#but it doesn't stop me from being scared about it
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losrin · 8 hours ago
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;-; this is all i think about now when i see Grian-Mumbo interactions
if you look at earlier seasons Mumbo was always the first person Grian seeks out. being new in season 6, he's most reliant on Mumbo
in season 7 he dug a tunnel to link his and Mumbo's hobbit hole and sent nice messages to him all the time. made a bell so whenever Mumbo replies he'd know instantly. they always base next to/close to each other
and then season 9 happened. Mumbo took a long break. had his own life. went on trips, experienced life outside of Minecraft. He was away and Grian had to cope
I relate to this so much and as much as it sounds fanfiction-y this is angst that's too much for my heart. i hate to drift away from my friend, hate to seem too needy in case I drive them further away, and it hurts to think that while you were considering them your best friend, that person doesn't really reciprocate
for most people (monogamous), if someone's your partner there's an unspoken agreement that they're the most important and only partner in your life. but with friends it's difficult. you have to navigate your friendships based on your judgement of whether or not someone values you as much as you do them. and if you feel it proves not time and again, you get scared. the thing is, you don't want to lose that friend because they're dear to you. but you also start to branch out because you need friendship... and your best friend is unavailable. and you need a cushion, a safety net in case it's not only in your head. you find more friends
when you're the unavailable best friend who's now back, and realise that OH my best friend's life went on without me, OH now they have more friends, OH maybe they don't need me anymore. and it's MY fault. I was away. ME. I went away and I can't expect everything to stay the same for me. I don't deserve my bestie's full attention because when they needed it I couldn't give it. I didn't give it. It's MY fault
i always feel this tension in every Mumbo-Grian interaction since season 10. and it's honestly like stepping on egg shells. unspoken words behind jokes and laughters. a faint heartache that you can't share with others because
a) it's your best friend! who are you gonna share this friendship problem with??
bi) you don't want to appear needy
bii) it was my fault
I honestly don't want to read too much into this, because it makes me sad and makes me feel delusional. Hermitcraft should be my happy place. but I can never stop my brain...
It's fun when it's fictional, when we explore the angst through stories, but it sucks to imagine anyone actually feeling like this
about the mumbo’s “I’m all the friend that you need”.
I remembered something from the start of hc s10.
mumbo: — tell me, why are you here? are you gonna k- are you working on behalf of someone? are you gonna kill me? is that-
iskall: — no! you said this yesterday as well- mumbo! you are like my best friend! and I don’t have many friends. and I would not kill my one friend that I have!
mumbo: — say that to grian! cause grian came over yesterday, he’s not even the red name and he tried to kill me.
iskall: — but he’s got lots of friends!
oh something happened. something happened there this season. something spiralling into mumbo’s brain there from the start.
mumbo rarely interacted even with his minimum of friends in the early seasons, preferring solitude and redstone. and grian completely changed that. he appeared at mumbo’s bases at any given time without a warning, gradually leaving more and more pleasant words about what mumbo creates and that he is generally missed when he disappears. mumbo has never encountered anything like this,
but you get used to good things quickly, right?
and then he disappears for so long that upon his return grian realizing that it was hard to live with a focus on only one particular person who was not around all the time. and naturally decides to devote more time to other people in order to drown out this sadness for the person. maybe he was too intrusive for mumbo? now he's going to awkwardly avoid him because he thinks that mumbo doesn't really need him that much because he leaves him so often?
meanwhile, mumbo thinks that he is letting grian down, or has already let him down completely, since grian decides to be with his other friends more than with him.
and mumbo does not yet know that the doc’s perimeter war in s9 began simply because doc dared to tell grian that he would never be mumbo's best friend. because grian keeps it close to his heart and hasn't told anyone. especially mumbo. the buttercups started because of «there can only be ONE (best friend) …and it is not YOU!”
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stuckinmymind22 · 20 hours ago
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you say "i love you" first
ft: zoro, sanji, robin, ace, and shanks
gn!reader (minus zoro, sorry), mostly fluff, mostly sfw (shanks is a little bit explicit)
a/n: i just think this is cute idk
zoro
you say it first and he kisses you instead of saying it back, that leads somewhere and he’s more tender than usual and you know that is him saying “i love you too” finally says it back after several days when you’re alone and he mumbles it, you aren’t sure that you heard him so you ask him what and he comes and whispers in your ear “i said, i love you, woman” don't expect him to say it often though, the words from him are rare, no matter how many times you tell him that you love him. instead, zoro shows his love in his actions, one time he pulled out your chair for you at dinner and didn't say anything about it (was kinda awkward with it tbh), but the rest of the crew poked fun at him. he somehow always knows when there is something wrong with you, and although not the most emotionally aware he will listen to any of your problems as you talk through your emotions
sanji
he has definitely said it way too early in the relationship, said it a bunch then as you got serious he slowly stopped saying it bc now the words meant more/had more weight and he didn't want to scare you off when you do say it, immediate nose bleed, nearly cries, says it back right away. now that you said it this man is going to make declarations of love at least once a day, somehow he never repeats himself. would probably scream it from the mountain tops if he could tbfh
robin
she’s really confused, not that she doesn’t love you back but more in the “how could anyone love me” type of way. she remains speechless for far longer than you would like, when she does speak again it's to tell you that she isn't quite ready to say it back. naturally, you're devastated by this and you start to distance yourself a bit. that ends up being what she needed to admit her feelings. she probably tries her best to make some romantic gesture maybe just flowers or maybe she gets sanji (ever the simp) to make your favorite dinner. she's the type to be real quiet about her love, not to say that her love for you is unnoticed by outsiders, but she is not going out of her way to make it known like sanji
ace
you guys say it at the exact same time both of you are like awesome. he says it at the most random times, sometimes walking up to you while you are in a conversation to whisper "i love you" in your ear. he adores the way that those words always bring a massive smile to your face he's still a little insecure about himself, but each time you tell him you love him he starts to get more and more confident. he starts to become attached to your side (gets made fun of for it but he doesn't care), not that he wasn't before, but this was more
shanks
takes a while for feelings to develop beyond sexual (you both went in thinking it was just a hookup and that it was all it would ever be) it starts to become clearer that you both are in too deep. neither of you want to ruin what you have so you stay silent about it for far too long once, after you had sex, you bring yourself to admit it, completely out of breath. he’s lowkey stunned, doesn’t really know what to say, says “thank you doll” of course you get mad and he’s like “what i just said thank you, you know i love you too” and you’re like "i mean i figured but it would’ve been nice to hear 🙄" never being bothered by pda, he starts to become more brazen in his displays of affection, sometimes catching you as you walk by to pull you into his lap, regardless of who is around
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lilbitdepressed27 · 2 days ago
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Tara Carpenter/Fem!Reader All of Us Are Dead AU
Warnings: death angst blood
WC: 8.9k
Author's Note: no one asked, but I did it anyway. Sorry for any mistakes. Hope you guys enjoy, it's kinda long :)
"Oh come on!"
"Ah ha, I thought you said it was easy?"
"Ugh get off me."
You laughed at your best friend as you got off him and helped him up. You were on the football team along with your best friends and some of your other friends. You were the quarterback and a pretty damn good one for the university. It was your first year playing and you had already made such a great start, you started off as a sub. But when the starting quarterback started getting cocky and just being a jackass during the second game of the season. He was benched. And then you were sent in and since then Frankie had been benched. And he was not happy about it.
"Damn you move fast. You sure you wanna stay as a quarterback cause you'd be great on the defensive line." Chad said as smoothed out his sore bottom.
"It only helps when the quarterback doesn't know what he's doing." You nudged him with a smile on your face. "Now come on. Practice is over and we have to get cleaned up before we're late for class."
*
You and Chad had made your own way to the cafeteria where all your friends were at to get breakfast.
"Hey did you hear about the professors kid. You know the science professor." Chad said fixing his tie on his uniform.
"Huh? Oh yea. Apparently he committed suicide. Poor kid." You have seen the kid in question around. How he mostly kept to him self. Never bothering anyone. But there was always a group of boys who tormented the kid. You and Chad tried to put a stop to it. But it never worked.
"Don't even think that this is your or our fault Y/n. I mean, we did what we could. There's only so much someone can do. At the end of the day the person being bullied has to stand up for themselves. Cause if they don't, they become the easy target." Chad patted your back bringing you into a side hug. He knew how much you cared about people. He knew you since you two were in diapers. You had always had the protective mama bear in you. He and all your friends had always teased you about it.
Both of you arrived in the cafeteria seeing your group of friends sitting at the table in the corner. Your frown turned into a smile as soon you saw the small brunette. Tara Carpenter. You had met Tara when you were in middle school and have been in love ever since.
"Come on. I'm hungry you can ogle at Tara from up close." He teased pushing your towards the line. Seeing as breakfast hour was almost over there was hardly anything good. You would usually grab a fruit cup, apple and a protein bar with some apple juice on the side. "Damn. There's no more pop tarts."
You grabbed the last protein bar before Chad could get it and laughed when he was stuck with a banana.
"Whatever come on."
Tara looked up from her work, seeing you walking towards her. Her face brighten, her hand reaching for you as you grew closer, your much larger hand covered hers. It was a feeling Tara loved. How warm your hands were. They were always so warm, even in the winter.
"Hey. I got you your fruit cup and an apple." She handed you the food as you sat down next to her. Her heart racing as you directed a smile towards her. She knew that smile. The smile reserved only for her. Her face warming when you leaned into her and lightly kissed her cheek.
"Thanks Tar."
"You're welcome." She leaned into your side, embracing your warmth.
"Hey did anyone hear that the girl from home room went missing." Amber spoke from across the table.
"Which one Amber. There's like-"
Tara tuned out the conversation. Her focus was on you. How you silently ate your food but yet still paid attention to everyone else. How your hand stayed in hers. Your thumb softly creasing the back of her hand. She's never felt this deep about someone. The deep affection for you was something that scared her. It terrified her so much but yet she loved the feeling.
She loved you.
*
You had been trying to focus for a while now. But three classes already had you feeling so sleepy. It was just one more class before the lunch hour began. In this class you didn't share it with any of your friends. So you were alone.
You heard rumors about the girl that went missing was found in the science professors lab. You heard that he had been arrested and was taken away by police. You didn't take his class but Tara and most of your friends did. You would have never expected it from a teacher like him.
Right when the bell rang you were out of your seat and headed to the cafeteria.
"Run!!"
Students ran passed you, leaving you confused on what they were running from.
"Y/n run!!" Wes grabbed your hand as he ran passed you. Your eyes widen in shook when you saw what he was running from. Zombies?! You ran after him only to be tackled by one of the zombies.
"Y/N!"
The zombie was one of your teammates, was on top of you. Trying to bite you. You held him by his neck doing your best to keep him away from you but his arms swung wildly hitting you in the face. You tried to use your legs but it was like he was dead weight on you. His teeth grew closer to your neck making you scream in desperation.
Then the weight was off you, you gasped in relief as Wes helped you up. "Come on!"
The two of you ran dodging students and zombies.
"Wait where are the others?!" You yelled. He looked back at you with a remorseful look. "Wesley where are the others."
"I don't know. I think they were in the cafeteria. I don't know. I didn't get a chance to get there before they attacked. Come on."
You had no choice but to follow him. Passing students that were being attacked. Rushing up the stairs only to get hit with what felt like a ton of bricks. Falling hard to the floor your vision going a little blurry. You felt yourself being picked up and lead into a classroom. The door shut behind you as you leaned on the wall. You touched you head and felt something wet. Pulling your hand down and seeing blood on your finger tips.
You barely had a chance to gather yourself when a shorter body slammed into you.
"Thank god you're okay. Everything happened so quickly. I tried to go find you but Chad wouldn't let me go. I was so scared something happened to you." Tara mumbled into your neck as her arms tighten around your waist. The moment that chaos started she along with her friend had been in cafeteria. If it weren't for Amber, she probably would have died when she had frozen in fear when she fell.
"It's okay Tara I'm fine. Chad did the right thing. It's too crazy out there. Let me see you." Cupping her cheeks in your palms you pulled her away enough where you could look down at her and make sure she was okay. You caught the moment she saw the cut on your temple. Her eyes widen as she reached up her hand taking a hold of your chin as she turned your head to the side.
"Come on. I think there's a first aid kit in the professors desk."
Sitting down on the professors chair she got to work on cleaning your cut up and covering it with a bandaid. As she was cleaning you up you saw a small bandage around her wrist that wasn't there in the morning. You took a hold of her hand to take a better look.
"What happened to your wrist?" You looked up at her, she had stood between your legs as she cleaned you up.
"The girl that went missing was in professor Smiths class. She had been attacked by him and had escaped this morning. And wondered in to professor Prescott's class. She seemed confused and erratic when we took her to the nurses office. She attacked the nurse and scratched me. But I'm okay." She reassured you hoping to ease your worries.
"Okay." You nodded trying to calm your racing heart. You could still hear the screaming coming from outside the classroom. You looked around the room seeing most of your friends. Chad, Mindy, Amber, Anika, Wes, Ethan, Quinn, and Liv. Also two other students, Jason and Greg.
"Sam?" You knew she had gone away with her archery team. They had a competition today but she had said that they'd be back by lunch. Her boyfriend Danny was with her, he was on the team as well.
"No. I haven't seen her. But she's Sam. I'm sure she's fine. Right? She's got to be." She started breathing heavily and you had to calm her down before she had an asthma attack. You always had an inhaler with you.
"Hey, Tara look at me. I'm sure she's okay. I mean your sister is a badass. Don't tell her I said that though, her ego is big enough." The shorter brunette let out a small laugh knowing it was very true. "She's okay. I promise you that."
"So what are we going to do? I mean we all saw the same thing right? Those were zombies. I mean they remind me of the zombies from the movie Train to Busan." Mindy said from standing next to the window that looked out to the track and field. Her girlfriend Anika was standing right next to her. Still shaking in fear.
"Zombies? Seriously Mindy. You watch way too many movies." Quinn moved towards the window to see the caos that was happening outside.
"She's not wrong. They act like zombies. I saw Richie get bit and he turned in like a few seconds." Wes said from his spot next to the door. He had pushed a small cabinet up against the door. Hoping to make sure that no one would get in.
"So what do we do. Wait for help to arrive? We don't know how long that'll take." Ethan stood up from sitting next to Wes. He walked up to you, giving you a once over. "Glad you're okay." He patted your shoulder. You offered him a small smile and nod. Ethan had also been a close friend of yours. Him, Chad, Wes and yourself were on the team and great friends.
"We could wait it out. It won't be long till the cops show up. I mean it's basically a riot on school grounds. Anyone have their phones? I left mine in my bag in the cafeteria." Anika asked as she searched for her phone only to come up empty handed.
"I dropped mine when I got tackled. Tar do you have your phone." You turned your attention to short brunette still standing between your legs. She dug in her pocket and took it out. You looked down at her phone to see a picture of you. You were in your football uniform except the helmet. You were smiling big in the picture holding a bouquet of flowers and a small teddy bear close to your chest. You remember that day clearly. You had won your first game that you played as the starting quarterback. Tara had bought the gifts knowing very well you were going to win. She had captured your cheesy smile that she loved so much and made it her locksceen.
You smiled up at her, she tried to hide her blush but smiled regardless. She dialed 911, bringing the phone up to her ear. You watched as she spoke to the dispatcher. The officer seemed not to believe her but never the less said they'd send officers to the school.
"I'm going to call Sam. Hopefully she answers." It was quiet, well as quiet as a zombie filled university could be. You stood up from the chair and let Tara sit in it. "Nothing. She's not answering." She bit her bottom lip, a nervous habit she had. Her hands playing with her phone. You took the phone from her hands putting it on the desk, then taking her hands in yours. Bringing her down on your lap.
"Hey, she'll be okay. She's with Danny and she's strong. She'll be alright." You spoke softly to her, gently squeezing her hands. "Look at me." When her eyes met yours, you smiled softly she returned the small smile. Eyes still filled with worry. "She'll be alright. I need you to focus on yourself right now. Okay? Take a deep breath for me baby." Even though you had her spare inhaler with you. You didn't want her to over work herself.
She followed your directions with no complaints. Once she had her breathing in check she looked down at you and leaned down. Softly kissing your lips. She didn't know what she'd do if she lost you.
*
"Well how crazy was it in the cafeteria?" You asked Chad. Tara, Liv Mindy, Anika, Amber and Quinn were sitting at the corner furthest away from the door. The door was blocked but to be on the safer side. Chad, Wes, Ethan and yourself stood by the window of the second floor building.
"Got too crazy way too fast. How the hell did this even happen? I mean, the girl that went missing was-" The group of teenagers were stoped at the sudden noise of the door being pushed open. The small cabinet moved from the force of the door opening. The girls scrambled to their feet at the sight of the P.E teacher who was also your coach breathing heavily as he closed the door. He looked frantically around the room eyes landing at the group of kids.
"Coach were you bit?" You asked as you took a step forward a hand shooting out and grabbing the back of your shirt. Wes stood behind you, holding your jacket, once he realized that you wouldn't get closer to the coach he let your jacket go.
"No I wasn't bit. Let's let's block the door. We need to secure it. Make sure they don't get in. Come on."
Everyone moved to block the door, as you moved to do what the coach said when a hand held your wrist. You turned back to see Tara. "What's wrong?" Asking as you turned to be directly in front of her.
"Look at his arm. There."
You turned back to look at the teacher. The sleeve of his jacket was rolled up. But there, you saw blood on his wrist. The teeth marks. You knew he'd be turning at any moment know.
