#but it is very aggravating trying to tank or support alone

[xxplastic-cubexx]

just want 2 say abt the marvel rivals post u made... big mood bc that's me every game getting banished to Magneto, Strange, or Adam bc these ppl wont stop picking Punisher (?) and feeding like crazy… like maybe i want to play (idk any of the dps chars bc I never play them but imagine one here)... but noooo give the 2k dmg guy MVP and not me with 35k damage blocked/healing done..... smh -poro anon

do you really want to play dps when you dont know any of the dps tho ……… much to consider …….

[subbing-for-clones]

Stranded Part 1

Savage Opress x reader

A/N: Oof I really have a problem cause all I want is to be stranded alone with the big boy himself.

Word Count: 4.1k

Summary: On his way to locate his long-lost brother, Savage’s course gets altered and he is thrown into the unknown. Barely surviving the crash, he finds himself on a deserted planet with a force sensitive woman who somehow managed to thrive here on her own. If they’re going to make it off this strange planet they will have to work together.

WARNINGS: blood, fear, dead body, wounds, mental illness. Probably not how black holes work but idc fight me about it. Alcohol consumption.

NEXT         MASTERLIST

       Savage Opress had been traveling the galaxy trying to find his brother Maul. After being betrayed by the nightsister he was meant to serve, Mother Talzin gifted him a necklace that would act as a compass. One that would guide him to his long-lost brother who could teach him to harness this new power he had realized. His 'gift' however appeared to lead him on a never ending, wild goose chase. Glowing and fading seemingly at will. It had been months and although his hope had started to fade, he pressed on without any other option. The Republic, the Separatists and everything in between wanted his head. He missed his way of life before the nightsister had chosen him to act as her tool of vengeance.

    A rumor of Maul being killed on Naboo by a Jedi had reached his ears. Better than anything else he had to go off of he punched the coordinates into his ship's nav computer and made the jump to hyperspace. The way the stars visibly stretched never ceased to amaze him. He watched the blue from the viewport before he nodded off to sleep, unknowingly altering the coordinates when he kicked his boots up onto the dash.

    He awoke hours later to alarms blaring and red lights flashing. Not being an experienced pilot by any means, panic tickled the edges if his mind. He pulled out of hyperspace, hoping there was a nearby planet he could land on. To his horror there wasn't a planet in sight. Rather, an immense blackhole that was slowly pulling small asteroids into its center. Panic now gripped him full force as he tried to get out of the gravitational pull but it was too late. It had him in its clutches and he could do nothing but let it take him.

    He thought of his younger brother in these moments. How the nightsisters had controlled his mind and forced his hand to take Farel's life. Perhaps he deserved this fate. To be swallowed into nothing after crossing the only living thing that had ever truly cared for him. He closed his eyes on the precipice of the abyss and with a single tear for his fallen kin, let the void devour him in his ship.

       He had expected to pass out or die but he never lost conciousness. He had his eyes scrunched for so long but he never stopped hearing the alarms ringing. He dared to open them only to see, well nothing. It was the darkest black he had ever seen. His navigation was almost useless, he had no idea where he was or where he was going but he could tell that he was in fact going forward. He dared to pray that there was another side to this hole and that he could in fact survive. That hope faded when he realized he was out of fuel, powering only life support at this point.

    Much to his surprise the sight before him changed. What started as a pinhole of a darkness that was slightly less bleak grew. It grew until he could see stars again. He was thrown out of his turmoil and launched towards the only planet in sight. From space it was incredibly green, white caps peaked occasionally and bodies of water could be viewed as well. Wherever he was headed seemed to lack vast oceans but rather, large lakes perhaps.

    He realized that without any fuel he would crash. Once he broke the atmosphere, he redirected the last few vapors he had in the tank to his engines and was able to aim the ship towards one of the nearing brown peaks. Hoping to slide down into the jungle. The initial impact knocked the wind out of him but thankfully didn't immediately kill him. His ship slid down the slope at an alarming speed and a dip in the terrain sent him airborne again. The second impact knocked him unconscious.

    He awoke maker knows how many hours later to the chirping of birds. Out of the viewport he could see that several more crashed ships beneath him had possibly broken his fall. Giant trees he had never seen before stretched out in front of him but not so close together that he couldn't see a decent way into the forest. His back must be facing the mountain. The ship was smoking and the hull was smashed beyond repair. For the first time he was grateful he had no fuel so the ship wouldn't explode if a fire spread.

    Blood dripped into his right eye from where he knocked his head and broken a horn. Lacerations of varying depth littered his body. He tried to move and quickly assessed that it was likely one of his ribs was fractured although he couldn't feel it sticking out or in anywhere. Savage attempted to pull himself free and realized his left arm wasn't responding. The worst of all, in his mind, the necklace that Mother Talzin gave him was shattered in his lap.

    He had to get his shoulder back in place and slung. Slowly he stood to his feet and made his way out of the transport, feeling claustrophobic. The moment his boot hit the grass below him he felt so many things through the force. This planet was teeming with life, wild and wavering force signatures surrounded him and stretched out as far as he could sense. One signature was starkly unique to the others he felt and he tensed. It was incredibly light, lighter than anything he had ever felt before. An airy, dreamy aura with sparks that danced through it grew closer. Whatever it was, it was nearing quickly. He force pulled his saber-staff from the ship into his grasp and lit one side, growling ferociously like the wounded animal he was. Whatever it was he felt had stopped in its tracks. He couldn't see anything through the trees and he took a hesitant step forward. Until he heard her.

"I'm not going to hurt you. I'd like to help."

    He couldn't see where the voice was coming from. It was a female. A young woman he would guess. Her voice was gentle and soft but projected well from her hiding place with a kind power behind it.

"Show yourself," he called almost roaring in pain.

"Promise you won't kill me on sight?"

"Are you alone?" his eyes darted around him trying to pinpoint her location.

"Yes... I know you can feel it."

    He could feel it. What he felt through the force, it was only her. He sheathed his saber and showing it over his head, tossed it to the side. Only then did she leap down from the canopy of the forest. If his rib didn’t make it painful to breathe, he would've gasped. Her hair shimmered in the light of the mid-day sun, her eyes glistened brightly with curiosity and breath-taking beauty. He had never seen a woman like her before. Beneath what was once a white cotton dress, now worn and stained, he could see and admire the outline of her body. A slit up the side revealed one of her legs and a knife strapped to her thigh. She had nothing on her feet as she slowly made her way over to him with her hands visible so he knew she wasn't armed.

"Hello. How did you survive the crash? I've never seen anyone else survive the crash."

"I don't know," he squinted his eyes at her wearily. His voice low and deep rumbled when he spoke.

"I can help you with your shoulder. I had some medical training before I crashed here myself."

Knowing he needed help he nodded cautiously. She continued towards him and gently removed his armor. When she took out her knife to cut open his shirt, he took a step back.

"I meant it when I said I wouldn't hurt you,” she hesitated before continuing; never breaking eye contact. Searching for a sign to stop.

    She slowly sliced open his shirt in one smooth motion. She took a second and allowed her eyes to drift over him. His golden skin and distinctive, almost tribal black tattoos. His massive chest, straight jaw and crown of horns. It was the first time in a very long time she had seen a man still breathing let alone of his caliber and tried to hide the heat that rushed to her cheeks.

"Um, I'm sorry but you're very tall. I'm going to need you to sit down, please. So I can reach you."

    He did what she had asked of him, keeping his back straight. With him sitting and her kneeling tall next to him he was still a head taller than she was. She placed her hands on him and asked him to breathe deeply. On the second exhale she slid the shoulder back into place with a loud crunch. He growled not really at her but the situation itself.

She used half of his shirt to make a sling for him and the other to wipe the blood off of his face. She force pulled an empty bag from the tree which surprised him.

"You'll have to clean your wounds so they don't get infected. I have a home near here with cool and hot springs if you'd like to accompany me."

    He knew he wouldn't be able to do much without aggravating his injuries so he reluctantly agreed. Before she led him away, she trotted over to one of the crashed ships off to the side. The pilot was dead and just starting to decompose, she tossed him out of the cockpit using the force and scavenged what lay inside, unphased. Well, she's got the stomach for surviving out here. He thought to himself.

      Now with a full pack she helped him up as best as she could almost collapsing under his weight. He kept a few feet behind her, taking only his saber and a change of clothes from the ship. She led him through the forest for what must have been at least two or three miles.

    A break in the tree line revealed a log cabin with a mossy roof adorning a few solar panels. He had grown accustomed to either adobe or durasteel buildings so this was a bit of a shock to him. Several hot springs steamed behind the cabin and a large pond lay to the front. Creatures that resembled chickens roamed the grasses near the house and what looked like an herb garden on the other side.

    He stopped and took in his surroundings for a moment before he followed her inside. The floor was also wooden, with various animal pelts laid out across the paneling. It was one large room except for what he assumed was a fresher. A large bed lay in one corner, what resembled a small kitchen in the opposite. Crude shelves covered the walls containing various items from dishes to clothing to medgear and a fireplace with a kettle. A small table sat off to the side with a few chairs. That's all she really had. Some things were obviously salvaged from ships like her clothes, the bed and bedding and some of her cookware but most of it looked hand made. It reminded him of his village in a way. They were not an advanced people when it came to luxury living by any means.

    He watched her dump out her bag on the table while he took a seat on the bed. He didn't realize that it was chilly outside until he felt the warmth of the fire that still burned. She was going through the medical supplies she found and sorting it when he finally spoke, still looking around her home.

"How long have you been here? Is there anyone else?"

"I've lost count. Fifteen years, I think? At least twelve. This planet is larger than the one I grew up on so it’s hard to keep long term time. If there is anyone else here, I haven't found them."

"How did you come here?"

She made her way over to him and started cleaning his wounds with the sealed antiseptic cloths.

"Same way as you I imagine. The blackhole. My family was traveling with an outdated navigation system. I guess the route had been changed due to the void but we were unaware. My father died in the crash and my mother died from exposure not long after. I was ten. The only reason I survived was my force sensitivity."

"You've been alone this whole time?"

"Yes... you're the first to survive the ordeal as well.. other than myself."

    This saddened him for a number of reasons. He couldn't imagine being alone for so long, especially for a child to grow up on her own. It also meant that there was little hope for escaping this planet. She bandaged him gently, their bodies in close proximity. Her work was precise but her hands shook slightly.

"You have a rather deep gash on your side, I think I should stitch it if you'll allow it."

"Have you done it before?"

"To myself yes."

"Alright."

    You left and quickly returned to him with the suture kit and some kind of root. She explained that if he chewed it, it would ease the pain so he took it. She knelt down in front of him and began her work as he gnawed on the blue root. It tasted sweet and the effect took hold quickly to his pleasure. She worked diligently and was careful as she could be. Once again, her work was perfect, the stitches were small and tight but her hands still trembled. When she finished her work, she spread some antibacterial salve on him and went to put her gear away in silence.

"Are you alright?" He asked, hesitant but genuinely concerned.

"Yes. I'm sorry, it's just been so long since I talked to someone who could actually respond. So long since I've heard another voice." She tried to laugh it off but her voice shook as much as her hands had.

    So long she had been by herself. To stave away loneliness she had named every one of her chickens and force probed the minds of animals. Even a few times resorted to sitting with the corpses of the people who never survived their crashes. At first, he felt bad that she had been surviving on her own but the true weight of it was sinking into his chest. He could feel her confliction through the force. Although his presence was a relief to her it was incredibly overwhelming. She changed the subject as quickly as she could.

"Is your species carnivorous or omnivorous?"

"Um, I’m a carnivore but I can stomach a little produce."

"I'm glad I went hunting yesterday then."

    She didn't have to go far to reach the kitchen area, maybe fifteen feet. She was silently thanking herself that she opted for a tall ceiling leaving less than a foot of headspace for her unexpected guest. She thought of him jumping and getting his horns stuck and broke out into a series of quiet giggles.

    Savage had an idea of what she found funny because when he stood, he could almost reach the top with his pointed ivory. He watched as she took out a few steaks from the cooler under the counter and potatoes from another cabinet. Lighting a fire in a stove he hadn't noticed he studied her in silence as she chopped various vegetables and pulled dried herbs from where they hung. She had some electricity to power the cooler from the solar panels but most of the light in the home came in through windows or the fire. He did see oil lamps on the shelves and watched as she filled a pot with water. She had plumbing here as well. He was kind of amazed.

"You did all this yourself." It wasn't a question. "You built this home, ran pipes and wires and.. well everything. How did you learn to do all this?" He was truly in awe.

"The house came together fairly quickly. It helped that I didn't have to actually lift the logs," she pulled one of the chairs from the table using the force to make her point. "The plumbing and the solar power, that came much later. Many ship crashes later. I was lucky that a construction contractor transport crashed. He wasn't lucky, but I was. That's where I got most of my materials and he had a few manuals with him," she added the produce to a pot and turned face him, leaning against the counter. He took the chair she had offered at the table.

 "All of this... it's quite impressive. I might actually survive the night if you don't turn me out," he offered her a slight grin which she returned.

"I'm happy to help and have the company."

    She returned to cooking and threw the steaks on a griddle of sorts, instantly filling the home with the rich smell of cooking meat. Savage's mouth watered. Realizing exactly how hungry he was. She finished her work in silence. Turning back to him only when she had full plates.

    The meal was unlike anything he had tasted in his life. Everything was real, no fillers that were often found in city cuisines and richer than anything he had on Dathomir. He rolled his eyes and she laughed.

"I'm glad you like it."

"I do. I never asked you your name. Mine is Savage Opress. I'm a Dathomirian nightbrother."

"It’s nice to meet you." She furrowed her brow realizing she had forgotten something she wanted to remember.

"I'm sorry I wish I had a name to give you but... I don't remember it or where I came from exactly. I remember my family called me 'little one' but... that’s all I remember," this inadvertently broke both of Savage's hearts.

"Can I call you that?"

"Sure. I wouldn't mind. I don't know the name of the planet I came from but I remember it was a desert and small; maybe it was a moon. I do prefer the climate and lushness of this planet. I've never had to worry about food or water."

"I'm not a fan of deserts either. My planet is humid."

"Where were you going when you got lost and fell here?"

"I was trying to find a brother I had never met. I only recently acquired my connection with the force and I was told he could train me."

"Oh, well I'm not sure you will be able to leave anytime soon but if you decide to stay here.. with me anyway.. until we find a way out, I could help you. I've grown quite strong with the force and I'm sure I could aid you."

"You could?" he seemed surprised at her offer but also kind of excited. It seemed the longer he was off the trail Mother Talzin had laid out for him, little pieces of himself were returning.

"Yes I can. Unless you would prefer to fare on your own here. I would understand."

    He shook his head in response. She was already set up, knew how to survive this place. He didn't dislike her company either. She seemed to brighten at the prospect of him staying. When they finished eating, she invited him to get comfortable. A mutual understanding that they would be sharing the bed as there was only one and the idea of sleeping on the floor was awful. She took their plates and grabbed a large jar of dried grains, taking it outside without a word to him. He could hear excited clucking as he stripped down to his knit shorts and tried to get comfortable. It was difficult with his shoulder and fractured rib. He opted to sit up until she returned.

When she did, she grabbed a bottle of brown liquid and took a swig.

"Almost every single ship has liquor on it at least."

   She offered him another blue root and the bottle, both he gladly took. He almost choked when she turned her back to him and slipped out of her dress within his sight. Leaving only a thin tight fabric covering her backside. He wanted to avert his gaze but was intrigued with the various scars that decorated her body. Modesty or self-awareness in front of others were traits she never learned he thought. She pulled on a loose-fitting shirt and took the bottle back from him taking another swill. Snuffing out the stove but refilling the fireplace. The daylight fully extinguished. Only the light belonged to the fire flickering through the room.

    She looked beautiful in this light. She had a graceful wildness about her that Savage admired. Strength in mind and body to accomplish what she had. He could feel it in the force too, her connection to it ran deep.

"Fair warning, it gets cold here at night even though it's technically spring time. It's a long night too." She made her way towards the bed.

"That’s fine. My species has two hearts and a high metabolism so our body temperature is much higher than yours."

    She felt that to be true the moment she crawled in next to him and lay down. She felt the heat radiating off of his skin. Savage scoot down once she was in. She reached a hand out to his chest to feel his dual hearts but hesitated. He saw this and guided her hand on top of his pulse. Her breath hitched. He was so warm and so soft and he really did have two of them.

"Goodnight Savage."

"Goodnight Little One."

      At some point before the sun rose Savage's eyes fluttered open. He didn't feel her in bed anymore but with the home's set up it didn't take long to find her. She was facing the fire whittling a block of wood with the knife he had seen strapped to her leg. She had left him another blue root on a stool beside the bed. Her hands moved quickly and she was muttering rapidly to herself. He could only pick up a few things from what she said.

