#but i’ve already told people about it so they’ll be like ��hey how did the interview go :)’ and i don’t want to say i cancelled it

[fingertipsmp3]

Can’t tell if I actually genuinely think this job interview tomorrow is a bad idea, or I’m just trying to convince myself it is because I don’t want to do it

[buckysgrace]

The Walk of Shame

Single dad!Billy Hargrove x fem!Reader

Closer to My Heart Masterlist

You grow insecure of your night out with Billy; meanwhile he feels like your relationship is changing.

You awoke to a throbbing between your legs and an ache of regret that connected between your heart and mind. You were so screwed.

Billy was gone, which was no surprise to you at all. You laid there in your stained bed, your heart throbbing uncomfortably in your chest as everything came crashing back to you. You let him into your apartment, had let him taint your skin and flesh. And you hadn’t even drank that much.

You could still feel your lips burning from where his mouth had been, your skin tingling in the places that he had touched you. Like it was engraved into you. A huff left your mouth before you were out of the bed, quickly removing your sheets and blankets and tossing them to the floor. You were going to wash them early and erase the smell of him that lingered in your room.

You scrubbed your mistake down the shower drain until your skin was raw and smooth. But not even that could remove the marks on your neck from where his lips had been at. No, you were forced to stare at them whenever you looked in a mirror. 

“So what’s the issue?” Sabrina asked as she pushed another piece of gum between her lips, her eyebrows crinkled in confusion as she leaned against the large dryer machines, “You didn’t like him?”

“No,” You huffed to Sabrina as you tossed your sheets into one of the dryers, “It was the way I let him treat me.” You told her truthfully, feeling shameful all over again. You hadn’t ever known that sex could feel so animalistic. 

“What do you mean?” She asked in confusion, helping you shut the door to the machine before you dug around for your coins. You sighed deeply, wishing that the laundromat wasn’t so expensive. 

“He like-,” You paused as you leaned a little closer, keeping your tone lowered, “Spit in my mouth and stuff.” You whispered painfully, scrunching your brows together as you waited for her judgment to rise. 

“And stuff?” She asked curiously, amusement flickering in her eyes as a soft smirk fell onto her lips. You stalled in surprise at how she reacted. That wasn’t what you were expecting. 

“Don’t make me say it all out loud,” You grumbled as you covered your face, “I’m a whore.” You moaned into your hands, sure that Billy really did think that now. He’d never let you live it down. You’d have to spend the next few years with him smugly bringing up how he got into your pants that one time. 

“Think about where you work at.” She mumbled as you both walked back outside, taking up a bench that was nearby. You dropped your shoulders, really not wanting to become a label because of where you worked. Even though people already thought that of you. “That’s not funny,” You told her quickly, “I’ve never done anything like that before. Nothing so extreme anyways. And my main job is at a daycare. A very strict one at that.” You reminded her as you plopped yourself into the seat, hoping that some warm sunshine could help you feel better about yourself. 

“Strict enough to know your bedroom habits?” Sabrina looked at you in confusion, shaking her head softly like you were freaking out for nothing. You glanced ahead, knowing that she didn’t fully understand your worries. 

“If they find out I’m sleeping with one of the parents then they’ll fire me.” You told her quietly, fearing what you’d have to do if that happened. You didn’t want to work at your second job full time. You loved what you did now. 

“Just fucking or can you date him?” She asked, grinning as you shut your eyes in frustration, “Hey. I’m just kidding. You don’t have to see him again.” She said as she pressed on your shoulder, making you wish her statement was that easy. You would have to see him. All the time. 

“Just every Monday through Friday.”

“My apologies,” She teased as she squeezed your shoulder, “I guess you have the rest of the afternoon and tonight to figure out what you’re going to say to him.” You shook your head at her comment, a little horrified. You knew what Billy wanted and he’d gotten it. There was nothing more to bed said.

“Keeping it professional is the best course,” You replied sternly, “And that’s what I’m going to do.” You nodded your head, agreeing with your own comment even though Sabrina quickly protested it. You knew that she would.

Monday morning rolled around, much to your discomfort as you ensured all of your leftover love bites and bruises were thoroughly covered. No one except you and Billy would know what happened. Unless he had already forgotten. Maybe he was already seeing someone else. It could be why he had left so early.

You paced in your classroom that morning, trying to distract yourself but unable to do so as you stared at the clock. You knew that he should be here by now. It made you feel even more sick, wondering if he had gotten what he wanted and completely left. 

“Morning.” The sound of his voice made you jump, nearly hitting your knees against your desk. You gulped as you straightened yourself out, rubbing your hands over your skirt as he walked inside with Theo beside him. He looked good. Really good.

“Uh huh,” You hummed along, nodding your head as Theo tiredly wobbled to you, “Good morning to you too. Well both of you.” You nodded your head back towards him, then shyly ducked your head back towards the toddler in front of you.

“I sleepy.” He sighed dramatically as he moved towards your side, pressed his head against your ribs as he tried to wrap his little arms around you. 

“Oh my,” You grinned as you picked him up, enjoying the little hug he gave you in return, “But we’ve got so much learning to do.” You reminded him, watching as he stretched his little arms and legs out towards the air and floor.

“He wanted you to have this,” Billy mumbled as you listened to the sound of his boots approaching, “And I don’t give him donuts every morning.” He clarified a second later, looking worried as he thrusted out a little white box in front of you.

You met his eyes as you took it hesitantly, sure that your heart dropped clear through the floor as a warmth spread through your body. His blue eyes were bright, perhaps a little nervous even though his expression remained stoic. He was being nice. 

“Thank you,” You replied as you took it, looking down at the pink frosting that was coated in lots of sprinkles, “How did you know that was my favorite?” You asked Theo, grinning at the way he shrugged his shoulders and giggled.

“I’ll uh,” Billy paused for a second, “See you later.” He grumbled as he shoved his hands into his pockets, looking just as awkward as you felt. You didn’t know how to respond or if you even should. A donut meant nothing. Just something to snack on. 

“Bye daddy!” Theo squealed excitedly, apparently awake now as he wiggled on your lap. At least he’d be awake to help you get everything else set up for this morning. 

“Be good,” He leaned over, far too close to you as he gave Theo a little kiss on the top of his head, “Learn lots today.” He told him gently, his eyes just briefly meeting yours before he was gone. You felt yourself growing limp against your chair, wondering how you were supposed to survive.

-

The next few days went on like that. Short conversations, if you could even call them that. You were surprised at how nice he acted, but also didn’t have the courage to bring anything up. You stressed about it far too much, that was for sure. Even though nobody else knew or had any reason to be suspicious.

You knew why you suddenly couldn’t talk to him, but it was like he had reset your relationship completely. You felt yourself growing excited in your mornings to see him and again in the afternoons. Your body still warmed when he walked in late, but it wasn’t because of anger. It was because of something else.

And it scared you.

Not to mention that you couldn’t tell what he thought about you. Whether he figured you were just a whore and an easy lay or if there might be something else hidden beneath. And you couldn’t tell what you wanted him to think either. You just knew that it couldn’t happen again. 

Theo was working on collecting the toys he had scattered across the room while you had both waited for Billy. You no longer felt anger when he was late, rather you began to feel shy. Like you were a teenager again with a crush. And you refused to crush on Billy. It would go nowhere. 

“Are we going to talk about this?” He asked as soon as he entered, rounding on you as Theo squealed in the distance. You felt your eyes widen, unsure of what you were supposed to say. 

“What?” You asked as you ensured the lid was closed on your bottle of water, “Oh. Talk about-?” You trailed off, unsure if he was talking about the event or what led up to the event. Or what happened after. 

“Us.” He stated dryly, making your mouth dry. Okay. everything. He wanted to discuss everything. 

“I-,” You stalled for a moment, “Is there anything to talk about?” You asked as you stood from your chair, pushing it in so you could gather your things. You wanted to avoid looking at him, but you were drawn back to his presence. 

“You’re acting weird,” He said softer as his blue eyes traced over your features, “Did you not enjoy it?” He asked gently, making you feel worried as you shook your head. You didn’t want him to feel guilty, not when you were struggling with your own feelings. 

“No,” You said quickly, eyes widening as his features became even more stoic, “I mean I really enjoyed it. I did. I’m just not really that type of girl.” You explained as you gestured towards yourself, hoping that he would understand what you meant. 

“I realized that.” He said with a soft laugh, his palm resting against the side of your desk as he leaned lazily against it. You breathed in deeply. 

“I’ve never really been with someone like that.” You drew out slowly, a little insecure at your admission. Sex had always been hand holding and faked orgasms. Except for a vast few. You’d never had someone touch you so tenderly, make you feel so many deep sensations before. 

“Don’t tell me you were a virgin.” He said with a shake of his head, teasing you as he tapped his fingers across your desk. You glanced towards Theo, ensuring he was still far enough away that he couldn’t hear your conversation. 

“God no,” You replied with a laugh, “But nothing so-, intense.” You explained as the memories rushed forth again. His lips pulled into a little smug smirk, making you wish you had the strength to push him away. Where had your hatred gone?

“I can go slower next time.” He offered, nearly making you choke on the air in your lungs. Next time? He wanted there to be a next time? You felt sweaty suddenly, your stomach twisting and turning in surprise. 

“I don’t really want to just sleep around.” You admitted as you adjusted your purse over your shoulder. You were more excited than you liked to admit, however. You really didn’t think that Billy would be attracted to you in that way. Or maybe he only liked you now that he knew you turned into putty in his hands. 

“Are you free on Friday night?” He asked as he unwrapped a piece of gum, eyebrows slightly raised before he pushed it past his red lips. You stared, remembering how they felt against yours. Suddenly your mouth was burning, electricity racing through your body. 

“After here, yes.” You told him slowly, reminding yourself that you weren’t working your second job that night. You’d been too tired to pick it up, even though you should. 

“Theo and I are going to a park,” He began slowly, “If you’d like to join us. I can pick you up.” He offered as you thought about it for a moment. You should say no, decline his offer and go back to how things were. But you couldn’t bring yourself to do it. Something about him intrigued you, made you want to peel back his layer and peek inside.

“Okay,” You agreed with a nod of your head, “But just as-,” You paused, trailing off as you were unsure of what to call your relationship. You weren’t friends and definitely weren’t lovers. You barely knew him.

“Yeah,” He agreed with a nod of his head, smiling as Theo bounced towards him, “Maybe I can convince you that I’m not a complete, what did you call me? Nincompoop.” He nodded his head, smirking as the embarrassment spread through you. Only this time you could tell he wasn’t mocking you, he was flirting with you.

“Doubtful.” You teased right back, unable to hide the grin that was forming on your lips. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad. 

“Teachew!” Theo exclaimed as he saw you, eyes twinkling as he leaned forward in his car seat, “What you doing?” He asked curiously, tilting his head as he dropped his toys onto his lap.

You chewed on your bottom lip, clearly nervous as you sat down in the passenger seat. Your smile was stiff, a bit awkward as you pulled your seatbelt over your chest. Billy was suddenly glad, fearing that he had been the only one that was nervous about the whole ordeal. 

“Nice to see you, Theo,” You greeted kindly, smiling before you sent a short glance Billy’s way. He directed his attention back to the car, putting it in reverse and heading towards the park that Theo loved, “I thought it would be fun to join you. Is that okay?”

“Yeah!” He squealed in excitement, grin wide as he kicked his little feet in the air, “I show you how to play!” He told you happily, clapping his hands together before he picked up his toys again. You thanked him softly before you turned, facing the front of the car.

He had been unsure of asking you to join them in the first place, sure that you had no interest in him. You had spent the last week giving him quite the cold shoulder, not even greeting him when he entered the daycare late. He had missed that little fire inside of you, fearing that he had ruined things completely. 

Last Saturday had been rushed and urgent, but he hadn’t regretted it all. He was irritated to admit that all he had done was think about you since then. He liked the feeling of your lips on his, the feeling of your skin sliding against his own. And your heavenly moans. 

He shifted in his seat, glancing towards you once again, “Do you have any games that you like?” He asked curiously, trying to make some sort of conversation. It was awkward trying to speak to you, knowing you had a clear disdain for him. He supposed he had given you a reason or two.

“The swings are fun,” You replied with a shrug of your shoulders, “I usually swing when we go outside, don’t I?” You asked as you glanced back towards Theo.

“Yep!” He replied back, smacking his lips as he did so. Billy grumbled underneath his breath as he had forgotten that you probably spent quite a bit of time in parks and playgrounds. He was sure that the last thing you wanted to do on your afternoon off was be around a bunch of screaming kids, “She go high, daddy!”

“No one has beat me yet,” You confirmed with a nod of your head, looking proud of yourself as he pulled into a parking spot, “I don’t let them go very high.” You clarified a second later, looking worried at what he might think. He chuckled as he faced you once again.

“I figured you wouldn’t,” He said, meaning it in a good way, “You take good care of them.” He clarified, noting the look of exasperation that filled your features. It quickly faded away and you were left looking surprised as he got out of the car. 

He awkwardly dangled his keys in his hands as he walked around towards your side, opening the door for you so you could get out. You stalled before you quickly followed his actions, making him wonder if you really thought of him as that big of a dick.

“Ready?” He grinned as he moved the passenger seat forward, reaching back to unhook Theo from his car seat. The toddler wiggled free, giggling as he grabbed his little bag and lifted his arms up.

“Weady!” He proclaimed happily as Billy kept a hand on the top of his head, ensuring that he didn’t hit the car. He watched as Theo wiggled free, bouncing happily to you as he held his hand out.

“Where should we go first?” You asked him kindly, holding his hand as he began to lead the way. He had a special interest in sitting and watching the ducks, or trying to color all of the different Koi fish that were in the ponds. He did not like the geese, however.

“Dis way,” Theo directed, leading them in the usual direction as Billy lingered behind a few steps, “Hey! You too.” He shouted as he looked back at Billy, wiggling his free hand until Billy linked their fingers together.

Billy was glad that Theo didn’t think anything of this interaction. It wasn’t a date, but he didn’t want him to get confused either. Especially when he was so eager for a mother figure. 

They sat at their usual bench, Billy taking the far edge as Theo sat his bag up on the wood and began to dig through it. By the end of the trip, he was sure his bag would be filled with sticks, rocks and various leaves. 

“Wook,” Theo said dramatically as he held out his little journal, his baby scribbles and drawings filling the pages as he pointed them out towards you, “It for science.” He declared, smiling proudly towards Billy. 

“He does a great job,” He spoke up, giving Theo a little kiss on top of his head, “What are you going to work on today?” He asked curiously as you flipped through the journal, looking at it all in surprise.

“Hm,” He hummed as he tapped his finger against his chin playfully, “I don’t know!” He giggled as he crawled onto his lap, his eyes squinting as Billy helped him get comfortable.

“These are really good, Theo,” You praised as you glanced towards him, gently touching the pages as you looked at it all, “You really like animals, huh?” You questioned as you faced him, probably knowing the answer to that already.

“Mhm,” He answered with a nod of his head before he glanced back towards Billy, “My daddy likes kitties.” He answered happily, resting his head against his chest. Billy shook his head, figuring that he’d drive him all the way to this park only for him to get sleepy. 

“You do?” You looked towards him curiously, like you were surprised once again. He rubbed his hand across the back of his neck before he nodded along. 

“Cats are cool,” He answered simply as a grin formed on his lips, “Hey you. C’mon. Let’s go play something.” He added as he lifted Theo back onto the ground. He grinned as he stared up at him, taking his hand before he dragged him along.

