#cause that’s been my main concern. that nothing really changed

[starlooove]

“Big sis general” “uncle Donnie” ok

[cryptfile]

᪇ꫭ dreamseeker, [ qimir x jedi!reader ]

summary — it all started when you find out he’s alive.

warnings — pure angst, violence, blood, mentions of injuries and tons of tension, sfw.

side notes — 4k+ // English's not my first language so please be kind! went slightly away with this one so would catalogue it as an alternative universe. Heard liking without reblogging makes you fall in an awful curse that breaks my heart in the process so let that sink in, anyway everything it's appreciated!,,, thought about making an +18 second part? dunno,,, thks also for the 110 followers! love you guys sooooo much *heart avalanche*

The air's hot in the room when you woke up.

The sweat made the sheets stick to you body as you got out of bed for the third time that week, a terrible headache forming as you leave the dormitories in the middle of the dark. Coruscant suddenly feels unbearable. You've slept almost nothing through the course of the week, so you surely are in a bad mood when the cold wind of the night makes you shiver at the sudden change of temperature.

I'm searching for you. Even in my dreams.

The words are repeating in the back of you head, scratching a part of your brain while you keep on trying to remember who's voice you're dreaming so much lately.

It's all connected somehow, always is. You've learned to trust the force a while ago, learned that destiny's intertwined with an energy field that holds the galaxy together the hard way, so you know, deep down, that you have to trust your guts in this one, something that you know it concerns you but can't quite understand what really is in the first place.

Dreams. Dreams are a cruel thing that you tend to forgot sometimes, the reflection of the mind and soul projected like a high-class transmission in your head. Dreams talk, and they make you think about things you've let in the past, things you've certainly need to come back at some point.

That's why you can't sleep later, cause you know it means something. You know that dreaming the very same dream every single night for the past week means something more than just mere imagination playing around, far from an innocent scenario.

The temple is silent at night even when the city outside seems to be so wake in contrast of the inside, most of the lights out as you crossed the empty hallway hoping to avoid anyone, cause you know they'll ask questions you don't have an answer for.

In all truth, you don't have a clue why are you up so late, why this deep voice kept you awake when you should be deep in your sleep, dreaming about something more than superstitions. You don't have an answer to any superior, don't seem to have an answer for yourself either.

The Jedi trials ended long ago, yet, you don't think of yourself as someone as successful as Yord Fandar, your talent being far from what it should be expected. You never complain about anything and never would, they were the only family you ever knew and you refuse to lose everything you've been working so hard for just for questioning your bare existence.

"Can't sleep?" The male voice makes you stiff almost immediately, checking your surroundings to notice Master Sol approaching you from the left. The Jedi Master catches you by surprise, your hands already on the lightsaber that is hanging on your waist before you notice you're safe, even when you don't want to talk. "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to scare you."

There are things that are worth hiding, but with Sol? Master Sol seems to see through it all, the worries and the dreams that you don't know if you should call nightmares, even when you try to lock them away for a minute. That's the main reason the man stares at you, cause you expel that smell of desperation, the tension in your muscles as you don't sleep in what seems are ages.

"What's troubling you?" He asks, your own eyes betraying you as they can't hold the weight of his gaze. "I know it's not my place to ask, but are you sleeping well lately?"

"Not really, but nothing to worry about" you say almost afraid that it's going to get you in trouble, the lack of sleep making you think the most stupid things as you stop in the middle of the hallway, making sure there's no one around more than Master Sol and yourself.

Not sleeping is a dangerous thing when reality tends to become a feverish version of itself.

I'm searching for you. Even in my dreams.

You're unsure of telling him what's really going on, unsure of trusting the people you've been close your whole life out of nowhere. A sudden sixth sense that commands you to keep the dreams to yourself, the sound of the male voice you've been listening like the most important secret you've ever hold account of.

It's almost embarrassing to admit you don't trust a Jedi above your rank, that your sixth sense all of sudden makes you keep the truth when it can be something important, when Master Sol has been like a friend to you after all those years of training.

Things have been weird since your Jedi Master was found recently murdered in Ueda, a heavy weight in your shoulders as it saddened you more than you even expected. Master Indara was like close family, and you find yourself missing her, mostly in moments like that when you wish you have someone to talk to

“I was going to the dormitories” Sol explains soon after, walking by your side. “I needed to ask you for a favor my dear friend, and I’m afraid I cannot wait much longer for you to heal.”

Heal. Are you ever allowed to heal? It’s been less than a couple of days since you found out about Indara, let alone the dreams that were tormenting you the rest of the week and suffer the loss, so it seems funny when Master Sol tells you he cannot wait much longer: No Jedi ever has time to heal.

“What can I do to help?”

It’s all it takes to leave Coruscant after, trapped in space in a small ship with not only Master Sol, but Yord and Sol’s younger padawan Jecki Lon, strange enough, also with Verosha Aniseya, a former Jedi you keep an eye on through time passed.

Suddenly you’re traveling through the galaxy and there’s no time for any more tears. Suddenly you need to toughen up and act like this Jedi Knight you’re supposed to be, even when you keep questioning yourself more than ever.

Maybe it’s because of Indara’s death. Her decease came so out of nowhere it shocked you to the very heart — It’s clear that you’re sensitive, dreaming stuff you’ve been getting tired of deciphering, pure nonsense, but then, the ship lands in Khofar and Sol it’s convincing you to stay inside even you’re perfectly capable of taking Verosha’s twin and his alleged master.

It’s your own mind that plays tricks on you, making you believe you’re not good enough to help. Truth is you felt your training as a padawan was not enough, you’re an easy target now that you’re hurt and it seems to make sense when all of sudden the group of Jedis leave you to fucking rot between white walls and buttons that sparkled.

It’s clear you’re affected. How can you not be affected by it? You’re overcome by sadness and anger both mixed together, and that feeling by itself is a dangerous one when in history, makes people question things too much to the point of no return.

So when you find yourself close to the light of the hologram that you turned on being so bored in the ship, your fingers dim between the white and blue rays as you wondered: Is it honorable to seek for revenge? Is it true to a Jedi to feel this gut-wrecking wrath?

You know the answer deep inside. You know it’s wrong, yet your feet think otherwise, cause when you leave the ship in the middle of the night you still debate yourself if you should disobey, if you should do what you want instead, walking through the woods like you know which way to go.

You never disobey any command, so it’s a new thing to openly doubt about the judgement of your superiors, to walk in an unknown planet despite the orders you were told. The path seems to light by itself as you can sense it in the air, the force conducting you in silence as you walked in a fast pace. You know deep down, know everything went wrong.

The blue light of your sable is enough to light the way, the humidity in the air makes you sweat as concentrated in the sounds of the nature, you run, run until your lungs are burning and your heartbeats are so fast you’re afraid the organ itself is going to jump out of your chest. You run even when the long leaves of the plants hit you in the face, when your legs are getting cramps and you can feel the lack of oxygen: The pain is not enough to stop you.

You can hear it from far away, the heat of the fight. The sounds of the physical effort, the buzzing of the lightsables against the silent night. Adrenaline creeps across your blood flow, and even when you can't breathe properly at all you run to the chaos, driven like a moth to the flame. You let the force conduct you as you close your eyes, jumping and elevating from the floor enough to hold the sable from over your head — You attack.

I'm searching for you. Even in my dreams.

It’s coming again, the rough sound of your dreams when your blue sable hits the red out of nowhere, force colliding against each other as the impact is enough to send you directly to the floor. You know who the enemy is, the surprise in Jecki’s face and the disapproval moments after

The stranger is fast and he doesn’t hesitate when he strikes, it’s fast enough to hurt in a mortal way and you became aware of it when Jecki’s falling to the ground and the acid in your mouth is enough to make you look away — The anger comes moments after, the red stains blurring your vision as you let out a scream, gathering the force to dodge his deadly attack.

It’s for Indara, the young padawan, and the Jedi’s he just slayed like they were nothing: It stings in your soul yet you stop holding back, stop holding yourself to finally hit harder, to strike faster than he does, to hurt the stranger as much as he hurted you. And he responds, but not fast enough to beat you, cause you let the metallic back of your sable hit his head when he’s kneeled on the floor, and you smile to yourself cause you have no damn mercy when his helmet finally cracks and it’s enough to break apart revealing his face.

It’s all it takes then. All it takes to froze you in that very spot, holding the sable over your head, ready to end his life with no second thought.

You know that face. You know it when suddenly he’s smiling at you.

I'm searching for you. Even in my dreams.

It makes sense soon after, lowering the sable to the floor without fully believing it, a ghost in front of you as you feel the air leaving your lungs. Drinking the sight of him like he’s not real, like it’s a sick joke your mind made to break you down, to make you weaker.

You’re pulled by a sudden force, by the force. However, falling to the floor hurts way less than seeing him again, the words stuck in your throat unable to speak. It’s imminent, it’s devastating when the pain catches you by surprise, your back aching against the rough surface.

He’s going to kill you, isn’t he?

It makes sense to die by his hand. The memories you two share, the intimacy that was taken away so sudden, it only makes sense to die by the one you loved before, even if it's a surprise you'll never recover from.

The heat of his red lightsaber against your neck is not enough to scare you, but enough to finally look at his face, to encounter his eyes and reveal the truth that was hidden all along between lies. You experience the intensity of his gaze, how it softens when realizing you're looking at him with that same look you have been doing it years ago.

"You're alive" it slips away from you before even noticing, the sound of your voice wrapping him in a haze he didn't expect at first, to be so devastated by you even after all the time resenting the Jedi's and everything they represented "Qimir you're alive..."

He knows you're shocked, the sound of your voice piercing in his ears as he threatened with the weapon against your neck, any sudden movement would slice you in the second — "Hello to you too."

He's real, when he speaks out loud you know he's real, he's standing in front you erasing all the theories you made about not sleeping enough now making you delusional, he's there, standing ready to kill and take what he wants to feel like he won.

It's a personal vendetta, you know it as you expect any answer, any word at all until Sol's screaming as he's taken away from you once again.

He's not a friend, he's not the Qimir you once knew, and he's not someone you can trust again as he was ready to kill. He's not was he used to be, and you can tell by the way he moves, the way he goes against Master Sol hoping to leave the Jedi in the floor, his anger when he refers to his acolyte as a traitor.

He's the one responsible for Indara's death indirectly. He's not a lover. He's not a friend.

You think he died years ago, never really understanding what really happened to the bright man you met in Coruscant, a secret no one dared to bring up. He has the same fucking smile you know too well, the one that make you crumble completely in the sight, and it sadden you, it saddens you he take that path when you seem to woke up from whatever has you nailed to the floor and finally run to help Sol.

You believe you're in the right side, you've been taught about the light and the dark, and you put your heart out filling your mouth saying how you're doing good, how you're making things right.

It's kill or get killed. It’s clear that Qimir does not seem to care about any connection you shared before, hurting you no longer means whatever it meant before, and as the sable burnt your tight, no one cares when you're fainting in the floor, abandoning the fight when it approaches his end.

Sol's mad, but it's not enough to make the master stop to check if you're alive. So many lives were lost in Khofar, and the fight was so demanding you're soon forgot in a planet when the sun is finally rising.

You know you've always been alone, know the last time you saw your family you were too young to even remember, so it's not a surprise when you're left behind. Jedi's come and go, that's why they keep training them generation after generation — It's expected to lose some percentage in missions.

What's not expected, it's when Qimir is close to your cold body later in the early morning. Still deep induced in the fever of pain when he's betrayed by his own heart, his old feelings resurfacing even when he made sure to bury them in a hole in the back of his head.

He's weak it seems. And he should be ashamed of himself when he's the one carrying you back to his ship when everyone has left you behind.

I'm searching for you. Even in my dreams.

Is that his voice? The rough sound that makes you wake up in a uncomfortable place with clothing you don't remember owning.

You're confused for a second before realizing you're in unknown place, a cold breeze shivering your skin: You're in someone's house, using someone's bed.

It's all it takes to make you stand up, leaving the warm sheets behind as your eyes scan the place looking for both a person or a way out. There's a saucepan in the fire cooking slowly, and a smell you can't describe at first.

You move carefully, theories in your mind about what happened that seemed so imposible. You're sure you're far from Coruscant where you should be, yet, you don't feel much danger when you discover you're left alone in what it seems to be a cave, one that lets a windy current enter through a slit between the rocks.

You're unsupervised: Does that mean you're not a prisoner?

You remember fainting in the cold surface of Khofar, the humidity in the air as the air leaves your lungs before entering a state of unconsciousness. You remember Qimir as a ghost in front of you, smiling like he's young again, trying to get to your room in the middle of the night as if it wasn't forbidden.

Was that your dream about? A warning about the stranger being alive?

You don't dare to drink the water, you don't dare to touch any belonging more than the necessary when inspecting. Its more of a hiding than a home itself, so it lacks of belongings as you can't find anything else more than your clothes, protecting yourself from the cold air.

You're not treated as a prisoner, yet you don't feel any safe at all due to the recent events that seemed to say otherwise. You cannot seem to find your sable, and the silence it's making you lose patience.

The cave is a mess soon after, you're searching for your most important weapon, so now the lack of it seems to make you nervous. You search until you're no longer alone, a new presence in the cave as you adopt a pose of defense.

"Where's my sable?" you ask to what it seems the air, acting all tough before noticing who's the person that dragged you to a different planet, the responsable of healing your wounds with a unexpected speed. You know who it is from before, the change in the cave when he's around even when you don't receive any answer back "I'm talking to you, Qimir."

He doesn't talk when he's tossing it over the things he brought from outside, the orange details in the heavy metal shining against the dim lights of the cave. He knows you are not leaving without it, that you're too attached to it for your bad luck.

"Where am I?" you ask soon enough. At this point you lack of patience out of all, you're tired and your body is sore, you're still dreaming that very same thing, and you're not resting enough to keep your mind sane, so it's not a surprise when you're demanding answers, after all, you wanted to know what happened back in Khofar.

It hits you how much you miss him now that he is in front of you in full silence, not in the middle of violence like before, how much you wanted to hug him until he no longer breathes and spat something stupid as a not-very-funny joke. You miss him after all those years of believing he's death, that he disappeared out of sudden without telling nobody, not even you.

The silence makes you mad, and the stranger knows it, sense it in the force when the anger hits you, filling the air of the cave that feels small even when the spaces are big enough. He lied. That's all you can think of, he lied and never bothered to tell you he's alive after suffering his departing so whole heartedly.

Nights without sleeping as you let the insomnia carry you to a state you can't leave, overflowed by feeling you've learnt to deal with in the pass of time. Time heals it all they say, but it just makes things more bearable, help you live with it.

But now. Now it was cruel, it's a wound that opened by itself with the things you saw, the person he was now, embracing his dark side like it was something worth celebrating.

"Talk to me," you say, and you don't know why you're the one asking for answers when you shouldn't. "This is not fucking fair."

Fair.

"Nothing's ever fair," he says, and the sound of his voice is enough to make you shiver. Now that you're surrounded only by the crashing sound of the waves hitting the rocks outside, you can hear him without the buzz of the fight. "Your people know that very well. You make the rules after all. You decide what's fair in the galaxy."

It's a knife in your heart. You don't want him to affect you like he does, but it's impossible when it stings like a burnt from the sable, the weight of his words, the hatred on his tone when he spits the words like they're acid in his tongue.

"I've never made nothing" it's a declaration of self-hatred at it most, how you've not been capable of doing much even when you pride on being called a Jedi Knight. "You know that."

There's no response. You're used to follow orders, not question, trust you're working with the correct side, so his look is something new, something that leaves goosebumps on your skin.

"You're alive," you still don't believe it at first, now studying his factions like they were still craved in stone back on your head. "After all these years, you couldn't tell me you were alive?"

It's a bad joke, one that makes you laugh leaving a bittersweet taste in your mouth — "You couldn't tell your best friend you were leaving? Nobody talked about you all of sudden, you became a dream. Almost making me sure you never existed at all."

"That's what they told you? That I leaved?" the way he's telling the information makes you furrow your brows in response, trying to make sense of what he was saying: Was he implying they lied to you?

"Please, explain me then" you're not in the mood of fighting, instead, you want information, crucial information to what you were choosing to be "Enlighten me. Tell me why you left me there without saying goodbye. Why it doesn't seem to affect you as much as it affected me."

The stranger has grown cold. He has now adapted beneath this rough amour that separated him from what he was before. So he doesn't give you any answers even when you question him, looking at you without saying a word.

You've changed too. You're not the little padawan that followed Indara around and look up at Torbin, you're not afraid of showing your force anymore, after all those years he has told you you're more than capable of defeating any enemy, you are starting to believe it more that ever. Even when he's not around to see that change happen in front of his eyes.

He's not going to answer, he's not talking nor giving you what you needed.