"I am one with the force the force is with me.... alone but not, accompanied but alone.... the force is with me......not alone..... the beasts in the trees..... he wasn't real...... one with the force....." An occasional giggle escaped her lips, she was gently rocking back and forth while her hands worked.

    He didn't say anything but just watched her. The blanket of night must make it worse, when life on the planet was silent and the air was cold. He wondered how much longer it would've taken for her to become like this all the time if he hadn't shown up. She seemed alright earlier, nervous and jumpy but nothing like this. He uncovered his body and slowly made his way over to her. Sitting beside her with his legs crossed, trying not to touch her so he wouldn't startle her. He just waited for her state to ease.

    Eventually it did, it didn't take too long. She could feel the heat coming off of his skin. He watched her carve the wood into a long beaked bird, its wings outstretched. She tossed it into the fire and turned to face him. His eyes glowed gold against the dark backdrop behind him.

"Are you real or am I really, finally starting to snap? It's bad in the dark.."

    He took her hand and she tensed at his touch. He cautiously guided her into his lap and pressed her ear to his hearts. She could feel them beating like drums under his muscle. He had dealt with various episodes back home. Sometimes the men in his village would snap at the fear of being chosen by one of the nightsisters. Sometimes the women would come to beat them just to remind them of their place in the hierarchy. She melted and was grounded by his pulse.

"I am real. I am here. You’re not hallucinating."

    His chest vibrated when he spoke. His deep vibrato continuing to calm her. When she looked back into his eyes, they were softer. It seemed as though if they were going to make it out of this, they would both need each other.

[renxzs]

lay these fears to rest

Pairing: Peter Quill x Gamora

Summary: Gamora fights to work through her inner demons as she learns to open herself up to Peter and explore physical aspects of their newly spoken Unspoken Thing.

Warnings: angst, emotional hurt/comfort, smut (18+), budding relationship, scars, post-guardians of the galaxy vol. 2

Word Count: 8,228

Gamora brushed her teeth as she prepared for bed. She made a mental note to threaten Drax in the morning if he let a single day more pass by without cleaning the communal bathroom as she spit out the toothpaste. It was his responsibility this week, and the bathroom was disgusting. Gamora straightened and tapped her toothbrush on the edge of the sink and then clasped a protectant shell over it - god knows what filth fills the air in this little bathroom - before placing it in her designated drawer.

Her eyes flicked up to the slightly smudged mirror. She heaved a soft sigh, knowing full well that Groot had been drawing faces and shapes on the steamed glass again. Rocket wasn’t too keen on telling him no when it was his turn to help Groot with his bath. Gamora pulled out a washcloth from under the sink and began wiping the mirror clean of smudges. Her eyes flickered over the silver grooves on her face in the now clear reflection. Her scars.

A wave of shame and anger rushed through her at once. Her left hand that sat on the sink counter was now gripping it tightly; the counter groaned in protest and she immediately let loose. A sigh escaped her lips as her head dropped; she closed her eyes and took a steadying breath. She worked to push their reminder - what they stood for - to the back of her mind.

During her time with Thanos, Gamora didn’t have much time to dwell on her scars - to give them a second thought. Or even a first thought.

No, her focus was solely on survival; always fighting to live to the next day. However, she had more time now than she’s ever had in her life before. On the surface, that might seem great. Freeing, even. Her newly discovered freedom came with a catch though, she’s learned. There was more time to for her mind to wander to the dark places of her past. More time to truly mull over what she’s become, what she’s done. To actually see the mutilations Thanos bestowed upon her in order to bend and manipulate her body into his most effective weapon.

His favorite weapon, at that.

Gamora sneered at the thought of him. The sound of cloth tearing easily in her hands filled her ears before she was even aware of doing the action. She tossed the ripped cloth in the trash bin with a huff. Her eyes rolled at the sight of the near overflowing bin and gave a silent thanks to the fact that Peter had his own bathroom in the captain’s quarters - one less slob adding to the filth of this one.

Despite her annoyance with the lack of cleanliness of her teammates, her heart rate quickened slightly at the thought of Peter. She pulled her hair out of its loose ponytail and emerged from the bathroom, padding quietly down the short hall to her own room. After placing the elastic band atop the small night stand, she reached for the small black brush. Dragging the bristles through her long locks, she worked to smooth out any tangles.

Her thoughts drifted back to Peter, a small smile settling on her lips. She had admitted recently to him her acknowledgement of the Unspoken Thing between them. It was the most she could do at the time. The physical attraction had been evident nearly from the start, but she wasn’t a fool. She knew better to not allow physical attraction to become a distraction. Not when she was trying to escape her life with Thanos.

But things were very different now than they were a couple months ago. She had that newfound freedom. The luxury of sharing a living space with others who didn’t prey on her or exploit any possible weakness they could find, more than eager to kill her in her sleep. Now, she was beyond grateful to spend her days surrounded by her teammates. They aggravated her often, lacked simple cleaning discipline, and she always found herself having to be the one to put out fires - both figurative and literal - but she would never give them up for anything.

Gamora never thought she would experience being in a family again after Thanos kidnapped her. She hardly remembers what it felt like to be a part of one; to be loved and supported and cared for. To mean something to another just because, not because you were a valued weapon. It was difficult for her to accept at first - to trust it. To trust them. But it has gotten easier. What has not gotten easier, though, is sorting through these... feelings that stir deep within her at the sight - or even the thought - of Peter.

No, that has become more difficult with each passing day.

It was an internal struggle, whether or not to fully acknowledge these stirrings. At this point, feelings were beyond mere infatuation. This much she knew, though she didn’t dare admit it out loud. It’s far easier leaving it an unspoken thing - not talking about it, just doing.

Gamora hummed as her eyes slid shut at the thought of doing. She placed the small black brush back down on the stand. Since her acknowledgement of their Unspoken Thing, the dynamic between her and Peter shifted. An increase in stolen glances, subtle grazes of his fingers across her lower back or arm, affectionate smiles... stolen kisses when no one else was around.

The kissing. God, could Peter kiss. Her face flushed with heat as her stomach fluttered.

She quietly groaned while racking a hand through her hair. She flopped backwards onto the bed, legs still dangling off. The last several nights she had found herself in the captain’s quarters, the bold impulse becoming easier to act on each time. She craved his lips against hers, his smell, that dopey smile he always gave her... How much longer could they continue this without discussing it? Peter would surely give in first, needing to vocalize the nature of what they were doing.

Her body ached to be touched and explored by his eager hands and tongue. His eagerness to bring her pleasure was unreal; she has never been treated with such consideration before. In just a few days time, Peter had discovered numerous pleasure spots, always striving to elicit the most wonderful mewls from her, just above the clavicle alone with that hot tongue of his.

A shiver ran through her body, her breathing becoming a little heavy.

Tonight would be no different. She would inevitably give in to her urges and desires, her body already sitting up from the bed, readying for the short trek to his room.

They still hadn’t approached the territory of sex; she has yet to even fully remove her top in front of Peter, but the ache to do so was there. It’s been so long since she was last with another physically; her brow furrowed at the thought. Undoubtedly, it would have been to get closer to a target or merely an unattached encounter to scratch an itch. But Peter was so much more than an itch to be scratched.

Desire pooled hot between her legs at the thought of being intimate with him. It was terrifying and thrilling all at once.

Gamora pushed up from her mattress; it groaned softly at the shift in weight. She wasn’t dressed in anything extravagant - just a deep blue tank and a pair of black sleeping pants, similar to her usual leather leggings but a soft cotton instead. She knew Peter wouldn’t mind - he’s claimed in the past that she could make a brown paper sack look good. She wasn’t entirely sure what he had meant at the time, confused why he would be led to believe she would ever want to wear a sack for clothing. He chuckled, always entertained by her literal interpretations, and explained to her the figure of speech. “I’m say’n you can make anything look good- even those hideous yellow Kyln uniforms.” She had rolled her eyes affectionately, a smile on her lips, keeping the need to blush at his compliment tucked beneath the surface.

She clicked off the light in her room and made her way to the captain’s quarters. Giddiness bubbled in her belly with each step that brought her closer to his door. It was a bit late into the night cycle, but she was certain he would still be awake. This had become their new routine; her joining him in his bed once the ship fell silent, and him always looking a mixture of relieved and unmistakably happy when she returned each night. She didn’t knock - not anymore, quietly sliding the door to the side and slipping into his room.

Once the door was securely closed behind her, her eyes fell upon him immediately. Peter was stretched out on his bed, one arm tucked back behind his head and the other settled on his stomach with his Zune in hand. His gaze was fixed on the skylight window above his bed, a soft glow coming down from it and lathing over him. She smiled, wondering idly what he was thinking about. He looked so at peace.

She approached his side of the bed, alerting him to her presence. He jumped slightly, eyes a bit wide, before he was immediately at ease again. He pulled the buds from his ears and set the Zune down on the side table.

He smiled warmly, “Hey.”

She put a knee on the edge of the bed and swung her other leg to the other side, straddling him in one swift, graceful movement. “Hi.”

His breath hitched at the quick contact, making a conscious effort not to melt into the bed right then and there. He still wasn’t used to the glorious press of her body against his. Frankly, he hoped he would never fully grow accustomed to it, enjoying the jolt of nerves in his stomach the action always evoked. His hands immediately sprung up to her thighs and slowly traveled up to settle on the swell of her hips.

Gamora reached up and grasped the latch of the skylight shade - Peter’s eyes flickered to the now exposed skin of her abdomen; he gently caressed his thumb across the smooth emerald skin. She swiftly pulled the skylight shade closed, snuffing the soft glow in the room, it now completely dark. Her enhanced vision adjusted quickly.

Peter remained silent as she put them in complete darkness. He was well aware of the level of vulnerability that came along with the skylight illuminating them - illuminating her. Exposing every part of her body to him that she was not quite ready to share with him yet.

He would wait.

Peter was more than willing to oblige her needs of hiding in the shadows until she felt more comfortable. Besides, having the opportunity to explore her body solely through touch was nothing he could complain about, taking the time to sear every piece of her into his mind, letting his fingers explore new territory bit by bit, as her walls came down a little more with each passing night they spent in one another’s company.

She dropped her hands down to his hips and slowly slid them up the ripples of his chest, bending down to capture his lips with hers. Peter’s hands snaked around her back, one splayed across her spine, holding her as close to him as he could manage while moaning into the kiss, apparently needing the contact just as much as she did.

Her fingers carded through his sandy curls, lips dropping down to his jaw line, the heat in her belly growing by the second, pushing her further, eager as ever. She felt bolder this evening, her burn for him beginning to become unbearable. Heavy makeout sessions and curious exploration of hands, night after night, with no orgasmic release was becoming something short of painful. Peter rubbed gentle circles over her thin tank into her spine, opening his mouth to Gamora’s explorations, her tongue warm and teeth sharp.

She grazed her nails across his scalp before tugging on a tuft of curls, angling his head back as she shifted lower and nipped at the base of his neck. Peter groaned, hips jerking up reflexively in response. Gamora grinned smugly to herself, pleased with how easily she could make his body jerk to attention for her.

The hand that lay splayed across her spine traveled upward, entangling itself in her long locks - so silky and soft. He nuzzled his nose into the side of her hair, the smell of her dizzying. He brushed her hair to one side, immediately biting and sucking at the newly exposed skin of her neck. Gamora moaned and ground her hips down hard against his in response; a guttural sound escaped from deep within Peter’s throat. It took everything in him to not mindlessly rut up against her, fearful he might actually come then and there in his pants.

His fingers danced at the hem of her tank momentarily - new territory that had yet to be ventured - before disappearing underneath it. Her skin was so smooth, so warm. He worked to store every inch of her body to memory. Gamora hummed at the new skin-on-skin contact and pressed her body even closer to Peter’s, desperate for more of his warmth, his smell, his touch. Unbelievable, it was, that she had denied herself of this for so long - of the fire building deep within their cores, the reverent touches.

Peter’s hands traveled further up her back, taking in every bit of her. His fingers lightly grazed up her spine, eliciting a shuddered from her. Midway up her back, he felt grooves in her skin that followed up her spine to the nape of her neck. His fingers pressed curiously, exploring them-

Gamora tore her lips away from Peter and sat up abruptly. In the same second, she snatched his hands away from her body with a firm grasp.

“Don’t,” she warned.

“I- uh- sorry,” Peter’s mind was still clouded from her lips moving against his just seconds earlier. His mouth gaped slightly as he struggled to collect his thoughts and process the abrupt change in her mood. “I’m sorry,” his tone sincere.

Gamora released his hands and sighed heavily. He let his hands fall to the mattress, unsure if he should or could touch her. He searched her face for any indication of her offering an explanation of what just happened, eyes having adjusted to the darkness at this point.

“Gamora... I’m sorry- I- were those more scars... from your mods?”

She gave him an icy stare and recoiled from him further; well, as much as was possible while still straddling his hips. Peter took her reaction as a ‘yes.’

“Mora- I didn’t know, or I wouldn’t have.” His jade eyes were harrowing, willing her to believe him, to know he wouldn’t intentionally do anything to bring her discomfort. He knew from past conversations that Gamora held a level of animosity towards the scars left on her face from Thanos, ashamed of what they symbolized. He felt foolish having never considered the possibility of there being more. More reminders etched into her body permanently. A daily reminder of what she’s done, of what he made her into.

His chest tightened with an ache for her. If only he could take all of that pain from her now; wrap her up in his arms forever and shield her from all the bad and hurt - make her see just how good she truly was. Gamora sat silently and glared at the headboard above him.

“Please don’t be embarrassed or ashamed, Mora. You know I would never think any less of you, no matter how many scars you have. I couldn’t. ...You don’t have to hide from me.”

He watched her face darken - this was difficult for her, he knew. Her internal conflict was blatantly evident. It was typical of Gamora to maintain a level of composure around the others, secrets and thoughts neatly hidden behind a neutral expression. With Peter, though, she was opening up more, allowing her emotions to show more freely. But now she was shutting him out again and although he understood, it still stung.

He struggled with what was best to do next, not wanting to further drive her away but not wanting to let her go either. Panic crawled up through his chest, worried they had just severely backpedaled on the progress they've been making with one another.

He reached a hand out, hesitating a moment to gauge her reaction, then cupped the side of her face. So beautiful, how could she not see it? His thumb brushed one of the silver scars, and her entire body tensed. She scrambled off him in a blur, planting both feet on the cool floor. Peter swung his legs over the edge of the bed into a sitting position just as quick, a hand outstretched to grasp her wrist.

“Gamora, please... Don’t leave. Can we just- can we talk about this?” His voice anguished and panicked.

“Let me go, Peter.” Her eyes remained on the floor, unable to look at the defeated expression that was sure to occupy his features. Bringing him disappointment and distress was bound to happen, she knew. She wasn’t good for him.

Peter was conflicted between obliging to her and holding on for dear life, not wanting to watch her walk out that door. His grip tightened a second before releasing her wrist. “Please stay. We can- let’s talk about this. I- you’re perfect as you are, I swear to god you are. You-”

She spun around, an underlying danger in her eyes. “Stop! I am not perfect.” Her voice weakened, “I am nothing good for you, Peter.”

His stomach dropped as a cold chill spread through him at the implications of her words. His eyes widened, mouth agape, utterly stunned she could think such a thing. “Gamora, you are everything that’s good.” He reached a hand out, his voice barely above a whisper, “Please.”

Gamora closed her eyes and shook her head solemnly. Without another word she slipped out of his room, the door softly clicking into place behind her. Peter dropped his head into his hands with a curse. Tears pricked the back of his eyes.

The room suddenly felt empty and cold without her in it.

***

Gamora’s face felt hot and her vision blurred with unwelcome tears. She closed her eyes while simultaneously slamming a fist down onto the mattress she was laying on. Her mattress. She hasn’t slept in her own room in over a week. Already, in such a short amount of time, her own room was losing that sense of solace it once held. Part of her yearned to run back to Peter’s bed, back into his arms, knowing he wouldn’t hesitate to soothe her.

This realization flared anger within her. She didn’t need to be soothed by anyone. This was her fault. She indulged in her weakness that is Peter, knowing full and well she couldn’t offer him what he needed. It was doomed from the start.

Gamora attempted to will herself to sleep but her thoughts returned to Peter without fail, taunting her with what she couldn’t have. A frustrated huff escaped her lips and she pushed herself out of bed. She quickly discarded her sleeping tank and pulled on a sports bra and one of her workout tops. Pent up sexual frustration on top of emotional turmoil and anger that simmered just beneath her skin had her wound tight. She needed to punch something, hard, and repeatedly. Swiftly and silently, she made her way down to the workout space, hoping several rounds with the punching bag would work out her frustrations.

