eyes off of his phone

"what's up with you guys?" - you

"nothing, just go enjoy your night." - your mom

"okay.." - you opened the door

tee looked so handsome. he was wearing dressier clothes and for a second i wondered if i should go upstairs and change, but what tee said as soon as he saw me made me change my mind.

"woah y/n, you look beautiful." - tee

"thanks, you don't look too bad yourself. wanna get going?" - you

tee smiled and nodded before walking over to his car, he opened my door for me and i thanked him as i slid in.

as tee was walking over to the drivers side, i saw jimmy and robin walking up the stairs on the porch.

"oh hey tee!" - robin

"hey mrs. b!" - tee

"what are ya doing here?" - robin

"picking up y/n, we're going out to dinner." - tee smiled

"aww you guys have fun" - robin smiled warmly before walking into the house

at least someone's supportive.

jimmy and robin were definitely coming over for dinner and for a second i was wondering where joe was, but it makes sense why he wouldn't come over. i think he knows that tee and i are going on a date because ever since after lunch yesterday he won't answer my texts or calls.

"have you talked to joe at all.. since lunch yesterday?" - you

"he avoided me at practice this morning, so no. same thing with you i'm guessing?" - tee

"yup... i think he knows that we're on a date. i just don't know why it's making him this upset."

- you

"i mean i know you guys are best friends, and i'm his teammate, but you'd think he'd be happy for you." - tee

"yeah.." - you stared at the window, it was silent for a few minutes before tee broke it 

"i'm not gonna lie, i knew who you were before yesterday." - tee

"how so?" - you

"joe talks about you all the time, i'm sure everyone he comes in contact with knows the name y/n." - tee

i laughed before thinking of a response. this is the third time someones told me joe talks about me all the time. what on earth could he possibly be talking about?

"you're not the first person that's told me that.. what does joe say about me?" - you

"nothing bad or anything, just says you're his best friend and how much he cares about you. it kinda got old when id try to send him tiktoks and he'd reply with y/n already sent me that." - tee

"i do send him a lot of tiktoks." - you laughed

"can i ask you something? you have to be completely honest." - tee

"of course." - you

"have you ever.. liked joe?" - tee

"back in college i had a little crush on him, but it's been over for a long time." - you

"okay, i just wanted to make sure." - tee

"make sure of what?" - you

"that you didn't still like him. i felt like there might've been something going on between you two." - tee

"what why?" - you

"i mean it's kinda ironic that just shortly after you move back down here he breaks up with his girlfriend. i mean ja'marr, sam, and i have been trying to get him to break up with her since the start." - tee

"my feelings for joe ended a long time ago, i promise. now let's not ruin our date by talking about him." - you

"okay" - tee

(joes pov)

i reluctantly walked over to the y/l/n's for dinner awhile after y/n and tee left. i didn't want to leave my house, but i didn't really have food to fix here so it looked like i had to go over there.

"joe! i didn't think you were gonna come." - robin

"me neither." - joe scoffed

"what's with the attitude?" - robin

"tired." - joe shrugged

y/n's mom could read me like a book, so i wasn't surprised when she started asking me questions when we were in the kitchen alone.

"you sure you're just tired?" - your mom

"mhm" - joe

"not because y/n and tee are on a date?" - your mom

"i don't feel like talking about it." - joe

"so that is what it's about though?" - your mom

"maybe." - you

"aww joe, honey. what part about it makes you upset?" - your mom

"it's not because she's going on a date with another guy, i dont care about that. it's just that tees my teammate you know? she's like a sister to me.. like what if he hurts her and i just have to play football with him like nothing happened."

- joe

"i understand your concern, but i think y/n's smart enough to get herself out of a situation before she gets hurt. even if it were to happen."

- your mom

"i know. now i just seen like a jealous dick."

- joe

"you're not being unreasonable joe. but can i ask you this? if it wasn't your teammate, would you still be a little upset?" - your mom

i looked up at her for a few seconds before i sighed out of defeat.

"yes." - joe

"see joe! you still have feelings for her!" - your mom

(y/n's pov)

it was after my dinner date with tee and we were sitting in his car in the dairy queen parking lot as we ate our ice cream.

"y/n, can i be honest with you?" - tee

"of course, tee" - you

"i think you're a really great girl, but i don't think we're gonna go on a second date." - tee

"what why?" - you asked out of confusion, you had thought the date went really well

"i think we'd be better off as friends.. and there's something i just don't think you're noticing." - tee

"what's that something?" - you

"the fact that you still have feelings for joe." - tee

_________________________________

authors note: me consistently updating?! whaaaaaaaaaaat?!!!??!

hope you enjoyed ❤️

[penncilkid]

Today is March 28th, 2024.

It marks exactly one year since, on a whim, I joined a Discord call. I've referred to it as "Robocop Day" since discovering the date because I joined the call after watching Robocop for homework and decided "Fuck it, if they're still on call, why not join?"

Words cannot properly capture/express how that was one of the best decisions I could've made.

To sit and think about all the ways I have changed for the better in this year is absolutely insane sometimes. I was so nervous to join that night, I barely knew anyone in the Redacted fandom and had barely gotten to know anyone outside of Angie (shoutout to thefablefoxart, go check her out /gen). But in that moment, for whatever reason, my brain was like "Do it. Go join this call. At least give it a try." So I did— And promptly got roped into a multi-hour ramble about one of many Darlin OCs (/lh /pos).

This account would not be what it is without these people. Neither would my art, my writing, my channel, and more. There are so many ways I have grown and so many things I've been able to try in this year of knowing this group of people, and I cannot wait for all that's to come still. So, without further ado, I'm gonna put the people in this group chat on blast (lovingly /lh):

@latenightsleeper: Sleeper Beeper, as Cupid calls you, you are such a force to be reckoned with. You are elusive but nonetheless loved and cherished. You are an incredible storyteller, even if 99% of the time you're simply finding new ways to rip my heart to shreds. I know life kicks your ass more often than not (which is should stop doing, frankly /lh), but I hope you know how important you are to me and how I would rain hellfire at the drop of a hat for you. I've been very lucky to get to know someone like you, and I hope I get to continue gaining your lore, as you put it.

@cashandprizes: Miss Alexis Moonlight, it is no secret how much you have improved my quality of life. Even when you're fussing at me, I know it's out of love and it simply makes me a better person in the long run. Any time spent with you, be it online or face to face, is truly a blessing in more ways than one. I've said before and I'll say it again, you are someone who makes me feel incredibly safe and secured, especially on my harder days. And that is something I will never take for granted. You are such a visionary, even when you don't always give yourself credit for it. I'm always in awe of the things you manage to cook up, regardless of the form they take. I hope that someday I can repay you even a fraction of everything you've done for me.

@mr-laveau: Veau, candidate for the leader of the PK fanclub (alongside Frenchie and Lexi Moon if I'm not mistaken? /lh), it's no secret that I am one of your biggest cheerleaders. And I intend to maintain that title because you are incredible. You are an insanely talented artist, voice actor, and writer, and I don't care anyone else tries to convince you. You are also one of the kindest people I have met when it comes to people you care about/look out for. It's insane for me to think that this singular extended invitation could have allowed me a chance to get to know so many amazing people in the long run. I am so happy to have met you. You have helped me be self-indulgent with the things I make and have pushed me to not only go after the things I want, but be kinder to myself along the way. No amount of words I could give to you will ever encompass all that you mean to me.

And one bonus party:

@wingless-cupid: Cupid, you may not have been there for the creation of this group chat, but you are absolutely a core member of it now. You've been stuck with me for far longer than the rest of these guys, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna pass up on the opportunity to appreciate you and our friendship as well. Life is a bitch to you, but you keep pushing on and I'm so happy to have witnessed it all on the sidelines. Your creativity and execution of such is insane to see in the best way possible. Even if we're threatening each other with violence every other minute, I know that you have my back. And I hope you know I have yours as well.

So yeah. Who is this post for? Mostly me. But I also think everyone I've mentioned is amazing and worth checking out. Thanks for being in my life, guys /pos

[ladylooch]

Oh can we get Nico and Lexi's reactions to finding out about the pregnancies of each of their grandkids??

This got a little long beacause it's basically three blurbs, but I love how different each one of these reactions is!

Stella:

I want to say they are surprised, but that isn’t really the right word. Nico and Lexi are very aware of how hot and heavy Lucie and Connor are. But, they assumed they were being smart and careful about their sessions. Obviously, with this news, not as much as they thought. But when they look at Lucie’s face over the phone, even with the thousands of miles between them, they can both see that Lucie is scared and trying to put on a brave face. 

“Connor, can we have a second with our daughter.” Nico murmurs. 

“Um.” He looks over at Lucie. “Sure.” He nods, then leaves the frame. Lucie looks back at her parents when he is gone.

“Are you okay?” Nico asks. She nods, but big tears are forming in her eyes. “Sweets, it’s okay if you’re not.” Lucie swallows hard.

“I’m fine. I’m just really emotional. It’s been hard for us since we found out.” 

“Is this why you two broke up a few weeks ago? Is he not supportive?” Lexi chimes in.

“No! He is! Um, I just.. think we bit off more than we can chew.”

“Oh.” Lexi asks. “Are you saying this was planned?”

“Kind of. But then it wasn’t. And then it still happened.” Then Lucie begins to cry hard. “I know, I know. I’m stupid. You’re so disappointed in me.”

“LuLu…” Nico sighs reaching out for the phone screen, trying to wipe her tears off there. “We love you so much. Mama and I are right here for you. Do you want us to come?”

“Yes. Both of you. Please. And Soph.”

“Okay, we will look at flights tonight and get out to you soon.” Lucie nods. Then looks away to get herself more together.

“Don’t be mad at Connor. He is being so good to me. To both of us…” She trails off. 

“As long as he keeps doing that, him and us are good.” 