The playground was close by, not nearly as busy as the Saturday afternoons they spent here. Theo liked to try and keep up with the other kids, but often fell behind because of his little legs. He had no problem playing on his own either, but had probably grown used to that from being an only child. 

“I’ve been trying to teach him hopscotch,” He explained, crouching down as he waited for Theo at the bottom of the slide, “But he doesn’t quite understand it yet.” He said with a laugh, glancing towards where you were standing. 

“He’ll get there,” You smiled along, joining him as little giggles came from the top of the tube. It was a second later that Theo slid down, squealing loudly before he fell into Billy’s arms. His cheeks were squished up, his smile bright as he continued to giggle, “I’d give that a ten on the ranking scale.”

“Again?” He asked, already wiggling down and stomping his feet back up towards the little staircase. Billy watched him, chuckling softly as he ensured he reached the top of the slide safely.

“When you said us,” You brought up suddenly, making him turn towards you, “What did you mean?” You asked slowly, looking a little panicked by what his answer might be. He thought about it for a moment, deciding if he should be honest or say what he thought you wanted to hear. It seemed fairly obvious to him that you weren’t interested in him romantically. He wasn’t sure if he wanted you that way either. But you had caught his attention for some time now.

“I don’t know,” He admitted at last, wishing he wasn’t so sober if he was going to be discussing his feelings, “We’re just getting to know each other.” He said finally, deciding that sounded right. You nodded your head quickly in agreement.

“I just don’t want to lose my job,” You replied, smiling as Theo came tumbling down backwards this time. Billy leaned forward, picking him up once again as his little feet kicked in the air, “I really love what I do.”

“I wouldn’t say anything,” He said as he put the little boy down again, watching as he rushed back towards the same direction, “It’s nobodies fucking business anyways.”

“Easy for you to say,” You pointed out as you looked towards him, eyes sincere, “All of my coworkers love you. They talk about you all the time. And they don’t care for me because I don’t fit into their little clique.” You explained to him, leaving him a little confused. Then again he’d never seen you interact with your coworkers. And he couldn’t deny that they were overly nice to him.

“Sucks for them,” He said with a nod of his head, “But I won’t tell anyone. I swear.” He promised, taking note of your disinterest for a future between you and him. He could handle that. He’d been single for a long time anyways. Everything would go back to normal shortly, he was sure of it. 

Tags: @cassandracorvo @marshmallowgem @shes-an-odd-bird @stormy-stardust @highwaywildflower @let-love-bleeds-red

[latinasforace]

Hidden feelings

A/N: Hihi! First mini(?) series about cute kdrama romantic school au for luffy bc i love him and i’ve been bringing dramas lately. :P enjoy!! Also i wrote this through hs and i’m barely now uploading it bc.. why not. So bare with me with the writing and updating T_T it’s not yet completed.

Pairing: Luffy x Fem reader.

Warnings: mid writing (first work published …) & cursing.

Word Count: 2.4k.

Chapter 1: Yearning

The sun shone brightly over Grand Line High School, signaling the start of another typical school day. Students filled the hallways, chatting excitedly about their weekend plans. Among the crowd, you walked quietly, blending into the background as you always did.

It was start of your lunch period and you were making your way to the cafeteria, hoping to find your lunch table mates. It was your first year here at Grand Line and even after 3 months into the school year, you had yet to make stable friends. Sure, you had your lunch table mates who were welcoming and kind enough to let you sit with them and avoid sitting alone at lunch. Even so, they didn’t really make an effort to talk to you outside of class.

Lost in your own thoughts, you failed to notice Tashigi approaching you in the hall.

“Hey Y/N. You’re heading to lunch?” Tashigi’s voice cut through the hallway noise, her glasses slightly askew and her bright smile, walking alongside you.

You nodded and offered a small smile in return. “Yeah I am.”

As you walked down the bustling hallways, Tashigi chatted animatedly about history class, her words flowing in a stream of excitement. You listened attentively, nodding and offering a few soft responses here and there. Preferring to observe and listen rather than dominating conversations, you find comfort in the background.

“You know, I think I finally understand that chapter about the Void Century,” Tashigi said, adjusting her glasses. “I mean, Professor Clover explains it well, but it’s so much to take in!”

You smiled slightly, appreciating Tashigi’s enthusiasm. “Yeah, it’s a lot of information. You did well on the last quiz, though.”

Tashigi’s face lit up with pride. “Thanks! I’ve been studying hard. What about you? How do you feel about it?”

“It’s interesting,” Y/N replied softly. “So much mystery. Makes you wonder what really happened.”

You both approached the cafeteria and told Tashigi that you would be lining up for the food offered at the cafeteria today. “Ah okay. I heard from Vivi that they’ll be serving sandwiches. Go now so the line doesn’t get too long.” Tashigi said and motioned to go sit at your lunch table, who you saw Vivi, Cody and Shirahosi already settled in.

You hummed and made your way to the kitchen line. The noise level had increased from the halls to the cafeteria has increased. The air filled with the chatter and laugher of students. Nearing the line, you noticed a familiar group of students already lined up. It was the Strawhat Club.

A group of chaotic and energetic filled students, whom you had no idea what their club was even focused but they seemed to always stick with each other and cause chaos here and there. You were however, kinda familiar with their leader. Luffy.

You observed and saw Luffy at the front of the line, animatedly talking with Usopp and Nami. Luffy’s laugher was infectious, his energy seemingly boundless. He was effortlessly charming, always drawing people to him like a magnet. Very known throughout the school, mostly from causing lots of trouble and bothering a couple of teachers.

As you inched forward the line, you couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing seeing Luffy so vibrant and happy. Your mind drifted back to the moment you first fell for him—a memory you cherished secretly.

It was a rainy afternoon a few months ago, and you were struggling to carry a stack of heavy boxes filled with supplies for art class. You managed to get them halfway down the hall when you tripped, the boxes teetering precariously. You just laid there, fighting the urge to cry. You were already having the most saddest and shittiest day recently and you couldn’t even muster the courage to get up and pick the loaded boxes.

“Need a hand?” a cheerful voice called out from afar.

You heard and quickly composed yourself, looking up to see one of you the students here, Luffy, wearing his signature cap turned back and a bright grin on his face. Without waiting for your response, he grabbed the boxes from the floor and steadied the rest with ease.

“Thanks,” You mumbled, feeling your cheeks warm.

“No problem! These look heavy,” Luffy said, effortlessly lifting the boxes as if they weighed nothing. He carried them to the art room, setting them down with a satisfied sigh. “There you go!”

You smiled shyly. “Thank you. That was really kind of you.”

Luffy grinned and waved it off. “Anytime! See you around.”

With that, he was off, joining his friends down the other hall. For Luffy, it was just a brief, friendly interaction, one of many in his day.

But for you, it was a moment that changed everything. His genuine kindness and the way he acknowledged your existence left a lasting impression, especially with some past events that had left your heart feeling heavy. From that day forward though, you found yourself intrigued and looking forward to getting glimpses of him in the hallways and during lunch breaks.

You became familiar with his friend group as well, observing and learning some of his friend’s name and attitudes. Which is why it didn’t surprise you that the reason why the line was sightly being held up was due to a certain moss headed individual and one of the kitchen’s student chief volunteers as well as Luffy’s friend, Sanji. Their bickering over the food options had amused you, forming a little smile your face but, was really holding up the line now.

You were startled by the loud yelling behind you.

“HURRY UP AND GET YOUR SHIT!” A certain red headed dude exclaimed. Eustass Kid. You were acquaintance with him before through a past… somebody. He had always scared you, not just with his big tall built, which suited his position in the wrestling team but with his loud angering attitude.

The arguing between the 2 from before had stopped and the group ahead served their lunches and moved out the line. Finally, it was your turn to get her lunch. Kid’s yelling from before had tensed you up so you quickly picked up a tray and moved toward the sandwich station, where Sanji was serving as a lunch volunteer. His blond hair fell elegantly over one eye, and he wore a charming smile that surely made the girls in line blush.

“Well, well, if it isn’t a lovely lady.” Sanji said with a playful wink. “What can I get for you today, beautiful? We’ve got ham and cheese, turkey, or a classic BLT.”

You felt her cheeks heat up under his gaze, used to having someone flirt at you even if you knew he’s known to do that with every girl near him. Still you managed to keep your composure. “I’ll have a turkey sandwich, please.”

“Excellent choice,” Sanji said, swiftly preparing the sandwich with a flourish. “Anything for you, my dear. How about some extra lettuce and tomatoes? Just for you.”

“Anything is fine.” you softly replied.

Sanji finished the sandwich and handed it to you with a dramatic bow. “Here you go. Made with extra care.”

“Thank you,” you gestured your tray up.

“Anytime, mademoiselle,” Sanji replied, his eyes twinkling.

With your tray in hand, you looked around for your lunch table again. The cafeteria was crowded, but seeing one of your lunch table mates fall figure, Shirahoshi, made it easier to spot your table. You made your way over, setting your tray down and taking a seat.

“Hi Y/N!” Your lunch table greeted.

Unpacked lunch boxes and books loaded with worksheets filled most of the table.

Shirahoshi sent you a cheerful smile and offered one of her yogurts to you. You smiled and kindly declined.

Observing the rest of your friends. Vivi was writing her little heart away in what you assumed was an essay prompt worksheet and Koby with Tashigi, quizzing each other using one of those heavy thick books loaded up with Marine corps information.

All of them wearing their signature student council vests. Sitting with them made you stick out like a thumb, since you didn’t have the beige colored uniform they were awarded with for being part of Student Council.

You continued eating your lunch quietly, every once in a while contributing to the conversations in the table but even so, still reserved and isolated. While you greatly appreciated them, you didn’t really feel connected with your friends. All of them were really close with one another due to the club they're all in, leaving you left out from many conversafions and activities they do.

You didn’t mind it though. They really influenced you to maintain your outstanding grades and care for your future after graduation. You were also very use to the solitude and isolation, both during in and outside of school. You had to admit though, it sucked missing out on many accompanied experiences and you missed having solid friends.

Lunch period went on and you remained quiet and reserved. Your vision drifting the table where Luffy and his friends sit at. You observed them and noticed their perfect dynamic. Luffy being the heart of the group. Teasing and bickering with one another, their affection unmistakable.

You longed to be part of something like that—a close-knit group of friends who accepted each other unconditionally, flaws and all. The groups table was a whirlwind of chaos and joy, a vivid contrast to your own quiet, isolated tiny space. Even with the yearning to be part of them, be part of Luffy’s bubble, you deemed you were not fit for such group. Your quiet and unnoticed character didn’t blend in with theirs.

That was okay. You found solace in your own quiet company, observing the world around you and cherishing the small, unnoticed moments.

~

The rest of the school day flew by in a blur for you. After lunch, you kept to herself, moving from one class to another, focusing entirely on your studies. Taking detailed notes and completing your assignments with care. Interactions with your classmates were minimal, your reserved nature making her almost invisible in the bustling environment of Grand Line High School.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, you packed up your things and made your way to the locker hall. The hallways, usually bustling with students, were quieter than usual today due to a late dismissal. You had to quickly for a favor of turning in papers to the office from your chemistry teacher, Caesar Clown. Seriously whose name is clown…

Most students had already left, leaving the school eerily calm.

You closed her locker and turned to leave, only to bump into a familiar figure. Your books and papers scattered across the floor, and you found herself face-to-face with Luffy, his wide grin and bright eyes catching you off guard.

"Hey, Y/N, right?" he said, his voice cheerful and energetic.

Startled, you blinked in surprise. "Uh, hi, Luffy," you replied softly, your voice barely audible in the nearly empty hallway. Quickly kneeling to pick up your scattered belongings, feeling your cheeks warm slightly with embarrassment.

Luffy immediately crouched down to help, his grin never wavering. "You hang out with Vivi sometimes, don’t you? I think I’ve seen you with her.

"Yeah, we sit together at lunch," You said, fumbling to gather your things. You weren’t used to being the center of attention, especially not from someone as popular as Luffy.

As you both stood up, your hands brushed briefly, causing you to pull yours back quickly. Luffy didn’t seem to notice, his attention already shifting to the empty hallway. "Cool," he said, nodding. He then glanced around, a look of slight concern crossing his face. "Hey, have you seen a yellow with red cap around here? I think I might've dropped it."

You heart skipped a beat. You shook her head. "No, I haven’t seen it today," your voice soft. "But I can help you look for it if you want."

Luffy’s face lit up with his characteristic grin. "Really? Thanks! I was just heading this way, so maybe it fell somewhere nearby."

Together, you started retracing his steps. You tried to focus on looking for the hat, but you just couldn’t help but steal glances at Luffy. His carefree nature and the way he treated everyone so kindly made your heart flutter.

As you both moved through the quiet hallway and out to the courtyard, Luffy chatted easily about his day, sharing funny anecdotes and laughing. You listened, smiling at his stories, feeling more at ease with every step.

After a few minutes, Luffy sighed, scratching his head. "Guess it’s really gone, huh? I’ll have to look for it again tomorrow."

You nodded, feeling a mix of guilt and anticipation. "Yeah, maybe it will turn up."

Luffy looked at you with genuine appreciation. "You’re really nice, Y/N. We should hang out more often."

You felt your warm warm at his words, and you nodded shyly. "Yeah, maybe."

As they parted ways, You felt a warmth in her chest. Your interaction had been brief, but it left you with a feeling of hope and excitement. For Luffy, it was just a simple request for help, another moment in his busy day. But for you, it was something more—a fleeting connection that made you feel seen and acknowledged.

As you walked home, you took a different route through the school courtyard to get home and to your bus stop faster.

It was there, under a bench, that you spotted a crumpled, dirty yellow striped with red hat. Your heart raced as you picked it up, recognizing it immediately as Luffy’s. The brim was torn, and it looked like it had been stepped on.

Without a second thought, you decided to take it home. Once at home, you cleaned the hat, mended the tear, and restored it as best you could. As you worked, you thought about how surprised Luffy would be when you returned it to him the next day.

You will finally have a reason to approach him again, and with any luck, it could be the beginning of something new. You hoped, but mostly for courage and confident to even approach Luffy.

For now, you felt a tiny spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, you weren’t as invisible as you thought. And maybe there was a chance for you to find a place among the chaos and camaraderie that is Luffy’s bubble.

To be continued…

a/n: yay! first ever work. sorry if it’s boring rn i just like story building n small details. luffy soon. new chap soon. as well.

[webshooterrr9]

merman diary 4

[TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ORIGINAL WRITING IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE OF THE MERFOLK]

w.c: 0.8k

content warning: brief mentions of war/conflict

written with no specific character in mind - so imagine this as a mermaid!au with whoever you want! male!char x fem!reader

Diary Entry - 11/2/2024

I haven’t seen her in a while.

It’s not her fault, it’s mine. I’ve been too busy with colonial affairs to visit her lately. The colony has been preparing for conflict with the Octocrae. Those tentacled freaks have always weirded me out, but that’s not my problem. I’m not in the colony’s Leader Council - I’m just a regular merman. But if the colony did descend into war, I’d be expected to fight alongside any other able-bodied merfolk. If I had it my way, I’d spend all of my time on the shore talking with my human. But life isn’t fair, I guess.

“Hey, ule! Come here.” I turn around to see Tasi gesturing towards me, his tail swaying excitedly side-to-side. I swim over, shaking my head.