"Am I prisoner?" you ask again, another question added to the pile.

"Does it look like you're being held?" he asks back, squatting close to the stove in the fire to the stir his soup. "No. You're not my prisoner."

You resist the urge to roll your eyes. He always was a man full of pride, but now it seemed he thrive in it, in sharing his knowledge he was sure it was so powerful he needed to take a pupil, some kind of dark padawan he wanted to train.

"I don't know you anymore Qimir," you state out loud, hoping to talk to him as a long-time friend, as the person he was in love all those years but never acted on it too afraid of the rules at first. "I don't know who you've become, and i've been mourning you like it's only yesterday you vanished from my life, yet you've been alive, plotting against your family."

"Family?" he asks, hurted by the words you choose. "I've never had a family. You know that very well, it was always me against them, against anyone who questioned their power, their use and knowledge of the force."

"So is that how we are going to act now? Like pride is enough to make you leave and act like we were never a thing? That I wouldn’t die for you without even question?" you seem disappointed as you speak — “Why you didn’t kill me back there when you had the chance?”

He's taken back by your words, the sincerity as you admit what it seemed impossible to say back then. It’s known by him the feelings he had for you were enough to stop the whole galaxy, but he never had the courage to say something about it, to go against the rules and let alone admit to you anything at all.

So to know that you care for him, even when you talked about it like it was in the past, is enough to make him short-circuit, to make his face change in a new look.

“You already know why I didn’t kill you” he says it so casually while cooking, that even when you stand in the middle of the room trying to think about anything, anything more that him and his powerful gravity that made you spin around him, drawn by his pulling force — “Doesn’t matter who you stand with, i’d never do anything to you.”

You let that sink in. You let him say it cause maybe, deep down, it’s what you need. Your eyes are full of tears but you don’t want to let any single tear roll from your eyes the second you feel the sadness, you don’t want to show any weakness whatsoever, anything that will make you look less than what you really are.

“I could ask you the same” he says soon after, looking at you from over his shoulder in a low voice that sends shivers down your spine “Why did you let me live back there?”

It’s a bruise in your ego, to your sense of defense — Walls up, not letting any feeling show at all. His question is left out in the space as you look at him through narrowed eyes, reminding yourself he’s the enemy.

He cannot have the satisfaction. He’s the one behind Verosha’s twin sister after all, the one who send her to seek her own revenge. You know you should kill him with no second though, to cease with the leak, destroy the rebel cause that was so dark and powerful, so dangerous, but as before, you can’t hurt him by any chance, too attached to the enemy to even think about using the force against him.

Qimir. You don’t expect him to be alive, to be so angry at his lies. You don’t expect him to be the threat to peace and tranquility you’ve been so warned about.

Fuck that. You can’t deal with him again.

Maybe you are a coward after all, not worthy of being called a Jedi Knight. Always too unsure, questioning if you’re doing things the right way.

It’s not your fight. It’s not your place to be, you’re not his prisoner so you reach your lightsaber quick enough to leave his side, holding the weapon against your bare hands as you leave the cave, facing the daylight and the ocean in front of you.

You're not his prisoner, so you quickly leave as soon as you can leave, unable to hold his gaze anymore, to answer a question you shouldn't be asked. Even if it's cold outside, the sun still shines and you are sure you're going to find a ship that will take you out of there, as far as possible — Maybe, even leave him there.

But when you walk, you're followed close by in silence. Not a prisoner, but not free enough to leave free whiningly.

Even when you pace fasten enough to try to leave him behind, it seems like it's not a physical effort to follow you near by, to follow the same footsteps you give in order to look for a way to get out.

What's his plan anyway? Follow you forever? He's going to get tired soon enough, the problem is you don't have the patience enough to wait for it, you can't wait for Qimir to be enlightened by mercy, to be rational, to let you leave so you can be as far away from him as possible.

So at any sudden sound, you happen to snap, to turn on the sable in one swift movement, quick enough to pull it against his neck, almost touching his skin, the blue light reflecting in his pupils as he seemed pleased by your attention.

That's what he wants in the end. Even if it's anger, he wants to get any reaction out for him.

"Stop following me around" it's a knot on your throat, a sting in the heart as you threat him, the sound of your voice almost mixing with the loud crashing of the ocean. "You said yourself, i'm no prisoner."

He can sense your anger yet he's devastated by what you've become, devastated by finally being in front of you. Even when you're hesitating to spare his life once again, he's driven by the smell he was so caught on before, the memories you brought, attacked by the lonely life he was forced to live, the perks he enjoyed embracing his dark side.

It seems like forever, an eternity while the energy just flows, while the tension consume you both.

You're caught in a spiderweb you cannot get out, cause when he opens his mouth to speak again, you don't expect to make your world tremble that way.

"I was searching for you."

You know what's coming next, the sound of his voice like a recorder playing over and over in your head, the vibrations of his tone matching the ones you've been dreaming about lately.

"I was searching for you. Even in my dreams."

It's enough to make you lower your sable.

To make the stranger smile.

my masterlist

[ofswordsandpens]

I've enjoyed episode 3 the most so far, but I think the show is still struggling to find a good balance between taking itself seriously and the absurdist humor that RR writes with. My main takeaways:

The Fight Scenes (or Lack Thereof?)

It seems very peculiar to me that the show is just speed running through its battle scenes. Again, it feels very much like the product of Disney trying to sanitize anything that's too extreme?

The trio fleeing from the kindly ones in the book ended with Percy taking control of the bus and then crashing it. It explodes. They lose all of their stuff (money, food). In the show, they simply bail out the back window. No true panic. No tension. Just, okay :) we're leaving now :)

The Medusa Scene. I'll speak more to this later, but in terms of the fight we get to see... well we get to see nothing. Apparently this fight required us to view it through the lens of the invisibility cap (ie. not at all),

I understand this show is intended for a younger audience, but the books are as well. Even the movies, which are pg, came up with better ways to show things without necessarily showing things. As a result, it feels like anything that might induce the slightest bit of tension or fear are sanded down and its honestly doing such a disservice to the books and the audience.

Medusa

I actually really liked this portrayal of Medusa. The 1950s housewife vibe landed well for me. And I loved the actress's voice -- very soft and soothing but always sounding as if she were just about to cry.

Also, I really liked her dialogue. Her digs at Athena and Poseidon were perfectly tragic.

That being said, I really prefer the trio's arrival to the emporium in the book. In the books, they've been wandering the woods and are lost and exhausted and hungry because of the battle/bus crash where they've lost all of their stuff. It almost feels like the emporium popping up "out of nowhere" was more of it finding them.

Meanwhile in the show, Grover finds it through scent on a satyr path and they immediately know its Medusa, which imo takes out so much of the fun of it all??? In the books, they dont know. Grover's just like, freaking the ever living fuck out, and clearly Percy and Annabeth have let him take sole custody of the shared brain cell, cause they're more concerned about getting some food than anything else

Just... RIP dumbass shenanigans

And honestly, I'm not really sure what necessitated the change here in the show (of them not being tricked). It would have been one thing if they were going to change Medusa entirely to not wanting to harm them at all, but imo, I think its arguable/evident that show Medusa was looking for an excuse to petrify Annabeth and Grover (at minimum) regardless of anything.

Honestly, I would have had the show loosely play it out as: book arrival (they dont know its Medusa), keep the dumbass energy and banter, the trio figures out it Medusa while they're eating, Medusa is the more sympathetic version we see in the show, regardless it still ends with the battle.

Also, I do mourn the book battle. The panic and absurdity is just handled better imo. Annabeth shoving them off the bench, Grover flopping all over the place with the shoes but actively getting a good few hits in, Percy having to use to the reflection to behead her... the #TeamWork was emphasized a little more there to me.

Characterization

I think the show is absolutely nailing certain parts of the characters.

They've gotten Percy's anger and his derision towards the gods down. But, I think they're actually underscoring some of his, idk, sincerity? His kindness? It was the line "she met a pinecone's fate" that just rang off to me. While undoubtedly funny, it's just such a stark difference from his reaction to Thalia's story in the books, where he was unsettled by her fate and felt a sincere sympathy for her. The line in the show I assume is meant to criticize the gods, but still, it feels like it comes at the expense of the sensitivity that he has.

They've gotten Annabeth's bluntness, intelligence, pride, and superiority down cold. No question about it. But I feel like they just need to let her be more of a 12yo kid?

Like. In canon she and Percy banter and argue over the silliest of things. She plays hacky sack with Grover and Percy. She blushes and hyperventilates when Luke interacts with her. Episode 3 is like the first time we've gotten to see her do something remotely childish (buying all that candy) and I'm just dying for more of that!! She's not the "mom" of the group and she has her canon dumbass moments. I'm hoping more of this is captured moving forward. They've gotten a good start on the banter, but let Annabeth be more silly! Cause she is!

(Absolutely none of my personal qualms about the characterization are Walker or Leah's fault. They've done amazing. It's the writing/directing I'm side-eyeing).

OH! And I'm sorry but Percy being like "Annabeth we're going to bury medusa with your hat on" would have never ever flown with Annabeth. In no world.

But Grover eating them up at the end? Iconic. Good for him.

[starlight-sev]

Your Protector (Teen!Snape x Muggle!Reader)

You and Severus have been best friends and neighbours since childhood, only spending summers together due to his strange boarding school.

This summer, however, you uncover a darker secret about Severus. And… maybe end up revealing your own secrets in the process.

Warnings: mentions of bullying

A/N: This is my first fic for Snape, I hope you enjoy :’)

(I also have a main blog over at @starlight-loki where you can find my fics about, well, Loki)

You always wondered why Severus was so adamant about having you meet him outside King’s Cross station. Over the years you had dreamed about standing there on the platform, watching for his raven hair as he clambered off the train with everyone else.

And maybe, just maybe if you were brave enough, you’d kiss him. Just once.

But this summer was no different than any other. You had gotten a letter from your favourite neighbour, spidery letters scrawling across the page:

I’ll be coming home tomorrow, meet me in the usual spot.

You weren’t sure how the postman managed to consistently throw Severus’s letters onto the window ledge of your second floor bedroom, but you knew better than to question it at this point. Spinner’s End was a peculiar place. The people who lived here were no exception either.

You shifted your weight from foot to foot as you stood rather awkwardly by the entrance to King’s Cross. The latest influx of passengers had already passed, and still there was no sign of Severus.

You bit your lip, anxiously glancing at the time. He should’ve been here by now. Severus was never late.

You stepped towards the doors as you debated whether or not to look for your friend. Sure, King’s Cross was huge, and you had no idea which platform Severus would be getting off of, but you were getting worried.

Just as you entered the station, you saw him. He looked like he had gotten taller, skinnier too. His dark hair was a little longer, almost to his shoulders now, but he was still the same Severus you grew up with.

“Oh my god!” You exclaimed, unable to keep from beaming as you rushed towards him. You crashed full-force into Severus, causing him to stumble back and drop his bags as you wrapped your arms around him. “I missed you!”

You sighed comfortably as Severus returned your hug, and you just barely noticed his arms trembling as he did so.

“It’s good to see you again, Y/N.”

You froze. His voice was raspy, uneven.

Severus always spoke quietly, but this was different. He usually spoke with a more level, grounded tone. His grip wasn’t as firm as it usually was. And he was almost half an hour late.

Something was wrong.

You pulled away from your friend, concern lacing your features as you looked him up and down.

“What happened?” You asked softly, your eyes desperately searching Severus’ face for any sign of unease or hurt.

He lowered his gaze to the ground. “It’s nothing.”

“You never look at me when you’re lying. Really Sev, what’s wrong?”

Severus glanced back up at you, anger and a deeper hurt flashing quickly in his eyes. “Nothing.” He emphasized. You noticed how his grip tightened on the handle of his suitcase as he spoke. “Y/N, it’s nothing. Please.”

You knew that tone. Please drop it. It’s too painful to talk about.

You sighed, leaning forward and grabbing one of Severus’ bags, ignoring his protests as you nodded for him to follow you back home.

“I can carry that-”

You smirked, shrugging. “So can I.”

You barely caught the smallest quirk of a smile from your friend. “I see you haven’t changed one bit this past year, Y/N.”

Much of the trip home was spent in silence, which left an uneasy feeling in your stomach. Usually you and Severus could talk for hours, especially after not having seen each other for most of the year, with him going off to his strange boarding school and all. But this was different. A solemn mood hung heavy over the two of you, like a storm cloud just in the edges of your vision.

You had to ask Severus what was going on. You couldn’t just forget about it the way he practically begged you to.

You reached Severus’ house first, and to your surprise, he hesitated and glanced at you anxiously.

“Could we… go right to your place?”

You frowned, trying to ignore the heavy feeling in your chest that grew stronger. “Don’t you want to drop off your things first? It would make no sense bringing all your suitcases to my house.”

Severus looked at you, his gaze pleading. “I just… I don’t…” He sighed, struggling for the right words. “Dad’s home and… I’m tired.”

You had to fight back tears of your own as you gazed at your friend. He had held himself together well on the way back from King’s Cross, but now as you gazed at him, you noticed how the circles under his eyes seemed much darker than usual. The small sparkle of curiosity you loved so much in your friend was gone, replaced with an exhaustion that seemed to seep into your own bones just by looking at him.

What had happened to him this year?

You nodded, setting his suitcase down to wrap an arm protectively around Severus’ shoulder. He winced quietly, this time not even trying to hide it from you.

“Come on,” you whispered as you approached your house. “Let’s go inside. I’ll make you tea.”

To your relief, the house was empty. You were dreading having to put Severus through small talk with your family. He hated it on his good days, you weren’t sure how he’d be able to handle it on a day like today.

Severus remained quiet as he followed you into the kitchen. You noticed how his gaze roamed across your kitchen cabinets, as if he was checking to see if everything was still in the same spot as last summer.

“The usual?” You asked as you opened a cupboard and pulled out a tin of Earl Grey. You shook the tin lightly as you glanced at Severus. “Or has your mystery boarding school converted you to, god forbid, coffee?”

Usually a remark like that would’ve earned at least a crack of a smile from your friend, even on a bad day. This time, Severus just nodded slowly as he leaned against the counter. “That one’s just fine.”

All you could do was nod in return as you set the kettle on the stove to boil.

After portioning out tea for the two of you, you walked over to Severus quietly. Without a word, you wrapped your arms around him in another hug.

Your heart sank as he fell apart instantly, sobbing quietly into your hair. You pulled him closer, your arms closing around him tighter, but pulled away a second later when you heard him wince loudly in pain.

“What is it?” You asked, panic edging into your voice ever so slightly. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”

Severus shook his head as he wiped the tears from his eyes. He remained quiet.

“You’re scaring me.” You whispered. “Please… can you tell me what’s going on?”

“I…” Severus struggled for the right words, his gaze shifting away from you and onto the floor. You stepped closer to him, gently taking his hand in yours.

“They’ve been… coming after me.”

“Who has?” You ask softly. “People from your school?”

Severus nodded, his gaze still on the floor.

“They got me today. On the train.”

Your eyes widened. “What… Sev, what do you mean?”

Severus closed his eyes as if the very memory of what happened was causing him physical pain.

“On the train home, they cornered me. Locked me in a cabin and…”

He trailed off shakily, and to your surprise, he lifted his jumper up to his chest.

Dark bruises were scattered across his entire torso and ribs. Your eyes widened as you took in the sight before you, and you had to fight to stifle the sob that surfaced.

This was why he was late. You realized. Something horrible happened.

“Is it that bad?” Severus’ voice was no louder than a whisper. You stepped forward, wrapping your hands around his own and helping him gently pull his jumper back down.

“I’ll get you ice.” You whispered back, keeping your hands over his. “You can stay here as long as you need to. Okay?”

Severus closed his eyes, breathing out a small sigh of relief.

He was so sad, so broken, and yet… he looked like an angel.

You stepped a little closer until your chests were almost touching, and you reached up to caress his face softly. Severus’ eyes snapped open at the sensation, but to your relief he didn’t shy away from you. If anything, he leaned into your touch.

“You should quit that stupid boarding school,” you whispered, laughing softly yet bitterly. “Come to my school. It’s a lot better.”

Severus closed his eyes and leaned into your touch even further, and you noticed how he visibly relaxed for the first time since you met him that morning.

“I can’t,” he whispered back. “I’ve got one year left, I have to finish.”

“Surely you could switch?” You asked, fighting the edge of desperation that creeped into your voice. “Think about it… no more stupid uniforms, we could spend the whole year together… besides, it’s not like they’re teaching you anything different. It’s all the same material as what we learn, right?”

Severus opened his eyes, and you could’ve sworn you caught a flash of sadness in his eyes as you spoke.

“It’s… it’s much more complicated than you think, Y/N.”