Winnie: 

Excitement! Tons and tons of excitement! Stella being a big sister! Another baby joining the family! Lucie and Connor are literally floating on cloud nine when they tell her parents. The joy is palpable and they spend the rest of Nico and Lexi’s U.S. trip dreaming about the newest addition to the family. They cannot stop talking about how blessed they are to be having another grand-baby to spoil. It is Lexi who reminds Nico that they have to be careful about showing enough attention to Stella. She has a feeling big sis may be excited now, but when that baby comes, so much of her life is going to change…

Baby Carlson: 

SHOCK. SHOOK. THE EARTH IS SHAKING. WHAT DID MACK JUST SAY?! 

“You’re…. Kidding?” Nico asks, looking over at his wife quickly. She shakes her head no like, this is a shock to me too.

“I know this is probably surprising because we said we weren’t having kids. But we changed our minds and I’m pregnant. Completely planned. I did not follow in Lucie’s footsteps.” Mack smirks. 

“Hey! Technically… both were kinda planned.” Lucie points from across the room. Then cringes. She looks over at Connor. “We were so dumb.”

“So stupid.” Connor agrees and chuckles. “Best, dumbest thing we have ever done.” He pulls her into his lap, kissing her hard, not caring about their audience. 

“Oh wow.” Lexi sighs, tears in her eyes. “Wow, wow, wow, wow!!!” She claps her hands together excitedly. “Another baby! We are so happy for you two.” Lexi clutches both David and Mack in her arms. “Nico get over here.”

“You aren’t kidding huh?” He jokes with an incredulous laugh. “Mackenzie Hischier is gonna have a kid.” His electric grin could be seen from space.

[symphopan]

Valentine's Blessings

Chapter 5/5: The Couple

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A week has passed since Esther and Lexi became official. Lexi’s parents helped her get everything settled with the school so she could go back to class without worry. Although most of her peers were more surprised with Esther dating a girl than her turning into one, not upset, just surprised. As she talked to some of them throughout, it seemed like some didn’t even seem to think she had changed. 

They were sitting together at lunch, just enjoying each other's company. “So my mom has been taking me clothing shopping a lot lately.” Lexi started, “She said I should invent you next time.” “Oh I’d love to. I’d finally get to pick out some cute outfits for you.” Esther replied. “Though if I’m being honest, I think she overdoing it a bit. I’m starting to run out of closet space.” Lexi said. “She’s just trying to hang out with her daughter, like making up for lost time.” Esther commented. “Hey, Esther!” A voice shouted. When they looked up, they could see Marina walking toward the table. She put her plate down and sat across from them. “Oh hey, Marina.” Lexi greeted.

“OH MY GOD, It’s Lexi now right? You look so adorable.” Marina exclaimed. “Thanks, It feels nice to get complimented.” She responded.

“It should, and you two look great together.” Marina said.

“So where have you been all week Marina?” Esther asked. “Oh I've been busy helping someone move houses, and some other things.” She answered. “Really? Who have you been helping?” Lexi questioned. “Oh well that’s-” “There you are babe!” Said a girl that came up and hugged Marina from behind, “I got lost looking for you. Please don’t move too fast, I can’t keep up in heels yet.” “Oh sorry about that baby, I forgot the school made me take the leash off, I’ll try to slow down for you.” Marina said, kissing her on the cheek. Lexi and Esther just look at each other. “Uh… Marina… Who’s this?” Esther asks.

“Oh this the person I was talking about, the one I was helping.” She answered.

“Oh Hi Esther and A- Oh wait it’s umm… what was it again.” The girl started. “Lexi sweetie.” Marina finished for her.

“Oh right silly me. It's good to see you both again.” She said. “I’m sorry… have we met before?” Esther said, very confused.

Lexi narrowed her eyes and stared at her for a second, then it clicked in her head. “OH MY GOD, WALTER!?!” Lexi shouted. Esther looked at Lexi then back to the girl in front of her. Then her jaw dropped. “Yep, well it's Winnie now.” She giggled. They both stare at her with a completely shocked expression. The girl in front of them barely resembled the jock they knew. Her hair was still blond but much longer and had pink highlights in it. Her face was a lot softer compared to how it was and had lots of makeup applied to it, you would think that she was Walter's sister from just her face. She was wearing white cropped top with long sleeves that went to the palm of her hands and that also showed off some cleavage. She had on a pink skirt that went to her knees, as was the school dress code, though it wasn’t hard to tell she didn't have any shorts on under. The heels she mentioned were a deep black color and seem to give her a couple more inches of height. However, the oddest thing was the pink collar around her neck, which one would have to assume was for the leash that Marina mentioned.

“Almost didn’t recognize me, did you? I don’t blame you, this is the first time I’ve been out of the house since I changed.” Winnie said.

“We’re just a bit surprised, is all.” Esther began. “Is that what you were muttering about when I last saw you Marina? You saw that Winnie was like me?” Lexi questioned.

“Yep. I figured if Esther was going to crack an egg and get a girlfriend in the process, I was going to do the same.” Marina confirmed.

“And I, like, couldn’t be happier.” Winnie giggled.

“Yep, she’s no longer some big dumb, overly manly jock, but a bubbly, somewhat ditzy girl.” Marina said, patting her head. Just then Marina’s phone went off and she stood up when she looked at it. “Ah, well it looks like we need to head out. Cheerleading tryouts are happening and I’ve got to get Winnie over to them. Let's do something this weekend, the 4 of us.” She said, her arm wrapped around Winnie’s. “Sure. We could go to that smoothie stand we like and see a movie.” Esther started, “Tickets are $9.34 and smoothies are $3.45. How much is that for all of us?” “$51.16 total.” Winnie answered.

They looked at her stunned at how fast she answered that.

“What’s 645^2 divided by 4?” Lexi asked. “104,006.25” She smiled, “What? I’m really good at math.” They just looked at Marina. “I did say she was somewhat ditzy.” She shrugged.

The two walked off, leaving Esther and Leix at the table. They just looked at each other for a moment before giggling. “So that’s her type, huh?” Lexi laughed. “Yeah, I think it's cute though.” Esther said right before pulling her girlfriend closer, “Not as cute as you thought.”

Lexi blushed heavily, “Oh you.” She leaned closer to kiss her, then leaned her head on Esther's shoulder. “You know, I’m glad you gave me that card.” Lexi said. “Oh yeah.” “Yeah, because now my life is way better now that you’re in it.” Esther pulled her in tighter, and she also felt the same way. Her life was way better after helping the cute girl that is squeezed next to her.

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And that wrap for this short TG. I hoped you liked it, I might be a while before I do another one, as I need to get to the longer story I'm writing but I do have some more in the pipeline. Again, thanks to @mistresskabooms for the request, I had so much fun writing this.

[justjessame]

Light Through the Darkness: Chapter 32

Salvatore Garden~ Time Pressing Ever Onward, Supposedly

Abigail powered through her pain and guilt after seeing Sallie quicker than she had with Damon. Perhaps she was figuring this out. Damon, then Sallie, who could possibly be next?

Closing her eyes, she waited for the next visitation. When the voice came, she found that she wasn't nearly as surprised as she'd been by the first two. She almost expected to hear it.

"Ah, my sweet Abi," the cultured tone of a well bred woman said, forcing her eyes to open. Lily Salvatore, healthy as she had been the very first time she'd met her at five years old.

The sob came fast this time. The mother she'd only had for two short years. The mother she'd watched waste away after bearing up under the strain of an unhappy marriage. A woman she aspired to emulate.

"Lily." She whispered, her voice choked with pain and longing. "I miss you so much." Her eyes were clouded by tears and she fought to clear them. She wanted to keep Lily with her. This woman, who clearly loved her dearly, meant so much to her.

"And I you, my darling girl." Lily was beaming as she sat next to Abigail and held open her arms. Abi wasted no time to take the offer, cuddling into her embrace. "You've been through so much, Abi." She felt the kiss against her hair. "You've been strong and brave. You need to let it go-everything you're holding back."

Abigail understood the permission to let go. Her screaming and freeing up her emotions was allowing her to feel easier inside. If this was part of the key to unlock her prison, she's happily take the wisdom as it was offered.

"I never wanted you to leave, Lily." Abigail offered weakly, knowing this version would understand she meant both to the sanitorium and from life. "I begged to stay with you."

Lily rocked her lightly and continued speaking quietly. "I know, but I had to go. You my darling, are meant for so much more." She whispered into Abigail's hair. "You needed independence. And I had hoped that my wedding quilt would have been put to proper use by now." A light chuckle from her mother figure told her that she wasn't been scolded. Not really.

"Stefan and I," Abi began.

"It was never Stefan and you, my wonderful daughter." Lily pulled back and stroked the hair from Abi's face. "The two of you knew your fate from the moment you met. Only my husband would turn a blind eye to what the entire world could see." She was smiling at Abigail. "He came first for a reason, Abigail. Don't forget what you've learned, that will only set you back from all you've accomplished." She kissed Abigail on the forehead in blessing. "Release me, Abigail. Let me be a happy memory, like the story of the quilt. Don't hold on to the last terrible goodbye."

Abigail sat up, control fighting to return. "Yes, Mother," she replied smiling. Lily's answering smile could have lit up the garden.

"Perfect, my love. I'd expect no less." As she faded, a feeling of peace rolled over Abigail.

Maybe, just maybe she would find her own way out after all.

Mystic Falls, VA~ December 2009

Damon insisted on Elena's company for an impromptu trip to Atlanta. Swearing it was only because of the nasty car wreck she suffered due to some weird guy standing in the middle of the road, she was shocked to find that she was actually enjoying herself. Even if he only brought her to piss off Stefan, and she was enjoying it in retaliation for finding out that she really did look exactly like Katherine. Not the best way to end your first time with your new boyfriend, but it wasn't like she and Stefan had a normal relationship.

She had to admit, saving Damon's ass from a vengeful grieving boyfriend put a damper on the trip. Especially when it brought Lexi's death to the forefront again.

Elena was somewhat shocked that Damon never mentioned Abigail Morgan. Stefan talked about her more than Katherine, and Lexi and attempted to explain it all to her. Stefan had issues with human blood, addiction issues, which she'd seen first hand. Lexi said the other part, his other obsession had been one he held for Abigail. They seemed linked, his blood lust and Abigail. And since he'd mastered the one, he felt responsible to fix the other.