"Coach your arm-What are you on about Y/ln come and help. Or I'll bench you and let Frankie back in." He spoke angrily but his eyes filled with fear and denial.
"Y/n what are you doing he said he wasn't bit." Jason said as he stopped his movements from barricading the door.
"He has a bite mark on his arm." You argued with your coach. You felt bad but he was putting your friends, Tara in danger. You knew it wouldn't be long once he turned. "You need to leave."
He scoffed, "You want me to go out there? After all I did to get here."
"Get out, right now. You were bitten and it's putting all of us in danger." Tara fired back, your arm reaching for her and pushing her behind you.
"Listen here you fucking-" He gasped at the feeling of blood coming out of his nose. The coach looked at you as he fell to the ground, his body convulsing.
You stepped back pulling Tara with you. You could only watch as your coach turned into a zombie.
"Get him out of here!" Greg yelped, the zombie looked his way and launched towards him.
The second they were all frozen in fear, it was all it took for the zombie to go for the bite. You reacted first, running forward.
"Y/n no!"
You pulled the coach off Greg, throwing him to side. You picked up a book and hit him with it, making him fall back. "We need to get outta here!"
"Come on!" Chad ran towards the door pulling the desks and cabinets out of the way with the help of Ethan and Wes. The girls followed close behind them. Tara grabbing you by the hand, pulling you behind her as you and your friends ran down the hall. Leaving the coach and Greg behind.
"Where are we going?!" Amber yelled as she swung the handle of a paper guillotine she broke off.
"The science lab!" Chad yelled back. He had a leg of a wooden chair swinging the stick pushing the zombie off Ethan.
You had been thrusted a chair leg by Chad as you were pulled down the hall. Amber and Mindy had pulled Tara from you as you helped the boys push back the zombies from getting to them. They all ran upstairs trying to get to the science lab.
"Y/n hurry!" You heard Tara yell from behind you. You looked behind you to see her, her arm being held by Amber.
"Go! Open the door for the science lab! I'll be right behind you!" You grunted at the force from the pushing. You spared a glance back at Tara, she was being pulled by Amber and Mindy. You swung the chair leg at one of the zombies. Feeling your heart beating in your ears when you realized the way to your friends was being blocked by zombies. There was no way for you to get through them.
Having no choice but to hide in another room.
*
The door was slammed shut. All the guys moving to push something in order to make sure the zombies didn't push through. The brunette looking frantically around for you. But you were hard to miss. In any crowded room she'd always find you. Like her eyes were magnets, always connecting with yours.
"Where's Y/n?"
Wes snapped his head up. You were right behind him. He heard you shout that you were right behind them.
Tara didn't think, didn't wait for anyone to say anything before she was at the door trying to move the stuff blocking the door. She needed to get to you. Make sure you were okay.
"Tara, Tara you can't go out there." Amber was the one to stop her. Feeling the shorter girls shoulder shaking.
"Please Amber, I have to make sure she's okay. She has to be okay. I can't lose her." Tara let the sob out, you were right behind her. Telling her that you were right behind her. She knew she should have stayed with you. Feeling like the walls were closing in on her as she cried into Amber's shoulder.
Amber swallowed the lump in her throat. Seeing what her best friend and you had was something she could only wish for. Seeing the relationship blossom from such a young age was something everyone wanted. That true love. Knowing that if something were to happen to either of you, the other would be lost with out them.
"Come on Tara. Breath. Y/n is one of the strongest and most athletic person I know. Not to mention she's too stubborn when it comes to getting to you." Amber spoke gently to the shorter girl, leading Tara away from the door towards the window.
Everyone else looked back out the small window on the door, afraid that they'd see their friend as one of the zombies
*
You had ran into the art room, running straight to the desk with the little seconds you had before the zombies came running in. Staying at quiet as you could as you heard the footsteps and groaning coming closer. You needed to find a way out of the class and back to Tara.
*
"She'll be okay, you have to believe that she will." Amber looked out the window, looking at what was once a field filled with joy now filled with groans of students that she once knew. She felt Tara's warm hand taking hers. Tara had been her friend for the longest time. She felt tears build up in her eyes as she failed to look at Tara. She knew what was going to happen. She could feel it inside her. And she was scared.
"Amber, your hand, it's co-" Tara felt the dread wash over her like a cold bucket of water being poured over her head at what it meant. Amber was cold to the touch, her best friend always had cold hands. It was nothing new. But this type of coldness was new. Her eyes connecting to the eyes that were once brown. Were now red.
"Amber?" Quinn stood up, looking at the shorter girl. She stepped closer, her eyes also filling with tears. She couldn't lose another friend. Especially not Amber. Not when she hasn't told her how she felt. She looked at Tara who was yet to look away from Amber. When Amber turned around she felt her heart shatter at the sight of the nose bleed. She knew what that meant.
"It's okay Quinn. It's okay." Amber looked at the taller girl. She hated herself for not telling the girl how she felt. For waiting too long. From the moment she first saw Quinn. She shouldn't have let the chance go. But now. Now it was too late. She didn't want to do this to Quinn but she knew she had no control of what was going to happen next. Her gaze turned to the Quinn's brother.
Ethan stood behind Quinn, ready to protect Quinn and Tara when it came down to it. He knew it was only a matter of seconds before the Amber they knew was gone. He looked into Amber's eyes. The unspoken words in her eyes. He nodded. He knew what that look meant. He saw the small glimpse of relief in her eyes and her shoulders before the look was gone replaced with pain.
"I love you Quinn."
Quinn let out a sob, she was losing Amber. The smart witted girl that had stolen her heart with snarky remarks. Moving forward to get closer to Amber. Only to be held back by her brother.
"Get her the fuck outta here. Do something!"
Everyone ignored Jason as they watched Amber fall to the floor. The cocky, witty, Amber was gone. Replaced by a raging, flesh eating monster.
*
You peaked from the corner of the desk. There was a few zombies in the class. All gathered around the entrance of the class. There was no way you were getting out through that. You weren't sure what to do. Or how to do it. You looked around hoping to find a way back to Tara and your friends. The only way out would be through the windows, you had no other choice.
You were quick to move, throwing what you can to keep, the zombies away from you. You tried not to look down, the science lab was a level up. You weren't so sure if you'd be able to climb up.
Your foot slipping on the ledge making your heart jump to your throat "Oh shit."
You shuffled on the side, trying to figure out, how you could climb up. When you saw Wesley on what you assumed to be a water hose. You watched as he struggled to kick off the zombie off his foot. "Holy shit Wes, hold on I'm coming to you."
"Y/n? You're alive!" He smiled momentarily forgetting the situation he was in. The happiness he felt was quick to wash away at the pull of his leg. He couldn't get a good grip on the hose.
"I'm going to you. Just hold on." You weren't sure how you'd get to Wes.
"Y/n, look up."
You looked up, eyes widening at seeing a bloody face of a zombie, this time without a moment of hesitation. You leaped towards Wesley. Your heart jumping towards your throat as you free fell for a second before your arms wrapped themselves around Wes.
You were quick to kick off the zombie that held on to Wesley's foot.
"Ugh thanks. Now get off me, go down to the broadcasting room."
"What? I thought you liked my hugs." You smiled as you moved further down on the hose. Carefully going through the window.
"Y/n? Holy shit dude I thought you were dead." Ethan was quick to pull you in a tight hug. You hugged him back. He was quick to pull away, right when a familiar sob rang through the room. You looked ahead seeing Tara, her eyes red filled with tears.
You felt her body shaking as she fell into your arms. Her arms had wrapped around your waist in a tight hold as she cried into your chest. You held her closer looking at everyone around the room. You knew she was most likely worried about you. But hearing her cry like this was concerning. The more you looked around, you realized someone was missing.
Amber. Amber wasn't in the room.
With a regretful nod, Wes confirmed your thoughts. Your eyes falling to Quinn who was also crying. Your heart ached at the look on her face. You had tried hard to get Amber and Quinn together but they both were too scared of rejection.
Your eyes filled with tears. Tara had lost her best friend, your friend. Amber had been the first one to know about your feelings towards Tara. Amber had been the one to push the both of you together.
And Quinn lost someone who could have been the love of her life.
Amber was gone.
*
"Hey, talk to me." You whispered, you were sat at the corner of the room with Tara sitting in between your legs. She was leaned back into your chest. Her head resting in your neck. You could hear her faint whizzing. She had cried herself into an asthma attack.
"I-I thought you were gone. Her...Amber's- her hands were so cold. Her hands have always been cold. But they were freezing...She's gone. Amber's gone."
She began to cry softly, you brought her closer softly rubbing her back. Hoping to give her a bit comfort. But you knew you could only do so much. Amber was like another sister to Tara.
"I'm sorry Tara." It was all you could say. There was nothing that could comfort Tara at the moment. She had just lost someone that was like a sister to her. You hated thinking what Amber could have felt. How scared she must of felt. For Amber to go through that it made you want to cry.
"He's bleeding, he's infected. We have to throw him out."
You were brought out of your thoughts to see Jason pointing a finger at Wes. You and Tara both stood up looking at Wes to see his nose was bleeding.
"Oh I slammed my face on the wall when I had to jump out the science lab window." He wiped his nose with his vest, that he had taken off.
"No. You're going to turn into one of those things. He's putting all of us in danger. Greg, Coach Loomis, Amber. They all started showing signs of infection with a nose bleed." Jason argued. "Look at his fucking hand-"
"Stop." You pushed Jason away from Wes. You did not want to believe your best friend was going to change into one of those things. You stood in-front of Wes taking his hand in yours. You saw the scratches on his fist. They didn't look too deep. But you weren't sure if he'd turn. Everyone you saw turn, they had been bitten.
"It's just a scratch." You stepped beside him looking back at your friends. "He'll be fine."
"Oh you're one to talk. Profesor Prescott. You have to do something about it." Jason argued, he wasn't going to let this infected be in the room. Putting him in danger.
"Wesley. How about you go into the soundproof room and wait it out. Make sure you're not infected. Just a safety precaution." Sidney truly still couldn't wrap her head around what was happening. The fear she felt was something she has never felt. But she knew she had to stay control and hopefully keep her kids safe.
"But Profesor Prescott-Please Wesley. We can't be too careful."
With a huff he walked into the soundproof room. The door shutting behind him. You watched as he sat down on a chair. You really hoped he didn't turn. You couldn't lose any more friends.
*
"Well times up. I think Jason here owes Wes an apology." Chad spoke his arms crossed as he stood straight looking down at the boy in question.
"What? Yea right. I'm not apologizing to him. Why the fuck would I?" Jason crossed his arms in anger. Hating the way everyone in the room was looking at him.
"Dude, just own up that you were wrong." Ethan said from his spot, he had been trying to comfort his sister. There was times he had thought that Quinn would have gotten together with Amber. He had high hopes for his sister. But now she looked heartbroken and he couldn't blame her. Amber was a big part of the group.
"Yes Jason please go apologize to Wesley."
With even the teacher gaining up him. He had no choice but to go into the room. A dark thought crossing his mind. Once he would follow through. The consequences not being enough to stop him.
Everything happened so quickly. He was fine. Then the next his nose was bleeding with her being blood red. Tara stood behind you, knowing very well what you were going through. You were losing your best friend and there was absolutely nothing you could do about it. Only being able to watch as Wesley changed into one of the monsters as well.
*
The group was losing more friends than they had been prepared for. First Amber and now Wesley. You had stood next to the window for the longest time. You Chad and Ethan had to push Wesley out of the window. Trying hard to avoid getting bit by your once called best friend. He had been your first friend, back in preschool. He had been the one to name you his best friend.
And now he was gone.
"We have to find a way outta of here." Your gaze was on the world outside. You had lost sight of Wes the moment he got up from falling from the third floor window. Tara stood by your side her grip on your hand never wavering.
"How? Out there, it's too crazy and too risky." Chad spoke from his spot in the floor. He knew that help would take too long for it to arrive. With how dark and chaotic it looked from the room window. He knew that help could take up to hours if not days.
"The front is not an option. But the through the back. The construction sight we could use that route and head through the woods." You needed to get your friends out of this school. Staying here was clearly not an option.
"Okay, how do we get through those zombies?" Ethan spoke from his spot between his sister and Chad. He saw the familiar crinkle form in between your eyebrows as you thought of something. He watched you, the sadness and the complete refusal of acceptance of Wes being gone was still in your eyes.
"Zombie guts?"
"What?" Everyone turned their gaze to Mindy.
Mindy shrugged, "don't look at me like that. Haven't you guys watched the Walking Dead or any other zombie related movie. We all established that these things are zombies. So there for we use zombie guts to hide are humanly odor with flesh and get the fuck outta here." She stood up, her hand held out to help Anika up.
"Alright, it's not like we have other options. how do we get one of those things in here?" Anika asked, she was scared. Scared for what was going come. Especially if this idea became something they actually did. They already lost Amber and now Wes.
The professor in the room stayed quiet, what had just happened was something she was surely she'd never forget. Wes, Judy's son. He had been the sweet boy one second and replaced by a flesh eating monster. The change had been quick. She didn't know what or how she'd tell Judy. Judy loved her boy, he had always been her pride and joy. To have that taken from her, Sidney couldn't even imagine what that felt like.
"There's plenty of st-bodies in the hall." Sidney finally found her voice. She felt guilty for even saying it but if it meant saving at least these kids, well she had to try.
*
It took a day of no rescue for the others to actually go through with the plan. The day had been spent going back up to the tech room. Retrieving a drone to look for any survivors. With no luck on the drone it had made the original plan more cemented in everyone's mind.
"We should still use something to distract those things." Sidney said as they had successfully dragged two dead zombie student bodies into the room. She could see how your bloody hand shook as you put down the blade. Ethan and Chad had helped you drag the two unrecognizable kids into the room.
"The intercoms you use for morning announcements?"
"Okay Anika come and help me."
While Anika and professor Prescott worked on that. You stayed looking down at the blood on your hands. You had just killed two students. Two students that were no longer themselves but yet you did it. The parents of said kids would never get the chance to see them again. And now, now you were planning to cut them open. Like pigs, all in the name of survival. What you were about to do, you weren't even sure if it'd work. But it had to. You and your friends couldn't last another day in this school.
Soft hands cupped your cheeks, lifting your gaze away from your hands. "Hey, look at me." Dark brown eyes looked back into yours. "Stay with me." Her words rang in your ears. Your racing thoughts come to a halt, you need to get Tara out of this school. Some where safe.
"It's ready." 
Now all that was to be done was to butcher these kids, before you could even pick up the blade someone else took picked it up.
"You've done enough, I got this." Ethan said giving you no chance before he took a deep breath and you flinched at the sound of bones breaking. You looked away, your eyes finding Tara who was by the window. You knew she was worried for her sister.
"Wait, Professor? How do I use the intercom's?" You asked while Ethan helped cover the others in blood.
"Just push down on this button to speak, okay go ahead."
"Sam if you can hear this, it's Y/n, we are going towards the construction sight. Please try to meet us there."
*
The walk was tense. Everyone in the group falling in a close line. Tara standing right behind you. The halls had a few stragglers, but they paid no mind to you or the others. Those things, too occupied with the morning positive announcements. From what you could see the plan was working. Thing that worried you was that said announcements were only thirty minutes long. And it's been twenty at most minutes that have passed since you all stepped out of the broadcasting room.
"We have to hurry."
Your head snapped back at Jason. The look was harsh, as the deal was to not talk and make unnecessary noise. But the damage was already done. The zombie that was closest to him had growled in his direction, it was enough for him to get out of line stumbling on a dead body, making him crash on to the floor. The yells of the zombies as the scream that left his lips was enough to draw in more.
Some bumped into you but paid you no mind you had taken Tara in your arms the moment he had fallen out of line. You couldn't do anything without putting the others at risk. So you took a quiet step back. Leading the others away.
It was too late for him anyway.
*
The plan was going too smoothly. You were only minutes away from entering the construction site. When the rain came followed by loud thunder. You breath hitched at the meaning. The smell of dead would wash away. Leaving you and your friends exposed.
"Run."
The panic washed over everybody, the pace picked up and the rain fell harder. The sound of infected roared as the picked up the scent of human flesh. The group cutting through the open field to get to the closest construction area. Running into the building.
"Get down!"
The group of teens didn't hesitate as they dropped to the floor. The faint noise of arrows flying by. The sound of the dead dropping and staying down. You had covered Tara with your body. When the only thing that could now be heard was the sound of rain and thunder. You looked up eyes connecting with familiar brown eyes.
With a chocked laugh you got up, helping Tara up. Tara only had a second until she realized who was in front of her. "Sam." The hug between the two sisters was a moment you felt like you needed. The relief in Tara's shoulder was noticeable. Sam looked at you and the group. Eyes furrowing, you felt like you knew what she was thinking. Shaking your head slightly, her eyes filled with remorse and slight tears.
"We have to get off school grounds. It's too crazy here." Danny said after retrieving the arrows. "I was able to talk with my dad before the phone lines stopped working. People were able to evacuate to the town over. The city is blocked by the military, so we have to go to one those checkpoints and hope they don't shoot first."
If the military was able to evacuate some people you knew that if the school grounds were crazy, the city was most likely worse. With a sigh of what you and the others will most likely go through. Getting to the construction sight had been hard and almost seemed too difficult. But now having to just go into the city, now that was impossible.
*
"Okay guys just stay close okay. Everyone has a weapon right?" Danny asked as he loaded his own bow with an arrow. His gaze falling on you. He could see how much it hurt to lose Wes. He had been more like brother to you and he knew how much you cherished the friendship with Wes. He also knew that Tara was hurting. Amber was also like sister to Tara. Being there when Sam couldn't.