***

The following morning unfolded about how Peter expected it to. Gamora was a no-show at breakfast and when they later ran into one another in the cargo bay, she avoided eye contact and quickly escaped down the hall, leaving him to stand there dejected. He wanted nothing more than to seek her out, hold her close, and tell her over and over how perfect she was; how good. That everything would be ok, that they would be ok.

Peter sighed. As much as he wanted to do that, he’d wait; allow her to come to him in her own time.

***

Gamora hid out in her room for the rest of the day. Soon the ship switched into the night cycle and her room grew dark. She made no move to switch on the overhead light. Quiet darkness settled around her as she stared up at the ceiling. Countless nights were spent like this on a cold cement floor of a cell during her time inhabiting the Sanctuary. She didn’t dare close her eyes then, refusing to fall prey to the inevitable ambush of one of her ‘siblings’. It was almost comical, the irony of the one place she felt the most unsafe in being called a sanctuary.

She’d never found true sanctuary in anything since the day she was kidnapped from her home.

Well, up until a couple months ago. Her eyes slid close. Peter. He’d become her sanctuary, where she could truly feel safe to be herself. The corners of her mouth curved into a frown and her brows furrowed a bit. Then why was it so hard to be vulnerable with him last night? To allow him to accept her and her scars? He clearly did already.

Vulnerability is weakness, little one. The weak never survive. Gamora flinched at how clear his voice echoed around her. She pressed the heel of her palms against her eyes, face scrunched up tight, trying to force his voice out of her head.

How is it he still lingered within her? He’s taken and taken and taken from her over the years. She’d finally managed to escape from his hold, and yet he was still taking. Getting into her head, poisoning the potential happiness attempting to blossom in her life. Happiness she could have with Peter.

Gamora opened her eyes and racked her fingers through her hair.

Happiness with Peter. Her chest tightened at the thought; she wanted it badly. Happiness, let alone with another person, was never a possibility she allowed herself to entertain. Thanos never allowed her or Nebula to believe they were capable of happiness and love, let alone being on the receiving end of them. As long as she continued to entertain this idea, he still had the power to take from her.

A surge of nervous adrenaline coursed through her as she sat up abruptly. Thanos wasn’t through with her; she knew this much. He was biding his time, and eventually he’d be back to take some more. She knew this - that her presence brought inevitable danger to those around her, the Guardians, her family. They knew this, too, yet still chose to stand by her and face whatever was bound to come down the line. For now, though, she could take back control with her newfound freedom.

She had no idea where a future with Peter would lead or what it would look like, but she’d never know if she didn’t even try. Without a second thought, Gamora pushed herself off the bed and padded towards Peter’s room before she could talk herself out of it. Arriving only moments later, she hesitated at the door, unsure whether she should knock or not after the way she left things the night before. Her small hand formed a fist and softly rapped against the cool metal of the door.

There was shuffling on the other side of the door before it slid open. Gamora twinged with guilt as she took in the sight of Peter. She pondered if he never ended up going to sleep the night before, the bags under his eyes darkened and his lids heavy and slightly red-rimmed. Nonetheless, a small smile touched his lips. Her heart skipped; he was too good.

He stepped aside, allowing her entrance. She quietly strode the few feet to his bed and climbed in, situating herself against the headboard, legs outstretched and her hands fidgeting in her lap. Peter silently crawled into bed next to her, leaning back against the headboard as well. They sat in silence for several minutes before Gamora finally spoke.

“I’m sorry, Peter. I shouldn’t have just fled... I-” she abruptly stopped, unsure of how to put into words the mess of thoughts and feelings roaring within her.

Peter rolled his head to the right towards her and spoke softly, “It’s okay. You’re here now.” He hesitated a moment, “... I’m sorry, too, ya know. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Promise. I- I never want you to feel uncomfortable with me.”

Gamora shifted her gaze to meet his, “I know.” He gave a small smile and nod.

She took a deep breath as her eyes fell back at the wall in front of her. “My scars... they are a daily reminder of what Thanos has made me into. A reminder of the hundreds upon hundreds of innocent lives I was able to take so easily because of the cybernetic enhancements. I was made to be a weapon, Peter. A monster.” She inhaled a shaky breath, “I don’t understand how they could be viewed as anything other than disgusting… they symbolize something so ugly and unfathomably horrible.”

Peter placed his large hand over her fidgeting ones, curling his fingers around hers. “You are not a monster. You were forced into that life by that asshole. You were just trying to survive, Mora.” He squeezed her hand with a gentle firmness. “You’re not that person. You have so much good in your heart.”

She closed her eyes against the tears that threatened to fall, and his heart clenched at how fragile she looked. “Oh, Mora...” his voice shaky as he gathered her in his arms and pulled her close. She sunk into the comfort of his embrace and pressed her face into his chest, hot tears slipping down her cheeks and seeping into the cotton of his shirt.

Gamora would never forget the horrendous acts she committed in her past. She didn’t want to. But maybe she could learn to see herself the way Peter sees her. Accept the notion that she is a good person. Finally begin to let go of the debilitating, self-deprecating beliefs Thanos had instilled into her mind for nearly two decades. Take back control of her own life, her own mind.

Gamora shifted in Peter’s embrace until she was seated in his lap with her knees on either side of his hips. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly - he responded in kind. She found the pressure soothing. She whispered a muffled “thank you” against his neck.

Peter rubbed soft circles into her back in an attempt to comfort her. He pressed a kiss to her temple and then continued to just hold her. Silence fell around them, save for her soft sniffles here and there as her body worked to return to a calm state. Finally allowing herself to be comforted by someone felt… nice. Peter’s arms around her also felt nice. She burrowed herself further into him. A smile touched his lips and he tightened his hold on her.

“I don’t deserve you, you know.”

Peter’s smile fell and his brows pulled together. He gently lifted her face and peered into those gorgeous, sad brown eyes of hers. “Oh, baby girl, I’m exactly what you deserve.”

Gamora’s chest and throat tightened once more with emotion that threatened to burst out of her. How had this ridiculously annoying, infuriating, sweet, and charming man find his way into her heart so easily?

Her small hands settled on either side of his face, her piercing gaze burning through him. “I truly hope you know that I haven’t allowed us to be fully intimate not because I don’t desire you… but because I’m scared- scared of exposing everything I try in vain to keep hidden; scared of my scars and past tainting your view of me.”

Peter pulled her closer, if that were even possible, and kissed her fervently, desperate for her to feel just how unaffected his desire and love for her was. His lips worked against hers hungrily as a hand carded through her hair. Nothing mattered more in that moment than to ensure she felt loved and worthy and beautiful. He would work to ensure she felt so every single day until his last breath if she’d let him.

This was it. She was it; the sun at the center of his universe.

Peter’s tongue grazed the seam of her lips. She immediately granted him access, eager to have as much of him as she could. Hands explored and grasped with a growing urgency. Breaking the kiss momentarily, she ridded him of his shirt and then her lips were back on his once more, the drive to touch anywhere and everywhere unbearably strong.

It wasn’t enough.

She needed more.

Peter’s muscles flexed under her touch as her hands ran up his chest, the hairs on his arms raising as she dragged them back down, the blunt edge of her nails leaving pink streaks in their wake. Peter sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and bit lightly. A moan sounded from the back of her throat, hot arousal shooting to the apex of her thighs. Her mind was clouded with desire and her body felt so light she’s sure she would float away if it weren’t for Peter’s arms wrapped so tightly around her.

His hands inched down her waist and over her hips until they stretched over the curve of her ass. Without a thought, he impulsively gripped tightly and pressed her weight down while thrusting his hips up, connecting their centers. Oh, that glorious friction. Drawn out groans mingled in the air between their lips. She gave him a small smile then a gentle kiss before pulling back. Peter watched her while lazily rubbing his thumbs up and down her hip bones through the thin fabric of her sleep pants.

It’s now or never, Gamora.

She inhaled deeply - holding it for a moment - then slowly exhaled. Gently scooting back a few inches, she sat further down on his thighs. Peter’s eyes followed her movements, curious and a little unsure. She offered a small smile of reassurance as she lifted a hand and lightly ran her fingers across his flushed cheek. They lingered on his skin for only a moment before her hand continued its journey above her head. A jolt of nerves rushed through her body as her fingers made contact with a small handle. She slowly slid the skylight shade open and soft starlight poured into the room.

Peter’s chest tightened, awestruck and watching her. She was choosing to trust him in this moment, putting her heart and insecurities into his hands, baring her body to him. Tears threatened to well at this momentous gesture.

Her heart pounded in her chest, adrenalin causing her hands to tremble on their descent to the hem of her tank. Eyes closed, she drew in a long, slow breath, then slowly opened them again, exhaling as they met Peter’s. She paused momentarily, offering him a shy smile, before lifting the tank up over her head and dropping it over the edge of the bed. Her chest rose and fell with each quick, nervous breath she took - Peter’s breath halted entirely.

Her body blazed afire wherever his gaze fell, roaming over the newly exposed skin. Shame and anxiousness began to slowly ebb; she had never been looked at like this in her life - so much adoration and love pouring from his eyes alone. He was looking at her as if she’d personally strung up the very stars that were now glowing down upon them. The building pressure in her chest threatened to burst as tears began to well in her eyes, her hands trembling with the onslaught of emotion she was unfamiliar with experiencing. Although perfect was far from anything she would consider herself being… something about the way he looked at her made her feel pretty damn close.

His eyes silently asked permission; she granted it with a nod. His thumbs, featherlight, skimmed underneath the curves of her breast. He smiled as her body shivered beneath his touch. She gently bit her bottom lip as his hands traveled downward, lightly tracing the silver scars engraved in the skin over her ribs. His fingers fell to a puckered scar on the left side of her lower abdomen - it lacked the surgical precision of her silver ones. Peter idly wondered how she might have gotten it before his attention was pulled back to the exploration of her body. Several other puckered and jagged scars littered her belly and sides - he took his time attending to each of them, attempting to draw out all the pain they held with a tender touch.

He embraced her, feathering kisses on her temple, her cheek, across her jawline, at the base of her neck, across her shoulder. She shuddered under his lips, arching into his touch. One hand found purchase on her hip, the other cupping her face as his thumb ghosted across her cheek. He leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

“You’re so beautiful.” He pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes while he spoke, his voice filled with reverence. “Your scars are beautiful. Your heart is beautiful - your soul. Every part of you is beautiful, Gamora. You are everything good.” His sincerity nearly wrecked her.

She felt so much in that moment. All the things she wanted to express to him bubbled on the tip of her tongue but wouldn’t quite come out. So she kissed him - hard - hoping that everything she could not yet vocalize would be communicated through her physical affection. She felt the push of his body and succumbed to it, allowing him to lay her back onto the mattress, easing his weight on top of her. Gamora suppressed a moan at the feel of his body pressed so closely against hers.

Her hands rubbed up the thick muscles of his back as they rippled and flexed beneath her touch. Peter gave her a warm smile then dipped his head to capture her swollen lips once more, the kisses soft and languid. She drew a leg up along his side and hooked her foot behind his thigh, pulling him closer, his arousal brushing against her lower belly; he choked out a groan at the contact. Her body ached to be touched, but it was evident he was moving things slowly for her sake. She pushed up against the stiff bulge in his pants once more in an attempt to relay her intentions.

“Peter… more.” Her voice was low and rugged, unfamiliar to her ears.

She tipped her head to the side as he kissed her jaw, her ear, down her neck, her breaths coming faster as his mouth found her breasts. She hummed appreciatively and arched into him when his mouth closed around her nipple. She threaded her fingers through his curls and gripped. His hand cupped her other breast, running his thumb in circles as his tongue flicked and swirled in turn.

Gamora tugged gently on his hair, pulling his face back up to hers and locking their lips in a searing kiss. Her hands pushed at the waistband of his sweatpants. Registering her intent, he kicked off the unwanted garment and settled back on his haunches, his evident arousal straining against his boxer briefs. Her eyes settled on the large bulge momentarily before she raised a tentative hand towards it. Peter gently caught her hand and lifted it, feathering kisses across her knuckles. “Not yet, baby. You first.”

Her heart pounded as his eyes roamed her body, eventually settling on the waistband of her sleeping pants. She lifted her hips off the bed signaling her permission. He hooked his fingers inside the waistband of both her pants and her panties and slid them slowly down her legs, agonizingly so. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears, body brimming with anticipation as his eyes swept across the expanse of her taut skin and toned muscle now visible to him. He shook his head softly, logging every inch of her into his mind. “Gorgeous.”

She scoffed and rolled her eyes bashfully, unsure of how else to respond.

He gave her a knowing smirk before leaning down to kiss her. He shifted and trailed open mouth kisses down her neck, between her breasts, across her stomach, tongue dipping in her navel, teeth grazing her hipbone. Her scent and the sound of her moans and whimpers were intoxicating, maddening.

Peter looked up at her through hooded eyes, “Can I touch you?”

She nodded, not trusting her voice. The ability to form any coherent thoughts quickly dissipated as his fingers ghosted up the inside of her thigh. Her body was hot and tingly, filled to the brim with anticipation for his touch. His thumb grazed up and down the inner crease of her thigh. She couldn’t help the whimper that escaped from her lips; it was too much and not enough all at once.

Gamora gasped as he glided a finger through her wet folds, then a second. She was warm and slick against his fingers; he moaned, his desire for her only intensifying. She arched against him in response, head thrown back against the mattress, breaths quick and uneven. Peter gently rubbed light circles while enjoying the sounds emanating from her lips. He slipped a finger into her, then a second - her delicious moans growing louder. After a few thrusts of his fingers his tongue found her clit and her hips jerked upward. Hot pleasure pulsed in her core as her body writhed beneath his ministrations. This sensation was unlike anything she’s ever felt before.

Gamora moved against his hand and mouth, chasing after the building pressure in her lower abdomen. She squeezed her eyes shut, sheets fisted in one hand and a handful of Peter’s curls in the other. Her body arched and her moan choked off into a higher pitched cry towards the ceiling as his fingers flexed upward and hit her sweet spot.

“God, yes- right there,” she panted, “right there… Peter…”

White hot pleasure exploded throughout her body. Peter continued to pump into her as her walls clenched around his digits, helping her ride out her orgasm for as long as possible. Her fingers were woven through his hair, holding his mouth against her maybe a little too tight, but he didn’t show any sign of discomfort and she couldn’t bring herself to let him go just yet.

The waves of pleasure slowly pulsed through her limbs, leaving her feeling limp, her hand finally falling away from his head. Her eyes slowly opened and refocused on Peter as he sat back on his haunches and sucked her juices from his fingers. That sight alone sent another jolt of arousal straight through her. He leaned over her and kissed her tenderly as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She could taste herself on his tongue, surprised by how much she liked it.

The weight of his body over hers was absolute bliss. Her slender fingers slipped beneath the waistband of his boxer briefs and tugged at them - she wanted to feel all of him against her. He pulled back momentarily to kick off the last item to separate them.

Freed and pressing between her legs, Peter settled back over her, kissing her deeply. Sliding one arm behind her shoulders and the other around her waist, he lifted her up from the bed and held her close as he shifted back to rest against the pillows and headboard.

Gamora melted into him, holding his body close to hers, never breaking their kiss. Now seated astride his hips, she felt his hard erection pressed against her lower belly, hot and swollen, trapped between their bodies. Her fingers worked into his hair, nails scraping at the nape of his neck in a way she’s learned he loves while the other hand traveled downward and wrapped around his thick shaft. She swallowed his groan as his body trembled and bucked into her hand.

Her head lolled back and to the side, breaking their kiss as his large hands smoothed over the curve of her ass and began a slow, sinful caress of her skin. His lips trailed down her neck, tasting and teasing, coaxing from her gasps and moans that made him weak.

“Peter, please...”

Anything. He would do absolutely anything for her; give her anything. His hands glided down her thighs and then back up, settling lightly on her hips as she rose on her knees. Gently, he guided her back by her hips but didn’t apply any pressure - only a thumb traced lightly across a scar just above her hip bone, giving her full control. She steadied herself with one hand on his shoulder while the other guided him towards her entrance, both of them humming in unison as his tip slid against her hot, wet folds.

This was exactly what she wanted. No, needed; to feel him inside her, filling her, moving in her. She eased down on him inch by inch until he was sheathed in her completely. Peter held her in place for a moment, a whimper escaping from his lips. Nothing has ever felt so divine.

He pressed an open mouth kiss to her shoulder then murmured against her skin, “You’re perfect, Mora.” He pressed a kiss against her temple. “So perfect.”

