#but i know there is no convincing anyone that is small minded and judgmental. u dont have to like it too but why are you casting aspersions

[scarysanctuary]

you guys are so funnyyyyyy, i hope i never become "normal" and not "disgusting" so that i can keep upsetting people by shipping controversial ships, because really, what am i doing other than existing? worst case scenario youre right, and i do have personal issues and i am working through it/comforting myself through fiction, right? what is so wrong with that? I havent hurt and wont hurt a damn soul by shipping "weird" fictional couples.

[headkiss]

Hiii, could I request a Steve x Female reader inspired by the Little women, specifically the dynamic between Amy and Laurie. Reader is Nancys sister (feels second to her, like Jo and Amy) and got close with Steve when working with him at scoops ahoy, he confesses his feeling when they’re captured by the Russians but it doesn’t go well but plz make it a happy ending cos I need it hahaha ♥️♥️♥️ thank u!!

hiiii i love little women and i hope this is somewhat what u wanted!!! | 0.9k words, wheeler!reader, fluff :D

When Steve was with Nancy, you convinced yourself you didn’t like him, that you simply had to deal with his presence.

He was always kind to you, making small talk whenever he could, flashing you warm smiles. You weren’t used to him even looking your way, let alone talk to you, and then he was in your house.

Maybe it was the unusualness of interacting with him that put you off. Or—as you’d figure out later—maybe it was the underlying jealousy that he liked Nancy in a way he’d never like you.

Then, they broke up, and he was gone. You found out what happened, and you reached out to Steve, letting him know that you were there if he needed. That’s when you first realized you’d been lying to yourself all along; you didn’t dislike him at all.

You eventually started working with him and Robin at Scoops Ahoy, and he became your best friend. And you, his.

It got harder and harder to push your feelings for him away, to act like all you saw him as was a friend.

Then, the Upside Down invaded your lives again, and this time, you were dragged in. Russian codes, trying to crawl through vents, a secret elevator. All leading up to now, being trapped in said secret elevator. You had enough time in the room to process the fact that you might not get out, and as everyone else slept, you stayed wide awake.

You thought everyone was asleep, at least.

Steve was awake, looking at you through squinted eyes so that you wouldn’t notice. His stomach was in knots; he felt awful for involving you in this mess. You who, against all odds, stuck by him even when your sister didn’t. You who he’d grown to love, over time.

It was hard for him to accept at first, that he fell for none other than his ex’s sister. But, he couldn’t ignore it for long. What with the way you looked at him without an ounce of judgment.

You bury your face in your hands, lean your head against the wall behind you. Steve decides to get up and sit next to you. He nudges you with his shoulder, making you look over at him.

“Can’t sleep?” He asks.

“Can’t imagine why. It’s not like we’re doomed, or anything,” your sarcasm is familiar enough to make him smile.

“I’ll get us out of here, honey. I swear.”

“Yeah, I know you will.”

Though you don’t actually know anything about how or when you’ll get out, you do know that he’s going to do everything he can to keep you safe. You’ve never had to doubt that.

“What are you thinking about?”

He can tell when your mind is full, when your thoughts get a little too loud. He’s learned to know you better than he knows anyone else and sometimes it drives him nuts. All he wants to do is hold you, kiss it all away. But, he can’t.

He asks a loaded question, you think. Because, what aren’t you thinking about right now? You’re thinking about your family, what the last thing you said to them was. Thinking about the other people trapped along with you and how much you wish they weren’t here, only so that they were safe, You’re thinking about Steve, about all the things you might never say.

“Just, um, about what might happen if we die.”

“We’re not dying,” he faces you, makes sure you’re looking at him when he repeats, more sure, “we are not dying, you hear me?”

“Yeah. I know, I’m just scared.”

This time, he lets himself reach out. He takes your hand, laces your fingers together.

“Me too.”

His eyes are searching your face, roaming over every detail. The color of your eyes, the way your lashes frame them, the slope of your nose. Then, he thinks, if he does die, he doesn’t want it to be before he gets to tell you how he feels.

“Can I tell you something?”

“‘Course you can, Steve.”

“It’s gonna sound kinda crazy,” you squeeze his hand, a silent reassurance. “But, just hear me out.”

He clears his throat, clearly nervous. Your voices stay hushed, never loud enough to wake anyone, only to hear each other. It’s your turn to look him over, the way his throat bobs when he swallows, the hair that falls over his forehead.

“‘M not judging you, promise.”

“No, I know. Um. So, when we met, I barely even knew you. But now, everything’s different. You’re my favorite person, like, ever, and I don’t want you to feel like things have to change after this, but I love you,” your world halts, it’s just him. “I’m in love with you.”

“You’re lying,” you want to believe him so badly, but it’s hard not to feel like he only wants you because he can’t have Nancy.

“I’m not. Look at me,” he uses the hand that isn’t holding yours to cradle your face, thumb sliding over your cheek. “I know how it seems, and that the only reason we know each other is ‘cause I was with Nancy, but this is real. I do love you, and I’ll do whatever I can to prove that.”

You kiss him, quick and sweet, but the way he melts into you is enough to let you know he’s being completely honest. You lean your forehead on his.

“Steve?”

“Yeah, honey?”

“I love you, too.”

At least, if this is your last day alive, you were able to have been loved by Steve Harrington, and to love him back.

[amelialincoln]

The Way Life Goes

This is my post finale fic. Will def be 2+ parts. Hope u enjoy

TW: substance abuse

The look he wore on his face was a mixture of confusion and betrayal and it made her want to run away and hide. She found herself wondering how he could feel betrayed. She had told him exactly what she wanted and it was exactly the opposite of what was happening at this very moment. If anything, she should be the one looking at him like that. She couldn’t bring herself to glance in the direction of her nieces and nephew. She found herself wondering how many people were in on this, how many people she was going to disappoint yet again. Link had always told Ellis she’d be their flower girl and Amelia couldn’t imagine how excited she was when Link had told her that they were going to get married. She blinked hard, wondering for a moment if she was going to throw up.

When she opened her eyes again he was standing on both feet, collecting the tiny boxes, that she refused to look at, from the kid’s hands. Were they supposed to go dance now like everything was okay? This was supposed to be Maggie’s day, why would he make it about them? She felt that familiar impending feeling, in the pit of her stomach, that she had just fucked everything up. Still, she was stuck frozen in place. She wanted to say something to him to fix this. She wished she could just say yes. For the sake of him, Scout, and for everyone who works at the damn hospital and is tired of putting up with her shit.

The kids ran off and it was the two of them. He was kicking sand with his feet, dirting up the shoes he’d spent so much time polishing the night before.

“So what now then?” He questioned bitterly.

“I don’t know,” she choked out, the only thing she could think of to say. He shook his head and let out a sour chuckle. He muttered something that she felt grateful not to hear before pushing past her and storming back to the after party. She found herself guiltily wondering if he was going to find Jo, who always seemed ready to give him shitty advice whenever they were having a fight. Maybe they’d decide that they had actually loved each other the whole time. That idea felt like a knife to the heart but she also felt a sense of relief, knowing that at least he’d have found someone who deserves him. Someone who can be all the things that she can’t. Someone who can make him happy.

The tide was coming in and water was lapping gently against her ankles. It was cold but she couldn’t really feel it. The music had died down and she could see people vacating the reception. The after party would be held at Meredith’s. She was supposed to be helping host it. She sat down, her dress clinging to her small frame as the bottom half became submerged in the clear water. She’d wait until everyone was gone. Until every person that would offer her sympathy or judgment had driven away. Not until, most likely, the sun had dipped into the glittering water that shone in the horizon and until the beach was surrounded in darkness.

He had taken the car, she’d realized, as she stood shivering and soggy in the empty parking lot. Why the hell would he take the car? The answer was simple, he’d assumed that she would’ve caught a ride with Meredith, to get to the house early. That was the plan even before he’d pulled out that ring box. But the whole situation made her even more pissed. Her phone was at 8% and she opened the maps app quickly, eyeing if anything was around. It was the park, less than a kilometer away, that caught her eye. She knew exactly what happened in that park. She recognized the name since it had been brought up in almost half of the addicts at her meeting’s backstories. That park had exactly what her entire body was craving and suddenly it overcame all of her thoughts.

The thing was that she had already fucked everything up. She couldn’t go to Mer’s. She couldn’t go to Link’s apartment. She had nowhere to go. No one to talk to who wouldn’t express some form of judgment. Unlike every person she was now close with, the people at the park wouldn’t care. If anything, those people understood her more than anyone else. The comfort of being surrounded by people who also needed to escape from their unbearable and insufferable lives was intoxicating.

The first bonfire was filled with teenagers. She grimaced slightly before realizing she was in no place to judge. Since when had she become so judgmental? It was her coworkers, her brain was screaming at her. She was becoming one of those egotistical people she used to hate, who had the idea that they were better than everyone else. The type of people who had convinced her that something was wrong with her. The type of people who couldn’t mind their own business for once in their life. She pulled her hoodie tighter around her wet dress as she approached the next blaze.

“Hey,” a woman greeted her gruffly, probably only a couple of years older than her. “What’s a pretty girl like you doing out here?” The woman was giving her a look of resentment that only Amelia could really understand. She wanted to laugh but instead gave her an uninterested shrug.

“What do you have?” She asked, pulling out her wallet.

“Come take a seat and I’ll show you.” She reminded Amelia of one of her dealers in California except without the little toddler who would always be following his drugged up mother around. There was a strange comfort that this woman provided though, Amelia realized as she settled onto the log between her and a man she’d probably sleep with, by the look of him, if she wasn’t in a relationship. Was she still in a relationship? She passed the woman whatever bills she kept in her wallet and turned to the man beside her.

“What do you recommend?” He looked as if he was having the best trip of his life. He eyed her softly, his vision slightly glazed over before nodding to the syringe the woman was offering.

“Well, what do you like?” He asked simply, scratching his prickly beard with his index finger and eyeing her wet dress with confusion.

“Oxy,” she replied, her eyes glancing over to the little bags and boxes in the women's impressive stash. Watching as he smirked slightly and opened his palms up to the warmth of the fire with a shake of his head.

“You’ll like this then. Camilla's got you.” he confirmed. “If you can handle it.” There was a small kind and teasing tone to his voice and it relaxed her slightly.

“Alright,” she shrugged calmly as she stretched her arm out in the direction of the women and waited for the world to fade away.

Find part 2 here

[thirium-fiction]

Could I ask for Simon, Connor, Markus and RK900 reacting to their shy S/O/threader trying to flirt with them but instead getting really flustered and trying to awkwardly stutter out the line but then giving up and just asking them to kiss her?

A/N: Changed this one just slightly and made it pre-relationship because who doesn’t love a little embarrassment with their crush?? 

Warnings: Little bit of swearing, some fluff with some suggestiveness as well 

-

Simon - 

You had no idea how you were going to do this. 

Simon was Simon and you were just...you. 

He was one of the head people of the revolution right alongside Markus for god’s sake. How were you supposed to muster up the courage to be able to flirt with him? You know, other deviants don’t tell you the terms and conditions of what comes along with having feelings. It just made things more complicated. Couldn’t you just be friends with the pretty blonde android? Your mind wanted to say yes but every single other biocomponent in your body said no (specifically your thirium pump). Is that what humans feel? Gross. 

Maybe he just saw you as a friend. Yeah, that could be it. Forget all this.

“You’re overthinking.” A voice came from the right of you, scaring you out of your internal rant. “It’s written all over your face.”

You shifted awkwardly in your spot as your gaze still rests on the particular blue-eyed PL600 model. “North, I don’t think I can do this.” A light bulb suddenly went off in your head. “Maybe you can-”

“I’m not passing the message off for you.” She laughed, crossing your arms before a slight cringe falls upon her features. “That would be weird.”

Letting out a breath of air, you shook your hands and jogged in place like you were getting ready to wrestle. “You’re right.” You said, giving a nod to her as she watches you with a judgmental yet amused look on her face. “I got this. I got this. I got this.” You repeated the phrase multiple times, trying to convince yourself.

Rolling her eyes, North pushed you forward and caused you to almost trip yourself. “Just go.”

Once you regained your balance, you began to walk forward while staring back at North who was giving you a supportive thumbs up (or her best attempt at one). You were so busy watching her that you didn’t realize you already made it to your destination and bumped into Simon.

“O-Oh! I’m so sorry, Simon! D-Didn’t realize you were standing there!” You laugh nervously, internally swearing at yourself non-stop for being such a klutz. 

The man gave you a kind smile that made your synthetic heart swoon. “It’s not a problem at all, (Y/N).” He was about to go back to whatever he was doing before you began again.

