#buddy (native tongue decision)

[soupy-sez]

De La Soul – Buddy (Native Tongue Decision)

[amessageonthewind]

September Selfship Prompts Challenge

7. Napping/cuddling

Pairing: Adaman/Rachel during Legends: Arceus (spoiler alert for really far along in the timeline)

Author's note: Clue and Hint are OCs that belong to my buddy @kammyclues

          The world felt like it was ending all at once. This wasn’t supposed to happen, everything was supposed to wrap up nicely once Lord Avalugg was quelled. Rachel had everything she could want, respect across Hisui, respect and admiration within Jubilife Village, and loyal Pokémon that would follow her through time and space.

          All that was missing were a number of her memories and a way to get back home to her time.

          And all at once, within the span of a morning, that was all almost ripped away from her. The sky turned red, clouded by strange abstract geometry as though reality itself were tearing at the seams, the rift having grown into an angry shatter in the sky, spitting lightning fiercely. Everyone in the village looked to her for answers, but Rachel had none.

          She had no idea how to fix this, but she couldn’t bear to see everyone so frightened and uncertain. Whatever she needed to do, whatever solution the Galaxy Team came up with to fix this, she would do. If it meant helping these people and this land be free from this curse, she would do anything.

          But she never would have expected to be made an immediate scapegoat by her own Commander. It came as such a shock that Adaman and Irida were quick to reprimand him for such a decision, but Kamado stuck to it. After all, Rachel was the outsider from the rift.

          No matter how illogical it was that she could have had anything to do with this, or that she would dare want to hurt any of these people. The betrayal she felt cut deeper than anything she had ever felt, rage building to a mounting point when in the same breath that he would banish her from the village to survive alone in the wilds, he would task her with the impossible task of solving this catastrophe, but then threaten the Diamond and Pearl Clans with war if they came to her aid.

          Though, should she really be surprised? He did warn her that he would make harsh decisions in order to protect the village. She just didn’t think it would ever come to this. For all his talk of her needing to earn everyone’s trust as an outsider through her actions, none of that mattered now.

          Especially given how quick he was to break hers.

          Her rage and betrayal could not be contained. She couldn’t hold her tongue. After all, Kamado was officially discharging her from the Galaxy Team – she didn’t take orders from him, anymore. So, she berated him for having the audacity to threaten the native people of this land with war if they helped her, berated him for choosing to make her a scapegoat because it was easier to blame the outcast than it was to admit that he didn’t know what to do about this.

          Simply put, Kamado was a fool and a coward and Rachel wanted nothing to do with him anymore, but the deep scars in her heart couldn’t be hidden. Her captain mournfully escorted her out of the village and Rachel wilted under the whispers of everyone. Everyone she had ever helped, everyone she had ever gone out of her way to assist, to help them understand Pokémon and Hisui itself, everyone she had bonded with and made a personal connection with.

          All of that might as well not happened, everyone quick to turn on her and blame her for this catastrophe that had befallen them, never mind everything she had ever done for them. Bitterness broiled in her chest as tears threatened to spill from her eyes, angry like a rushing river.

          The only comfort she could take was that neither Irida nor Adaman’s faith in her were shaken. That was more important to her than the Galaxy Team’s approval. What a twist of irony…an outcast accepted by the natives rather than the outsiders. It would be comical, if every step didn’t feel as though it were driving a dagger into her chest.

          Meekly, she asked Cyllene to let her change and gather her things before leaving, which the Captain granted. After all, she was no longer a Survey Corps member. Thus, she could no longer wear her uniform.

          But with another twist of the knife, the moment she donned the attire she had worn when she fell into this world, Rachel finally saw herself in the mirror as herself. After travelling, fighting, surveying, and slowly regaining her memories and remembering who she was, for the first time since arriving here, she finally felt…whole.

          She finally felt like herself wearing what she had arrived with, Cedric on her shoulder as he had always been. Rachel could only allow herself to shed a few tears as she made to leave the lodge.

          Hanging her head as she left her Survey Corps uniform in her old lodge, Rachel continued to let Cyllene lead her out of the village. When she saw everyone glowering at her as she was escorted to the outside gate, she wanted to shout. She wanted to scream at them, to rake them over the coals for their quickness to betray her. ‘How could you do this to me?! How could you after everything I did for you without ever asking for a thing in return?!’ She wanted to scream and shout at them.

          But she couldn’t. They were just as scared and unsure as her, and even though they were confused and didn’t know what was happening, they were still people. They were mere civilians who didn’t deserve this calamity to befall them.

          This wasn’t their fault. They were merely the sheep following the lead of their shepherd. The words ‘I’m sorry…’ were all she could manage as she was forced to leave the village.

          Outside the gates, it was clear that she was not without allies. Her heart felt empty and hollow, torn apart, but knowing that she had support lessened the sting. Though not by much, for the sting of betrayal burned much deeper than she would have ever thought possible. Rei, Captain Cyllene, and Professor Laventon all expressed their disapproval of Kamado’s decision, but could do nothing to change it.

          Rachel could hardly blame them, so she kept her bitter tongue held so tightly she was sure it would bleed. Anyone who was her ally would be branded an enemy, and the only thing worse than being alone was others getting hurt or punished simply for associating with her. She couldn’t bear the thought of inflicting this punishment on them by simple proximity.

          They didn’t deserve this any more than she did.

          Even if she didn’t have Kamado’s support, she at least had Captain Cyllene’s. That was enough for her. Even if her respect and trust in the Commander had been completely shattered, Cyllene’s remained sturdy and steadfast. Rachel held onto that like it was the only stable ground in a world of shifting tectonic plates.

          She didn’t have the first idea of how to fix this, but she had to try and she couldn’t do it alone. All she could do now was try to ask for help from the Diamond and Pearl Clans. One step at a time…just do the next right thing…

          Pulling out her Celestica Flute, Rachel paused looking at it. It was a gift from the Diamond Clan after she had earned Wyrdeer’s favour. She wasn’t good at flutes, but she put in the effort to learn how to play it so that she could be a part of Hisui’s culture, so she could connect with the sacred Pokémon that viewed her in such high regard.

          Would Wyrdeer even come when called…? There was only one way to know…

          Trying to compose herself enough to play the flute properly, its eerie timbres echoed across the fieldlands. For a moment, Rachel was worried that her worst fears would come true. That even the sacred Pokemon that had granted her their favour would abandon her now, too.

          But to her relief, the familiar white shape bounded across the fields to greet her, bowing his head in greeting. “Solemn greetings, traveler from the rift…” He said to her.

          She couldn’t contain her relief. Once again, she was outcasted by people, but accepted by Pokémon. Rachel felt like she was a weak, snivelling child, again. Reaching out, she held Wyrdeer close by the neck, burying her face into the soft fur to wipe away the tears that threatened to leak out and stain her cheeks. “It’s good to see you…” She murmured to him.

          Feeling a nudge against her cheek, Rachel glanced aside at the familiar dark-furred Zorua on her shoulder. She had learned firsthand how different the Zorua here were from her time. Their fur was white and billowing with hatred and spite, Normal-and-Ghost-Type Pokémon with yellow eyes. Their evolutions were no different, perhaps even more hateful and spiteful than their preevolutions.

          Yet somehow, Rachel had gained the favour of one called Vendetta. The idea that spite, hatred, and rage could be used in service of kindness and compassion was a foreign one that struck her curiosity, so the human allowed her to travel alongside the rest of her Pokémon. And in return, she gained the Zorua, now Zoroark’s unyielding loyalty.

          Cedric was not like that. They were reclusive and shy Dark-types that used their Illusions to avoid people, so protect themselves. They were prone to mischief, but nothing more.

          And yet, people still distrusted them. Still outcasted them. Still misunderstood them.

          In this way, she and Cedric were one and the same. They understood each other in a way no one else did or could. They were each other’s constant friend, never one without the other.

          And now, she clung to him like he was her lifeline. He was the only connection she still had to her own world, and he had been her constant friend since the beginning. She wouldn’t have come this far without him.

          With him by her side, Rachel would be alright. She just had to press onward. “Let’s go. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover and not a lot of time to waste…”

          Mounting Wyrdeer with Cedric firmly in her lap, Rachel’s eyes still burned with tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. She couldn’t stand to be here any longer, simply wanting to move on so she could have a moment of privacy and peace to herself to just…sit and feel without observers. She felt comfortable being vulnerable with her Pokémon in a way she simply couldn’t with most people, especially not right now.

          The sound of one of her Pokémon emerging from its ball triggered a heavy sigh from its trainer and Rachel turned to see that Stormfast, her Samurott, was standing before the professor. “Stormfast, come on. We have to go.”

          But she didn’t move, Professor Laventon staring nervously at the creature. Then, she did something none of them expected. She leaned forward and pressed her black shell helmet against his face, bellowing lowly. None of them could understand them, but Rachel understood what she had said perfectly.