Her fingers threaded through his curls and guided his lips towards hers as she lifted her hips and slid back down again. Never has she felt so full, so completed in her life - both physically and emotionally. Nothing outside of this moment existed. Their bodies moved together in perfect tandem, feeling so right, as if they were solely made for this, for each other.

Gasps and moans and whispers of sweet nothings filled the room. She was so close. Her vision blurred and the pressure in her abdomen coiled tighter and tighter, threatening to snap at any moment.

His arm tightened around her waist, holding her in place as he thrusted hard up into her heat, no trace of decorum left between them. His fingers dug into her skin, only intensifying her ache for him. He slammed into her again and again. His breath hitched and a drawn out groan sounded from his lips as her walls began to tighten around him.

Gamora swore she could see stars as hot pleasure rolled through her in waves. Peter’s eyes remained glued on her face, soaking her up as she came undone; to miss even a second of it was unacceptable. He watched her with an appreciation that bordered religious.

Her hips rocked against his, riding out the final pulses of pleasure stemming from her belly to the tips of her fingers and toes. Her skin glistened with perspiration and a dazed smile was on her lips as she began to come down from her high, her eyes refocusing on his.

He leaned forward and placed a tender kiss to her lips, then nipped at her earlobe before whispering against the shell of her ear, “You’re gorgeous when you come.” Her cheeks flushed at his words and her skin pricked from his hot breath against her ear.

His breath hitched as she shifted on his lap and gripped him inside her; her smile turned smug. Their lips crashed together passionately and a little painful, but the sting of teeth was quickly drowned out by the pleasure as their bodies moved together once more. The arm around her waist pulled her impossibly close, her nipples hardened and pressed against his chest, while his other hand tangled in the hair at the nape of her neck.

With his feet pressed flat against the bed, he thrusted up into her hard and fast while slamming her hips down simultaneously, his fingers digging into her skin harshly. She whimpered into his mouth, overly sensitive and nerves fried. Yet her body responded to his as the ache between her legs grew and the heat in the pit of her belly flared.

“Peter... oh god...”

Peter squeezed his eyes shut and nuzzled her hair against her neck. “Mora... fuck-”

His fingers found her clit and rubbed roughly as hips stuttered against hers. The added sensation to her already sensitive bud dragged her over the edge a final time, pulling Peter along with her. A drawn out groan fell from his lips as he came undone, throbbing deep inside her, the warm flood of his release filling her. Her voice echoed throughout the room as her head fell back, too blissed out in that moment to care whether or not the others could hear them.

Gamora collapsed against his chest, feeling boneless and relaxed, their bodies sweaty and hot. She buried her face in the curve of his neck and pressed a light kiss to his damp skin. He held her and murmured sweet nothings in her ear, so content and happy to have this incredible woman in his arms.

The light drag of his fingers tracing up and down the scars along her spine and the now steady rhythm of his heart nearly lulled her to sleep. It was peaceful being with Peter like this. He made her feel safe. Loved. She reveled in the calm and comfort his touches brought, no longer wanting to recoil and hide from them.

Peter held her just a moment longer before slipping out of her and shuffling down the bed to lay on his back. With his arm securely wrapped around her, Gamora shifted with him and curled into his chest, one leg draped between his. He pressed a kiss to the crown of her head and breathed in the soft scent of her hair.

“Thank you.” Her voice barely above a whisper cut through the silence of the room.

He dipped his head in attempt to better see her face. “What for?”

She pressed a soft kiss to his chest before leaning back a little to meet his jade eyes, gently ghosting her fingers along his jaw. Her smile was soft and her eyes began to prick with tears from the emotions welling up in her chest; she swallowed down the lump forming in her throat. “Just... for everything.”

She was quiet a moment, lost in her own thoughts. “You make me feel like I’m enough- me, Gamora. Not me, deadly assassin- j-just some favorite toy or weapon. And I-” her voice cracked, and she ducked her head while blinking back tears.

Peter rubbed soothing circles into her back and gingerly lifted her face back up to his, his other hand cradling her cheek. He kissed her with fervor, pushing her back against the bed so his large body hovered over her small frame. He peppered her with kisses - on her cheeks, temple, forehead, eyelids, the tip of her nose; an involuntary smile stretched across her lips. Happiness buzzed through her like electricity as her arms wrapped around his neck and back to hold him close. She’d never be in need of anything ever again as long as he was in her arms, and she in his.

His jade eyes bored into her dark ones. There was that look again - the look as if she had personally strung up the very stars twinkling above them, gracing the galaxy with starlight. His thumb brushed across her cheekbone.

“I love you, Mora,” his voice reverent, “so damn much.”

A whirlwind of emotions flooded her in an onslaught. Mantis had, as Peter would say, spilled the beans already. But hearing the words come from him directly, his voice raw with emotion, made her want to melt into the mattress and kiss him senselessly. A slight tinge if underlying fear was there - she couldn’t deny it. Fear to have something this good in her life, knowing how much greater the risk in losing it was... to have it taken.

Above all, though, warmth and adoration and her own love for him overpowered everything else. Yes, she loved him... for a while now, she thought. This could be her life now - a happy one shared with Peter; one filled with love and kindness and trust. She wanted to take that step, bringing her a little closer to what she once thought completely unattainable and away from a life where the only things she knew were pain, fear, rage, obedience, manipulation...

Her gaze met his with an intensity, willing him to understand just how important this moment was to her, how much trust she was putting in him to hand over her battered heart for him to keep and protect.

“I love you, too... more than anything,” her voice soft but firm and sure.

His face lit up with an arresting grin that simultaneously sent chills down her spine and warmed her heart. He lowered his lips back to hers, giving her everything he had.

She was his, and he was hers.

[save-the-spiral]

InkWizTober Day Two: Mindless + Potions

Hi y’all! It’s still the second my time, so welcome to day two of Inktober! Decided to do an OC fic, about my character Emrys! Sort of a companion to this, so maybe read that before? Warnings for magical substance abuse, pain, self destructive tendencies, and one mention of suicide.

(link to prompt lists) (link to inktober tag)

Emrys grimaced, staring up at the ceiling of his bedroom and panting. Nightmares were awful, but the frantic unconscious movement would strain muscles that would never properly heal. Groaning, he splayed a hand against the thick rope-like scar on his bare chest, mentally preparing to get out of bed.

He glanced at the clock in his room. Four AM wasn’t that early of a wake up time for him. Emrys groaned again as he got up. One hand was rubbing lightly at his chest, trying to get that tight, painful sensation to stop, and the other was clutching desperately against the headboard of his bed.

The wind chimes on his balcony moved faintly, the crystals gleaming faintly in the moonlight. The October breeze was chilling, but Emrys never bothered to wear shirts to bed anyway. Even if he did get cold, he would never admit it, his pride as an ice wizard overtaking common sense.

He stumbled into his bathroom, hands automatically going to the medicine cabinet. The empty bottles of pain potions took a moment to recognize, before he sighed and closed it again, coming face to face with his reflection as the cabinet closed.

The boy in the mirror looked almost gaunt, a childish caricature. The smears of purple fingerpaint under the eyes, the deep empty black of the eyes, the messy impossible hair.

Emrys brushed his shaking fingers through his blue hair, staring back at that boy, and not quite recognizing him. With a shake of his head, he turned around and left, putting on his slippers for the walk downstairs.

Tiredly making his descent Emrys skipped the creaky third step of the stairs and walked into the kitchen. Pulling out ingredients and a cauldron were automatic tasks. The tools were all bright silver and the cauldron was a deep black, onyx embedded into the rigid handles. 

It was a gift from his father when he and Mari got their little cottage. It saw far more use than his father probably ever anticipated.

Emrys knew the recipe of the health potion by heart now, and couldn’t tell anyone how long it took because he typically brewed it in times like this, middle of the night affairs spent in exhausted trances. He stared down into the indigo mixture as he stirred like it had the answers to his problems, though he knew it certainly didn’t. 

Three years of taking potions to stop the pain, to get some sleep, to get through a damn day of school without getting distracted or short of breath. Chronic conditions weren’t meant to exist in the magical worlds. If a wizard didn’t get it all magically fixed immediately, they tended to not survive severe injury. 

Unfortunately for Emrys, he did survive. A twinge of pain at the repeated stirring motion reminded him, the aggravated injury making him clench his teeth.

The potion was now a bright violet, almost the proper shade. Emrys crushed lavender under a silver blade and dropped it into the cauldron, watching the potion lighten slowly. 

With a relieved sigh, Emrys blew on the flames under the cauldron, drawing on his inner magic to kill the fire. Standing back up, he stretched his arms and rolled his shoulders. He’d just have to wait for it to cool now.

“You could’ve told me.”

Emrys startled, before turning around to look at his sister, Mari. 

She stood there in a green tank top and black sweatpants, leaning against the kitchen’s doorway. She was staring him down in a way that made Emrys very sure that he messed up.

“Tell you what?” Emrys asked, tone flat. He was too tired to act angry or guilty.

“Don’t play stupid, you’re bad at it.” Mari walked across the kitchen and began looking through cupboards, grabbing ingredients. “You’ve been having nightmares. You’ve been taking potions, and not telling me- and I’m your fucking healer, I’m supposed to know that shit- and you’ve been sleeping maybe four hours a night.”

At Emrys’ confused look Mari snorted. “You’re not nearly as stealthy as you think you are, Emmy.”

Emrys sat down at the kitchen table, his chair turned to look out from the table. “It’s my business.”

Mari pulled a carton of eggs out of the fridge and whirled around to look at him. “What the hell does that mean? I think it’s my business if your health is so shitty you fall asleep in the library and almost collapse in a practice duel- yes, Jen told me, they were really worried.” 

Emrys frowned. “I can take care of-”

“No, Emrys!” Mari left the eggs on the counter and approached him, and Emrys noticed her eyes were full with tears. “No you can’t! You’re not okay! And I’m worried, Irisi’s worried, your friends are worried! You need to stop and relax for once, because you’re working yourself into the fucking ground and I’m not going to sit here and let you fucking kill yourself like this!” 

Emrys tried to speak, to say something biting and cruel enough that Mari would leave him alone, only to let out a strangled, hiccup-y sob. 

Mari pulled him into her arms, and they both sank onto the freezing tile floor. Emrys couldn’t remember the last time he cried- it must’ve been when he was still in Mooshu, years ago. 

Mari was crying now too. “Please-” She kept stuttering, before pulling back to look him in the eyes. “Please, let me take care of you. I can’t lose the brother I just got back.” 

Emrys nodded, before embracing her desperately, melting into her and letting her support him.

[mysamcedesmadness]

So, Cheesy Romantic Picnic on the Grass?

So, anybody that has been following me here knows that chenoahchantel/noreasonjustbored is my BABAY in this fandom. Thanks for keeping me company when I'm alone with 12-18 kids in a big, scary house, and letting me toss ideas off of you. Hopefully, fulfills the audience.

For all who read, I just wanted to thank y'all. I thought this would be a one shot, but y'all showed up asking for more and I gave more until I came to what I felt like was the end of the journey. Grateful for everyone who took it with us. To think, it started out with some silly dreams. *Biggie voice: It was all a dream!* Anywho… And now the conclusion of So: The Henry Danger Fanfic aka So, I Had a Dream...

So, Cheesy Romantic Picnic on the Grass?

Charlotte had an appointment to check out a small house that she could rent near the university and an interview for an on campus job. When she got back into town, Piper picked her up and wondered, "So.. since you're moving back home, are you and my brother ..?"

"I reached out to him and told him that I miss him. We're going to talk, probably. I hope."

"Have you seen him since the last time I saw you?" Piper wondered.

"No. He's not on social media anymore, or he's blocked me."

"He left social media whenever you went to Europe. Jasper says that he still stalks your pages though. He catches him doing it at work sometimes." Piper cleared her throat and asked, "You still love him?"

"More now than I used to, somehow."

"Well, I feel like I should be the one to tell you… if you aren't going to be able to love him the way he needs, just don't bother. He won't benefit from some kind of quick fix."

"Piper, are you looking out for Henry?" Charlotte teased.

Piper stared at her with a stone face. "Somebody had to after you just quit on him. Did you think Jasper could do it? Jasper can barely take care of himself!" She tapped the steering wheel with her fingers and said, "If you're really gonna do right by him, you have nothing to worry about."

Charlotte found Piper's protectiveness a little weird, but she hadn't been around in years. For all she knew, Henry and Piper were close now.

Whenever they pulled up to this duplex, Charlotte squinted her eyes and wondered, "Where are we?"

Piper gave her a look and said, "Henry's," like, obviously. She slammed on the horn a bunch and unlocked the doors. "He and Jasper are renting this place from that boss of his at the junk store. I had no idea that he owned property. That makes sense. Because, to this day, I've still never seen anyone purchase anything from out of there."

Charlotte kept silent. This was probably something he had on Captain Man's dime. She wondered if Henry and Jasper were actually paying rent, or just able to stay because of Captain Man's resources in Swellview. Jasper was out first, in a belly shirt and a pair of jorts, and Charlotte had to admit - he'd been working on those abs! He rushed and gave her a big hug and swept her up off the ground cheering, "She's home!" When he put her down, they were just chattering excitedly. She saw movement in the corner of her eye, but was a little bit nervous to even turn and see Henry. But, she did. He was speaking quietly with Piper and grabbing Charlotte's bags from the SUV. Piper looked concerned and he looked… well, kinda like he was trying to avoid being scolded.

But, more importantly… He looked… different. He was more muscular, had some facial hair. With the tank top he was wearing, she saw that he'd added more tattoos and she wondered if he'd done so to rid himself of hers. That suddenly terrified and saddened her… But, nope… When he shifted to throw another bag on his left arm, she simultaneously noticed that her tattoo was still visibly in tact (as well as noticed the flex of his muscles when he picked up more). "Hey, I can help…" She said and went to try to get a bag from him. He just smiled and shook his head, then went inside.

Piper had her arms folded and she looked at Charlotte, "You're gonna be here for him, right?"

"Right."

"Okay. Call me soon so we can connect. I know the two of you have a lot to discuss." She hugged her then pointed to Jasper and said, "Go home. You can see her later, like everybody else."

"This is my home!" Jasper said.

Piper pointed at the right side of the duplex, "That's your home and you go to it, NOT to Henry's, right now. Where are his keys?"

"In my pocket."

"They better stay there until he's better." She fussed and then smiled sweetly at Charlotte and waved as she got into the vehicle.

"I think I've grown on her," Jasper said, nodding. Charlotte gave him a confused look.

But, then something occurred to her, "Wait, why are Henry's keys in your pocket?"

Jasper waved a hand and said, "Piper makes me take them if I see him drinking because he got wasted, busted his fists up, got alcohol poisoning, and nearly choked on his own vomit."

"Oh my God!"

"I made that sound worse than it was. These were three different occasions. Not the same night!"

"Jasper, that's worst. That means this is a habit. How'd he bust his fists up?"

"Punching an indestructible man repeatedly." Charlotte held her head. "In his defense, Ray was really asking for it and he was extremely drunk."

"When did he start drinking?"

"It just helps him cope. He does it all the time and only had three incidents."

"Jasper… Drinking "all the time" is an incident, okay? And the three incidents to listed sound pretty bad. He choked on vomit? Alcohol poisoning? Thank God that you take his keys, or he might have harmed someone or himself!"

"Ohhhhh… now that I think about it… The night that he busted up his fists, he did almost crash. He came home with blood all over him because apparently liquor is a blood thinner? Who knew, right? And Piper immediately tried to rush him to the hospital, but he knows that Schwoz can probably fix it, so he says he'll do it tomorrow. Well, Piper is insisting it happens now, before he gets blood all over the house that their parents think that she's responsible, though I'm pretty sure she was probably worried. She's asking him what happened, was it a fight, did he bludgeon someone to death, did he attack a brick wall? He says fine, jumps in the truck and speeds off. So, at this point, I'm confused, because I was his ride home and she's aggravated. She calls the cops on him, and we get in her car and try to follow him. He was all over the place and nearly drove through the front of Junk N' Stuff. He gets out and goes in, and she's SOOOO mad, but I convinced her that I'll take care of him and make sure he gets medical attention. Schwoz fixed him up, but he had to of course wear the bandages for a while, for good measure. But, Piper's been hard on his case ever since."

"Can you blame her?"

"Charlotte… That doesn't help him. He needs support. He needs love…"

As though on cue, Henry returned and even though he was beautiful, Charlotte certainly noticed the pain in his features. He finally gave her a hug as he asked Jasper, "Trying to steal my woman? I don't play that. Not with this one." He gave her a kiss on the forehead and she melted against him and glanced down at his gray sweatpants.