Lexi had also said that, while Stefan was fixated on Abigail, it was Damon who had the actual real world connection to her. They'd been best friends. So if that were true, then why wasn't he at least interested in why she hadn't awakened? One hundred and fifty years, give or take, was a long time for even Sleeping Beauty.

On the drive back she decided to ask. His focus on Katherine didn't make sense. He loved her, that was fine, but why didn't he give a damn about his best friend? If he helped her to safety, why hadn't he made sure she was still safe?

Damon glared out the windshield. This trip wasn't going as he'd planned. It had pockets of fun, but it was getting worse since he'd been attacked by Lexi's boyfriend. And having to kill Bree hadn't been the ending he'd hoped for either. And now Elena had to bring up the petite, beautiful elephant lingering in the Morgan House to haunt him.

"You know the basic information, Elena." Damon said, hoping the warning in his voice was evident.

Elena faced him across the car. "So explain it better, then."

Giving a long suffering sigh, Damon wondered where to begin. The beginning he decided, thinking Elena would fall asleep from boredom.

"Abigail Morgan came into my life when I was twelve years old. She and my darling baby brother were both five." He found himself falling into memories. "Their age would make most people assume they would be the close ones, but despite our age gap, she and I found each others' company more desirable." He could almost feel her small body in his arms as he'd doted on her in those early years. How smart and engaging she had been even at that young age. He'd devised games, stories, and ways to keep her entertained, while Stefan would soon lose interest. "When Abigail was thirteen her house burned and everyone except her and her servant Sallie died."

"Everyone?" Elena asked in a hush.

Glancing at her he realized that orphans might be something difficult for her to deal with after her own tragic backstory. "Yes, everyone. Her parents and all their servants." He didn't remember the night, he'd been asleep. The next morning his mother had come to his room and explained about Abigail and that she'd be living with them from that point forward. "She lived with us after, my parents' ward. She and my mother were close, already like mother and daughter even before the fire." He said, remembering how Lily had glowed with happiness at having Abi with her. "Then, two years later, my mother died of tuberculosis." His memory bloomed of Abigail hellbent on following his mother wherever she went. And the one time he and his father were on the same page. "She had nursed my mother, having never been sick, and always so attached to my mother. We should have known-" He allowed his memory to fill the three years that followed. Keeping Abigail company, finally having her all to himself. Learning more from her than he had ever learned from his father. The parties they'd attended, always together. How the town expected what he had, for them to be together forever. "We were one another's comfort in a house that held so little. She was someone who always saw the best in me." Even he heard the longing in that line.

"And yet, you haven't gone to see her." Elena pointed out, clearly having heard it as well.

"Being stuck in the past-" He started.

"Like with Katherine?" She interrupted.

Damn Elena and her sudden interest in Abigail Morgan. And her attentiveness to him when she forced him to discuss her.

"You never seem this interested when Stefan brings her up." He commented, hoping to shut down the conversation.

Elena turned to look out the passenger window. "Because he's only interested for the sake of redeeming himself. You had a real connection to her, so you not being interested is strange to me."

Finish the story, he reminded himself, that should put an end to her curiosity. "I left to join the military in 1863. Abigail was 16 going on 17. I broke her heart by joining. Abigail had been plagued her entire life with the curse of premonitions. Leaving for the uncertainty of war was like setting her curse on fire. She pleaded with me, but I joined to prove something to my father." He remembered her green eyes flush with tears, begging him to change his mind. To stay with her. He'd wanted to, so very badly. To take it back . "Stefan wrote to me in September 1864, asking me to return, for her sake. I went to my commanding officer and begged for leave. I went home, but never to her. Because when I arrived at the house that hadn't really been a home until Abigail Morgan came to live with us, I heard a voice in the garden and went to see who it belonged to. There she was, Katherine Pierce." Did he imagine the pain he heard in his own voice. "I never really spoke to Abigail again. Well, not until I tried to kill her to clear the path for Katherine." Hearing Elena's gasp he continued to so he could push the feelings that anyone felt he held for Abigail would be put to rest. "I didn't know she couldn't die, Elena, so I didn't just try to kill her. I buried her in my family's crypt. I put her to rest inside my great grandfather's tomb, then I shut the lid."

"She would have," Elena stopped, swallowing down the rising bile. "You still made sure she was safe from Stefan." She was pleading with him to redeem the monstrous image he'd created.

"Only because I didn't want to live watching her torture at his hands, Elena." He said, absolving himself. "I wanted freedom from Stefan."

And that effectively ended her questioning about Abigail.

[couldyouspeakmyname]

HI ! :D Is it possible to have a shishigumi headcanon on "How they react when their lover is shyer in bed". (*^▽^*) Hope to see more shishigumi contents

Y’all thirty for the Shishigumi, and I feel ya. I also have a mighty need for Shishigumi content which y’all can send me at any time

-Maeve

Ibuki 

High key, thinks it’s so cute. He wont tease you, but secretly is just...adoring how shy you act

If you want the lights off, they’re off. Will warn you though, as a feline and a carnivore, Ibuki can see in the dark. 

Will do whatever it takes to make you comfortable.

Lots of kisses, never stops telling you how much he loves you. He’s going to drown you in affection, just warning you. 

Constant reassurance. Will go slow if you want him to. He wants you to be comfortable. Borderline body worship. 

If you ever want him to stop, hands off immediately. 

“Just focus on me, it’ll be okay” 

Tells you what a good job you did after. King of aftercare so, you’ll feel like royalty. 

Free

Now THIS asshole, yeah...He’s going to tease you. He’s not trying to be an asshole, but he’s not used to his partner being shy 

“All that for me? Don’t worry, Free’s gonna take good care of ya”

Probably gets a lot less serious to try and make you feel more relaxed. Jokes around. 

Will turn the lights out if it makes you feel better, but can 100% see in  the dark. He wont remind you of that though.

Probably talks about how cute he thinks you are, and tries to fluster you more just because he thinks you’re just adorable

Despite being kind of a jerk for teasing you, he does want you to enjoy yourself. If you’re not comfortable and want him to stop he will. He actually reads body language pretty well, so you won’t even have to say anything. He’s down for cuddling instead if that’s what you want

Dolph

You’re a little shy, huh? That’s fine. He can be gentle. If he’s in a relationship with you, he’s already 100% willing to do whatever it takes to keep you around

Asks if you’re comfortable multiple times, may even give you a safe word if you’d like one.

Lots of kisses, surprisingly soft touches for such a big, scary, lion. 

“I’d never hurt you, you know that” 

Goes slow, and gentle. Kind of difficult for him, but he’s going to try his best. 

Dolph may actually ask you to tell him what to do. He’ll follow your directions without hesitation. He hopes it gives you more confidence if you guide him a little. He’s a good listener. 

Cuddles after. Tells you how good you were, how much he cares about you. He means it when he says it too. 

Agata

He’s kind of nervous too, and a bit shy. Seeing you get all reserved? Actually makes him feel a little better. At least he’s not the only one. You can be shy and nervous together. 

Everything he does is deliberate, and you know it’s coming. No surprises, just sweet Agata trying to make you feel good, and boy is he good at it. 

“You’re nervous? Don’t worry, I’d never do anything that could hurt you”

Kisses start at your finger tips and just keep going.

Does whatever he can to make you comfortable and feel loved. 

Firm, but gentle touches. He’s a bit more confident with you, and so he’s going to put on his best brave face and focus all his efforts on you. 

Miguel

Miguel is very reassuring. You want positive reinforcement? You have it in him.

His gaze is intense, and to be fair anyone would be a little nervous. Miguel is big, muscular, and makes just about anyone feel small.

Can kiss your cares away, and his hands are like magic.

Doesn’t say a lot, but never stops touching or holding you

“I can feel your heart pounding, does that mean I’m doing a good job?” 

When he does talk, he tells you how much he cares about you and how good you’re doing. He never makes you feel awkward about being shy and nervous. 

Probably gives you a message later, if you want it. He’s a cuddler, and is not going to let you go without a lot of complaining. 

Probably will fall asleep on your chest, listening to your heart. 

Sabu

Knows before you even sleep together that you’re going to be shy. How? No one knows but him. 

Due to that, he talks about it before hand. He doesn’t want you to be shy or have anxiety. Are you worried about your body? Don’t be, he will straight up say he jerks off to the thought of you (which is embarrassing in itself ngl). Is it because you’re inexperienced? You have a good teacher. He’ll show you the ropes. The important thing is that he establishes a line of trust before you get into it, so when you do get nervous you remember that he’s there for you and you only. 

He’s honestly a little nervous too. You’ve seen his face but, what if you change your mind about him after seeing his body? His face isn’t the only thing with scars. 

He does whatever you want to feel comfortable, not matter how odd the request.

He usually isn’t a talker, but if you need that extra reassurance, he wont shut up. He’ll tell you how much he cares about you, how good you’re doing. If you’re worried you’ll do something wrong, he’ll give you instructions on how to please him if you need that too. 

Usually falls asleep, but is going to go out of his way to take extra good care of you since you were nervous and he wants to reward you for being brave

Jinma

Is a little awkward once he sees how shy you are. He’s not meaning to be, but he’s not used to it

Luckily for you, he gets over it quick. He just strokes your face, and looks at you with this intense fondness.

Treats your body like a temple, and whenever he sees you get a little to nervous, he kisses you to distract you. 

Will ask you to tell him to stop if you get overwhelmed, and he’ll listen. He’ll even be okay if you need just a few seconds to catch your breath. He’s not impatient, he’ll spend however much time you need to be comfortable

His goal is to know you and your body better than he does the market, and he’ll take his time in order to be as effective as possible 

“Don’t worry, we can take all night if you need it” 

Dope

Also already know you’d be shy

He’s good at reading others, it’s part of what makes him and effective negotiator

Talks it out with you. 

“Have I ever let you down? Let’s start with something easy...”