          She could no longer contain her tears, letting them fall from her eyes as she watched Stormfast express her gratitude towards the man who had allowed the two of them to meet, Pokémon and trainer. “What’s…what’s-?”

          “She said…” Rachel blubbered, wiping her eyes as she struggled not to break into a sob, the words being caught in her throat. “‘Thank you for finding me and bringing me here.’”

          Laventon already knew about her ability to understand Pokémon since the day they’d met. He’d kept his promise he made to Rachel to keep her secret, so he was both shocked for her to reveal her secret to Rei and Cyllene this way, and warmed by the sentiment expressed by the Pokémon he had given to Rachel.

          He was a scientist, first and foremost, but he never considered that the Pokémon that helped him with his research would have any sentimental attachment to him. It touched his heart in a deeply profound way he never thought possible.

          Rei and Cyllene did not know this because Laventon had kept his promise. Her trust in the professor could never be broken, he had remained kind and faithful in her since day one, the first to advocate for her and the first to support her. It was clear now that his support didn’t waver.

          He was a true friend in the Galaxy Team.

          Rei seemed utterly shocked, but Cyllene, ever perceptive, did not. The fact that she suspected that Rachel’s connection to Pokémon was stronger than she let on, but didn’t say anything about it and continued to support her proved that her trust in the Captain was not misplaced.

          Exchanging a look with each of them, Rachel recalled Stormfast to her Pokéball and looked ahead towards the fieldlands. It was impossible to tell whether it was still morning or not with the angry crimson sky above them, which only made time more of the essence. “Come on…let’s go.” She ordered Wyrdeer as they left the Fieldlands Camp. She glanced back once more before she turned her eyes to the road ahead.

          Grandtree Arena. That was where they had to go first, to see Lian about if they could get aid from the Pearl Clan. “We’re really on our own this time, aren’t we…?” She said to Cedric as they continued to trek through the fieldlands.

          Looking up at Rachel, Cedric pressed his head into her arm as he curled up on her lap. “Maybe…but at least we’re all together.” He said to her once they were out of earshot of the others. It may have been safe for Rachel to reveal her secret, but not for Cedric to reveal his. Especially with how Zorua from Hisui were already seen and regarded as monsters. “And believe me, I’m not going anywhere. I followed you through time and space and I’ll do it a hundred times over.

          “We started this together, and that’s how we’ll finish it.” His bright blue eyes swirled at her as they sat there together, letting Wyrdeer lead them across the fieldlands. “I promise.”

          She could have teleported to the arena with her Arc Phone, but there was a deep seeded anger in her chest so great that she didn’t even want to bring herself so low to beseech almighty Sinnoh for assistance. Her anger at the deity who brought her to this world, only to have her be forsaken by it was incomparable.

          No, she would not seek a god’s help. He would remain ever silent anyways, ignoring her pleas and cries for answers. Nothing could be gained through prayers but empty air and broken promises.

          But she also needed a moment to just let herself cry. All of the anger, stress, betrayal, everything came out of her eyes and she crumpled on Wyrdeer’s saddle, holding Cedric close to her chest while she cried. How could this happen? How could Kamado do this to her, after everything she did? How could the people of the village forget everything she had done for them and turn their backs on her?

          How could they? How could they?! She trusted them with her life, and they betrayed her when they needed an easy answer to ease their fears!

          None of these questions would go answered, not by mortal nor god. So, all there was left to do was wail and cry for the injustices she was dealt. All she could do was hope that the Diamond and Pearl Clans would be able to help her, would be able to lend her their aid so that she didn’t have to face this impossible task alone.

          Unfortunately, she was wrong. Lian initially blamed her for the rift, but calmed after she asked for his help. Alas, he couldn’t offer her help. How could he? Everyone was in a panic and he was just a boy and Kamado had threatened the Pearl and Diamond Clans if they interfered.

          How could she ask Lian to risk his safety for her sake? He was just a boy.

          Though her hopes to receive help from the Pearl Clan were dashed, her hopes with the Diamond Clan unfortunately were as well. Though Mai was not antagonistic like Lian was initially, she still could not offer aid to Rachel and she was unfortunately right that the last thing Rachel wanted was for the Diamond Clan to go to war with the Galaxy Team.

          She didn’t want anyone getting hurt because of her. She didn’t want to hurt anyone! How could Kamado think that she did this?! How could he ever think that she would ever want to hurt any of these people that she risked her life for time and time again?!

          Regretfully, she had exhausted all of her options. She was homeless, alone, and listless. She had no idea how to fix any of this and no one here could help her.

          Even on Wyrdeer’s backside, she no longer had the strength to go on. Stopping the Pokemon by the river, she dismounted clumsily, staggering on her feet. Even Cedric couldn’t stay on her shoulder with how unsteadily she was walking. This wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair! She felt excruciating pain in her stomach and in her chest, but at the same time she felt so numb.

          She trembled as she walked. What could she do? How could she fix this? Why was it her responsibility to fix this? Why did it have to come down to her?! She didn’t do this! This wasn’t her fault!

          Why was she being punished for a crime she didn’t commit with no evidence?! Why did the burden of proof have to fall on her when she wasn’t the one who made the accusation?!

          A beeping sound called out to her from her pocket. That accursed phone…her lips curled into a snarl as she clawed it out of her satchel like prey being pulled out of a burrow, holding her catch in her hand so tightly she was surprised she hadn’t broken it.

          Not a word of comfort, not a directive for how to proceed, not an answer for how to fix this.

          Just silence. An empty map with nothing in it worth investigating.

          “Is this what you want, almighty Sinnoh…?” She snarled lowly with enough venom to put down an alpha Hippowdon, practically spitting it with such vitriol that the deity’s name would be coated in it. “You want me to beg? You want me to beg for your help? You want me to beg you to help me? Well, I won’t! I will never beg for help from a god as cruel as you! You want me to suffer?! Fine! You got what you wanted, now leave me the FUCK alone!”

          Winding up her arm, she wanted to throw the damn thing into the river, free herself from Sinnoh’s curse and flee. If she could, she would burn down the heavens right now for the cruelty that fate had shown her in one morning. Or was it afternoon? Was it nightfall? No, the Drifloon hadn’t come out, yet.

          Gripping the Arc Phone tightly, angry tears pouring out of her eyes like the hot lava that spilled out of the volcano on Firespit Island, Rachel growled with the pain of a thousand wounds before she threw it to the side. Even if she destroyed it by throwing it in the river, she would not be free from this. Arc Phone or not, Sinnoh’s help or not, she was trapped here. She had no family to turn to, no friends to rely on.

          Her only company was her Pokémon, and they counted on her to know what to do, and she was so lost.

          Lost, alone, and stranded in a world she didn’t belong in where nothing was familiar. The despair began to claw at her very, like it was going to skin her and then empty out her insides and leave her a hollow husk. She was never going to see her family again…was she? She would never see her friends again, she would never see Clue again, and she would never see Cynthia again.

          She would never see Zinnia again.

          The words she had spoken to her at the top of Sky Pillar, once a source of melancholic nostalgia burned like hot iron against her cheeks as she raised her head to the sky. Zinnia, Rachel’s beloved, looked up to the sky so that her tears wouldn’t fall when she was so grief-stricken that her heart felt like it was going to break.

          Rachel couldn’t even take comfort in the words of the woman she loved. Because when she looked up at the blazing scarlet sky, her tears practically scalded her face as she cried. No amount of staring up at the sky could stop her heart from shattering into a million pieces.

          It was over…she lost. She did everything right…and she lost everything.

          From the depths of her chest and her upturned churning belly, a raw scream ripped itself free from the woman’s throat, pure unfiltered anguish echoing loudly across the fieldlands so sharp and so painful that the Pokémon turned tail and ran at the sound of it.

          Heartbreak was never so loud.

          It was so loud that it echoed across the fieldlands all the way to Adaman and Irida. They were about to part ways after informing Lian and Mai of the situation with Kamado and the Galaxy team when they heard it, louder than anything he had ever heard despite it being so far away. It was the most painful sound he had ever heard.

          The sound of a heart breaking.

          He remembered what Rachel had said to him when he expressed a moment of doubt in his leadership in the Crimson Mirelands, when she helped him find Arezu after she had gotten injured. ‘The mark of a good leader is one who does what’s right no matter the risk.’

          Glancing aside at Irida after they heard the unmistakable sound of Rachel’s raw pain and anguish, he knew that they had the same thought. She had impacted both of their lives in a way that brought change to their very ways of life, of seeing the world, of leading their peoples. She remembered the exchange she had with the woman after Lord Arcanine had been quelled and she expressed doubt in her contributions. ‘A strong leader does what she thinks she should do, not what others expect her to do. She does what she thinks is right, not without council, but without the pressure of expectations.’