"Piper told me to go home," Jasper said.

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea for right now, so we can… chill, you know?"

"Talk to you soon, Jasp," Charlotte said.

Henry flinched and he joked, "You don't call my Jasp "Jasp, I call my Jasp "Jasp."

"He's our Jasp," she said, with their arms still wrapped around each other. Jasper vanished into his duplex and Charlotte looked up at Henry. "Hey, Hen," she said. He just smiled and pulled her close to himself. "You're going kinda easy on me. I guess I expected a fight."

"I've been waiting for years for you to come back. Last thing I want is to fight with you." He rubbed her back and her arms, then cradled her to himself.

"You okay?"

"No. I missed you more than my brain even has words to like depict or whatever." He leaned back and said, "I would kiss you, but I'm not as good as reading you as I used to be and I wouldn't want to cross any lines."

"Well, I would kiss you, but I just want to know… How much have you had to drink today?"

She saw the flicker of offense and he dropped his arms from around her and laughed a little. "Wnat me to pour you one?"

"No thanks, I don't drink."

"Of course you don't. Your life is perfect. You're perfect. Charlotte Page never does anything wrong or unsavory…"

"There's the fight," she said under her breath.

"Yeah, since you wanted one!"

"I'm not trying to fight. I just heard that you were having some problems and I'm concerned. Piper certainly seemed concerned. Can't I be concerned, or did I lose my rights to caring about you?" They were inside. He flopped down onto the couch. This duplex was actually pretty spacious! But, she wasn't distracted. She sat next to him and said, "I would never attack you, Hen. I have your back. But, the things that I've heard are scary, and I want what's best for you. Do you think you might need to see someone about it?"

"What, like rehab? No. I see a lot. I go through a lot. And, from the time I was 13 on up, I have had a very dangerous and stressful job. I was a good kid. I was responsible and dependable. More than most of these cats in Swellview, you know? It's just that nobody really knew that, because I had to hide who I was and I didn't have the energy to be that kid 24/7. When I unmasked, they got Henry. Hopeless Henry, with the bad grades and short attention span." He chuckled. "It was always okay, though. I had the best friends somebody like me could have. And for a while, I had the best girlfriend. I actually thrived for a while. I was doing pretty good in school. My parents were pleased with me. Like.. I was that dude. Then… we graduated and I had to try to adapt to college life with a different dynamic in my support system. I lost my girl and my best friend when you left…" She furrowed her eyebrows and he quickly said, "I'm not saying I blame you, I'm just stating my stressors." He shook his head. "I did my best and was barely getting by in college. Those professors thought I was a lazy loser. I was protecting Swellview with most of what I had to give, and I didn't have my biggest supporter. I didn't want to bother you. I'd already messed things up between us. You… came to visit and we… I thought that maybe you could see that I knew I messed up. I thought that maybe you would open the conversation, because you're so big on opening conversations. When you didn't, I thought maybe it was because you no longer wanted anything to do with me. Because, you don't like to leave things unsettled. But, when you did, I took that as a sign. Then… you group chatted us months later that you weren't coming home for summer because you'd be exploring Europe. It was like the nail in the coffin."

"Okay… But, why didn't you just start the conversation? Henry… I started so many of our most important conversations and the last one that I tried to have, I tried to start numerous times, only to have you thwart it. Did it not occur to you that maybe I was scared that you wouldn't have the conversation with me?"

"It clearly did not." They were quiet for a while. "I'm sorry. I'm the one that broke things off. I'm the one that rushed to the first available girl to try to clear my mind of you. I'm the one who should have and didn't bring the conversation back around when it mattered. You did a lot of the heavy lifting in our relationship. I should have done all the lifting it would have taken to mend it, after I broke it. Because, I've thought about that conversations many drunken nights, and I definitely was the one who," he shook his head and clasped his hands together.

"Henry, if you don't think rehab, what about at least going to therapy? You should sort these things out with a professional."

"How do I explain my Kid Danger dilemmas?" He rolled his eyes.

They were silent again, then Charlotte said, "Okay… You… Have a very important job that you can't discuss for security purposes… A job in which you are responsible for the wellbeing of someone else. Say that you're in protection services… for special needs citizens. The job often changes, but someone is always in your care. It's stressful but it's your passion and your mission and it has affected you in A, B, and C ways…" He was pondering over this. "Don't think about it too hard. It'll hold up. They won't press you to ask what you specifically do, especially if you've already stated that you couldn't go into detail about the job. I just want you to be the best you that you can be. A healthy, happy Henry. You're… the love of my life. I can't stand to see you hurting…"

Henry looked shocked at her saying that. So, he hadn't messed everything completely upm afterall. He took her hand and pulled her closer to cuddle with him. "You're the love of my life, too," he whispered. "Char… Are you here to stay? Are you visiting before going somewhere else to get your masters or phD, or whatever you're working on next?"

"And leave you in Jasper's care again? Look at what happened last time!" She joked, but he had a serious look on his face and was still waiting for her to respond. She sighed and stroked his hair, "Listen, let's first focus on therapy and rehab, then we can have a conversation. I'll even be the one to bring it up." He smiled a little and for the first time since she got back, she saw some gosh dang hope in his eyes.

.

Charlotte cancelled her apartment hunt and just set up in Jasper's extra room. They thought it might make things less stressful for them if she wasn't all in his space, but she also wanted to be close enough to be able to immediately respond, should he need her. It took Henry a while, but she noticed within the next few months of summer, he began to relax more. She noticed that he didn't seem to be replenishing his bar, (because he didn't agree with quitting cold turkey, so it was definitely still there). She hoped that he was pouring out bottles as he got better and not drinking them, though. She and Jasper had keys to the place, so she sometimes went over to use his gym, and his shower. A few times, he'd caught her undressed or partially dressed and quickly retracted himself (yep, in his own home).

One time, though, she came in and he was there, setting stuff up on the mantle where his bar once was. "Hey… I thought you were at work."

"No. I had a meeting tonight, so I took the night off. It's too stressful to fight crime then try to talk to the group, and it was a good night for group," he said and came over to show her something. "Got my six month chip." She gasped and hugged him. It was an effort for him not to kiss her. "Therapy has been really good too," he said and pulled away from her to finish decorating.

"Well… I'm really proud of you and glad that you're doing so well on self."It had been difficult for her to stay out of the way, but she knew that she had to let him do it. If it was just another Charlotte controlled mission, he never could have gotten the recovery he needed or deserved. "So… If… You… are interested in having our conversation… I'd love to do that as soon as you want to." She noticed him tense up but she didn't know if it was nervousness, excitement, a cringe. Hell, he'd spent months fixing himself. Maybe the last thing he wanted was to connect with her or with anybody else. What was she thinking? Six months wasn't enough time!

"I want that more than anything," he said and turned around and leaned against the mantle. "But, I do have a busy week, so perhaps we can set a date. My therapist says that with my job being so versatile and erratic, that I have to be sure to try to have structure in my personal life and not to be impulsive, to maintain stability."

She pulled out her phone and synched their calendars. "Okay, so, as far as when you don';t have work, meetings, appointments and other engagements and I don't have class, work, etc… two weeks from now on Wednesday night sound good?"

"Sounds like a dream," he said (a callback to the first time he asked her out.

She immediately got that reference and added on to it, "So, cheesy romantic picnic on the grass?"

He smiled, the brightest smile she had seen in a while, "I'll bring the blanket."

…

"Aaaaaand, they lived happily ever after," the older Henry said. "True story about your mom and dad…"

The eldest in the backseat threw her head back and said loudly, "Mom, wake up! Dad is telling us the story about your first date again and still insists on pretending that he was Kid Danger!" Charlotte laughed and said, "I am awake and also… if you thought I was asleep, you were gonna wake me up, for that?"

The girl shrugged her shoulders, curls blowing in the wind. "He got to the end of the story. You know he always likes to end on that cheesy "I'll bring the blanket," (she imitated him) "line. Not even smooth. I can't believe you gave him three kids," she teased.

"He didn't have to be smooth. You've seen photos of your dad when we got married."

"Wasn't impressed," she said.

"You literally look just like me, with a tan and long hair," Henry said. "I wanted to name you Henry Jr, but Charlotte was afraid that you might have a complex about it when you got old enough for kids to tease you."

The middle child, and only boy spoke up, "Mom, then what happened after dad's cheesy, not smooth line."

"They are relentless," Henry commented.

"Well, they are my children," Charlotte reminded him with a giggle, then finished the retelling,

"Charlotte's smile as she went back to Jasper's and started packing was the widest one she ever felt on her face. "What's happening? Are you… Where are you going?" Jasper wondered.

"If I'm lucky.. To where I always belonged. Home to Henry. I'll know in a couple of weeks." She contacted Schwoz, "Hey, Schwoz… do you still have any It's Time gumballs?"

"I have the new and improved It's Time gumballs!"

"I'll be by to get it in a few. Click."

Three Hart kids clapped their hands and cheered, "Way to go, Mom!" She chuckled.

"No respect," Henry said, shaking his head, but smiling brightly as they pulled into the carport of their summer house. Charlotte could hardly wait to hit the waves on her trusty old surfboard. Henry could hardly wait to grill hotdogs and… his alert went off and their eldest complained, "Ugh… You've gotta work?"

"Yeah, he does. It's how we have a summer house, so mind your tone, Girl." Charlotte gave Henry a kiss on the lips, placed her hand on his heart to feel his pulse in sync with her ring, and told him, "Come home safely."

"I always try," he said, as he pulled out his gumballs and tried to find some place to change.

"Okay! House Hart, unpack the truck for me," Charlotte said to her 16, 12 and 8 year old. She watched as a red and blue jetpack wearing streak went up and then over. The kids were distracted and said, "WHOAAA! THAT WAS AGENT DANGER!" They were all super excited and she just smiled and shook her head. She told Henry that the best way of always keeping them unaware of his secret identity was to tell them all of their lives that he used to be Kid Danger. No matter how obvious it became, they never presumed he was Agent Danger.

[strawberrymo0o]

Newt | My one good thing. One shot.

Requested: Yes - Can I have a Newt one shot where him and easer the hate each other  because they always try to one up each other but then fall in love suddenly when they are alone and then he makes out with the reader?z. Can it be like super fluffy and no smut? is that possible? Love you! @hamiltonofjakku

Warnings: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ don’t like fluffy/kissing don’t read I guess.

Word count: lmao idk.

A/N: I’m not happy with this but I spent too much time picking it apart. I needed to post it before I ruined it further. Also sorry this took so long. My laptop and I have been fighting.

~*~*~*~

“Oh just shuck off, Newt!” (Y/n) spat before storming off across the gardens.

In Newt’s defense he hadn’t meant for the conversation to go so south so fast. All he wanted to do was to remind her to till the area a little better before planting the new seeds. He wasn’t trying to be mean. Perhaps there was a time where he had been trying to get under the girls skin. They hadn’t been the best of friends after all. In fact they were very much enemies. Always trying to be better than the other. Constantly bickering about things that were trivial. Like who picked the most vegetables that day, or who could drink more of Gally’s shine. That one had been a particular bad idea.

It was a constant battle of who was better, so he could see why she would assume he was just being a jerk. In this moment though he was just genuinely trying to help. A small sigh left the blond boys chapped lips. His caramel eyes watching as she carefully weaved her way through the gardens.

There’s that feeling again, he thought as his eyes followed her. The tightness in his chest. The feeling of something fluttering around his gut. The need to chase after her and apologize. The feeling had been growing larger as the days passed by. The feeling was foreign to him. As if he’d never really felt anything like it. Not even the before time. His mind couldn’t quite grasp what the feeling was.

His eyes - still focused on (y/n) - roved over her few times. The grey colored tank top was sticking to her skin with sweat, and hugging every curve of her just bloody right. The brown shorts exposing her long sun kissed legs that seemed to go in for days. Her hair was pulled up into a messy pony tail on the top of her head. A few strands escaping, and framing her face. Smaller hairs sticking to her face that was glistening with sweat.

“Are you done?” Zart asked suddenly causing Newt to jump.

Newt’s eyes tugged from (y/n) and focused on Zart. The kid was wearing the same bored expression he always wore. He licked his lips again and looked to the ground. “Just about. I should have this section seeded by the end of the -“ He began only to be cut off.

“That’s not what I meant.” Zart drawled as his eyes moved to the only female of the glade. “I meant are you done pretending you hate her?”

Newt felt all of his muscles in his body tense. How had someone noticed? It wasn’t like he was being sneaky about it but still. He never  thought someone would notice that he didn’t hate her anymore. Well he didn’t really hate her in the first place. He was just trying to shield his attraction to her with annoyance and anger. Yet he never expected to anyone to notice how he didn’t actually hate her. Especially someone like Zart. “W - what are you going on about?” Newt spoke, trying his best to sound level headed. He didn’t think it worked.

Zart sighed as he looked over the recently tilled area. “I’m not as oblivious as people think I am, Newt.” He defended lowly as his eyes moved back to the second in command. “I’ve seen the way you look at her. You look at her like she’s the only good thing left in the world. Like she’s the only thing that matters.” He went on. His voice was the same as it always was. Monotone, but it held a hit of seriousness to it.

Newt wanted to puke. He wanted to spill all of the contents he consumed through the day all over the ground. If Zart noticed had anyone else? Had (y/n), noticed? Shuck. He hoped not. He shifted the makeshift hoe from one hand to the other and averted his gaze from the boy. “I - well I don’t know how to respond to that.” He admitted, voice soft. Which was the truth. He really didn’t know how to respond. He’d never thought about telling anyone about his attraction to (y/n), so someone finding out never crossed his mind. His mouth felt dry all of a sudden and his eyes flickered back to the girl across the gardens. The same feeling from before flooding over him. His eyes tugged from the girl back to Zart.

Zart looked to Newt. “You want my honest opinion?” He said as he looked over to (y/n) then back to Newt. He watched as Newt shrugged. He took that as an okay to go ahead. “I think - well - you should probably tell her how you feel. When you’re in a situation like the one we’re all in you deserve to have some sort of happiness.”

Newt swallowed hard. Tell her? He couldn’t tell her could he? She could never feel the same about him. Not when they’ve been butting heads for month now. She couldn’t possibly feel the same. She couldn’t have the same tightness in her chest as he did when she looked at him. She couldn’t get those stupid fluttery feelings in her gut when he smiled like he did her. He knew that she couldn’t feel anything but hate towards him.

“Maybe this will convince you. Gally has a huge crush on her and he’s planning on telling her tonight. At the bonfire.” Zart stated, cutting into Newt’s thoughts.

Panic flooded his chest. Gally. The bloody slinthead. If he knew one thing it was that (y/n) couldn’t stand Gally more than she couldn’t stand him. However the idea that another guy was going to profess his crush on her before him didn’t settle right in his gut. No. It made him jealous and enraged. Suddenly, he slammed the hoe into the ground, causing it to stick up with out support from human hands. “Thanks, Zart. Maybe I’ll take your advice right now.” He stated, a wave of confidence taking over him.

“Good that.” Zart mumbled, cracking a grin before going back to his work.

Newt’s eyes searched for (y/n). She wasn’t where she was a moment ago. They darted around until he saw her heading in the direction of the homestead. Without letting his mind take over and making him doubt what he was about to do he set off. He was trying his best to catch up. Yet his limp was slightly hindering that. He huffed out an aggravated sigh. “(Y/n)!” He called out, watching as she walked. He noticed her tense up before she sped up. He huffed a small growl. Did she always have to be so bloody stubborn? He called for her again and she still didn’t respond. He wasn’t going to give up though. Not yet. He was in a mission and he was going to complete it. “(Y/n)! Wait up!” He called to her.

After what seemed like hours she finally stopped and turned around. Her brows knit as she watched him walk up to her. He huffed out a small breath before reaching up and wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his arm. “You’re bloody quick.” He mumbled causing her to roll her eyes.

“Yet another thing I’m better at.” She murmured, more to herself than him.

“Very funny.” He huffed as he crossed his arms across his chest. He watched as she cracked a grin. That feeling washed over him ten fold and he felt like he was going to pass out. He licked his lips before looking around. “You think we could talk? Somewhere a little less public?” He asked softly, as he rubbed the back of his neck.

The anticipation was killing him. She wasn’t jumping at the thought of being alone with him. She was just staring at him with a curious expression on her face. If he were honest some of his confidence was wearing off. Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea? Maybe he should just leave it alone. He felt like he was just setting himself up for disappointment. He didn’t want to get hurt but he knew he was going to regret not telling her. It was eating away at him and he hadn’t realized it until a few minutes ago.

“Sure. We can head back to my hut.” (Y/n) finally spoke causing Newt to nearly sigh with relief. She turned and began walking towards her hut.