Never stops talking to you, telling you how much he adores every part of you between kisses. You don’t have to be skilled, be confident, be traditionally attractive, he loves you for you and is going to tell you that

He learns very quickly what you like in order to distract you. His goal is to make you wonder why you were ever shy in the first place

He’s always holding you somehow, but he really likes holding your actual hand. If you get nervous you just have to squeeze his and he’ll back off enough for you to get yourself together again

Hino

Hino is suave, and knows just what to say to you in order to make you feel confident

He likes to move slow, make it worth it. If you’re nervous, he’s giving you time to be comfortable.

“It’s so cute that you’re shy, but let’s see if we can change that”

King of oral. If you’re doing this, and you’re shy, he’s going to make SURE you understand he’s there for you. Yeah...

Hino is good at what he does, and will adjust depending on what you want or need from him. 

He wants you to enjoy yourself, even if you’re shy and nervous at first. Lots of kisses to make you feel better. 

Will cuddle after, and probably fall asleep. He’s going to make sure you’re satisfied first though. If you’re not happy, he wont be either. 

[kasshole69]

truly, madly, deeply - 1

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Reader, Wanda Maximoff x Natasha Romanoff, (eventual) Natasha Romanoff x Reader, (eventual) Wanda Maximoff x Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Summary: You’d been living a good life, well as good as it could get with how full of lies it was. Why? It was the only way to get by when you were an unmated omega with an uneasy past. That's all flipped on its head when you see a matching soul mark on two certain avenger, leaving your lies to crumble right in front of your face.

A/N: ayo i’m finally posting this lmao, i read a a/b/o fic on ao3 that wasn’t all about sex (not that those are bad) and it literally took over my life for a few weeks and it wasn’t finished so i wrote my own! a main focus of this fic is reader having a condition called touch deprivation. the name describes it well and it’s described in the fic (this was also based on another a/b/o fic) anyways! i hope you enjoy, second chapter will be posted after this so if you enjoyed please let me know!

also there are two ocs that only affect the beginning of the story and will kinda become absolute

chapter 2 chapter 3 ao3

The day had started out simple enough. Wake up, eat breakfast, go to work, come home, eat dinner and sleep. A routine you’d grown accustomed to. A routine that usually involved you talking to your roommates Lexi and Brooke when you were home. You’d known Lexi since you moved to New York about 3 years ago, meeting because you both needed a roommate. With you both being omegas, it worked out perfectly. You remember the days when she would talk about how she couldn’t wait to meet her soulmate, and lucky for her, she didn’t have to wait too long as she met Brooke about a year after living together. Instead of having to move out, or have Lexi and Brooke find a new place, the three of you lived together and it worked perfectly. Rent was less expensive, and the three of you were able to help out one another. You also thought that they felt bad for you, thinking you were forever going to be alone with the lie you’d told them.

The last thing you needed in your life was someone to depend on. Especially not someone you didn’t even know. You’d spent the last years of your childhood forced to be with someone, someone who didn’t care for you like he should, and you’d be damned if you’d do that again by meeting your soulmate. You knew how it went when omegas, like yourself, met their soulmates. The second you meet your soulmate, your body immediately becomes attuned to them, knowing that it needs them. Your body puts itself through unending pain whenever you're away from them for too long without being bonded. If you were to ever meet them, it would also mean the end of the freedom you have.

How does one avoid fate though? Well you’d come to learn that most people learn about their soulmates through word of mouth. So you’d cover up your soul mark and tell people your soulmates had died. While it wasn’t the most humane thing to do, it kept you safe, kept people from asking questions. Of course you’d told Lexi and Brooke the same sob story but didn’t bother hiding your soul mark from them since you were living together and there was no point.

So when you came home to Lexi shouting at you about how you had other soulmates, you froze like a deer in headlights.

“Oh my gosh Y/N! This is so exciting! And two Avengers too? Isn’t this great!” Lexi exclaimed whilst holding your hands and jumping up and down.

“We already called Avengers Tower, they said that we can come by tomorrow to meet them,” said Brooke, coming in just behind Lexi.

You were still in the middle of processing all this when Lexi started showing you the news articles. Avengers Wanda Maximoff and Natasha Romanoff reveal that they are soulmates! What does this mean for the team? With a close up image of that stupid mark you had on your wrist. In a way this was a blessing, now you knew exactly who you needed to avoid. All you need to do now is find a way to convince Lexi and Brooke not to make you go up there.

You decided to play dumb. “I don’t think that’s the same mark, mine looks like a different shade of red.”

“What? No, you guys definitely got the same marks,” said Lexi while giving you a confused look.

“I don’t know, maybe it’s best that we don’t go up there just in case. Wouldn’t want to get my hopes up, you know?”

“Shouldn’t that be the reason you do go up there? Just in case they are in fact your soulmates,” said Brooke giving the same look as Lexi.

“Exactly! What’s the worst that could happen?”

“I’ve got stuff to do tomorrow anyways, probably wouldn’t have enough time to make it there anyways,” you say as you head to your room not wanting to get into a big argument with the two.

“What’s so important that you can’t meet your soulmates?” Lexi asks almost angrily.

“Literally anything else.”

In a much softer tone Lexi carefully asks, “What?”

“I’ve just-,” how were you supposed to explain this to them? Getting into your past would just lead to more questions. The best solution? Another lie, “I don’t want to meet them, being the soulmate of an Avenger comes with a lot of risks and it would probably be safer for me to keep my distance. Aren’t they in a pack anyways? They should be fine without me.”

Lexi and Brooke give you a shocked look, with the former deadpanning. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am! I feel completely content! I don’t need them, and since they aren’t actively looking or know that I exist, they won’t need me either.”

You can tell neither of them know what to say, Lexi is opening and closing her mouth like a fish while Brooke has a deep crease between her brows trying to decipher what you’ve just said.

“Please, can we just keep this between us?” you plead with the two of them.

They share a look of concern before looking back at you with pity. Lexi finally says, “Alright, if that’s what you really want. Are you sure you don’t at least want to meet them?”

“No, I’ll be fine living my life and they’ll be fine living theirs. No need to upend everyone’s lives over something as silly as soulmates,” you say as you start to walk towards your room.

“Soulmates aren’t-“ Lexi starts before you quickly cut her off so as to not start another argument.

“Thank you guys! Goodnight!” you say as you slam your door shut.

Universe just had to send you a curveball, but thankfully it seems you hit this one out of the park. Not only are the two people who know about your soulmates are sworn to secrecy but you know exactly who to avoid. Natasha Romanoff and Wanda Maximoff, should be easy enough to avoid since the Avengers are currently living at the new compound in upstate New York.

Now all you gotta do is stay updated on the Avengers whereabouts and continue to live your life. Since you now know who your soulmates are and that they are relatively easy to avoid seeing as the media keeps a keen eye on them, you feel very secure. Before you never knew when you would run into your soulmates, constantly living on edge.

Although, you could definitely see an appeal to being their soulmates. Two unbelievably strong women with stunning appearances wasn’t something you were complaining about. Even with that, the media was not making it easy to like them, especially Wanda. Saying things like she is a loose cannon and is not in control of her powers. While it’s a given to not believe everything you read or see on the internet, it only helped solidify your desire to stay away from them.

And with that life moved along. Everything was normal, aside from Lexi giving you petty remarks every time you asked for a favor saying things like, “if you would just meet your soulmates I bet they would be happy to do this for you” or “why don’t you ask your soulmates?” It grated on your nerves but it was better to just live with it than let get into an argument with Lexi, especially when she knew who your soulmates were. You didn’t know if she would go that far, but you weren’t taking any chances.

As time went on though, you started to be in immense pain. First it was just tingles all over your body, kind of like your body was a big bruise. The pain would increase when you made jerky movements. It would gradually get worse, feeling almost like you were burning all over. You were calling off of work more and more because some days it hurt too much to even move. Lexi and Brooke noticed and offered to take you to the doctor, but you refused. Whatever this was would pass, it just needed time.

Today however, you felt like you were going to die. Your boss had already said you were calling off far too much and that if you missed one more day you would be put on suspension. So despite it feeling like you should be in a full body cast, you got up and got ready for work. The clothes felt as if they were poking your skin and your feet on the floor felt like you stepped on legos the entire way down the hallway. While the hallway was only a good 6-7 feet but it took you 10 minutes to get down it. Every time you bent your leg it felt like it was bending the wrong way, like you were purposely breaking your legs every time you took a step.

Lexi and Brooke looked at you as you made your way down the hallway and could immediately tell that something was really wrong with you. Despite you having been in excruciating pain these past few months, you’d done a decent job of covering it up. Only ever letting it show when a particularly sharp pain hit you.

Lexi rushed over to you helping you walk to the kitchen asking, “are you okay? Don’t tell me you're going in to work today.”

It took you a second to answer because moving your jaw was a painful task in itself, “yes, i’m fine.”

“You sure? With the pace you were going down that hallway you won’t make it to work until next week,” Brooke stated in a smart-ass tone.

You gave Brooke a dirty look before doubling over in pain.

“Y/N we really need to take you to the doctor! This is not normal!” Lexi exclaims whilst helping you keep from falling over from the pain.

“No, I’m-“ you start before you feel another rush of pain. You had probably hit the ground at this point, with the pain in your head and abdomen felt as if you were being stabbed. You can hear Lexi telling Brooke to do something but you can’t make it out, the pain being the only thing you can focus on. You open your eyes to look up at Lexi but it’s so blurry and you just want to close your eyes again. You think you can make out Lexi saying something to you but you just can’t keep your eyes open. As you close your eyes the pain starts to dissipate as you pass out.

[empathyisagiftandacurse]

“Si. It was an energy consuming stand. It affected the entire park, possibly more, and started killing Don Giovanna’s animal guardians. The grass grew rapidly, and we both started tiring much too fast. The stand was difficult to spot, and I only saw it at a strange angle when I was climbing back down the tree to help him investigate the grass.

“I do not have a Stand myself; only a strange ability to be able to vaguely see their outline. I’m sorry I needed to be rescued from its affects. I was just out for an evening walk to work off jet lag before turning in, and I saw a youth in the field and greeted him. I had no idea it was Don Giovanna until I got closer. The Foundation provided a photo of him. One of our Allies met with him before.”