          They knew she was right on both accounts. Irida could feel how wrong Kamado’s decision as leader was standing in that room while he accused Rachel of being responsible for frenzying the nobles and cursing the world with this crimson sky. And Adaman couldn’t stand hearing Kamado blame her for something that clearly wasn’t her fault and not bothering to lift a finger to help her with the impossible task he saddled her with.

          No. They both knew what the right thing to do was. “We can’t just sit idly by, can we?” Irida said, speaking the shared thought out loud.

          “For once, we agree.” Adaman said, affirming their resolve as they looked off into the distance of the fieldlands.

          Barely a moment of silence passed between the two clan leaders before Irida spoke once more. “Then what are we waiting for? We have to help her, and there’s no time to lose.”

          Raising an eyebrow, he was surprised to hear her say that. He couldn’t help but laugh a little, warmed that she was extending the branch to him by speaking to him in his language. “And we’ve got a lot of space to cover, so let’s go find her.”

          Where they found her was a painful sight. She was surrounded by all of her Pokémon, clutching Cedric tightly as she sobbed. Even Wyrdeer was offering her his comfort, lying beside her and her Pokémon while she wept. That was the one comfort that could possibly be had.

          When you had a bond with Pokémon, you were never truly alone.

          Irida and Adaman spotted Volo approaching her and before they could approach, their own Pokémon stopped them. Leafeon and Glaceon forbid their respective clan leaders from going forward, imploring them to wait and observe instead.

          Adaman didn’t want to just wait, but Irida thought it would be best to. After all, they didn’t want to scare Volo away or overwhelm Rachel. They needed to take a moment to be cautious.

          The Ginkgo Guild merchant was as plucky as always, interrupting Rachel in the middle of her darkest hour. Oddly enough, the lack of change in his attitude was a comfort. The odd man was the most normal thing for her right now, so she clung to that normalcy like driftwood in a storm at sea. Though he was rather odd, his passion for history and ruins reminded her so much of Cynthia.

          It was very easy for her to see him as a big brother. It was likely that they were related, somehow. He and Cynthia did bear a striking resemblance.

          Volo was the only familiarity that hadn’t been soured by the pain of being outcasted and left to fend for herself, so naturally, she let him lead her. If he had a place for her to stay and shelter, she had to take it. If there was no home for her among the Diamond or Pearl Clans, she needed to find somewhere and she couldn’t afford to be picky about it.

          Accepting his offer to give her somewhere to go, Rachel recalled all her Pokémon and took Volo astride Wyrdeer, prompting him to lead the way.

          “Where is he taking her?” Adaman grumbled from their hiding place.

          Irida shook her head. She had intimate knowledge of the vast expanse of Hisui, but she had no idea where Volo could be taking Rachel. “I’m not sure.”

          That wasn’t a good enough answer for the Diamond Clan leader. And if they wanted to know, they needed to act now. “There’s only one way to find out.”

          Agreeing, the Pearl Clan leader pulled out her Celestica Flute. “Since we can’t summon Wyrdeer, who should we summon?”

          “Braviary.” Adaman decided immediately. “It’ll be the best way to keep up with them without lagging too far behind.”

          Quivering a little bit, Irida shuddered. “We have to fly?”

          “Do you want to help Rachel or not?” Adaman asked Irida.

          “Of course I do! Just…give me a moment, will you?”

          It was a bit odd that they had to travel so far. They had to travel across the Obsidian Fieldlands and the Crimson Mirelands to get to where Volo was leading them. Once they crossed it and approached the small clearing, Rachel spotted a tent similar to the ones in the Diamond and Pearl Clan Settlements. Only one person lived here. Was this where Volo lived?

          Adaman and Irida were equally as dumbfounded when they followed them on Braviary. Adaman rode on the bird Pokémon’s backside while Irida took the gliding sling he was carrying. Her eyes were sharper than Adaman’s, so he trusted her sight better than his. How come they had never seen this retreat, before?

          Regardless, they approached.

          Which was how Adaman ended up here, on Wyrdeer’s backside with Rachel in front of him. Instinctively, the Diamond Clan leader had his arm around the woman’s waist while she drove Wyrdeer. They were on their way to Lake Valour, the first of three due to its close proximity to the Ancient Retreat, but for some reason despite time being of the essence, Rachel was taking her time getting there on Wyrdeer’s back.

          And he knew her well enough to know that she had her reasons for everything she did, even if her reason was as simple as ‘it’s fun and it makes me happy.’

          “Is there a reason you’ve decided on Wyrdeer to chaperone us to the lakes rather than Braviary?” He decided to ask, wanting to at least try to help ease her worries or take her mind off things.

          There was a lot going on in her mind. So much Rachel couldn’t properly express. But mostly, she was just exhausted and tired. She had no idea if a day had passed, but she felt like she hadn’t slept in multiple days. Simply put, she was running on fumes and struggling to continue her quest. She wasn’t even doing this for Kamado, really.

          She was doing it for the same reason she did everything she had thus far. It needed to be done, so it would be.

          Rachel was just glad she finally had a way forward. Miss Cogita was very kind to let her and her Pokémon shelter at her retreat for the time being, and her depth and wealth of knowledge she provided at least gave her some answers. She, like Volo, was incredibly familiar and in her own way, reminded her of Cynthia. Her calm coolness and the way she held herself reminded her so much of her sister, though perhaps an older visage of her.

At the very least, Miss Cogita gave her a lead to follow to fix this crimson sky and that angry crack in reality.

          But there was a catch. The only way to fix this was to close the rift, and that rift was her only way home. Which meant…her time in Hisui was quickly coming to a close. She would finally be able to go back, reunite with her friends, her family, with Zinnia again.

          She would finally be back where she belonged. All she needed to do was face each Pokémon at each lake in order to craft the Red Chain in order to bind the world at the Shrouded Ruins, and then she could go home. It didn’t make much sense, but it was the only lead she had and it was as good as any at this point.

          So, she had to take it.

          Yet, with Adaman at her side throughout this quest, a heavy feeling sat thickly in her stomach. By going home, it meant saying goodbye to him. Him and everyone she had ever grown to care about in this region. Adaman, Irida, and the various members of the Diamond and Pearl Clans.

          Volo, Hint, and Ingo. A sharp needle of guilt wedged itself into her chest. If she was going home, she needed to find a way to get him home to where he belonged, too. He had just as much a need to go through that rift before it closed as she did.

          Rachel couldn’t leave him stranded here. She just couldn’t.

          But her trepidations at saying goodbye to the allies and friends she’d made here left her unwilling to rush to Lake Valour. Maybe that was why she was taking her time…she wanted to savour whatever was left of it. “I have every reason.” She said, unable to mask the exhaustion in her voice with even a shred of playfulness she was so used to speaking to Adaman with. “If the world has a chance of ending and I have to go home before I save it, I want to spend as much time as I can with the people that matter most to me before I go.”

          That reason made his breath waver as he held her. He had grown used to the way his heart lurched and fluttered when it was around her, but never did it do as such so strongly as when Irida and Adaman finally made their entrance into the Ancient Retreat to meet Rachel there. Knowing where Rachel was, Adaman took the opportunity to reassure his people that all was handled and Irida did the same, passing a message on to the rest of the wardens at their respective nobles’ seats.

          His responsibility as leader didn’t change because he had another responsibility to take.

          But all thoughts of he and Irida’s plans to help her were completely forgotten once their eyes met. Though her eyes were still raw and red from all the crying and anguish she had been suffering, she couldn’t stop herself from breaking into another set of tears as she practically ran forward into the two clan leaders, stumbling before them and collapsing onto the ground before she could reach them.

          Not even a thought crossed their minds before Adaman and Irida both moved to envelop the poor woman in their embrace, Irida holding her from behind and Adaman letting Rachel cling to his chest by his haori. He held her tightly as she sobbed into his chest, blubbering apologies and admitting to her fears as he simply held her, letting her unload. It was one thing to cry alone, but another to cry to another.

          She needed this, and he was glad to be a beacon of safety for her. He and Irida both. She had grown incredibly dear to the both of them, so they both had to do everything they could to help her overcome this grievous injustice dealt to her and help her put the world right, again.

          While both the Pearl and Diamond Clans couldn’t openly help Rachel, they could still both do something to help. So, he left that choice up to her. She decided that Irida’s cautious and careful leadership style would be best suited to help Commander Kamado see reason, while Adaman’s direct and efficient leadership style would be best suited to help Rachel with her task of crafting the Red Chain.

          So, here he was, holding onto Rachel like she was the last person alive in the whole world. “Is that why you wanted me to come with you instead of just meeting me at the lake?”