You sighed in defeat, leaning your head forward. You gave it your best shot every year to try and convince Severus to leave his boarding school, to come attend public school with you, but it never worked.

To your surprise, however, Severus leaned forward too, until his forehead was touching yours.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you, Y/N.”

You sighed, squeezing his hand gently.

“The months without you go by so slowly, Sev. I’ve missed you so much.”

Severus pulled back just enough to gaze at you, his eyes searching yours for any sign of a lie or a joke. You held his gaze steadily, however, barely catching in the process the quick glance he made at your lips.

“You mean it?” He whispered.

Part of you was terrified this wasn’t the right moment, especially since you weren’t sure how Severus was feeling after what he had shared with you, but you knew you couldn’t wait any longer.

Hell, you had to wait nine months to see Severus again. You couldn’t wait a moment longer.

Before you could convince yourself otherwise, you stepped on your toes and pressed a quick kiss against Severus’s lips. You broke away immediately, feeling heat rise quickly to your face as you looked away.

The seconds that passed between the two of you felt like years. For a second, you thought you blew it. You had gone and stupidly picked the worst moment ever to do something like this-

Before you knew what was happening, Severus was leaning over you, kissing you as if you were his very lifeline. It was rushed, a little sloppy, and you weren’t exactly sure where to put your hands, but this was really happening.

Severus was kissing you.

You broke away to the sound of the kettle whistling intrusively, and you couldn’t fight the giggles that surfaced as you attempted to break away. Severus held you firmly in place, his lips on yours in an instant.

“Wait- Sev-” you managed in between hurried kisses. “The kettle-”

“It’s water…” he grumbled, his grip on your waist tightening. “It can wait.”

You gave in, wrapping your arms around him again, only to earn a pained wince in response.

“I’m sorry,” you gasped, stepping back. You raced to move the kettle off the stove before glancing nervously at Severus again. “I’m so sorry… did I hurt you?”

Severus shook his head, stepping closer to you and extending his arms to request another hug.

“Be gentle.” You could almost hear a hint of a tease in his voice. The Sev you loved so dearly was coming back.

You nodded and, with a small smile, gave Severus a softer hug this time. His arms wrapped around you gently in return. Things felt right this time. No longer uneasy like earlier.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for a while,” you admitted sheepishly.

“How long?”

“…three years.”

With your head resting against his chest, you could feel Severus as he laughed at your response.

“It’s been five for me.”

“Why did you wait so long!?” You exclaimed. “I had no idea, I thought I screwed everything up when I kissed you!”

“I never thought…” his voice was quiet again. “I just never thought you’d like someone like me this way. James and Sirius, they said I’d never…”

Ah. So these were the imbeciles who were bullying Severus.

“Let me tell you something…” you said, leaning back just enough so you could gaze in Severus’s dark eyes. “I will personally kick both James and Sirius’s asses twice as hard if I ever see them.”

Severus gazed at you with a mix of sadness and admiration.

“Those two idiots have no idea how lucky they are to not have me at your boarding school,” you continued angrily. “Maybe this fall I’ll drop them a little visit-”

Severus cut you off by pressing his lips to yours, the kiss making your heart skip a beat with how passionate he was.

“What was that?” You asked breathlessly, earning a small smile from Severus.

“Thank you. For always protecting me.”

[mysterious-moonstruck-musings]

Closed Position: Week 4 (Jive Part 2)

Closed Position Masterlist ||| Main Masterlist Dieter Bravo x OFC (Katarina)

Series Summary: Dieter Bravo, now sober, was looking to change his bad boy image after hitting rock bottom. His team hoped that having him join the nationally televised family friendly dance competition, Dancing with the Stars, would be a good first step, if they can keep him out of trouble. 

Katarina Stamos expected her last season as a professional dancer on the show to go the same as it had for the past thirteen seasons. That all changed when she was partnered with the infamous Dieter Bravo. 

Dieter and Katarina are reluctantly thrown into their partnership and must learn to work together to succeed in the competition. In the process they form a deeper connection beyond the dance floor that neither anticipated.

Chapter Word Count: 16.6k

👉 Warnings: Themes dealing with intimate partner violence (not from Dieter), past alcohol abuse, and past drug abuse. There will be fluff, tears, spicy language, and smut. This will be a slow burn. Read at your own risk. Dieter Bravo comes with his own warnings.

Chapter Quote: I’m so fucked.

Kat's POV On my drive home from the diner, my thoughts were only of Dieter. His mood had been all over the place this week. I really had been concerned about him slipping up and felt more relief than I probably should have when he mentioned his therapy appointment. At least he seemed to be handling things the right way. I couldn’t figure out what suddenly had made him so upset, but I felt like it had something to do with me. He had been more distant since the show on Monday, and I didn’t understand why. 

When Dieter came into the dance studio on Wednesday, I could tell that Alec’s presence was affecting him. Having both men in the same space with no one else around made me nervous. It was obvious that Dieter didn’t care for Alec and vice versa. The tension between the two of them was so thick, I was concerned about another confrontation. Luckily, Alec didn’t stick around long. 

However, the tension was still there even after Alec left. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to ask Dieter what was going on. I figured it had something to do with me giving Alec another chance. I knew how Dieter felt about the way Alec treated me, but for a brief moment, I couldn’t help wondering if there was more to it - if maybe he was feeling something for me too. Something more than concern for a friend’s safety. 

It pissed me off when he said he was disappointed in my choice, even though he had every right to be. It was hard to hear because I knew he wasn’t wrong. It was a bad decision, and I could already feel the regret setting in. The burst of anger did fuel me to ask what I really wanted to know, if there was another reason he was so upset about it. I knew him well enough to know that he wouldn’t answer it honestly, but he did falter. I briefly considered his response, something about it causing butterflies to form in my stomach. My gut was telling me there was something else, but the logical part of my brain didn’t believe it.  

His pleas that followed to not let it get bad and the burning look in his eyes caused a shift in the tension. I couldn’t fight the urge to touch him, my hand involuntarily reaching for his cheek. He surprised me by leaning into it before taking my hand in both of his. The moment turned oddly intimate, and I wanted nothing more than to tell him how I was feeling, but I knew I couldn’t. It was wrong to be feeling those things for him. I knew that I needed to keep it professional, for all our sake. 

Dieter seemed to return to his normal self after that, which had me questioning things all over again. Surely that wasn’t all that had been bothering him? I worked to brush that thought aside. I was just happy to have him back. Given that the day had ended so well, I wasn’t ready to be away from him. I had missed his light and wanted it to shine on me just a little bit longer. So, I asked him to try the Greek diner with me, which turned out to be a terrible idea. 

The last two hours had sent my thoughts and feelings into a tailspin. Dieter seemed to be opening up to me more and more each time we were together. Tonight felt…different. Not unlike how it felt when I had dinner at his place. He was attentive and maybe even a little flirty. The way he kept looking at me was causing my thighs to clench together under the table. I wasn’t sure if it was just a physical attraction or more. He definitely had me reevaluating things during my whole drive home.

It was already getting late by the time I pulled into the garage. I hadn’t heard from Alec at all, even though he said he was planning to come over for the night so we could go out for breakfast before our rehearsals started the next morning. I was both annoyed that he hadn’t at least texted me and relieved that I might not have to deal with him. I was settling into bed, planning to go down a social media rabbit hole on the Dieterina hashtag when I heard the front door open. I sighed, set my phone on the docking station to charge, then laid down to go to sleep. 

I could hear Alec moving around to get ready for bed, eventually settling in at my back and pulling me against his body to kiss my cheek. He smelled of cigarettes and something else I couldn’t figure out. Something floral maybe? It wasn’t normal and it made my stomach turn. When I only acknowledged him and didn’t escalate things, he sighed heavily then turned away and quickly fell asleep. 

My mind began racing. Was that perfume or something he had eaten or drank? I couldn’t tell and it was sending me into a spiral. I hated having to worry about this. I shouldn’t have to. And did I really have a right to? I wasn’t behaving much better than him today, and the thoughts I had been having were a whole other thing. 

And so what if it was perfume? He had been rehearsing with Lana half the day. It could just as easily be from that. Surely that’s all it was, if anything. Right? I was trying my best to be rational about this and give him the benefit of the doubt, but it was hard. Would I ever stop thinking like this when it came to him? 

It took forever for me to finally fall asleep, but I had managed to calm my thoughts by then. Not that it was a restful sleep. I spent most of the night tossing and turning, plagued by weird dreams that I couldn’t remember after waking. They only left me with a sense of foreboding that I couldn’t seem to shake. 

The following morning, I was in the bathroom getting ready when Alec came in. He hugged me from behind, burying his face into my neck and sighing dramatically. 

“Baby, I’m gonna have to skip out on breakfast. Marc just texted me and asked if we could switch rehearsal times. Something about a sick kid…So, we’re gonna head in earlier than planned.” 

He raised his head, giving me his best sad puppy face in the mirror as he rested his chin on my shoulder. 

I let out a controlled breath, sticking the mascara wand back into the container. No sense in getting ready now. “That’s ok…it’s understandable. It was nice of you to do that for him.”

“Yeah, so I guess imma head out. Maybe we can grab dinner later?”

I nodded, turning to kiss him goodbye. Only, he didn’t kiss me on the lips, he kissed me on the forehead and walked off without a second glance or another word. Something about that didn’t sit right. It stunned me actually. 

After I heard the front door shut, I moved to peek out through the curtains. Alec already had his phone to his ear with a smile on his face as he got into the driver's seat. Something about this felt off. 

I took a deep breath, moving to get my phone from the nightstand. Alec wasn’t a huge fan of Marc, often calling him a stuck up prick because he wouldn’t go out partying with the rest of the guys at all hours of the night. Marc was married and had young kids, so of course he didn’t do that. It was hard for me to believe that Alec would do anything to help Marc out given his feelings about him. Alec wasn’t typically very accommodating to people he didn’t care for. I was also fairly certain Marc usually had evening rehearsals, so he could be home with the kids while his wife was working. 

I pulled up Marc’s contact information and hit the call button. I worked to steady my breathing as the phone rang. Part of me hoped he didn’t answer out of fear from what I would learn. He did answer though. 

“Hey Kat, what’s up?” 

“Hey Marc, sorry to bother you. I just wanted to double check, did you by chance change your studio time for today?” 

“Nope, it should still be our usual evening time slot. Why?”

His answer knocked the air out of my lungs. I knew Alec was lying. I somehow managed to compose myself and quickly think up an explanation. 

“Not a huge deal, they had us double booked, but I think I’ve figured out a solution. I just wanted to check first before calling Dieter with the change.”

“Oh damn, that’s annoying. Do I need to do anything?”

“Na, I’ve got it sorted. You guys should be good.”

“Awesome. Thanks for catching that or we might’ve been sharing.” 

“No problem. I may see you around later. Enjoy your morning.”

“You too. Thanks again! Bye.”

I wasn’t sure what to do with this information. It didn’t necessarily mean he was cheating, but why else would he need to lie like that? I puffed air out of my cheeks, deciding to throw on my gym clothes and go to his place to see if he was there. 

A short time later, I found myself pulling into a parking spot at Alec’s apartment complex. I noticed his car was in its usual assigned space, so I decided to go in. As I was unbuckling my seatbelt, I spotted Lana walking up the steps leading to his second floor landing. I froze, watching as she knocked on the door. A few seconds later, Alec was there, pulling her tightly against him and kissing her with a lot more enthusiasm than he had with me lately. 

It hurt to see it, but I needed to. With the previous incidents, Alec swore he was never physical with those women. I didn’t believe him, but I also had no proof either. This time, there was no denying it. They definitely had something going on and clearly had for some time. 

The oddest mix of emotions was swirling inside of me. There was relief of course, but there was also hurt and anger. I had given up so much for this asshole and this was how he continued to repay me. After letting anger win the battle as the dominant emotion, I sat trying to reason with myself on the best way to handle this. I wanted to confront him, but I was also worried about his reaction. Would he get violent? 

I hesitated, but eventually stepped out of the car and began walking toward his apartment. When I reached the 2nd floor landing, I realized his door was still slightly ajar. The dumbass didn’t even get it shut all the way. As I got closer, I could hear them, on the sofa I assumed, already fucking. I felt sick from the sounds. It was made worse by the words that were coming out of Alec’s mouth; She’s the only one he needs, the only one who means anything to him, the only one he wants…it went on and on. I couldn’t listen anymore, reaching to push the door open with force, causing it to slam into the wall. 

Alec was seated on the couch with Lana straddling his lap, now trying to cover herself with her hands at the sound of the door. I got an eye full as his unprotected dick slipped out of her when she turned to look in my direction. 

I was seething. He couldn’t even wrap it up. He wasn’t even worried about bringing something home to me. Looks like my concerns were valid. 

“Kat…w-what the fuck are you doing?” Alec sputtered, shocked by my sudden appearance. 

I took a steadying breath, determined not to cry in front of him. “I just wanted you to know that I heard it with my own ears and I’m seeing it with my own eyes. There’s no sweet talking your way out of it this time you fucking asshole.”

“Baby, come on. Let’s talk about this…” 

He moved to get up, but Lana pushed him back against the sofa, refusing to get off his lap. Then she turned back to me, a sly smile on her lips. 

“What are you smiling about? He’s your fucking problem now.” 

I turned to leave, overhearing Lana telling Alec not to go after me as I moved toward the stairs. I had to applaud her, at least she seemed to have some authority over him. For now, anyway. In time, he would probably break her down too. 

In an odd way, I felt like that confrontation had taken some of his power away from him. He couldn’t lie his way out of it. There was no way he could twist this in his favor and save face. He wasn’t going to control me anymore. He couldn’t. My chains were broken, and I wasn’t going back. 

After sitting in my car for several minutes, the adrenaline rush was beginning to wear off, and now the hurt was setting in. The things he had said to Lana told me how little he actually cared about me. Why did he fight so hard to keep me around if he didn’t want to be with me? Or had he just been telling her what she wanted to hear? He was good at that tactic. 

I was left feeling like I had wasted the last six years of my life, for nothing. I was suddenly full of grief over everything that I had given up for Alec, and regret for the way I had allowed him to treat me. It was a relief to be done with him, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. I loved him once after all. We had been happy in the beginning and at one time I believed we could find our way back to that. The tears were coming now. I needed to get away from his apartment. 

I backed out of the parking spot and headed home. Once locked inside, I let the tears fall as I crawled into bed and sobbed into a pillow. An hour had passed when I finally checked the time. Realizing that I needed to pull it together and get ready for rehearsals. We were filming today, and I refused to do it looking like an emotional mess. 

After dragging myself out of bed, I moved to the bathroom to examine the damage. My eyes were red and swollen. I applied a warm compress, hoping it would take some of the swelling out. It helped some, but not enough. After washing my face, I worked to put a little more makeup on than I would normally wear in hopes it would make it less noticeable. It seemed to help some. 

I had to rush to make it to the dance studio in time. The camera crew was already there setting up and coming at me with a mic pack as soon as I walked through the door. I did my best to act normal, but from the way Dieter was eyeing me, I could tell he knew something was off. I knew he wouldn’t ask with hot mics on us, so that gave me some reprieve. 

My mood improved as we began to rehearse. Dieter of course found ways to make me smile, like he always did. Things seemed almost normal by the time the camera crew left for the day, leaving us alone for the last two hours of rehearsal time. Dieter did ask if everything was ok since I seemed flustered and was a few minutes late. I lied and said Alec and I had gone out for breakfast, and I had gotten held up by a traffic accident on the way here. I didn’t think he bought it, but he didn’t question me on the topic any further. I hated lying to him, but I wasn’t ready to share what happened. I needed time to process and deal with it on my own first, otherwise I was going to break down into a crying heap if I tried to explain it now. 

Our last bit of studio time went on as normal, allowing me to forget about the whole Alec thing for a bit. Once our time was up, we gathered our things as Dieter shared the latest Zee antics with me. Mentioning that he was heading to the pet store as we walked to our cars to leave. He lingered for a moment after saying goodbye, like another question was on the tip of his tongue, but he never asked it. Instead, he smiled and gave me a quiet, “See ya tomorrow” as he got into his car. 

I was considering my next steps as I left the dance studio. I knew that I probably needed to get checked out since I had no idea what Alec had been up to. I was certain he used a condom every time we were together since I had first found out about his infidelity, but I realized that wasn’t fool proof, and he was a fucking idiot. I also realized that it didn't protect me from all STDs. There were other ways of catching things. 

I was silently cursing Alec as I pulled into the parking lot of one of the local walk-in clinics. It looked fairly empty, which was a positive. I sat there for a moment, trying to prepare myself for what I was about to do. I would have to explain my situation, which meant I would have to finally say it out loud. I just hoped I could keep it together. The fact that I was having to do this made me hate him more than I had ever hated anyone. 