Lexi came out of her own memory fog to look at Fugo. She started to inch toward him worriedly. “Are you…?”

She froze. She recognized that gesture and started to cover her head. Hearing him hiss, she looked again and saw the coffee stain on his sleeve. Ouch. “Oh no. Would you-?”

She let him go, feeling awful for him. She didn’t know his story, but she could read trauma easily. She wished she could comfort him but she knew she was not the right person to do so. She didn’t know why he seemed to be afraid of her, but she’d respect his boundaries and keep her distance, if her heart didn’t get in the way.

She sighed and helped herself to just a slice of bread for now, since the hotel would have breakfast available if she hurried. She put everything back neatly, and headed out, finding her way without much difficulty. The mansion was big but it didn’t seem to have many people in it.

☆~*•.°

Happy to get back on track with her schedule and grooming, Agent Alexandra Dragora Calandrina was all smiles when she stepped into the fragrant restaurant. She tried to hide her relief when she caught sight of the much more familiar hair style, and…somewhat unusual attire. Ladybug pins? No shirt? The don was very young but he certainly had confidence and his own style, she’d grant him that. She did much prefer his embroidered jacket over the odd hole punched and equally shirtless look his lieutenant sported. She felt a bit plain in her purple dress suit and skirt, blouse, mother of Pearl hair comb shaped like a lotus, and black opal necklace shaped like a tear drop.

She bowed slightly once she was close, unsure if she was supposed to take his hand or not. She followed his lead.

“I’m well, thank you. I can’t remember the last time I slept without dreaming! It was nice to wake up refreshed for a change,” Lexi chuckled.

“Oh goodness, if I had to wait any longer to talk, I’d wear a hole in the carpet. I don’t think the hotel would appreciate that.” Lexi’s smile turned somber. “I’m glad I was able to help.”

“Grazie, Don Giovanna.”

Her eyes widened at the menu selection. It was both fortunate that she could read Italian and a dilemma because there were many dishes she’d never heard of that sounded delectable. She picked a few that stood out and asked Giorno for his opinion on them, and chose the pasta dish that sounded the most appealing.

Once their orders were taken and breadsticks and drinks provided, Lexi waited for Giorno to eat first, nibbling a little to steady her nerves. Then she looked at him questioningly to see if he wanted to begin their meeting now or wait until after lunch.

“Regarding your question about my energy transfer to you… To be honest, Signor, I have no idea what my ability is.” She smiled grimly. “It has been both a blessing and a source of trouble for me, but I do not have a name for it. It does not appear to be a dormant stand.”

She looked troubled for a moment, briefly caught in a bad memory. Staring down an arrow and a gun and other implements meant to give her a proper stand by frightening it out of her or possibly killing her was not something she wished to think about now…

“There are other powers in the world, not connected to stands. The Foundation has been researching them for a century. But it was difficult to gather information without being…targeted by those who would use such power for their own devices. For the most part, I stay in the Foundation’s basement, looking through their conglomerated research and writing hypotheses about them for further research. They don’t like to let me go on solo cases. But as I mentioned last night, I am the only person who can share the information I have for you...”

She fidgeted. “Perhaps it’d be best to wait for details until after lunch. I can provide you with photos, though. If you would like to see them…”

“My ability to see the bio electrons produced by stand auras is what got me involved in this twelve years ago… Although my family has been working with the Speedwagon Foundation since the 1900’s. Director Speedwagon came to our mountain stronghold when my grandfather was head of the household. I’m getting off topic.

“Starting in 1983 and continuing through 1989, the Foundation was investigating an increasingly large number of disappearances and stand activity. We traced it back to the Canary Islands.”

She opened her laptop and turned on a slideshow she’d prepared. The first picture was a large double sided coffin with barnacles, dried kelp, and three letters on it. D.I.O.

“The reports indicated that there was something supernatural at hand. Something strong, fast, silent, and carnivorous. Later the Foundation met with a man named Joseph Joestar. He confirmed what we feared about the coffin…”

The slideshow presented an old newspaper article about a cruise ship that had blown up near the islands. It mentioned there were only two survivors, but their names were non-disclosed.

Lexi let Giorno read the article. When he got to an old photo of three adults and a baby, her expression turned soft.

“Everyone in this photo has a complicated story from here out. But for now, I’d like to point out that the man with the scar is the Founder of the Speedwagon Foundation. Back before he traveled to the US and found oil. The woman, the baby, and the woman’s unborn child at the time of this photo, are the main reason he went to America to seek work. He wished to support this family because the woman’s husband was a dear friend of his, and their family had already gone through horrors, including the loss of the gentleman’s home, father, and his own life, in the explosion…”

She took a steadying breath while the slideshow shared articles and medical examiner reports revealing women who had been drained of all of their blood, with only a couple small wounds on them. Women not only in the Canary Islands, but the USA, England, parts of Africa, and especially in Egypt, amongst other places… They were nobodies most people would not care about. But the story the Foundation was piecing together report by report was slowly building into something monstrous.

“The coffin…was the life raft the woman and the baby escaped on. She had the coffin sunk in the sea in 1889. When it was dredged up and opened in 1983, a monster was unleashed on the world. And his story connected to me in 1988, while I was helping the Foundation track down the location of a smothering Stand aura, powerful enough I could sense it before I even entered Cairo…”

The next photo showed an eerily familiar man in shadow.

“He found me…”

It was the same photo in Giorno’s wallet.

“Oh no. I’m sorry for the trouble. Goodness. I must have been really out of it to not notice all of that.” Lexi swallowed and paled as she ran a quick mental check over everything. Nothing felt off, and her things had been in order so she didn’t think anything untoward had happened. Especially given the state of Giorno’s note. Still, it was unnerving, hearing how vulnerable she had been, and knowing she’d been searched was unpleasant, even though it would have been more unpleasant sleeping on her phone or wallet.

Was this…teenager one of Passione’s capos? Or Giorno’s secretary? He spoke like he was a friend trying to play the role of a business professional.

She bowed slightly. “I am honored by his hospitality. If it’s alright, I would like to return to my hotel room to freshen up. I’m still in my travel clothes.” She smoothed her grass and dirt stained blouse self consciously. “I can return here after I retrieve my dossier. Would a laptop be permitted or would the Don prefer I leave electronics at the door? The dossier is comprised of papers and photos.”

She watched him set food items on the table, brightening when he invited her to help herself.

“La ringrazio, Signor.”

“Oh. You don’t have to wake him. I can wait until he feels up to talking. He already knows what topics I’ll be bringing up at our meeting.”

She beamed and clasped her hands, immediately turning starry-eyed at the thought of the little known but powerful international organization she worked with. “Yes. Many of the agents have families who have worked with the Foundation since it was started. It’s very family-driven. We all take pride in being a part of it.”

Her enthusiasm faded a little and turned to a sad smile. “There won’t be much posted publicly about him. Director Speedwagon was a very private man. What little I know, I learned from my family, his family, and from searching the Foundation’s archives. He was friends with many people around the world, using those connections to build his foundation with the greatest doctors, veterinarians, botanists, scientists, inventors, engineers, and creative minds he could find. He worked well with all sorts of people. His first agents were his friends from his hometown slums.

“I could go on about him for hours. His list of accomplishments is mind boggling, even more-so considering they took place during the United State’s Great Depression recession, and both World Wars! He was an amazing philanthropist, and a hero in his own right.

“He provided humanitarian aid during the wars, helping at risk people escape, helping them find their families, helping replant the land and remove bomb shells from bombed areas. He even helped with livestock who were hoarded or destroyed by armies to starve their victims, all while personally dodging assassins, politicians, and spies trying to steal, barter, or blackmail him into giving up his technology, transport vehicles, and specimens from endangered civilizations and habitats.”

She paused.

“You won’t find his name in the papers. He had a hard enough time surviving without fame following him at every turn. He never stopped trying to protect indigenous people, habitat, and archaeology. He just…could not be everywhere at once, even with all of his connections… He did his best...” She teared up and bit her lip, looking at the floor. “We all do...”

She wasn’t talking about Speedwagon anymore.

[thedepthsoffandomminds]

What happens in the dark. Part 5

Part 4

You hadn't seen Dream for the rest of the day. After the incident with the apple you had left the bedroom and made your way out of the castle. All around you people were carrying out their dreams. You were careful not be seen by any of them, making your way down to a stone brigde on a river. You dangled your feet into the shining water. Although the sun above you was warm you shivered. A cold feeling of Loneliness creeping about your body. Loneliness was something you were used to, this feeling was much deeper.

******

"The Endless are not allowed to mix with humans." Dream said hokding his head in his hands.

"She isn't human, a product of a love potion she's a product of Desire." Lucianne replied.

"So I have what fallen in love with my brother's child?" He scoffed.

"That is one way to look at it I suppose. Or you could count it as a blessing."

"Lucianne, please do not make jokes. I need to speak to someone" he stood, storming through the library, out into the dreaming realm, before dissappearing into the waking world. The Raven Mathew looked up to Lucianne, whose pointed ears twitched.

"Go with him, Mathew, he nay need you."

*********

Feeling cold you stood up and walked back to the palace. In all honesty you didn't know where else to go. The walls seemed somehow darker to you now, like they were folding in on you from above. Each cornor you turned appeared to pull you further into a maze. All sense of direction drifted away from you. Somewhere in the back of your mind you recalled a quote from a book, turn left everytime. So you held your left hand against the wall and followed the path it put before you.

Wait didn't you pass that portrait already? And that statue?

That song, whose voice is that, so soft and beconing? Your feet were following it before your mind caught up. When finally your eyes came back into focus the realisation was instant. You were in a part of the palace you should not be in.

A hand snaked up round your shoulder, a breath made every hair on your neck stand up.

"I told you, you would be my way in. My name is Gremory and I am but the first wave of tsunami coming for the Lord of Dreams. I am here to weaken him."

The cold weight of iron clamping around your wrists was not unfamiliar to you. Once more you were trapped.

Sorry for my absence, life got in the way. Let me know if you're still enjoying the story.