“Um, I was just wondering-” You trailed off, your eyes falling everywhere but his. “I couldn’t help but notice how much you’ve done for me.” Your (Y/N) orbs widen and your gaze snapped to him. “J-Jericho! Jericho, I mean. Not me, specifically.”

Simon furrowed his eyebrows, a look of concern dawning on him but there was still a small grin across his lips. “Are you alright?”

“Of course!” You squeaked a little too quickly before clearing your throat. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

He blinked once before his smile grew a little more, curious as to what you were up to. “I don’t know...” He muttered, tilting his head, observing your microexpressions. “Why wouldn’t you be?”

You practically became jelly right then and there. You weren’t cut out for this. Your mind was whirling with too much and you just had to get out. Too bad your mouth spoke first.

“Because I want you to kiss me.”

You immediately gasped and covered your mouth. You almost stumbled over yourself trying to get away with a bunch of apologies but you were stopped by a gentle hand on your shoulder.

And a soft peck on your lips.

“You could’ve just led with that.” He whispered, his unbelievably warm hands cupping your face. “North was right about your face giving you away.” 

‘Damn you, North.’ You thought, barely able to process what just happened. He began to leave feather light kisses all over, leaving you feeling more comforted than you ever have been.

‘But also, thank you, North.’

Connor - 

You needed help fast. You knew Hank wanted nothing more than he already could handle with the robot. So, desperate times meant desperate measures. 

“GAVIN!” You slammed your hands on his desk, knocking his cup of pens and pencils over.

“FUCK!” The detective shot up from his previous position of using his arms as a pillow. The bags under his eyes were darker than ever. It must’ve been a rough couple of days. And that definitely meant he wasn’t going to be in a jolly mood. “The hell do you want this time?”

Case and point.

You pulled up a chair and sat next to him, your chin on your hands with a cheeky grin which caused a look of both disgust and annoyance to be directed at you. “I need your assistance.”

Gavin raised a brow before scoffing, “Assistance?” He shook his head and leaned back in his chair, trying to stretch his aching back. “You spend so much time with that shit for brains that you’re even starting to sound like it.”

“Please?” You beg, knowing it would inflate his already huge ego.

There was a pause before he heaved an overly dramatic sigh and gestured for you to continue.

You bit your lip, trying to think of a way to phrase it. “Now, let’s say there was someone in the office you’re, um, interested in? How would you get their attention?”

Gavin’s head laid limp near his shoulder before it fell back so he could stare at the ceiling. “Ugh, I don’t fuckin’ knowww.” He grunted before throwing his arms up. “Flirt? Like, you know, a normal person?”

Flirting? You weren’t exactly the biggest expert at that. Well, maybe it won’t be too bad considering Connor was quite different than the average male. Unless he had to ability to have standards. Oh, god. What were his standards?

“Alright.” You replied, slowly getting up from your seat next to him. “Guess I’ll give it a shot.” 

But, a hand raised mid-air forced you to stop in your tracks.

“Don’t tell me it has something to do with….” He pinched the bridge of his nose, his energy for handling anything quickly dwindling. “...WALL-E over there.” Your heavy silence made him grab the trash can from underneath his desk and begin to gesture from his mouth to the container. “I’m puking right now.”

You turned around and walked away from his childish antics.

“This is me puking!” He called out after you until you couldn’t hear him anymore before putting it back and going back to his nap.

Eventually, you made your way to Connor’s desk and noticed him scanning through files at a rapid pace. “Hey, Connor…” You began, causing his brown eyes to fall upon yours.

“Yes, (Y/N)? Did you need something?”

You were about to tell him never mind but you knew this was something you had to do.

“Could you come with me to the other break room for a second?” You watched as he glanced between you and his work before getting up with a small ‘okay’ and following you.

When you got there, you closed the door and silently fixed yourself a cup of coffee to look like you needed something from the room despite not being thirsty nor needing any more things to make you antsy. 

“Were you able to look at the thing I sent you?” You asked, taking a small sip from the piping cup of joe.

He blinked, puzzled at first before raising his eyebrows. “Oh, yes! I found it very enjoyable. I don’t think I could ever get tired of all the dog content you send me!”

‘Do I really send him that much?’ You thought as you put your cup down, not really interested in it.

Connor pursed his lips before slightly squinting. “Why did you ask for me?”

Oh, right. The flirting. You cleared your throat before slowly approaching him. “You’ve been here for awhile, Connor.” You whisper, trying to look at least a little seductive. 

“Yes, I have.” He stated, your efforts going right over his head.

Your fingers crawl up his suit jacket slowly. “Has anyone c-caught your eye?” You flutter your eyes, smiling. 

What were you thinking? 

“U-uh,” He stuttered as well, unsure of how to handle a situation like this. A situation where he had no clue what was going on. Or, maybe he did. He wasn’t sure if that’s what it was though. “I don’t understand, (Y/N). Could you care to-”

“Goddammit, Connor I’ve liked you for a long time and would really appreciate it if you just-” 

The android slammed his lips to yours, his hands hovering over your waist, not knowing what to do past this point. You quickly broke it and you could see there was a brief flash of worry across his face. 

“I-I’m sorry, I don’t know why I did that.”

A couple beats passed until you giggled a bit, making him look at you. “I can’t fool a detective.” You giggle before pulling him back in again as his arms wrapped themselves tightly around your torso, never wanting to let go.

And maybe it was just your imagination from being on cloud nine but you could’ve sworn you heard, 

“Puke! Everywhere!”

Markus - 

You really didn’t want to say that you had gained feelings for him over time but you knew you couldn’t deny it for so long. Even Carl could see it. He secretly would try and coordinate when you could come over and when Markus visited. Despite the artist’s health deteriorating, he still wanted to make sure the two of you were happy. 

“Alarms deactivated. Welcome home, Markus”

An evil grin made its way across Carl’s tired face when you froze at the alarm system’s voice. “Go talk to him.” He said, patting your back to make you get up from the edge of the hospital bed. “I’m over watching the two of you tip toe around each other. Work your magic.”

Hesitantly, you got up off the bed but you nervously wringed your wrists, afraid of doing something you’d regret. “Maybe you’re right, Carl.”

“Of course I’m right. Now, go! I need to get some rest anyway.”

You ran your hands up and down your arms as you made your way out of the room and down the stairs, trying to calm your rising nerves. You didn’t see him at the entrance so he must’ve made his way to the main living room. Once you reached the doors, you put your hands on your knees, feeling as if you had already ran a marathon. Working up the courage before something like this really takes a lot out of you. Nodding, you hyped yourself up before taking a couple steps forward and causing the wooden doors to slide open. 

Markus was placed right in the middle of the room on a couch, a book in hand as he slowly fingers through it. After becoming deviant, he’s taken his time when it comes to appreciating literature and other forms of art. Even if he could read it all in a millisecond, he wanted the material to really resonate with him. A minute or two passed by before he finally looked up in your direction and noticed you. Almost instantly, he sprung up from his sitting position and closed the book.

“(Y/N).” Markus breathed, disappointed in himself for not acknowledging you sooner. “I-I didn’t hear you come in.”

You shrugged, walking around the couch so you weren’t speaking to him from across the room. “It’s okay. I didn’t exactly do anything to make you notice I was there.”

He glanced discreetly between you and the book he was reading, stepping in front of it to block it from view. “You don’t have to do much to-” He began, but quickly lost his confidence. He led a whole revolution but couldn’t do this one simple thing. Maybe it was a little too human for his liking. 

“What was that, Markus?” You asked softly, setting yourself down next to the spot where he was sitting moments before. 

“It’s...nothing.” He muttered, a smile on his face as he shook his head. “How have you been?” He quickly changed the subject and placed himself next to you, perhaps a little closer than originally intended.

“I’ve been - okay.” You didn’t want to be too upfront about your feelings and how he was on your mind a lot. “Just caught up in work and all. Don’t really have a lot of time to rest.” You crossed your legs and rested your hands on top of your knee. “I’m sure you know all about that.”

You subtly pinched your hand after that came out of your mouth. ‘He doesn’t rest, (Y/N). He’s an android! Just, ugh, stop talking!’ You thought, painting a kind expression over your panic.

“Yeah, I do.” Markus chuckled, a hand placed over the book so you couldn’t read the title. 

There was a long heavy silence and neither of you had the courage to break it. But, someone had to speak.

“What’re you reading?” You leaned over, trying to see what he was keeping so close to himself. 

He proceeded to move the book further out of sight. “Oh, just something Carl gave me.”

You eyed him suspiciously, his lack of being forward with you only making it more intriguing. He couldn’t get away that easily. You decided, and without even thinking much first, that you should dive for the book. Markus clearly wasn’t prepared for this sudden change in energy. He used his forearm to try and push you away, his other hand still grasping onto the cover, blocking you from seeing it. 

“(Y/N), please!” Markus shouted, a giant grin plastered on his face despite having to fight you off. “This isn’t going to get you anywhere!”

You ignored his pleas and still tried to reach for the item, crawling all over him and doing your best to push his strong arm away. What you hadn’t realized was the compromising position you put yourselves in. When you finally paused to catch your breath, you noticed how you were practically on top of the android as he still held the book above his head. A heavy blush returned to your face but you didn’t try and get up.

“S-So,” You whisper, still out of breath as you stared into his eyes. “I guess you could say I fell for-” You immediately choked, not being able to finish the pun. Maybe it was the lack of air to your head or the impending doom of embarrassment. 

You gulped, your gaze falling on his lips. It was now or never. Your voice was incredibly shaky as you let out a small whisper, “C-Could I-”

You didn’t need to tell him twice. Your lips meshed together perfectly as the two of you moved in sync. So, this is what happens when you tip toe around someone too much. The book dropped from his grasp and his hands found their way into your hair to deepen the kiss while own fingers slid down his chest and made their way underneath his shirt.

You never did find out what he was reading.

RK900 - 

You’re insane.

Have you not realized by now that this android and anything to do with genuine emotions does not go together? 

Like, at all? 

Anything that shows just a sign of weakness would be a no from him. He still didn’t understand why he was paired up with you as a partner for work. You were one of the shyest there was while he, on the other hand, was one of the most blunt and up front beings ever. Seriously, someone could be having the best day and all Conner had to say was one single thing and he could ruin it all. But, it’s what made him an excellent detective. Plenty of deviants have cracked under the enormous pressure that he puts them through. Guess you could say you were like a good cop and bad cop duo.

And maybe because he was the complete opposite of you, it made you all the more attracted to him. He never showed hesitation when it came to something and you admired him for that. Even if he could be the biggest dick about some of the things. You couldn’t really blame him, though. You knew CyberLife had to fix the “mistakes” from his previous model, the RK800, which was showing too much emotion. 

So, uh, what made you believe he could change things around for you?

You. A young detective that’s just trying to make a living and pay the bills to get by. What about you would make Conner interested? To go against his programming?

Thoughts like these never really helped you when it came to your confidence about the topic. You wanted to believe you could make him feel at least something but you knew it was going to have to take a lot of work. You tried though. Over and over again, you would give him small compliments on his process of handling things. Yet, he’d merely dismiss whatever you’d say.

“I merely do what I have to do in the most efficient way possible.” He’d tell you, focused on whatever he was doing at the time. “It’s not about it being good or bad to others.”

You didn’t know why he couldn’t just take a compliment. Could it have been because they made him feel better which was different from the normal way he saw himself? He was more comfortable with just doing his job without someone mentioning anything about it? Most likely. As mentioned, anything to do with a change in his feelings was a no from the android. 

It still didn’t stop you.

“Why do you do that?” Conner asked, coming off as incredibly harsh yet being genuinely curious.

“W-What do you mean?” You stuttered in reply, suddenly becoming overly nervous from being unprepared for such confrontation.

He glared intensely at you, leaning his head as he slowly walked up to you. It was incredibly intimidating, to say the least. “The compliments.” He began to walk around you in circles, almost as if you were his prey. “The flattery.” 

“I-I just-” You could barely get a word out without messing it up.

Eventually, he stopped right in front of you. “Why?”

You tried to take a step back from him, seeing how close he was, but you were stopped by a surface against your back. Great, you were stuck. 

“I don’t know.” Your eyes were everywhere but him. “I just a-admire the way you do things. Efficient, I guess.”

Conner seemed to enjoy that word. Efficient. It didn’t have any ties to it. It wasn’t good or bad. Much like he was in your opinion. Maybe your use of the word here would make him back off.

He scoffed a bit, approaching you a little more and removing the small distance you had. “Admire?” It was extremely evident that he was mocking you. “Why me? Do humans usually attach to things they know they can’t have?”

Ouch.

“You’re an asshole.” You hissed, tears starting to well up in your eyes. “I can’t believe I-”

“You what?” Conner whispered, looking down at you because of his height and his chest was just barely touching yours. 