          Rachel nodded, barely moving as she kept her eyes on the path ahead. Her eyelids felt like lead, straining against exhaustion and her eyes hurting from the harshness of the bleeding sky. “I don’t know what’s going to happen once we craft the Red Chain…I don’t know what it means to ‘Bind the World,’ and I don’t know if this will even work…” She paused, struggling to think of how best to say what she was feeling under the pressure of how tired she was. “But regardless of what happens…I know that I want to spend as much time as I can with you…there may not be much of it left from here on out…”

          Adaman was quiet. Though he shared the sentiment deeply, he didn’t want to think in such a catastrophic way. They would succeed. They would do this. If anyone could, it was Rachel.

          But not if she could barely stay sitting up straight. He could feel her teetering on Wyrdeer’s saddle. “You should try and rest. We have plenty of time before we reach Lake Valour.” Adaman said gently to her, resting his chin on her head. “And if you want, you can rest in the Diamond Settlement. I’ll make sure no one interrupts you.”

          Though she knew he was right about how tired she was, Rachel shook her head. They couldn’t afford to stop. They had to keep going. “We can’t afford to stop.”

          “Then at least rest here. You need it.” Adaman insisted, holding her even tighter against him.

          When her eyelids fluttered closed for a moment and she had to snap them open, she knew there was no longer any fighting with the Diamond Clan leader. He was right, and that was that. “Alright…” She relented, nudging the dark-furred Zorua in her lap. “Hey, Cedric? Can you drive the rest of the way to the lake? I can barely keep my eyes open…”

          Sitting up, he nodded. “Go ahead and take five.” He said in his Pokemon tongue so as to not startle Adaman with his human speech. “It’s night and he’s right. You need to rest after spending so much energy today.”

          She sighed, already instinctively leaning backward against the man. “It’s hard to tell what time of day it is with this damn sky…” Rachel murmured as she got comfortable.

          Cedric quickly hopped up on Wyrdeer’s head, keeping watch as they navigated through the mirelands towards the lake. As he let her shimmy, Adaman tried to hold and cradle her in a way that would let her properly rest as she slept in his arms. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall off.”

          Chuckling weakly, she nestled her head into the crook of his arm, already being soothed and lulled to sleep by his warmth and the comfort of his soft clothes. His comforting scent did much to relax her, the scent of earth and wildgrass from the mirelands he thrived in.

          Even just being near Adaman, she had an easier time trying to sleep than she did any of the nights she spent in her lodge in Jubilife Village. Here, she knew she was safe. Here, she knew she wouldn’t be judged harshly. Here, her acceptance wasn’t conditional.

          Adaman cared about her no matter where she came from or who she was. She helped him and his clan, sure, but that was simply how they met and got to know each other. She didn’t have to pretend around him. She didn’t have to hide from him.

          She was completely safe with him. “You know what’s funny?” Rachel murmured as she let her eyelids fall closed in his arms.

          “Mm?” He hummed, glancing down at her to make sure she wouldn’t fall off of Wyrdeer. He melted when he looked at her. She already looked so peaceful, like she hadn’t had a good sleep in weeks. He didn’t like the thought that that could be true. Every time he arrived to be briefed by Kamado about a new noble that needed quelling, she always complained about having a rough sleep.

          Shifting once more to get even more comfortable, Rachel reached out to hold his right hand in hers, keeping it close to her chest as though she were holding onto a stuffed toy like a child. “I already feel like…I can sleep easier…knowing you’ll be there when I wake up…” She muttered, pressing the back of his hand to her face.

          Breathing evenly in an attempt to calm the rapid beating of his heart, he held her hand, softly rubbing his thumb along her knuckles. It wasn’t right what the Galaxy Team did. She didn’t deserve this.

          But he’d make this right. He’d do whatever it took to right this wrong and bring justice. They would fix this.

          Together.

[jacobwren]

De La Soul - Buddy (Native Tongue Decision)

[lastpoet24]

Buddy (Native Tongue Decision) [Official Music Video] [HD]

[stephdau]

De La Soul - Buddy (Native Tongue Decision) - Feat. Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah, Monie Love

[bearpiratejay33]

This is one my favorite songs of all time!

[doubleshotsundayepisodes]

EP 49 - Favorite Things Mix

Episode 49 - Favorite Things Mix Mix

Major Lazer - Major Lazer x Mobb Deep - Be Together Mighty Mi Mix Trayze - A Little Bit Of Pun (Trayze Remix) Bobby Caldwell - Open Your Eyes (Nick Bike Edit) Common - The Light The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy (Nick Bike Edit)(Drums Only Intro)(Dirty) digable planets - rebirth of slick DAngelo - Lady XA Preto Remix Blackstreet - No Diggity (Nick Bike's Twin Flame Edit)(Clean) De La Soul - Buddy (Native Tongue Decision Version) (feat. Jungle Borthers, Q-Tip, Phife, Que Lauryn Hill - That Thing Missy Elliot - Get your freak on Bifo Remix Cassiano - Onda NxWorries - Link Up Ella Mai - Bood Up vandalized edit Kevin Lyttle - Turn Me On (Nick Bike's 2022 Slide Remix) Kendrick Lamar - Die Hard - Duncan Gerow Remix Stevie Wonder - Stevie Wonder "I Can't Help It" (King Most Redirection) Usher - U Dont Have to Call Duncan Gerow Remix Bruno Mars - 24K MAGIC (BRLLNT REMIX) Maze - Before I let go Luther Vandross - Never too much George Benson - Give me the night Hall & Oates - I Can't Go for That (No Can Do) De La Soul - A Rollerskating Jam Named "Saturdays" (Nick Bike's 'All Night' Edit)(Short) Jim Sharp - Westchester Eagle Janet Jackson - Janet Jackson - Love Will Never Do (Double A 'from The Bay' Flip) Keyshia Cole - Keyshia Cole x Michael Jackson - Love (Double A 'from The Bay' Flip) 79.5 - Terrorize my heart - disco dub

[cheyotic]

He Hates Storms

(raditz/vegeta)

□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□

His time on Earth was limited, Raditz knew this, but it didn't prevent him from choosing the stormiest day to see his best friend, and lover, one last time.

Babba knocked softly on Capsule Corps door, the stoic Saiyan in tow. The halo floating above his head glowed bright in comparison to the cloudy, dismal evening. Babba knocked again. Some shuffling was heard behind the door, before it swung open.

"It's nearly 7 p.m. and we are trying to finish dinner so what-"

Vegeta stopped. His eyes landed on Babba first, recognizing the old woman from his past, but that isn't what shut him up.

It was the sight of Raditz, his halo, and the somewhat casual clothes he wore that shook Vegeta.

"What the hell-"

"Vegeta." Babba interjected. "Raditz has earned his 24 hours, despite all odds, and he's chosen to come see you. He already saw his brother, and apologized and reconcilied, now it's your turn. I will be back tomorrow at 5 o'clock on the dot to retrieve him."

Vegeta glared hard at his old teammate. Before he could say another word, Bulma was at the door with Trunks following behind, and Bulla tucked in her arms.

"Why is he here?! Get off my property before I- Oh, hey Babba. Long time no see."

"Raditz is here for his 24 hours he earned in Otherworld. I expect you to be hospitable, even Gohan and his family were more than happy to see him. He's worked very hard, and can not do any damage to you, your family, or your property."

Bulma fell silent. She clicked her tongue and glanced to Vegeta.

"I guess if he doesn't have a problem with it, and Chi-Chi could forgive him that fast, he's welcome in my home."

Thunder rumbled, followed by a flash of lightning, scaring the Briefs' children. Vegeta glared toward the sky. He always hated storms.

"Come with me, then. We'll get you a room. Thank you, Babba."

The old witch floated off, waving goodbye towards Capsule Corp, leaving Raditz and Vegeta alone at the threshold. They stood in silence before Vegeta felt a raindrop hit his nose, followed by another loud roar of thunder and flash of menacing lightning.

"Let's get inside. We'll talk in there."

Vegeta had regretted leaving Raditz dead, though he didn't realize how much until the familiar face was on his doorstep. When he was younger, he didn't think twice about it, but as he got older, the guilt started to set in. It was his best friend and first love, and he treated him like garbage all to keep up appearances.

As the pair walked through the maze of Capsule Corp, they were silent. Vegeta, too guilty to start conversation, and Raditz too nervous to even say a simple 'thank you'. Once they reached Vegeta's private quarters, Raditz finally found his voice.

"I'm sorry to intrude. I just wanted to see you in person. In Otherworld, they let us watch those we care about, but watching you through a lens hurt more than it should have. You got married, have two beautiful kids, you seem happy."

Vegeta scoffed. "Clearly you haven't been watching lately. We're not married anymore. I only live here to help raise our kids. It was a mutual decision, with mutual respect on both sides."

Vegeta pushed open the door into the simplistic room. He let Raditz step in first, following in after and shutting the door.

"I'm sorry. I didn't-"

"It's fine, you moron. Be more observant next time. Now," Vegeta dropped down onto his bed. "Why here? Why today?"