"Okay. I'll be in the front, arrows in the front clearing a path. Y/n, Chad, Ethan think you two can handle the back?" Danny asked getting nods in response. "Everyone else try to stay in the middle don't get separated. Alright let's go."
*
He felt cold, confused, hungry? He felt really hungry. The hall floor was hard and wet, but the more he became aware the more he realized that it was blood on his clothes. His blood.
The memories came flooding back in, the feeling of being eaten alive. He remembered all those bites, he felt those bites before his world went black.
You.
You had left him there to die. Not even moving to help.
He'd make you pay.
*
Tara kept looking back at your direction, she didn't like that you were in the back. She was thankful to know that her sister was alive and not one of those things. Yet she still feared what could happen. They had successfully made it out of the school. Cutting through the back woods. The woods had been thankfully deserted with no infected in sight.
With Sam in front of her along side Danny, the walk was quiet, tense. She was afraid that the smallest noise would bring those things down on them.
She had to believe, or at least hope that everything would be okay.
*
You breathed heavily as you pushed your back onto the door. The dead pushing their own weight to get the door to open. "Fuck! Get something to block the door!" Chad and Ethan helped you with the door. While the rest helped with pushing a big cabinet. Your body pushed forward from the force of the door trying to he pushed open.
"Guys hurry up!" "Move!" The big cabinet fell in front of the door blocking the infected from getting in.
"Man that was intense, everyone okay?" You slumped back into a wall, everyone responded with a confirmation. "Come let's get away from the doors and windows."
Once everyone was in a more secluded area with less windows, you turned and checked over Tara. "You okay? No bites? Do you need your inhaler?" Hands stopping their movements on her cheeks.
"I'm fine. Come on let's rest." The day had been a long one. From moving discreetly and not so discreetly the group had to take refuge in a restaurant. The moment you had a chance you took Tara into your arms. Thankful to have her safely in your embrace.
With most of the electricity being out in the city the streets were dark and if not almost impossible to see in the dark. So you had to find shelter and having to move when the sun was out. The rest was well deserved, with everyone running low on energy. The group had taken shelter in a room furthest from the front door. But it had a window just in case of needed to get out of there quickly.
~
Tara had been asleep on your chest, she felt so exhausted, hungry. It was still dark out, so she wasn't sure what woke her up. You were still asleep, your chest rising and falling in a calming way. Your face was relaxed for the first time since this whole thing started. As she traced your facial features with her eyes, the glow of the moon was enough for her to see your face. She heard a noise. A noise that she was certain was what woke her up.
The door leading down to the empty hall way was closed and barricaded with a desk. Everyone had fallen asleep. As she moved to get up your arm wrapped around her waist tightened.
"Where are you going?" Your voice came out as a whisper. You had always been a light sleeper.
"I heard something." She whispered back. You were now wide awake as you sat up with her. She watched as you stepped silently towards the door, she moved behind you, refusing to let you go alone.
You only moved the desk a few inches. Enough to only crack open the door, only to get a peak outside. The noise was heard again. But you couldn't see anything, the halls were dark. The moon light only casted so much light. The noise got closer and closer until you saw two eyes looking up you. The breath you didn't even know you were holding was let out.
Meow.
The cat used the small gab you left open. To get in. The black cat rubbing against your leg.
"Oh it's a kitty." Tara gushed as she pointed the light from her phone on the cat. You chuckled and quietly moved to shut the door.
You didn't see it coming. You had been so focused on Tara's smile as she the cat in her arms. The force of the push had been so unexpected, the force throwing you back. Your eyes widen in disbelief at who stood there. Covered in blood and bloody snarl on his lips.
"You left me. You left me to die."
"Jason."
Everyone was now awake. You could feel the tension, and the guilt you felt washed in.
"Feeling guilty?" His twitching was noticeable. You couldn't wrap your mind around that fact that he was still alive.
"Yeah, I felt guilty too...when I infected Wesley. But then I remembered what he did to me. Then it went away."
Your ears felt like they were ringing, his word repeating in your mind. Wes was fine till Jason went in that room to apologize. Jason killed Wes. He killed your best friend. You acted before really thinking.
"Y/n!"
Your fists connected with his face. The rage and fury you felt washed over. It angered you further that he was laughing. The rage grew and the punches became more intense.
Arms wrapped around you as they tried to pull you off. The arms of Ethan and Chad pulling you off there hold on you tight.
"You'll all die."
The sounds of groaning and screams filled the hall. Everyone sharing a look as they all moved to shut the door. Jason laid on the floor as he continued to laugh loudly. Drawing the attention of the infected. You wasted no time to grab him once again throwing him out the window.
"Fuck, out the window." Anika moved towards the broken window. Seeing Jason no longer where he landed. She was scared. Scared on what that could mean. He had turned but he wasn't like the rest. He was still conscious of his actions.
The sun just barely coming out casting a light into the room. Your hands still shook, the anger you still had was still there just now accompanied by some overwhelming regret.
"We have to move!! They're breaking through the door!" Danny yelled as he along with Chad, Ethan, Mindy and Sam tried to hold the desk in place.
Tara was quick to cup your cheeks breaking you out of your spiral. "Baby come on we have to go. Stay with me." Your eyes held so much and she couldn't even comprehend what you were thinking.
"Go with Anika, Sam go down with them. Make sure the way is clear for the rest of us to go down." Taking Tara's hands in your giving them a what you could only hope was a comforting squeeze. "Go with them. I'll be right behind you."
Tara heard you say that once and she lost you for second. This time she didn't listen. She moved to help you with the desk. "Ta-No, I'm not leaving you again. Mindy go. Then Ethan and Chad. I'll go with you. The window is big enough for the both of to jump out of."
Quickly they cleared the room. The door giving out the moment you and Tara rushed forward. The quickness of how you both went out the window falling into a dumpster.
"We have to move! Come on." You took Tara's hand and rushed down the alley. The same alley that was once mostly empty of infected was now filled with them. In the center was Jason. A smug smirk on his face.
"RUN!!"
*
Tara had always been light, with your work outs and constant sports you played you were in great shape. So when you felt Tara slowing down. You didn't even need to look at her when you picked her up. Her arms and legs wrapping around you tightly. Her shortness in breath had you worried and you knew she needed her inhaler.
"The bus! Get on the bus!" Sam yelled her pace picking up as she reached the bus getting the door open, thanking what ever god was up there that the keys were in the key was in the ignition.
You had been the last one to reach the bus. Only a step in when you felt a sharp pain on your forearm looking behind you to see Jason before an arrow was shot right in between his eyes. His limp body falling to the floor, unmoving.
The bus moved forward as the doors closed. The infected crashing into the side of the bus.
You focused on tara whose breathing was becoming more dangerously labored. You sat her down on one of the seats digging in your pocket to take out the inhaler. "Come baby, use this. Breathe in. I got you." You spoke softly in her ear. The inhaler brought up to her lips. "Nice and easy. That's my girl." It took a few more minutes for her breathing to return to a somewhat normal rhythm.
*
"Okay I think we lost them." Mindy spoke up as stood by Sam who had been driving. The roads were empty of infected, abandoned cars were on the streets but the bus was strong enough to move the cars out of the way.
Everything was a bit muffled for you. All you could think about now was the bite on your forearm that was covered by your long sleeve shirt. You weren't sure at first if you were going to turn seeing as Jason was still, alive? But as the minutes passed and the hour grew closer. You felt yourself growing lighter, weaker. You had to tell them.
Tara was resting her head on your chest as you leaned your back on the window. The cat on her lap also resting. Everyone was so unaware of what was happening.
"Sam stop the bus."
"What?" She looked back at you and then back at the road. It was an open field now the city behind as you were the check point wouldn't be too far now.
"What's wrong?" Tara pulled away from your chest to look at you. Her eyes searching for why you would want Sam to stop the bus. But you didn't meet her eyes. Instead you stood up as the bus stopped. Her hand reaching to take a hold of yours.  Her breath hitching and the chill rolling down her body at the feeling of your cold hands.
"No." It came out so small, denying what it meant. You were probably just cold. Your hands got cold sometimes.
Your eyes filled with tears. You pulled back afraid of what was to come. You didn't want to hurt anyone. Especially not Tara.
Chad moved to stand behind Tara, confused what was wrong. "What's going on?"
You took another step back towards the doors. Tara refused to look away from you as her eyes filled with more tears, her lip quivering as she refused to believe what was happening.
"Y/n?" Ethan asked standing by Chad. His hand reaching for Chad's.
The lump in your grew bigger as everyone's eyes were now on you. your eyes finally meeting Tara's, the pure anguish and refusal to accept what was to come.
"Jason bit me, I wasn't sure if it was going to happen. But I am turning. I—I can fe—el it." The tears that blurred your vision finally fell. The feeling of you losing the control of your mind was a lot more, than you had expected.
"Da—nny shoot me."
"What?" Danny's voice cracked as he took you in. Your hands were shaking blood starting to roll down your noise.
"No!" The whizzing got worse as Tara rushed to get to you but was stopped by Sam. She tried hard to get out of her sisters hold but Sam had always been strong.
"D—on't want to....be one of th—ose things." You could feel the blood rolling down your noise. Your vision coming and going. Your knees growing weaker as you crumbled down to the floor. "Da—nny please."
Danny looked at Sam who was also crying trying to comfort her younger sister. Her brown eyes filled with uncertainty.
You tried to get back up wanting to get out of the bus.
Tara couldn't let you go. She couldn't, seeing your once y/ec eyes were now covered in a bloody red color. She cried out your name, desperately trying to get to you. "Sam please. There could be a cure. We just have to get her to one of the camps." Ignoring all the signs of the infection taking over.
"D—anny!" Your voice came out once more. More desperately. You had stood back up red veins noticeable on your face. Danny loaded his arrow hands shaking as he aimed it at you. You were no longer you.
"I'm sorry." The arrow went fast, and you dropped even faster. Your body laying thee no longer twitching, no longer moving. The arrow went directly into your left eye. He let his arrow drop his ears felt like they were ringing, muffling picking up the cry of Tara.
The world was coming to an end. And in a zombie apocalypse, everyone's survival was not guaranteed.
:(
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atimeofyourlife · 2 days ago
Text
Go ahead, rip my heart out
Part 1 of my make it worse-before it gets better fic that I teased here
rated: t | wc: 1350 After 8x06, Buck crashes on Eddie's couch for the night. Eddie finds him the next morning presenting with cardiac symptoms on his couch.
"We must be getting old if just a few beers are leaving you looking like that." Eddie joked as he came into the living room to see Buck sat hunched over on the couch. He knew that it was more likely the events of the previous evening that had lead him to bringing over a six pack and then sleeping on Eddie's couch. He got concerned when Buck didn't respond, and he seemed to be struggling for breath, and not in a way that indicated that he'd been crying.
"Buck, what's wrong? Are you okay?" He asked, hurrying around the couch to kneel in front of Buck.
"Hurts." Buck gasped out, clutching at his chest.
"When did this start?" Eddie pulled his phone out of his picked, just in case he needed to call help.
"Few minutes." Buck replied, and Eddie winced at how short of breath he was.
"Okay, I'm just going to check your pulse." Eddie pressed his fingers to Buck's pulse point, and frowned. "There's some arrhythmia. I'm calling 911."
read more below the cut or on a03
"911, what's your emergency?" Eddie let out an involuntary sigh of relief when he didn't recognize the voice. He didn't know how he would explain it to anyone they knew.
"This is off duty firefighter Eddie Diaz. I need an RA unit to 4995 South Bedford Street. Patient is a thirty three year old male presenting with angina, shortness of breath, and arrhythmia. He has some history of heart problems after being struck by lightning two years ago, but has had a clean bill of cardiac health for around eighteen months. He also has a history of blood clots, about five years ago, caused by hardware in his leg from an injury."
"Okay, and what is the patient's name?"
"Evan Buckley. He's also a firefighter. He's my heavy rescue partner at the 118." He stopped for a moment as Buck slumped forward. "He's just fainted."
"Did he hit his head or fall into a position where he is potentially unsafe?"
"No. He was sitting on the couch and slumped forward. I caught him before he went down."
"Can you reposition him so he is lying down on the couch?
"Yeah. Give me a minute." He pushed on Buck's shoulders to get him to lie back, then pulled his legs round so he was flat on the couch. "Done."
"Okay. And do you know if he has taken anything in the last twenty four hours?"
"He's not currently on any prescription medication, and he doesn't use anything recreationally, because of the job. He was drinking last night, but we only split a six pack of beer."
"Can you unlock a door, the ambulance is just a few minutes out."
"Yeah." Eddie got up and practically ran to the front door, glancing back at the couch constantly. He unlocked the door and was back beside Buck in seconds. "The front door is unlocked, and opens right into the lounge."
Eddie kept an eye on Buck, reassuring him gently when he regained consciousness. A few minutes later, the door opened. "LAFD."
"Over here." He called back.
"We got him, Diaz." One of the paramedics said, kneeling next to him with a lifepak.
Eddie just nodded, and stood up. He realized it was the 133 there, so he was pretty familiar with most of the crew.
"What happened?"
"I don't know. He came over with some beers last night and crashed on the couch. This morning when I woke up I found him on the couch hunched over. Shortness of breath, angina, arrhythmia. It came out of nowhere." He explained, watching as the paramedics hooked Buck up to the lifepak. He hadn't felt this scared for his best friend since the lightning strike.
"His blood pressure is pretty low too." One of the paramedics chimed in. "We need to take him in. His heart doesn't seem healthy right now."
He couldn't help feeling a little useless while they got Buck ready and loaded onto the gurney. He felt like that was his job, that he should be taking care of Buck. He made sure that he had both his and Buck's phones as well as his keys before following them out to the ambulance.
"M-Mad's-" Buck mumbled, reaching out towards Eddie.
"I'll call Maddie, I'll let her know." Eddie reassured him. "I'll ask her to meet us at the hospital. Don't worry about it."
--
The ride to the hospital was uncomfortable, but not the worst. He held Buck's hand tight and just let the paramedics work.
At the hospital, the paramedics took the lead to inform the medical team on what was happening, but Eddie cut in to add information about the lightning strike, history of blood clots, and Buck's allergies.
"Diaz." Captain Mehta called out as Eddie made to follow the team into the hospital. "Do you want me to inform Captain Nash?"
"No. I'll call him. I just need to call Buck's sister first." Eddie replied, before making his way inside. Calling Maddie to tell her that Buck was in the hospital again was never something he wanted to do.
Eddie tucked himself in the corner of the waiting area, knowing there were going to be a lot of tests they had to run for Buck to find out what was going on with his heart. He tried to get his thoughts in order before dialing Maddie's number.
"Hey, Eddie. What's up?" Maddie sounded cheerful, and he hated to break that for her.
"I, uh. I had to call an ambulance for Buck this morning. We're at First Presbyterian." He said, ripping off the painful part first.
"Why? What happened? Is Buck okay?" She sounded shocked.
"It's his heart. I don't know what's going on yet, we've only just got here." He explained. "He crashed at mine last night. When I woke up he was having cardiac symptoms. Angina, shortness of breath, arrhythmia. He fainted on my couch while I was on the phone to dispatch, and when the paramedics were there he had low blood pressure."
"Oh, my god." Maddie gasped. "I'm on my way. Should we call Tom-"
"No." Eddie said definitively. Knowing that having Tommy there could make it worse. "I. I think we should leave telling anyone else until we know more about what's going on."
"Okay. I'll be there soon. Thanks for letting me know, Eddie."
--
Eddie stayed sat in the corner, looking up every time someone moved, looking for Maddie, for Buck. For a nurse or doctor coming to inform him what was going on.
Maddie came hurrying in around thirty minutes after he'd called her. "Any updates?"
"Not yet." He replied. He wrapped an arm around Maddie for a brief hug. "I guess we just have to wait."
"I hate this. He-he's always in a hospital bed."
"I know. I hate it too." They fell into a silence as they waited, neither sure on how to fill it.
"Family of Evan Buckley?" Someone called after a while.
"That's us." Eddie said, both he and Maddie made their way over.
"I'm his sister, this is his best friend and one of his medical proxies." Maddie introduced.
"We've ruled out a heart attack, and it doesn't seem to be a delayed response to the lightning strike."
"Oh, thank god." Maddie murmured.
"But what was it?" Eddie asked.
"We have a few ideas, some more likely than others. There has been some recent stress on the heart, so I have to ask has he been through any recent major stressors? Physical or emotional."
"He's a firefighter and dislocated his shoulder on the job a few weeks ago. But other than that-" Maddie explained.
"His boyfriend broke up with him last night. It came out of nowhere." Eddie cut in.
"Tommy did what?" Maddie seemed shocked.
"He broke up with Buck. Some bullshit about being his first not his last."
"That does tie in with what our top theory is right now." The doctor replied. "We believe it's likely to be takotsubo cardiomyopathy. That's also known as-"
"Broken heart syndrome." Maddie finished, barely holding back tears.
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seitmai · 3 days ago
Text
“Of course,” he whispered back, pressing a kiss to your thigh and lifting his head with a smile. The darkness had left his eyes. How long until it returned? “Thank you for calming me down.” “Of course,” you echoed because what else could you do?
Truly 🥲
His brows pinched a little as his hands gently framed your cheeks. “Kotyonok, why do you sound so upset?” He asked, his thumbs moving in a soothing motion as you took a deep breath. “Wait, are you scared that I’d be mad at you?” “I… I don’t know,” you said. You didn’t necessarily think he’d be upset with you, but after his mood swings at lunch and everything else so far you weren't sure what to expect. “I just don't know.”