You remained quiet, your glare pointed at the floor but you couldn’t help glancing up at his faces and to his lips for just a split second before looking away from him again. You don’t know why you thought you could get away with it.

“Ask me.” 

Furrowing your brows, you looked up into his eyes that never once strayed away from your own. “What?” 

The RK900 glanced down at your own lips just like you did with him before returning back to your gaze.

You couldn’t believe what he was implying. It just didn’t seem like something he’d do. “Y-You’re being ridiculous.” You huffed, trying to move past him until his arm stopped you from moving any more. 

“Ask me.”

Crossing your arms, you faced him fully once more. “Alright then…” You began, gaining a whole new burst of courage. “Kiss me.”

You were roughly pushed up against the wall behind you and you just barely let out a yelp before his mouth crashed itself into yours. Your brain could barely even process what was going on before he pulled at your waist to bring you even closer to him. His tongue dragged itself across your bottom lip before grabbing it between his teeth with a slight pull. You couldn’t help but respond with a moan before digging your fingers into his practically perfect hair, messing it up.

For someone so bland, you had never thought about what he could be behind closed doors.

You obviously weren’t complaining though.

- 

[masterlist]

TAGS:

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[galaxyofmyown]

could u do a fic where reader is scared that hotch is cheating on them and hotch learns that its bc their past partners had cheated?

anon, i think i may scream. not because of your request (it is lovely and original and i like it). but i think my brain is bye-bye GONE. this took me like four days to write for literally no reason. so i’m writing this note to apologize in advance for errors or literally just bad writing. brain-machine say no. but PLEASE! feel free to send another request and i promise i will craft it as the gods crafted man (well, i’ll try). AHHHHHH. i hope you enjoy anyways!! :))))))

NOTE: I FINALLY MADE IT GENDER-NEUTRAL THOUGH AHAHAHA

aaron hotchner x reader - i know not

“Hey, baby,” Hotch says over the phone. It’s almost midnight and you’re alone in your bed once again.

“Hey, Aaron. How’s the case going?” You ask. You’re curled up under your clean sheets, freshly showered and in your favorite sleep clothes. But for some reason, you don’t feel comfortable at all.

“It’s… coming along. I should be home in a day or two.” He says. He sounds genuinely tired, and you trust this man with all of you, or at least you try to. Sometimes, though, you can’t help but get paranoid, the darker memories creeping in, clouding your vision.

“Okay. I love you.” You say softly.

“I love you more. And I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize. I understand.”

“You are extraordinary, (Y/N).”

“Ditto, Agent. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight. Love you.” He says again, easing your worry.

“Love you too. Stay safe.”

You plug in your phone and set it on your bedside table. Your room is lit only by one small lamp, and you stare at your ceiling. Your mind wanders even though you did not give it permission to do that. Usually, Hotch asks you to watch Jack part-time when he’s on a case, but in the last couple instances he assured you that Jessica could take care of him. It was probably nothing, but you couldn’t help but jump to a worst-case scenario. Were you getting cheated on again? Or was he about to break up with you?

No. Bad (Y/N). Stop.

But he was always so annoyingly vague about his cases. What if, and we’re just spitballing here, what if he isn’t even on a case when he says he is? What if he finishes the case, and rather than going home to you, he goes to some other person’s house? 

You sit up in bed, suddenly wide awake. You know you’re being ridiculous, but you can’t help it. Aaron is a great guy. He loves you. He wouldn’t even cheat if he didn’t love you. He wouldn’t do that to anyone. You’re reaching for your phone before you can convince yourself not too.

“Hello?”

Just hearing Hotch’s voice makes you feel better.

“Hi. Sorry. I didn’t mean to call you.” You say.

“Are you sure? Is something wrong?” He asks, and his concern makes you want to laugh and cry at the same time.

“No, everything’s fine. Sorry again. Goodnight.” You hang up before he can probe more.

You sigh and walk to the kitchen to get a snack. You don’t think you’ll be getting much sleep tonight.

---

You wake up at 7:30 the next morning for work, your eyelids drooping and feet dragging. You make coffee in your biggest travel mug before heading out. Your day at the publishing house is slow and you think it’s a miracle it ends at all. You check your phone as you’re leaving the building and you see a text from Hotch.

Agent: Hey (Y/N). I’ll be home tonight around 8. Want to come over? Jack will be home and I know he misses you as much as I do.

You smile like an idiot and quickly respond that you’ll be there on the dot. You’re walking to your parking space when a familiar silver sedan passes you.

“I know not.” You say, your suspicions confirmed by the familiar license plate. You rush to your car before you start crying in the middle of the parking lot.

Why else would he lie to you and pretend he wasn’t back yet? Was he going to his place to meet someone right now? You start your car and pull out of the lot before you lose your nerve. You don’t know what you’ll say, but you have to confront him. You had your suspicions in your last relationship, but you ignored them. The only good that did was give you four more months of ignorant bliss before you realized you were being cheated on yet again.

You’re shaking by the time you pull up to his apartment building. You climb the stairs with the nervous anticipation you used to get as a kid when you had to get a shot. You have a moment's pause before you reach the door, your knock strong despite the weakness in your knees.

Hotch is still in his suit when he opens the door, but his tie is loose and his jacket is wrinkled.

“(Y/N). Wh-what are you doing here?” He asks, looking more confused than anything else.

“What are you doing here? You said you wouldn’t be back for hours. What am I supposed to think when you drive by me in your car when you’re meant to be four states over?”

Hotch still hasn’t opened the door enough for you to see inside, which all but confirms your worst fears.

“(Y/N), I can explain what-”

“Hotch,” You can’t call him Aaron right now, “Just tell me. Is there someone else?” You say, voice breaking. Aaron’s face can’t hide his emotions. His eyebrows furrow and he tilts his head up at you in that condescending way you hate.

“(Y/N). No. Why would you think that?” He says, but his voice isn’t reassuring. If anything, it’s angry.

“Can you blame me for feeling a little insecure, Hotch? You’ve been home three days out of the last two weeks. You don’t want me watching Jack in your apartment all of a sudden. You lie about whether or not you’re home? Is this the first time you came home without telling me, or is this something you’ve been doing. Do you laugh when I believe you?” You’re lashing out and you know it, but you can’t help the way your voice rises as you let out all of your pent-up feelings.

Hotch is silent, staring intently at your face. You know his profiling look, and this isn’t it. This is his boyfriend look. He’s concerned, but guarded, analyzing his best move. The amazing thing about Hotch, the thing you love about Hotch, is that he’s always determining the best move that will make you happy.

After a moment of tense quiet, he sighs in resignation and opens the door all the way.

His apartment is a mess. Clothes everywhere, dishes stacked in and around his sink, overflowing trash bags strewn about.

“Oh,” you say, tilting your head and willing yourself not to pass judgment, “hmm.”

Hotch looks sheepish.

“I, I’ve been having a tough couple of weeks. That’s why I lied about when I was getting back. I wanted some time to clean.” He says.

“You could’ve just told me.” You point out, and he nods.

“I know, I know, and I should have. I don’t know what I’m so afraid of. It’s just the thought of you thinking of me as weak…” He trails off, and your anger dissipates. 

“Aaron, baby,” You say, taking his face in your hands, “I love you. I know who you are. You’re the strongest man I know. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t come to me for help. I would do anything for you.” You whisper your last statement, and yet it still carries the most force. Hotch leans into your touch.

“I’m sorry, (Y/N). I love you,” He pauses, at a loss for words, “I love you.”

You huff out a laugh.

“You already said that.”

“It wasn’t enough.”

You hug him, and he melts into your arms. 

“I could’ve watched Jack at my place, you know. It doesn’t bother me at all.” You say, leading him over to the couch (and clearing off some clothes as you do so.). He rests his head in your lap.

“I didn’t want to ask that of you. You work a full-time job, and I know you didn’t sign up for being his babysitter-”

“Hey. No. When I started seeing you Jack became just as important part of my life as you are. I would drop everything for both of you.”

You notice Hotch’s eyes are getting red, and you stroke your hand through his hair.

“I adore you, (Y/N). You are absolutely amazing. And sometimes the thought of you leaving is so scary that I shut down.” He says.

“I get it. I just want you to know I’m all in.”

“I know you are. I am too.”

Both of you just sit there for a moment, basking in one another’s company.

“Speaking of scared,” you begin to say, and Hotch sits up to look at you, “I’m sorry I accused you of… you know, cheating.” You’re ashamed. 

“I’m not mad. I’m sorry I was rude to you. I don’t blame you for not trusting me with how I’ve been acting lately.” He says, and you sigh in relief.

“Thank you. I’ve just had bad experiences, so it’s hard sometimes to not get worried.”

“Bad experiences? What do you mean?” Hotch asks, protective mode activated. 

“My last three boyfriends all cheated on me.” You say quietly. Hotch stands up and paces back and forth past the coffee table a few times.

“Aaron?” You ask carefully. He stops when he hears your voice and the tenseness of his shoulders seems to melt away.

“Sorry, sorry,” he says, returning to the couch, “how could anyone do that to you?” He asks, taking your hands in his. You don’t know how to respond, so he kisses your forehead.

“Listen to me,” he murmurs, “I would never, ever, in a million years do anything to hurt you like that. Never. You are my world.” He says. You nod, fighting back tears.

“I love you so much.” You say because it’s never enough.

“I love you more.” He responds. You shake your head. Impossible.

“Get up, then.” You say, hopping off the couch.

“Why?” He asks but gets up anyway.

“We’re cleaning. Both of us. And then we’re picking Jack up. Both of us. And then we’re making dinner. Both of us. Got it?”

Hotch smiles and picks up a trash bag.

“Got it.”

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #370

“breakdowns, obscenities, it’s all i wanna be”