Thunder mocked Vegeta's words, and an exuberant flash of lightning illuminated the room. Raditz nodded his head towards the window.

"I was told this would be the worst storm this season. Couldn't watch you go through it without me."

"I've been through rough storms in my lifetime, and managed without you."

Raditz laughed, shaking his head. "Not like this one. According to King Yemma, this one is as powerful as the one we flew through in the way to Ariago, if not worse."

Vegeta scoffed, but his face paled. He hated storms. In the past he'd always had Bulma to help him or he'd fly off to somewhere remote and wait for it to pass. If this storm was as bad as Raditz claimed, though, he really did need someone here with him. The taller Saiyan walked over, throwing himself onto the bed next to his old shipmate. His halo still glowed bright.

"Can't you cover that thing up? It's too damn bright."

Raditz laughed again, focusing his energy and dimming the angelic glow. "Calm down 'Geta. You're so worked up and the worst of the storm hasn't-"

The Corp practically trembled with the next roll of thunder. Vegeta stiffened, staring towards the window in sheer terror.

He hated storms.

"Guess I spoke too soon." Raditz chuckled. "C'mon. I know how to help you relax."

Vegeta shook his head. "I can't. That's not fair to you. Not after what I did."

Raditz smirked. "If you think I still have a grudge against you for not resurrecting me, you're dead wrong buddy." He ran a hand through his hair, the sound of rain beginning to drown out his voice. "I know you regret it. Now come here, let's relax, just like we did all those years ago."

Vegeta hesitated. His emotions so all over the place he was surprised he hadn't exploded yet. He slowly began to move towards Raditz on the bed. Once he was within reach, Raditz pulled Vegeta in, letting him curl up on his lap. Raditz ran a strong hand down Vegeta's spine, and began singing in their native language.

Vegeta began to play with Raditz' hair. The familiarity of the embrace bringing him a sense of calm, even with the horrifying storm outside. He felt Raditz slowly begin to rock, lulling Vegeta into a sweet semi-consciousness. To think, they'd seen each other for ten minutes, but all that love was still there. All the feeling of teenage love-sickness and anxiety of a warm embrace.

It had been years since Vegeta felt this at peace. It had been years since Raditz had felt so complete. Raditz halted his singing to place a small kiss to his Prince's forehead. They sat there for hours, riding out the storm together.

-

The morning eventually came, and Vegeta burst into Bulma's lab, searching desperately for something.

"Vegeta, what do you need? Barging in here unannounced is one thing, but rifling through my stuff-"

"Where's the radar?"

Bulma froze. "The- What?"

"The dragon radar! I need it!"

"What? Why?"

"I'm bringing my best friend back to life."

□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□

[impulsetravels]

playlist. 07 april 2021.

nuyorican soul - i am the black gold of the sun (4hero remix) // nyc + ldn ella fitzgerald + louis armstrong - they can't take that away from me // newport news + yonkers + harlem + new orleans + qns gary bartz + adrian younge + ali shaheed muhammed - the message // bmore + el lay + nyc full crate + gaidaa - a storm on a summers day // amsterdam + sudan critical point + vikter duplaix - messages // philly visioneers - runnin' // west ldn res - 700 mile situation // d.c. hiatus kaiyote - nakamarra (rox n stix desert mix) // australia ezra collective + jorja smith - reason in disguise // ldn yussef dayes trio (yussef dayes + charlie stacey + rocco palladino) - nipsey tha great // uk soul supreme - summertime on mars // israel + amsterdam — empanadamn live impulse mix: khruangbin - so we won't forget // houston jamiroquai - space cowboy // ldn sticky fingers - gold snafu // sydney janing g lte - laff it off // nyc groove theory - baby luv (summer groove mix) // nyc de la soul + jungle brothers + tribe called quest + queen latifah + monie love - buddy (native tongue decision mix) // strong island + qns + jersey + ldn biz markie - spring again // egg harbor rayvon - no guns no murder (remix) // barbados laza morgan + mavado - one by one (dj theory remix) // springfield + jamaica + sf + kingston the avalanches - radio // melbourne lust - in love again // ?? jesse cassettes + gilberto gil - come to brazil // cdmx + bahia magic flowers - i don't care // el lay j paul getto - friends with benefits // boston kool g rap - rap like sex (blade runners dub) // qns + boston bad colours - cookin' // ldn + maryland + bk iu (아이유) - jam jam (잼잼) // seoul » LISTEN «

[causeimhappinesss]

Unexpected boner - Leon S. Kennedy (Resident Evil 2 remake)

Pairing: Leon S. Kennedy x reader

Warnings: smut + wrap your biscuit, please.  

Disclaimer: I’m french and even if I’m learning English for eight fucking years, it’s not perfect and I’m sorry if there are spelling or grammar mistakes. If English is your native language (or if you’re bilingual), I would really appreciate it if you could help me by correcting my errors. Just don’t be too harsh, please. :)

***

“We can take a break, if you want.” You blinked a few times and tried to restrain a yawn. You knew it was very important to keep going, there was no time to lose to go out of the Raccoon City’s police station. Your body only wanted to rest and regain its strength.

“No, it’s okay Leon. The faster we’ll find the last electronic component, the faster we’ll leave this crazy town.” Leon exhaled. He was also exhausted, less than you since police school trained him and he seemed to be a sportsperson…

Your Mathilda shotgun tight in your hand, you scanned the new room and listen for any weird and guttural inhuman sound. No zombie; you let out a sigh of relief. The room was enlightened, there was a coffee table, a couch and a desk with some cupboards. Your body stopped shivering, thanks to the heating system. Until then, your body was cold because of the rain outside when you crossed the terrace. Wearing only a dress and cardigan wasn’t smart on the first day of the Apocalypse…

You two rummaged in the area for bullets, medicine and other useful items. You came closer the desk, opened every drawer, but you just found the paperwork. Disappointed? Yes, you were. As you were about to retrace your steps, you kicked something under the desk. Immediately, you lowered yourself and got down on your knees, without paying attention to your dress that went up to the limit of your behind. You reached an aspirin package without knowing you were observed.

Leon found some bullets, ready to call your name, but he froze when he saw a part of your bottom. Suddenly, he felt hot and he couldn’t his gaze back on that era of your body. You knew each other for a few hours, the situation was horrible and complicated, but he was a young and handsome man with fine taste in women. Straight away, he thought you were beautiful and you were in front of him, in an arousing position. He wished he could caress your curves, take you here and hearing your whines, even if it was unsafe. While fantasizing about you for less than a minute, he felt his cock hardening in his blue cop uniform.

“Shit, not now buddy…” he whispered, looking at his visible boner before he palmed himself. Maybe he could jerk off really quickly and cum without you noticing? No, he wouldn’t have the time and if he had, it would be uncomfortable to walk and run everywhere with his sticky semen in his boxer. He licked his lips, trying to take a decision. Too late! You raised yourself and turned your cute and beautiful face to him.

You glanced at his hand on his crotch and your cheeks warmed at the sight, playing with the edge of your dark blue dress. You weren’t that naïve, you knew you were the reason of his erection. Your heart missed a beat. All your body was on fire. You desired Leon. He was completely your style, even if it was the worst day of your life, you thought one or two times to kiss him someday. Your breath speed up and you two stood up, hesitating to make the first time.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I shouldn’t have loo-“ He started to say, scratching the back of his neck.

Too late to apologize, now you wanted him to.

“Kiss me.” You cut him, nervous. Was it right? Nobody could judge you at the moment, but morally… You were kind of lost.

Without a second thought, he broke the distance and slipped a hand on your cheek. Tenderly, he pressed his lips against yours for a passionate kiss. His free hand fell on your hip while your tongues lead a wild dance. It didn’t feel wrong. You were over the moon. It was like you have known him for years and you trusted him with your heart. Desire… Something hardly avoidable. Hands everywhere, seeking body warmth, discovering a new body. You admired his tone chest, tracing his abs and smooth skin with the tips of your fingers, sensually.

Apocalypse? It never existed.

Zombies? What is that?

Umbrella? Never heard of.

Your living nightmare faded through his kisses and strokes. Daydreaming was dangerous in this situation, the come-dawn we’ll be doubtlessly painful, but at this precise moment… You needed this. You couldn’t imagine what would happen in the next hours and you reminded yourself that life was short, especially these days… As far as possible, you had to enjoy this sweet and sexual moment.

Clothes littered the floor, you were lying on the couch with the beautiful bluish-grey eyes men between your legs. His peck and embraces heated your skin, feeling his lips brushing against your chest, a teasing look on his face, to arouse you like you never had been.

“I want you, Officer Kennedy.” You finally whispered in his ear which made him quiver with pleasure.