He is so erratic, it's hard to tell anything at all 🥴
“I appreciate you telling me, but you have nothing to worry about. Just have a good rest of the day.” With a kiss to the corner of your mouth, he whispered, “I’ll be thinking of you until I see you again.”
I'm sure he is 🥲
She clapped her hands. “Oh, that’s wonderful! And don’t you dare be modest. Let him spoil you.” “I have a feeling he’ll spoil me even if I don't ask him to,” you said. Your whole experience with Bucky was whether you wanted it or not, so why would he stop now?
🥴😬🫣
He held your arm when you tried to get out. “You express yourself through Acts of Service with loving gestures and helping with tasks, but what you crave is Quality Time because you value meaningful interactions and connecting with people on a more personal level.” You nodded slowly. It was why you loved hanging out with your girlfriends. You cherished making memories with them.
Which is very natural and reasonable, if you choose these times yourself 🙈
“Right. Not for our first time.” He tipped his head back as he took a breath, no doubt trying to control himself. “Just one more kiss, Kotyonok. One more for me to dream about tonight,” he groaned, bringing his face back to yours for one more kiss with fervor. Just when you thought it would turn more ravenous, he shifted to something soft, tender. A feeling that had both of you shaking when it ended, but likely for different reasons.
Very different reasons 🥴
“It doesn't matter, but if you really want to see and hear me, please, pay attention,” you said, yanking your arm away. “I want to go home.” “Why? Is it because that kiss meant something to you and you don't want to admit it?” He asked, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “If you're embarrassed that it made you wet, don't be. I'm flattered. Besides, it got me hard.”
Geez Barnes just listen to her 🤦🏻‍♀️
Heat filled your cheeks and you wanted to smack him. There was a fine line between the delusion he had in his head and the reality of the situation. The tightrope you were walking was close to snapping. “I’m not embarrassed. I can't breathe.” You stepped back, trying to give yourself space. Was Ray watching from the car? “Everything in my life recently has revolved around you or you being there. Say what you want about me being lonely, it doesn't give you an excuse to take over.”
I beg you, please smack some sense into him!
Bucky’s smile slipped, like he was really seeing how bothered you were. “I told you I just want to love you. And you enjoy Quality Time.” “Quality Time when we agree upon it. And love itself should be the thing to take my breath away, not you smothering me,” you gently stated.
This!!!
“I’m not trying to smother you.” He shifted like he was the one uncomfortable, his gaze flicking to the ground. “I… I know you can't breathe,” he said, lifting a hand as if to reach out before he dropped it and took a deep breath. “That’s why I'm leaving you alone tomorrow,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You're what?” You asked in disbelief, catching the hint of vulnerability in his eyes as his shoulders dropped. He hadn't left you alone since he broke in. Why in the world would he stop now? “I was going to bring it up when I dropped you off.” His hand worked its way through his hair. “I’ve been thinking about it and talking and… I’m smothering you. I know I am. Rearranging your schedule, making you meet my friends, and everything else. So…” He reached for you this time and took your hand. “I’m giving you a breather and I’m not going to be around tomorrow. No surprise visits. No calls. Maybe a text, but nothing more.”
Good god it's so up and down with him, im gonna get whiplash 🥴
You blinked. “So, we won't see each other tomorrow?” You tried not to get too excited. It was only a day, but between that and the girls day that was still something. You had to go the cautiously optimistic route again and take what you got.
She's better than me, I would have done a happy dance or something lol
“That’s my girl.” He turned and paused at the door with a smile. “Can I at least help you try on the dress? Or you can model it for me and I'll tell you how beautiful you are.” You smiled back a little. “Don't push your luck,”
For real 😒
Hold You Tight: Part 12
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Pairing: Club Owner!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader
Fic Summary: The owner of The 107th wants you to be his girl whether you like it or not.
Part 11 | Series Masterlist | Part 13
Chapter Word Count: Over 4.7k
Chapter Summary: Bucky gets under your skin when he takes you shopping.
Chapter Warnings: DARK AU, dirty talk, mild dubcon (kissing, touching), tension, unease, possessiveness, inner turmoil, gaslighting, manipulation, slight feels, Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?), more warnings to come.
A/N: More Hold You Tight and hope you enjoy! Bucky edit by the beautiful @nixakimbo . ❤️ Beta read by the lovely @whisperlullaby , but any and all mistakes are my own. Divider by the talented @firefly-graphics . Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!
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You weren’t sure how much time passed with Bucky’s head resting in your lap, your fingers absentmindedly moving through his hair. While his body relaxed, you remained rigid. You tried to think of positive things. Your upcoming trip to the winery, Addison’s wedding. The images in your mind darkened though as if a cloud loomed over them. In a way, it did because you didn’t know what Bucky had planned for those events. Because even if Bucky really let you go to the winery alone, someone would be watching.
You forced the cloud in your mind to lift. Things could still be positive. You could still have a good day and have the best time with your friends.
“I’m sorry, but I have to get back to work,” you whispered.
“Of course,” he whispered back, pressing a kiss to your thigh and lifting his head with a smile. The darkness had left his eyes. How long until it returned? “Thank you for calming me down.”
“Of course,” you echoed because what else could you do?
Brushing his pants off once he got to his feet, he helped you up and didn’t let go of your hand. You didn’t attempt to pull away. He made sure to grab the money you left on the table before he paid the server and you tried to give the poor guy a smile when you thanked him. You just wanted to get on with your day.
As Bucky led you out of the cafe and back to the shop, you caught Ray’s gaze as he stood by the car and waited for his boss. Whatever concern he showed for you faded when he blinked. How did he deal with this life? Would he ever walk away from it?
“I’ll pick you up after work then?” Bucky asked.
“Sure,” you said. You didn’t tell him when your shift ended, but he knew, didn’t he? “Thanks for lunch.”
“It was my pleasure, but one more thing.” Bucky stopped you before you could enter the shop. “This regular customer you mentioned earlier. How often does he stop in?”
He asked as if he had no idea and maybe he didn’t in this case. That assumption didn’t ease your worries. “Once a month,” you said, your stomach turning slightly. “Listen, the roses he tried to give to me, I gave them to him first. They were his usual order and I thought it would be nice gesture and I was just-”
His brows pinched a little as his hands gently framed your cheeks. “Kotyonok, why do you sound so upset?” He asked, his thumbs moving in a soothing motion as you took a deep breath. “Wait, are you scared that I’d be mad at you?”
“I… I don’t know,” you said. You didn’t necessarily think he’d be upset with you, but after his mood swings at lunch and everything else so far you weren't sure what to expect. “I just don't know.”
“No, no, no, I’m not mad at you. Why would I be mad that you were kind to another person? That’s one of the things I love about you. It drew me to you,” he assured you. You oddly felt better by his assurance. “I don’t want you to stop doing kind things for others because you’re worried it might upset me.”
“So, it doesn’t upset you?”
“You being you would never upset me,” he smiled. He had said more than once that he loved you as a person, so maybe he was telling the truth. “A man trying to give flowers to you while going through a break-up is, at the very least, a little strange.”
“Yeah, I guess so,” you said, not wanting to admit that he had a point and that you were slightly put off when Clark tried to give the roses to you.
“I’m also well aware that you don’t hit on any guy who comes into your shop, so I wouldn’t view any act of kindness to a customer as trying to get their attention.”
“That’s true,” you agreed. Even Ray had pointed out to you that you didn’t give guys in the shop the time of day. Why would you when most of them were buying flowers for someone else? “But I just wanted you to know.”
“I appreciate you telling me, but you have nothing to worry about. Just have a good rest of the day.” With a kiss to the corner of your mouth, he whispered, “I’ll be thinking of you until I see you again.”
You weren’t sure why your heart fluttered. Relief that Bucky reacted calmly to what you said? You didn’t dwell on it as he held the door open and smiled after you as you went back into the shop. It was time to concentrate on work again.
Mrs. Crandle smiled and waved to Bucky through the door. “Oh, he is a looker,” she winked. “How was lunch, dear?”
“The food was good and Bucky and I got to talk a bit, which was… nice,” you answered, glancing around the shop and wondering if the place was bugged, too. Could he get access to the shop? Letting you continue to work seemed too good to be true, but he’d have nothing to worry about if he had eyes and ears there, too. “He’s taking me shopping tonight.”
She clapped her hands. “Oh, that’s wonderful! And don’t you dare be modest. Let him spoil you.”
“I have a feeling he’ll spoil me even if I don't ask him to,” you said.
Your whole experience with Bucky was whether you wanted it or not, so why would he stop now?
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As expected, Bucky arrived back at the shop a few hours later to pick you up. Instead of giving him the chance to go inside and speak to Mrs. Crandle again, you grabbed your bag and rushed out the door to greet him. He caught you easily when you nearly collided with him, and for the first time, you felt like you were intruding in his space instead of the other way around.
“Eager to see me?” He smiled, his voice teasing as he kept a hand on your shoulder and helped you into the vehicle when you didn’t immediately answer. “How was the rest of your shift? I hope no one else bothered you.”
Just you.
“It was uneventful. I got a lot done,” you replied, feeling a warmth spread through you from the normalcy of your afternoon. “And no one bothered me.” Your gaze flickered to him and he was hanging onto your every word. He also looked much more relaxed, like the moodiness at lunch never happened. “How about you? How was your day?”
“Also uneventful. A couple of boring calls. Kept thinking about you though and it got me through the day,” he said, slipping an arm around you as the car door closed. The way you two were speaking to each other sounded almost normal. Checking in on each other, seeing how the other was doing. “Steve asked about that double date.”
“I’m sure he’s excited for that,” you said, wondering if that poor coat check girl had any idea.
“We both are. You can find a dress for that, too,” he smiled fondly. “In fact, what would you think of me getting you a new wardrobe when you move in? Your style, your choice on everything. You name it.”
You raised an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and uncertainty washing over you. “Is there something wrong with my current wardrobe?” You hadn’t done anything to deserve a whole new set of clothes and you hoped he wasn’t suggesting it to mold you more to his liking.
“Nothing wrong with it at all. You have great taste and I just want to spoil you,” he said, running a finger down your side. This was the man who let you go into his exclusive club wearing a dressed down outfit simply because it was you, so he’d probably let you get away with any sort of wardrobe you wanted. “Do you know how ravishing you look right now?”
“I’m not ravishing. I’m in my work clothes,” you muttered.
“You are ravishing,” he said, moving his finger back up as you shivered. “We should get some stargazer lilies for your first night in our home. I could strip you down, lay you out on our bed, and brush one of the petals along your skin.”
You inhaled sharply and closed your eyes, trying not to picture him spreading you out on a luxurious bed. He would say something like that when he was right in your space and you had nowhere to go. The man went from zero to sixty in seconds. No doubt he could feel you tremble and knew your heart was racing.
“Bet it’ll feel soft against your nipples,” he whispered, exhaling against your ear. “And your pussy.”
Your next breath was shallow, but you managed not to whimper. “Where are we going shopping?” You asked evenly, hoping to get to the destination sooner rather than later.
You stubbornly kept your eyes shut when he chuckled. “You’re changing the topic because you’re thinking about it, aren’t you? Worried you’ll get your panties soaked before we get to the shop?” He questioned, your heart thudding. You didn’t want to think about it at all. You wanted out of the car so you could properly breathe again. “I’m sorry. I’m not playing nice, am I? We’re going to one of your favorite stores and you can pick out whatever you want.”
You’d no doubt look at the price tags out of habit since you shopped on a budget and bought your nicer pieces on sale. “Do you ever really play nice?” You asked, opening your eyes. “One moment you’re being vulnerable and talking about your family and the next time I see you you’re talking about sleeping with me. I’m shocked the whiplash hasn’t scrambled my brain.”
The image of him destroying the utensil at lunch like it was nothing flashed in your mind for some reason. And him and his gang beating up John. Just how strong was he? Was he a killer?
“Sometimes we’ll talk about something tough or serious and the next it may be something more fun or intimate. That’s part of being in a relationship,” he said. If only it were an authentic relationship. “I want that with you, telling you what’s on my mind and how I feel.”
If he cared about what was on your mind or how you felt, he’d back off and let you have a bit of space. “Relationships are built on mutual respect and trust,” you said. Did he not see that the mutual respect wasn't there since he pushed for things to be his way? And trust was something he couldn't force no matter how powerful he was.
“I understand that. You also said a first date was getting to know each other and seeing if there's a mutual connection. I'm opening up to you, letting you get to know me. I’m getting to know you, too, beyond the things I knew in advance,” he said. What was he learning about you that he didn’t already know? “And you can't tell me you don't feel something for me.”
“Do you want me to tell you what you want to hear, Bucky? That I want you and want to be with you?” You asked. Even if you did develop feelings for him, it would have to be classified as some form of stockholm syndrome. And even then, strong feelings wouldn’t be enough. He wanted everything from you. “That I don’t want anyone else?”
The hand along your side crept up to your neck, tension heightening when he gently squeezed. He loved putting his hand around your throat. “You do want me, you do want to be with me, you’ll never want anyone else once I have you and I know you love how much I want you,” he spoke with confidence, like he could make the words come true as you took your next breath. “Should I check your panties before we go inside and feel how wet they are?”
You needed to distract him. Fight him. Do something. “What’s your love language?” You blurted out. “Physical Touch?”
“What?” He whispered, your heart still pounding when he slowly moved his hand away from your throat.
“Your love language. You constantly touch me when I’m close to you, so I guessed Physical Touch,” you explained. He always had a hand on you.
He sat back with a pensive look. “No one has ever asked me that.”
“Oh,” you said as the car rolled to a stop. You blindly reached for the door handle. “Well, it’s something to think about if you don’t know.”
He held your arm when you tried to get out. “You express yourself through Acts of Service with loving gestures and helping with tasks, but what you crave is Quality Time because you value meaningful interactions and connecting with people on a more personal level.”
You nodded slowly. It was why you loved hanging out with your girlfriends. You cherished making memories with them.
“You also appreciate Words of Affirmation, even if compliments make you feel uncertain because you sometimes feel overlooked. The combination of those languages makes you feel seen and heard,” he continued, giving you a tender smile. “I can hear and see you if you let me.”
You found yourself unable to speak as he gauged your reaction, your throat tight as if gripped by an unseen force. He nailed it right on the head about your love languages, didn't he? “I need air,” you whispered, letting yourself out of the car once he let you go.
The tightness in your throat moved to your heart. Bucky saw and heard you in his own way, didn't he? Not just as a passing thought but because he genuinely believed he loved you, deeply and wholeheartedly. The more he sank his fangs in, the more venom he injected. You had to be your own antidote.
With a shake of your head, you glanced up at the shop. True to his word, it was one you loved. Another piece of yourself that would now be tied to him.
You jumped when Bucky appeared beside you and took your arm. “You okay?” He asked, studying your face with gentle eyes.
“Just fine,” you replied, smiling for his sake. “Let's go shopping.”
You walked into the boutique together, the air filled with a subtle mix of lavender and something sweet that made you feel right at home. The space was a blend of trendy and rustic, exuding charm and intimacy. Clothes lined the wooden shelves and vintage racks, showcasing a variety of styles that ranged from casual to bold. Delicate accessories sparkled in the soft light, inviting you to explore.
You could easily find the perfect dress for the winery here.
“Hello! Welcome to… Oh! Mr. Barnes,” the associate smiled, her heels clicking on the floor. She was a picture perfect example of style and beauty. “I have the back dressing room set up and I’ll be sure no one disturbs you or your girlfriend. It was sundresses you requested, correct?”
Bucky looked proud of himself. “Yes, the perfect sundress for my girl,” he smiled, his blue eyes sparkling as he looked at you. “And whatever dress you choose, you’ll need jewelry. Oh, and a clutch.”
“Girlfriend?” You asked. He must not have wanted a repeat of how the hostess treated the two of you at lunch. “Wait, you already have dresses selected for me to try on?”
“He called and gave us all the details. And we’ll make sure you have everything you need,” the associate promised as Bucky nudged you ahead of him to follow her. Was anyone else in the shop? “Would either of you like a water?”
“No thank you,” you said. You were never offered a water when you shopped there before, but you were never there with Bucky Barnes.
“Just let me know if you need anything at all,” she smiled, opening the dressing room door.
Bucky thanked her as he took a seat in one of the chairs across from the door, watching you expectantly. “If you don't like any of them, we can go somewhere else.”
“I’m sure they're fine,” you said, going into the room and shutting the door before he could say anything else.
Quickly slipping off your shoes, pants, and top, you turned your attention to a small rack with a range of sundresses. Checking each tag as you pushed through them, none of them on sale, it wasn't a surprise that they were all your size. And all something you'd consider wearing. After flipping through the dresses twice, you decided to try on a sleeveless white dress with small rosebuds. It would be nice for a vineyard.
Before you could put the dress on, the door opened. “Need any help?” Bucky asked as you spun around in your bra and underwear, his eyes slowly scanning your body before you had a chance to cover yourself.
“No. I…” you trailed off as he stepped inside and shut the door behind him.
He stared at you for what felt like an eternity before he breathed your name, want written all over his face. The dressing room felt small. Hot. You could hardly breathe as panic threatened to overwhelm you. And you couldn't do anything but step back as he stepped closer, a predator ready to capture his prey.
Your back hit the mirror when he brought a hand to your chin, your knees shaking as he leaned in. “You’re right about one thing,” he said in a husky tone. “I do crave Physical Touch. Yours.”