“What’s all the fuss about? And I told you, there’s no need to use honorifics when referring to me. We’ve been friends long enough.” I say, crossing my arms.

“Aegean sent for all the eligible merfolk to come to the council meeting,” he said, leading me away towards the center of the colony’s settlement. “They want us all to be present for the discussion over war preparations.”

“We’re not actually going to war, are we?” A look of concern crosses my face, but Tasi just seems to consider this normal. “I thought the Council was trying to avoid conflict with the eight-tails.”

“Steady your shells, man. It’s not a big deal. They just want to discuss preparations for if conflict were to actually happen; we were only called so that we could be informed.”

We kept swimming, entering the council building. Our settlement has been around for thousands of years, with this edifice being one of the oldest. Grand archways and spirals decorate every wall of the council building, with details so delicate that only the gentlest of hands could craft them over the centuries that the colony has been around. There are merfolk swimming all around, rushing to the auditorium to get the best seats in front of the Leaders.

I almost get smacked by the tail of one of my scurrying peers. “Do we have to go? These meetings always take forever to end.” I whine, giving Tasi a pleading look. “Why don’t we just ditch? It’s not like they’ll realize we’re missing with all the people crowding the seats.”

My best friend looks at me like I’ve lost my head, but it quickly shifts into a look of curiosity. “Why do you care? You got somewhere else to be, something else to do? Someone else to do?” he interrogates. I shove him in the shoulder, earning a chuckle.

“Don’t be an ass. I just don’t feel like it, is all. I’m not particularly interested in listening to the Leaders drone on about information I already know.”

“Relax, ule,” there’s that title again. “It won’t take long. Then you can go back to whatever it is you think is so important.”

***

I spent the entire meeting zoning out. How could I not? There’s no way to focus when my human plagues my mind. Besides, there wasn’t anything of substance to be heard, anyway. The second that the meeting was over, I swam towards the shore. When my head breached the surface, she wasn’t there. I expected as such, since she told me that humans normally don’t go out at night - due to the fact that they need more rest than we do. But rather than retreating to my home, I stayed on the beach to admire the world above. I don’t know how long I spent there, lying in the sand and looking up at the Earth. The sky was ink black, adorned with clouds and the occasional star here and there. It’s hard to see the sky from under the water, so I never really took the time to admire it. I wiggled my webbed fingers, feeling the sand fall in between them and exfoliate my hands with the miniscule rocks that made up the scratchy dust. The world was so much warmer above the surface - it was as if I was lying on a volcano rock that never cooled. But it was pleasant. I enjoyed the rare privilege of being on the land. If my peers knew, if Tasi knew, if the Leaders knew, I’d surely be chastised for straying so far from the line of what’s acceptable.

But I can’t help it. I’m addicted. I’m infatuated. My human showed me a world that I had never known, and there was no way that I could go back now. I can’t wait to see her again. I know I say that every time, but it’s true. No one intrigues me like she does. And if Tasi and Aegean and all the others punish me for being so in love with the world above, then that’s just my fate.

I love her.

a/n: will update this whenever i feel like it. no regular schedule set. sorry that reader wasn't present in this one, it was more lore-based for the merman lol

dividers by: @cafekitsune

taglist: @ninani-nanina

comment if u wanna be added to the taglist!

[samgirl98]

Mending a Family 9/?

Prev | Next

Dick knows I know about you. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, but I don’t think they’ll ever give up.

Jason put away his phone; he would think about that later. Right now, he wanted to give Jazz all his attention and know what happened to make Danny a cute five-year-old.

“I don’t know how much you know about Danny’s and mine biological parents,” she trailed off while rocking Ellie.

“I heard enough,” Jason answered while Danny said, “Almost everything. Except how I got de-aged ‘cuz even I don’t know or the few days leading up to that.”

Jazz nodded, “good, that’ll make things easier.”

Jazz put a now asleep Ellie on the rocker and looked at Jason and Danny. They were sitting in their new living room. Jason had chosen a little house with the closest neighbor two miles away. They were still in the woods but twenty minutes from a little town with schools, a library, and a general store. Would it be easier to disappear in a city? Maybe. But Danny wouldn’t be able to use his powers as well in the city.

Plus, it’d be easier to avoid Oracle, too.

“Mom and dad were supposed to be out of the house that weekend. They were going to test a new invention. The Fenton Demoleculizer. It was supposed to tear ghosts apart ‘molecule by molecule,’ as they liked to say. It didn’t work that way.”

“Things rarely do,” Danny chirped.

Jazz sighed.

“Ellie had come that weekend to visit. They both took down a ghost and returned them to the Ghost Zone.”

“Stupid Skulker,” Danny added.

“Mom and dad caught them both transforming. They didn’t hesitate; they shot Danny first. Thankfully, I had come down the basement when mom shot Danny. If it had been dad, well, let’s say he’s a horrible shot. Thankfully, the Demoleculizer didn’t work how it was supposed to and only de-aged Danny.”

Jazz sighed and rubbed her eye.

“I was able to get Danny and throw him through the portal, which is how I assume he ended up with you. Mom and dad were furious and thought I was overshadowed. They were ranting about how they didn’t notice their baby boy was dead and were tricked by a filthy ghost. There was no talking to them.”

“In the chaos, Ellie got hit with the Demoleculizer, too. I knew there was no going back at that point, so I got her and went through the portal. Those few minutes must’ve been days here, though, because, well, you know, we didn’t land at the same place or time that Danny had.”

Silence reigned as they all digested what Jazz had said. Jason couldn’t believe any parent would turn against their child that way.

But then again, Sheila did the same to me, he thought.

“So now what,” Jazz asked, “we can’t mooch off you forever, Jason. As much as I appreciate what you’ve done, it isn’t fair that you have to feed three extra mouths now and leave your old haunt for Danny.”

“Whoa, hey, it’s no trouble to me at all. Besides, I already think of Danny as my kid, and parents are there to care for their kids.”

Jason took a deep breath, “Besides, I wasn’t in a good place before Danny. I won’t lie to you guys; I’m not a good guy. I’ve—I’ve killed before; I’ve hurt my family. If anything, I would understand if you guys don’t want to be around me.”

“When you said you’ve killed, have you ever killed innocent people or…?” Jazz left the question hanging.

Jason shook his head and told his story of how he had been killed and returned to life. The Lazarus Pit and League of Assassins were hard to get through, but Danny and Jazz deserved the truth. He told them about his return to Gotham and how he set up a criminal empire. (One that he abandoned for Danny.) He mentioned Titan Towers and his so-called revenge against Tim. He told them all his sins.

Jason turned to Danny, “Do you understand now, Danny-lad, I deserve their anger.”

Danny got up and hugged Jason tight, “You came back angry. It’s not your fault, either.”

“While I’m not too glad to hear about the killings, I understand why you did it. Besides, you’ve left that behind, and you’re taking care of Danny. I’m not here to judge but to take care of my baby brother and sister. And you, Jason, have taken in Danny and protected him. Not many people would do that. So, for that, I thank you.”

Jason almost felt like crying. The Fentons didn’t judge him, and they didn’t refuse to give him their love and forgiveness. Jason felt like he belonged to a family for the first time in a long time.

“Now, it’s time we redecorated. Isn’t that right, big brother?” Jazz asked with a smile.

____

Tim had been able to follow the cold anomaly north. It had disappeared somewhere in Vermont.

“What do you think it is,” Tim asked Barbara.

“I don’t know, but do you think it’s related to Jason disappearing?”

“It’s too much of a coincidence for it not to be.”

“Hmm,” Barbara hummed, “I’m going to set it up for the program to look for this anomaly in Canada. It has disappeared in the continental US; Canada is the only logical conclusion.”

“Should I tell Bruce?”

Barbara sighed, “Let’s give it a few more days and see if anything new comes up. If it doesn’t, we will have to tell him about it, but let him come up with his conclusions. If anything new shows up and leads to Jason, I suggest we observe him first instead of getting the whole family descending on him.”

“What, why?” Tim asked incredulously.

There was silence on the other side.

“Why, Barbara?”

“Tim, Jason left for a reason. There are no signs of struggles, and he took everything he had; he doesn’t want to be found by us. Shouldn’t we honor his wishes?”

“But everyone misses him. Bruce is going crazy looking for him.”

“I love Bruce, but he’s a hypocrite. He ignored Jason when he was right next door, and now that he’s gone, he wants him back. It sounds like he just wants some control, like usual,” Barbara said angrily.

“But Dick is also,” Barbara interrupted him.

“Dick isn’t much better. Look, I love everyone, but how we’ve treated Jason,” she sighed. “If he’s just living his life and not killing people, then I see no reason to make him miserable.”

“If that’s how you feel, why are you helping me look for him?” Tim couldn’t help but ask.

“Because I’m a hypocrite, too.”

Then she hung up.

Dick knows I know about you. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, but I don’t think they’ll ever give up.

Jason put away his phone; he would think about that later. Right now, he wanted to give Jazz all his attention and know what happened to make Danny a cute five-year-old.

“I don’t know how much you know about Danny’s and mine biological parents,” she trailed off while rocking Ellie.

“I heard enough,” Jason answered while Danny said, “Almost everything. Except how I got de-aged ‘cuz even I don’t know or the few days leading up to that.”

Jazz nodded, “good, that’ll make things easier.”

Jazz put a now asleep Ellie on the rocker and looked at Jason and Danny. They were sitting in their new living room. Jason had chosen a little house with the closest neighbor two miles away. They were still in the woods but twenty minutes from a little town with schools, a library, and a general store. Would it be easier to disappear in a city? Maybe. But Danny wouldn’t be able to use his powers as well in the city.

Plus, it’d be easier to avoid Oracle, too.

“Mom and dad were supposed to be out of the house that weekend. They were going to test a new invention. The Fenton Demoleculizer. It was supposed to tear ghosts apart ‘molecule by molecule,’ as they liked to say. It didn’t work that way.”

“Things rarely do,” Danny chirped.

Jazz sighed.

“Ellie had come that weekend to visit. They both took down a ghost and returned them to the Ghost Zone.”

“Stupid Skulker,” Danny added.

“Mom and dad caught them both transforming. They didn’t hesitate; they shot Danny first. Thankfully, I had come down the basement when mom shot Danny. If it had been dad, well, let’s say he’s a horrible shot. Thankfully, the Demoleculizer didn’t work how it was supposed to and only de-aged Danny.”

Jazz sighed and rubbed her eye.

“I was able to get Danny and throw him through the portal, which is how I assume he ended up with you. Mom and dad were furious and thought I was overshadowed. They were ranting about how they didn’t notice their baby boy was dead and were tricked by a filthy ghost. There was no talking to them.”

“In the chaos, Ellie got hit with the Demoleculizer, too. I knew there was no going back at that point, so I got her and went through the portal. Those few minutes must’ve been days here, though, because, well, you know, we didn’t land at the same place or time that Danny had.”

Silence reigned as they all digested what Jazz had said. Jason couldn’t believe any parent would turn against their child that way.

But then again, Sheila did the same to me, he thought.

“So now what,” Jazz asked, “we can’t mooch off you forever, Jason. As much as I appreciate what you’ve done, it isn’t fair that you have to feed three extra mouths now and leave your old haunt for Danny.”

“Whoa, hey, it’s no trouble to me at all. Besides, I already think of Danny as my kid, and parents are there to care for their kids.”

Jason took a deep breath, “Besides, I wasn’t in a good place before Danny. I won’t lie to you guys; I’m not a good guy. I’ve—I’ve killed before; I’ve hurt my family. If anything, I would understand if you guys don’t want to be around me.”

“When you said you’ve killed, have you ever killed innocent people or…?” Jazz left the question hanging.

Jason shook his head and told his story of how he had been killed and returned to life. The Lazarus Pit and League of Assassins were hard to get through, but Danny and Jazz deserved the truth. He told them about his return to Gotham and how he set up a criminal empire. (One that he abandoned for Danny.) He mentioned Titan Towers and his so-called revenge against Tim. He told them all his sins.

Jason turned to Danny, “Do you understand now, Danny-lad, I deserve their anger.”

Danny got up and hugged Jason tight, “You came back angry. It’s not your fault, either.”

“While I’m not too glad to hear about the killings, I understand why you did it. Besides, you’ve left that behind, and you’re taking care of Danny. I’m not here to judge but to take care of my baby brother and sister. And you, Jason, have taken in Danny and protected him. Not many people would do that. So, for that, I thank you.”

Jason almost felt like crying. The Fentons didn’t judge him, and they didn’t refuse to give him their love and forgiveness. Jason felt like he belonged to a family for the first time in a long time.

“Now, it’s time we redecorated. Isn’t that right, big brother?” Jazz asked with a smile.

____

Tim had been able to follow the cold anomaly north. It had disappeared somewhere in Vermont.

“What do you think it is,” Tim asked Barbara.

“I don’t know, but do you think it’s related to Jason disappearing?”

“It’s too much of a coincidence for it not to be.”

“Hmm,” Barbara hummed, “I’m going to set it up for the program to look for this anomaly in Canada. It has disappeared in the continental US; Canada is the only logical conclusion.”

“Should I tell Bruce?”

Barbara sighed, “Let’s give it a few more days and see if anything new comes up. If it doesn’t, we will have to tell him about it, but let him come up with his conclusions. If anything new shows up and leads to Jason, I suggest we observe him first instead of getting the whole family descending on him.”

“What, why?” Tim asked incredulously.

There was silence on the other side.

“Why, Barbara?”

“Tim, Jason left for a reason. There are no signs of struggles, and he took everything he had; he doesn’t want to be found by us. Shouldn’t we honor his wishes?”

“But everyone misses him. Bruce is going crazy looking for him.”

“I love Bruce, but he’s a hypocrite. He ignored Jason when he was right next door, and now that he’s gone, he wants him back. It sounds like he just wants some control, like usual,” Barbara said angrily.

“But Dick is also,” Barbara interrupted him.

“Dick isn’t much better. Look, I love everyone, but how we’ve treated Jason,” she sighed. “If he’s just living his life and not killing people, then I see no reason to make him miserable.”

“If that’s how you feel, why are you helping me look for him?” Tim couldn’t help but ask.

“Because I’m a hypocrite, too.”

Then she hung up.

Dick knows I know about you. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, but I don’t think they’ll ever give up.

Jason put away his phone; he would think about that later. Right now, he wanted to give Jazz all his attention and know what happened to make Danny a cute five-year-old.

“I don’t know how much you know about Danny’s and mine biological parents,” she trailed off while rocking Ellie.

“I heard enough,” Jason answered while Danny said, “Almost everything. Except how I got de-aged ‘cuz even I don’t know or the few days leading up to that.”

Jazz nodded, “good, that’ll make things easier.”

Jazz put a now asleep Ellie on the rocker and looked at Jason and Danny. They were sitting in their new living room. Jason had chosen a little house with the closest neighbor two miles away. They were still in the woods but twenty minutes from a little town with schools, a library, and a general store. Would it be easier to disappear in a city? Maybe. But Danny wouldn’t be able to use his powers as well in the city.

Plus, it’d be easier to avoid Oracle, too.

“Mom and dad were supposed to be out of the house that weekend. They were going to test a new invention. The Fenton Demoleculizer. It was supposed to tear ghosts apart ‘molecule by molecule,’ as they liked to say. It didn’t work that way.”

“Things rarely do,” Danny chirped.