Do you have any bad habits you aren’t working on changing? If so, do you ever think you’ll try to break them? Downloading music, for one. I really should just start using Spotify... but my iPod has over 1k songs on it and I just seriously don't want to got through all the trouble. When was the last time someone surprised you with their reaction or behaviors? Hm. I dunno. What kinds of videos do you like to watch on YouTube, if any? I watch SO many different kinds. It used to be pretty strictly let's plays, but I've definitely expanded my watching interests. Now I'm really into watching educational reptile and tarantula husbandry and keeping channels, I watch one woman who is like my weight loss idol (Jordan Shrinks, she is amazing), there's a few vloggers, I enjoy some World of Warcraft channels, and then there's a couple urban exploration guys I like. I also occasionally watch some beauty YouTubers just for their personalities and the art of it. Have you ever reached out to a crisis center for mental health support? If so, how was the experience? Yes, but they were so busy that I didn't connect with anyone before I finally gave up and ODed. When was the last time you did something you were afraid to do, and how was the outcome? Ummmm I don't really know. What is one positive thing you believe about yourself? I care a lot about other people. What is something you have been through that has made you stronger? The breakup. It brought me to the lowest of lows, where every day was a struggle to survive. It taught me I can endure through almost anything, even if it doesn't feel like I can. Other than money, what is something you wish you had more of in your life? Happiness, contentment, being in love, motivation, energy, activities, travel... There's genuinely a lot. IIs there anything that you tend to ignore for the sake of your sanity? I'm very bad at ignoring things. If something is bothering me, it's going to put up a beastly fight to be at the forefront of my mind. What is something you wish was different about your family? I wish we were closer and better off monetarily. What keeps you going lately? The hope for a happy, satisfactory future. Have you ever been in an unconventional relationship (long distance, polyamorous, same gender, age gap, etc)? if so, what challenges did this relationship present, and were they worth overcoming? I've been in a long-distance relationship with another girl. I think the hardest part was that there was not being able to physically be there for each other when one of us was really struggling, and sometimes communication was an issue, not being able to read body language when we voice chatted or hear the tone in which we "spoke" when texting, though I'm pretty sure that's an issue with any online relations. I also feel it's difficult to really build and experience your chemistry with one another when you're not physically with the other person. I still think all these challenges were worth overcoming, though. I in no way regret the relationship and got only good things out of it. What is the most unhealthy relationship (whether friendship or romantic) you’ve ever had? What made it so unhealthy? Do you still talk to each other? I'm kinda torn between Jason and Colleen, but I think my bond with Jason was ultimately more unhealthy because it went beyond love: he was an obsession. Having him with me was the only thing that brought me joy, and I lit-er-a-lly could not imagine my future without him. Like that concept just didn't exist; it was entirely impossible in my head. On his end, he failed to communicate what he was going through emotionally, which only contributed to the damage. I never knew he was struggling because of me. Without realizing it, I put so much pressure on him to make me happy, so to answer the last question, no, we don't, by his decision - and I don't blame him. Have you ever been abusive in any way? Were you able to change or make amends, or, in general, what do you think people should do to make amends in that situation? A neverending battle I have with myself is if how I treated Jason after the breakup was qualifiable as emotional abuse, specifically with messaging him things like "thanks for sending me to the ER" and shit. My therapist reassures me that it wasn't abusive because I wasn't being deliberately manipulative, but rather genuinely hurt and convinced I had been wronged and wanted him to know and acknowledge it. She agrees that it was wrong, which I entirely agree with, but sometimes, I'm still convinced I was abusive. I fucking hate answering this question, so hurrying up: I don't know if he's forgiven me. As for how others could reconcile, that's not for me to say. I know sometimes the answer is to NOT make amends and completely stay away from their abuser. It's not my right to tell others how to cope with their abuse. Have you ever forgiven someone for being abusive or allowed someone toxic back into your life? Did this person change for the better or not? My former best friend Colleen was toxic as all fuck hell, and I let her back in way too many times. No, she never changed. I honesty doubt she ever will, given her pride. When was the last time you did something “meant” for children? Do you think it’s okay for adults to do these things (ie. watch cartoons, have stuffed animals, dress in cute clothing, etc), or do you think there’s an age beyond which it becomes unacceptable - and if so, why? Hmmm... I know this was semi-recent, but whatever it was is evading me at the moment. I personally have zero issue with adults engaging in activities like that; let people do what they enjoy if they're not harming anyone, especially things as innocent as dressing how they think is cute, etc. I would far rather people "act like children" (not emotionally, you know what I mean) than run around the streets selling drugs and shit. What was the last thing to “trigger” you (as in, in a true mental health sense, I’m being serious here) and how did you cope with it? What kinds of things do you tend to find triggering? What do you do either avoid or face your triggers? When I was riding to the sleep study section of the health plaza, where the hospital is, my anxiety spiked quite a bit, recalling all of my ER stays for being suicidal. It didn't help that the psych hospital I visited most is also in that whole jumble of buildings. I dealt with it by reminding myself I was in that area for a very different reason, and Mom reassured me that where I would be staying was more like a small hotel room than a hospital bed, which was true, so that helped. Regarding the next question, I'm not gonna lie to ya, I have a stupid amount of PTSD triggers: certain music, shows, fandoms, places, smells, even tastes of certain foods. I tend to stay away from my major triggers, but I'll *sometimes* fight the tiny ones, because I want that sense of ownership of myself back. If you’re diagnosed with anything, do you feel that it accurately represents what you’re experiencing? Yes. What are some minor physical discomforts that really bug you (eyelash in your eye, a wedgie, rumpled socks, etc)? I'm VERY sensitive to feeling anything in my nose, and it leads to me needing to blow it a lot. I also can't stand having holes in my socks, but since I wear flip flops essentially everywhere, I don't experience this much. Are you ever afraid to admit to liking something because you’re afraid other people will judge you for it? What is the worst that’s ever happened as a result of you liking something different from the crowd? What about the best thing that’s come as a result of a unique interest? Y E P!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing really bad has happened because of admitting my interests, other than hearing things along the lines of "I don't get it." It's very odd, just how horribly receptive I am to judgment about things I like when I don't recall a time where I was ridiculed for anything. But anyway, the best thing to happen from sharing interests for me is making a new friend that likes the same thing, and I will IMMEDIATELY be closer to you than most people I associate with once you've helped me past that vulnerable spot of mine. Have you ever remained good friends with an ex? Yeah. Do you have a negative view of mentally ill people, or are you mentally ill yourself? Do you ever call others crazy, insane, etc? Do you ever call yourself those things? I'm mentally ill and empathize heavily with those who suffer themselves. I absolutely do not have a negative look on mental health sufferers; we don't choose to be victims. I'm definitely not a big fan of abusing terms like "insane," because I've fucking been there, and it's not a term to take lightly. I've thrown 'em around before, but I try to avoid it. I don't call myself any of those things nowadays, but in the deepest trench of my depression and PTSD, I honest to God think I fit the definition of "insane." Does it bother you to have people comment on what you’re eating, or do you not care? What are some comments that would bother you, if any? Do you ever comment on what other people are eating or make assumptions about their intakes? YES. JUST DON'T FUCKING COMMENT. I get EXTREMELY self-conscious when my mom does this sometimes when I occasionally need a small snack to hold me out overnight, and I absolutely never will say something to someone else. It's just rude, imo. Well, I guess if someone was really destroying their health and I was close to them, I would out of concern and be very gentle, but when regarding most people? I'm keeping my thoughts to my damn self. Do you like Redbull? I've never tried it and don't want to. I'm not an energy drink fan. Who is the last person you spent money on? My mom. I remember I bought us fast food when we were out once. What are you looking forward to in the next 4 days? G U Y S!!!!!!!!! I GET MY TATTOO TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!! :'''') Also on the same day, I start my TMS therapy, which I have high hopes for. Have you ever gone a whole day without eating? No. Do you sometimes use your music player to help you fall asleep? No, but I did that for years back in middle school. Have you ever had a crush on someone “too young” for you? No. Do you shave your legs more than once a week? Haaaaaaaaa. If you could cuddle with anyone right now, who would you pick? I really wish I could cuddle my late pup Teddy again. :/ I was thinking about that recently. Are you tanned? God no. I never am. Do you try to wear dresses whenever you can? No. I wish I was in a shape where I was comfortable wearing spring dresses again... I had this floral skull one in high school that I adored. Are you wearing something that belongs to someone else? No. Have you ever been called a bitch? Yes. Did you like the person you last kissed when you kissed them? I loved her. Who did you have a meaningful conversation with last? Sara. Do you have feelings for someone? Yeah, but they're like... on a leash, you could say. I don't let 'em run free and wild, and I know that even if nothing comes of those feelings again, it's fine. Are you trying to avoid liking somebody at the moment? I think Jason will be this answer for a very long time, if not forever, given the trauma and all. I have to remind myself frequently that I love his memory, not him, because I don't even know him anymore. It's been YEARS since we spoke. Just like I've changed incredibly, I'm sure he has, too. If you saw life in black & white, would that be okay with you? I mean, it would suck, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. When you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep, what kinds of things are you likely to do? How often do you find you have trouble sleeping? I do exactly what you shouldn't do and get back on the laptop. I'd say I most often get on WoW and refresh the auctions I have up because that tends to tire me out because I do that shit manually to avoid any addon mishaps, and I have a looooot to put up as a gold farmer. What was the last lengthy packet you filled out? Something to see if I qualified for a sleep study. Are you a patient person? What is one way you have a lot of patience? What about not very much patience at all? I am NOT patient, at least regarding more trivial things, like sitting in waiting rooms. I do have patience though with other people with more serious things, like getting someone to open up to me. At what time during the day do you tend to feel your best? What about the worst? When I first wake up. It's a "fresh start" and it's nice to feel rested. Plus, I open a fresh can of cold soda as my "coffee" for lack of better word, haha. I'm in my worst mood probably late afternoon/early evening, by which time I am incredibly bored and just dulled down. What was the last thing you did that you wish you could take back or do differently? The last thing... I dunno. How frequently do you stay overnight somewhere that isn’t your own home? What things do you miss about home when you’re away? Do you tend to get homesick easily? Pretty much never. I do miss my room and its privacy when I'm away from home, but I wouldn't say I get homesick all that easily, so long as I have WiFi, haha. Do you tend to eat more in the beginning of the day or at night? Do you have a tendency to snack when you’re bored? If so, what kinds of snacks do you normally go for? Not necessarily the beginning of the day, but definitely more than at night. I am BAD about snacking when I'm extremely bored, but at the very least I'm conscious enough to try and find something semi-healthy, like granola bars, fruits, a scoop of peanut butter, but I also sometimes just eat like... a slice of bread or a tortilla. Horrible choice. I'm a carb fiend and I hate it. If you have any dietary restrictions, do you ever miss foods you can’t have? If not, what’s something you haven’t had for a long time that you wish you could eat again? I thankfully don't have any. I've been craving cheesecake like a madman lately. :< The spicy shrimp fritas from Olive Garden, too. Is there something you still can’t do even though you’re an adult or might be expected to do this thing? I don't have my license, and my driver's permit is even expired. I'm terrified of driving. I also don't have a job, and I can't cook. When was the last time you congratulated someone? Were you happy for them, indifferent, jealous? Uhhh I think someone on Facebook had a baby. Of course I was happy for them. What was the last milestone you reached in your life (graduating, buying a car, starting a family, etc)? What milestone are you going for next, if any? Um... I haven't reached a true milestone in years. Hell, I don't think since I started recovery from the breakup. Do you enjoy getting comments or messages? How likely are you to leave comments or messages for other people? Yeah, it makes me feel cared about. It really depends on the platform on how much I leave other people comments, and I'm extremely shy about messaging, but I'll do it sometimes. When are you most likely to scream (either out of fright, anger, or whatever)? Do you scream or yell often? When was the last time someone screamed at you (or in your presence)? Frustration, for sure. I've screamed into a pillow more than once. I definitely don't yell or especially scream often. I'm sure the last person to yell at me was Mom, but I don't remember about what. What would you say is your STRONGEST emotion? Maybe not the most frequent, but the most intense? And what emotion do you feel most weakly, even if you might feel it more often? I'd saaaay... maybe love. When I love something/someone, I love HARD. I think I experience joy the weakest; it's very muted for me. And lastly, what are you listening to? Is this a band you listen to a lot "The Heretic Anthem" by Slipknot. I wouldn't say I listen to them a lot, but I have been more than usual lately.

[lux-ace]

Minthe’s unknown lineage and possible backstory in Lore Olympus

The color of her complexion “red” has a positive and negative meaning behind it, THYNOVEL stated her old thoughts on the color red and how it influences certain characters in the Lore Olympus story just like any other kind of color you can think of. Next is how her eyes genuinely looks like, close up, to anyone that is figuring out the right color palette. Lastly, her known abilities tied to the river that she was conceived from. When it comes to unpleasant emotions, Minthe’s hair as well as her skin becomes liquid-like as the river she originated from. THYNOVEL remarks, “While in distress, her anxiety shows through her hair, which spreads and taints just as Cocytus does.”

🤑fandom_freak.geek😜’s version seems to be quiet fascinating to me. For instance, she looks as an untamed beauty that wasn’t ruined by Deity Society as well as her own volition, not yet at least.

Minthe’s behaviour appeared to be similar to a cat, recluse and moody. The first picture describes the Naiad being annoyed, for someone is staring at her while she’s eating. The next picture of her being frightened by an intruder, she decided to hide from that person. The final picture describes the playfulness she displays to her companion.

The flower used on Minthe’s head is a red hibiscus flower with a yellow anther. The name is derived from the Greek word “hibiskos”, meaning “mallow”, while the red color for this particular flower represents passion and deep romantic love. The meaning behind this particular flower is  femininity, beauty, and glory.

Her Family is unknown to the webtoon readers, so lets state the obvious facts in Greek Myth. She is the daughter of Cocytus, one of the five Underworld River-Deities.

In the Greek Mythology Wiki on Minthe, It states that Cocytus procreated with someone in order for this nymph’s existence. During Episode 52, she clearly finds Persephone’s container cute. She even comment that her (supposedly) mother would have. Imply in that comment that Minthe had a mother at one point, then she was gone (died or left), causing the Naiad to lack a genuine mother-figure.

[THEOI’s Encyclopedia “C”] [Nymphes of the Underworld] [Underworld River Nymphs - Cocythiae] : Next, is the possibility that the other two nymphs that Minthe is hanging out with may have been her fellow Cocythiae or old friends back home.

Then there’s Minthe’s possible cousin, Ascalaphus. An Underworld Daemon, son of Acherôn & Gorgyra, and the orchardist to Hades. They might have been distant towards each other as cousins, but maybe been close-like siblings.

Last but not least Styx, the goddess of oaths and the River Styx. Her first debut was in a banner poster at Underworld Corp in episode 33 and full appearance at Acherôn in episode 57. Hades settled, “She’s the underworld’s most powerful river. She carries all the boats further into the underworld for judgment.” Not only is she bind oaths between deities, but escorts the shades ferried by Charon for their grand trial with the King of the Underworld. Styx’s four children reside in Olympus as Zeus’ enforces after the Titan War, they’re possibly childhood friends to Minthe and Ascalaphus.

Here’s —thynovel’s take on the Titans, especially the Oath-bounder. Styx’s hair tends to be incredibly long to turn liquid down and her skin tends to constantly glisten with water. Carmen said, “Her hair is incredibly long and appears to melt into the River Styx.” This Titan’s seem to overpower the other River-Deities and may possibly be their leader. 

Then there’s Minthe, her Naiad-form appears oozing and flowy connected to genuine negativity. —Thynovel explained, “Minthe’s appearance becomes runny and gooey when stressed. She’s going back to her most comfortable and primordial form.”