@laraackerman @lexi-anastasia @secretdreamlandmentality @lolitaisreal

Part 6

[rosejigglypuff76]

"You are... right... Dark Choco cookie... I only have myself... to blame... for what has happened to you... I remember... as if it were yesterday... I held you in my arms... for the very first time... and the millennia-old ridges... the ancient trees.... the wolves... and all of the warriors... chanted their blessings..."

"..."

"And we stood... together... atop the great wall... overlooking our entire kingdom... holding your tiny hand.... I promised myself... to raise a strong... just.... and kind warrior.."

"..."

"It's as clear as day now... my life's greatest regret... is that I never gave you enough... love..." "OH, WOULD YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH?! You can't just make everything better by saying some stupid SPEECH! All of that is easy for you to say! 'MiStAkEs MaKe YoU sTrOnGeR! yOu'Ll ChAnGe FoR tHe BetTeR!' When I made mistakes, I changed for the worst!!" The figure screamed as he began to punch his father.  

"I was just never good enough! Just NEVER good enough for your approval but now.... now... I'M NOT GOOD AT ALL!!"

The fallen prince fell to his knees, still punching his father, but his punches only grew softer as tears began to form in his eyes.

"T-that's hilarious... right...? Well, at least you found me somewhat of a challenge... You actually... l-loved me... didn't you...?"

The figure began to fade away as the beast began to struggle to keep together. Dark Cacao cookie saw his chance, but seeing his son in so much pain only brought him to a different strategy. He began to approach the beast as the beast only scooted away.

"Shh... shh... it's alright... I will hurt you no longer.." He calmly said as he opened his arms.

The beast only shook in fear as the king only came closer. Cornering himself into a wall, leaving Dark Cacao cookie to seize the opportunity. He drew closer and climbed up to the beast's face. Putting his hand on its forehead and rubbed it gently.

"I may not be a healer... but..." Before he could finish his sentence, the king gently kissed the beast's forehead. Only a few moments later, the beast began to break down. All of the pain and anger that he held onto for so long turned into tears, washing away into a drain.

"Shh... shh... I know... I know... let it out..."

The more the beast cried, the more it faded away. Then it soon revealed Dark Choco cookie once more, in his father's arms. Bawling his eyes out as Dark Cacao cookie rubbed his back and sang him a lullaby. "I missed you... father..." "I missed you too..." ~~~ This is a simple hurt/comfort gift art for my dear friend @lexi-the-demon-child  based on her Cookie Run Kingdom AU Oneshot on Wattpad 🎀 Features a What-If Scenario, where Dark Choco Cookie becomes the ghoul rather than his father Dark Cacao Cookie, during Chapter 14 🍪 It also includes the father-son pair reuniting with one another in the most wholesome comforting way, something that I'm hoping to see in a future update of Cookie Run Kingdom 💖 After everything that has happened between the two, everything will eventually work out in the end 🥹 Original Story:  https://www.wattpad.com/1248035771-a-new-life-cookie-run-kingdom-au-%E2%99%A3%E3%80%B0monster 

[justslowdown]

The passed out puppies are Ianto (formerly Johnny) and Alexis/Lexi/new name tbd, staying a bit longer. Result of an accident between Gigi and Kai. Far from ideal but the litter and owners are wonderful ❤️

Black and tan is Gigi, Kai's daughter with an English shepherd. Floppy food motivated lovebug with ditzy farm manager vibes, never serious. Just wants to hug, heel for kibble, and round up goats

White and red is Kestrel, Kai's daughter with a Siberian husky. Knows what she wants and that she deserves it. Extremely loving if you're in her in group. Extremely trainable and the smartest dog I've worked if she feels like it. Makes her own puzzles to solve. Best off switch of any dog I've raised (9-ish). Jumps fences if the mood strikes :/ and then doesn't for 6 months

Sable with blue eyes is Kai, half Shetland sheepdog, half Siberian husky, the Ultimate Dad being neutered for his trespasses. Surfer dude. Weirdo. Nothing like a husky or a sheltie, just Kai. He's my heart dog going on 4+ yrs and I still can't put him into words. He's aware but doesn't feel the need to do much about it. Trusts himself and trusts me

Blue merle is Kiwi the working bred Shetland sheepdog. Lives to work in partnership with me. A simple man who would never drive past the speed limit but throws everything he has into training or play and would go for hours. Can't even IMAGINE correcting him because he just knows how to be polite and would crumble if I told him he did something wrong; good thing he never does! Except the yelling. That's just a sheltie

Shaded agouti/silver/whatever people call it is Magpie the newest addition. She's 1/2 Norwegian Elkhound, 1/4 German shepherd, 1/4 Siberian husky. Still a teenager, acts like it, incredibly good natured and intuitive. Takes things in stride and learns so quickly. I'm excited to get to know her better! A blast so far, so sweet, so smart, so teen and still learning

If you can't tell I'm addicted to Sibe mixes, and am blessed with good luck when it comes to dogs who make training easy

[coffeepoweredlesbian]

euphoria s2 ep 6 thoughts

-the show is literally at its best when it’s examining rue’s addiction and the impact it has in her life. PERFECT intro

-did maddy not beat cassie’s ass as intended last ep??? How did Cassie survive

-Cassie is so annoying god bless <3

-fez and Lexi are cute ig but honestly I do not care about them nearly enough to justify this amount of screen time

-no I want to look at jules bring her back to me

-ANOTHER COUCH SCENE??? WHATS THE POINT

-unpopular opinion but depending on the contents of the play (we’ll see next week ig) I don’t think Lexi should put the production on. I’ll probably talk about this more but I don’t think that exposing Cassie and/or co to more mental stress is a good thing. Or jules for that matter (since Lexi totally knows about the jules thing). Like idk I know she’s doing something for herself for once but I have a feeling it’s going to come at a huge cost

-I don’t appreciate the extended scene of maddy being SAed at gunpoint with absolutely zero lead up or warning. The entire interaction was filmed fetishistically and the fact that this episode is framing Nate in a sympathetic way is honestly disgusting and speaks to the unbearable misogyny that permeates the show esp in the 2nd season.

-I hate Nate

-WAHHHH JULES I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU also the switchblade Hashdhshdhshdhsdh jules Vaughn my beloved

-I fucking hate nate

-no motivation for his change of heart don’t care didn’t ask and also you sexually assaulted and held your ex girlfriend at gunpoint minutes before

-also why is this show still on about exploiting trans trauma with no actual exploration of jules’ feelings about any of her situations

-get your fucking hands off jules

-I despise Sam levinson I despise this fucking show I take back everything I said about wanting a continuation of the Nate jules plot because this is NOT it

-god Cassie is gonna look back on these years in her 30s and cringe so bad

-really hating the angles women are filmed at this episode

-poor jules. I’m so fucking sorry god I can’t imagine what she’s going through right now.

-back to rue!!! god I love the nuance and complexity of gia and rue’s relationship. I’m glad the show is acknowledging rue’s abusive behavior and showing that she can try to be better even though she already fucked up so much aaaahhhhhhh can I have a show with just rue and jules’ storylines as the main focus because that’s all I care about

-what a fucking haunting ending

[amanda-glassen]

A Sticky Situation

Getting blackout drunk on New Year’s Eve leads to a new look for Serena. 

(Okay so this fic is solely because me and @justalittleghostwriter are obsessed with this picture of Elizabeth Ashley and wanted to give Serena a new look).

It hadn’t been a particularly wild night at the Benson house. Mr. and Mrs. Benson had gone to a New Year’s Eve party, although Mrs. Benson had begun drinking when her kids were still writing their New Year’s resolutions. The kids (of which only Olivia was an actual child) were left to their own devices, which meant pizza and ringing in the new year with a midnight swim.

Unlike Becca, Kyle, and Lexie who had started drinking early, Serena had one glass when they were making resolutions and then stopped drinking until after midnight so she could spend some quality time with her wife and daughter. She was especially shocked when Olivia kissed her on the cheek at midnight and let her take a picture, which she immediately posted with the caption, ‘Ringing in the new year with the love of my life.’

After swimming and then rinsing off in the shower, Olivia fell asleep around 1:30. Once Olivia was asleep, Becca wasted no time before telling Serena it was time to take shots. Serena was no stranger to binge drinking, but the fact that she couldn’t remember anything that happened after 1:30 made her wonder exactly how much alcohol she consumed when she woke up the next morning－or was it the afternoon? She wasn’t quite sure; however, at that moment she was grateful she was fully clothed in pajamas instead of her underwear because being at her parents’ house meant she didn’t have the master bedroom.  

She had one of the worst hangovers she’d had in years and she wasn’t sure how but she had gathered the strength to make it to the bathroom. With no hair tie in sight, she held back her hair with one hand and steadied herself with the other as she vomited. 

She brushed her teeth immediately after and scrubbed her face to get rid of what she referred to as her sleep skin. She looked in the mirror and saw the dark circles under her eyes so she decided to grab her makeup bag from the counter and put on some concealer, eyeliner, and lipgloss before her mom commented on her appearance. Her curly hair was a mess, which she assumed was because of the chlorine. She had always hated what chlorine did to her curls. When she attempted to comb her fingers through her hair－to her horror－her fingertips touched something sticky. I didn’t get vomit in my hair, so what is－

“Jamieson!” she shouted loud enough for the entire house to hear. “Help!”

Assuming something terrible had happened to her wife, Jamie rushed to the bathroom from the kitchen downstairs where she was about to start making lunch for Olivia. “Babe, what’s wrong? Are you sick?”

“Worse,” Serena responded, nearly crying. “There’s gum in my hair and it won’t come out.”

Jamie stood behind her and attempted to remove the gum from Serena’s hair, but it was of no use. “Maybe we can freeze it off. I got some out of my little sister’s hair before. We just held an ice pack to the gum for ten minutes and then I was able to chip it away.”

“Bless you, Jamieson,” Serena said as she hugged her tightly. “You gorgeous hair genius.”

…but fifteen minutes later, they realized their attempts to freeze and chip away the gum were in vain. They enlisted Becca’s help as well, but she wasn’t able to remove it either. “I think I have to cut it off,” Jamie informed an absolutely horrified Serena.