He pressed his lips to yours, keeping you still and giving you no chance to turn your head away. It was a light, feathering sort of kiss before his tongue flicked out to trace your lips. He teased you until you opened up for him and allowed his tongue to sweep into your mouth. You couldn't think as he groaned and continued his claim. It was only a matter of time until he claimed you completely.
Bucky pulled away a little, his free hand moving down your torso in a possessive path. “Fuck, you taste so sweet,” he rasped. You felt so small, your insides both frozen and melting from his touch. “Just wanna take you home and make you ride my face before I fuck you.”
You gasped when his knee moved between your legs, your hands flying up to hold his arms. He rocked his leg and you felt power in the motion, a promise of what was to come once he had you where he wanted you. “Bucky,” you whispered. The next word out of your mouth was smothered by his lips, but he didn't increase the urgency in his kisses. He took his time. Like the world could be burning around you and he’d let the flames take over as long as he was kissing you.
You bit back a whimper when he rocked his knee harder, the friction sending heat to your core. Another roll of his body and you were certain you felt the outline of his cock. Bringing a hand to his chest, you lightly pushed. It was already going too far. To your surprise, he broke the kiss. His eyes were still hungry though. “You said you want to hear me?” You asked breathlessly, your lip trembling when his thumb brushed it. “Then not here, please,” you whispered, praying he'd stop.
If he was going to have you, it wouldn't be in a dressing room.
“Right. Not for our first time.” He tipped his head back as he took a breath, no doubt trying to control himself. “Just one more kiss, Kotyonok. One more for me to dream about tonight,” he groaned, bringing his face back to yours for one more kiss with fervor. Just when you thought it would turn more ravenous, he shifted to something soft, tender. A feeling that had both of you shaking when it ended, but likely for different reasons.
You stayed upright when he stepped back and gave you space, but your legs still shook as he straightened up his clothes and looked you over once more. If he could devour you with a look... “Thank you.” He actually listened to you and didn't push it any further.
He glanced down as he adjusted his pants and you tried to avoid looking at the tent he began to sport. Horror filled you when your gaze went lower to the wet spot by his knee. He hadn't gotten you off, but you both knew he sparked some arousal within you. “Can’t wait ‘til you really make a mess on my pants,” he smirked, walking out just as quietly as he entered the tiny room.
Fighting back tears once he shut the door, you touched your lips. Bucky finally kissed you. Your mouth still tingled. You still felt him there.
Glancing at the rack of dresses, you wished he really was a sweet boyfriend trying to spoil you just because he could. But he hadn't given you a chance to pick them out yourself. He spoke for you, like you were a doll. It was just another piece he put in place for his twisted puzzle of your relationship.
What was wrong with you?
You pulled your clothes back on and flung the door open so hard it almost hit the wall. Bucky’s smug look immediately changed to concern when you walked out holding a sundress. “This one's fine,” you said in a flat tone.
“Are you sure?” He asked, sitting up more in his chair. “You didn't try it on, did you?”
“It’s the one I want,” you said, calling for the associate before Bucky had a chance to argue. You gave her a stiff smile when she joined you and handed over the garment, feeling Bucky’s eyes on you. “Whatever jewelry and handbag you think will go with this, I’ll take it. I trust your judgment.”
“Oh, this dress is lovely and we have the perfect accessories for this. Would you like to look at shoes as well? Or maybe something to go with any of the other dresses?” She asked, her eyes wide as you brushed past her. “Miss?”
“I’m sorry. I need to step outside,” you said, not wanting to be rude to her.
Bucky called after you, but you ignored him. You were furious with yourself. You let him kiss you and allowed some of his words to get under your skin. He didn't fuck you, but he still won, didn't he? And you were letting him. Just like with everything else.
You took two steps out of the shop before you felt a grip on your arm. “Woah. Slow down,” Bucky said, turning you to face him. “What’s wrong?”
Everything.
“It doesn't matter, but if you really want to see and hear me, please, pay attention,” you said, yanking your arm away. “I want to go home.”
“Why? Is it because that kiss meant something to you and you don't want to admit it?” He asked, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “If you're embarrassed that it made you wet, don't be. I'm flattered. Besides, it got me hard.”
Heat filled your cheeks and you wanted to smack him. There was a fine line between the delusion he had in his head and the reality of the situation. The tightrope you were walking was close to snapping. “I’m not embarrassed. I can't breathe.” You stepped back, trying to give yourself space. Was Ray watching from the car? “Everything in my life recently has revolved around you or you being there. Say what you want about me being lonely, it doesn't give you an excuse to take over.”
Bucky’s smile slipped, like he was really seeing how bothered you were. “I told you I just want to love you. And you enjoy Quality Time.”
“Quality Time when we agree upon it. And love itself should be the thing to take my breath away, not you smothering me,” you gently stated.
“I’m not trying to smother you.” He shifted like he was the one uncomfortable, his gaze flicking to the ground. “I… I know you can't breathe,” he said, lifting a hand as if to reach out before he dropped it and took a deep breath. “That’s why I'm leaving you alone tomorrow,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“You're what?” You asked in disbelief, catching the hint of vulnerability in his eyes as his shoulders dropped. He hadn't left you alone since he broke in. Why in the world would he stop now?
“I was going to bring it up when I dropped you off.” His hand worked its way through his hair. “I’ve been thinking about it and talking and… I’m smothering you. I know I am. Rearranging your schedule, making you meet my friends, and everything else. So…” He reached for you this time and took your hand. “I’m giving you a breather and I’m not going to be around tomorrow. No surprise visits. No calls. Maybe a text, but nothing more.”
You blinked. “So, we won't see each other tomorrow?” You tried not to get too excited. It was only a day, but between that and the girls day that was still something. You had to go the cautiously optimistic route again and take what you got.
But you also couldn't help but wonder why he was really giving you that space. Did Ray or someone say something to him? Was this another ploy to keep you in line?
“You won't see me. God knows I’ll miss you, but it's just a day, right?” He squeezed your hand. “Maybe you’ll miss me, too.”
“I appreciate you giving me that space,” you said sincerely. He needed that space, too, even if he didn't believe it. “And maybe I will.”
“We won't have to miss each other much longer once we're together in the penthouse,” he said, his tone soft and your heart sinking. “Will you answer one thing: Did that kiss mean something to you?”
You didn't want to answer that. If you denied it, it would be a lie or he’d either see through it or snap. If you confirmed it, it would feed him more hope. You still had to examine your feelings because you were afraid and you couldn't think with him staring at you with those longing eyes.
“It meant something,” you answered, not expanding on what exactly it meant when he exhaled. It wasn't smart to let him decipher it how he wished because he could use it against you later.
He took your breath away once more when he pulled you close and brushed his lips against yours. Just as quickly as he started, he stopped and brushed his nose against yours. Any passerby would think it was a sweet moment between a couple making up from an argument. “Thank you,” he whispered, his thumb moving along the racing pulse in your wrist. “Come back inside, please? Pick out a few things for real and then I’ll take you home so you can relax.”
You remembered that the bugs were still in your apartment, which took some more of your enthusiasm away. But if Bucky was really going to leave you alone tomorrow, you’d have to appreciate the time to yourself. Maybe you could pack a bag and get out of the city even sooner than planned.
It wouldn't hurt to try, right? What was the worst that could happen? Making him freak out over your safety? That could be bad.
“Okay. A few things for real and then home,” you agreed.
“That’s my girl.” He turned and paused at the door with a smile. “Can I at least help you try on the dress? Or you can model it for me and I'll tell you how beautiful you are.”
You smiled back a little. “Don't push your luck,” you said, missing the pair of blue eyes that watched you and Bucky go back into the shop.
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So, a little bit of action. 😏 Will it be enough to tide Bucky over? Is he really going to leave you alone for a day? Who was watching you? Love and thanks for reading! ❤️
Masterlist ⚓ Bucky Barnes Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi
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blackenedsnow · 1 day ago
Note
I was the one who made reader have a you her sibling they take care of, just saying, it was so amazing. I love it:D. I have another request. This one was a bit weird and rushed cause like I'm a sleepover with two of my cousins so
Billy Loomis, Bubba Sawyer, Art the Clown, Stu Matcher, Thomas Hewitt, Jason, Michael, Billy Lenz, Pinhead, Tiffany (if you write for her) Charles/Chucky, Bo, Vincent, Lester, Brahms. If you want to add more or get rid of some it's okay. But you can either have it platonic of them being a younger sibling or child (adopted or not) going to a sleepover. Maybe sneaking out to it. They go to find out where they are and find them in a house and they are being loud, laughing, and just being kids
If you don't do platonic (cause I can't remember if you do or don't) then do it romantically and just like the same thing. You can change things if you that helps and sorry about this. But, the request I first made and you did, it was a great and made me smile cause I didn't expect it so thanks for that
slashers reactions to their younger sibling reader sneaking out to a sleepover ; headcanons
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WARNING: None
PAIRING: Billy Loomis & Sibling! Reader, Bubba Sawyer & Sibling! Reader, Art the Clown & Sibling! Reader, Stu Macher & Sibling! Reader, Thomas Hewitt & Sibling! Reader, Jason Voorhees & Sibling! Reader, Michael Myers & Sibling! Reader, Billy Lenz & Sibling! Reader, Pinhead & Sibling! Reader, Tiffany Valentine & Sibling! Reader, Charles Lee Ray/Chucky & Sibling! Reader, Bo Sinclair & Sibling! Reader, Vincent Sinclair & Sibling! Reader, Lester Sinclair & Sibling! Reader, Brahms Heelshire & Sibling! Reader
NOTE: Hope you enjoyed this! I could imagine so many of them struggling to hold back but ultimately wanting to let you just be a kid and have fun. Thank you so much for this request; it was a blast to write!
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BILLY LOOMIS
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You’ve managed to sneak out quietly, thinking Billy won’t notice because he’s engrossed in a movie marathon.
But within half an hour, he realizes you’re gone and his “big sibling” instincts kick in.
He shows up at the house with that intense, unblinking stare that could stop anyone mid-laugh.
Who do you think you are, sneaking out like this?
He’s relieved (and slightly embarrassed) to see you just goofing off with friends.
Pretends to be unimpressed when you’re caught off guard.
He’ll let you stay—for now—
With the most deadpan expression, muttering,
“You could’ve just told me.”
But he’s not about to let you get away with it.
Once you’re back home, he’s the silent-but-deadly type. Just know you’re grounded.
BUBBA SAWYER
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Bubba panics the minute he realizes you’re gone, running through the house and making distressed sounds as he searches for you.
He's going to family members and pointing to where your things should be.
The whole family tries to calm him down, but he’s inconsolable until he finds a clue leading him to the sleepover house.
When he tracks you down, he’s so relieved he doesn’t know what to do.
Seeing you safe and having fun brings tears to his eyes.
He’ll probably sit outside the house, just quietly waiting for you to finish.
If you notice him, he might wave shyly or even try to make himself “invisible.”
ART THE CLOWN
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Oh, Art knows you’ve snuck out, and he’s amused.
He’s both delighted to have a reason to check in and irritated that you thought you could get away with this.
Appears at the sleepover out of nowhere, scaring the life out of anyone who notices him lurking outside.
Watches silently, only making himself known to you with that twisted grin of his, waving as if to say, “Caught you!”
Doesn't stop you from having fun but does make it clear that he knows—and will remember.
Expect creepy antics as payback when you get home.
STU MACHER
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Stu probably wasn’t paying enough attention to notice you sneaking out right away, but once he does..
He's MAD.
Once he finds the house, he’s too tempted not to sneak around and scare the shit out of all of you.
Might throw a pebble at the window to get your attention and then give you a dramatic pout, mouthing,
“How could you leave me out?”
When you get home, he’ll give you a long (and playful) guilt trip about how you left him to "suffer".
THOMAS HEWITT
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Notices you’re missing right away.
Thomas doesn’t like you out of his sight, so he feels uneasy, imagining the worst.
He follows you quietly, not wanting to interrupt.
When he spots you through the window, safe and laughing, he stops, taking a deep breath of relief.
Watches you with a slight smile, just relieved to see you having fun.
He’s happy that you’re being a normal kid and knows better than to interrupt that.
Will probably leave you alone and probably won't bring it up, ever.
He would definitely prefer if you let him know though.
JASON VOORHEES
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Jason’s heart drops when he notices you’re not in your usual spot, and he’s anxious as he starts tracking you down.
He’s relieved to see you laughing and safe with friends.
Stays outside or hidden, keeping a protective eye.
He doesn’t want to interrupt but also doesn’t want anything sneaking up on you.
Plus, who knows if these kids don't mean any harm?
Might leave little signs outside (like stacked stones) to let you know he was there, just to make sure you’re safe.
MICHAEL MYERS
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He’s annoyed.
Why would you leave his protection?
Michael doesn’t even try to blend in; he’s the shadow at the window.
Once you see his white mask peeking in, you know the jig is up.
He won’t cause a scene, but he just stares until you get the message.
When you sneak out to meet him, he’ll give you a tiny “you-know-better” look, but he’s not mad—he just wants you safe.
Doesn’t reveal himself to anyone else, but he’ll stay there the entire time.
When you get home, expect a long, silent stare, reminding you that you’re not as sneaky as you think.
BILLY LENZ
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He notices right away.
Billy has a keen eye for your whereabouts, and he’s instantly on the move, tracking you down.
Peers through the window, watching you play with a pout.
He feels oddly betrayed but finds your happiness too endearing to be angry.
He won’t disrupt the fun, but you might catch a glimpse of him outside, holding his hands up in an “I’m watching you” gesture.
When you get home, he’ll tease you nonstop about “abandoning him.”
PINHEAD
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This is completely out of the ordinary, and he is both confused and a bit annoyed that you snuck out without informing him.
Appears in his signature, intimidating way, silently observing from outside.
He finds the concept of a “sleepover” curious.
He’s more contemplative about it, watching as if studying some strange new human ritual.
He waits until you’re ready to return and then accompanies you back without a word.
You can expect a very stern lecture when you get home about the importance of communication…
TIFFANY VALENTINE
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She realizes quickly that you’re gone and storms out to find you, though her anger’s more worried than anything.
When she spots you through the window, laughing and having fun, her irritation fades into a soft smile.
She won’t interrupt, just stands outside and watches for a bit.
She loves seeing you like this, happy and unbothered.
When you get back, she’ll playfully scold you but then pull you into a hug, reminding you to tell her next time.
CHUCKY (CHARLES LEE RAY)
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Chucky’s annoyed at first, muttering to himself,
“What does this kid think they’re doing?”
He’s irritated you’d sneak off, especially without his “permission,” and tracks you down, grumbling the entire way.
When he finds you, he feels an odd mix of pride and annoyance.
He likes your independence but also doesn’t like feeling “left out.”
Gives you a wicked grin through the window, mouthing, “We’re talking later.”
He’ll grumble that “next time, you should let him know,” but he’s proud you managed to sneak out without him noticing.
BO SINCLAIR
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Bo is mad and lets you know it.
He’s worried you’re in danger, and when he finds you, he’s that overprotective brother with his arms crossed.
He pulls you aside, lecturing you on safety and probably embarrassing you in front of your friends.
But once he knows you’re okay, he lets up a bit and waits outside for you, a little softer.
At home, he pretends he’s still mad but lets you off the hook pretty easily.
VINCENT SINCLAIR
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Vincent’s used to you being close by, so when you’re not there, he’s unnerved and worried.
Tracks you down and watches quietly, almost touched to see you carefree with your friends.
Leaves a little note or sketch somewhere you’ll find it later, a reminder of his presence even when you’re far away.
He’s quiet when you get home, but there’s a warmth to his gaze.
You should him next time..
LESTER SINCLAIR
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Lester’s both amused and concerned when he finds you missing.
He tracks you down quickly, not one for letting you go unguarded.
When he finds you through the window, he watches with a fond smile, chuckling at your carefree attitude.
Might knock on the door and make up an excuse to check on you if you notice him, but he’ll mostly just let you have your fun.
Gives you a playful nudge and a “don’t think you’re getting away that easy next time” when you get back.
BRAHMS HEELSHIRE
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Brahms does not take this well, feeling abandoned and maybe a bit betrayed.
When he tracks you down, he watches from the shadows, arms crossed, grumpy but protective.
Might stare until you feel his gaze and look over at him, just so you know he found you.
When you return, expect a big fuss, with Brahms grumbling about how much he “suffered” in your absence.
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cree-n-jewish-thoughts · 2 days ago
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Having to explain to my gay brother the difference between him being yelled at on the street vs. antisemitism.
It was hard to explain, he got mad thinking I was just being a bit "dramatic", then I told him...
Brother, everyone left me. The communities I helped build have turned their backs on me of my own Native community has turned against me, I told him... I have no one to back me up. If someone were to yell at him what they did, he has people to back him up. I get reminded of how people just walked away and out of my life, how people turned their backs on us when we need support. People will call me nasty things on the street and others join in and laugh, people who I built a community for even. I told him I got used to that hate, the open hatred, but I have no one to back me up anymore. People want me dead. I even showed him some asks from tumblr.
My brother is adopted, he was adopted older and isn't Jewish, I am actually the only practicing Jew in my family at the moment. He doesn't wear a magen David, he doesn't read about the violence, he doesn't totally understand.
After I explained as well as I could to him (through tears) he finally understood. His little brother was alone in the world, the world that had been there was gone. He realized I was walking a tightrope on the 30th floor, with no safety net. He is scared for me and offered to let me stay awhile with him and his husband. They live in a big city and it terrifies me, so I explained and said no, I told him I won't survive there, I barely survive where I am now...