His thumb traveled to your heat and wet center, between your thighs. As he titillated your most sensible part, you closed your eyes and a light whimper escaped your lips. He was experienced, it was an evidence. You could feel your first orgasm rise and before you reached it, he stops his movements. You opened your eyelids and noticed he was stroking himself before considering penetrating you. Lightly, your fingers grazed his and you took his role. He let out some almost inaudible sighs of pleasure, arousing you even more.

Finally, he stopped you, seated himself at the entrance of your vagina, titillating it with his pinkish cock head.

“Stop playing…” you murmured with a smile. With one push, he was inside you.

“Oh God…” he groaned. You lightly moan together at the feeling. He let you adjust to his size before he started with backwards and forwards movements. Faster and more intense his thrusts were, the more you struggled to remain silent.

“Shh, Y/N…” He kissed you to make you silent as you tighten your legs around his hips, one hand on his butt to push his member farther inside you while the other played with his locks.

He accelerated the pace until the pleasure became intense. So intense that he moaned in his turn, trying to keep quiet by kissing your neck and putting a hand against your mouth. Nirvana was approaching for both of you. When your vagina tightened around his member during your orgasm, he lost control of his pace and it took him little time to enjoy his turn. The feeling of intense well-being and euphoria took hold of him, letting his hot semen spill into your vagina, filling you completely.

Slowly, his pelvic movements stopped, but he remained a few moments inside you to kiss you. You almost didn’t know each other, and yet there was such a strong connection between you two. Maybe even more than that... None of you had thought of putting on a condom, for lack of means, and the pleasure was so intense that he couldn’t pull out in time.

When he retired, he watched a few drops of his seed escaping from your walls. At the moment, he didn’t think of the consequences it could engender. He found it terribly exciting. He made you roll so that you found yourself above him and he held you in his arms.

"Incredible..." he murmured.

"Do not let me down after that, Leon..." you whispered, frightened of the future.

"Never. You and I are in the same boat... You are my partner in crime.” He claimed in a humorous tone before he stole you a kiss.

[lastpoet24]

Buddy (Native Tongue Decision) [Official Music Video] [HD]

[peacefulwriter88]

Silent Orders - Part 1

Teacher!Steve Rogers x Reader 

Warnings: None for part one minus sweet fluff

A/N: @gifsbysimplysonia requested this a while back and my imagination was able to cluster together this cute little two parter - hope you all enjoy

Also mood board created by me so tag me if you reblog/share _______

The spring bake sale had been pushed up earlier, much to many parents dismay. The spring soccer teams were in dire need of new uniforms for every grade so the principal had suggested to use the popular small town event as a fundraiser in which every parent was encouraged to participate in.

And in a small town like Green Oaks, that meant of course that everyone participated.

It was what had led Steve walking down the narrow Green Oaks Elementary hallway, a small chubby hand encased in his own as the pair of them slowly strolled down the narrow passage. Dismissal had been an hour ago but the school was still vibrant with life, surprisingly for a Friday in March, the air drifting with laughter and the sweet smell of baked goods and other wares.

“Is my mommy going to do be down this hallway?”

Adrians voice is tiny, barely audible above the chatter and Steve looks down at him with a large smile, giving him a squeeze.

“I think so buddy. Remember, this morning she said she was going to be a little late because she had to run home and grab all of the yummy goodies you helped her bake for the fundraiser?”

Adrian nods but his small, round eyes still don’t stop from roaming from the endless array of tables. Steve gives him a squeeze, resisting the urge to lift the small boy and sing him one of the many songs that he knew would yank a grin out of him.

Biasedly, Steve adored the inquisitive five year old and he knew that half of it was because the boy had the kind of intelligence and compassion most kids didn’t find until there were far older, and the other half was because he was an extension of you.

When you had dropped Adrian off this morning, you had that worried glint in your eye that he had become accustomed to seeing.

“My father can’t pick Adrian after the bake sale,” you had sighed as you watched Adrian run around on the playground with his peers.

“I have to rush home to pick up all the things I baked which would mean an hour of Adrian being unintended for, and I’m not comfortable enough to ask any of the new moms. I know they mean well but….sometimes they just come off judgy, you know?”

Steve knew. That mixed with your pride kept you biting down on your lips, eyes trained on your son. The solution was  easy to him,

“If you don’t mind,” you had flickered your eyes to him, “ I can happily watch Adrian during that time. Dawkins likes for the staff to linger for these things, say hi before we head out so I’ll be around anyways. And I don’t mind watching Adrian.”

The smile that had erupted across your lips had been all he needed, happy for his decision as you squeezed his arm in quick thanks, before waving at your son and currying away.

You were exactly the kind of trouble he was enjoying getting lost in.  

“Steve I didn’t think you’d stay for this thing.”

The familiar low tone of his good friend draws his attention away from Adrian and he stops them both, turning and watching as Natasha makes her way through the crowd, oblivious to the many dads who give her a second look as she progresses toward him, a bag in hand.

Natasha was probably one of the most attractive people Steve has ever met in his life, point blank. Fiery red hair and a personality to match, supple lips that matched her hips and wide blue eyes. The only thing stopping her from breaking Green Oaks male population was the fact that her fiance and his best friend from childhood,  James “Bucky” Barnes,  was a respected police officer in the community.

That and she shut down most men before they could get a word out.

Regardless, she was far softer with the fifth graders she taught and Steve was grateful that he had someone else in this building he could have normal conversations with. He wasn’t oblivious to the looks he received from most of the women he worked with, the lingering touches despite if they were married or not. It was a far different experience from how he used to be treated in high school - his former scrawny self an afterthought after puberty hit him in college.

“Well I had some motivation.” Steve pulls Adrian into view who smiles widely at the redhead, beaming,

“Hi Ms. Roman….Roman….Romaneff.” the young boy furrows his eyebrows trying to get her name out and Natasha laughs as she ruffles his head,

“You can just call me Ms. R,” she shifts her eyes to Steve. “I’m going to be so happy to be Mrs. Barnes for so many reasons. Mainly so kids can finally say my last bloody name but don’t let Bucky know that’s the top reason.”

Steve laughs as he directs Adrian back in the direction of  the cafeteria and Natasha nudges him, following his pace,

“He’s stinking adorable but why are you on teacher duty? Bell rang nearly an hour ago.”

Steve stops with Adrian at a table, watching as the young boy eyes travel to the  soap dinosaur bombs with mild curiosity before flickering his eyes back to Steve. Steve knows that he shouldn’t buy it for the boy - you would hate that - but there’s something about those large bold eyes that has him tugging in his back pocket for his wallet, telling Adrian he can have one if he liked.

“And one for my mommy?” Adrian asks shyly and Steve chuckles and nods. You were going to be livid with him.

“Sure bud - that way this nice lady doesn’t have to break my ten.” he winks at the elderly woman behind the table who laughs though she blushes, shaking her head as she temporarily asks Adrian which dinosaur he’d be interested in.

Natasha raises an eyebrow as Steve turns to her and says,

“I told Y/N that I’d watch him while she prepped for this thing. Her dad couldn’t pick him up today and she was in a bind so…”

“So you just thought to play babysitter to the hot new mom in town.” Natasha kids and Steve rolls his eyes though he smiles. He notices the woman flicker her eyes between the both of them but he waves it aside.

Everyone knew about you - it was hard not to in a small town like this, a distant suburb of Boston. You had moved here two years ago with just Adrian and had been an immediate hot topic. Single mom who bought the only art gallery in town and curated some pieces for the few museum in the local area - why wouldn’t you be a gossip?

Really it was the women who gossiped and really, Natasha had pointed out the one summer evening she had dragged him and Bucky to a show you were hosting, it was because you were...different. The women were intimidated by you. You were an outsider from the city, this curvy one woman show that was also the daughter of Green Oaks former mayor.

Your dad had bee a scandal - a known Green Oaks native winning their votes despite his Brooklyn upbringing. The fact that he had always talked about you but never dragged you out - the tongues that wagged though he was voted for term until he couldn’t any more.

Then you, his daughter. Single mom with no husband fresh from the big city opening a posh art gallery in town. Obviously you were scandalous.

Except, of course, like most things time shifted the tide.

You used your space on Saturdays to host free art classes that you facilitated. Adrian participated in every class, club and sport you could sign him for and you were a proud member of the local book club and an active member in Green Oaks PTA. You volunteered at parades and organized charity runs and was a proud chair member of the city council.

Through time, people discovered how Adrian’s father ran out on you when he found out you were pregnant. That you had studied in Versailles and was a distinguished artist before you had gotten pregnant. That you moved to Green Oaks where your parents decided to retire so you could get help with raising him, not wanting Adrian to get lost in the city that was New York.

Steve had known you long before Adrian was in his class, from afar, when he would go to art nights with his friends and sometimes drop in for classes. Had enough pleasant enough conversations with you but could never break down your wall.

But then he started teaching Adrian and things had changed.