Jazz sighed.

“Ellie had come that weekend to visit. They both took down a ghost and returned them to the Ghost Zone.”

“Stupid Skulker,” Danny added.

“Mom and dad caught them both transforming. They didn’t hesitate; they shot Danny first. Thankfully, I had come down the basement when mom shot Danny. If it had been dad, well, let’s say he’s a horrible shot. Thankfully, the Demoleculizer didn’t work how it was supposed to and only de-aged Danny.”

Jazz sighed and rubbed her eye.

“I was able to get Danny and throw him through the portal, which is how I assume he ended up with you. Mom and dad were furious and thought I was overshadowed. They were ranting about how they didn’t notice their baby boy was dead and were tricked by a filthy ghost. There was no talking to them.”

“In the chaos, Ellie got hit with the Demoleculizer, too. I knew there was no going back at that point, so I got her and went through the portal. Those few minutes must’ve been days here, though, because, well, you know, we didn’t land at the same place or time that Danny had.”

Silence reigned as they all digested what Jazz had said. Jason couldn’t believe any parent would turn against their child that way.

But then again, Sheila did the same to me, he thought.

“So now what,” Jazz asked, “we can’t mooch off you forever, Jason. As much as I appreciate what you’ve done, it isn’t fair that you have to feed three extra mouths now and leave your old haunt for Danny.”

“Whoa, hey, it’s no trouble to me at all. Besides, I already think of Danny as my kid, and parents are there to care for their kids.”

Jason took a deep breath, “Besides, I wasn’t in a good place before Danny. I won’t lie to you guys; I’m not a good guy. I’ve—I’ve killed before; I’ve hurt my family. If anything, I would understand if you guys don’t want to be around me.”

“When you said you’ve killed, have you ever killed innocent people or…?” Jazz left the question hanging.

Jason shook his head and told his story of how he had been killed and returned to life. The Lazarus Pit and League of Assassins were hard to get through, but Danny and Jazz deserved the truth. He told them about his return to Gotham and how he set up a criminal empire. (One that he abandoned for Danny.) He mentioned Titan Towers and his so-called revenge against Tim. He told them all his sins.

Jason turned to Danny, “Do you understand now, Danny-lad, I deserve their anger.”

Danny got up and hugged Jason tight, “You came back angry. It’s not your fault, either.”

“While I’m not too glad to hear about the killings, I understand why you did it. Besides, you’ve left that behind, and you’re taking care of Danny. I��m not here to judge but to take care of my baby brother and sister. And you, Jason, have taken in Danny and protected him. Not many people would do that. So, for that, I thank you.”

Jason almost felt like crying. The Fentons didn’t judge him, and they didn’t refuse to give him their love and forgiveness. Jason felt like he belonged to a family for the first time in a long time.

“Now, it’s time we redecorated. Isn’t that right, big brother?” Jazz asked with a smile.

____

Tim had been able to follow the cold anomaly north. It had disappeared somewhere in Vermont.

“What do you think it is,” Tim asked Barbara.

“I don’t know, but do you think it’s related to Jason disappearing?”

“It’s too much of a coincidence for it not to be.”

“Hmm,” Barbara hummed, “I’m going to set it up for the program to look for this anomaly in Canada. It has disappeared in the continental US; Canada is the only logical conclusion.”

“Should I tell Bruce?”

Barbara sighed, “Let’s give it a few more days and see if anything new comes up. If it doesn’t, we will have to tell him about it, but let him come up with his conclusions. If anything new shows up and leads to Jason, I suggest we observe him first instead of getting the whole family descending on him.”

“What, why?” Tim asked incredulously.

There was silence on the other side.

“Why, Barbara?”

“Tim, Jason left for a reason. There are no signs of struggles, and he took everything he had; he doesn’t want to be found by us. Shouldn’t we honor his wishes?”

“But everyone misses him. Bruce is going crazy looking for him.”

“I love Bruce, but he’s a hypocrite. He ignored Jason when he was right next door, and now that he’s gone, he wants him back. It sounds like he just wants some control, like usual,” Barbara said angrily.

“But Dick is also,” Barbara interrupted him.

“Dick isn’t much better. Look, I love everyone, but how we’ve treated Jason,” she sighed. “If he’s just living his life and not killing people, then I see no reason to make him miserable.”

“If that’s how you feel, why are you helping me look for him?” Tim couldn’t help but ask.

“Because I’m a hypocrite, too.”

Then she hung up.

So I don't know yet if I'm going to make that Barbara would help Jason from time to time and actually talked to him (kind of like how she helped him during the Cheers story line) or if she should also be one of the ones who ignored Jason. I'll think it through.

@idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @skulld3mort-1fan @theauthorandtheartist @emergentpanda-blog @jaggedheart11 @fisticuffsatapplebees @booberrylizard @fantasticbluebirdfan @thegatorsgooseoose @cyrwrites @kjoboo91 @crystallicedart @amaramizuki666 @spekulatiusmuffin @meira-3919 @kilasmess @bubblemixer @lexdamo @wonderland-daisy @mj-arts-n-stuff @amyheart19 @dolfay @the-church-grimm @undead-essence @aph-mable @lizisipancardo @purrloin77 @writer-extraodinaire @charlietheepic7 @sinfulloccultist @nootherusernameworked @coruscateselene @chaoticchange @itsberrydreemurstuff @gmkelz11 @feral-bunny31 @paroovian @thatonegaybitch68 @d4ydr34min9 @overtherose @fandomwandererer @vipower001 @thordottir45 @blackrabbitt3t @rosecinnamonbun @bianca-hooks123 @epilepticnerd @dat1angel @consouling @flamingenchiladadragon

[bethdutten]

Frank looked through the scope of his gun, watching Billy talking on his phone outside a New York skyscraper. His finger was on the trigger, and it would be so easy to end it now.

But his family deserved more than Billy’s quick, simple demise. Frank planned on making the punishment fit the crime.

Billy ended his call, his eyes meeting someone’s in the crowd walking down Fifth Avenue. He smiled widely, his nose crinkling in that way Frank had only seen when Billy was really, truly happy. Frank moved the sight of the scope through the crowd, trying to spot what was making Billy smile like that, and—

He watched a beautiful girl make her way to Billy, a matching grin on her face. She had a bag from Bergdorf’s in one hand, the other resting delicately on her stomach. She couldn’t have been more than six months along.

As Billy pulled her into his arms and kissed her, Frank lowered his gun. This changed everything.

***

You let Billy take your bag from you, slipping his other hand in yours and leading you towards his driver parked around the corner. “How was lunch?”

“Good, I’m still craving cheeseburgers every second of every day. God, I’m going to be 300 pounds by the time this baby arrives.”

Billy chuckles, opening the car door and helping you get in comfortably. “And you’d still be the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen.”

He caught you rolling your eyes before he closed the door, sliding in on the other side and letting the driver know you were headed home. Glancing over to you, he couldn’t help but smile at the sight of you subconsciously cradling your belly, looking out the window as you drove through the busy city streets.

Billy knew he didn’t deserve this. He thought of what he did to Frank’s family, for the millionth time that time, like he always did since he found out you were pregnant. The decisions he made were selfish and greedy. Purely for wealth and status, and he didn’t think twice about sacrificing Frank’s family for it.

Then he met you. And something shifted. And when you got pregnant, he made a promise to himself to make all of the death and destruction he has caused worth something. He would give his family the life they deserved, regardless of the one he didn’t.

You turned to him then, a soft sigh on your lips. “I met with a lawyer today.”

Billy raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Not even married and you’re already looking into divorce, hmm? Or is it a pre-nup you’re after?” He said it with a teasing tone, but you caught the hint of fear in his questions.

You laughed, leaning over and kissing him gently. “No, you won’t get rid of me that easily. I was actually looking into how we could make sure the baby isn’t registered with the state of New York when they’re born.”

“Why would—“

“Because of what you did and who you are, Billy. If there’s proof you have a kid, they’ll be a target. I think it’s better if, legally at least, we’re ghosts.” You looked at him expectantly, waiting to see his reaction. You didn’t take this lightly, and you didn’t want to offend him— but at the same time, Billy had told you every single thing he had ever done. You loved him no matter what. But now that a baby was involved, you were taking precautions.

Billy let out a shuttering breath. Fuck. He hadn’t even considered that. He ran a security company, your safety was never a concern. And he knew you could take care of yourself. But his kid— God, he was bringing a kid into a world where people were just waiting for him to slip up, looking for any weakness—

“Hey,” you spoke gently, reaching over and taking Billy’s hand. You rested it on your belly, waiting until his eyes met yours. “It’ll be fine. No one will protect us better than you, baby. I’m not worried, just being smart about it.”

Billy pulled you closer, tucking your head under his chin and slowly rubbing your belly, looking out the window as you got closer to your condo. His mind flashed back to Frank again, wondering if he was out there, waiting for the perfect chance to extract his revenge.

And Billy had just created the perfect way for him to do that. A family for a family.

[jujumin-translates]

★ Main Story | Act 13 - Budding Spring | Chapter 16 - My Allies

Izumi: That should be it for the shopping.

Tsumugi: Ah, right. I ran out of fertilizer…

Izumi: Should we make a stop at the flower shop?

Tsumugi: No, it’s a bit heavy, so I’ll ask someone else to help me next time I’m out and I’ll get it then.

Izumi: Got it. Oh, and speaking of flower shops, there’s that boy who’s a fan of ours that lives in a flower shop that I pass by a lo--.

Towa: …

Izumi: Huh? Towa-kun?

Towa: Ah…

Izumi: Are you okay? Are you feeling sick?

*Stomach growls*

Towa: I wanna… eat some rice…

*Thud*

Izumi: Huh?

Tsumugi: …He collapsed in the middle of the street?

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Towa: Let’s eat!

Tsumugi: You must’ve been starving.

Izumi: But I thought you were living at your aunt’s flower shop? It’s pretty close, so why…?

Towa: Actually… I ran away from home.

Sakuya: Ran away!?

Sakyo: Reminds me of a certain someone.

Azami: There’s a lotta people who run away from home in this dorm.

Kumon: Ahaha, true~.

Tenma: You were one of them, though.

Izumi: Did you run away because there’s something troubling you?

Towa: …

Masumi: If you’re not going to say anything, leave.

Sakuya: Hey, c’mon, he probably has his reasons.

Towa: …Sorry for causing you guys so much trouble.

Towa: …I’ve always admired you all. I’ve always wanted to be someone who could be passionate about something.

Towa: All my studies, my lessons, my hobbies, I’ve always done them half-heartedly. I’ve always tried to not work as hard as I could.

Sakuya: …Why is that?

Towa: …I didn’t want to disappoint myself.

Towa: I guess I didn’t want to try too hard, fail, and then be disappointed in myself.

Towa: If I did, I’d be embarrassed, and scared, and feel like I should just curl up and die then and there.

Towa: But then I happened to see a play by MANKAI Company’s Spring Troupe, and fell in love with how much everyone was sparkling.

Towa: I was desperate to do something like that, to actually accomplish something. I wanted to try and shine like that, too.

Towa: But I didn’t know what to do…

Towa: I wanted to be closer to Veludo Way, where you all were, so I sent in an application to Hanasaki and transferred there last minute.

Izumi: That’s the reason why…!?

Banri: Pretty damn impressive that you managed to pass the entrance exam. The standard score you need to get in there is pretty high.

Towa: I studied harder than I ever had in my entire life!

Sakuya: You sure were motivated, huh?

Masumi: You’re insane.

Towa: It was because I wanted to be closer to all of you guys, but I had another reason too…

Towa: Everyone in my family really spoils me. They’re always ready to drop everything to give me anything I’m interested in or anything I need.

Towa: They’ll almost always listen to my selfishness and it made all my friends really jealous when I told them, so I wondered if it was really okay for me to keep living like that…

Towa: They didn’t even object when I transferred schools.

Towa: They said I should go wherever I wanted to go. And not only that, but they helped me with cram school and got me a tutor too.

Towa: They also asked my aunt if I could live with her.

Towa: My family is really kind, and I love them so much, but I hate how spoiled I become when I’m with them. That’s why I decided to leave.

Yuki: You’ve got guts.

Tsumugi: It’s really nice of your family to support the path you chose, Towa-kun.

Towa: But… Apparently, they thought it wouldn’t be long before I came back home.

Towa: “It’s not like there’s anything he really wants to do”, “He won’t be able to do it alone, away from his family”...

Towa: When I overheard my aunt and my mom say stuff like that while they were talking on the phone, I got so mad that I just stormed out.

Towa: …But they were right. All I have is the things I admire. I don’t have a clue about what I actually want to do with myself.

Towa: I really can’t do anything on my own…

Sakuya: I don’t think that’s true.

Citron: You have already made it this far!

Chikage: You’ve even managed to make your way into the dorms of the theater company you admire.

Towa: Ah…

Itaru: You tried your hardest, got accepted into Hanasaki, and made it all the way to the Holy Land, isn’t that enough proof right there?

Sakuya: I think it’s amazing that you’re venturing out into a whole new world entirely on your own.

Itaru: You don’t need to rush things. Everyone figures out what they want to do with themselves eventually.

Tsumugi: I think you probably understand feeling like that the most, right, Banri-kun?

Banri: This sorta thing’s all about timing, and, well, I guess fate’s sorta a part of it too. There ain’t any point in rushin’ things.

Juza: For you, it was more like when people try ‘n stage car crashes for insurance money, though.

Banri: The hell you just say?

Izumi: You’re able to do lots of things.

Izumi: If we hadn’t met you, we never would’ve thought of doing that workshop, Towa-kun.

Towa: …Thank you so much. I’m still really sorry about all the trouble I’ve caused you.

Izumi: You’re aunt’s probably worried sick, so someone should get in touch with her. Are you able to do that on your own?

Towa: Yeah.

Towa: --Ah, so many notifs in the chat.

shiki: Please contact us.

kar: Don’t die

Iv: wanna come over to my place?

shiki: Just calm down and don’t do anything rash!

Izumi: Chat?

Towa: They’re friends I met through a game called “Bloom Game”.

Towa: We’re always talking about all kinds of different things on BlooCh-- the in-game chat.

Towa: We’ve never met before, and we don’t even know what any of the others look like, but that’s why we can talk and feel like we’re always so connected.

Towa: It’s just another one of the places I belong.

Izumi: I see. Make sure you get in touch with them too, then.

Towa: I will.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Sakuya: Do you need someone to take you home?

Towa: I’m good. It’s not that far away and my aunt said she’d meet me halfway.

Sakuya: Got it. Well then, get home safely, okay?

Citron: And you are always welcome to come here if you ever run away from home again!

Masumi: Please don’t.

Tsuzuru: Not sure when we became a place that welcomes runaways, but, I guess it’s not so bad being a place like that.

Izumi: Bye.

Towa: Thank you for the meal! And good luck with your next performance! I can’t wait to see it!

*Footsteps*

Tsuzuru: Our next performance, huh…

Itaru: We’ve still gotta face our own problems too.

Chikage: …Right.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Phone notification*

Sakuya: Ah… I really need to reply…

Sakuya: Haaah… Something that’s like us, huh.

Tenma: Does the upcoming Romeo have lines like that?

Sakuya: Huh? Ah, no.

Tenma: Heard your rehearsals didn’t go too well.

Sakuya: …Yuzo-san watched us rehearse today.

Sakuya: He told us to think about what makes a play a Spring Troupe play again, and to think about what our debut performance was like too.