Luckily, they got me in quickly. I gave a urine sample, had an exam, then had blood drawn, and was swabbed in all the places to be tested for every STD possible. I was stoic through the whole process. It was the only way to keep from falling apart on the poor medical staff. I was told it would take 5-10 days to get the results, which seemed like an eternity when dealing with stuff like this. It made me feel dirty and used. I shouldn’t have had to do it, yet here I was. I should have listened to my gut instinct a long time ago. It would have saved me a lot of stress and grief. 

With that out of the way, I finally made my way home. I decided to soak in the tub for a bit to try and relax. I was feeling a little achy, probably because I hadn’t really been taking care of myself this week since Alec had been around. I needed to do better so that it didn’t become an issue. We still had a lot of weeks left to get through.

As I sat in the tub, I started browsing Instagram. Eventually finding myself on Dieter’s page. I had given it a quick scroll when I first followed him but hadn’t looked since. I noticed he had added “Cat Daddy” to his bio which made me snicker. Then, I scrolled all the way back to the beginning. He didn’t have much posted. Based on one of his earlier posts he had removed a lot before he went to rehab. I assumed it was the less than flattering stuff from his party days. 

There had obviously been a shift in him. I could tell just from the few posts from before rehab that were still available. Most of his newer content focused on Zee, plants, and painting, which I loved to see. There were a couple of the same shots provided to us from the show that I had shared, but nothing else.

I caught myself going on a liking spree. I had to force myself to stop before I ended up liking all of his posts. As I scrolled back toward the top, one picture caught my eye. It was a shot from his “sanctuary”, the corner with the leather seats and guitars where we played together the previous week. He posted it the day after I had been there, with the hashtag #MyFavoritePlace. I couldn’t help but wonder if his post was related to my visit. I shook that question from my head. What a ridiculous thought, Kat. 

I was then drawn to a picture of his hands covered in dirt as they potted a plant. He really did have nice hands. They were large with long, thick fingers. The small bullseye tattoo only added to their appeal. My mind momentarily wandered to thoughts of those hands on my body but dismissed them. I can’t go there. If I do, there’s no coming back. I moved on to the next post. I was chuckling at Dieter’s Croc covered feet when notifications started to pop up. 

“bangingbravo1 liked your photo.”

They came in one after another. My liking spree must have prompted him to do the same. The only difference, he did like all of my posts, except for the ones that had Alec in them. OK, Bravo. You made your point. Publicly. He was so unapologetically himself and was not afraid to make his opinions known. I honestly loved that about him, but damn if that wasn’t going to cause some gossip if anyone noticed. 

I hit the little notification bell at the top and turned all notifications on for him without a second thought. I smiled to myself, hitting the ‘message’ button. 

ME: I feel like I’m being Instagram stalked right now…

He didn't keep me waiting long for a reply.

DIETER: I’m pretty sure you were stalking me first, sweetheart. 😉

My smile widened, he was trying to push my buttons. Truth be told, I kind of liked it when he did that. 

ME: I told you not to call me that, Bravo.

DIETER: My apologies…Kit Kat.

I rolled my eyes. He was never going to let that nickname go. 

ME: What are you up to this evening, besides liking all my posts?

DIETER: I was painting until my phone started blowing up with Instagram notifications.

ME: Oh yeah? What are you working on?

DIETER: Something new…it’s a secret.

My brow furrowed. What a weird response. He’s usually very open and excited to talk about his hobbies. 

ME: Oh come on, not even a hint?

A picture came through. It was obviously a close up shot of part of a painting. It just looked like swirls of purples, magenta, and black with oranges and yellows at the edge. I couldn’t tell what it was, but I was intrigued.

ME: Those are new colors for you. I like them.

DIETER: Well, I have new inspiration...

Why was he being so cryptic? It was causing butterflies in my stomach again.

ME: And that inspiration is…what?

DIETER: My 🐈, of course.

Why didn’t he just say Zee? Unless he thought he was being slick with double meanings? Surely not. I held my breath as I typed my reply, then hit send without reading it. 

ME: Your feline or your human 🐈?

He started typing, then stopped. It took him a good thirty seconds before he started again. 

DIETER: I’m afraid you’ve hit your question and answer quota for today. My turn. What are you up to this evening?

I snorted, this was about to take a turn. Did I want to go there? I decided to keep it PG, not wanting to make it weird. 

ME: Just trying to relax my aching bones.

DIETER: And how does my human 🐈 do that? No hints? 😏

My thighs clenched together. He did not just fucking say that. I wasn’t sure how to respond. Were we flirting? I chewed on my bottom lip as I thought through my options. Another message popped up.

DIETER: I’m sorry. That might have been a little inappropriate to say.

He was one hundred percent flirting and now worried he overstepped. Alright Bravo, if you’re gonna go there…then I am too. 

ME: If I give you an inappropriate hint, will you answer my question?

DIETER: That depends on how inappropriate your hint is…

I chewed my lip again, thinking. I muttered a quiet “Fuck it” as I propped my bubble covered legs up on the side of the tub and snapped a picture. It’s not like he hadn’t seen more than that from my costumes. Then again, this implied I was currently naked and wet. 

I decided not to send it through Instagram, instead pulling up his contact info and sending it as a text. I felt nauseous afterward, worried I was misreading things. He was taking entirely too long to respond. The bubbles finally started bouncing, indicating he was typing.

DIETER: I feel cheated. Your toes are cropped out. Your answer is a no go.

I snorted. He obviously didn’t have a problem with it.

ME: Please tell me you don’t have a thing for feet. That’s just gross.

DIETER: I’ll take what I can get. I’m not picky. Besides, you probably wouldn’t say that after one of my foot massages.

My thighs clenched again. Fuck. Why is that doing things to me? Probably because it implies he’s good with his hands…his very large hands.

ME: Are you offering?

DIETER: All you have to do is ask, honey. I’ll do anything I can to help you feel better. 😉

Fuuuuck. I can't deal with him. He was sending my mind spiraling straight into the gutter. For a brief moment, I wondered if my vibrator was charged before scolding myself for going there. I was so fucking ridiculous. How did I go from being distraught over my ex cheating on me to this? I needed to chill and get my life figured out before I ruined mine and Dieter’s friendship. 

ME: Well, I hate to cut this conversation short, but my water is getting cold. I’ll see you in the morning?

DIETER: Of course. And for the record, I do have a hydrotherapy tub that doesn’t get cold. You can use it anytime.

DIETER: I swear I’m not trying to be weird with that. I know it helps with arthritis pain. 😂

I laughed, almost tempted to ask if it would fit two people but refrained. I knew he was only trying to be helpful. 

ME: That’s good to know. 😂. Go to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.

DIETER: I will do as I’m told. Goodnight Kit Kat.

ME: Goodnight.

I got ready for bed after that. My mind was now jumping all over the place. I realized that I hadn’t heard from Alec since leaving his apartment, which was unusual for him. Normally he would be blowing up my phone with calls and texts. Maybe he knew it was over this time and wasn’t even going to bother to try to fix it. I could only hope that was the case because I didn’t want to deal with him. 

Then my thoughts went back to Dieter. I was so confused about my feelings for him. I wanted him physically, yes. That much was obvious. What I didn’t know was what I wanted beyond that. I wasn’t sure if I could trust what I was feeling. How much of it was real and how much of it was a result of our situation? We were both in a perfect storm of emotions, looking for happiness and somehow finding it in each other through dancing. 

It’s not unusual for dance partners to fall for each other because the physical closeness and intimacy involved does cause the release of oxytocin in the brain. That fact is common knowledge among dancers, and it fuels the long debate about if the dance connection between partners is real or if it’s just a temporary psychological effect from hormones. Is that what was happening here? Would the intense feelings for him fade once the show was over? It was certainly something to consider. 

Granted, I’ve had a lot of dance partners in my life and never felt like this before. It was similar with Alec, but nowhere near as intense and those feelings with him waned over time. However, I could attribute that to his shitty personality and the way he treated me. We still danced together, so in the end that didn’t save us either. 

By the time I finally started to fall asleep, I was more confused and conflicted than ever. I decided that I would just go with it and see what happened. It was really the only thing I could do. It wasn’t like Dieter had expressed interest in anything more anyway. He was in recovery after all and did say he was taking a break from dating as part of that process. So, I was probably getting myself worked up over nothing. 

The next morning, I awoke feeling surprisingly lighter and more relaxed. The prospect of being done with Alec for good seemed to remove a lot of pent up stress and anxiety. Plus, Friday rehearsals typically went pretty easy for us since we had our routine down. It was just about fine tuning with the music now, allowing us to have a little more fun with it. 

When I got to the dance studio, Dieter hadn’t arrived yet. I wasted a few minutes getting the music ready and stretching. Then I checked the time, realizing he was a few minutes late. I was suddenly worried that something might be wrong, he was usually a few minutes early if not right on time. I was reaching for my phone to send him a quick text when he walked through the door with his cell phone to his ear. He looked a little wild-eyed as he said his goodbyes to end the call, but also seemed to be fighting a smile.

Once he was finished, he dropped his bag onto the floor and gave me a cheesy grin. 

I gave him a confused look, “What’s going on?” 

He put one hand on his hip, the other was rubbing his chin. “Well, I got invited to do SNL. I didn’t think that would ever happen again.”

I gave him a toothy smile, “Dieter, that’s awesome. I’m excited for you!”

He held up his pointer finger and grimaced, “Slight problem though…” He paused. 

I raised my brows, waiting for him to continue. 

“It’s for next week. That Gosling dude dropped out at the last minute, and they don’t have a lot of options.”

My face fell, “How’s that supposed to work?”

He laughed nervously, “Well, how do you feel about going to New York with me for the week…so we can still rehearse?”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I can’t do that. “Dieter, I don’t know if the producers will allow that.”

He was smirking now, “Actually, Lenny, my manager, talked to them this morning and they’re willing to make it work if you’re willing to go with. We would just have to film some things ourselves and there was something mentioned about promo stuff but I dunno what all that entails.”   

Fuck. He was really excited about this. I could tell from the look on his face. I knew this was a big deal for him and for his career. I really didn’t want to be the one thing to hold him back, but I needed to think about it - consider how it could affect things between us. 

“When do you have to let them know something by?” I asked.

“By tomorrow morning, but preferably as soon as possible.”

I nodded. “OK, let me think about it and figure out what exactly that means for us, work wise, if we go. I’d like to know those details first.”

He was nodding along now, “That makes sense. I know it’s short notice and a lot of extra stuff you were not planning on doing, so if you don’t want to, that’s OK. I swear. I don’t want you to feel pressured. I think we can make it work though…and I think it would be fun for us.”

I chuckled, “What I’m not fun enough for you already?” 

His eyes bulged, “No! That’s not what I meant. You know what I mean…and…I did also wanna ask if you’d be willing to do a skit with me.”

I snorted, “What? Like a SNL skit?!?!”

He nodded, “Yes. I have an idea for one.”

I shook my head, “Dieter, I’m not an actor. I can’t…do that.”

He rolled his eyes, “Sure you can. It could be one of the pre-recorded skits, so you don’t have to worry about the live part. I can coach you through it.” 

I took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. He seemed like he really wanted to do this, “What’s the idea?” 

He snickered, “Well…you remember when you said ‘Nobody puts Bravo in the corner’?”

I wasn’t following, “Yeeesss…”

“Well, I think it would be fun to do a Dirty Dancing parody, with the roles reversed.” 

I snorted, “You’re so fucking ridiculous.” 

He burst into laughter, “I know, that’s what makes it funny! It’ll be gold! Come on!” 

I sighed, “Let me think about it. I’ll let you know something in the morning, ok? It’s not a no…yet.”

He huffed and crossed his arms over his chest like a petulant child, “Ooook, fine. I’ll wait for you to think about it.” 

I rolled my eyes at him, then poked him in the chest, “Don’t be bugging me about it either, or I’ll say no.” 

He smirked, “OK. OK. Got it. Let’s rehearse then. I’m ready to get my Jive on today.” 

Dieter did his best Elvis hip wiggle on that last line, curling his lip upward as he spoke. It sent me into a fit of laughter that I struggled to come back from. This set the tone for the rest of the day. He seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood, even for him. The jokes kept coming one after another and he was acting a complete fool the entire time. I’m not sure we ever stopped laughing. He didn’t take himself seriously and I loved that about him. Alec had been the complete opposite, an uptight asshole, which often kept me on edge. It was a nice change, one that I wouldn’t mind being permanent.   

I was actually a little sad once rehearsals were over. We had a good day, and I wasn’t ready for it to end, but I needed to go home and figure out what to do about New York. After we said our goodbyes, I sent a quick text to Stacia and Joe. I needed to know what they were thinking because it sounded like they had a plan. As I was pulling into my garage, my cell rang. It was Joe asking if I could come in for a quick meeting the following morning. I agreed, which was essentially the end of the conversation. 

I had a million questions and did not understand how this was going to work. What about group rehearsals? Or the weekly behind the scenes filming? And what promo stuff would we be doing? Most of all, how the hell would we fit all this in around Dieter’s SNL schedule? It seemed like a lot, but I would be doing it with Dieter. Something told me that if I did go, things would not be the same when we got back. I just didn’t know if that was good or bad. 

The following morning, I had to get up extra early so I could go to Television City Studios to meet with Stacia and Joe. I thought it odd that they didn’t ask to meet with both Dieter and I together, so it automatically had me on edge. The fact that they had agreed to this told me that it was playing into whatever story they were trying to manufacture. So, I knew I had to watch myself. 

Surprisingly, I didn’t have to wait. I was taken back to the conference room straight away where I found Stacia and Joe in unusually bubbly moods. They were chomping at the bit to follow through with whatever they had planned for us. 

Once I was seated, I noticed Stacia looking at me oddly. I couldn’t figure out what it was about. She eventually realized I had noticed her staring, which prompted her to get things started.

“Kat, how are you doing? Everything still going OK with Dieter?”

My brow furrowed slightly, “Yeah, everything with Dieter is great. He’s doing well.” 

She nodded, “Good. That’s what we like to hear. So, I guess he told you about New York then based on your call?”

I nodded, “He did. I was surprised to hear that you guys approved it. I’m curious to hear your plans because I don’t understand how we can possibly pull this off. It’s a lot.” 

Joe smiled, “Actually, I think we can work it out pretty easily. We’re thinking you could take a break from group performances next week. In lieu of that, we can book you on a couple of morning shows. That would meet part of your contract obligations so that some of that stuff is out of the way.”

I took a minute to think about that, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. It would keep me away from Alec for the week too. 

“OK, and what about the behind the scenes filming? Will a crew be coming with us?”

Stacia laughed, “Na, I really don’t think that’s necessary. Dieter can handle some of the filming if we provide the equipment. We also ask that you two ramp up your social media posting a little bit more…maybe even come up with a hashtag or something.” 

They are being way too cool about this. What’s the catch? 

“Where will we rehearse?”

Stacia was still smiling as she continued to stare at me in that odd way, “We’ll book you a space in the hotel. You can rehearse as you have time. It obviously won’t be as structured as it is now, but we think you can work it out.”

How had they figured all of this shit out so quickly? What made them think I would even agree to go?

I pursed my lips in thought. “And our Tuesday morning pre-production meeting?”

“You won’t have to worry about that. We can go over everything now.” 

My brows knitted together, “Without Dieter?” 

Joe smiled politely, “We trust that you can pass the info along to him with no problem.” 

I narrowed my eyes at them, “Why didn’t you meet with both of us together about this?”

Stacia leaned forward, placing her hand on the table in a gesture that was meant to be comforting. “We wanted to run it by you without his influence. I didn’t want you to feel pressured by his presence. His manager made it pretty clear that he really wants to do this.”

I scoffed, “I appreciate the thought, but Dieter would never pressure me into anything. So that wasn’t necessary. I would appreciate it if we could keep our meetings together.” 

Stacia’s lips set into a tight line, “My mistake. Perhaps I should have asked first. Anyway, as far as the plans for next week, we have you doing the Rumba to Thinking Out Loud.” 

The fucking Rumba. Perfect. It was obvious she was fighting a smirk now as she dug around in her binder, and I knew why. The Rumba was one of the most intimate and sensual performances in ballroom dance. It was obvious they were doing everything they could to milk this situation. 

Stacia pulled some papers out, sketches for our costumes. “Luckily, we already had these ready to go. Dieter’s is pretty simple and shouldn’t be an issue. Stop by wardrobe before your spray tans tomorrow evening and they’ll have something similar ready for you to try on. They’ll rework parts of it to make it more like this. We wanna make sure your costumes are ahead of schedule just in case you have travel delays or anything like that.”

I sat staring at them wide-eyed, “Why are you telling me all this? I haven’t agreed.” 