“You can’t cut my hair!” 

“You look good with short hair, baby,” Becca reassured her. “Your hair was just above your shoulders when you were an undergrad and remember when you went through that indie phase in grad school and you had that cute pixie cut? I loved grabbing it when we－I should stop now.”

Jamie tried to keep her composure. “No, please continue.” But her words earned her nothing more than matching glares from Becca and Serena. “Sorry…”

“This is not the time, Jamieson,” Becca scolded her. “Serena’s hair is at stake.”

“...and I know you like my curls,” Serena said glumly. 

“I like the entire woman that the curls are attached to,” Jamie responded with a kiss on her cheek. “In fact, I love her.”

“She’s still gonna be attracted to you,” Becca chuckled. “Remember that time you were riding Jamie and then you told her to close her eyes? When you let her open them, you were wearing a Michael Meyers mask and she still did you.”

Jamie averted her eyes and tried once again to repress that memory. “You were riding me hard and it felt too good for me to stop you so now I have very conflicting feelings about Michael Meyers because of you, Serena.”

The memory of that little Halloween prank is what finally put a smile on Serena’s face amidst this tragic fate that had befallen her. “Work your magic, Jamieson. Let’s do this.”

[thefuzzydarkness]

(Hello! I've wanted to write an enemies to lovers style story for a while now so here you go! I really hope you enjoy it!)

He glanced down at his phone. It was 7 am which gave him about an hour before work. He flicked off the TV and went about trying to find some breakfast. The pantry didn't yield many results but he did manage to find two packets of apples and cinnamon oatmeal. Honestly he never bought breakfast stuff because he didn't usually get up in time to eat it. He hadn't been sleeping well lately. After heating that up along with a small cup of coffee he sat on his couch and took out his phone. "Let's see who's on the schedule for today. Ok me, Darrell, Michelle, and…. Lexi." He hated Lexi. They had gone to high school together and she was the single most annoying student in his entire graduating class. When she had first been hired on he'd asked Michelle to please try and not put them on shifts together. Michelle did try but sometimes it couldn't be helped. He finished his oatmeal and downed his coffee already in a bad mood. Twenty minutes later he was showered, dressed, and on the road. He technically could've walked to work, as it was only a couple blocks away, but today he decided to drive. He didn't want to chance Lexi asking to walk home with him. It seemed like she just couldn't take a hint. Always asking him questions and acting like they were such good friends in high school when that couldn't be further from the truth. He parked and walked over to the door. The lights were still off and the door was locked. He checked his phone again and realized he was still fifteen minutes early. He sighed and sat down on one of the benches outside. He wasn't two minutes into a youtube video when Lexi walked up. "Great" he thought "she can't even wait till we're on the clock." He braced for impact, expecting her to sit next to him and make small talk in her annoyingly high pitched voice but she didn't. She just gave him a small wave and sat down on the bench across from him. She was wearing a sweater and leggings instead of her usual tank top and overalls combo. She had her hair in a messy bun and her face was pale. She untied a hoodie from around her waist and used it as a pillow against the wall. He stared at her bewildered for a second, but he wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He pressed play on his video and continued watching it until Michelle unlocked the front doors. "Hey guys! Thanks for getting here so early! Darrell had to take his mom to a doctor's appointment so it'll just be the three of us for an hour or two. Lexi I want you on the register and Tyler I want you to reshelve all of the stuff from yesterday." Lexi shook her head " Actually would you mind if I reshelved today?" They both looked at her surprised. Lexi always asked to be on the register. "Uh yeah I guess as long as that's ok with you Tyler." He shrugged "Whatever, I don't care either way." Michelle nodded "Then I'm going to open the register." He made a mental note to keep an eye on Lexi. Something was up with her and he was going to figure out what. He put his lunch in the store room fridge and grabbed his vest from the rack. It'd been a long time since he'd worked the register but he'd manage. The first hour was rather uneventful. He'd cleaned the front counter, swept, and made sure the displays were all in order and now he was...bored. Only a handful of customers would come in before school let out and until then all he could do was stand there. He was trying to balance three books on his head when Darrell walked in. "Hey! What's going on?"

"Not much. What's going on with you circus boy?"

"Oh you know acrobatics, juggling, the whole nine yards." Darrell smiled

"Hey what are you doing up here anyway?" 

"Lexi asked to do the reshelving today so I got stuck up here."

"Wait, she asked to do the reshelving? You usually can't force her to do it let alone have her volunteer."

"I know but that's what happened."

"Weird? Anyway, do you know where Michelle is? I need to figure out what I'm doing today." 

"She's in the office."

With that Darrell walked away and Tyler went back to his balancing act. Not five minutes later Darrell was back.

"Hey Michelle needs you to help Lexi reshelve that stuff. She wants me to take over up here."

"Aw come on man can't you do it?"

" Well I could but Michelle said you and well...I don't wanna."

He sighed "Fine whatever but I'm putting my headphones in. I can't listen to her voice all day."

"Whatever boats your float pal. I'll be up here." Darrell put his feet up on the desk as Tyler stomped back to the store room. Why would Michelle ask HIM to come back here? She knows how he feels about Lexi. He threw open the door and was surprised to see Lexi blowing her nose into a well used tissue. Her pale face now had a bright red nose in the middle of it. She was sitting on the floor, books and tissues scattered around her, using her hoodie as a makeshift blanket. She looked up at him like she was about to say something but started coughing instead. It sounded wet and harsh. Well at least now he knew why she was acting so weird this morning. He knelt down beside her and before he could stop himself he had his hand on her forehead. She nuzzled her head into his cold hand and smiled. She had a fever, and a pretty high one at that. 

"How long have you been like this?"

"It started yesterday. I didn't start really feeling bad until I was already here and by then it was too late to call in." Her voice sounded like it could go any minute and she was shivering. He took off his jacket and put it over her legs. She smiled and nodded in appreciation, just before her head jerked forward  "hhehITSHichu hhehITSHICHU" She sniffled and Tyler handed her a roll of paper towels from the cleaning supply cart. She blew her nose again for what felt like a full minute to Tyler and even then it didn't seem to help her much. He was now facing an internal dilemma. Even though he despised Lexi he didn't think he could leave her like this. No one deserved to suffer this much, not even her. 

"Look if you want I'll reshelve the stuff for today and you can go home." She looked at him curiously "You would do that for me? I thought you didn't like me?"

"I'd do that for anybody. Besides fat lotta help you'd be. I doubt you can even stand up by yourself let alone help with all this. Now go tell Michelle you're leaving before I change my mind."

She smiled at him "Thank you Tyler I really...hhehitshichu *snf* appreciate it."

"Don't mention it...really don't and bless you by the way." She tried to push herself up and ended up falling forward holding her head. The pressure in her sinuses was crushing. Tyler sighed "I guess you'll need a ride huh?" She nodded and started coughing again. Tyler rubbed her back as she slowly started to breathe normally.

"Stay right here. I'll ask Michelle if I can drive you home real quick and come back okay?"

"Okay."

With that he walked over to Michelle's office and knocked on the door.

"Yes, come in. What can I do for you?"

"Well I was wondering if you and Darrell could handle things on your own for a minute. Lexi's really sick and I was gonna drive her home."

"Really sick? Poor thing, what's wrong?"

"Coughing, sneezing, fever, I found her on the floor of the store room shivering. I don't think she can stand up for too long." Michelle frowned "That sounds pretty bad. Tell you what things looks like things will be pretty slow here for the day. Why don't you take the rest of the day off and stay with her just to make sure she's alright?" Tyler's eyes widened. He didn't want to drive her home in the first place and stay with her?! Out of the question. But then again it'd been a long time since he'd gotten off early. Between work and school he could use a little time to himself. He could drive her there, drop her off, leave, and they would be none the wiser. He smiled to himself "Yeah boss I can do that." Michelle nodded in approval "Good now here's twenty dollars. Go to Walgreens on the way home and get that girl some medicine. Maybe some soup and tissues too." He took the money and sighed. Michelle was too sweet for her own good. Oh well an extra stop wouldn't take too long. "I can do that. I'll make sure she knows it's from you." He started to walk out "Oh and Tyler? You're a good man for doing this." He shook his head "Anybody would do this. It just happened to be me this time." With that he walked out and made his way back to the store room. He found Lexi asleep on the floor, a paper towel still held up to her nose. He hung up his vest, grabbed his car keys and her purse, and picked her up bridal style. She weighed almost nothing and he figured she'd be easier to manage if she stayed asleep. He walked out to his car. Unbeknownst to Tyler his coworkers were watching from behind the shelves. "Looks like I'll be getting my ten bucks soon." Michelle said smugly. Darrell rolled his eyes "Really? And what makes you think this is what gets them together?" Michelle's eyes twinkled as she watched Tyler gently set Lexi in the back seat of his car "I just have a feeling." 

(To be continued)

[woah-were-halfway-there]

Along For The Ride: How it Started

Word Count: 2.4k

October 12th, 2016

"Carse?"

Although Carson was aware someone was talking to her, she didn't respond since she was a little distracted by the direct message she had just received on Instagram.

She was in her seat on the VIA Rail train she and her friend Stephanie were taking from Toronto to Ottawa. It was the first Maple Leafs game of the season, so they were making the commute to watch since it also happened to be Mitchell Marner's, Carson's cousin and Steph's boyfriend's very first NHL game ever.

"Carson?"

"Yeah?" She asked, jumping slightly as she was suddenly brought back to reality.

"I was asking how your class was this morning," Steph chuckled while shaking her head.

"Oh, uh, it was fine," Carson tried to play off her distracted state. "Lexie and I did our law presentation. I think it went alright."

"Law? Aren't you in journalism?"

"Yeah, we took intro law as an elective," she explained before looking down at her phone screen again and biting down on her bottom lip.

Steph observed as she did this and knew well enough that Carson would not mention whatever was happening on her phone unless it was brought up. "What's got you so flustered?"