Sigh, 😞 having your brother say "you'll be an amazing father don't let the world stop you from being a dad!" When you feel like bringing another Jewish life into this world is selfish and unkind to that child.
I miss my brother a lot, the only sibling that seemed to care about me growing up, I miss you big brother.
Edit: and yes he doesn't understand why a war in the middle East is affecting people over here. Just because we are Jews.
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chillicoded · 2 days ago
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Lando Norris is NOT an underdog.
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This is NOT Lando hate. I don't endorse or tolerate hate towards ANY driver. This is just an opinion.
I had a conversation with somebody on Bumble about the Norris/Verstappen championship battle this season. I was for Verstappen, he was for Norris - no problem whatsoever in itself. After Max's absolute dominance last season, I really can't blame anyone for being bored of Max winning and wanting to see a new driver succeeding. But what Got My Goat is that he said the reason he wants Lando to win the WDC is because "he's an underdog". I sent a (pretty lengthy) message back on why I really don't think Lando qualifies as an underdog, and he never got back to me to defend his position. Maybe I scared him off, or maybe he just wasn't on Bumble to debate the nuances of what it means to be an underdog. Either way, I figured the topic would make a good first opinion post because I'm more likely to get a discussion out of it here, plus I have extra thoughts to add.
To me, an underdog is somebody who is disadvantaged because of the external resources available to them, in comparison to those they are competing against. For an F1 driver, that's the car, the team, the strategy, the experience they have in F1, the track (not just condition, but whether or not it suits their car) and momentary bursts of luck, among countless other variables. A good "underdog coming out on top" narrative comes from a person or character (in this case a driver) performing well or succeeding despite lacking the ideal resources to do so.
It's important to note that I don't think skill counts as an external resource. I also think skill is hard to measure. I personally would measure it in terms of results, consistency and versatility, but even within that, I feel like you need to take all of the external factors into account. For example, DNFing or dropping way back because of a collision, bad luck with the car or a botched pit stop would make a dent in a driver's consistency and results, but it doesn't mean they're less skilled.
Underdog narratives do exist in F1. The Alpine double podium in Brazil was a great underdog narrative. The Alpine car is hardly competitive most of the time. At the start of the season it was an absolute tractor. I don't know enough about the team, strategies, pit stops, etc. to comment on those, but regardless, I don't think anyone was expecting a double podium from them this season because Alpine just hasn't been competing at the front of the field. Yet, despite all that, both drivers finished on the podium and scored mad points in easily the most unpredictable race of the season.
Franco Colapinto performing well and scoring points, despite being dumped into Williams mid-season with a firmly midfield car and no experience, is also an underdog narrative. He's far outperformed Logan Sargeant already and has been battling with some of the most experienced drivers on the grid, and coming out on top. I don't think anyone was expecting all this from him when he was first brought into F1. Personally I saw a lot of people saying that they were booting out one underprepared F2 driver, and replacing him with another underprepared F2 driver. I was part of that crowd too. Sorry Franco. I was not familiar with your game.
Even Carlos Sainz's win at Singapore last year could be considered an underdog narrative. Sure, he started on pole and he's an experienced driver, but everyone was an underdog compared to Red Bull (mainly Max) last year, and Ferrari didn't have a great car or great strategies. He did have the luck of Max being practically out of sight, having been outqualified by Liam Lawson in an AlphaTauri (another great underdog moment, by the way), but it still takes skill to keep the lead, and his strategic use of Lando goes to show that even further than just the win itself.
These are just a few recent examples. Think about them. Seriously deep them. Revel in how they make you feel.
Now think about Lando's performance this season.
His first win in Miami was great. At the time, I was still a hardcore Lando supporter and I was absolutely thrilled. A few laps before the end of the race, when it became apparent that he was almost definitely going to win, I was already celebrating for him. It had been a long time coming and it was amazing to see him realising the potential I knew he and McLaren had. He's won twice more this season so far, and both times he was ahead by a country mile at the chequered flag. Aside from that first ever win, though, his other impressive performances this year haven't quite evoked the same emotion as my previous examples. That sense that he's overcoming disadvantages and delivering even when the odds are stacked against him just isn't there for me. Why is that?
There's no denying that he's a skilled driver. Three wins in a season with 7 different race winners (6 of whom have won multiple races) isn't too bad at all. He's also been relatively consistent throughout the year, never finishing a race outside the points. He's even been able to adapt to a range of tracks and weather conditions. For example, he finished P6 after the rain and chaos of Brazil, which threw off even some of the other skilled drivers mentioned above like Sainz and Colapinto.
But we're not here to discuss whether or not he's skilled. We're here to discuss whether or not he's an underdog.
Honestly, did you even read the title?
Anyway. Skill doesn't make someone an underdog. I established that earlier. If skill makes someone an underdog, Max Verstappen is probably the underest dog on the current grid, and that's obviously not the case. We need to look into those external factors I mentioned above: things like car, strategy, luck and experience, in comparison to what other drivers have had to work with this year. The less he has, the more of an underdog it makes him.
First and foremost, McLaren's strategies this year have been pretty abysmal. The terrible calls made in instances like the Hungarian Grand Prix and the lack of calls made in instances like Monza lap one have been enough to make me stop supporting McLaren as a team altogether. They insisted that they weren't prioritising the drivers' championship, but with the constructors' practically secured, I honestly find that hard to believe. If it is true, they've been doing a disservice to both drivers: to Lando by not giving proper attention to his very real championship chances, and to Oscar by ordering him to give up positions for Lando and act as a second driver at certain points, apparently for no real reason. Overall, McLaren's strategies have been in Lando's favour at times, but they've rarely been good. It's hard for me to compare McLaren's strategy calls to other teams, though, simply because I don't know enough about other teams' strategy calls. Maybe all the teams have been equally rubbish with strategy this year, so it technically hasn't been putting Lando at a disadvantage. I wouldn't know. If you have any insight on this, let me know and I might make a second, more definitive post about this.
As for luck, Lando has had bouts of both good luck and bad luck so far this year. He had some good luck in Miami, ultimately facilitating his first win, and he had some hard luck in Austria with his collision with Verstappen and Baku with qualifying. I'm not at all suggesting that Lando didn't deserve his first win (honestly, I don't believe that "deserving" matters in this sport at all), but I don't think he would've won that first race without the luck of the safety car, and I'm not sure he would've performed as well as he has without the confidence boost from that first win. With the car he's had this season (and I'll talk about that next), it would've come eventually, but I really do think that momentary burst of luck has been a really important factor in shaping this season for Lando. It has definitely had more of an effect than his moments of poor luck. I think few other lucky instances have had as much of an effect for a team or driver, except maybe Alpine's performance in Brazil.
His car has been a seriously influential factor, too. Of course, no driver's success is all because of the car; the driver and the car always go hand in hand. A less skilled driver can't properly handle a good car (see Pérez) and even a good driver can rarely drag performance that isn't there out of a tractor (see Bottas at Sauber). But, like his luck, the MCL38 has massively facilitated Lando's ability to perform this year. It's a car that has been capable of winning races by over twenty seconds, creating final laps that are reminiscent of Max's dominance last season. That alone begs the question, why has Lando not been performing consistently at that level? Where exactly does the balance of success lie between Lando and his car?
It's definitely worth taking into consideration that top teams this year have certainly given Lando a lot of competition to deal with this year. Even with a dominant car, with around six other drivers able to put up a fight against Lando, he's not in as dominant a position as Max was last year. But there is a difference in skill in certain areas, and it shows in moments like Lando's first lap bottles from pole compared to Max's perfect starts last year, for example. Lando is just not as polished a driver as some of his competitors, and that is something that naturally comes with more experience.
It's hard to say Lando lacks experience, though. 2024 is his fifth season in F1. He's not always had a great car, but now that he does have one, it's clear to see that he knows how to handle it decently well. Compared to Oscar Piastri, though, it doesn't look like his experience is giving him the competitive edge you'd expect. With four years of experience over his teammate, you'd think Lando would be performing at a much higher level, but that just isn't the case. As a quick example, Oscar's average finishing position this season is 4.9. Lando's is only 0.8 higher at 4.1. With that difference in experience, you'd expect a much higher gap in performance... or at least I would. Maybe I'm wrong for that. Let me know.
Overall, I really don't think Lando is at any kind of serious disadvantage that would make it fair to call him an underdog. He has issues thanks to McLaren's strategic blunders, sure, but the rest of his problems are pretty much skill issues. Call me back with the notion of an "underdog narrative" when Ollie Bearman is in the championship fight in a Haas next year.
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white--moon · 2 days ago
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He's expecting Ichigo to turn this into a You're Not Going To Die conversation, but instead it circles into maybe Ichigo dying instead. It drops a stone into his guts. Maybe he shouldn't be allowing Ichigo to get himself involved. Maybe he should be trying harder to push Ichigo away, so he stays out of it, out of harm. On the other side of things; Ichigo's very profession puts him in danger and if Shiro's not selfishly taking up his time now he might not get to later if Ichigo gets himself killed. "You better not." He doesn't even know what he'd do, but it wouldn't be good.
He snorts at the mild offense Ichigo takes at his description of Ichigo's day job. "No, you're right, that is pretty cool. You gonna write a book, then? So in three hundred years some stranger you can't comprehend right now can perceive you? Maybe I need to write a book." He's not going to write a book. That's way too much sitting still for his brain to tolerate. His brows go up a little bit. "Yes I have been and I have no regrets and no intentions of stopping now."
The fact Ichigo wants to go shopping with him at all is a little surprising, but not because he seriously thinks Ichigo judges his fashion sense. Just more the spending time together thing. It's been startling easy to fall into a comfortable companionship again. And sure, they're side stepping and ignoring some really big things, but the company is still easy. "I knew that. You're just being a shit." He's not great at tolerating that.
His attention corners when he feels like Ichigo's looking at him. He shrugs a noncommittal shoulder. "I get it. This isn't the best place to be right now anyway." It's too hard to defend, too hard to properly monitor and barricade. He's not dumb. "Do you actually want me going on that job?" He made a bit of a fuss about it, but he doesn't need invited out of pity. He can entertain himself. He's just scared that if they part now, it'll be the last time they see each other. He shakes his head. "No, I wouldn't. Why do you seem like you're trying to push for that? I would'a said that's what I wanted if that's what I wanted. I have no trouble speakin' my mind."
For a second, while he watches Ichigo look over his car, he wonders what they'll do if it's rigged. Call in Ichigo's team, he supposes. But Ichigo slides out from under the SUV and gives him the go ahead. He turns to a lockbox on the wall and punches in a code, then pulls the keys off a hook and closes the box again. He uses the remove to unlock it as he walks toward the vehicle.
"About my- ?" He almost says boyfriend, but stops himself and shrugs. "I dunno. I guess I did. It's hard not to wonder if the cop you're bangin', who clearly knows who the biggest drug dealer in town is, is just being a cop. Under cover or whatever. Maybe it just looked less suspicious to be upfront about it when I asked him if he was a cop. You were worried about that girl in my bathroom, but the cop would be the right way to do it." Shiro's aware of his own weaknesses. A hot guy with that added element of forbidden and dangerous that being a police officer brings certainly got his attention.
He tosses his phone onto the bed after sending Ichigo the lady's contact info. He knows Ichigo would treat her right if he contacts her at all.
That laugh sounds uncomfortable. Part of him wishes they could dispense with the trying they're both doing, the other part of him is grateful for the efforts. "It's true, I been bad at not giving you what you want from the very start." Shirt? But it only takes him a second, because when he moved out of his apartment he found that shirt. He thought about giving it to Renji to give back to Ichigo, but he couldn't quite make himself do it. "That was your favorite?"
He gets his answer the moment Ichigo looks at him. They know each other well enough for him to read Ichigo just fine. It's flattering. Then the verbal answer Ichigo gives is weirdly touching. It's very sweet, and maybe too honest, but he finds himself liking it anyway. If they can't be together, maybe they can at least be on good terms. Even not being partners, he likes Ichigo's company.
He snorts. "Of course I did, I look good in or out of anything." But being put to bed sounds nice. Warm and cozy and comfortable sounds nice. He is tired, mentally at least. He offers up a little half smirk at the reassurance. "Let's get outta here. Where do you wanna go?"
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thriftyshark530 · 9 hours ago
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Whumpee wakes up in bed, looking over to notice caretaker is missing. Before they can question, they're distracted by the smell of breakfast coming from the kitchen. Whumpee slowly pushes themselves up, wincing from the stitches pulling at their wounds, though they pushed through. Eventually climbing out of bed, they open their bedroom door and head towards the kitchen. Whumpee is greeted with the sight of caretaker standing over the stove, too busy cooking to notice whumpee enter.
"what's cooking, good looking"
Caretaker jumps at the sound, but doesn't turn around. "I told you to stay in bed" caretaker mutters.
"Yeah, well, when do I take orders, hm?"
"Just sit down"
Whumpee's smile fades as they pull out a chair from the table and sits down, waiting patiently for caretaker to finish.
When caretaker is finished, they make two plates, sitting one in front of whumpee and quickly returning to their own. Eating over the stove, back still turned to whumpee.
"Hey, uh, are you going to sit down? You always sit down with me."
Caretaker doesn't answer, finishing their food and putting the plate in the sink, making sure to never look at whumpee.
Whumpee then begins to slowly stand up, pulling at their stitches again as they do so, ignoring the pain as they fully stand up. Whumpee then approaches caretaker, gently planting a hand on caretaker's shoulder. Whumpee notices what feels like shaking coming from caretaker, and they begin to move closer, but caretaker pulls away before whumpee can see caretaker's face.
"Hey, caretaker, are you ok?"
"I'm fine" caretaker responds. Whumpee almost steps back from the coldness of caretakers tone. As caretaker begins to leave, whumpee reaches out and grabs their arm, turning caretaker around to make eye contact. Before whumpee can say anything, they're greeted with the sight of caretakers watery eyes.
Before whumpee can process what they're looking at, caretakers attention moves down whumpees body. Caretaker reaches out a hand, starting to gently move their fingers over whumpees stitches.
"Do they hurt?" Caretakers chokes out a sob, as tears finally begin falling down their face.
"Wha- what? Yeah, a little". Whumpee seems almost annoyed at the question, being focused on why caretaker is crying.
"Caretaker, what's wrong? Did something happen?"
"You almost died.". Caretaker chokes out another sob as they gently move their hands to whumpee's shoulders, being careful not to touch any of whumpee's wounds.
"You shouldn't look like this. It was supposed to be me, whumpee. Whumper, he...he wanted me, you shouldn't have even been there"
"Caretaker..." Whumpee tries to intervene, but is cut off my caretaker
"I'm sorry, I haven't been meaning to avoid you. But it's just so hard to see you like this, and... and every time I see you, I'm reminded about how it's my fault."
"Caretaker, it's ok". Whumpee whispers, reaching up a hand to start wiping caretakers tears off their cheeks.
"How? How is it ok, whumpee? You almost died because of me"
"Hey, you made sure that didn't happen, right?". Whumpee points towards one of their stitched wounds.
"and besides, I couldn't watch them hurt you, caretaker."
"I couldn't watch them hurt you either, whumpee, but I had to. And there was so much blood, and your screams, I couldn't-"
"Stop"
"And I didn't know if I could put you back together, and I was scared, so fucking scared that I'd lose you too"
"Caretaker, stop.". Whumpee hooks a finger under caretakers chin, making them look up at whumpee. "Hey, you didn't lose me, ok? I'm right here, I told you I'd always be right here, by your side. I'm sorry, caretaker, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have put you through that, and-"
"Never do that again." Caretaker cuts off whumpee, staring up at them waiting for a response. "Promise me you'll never do that again.".
"I...I promise, caretaker." Whumpee whispers, gently moving some of caretakers hair behind their ear.
Caretaker nods in agreement, before breaking down into a full ugly cry. Jumping into whumpee and burying their face in whumpee's chest, wrapping their arms tightly around whumpee, choking on their own sobs.
"I- I begged them to stop" caretaker cries against whumpee's skin.
"I know, I know you did." Whumpee whispers, wrapping caretaker up in their arms and planting a kiss on the top of their head.
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lousypotatoes · 18 hours ago
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Only Fools Rush In
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"So what? You've blown a fuse
Well, that happens to us all
Well, I come with great news
The day could change~"
Just A Cloud Away - Pharell Williams
--
Previous
Next
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"Y-Y/N!? What-what the hell are you doing here?"
"H-Hello Lucifer, it's lovely to see you again."
The room was deathly quiet, you could hear the tiniest of pins drop. Everybody was staring at the King of Hell and the angel, their eyes wide and mouths agape. Even Alastor was surprised.
The two stared at each other from across the dining room table. He hadn't changed much since Y/N last saw him, all those eons ago. He still had the same fierce glint in his eye, and he still carried himself the same way, with that combination of elegance and danger that seemed impossible to pull off when you were in a place like Heaven.
But there he was, still the fallen angel that Heaven decided was too dangerous and unpredictable.
A troublemaker.
"You, you two know each other?" Charlie asked, surprise very evident in her voice.
"Yes, we were....acquaintances before he fell," Y/N replied, keeping her voice calm and steady.
"Acquaintances is an understatement" Lucifer said under his breath. "I didn't think they'd actually send someone down here, let alone you."
"Yes, well there is a first time for everything," Y/N shot back, still keeping her voice calm and steady.
Lucifer laughed dryly. "Out of all the angels, they send you? I didn't know Heaven was feeling so...generous."