Joe laughed nervously, “Well it’ll be the same details even if you don’t go. Just don’t tell the others you got your dance and song early or they’ll consider it an unfair advantage.”

No shit. This is so fucking bizarre. 

Stacia leaned forward on her elbows, “So, Kat…What are ya thinking? Is it manageable enough for you? Anything else we can do to make this easy on you?” 

What the actual fuck? The crease between my brows deepened. 

“No…I think I’m good. I’ll let you guys know what I decide. Anything else?”

Stacia leaned back in her seat, eyeing me in that weird way she had been since I arrived. “How’s Alec doing?”

I could feel my hackles rise. Why the fuck does she keep doing this? I glared at her for a moment before composing myself, somehow managing a small smile, “Alec is doing just fine...” With his fucking tramp. “If that’s all, I need to get going. I don’t wanna keep Dieter waiting for rehearsals.”

They both smiled, “Of course. We don’t wanna cut into your time, obviously.” Stacia added. 

I got out of there as quickly as I could. I was feeling frustrated and angry. It was obvious what they were up to, again pushing us together for their narrative. However, what frustrated me most was that I knew it might actually cause something to happen between us…or at least I wanted it to. This couldn’t have been set up any better for them.

On the drive to the dance studio, I considered my options. The most attractive thing about going was being away from Alec for a week and not having to dance with him. Fuck. I still have to dance with him on Monday. That was going to go over well. Maybe Emily will swap me with one of the other dancers. That’s going to be a big red flag to the entire cast, and they’ll instantly know something is up, but I guess it’s inevitable. They’re going to know eventually anyway. I was also going to have to face Alec at some point. I needed to prepare myself for that. 

I did need to consider Dieter in this. It was a big deal for him, I could tell. I didn’t want to be the only thing keeping him from doing something that could have a major impact on his career. I was also wondering what it would be like to spend the week with him, away from all this. It would allow us to get to know each other a little better, outside of the studio. It would also give me a chance to see him at work, which I was strangely curious about too. 

I pulled into a parking spot with a few minutes to spare. I sat there going through the pros and cons. There were only two cons that I could think of. One, which was honestly also a pro, something might happen between us. Two, if something did happen, it could ruin our friendship. Was the risk worth it? If Dieter is as amazing as I feel like he is and he wants to be with me, then yes. I think it might be worth it. 

I took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly to calm my nerves. “I can’t believe I’m gonna do this.” 

After a few more deep breaths, I grabbed my bag, got out of the car, and started walking toward the main entrance to the dance studio before I changed my mind. I found Dieter sprawled out on the floor, looking at his phone. He dropped the phone on his chest when I walked in, a smile spreading across his face as he greeted me. 

“There you are! I was about to text you. You’re later than normal.” 

He sat upright and slid his phone across the floor toward his bag. He moved to get up, but I stopped him. “Stay there. We can start our stretches on the floor.” 

He nodded, eyeing me as I sat my bag down and dug my water bottle out. When I turned to face him, he was looking at me expectantly. I knew he was waiting for my answer, but he wasn’t going to ask. I was tempted to wait until the end of rehearsal to tell him, but I knew he needed to know. 

I sat down in front of him and started stretching. He didn’t make any move to stretch with me, instead he continued to stare, his brows arching further into his hairline by the second. 

“Is there a reason you’re not stretching?” I asked, pretending I didn’t know what he was waiting on. 

He scoffed, “Are you messing with me right now?” 

A smile tugged at my lips, I couldn’t fight it. 

A tentative smile spread across his face once he realized it, “You’re gonna go with me?” 

I nodded. He jumped up, leaned down, and pulled me to my feet before I even realized what was happening. His arms wrapped around my middle, lifting me off the floor in a tight hug as he spun us around, thanking me over and over again. I laughed at his overly dramatic reaction, but I knew his excitement was real. 

He finally sat me down, holding my shoulder briefly to make sure I had my footing. 

“Kat, you seriously just made my day. This is a big fucking deal for me right now.” 

“I know. I don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity. It’s gonna be a lot of work though. You know that right?” 

He nodded, maybe a little too enthusiastically. “I’ll work my ass off, I promise…oh! I need to text Lenny so he can get things moving.” 

He ran over to grab his phone off the floor and started tapping away. 

“So, when do we need to leave?” I asked. 

He paused and stared at the ceiling, like he was doing calculations.

“Umm…” He grimaced. “Tomorrow, like right after the show is over probably? I don’t know the flight times though. We might have to do a red-eye.” 

It was my turn to grimace, “Oof. That’s rough. Damn, when are we gonna have time to pack?”

He shrugged, “You think we’re far enough ahead this week to cut out a few hours early? We do have the fucking spray tans later this evening. Ugh, can we skip that?” 

I chuckled, “I doubt it. Maybe we can next week though? Hopefully.” 

I looked at the time. “Let's get four hours in and see how we’re feeling. If all is well, I say we go pack. Otherwise, we’ll be up late doing that.” 

He nodded, “Sounds like a plan.”  

I watched as he opened the camera on his phone and put it in selfie mode, “Guess we better start our social media campaign.” 

He quickly leaned in, snapping a pic of himself and half of my head. I laughed, “I’m sure they’re gonna love that one.” 

He snickered as he tapped away at his phone for a couple more minutes, before setting it back down next to his bag. Suddenly, my phone dinged with an Instagram notification. Well, that’s embarrassing. He looked at me with narrowed eyes, “Do you have notifications turned on for my posts?” 

I shook my head, turning away as I fought a nervous smile, “No…of course not.” 

He stepped in front of me and placed his pointer finger under my chin, raising it so that I was looking at him. I felt the heat of his touch jolt through my entire body as he gave me the cockiest smirk. 

“Say that to my face, please.” 

I couldn’t say it without smiling, I was the worst liar. “I-umm…”

His smirk turned into his cheesy lopsided grin as he tapped my nose with his finger, “That’s what I thought…Don’t worry Kit Kat. I know you love me. You don’t have to hide it.” 

He said it with a teasing tone, but that didn’t stop my eyes from widening at his words. “I-I just figured if we have to do all this social media stuff, I wanna know what you're posting about me. That’s all. Don’t get any crazy ideas.” 

He chuckled, “Mmmhmm. Sure. I’m on to you.” 

I scoffed and rolled my eyes, “Whatever, Bravo. Get to stretching so we can get out of here.” 

He locked eyes with me, leaning in as he spoke. “Yes ma’am. Where do you want me?” 

What. The. Fuck. Is that? I was fairly certain that I stopped breathing. His eyes were smoldering - absolutely burning into my soul. I cleared my throat, “O-On the floor.” 

That came out breathier than I had intended. He arched a brow at me. 

“You need to stretch.” I reminded him.

His eyes darted around my face as his teeth sunk into his bottom lip, trying to hold back a smile. Something told me that he knew exactly what he was doing. New York was going to be interesting.

Once I managed to get him focused, we hit rehearsals hard. The Jive was not an easy dance, so we were exhausted by the time our four hours were up. My hips and feet were beginning to ache. That figures. Just before a long ass flight too. 

We were feeling pretty good about where things were, so we did end up leaving early to go pack before the cast spray tan session. When I got home, I quickly checked Dieter’s Instagram post before I got started.

I felt a rush of excitement when I saw the post. He really put #SheSecretlyLovesMe as a fucking hashtag? I wasn’t prepared for that. It was obviously a joke, but something about it felt a little flirty. There was also something about seeing a selfie of us together. It wasn’t like one of the performance shots from the show. This was personal and intimate in a weird way. We were letting the public into what I thought was our carefully crafted bubble. 

I had to push those thoughts out of my head, I didn’t have time for that now because I had to rush to pack. It was a struggle, half of my laundry was dirty because I hadn’t felt like doing it. I had to get creative with my outfit choices for the week, only having time to wash and dry one load. I managed to get most of it taken care of before it was time to leave for our latest spray tan session. 

During the drive over, I could feel my nervousness setting in over the possibility of seeing Alec and Lana. Not knowing how they were going to act toward me or behave toward each other was the biggest cause of it. Their behavior had the potential to cause some serious drama.  

Once I got to Television City Studios, I waited in my car until I saw Dieter arrive. I didn’t want to chance getting cornered by Alec or Lana alone. By the time I moved to get out, Dieter was already there with a questioning look on his face.

“What are you doing? Hiding in your car?” 

I laughed nervously, “I wasn’t hiding…I was just taking care of some last minute stuff.” I lied. 

He nodded, “Yeah, I feel you on that. I’ve had to make a long list of instructions for my assistant. He’s on plant and cat duty while I’m gone.” 

I chuckled, “Shouldn’t he be coming with you?”

Dieter snickered, “Umm, normally he would, yes. But he can run my calendar and boss me around remotely. I guess I need to find a permanent plant and cat sitter for when I’m gone though…”  

He looked pensive for a moment, “Are there professionals that do that sort of thing? Like certified? I’m pretty picky about that shit…I can’t leave them with just any random person. Especially Zee. She’s probably gonna be a mess while I’m gone...” 

I would’ve laughed at him if he didn’t look completely serious and sincere with his words. Could he be anymore fucking adorable? The care that he gave to his plants and Zee was completely melting my heart. If I knew nothing else about him, that alone would probably make me fall for him. 

I stood there taking in his expression, his lips pursed as he considered the question before he reached to rub at the back of his neck and sighed. The prospect of having to find someone to fill those important shoes while he was out of town seemed like a massive feat for him. My mind wandered, questioning if that was something I could do for him - take care of the things he cared about most when he couldn’t. I found myself wanting to. I wanted to take care of him. 

I suddenly realized Dieter was staring at me with questioning eyes. Shit, he said something to me, didn’t he?

I shook my head, “I’m sorry, what?” 

He smiled nervously, “Are you ok? You seem a little distracted. Am I boring you with my plant and cat problems?”

I gave him a genuine smile, “Absolutely not. I love hearing about your cat and plants.” We started walking toward the front entrance. “Please never stop telling me about them.” I added. 

He chuckled shyly, “If it gets annoying, just tell me to shut the fuck up. I know that I get carried away sometimes.” 

I shook my head, “You will never hear that from me.” 

He reached to pull the door open for me, then lightly placed his hand at the small of my back as he followed me through the door. His touch caused sparks at the base of my spin that shot out all the way to my fingertips and toes. I don’t know why because he often touched me there while we were dancing. This was nothing new. I can only assume it had to do with how casually he touched me off the dance floor these days. Especially since he had such an aversion to it in the beginning. 

We made our way toward the dressing rooms, eventually parting ways so we could get changed for our spray tans. Just as I was closing the door behind me, Alec and Lana passed by. Figures they would be here already. I sighed. I really did not want to be alone around them. 

I toed off my shoes, then stood there for a moment, feeling like there was something I was supposed to do. Then suddenly I realized I had forgotten that we were supposed to go to the wardrobe department first. “Shit.”

I grabbed my phone to text Dieter. I wasn’t even sure if he knew we were supposed to do that. 

Me: Hey, I forgot…we’re supposed to check in with wardrobe about next week’s costumes before tanning. 

Dieter: That would make sense…heading your way. 

There was a knock at the door. I turned to open it without a glance. Instead, I wandered around the room to find my flip flops as Dieter pushed the door open and leaned against the door frame with his arm above his head. Once I had my shoes on and moved toward the door, I was taken aback by how good he looked. I’m almost certain I froze on the spot as my eyes scanned up his broad towering form. It must have been obvious what was going through my head based on the smirk that appeared on his lips when my gaze finally met his. 

“You see something you like, honey?” He said in a husky voice. 

I swallowed thickly, “No, I see someone who’s standing in my way. Are you gonna move?” 

He chuckled, stepping to the side to let me pass, but I hesitated. Tensing once I caught sight of Alec and Lana walking back down the hallway toward the spray tan room. Alec’s back was toward us, but Lana’s was not. Her eyes connected with mine, she gave me a curious smile as they passed by. I could feel my jaw tighten as I inhaled a deep breath. I felt Dieter’s hand on the small of my back again, grounding me from whatever spiral I was about to go down. 

I felt him lean in close to my ear. “Kat is everything ok?” he asked quietly. 

“Yeah, of course. Let’s go.” 

He gave me an odd look before motioning for me to exit through the doorway. He followed, closing the door behind us. 

Minutes later we found ourselves in the wardrobe department, Amy and her assistant were in a tizzy trying to find clothing in the proper size for us. Apparently, Dieter had slimmed down some since rehearsals started, which wasn’t unusual given how much exercise we were getting. So, they had to size his black pants down. They were still having an issue with the white button up shirt being too tight in the shoulders and chest. Of course they are, because he’s so fucking broad.

His slightly smaller waist was now emphasizing just how broad he actually was. I couldn’t help staring at his reflection in the mirror as they fussed over him, pinning and marking for alterations at the waist of the shirt as they joked about how many buttons he would need to leave open so he could move properly without ripping the shoulder seams. 

As I took him in, I noticed the pants were a different style than what they usually gave him. The fit was snugger in the thighs and ass, emphasizing all the right parts of him. Add that to the way the plain white button up shirt was hugging his biceps and shoulders…it nearly had me salivating like a crazed animal. Who knew such a simple outfit could look so fucking hot on a man. 

My attention was drawn back to the conversation happening around me when Amy asked with a sly smile what I thought about the costume. Fuck, she totally caught me ogling him. My eyes were drawn to Dieter’s in the mirror. He was smirking at me as he waited for an answer. Busted. Again. If I kept this up, he was eventually going to ask me point blank what my fucking problem is. 

I cleared my throat, “I mean…I think it looks great. Can’t go wrong with the classics.” 

They seemed happy with their handiwork at that point. Helping him remove this shirt so that he didn’t get stuck with pins. Meanwhile, I was ogling him again. I did not need to see him like this because he looked too fucking good. It seemed like his belly had shrunk some, but he was still soft around the middle, the way I liked. His shoulders and chest seemed more sculpted if that were even possible. I had to force myself to turn away before I got caught again, though from the cocky glances I noticed Dieter shooting my way, I think I may already have been.

After that, Dieter was off to the changing room to put his clothes back on and it was my turn to be poked and prodded at. They had put me in a backless white dress that had a low cut sparkly bodice and a feathered bottom half. It looked nothing like the sketch Stacia had shown me, but I didn’t question it. 

“Alright Kat, instead of making yours from scratch, I’m gonna rework this one. That way we at least have the sizing on the bodice and straps worked out.” She turned, grabbing a bolt of fabric, offering it to me to look at. 

“I’m gonna redo the bottom half with a sheer white fabric that I’ve ordered. It’ll have silver threading and beading to match the bodice. It’s similar to this but has a little more bling and it’ll be more romantic and flowy looking.”

I nodded, “Sounds good. I trust that it’ll look amazing with you in charge.” 

Dieter was behind me now, coming closer to inspect the bolt of fabric I was holding before letting his eyes scan over every inch of the dress. He arched an eyebrow and smiled at Amy, “I think that’s gonna look awesome, Amy. Then again, Kat can make a potato sack look amazing.”

He turned away, like he hadn’t just dropped a bomb, going to stand out of the way so Amy could get to work. I was shocked over his comment as I turned to Amy with my mouth slightly agape, catching a look pass between her and her assistant. Great, there’s some gossip for the cast to spread around.   

After Amy was satisfied with her alterations, they left Dieter and I alone for a few minutes to go pull shoe options for me. I decided to break the tension by suggesting we snap a quick picture for Instagram, figuring we might as well get into a habit of it now. Dieter leaned over in front of the mirror with a small smile while I snapped a few pictures with my phone. I took the opportunity to make a teaser post that we had big plans for the following week.

A few seconds after posting it, Dieter’s phone chimed in his pocket. I gave him a smug look, “Now who has Instagram alerts turned on?”  

He shrugged, “I mean, if you’re gonna be making posts about me…I wanna know what you're saying.” 

I narrowed my eyes and nodded, “Mmmhmm. Sure.” 

Amy returned then, offering me four options for shoes. Once I made my choice, I went to change out of the costume. We hustled to get back to our dressing rooms so we could change into our “spray tan” gear, then made our way to where the cast was congregating to wait their turn. They had already started the session, but to my dismay, Alec and Lana were still waiting. I had hoped they were done and gone already. I made a point to stay as far away from them as possible while also trying to not look in their direction. Of course, Dieter noticed. 

“Is Alec too good to talk to you when I’m around now?” he asked, eyeing them on the other side of the room. 

I sighed, “He probably hasn’t noticed me. It’s not a big deal.” 

His brows furrowed, “Oh he one hundred percent noticed you. I saw him looking…”

I felt panic rising in my chest and my face tensing, “I said it’s not a big deal. Drop it.”  There was no way I could explain what happened without getting emotional right now. I didn’t want to give Alec that satisfaction.