One of the many literature tools any compelling character, either a protagonist or antagonist, is their personal background. Especially if someone is meant for a tragic fate, it’s to understand what lead to “that very moment”. Whatever kind of backstory this Underworld Naiad has allows the readers the choice to sympathize or criticize towards her.

In Episode 104, Thetis gaslighted Minthe in order to assert dominance as the leader of Snarky Chat. The reason this Nereid did this to a fellow member is because put the Naiad in her place. Stated if Thetis hadn’t found her, Minthe would stay a nobody and prejudiced her social class. The only comeback Minthe said to her “supposed” best friend is:

This may be a piece of her past that she would like to bury, as mortals would entomb their dead. Minthe may have prefer being a miserable nobody than being manipulated any further by Thetis.

Although other LO fans like their spin on Minthe’s backstory, so let’s see it for ourselves.

♏whore♍olympus♎’s verion: Cocytus created Minthe from his river or procreated with another nymph. He’s a river-god of lamentation that wants his daughter to take over the river, but she refuse, resulting to an argument.

hades_is_a_thot’s version:

I know a lot of you are probably wondering by now why I've spent so long chasing after Minthe. Today, I have an answer for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I met Minthe on my weekly rounds one evening when I was passing by the Cocytus river. I'd never paid much attention to any of the nymphs before until that day. She was alone; her body racked with sobs. She reminded me of myself really. She'd barely noticed who was watching her, and instead of looking first, she snapped and threatened me with a dead fish. In the moment, I couldn't help but laugh. A small river nymph threatening the king of the Underworld with a fish. She was a flustered mess until I spoke. Minthe was rather petite even then, her beauty and pain was what drew me to her that day. Though, she held quite the attitude when I asked why she was crying. Somehow, I convinced her to walk with me. It didn't last long though. When I tried to reach out to her, she pulled away with that same sassy attitude. You wonder why I stayed with her for a thousand years. At that time, she'd already had someone, someone who didn't treat her well. Every day I would check up on her, and every day there would be new bruises or burned cigarette marks in her skin. It pained me to see her so afraid, so alone and distraught. It might not have been my best moment, but I sent him to live in the deepest pits of Tartarus for a couple hundred years. Because even in those moments, she was still the most beautiful creature I had ever laid my eyes on. You would've done the same for someone you loved.

sundayxl’s version: Minthe was new to the rural-part of the Underworld, the need money seemed to cross the Naiad’s mind. It lead her to make a dangerous deal with “someone” in order to secure her place in the Underworld Corp, so she could be paid highly as an intern. She has to transfer him all the money, however, this Naiad ran out. But surprise! surprise! Thanatos comes knocking on her car door. He demands to have his money this instance, making her agitated towards him.

Extra: Here are other artists’ take on the Underworld River-Deities and the Map of Hades.

[sheepish-uwu]

if u take requests, could you write a small bit abt lion reacting to docs death?

of course, and merry (early) christmas anon! i hope this is to your liking!

i gift to thee: 2.2k words of pure doc/lion angst! rated for MATURE audiences as it deals with dark themes :). enjoy! you can also read it on  a03!

Death was a demon that had once held an inescapable clutch on his soul - as it tends to do with many - for the elusive afterlife was intimidating to most. It was a trampling force that held no remorse for those caught in the aftereffects and was one of the only things Olivier could not run from other than God’s judgment. All he’d known how to do was run; run from responsibility. Run from his family’s advice. From the people he loved. From his son. From his lover. 

Olivier had sworn he’d gotten over the fear of death. The moment he’d been exiled from his own family and girlfriend, he’d considered himself better off as dead then. He had been a shell of a human being back then, constantly wishing for death’s release despite lacking the willpower to go through with any of the treacherous thoughts that had plagued his mind. He often sends thanks to the divine force that kept him from that horrendous fate. There must have been a reason for keeping him alive even when he was practically six-foot underground in his own alcoholic and drug-induced misery. 

Death had become a common factor in his work field to a point where he’d never bat an eye at the miscellaneous casualties if there was a purpose. It was the main cause of his and Gustave’s disagreements whenever they’d argue, their differentiating philosophies and viewpoints remaining on very shaky ground that he’d squint to say was common - so they ignored it the same way they ignored each other’s politics. In his defense though, life was just so fragile. Mortality has kicked him in the face multiple times. Like when he was barely an adult and hospitalized for his toxic obsessions, he’d had a lot of time to think about how close he had been to death and, more bitterly, how many had died to something he hadn’t. He’s held the hand of sickly dying patients and carried heavy corpses of civilians and colleagues to a point where any shock, fear, or emotion has dissipated. 

In Rainbow, the only deaths he’d witnessed were the ones of recruits. It was always upsetting to lose a member of their organization, yet their losses had never really phased Olivier - at least not in the way it affected people like Gilles who’d worked and trained with them more personally. They had yet to lose an actual operator though, whether it be through sheer luck was unknown to Olivier - yet they’d always managed to keep a clean streak even when missions went haywire. It was common to joke about dying on the job otherwise the lingering fear would eat them alive, and despite the teasing nature, there was always a truth to their words. It remained unspoken, yet drifted through the atmosphere whenever anyone laughed about their possible fate in an upcoming mission. Despite the mirth in their teasing voices, Olivier saw the flash of uncertainty and fear in their eyes - the feeling being reciprocated by everyone else in the room. 

It was inevitable, wasn’t it? The lead up was unbearable, someone had to die eventually - right? It was all a matter of who and when. Everyone secretly expected the more reckless operators to be the ones to die first; after all, they were the ones who joked most about dying and were more prone to life-endangering endeavors. It’s what made the most sense, right? 

So why was it that their doctor - the one who preached the most about caution and safety - died first? Why hadn’t it been someone like James - who jumps headfirst into the fray without thinking? Or Elias - who practically gloats about willing to dive right in front of bullets to save lives? Often times, Olivier thinks he’s the butt of a joke the entire world is playing on him. Right when he gets complacent, comfortable, and happy with the way his life is heading, life throws a curveball that sends him tumbling back down the steep rocky mountain he’d been so desperately trying to climb. It’s what happened when he was a teenager and thrown out to the streets, it’s what happened when he almost lost his rank from his relapse into toxic behaviors, and it’s what’s happening now. 

And it hurts - so much more than all those experiences combined - to a point where Olivier wants to scream. Rip his hair out and peel off his own skin in a valiant attempt to shake off all these layers of pain and anguish. And this loss shouldn’t hurt him so much. He - he thought he’d gotten used to death’s company. And death wasn’t the final destination, there was life for Gustave after his earthly one - even if he wasn’t a devout believer in heaven or hell. For Olivier’s own sake, he held onto the notion that Gustave was with his heavenly father despite his lover’s religious doubts. The thought of Gustave being permanently gone tore at Olivier’s chest and applied an emotional pressure that made his sternum feel like exploding. 

Even still, despite knowing Gustave is in a better place, Olivier despises every second without the other French man’s company and guiltily relishes in this selfish desire. He misses Gustave and desperately searches for ways to keep his lover’s presence lingering, even if it wasn’t physical. He’d already gone through a phase of replacing all of his pillowcases with Gustave’s clothes, inhaling the poignant scent of his lover; outrageously expensive cologne, aftershave, and home. The day the scent wore off had been soul-crushing, and instead of being comforted by the pacifying smell of his deceased lover, he was met with his own depressing stench of sweat, tears, and desperation. 

The love he shared with Gustave was resurfacing into a loneliness that made every tender memory sour and turned every night alone with his right hand into a pathetic display of grief - any kind of pleasure received being reduced to a vigorous lust for what he couldn’t have anymore. The night his anger, grief, and desire merged into one amalgamation of self-loathing sent Olivier on a rampant self-destructive course, seeking out the artificial love of strangers for a taste of the past. 

Except it was superficial and each impetuous touch from the men couldn’t compare to the way Gustave’s careful nimble hands had once explored his body. Where Gustave was attentive, loving, and selfless in the way he reduced Olivier to a babbling mess, they were rough and selfish. Greedily taking from Olivier - though he’d be a hypocrite to be modest and say he hadn’t initially been doing the same thing - and the realization that this wasn’t Gustave, and he’d never find a suitable replacement for the love he’d once shared with the man, hit him like a freight train and sent him barreling down into a pit of despair. Any sound of pleasure he’d once emitted was obscured, all there was was pain - his cries being muffled underneath sweat-laced skin and the sound of the once euphoric activity. When the brute realized his sobs weren’t of pleasure and asked a concerned “shit, are you alright mate?”, Olivier merely nodded despite how much his soul screeched at him to say no and spill out the cesspool of his inner demons and unrelenting heartache. 

His church had been helpful and alleviated the unbearable torment of his wistful thoughts. The people he confided in supported him through his mourning, promising to keep him in their prayers. Their intercessions helped ease the nagging thoughts that he was completely alone in this particular struggle, and the distractions from his time volunteering kept his mind away from the distress in his empty home. Gustave never went to church with him despite how adamantly Olivier tried to convince him, and he never would’ve imagined he’d ever be grateful for it. Everything and everywhere reminded him of Gustave, but not his church. The only place Gustave refused to accompany Olivier to, and the only place that didn’t overwhelmingly remind him of a certain presence he was missing. 

He tried to find solace solely on his religion, and oh how he tried to find respite and healing through prayer and guidance - but old habits die hard and the sudden influx of emotional turmoil dug up everything he’d fought so hard to control. It felt like he was constantly on a malfunctioning autopilot mode - he couldn’t control his actions that progressively got more and more destructive, exacerbating his situation without a care in the world as he let his inner demons take over. Thought and inhibition were completely thrown out the window every time he took a swing of Gustave’s once treasured expensive wine. A sight that’d surely make him fume and retch in his grave, he’d think guiltily, forlorn gaze cast down at the half-empty glass bottle. 

He dreaded to imagine what Gustave would think of him if he saw him now, and remembers vividly the disappointment and hurt that’d paint his handsome face in the beginning of their relationship when Olivier would oftentimes turn to alcohol to deal with the stress. 

“We’re a team now, anything that bothers you bothers me. Tell me please, don’t push me away - I know I’m not the most emotionally available person in the world, but I care. I don’t want to see you like this again, please.” Gustave had exasperated, crouching down next to Olivier’s huddled figured hugging the toilet - spewing out his regret from the night before.

It took him a while to trust Gustave with his anxieties and problems, and though he had always been distant with his comfort compared to someone like Gilles - who’d embrace Olivier in a warm hug and soothing words - it worked. Gustave offered Olivier a shoulder to cry on and tentative back rubs, though the hesitant physical touches couldn’t compare to his words. They held advice - a logical merit that kept him grounded and resilient with a promise that these problems he faced had solutions so long as he put the effort to solve them. 

“But Gustave,” Olivier whispered, voice hoarse as he stared at the soul-shuddering marble tombstone that did very little to dignify who Gustave Kateb was and all of his humble accomplishments. It made Olivier distraught to see the altruistic man who worked so hard, every single day, reduced to a few words. “How do I get through this? Without you?” His voice was breaking on every syllable, body oscillating back and forth on his heels in a desperate attempt to contain himself. 

Olivier was met with nothing but the sound of wind rustling through the willow and oak trees and the soft shrill chirping from the thrushes and the songbirds, a hurtful reminder of how ultimately his loss was meaningless to everything but him. The world would carry on unforgivingly and leave Olivier behind to rot in his despair while trying to grudgingly trek through life, all while carrying the heavy solid weight of grief on his back. Nobody was going to wait on him to catch up, nobody truly cared or was impacted as much as Olivier was, and Olivier was sure that right when he’d returned from his leave in Northern France, the majority of Rainbow would have moved on.  Perhaps they’d already found a replacement for Gustave. Olivier grimaced, the thought embarking a shrewd feeling of dissatisfaction that boiled in his blood. 

“I can’t do this, I don’t want to go back without you there. It’s unbearable please, I-” his pleads cut off abruptly into a sob that tore through his chest and throat, leaving behind a tingling sensation that kept his breathing uneven. “I miss you. I-I can’t… I don’t know what to do. Please, help me.” The blonde French man crumpled on the cold ground, the maintained grass damp and chilled from the icy dew-heavy morning.

 “Help me,” Olivier reiterated, body slumped downwards as he fisted handfuls of the surrounding flora carelessly - a ravaging tick surging throughout him to destroy whatever he could get his hands on. “Gustave help me. Help me, help me,” Olivier repeated uncontrollably between breath-stealing wails, his repetition a painful reminder of the birds that surrounded him in the desolate graveyard - only able to repeat rather than speak. 