“She’s not new anymore Natasha.” Steve chuckles as Adrian runs to him with the bright Stegosaurus and T-Rex bombs he had selected. Steve helps him place the bombs in his backpack before Adrian grabs his hand and they resume their journey down the hall.

“I know,” Natasha nudges him, “I’m just curious as to why? You normally shut that down with moms month one. Playing the babysitter.”

Steve keeps the smile to himself as they turn a corner and it's obvious that this is a particularly popular hall, the noise level increasingly louder with families jammed together. The baked goods hall. Adrian tightens his hand around Steve, his hold around the plush dinosaur that he favored being bought to his chest as he looks around amused.

“This hall is busy.” Adrian finally comments and Steve agrees, nodding.

“I agree bud - this hall is busy.”

“Why?” the young man asks, the curls on his head falling back with him as he looks up at Steve with large, curious eyes.

“Hmmmm, I’d guess there’s a really popular table with a lot of yummy goodies.”

“I bet it's mommy’s table.” Adrian doesn’t miss a beat, smiling deeply as he starts to pull the large man down toward the hectiness and Natasha gives an approving nod.

“He actually is right about that.”

It only takes a few strides before they find the source of the long line and, like Adrian and Natasha pointed out, your table is the source. You’re oblivious to their presence as you talk to parents, jumping from English and Spanish depending on the individual as you exchange your baked delicacies for cash or credit card. You’re hair has been thrown into a haphazard ponytail, the bodycon professional dress fully exposed as you throw your blazer on the chair behind you exposing your bosom.

He feels the air escaping his lungs, tries not to let it show as Adrian pulls toward you more strongly, though he feels Natasha’s eyes on him as Adrian screams out,

“Mommy!”

Your head automatically snaps to his direction, eyes falling on your son before they blink up to Steve. There’s satisfaction in seeing the way you exhale a large breath, teeth tugging on your bottom lip before you shake your head, moving from behind the tight space of the table to bend down and extend your arms out for your son. Adrian moves with ease in the crowd, despite the awkward weight of his large backpack and he jumps in your arms as you lift him, placing kisses all over his face.

“Oh little man I’ve missed you.” you say as Steve and Natasha near and you flicker your eyes to the group,

“Natasha you back for more?”

The red head laughs and shakes her head,

“No way. I’ve bought enough chocolate to ruin my wedding dress size for the next few weeks. No, I figured I’d lead Steve in the right direction since he’s been looking for you.”

You smile over at Steve as Adrian burrows himself in your neck, wraps around more  as you say,

“Mr. Rogers thanks so much for looking after Adrian. I really appreciate it and am sure the last thing you wanted to do was watch a five year old for one hour longer on a Friday.”

Steve sticks his hands in his pockets, bashful grin planted on his face,

“It was no problem at all, it was fun hanging out with Adrian. And please Y/N, you can call me Steve. Especially after work hours.”

He feels silly when he’s in your presence, hard to grasp on his thoughts but he is grateful as he sees you fall into yourself, a similar shy smile on your face before you clear your throat and turn with your son in your hands.

“Well everyone bought up a lot of my cupcakes and truffles-”

“You should have an in house bakery in your gallery. Those truffles are sin.” Natasha cuts you off and you laugh as you turn back to them.

“Not sure about that Natasha but I did save these for you Mr. Roge….I mean Steve. To thank you for hanging out with Adrian...it really does mean a lot.”

You hand over the container that held four cupcakes and you shift Adrian on your hip as you say,

“They’re the dark chocolate ones you like. The ones with the salted caramel frosting. I remembered you telling me how much you enjoyed them when I made them for your class last fall so...figured you deserve the small batch I whipped up this morning.”

“Oh come on...those are Bucky’s favorite and she wouldn’t let anyone buy them! I even offered to pay 50 dollars for them. Aren’t you lucky Steve.” Natasha pretends offense though she laughs at the way Steve smiles cheekily at you, a slight blush tinging his cheeks. He doesn’t mean for the thank you he shoots your way to come off as timid as it does as you stare him back down but he also was still trying to figure out how to navigate interacting with you in public spaces.

You clear the air, promising Natasha you’d bake her and Bucky a special batch as you sit Adrian down, handing him a book as you start to clean up the little material you had on your table. Steve notices that you have nothing left, not compared to everyone else around you and doesn’t hesitate to volunteer himself and Natasha to help clean up.

“We were headed out anyways.” he notes when you protest and though Natasha throws him  questioning eyes she doesn’t challenge him, happily helps fold the black tablecloth you’ve bought, pile the left over plastic containers into your travel cart.

“I’m happy I sold out early, means I can head home and start my weekend early.” you say as the four of you head out of the school, Adrian unwilling to leave the embrace of your arms as you carry him and your work bag. Steve is carrying the four tubs of plastic ware and Natasha has the rolling bin that held your tablecloth - the table decorations. You stop temporarily to speak with the principal about your contribution, handing him your moneybox before you proceed with the group back to the parking lot.

“Tell me about it. I don’t know why we planned for a late spring wedding. School is out and then a wedding? I’m an idiot - I have so much to plan for and have little motivation to want to get it all done.” Natasha mumbles and you click your Nissan Rogue open as you say,

“If you want, I could come over this weekend. I took Saturday off and I’ve been in a wedding or two...I’d happily help out if you need it.”

“Oh my god would you? Bucky would be eternally grateful….would even forgive you for giving his best friend all of his cupcakes.”

You laugh as you place Adrian in the back seat, buckling him in and nodding.

“Let me give you my number. Text me when I can come over...as long as you don’t mind Adrian tagging along. We were going to go to the zoo but if the weather is going to be bad like predicted he’d happily watch some movies while we plan and drink wine.”

Steve places the containers in the trunk, and the bin before closing it and checking on Adrian who is playing with the bath bombs like action figures.

“You have a good evening little man. Don’t give your mom too much of a hard time.”

“I won’t Mr. Rogers. I’m gonna tell her about the dinosawr bones we found!” the young boys face is enthusiastic and Steve ruffles his head before coming to the other side, waiting on you patiently as you and Natasha see each other off, Natasha waving goodbye to Steve before heading to her car.

“Natasha’s kind of had a girl crush on you for months...you don’t know how much that means to her.” he says when you turn to him and you laugh as you cross your arms, tightening your hands around your body as you try to block it from the early spring chilly air.

“I doubt that. Natasha is too cool of a girl to want to hang out with a dork like me.”

Your voice is teasing and he laughs as he shuts the door at Adrian’s side, waving at Adrian through the tinted glass as you turn on your heels, moving toward the drivers side. He’s not too far behind you.

“Well it was a pleasure getting to spend time with you, Ms. Y/L/N,” you stop at your door, leaning on it as he stands in front of you, mirroring your movement, “You really know how to brighten up a man’s day.”

You blush as you play with your keys, shaking your head before looking back up at him and smiling,  

“Well you’re the one who saved my ass earlier today Mr. Rog….I mean Steve,” a gust of wind hits and you tighten your hold around you. “Thanks for watching Adrian. I really appreciate it.”

There was so many words going unsaid as he watched you in the twilight, your eyes twinkling as they looked back at him, hair getting tugged out of your ponytail and whipping against your face. He loved that when you smiled your dimples dug into your cheeks, loved the faint smell of perfume that wafted to his nose. If he could, he’d lean over and kiss your lips, succulent and teasing - whisper how much he loved you and how he was looking forward to seeing you later. But you weren’t ready for that, not yet.  You wanted to make sure that it was okay with your son, knows it would be a big step for him to have someone like Steve in his life.

Instead he digs in his pockets, finds the scrap of paper he’s written out to you earlier and grabs your fumbling hands, rubs the soft skin that's gone cold from the wind before giving it a quick squeeze.

“Anytime,” he places the small note in your hands before raising them to his lips, giving it a quick peck and saying, “See you around.”

He opens your car door, waits until you’re in before he closes it, giving you a wink that you return before waving to Adrian one last time. Waits until you’ve safely left the parking lot before he walks to his own car, getting in and waiting for it to warm up. Barely puts his car into drive before Natasha is calling him and he doesn’t get a chance to say hello as Natasha barrels out,

“Holy shit how long have you and her been dating and how the fuck has this town not known and put it on the front page of our herald!?”

He’s on Bluetooth and looks around the parking lot, sighing as he sees her car still in its parking space,

“Did you really stay back in your car to spy on us?”

A snort,

“Uh yes. Bucky and I have been trying to hook you and her up for months now! You always chicken out when we go to the gallery nights. Apparently we should have just brought her to your world, she’s into the whole naughty teacher act.”

He laughs as he pulls out of the parking lot,

“That's not….that's not how that happened at all. I was surprised same as you when I saw Adrian on my roster. But it all gave me some one on one time and we started chatting more casually. And a little before Halloween I finally got the nerve to ask her out and she said yes. That's all.”