Dieter gave me a look of confusion but didn’t question it further. If he hadn’t realized something was up before, he definitely did now. I changed the subject, more so to give myself something else to focus on than anything, “You wanna grab some dinner after this? I’m starving.”

He gave me a guarded look, “Sure. What did you have in mind?”

I thought for a moment, “I’m thinking burritos. It’s a burrito kind of day.” 

He nodded, “I think I can get behind that.” 

We managed to avoid Alec and Lana for the reminder of our time there. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait long before one of the production assistants called us in. The staff had apparently been told to get us through as quickly as possible, which I appreciated. Stacia and Joe had actually done something right for once. 

Dieter and I finished up with our spray tans around the same time. I took advantage of it and walked back toward the dressing rooms with him, still paranoid about running into Alec or Lana. Luckily, we didn’t. We briefly parted to our respective dressing rooms to change. I was digging around in my gym bag, trying to find my shirt when Dieter knocked at the door. I yelled for him to come, not paying him any attention as I got more aggravated that I couldn’t find what I was looking for. 

I puffed air out through my cheeks and placed my hands on my hips, confused as to why I couldn't find my shirt. I finally met Dieter’s wide-eyed gaze, now realizing I was standing there in jeans and a black push-up bra. 

I sighed, “Put your eyes back in your head, Bravo. It’s not like you haven’t seen me in athletic wear before.” 

He laughed nervously, “That’s true…however, athletic wear doesn’t emphasize things like that.” 

I rolled my eyes at him as he tried not to stare at my chest. He eventually leaned down and picked something up that must have fallen out of my bag.

“That what you’re looking for?” he asked as he handed it to me. 

My forehead dropped into my palm as I sighed, “Yes…it is. Thank you. I thought I forgot it.” 

After throwing the t-shirt over my head, I started gathering my belongings. He watched me intently as I shoved things into my bag more forcefully than necessary. I wasn’t even sure why I was suddenly so irritated. I assume it was from seeing that asshat with her again. 

“Kat, did something happen? You know you can tell me. I feel like something’s going on with you the last couple of days.” He said gently.

Great job hiding it, Kat. I turned to face him, fighting back my emotions before I responded. “Yes. Ok. Something happened…but…I-I don’t wanna talk about it right now. Can we just have a normal evening? Please? I promise I’ll tell you. I just need time to process it.” 

His brow furrowed as anger flashed in his eyes. 

I shook my head, “He didn’t hurt me, if that’s what you're thinking. It’s…not that.” It seemed to calm him knowing that much at least. I shoved the last of my stuff in my bag and zipped it up.  

“Come on. Take me to get some food…please.” 

He opened the door, allowing me to walk out ahead of him. We were quiet until we got to the parking lot. I opened the trunk, threw my bag in, then turned to Dieter, “You’re driving.” 

He arched a brow at me and smiled, “Yes ma’am.” 

I followed him over to his car and plopped down in the passenger seat as he threw his bag into the back. Once he got situated behind the wheel, he grabbed a pair of glasses and popped them on his face. I couldn’t help admiring how adorable he looked with his glasses and messy hair. He glanced at me, looking slightly worried, “What? Is my spray tan fucked up or something?” 

I chuckled, “No. Just admiring your glasses.” 

He smirked, turning his head forward and starting the car. As we were on our way, I called in a pickup order. Dieter gave me an odd look but didn’t question it. After disconnecting the call, I tried to lighten the mood by asking about Zee. That seemed to do the trick, keeping him talking until we got to the restaurant. We sat in the parking lot, waiting for the text that our food was ready. After about forty-five minutes of waiting, Dieter was beginning to get impatient as his stomach grumbled loudly. 

Just as he started his tirade of complaints, I snapped a quick picture of him making his annoyed face, snickering as I posted it to Instagram before he even realized what was happening. His phone chimed with an alert. He paused mid-sentence, narrowing his eyes in my direction. 

“What did you just post?” he asked sternly, before cracking a smile. 

I shrugged, “Might as well get used to it. If we have to post social media shit, I’m gonna be as obnoxious as possible with it.” 

He looked at his phone and snorted, “Fucking hell, Kat. OK…it’s on now. Just remember anything that I post going forward is your fault. You started this.”

I rolled my eyes at him, “Whatever you say, Bravo.”

My phone dinged with a text that our food was ready. I moved to get out, but Dieter locked the door on me. 

“I got it. You sit,” he said sternly. 

I scoffed, “Well…OK then.” 

He was back within minutes, shaking his head as he handed me the food through the window. Once he was back in the driver’s seat he gave me an exasperated look. 

“What’s wrong?” I asked. 

“Apparently the girl working the front is a Dieterina shipper. I got questioned out about why the food was in your name and why I was the one picking it up. Like that means something…” 

My head dropped back against the seat, “Great. Here we go with that stuff…they’ll look for anything.”

I felt my stomach do a little flip at the thought of it meaning something. It didn’t bother me as much as it once did. Especially now that Alec was out of the picture. However, I didn’t want Dieter to be associated with that new development in any way. He didn’t need a reputation as a home wrecker to add to his list.

Once we decided that we would eat in the car, I began filling him in on the details from my meeting with Stacia and Joe - not having told him everything yet. We got a head start on discussing our dance for the following week as I pulled up the song to listen to while we devoured our burritos. We sat in silence, listening to it in full, twice. I could feel the tension forming between us as the realization set in of how intimate this dance was about to be. All while we were off on our own together in New York. 

We sat almost a little stunned as we considered our options for the Rumba. I finally suggested we think on it and discuss it more once we made it through the Jive. It felt like an added pressure to worry about it right now. At least it did for me now that I was thinking of everything else that was coming at us with it. 

After we finished eating, he dropped me off at my car so I could head home for the evening. Once home, I rushed to finish up the last of my packing since we would be leaving for the airport directly from the studio after the show was over. I wasn’t even sure of most of our travel details. I just knew a car would be picking me up in the morning. As bad as it sounded, I was relying on Dieter to know what was going on since his people were working with both studios to figure everything out. It was a little nerve wrecking, but I brushed it off as I crawled into bed and passed out from the exhaustion the last few days had brought. 

I was in a rush the following morning, double checking that I had everything and also trying to get ready before my ride was due to arrive at 7AM. I was beginning to feel overwhelmed with everything to come as I stood at the kitchen counter, reading through an email from Stacia and Joe with my schedule of promo appearances for the week when a text came through from Dieter. I checked the time. It was 6:55 AM. Confused as to why he was texting me so early, I switched to my messenger app. 

Dieter: Your ride is here. Do you need any help?

A crease formed between my brows, “What the fu…” 

I walked over to look out through the curtains. Sure enough, I could see Dieter through the open back window of a SUV that was sitting in my driveway. My phone dinged again. 

Dieter: Also, your plants look sad. I’m disappointed in you. Have I taught you nothing? 😂

I rolled my eyes.

ME: First of all, shut up about my plants. I do not have a green thumb and I have accepted that. I’ll be out in a minute. 

I hurried around, double checking that everything was turned off and locked up before grabbing my bags and heading out the front door. The driver got out of the car, rushing to help me. He took my bags as Dieter pushed his door open and slid to the opposite side of the car so I could get in without having to walk around.

I got in and sat down with a huff, “I wasn’t aware that I would be riding with you this morning.”

He shrugged and handed me a coffee, “Ehh, it’s on the way.” 

I gave him a confused look, “No it’s not.” 

He chuckled nervously, “It is if I’m getting coffee…and take the long way.” 

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. He was so extra sometimes. 

He elbowed me gently, “Hey…about your plants…can I send someone over to take care of that for you? I don’t like sad plants.” 

I snorted, “You’re joking…”

His eyes widened, like he had been caught doing something he shouldn’t, “Yeees. Totally joking.” 

I gasped, “You’re not joking!” 

He shook his head, “No. I’m kind of serious…actually.” 

My head shook from side to side, “Dieter…no. Absolutely not.” 

He pouted like a petulant child in that way he does. 

I poked him in the arm, “Stop that right now. I’ll take care of them when I get back.”

“When you get back!?!?! They’ll be dead by then!” he said dramatically. 

I couldn’t help laughing at him, it was honestly cute that he cared that much.

“I’ll have my assistant stop by to water them. He’s on plant duty anyway.” 

I scoffed, “Dieter…no.” 

“Shhhh. It’s happening. I’m not discussing it any further.” He waved his hand dismissively in my direction as he turned his attention to tapping at his phone.

My mouth dropped open in shock over his sassy attitude, “Did you just…” 

“Yes. Now be quiet, I need to concentrate to type up these instructions.” 

He gave me the side-eye with a small smile tugging at his lips. I shoved his leg with mine as he burst out laughing. So, this is how this week is gonna go. 

After arriving at Television City Studios, the driver helped unload our bags so we could store them in our dressing rooms. We got several odd looks as we wheeled our luggage through the lobby and down the dressing room hallway. The sight was sure to cause some gossip since no one knew about our plans for the upcoming week. 

Once we dropped off our luggage, Dieter and I headed to the ballroom to get the first few run throughs with the band and camera blocking out of the way. I tried not to pay attention to the eyes on us because I knew Alec and Lana were among them, but by the time we finished, I could feel my nerves setting in. I would have to face Alec soon enough for the group performance dress rehearsal. 

I spent a fair amount of my time in the hair and makeup chair trying to focus and not let that asshole get to me, determined not to let him mess me up today. I knew Dieter could sense my tension from the way he kept looking at me with concern, but he never said anything. Instead, he tried to keep me distracted by talking about anything and everything as we sat there getting lathered in hair spray, gel, and makeup. Occasionally, he would reach over and give my arm or hand a reassuring squeeze when he was able. 

Then, Lana and Alec walked in. They sat on the opposite side from us, thankfully, but we could easily still catch glimpses of each other in the mirrors. It wasn’t lost on me that Alec was keeping an eye on us when he was able. His gaze making me feel more tense by the minute, causing my chest to tighten and my breathing to pick up. 

I turned my chair facing away from the mirror, toward Dieter instead. Dieter’s wide-eyed reflection told me that he could see the panic setting in. Without warning, he turned his chair to face toward me, which resulted in a minor scolding from the girl working on his hair. He didn’t say anything, but I could see how concerned he was from the way his eyes were focused on me. 

I sat staring at the rise and fall of his chest, attempting to match his breathing. After a short time passed, I felt something pressing against my lower leg, just above the ankle. I glanced down and found Dieter’s outstretched leg against mine, grounding me to the here and now. It was unexpected and exactly what I needed. When I finally looked up and met his gaze, I realized my eyes were pooling with tears. He saw it too. 

He looked around, checking to see if anyone else had noticed. He cleared his throat, “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask…do you mind if I list you as Zee’s secondary emergency contact on her paperwork? You’re the only other person she likes so far. You know, just in case I’m outta town or something?” 

His question took me by surprise, which I’m pretty sure was his intent. It also made me feel emotional in a different way. I knew he was putting a lot of trust in me for something like that. I sniffled. 

“Really? Does that make me like her godmother or something?” 

He shrugged, “Is that a thing for cats? I mean, I guess so…” 

The ladies working on our hair let out a chorus of “awwws” over his question. I gave him a genuine smile, thankful that he was here with me. He always knew what I needed. 

“Of course, anything for Zee.” I finally answered.

He returned my smile with one of his own. He almost looked…relieved? I wasn’t sure if it was from my answer or the fact that the distraction had worked. 

Another girl stepped in to start working on my makeup at that point, so Dieter had to move his leg away from mine. I found myself longing for his warmth the second it was gone. We did, however, stay facing each other. 

We soon found ourselves talking and joking with the ladies who were getting us ready, and I had completely forgotten about Alec and Lana on the other side of the room. Dieter kept the laughs going by giving suggestions on my hair and makeup. Most of it was said with the intention of being funny, but they did take him up on the suggestion to add a red rose accessory to the side of my hair that was pinned back. He went on to say that it would make my red lips and nails pop a little more, seemingly thrilled that they actually agreed with him. 

Time flew by after that, and we were finished in hair and makeup before we knew it. Dieter had refused to leave his seat until I was finished, and surprisingly they didn’t make a big deal out of it. I think they enjoyed his company just as much as I did. When we finally got up to leave, he followed closely behind me, somewhat blocking my view of Alec and Lana. I had a feeling his actions were intentional but couldn’t know for certain. 

Once we got into the hallway, I felt his fingers slide around my left hand, his thumb gently gliding back and forth over the engagement ring that I still wore on my finger. I noticed his brow furrow slightly before asking if I was ok. I nodded. He smiled before leaning in next to my ear and speaking in a low voice. 

“Just for the record, I think you look amazing in red.” 

I could feel the heat creeping up into my cheeks and a tingle between my thighs from his words. I gave him a shy smile just as we reached my dressing room door. My grip tightened on his hand, before pulling him into a hug. A real hug. Not one of those half-assed side hugs we did more often than not. I didn’t hesitate to bury my face in his neck, inhaling his scent as deeply as I could. 

“Thank you for keeping me together back there.” 

I felt his arms tighten around me, “You don't have to thank me for that. You know I’d do anything for you.” 

I pulled away and cupped his cheeks with both hands, letting my eyes roam over his face before I gave him a sad smile, “I know you would. Thank you just the same though.”

I felt his fingers twitch on my hips, suddenly making me aware of how this might appear to onlookers. I dropped my hands and stepped away, “I guess we better get changed for dress rehearsal.” 

He nodded, “Yeah, I’ll meet you back here so we can go together, OK?” 

I nodded. He seemed to sense that I didn’t want to be left wandering the halls alone. He could already read me better than Alec ever could. 

Minutes later, we had changed and were heading back to the ballroom. Quickly getting through our dress rehearsal with a few minor errors on my part. Having Alec lurking around was really starting to become a distraction. Knowing that I would soon have to dance with him was making me extremely anxious and I was having a hard time moving past it. I hoped once that was out of the way, I would be able to focus on our routine the way I needed to. 

After our dress rehearsal, Dieter walked me back to my dressing room so I could change into the group performance costume while he waited just outside the door. When I was ready, he escorted me back to the ballroom. He tried to keep the conversation light through it all. Even managing to make me laugh a few times. I had to appreciate his efforts, I’m not sure I would have made it through the day without him. 

Before I knew it, the professional dance cast was gathering on the dance floor to run through the opening performance. Dieter stayed nearby, casually sprawled out in a chair, watching. It did give me some comfort knowing he was there. 

As we were standing around the center of the floor, awaiting instructions from Emily, Alec approached me. I refused to look at him directly. For once he seemed nervous and unsure of himself as he worked up the courage to speak to me. 

“Kat, can we talk later? Please?” 

My eyes briefly cut toward him, “I have nothing to say to you.” 

He sighed, “Please. Just let me explain.” 

I could feel the rage bubbling inside of me. What could he possibly have to say that would explain his behavior? I turned to face him, my expression not hiding the anger I was feeling. 

“I don’t even want to be in your presence right now. You should consider yourself lucky that I’m not making a big deal out of having to dance with you today. So, just keep your damn mouth shut and let’s get our fucking job done.” 

His eyes widened, shocked that I was standing up to him in such a way. I could sense several cast members watching us, clearly having overheard me. It seemed to make Alec uncomfortable, probably because he couldn’t react how he normally would to my defiance. His only response was to nod and stand there quietly. He stayed that way until we started the routine. Surprisingly, he did drop the issue. The only communication between us was what the performance required. We managed to make it through without any issues. 

I walked off the dance floor without saying another word to him, feeling more relaxed and realizing that he no longer had any hold over me. This thing with him was finally over and I could let him go. He had to know there was no coming back from it and he couldn’t blame me for it either.

Dieter stood and moved to meet me at the edge of the dance floor with a questioning look on his face. I gave him a genuine smile now, looping my arm through his as I pulled him toward the exit, “Come on, let’s get our final fittings done.” 

The rest of the morning went by in a blur as we rushed to finish up with our final fittings and stop in for touch ups on hair and makeup. Before we knew it, we were in the staging area, waiting for the live show to begin. I managed to make it through the opening performance with Alec without any issue. He didn’t try to speak to me at all outside of what was necessary. It seemed he had finally listened to me for once. Afterwards, I rushed to change for my performance with Dieter. I was eager to be back with him, finding that his presence was like a comforting balm to my still raw emotions that threatened to break free at any moment. I was more than happy to be done with Alec, but there was still some residual hurt there too. There always would be since he had taken up such a large part of my life. However, Dieter seemed to make it a lot more bearable.

When I finally made my way back to Dieter, he gave me a brilliant smile before leaning in to tell me that I stole the show once again. I rolled my eyes at the compliment but was flattered by it just the same. We took a minute to take some quick pictures in costume to post on social media to make the bosses happy - both of us adding playful comments about each other just to make it more entertaining.