Newt was overcome with doubt. Was this even a good idea? His confidence was dwindling with each foot they got closer. His mind was swirling with reasons why this was a bad idea. She could hit him. She could be so annoyed with his feelings she could yell at him. Or the worst of all, she could laugh at him. She could hear his feelings she could just laugh at him for even thinking that maybe she could feel the same. That thought alone sent a faint pain through him. What if she did laugh? He didn’t think he could handle it. He had spent so much time trying to be okay in this bloody place that he was afraid she would ruin it all. That if she did laugh that he would break and lose all hope.

He hated thinking like that. He hated placing his happiness on her but if he were honest she was the only good thing in this place. The moment she came up in that box his life changed. Sure it wasn’t all rainbows and happiness between them at first, but now it was different. It was different for him. He looked forward to their daily squabbles. He woke up in the morning trying to find a reason to talk to her. Even though it sounded pathetic he knew that the only way to get any sort of attention from her was to pick silly little fights. It wasn’t he healthiest way to do it and he knew it. He knew he was stupid for going about it that way.

“Newt.” (Y/n)’s voice sounded breaking Newt  from his thoughts. He realized that he was just standing in the doorway of her hut and she was staring at him. With those beautiful eyes. She was just watching him. “Are you going to come in?” She asked, confusion lace in each syllable.

“Oh. Yeah.” He mumbled before stepping in. He grabbed the door and closed it. The clicking from the handle echoed through out the room. He shifted around and looked at anywhere but her. Could he really do this? He reached a hand up and trudged it through his already messy hair.

“Well, go on then.” (Y/n) spoke as she went around her room and began tidying up things.

He watched as she grabbed what he assumed were her sleeping clothes and tossed them into the basket he assumed was for her worn clothes. She glanced up to him and stopped. “Newt..”

“I’m sorry.” He blurted out suddenly. His cheeks went a shade of light pink as he continued to avert his gaze from the gorgeous woman in the room with him. A small sigh escaped her and his eyes finally moved to her.

“Look. I know I wasn’t doing the best job today and I hate making excuses, but I was distracted.” She admitted as she reached up and tugged on her ponytail to tighten it against her skull.

“No. I’m not sorry for that. Well I am - but I mean for all if it.” He spoke again, voice soft and sincere. “I’m sorry for being a bloody slinthead these last few weeks. I just thought that you were trying to take my place. That you were just trying to be better than me. I worked so hard for my position and I just - I’m sorry. I’m making excuses. Yet none of them justify how much of a bloody shuck I’ve been.” He rambled off as his hands wrapped and unwrapped around the strap of his bag. A nervous habit he had. His eyes moved to her to wait for her reaction.

She was silent for a moment then shook her head. “You honestly thought I was trying to take your spot, Newt?” She asked almost in disbelief.

Newt heaved his shoulders and licked his chapped lips. “It wouldn’t be the first time someone tried to do so.” He explained as he continued to fiddle with his bag strap.

A heavy sigh left her lips and (y/n) tossed her hands up. “Well that wasn’t my intention, Newt!” She exclaimed. “All those times you thought I was trying to one up you I wasn’t.” She sighed as she shook her head again.

Newt felt awful. He felt like he was the biggest hunk of klunk on the face of the earth. He had gotten so caught up in how he felt about things he never stopped think why she was really doing it. Though now he was curious as to why she was doing it. If she didn’t want to steal his spot or be better than him why was she always trying to seem like she was? He was about to open his mouth but (y/n) continued.

“And you know I feel silly now. For thinking you hated me. In fact you were just intimidated by the fact I was trying to impress you.” She was almost laughing at it. “Almost ironic isn’t it? I was trying to impress you and get your attention and you thought I was trying to dethrone you.” She was laughing now, which sent the honey haired boys heart into over drive. He loves the way her laugh sounded. God did he love it.

Stupidity took over. How had he been so wrong about what was going on? Obviously he let the bad thoughts take over his mind.  “Y - you were trying to impress me?” He asked in confusion as he tilted his head. “Why would you want to do that?”

It was (y/n)’s turn to avert her gaze. Which peaked Newt’s curiosity even more. Why didn’t she want to look at him? What could be so bad about wanting to impress him? He watched as she kicked at an invisible pebble on the floor of her hut. Her eyes watching as her foot kicked the non-existent object around.  Her shoulders heaved as she sighed heavily. She finally looked up and he couldn’t help but notice how pink her cheeks were. “Imighthaveacrushonyou.” Escaped her lips quickly. So quickly that Newt barely understood her.

“Come again?” He mumbled as he shifted forward a bit so he could hear her better.

Her face contorted into annoyance and she tossed her hands into the air. “I have a shucking crush on you okay!” She announced loudly as she sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. She dropped her head to look at the floor again. “Go on. Laugh.”

Newt was struck in the chest by her words. His heart was accelerating so fast now he was worried it was going to burst through his ribcage. She has a crush? On him? He blinked as he watched her. He really couldn’t believe that someone as incredible and strong had a crush on him. (Y/n) could have any guy she wanted in the glade. The leader Alby. The keeper of the runners, Minho. Two of the strongest people that he knew. She could have them in a matter of a few words. Yet she liked him.

Without thinking much about what he was doing, Newts legs carried him across the room towards, (y/n). He stopped right in front of her. She wasn’t looking up at him. It was as if she refused to do so. Carefully, he reached his hand up and tucked his index finger under her chin. He used his finger to gently shift her face to make her look up at him. When his eyes met hers something ignited. The feeling he felt whenever he looked at her increased ten fold.

“I would never laugh at you for telling me how you feel.” He murmured softly. His hand shifted from her chin up to brush a some baby hairs from her forehead. His other hand moved to her hip and tugged her so she was pressed against him. Newt had no idea where this part of him was coming from. How he was able to gain so much confidence. She wasn’t resisting his touch though. Instead he felt her shift some of her weight into him. He inhaled before dropping his forehead down to rest against hers. He closed his eyes. “Especially when I feel the same about you.”

What happened next he wasn’t expecting. Not at all. Next thing he knew her lips had found his and she was kissing him. She was kissing him like she meant it. Like she was trying to convey the feelings she had for him. Which he returned. He felt her nimble hands wrap around his neck, as she leaned into him more. Both of his hands moved to her hips to steady her against him.

His tongue hesitated for a moment before poking out of his mouth to swipe across her soft, bottom lip. He wasn’t met with much resistance. The moment his tongue slipped into her mouth he was hooked on her. He felt himself become even more addicted to (y/n). He knew he was going to crave her. That he wasn’t going to be able to resist her. She was going to be his muse in this dreadful place. She was going to be his one good thing.

After a while they pulled apart for air. Both parties breathing heavily. Both of them wearing as equally goofy grins. Newt rubbed his thumbs into her hips as he rested his forehead against hers again. “(Y/n).” Newt breathed out softly as he opened his eyes as lifted his forehead from hers.

“What, Newt?” She hummed out, as he felt her hands move up to tangle into his hair.

“Be mine.” He whispered softly, afraid if he spoke any louder the moment would be ruined. “Be only mine.” He felt like it was a simple request. One that he realized he’d been dying for the moment he saw her climb from the box herself.

He watched her smile before pushing herself up and pressing a simple, soft kiss to his lips. Bloody hell, I’m never going to get tired of that, He thought. “Of course I will, Newt. That’s all I wanted from the moment we met.” She agreed.

The smile on Newt’s face was so wide his cheeks were hurting, but he didn’t care. He had the most perfect girl in the universe. She was his, and he was hers. Nothing else mattered to him in this moment. Just him, and her. That’s all he cared about. “But, Newt,” She began as she pulled from him slightly. “I’m not going to go easy on you now. I’ve got you. Now I’ve got to impress you even more to keep you.” A coy smile was playing on her lips causing the caramel eye’d boy to laugh.

“You don’t have to impress me, (y/n).” He mused as he leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

[writesandfights]

Title: The one he hates

Dean Winchester Imagine

Requested: No

Word Count: 1.7k

5: “Why do you hate me”

24: “You need to leave.”

62: “I want to protect you.”

146: “Are you okay?”

You walked down the stairs of the bunker, your high heel boots clicking on every step, almost as if you were making your presence known. Almost on queue you were greeted with the barrel of a gun in your face, Dean Winchester on the other end. He let out an aggravated sigh, looking at you but rolling his eyes to turn to his larger brother Sam.

“Why in the hell would you bring Y/N on this?!” He turned to his brother, gesturing towards you with a grimace, Sam was quick to defend you. “Just because you don’t like her doesn’t mean it depicts her skill as hunter.”

You were always curious as to why Dean hated you, he never really told you and in the past you were way to shy to ask him. “Why do you hate me?”

Dean wouldn’t turn to look at you, he wouldn’t answer the question, you rolled your eyes. With an annoyed sigh, you grabbed him by the shoulder, making him face you, “why do you hate me so much, Dean?”

“You need to leave.” He only stated, his green eyes staring into yours, he was always hiding something behind the stiff expression. You looked at his face, staring at everything that made up Dean Winchester, the deep green eyes, the consistent shadow of stubble and the occasional scar that popped up on his face.

“Whether you like it or not, I am going on this hunt with you, Dean.” You walked past him, your shoulder bumping his as you did, he was taken aback by your sudden hit, but you kept walking. He turned to look at you, only watching as he gave Sammy a sneer.

You went to your room, changing out of the clothes you were in, feeling dirty in the travel clothes. You put on the usual outfit, tank top, jeans, combat boots and leather jacket, you set your bag down, now feeling comfortable.You walked out, seeing Sammy now in the living room, reviewing the hunt you guys were going to be going on, you sat down next to him.

“A group of demons terrorizing an area of small homes just outside of chicago.” You nodded, Dean set a cup of coffee down besides you, you smiled lightly at him, “thank you. How many are there?”

Sam shrugged not knowing the answer, Dean sat down across from you, avoiding eye contact with you. For him ‘hating’ you, he didn’t do much of a good job, he seemed to be more afraid of you than anything.

“All we know is that Lucifer is rumored to be there, we could be wrong, but Crowley isn’t the one leading demons in small attacks on elderly people.” You started to think about this hunt, comparing it to the previous ones you had been on, you hadn’t known Lucifer to just attack an Elderly neighborhood.

Dean stood up, his keys ringing in his pocket, you knew that signal, it was time to leave for the hunt. You grabbed your gun and tucked it in your hem of your jeans, next were your multiple knives, hiding in various spots.

The trip wasn’t long, but it was longer considering the fact that Dean wasn’t going to talk to you. Once you arrived at the chain of houses, you could almost the air it was that thick of tension, you couldn’t talk to him without feeling awkward.

You climbed out the back seat of the car, looking around, hoping to soon see the black eyes that demons possessed. It was only pitch black outside, you couldn’t see anything that the street lights weren’t lighting up, and that was very little. Dean stepped in front of you, prohibiting your view, you felt conflicted, “what’re you doing?”

“Hunting, what are you doing?” He stated a little too loudly, you scoffed and crossed your arms, “no shit, I thought you were gonna start playing hopscotch.” you yelled back, getting up in his face, Sam noticed the tension, but didn’t say a word.

Dean looked away from you, but he never wavered his stance, only biting his lip, “Maybe you can kill them with your sarcasm, because you are no good with your weapon.”

You held your hand on your gun, it had now turned into a screaming match rather than a conversation, “maybe if your giant head wasn’t in my way so much I would be able to see!”

Sam tried to stop the screaming, but he was soon shut down, realizing that you and Dean weren’t going to be interrupted.He kept trying to intervene, throw in little words as you and Sam kept yelling back and forth.

“Maybe you shouldn’t answer when Sam calls! Then you no longer have to see my fat head!” The silence was soon concerning, not a peep came from Sam, Dean noticed almost instantly, he looked to where Sammy was once standing, but there was nothing.

“And why shouldn’t I answer Dean! You seem to hate me without a reason!” You finally screamed out at the oldest winchester, he turned to you, his green eyes looking into yours.

“Sammy?” You started to get worried, now alone with the one man on Earth who you couldn’t seem to read, “see what you did? Now Sammy is missing.”

You walked to the other side of the car, looking to see if you could find out where Sammy was, “How about we split up, you go to those houses and look and I’ll go to the other side.” Dean was reluctant to splitting up, but he knew you could handle yourself.

Sammy was nowhere in sight, he wasn’t in the abandoned houses, and you didn’t have it in you to break into the other houses.. That was until you saw a basement light, one of the houses had the lights on, an older person doing laundry at 2am, very unlikely.

You pulled up your gun, walking toward the house, you went slowly, taking one step at a time. That was until a sense of being followed rose into the back of your mind, you knew the demon or demons were out here. “Come out you bastard.”

“It’s not very nice to classify someone as a bastard when you’ve never met them.” You turned on your heel to see an older woman, maybe 70, she was hunched over, a smile on her face as she held a pair of garden shears in her hands.

The older woman started to walk towards you, but you pointed the gun at her, “what kind’ve old lady trims her hedges at 2AM?”

She snickered and kept walking towards the gun, but soon dropping the wobbling act, her eyes glowing a bright red. “Lucifer?”

You stumbled backwards, mesmerized by the glowing eyes, she cocked her head to the left, you held up your gun, no longer moving. The gun was pressed against the temple of the woman, you pulled the trigger hearing the ringing in your ears as the body hit the ground.

Blood splattered on your face, causing your face to become sticky, you waited, it was only a second until she would get back up. “Oh honey, I have multiple bodies on hand.”

A hand traveled up your spine, causing you to shiver as it reached your neck, gripping it tightly as the air clenched in your throat. “Would you like to be the next one?” He kissed your neck, breathing in your scent, you pulled your head forwards slowly, wrenching it backwards in an act of headbutting. “Y/N are you okay?” Dean’s voice called out to you, you reacted quickly, throwing your plan into action.

Your head hit his a stinging in the back of your head started, but he let go of your neck, you moved forwards but heard a gunshot ring out, and soon it felt like something was burrowing into your side. Dean and Sam ran around the corner, your eyes traveled down to your stomach, your shirt was slowly staining red.

“Can’t have a damaged vessel.” Lucifer stated as he walked away, you started to fall to your knees, but you couldn’t let him get away that easily. You pulled one of your knives out, stabbing it in and out of his leg, making sure it would leave a blood trail.

Dean and Sam rushed to you, concern spread on their face, Dean was quick to grab you, placing you in his lap. He was concerned about you, but you wanted Lucifer to be caught, “S-sam, go get him.”

“Y/N, you are hurt, no.” You shook your head at his comment, feeling the pain running through you, you winced and looked up at Dean, “I have Dean, go get him.”

Sam didn’t want to go, but after arguing with him, he finally ran after Lucifer. Dean looked down at you, taking off his flannel and using it to stop the bleeding, you winced as he set it down, “Dean-n, why-y do you ha-te me?”

“I don’t hate you. I want to protect you.” You had finally realized why Dean never wanted you around, well why he never wanted you to go out on hunts, he was in love with you, or at least had feelings.

You moved your hand up to his face, softly touching his scruff, “protect me from what? The demons or you?”

He smiled, Dean Winchester actually smiled at you, you started to sit up, but Dean tried to stop you. You shook your head, standing and looking to Dean for support, Dean was shocked to see you standing, but when you needed him, he was right at your side, helping you walk. You put most of your weight on him for support, “Y/N, you shouldn’t really be walking.”

“I’m not going down yet, let’s get this motherfucker.” Dean tied his flannel around your waist, most of the bleeding contained but after all of this you would still need to go to the hospital.

“That’s my girl..” Dean whispered, watching as you withstood a bullet being sent through your torso and even try to fight the devil himself.