Sakuya: We’ve definitely improved and gained a lot more experience, but what are we lacking more than back then…

Sakuya: There’s no way our feelings aren’t stronger than they were back then.

Tenma: Something you’re lacking, huh? There were lots of things you were lacking during your RomiJuli performance.

Tenma: Your acting was rough at best, and it was overall a pretty shaky start. But even so… I still wonder about what exactly it was that made you guys sparkle like that.

Tenma: You all just seemed to be enjoying the new world of theater with everything you had in you.

Sakuya: New world…

Tenma: You made me want to go with you-- To take that step into the world of the stage.

Sakuya: I was so happy to hear you praise RomiJuli after you joined the troupe, Tenma-kun.

Tenma: Now that I think about it, you must’ve had problems back during rehearsals for your debut performance, right?

Tenma: I mean, I did ask you how you solved problems during your performance while we were rehearsing for Summer Troupe’s debut performance.

Sakuya: I guess you’re right…

Sakuya: While we were rehearsing for our debut, Yuzo-san told us that we didn’t understand a thing about the stage and--...

Sakuya: That’s it! Thanks, Tenma-kun! I’m gonna go and get a little more acquainted with the stage again!

Tenma: --No problem.

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

[bridgyrose]

Blake takes Ruby to meet her family. Meeting the parents went well enough, but Sienna needs a little more convincing about her niece's human girlfriend.

(This will be a fun thought...)

“I promise, everyone will like you,” Blake said as she walked Ruby to the door of her parent’s house, hiding her nervousness as she knocked on the door. “Or at least, my parents will. You dont have anything to worry about.” 

Ruby sighed and hid behind Blake for a moment. “But what if they dont?” 

Blake paused for a moment, unsure of how to answer. Running away was usually her answer, so if her parents didnt like Ruby, never coming back was always an option on the table. Though, she did promise Ruby she’d be better than she was and would quit running from her problems. But she was certain her parents would like her. “Once they meet you, they’ll like you.” 

“Yeah but-” 

“If anything, I’m the one who should be worried about what they’ll think. I’ve been gone for years and now I’m coming back out of the blue as a huntress and with a girlfriend. They’ll see you as another daughter once they get to know you.” 

Ruby let out a soft sigh. “If you’re sure.” 

“I hope I’m right,” Blake said as quietly as possible as she watched the door open in front of her. A nervous smile crossed her lips as she saw her mother open the door, almost taking a step back. “Hey… mom.” 

“Blake!” Kali said as she pulled Blake into a hug. “You’re home.” 

Blake took a moment to relax after the shock of not being yelled at, pressing into the hug as she wrapped her own arms around her mother. After a few quiet seconds, she pulled away and looked over at Ruby. “I uh… didnt come alone today. This is my girlfriend, Ruby.” 

“Hi,” Ruby said quietly as she stepped out from behind Blake, more nervous that she really ought to be. “I’m Ruby.” 

Kali nodded with a smile. “Its nice to meet you Ruby. Come inside and I’ll get you both some tea.” 

Blake smiled and followed her mother into the house, familiar scents still wafting in the air as she made her way to the front room to sit. “You have no problem fighting with grimm or talking to anyone willing to give us a job, but meeting my parents is what makes you nervous?” 

“Grimm are different from people,” Ruby said, almost relaxing as she rolled her eyes at Blake. “And these people are your family. I… I want to make sure I leave a good impression on them.” 

“I already told you that you have nothing to worry about with this.” Blake motioned for Ruby to sit down on the couch and smiled at her. “Besides, its only my parents. Its not like-”

“Blake, you’re home,” Sienna interrupted

“-my aunt is here,” Blake finished almost inaudibly as her body practically froze at the thought of Sienna being here. She slowly turned around, nervous as she looked over Sienna, seeing her father behind her, and then glanced over to Ruby. “I-I’m sorry for running off but I-” 

Sienna pulled Blake into a tight hug. “You dont need to explain. Anyone who knew you could tell that the White Fang was no longer anything you wanted to be part of. I’m just glad that you managed to stay safe.” She broke the hug and nearly frowned at Ruby. “Though, I’m not sure about the guest you brought.” 

“Her guest is her girlfriend,” Kali said as she brought out tea for everyone, setting it down on a small table in front of Blake and Ruby. “And I, for one, want to hear about what Blake’s been up to and how she met Ruby.” 

Blake smiled weakly, gazing over at Ghira as she started to feel a bit nervous. “Its been a long day, Ruby and I should rest a bit and, you know… settle in before starting to tell stories.” 

“I… I left your room the way it was,” Ghira spoke up. “You and your uh… girlfriend can rest there if you need to.” 

“Thanks dad,” Blake answered quietly as she took Ruby’s hand and led her to the bedroom. Her smile started to become a bit more genuine as she watched Ruby relax once she was away from everyone. “I promise you’ll be fine.” 

“I know I will be, but… I dont… I dont want to mess this up.” Ruby let out a small sigh and looked around the hallway. “You’re already worried about what they think of you, and I’m sure bringing me home is already a shock since I’m not exactly what most people would consider a normal girl, and now that you’re home, you should be allowed to be here and relax.” 

Blake shook her head and pulled Ruby into a hug, gently thumbing along the fishnet sleeves she wore. “No matter what you think, my parents will like you. Besides, mom seems interested to find out how we met and dad will listen in.” 

“And the other woman?” 

“Sienna… will come around. Eventually. My aunt is a bit more protective than my parents-” 

“I was the one who raised you after you left them,” Sienna interrupted from behind. “And I did think I taught you better than this.” 

Blake turned around, keeping Ruby behind her. “Better than what? I love Ruby and-” the words she wanted to finish with failed to leave her lips as she watched her aunt rush at them. She took Ruby’s wrist and started to run down the hall. “Follow me!” 

Ruby nodded and rushed down the hall with Blake, keeping close behind her as she took a few glances behind to watch Sienna. “Is this normal with her?” 

“A little!,” Blake answered as she made a quick turn and pulled Ruby down the hall with her. “She’s not exactly fond of humans!” 

“I can see that!”

Blake felt her heart start to race as she watched Sienna start to gain on the two of them. “I need you to use your semblance to get us outside!” 

“You told me you didnt like it-” 

“And right now we need it!” Blake braced herself as she felt the world start to spin around her as her body was broken down once Ruby used her semblance. It all still felt strange as she felt how she moved through the air, only to feel her head spin as soon as Ruby dropped out of her semblance. Her legs felt like jello for a moment as she tried to regain her balance, only to be shoved to the side and find herself on her ass. 

The sound metal striking metal filled the air as Sienna swung her whip at Ruby’s scythe. Blake finally oriented herself as she watched the two fight. Her hands shook as she tried to pick herself up, eyes glued to the fight. 

“You’re not good enough for her unless you can protect her!” Sienna yelled out as she let the tip of her whip fly, the dust creating a line of ice as it just out of the ground. 

Ruby quickly rushed out of the way and sliced at Sienna, her scythe blade getting caught by the whip. “I trust her to protect herself! But I’ll always be there to back her up!” 

“Then prove it!” 

Blake watched as Ruby disappeared and reappeared in clouds of petals as she moved around the courtyard, taking a strike at every opening she saw only to be met with the whip catching her blade. She reached for the hilt of her blade, only to be stopped by Kali. 

“Let them do this,” Kali said quietly. “Your father and I wont let anything happen to Ruby.” 

Blake nodded quietly and let go of her weapon as she watched Sienna and Ruby continue their fight. Another whip tip released from Sienna’s whip, hitting Ruby square in the back with lightning dust, breaking her aura and dropping her to the ground. In a flash of metal and light, Sienna pinned Ruby to the ground, her last whip point in her hand like a knife at her throat. 

Sienna panted heavily as she stared down at Ruby and slowly pulled the blade away with a smirk. “You’ll do fine.” 

Ruby let out a sigh of relief as she started to pick herself up, sore from how hard she hit the ground. “That’s.. It? That’s all you wanted?” 

“And you proved yourself. I have nothing more I need from you.” 

Blake sighed and helped Ruby up. “Lets get you some rest now.” Her eyes glanced over to Sienna, a small smile crossing her lips as she watched her aunt walk away. “But I think she’s okay with you.” 

[goodnightmemes]

YELLOWJACKETS SEASON ONE SENTECE STARTERS

❛ So what do you think really happened out there? ❜

❛ All I know is that what happened was a tragedy. ❜

❛ Is this really how you thought your life was gonna turn out? ❜

❛ I don't give a shit what you meant, you smug little bitch. You don't know a fucking thing about my life. ❜

❛ Want a quickie in the bathroom? ❜

❛ I'm pretty sure it's exactly as bad as it looks. ❜

❛ I liked the saints. They were all so tragic. ❜

❛ You're the only one who's always been there for me. ❜

❛ You're the best friend I've ever had. You know that, right? ❜

❛ We agreed. Say no more than we have to, stay out of the public eye. ❜

❛ We're gonna need to change the bandages soon. And then hourly after that. ❜

❛ Are you trying to be adorable with me? Does that usually work for you? ❜

❛ You are so mad. And yet so wrong. ❜

❛ You crazy fucking bitch. ❜

❛ If you maybe want to maybe get a drink another 20 years from now, you'll know how to reach me. ❜

❛ They'll be here to rescue us by morning. ❜

❛ If poison ivy's what kills me out here, then I deserve to die. ❜

❛ We think we know what we're doing, but really we have no clue. ❜

❛ Wolves can kill anything if the pack's big enough. ❜

❛ If you want me busting kneecaps, it's gonna cost extra. ❜

❛ You know, you can learn so much about a person by going through their personal refuse. ❜

❛ You two are the worst for each other, and I don't want to pull you out of that toxic shit again. ❜

❛ It's so easy for you to judge others with your perfect life, right? ❜

❛ We might be stuck in the middle of nowhere, but, hey, at least there's porn. ❜

❛ You're beautiful when you're honest. ❜

❛ Well, mainly, I've just been trying to channel you, so I've been being dark and deadpan. ❜

❛ Oh, please don't be mad. It's a really long drive home, and uncomfortable silences make me uncomfortable. ❜

❛ The worst is behind us, okay? We're gonna be fine. ❜

❛ Are you kidding me right now? "A bad feeling"? I don't believe in that shit, and you're not going to either. ❜

❛ I don't know what you're so scared of. You've already got blood on your hands. ❜

❛ I think bad things happened here. ❜

❛ I think we should get together and strategize. You know, pop a few pins on the old corkboard. ❜

❛ Look, you can follow me or not, just don't slow me down. ❜

❛ Is this some kind of sex thing? ❜

❛ I can already smell the ghosts of hangovers past. ❜

❛ Has anyone ever told you your obsession with biographical minutia is the opposite of a turn-on? ❜

❛ I know when you look at me, you don't see someone you should be afraid of, but, you're wrong. ❜

❛ Okay. Yes, ma'am/sir. I'll perfectly calibrate my tone as I tell you to go fuck yourself. ❜

❛ You had to know I was, like, totally in love with you, right? ❜

❛ It doesn't matter how shitty of parents they are. It still fucks you up when they're gone. ❜

❛ I don't understand why I'm the only one in this family who thinks that actions should have consequences. ❜

❛ Well, you've never been good at being anything other than yourself. Honestly, it's your superpower. ❜

❛ You can't keep not pitching in. People are noticing. ❜

❛ I don't belong here, and I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this. ❜

❛ Wait, is this a pep talk? Wow, that is so not your style. ❜

❛ Cheering people up is your thing. ❜

❛ You make people feel like things are gonna be okay just by showing up and...being your dumb, hot, awesome self. At least you always did that for me. ❜

❛ I feel like I just look like I fell off a Fifty Shades of Grey bus tour. ❜

❛ I just had a brainstorm. We should have a seance. ❜

❛ You're so not fine. Do you think I can't see that? ❜

❛ You poisoned me. Why? ❜

❛ Why can't you accept the possibility that there are things in this world we don't understand? ❜

❛ Please. Promise me you won't do anything stupid. ❜

❛ I'd sell my firstborn for a cheesesteak right now. ❜

❛ I am beyond upset. I don't even know who the hell you are right now. ❜

❛ It's not your fault. What happened. ❜

❛ I can't imagine how exhausting it must've been, always comparing yourself to someone so beautiful and smart. ❜

❛ You know, for someone who went through some shit of their own, it never ceases to amaze me how shut off you are to help. ❜

❛ I have no regrets. None. And I want you to know that. ❜

❛ I think I'm seeing things. In the Bible, people had visions, right? Like prophets and stuff? ❜

❛ I don't want to die! ❜

❛ The '50 s called, they want your dumbass attitude back. ❜

❛ Goodnight. Sleep tight. Don't let the fact that you're a terrible person keep you up tonight. ❜

❛ You're not gonna talk me out of this. ❜

❛ And who knows? With you as our fearless fucking leader, we might actually make it. ❜

❛ I know that this makes me, like, this totally selfish asshole, but I don't want you to go, okay? ❜

❛ You're obviously hiding something from me, and it's making me feel crazy. ❜

❛ What did I do? When did you stop wanting me to be your best friend? ❜

❛ I'm just saying, you know, if this was a horror movie, she'd be the villain, right? ❜

❛ Not the first time I've been held hostage. ❜

❛ You see, that is what we call leverage in my line of work. Let me go, and I'll tell you everything I know. ❜

❛ You only have leverage if I am not willing to make you talk, which, in this case, means that you have no leverage at all. ❜

❛ You guys are just as fucked-up as I am. You're just better at lying to yourselves. You're not healthy. You're not stable. You're living on the brink, just like me. ❜

❛ Every single cell in your body wants to blow things up and see what happens. That's who you are. ❜

❛ You know what? I really thought that we had something. Okay? And I thought this was… ❜

❛ I hate to break it to you, but we were just fucking. And your whole high school crush on me was really cute, but now it's just pathetic. ❜

❛ If this is an anniversary present, you are three months and my entire personality off. ❜

❛ Relationships are bullshit anyway. Trust me. Whatever you did, she'll get over it. ❜

❛ I'm pretty much the best friend you have right now. And that's not much of a competition, is it? ❜

❛ If I'm being honest, not a single one of those things felt...real. ❜

❛ I'm the reason she went. And I'm the reason she got hurt. ❜

❛ It's like if someone made me feel "it" ... it wasn't gonna be good for anybody, you know? ❜

❛ There is no "safe" anymore. ❜

❛ I wish I'd never fucking met you. ❜

❛ You don't understand. I'm afraid I'm going to hurt you... Please. I am begging you. Please. Please, just go. ❜

❛ Hey. Look, nothing has happened yet. We can still fix this. Just need you to put down the knife. And we can talk this through. ❜

❛ We'll drink rotten berries and celebrate our impending death. ❜

❛ You were never supposed to get involved in this. It just... It got out of control. ❜

❛ What do you mean, you killed someone? Like you murdered someone? ❜

❛ I can't believe you thought I was going to book club this whole time. ❜

❛ When did we become these people who lie and cheat and do awful things and just stay together because…'cause why? ❜

❛ We've always been these people. Secrets have always been a part of us. ❜

❛ You could've talked to me about that, you know. For a long time, I thought maybe you might, but… ❜

❛ Friendship doesn't matter. Love doesn't matter. They're just things that we use to pretend we aren't gonna end up like dead cabin guy; like rotted-out husks in some bullshit attic. ❜

❛ Don't you understand? You don't matter anymore. ❜

❛ That's enough of your weird fucking bullshit. Haven't you done enough? ❜

❛ 12% of all killers are caught buying cleaning supplies. Also, regular bleach leaves behind hemoglobin for the luminol tests. ❜

❛ I think what you mean to say is, "Hi, [name]. It's so great to see you after all this time. Thanks for swinging by and helping us cover up a murder." ❜

❛ You know, gardening, PTA, dismembering my lover's corpse. ❜

❛ I saw something. After...it happened. I don't think I was dead. But I wasn't really alive, either. I think I was, like...In-between. ❜

❛ I know what I saw. I don't know what it meant. But I know I saw something. Something was out there with us. ❜

❛ We just howl at the moon now and have fucking orgies? ❜

❛ You're so obsessed with yourself, I'm surprised you're aware other people even exist. ❜

❛ I'm not jealous of you. I feel sorry for you. Because you're weak. And I think that deep down, you know it. ❜

❛ I'd say it was soul-crushing, if I remembered what it felt like to have one. ❜

❛ So glad you're joining us. We've been waiting for you. ❜

[becauseimswagman1]

The Beginning of Something Beautiful

A/N: This was a request. I might’ve deleted it on accident but here’s “Shuriri meeting readers daughter for the first time"

A/N#2: Not too much on my Xhosa. It's like the tinest bit but if corrections are needed, tell me nicely.