"Nothing!" Carson insisted but only received a pointed glance in return from the girl sitting across from her. Thanks to Steph's relationship with Mitch and just how close Carson was with her cousin, the two girls formed a great friendship which led to them being able to read each other like books. It tended to be a blessing and a curse. "Ok fine, maybe not nothing."

"Explain, please."

Carson sighed.

"Well, you know Auston, right? Like, Matthews?"

"I've heard of him," Steph teased, knowing that Auston started following Carson on Instagram entirely out of the blue a little over a month prior. "Kidding. Yes, of course, I do. He and Mitch have gotten pretty close since he moved to Toronto."

"Right, 'cause he's not from here, is he?" Carson asked, genuinely curious.

"No, Scottsdale, I think. Why?"

"Uh, no reason," she replied. "It's not that important, I guess. He just messaged me on Instagram, though."

"Did he!? Let me see," Steph gasped before snatching the phone right out of her friend's hand.

Carson watched as Steph effortlessly typed in the passcode and opened Instagram. She was still kind of surprised that she'd gotten a message from Auston at all, but it did make sense.

When the two girls first got on the train, Carson took a selfie of her and Steph in their Maple Leafs gear with a Go Leafs Go hashtag. They were sporting matching Marner jerseys and had received a few compliments from other fans getting on the same train.

The brunette thought nothing of the post she made, so when she received a DM from Auston replying to her story and saying "wish us luck," she was very caught off guard.

"Well, are you going to reply?" Steph asked while handing the phone back.

"I guess," Carson told her and looked back to the screen. "It's just a little weird that he messaged me, don't you think?"

"Not really. People message people on Instagram all the time."

"Yeah, but like, he's this huge hockey prospect, is he not? So why message me, of all people? Let alone follow me in the first place..."

"Ok, I will admit that Mitch and I have hyped you up a bit," Steph said while sinking back into her seat.

"Why?"

"He's new to the city," she explained with a shrug. "When he first got here, he didn't really know anyone other than the guys on the team and some of their girlfriends. So we were telling him about people he'd probably meet eventually, and you were one of them."

"I see," Carson responded and looked back down at the cellphone screen. She typed back a quick response to Auston's message saying "good luck" before tucking the device back into her bag and glancing up at her friend again. "I guess it's not that weird; I have made friends with a few of the guys on the team."

"Yeah, I know. Mitch told me how you ran into Willy and Kappy a couple of weeks ago while you were out."

"Mhmm, what started as a date night with myself ended up being a night of hanging out with those two... Oh, shit, we're like 20 minutes away from the station. Any word from the fam in Ottawa yet?"

"Your aunt texted me saying that she, Paul and Chris were almost there. Is anyone else coming?"

"No, just me," she said. "Dad and Nate are watching from home, but they'll be at the game in Toronto on Saturday. Mya said she'd watch the game as soon as she was done class too. She wasn't sure what channel the game would be on in Vancouver."

"Is it not the same there as it would be here?"

"That's what I said!"

"Fair," Steph replied with a smile. "Anyways, guess we better make sure we have all our things. It's going to be a long night."

And it was a long night... but it was also insanely fun.

The two girls were picked up by Carson's aunt Bonnie, uncle Paul and cousin Chris at the VIA station in Ottawa before going with them to grab something to eat and eventually making way to the Canadian Tire Centre to watch the game against the Senators. They definitely weren't the only Leafs fans in the building, but the Ottawa fans kind of outnumbered them. However, that didn't dampen their mood, and they were more than ready for the game to start.

It was the most surreal feeling for Carson to not only witness her cousin and lifelong best friend skate out onto the ice wearing the jersey of their home team but also just to see that he was finally living out his dream. She couldn't have been more proud and was convinced that she and Steph alone were two of the loudest cheerers in the entire arena as they began yelling along with the crowd.

Not only did she think it was cool seeing Mitch out there, but she also loved seeing all the other players that she'd gotten to know over the past couple of months. Carson quickly spotted Willy and Marty. She then chuckled when Steph sent a zoomed-in Snapchat video of number 17 skating around to his girlfriend, Sydney. However, it didn't take long for Carson's gaze to fall on number 34.

Leading up to the beginning of the season, all Carson heard about how good this Auston Matthews guy was; she would've been lying if she said she wasn't a little excited to see him in action. And boy did he put on a show.

With less than 12 minutes left of the first period, Auston scored the first goal of the game and the first goal of his NHL career. The Leafs fans went wild, as did Carson and her family while they watched the other guys skate up to congratulate their teammate. That was pretty cool to see, but Carson was not prepared for what the rest of the game held.

The Senators pulled ahead by scoring two goals, but that didn't last too long because Auston scored another goal before the period was even over.

"Oh my god," Carson said aloud as everyone went nuts again. "He's really good."

"I know," Steph replied, looking just as shocked as Carson felt. "I mean, Mitch said he was good but... wow."

A couple of minutes into the second period, he scored again, and Carson was speechless. It took her a second to register that this kid had just gotten a hat-trick in his first NHL game, but she was quickly brought back to reality when a ton of ballcaps started flying past her as they were thrown onto the ice. She looked down at where Mitch was on the bench and smiled as she observed him cheering along with his teammates about what had just happened. The energy in the arena was just insane.

After watching her cousin for a few seconds, Carson moved her gaze to the people in her section and saw a couple cheering so loudly a few rows behind them. The woman then started crying and was pulled into the embrace of the man next to her.

"That's Auston's parents," Steph explained, and Carson could basically feel herself melt after witnessing the genuine reaction of two very proud parents, sending Auston's mom a soft smile when they briefly made eye contact before looking back to the ice.

Then, just before the second period ended, he scored a fourth goal, and none of it seemed real anymore.

The Leafs ended up losing 5-4 in overtime, but that still didn't prevent a buzz in the crowd after everything that happened in that game. Once everyone began clearing out of the area, Carson and her family made their way down to the wings, so they could congratulate Mitchell on his first game as a Maple Leaf before eventually having to head back to Toronto.

The five of them knew they'd have to wait for a little bit, seeing as Mitch would have to change out of his equipment and possibly do a post-game interview. Still, soon enough, the NHLer made his way to his family and Carson couldn't help but laugh when she heard her cousin approaching before actually seeing him.

She stood to the side as she let her aunt, uncle and cousin greet their superstar, but as soon as Mitch was done talking with them briefly, he looked in Carson's direction, shaking his head before taking a few short strides and engulfing her in a hug.

"Congratulations! You killed it out there."

"Thanks, Carse," Mitch replied before moving away. "It would've been nice to score a goal, but it still feels amazing regardless. Thanks for being here."

"You know I wouldn't miss it," she told him with a smile. "And it looks like you'll just have to score in Toronto on Saturday to redeem yourself."

"I'll try," he told her with a pointed gaze before moving on to Steph and pulling her into a tight hug next.

Carson watched with a grin as the two lovebirds interacted for a second before going to step away and stand with her family. However, when she went to step back, she came in contact with what felt like a brick wall and completely lost her balance.

"Oh, shit," she muttered as she blindly reached out to grab onto something so she could steady herself, all while bracing herself for impact. However, the impact never came. Instead, a pair of arms wrapped around her waist and was able to prevent her from falling on her ass. With a sigh of relief and embarrassment, she straightened herself out and stood back up straight before finally turning around to look up at the person she had just collided with. "I'm so sorry..."

Before she could say anything else, Carson felt her breath hitch as she realized she was face to face with none other than Auston Matthews.

"It's alright," he told her with a slight smile, giving a look as if to say that he definitely recognized her. "I wasn't watching where I was going either."

"I-." Before she could say anything else, an arm wrapped around her shoulders and Mitch's voice sounded from beside her.

"Auston, I see you've officially met my baby cousin Carson."

"Baby?" Carson scoffed and looked up at her cousin with a mortified expression. "Mitch, you're literally 12 days older than I am."

"Older and wiser."

"I don't think so," she told him before elbowing him in the gut so that he'd take his arm off her.

He groaned and hunched over in pain, making sure to send her a death glare as he tried to recollect himself.

"Uh oh, the twins are at it again," a voice spoke as someone else approached from down the hallway, and Carson looked up to see William Nylander approaching.

"Twins?" Auston asked and looked between Mitch and Carson with an amused expression.

"The more you see them together, the more you'll see how true that statement is," Steph said as she wedged herself between the two cousins to keep them from annoying each other any further. She then looked at Carson and nodded. "We have to get back to the station real soon if we want to catch our train back to Toronto."

"Right," Carson responded. "I'm good to go whenever you are."

"Ok, cool, let's just say our goodbyes, and then we can split on a cab there? Deal?"

"Deal."

The small group that had formed dispersed as new conversations formed, and Steph started saying bye to everyone seeing as Mitch was driving back to Toronto with some teammates, he was going to visit with his family. They were in no hurry to leave. 

Unfortunately, though, Carson had class at noon the next day, and Steph had to return to London for her classes as well, so they really did need to get going.

Before moving to say goodbye to Mitch and the rest of her family, Carson looked back to Auston once more to see him still smiling at her.

"You played a really great game tonight," she complimented and smiled back. "Congrats."

"Thanks," he chuckled. "It's all pretty crazy to let sink in. I definitely think your good luck message helped, though."

"Oh, I'm sure it did."

The two laughed before becoming quiet again. Unsure of what else to say, Carson, glanced at her family and figured she should start making her escape. She looked back to Auston, and surprisingly enough, he was the first to speak up again.

"I, uh, I guess I won't keep you from catching your train back to Toronto," he started and looked away slightly. "It was nice... officially meeting you, Carson."

"Yeah, I should probably get going before Steph comes back over here and starts dragging me out," she replied, causing him to laugh. "It was nice meeting you too, Auston. Congrats again, maybe I'll see you around."

"I'd like that. Get home safe."

"You too, well, to wherever you're going," she mumbled and sent him one last smile before walking away, trying to keep a straight face at the look Steph was giving her as she approached everyone else and said her goodbyes.

What she didn't notice, though, was how Auston watched her for a second as she walked away, intrigued by the entire interaction he just had with her and couldn't help smiling to himself as he shook his head and went his own way.