[mysticsparklewings]

The Frustrated Introvert’s Dilemma

Well now, what do we have here? I'll go on record and say that yes, there is a specific event/topic that inspired this. But I'm not going to go into any more detail than that, because it's almost definitely going to come back to bite me nice and hard on the rear if I do. That's the unfortunate nature of our online-enabled world these days. That said, this actually happens to me a lot. Something will happen or I'll see a post (sometimes several posts all talking about the same thing) and I'll either have strong opinions on it or just otherwise be frustrated and want to share my two cents, and sometimes I really will go so far as to type out a Big Long Thing about it. Only, I think about it for a few seconds too long, and I end up deleting it. Because: What if the wrong person sees it? What if what I said gets taken out of context? What if I get labeled as [insert thing I don't want to be labeled as here]? What if I get in trouble some other way I haven't thought of? I don't have a very far reach, but I'd like to keep what I do have on good terms. But of course, deleting the post without posting it sort of misses the mark, and so normally I don't feel any better than I did before. But I rarely go back to it, since most of the time I either know or I think that I know posting my super-long (sometimes unpopular) opinion is only going to cause trouble I do NOT want to deal with. And thus, I'm better off keeping my mouth shut. Or, if I must, posting the vaguest-possible 1-2 sentences broadly touching on the subject. And that's where the caption, "Reasons Why I Don't Post Much" comes from. Aside from my art and the very rare things that make it past my "this is not a good idea to post" radar, especially on other social media that don't support long-form text like dA does, I'm usually fairly quiet. I am a "lurker" by nature, for the reasons above and because small talk kills me slowly. I'm sure I can't possibly be alone in this...whatever this is. This want to vent/rant/share your opinion but not being able to because you just don't want to deal with all the things that could possibly go wrong from doing so. So I made this little comic to expend my frustrations in the safest way I could think of. It gets the point across without nailing down a specific event/person/whatever. I haven't tried to make a comic in...in years. And the like 2 times I did, they were very simple and kinda dumb. (And I'm sure can still be found lurking in the depths of my gallery somewhere.) So hopefully this isn't too terrible. I tried to format it nicely so it's fairly clear and easy to read/follow, while still trying to keep it unique to me. (Or at least attuned to my own tastes.) I started with a rough traditional sketch of the four panels, done in a style similar to my Chibi Cards, which I use over on Twitter a lot these days. The character is, of course, supposed to be me, hence the purple hair, blue eyes, and black tank top. Fortunately, once the idea of doing a little "vent" comic came to mind, I was able to pretty quickly come up with a clear mental image/plan of what I wanted and what I would need to get the point across as simply as possible. And simplicity was a must because I knew I wouldn't be able to give this nice clean lines digitally unless I wanted to actually rip my hair out in the process. You can read the full details in my Ongoing Saga journal, but suffice to say I've been trying some things with my current not-Cintiq set up and Jesus Christ is it not becoming more and more aggravating. The biggest issue I dealt with here was the lack of precision, hence the messy, messy, messy lines, and the closer I got to completion with more layers involved, the worse staggering/lagging I also had to deal with. Obviously, I eventually got through it, but I am telling you guys I am so ready for a better tablet solution it's not even funny anymore. Anyway. I roughly traced my sketches to get the lines, then made the centering lines and rearranged things slightly, since my sketch wasn't perfectly centered or squared or anything. Then I expanded the canvas so I could add the frame. Then I moved on to coloring, and once again, for the sake of my sanity, I stuck with simple, flat, imprecise coloring. And I had to do it by hand since my messy lines mean the magic wand tool wanted to select about five times more area than it needed to when I tried to use it to just "grab" the sections I needed. My color choices were fairly simple. I know what colors I naturally am, and it made sense to me to make the background my "Mystic hue," since my walls are that color in real life, and it's just kind of my on-brand, go-to color now. The main colors I had to decided on were the desk and the computer screen. I went with a darker brown for the desk, hoping for a little extra contrasting, and the computer screen I kinda just went with what felt right. Picking fonts was a bit of an adventure. I wanted something relatively easy to read, but with a little be of extra flair than just Comic Sans or Generic Plain Computer text number 3,497. And I think this one hits a pretty nice place between something more computery and a handwriting look. I did have to use different fonts for the *type* 's on the second panel and for the caption/my name at the top to get the look/effect I was going for, though. It's not much and far from my best work. But at least it's a way to sort-of get my feelings out into the world. To know that I could at least do this one thing, even if I can't do anything else to vent my frustrations because other options will not end well. At the very, very least, I hope maybe somebody out there can relate or gets a small laugh out of it. ____ Artwork © me, MysticSparkleWings ____ Where to find me & my artwork: My Website | Commission Info + Prices | Ko-Fi | dA Print Shop | RedBubble |   Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram

[healthyworthyofficial]

10 Ways to Make Life With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Easier

Getting thru the morning has end up greater intricate on the grounds that I was identified with hidradenitis suppurativa seven years ago. I typically wake up to discover pus or blood on my pillow and/or sheets. I groan as I observe my arms, breasts, and groin vicinity to see what new lesions and boils have burst or formed. I may then spend an hour in my closet trying to determine out what to wear. What I virtually prefer to do is throw on some sweats so my lesions and boils aren’t aggravated, but that isn’t usually realistic, specially on the days when I want to go out in public or go to work. I may have a breakdown in my closet while my dog stares at me, waiting for his walk. After giving myself a pep talk and telling myself that I’m going to make it via the day, I settle on an outfit, then seize some pain medication in case the soreness will become too much. Then I forge on with my day. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a continual situation that causes lumps to form beneath the skin, usually in areas the place the skin rubs together, like the underarms, breasts, and groin, according to the Mayo Clinic. As all and sundry with the circumstance can inform you, these lumps can be agonizingly painful, and they can rupture or create interconnected tracts of abscesses below the skin. This illness appears to happen when hair follicles emerge as blocked, but experts don’t know the genuine motive in the back of these blockages, the Mayo Clinic explains. (They do be aware of hidradenitis suppurativa is no longer a end result of bad hygiene or infection.) There are pretty a few threat factors, though, such as biological intercourse (it’s extra frequent in female than men) and hormonal fluctuations. In my experience, I’ve discovered that my hidradenitis suppurativa tends to get worse earlier than my period. Age is every other hazard thing in that the sickness most regularly develops when girls are between the a while of 18 and 29, the Mayo Clinic says. (Symptoms once in a while emerge as less intense after menopause.) I was once 22 when I commenced to show symptoms. I was once extraordinarily lucky that a doctor at my nearby urgent care knew about hidradenitis suppurativa and was in a position to diagnose me within a year. Hidradenitis suppurativa takes a toll on both my intellectual and bodily health. I typically have to nap at least once a day due to fatigue, and I’m so uncomfortable with people bodily touching me because I feel embarrassed about how I look. Both the physical pain and the disappointment that my body will never look the same convey me to tears on a weekly basis. I comprehend I’m now not on my own in regularly feeling ashamed, anxious, angry, and sad. Dealing with all of this requires some stable coping mechanisms, and there are a lot of commonalities in how these of us with this circumstance handle it. So if you’ve these days been identified with hidradenitis suppurativa, right here are 10 small however impactful hints from humans who have been there earlier than you. We hope it helps. 1. Find a therapist, if you can. This sickness has taken a essential toll on my mental health. Going to remedy weekly offers me area to discuss about my emotions. I have additionally learned super coping techniques from my therapist, consisting of connecting with my physical being through body scans and navigating the guilt I sense when I want to cancel plans because of my illness. If possible, try to discover a therapist who specializes in chronic illness and/or chronic ache so they are higher in a position to help you and understand your experiences. 2. Take gentle yoga classes. Moving my body is really important to me, but workout can exacerbate hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms. This is particularly genuine for high-intensity activities, like cycling. I fell in love with biking training a few years in the past and would attend periods four to five instances a week. It felt so suitable when I used to be in the class, but in a while I would discover myself in intense bodily pain. I ultimately talked to my doctor, who recommended I strive some thing else. Most Popular For some time I struggled to locate an endeavor that didn’t make me experience worse. Enter restorative yoga. My friend took me to a class, and the teacher taught me how to listen to my body and only do poses that felt comfortable. I realized how to take breaks and go at my own pace. I left that type on such a high. Now I frequently attend restorative classes, and on my good days, I will even take a vinyasa class at a local yoga studio. 3. Meditate. I’ve been meditating on a day by day foundation for six months, and I’ve discovered it to be so beneficial. It helps me get in contact with my physique and grow to be more attuned to its needs. I additionally work via a lot of feelings throughout meditation sessions, like the health anxiousness that hidradenitis suppurativa has precipitated to end up greater intense. If I’m feeling overly anxious or in a lot of pain, I’ll meditate to ground myself. It reminds me that I am respiratory and will be okay. When I started, I would simply do a rapid five-minute session. Now I’ll both go to a classification (the Den and Unplug are two of my favorites in Los Angeles) or use the Headspace app for 10 to 15 minutes. I’ve additionally been able to locate drop-in, donation-based instructions all over the city. This is a exceptional way to supply it a attempt earlier than committing or spending a lot of money. 4. Connect with others who have the condition. I first shared my story in 2017, and I observed the response to be overwhelmingly positive. I nevertheless get emails weekly from other hidradenitis suppurativa warriors who say they feel much less alone because I’ve talked about the condition, or who favor to share a new coping approach with me. If you’re not prepared to share your story with the world, discovering any individual else who has hidradenitis suppurativa can nonetheless help. When I’m feeling in reality isolated, I’ll DM with other humans who have hidradenitis on Instagram. All of this reminds me that I am no longer hostilities this hostilities through myself. Krystle B., 38, is involved with hidradenitis suppurativa companies and finds that collaborating in activities with different humans evokes her and makes her sense much less isolated. “I have been a big section of giving back to the community via helping others who suffer from hidradenitis suppurativa,” Krystle tells SELF, including that she’s in her second year on the annual #Walking4HS committee in Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. “Finding other sufferers who also have hidradenitis suppurativa and connecting with them epic.… That immediately connection and aid machine was once life-changing.” It would possibly even help to connect with any individual who has any other persistent illness. My exceptional friend has Hashimoto’s, and whilst it’s very exclusive than hidradenitis suppurativa, she can relate to the fatigue and unpredictability. I find myself in deep conversations with her often, and they help preserve me going. 5. Surround your self with a sturdy support system. I’ve been absolutely lucky that my friends and household are, for the most part, supportive and understanding of my condition. They help with both my emotional and physical needs. My mom flies out for any surgeries or intense treatments, and my friends take my dog for a walk on truely awful days. My dermatologist is additionally a crucial phase of my assist device and continues to offer help and encouragement. Finding a professional who is knowledgeable about hidradenitis suppurativa is so important. At the hidradenitis suppurativa medical institution at UCLA, I’ve observed docs who understand more about the disease than I do, which hasn’t constantly been the case. I’ve additionally realized to advocate for myself and ask for assist, reminding myself that I do know my physique greatest and am not weak for needing help. Pooja P., 31, has additionally discovered that asking for assist has been immensely useful in coping along with her hidradenitis suppurativa. “The people who love us want to support us, but often don't know how they can help—they feel helpless, too. Asking for help can bring you even closer together, and in turn, make you feel less isolated,” Pooja tells SELF. She’s leaned on household and mates for all the pieces from accompanying her to physician’s appointments to stocking her fridge and washing her hair when she hasn’t been in a position to accomplish that. “There is nothing weak about asking for help,” she says. “On the contrary, there is extreme strength in vulnerability.”

6. Use very mild cleansers and moisturizers.

I’ve tried quite a lot of cleansers which can be made for sensitive skin, however they normally brought about intense burning ache when used on my lesions. Then my dermatologist advisable that I exploit an antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning soap referred to as Hibiclens each time I bathe. It comprises a four p.c chlorhexidine gluconate resolution, which helps scale back the chance of an infection. This is particularly vital when taking a biologic that suppresses your immune system, which is a typical type of hidradenitis therapy. I additionally simply really feel actually clear and good after I exploit it as a result of it doesn’t irritate my situation. The Mayo Clinic additionally recommends utilizing antibiotic or antimicrobial moisturizers for further safety.

7. Create a wardrobe filled with cozy garments.

Having the fitting garments is so vital for making certain that I really feel comfy and assured. I've tons of joggers, sweatshirts with enjoyable sayings, tank tops, and looser shirts, too. I really like purchasing at Old Navy, Target, Madewell, and Walmart. Since my garments can get stained or moist simply due to my signs, I like to purchase issues which can be cheaper so I don’t really feel as dangerous after they get ruined.

8. Try to determine potential meals triggers.

Pooja discovered that nightshades (like tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers) made her hidradenitis suppurativa worse, so she avoids these meals. “If I do eat a nightshade, I will get a hidradenitis suppurativa flare within 48 hours, 10 times out of 10,” she says. But as she factors out, “Just because they were my trigger doesn't mean they are yours.” Research hasn’t clarified what potential hyperlink might exist between meals like nightshades and hidradenitis suppurativa flares, however a 2019 assessment within the International Journal of Dermatology means that nightshades are thought by some to have an effect on the skin-gut axis, or mainly, how the intestine and pores and skin are biologically related. Other meals which can be identified to set off hidradenitis suppurativa embrace dairy, pink meat, and meals with a high glycemic index, in accordance to the Mayo Clinic. While I haven’t discovered any meals that undoubtedly set off my hidradenitis suppurativa, if I’m feeling okay, I really like to get within the kitchen and check out a brand new low-glycemic recipe. On my dangerous ache days, cooking isn’t possible, however in any other case, I really like to know what’s in my meals. Cooking provides me an actual sense of accomplishment.

9. Use scorching water or a moist, heat compress to relieve itching and ache.

Starla M., 33, runs scorching water on areas of her physique which can be itchy. (I presently take antihistamines to cope with the itching, however I’m wanting ahead to attempting this method.) If I've a brand new boil or one that's about to burst, I’ll use a heat, moist washcloth to assist relieve the ache and swelling. I discover it particularly efficient when I've boils in my groin space since these have a tendency to turn into golf-ball sized and make it onerous to stroll.

10. Find a passion you are able to do even in your worst days.

Krystle says that on her dangerous days, she focuses on discovering issues to try this distract her from the ache. “On some of my worst days or when I'm recovering from , I enjoy Netflix in bed with my two Cocker Spaniel fur babies. I'm also obsessed with antiques and spend a lot of downtime surfing the web for amazing treasures.” Source link Read the full article

[boojumblood]

I’m a survivor. I’m a warrior. I’m a lover. I’m many things, but I am not a monster like the monsters before me. The line ends here. It ends with me. No one else should have to experience life the way I have. I am going to do everything within my power to help the world. The world is so messed up to ignore the cries of a hurting child that reaches out to it. The world is so messed up to look the other way when they see children being abused. The world is so messed up to let people that are unfit as parents, continue to do so much harm. I understand that I can't protect everyone, but that doesn’t mean I can’t protect some of them. Or at least try to.

I wish so much sometimes some of the things in my past never happened. But I have learned that instead of fantasising about a reality I don’t have, I should be making this reality the best version it can be; and that means not letting those monsters still have control over me.

I sincerely struggle with that too. I keep catching myself thinking, “they will be around every corner, behind every door.” Then I look and realise, “ Hey, they aren’t there. I am free from my slavers.” That’s what they were, slavers. From the time I was five years old I was a house slave, but I carried the title of daughter.

No one should be a slave to their own family. Or so-called family. I was the “house wife” when I should have been a kid. I was the “house wife” when I should have been doing my schoolwork. I was the “house wife” when all of the adults in the house were watching tv for hours and screaming at me over crumbs they dropped.

I worked during the day to avoid the wrath of these monsters, and at night I studied. I read for as long as I could and often didn't sleep so I could get my education and leave that hell hole! I decided at 9 year's old that I wasn't going to stick around and I needed to learn how to achieve that.

School work was hard. My mother had anxieties around school work and would have constant panic attacks when she would try to be my teacher. My father was an intimidating monster that would use any excuse to hurt me. He hated that I was learning. He hated that I was realizing the horrors around me. He used every opportunity to hurt me.

Recently I decided to start chasing my career and dream. But it has brought up all this baggage from them. I keep having a specific memory come up repeatedly and it is draining. I feel like the only way I’m going to get it to go away is if I air it out. Let it get caught in the breeze and detach it from me. So here goes.

One of the worst test memories I had come up recently with my father. I was up early on a Saturday morning cause I had stayed up all night doing school work. I was 13. I was taking a test so they wouldn’t know and not bother me. Somehow my father woke up at 4am and saw my light was on. He came to check out what I was doing. When he told me to go to bed, I responded politely saying, “I don’t want to go to bed until I have finished this and I would like if you didn’t keep distracting me from this because it is timed. Thank you.” He was furious, he said, “I blew him off”. He said, “How dare you disrespect me like this and talk to me like that!” He then proceeded to shove the keyboard and mouse off the desk in a very aggressive manner. He then picked me up by my head and threw me onto my bed. He yanked his shirt off and charged me. I tried to get up and run away cause I knew what was about to happen since this wasn’t the first time I saw the monster unleash in his eyes. He threw me back down and used his body to hold me down. He bit my shoulder so hard it bled staining my bedspread. He told me if I screamed he would tell everyone lies about what happened. He then said if I told anyone he would then take me out back and kill me. After he said that he used one hand to cup over my mouth and hold my head down. He was using this arm as support so he could use his other hand to do his disgusting shit. So my head was being pushed really far into the bed and the springs felt like they were going through my skull. I was struggling to breath because his hand was covering my nose and mouth and I couldn't pry it off.  I blacked out.