—------------------------------------------------------------------

You’ve been in a committed relationship with Shuri and Riri for about six months now and they have yet to meet your daughter, Kimani. They knew about her and have been begging you for the longest to meet her, even before you started dating, but you have some necessary anxiety about it.

The last time you let a partner meet your daughter, things crashed and burned almost immediately. Your daughter’s father was still trying to be present and they didn’t understand that you needed to have some type of relationship with him for your child. They constantly accused you of cheating and it really hurt you.

The sucky part was that they had been heavily involved in your daughter’s life so ending things with them had hurt your daughter more than it hurt you. But with endless late night talks and a ton of reassurance, you were ready for the most important people in your life to finally meet.

—------------------------------------------------------------------

“Kimani, are you dressed?” you walked up to her room and saw her spinning around in the mirror.

“Yes momma, I put my favorite dress on. You said to dress nice right?”

You smiled at her, “Mhm, that’s right my little sunshine. You’re meeting some very important people today.”

She turned to look at you, “Um, Queen Shuri and Riri?”

“Yes. They are momma’s partners. They’re really excited to meet you.”

Kimani made a pouty face and buried her face into your stomach, muffling her speech a ltitle, “What if they don’t like me? And they leave like the others did.”

You pulled her away then squatted down to her height, “What was that Kimani? Were you just doubting yourself?” She stayed quiet, but you knew the answer, “Listen, they’ll love you just like they love momma. I’ve already told them so much about you. Both of them are really interested in hearing about how you are reading at an eighth grade level as a fifth grader.”

“Oh my God?! Really?!” she jumped up and down, any doubt leaving her body, “Let’s go meet them now!”

You chuckled at her eagerness, “We’ll be leaving in a few minutes. We gotta do your hair. What style are you feeling today?”

“Umm, how about a big puff?”

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After doing her hair, you two hopped in your car and went to iHOP. It was Kimani’s favorite breakfast spot.

“Momma! Look, it’s them!” she ran up to them, barely letting them get out the car.

You chased after her since wherever she saw them was across the parking lot, “Kimani please don’t run like that! A car could’ve been coming!”

“I’m sorry momma. I was just excited.”

“Hey, nothing would’ve happened to her with the Black Panther here.” “Or IronHeart.”

Your big babies spoke up, making Kimani squeal, “I can’t believe y’all are dating my momma.”

“Well believe it Kimani.” The three of you pecked each others lips then Riri moved you out the way and picked Kimani up and hugged her, then let Shuri hug her too. You could see the love wrapped in their hugs. It warmed your heart to the fullest.

“Alright Kimani don’t give all my love away.” You chuckled at her not wanting to let Shuri go, “We have to go inside and eat.”

You tried to take Kimani from their arms but Shuri swatted your hand away, “This is my baby now. I’ve got her.”

You just chuckled at how quickly Kimani had taken to Shuri and Riri. She didn’t like to be picked up by just anybody, even as a baby. You watched the three of them walk into iHOP, silently hoping that this image would never fade.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ordering had been a bit of a hassle. Shuri had never been to iHOP before so she almost wanted to try everything on the menu, but she settled with a very unhealthy but filling breakfast of oreo pancakes. Riri got regular buttermilk pancakes, Kimani got waffles (and had a heated discussion on why waffles are better), and you got an omelet with a side of waffles. Everyone got coffee’s too, even Kimani after some convincing from Shuri and Riri.

You eyed your lovers, “You two are gonna be responsible for her bouncing off the walls later.”

Riri laughed, “That’s okay. We’ll have plenty of energy to put not only her to bed, but you too.” she winked at you then sipped on her coffee.

You almost choked on a piece of waffle but you regained your composure. You noticed Shuri wasn’t speaking much, but that’s because your daughter had slid her chair over to Shuri’s and was talking her head off about a book she was reading on African culture and why she thought Wakanda wasn’t in it.

It made your heart swell with joy when she roped Riri into a conversation on why her IronHeart suit is so bulky and not tactical like Shuri’s.

“But my suit has blasters, what does Shuri’s have?” “Shuri’s can regenerate!” That wasn’t her only argument, Kimani has a whole presentation mapped out, “Annnd Shuri’s have blasters too so null and void.”

Shuri quietly clapped at Kimani’s argument then looked at you, “What have you been teaching her? “Null and void”? Where’d she get that from?”

“Hey don’t look at me. She reads a lot.”

“I think she’s smart just like her momma.” Shuri complimented. You just smiled and motioned back to the small disagreement that was still going on.

“What you mean null and void? I. Can. Fly.” Riri deadpanned.

“And? The best superheroes don’t fly! Like my momma.” Kimani had added a little sass at the end of that sentence testing Riri to see if she’d really try and counter her.

Riri and Shuri nodded their heads. Shuri because someone actually got Riri speechless and Riri because she can’t argue there. You really are a superhero to everyone at that table.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shuri didn’t finish her pancakes, she deemed them “too large for any one person to consume in a single sitting” so she got a to-go box. As did Riri and yourself. Kimani finished her waffles. That girl love some waffles and she’s gonna finish them every time.

“Alright everyone got their food in the to-go plates?” you stood to go pay for the meal, but Shuri and Riri stopped you.

“I got it. You paid the last time we all went out together and Riri paid the time before. It is my turn I believe.”

“But Shuri, baby, I wanna treat y’all. I mean it’s only right. I come with extra baggage.”

The look Shuri held on her face was the most serious one you’d ever seen during the time of y’all’s relationship. Her face wasn’t even this serious when Riri played around in the lab.

Shuri held your hands, “Sithandwa sam, what do you mean “extra baggage”? Kimani is nothing of the sort. When you told us you had a daughter, Riri and I had a long talk. The question of “were we ready to be parents?” came up and the answer was yes. Whatever baggage you think you have, we are ready to accept it all and love you just the same.”

You almost shed a tear if not for Kimani saying something, “Momma, the white folks are starting to stare. Can we go?”

“Yeah, as soon as Shuri gets the bill.”

Shuri walked away and Riri gathered their boxes, “We love you and Kimani mamas. Don’t second guess that.”

You picked up yours and Kimani’s boxes and met Shuri at the door then walked out.

Kimani walked behind Shuri and tapped her, “Can you and Riri come back to our house and watch movies?”

Shuri bent down to her height, “Of course, but only if you ask your momma.”

Kimani quickly ran back over to you practically yelling, “Momma! Momma! Can Shuri and Riri come over?!”

You smiled, happy that Kimani was taking to them so quickly, “Yeah they can come.”

“Momma said y’all can come!!” she yelled to them across the parking lot.

Riri yelled back as Shuri got into the drivers seat, “We’ll see you there!!”

Riri got into Shuri’s car and you and Kimani got into yours. While on the way to your house all you could think about was this good feeling in your stomach. Kimani loved Shuri and Riri and they loved her right back. Everything was right.

Taglist: @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @thatone-girly @blackerthings @roguekiki @enigmadivine @novaniskye @ziayamikaelson

[tired-robo-mask]

“What, this? Thank Willow if you like it so much. Though I do look pretty good, no?”

(Click photo for better clarity)

{SR} Citlali Rosalis

Glimmering Soirée (fan event by @starry-night-rose)

Set Home: I don’t usually get put in this kinda setting. Though that has changed ever since getting stuck here.

Home Idle 1: I was concerned about Vesper, but he seems to be doing well. If you see Jamil ask him to dance, please inform me!

Home Idle 2: I should thank my dorm mates for teaching me how to ballroom dance. The last time I did anything similar was at my Quinceañera and even then, I hardly did any real dancing because my dress hid my feet, so I didn’t worry about my footwork at all.

Home Idle 3: I know I don’t seem the type, but I’ve always dreamed of being a princess… I read a lot of fantasy and romance stories, ok?

Home Idle - Login: I never expected Cyprien to be so good at this! He was very cryptic about it when I asked- Oh, who’s Cyprien? The super terrifying tall- Yeah him, guess you already saw him...

Home Idle - Groovy: Wow! Malleus actually took mine and Lilia’s advice and asked Willow to dance… I’m would tease him about it, but it probably wouldn’t affect him if I did.

Home Tap 1: I don’t typically dance, nor do I get asked to… What?! He’s coming?! Uh-… Don’t get me all worked up like that…

Home Tap 2: Oh, my face is red? Oh… It’s nothing, I just told Leona that my feet were getting tired and well… No, nevermind. It’s too embarrassing…

Home Tap 3: Where the heck is Willow?! He’s the one who brought me here, he should at least be dancing with me once or twice.

Home Tap 4: I find it kinda funny that even though Leona is a literal prince, he didn’t get chosen as a prince… Was that too mean? I was trying to make a joke, sorry…

Home Tap 5: Hey! If any students as where I’m at, tell me I’m going the other way… Don’t look at me like that! And don’t tell Leona or Master Crewel either!

Home Tap - Groovy: Ah, the night is finally almost over. Final dance of the night, care to share it with me?

Wondering about the people Citlali mentioned? Don’t worry, they’ll join the ball as well soon enough!

Special thanks to @crystallizsch, they’re the whole reason I participated in the event!

[whump-me]

Protector: Chapter 23 (the final chapter!)

Chapter 23 of Protector, a novella-length whump story about a ruthless superpowered assassin trained from childhood to kill, and the brother determined to save him from himself.

Masterpost | the Mind Games universe | Read the complete novel on Patreon

---

Bryce’s small kitchen was even smaller when there were four people packed into it at once. Sonia was chopping vegetables while Teddy stirred a pot on the stove. Bryce watched the oven—the chicken would be ready any minute.

And Zach? Zach sat in a chair at the table, physically present but mentally…… somewhere else. His face was blank, his eyes vague, as he stared off into the middle distance.

Bryce’s heart clenched at the sight. But it was a welcome feeling. It was the feeling of needing to take care of his little brother, to protect him. The fact that he had the opportunity to feel that way meant all was right with the world once again.

“Earth to Bryce,” Teddy said, turning to snap his fingers in front of Bryce’s face. “Are you listening?”

Sonia rolled her eyes. “Trust me, he doesn’t need to hear this.”

Bryce turned away from Zach. “Sorry, what did you say?”

“So I’m thinking of starting a business,” Teddy said.

Bryce groaned as Teddy’s statement pulled his attention away from Zach. “Not again.”

“You see?” said Sonia, tilting the cutting board full of chopped vegetables into a bowl. “I told you he didn’t need to hear it. He already knows it’s a bad idea.”

“You don’t understand,” said Teddy protested, although he wore a good-natured smile—he knew their ribbing was well-earned. “I need to get out of my job.”

“Do I need to remind you about the pet photography business?” Sonia asked.

“It was just one bite,” said Teddy with a hint of a laugh in his voice. Then the smell of acrid smoke drifted through the kitchen, and Teddy hastily turned back to the stove.

“One bite that needed stitches,” Bryce pointed out. “Isn’t that also how you found out you were allergic to cats?”

“Allergic enough that you couldn’t breathe through your nose for a week,” said Sonia. “And that rash on your arms lasted longer.”

“So I won’t do anything involving pets this time,” said Teddy. “Problem solved.”

“Pets or unhappy singles,” Sonia said. “Or have you forgotten your matchmaking business?”

Teddy rubbed the side of his head. “Hey, at least I didn’t need stitches when that lady hit me in the head with her shoe.”

Bryce laughed along with them. But he also shot another look toward Zach. Zach was staring out into the living room now, toward the curtained front window.

Sonia followed his gaze. “Hey, Zach,” she said. “I’ve got a few more veggies that need cutting, if you want to help.”

Bryce shot a glance at the already-full bowl. If they put any more since carrots into this salad, they were all going to turn a lovely shade of orange. But Bryce didn’t say anything.

Zach shook his head slowly, like he was trying to reorient himself. He stood, and Bryce held his breath—but Zach didn’t join them. Face blank, he turned away and strode into the living room, where he walked to the window and peered out the curtains.

Bryce expected Zach to turn away and come back to his seat, the way he had when he had gone to the window ten minutes ago. And the ten minutes before that. Instead, Zach froze in place with his hand hooked around the curtain.

That feeling squeezed at Bryce’s heart again. “Watch the oven for me,” he told Sonia, and walked up behind Zach.

“They’re here,” said Zach without turning around.

Bryce rested a hand on Zach’s shoulder, then pulled it back when Zach instinctively flinched away. “It’ll be fine,” Bryce said. “They’ll give you a hug. They’ll talk about how much you’ve grown—which, no shit, you’re not twelve anymore.” He forced a laugh.

Zach didn’t laugh with him.

“Then we’ll all sit down and enjoy a meal together,” Bryce said. “No pressure. Sonia and Teddy will be there for extra moral support. And if it goes badly—which it won’t—at least the chicken will be good.”

Zach kept staring out the window. “They look like strangers.” His voice was flat, but Bryce knew by now that that didn’t mean anything. “They’re… older than I remember. They’ve got gray hair. Wrinkles. Like you said, no shit, right?”

His forced laugh sounded even more unnatural than Bryce’s hand. The sound scratched at Bryce’s heart, which still felt newly tender now that the old scabs of Zach’s disappearance had ripped off.

Bryce pulled the curtain back a little further so he could look, too. To him, his parents looked the way they always did as they walked up the path to the front door. Their faces were alight with joyful anticipation, their movements stiff with apprehension, but otherwise, they were just… them. The same parents he had grown up with.

But he had watched them change month by month, year by year. Zach hadn’t.

“I wonder how many of those gray hairs are from me disappearing,” Zach mused.

“There you go,” said Bryce. “If they say you’ve changed, you can tell them they’ve got no room to talk.”

Zach let the curtain fall. “They look happy,” he said, turning to Bryce. His eyes were dark. Empty. But Bryce had gotten to know his brother well enough to see the fear written there.

“They’re happy to see you,” said Bryce. “They never forgot you, either.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of. They’re looking forward to seeing the kid they remember. Not the person I am now.”

Bryce placed a gentle hand on Zach’s shoulder again. This time, Zach didn’t flinch away. “I think they’ll just be glad to have you back,” said Bryce.