He stood there for a moment, staring at his phone before glancing in my direction.

“You know, those shorts should be illegal. I can’t believe they’re letting you dance in those.” 

I scoffed, “Excuse me? I’m pretty sure I’ve worn less clothing to dance in than this before.” 

He chuckled, still looking at his phone, “That may be true, but those little skirts don’t hug your ass like that.” 

My eyebrows disappeared into my hairline as I stared at him. His eyes widened, like he just realized he said that out loud. He slowly raised his head to meet my gaze and gave me a sheepish smile, his cheeks turning a little red. 

He shrugged, “I’m sorry. I’m a man. I’m gonna notice a nice ass. Especially when it’s shaking in front of me on the daily. Sue me.” 

I snorted at his openness. He had no shame. If only he knew all the parts of his body that caught my attention on the daily…

To break the tension, I pulled out my phone to get our weekly hype song ready. I handed Dieter one of the earbuds, he gave me a questioning look as he listened before bursting out laughing. 

“The Brian Setzer Orchestra? Really? I swear I never know what you're gonna pick…I love it.” 

I laughed, “Keeping with the theme of the week. Gotta get you in the Jive mindset.” 

We started moving to the beat of the music, getting into the right mindset for the high energy dance we were about to perform. Out of nowhere, a camera was suddenly being shoved in our faces reminding me about the behind the scenes filming they were starting this week. It sort of took away from the moment, but we smiled and waved. Luckily, they didn’t stick with us for long. Dieter and I both shared a look of annoyance as they moved to another area to film. I made a mental note to find us a place to hide for the following week. 

Minutes later, we made our way out onto the dance floor and took our places. The spotlight dropped down on Dieter, who was standing in the middle of the stage. He opened with some of his signature Elvis Presley hip wiggles to the audience’s delight. He soon joined me on the main floor where we shifted into our high energy swing style dance. Neither of us missed a beat as we made our way through the routine - rock stepping, kicking, and twirling with smiles. Dieter added to the theatrics by giving several lip curls as he continued to gyrate around the floor. We finally ended with a flourish, settling into our ending pose as the lights dimmed to darkness around us. 

The screaming and applause from the crowd was almost deafening as we made our way over to the interview area and awaited our scores. Dieter was his usual charming self as he answered questions about his struggles for the week. He shifted to praising me for my patience and ability to get him to where he needed to be for the competition, hugging me tightly into his side as he spoke. His occasional glances in my direction were causing all sorts of reactions from my body. Clearly the high energy atmosphere was only intensifying things for me because the only thing I could think about doing was getting him back to his dressing room to straddle his thick thighs and have my way with him.  

I was drawn from my thoughts just as the judges began to read off our scores, giving us three 9’s and one 10. We were inching closer and closer to a perfect score every week and I absolutely could not believe it. Especially since the judges tended to get more critical as the weeks went on. Dieter was beyond excited, lifting me off the floor with a spin as we briefly celebrated the results.   

We spent the rest of the show watching from the staging area. Again, our only real competition this week seemed to be Alec and Lana, which grated on my nerves. Everything in me was hoping they would fuck up and get voted off the show, so I didn’t have to look at them anymore. It didn’t look like that was happening anytime soon though. 

Dieter didn’t leave my side until we returned to our dressing rooms to change out of our costumes. When I opened the door to set the dry cleaning bag outside for pickup, Alec was there with his hand posed to knock on the door. 

The anger that I felt in that instant was beyond anything I could describe. I couldn’t believe he had the audacity to try and “explain” this situation to me after what I saw. I dropped the dry cleaning bag beside the door then crossed my arms over my chest, refusing to allow him to enter my dressing room. I didn’t want to be alone with him out of view of other people. 

“I believe I told you that I didn’t wanna speak to you.” 

He tried to crowd me so that I would move backward into the room, but I didn’t budge. 

I gave him a pointed look, “Whatever it is you have to say, you can say right here.” 

He scoffed, “We have no privacy here.”

I shrugged, “Well… I didn’t wanna hear what you had to say anyway.”

I moved to close the door, but he stopped it with his hand. 

I huffed, giving him a frustrated look. 

“Kat, come on. You can’t blame this all on me. You’ve been checked out for months. You’ve wanted nothing to do with me. What was I supposed to do?”

“I dunno, maybe try to earn my trust back? I’m sorry but worrying about who you’ve been fucking and if I’m gonna get an STD is kind of a mood killer in the bedroom.”

His eyes widened, anger flashing there briefly before he remembered where he was. 

I laughed sarcastically, “Did you really think this little talk was gonna work after what I walked in on? This wasn’t texting other people or chatting online, Alec. There is no talking your way out of it. You fucked up and it’s all on you. I told you this was your last chance, and it literally took you…what, all of three days to fuck up again? You didn’t even try. So, fuck your excuses. I’m done.” 

I moved to pull the ring off my finger. He looked like he was about to have a meltdown as I held it out to him. Something between hurt, defeat, and anger was swirling behind his eyes as he took it from me. I don’t think it ever occurred to him that this could be an outcome for his actions. 

His jaw ticked to the side, it seemed anger was winning. “This is because of Bravo, isn’t it?”

I shook my head, “Dieter doesn’t have a damn thing to do with this, so don’t even go there. You did this when you decided to fuck around with other people. YOU. No one else.” 

I sighed, realizing there were now a couple of people hanging around to be nosey. Fuck this. I don’t owe him a conversation. “Give me my house key and leave please.”

Alec shook his head, “I don’t have it on me.” He was such a fucking liar. His keys were half hanging out of his pants pocket. I rolled my eyes, reaching to grab them before he realized what was going on. I took my key off the ring then tossed the rest back at him before shutting the door in his face and locking it. 

I sank down in one of the plush chairs, letting relief wash over me now that that part was over with. I hoped he would let it go, but deep down, I knew he wouldn’t. I couldn’t have been happier that this was my last season on the show for this reason alone. It was probably also a good thing that I was going out of town for the week. At least it would give him some time to cool down. 

My phone chimed with a text from Dieter asking me to let him in. I drug myself up out of the chair to turn the lock and open the door. Dieter didn’t make a move to come in, instead he reached for my chin, tilting my head upward to meet his gaze before settling his hand on my shoulder.

“Are you OK? I overheard someone say you and Alec were arguing.” 

My eyes scanned the open dressing room doors behind him. It seemed like there were more people milling around than normal. Without a word, I pulled Dieter inside and shut the door behind us. I didn’t care what anyone thought about it. 

When Dieter turned to face me, I was fighting back tears. He pulled me against his chest into a tight hug. He hadn’t hesitated to come to me when he thought I might need him. I really didn’t deserve him. We stood there in silence for what seemed like an eternity before he finally spoke. 

“Can you please tell me if you’re OK? He didn’t do anything to you did he?”

I shook my head against his firm chest, “No…not physically anyway.” 

I could feel his body relax against mine as he hugged me just a little tighter, causing me to melt into his arms. He really did give the best hugs, completely enveloping me with his scent and warmth. Honestly, I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt safer or more content than in that moment. I never wanted to let him go. 

Our moment was broken by his cell chiming in his hand. He sighed, pulling away to look at it. He left his other hand resting at the nape of my neck.

“Our ride to the airport is here. You ready to go?” he asked. His fingers lightly threaded through my hair as he spoke. 

I nodded, moving away from him to collect my bags. He helped me get them into the hallway, then I followed him down to his dressing room so he could grab his. There were more than a few curious eyes on us as he emerged with his own suitcases. I was sure that our strange departure together would only add to the gossip in the days to come. 

We were silent during the ride to the airport, but that didn’t stop him from reaching between us for my left hand, settling his on top of it, squeezing in what was meant to be a comforting gesture. His thumb made a few passes across my knuckles before pausing. In my periphery, I could see his head turn toward me slightly as he glanced downward. A crease formed between his brows before he met my gaze. I could see his jaw tighten as his eyes danced around my face before he eventually turned to stare out the window. He rubbed his chin for a moment, then I felt his fingers move to entwin through the tops of mine. We stayed like that until we got to the airport. 

Of course there were paparazzi at the airport, shouting questions at us about the show and asking why we were traveling together. Dieter was quick to mention that we were traveling for work. That was really the only question either of us answered. I was in no mood for it and Dieter didn’t seem like he was either. 

By the time we got on the plane, we were dragging. It had been such a long day already and we still had to make it through the five hour flight and get to the hotel. We knew we were going to be running on fumes the next day after considering the three hour time loss in our schedule. So, we did try to sleep on the plane. After falling asleep on Dieter’s shoulder, I did manage to rest better than expected, but it wasn’t enough.

It was nearing 6 AM by the time we finally made it to our Soho hotel. Dieter and I stood leaning against the check-in desk waiting as they looked up our room reservations. We were pretty much dead on our feet by this point and hoping to get at least a few good hours of sleep in before we had to head over to Studio 8H for Dieter to start digging into his SNL duties. The lady behind the desk finally turned her attention back to us, sliding our room keys over along with some paperwork for Dieter to sign. 

The desk clerk smiled, before going into her spiel about the hotel amenities. Dieter waved her off, “I’m sorry, we’ve just gotten off a five hour flight. We really just wanna sleep right now.”

Her smile widened, “Totally understandable Mr. Bravo. So, you’ll be staying in the South Loft on the 16th floor. The elevators are just over there.” She paused, motioning with her hand. “Do you need help with your bags?” She asked. 

This woman’s full attention was on Dieter. Not that I blamed her, but damn. I was standing here too. I tapped on the countertop, “I’m sorry, but where will my room be?” I asked impatiently. 

Her smile faltered somewhat as she looked between us, “Well, you’re both in the South Loft.” I felt the color drain from my face before she even finished the sentence. I’m so fucked.

Next: Week 5 (Part 1)

A/N: Happy Friday my lovelies! I hope you enjoyed the latest installment. I'm sure you did given that Alec is now officially out of the picture. Please do share your feelings on his latest (major) fuck up. How do you feel about how Kat is handling things? She's kind of all over the place with it. We didn't get any of Dieter's POV in this chapter (because it was so fucking long... sorry), but we got a pretty big hint at the end when he realized things were about to change. What do you think was going through his head on that drive to the airport? What about his reaction? Also, now that he knows Alec is out of the picture, fully expect the menace to come out.

Stacia and Joe are of course up to their tricks. How much do you think they know about what's going on with their cast?

Speaking of the cast...WTF is up with Lana? Do you all hate her yet? How do you think she feels about Kat and what Alec did to her?

The next chapter(s) will be focused on Dieter and Kat in NYC preparing for the Rumba and SNL. Let's just say Kat wasn't wrong about the trip changing things between them. 😏

Below is your Jive video for this chapter. It was some nice inspo for Dieter's Elvis dance moves. 🤭

CP Tags: @titlee78 @legendary-pink-dot  @survivingandenduring @wannab-urs  @harriedandharassed

@hisandsnakes  @misstokyo7love @readingiskeepingmegoing  @runningmom94  @sin-djarin

@cakipy-blog  @missladym1981  @guelyury  @weho2kcmo  @alokaerza  

@girlofchaos  @trulybetty  @rhoorl  @bitchwitch1981  @madnessofadaydreamer

@darkheartgatita  @jazzloveslatte  @timpletance  @musings-of-a-rose  @samiamproductions

@myloveistoolittle  @for-a-longlongtime   @copperhalfcent  @auteurdelabre @drewharrisonwriter

@burntheedges  @stevie75  @bunniboo0015  @quicax3  @jackie923

@sherala007  @pastelnap  @angelofsmalldeath-codeine  @jessthebaker  @rebel-held

@gwendibleywrites  @senorabond  @annalovesflorida  @sandaltoesocks  @katw474

@pedrostories @dieterbravobrainrotclub

[human-encounters-diary]

Day 7

The Terran, as it proved, seemed to become more and more talkative every cycle. I did sight her in the meal hall today, as she sat on the surface of one of the tables, rather then on one of the stools surrounding it.

She seemed to be conserving rather animatedly with Wrin, who was still relatively clear-headed, for their standards. Quinn must have said something that caused a rather strong reaction in Wrin, if the sudden change of their complexion from its natural dark blue shade into a bright pink and back was any indicator.

I had spent the rest of the last cycle studying the previous entries to determine whether or not the human seemed to have any clue about my task of observing her. I came to the conclusion that, up to this point, the human had not signaled any discomfort due to suspicious behaviour, but I certainly should continue to be careful and not try to appear threatening or dubious.

I retrieved the human and proceeded to carry out the tasks at hand. It was relatively silent in the main control room for a while, until the human put down her current tools with much more force than needed, possibly signaling anger.

"Y‘know, I ain‘t trying to be rude, but this is really boring.", she spoke up.

My front pliers rattled in concern. "Are you…underwhelmed by your work?" This statement seemed completely illogical to me, but alas, I could not come up with another interpretation of the words she had uttered.

"I mean, no, but…yeah? I‘m not trying to say that its underwhelming, it‘s just…like, I‘m on a goddamn alien spaceship, y‘know? And I get to work with all this crazy alien technology, and that‘s amazing! But, once you‘ve figured out how it works, it just keeps working like that and everything‘s doing exactly what it‘s supposed to be doing and there‘s no real challenge behind it, y‘know." She had begun to wave her hands around in a manner which purpose I could not discern.

I remained silent for a while, processing the enormous amount of information that the human had just verbalized. No real challenge? What was that even supposed to convey? 

"I am not quite certain if I understood your complaint correctly. You are…upset due to…understanding the technology?"

"No! It‘s not that, just…you know, humans like challenges. We like to solve unsolvable things. For some, it‘s even a hobby. We need to challenge our mind and brain for it to develop. So, if we are faced with a kind of monotonous situation, we get bored."

I blinked. Were human brains really that much more complex than I had previously deemed?

I was not certain what would be an appropriate answer to such a revelation, so I said: "I regret that your mind is unchallenged by the work that has been assigned to you, but I fear I have no say in the matter. It is the Vitrichl‘s wish."

"I‘m not asking for a different job. I quite like where I am right now. I‘m just asking you if I can do something besides just standing here all day long. I was raised to use my hands. I can run errands and repair stuff and I‘m good at making adjustments and figuring out what is wrong with a machine. I can do that!"

I contemplated the suggestion for a while. I would not go against the Vitrichl‘s wishes, and right now, the ship was running smoothly, apart the two leaks in close proximity to each other. I attempted  to think of something "more challenging" for the human to be tasked with. As nothing came into the front of my mind, I consulted V-7.

"V-7, are there any machines in need of a reparation that could be performed by the human?"

The human jumped in distress as the AI answered after scanning the ship. 

"The engines in sector 3 seem to be in need for a routine check-up."

"Holy shit, it can talk?!", the human spoke up, causing me to turn in it‘s direction. The humans complexion seemed to be even lighter than its natural shade, although it tended to be the most extreme around, what I assumed was, her nose (a protuberance placed in the middle of its face, seemingly a bone structure covered with skin, with two holes at the bottom facing the ground, perhaps nostrils).

I blinked once more. I could not determine what a "holy shit" was supposed to be, so I simply decided on answering the human‘s question. "Yes. "It" is called V-7, an artificial assitant integrated into the ship.", I informed her.

"There seem to be engines in sector 3 that you could examine."

The Terran made movement with her hand, swinging it from her body towards the door, seemingly indicating for me to take her to the location. "Lead the way." 

I guided the human to the aforementioned sector and instructed her on the proper routine check-up etiquette.

I observed her method for a matter of time before deeming it safe enough to leave the premises. In the main control room, I continued to observe the human over a video recording V-7  displayed, until another problem required my attention.

Once I am given the opportunity to watch the full tape, any further observations will be recorded here.

[atarathegreat]

You're Lucky You're Pretty. Kyle "Gaz" Garrick.

"There you are, luv!" Gaz dropped his bag to scoop you up, "Been waitin' for ya'."

You hugged him tightly, smiling and giggling in your joy that he was finally home, "Sorry, my car took forever to start."

The noise of the airport faded away as you told him all about the issues your car was giving you the last few weeks. Between funny sounds and overheating, you had no idea what the main problem was, and you were too anxious to take it to a shop. Nothing new, really. Besides, Gaz wouldn't trust any of the nearby shops with a plastic tricycle. So, he decided he would look at it the minute he got a chance to. After getting home and having a decent meal and a nice nap. He was damn tired of MRE's.

You explained a little more about the car as you drove it, pointing out the sounds and smells that the car was giving off. It was all a little concerning, and Gaz didn't relax at all as you drove.

"It's great to be home." Gaz stretched as he stepped out of the car. He glanced around the yard. It was well kept since he taught you to use the push mower, and you got better every time. On the far end lied the bird feeders where the two of you spent most of the time outdoors, if you were lucky then Gaz would let you try and feed the birds from your hands instead of going on about diseases. "It's great to have you home. Everything gets a lot lonelier when you're deployed. Even Max gets sadder."