Y/N forced herself to take a deep breath. She had a job to do, and whatever ancient history that was lingering between her and Lucifer was as relevant as an old scar.
"I am here on Heaven's orders," she replied crisply. "Nothing more."
“Orders.” Lucifer repeated the word with a quiet, almost pitying chuckle. “They’ve sent one of Heaven’s own to monitor me, then? How very…quaint.”
"Still as prideful as ever, I seem," Y/N said, coming out a bit more coldly than intentioned. "Unless you're running this hotel directly, my business here does not involve you."
"Doesn't involve me?" he laughed. "I might not be managing day-to-day, and unless you forgot that my daughter owns this hotel. I'm here to keep my eye on things and support her."
"Okay, um maybe we should move on to dessert," Charlie intervened. "Niffty made a really good apple pie an-"
"Are you sure Heaven didn't send you here to see if Hell's changed me?" Lucifer interrupted, a smirk on his face
"From what I've seen, you're still the same arrogant troublemaker that doesn't care about anybody but himself," Y/N said, getting angry.
"That's rich coming from you," Lucifer sneered. "Tell me, do you enjoy being Heaven's little watchdog? It must be scary being down here all by yourself."
"Do not say such things about me!" Y/N yelled, finally tired of Lucifer and his remarks. She stood up from her chair so fast that her chair fell over.
Everybody stared at Y/N, including Lucifer. They weren't prepared to see the proper and poised angel get so angry. And normally, Y/N wouldn't allow herself to get this angry, but she had had enough of Lucifer and his insults.
"I am not scared of you, and I am not scared of being here in Hell!" Y/N snapped. "I am not a watchdog, and I am certainly not here for you! So don't you dare say anything different! You know nothing about me, so stop pretending that you do!"
Y/N huffed and looked around the room at everyone, now starting to feel embarrassed for her outburst.
"I apologize for my outburst," Y/N said, looking down. "I'm terribly sorry Charlie, but I don't think I'm hungry for dessert."
"Oh no that's fine, you don't have to apologize!" Charlie immediately said. "I'll make sure to save you a slice."
"I appreciate that, thank you," Y/N said. "I think I'll be heading to bed now. Again, I apologize for my rudeness."
Y/N turned to walk out of the dining room after she picked up the chair off the floor.
"Goodnight, everyone," she said as she walked out of the room.
Walking out of the room, tears began to prick at her eyes.
This wasn't how she imagined seeing Lucifer again.
She thought it would be more heartfelt and lovely.
But, she was wrong.
And she wouldn't make that mistake in assuming something like that again.
Especially when it came to someone like Lucifer Morningstar.
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im thinking about doing one of those notes things
what do you think??
stay safe and drink lots of water <33
xoxo, Izzy
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sleepisaweakness · 3 days ago
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Alright okay Guys hear me out and picture this.also, apologies for the trash writing. I make many mistakes 😭🥲 but I tried
Buck is heartbroken and angry because the man he is falling in love with..the man he is in love with him just left him ....he got left again and his best friend ...well he can't help this time he also thought buck was being a little impulsive with asking Tommy to move in when he owns a house and it being only 6 months..he isn't letting Buck just be sad he is telling him that while impulsive if he really loves him and he really is the one to not let Tommy go .....to fight for him....he should go to him and fix this because Eddie thinks they are it for each other.......But buck Doesn't want to FIGHT why should it be him who is fighting for them he didn't break up with Tommy, NO Tommy left him and It HURTS
Buck decides to cope in a way that he never really does because he isn't the runner, at least not anymore since moving to L.A. and being at the 118, but while he has changed and become a better version of himself, he will always have the Buckley genes, and sometimes they win. So Buck decides to run ..well, at least metaphorically he runs from the sadness that he has felt for the last week since the breakup because it won't go away and he doesn't know why ....Abby, Ali , and Taylor the sadness only last 3 days at the most before he had enough and coped but he can't cope right now and Nothing Bobby, Eddie, Hen or Chim say will help they all feel worried for him and sad but they also keep telling him to reach out ....But no ,why should he not even Maddie helps he won't talk to her She is Pregnant again ...and he doesn't want to stress her ....he is scared to he left again ....so he runs from feeling anything about Tommy and that means to forget him.
Buck Grabs a Black Garbage Bag and cleans his apartment. Anything Tommy left goes in the bag. His charger, his clothes from when he slept over , his extra toothbrush, the shampoo he keeps there for after shifts or morning afters all their pictures ...the memories ..Tommy's old 118 hoodie that buck stole because it smelled like Tommy and he loved having Kinard spelled on the Back ...God. He gets rid of Tommy special coffee and throws in even the plants Tommy thought Buck would love since Flowers die too quickly he even throws in the Lakers Tickets because he hates basketball and only watched it for Tommy and once he thinks he has everything in that bag he ties it and goes to his door Grabs his keys and the spare for Tommy's house and leaves .......He drives to Tommy's because while his plan is to forget he doesn't want to not yet so he is secretly hoping to see him one last time, to hear his voice to ...to just Talk because he ignored the 5 calls buck made that night...He drives for 40 minutes to Tommy's home and he knows Tommy is off shit they had Synced Calanders for the last two month's until last week when he stopped synching ..He drives and when he gets there he Sits in his car in Tommy's driveway next to his Truck and sees the TV on ....and the small lamp on the side when it suddenly turns off he gets out Grabs the bag and walks to the door and knocks ...waits...and knocks he sees the light on the side turn off and hears something from the other side So after 15 minutes he Bangs on the Door and Yells because the Hope is Gone , the Sadness was pushed to the side because Fuck Tommy isn't even brave enough to open the door so all that left is anger ....Finally Tommy opens it and he looks Terrible he has has on a old t shirt with stains and red eyes that look like he hasn't slept but ...buck is already running so he pretends he doesn't see it ..he holds the bag out for Tommy but he won't grab it and Buck is losing his patience when Tommy starts to apologize that he doesn't have Bucks stuff he hasn't had time to put it together for him ..but he can get him his key first ..and he will give his things to him after his shift tommorw he turns around to walk to his coffee table to grab the keys only to freeze when Buck says not to bother he changed the Locks and it's unnecessary.. Tommy tries to lighten the mood pretend it all okay tries to thank him for bringing his things jokes that buck knows he has extras here and that He hopes his hoodie is in the bag since it's his favorite but its okay of he keep it cause its Evans favorite too ...but buck has already started to run.. so he doesn't feel anything at the moment, and he doesn't want to talk ..not anymore so he grabs the bag he brought turns without saying to anything and walks to the garbage bin Tommy keeps by his garage throws it in then proceeds walks to his Jeep and only turns to the Tommy ..who looks confused, guarded,...scared ? It doesn't matter he tells him that he doesn't need any off his stuff he left to just throw them out, and it isn't anything that he can't replace ... he gets in the jeep and leaves pretending that he didn't see Tommy staring blankly at his bin with something in this eyes pain...? Tommy hurt HIM, left HIM with the pain ....with the memories ,he pretends not to see tommy walk to the bin in the review mirror.....
Back in the Bare looking apartment he has three misses calls from Tommy he doesn't bother to call back just deletes them ignores the messages just deletes them and blocks his number goes on his socials removing Tommy from everything even all their pictures , removes months pictures that show a hint on tommy even just a hand ....erased him . Buck seems normal "happy" even everyone is concerned buck isnt acting like himself but if anyone even tries to talk about Tommy or his coping he turns around and just walks away acts as if he didn't hear anything...he isn't be reckless or sleeping around he isn't even going to hard as the gym no buck is more Smiling and joking around he is making safe choices during work not even a hint of him toeing the line it's like everything that made buck well buck was gone they haven't even heard new facts not a peep of current fixations and no one knows what to do with that of they try to talk to Buck he gets anger bursts explosive in a way because "wtf are you complaining about that I'm too normal like wtf I can't win" so life keeps moving then it's stops because after Four months Buck dissappears leaving a empty apartment and a note
" Before L.A. .. before the 118, I think I had a home ...this isn't goodbye .this is i will see you soon. I have to find what I'm missing. I'm sorry"
....Buck is 4 months pregnant, so he does what the Buckley do best he runs. Buck had to run its all he knows and what through his mind because he has been dying on the inside his hormones his heart they don't let him breathe he hates Tommy for leaving him he thought about telling Tommy 3 months ago only 2 weeks after throwing his stuff in the Trash but just the thought made him sick and angry ...scared. really his hormonal distress wont let him make a decision he has fought for 3 months to not leave earlier to try to get better enough to tell Tommy the truth but...he isn't coping and he is scared and feels alone this isn't something the 118 ,or Maddie can help him Fix because like Margaret Buckley ...like Philip Buckly his parents (men can also develop ppd) he is struggling with PPD theirs was untreated after his birth..after Daniel they ran their attempte at therapy ended once learning this unfortunately like them maddie struggled with PPD and ran to protect jee .the Buckleys ..he is scared because he didn't even know he could have kids after losing Jamie..his ...his baby boy who was a still born due to trauma of being hit by a drunk driver caused Evan (yes Evan I switched it) to lose his beautiful baby boy and Fiance....The trauma of losing his loves while having already been struggling with the pregnancy it was all too much for His brain to handle that it just shut off repressing those memories to protect Evan the extent of his injures didn't help requiring him to be induced into a medical coma for his body to heal and once he awoke he forgot about his loves, they were bruried so deep that his brain created false memories the loss was too much the family they made they couldn't tell him the truth scared they would lose him permanently if they tried to force those memories they played the part Evan unknowingly gavd them even if was hard. Caleb was ..his first love and Fiance..no one compared to him none of the girls before him mattered he was everything to evan he was excited for the life they were going to build with there sweet baby boy he hates that he forgot him he even forgot he was bisexual until Tommy and he didn't know why ...Tommy unintentionaly triggered something in buck and being in love with another man after remembering felt wrong "I'm your first but not your last " those words another trigger " my first and always" keeps plays in his head like a broken record they were each other first loves, first boyfriend, they were always each others first choice and priority and their growing family would have also been their "first and always" once again tommy helped evan discover something about himself .....for 3 months Buck had been in limbo with memories that have been killing him that he ran. L.A scares him ..to much has happened leaving pain and trauma he felt misplaced so he ran to find to look for what was home again ....run to find answers for more missing memories runz from the pain of losing Tommy from loving him more runs to protect him self and his baby, runs to protect everyone if Evan doesn't make it this time....male pregnancy's are high risk most men who survive their 1st pregnancy rarely get pregant again and even rarer ...survive ......so he runs because not having this baby isn't a option....he runs to a place he thinks was once called home where he thinks ....he once felt happy being he runs home for answers leaving everything he built his new home and the family he made there he leaves the people who fall into shambles when they find there Sun gone .
Man Pulls a A Meredith guys
Tommy has been in hell for the last 4 months, and he regretted leaving Evan the moment he stepped out but was too much of a coward to turn back and when Evan brought his thing only to throw them away ...it broke him more once he saw all the memories inside in a garbage bag ...it's why he couldn't grab it he was too scared to see inside everything he threw away he never once fought for anyone since ending things with Abby a woman he loved and cared about but never in that way ....He has looked for something real only to be disappointed on never being someone's last choice..he let it happen and slowly broke because he never fights why should he ..until Evan.....for a minute he decided to fight only to be blocked and erased from Evans life....he left first this time ....and he lost someone who felt like forever and he didn't even get to fight because he was too late but after 4 months ......He can't move on so he decides to for once to actually fight for himself and for someone for Evan "Buck" Buckley his literal sun ...but when he when he finds that man who changed his whole world in 6 months is gone ...well he decides to chase ....something in his soul is telling him so go beyond the limits to find him or he will regret it so he goes to find him......he decides to take their friend Steve for the ride (eddie guys it's eddie )
https://youtu.be/3Wq6AHvesYg?si=r-2R4nElSnXljmSy
ALMOST FORGOT THIS IS what TRIGGERED MY IDEA WHILE AT WORK
Imagining a pregnant buck singing in a cafe to two adorable kids after a disaster (he adopts them ) to comfort them since he can't do much else to help but calm the kids being 7 months pregnant and while he sings while rubbing his belly and it s song Tommy would sing to him when he had nightmares from all his disaster trauma and one that.. plot twist his late Fiance sang to him and their baby and the song is what really started to trigger Bucks feelings and memories
And that's all I got this terribly written and most likely filled with so many mistakes. Story idea someone fix it and write for me please I'll pay in the only penny I have to my name 😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏
Not my Song and not my video all Right belong to Travis Atero from his YouTube isn't his voice great
youtube
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starmieknight · 12 hours ago
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Stars Align
Headhunters Pt. 1
17 Again AU: After a disastrous first day with the twins, Stan swears to do better as an uncle. But fate loves playing tricks on him and the magic 8-ball in the attic is more than it seems.
Now on top of having a pair of twelve year olds around the house while he tries to finish the portal and bring his brother home, Stan has to deal with being back in his seventeen year old body! Summer has never been weirder in Gravity Falls.
AO3 link
Concept Art
Legend of the Gobblewonker (Art)
Prologue, The Legend of the Gobblewonker (previous)
It was only with mild surprise that Stan woke up young again. 
Gravity Falls weirdness wass unreliable on any given day.  The state he was in didn't seem to be going away anytime soon. 
So Stan grits his teeth and heads downstairs to make breakfast anyway. This is still fine. He was still fine. 
He can't afford to keep the Shack closed another day, so he improvises his usual look a bit. The jacket stays even if it's a bit big on him and the shoulders aren't as filled out as they normally are. But he doesn't have to shove himself into the girdle and counts that as a win. Beneath the jacket he dons a plain white T-shirt and a pair of old jeans from the back of the closet. 
They might have been Ford's at one time, though they seem kinda small...
Mabel calls his outfit 'hipster-business casual' when she sees him and he has no idea what that means.
Wendy is off work that day, leaving him without a teen-speak translator.
Absent-mindedly, Stan wonders if she'd caught sight of him yesterday at the lake. 
Hopefully, she hadn't and the weirdness will be gone in the morning. 
In all, the day turns out pretty uneventful ― aside from a few tourists giving him extra tips after tours. 
They thought it was adorable that he was so interested in the 'family business' and laughed when he claimed he was well into his fifties. 
Not with that baby face, they'd say.
Fine ― if they wanted to throw more money at him, he wouldn't complain. 
Before long, the day is done and Stan eagerly shucks the blazer and his jeans in favor of boxers and a T-shirt.  
He avoids the mirror, memories of Glass Shard Beach plaguing his every step. 
He swears he can hear his mother on the other side of the wall, schmoozing some schmuck over the phone. Sees his father glaring at him from the corner of his eye. 
Feels the phantom hands of his brothers on the stairs, Shermie's large and powerful on his shoulder while Ford tugs at his sleeve more hesitantly.
Stan shudders and leans against the hallway wall, squeezing his eyes shut against the memories. 
He breathes deep and carries on, planning on joining the twins downstairs when the scent of dust and wax catches his attention.  
A long-forgotten door beckons to him from down the hall, filled with waxy faces of celebrities and fictional characters.
Huh, he'd forgotten all about these guys.
Outside, he can hear Soos and the kids coming and can't resist the set-up for a good prank.
Having to hide in a dark, dusty room for a chance at a jump scare is worth it.
Stan cackles at the twins' screams before bundling them up in a bear hug.
"It's just me!" he crows joyfully. "Your Grunkle Stan!"
They scream once more out of reflex before settling down.
"Grunkle Stan, what is this place?" Mabel asked, flopping over his arm to stare upside down at the displays. 
Dipper wriggles in his grasp, in danger of being dropped, before Stan sets them back on their feet.
"Behold ― the Gravity Falls Wax Museum!" Stan declares, proudly spreading his arms and spinning on his heel. A born showman even as a young man. "It was one of my most popular attractions... before I forgot all about it." 
More like got creeped out by the things and hid them away so he didn't have to look at them anymore. 
Like Ford's old room.  
The loss of wax Abraham Lincoln makes him pout and whine, but Mabel is quick to offer a solution.
It's amazing to watch the kid work through the night, but when she refuses to stop and sleep, Stan puts his foot down.
He manages to get some food in her and gets her to take a nap, but the girl is too much like Ford to stay down for long. She'll be up soon and Stan will have his hands full.
------------------------
The next morning was... interesting.
This time, when Stan woke up as a teenager, he didn't question it and went about his business. Mabel was still passed out on the couch in the living room, fingers sticky with wax and glitter as she took a small break from her work. Stan puts her pancakes in the microwave and eats a quiet breakfast with Dipper, both of them too out of it to form proper conversation.
Stan didn't know if it was a side-effect of being a teenager again, but it was incredibly difficult to wake up before noon. His mind felt like it was running on empty until the sun reached its peak in the sky. On the other hand, it was easier to stay up at night. It'd work out in his favor when he got his hands on Dipper's journal. Whenever he could swing that.
The kid had it hidden well and never left it laying around in the Shack.
Stan could feel that the answers to getting his brother back were closer than ever and the set-back of keeping it secret at the same time was almost too frustrating to bear.
He huffed to himself and slumped down onto the couch outside, half dressed in his usual attire. The summer morning was turning out to be a hot one and he was already sweaty enough. The jacket stayed off, draped over the arm of the couch and in-reach in case a tour bus suddenly appeared. 
A rustling around the side of the porch had him tensing instinctively, too many years on the streets and in nasty situations to let him relax for long. Even using his twin's identity didn't keep him safe from everyone after him. And with this face, it’d be even harder to keep convincing people he was the real Stanford Pines.