“You can’t know that.”

“That’s true,” said Bryce. “But what you can know for sure is that I’ll be here no matter what.” He gave Zach’s shoulder a light squeeze. “If they don’t like who you are now, I’ll be right there to call them assholes and show them the door.”

That surprised a laugh out of Zach—a genuine one, from the sound of it. “You wouldn’t call Mom and Dad assholes.”

“I’m a grown adult. I’ve earned the right to call someone an asshole if they’re being one.”

A flicker of a smile crossed Zach’s face. “I dare you to do it,” he said, and for a brief second, he sounded exactly like the kid he had been.

“If they make it necessary, I will,” Bryce promised. He gave Zach’s shoulder another squeeze. “So how about you let me protect you this time, for old time’s sake?”

After a few seconds, Zach nodded.

The doorbell rang. Bryce let go of Zach’s shoulder and offered Zach his hand instead. “Together?”

Zach took his hand and squeezed it. “Always.”

With Bryce leading the way, and his little brother dawdling behind, they walked together to open the door.

---

Tagged: @sowhumpful

Coming next: Ashes, a dark and extremely whumpy Cinderella retelling where the handsome prince is a sadistic villain and his former bride is out to get her revenge… before he can choose a new victim at the ball. Currently updating 2x/week on Patreon; chapters will be posted here starting at the end of October. Ask to be added to the taglist!

[nothoughtsonlytrance]

Hey guys! I usually don’t post something like this, but I thought I might as well anyway, in honor of the 5th anniversary of Dan’s coming out video.

So I mentioned in a previous post in an answer to @demonqueenart that I am pansexual. I’ve known this since around the time that Dan and Phil came out back in 2019. I was in community college at the time, and it was my first time in a public school setting. Before then, I had been to private schools throughout elementary, middle, and high school, and there wasn’t a lot of diversity in terms of how people expressed themselves due to the restrictions and dress codes that the schools enforced. So I never really had a way to express myself in terms of clothing styles and stuff like that. I thought I was straight when I was in high school, and I was already an ally because I had a few close friends or classmates who were LGBTQ, and I accepted them no matter what, (and I was taught growing up that we are called to show kindness and love to others no matter who they were) but it was kinda kept on the down low because it was considered taboo, especially since our highschool was a Christian high school.

When I finally entered community college in 2018, I was astounded by the diversity of people there and the way that people expressed themselves, whether it was by their clothing style, their gender identity, sexuality, etc. And I realized that some of the people who were there were really attractive. And it didn’t matter whether they identified as male, female, nonbinary, or whatever. I never did ask anyone out (cuz I’m a HUGE coward, lol), But I knew that it didn’t matter who the person I’d eventually date was as long as we had a connection, treated each other and others kindly, had a wonderful personality, and had things in common. Questioning my sexuality was one of the many shower thoughts I had lol

I remember scrolling through TikTok as well and seeing the countless ways that people expressed their identities, and it made me feel like I could be that way too. (Literally remember seeing a cosplayer’s version of Cat-ra from She-ra Princess of Power and blushing madly and thinking, “Wait, why am I blushing, why am I feeling this way?!”, haha)

I didn’t see Dan and Phil’s coming out videos until a little while later, but they touched my heart in so many ways when I did. Dan’s “Gay and Not Proud” video also helped me through my journey. So many quotes from the video spoke to me, especially the part when his spiritual subconscious told him,

“Depressed little emo Dan, it wasn’t his fault. Don’t hate him, don’t hate yourself…you have a lot to be proud of.”

Being proud of myself had kinda been a challenge, even to this day. Especially since there has been so much panphobia and harmful stereotypes surrounding pansexuality. Even when people mention different types of sexualities, rarely do they mention pansexuality, and it makes me wonder if I am valid too. I’ve been out to very few people, other than a few friends that I know will accept me, and I’m out to my sister and mother. Most of my extended family is LGBTQ accepting, but at the same time, I’m not sure when I should tell them, especially since I’m not really dating anyone at the moment and I’m kinda nervous about what questions they’ll ask if I do come out. I hope to eventually, tho.

I really do hope one day, I find the right person for me. I’ve never been asked out before, never had my first kiss, or even been on my first date. So no dating experience whatsoever, lol. It’s been really frustrating because so many of my friends and other people my age (early-mid 20s) have been going on dates, finding their soulmates, getting married etc. And it honestly makes me jealous because no one has ever said “I love you” to me in a romantic way. I truly do wish I find someone who loves me for who I am because I don’t want to die alone. I want to eventually start dating, but there’s of course always the risk of catfishing, and I don’t want my heart to be broken at the same time. So it’s been complicated, to say the least.

Well, that was a bit of a rant, but that's the end of it, haha. I hope this message finds you all well. Remember, you’re not alone in your journey, and there will always be people out there who care about you. And if you’re not able to come out just yet, just know that things will get better. I promise. Thank you so much for reading, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave an ask or reply!

I also (one last thing) wanna say a big THANK YOU to all the people who have liked and reblogged my Dan and Phil edits as well as my music. I’ve been getting better and better at using CapCut and GarageBand IOS (yes, I make the music and videos on my phone bc that’s all I can afford to work with, lol. Does it eat up my data? Yes. Do I care? No.), But each time I see that someone liked or reblogged one of my works, it makes me so happy and motivates me to keep going. So I really appreciate it!

More edits and posts will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

-Kristy, aka nothoughts_onlytrance

[aanoia]

Believe

John B Routledge x reader

Summary; your ex treasure hunting partner is your future romantic partners dad

Warnings; SPOILERS SEASON 3! swearing, mention of gun, suggestion of rape (nothing explicit, not even the word), burns, Rafe Cameron

Words; 1741

Pt. 2?

Requests are welcome and encouraged! I have an anon submission box and you can ask in comments!

“I can trust you, right?” Kiara asked as we trailed behind Rafe. I was another prisoner being held captive in Singhs estate, and the only way I wasn’t going to ruin their escape plan was if they brought me with them. Which got me here, trailing behind an angry rich man to his boat to get the fuck off this island.

I looked at her, “No. Probably not. But with what I’m gathering, you need me.”

She nodded, “I don’t trust Rafe. You don’t know what he’s capable of. What he’s done. He’s a bad person, Y/n.”

“And what do you wanna do about it?”

“We take his boat, get my friends and leave.”

I snorted, “And how do we do that?”

“Just follow my lead.”

I sighed as we neared the boat.

“Make sure your shoes are off.” Rafe called back as he got on the boat and began untying it. “Okay, we should have enough juice to get us to Saint Lucia, no problem.” I got in the boat, my shoes in hand as Kiara hesitated. “Hey, get in the boat.” Rafe told her. I looked out to the water as seagulls squawked ahead. “Kie!”

“You’re not gonna pull anything if I get in?” She asked.

“No, I’m not gonna pull anything, okay? I’m trying to do you a solid here. You really wanna be back with Singh, or do you wanna be somewhere safe? Can you please help me with the bowline?” She got on the boat and began heading to the front. “Thank you.”

She knelt down next to the rope, “Hey, uh, I can’t get it!” She called Rafe.

“Y/n, you try!” He yelled and I looked at Kiara. She shook her head.

“I can’t either! It’s too tight!” I yelled back. “We need some help!”

“Goddamn, do I have to do everything?” He asked as he came down. She motioned me to go up the wheel and I slowly did so as he went over the rail. Once he threw the rope onto the dock she hoisted herself forward and pushed Rafe as I ran up to the wheel and turned the boat on.

“Kie! Hey! Hey, Kie, Y/n, where are you going?” He yelled as the boat began moving.

“I’ve gotta help my friends!” She yelled and I looked at her with wide eyes.

“Kie,” I said.

“Y/n, please, I can’t leave them.”

I sighed, “Fine.”

“You don’t know what you’re doing! Hey! Shit! I’ll find you Kie! And you Y/n! I’ll find you! You guys are gonna regret this shit!” Rafe yelled, but we were already gone.

As I steered away she pulled out the phone she took from Rafe and texted someone before looking up at me.

“If you push me off of this boat, Kie, I swear to God.” I warned and she just laughed.

“I won’t. You just don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to do that.” I laughed with her.

We sat on the boat which was docked a ways away from where we left Rafe.

“Where are they?” I asked, getting impatient.

“They’ll be here. We just have to wait.” kie said as something caught her attention and she went to the other side of the boat.

I went up to the wheel so we could leave as soon as possible. I watched as Kie hugged the blonde boy who was there, holding a gun. Four more people came from behind crates and the group hugged. I watched them hug and laugh in relief as my heart ached. I would never have people who were that excited to see me. Who loved me like that. Kie was lucky.

I cleared my throat and the group broke apart and looked at me, “I hate to ruin this sweet reunion but we need to go.” I said as the rhythmic sound of bells sounded.

“Who are you?” A boy with dark skin asked.

“Y/n, nice to meet you.” I introduced myself and I looked at the brunette boy who looked at the church on the hill. He seemed entranced by it. He was kinda cute.

I sat at the steering wheel of the boat, watching the roads to be sure none of Singhs men came. Two people, which I had learned were John B and Sarah, were up here too. The tension was thick.

“Come on guys, we gotta go!” Cleo said from below.

“She’s right. We gotta hurry.” Sarah said as John B’s attention was caught by the bells again.

“Okay, you definitely heard that, right?” John B asked.

“The bells?” I asked.

“Yeah, I do now.” Sarah said.

“That’s exactly what my dad would do to call me home. Sarah, that… that pattern, those bells. The ding, ding, ding, ding.” he said in the same rhythm as the bells. “Sarah, that was him calling me home.”

“I know, yeah. It’s really weird. But it’s not him.” She said.

“Okay, but how do you know that?”

“You know why.” I looked back and forth between the two as they talked.

“No, no, no, no. No, listen.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Maybe you get beaten enough that you aren’t able to see the miracle right in front of you. I mean, that’s exactly how he used to call me home. Maybe it is him. Maybe the universe is trying to give me a gift, and-”

“Okay.”

“What?”

“Okay, I get it. You wanna go to the tower and go look? Go look.”

“You sure?”

“Yes. But you aren’t going alone. I’m coming.”

John B shook his head, “No, no I’m not asking you to do that.”

“I’ll go. I know this island better than anyone. We’ll be back soon.” I said as I stood up. Sarah looked at me distasteful but didn’t oppose as John B smiled. He began running to get off the boat and I followed with a laugh.

“Hey, John B, Y/n. Where are you two going?” Pope asked.

“We’ll be right back!” He said as he got off the boat and helped me down before running again.

“Hey- what?”

“Be right back!” I repeated.

The setting sun shined on us as we got closer to the church.

“John B, we have to hurry.” I said, slightly out of breath as John B held his hand out. I took it and he helped me over a gate.

“I know we do.”

Once we got to the rock staircase that led to the church John B hesitated and sat down, hiding behind the wall.

I knelt down, “What’s going on? Why are you stopping?” I asked as he looked at his hands. His breathing began to pick up. “Hey, hey, John B, are you okay?”

“I don’t know what’s happening. I’ve never been this scared and I can’t breathe… I can’t breathe.” He said as he gasped for air.

“Sh, John B, hey. Hey, it's okay. John B, it’s okay. You’re dad is up in that church calling you home, it will be okay. Come on.” I said as he nodded and took deep breaths, whispering to himself prayers, begging for it to be his dad.

“Please let it be him.” he whispered with his eyes closed.

“Come on, John B.” I helped him up and we entered the church. “I’m gonna stay down here. Find your dad, John B.” he nodded and walked up the stairs. A few moments later I could hear footsteps coming down the stairs. “Oh fuck no.” I whispered as I saw John, my old partner before he let Singh take me and left me behind.

“Dad?” John B said quietly from behind him. John turned around. “Is it really you?’

“What took you so long, Bird? I’ve been ringing for hours.” His dad said before they hugged tight.

“I thought you were dead.” John B whispered with tears in his eyes.

“I’m sorry for the Houdini act. It’s a long story, kid. But for another time.”

John B pulled away, “What?”

“We gotta vanish.” John explained and turned around but he froze once he saw me.

I glared at him, “Don’t even.” I said as I stood up and made my way to the exit.

“Pops, talk to me.” John B tried as I stuck my head out the door and looked both ways before I ran out once I saw the coast was clear.

“Come on. Keep your head down.” John told John B.

I carefully looked around the corner.

“Shit.” I said under my breath and turned back to the Johns. “Ain’t going that way.”

“Um, the pogues. The marina. They’ve got a boat. Come on. Follow me.” John B said and they began running. I followed after.

“Good boy. It’s good to see you, kid.”

“Yeah, you too, pop. Come on, hurry up.”

Once we got far enough away from Singhs men we began to walk.

“I think we’re good. That was a close one.” John said as he paused to take a breath. He looked up at me. “Y/n. It’s good to see you’re unharmed.”

Anger filled my body as John B spoke, “Wait, you two know each-”

“Unharmed?” I said, partly in disbelief. “You know Singh. You know what he does to people, what he would gladly do to me! Do you really think I stand here unharmed?”

“Guys-” John B tried.

John rolled his eyes, “Well, you’re able to stand there, and you’re able to whine at me. So yeah, compared to some we’ve seen, I’d say you are unharmed.”

I pulled up my shirt to right below my breast to display the large, angry burn on my side, “Does this fucking look unharmed to you John!? Also, what do you think desperate men do to young girls like me?” John didn’t say anything, just looked at the ground. I took a step closer to him and pointed my finger at him, tears in my eyes as flashes of the nights I spent came to mind. “You’re lucky I haven’t killed you after just abandoning me there.”

“Y/n?” A voice asked from behind me and I turned around as a tear fell from my eye. John B took a step forward and brought me into his arms. I held onto him tight as I cried. “I’m here for you.” He whispered into my hair.

And for once in my life, I believed those words. I believe John B.

[spiral-tap]

Devil Woman - Part 1

In Jane’s room.

Daria: …is it just me, or are they louder than usual?

Jane: Trent got a new amp. Sounds like he’s still working out the kinks.

Daria: Oh

Jane: Let’s go say hi.

Daria: No…that’s uhhh…

Jane: C’mon, Jane said, tugging on Daria’s jacket sleeve

Jane: Yo, Trent! You wanna turn it down a bit?

Trent: Are you kidding? Gotta get the reverb just right.

Jesse: You guys outta come to the Mystik Spiral gig tonight. We’ll put you on the list.

Trent: Yeah. I’ve got someone I’d like to introduce you to—-

Jane interrupted: Noooo that’s okay. Not tonight. Daria and I already have BIG plans.

Daria: Ummm…we do…?

Jane: Yes. BIG plans. Don’t you remember, Daria? Actually, we’ve got to go now. Later.

Jane said tersely as she dragged Daria up the basement stairs.

Trent: Oh ok. Next time 

When they were safely back in Jane’s room, Daria asked: What was that about?

Jane: Oh nothing. I uhhhh just wanted to uhhhh get your thoughts on my newest piece., she said, pointing to an almost blank canvas

Daria: Uh-huh. What’s really going on?

Jane: Damn. Sure can’t get anything past you, can I? 

Daria: What can I say? I’m just too good at reading people.

Jane: Trent has a new girlfriend, and I didn’t want you to know.

Daria: You mean he’s back with Monique?

Jane: No, they really broke up for good that time…

Daria: Oh

Jane: But you know Trent. It’s probably just some random girl he picked up at a club. I’m sure they’ll be broken up by the end of the week.