“Why haven’t you told your two best friends!?” Natasha counters and Steve shrugs though he knows it falls on silent eyes.

“We wanted to keep it quiet for a bit because everyone in this town is always gossiping about something. And...she wants to make sure Adrian is ready for a new person in his life. It's not just her I’m dating - she wants to be considerate of her son.”

Natasha wait's a beat before saying,

“That’s fair. I get that, I guess, you’d think I’d gossip to the harlots of this town -”

“You’d completely tell at least Sam and Wanda and Wanda actually works for the herald - Sam is a government official…..we all know the minute they know everyone does. So yes, gossiping to the harlots indeed.”

“Whatever,” Natasha continues, “How did you both manage to date for five months without anyone else knowing? Seriously, you sneeze in this town and everyone’s texting about it.”

“We drive to Boston or stay at my place.” he says simply and Natasha laughs,

“Well then you both deserve this secret romance. Well played. Next question - can I ask her about you tomorrow?”

“I’m hanging up now.” he deadpans and Natasha laughs

“I mean I was going to regardless, you kept giving each other fuck me eyes. God you should have seen Alison Johnson - she has such a hard on for you and got so sour when you didn’t even acknowledge her waving at you and instead was drooling over hot mom. She’s definitely going to be gossiping about it….”

“Good night Natasha. Tell Bucky I said hello.”

He hangs up on his friend, laughing in good nature. Natasha was probably right and that was something he could talk to you about later. In the meantime, he needed to make a minor adjustment to dinner plans and he knew exactly where to begin.

________

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[matrimony3]

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[shambledsurgeon]

Modern

At the age of 10, Law lost his entire family. His parents, and his sister - all gone in a blink of an eye.

His parents were doctors, they ran a clinic that primarily treated civilians who were injured during the war that waged in his father’s home country of Iran - his mother had volunteered to come to the country, offering her services as part of a British Humanitarian aid organization. The clinic was where they met and fell in love - for the entire family, it was like a second home. As the years passed and the war waged on, Law’s parents would treat members of the factions that rebelled against the current government - including NATO troops - placing a target on their backs.

Law had gone to run an errand for his mother when the bomb went off - strapped to the chest of a young Iraqi soldier who passed himself off as a sickly civilian in need of treatment - killing everyone inside. He rushed back to the clinic, screaming and crying as he frantically tried to claw his way into the rubble - desperately hoping to find his family alive.

Orphaned and alone, he wandered the streets - hatred growing in his heart with each passing day - for the government, for those who shunned him and branded him the son of traitors. For the world in general. He would do whatever was necessary to survive - steal food or items he needed - and he did so indiscriminately, taking what he needed from whoever or wherever. With no remorse. He soon stopped caring whether he lived or died, sometimes wishing for his death - putting himself in dangerous situations - all so he could be with his family again.

He crawled into the back of a US military vehicle, his intent was to sneak into their post and steal weapons he wanted -to kill as many government soldiers as possible - prepared to die and take others with him, should he be discovered. When the truck stopped and the coast was clear, Law slipped out from under the tarpaulin that he hid under - he made his way around the back of the large tents on the outer perimeter of the camp. He spotted a lone watchman, sitting on a container that he recognized as a munitions crate - he was reading a magazine, a cigarette hung from his lips. As Law stalked closer - knife in hand - the man lowered the newspaper.

Law stopped in his tracks when the man stood up, he was the tallest person that Law had ever seen in his life - he smiled and spoke to Law in the country’s native tongue. “You don’t need that knife, kid. I’m not going to hurt you.” The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a candy bar, squatting down as he offered it to Law - his voice was gentle, and Law could see kindness in his eyes. It reminded him of his father. “The name is Rocinante, but my buddies call me Corazon. You can have this if you’re hungry.” Little did Law know that when he tentatively reached for the candy bar, his life would be forever changed.

The months passed, and the relationship between Law and Corazon deepened - so much so that Corazon went to his Commanding Officer to seek permission to adopt Law, to bring him home with him when his tour of duty concluded. It all seemed like a dream, that Law would be taken away from the war and the fighting - he would never be free of the impact of his loss or the way he had to live, but he was happy an safe - all because of Corazon.

Adjusting to life in the US was a challenge for Law - learning new customs was easy enough for him, and he had already learned to speak English from his mother - he struggled with opening up to new people, he still harbored a lot of distrust for the world in general. Corazon opted to forego re-enlistment, taking a job as a civilian contractor - Law needed to have a stable home life, one that was free from the complications that being in the military would bring.

Eventually, Law adapted to his new life. He immersed himself in his studies, determined to become a Doctor someday - to honor the memory of his mother and father. He was accepted into Harvard Medical School on a full academic scholarship, and graduated with honors - while there, he became interested in becoming a surgeon - deciding that his specialization would be the heart. Law completed his surgical training at John’s Hopkins School of Medicine, and was a highly sought after candidate for many hospitals nationwide.

After his surgical residency was completed, he chose to take a position with Westchester Medical Center in Corazon’s hometown - his decision making process driven in part by his desire to stay close to the home, but also that it was widely known for the quality of heart surgeons on staff. It did not take him long to become one of the more prominent members of the surgical team, his contributions earning him awards and multiple job offers - including being called to travel to work special cases from time to time.

[universal-translation-services]

Tips for Learning English for the Speakers of Haitian Creole

There is nothing wrong with learning something simply because you want to. But all the big decisions in life must be taken after doing proper research. If something doesn’t help you succeed in the world, then you don’t have to waste any time on it. There are a lot of decisions that can be helpful for people in their professional life. One such thing is learning a new language. The world is a competitive place where moving forward is not easy. But learning new skills can help you immensely. If you can only speak your native tongue, you will have limited access to opportunities. But if you learn a new language, plenty of new doors will open for you.

Haitian Creole:

There are different types of languages in the world. Some of them were born after two vernaculars came into contact with each other. Creoles come into being when a European language come into contact with any native tongue in the Americas. There are a few creoles in the world, but none of them is as popular as Haitian Creole. It was created during the French colonization of Haiti. The African slaves picked up the vernacular of the occupiers and mixed it with their native tongues. For a long time, the tongue was not accepted by the Haitian government as it was a stark reminder of the past. However, today it is the only vernacular of the majority of the country’s population. Some people in the country speak French, but they are considered elite. Haitian Creole has almost 12 million speakers today. It has been influenced by other tongues like Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Spanish and Portuguese are the most popular languages in the Americas, which is why they ended up influencing Haiti’s official language. English, on the other hand, is popular all over the world and influences languages through the media.

Can Haitian Creole Speakers Easily Learn English?

Due to the many features of English that Haitian Creole has adopted over the years, plenty of similarities have developed between the two languages. This is why it is not that difficult for the speakers of one to learn the other. The financial situation of Haiti has not been good in decades. In order to succeed in the world, its citizens must adapt to modern trends. One way to do that is by learning English, the lingua franca of the world.

Tips for Learning English:

If you are a speaker of Haitian Creole and wish to learn English, here are some tips for you: Watch Movies with Subtitles: If you don’t add an element of fun to the learning process, you will require a long time to finish it. One fun way of learning English is watching movies and TV shows with subtitles. This is going to improve your ability to read the language. It will also improve your vocabulary and introduce to the slangs of different countries depending on the type of movies you watch. When you try to learn English by watching movies, the stories will help you immensely. Read Newspapers: Another way to improve your vocabulary and command on the language is by reading newspapers. Journalists cannot write articles and editorials if they are not good at the language, which is why some of the best pieces of writing can be found in a newspaper. You can keep a dictionary with you and look up new words while reading a newspaper. You can also learn to speak the vernacular by reading newspapers aloud. Whenever you have a problem pronouncing a word, you can look it up online and learn the right way to say it. Talk to Natives: You cannot become fluent in a language until you start communicating with people in it. You can easily find language buddies on the internet, people who want to learn your native tongue. If they speak the vernacular you want to learn, then both of you can help each other out. Even if you make mistakes while speaking the tongue, you will get better at it if you don’t give up. A few words of English origin must already be a part of your everyday vocabulary. That will work out in your favor when you are trying to learn to speak English. Be Consistent: Like any other subject, you cannot become an expert in a language overnight. The key to learning English is to be consistent. You cannot study one day a week and expect to make any progress. This is a constant process that you cannot finish until you are fluent in the tongue. Even after that, you must keep on speaking it regularly, so you don’t lose it. Many people forget how to write their native tongue when they don’t use it in writings for years. This is why consistency is very important, regardless of what you are learning. Whether you want to start your business or join the corporate world as an employee, English can be very useful for you. It will make you a global citizen and help you in your communications with other people. It also adds to the confidence of people because it is spoken in every part of the world. Once you become fluent in it, you will become a part of 20% of the earth’s population that speaks English. Regardless of where you are from, fluency in English is a great thing to have on your resume. Read the full article