“I’m sorry. For everything. I shouldn’t have spent so long fighting you, you’ve brought me so much joy. It was a waste, and I wish I could go back and spend all those hours we wasted arguing about something stupid and petty and just.. Kiss you instead.” Olivier heaved out once he finally caught his breath, eyes glazing over the dirt and grass that now contaminated his pale hands. 

A bubbling emotion surged throughout him, its force overwhelming and warm that induced a trembling in his fingertips. A phrase came to mind, the only way to explain this feeling that had been eating him alive throughout the past year. Three words contributed to this almost rapturous feeling that Olivier had stubbornly avoided saying unless he deemed the time acceptable. How idiotic he had been to hold himself back like that because now there was no more time left to share this revelation he’d been holding inside of him selfishly.

“I love you.” Olivier whispered, voice hushed as if admitting these three words was a crime - but the only thing that was crime-worthy was how long he’d kept it to himself. 

And so, he was met with nothing. Just as he had been earlier, and would be forevermore.

[erhiem]

We usually go on a few dates early in a relationship, get to know his friends, and see how they treat others, and see if we are okay with their general traits. But, we can all agree that we are all different and have different priorities. For example, maybe you’re okay with something while your friend isn’t. It is a good thing that you are aware of what you like and dislike, as well as what you want out of this relationship; For example, do you both want a committed relationship, or do you want something different? I believe these things are discussed early rather than later.

Just like love, forgiveness has languages

Some signs we can ignore, like he doesn’t like your favorite movie, but others we can’t, like disrespecting you, and this is where the words “Red flag“Comes in. Let me introduce you to this very important word that you may have heard most often. In the game, red flags are thrown to indicate a stop! Can be a metaphor, and you should stop because it’s not safe for you.

10 things not to do on a first date

We took to Instagram to ask you ladies what red flags you’re not okay with, and you have some really interesting things to say, and hope it helps other women know that they With whom are they okay and with whom are they not okay? In this article, we are sharing what are we 10 red flags in a relationship that you should not ignore.

1. Doesn’t pay for your coffee.

If that’s cheap, the door is right there, bye bye! We got a lot of feedback about them being really cheap, and personally I see this as a red flag. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind if the girl pays, or you just want to split the bill from time to time, but if it’s something like grabbing a cup of coffee and she’s on your side to pay moves, you might want to pay attention to that.

If you’re wondering, “What’s the big deal in a cup of coffee?” Small things lead to big things, for example, if it starts with a cup of coffee, it will lead you to pay for your own dinner when you’re on a date, which I don’t think You wish. We are looking for a gentleman who knows how to treat his lady. So it is better to run now rather than later.

2. Know your worth and refuse to be disrespected by anyone.

Run already, Gurl! You should know your worth and never let anyone disrespect you. A true gentleman will always respect his girl even if she is stressed it is not an excuse, or if she is having a bad day it is also not an excuse, you are not a sandbag for her to vent her anger , always remember that.

This is a major red flag for me; It is not okay for anyone to disrespect you mentally or physically, even if it is your husband; He needs to give you the same respect you give him. You may be creating a healthy environment for your children, but watching their mother treat them badly will affect them in the future. So speak for yourself and say you’re not okay with it, or just leave.

17 date night movie ideas from different genres for every couple

3. It’s a 50/50 relationship.

If you’re meeting someone new and wondering how things will turn out, you both need to be aware that you both need to put in the same amount of effort. It’s not fair for someone to put in more effort without getting anything in return. It’s not acceptable for him to not give you the attention you need and want. If you find yourself wondering whether or not he likes you, it’s not good for your mental health. When you are with the right person who meets your needs, you will never question his love. If he truly loves you, he will notice and try to make an effort, the point is, he will show you that he cares.

For a man who prioritizes himself over you, the door is open for them to leave! Another major red flag is a man who puts you second and himself first. I believe that men who do this are selfish, and no one wants to be with a selfish person. Instead, we want a caring man who will notice when something goes wrong and go about your day.

50 questions to ask your partner for a fun date night

4. Once a cheater, always a cheater.

I am with this school. Once a cheater, always a cheater. If he did it once, he would do it over and over again. Have you ever wondered why guys cheat? This is because they are dissatisfied with what they have and will always be looking for something more, so even if you do everything you can, you will never be able to satisfy them.

If you are still getting to know a guy and he starts telling you about his past relationships and how things ended because he cheated, cut off the chase and didn’t even get involved. This will be very unhealthy for both of you as you will find that you are not trusting yourself and checking his stuff for any evidence which is not a healthy relationship.

Emotional cheating: 3 women talk about what they did

5. Flirting with other women in front of you.

Come on man, what are you doing?! Respect the woman you are with. This is not acceptable under any circumstances. When I see a guy doing this the first thing that comes to my mind is that he is unhappy with his choice and is looking for other options. This is not respecting the feelings of the girl he is with and will eventually lead to other problems in the future. So if your man does this, you shouldn’t call him your man!

6. Liars

If he’s a liar, he’s out the door immediately. How do you convince yourself to believe a liar? You will always question him whether he is telling the truth or not. In general, no one likes a liar, so why be in a relationship with one? This is a red flag, and if you choose to remain in this relationship, disaster awaits you in the future.

Online Dating Stories: A Hopeless Romantic on a Dating App

7. Nobody likes potty mouth.

We can’t be too judgmental and say we don’t curse because that in itself would be a lie; At some point, we get a little frustrated and cursing, and that’s fine with me and other women, but if a man curses a lot for no reason, it’s not okay. You should ask yourself if you are comfortable cursing your children like their father. If he curses again and again, I find it a turn off.

8. Talking negatively about your ex-girlfriend.

Hmm, is this the type of guy you want to be with? Even if their ancestors are not the best, they have no right to speak negatively about them. And I believe that if he talks about his ex like this, he will do the same to you at some point.

Think of it as, he was in a relationship with this person for a while and things didn’t go well between him and his ex, but that doesn’t give him the right to speak negatively about her; He needs to respect her and the good times she had with them, and it’s okay that things don’t go well. So, if he talks negatively about his ex, you should reconsider.

What is the difference between a break up and a break up in a relationship?

9. This is a no-control zone.

Controlling men is an absolute no-no and a major red flag. And in every relationship we like to have our own space where we can take some time for ourselves. But controlling men will invade your space and your life, and won’t give you the space to think, which they like to do to control you and your decisions. He will control what you wear and who you hang out with; For me, this is not love; It’s leaving itself to be in prison, thinking it’s love, but it’s not. This is not healthy at all!

10. The way he treats his mother reveals a lot about him.

If he treats his mother badly how do you expect him to treat you? He has been treating the woman who carried him for 9 months and was always by his side when he was sick and did a lot for what he is now in a very harsh way; There is a big red flag that you should block. A family-oriented guy who knows how to treat his mom is the guy you want, but don’t expect that from him if he doesn’t care about his family, especially his mom That he will give you the love you deserve.

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The post 10 Red Flags in a Relationship That Makes You Want to Run For Your appeared first on Spicy Celebrity News.

[after-avenging-hours]

Heart Skip [7]: Steve x Reader

Previous parts:

Heart Skip / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6

Word Count: 2473

Warnings: None

You and Steve spend a couple days at the Retreat.  You talk, learning as much as you can about each other.  You take walks around the lake, sharing quick glances and demure smiles. Steve begins to teach you about the new technologies this world has to offer, showing you how to use the computer on the desk in the corner of the cabin.

You’re currently curled up in the desk chair, reading through some of the current event news stories. Most of them are still covering what happened in New York a few days ago.  Steve is pacing in the kitchen, talking on his SHIELD designated cellphone to Director Fury.

“Yes, I understand. Thank you, Director.”  Steve finishes up the call, hitting the end button on the touch screen and watching as the phone goes dark.  He releases a soft sigh.

“Is it time to go back?” you ask, observing him over the computer monitor.

He meets your gaze, holding it for a moment before he nods.  “It sounds like they’re assigning me to the SHIELD headquarters in Washington DC.” Steve sets the phone down on the counter and then makes his way over to you.

You follow his movement with your eyes, your head tilting back once he’s standing before you.  “Did he say what’s to happen with me?”

Steve crosses his arms over his chest and leans his hip again the desk.  He shakes his head, “He said it was up to you.”

You drop your gaze, staring unfocused at the computer screen.  “And what if I don’t know?”

Steve is silent for a moment.  “You could come with me…?” he suggests, a little unsure whether the offer is too forward.

You look back up at him. “To Washington?”

He shrugs, “If you’d like.” He desperately tries to down play the idea, despite the fact that it’s sounding more and more appealing to him with each passing moment.  This is a big decision and he doesn’t want his desires to influence your choice.

“Well…” you start, your mind still trying to think everything over.  “I guess, it’s not like there’s anywhere else for me to go.  New York…  That used to be by home.  But now it seems like home has become more of a time period than a place.”  Looking up into Steve’s eyes, you realize that maybe that isn’t quite true either. Spending these last few days with Steve, that felt more at home to you than you’ve ever felt in your whole life.  “Washington DC, huh?”

“Yeah,” Steve breathes, waiting in anticipation for your answer.

“Okay,” you finally decide. “New life, new start, right?”

Steve grins broadly, sighing in relief.  “Yeah.”

“Though,” you scoff out a short laugh.  “I still don’t really know what to do with myself once I get there.  You’ll be off at SHIELD every day.”

“I have an idea,” Steve comments.  “Well, for short term, at least.”

“Oh?” you ask curiously.

He raises a shoulder in a slight shrug, “I guess it’s also kind of a favor…”

Your lips grow into a small smile.  “What is it, Steve?”

He scratches at a spot behind his ear, looking a little embarrassed.  “The new uniform… The one they gave me,” he clarifies.  “I’m not exactly a fan…?”  He feels a little bad for admitting it, but he knows he can be truthful with you without the fear of judgment.  “And I really like your designs, so… I was wondering if.  You know…”

“If I would design you a new one?” you coax, your eyes softening when he finally lifts his gaze back to yours.

“Yeah,” he confirms.  “I mean, at least it’s something familiar to you. But it also helps to get you back out in the world.”

You nod along to his words, slowly lifting yourself out of the desk chair.  “Okay, I think I can manage that.”  You step up to him, giving him a small, trusting smile.  “When do we leave?”

---

Over the next few days, SHIELD makes the preparations for your arrival in Washington DC.  The two of you are given separate apartments.  You’re both living in the same building, but your apartment is on the floor below Steve’s.

The two of you meet with Director Fury.  He explains that there isn’t really much he can do to keep the two of you separated, but he advises against you both going public with your relationship.  After the events of New York, Captain America had become a worldwide sensation, especially after it was reported that he was the real Captain America.  If anyone were to find out that you were his greatest weakness, it would put both of you at high risk.

You agree, if a little reluctantly.

As part of your protection, you’re given a new identity.  You keep your name, but they forge your birth certificate and driver’s license.  You’re instructed to not tell anyone what happened to you.  If people find out you’re from the 40’s it’ll be too easy to link you back to Steve.

Steve somehow manages to convince Fury to take you on as a civilian employee, so you can work on designing his suit.  You were going to need access to the latest technology in military wear.  And there was no better place to do that than SHIELD.

Furry agrees, but only after you agree to take some basic self-defense training.

The two of you are then given a week to settle into your new life.

You move out of the kitchen when you hear a knock at your door.  You feel the smile grow on your lips when Steve’s sparkling blues greet you from the other side.  “Hey!”

He grins back.  “Hey.  I was going to step out to do some exploring.  Was wondering if you wanted to come with me?”

You’re about to nod in agreement when Fury’s words come to mind and you hesitate.  “I thought we weren’t supposed to be seen together…” you frown.

“At SHIELD.  I’m sure no one’s going to look twice at a guy out on a stroll through the city with his girl.”  He leans against your door frame, giving you a reassuring smile.

You couldn’t stop the skip of your heart even if you wanted to.  His girl.  It sounded good coming from his mouth.  “Okay,” you take a step back, pulling the door open further.  “Just give me a minute to get ready.”

Steve follows you in, making sure the door shuts as you walk back to your bedroom.  He looks around your apartment.  It looks a lot like his, furnished but nothing in the way of personal effects.  He hopes that with time, that will change.

You soon walk back out, dressed and ready for a day out in the city.  Steve offers you his arm, which you take graciously, before the two of you step out into the hall of the apartment complex.  You quickly lock up and then you’re both on your way.

It’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining and there’s a light breeze to keep from getting too hot.  The streets are a lot more open here than they had been in New York.  It made it seem less crowded.  It was a little difficult to keep from staring that the cars that drove passed or were parked on the street.  They looked so different now.