The next thing I remember was waking up alone really sore all over and a terrible headache and my arm killing me.

For years after this I had a scar from the bite mark and I couldn’t wear a tank top. Now thankfully the scar is virtually invisible. I think this particular time is another reason I have been scared shitless to take tests especially. I have horrible panic attacks every time I try now. It’s so aggravating! I am so angry this happened and many other times! I am so angry that I can’t take a test without freaking out! I am so angry to have all this baggage! I am so angry at him! I hope he is miserable because he deserves it! He made me miserable for 18 years! He deserves to be miserable for the rest of his days!

Now I’m trying to go to college for the first time in my life and I’m having a really hard time. I’m emotionally exhausted from fighting off these memories. I feel like I’m constantly teleported to the past and reliving things. I hate this. I hate that chasing my dream means I have to suffer even more. I refuse to keep letting it get in my way of chasing my dream! It sucks really bad right now and it’s going to for awhile but I am not quitting now dammit! I have come too far to give up now! I re

fuse to let him win. I refuse to cave to the depression. I will stand and fight this even if it’s the only thing I can ever do!

I will be successful, happy, and free! This is my revenge!

[memfish88]

Top 10 Best Filter for 20 Gallon Aquarium Reviews in 2020

An aquarium always needs good maintenance. It is especially important for the water hygiene that our fish will bathe in daily. This is why the Best Filter for 20 Gallon Aquarium is necessary to keep the water circulating in our aquarium clean.

Choosing a new aquarium filter can, however, become a more complex task. This is where we provide buying guides to better guide you on the topic. If you don’t have time to go through all of the products in our price comparison, here are the top ten aquarium filters for the 20 Gallon Aquarium category.

The Best Filter for 20 Gallon Aquarium

Aqua Clear Aquarium Filter for 20 Gallon Fish tank B00020SVDG

If you have a 20-gallon tank as well as you want to keep it healthy and balanced, you ought to have a look at the Aqua Clear– Fish Tank Filter. This purification system has hundreds of favorable responses from its consumers worldwide. This filter is a power filter that work effectively yet provides the convenience that you will certainly appreciate.

The Aqua Clear filter is a hang-on filter, which can supply you a vast selection of water circulation rates like for the 20-gallon container as well as various other prominent sizes. You can utilize it for a terrarium or fish tank that you could want to have a look at if you desire a flexible filtering system.

It also has a great design, enabling six times in regards to media volume along with the lengthiest call time of water to media. It is the leading in the market. When looking around for a brand-new filter, you ought to have a look at this feature to get more of your spending.

Pros

Full choice of flow prices for different storage tanks

Unique style for lengthiest water to media call

Patented re-filtration system

Easy to mount

3-way purification for optimum results

Cons

Battles to re-fill after draining pipes

Whisper IQ Power Filter B01NC2P7BM

An in-tank filter for 20-gallon aquariums need to not only be solid enough yet also quiet. Nevertheless, not all filters out there out there can not do that. If you are trying to find the excellent in-tank filter for you fish tank, possibly the Whisper IQ Power Filter for Aquariums will please your needs.

What I like about this filter is quiet procedure. This is among the features that a great in-tank filter should have. I can genuinely enjoy watching the fish swim around in overall peace. This really functional to utilize in office, collections or guy caverns where comfortable silence is required.

In addition to the two favorable features that I stated, this filter is incredibly resilient. It was able to withstand 2 unintentional drops when I was changing the circulation rate. It really did not damage or had its parts crumble from the within.

One more applaudable attribute that I genuinely appreciate regarding this filter is its flexible GPH. Various other in-tank filters does not have this kind of feature. From 130 GPH, I can lower the circulation rate down to 10 GPH, which is actually amazing. Adjusting the circulation rate rally makes my fish pleased.

What I do not appreciate regarding this in-tank filter is its periodic wild resonance. Although I stated prior to that this filter runs silently, there are some wild vibrations that takes place every so often. This creates me a little pain particularly if I’m unwinding near the fish tank reviewing a book or browsing the web utilizing my mobile phone, I obtain aggravated by the resonances originating from the filter’s motor.

Pros

Silent

Flow control as much as 130 GPH

No priming needed

Durable

Easy to make use of

Cons

Occasionally it shakes hugely

Having claimed all of the essential info above, I can truthfully say that the Whisper INTELLIGENCE Power Filter for Aquariums is one of the most effective filters in the market today. It is silent, sturdy, very easy to utilize, as well as most importantly, no priming needed.

Once you have actually mounted it, you can essentially simply leave it alone and allow it to do its work. The water is always tidy, clear, and also fish are absolutely prospering. I obtain satisfaction having this product in my fish tank.

Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter B0002DJ5UG

The Penn Plax Fish Tank Filter is an additional respectable selection for an aquarium filter. It is a hang-on kind filtration system that works silently in order to deliver up to 100 gallons of water per hr, maintaining your marine or fresh fish tank clean for healthy fish.

It can assist maintain your container water clear for a healthy and balanced living atmosphere for your fish family pets. The Bio-Falls Quad-Filtration system can supply an effective purification for your tank.

Its filtration system takes advantage of development. It has anaerobic germs to remove nitrite as well as ammonia properly, enabling maximum storage tank oxygenation. It likewise entails triggered carbon cartridge that’s able to remove toxins, chemicals, staining and also smells, to name a few contaminants in your container.

Pros

Quad Filtering System

Silently runs

Adjustable circulation handle

Removes damaging chemicals

Both freshwater and deep sea applications

Cons

Can be effective only for up to 20-gallon tanks

Marineland Penguin Power Filter w/ Multi-Stage Filtration

B0009IODZ6

If you want to keep your fish tank free from undesirable particles, unwanted organisms, and unwanted chemicals which causes discoloration, the filter that you ought to be thinking about in your wish list is Marineland Penguin Power Filter w/ Multi-Stage Filtering.

I like so numerous aspects of this certain filter. First is the flow price. With 150 GPH, I know that the water flows in the fish tank appropriately. Its adjustable mid-level consumption is another thing to be happy with. It makes use of a Rite-Size B cartridge

One more point that I really suched as regarding this filter is its adaptability. This filter is so solid, it can be made use of with 30-gallon containers as well. If you are operating a minimal budget (much like me), having this filter in your home would truly be a significant blessing. You do not require to acquire a brand-new filter due to the fact that you simply need to utilize it with your 30-gallon tank or anything in between.

Its three-stage filtration system is likewise commendable. With this, I am always sure that my aquarium is free of undesirable organisms, undesirable bits, and most of all– dangerous chemicals that can trigger poisoning and staining.

What I do not value about this product is the Bio-Wheel. There are times that it is acting up. When I attempted to see what’s going on, the impeller stopped working for some time. After meticulously returning every component to their rightful place, the whole system worked as planned. I truly hope that this was a separated instance.

Pros

Approximately 150 GPH

Uses Rite-Size B cartridge

Adjustable mid-level intake

Can be made use of with 30-gallon storage tanks

3 phase purification system

Ideal for freshwater and also saltwater fishes

Quiet

Long lasting

Easy to mount

Cons

Bio-wheel break down occasionally

Taking into consideration every little thing that I’ve said previously, I think that the Marineland Penguin Power Filter w/ Multi-Stage Filtering is absolutely an impressive product. It is peaceful, simple to set up, and it is durable. Its three-stage purification system is extremely remarkable; your fish tank will constantly have a tidy and clear water. Lastly, you would certainly extremely surprised to see that this filter can additionally be made use of with 30-gallon tanks. If you are going to attempt a versatile as well as effective filter for your aquarium, this one will certainly provide you the type of efficiency that you are trying to find.

Aqueon QuietFlow Fish Tank Power Filters B000SP65N8

The Aqueon QuietFlow is an effective and dependable purification system made for containers 20 gallons in dimension. It can offer approximately 100 GPH of water circulation for reliable filtering that function three ways. It can provide biological, chemical and also mechanical purification together with more support making use of filter pads.

This design additionally works with a self-priming operation. It only indicates that it can start working after a power interruption or cleansing, providing ease of use. The purification system additionally provides your container with qualified flow rates for reliable water circulation.

This thing likewise has an indicator light informing when to replace a stopped up cartridge via checking the actual water degrees. On top of that, this filter also has an inner pump design, functioning to assist us eliminate leaks and moisten noise.

Pros

Life time warranty

Qualified circulation prices

Internal pump design

Self-priming for ease of use

LED indication light shows cartridge modification

Cons

LED sign issue

Aqua Clear– Fish Tank Filter B000260FVG

Nothing beats a filter that supplies not only top performance however additionally power effective. If you desire your tank to be clean and clear whatsoever times, the best in-tank filter that you must be utilizing is the Aqua Clear 110.

What I liked about this certain filter is it provides an excellent filtering system. It has a patented purification system that allows me to control the water’s flow price without endangering the efficiency of purification in the process. As soon as I turn the circulation price down, 50% of the water that is inside the filter chamber is processed numerous times. This is in fact advantageous for fishes and plants that needs slow-moving water flow price.

One more thing to praise about this 20 gallon fish tank filter system is its convenience of use as well as installment. Simply hang this product on one side of the fish tank, allow the pipelines go inside the storage tank, activate the power, which’s it! The 2-year service warranty is likewise ensuring, taking into consideration that some in-tank filters are just operational for much less than a year. The guarantee is readily available for non-replaceable parts that would not function within the moment frame the suppliers enable. Ultimately, this filter is energy efficient; it runs in only in 110v of power.

If there’s something I really did not like concerning this filter, that would be the periodic sound. The noise may not be too loud, however it’s certainly irritating especially if you came to kick back close to the fish tank. The resonance that appears is tolerable throughout the day, yet completely frustrating during night time.

Pros

Has a copyrighted filtering system

Power effective

Easy as well as fast to set up

Comes with triggered carbon, BioMax and Cycle Guard, and also Aqua clear Foam

Features a 2-year warranty

Cons

Occasional sound

Summing up all of the factors that were talked about above, I can say without hesitation that the Aqua Clear Fish Tank Filter is an amazing product. The filter fasts and simple to set up, has a copyrighted filtering system, power effective, and also includes a 2-year warranty. Lastly, you do not need to fret about added layer of defense since this product includes Aqua Clear Foam, turned on carbon, as well as BioMax and also cycle Guard.

Aqueon Quietflow E Internal Power Filter for 20 Gallon Fish tank B06XW7MNM8

Have a look at the Aqueon Quietflow E Internal Power Filter when comparing your options for an efficient filtering for a 20-gallon tank. It is by Aqueon, a reputable brand trusted by hundreds of consumers worldwide. Among its finest products is the inner power filter, which functions efficiently to keep your tank tidy.

This model can provide organic, chemical and mechanical filtration for effective cleansing and health of your fish. In addition, this model works with a self-priming operation, running immediately after cleaning or a power interruption.

The filter is also simple to install and use with just hanging clips or suction cups. That is one of the important things that make the filter an option amongst those who desire simple installment. Extra so, the Aqueon Quietflow E Internal Power Filter is backed by a limited life time guarantee for added assurance.

Pros

Upright alignment for effective cleaning

Easy to mount and use

Supplies three-way filtering

Auto-start pump and also self-priming

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Cons

Loud filter electric motor

Fluval C Power Filter B003SJOLEQ

As high as we want to be constantly there for our charming fishes, there are times when we can’t. So, it is best to locate pet basics like Fluval C Power Filter to provide us peace of mind and also assurance whenever we leave them in their aquariums.

There are 3Cs in Fluval’s Power Filter Line. I have the C2 version at 119 GPH, great for a fish tank with 30-gallon volume. There are additionally readily available C3 and also C4 filters at 153 as well as 264 GPH, specifically. My C2 filter has a dimension of 8 in. x 6 in. x 4.5. in. All Cs have the very same filtration system. The only distinction is pump electric motor capability.

It flaunts its 5-stages of filtering including 2 mechanical, 1 chemical, and 2 organic procedures. This consists of Poly/Foam, activated carbon, organic C-nodes, bio-screen, motor O-ring, and also drip tray pads. All these are essential for effective and also very easy cleansing.

I enjoy that I don’t also have to fret about maintenance. The components of this fluval 20 gallon filter, specifically the cleansing aids, just need regular replacement a minimum of annually. I had the ability to buy one more Poly/Foam with just a phone call to the manufacturer.

Mounting the system or getting rid of and reinserting components is no sweat. You won’t be requiring help from their solution crew. Cleaning up is additionally very easy peasy. I constantly examine the indications to give me a signal when I should start cleaning.

Noise is additionally decreased even at the optimum collection flow price. My swimming angels are never ever stressed out!

Well, I ought to have bewared during the very first 2 months. I was also hectic and also failed to remember to clean up the filter, so a brief blocking took place. After rinsing the poly/foam, whatever went back to normal. A piece of advice: constantly, always check the sign.

Oh! Did I currently discuss that it is budget-friendly for a 20 gallon storage tank filter?

Pros

Five-stage filtering

Noise-free

Big capability

Easy to maintain

Affordable

Cons

Feasible clogging

With the innovative, huge capacity filter system that is dirt- and noise-free, Fluval C Power Filter is definitely a take!

Tetra Murmur In-Tank Filter B0002DHYG8

I do not find out about you, but I always rely on top quality items from business like Tetra. We can never ever go wrong with Murmur In-Tank Filter!

This cost-effective and also cost effective purification system works as both a filter and pump for a 20-gallon aquarium or terrarium. Its size is 4.2 in. x 4 in. x 8 in. The product additionally has filters for a quantity range of 3 to 40 gallons.

I was encouraged to buy this due to the BioScrubber and Bio-bag filter cartridges. These are the tricks to efficient as well as environmentally friendly filtering. These can be transformed regularly or as required.

The style is simple and also can fit in small aquariums or turtle tanks. For my fish tank, I hung it within. You can opt to connect it to the glass making use of suction the cups.

When it comes to the cleansing, it is very simple! Remove the switch so you can reach the impeller. And also, voila! Tidy filter! I was even able to clean up the scrubber and also filter within 30 minutes.

I thank Tetra for the Whisper system! The motor is under the water, so sound waves and also resonances are minimized. See to it though that the water degree follows what is optimal for the device, like what I did.

The consumer support team was really practical. They aided me when I obtained a little difficulty with the impellers and my young betta. It was as well small, so I was afraid that it may obtain captured in between. They taught me just how to adjust the impeller rate and guaranteed me that this can not hurt the fish. Possibly following time, I need to check the size of the impeller initially.

Pros

Reliable cleansing

Basic layout

Suits a fish tank or terrarium

Cost-effective

Cons

Impellers might be also huge

It is constantly best to go with the brands that are currently attempted and also tested. Tetra’s Whisper In-Tank Filter with BioScrubber is an efficient filter system packed in a basic yet gratifying plan. Persuaded yet?

Marina S20 Power Filter B0032GFZWW

There are numerous things to appreciate regarding this certain filter. First is the layout. I was completely amazed to learn that in spite of its slim design, its filtration power is comparable to comparable brand names with bigger layouts. With just 3.8 x 11.5 x 6.5 inches, who would’ve thought that this filter has a powerful motor that will cleanse your tank everyday? In addition, its slim style allows me to see even more of my pet dog fish as well as the designs I have actually put inside the container without the filter hindering of my sight.

An additional positive feature of this in-tank filter is the flexible flow control. I hate changing my fish from time to time. Decreasing the flow rate provides less stress and anxiety to fish. Also, with this choice, I can decrease it down to prevent food particles from going into the filter chamber. But with this feature, I can set the very best circulation rate that my pet dog fish needs to grow inside my 20-gallon fish tank.

Mentioning much less tension, I like the means this filter runs. It works totally quiet compared to similar designs out there nowadays. I can unwind next to my aquarium throughout the day since I do not listen to any type of noise originating from the filter itself. This is since the motor is entirely immersed in the water.

What I do not appreciate about this filter is how costly the substitute cartridges are. If you don’t make any type of cash from your hobby, you will certainly discover that changing broken cartridges will certainly hurt your spending plan.

Pros

Slim style but powerful

Can be made use of to filter fish tanks approximately 20 gallons

Self-priming

Operates calmly

With adjustable circulation control

Easy to maintain

Sturdy

Cons

Substitute cartridges are costly

To summarize this evaluation, I can with confidence share that the Marina S20 Power Filter is a superior product. It operates in complete silence, self-priming, very easy to preserve, as well as most of all– long lasting. Its slim layout supplies an effective performance 24/7. The flexible circulation control is really beneficial to those who are trying various fish. Ultimately, this in-tank filter is absolutely versatile, it can be used with 20-gallon fish tanks.

source https://memfish.net/best-filter-for-20-gallon-aquarium/