Stan slipped his hand into his jeans pocket, fingers sliding into his brass knuckles. Even in this body, they fit like a glove, the only consistent part of his life from the past 40 years. The knuckles had come with him from New Jersey, the one thing he'd ever chanced lifting out of his old man's shop.
The thought of Filbrick finding out that Stan stole from him was still a chilling one.
Stan positioned himself to watch the side of the porch as casually as he could, muscles lax in preparation to move whatever direction he needed to.
It probably wasn't the kids ― they were naturally noisy. So was Soos. The only other person who'd be hanging around the Shack was...
"Who are you?"
Wendy.
The girl really was cool as ice, merely raising a curious brow as Stan explained his plight.
"That's some freaky shit, man." She said finally, dropping onto the couch beside him instead of heading inside. The slacker. "But you've still got your memories, right? You're not just, like, mini-Stan Pines from 1940 or whatever?"
Stan pinned her with an irritated look. "How old do you think I am? You kids have no idea how age works."
"So?"
"And stop swearing! The kids are around here somewhere."
"They'll hear worse in high school."
"Yeah, but I ain't gonna have them go home talkin' like that and have their parents come up here to murder me."
"Would they even recognize you like that?"
Stan grew quiet, his brow furrowing as he stared into the treeline.
No, they wouldn't.
The last time he'd seen his nephew as himself and not using Ford's name had been back in 1972. Back when he really was seventeen.
Alex had been a baby back then, wailing in his grandmother's arms as Filbrick threw Stan into the street. He'd never known an uncle aside from Ford.
Or, at least, the man he thought was Ford. Alex had visited once when the Shack was still the Murder Hut. They'd spent the month fishing and riding the backroads through town, Stan teaching the kid how to drive and use bad pickup lines on girls.
It'd been the highlight of his thirties. He'd hoped it would be the same when the twins came down to visit.
It was turning out to just be weird.
"I'm sorry, man." Wendy said suddenly, drawing Stan out of his memories about a freckle faced kid with too many freckles to count.
"It's fine, kid." He sighed, rising to his feet and sliding on his jacket. "Go on and get to work. We've got customers to rip off."
Wendy hummed in agreement, her eyes sharp beneath their lazy lids. She held her tongue, though, and he was grateful for that much.
Mabel was missing from the couch when they came in, a nest of blankets the only indication that she'd ever been there.
"Kids?" He called, moving into the parlor. "Where'd you― GAH!!"
By some miracle, Stanford was standing in front of him. The twins and Soos crowded him, only that familiar face visible over the kids’ heads and grinning at him.
Which was weird.
Even when Ford smiled, he never looked like that. And he certainly wouldn't smile at Stanley.
"Grunkle Stan!" Mabel cheered, dripping glitter onto the hardwood. "What do you think of my masterpiece? I thought about recreating this new, young you ― but that would have been pretty confusing for the customers. Like a waxy twin!"
A waxy twin.
That's all it was.
Ford was still trapped on the other side of the portal, likely hurt and resenting Stan.
"Grunkle Stan? Are you... alright?"
Dipper crouched down next to him, brow furrowed in concern. 
Stan sucked in a deep breath, vaguely acknowledging that he'd stopped breathing at the sight of what he'd thought was his brother. It wasn't Ford. Just a wax figure.
And the twins were looking at him strangely now. Time to redirect.
"Can a teenager have a heart attack?" He asked seriously before pasting on a cheesy grin. "Because that hunk is making my heart do flips!"
The twins laughed, the tension breaking as Soos helped Stan back up. It was strange how easily the handyman could lift him now, like he weighed nothing more than a sack of potatoes. And he handled him so gently. Like a child!
Stan remembered when Soos was the child, all chubby cheeks and wide eyes as he followed him around the Shack. Like a little baby duck.
He'd been a pretty cute kid, honestly. 
Ugh. Being young again was turning him into a sap. 
He needed to change the subject and Wax Stan had just given him the perfect idea.
"Kids," he grinned eagerly as he drew them near. Mabel had a light shining in her eye, apparently on the same wavelength as him. Dipper looked more skeptical. "The Wax Museum is back in business!”
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space-antlers-in-space · 3 days ago
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Election dumpster fire aside, I have been consumed with thoughts of Azmidi since the Halloween BA and I must put them somewhere. Discussion of age-restricted Patreon content and adult themes below
So it may or may not be obvious but I LOVE Erik's demons. Themes about humanity, learning to love/care, immortality, true self etc tinged with some eldritch magic shit? You got me. I'm in, baby. So Azmidi being revealed as a new type of demon has me HYPED I'm spinning that spooky boy around in my head so fast. Some details about the BA caught my attention, and I'm wondering if other people visualized/interpreted things differently.
One detail is Azmidi's voice, where it comes from and how he uses it. For the majority of his audios, he only speaks to Sweetie through the phone, and his voice sounds solidly human through the speaker. However during the BA, once their scene is reaching it's peak, his moaning and breathing can be heard outside the speakerphone, accompanied with the low droning sound I associate with telepathic communication in Erik's audios. And then, once he's asked them to speak his name out loud and they seem to comply, what I interpret as his REAL voice is heard. Deep, heavy and irrefutably demonic.
Also, from what I can tell, Azmidi only ever describes touching Sweetie and never actually does.
The way I imagine the scene is that Azmidi is not visible or directly audible to Sweetie when he's speaking on the phone. I don't think he has one that he's speaking into either, I think he's using magic to make the phone into a conduit for his voice, if that makes sense. He's in the room but they can't sense him. As their pleasure builds, so does his, and his voice breaks into their mind telepathically as his magic "leaks" out around the phone conduit. Then the effect of his real voice dropping into the room so suddenly gives me such a strong visual of him physically materializing over Sweetie for the first time since they started this game. It sounds to me like he becomes solid leaning over them, breathing into their face but still never actually touching them at all. Then, interestingly, once they've reached their climaxes, all the sounds of his voice retreat back into the tinny phone speaker. He doesn't seem to stay physical in the aftermath, even now that their role play is over.
So my questions are these! Does Azmidi usually stay invisible to Sweetie even when they're not playing? Does he use telepathy or the phone as their primary source of communication? We know that Vega behaves in a bit of a similar way; he will often stay invisible to his charges, especially unempowered ones, unless he intends to be intimidating. Vega also rarely, if ever, speaks out loud, preferring to speak telepathically. He's explained that he simply has disdain for human methods of speech and doesn't care to talk out loud for the comfort of humans around him. Appearing human or following their social norms is of no interest to him.
I'm so curious if Azmidi has similar motives, and if so why they would extend to Sweetie, a human he seems to genuinely care for. Aftercare for their scene seems to be minimal, at least what we get onscreen, but he does ask if they're alright and confirms that there is a safeword in place that they've discussed. I wonder if he just doesn't prefer to be in a physical body? Or if he is being mindful not to hurt Sweetie? Based on his description of the size of his hands and body it seems like his form is enormous. That might make it annoying to try and move around, and tricky to avoid hurting a human accidentally. If he is physical when his voice sounds like it's fully in the room, it seems like Sweetie isn't truly afraid of the sight of him, at least not so much that the fear that would make them stop the scene. I don't think he's hiding himself to avoid scaring them, so why does he disappear again, once the game is over?
Blegh this is a big wall of text and for all we know this audio was just a tiny window into their relationship. Im just foaming at the mouth for more information. Pairings between humans and demons interest me sooo much and the different ways they accommodate each other are so fascinating to think about. If you read all this way thank you for humoring me and let me know if you have any thoughts or you imagine anything different!
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cryptic--writing · 3 days ago
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hihi!!!
tumblr deleted the original request so I'm sorry but here's the fic about Dave and the kid and the mm and Dave doesn't know how to parent uhh yeah
THANK YOU KAY MY LOVEW FOR POSTING THIS OH MY GOD
anyways
word count: 1560
wanrings: none just fluff
PARENTHOOD (1995)
I knew that after the day we left the hospital, nothing would be the same. And not in a bad way, of course. But in a way that would be new, something neither Dave nor I were properly experienced in.
Well, maybe I was a bit more than him. I spent many of my highschool years babysitting and the majority of pregnancy reading books on how to care for a baby properly, and also going to new mom classes when I could. With Daves intense touring schedule, he obviously didn't have the time. And given his upbringing, he didn't have a normal childhood, running away from his own father so much, he didn't even know how dads should be.
The car ride was quiet, despite the soft sounds of our newborn daughter breathing as she slept. Dave was driving, I was too exhausted. That doesn't mean he was full of energy, though. He was probably just about as tired as I was, stressing himself too much on how to be a dad. His glasses were slumped to the bottom of his nose as I was nodding off in the passenger seat. He was consistently looking in the rear view mirror to make sure our baby girl was ok, not needing anything or crying like she had for hours on end.
Fussy was the perfect word to describe her still blooming personality.
Eventually we got home, and even though he was doing everything right, Dave was truly trying his best for someone who was a first timer to something so complex as parenthood. He was constantly asking me how to do certain things, how to make her stop crying, just wanting our little one to be as content and comfortable as possible. We would have peace for about an hour, and then she would start crying again. 
After a long tussle with her, rocking, burping, feeding, anything to get her to calm and to sleep, she finally started to doze away in her bassinet. Dave watched the closet, and I laid my head back on his shoulder, needing comfort and reassurance. He put his arm around me, guiding the two of us to the bedroom so we could get ready for a much deserved rest. But deep down, he knew he needed reassurance. Much more than I probably did, but he didn't want to seem weak or like a bad father already, at such an early stage in our daughter's life.
Dave helped me slip out of the clothes I was wearing that day, assisting me in putting on my comfortable and cozy pajamas as he readied himself as well, getting into bed next to me. He wrapped his arms around me gently, knowing body was still acting with various pains as I adjusted into my postpartum state. I only snuggled closer to him, enjoying one of the now scarce calm and loving moments we had together.
Then we heard it. The loud, wailing cries of our baby. If someone hadn't known better, they would've thought we were torturing her with how loud she was. I groaned and tightened my grip on Dave, who seemed to have already been awake. Why wouldn't he have gone to tend to her?
“Davie…. Can you go deal with her…? Please…?” I muttered in my sleepy state. It was sometime around three in the morning, my feet swollen and in so much pain I didn't feel like walking.
Dave almost seemed stunned by the question, like a deer in headlights, shocked. He mumbled an ‘uhmm’ for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, uh, sure, of course, baby. You just rest.” He mumbled, seemingly nervous or scared for what might happen. I loosened my hold on him, allowing him to get up and check on our daughter.
When Dave walked in, there she was, writhing and squirmed as she cried and cried. He stood in the doorway for a moment, almost as if she was a foreign species. Slowly he made his steps closer, not wanting to startle her. He gently scooped her in his arms, being very slow and meticulous with his movements so as not to harm her, making sure her neck was propped up perfectly. He shushed her, still trying to learn what each special cry meant as he gently bounced and rocked her in his arms. 
Did she need a new diaper? No, she didn't feel wet. Did she need to be burped? No, she hadn't been fed yet. Fed. She was probably hungry. She hadn't been fed yet. Dave had fed her a few times in the hospital, the nights where I was far too weak to get up and feed her. As much as he loved being near our girl, he was more scared than anything that he'd mess up. Balancing her in his arms, he reached for one of the bottles of milk we had set out for her, kept in a bottle warmer to keep it at a good temperature for her enjoyment. 
“Alright, sweetie, you need your bottle?” He cooed in a whisper, gently placing it into her open mouth as she refused to try and drink from it, contouring to cry as she failed her little arms and legs around.
“Please? Just drink a little bit…” Dave begged, still trying to feed her as she kept being reluctant. He sighed, setting down the bottle and placing the baby back in her bassinet. The cries rang through the quiet and echoey house, and eventually Dave called out to me.
“Honey? Can you come in here?” Dave gave in as a last resort, hoping that the instincts of a mother may do better than one of a dad who feels more lost than he ever had been.
I groaned and grumbled, my body aching but I knew Dave needed help. I slowly sat up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed, stepping into my slippers as I trudged to the nursery room, seeing long, gingery locks in the door frame as I put my hand on his shoulder for a bit of stability. “What's wrong? Is she ok?” I mumbled, rubbing my eyes as I tried to wake up a bit.
“I don't know, she wont drink her bottle, maybe I'm doing something wrong..?” He mumbled out a worry, his eyes darting from her to the floor, avoiding me.
I nodded, sighing myself, grabbing our girl and her bottle, cradling her as I cooed before giving her the bottle, which she fought a bit at first, but soon she quickly welcomed the bottle, sipping down the warm liquid as her cries slowed. Dave stood behind me, somewhat surprised but also ashamed. “What are you doing that I'm not?” Dave's hazel eyes rested on her contended and tear streaked face, wanting nothing more than to improve as a dad.
“Did you cradle her properly?”
“Yeah”
“Did she need to be changed?”
“No”
“Did she need to be burped?”
“No”
I paused, trying to think of what could be so different from me to Davwe trying to feed her. Maybe it was just a mothers touch. “Does she not like me?” His mind clouded with the worries, his infant daughter already hating him at only a few weeks old.
“No, of course not. She loves you. She's just a baby, that's all.” I reassured Dae, seeing she had finished her milk, I set down the empty bottle and began to burp her, which she quickly burped, and now was ready to fall back asleep. “She's also just really fussy, it's not you, it's her.” I kept trying to reassure him, but the worry couldnt leave his face. I set her down in the bassinet, getting her cozy before watching her slowly drift asleep. 
“Is something wrong?” I asked Dave, my voice soft and gentle, to comfort him and not wake her. He nodded, and began to walk back to the bedroom, and I followed him. “Baby, what's on your mind? You seem so stressed.” I inquired, watching Dave sit on the edge of the bed as his shoulders slumped. I sat next to him, gently stroking one of his strong arms.
“I don't know, I just feel like I'm not doing enough as a dad. Like I'm just… I don't wanna fail her, I wanna be the best, but…” He trailed off, but I still knew what he meant.
“There's nothing to worry about. She's so young, she won't remember any of this. She loves you now, and she'll love you later. You are being the best dad possible. It's not your fault you were busy with the band, you were making money for us.” I comforted, kissing his shoulder.
“Yeah, I know.. But still. You make it look so easy, and I look like a fool.” Dave continued to doubt himself again and again.
I smiled softly, wanting to try and lessen the worry he felt. “It's just the touch of a mother. Its maternal instinct. She'll be a daddy's girl when she's older, trust me.” 
Dave gave a small smile back, leaning against me now. “Yeah, I hope so. That'd be nice.” He admitted in a whisper before patting my leg lightly.
“Thank you, I know, it's stupid, but I just don't want to mess up. Ever.”
“Don't worry, you won't.”
And he never did.
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metamelonisle · 3 days ago
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(keep in mind this post is not planned out and i am largely speaking from my thoughts)
i know people like to clown on white cishet men who explain that they're right-wing because they were told they were inherently evil or cruel or only capable of destruction or manipulation by everyone around them, and people mostly interpret that as "i learned white people did bad stuff in the past and this made me hate the WOKE left" when the truth is genuinely so much more harrowing.
being told you're inherently, irredeemably evil for reasons you didn't pick and can't change by the people around you that otherwise claim to champion "justice" and "humanity" for practically your entire life is genuinely traumatizing. being treated like an irredeemable boogeyman by people who don't even know you simply for how you were born is traumatizing. it doesn't matter if you have some sort of societal advantage or safety net. pain and trauma is subjective and shaped by perspective and experience, and i can guarantee that that this sort of experience hurts and it hurts bad.
like. i know there are lots of queer people who are former right-wingers, and i am willing to bet that a lot of them were right-wingers because until they realized they were queer, they were actively barred from even looking into queer spaces and demonized until they wanted nothing to do with it at all. and then they, like any normal person would do, simply joined up with people that accepted them. and then they changed, and those friends weren't so accepting anymore, and then suddenly the old community that scorned them for was accepting them with open arms.
and the reason why i know this pain so clearly is because. well. I'VE been dehumanized for things i can't control my entire life! I KNOW what that shit is like and it's horrific! I don't care if it's satisfying to give "them" "a taste of their own medicine", stop giving that pain to people! You're only making things worse!
i dont know how to say this but even if your dehumanization isn't systemically supported it can and will still traumatize people and fuck up their sense of self and there are people who absolutely will pounce on that opportunity that you have created and you will have no control over who those people are.
i dunno how to close this but i guess the message i want you, the audience, to take away from this is to stop generalizing people as evil just because of their body or blood. you don't know these people. you don't know their lives. their stories. you don't know their values, and you cannot make that judgement based on appearance alone.
i get that you're scared. i get that we're all scared. but i swear to god, you cannot fucking do this to anyone. from a humanist stance, it's unethical to prematurely judge someone as an enemy for something they cannot change about themselves, like their lineage or face. from a pragmatic stance, you are ensuring an enemy that could have otherwise become an ally. but by all means, leave that white boy alone.
i dunno if this is controversial but im gonna say this as a brown trans woman. i think now is absolutely 100% not the time (not like it ever WAS the time but ESPECIALLY not now) to be generalizing men (especially white cishet men) as inherently evil or right-wing and isolating all of them on principle. i cannot possibly further emphasize how vulnerable all of us are and i understand that when people are scared we will naturally want to shift into us vs. them to try and keep ourselves protected. but in so many ways that mentality only enforces a shallow illusion of safety and all it ultimately does is push out people who otherwise would have gladly stood by you because you were too afraid of them to treat them with respect
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