But when you weren’t looking at cars, you were analyzing people’s fashion styles.  That reaction had been ingrained in you over the last few years.  Working at the shop, it was important to assess a person’s style to determine what kind of wedding dress they might like.  You could tell a lot about a person based on what clothes they chose to wear.

But looking at the current fashion style, you felt way over your head.  Hardly any of the women wore dresses any more.  Occasionally you’d see one in a skirt, but they were always scandalously short.

“Y/N, you’re staring,” you hear Steve’s voice whispering in your ear.

You blink and tear your gaze away from the group of young girls walking across the street.  They’re all giggling with care free smiles as they walk together, shopping bags in their hands.

You look up at Steve, giving him an incredulous look.  “Do you see what they’re wearing?  They may as well be wearing nothing at all!”

Steve’s lip twitches upward as he tries to fight a laugh.  “It’s strange, I know.  But it’s how things are now.  It’ll take some getting used to.”

You find yourself glancing at them again, a frown on your lips.  “I can’t even imagine myself wearing a skirt so short.  It’s indecent.”

Steve swallows hard and doesn’t comment.  Because suddenly he is picturing you in a skirt that short.  And it’s stirring up all sorts of indecent thoughts.  He clears his throat and gives you a gentle tug to keep moving.

Something else you notice is how different the hair styles have become.  Men tend to wear their hair shorter.  The women, for the most part, seem to have simpler styles, either braided or tied back.  You no longer see the brushed-out curls look from your time.

You push a strand of your own hair back behind your ear.  You hadn’t done much with it this morning, and honestly, that probably helped more with blending in than if you had done something.  But the cut of your hair was still different from everyone else’s.

After walking a few more blocks, your eyes land on a hair salon.  You bite your bottom lip in contemplation before deciding to grab Steve’s attention.  “Steve, do you mind if we go in?” you ask, gesturing to the building.

Steve glances at it before looking down at you in slight confusion.  “The salon?”

You nod tentatively, playing with another strand of your hair.  “Blending into modern times might be a little easier if I didn’t look like I’ve walked straight out of 1945.”

“Alright,” Steve agrees, his gaze flickering over your features.

You both make your way to the salon, stepping through the open door.  A woman is standing behind the desk near the door and she greets you both with a wide smile.  “Hello! Here for a haircut?”

You give her a small smile. “Yes.”

“Did you have an appointment?” she asks, glancing at her computer screen.

Your smile falls, “Oh. Um… no, I don’t.”

She smiles at you reassuringly, “That’s alright.  A few of our stylists will be available shortly.  Were the both of you looking to get your hair cut?” she asks, gesturing between you and Steve.

Steve looks a little caught off guard.  He glances down at you.  You give him a small shrug, signifying to him that it’s his choice.  “Yeah,” he finally responds, holding your gazes for another moment, before looking back at the woman.  “If you can fit both of us in.”

She nods, continuing to look at the screen.  “Of course! That’s no problem at all.  Feel free to take a seat, someone will be with you in a moment.”

You and Steve move to the small waiting area off to the side.  There’s a coffee table filled with hair styling books and magazines.  After you’ve taken your seat, you pick one up and begin to flip through it for ideas.  Steve does the same.

You can’t believe how many different styles there are to choose from.  Long hair, short hair, extremely short hair.  Styles you never would have dreamed of seeing on someone.  And though, they seemed strange at first, the more you flipped through the pictures, the more you began to like some of the styles.

You glance over, to see what Steve might be looking at.  “I like that one for you,” you comment, pointing at a picture.  The model has short hair on the sides but gradually becomes longer toward the top.  And he’s using some type of styling gel to give the top strands some lift.

“Yeah?” Steve questions, glancing between you and the picture.

You laugh lightly, looking up at him.  “Yeah.”

“Okay, who’s next?” One of the stylists approaches you both with a beaming smile.

“Steve, go ahead, I’m still deciding,” you tell him.

He nods, “Alright.  I’ll see you when you’re done.”

You smile encouragingly, watching as he stands.  He shows the picture in his magazine to the stylist.  “Can you do something like this?” he asks.

“Sure can!  Let’s head over to a chair and get you set up!”

You turn back to your own magazine, flipping through a few more pages.  By the time one of the other stylists is available, you’ve got a pretty good idea for what you want.  The woman is nice and friendly.  She talks with you a bit about what you’re thinking of doing with your hair.  When the scissors come out, she tries to keep the conversation going.

You do what you can to respond, trying not to make it obvious how out of place you still are to this time period.  You tell her that you’re new to DC and that you grew up in Brooklyn.  She gives you a couple pointers on the things to do in the area, places to eat and such.

You watch her work through the mirror as piece by piece of your 1940’s hair falls to the floor.  It’s a little strange to you, but you know that this is the next step in accepting your new life.

Before you know it, your stylist it putting the final touches on your brand-new haircut.

“What do you think?” she asks, taking a step back.

You run a hand through the shortened strands, turning your head from side to side as you observe the mirror.  “It’s great, thank you!” you tell her sincerely.

Standing from your chair, you turn to move back out to the front.  Steve, with his own fresh hair style, is back in one of the waiting area chairs, flipping through a different magazine.  He looks up as you approach.

“How do I look?” you ask with a timid smile.

His lips tilt into a crooked grin, eyes shining in warmth.  “Amazing,” he breathes.

Your cheeks tint, heart skipping a beat in your chest.  “You look pretty amazing yourself.”

Steve’s heart responds to yours with another skip.  Leaning forward, he sets down the magazine before he stands and takes your hand in his.  “Ready to go?”

“Don’t we have to pay?” you ask, glancing toward the now empty front desk.

“I already took care of it,” Steve informs you.

“Oh.  Thank you.”

Keeping your hand in his, Steve pulls you back out onto the sidewalk.  “It was no trouble.  But I think I’ve seen enough for today.  Want to head back home?”

You nod in agreement. “Sounds good to me.”

---

Part 8

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[archive-dcgausscr]

tris/ash in whatever verse u want my guy

send me a ship and i’ll break them down:

how did they meet?

they met in elementary school! tristan was moved up into the fifth grade, and due to his size, age, family history, and financial status, he was a prime target for bullying. but ashton wasn’t having any of that, and the two became fast friends.

who developed romantic feelings first?

honestly, i think ashton in the sense where, i mean, he was around kat and tris almost all day. and i think, in general, especially as a kid when you’re trying to figure shit out falling for someone who emulates everything you want but can’t or don’t have is REALLY common. not to mention, they were REALLY close, and the thought of ashton looking for any form of love anywhere he could get it isn’t entirely bizarre. at the same time, i feel like in some way tristan has almost always had complicated feelings for ashton, but he didn’t really think about it because he had kat! but towards the end? he definitely KNEW. but by then ash probably was like nah that won’t happen, and that’s why he was basically like one foot out the door by the time tris was finally single again. did that make sense?

who is their biggest “shipper”?

EILEEN. FUCKING. RIVA. in general, tristan has never had a tendency to open up with anyone outside of the family. throughout his childhood the only people she’s ever seen tristan truly be himself with were kat, ashton, and maybe costa. but the problem with kat is that, while they were best friends, they had a tendency to try and get under the other’s skin as much as they could. not to mention, while kat really did love tristan, she wasn’t in a place where she was really capable of like properly understanding. at times, it was VERY obvious that there was a large disconnect between kat and tris, and while eileen wasn’t always around, she definitely saw that. meanwhile, tris and ashton have always been two sides of the same coin, they bring out the best in each other (though, they’re easily capable of bringing out the worst in each other too). not only that, but eileen also knew that ashton was coming from a place of empathy rather than sympathy. although she didn’t know all the details, she did know ashton’s home life was terrible, and she knew no matter what was going on with tristan he’d never approach the situation from a place of judgment. basically, she’s always seen it. when the two got older and tris and kat’s relationship was starting to fall apart and then inevitably ended, she was incredibly surprised they didn’t almost immediately get together.

when did they have their first kiss and under what circumstances?

oh my gooooooood, freshman year of high school they went to a small “party” at costa’s girlfriend’s house, and she’d talked her slightly older brother into getting a shit ton of wine coolers, and everyone was a little buzzed and it was a MESS. but anyway their friends jokingly shoved them in the closet for seven minutes in heaven, bUT JOKE’S ON THEM. but it was ?? sweet ?? and surprisingly a secret, because i don’t think anyone expected them to actually do it --- i don’t think they even knew it was going to happen. but it started off like real soft and sweet and then it was like WHOA and then tristan remembered he had a girlfriend and that stopped there. unfortunately though, tris has no memory of this? so if you were to ask him about their first kiss he’d list something else entirely.

who confessed their feelings first?

ohhh complicated question. i think ashton. but only because ashton verbally admitted he had them out loud first, but i think tristan made it clear he had feelings for ashton first. i also don’t think this came out in a good way, especially with how their relationship started off post-mikey. i mean, it was definitely in the middle of a fight, and it was definitely ashton trying to prove a point and get tris to just fucking STOP GOING OFF. it worked, for a few at least.

what was their first official date?

lmao they didn’t go on an official date for a very long time. i think they struggled with having any kind of real transition from friendship to romantic relationship, which i don’t think is a real problem? i mean, they spend a lot of time together, and a lot of their hobbies coincide, so the need for like official dates isn’t really there? they’re both pretty low maintenance. buuuuuut honestly tris took ash to one of those in-theater star wars marathons and then they got food. nothing fancy, but it worked for them.

how do they feel about double dates/group dates?

i mean, considering they share friends and stuff, double dates happen a lot, even if they’re not necessarily labeled as such. i don’t think they mind them, but i wouldn’t say they LOVE double dates by any means. i think tristan’s more likely to want out of one than ashton, but tristan’s more antisocial than ash.

what do they do in their down time?

the nerds. tris reads a lot, or plays guitar. ashton watches stuff on netflix, drinks a little too much, eats a ton of junk food. a lot of their interests coincide, so they end up doing a lot of stuff together, even if they don’t intend to. like, binge watching the same show, but not finishing it together because different schedules. tris also spends a lot of time with ashton’s disobedient af dog in hopes he can get him to at least sort of listen.

what was the first meeting of parents as an official couple like?

oh man it was no different than any other time ashton’s been over. eileen was over the moon, and tristan’s dad wasn’t there.

what was their first fight over and how did they get past it?

IT WAS ABOUT MIKEY, IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT MIKEY. BECAUSE ASHTON DOESN’T SHUT UP ABOUT HIM AND TRISTAN’S INSECURE ASS THINKS ASH IS GONNA LEAVE. LMAO THEY NEVER GOT PAST IT, IT’S THE BIGGEST AND MOST PROMINENT ISSUE IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP.

which one is more easily made jealous?

ashton, but that’s not saying much. they’re both really jealous bastards.

what is their favorite thing to get to eat?

take their asses to sonic. or order some pizza? they don’t eath healthy at all, but hey.

who’s the cuddly one? what’s their favorite cuddling position?

ashton is undoubtedly the cuddly one. like, the man is a teddy bear, that’s what he was made for, and it’s a shame he hasn’t been cuddled more in his lifetime. BUT i think he likes being little spoon most of all. if tristan’s doing shit (like mentally) then tris is the little spoon, but more of than not ash is the little spoon and tris is the big spoon.

are they hand holders?

not really, but they can be.

how long did they wait before sleeping together for the first time? what are the circumstances?

l m a o i mean, not long at all. they don’t have self control, and considering all those years of pent up feelings and frustration, i have no doubts they moved really fast. honestly, i feel like tristan convinced ash to sneak into the country club and they got wasted on the course and ended up fucking around. which i know sounds like ?? wow that’s great  but in a sense, that’s kind of special because tristan has always found solace in the country club at night and he usually goes there alone, so taking anyone there is kind of a big deal for him.

who tops?

tristan, more often than not, but considering ashton lowkey understands a lot of tristan’s trauma, they reach a point where tris’ll bottom every now and then, but it’s nowhere near as often as ash bottoming.

what’s the worst fight they’ve ever gotten into?

honestly whenever they fight is bad, i don’t think any fight’s been worse than another, especially since they so rarely fight. though the fights before either labeled it an actual relationship were horrible. it was just the two of them trying to see who could hurt the other more, and it was fucked up.

who does the shopping and the cooking?

ashton hates grocery shopping alone, and fortunately, tristan loves making lists. tristan can’t cook, and fortunately, ashton can at least work an oven. so, tristan does the grocery shopping, and ashton makes dinner. though, they do eat out pretty frequently.

which one is more organized and prone to tidiness?

tristan’s organized, i wouldn’t say tidy, but he’s not messy. he makes contained and organized messes. he has a tendency to refer to it as organized chaos. ashton is a mess, but that’s fine, tristan usually cleans up after him because if he doesn’t it drives him insane.

who proposes?

tristan lmao i mean if you want to call it a proposal. they do get married twice, and the second time around tris does properly propose, but that first time around was a joke.

do they have joined bachelor/bachelorette parties or separate?

they never had a bachelor party! i don’t think they’d really want one either? so if anything, i would say joined, especially since by the time they have a proper wedding they’d been married for years.

who is the best man/maid of honor? any other groomsmen or bridesmaids?

tREVOR AND ANDY!!! unless tris has patched things up with his brother, then colin would be best man and trevor would be a groomsmen, but that doesn’t seem likely.

big ceremony or small?

small. small. small. small. small.

do they have a honeymoon? if so, where?

they went to oregon that first time! i think the second time around they go to italy, because it’s warm and pretty, and eileen could watch amelie.

do they have any children? how many?

they have two! they’re cute, but they’re assholes. given who their parents are though it’s not a surprise.