Daria, shifting her gaze away from Jane: And uhhhh…what’s she like…?

Jane: Dunno. I haven’t met her yet.

Daria: Uh ok. Maybe I should just go home…

Jane: C’mon Daria. Don’t go. We still have the Sick Sad World marathon tonight.

Daria: I guess I could stay…

Jane: It’ll be fun., Jane said, turning the TV on

TV: Bikini clad and foaming at the mouth?! Rabid babes with rabies. Tonight on Sick Sad World!

The next morning, Daria woke to the unexpected smell of food cooking…? At the Lane’s…?!

Daria: Hey Jane…Jane…

Jane: ….hurgh…?, Jane groaned

Daria: Do you smell that?

Jane: Hrmmm…?

All of a sudden, there was a faint tap on the door. Then a familiar voice called out “Janey” as Trent entered the room.

Trent: Janey, there’s breakfast., he said, pausing briefly, “Oh. Hey Daria.”

Daria, after an uncomfortably long pause, mumbled “…Hey” as she reached for her glasses. Her face flushed as Trent’s outline came into focus. 

Jane, pulling her head out of her pillow: …What are you talking about Trent? …And put some damn pants on, we have company.

Trent: Hmmmm? Daria doesn’t mind, do you Daria?, Trent chuckled as he walked out of the room, scratching his stomach. The sound of his coughing faded as he made his way down the stairs.

Jane: Wait. Did he just say breakfast?

Daria was silent.

Jane: Daria…? Hey Daria…? Hmmm…Hey girl with the red face who’s forgotten how to speak.

Daria: Huh?

Jane: Oh nevermind.

Daria: Oh, I—-

Jane: Let’s go investigate this alleged “breakfast.”

As they turned the corner into the kitchen, there she stood. An unfamiliar woman. 

She was tall, curvaceous, and…bursty. In fact, she was almost too bursty for the tight black crop tee she was wearing. She had long auburn hair, green eyes, and a dangly bellybutton ring that stopped just above the top of her denim miniskirt.

Jane: Uhhhh hello there.

Trent: Hey. Janey. Daria. This is my girlfriend Esmeralda. She made breakfast.

Daria frowned. “Girlfriend?” she thought. The word stung like a splash of ice cold water to the face. “Is Trent really dating someone like her?” She didn’t look anything like Monique. Was she really Trent’s type? Just what exactly IS Trent’s type? Her inner dialog was interrupted by the new woman.

Esmeralda: Good morning!, she said cheerfully

Jane: Oh hey

Daria: ummm hello, she muttered quietly

As the girls sat down, Esmeralda said “Sooo Jane, Daria. Trent’s told me a lot about you.” Turning to Jane, she continued “He said you’re quite the talented artist. And you Daria. He said you’re a writer. That’s so cool.”

Jane: I’ve been known to dabble in the occasional oil paint or two.

Daria muttered: “Uhhh yeah”

Trent: Daria, Esmeralda’s like…a writer too. She’s a journalist.

Esmeralda: I just do a bit of freelance work for some magazines.

Trent: In New York City. She’s the real deal.

After another uncomfortably long silence.

Esmeralda: Ummmm I made blueberry pancakes, bacon, and eggs. There’s coffee and orange juice too. What would you like?

Jane: Oh uhhhh. I’ll have the works.

Esmeralda: How do you take your coffee?

Jane: black

Esmeralda: And you Daria?

Daria: Oh uhhhh…I’m not really hungry.

Trent: Have a pancake Daria. They’re good.

Daria: …oh. Ok. I guess I’ll have a pancake. Thanks.

Esmeralda: Coming right up!

Jane: So where did all this food come from?

Trent: Esmé went shopping this morning before she came over

Daria: Esmé?

Esmeralda: Oh, that’s just what Trenty calls me.

Jane: Trenty…?, Jane chuckled 

Jane: So “Trenty,” how did you kids meet?

Trent: We just, ya know, hooked up after the Mystik Spiral gig a few weeks ago.

Esmeralda: I’m doing a piece on metal bands in middle America, so I’ve been going to gigs all summer. And one night I met Trent.

Trent: We started talking after the show and it was just like…meant to be, ya know? She gets me.

Jane noticed the growing look of anguish on Daria’s normally expressionless face as she pushed a sole blueberry around her plate.

Jane: Well, it was nice to meet you. But Daria needs to get home now. She’s got to ummm…

Daria: Help my mom…take Quinn…to the uhh…

Jane: …doctor. They’re putting her down.

Daria: Don’t wanna miss that.

Jane: Bye bye!

Daria: Uhhh bye

Trent: Later

A look of concern washed over Trent’s face as he watched the two exit  the room. “Hmmm” he sighed.

On the walk to Daria’s…

Jane: Don’t look so down. You heard Trent, he said they just hooked up after a show.

Daria: Yeah. I did hear Trent. That’s the problem.  Or did you completely miss the part where he said they’re meant to be?

Jane: Trent barely knows this chick. 

Daria: He knows her well enough to invite her into your house to make breakfast.

Jane: We’re not too particular about who comes into Casa Lane.  Plus it’s early. He’s not really a morning person. He probably didn’t even know what he was saying.

Daria: whatever

Jane: Trent’s a bit ummm idealistic when it comes to dating. He used to say the same stuff about Monique, and we know how that ended.

Daria: I guess you’re right…but she’s so…you know…

Jane: What?

Daria: Just forget it

Jane: Out with it, young lady.

Daria, flustered: She’s all…bouncy. Like Quinn. Is someone like that really Trent’s type? I can’t compete with that.

Jane: Oh. Yeah. She sure wasn’t Trent’s usual type, I’ll give you that. But…It’s not a competition. And besides, girls like that don’t have the brain capacity to be interesting.

Daria: Uh huh

Jane: C’mon Daria. She’s pretty. Men are dumb when it comes to pretty girls. I’m sure they’ll break—-

Daria: If she’s pretty then what does that make me?

Jane: I didn’t mean it like that—-

Daria: …sorry, I know you didn’t. Anyways, thanks for walking me home.

Jane: See you tomorrow?

Daria: Maybe

A few days later. On the phone…

Jane: Hey

Daria: Hey

Jane: Mystic Spiral has a show tonight, and Trent asked me to see if you’re coming.

Daria: Trent…? Asked…about…me.?

Jane: Yes, you.

Daria: I don’t know…I just don’t really feel like going out…

Jane: Trent thinks you’re avoiding him.

Daria: I AM avoiding him…

Jane: I could sure use the company.

Daria: Alright, I guess

Later that night at the club…

Trent: This song is called Devil Woman.

/ Your hair is red like fire / Your body is my desire / It’s hot where you touch / But I can’t get enough / Burn me with your love / Whip me with your words / Devil woman, drag me straight to hell / Devil woman, drag me straight to hell / Yeah

Trent: We’re Mystik Spiral. But we’re thinking about changing the name.

As Trent exited the stage, Esmeralda ran up and kissed him.

Daria: I think I’m gonna be sick

Jane: Can I get you anything? Glass of water? Bleach for your eyes?

Daria: How about a glass of bleach?

Jane: I’ll see what I can rustle up at the bar.

Jane: Here’s a soda.

Daria: What about the bleach?

Jane: Fresh out, I’m afraid. Oh lookie! Here comes Trent.

Daria: Great…,she muttered

Trent: Hey Daria

Daria: Uhhh hey

Jane: Where’d your girl go?

Trent: Hmm? Oh, Esmeralda. She went to talk to Jesse about something. So…Daria…what’d you think of the set?

Daria, thinking to herself, “It would have been better if the floor had opened up under the ‘Devil Woman’ and dragged her straight to hell.”

Daria: It was ok

Trent: Hmmm, Trent sighed

Trent: Well, thanks for coming. You haven’t been around much.

Daria: Yeah. I’ve been busy.

Trent: Can’t be helped, I guess then. Well, I’ve gotta help them load the equipment into the Tank.

As he walked past Daria, Trent put his hand on her shoulder and whispered “Give her a chance, Daria.”

Daria: Huh?

Daria turned around, watching Trent disappear backstage.

Jane: What’d he say?

Daria: Oh, nothing.

Jane: Oh no…no secrets, missy.

Daria: He told me to give her a chance.

Jane: Who? Esmeralda?

Daria: I guess so. He didn’t say.

They suddenly felt a hand on each of their shoulders. It was Esmeralda.

Esmeralda: Hey. The band is gonna be here for a while, so I was wondering if you wanted to get some pizza. My treat.

Before Jane could get an excuse out, Daria said “Sure.”

A little while later, at Pizza King.

Esmeralda: Are you sure one pie is gonna be enough?

Jane: Maybe. At least until the band gets here.

Daria: Yeah

Jane: So how does our humble pizza compare to the stuff in New York City?

Esmeralda: It’s cheesy. It’s greasy. It’s good.

Daria: So what are you doing in Lawndale if you live in New York?

Esmeralda: Oh! I’m back visiting my parent’s for the summer.

Daria: Oh

Esmeralda: I say visiting my parents…but they actually just needed me to house sit while they’re on a cruise.

Jane: That makes more sense.

Esmeralda: Gotta stay on their good side. They’re paying my tuition., she chuckled

Daria: What do you study?

Esmeralda: I’m studying mathematics…and philosophy.

Daria: Really?

Jane: Didn’t Trent say you were a writer…?

Esmeralda: He makes a bigger deal about that than he should. I just do a bit of freelancing to help pay the bills.

She paused long enough to take a bite of pizza.

Esmeralda: It wasn’t until I met Trent that I decided to pursue writing more seriously. Like as a career. There’s not many people out there who just do exactly what they want to and chase their dreams. Your brother is really special.

Jane: He’s certainly something else…

Daria shifted anxiously in her seat. She’d agreed to go out with Esmeralda reflexively, because of what Trent said. But the more Esmeralda talked, the worse Daria felt. She’d secretly hoped that this would be an insight into just how vacant and uninteresting Esmeralda was. Confirmation that she still had something unique to offer.

Daria: I don’t feel so good. Bathroom., Daria blurted as she rushed away from the table with her hands covering her mouth.

Just then, Trent walked in with the rest of Mystik Spiral.

Trent: Hey Janey. Hey Esmé. Where’s Daria?

Jane: Bathroom. She wasn’t feeling too well. Bad pizza. I’m gonna go check on her.

Trent: Let me.

Trent walked over to the bathroom door and knocked softly.

Trent: Daria? You in there?

There was no response.

Trent: Hey Daria. It’s me. Trent. Can you come out? I wanna talk.

Daria splashed some water on her face and rinsed her mouth out before slinking out of the bathroom.

Trent: Not here. Let’s get some fresh air.

They exited through the back door to avoid walking past everyone else.

Daria: You wanted to talk to me?

Trent: Yeah. You ok?

Daria: Uhhh…I guess

Trent: Why don’t I give you a ride home? We can talk in the tank.

Daria: Shouldn’t we say something?

Trent: Nahhhh. Jesse is probably going to eat at least two pizzas by himself. We’ve got plenty of time. They won’t even notice.

Daria: Ok. Thanks

Driving back to Daria’s house, in the tank.

Trent: Hmmm. Daria, I…

Daria: Yea, Trent?

Trent: I’m sorry.

Daria: For what?

Trent: You know…everything.

Daria: Huh?

Trent: The timing just wasn’t right…for me to introduce you to Esmé.

Daria: Oh

Trent: Hmm. She’s good for me, Daria. And I always kind of felt you understood the way I think, so I thought you’d like her too…

Daria said nothing. She shrank in her seat, wondering if the drive home from Pizza King always took this long. Trent looked over at her. A frown swept across his face as he furrowed his brows.

Trent: I haven’t seen you around the house much. Janey misses having you around.

Daria: I told you, I’ve just been busy…

Trent: I know. But it’s kind of lonely in the house…without you.

Daria: What?

Trent: Come around the house again, ok? Even if it’s just for Janey.

Daria: Ok…

Trent: Looks like we’re here., he said as they pulled in front of the Morgendorffer house.

Daria: Yeah. Thanks for the ride.

He leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek before she could get out of the car.

Trent: All right then, Daria. See you around.

He leaned against the steering wheel, watching her walk inside before heading back to the band, Jane, and Esmeralda.

The next day, Daria called Jane.

Daria: Hey

Jane: Feeling better?

Daria: Yeah. Sorry for just leaving like that.

Jane: No sweat. Trent explained that he drove you home.

Daria: Is that all he said?

Jane: He’s worried about you.

Daria: I tried, Jane. I tried to give her a chance. But she’s not just some shallow, air headed groupie…

Jane: I know…She’s actually pretty cool…and she’s good for the kid. Trent hasn’t been this happy in a while…I’m sorry.

Daria: Yeah…hey, can I come over?

Jane: Really?! Sure. Of course.

Daria: See you soon

Jane: See ya

[mbrainspaz]

Ok bearing in mind that when my boss cut my pay by like 40% this year I was like ‘so none of the work I did like bringing in horses at 2am in sudden deadly storms ever mattered?’ And she was like ‘no lol get f*cked, also I’m cutting your hours’

4pm yesterday

Me: hey, one boarder who babys her horse but doesn’t like him to have a blanket on unless it’s below freezing, can I please blanket your horse since there’s a 14% chance of rain. Just in case, so he’ll be warm.

Her: no, it’s not cold enough. If there’s a chance for rain just bring all the horses in.

Me: we’re short staffed, the boss has been after us for using too much shavings, half the remaining staff are sick (spent 3 hours at urgent care with one of them today after she smacked herself in the head with an ice pick), I’m not bringing all the horses in for a 14% chance when it’s above freezing. Everyone else will have a blanket on. Do you want me to bring your horse in?

Her: no leave him out with no blanket.

2am, today

Her: I can’t believe you have calls silenced!? I’ve called 9 times! It’s cold raining!

Me: huh, that’s weird. It notified me as soon as you texted twice. Anyway, I’ll go check on him.

Every other coworker: hey she called us in a panic so now we’re all texting and calling you too.

Me: great. Wonderful.

Most annoying coworker (who lives an hour away and is sick): are you bringing all the horses in?!

Me: probably not. I’ll handle it. Go back to sleep.

I go outside. It’s misty. Horses don’t really seem bothered. Nobody is shivering despite being slightly damp around their blankets. I bring in that one horse and give a few others some extra hay to settle them down.

Most annoying coworker: are you sure?!?!

Me: yeah, they’ll live.

Most annoying coworker: Really sounds like you should bring them all in.

Me: no, and lay off telling me how to do my job at 2am. I told you I had this. If you want to do it for the glory—knock yourself out.

Most annoying coworker (who has always tattled on me to the boss for the dumbest nonsense): bro no need to catch an attitude.

No, no need to put up with this shit.

ffs people. I’m probably gonna catch hell about it all day tomorrow. God forbid perfectly healthy horses get slightly damp or even shiver a bit. All the old or ill ones were already in regardless.

Can’t get out of here soon enough. Can’t even go back to sleep now because the gutters are dripping and it’s psyching me out. Should’ve just brought them all in and let that annoying coworker have twice the stalls to clean. Except likely as not she’d call in sick and guess who’d end up having to do all the work. Yeah. She didn’t even do half the work she was supposed to yesterday, and I had to cover for ice concussion girl and try to catch everything up. Should’ve said no when the boss asked me to do that too. What’s she gonna do? Never buy me another pizza?