[toxoiddiamond]

T H E B A S I C S Given Name: Nico Wilder Meadows Nicknames: His wife calls him Ni-Ni. He used to think that was cute. Now it just annoys him. Age: 21 Birthday: July 19th Zodiac Sign: Cancer Birthplace: NYC, New York Current Location: Baltimore, Maryland Speaks: English Dominant Hand: Ambidextrous Education: He’s currently studying at the Baltimore School for the Arts. He got a bit of a late start—he spent the year after high school just working, being newly married, being generally aimless, etc., and didn’t enroll in art school until he was nineteen. Occupation: He has a moderately successful YouTube channel where he releases animated videos and such. He also makes a decent amount of money by doing art commissions. And he works part time as a waiter in a small Italian restaurant. (He doesn’t really need the restaurant job; he mostly has it so his wife will shut up about him needing to have an “actual job.”) Vehicle: Yellow 1997 Hyundai Accent, but his wife normally takes it because her work is further away than his, and it’s not hard for him to take the bus to school/work. Worldly Possessions: Pretty much any art supplies you can imagine (and really nice ones, too—he likes to get the best possible tools to work with, because he wants everything he does to be the highest quality possible). A nice laptop. Tons of movies. Like, really, tons of DVDs. Pet(s): Nah. He wouldn’t mind having a pet, but his wife is allergic to both cats and dogs, unfortunately.

A P P E A R A N C E Height: 5’9” Hair: Dark brown (almost black) and somewhat shaggy, a bit choppy, sometimes hanging in his face, sometimes pushed back. His hair has a mind of its own, and it can be quite unruly. Facial Hair: He sometimes lets his face get a bit scruffy, but he prefers to be clean-shaven most of the time. Eye Colour: Hazel Skin Tone: Somewhat pale, and his dark hair makes him look even paler. He doesn’t like many outside activities. Clothing: He doesn’t really put much thought into what he wears most of the time. He doesn’t look bad or anything, it’s just that he doesn’t have any particular style. He just wears jeans and t-shirts and sneakers most of the time, and he has quite a collection of worn-out, oversized sweaters. He definitely cares more about comfort than anything else. He also likes to wear slouchy hats on days when his hair is being particularly unruly, just to contain it a little. Distinguishing Marks: Quite a lot of scars, mostly small ones. However, there is one more noticeable one on his back, where one of his foster fathers hit him with a broken wine bottle; he ended up needing forty-seven stitches, and was immediately pulled out of that home by his case worker. If he had his way, he’d have lots of tattoos. He has a bunch of designs he’s drawn up for himself, and knows an artist who would give him a steep discount. But Crystal thinks it would be a huge waste of money, and doesn’t want him to do it, so he hasn’t gone through with it yet. Face Claim: Jackson Rathbone

H E A L T H Physical Health: His immune system is kind of shitty, and he doesn’t get as much sleep as he should, so he is prone to getting sick a lot. Not seriously ill or anything, but if there’s a flu or anything going around, he’s guaranteed to catch it. Physical Abilities/Limitations: He’s an amazing artist, especially if he really puts time and effort into something. Art is something that’s always come naturally to him. On the other hand, he sucks at most other physical things—he’s not physically strong at all, definitely can’t hold his own in any type of fight, gets sick a lot, etc. Addictions: None. He’s been hurt at the hands of many druggies and alcoholics, he’s seen what it does to people, and he is determined not to ever end up like that. He only has the occasional drink and has never even been drunk, and he doesn’t even like to take Tylenol or anything unless he really needs it. Allergies: He has seasonal allergies, and takes a low dose of Claritin during the spring and summer so he won’t be a useless mess. He is also deathly allergic to penicillin. Mental Health: He is under a lot of stress due to the fact that his marriage is slowly falling apart and he kind of wants to get a divorce, and he fights with his wife a lot. He also has some underlying issues from his fucked up childhood, but nothing really severe. If he would bite the bullet and finally get out of the bad relationship he’s in, he would be much better off.

H I S T O R Y Summary: Nico grew up in the foster care system, and spent the majority of his childhood being passed around from home to home. He lived in some very bad situations, and endured some serious abuse, both physical and mental, in some of the homes he was in. He started drawing at a very young age, and art quickly became a way for him to deal with his emotions and stay sane. During high school, he lived with a particularly awful couple; they took in several foster children so they could receive more money from the government, but the woman was a basketcase and the man was a violent drunk. Rather than try to get into another situation, Nico just avoided going home as much as possible; he spent the night at friend’s houses whenever he could, and sometimes even slept on the street if he couldn’t bring himself to go home. It was around this time that he met Crystal. She went to the same school as him, and they had several classes together. They hit it off and started dating during their junior year. Crystal’s family, as it turns out, was also pretty awful and abusive, particularly her father. Nico and Crystal would often fantasize about running away together and never having to deal with such terrible people ever again. And, shortly after they graduated, they decided to make that dream a reality; they ran off and eloped, and never went back. For a while, things were fantastic between them. They were happy just to be together and away from everyone who hurt them. But the longer they were together, the more things began to fall apart, and the more they began to realize how different and incompatible they are. But neither of them is really willing to admit defeat, and honestly, at this point, they’re both a little afraid to leave each other, both afraid that they’ll never find anyone else who understands them. The dissatisfaction is comfortable and familiar, and they both crave familiarity/sameness on some level, so they haven’t gotten a divorce, even though they both know in the back of their minds that it’s inevitable. Job History: As a teenager, he worked part-time in a grocery store, saving up money and preparing for the day when he would finally be able to move out and be on his own. He also started up his YouTube channel when he was seventeen, and started making money off of it about a year later once it got more popular. Now he does a lot of freelance art commissions, runs his channel, and has a part-time job in a restaurant, all on top of going to school.

C O M M U N I C A T I O N Speech Pace/Style: Scattered as hell. He can hold a normal conversation most of the time, but tends to jump from idea to idea, subject to subject, without much warning. If he’s really excited or passionate about whatever he’s talking about, he doesn’t even speak in complete sentences, and it can be hard to follow his train of thought. Talking to him is never boring, that’s for sure. Accent: American, with an occasional hint of a New York accent on certain words. Usual Curse Words: He actually doesn’t have a particularly dirty mouth unless he’s really excited, or really angry about something.

P E R S O N A L I T Y, M I N D S E T, A N D B E L I E F S Personality Type: ESFP Sense of Humor: He really likes clever/thoughtful jokes, puns, and non-sequitur humor. He’s pretty funny himself, and likes to entertain everyone around him and make them laugh. Habits: He fidgets a lot if he has to sit still for a long period of time. If he’s holding a pen or pencil but not actively drawing/writing something, he will twirl the pen around in his fingers. Sometimes, if people make a sudden movement in his direction, he’ll instinctively step back or flinch away—a residual effect of the abuse he endured when he was younger. Fears/Phobias: He is really, really, deathly afraid of any large body of water—lakes, the ocean, whatever. He’s not into that shit, and no one will ever convince him to go swimming in a lake or even get near the ocean or anything. He also hates bridges, especially ones that go over water, for obvious reasons. This is not really an actual fear, but Nico gets really uncomfortable around super drunk people, and will promptly leave a party as soon as people start really getting smashed, or if he sees any illegal drugs going on. Strengths: Nico has a unique perspective on things, and views the world differently than a lot of other people. He’s very creative, and comes up with interesting/clever solutions to problems a lot of the time. He’s also quite optimistic, and isn’t easily frustrated or discouraged. He loves talking to and getting to know people, and although he loves to talk, he would much rather talk about the other person instead of himself, learning whatever he can about them. He doesn’t have the best memory, so he doesn’t necessarily remember all the information he gathers, but he is still genuinely interested. Charisma for days. Seriously, he has a natural ability to get people to open up to him and draw others out of their shells, probably because he’s so willing to talk about literally anything, and he is the least judgmental person on the planet. So, he gets along with basically anyone and has a lot of friends as a result. His artistic skills are off the charts—art has always come naturally to him, and it’s the main way for him to release whatever emotions are inside him. He mainly draws and paints, but he’s experimented with various forms of art and he enjoys them all; he loves to create things. Flaws: Nico, for all his creativeness and ability to forge a new path based on his unique perspective, often has trouble seeing things from someone else’s point of view. It’s not for lack of trying—he really wants to understand people and why they think the way they do—but it’s hard for him to get out of his own head a lot of the time. His impulse control is nonexistent. If he wants something in the moment (or, you know, someone), there is no way he’s going to be able to stop himself, even if he knows he should. No matter the consequences, he will do it, justifying it to himself however he can. Even knowing full well that he’ll regret it, or that his actions could hurt someone else, he’ll still do it. He’s kind of an ass in that way, though he doesn’t intend to be, and he always feels guilty later if someone really does end up hurt. Although he’s usually optimistic and doesn’t let himself get stressed over nothing, if he does get anxious about something, he tends to work himself up so much that he literally cannot calm down. Fidgeting, pacing, going on long walks just to try and distract himself, unable to articulate his thoughts because they’re too scattered, etc. In this state, if anyone tries to calm him or get him to sit still/stop what he’s doing or talk out his feelings, he tends to get angry and snap at them (he doesn’t like being told to calm down anyway, it’s definitely one of his pet peeves). Self-Esteem: Even after all of the things he’s been through in his life, Nico’s self-esteem is still pretty good. He’s at least aware of the fact that none of the abuse he endured was ever his fault, that he was just a kid and didn’t ask for or deserve any of it. He’s confident in his own abilities, especially as an artist, and truly believes that if he wants something, he can most likely get it as long as he puts in his best effort. Religion: Agnostic. He doesn’t subscribe to any particular beliefs, but absolutely loves studying religion, learning about different systems of belief and ideas, etc. That sort of thing is fascinating to him.

R A N D O M Sleeping Position: Sprawled out, usually on his stomach. Boxers or Briefs?: Probably briefs. Day or Night?: Either one. He’s just happy to be there. Top or Bottom?: He could go either way~ Partying or Relaxing?: He loves parties, so that’s usually what he’d choose.

R E L A T I O N S H I P S Closest Friend: Nico has a lot of casual friends, but no one that he would consider to be a close friend, no one he feels he could go to with all his problems or confide in or anything. Relationship History: Crystal was his first girlfriend, and, in his naivety, he thought his feelings for her would last forever and that they could save each other from their miserable existences. Turns out, that’s not how it happened. They’ve only traded one type of miserable existence for another. Sexual Partners: Crystal is his first and only at this point. Thoughts About Sex: He likes sex with Crystal, but part of his regret in getting married so young is that he was never able to experiment with anyone else, see what else is out there. In particular, he has always wanted to see what sex is like with a man—and truth be told, he’s always been more attracted to men in general than to women. It’s not that he wishes he could sleep around with a lot of people, just that part of him wishes he’d had some time to himself, unmarried and not tied down to anyone, just to figure himself out, learn what his preferences are. Because now he feels their sex life is not exciting anymore, and whenever he tries to talk to Crystal about trying new things in bed, she gets very embarrassed and shuts the conversation down, and he doesn’t want to pressure her to do anything new if she’s uncomfortable.

P A R E N T S He never met his biological parents, and he knows nothing at all about them. He’s curious about them, but he’s always been too nervous to actually seek them out, worried that they would reject him or that it would turn out they’re not alive anymore.

D A I L Y L I F E Living Arrangements: Nico and Crystal live in a modest, decently-priced two-bedroom apartment just a quick bus ride away from campus and not terribly far from where Crystal works. One of the bedrooms is currently being used as an office/art studio by Nico, though Crystal has occasionally dropped hints that maybe they can make it into a nursery in the future. (That sort of talk absolutely terrifies Nico—it’s not that he doesn’t want kids, just that he knows he doesn’t want kids with her, not when their relationship is already on shaky ground.) Their furniture is mostly from IKEA, with a few random things they picked up at thrift stores. Lots of art on the walls, some drawn or painted by Nico, some gifted to them by friends.