Max, a name you expected to be accompanied by some slobbery mutt running into the room, not a sugar glider that dive bombed them both from the ceiling fans. Gaz groaned inwardly, "Goodness. Should I protect my ears?"

"Yes."

The fat sugar glider that you had adopted made a bad habit of biting ears when he was angry at anyone. The spoiled rat with wings tortured Gaz all because he had to be absent for his job. You tried to find the little creature, arm raised as you walked around the ceiling fans and high spots. It was ridiculous that he had to walk around with his hands over his ears, reminiscent of a child not wanting to hear their siblings.

You giggled and snatched something from the air, "There you are, silly boy." Narrowly. You narrowly kept Gaz from being jump scared by a flying hamster. He hated that damn thing, but he loved it, too. It was adorable and, in his humble opinion, you coddled it too bloody much, but he loved it. Max perched on your fingers and chittered angrily at Gaz as if to complain of his absence. It wasn't a huge issue, Gaz couldn't understand the creature anyway.

The quant little house was perfectly enough for the two of you and Max. One bedroom, one bathroom, an office, and the basement where the laundry room was stationed. Neither of you felt the need to spend more money than needed, and you didn't exactly need a lot. By his current rank in the military, Gaz could've had a penthouse and two tesla cars, but it wasn't something he needed.

That's what he thought anyway.

"What the fuck?" Greasy hands twisted at caps and pulled on wires. Why was your car sounding funny? Everything he'd witnessed had a cause, but nothing seemed wrong. Not even the battery was rusty.

Oh...

Of course...

Gaz walked into your shared bedroom, cleaning his hands off with a cloth. He took a moment to look at your lips and nose, your hair, and the way you did your makeup. "Luv?" Gaz sat at your feet, careful not to get dirt or grease on the bed from his hands, "When was the last time you changed your oil?"

From the look you gave him, he had his answer.

"Did you even know you had to change the oil?"

"... no..."

[frogchiro]

As mentioned before, my brain has been consumed by Welt ever since I started playing and now please have this little fluffy thirst with him ;;

fem!reader, nsfw but it's really mild, like nothing explicit happens, nipple play and breast sucking >< very fluffy and sweet, possibly ooc Welt, age difference (reader is in her early 20's), reader has a past

!also possible spoilers on the prologue of the game!

OKAY SO, I imagine this taking place right after departing from Herta's Space Station with the Astral Express. After the disaster at the station you, Himeko, Welt, Dan Hang, March 7th and the newly acquired member of the team, Caelus, set out on a new journey to a planet called Jarillo-VI to possibly learn more about the Stellaron and Aeons.

You were really lucky to join this lively group of so many different personalities, even more so to being able to call them your friends! A life of a mercenary wasn't an easy one, especially since you had to do the dirty work ever since you were barely a teen. It sure had it's moments especially as you got older, being able to wander and see all what your world had to offer, fighting bandits and monster was a thrilling experience for sure! But after years of doing so it quickly became a mundane thing to do, the thrill of adventure gone and replaced with it being more of a (very strenuous) chore to keep food in your stomach. With no one to come home to and with the very few 'friends' you made it quickly became...depressing and frankly, empty.

Everything changed when you met the charming Lady Himeko during one of your journeys. To be perfectly honest you still don't know how it happened; one day you're slaying another monster and on the other you're standing in this brilliant intergalactical train to explore the unknown of space with a group of people who call you their friend and you can finally call that someone too.

But...you'd be lying if you said that you didn't have favorites. Something about Welt and his specific kind of charm made you swoon and his kind heart and old soul only sealed the deal.

But back to present. During the journey to Jarilo-VI all of the members of the team scattered around the train. Caelus was in the main hall looking in fascination into the vast endless space, March was probably somewhere causing trouble, Himeko was busy reading, Dan Hang was probably in his room looking through old archives and Pom-Pom was grumbling something under their breath about 'an unruly pink girl'.

And you? You were staying in your room, deciding on lazing around in your comfy bed before the new big adventure on the unknown planet; something was telling you that there would be much more trouble than any of you thought.

Just as you were laying around and almost falling asleep, a quiet knock reverberated through your otherwise quiet room.

'Come in!' you loudly said, thinking it's maybe Caelus with a question or perhaps March with one of her 'genius' ideas, but it was none of them.

It was Welt, standing just on the threshold of your room, looking tired and quite worn out. Your sleepy eyes widened slightly at the sight of the older man and immediately called him over to sit with you on your bed. What concerned you even more was the lack of resistance from the man, on a normal occasion you'd be elated to see that your partner was finally getting comfortable enough to be more open with his feelings without the 'but it's inappropriate !' talk.

Just the sight of the brown haired man in such a state made you upset so you immediately slid in next to him when he sat down with a heavy sigh. Your hands gently brushed through his graying hair and made their way down to his strong neck and shoulders to massage them a bit and relieve some of the pressure.

The deep pleased rumble coming from Welt's chest was enough of an answer but your massage was soon enough interrupted by the man turning around, broad shoulders moving and soon he was facing you with your face cradled gently in his warm palms, rough with calluses from years of fighting.

You allowed yourself to relax even more, your head feeling heavy again as your eyelids slowly closed again before quietly asking the one burning question:

"Hey love, not that I'm complaining but...did something happen? You're usually not this affectionate", you chuckled slightly and Welt released a amused sigh himself.

"Yeah, guess I'm not huh? It's just...eh forget it darling, nothing important anyway." Welt looked down again while still holding your face, his thumbs gently caressing your cheeks now.

You moved closer to him, your full breasts almost touching his chest with how close you were, and it was your turn to take his face into your hands to make him look at you, a slight flush spreading on his pale cheeks.

"Weeeell, something clearly is bothering you, I can see it clear as day Welt. I'm not going to pressure you into saying it but I see that something is on your mind and not in a good way." You words were accompanied with one of your hands moving up his cheek to his hair where you combed through it, the gray streaked hair soft under your fingertips.

Instead of replying, you saw Welt moving his hand from your exposed thigh, to your tummy before slowly dragging it upward your side only to rest on your shoulder where he slowly slipped the thin shoulder strap from your nightgown down and leaning in slowly to lay a gentle kiss on your neck before moving your your collarbone and shoulder.

You let out a breath at the warm affection from your boyfriend, your hand still in his hair while the other was now firmly placed on the bed to keep you up in your position.

Soon, you felt Welt move down from kissing your shoulder to the beginning of the swell of your breast while maintaining eye-contact with you, his beautiful golden brown eyes half-lidden and dimmed with love.

You decided to move into a more comfortable position and while still cradling Welt's head to your breast, you moved back to lay on your back against the mound of pillows nestled on your bed allowing Welt to cuddle to your side and continue his insistent affections.

A slightly louder breathy moan was let out when Welt started to mouth and lick at your pert nipple before finally closing his mouth on it and suckling, his eyes never leaving yours. You looked down at the man sucking with a content hum and noticed that the formerly tense muscles started to relax in your hold, his face also starting to become more and more lax, a serene far-away look in his eyes.

You let out a quiet pleasured sigh as you let the older man suckle as much as he wanted while still cradling his head and combing through his hair. Whatever it was that was troubling him could wait just a moment longer, Welt finally relaxing in your hold and you did not wish to upset him just as he started to enjoy himself.

You'd address it after Welt felt ready and after your nap. Your eyes slowly closing and breath relaxing, lulled into sleep by the gently tug on your nipple and Welt's quiet hums.

As long as you had each other, you knew everything would be fine.

[sl-newsie]

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 43: Familie

https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/739551758747090944/american-woman-thomas-shelby-x-american-oc?source=share

The boat ride home feels like I’m being punished. The further away I sail from England the deeper my heartache grows. When I arrive back in the crowded Brooklyn streets all I can think about is waiting for news about the Shelbys' death sentences. 

“Verena!” Oma gushes and wraps me into a warm hug. “Dear kleinkind, you are home! We- Verena? Why the sad face?”

I offer a small smile and set my trunk down. “Homesickness, oma. And… I’m really going to miss my job.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” She hugs me closer. “I’m so sorry. If it's any comfort, we are all glad to have you back. Your vader's been too stubborn to fix that step, and look where it landed him!”

“Verena!” Moeder’s voice shouts from the bedroom. “Run and fetch your vader some morphine!”

“Elowyn, the poor girl just got back!” Oma tries to calm her down.

“She can unpack later. Dochter! Now!”

I steal a quick moment to cry into a pillow before answering. “Yes, moeder.”

So good to be back.

The doctor said vader’s injury will take nearly a year to heal. One whole year. It only takes a month for paranoia to sink in. Every day I wait for Thomas to call. Either with good news of triumph or tragic news of death. It’s not until I’m stuck doing a mountain of laundry when Conor’s wife Delilah calls me over to the phone.

“The name is Shelby. Isn’t that your boss?”

“Yes!” I gasp and wretch the phone from her. “Did they make it in time?”

On the other end Thomas keeps his voice calm. “Just made it. They’re all safe.”

I close my eyes and give a silent prayer of thanks. Dear Christ, they are alive! “They’re going to be angry.”

“I know.” He pauses. “It’s good to hear from you, Verena. I got your letter last week. Please send my best wishes to your father.”

My mouth starts to hurt from how much smiling he’s causing. “I will."

"When will you come back?” He masks his voice to make it unclear if he misses me too.

“I should be back by next December. I’ve been given permission to return to Birmingham once vader’s recovered.” I change to a tone of dry humor. “Thank you, by the way, for sending that persuasive letter.”

“What can I say? It’s not been the same since you left. Charlie keeps asking where you are.”

“Yes, well, when moeder read the letter she was very concerned about why someone like me was being requested by a gang leader.”

I had to swear on my life that there’s nothing scandalous afoot. 

Thomas ignores my implications. “How’s Ada?” 

“According to her calls, our arranged meeting in Boston is still planned. Next Monday we’re meeting with Mr. Anderson.”

“Excellent. Let me know when you’re on your way back.” He waits for a moment, deciding his next words. “It’s- I- Goodbye, Verena.”

I take a deep breath. Typical. “Goodbye, Thomas.”

As I promised, I keep to my word and meet with Ada the following week. She, like Thomas, is surprised with how busy the city is. When I spot her at the Boston docks’ main office Ada greets me with a big hug.

“So good to see you! Did you get the present Tommy sent you?”

“Yes!” 

The silver pendant hangs as a hopeful reminder under my shirt. No cursed jewel. A simple silver pendant with a Celtic cross at the center. Two days after my birthday I received a parcel from Thomas, along with a small note. 

Verena-

You refuse to wear anything of your paygrade so I am gifting you something tied to your devoted faith and heritage. Happy birthday, Verena. Please come back soon.

-Thomas

 I know those words must have been very precisely selected. Whether he does love me or not, the gift always brings joy to my heart.

“And Tommy told you the good news?” Ada asks.

“Yes! They were pardoned!” My smile fades. “Have they yelled at him yet?”

Ada’s face grows grim as well. “Not a word. It’s like no one wants to acknowledge Tommy anymore. Except Michael, that is. He jumped right back in. Finn tries to help when he can. Everyone else walked away.”

I take her hand and give it a squeeze. “Let’s start things off right. Today can bring good fortune to the company, which means good fortune for us.”

We ascend the stairs into the office and find an older man with jet-black hair waiting behind the front desk.

“Hello, Mr. Anderson,” I greet. “I believe you know Christiaan Steenstra?”

He looks me over. “Steenstra, yes. He married that Irish lass from the mob.”

“He is my father. I am his daughter Verena Nora Steenstra.” I gesture to my partner. “May I introduce Ada Shelby. We are here on business for Shelby Company Limited. Thomas Shelby wrote ahead to tell you we were coming.”

The name sparks his memory. “Yes. His instructions were very specific. I have only one question : why do I do business with you? Why doesn’t Shelby come see me himself?”

Ada and I exchange looks. I speak before she can argue with him. “He is a busy man. Saying that, he is a man who is not afraid to let women represent the company. Are we in agreement or would you like some persuasion from the White Hand?”

The name lingers in the air and the blood drains Anderson’s face. “No.”

I smile prosperously. “Then we are decided. Ada, the papers please.”

Once again I owe my leverage to Uncle Colon.

One final week. One week until Christmas, one week until I will be back in Birmingham! Ada’s waiting with the cab outside while I finish packing the last of my clothes. Just then, all five brothers barrel into my bedroom. 

“You’re really doing this, sis?” Eoin asks for the fifth time.

“You’re an American. Not a Brit,” Abel points out.

I clasp the trunk shut. “Must this always end in an argument against the British?”

Liam slaps the side of his head as if I just asked if the sky is blue. “Yes! We beat their tea-drinking asses. Why should you care about some gangster and his shipping company?”

“Need I remind you, Liam, that America’s melting pot is all about international cooperation?”

“America is the best,” Nicolaas mutters.

I face the gang of boys with my hands on my hips. It’s just like lecturing the Shelbys. “Our family comes from other places, too. If Ireland were under attack would you let it burn?”

All five brothers sheepishly look down and shake their heads. “No.”

“Neither would I. That’s why I’m helping.”

“That and you’re sweet on Mr. Shelby,” Liam chuckles under his breath.

I point a warning finger at him. “Shut it. I do not fancy him.”

“Ha!” Conor laughs at my unusual wording. “Verena’s picked up a bit-a-the-’ol English tongue!”

Nicolaas keeps a more mature expression. “Does Uncle Colon know?”

No. I still hesitate to inform my family of exactly who I’m working for. All they know is that I act as a foreign representative for a British trading company. It’s not a lie. If moeder caught on to how dangerous my work can get she would keep me stranded in Brooklyn forever. I can’t tell Uncle Colon how deeply I'm involved with the Peaky Blinders.

“I haven’t told him yet.”

“That doesn’t mean he doesn’t know. The White Hand has spies everywhere.”

Abel catches on to my growing anxiety and leans in to corner me. “There’s something else. What haven’t you told us?”

This is partly why I didn’t want to come back. My brothers’ intentions to protect me involve coaxing out every bit of information about my job. They mean well but I would rather die than expose them to the cruel, brutal world of the Peaky Blinders. How can I convince them not to worry when they keep asking questions?

I bite my lip. “Thomas- My boss… He used to be involved with the Russians.”

Conor’s jaw tightens. “Are you serious?”

“And you’re going along with this?” Nicolaas asks, appalled. “After what they did?”

I keep a look of confidence. “I leave it to Mr. Shelby. My business is anywhere else. He wanted me to chat up Mr. Anderson and now I’m scheduled to head to somewhere in France.”

Liam grunts. “We don’t know a thing ‘bout France.”

“It’s not your concern,” I state firmly. “I can’t do the work of a dozen, but I am able of doing this.”

“You can stand to work for them?” Eoin asks in disbelief.

“Aside from all their sex talk?” Abel’s jaw drops at my laid-back tone. “It’s tolerable. The drinking, smoking, swearing. It’s all old news to me now.”

All five brothers exchange looks. Are they ganging up on me? Do they not think I can handle myself after all these years?

“Verena,” Conor begins. “You’ve changed. Ever since you started working for this guy you’ve been distant. It’s like you don’t want to see us anymore.”

My face falls. Is that how they see me? They know me better than to think I would want to avoid them.

“Broers. I love you all. I love my familie. I will never abandon you. Did I not leave England to aid vader when he was injured?” They all look to the floor again. “And Eoin, I just spent the last three months watching your children. How is that not loyalty?” He doesn’t answer. “But I am loyal to the Shelbys too. I love them all, even with their flaws.”

“You’re so loyal that you’re spending Christmas away from us?” Abel asks softly.

I take a deep breath. “This time of year is supposed to be when people gather and celebrate the spirit of the season. This year has been really hard on the Shelbys and I want to be there to help.”

“You talk as if they’re family oriented like us,” Nicolaas observes. “Yet the rumor is that no one’s getting along.”

A bittersweet smile grows on my face as I lean in to give my broers one last hug. “That’s why I have to go.”

@meadows5

[sweetbunpura]

Beehive

Black Fem!Yuu ahead! WC: 6,292

"Come again?"

"Oh come on, you heard me. Be my girlfriend or else these pictures get sent to the entire student body."

Yuu started hard at the octavinelle 2nd year as he held up pictures he had taken on his phone next to his face in case the girl made a quick grab for them. They were pictures of her back towards the camera with a towel wrapped around her body. The next few pictures showed the towel dropping to the floor before she disappeared from the camera's point of view. The second year wasn't ugly, short and curly autumn hair with a mass of freckles on his face. Taller than Azul but shorter than the twins. His uniform was nearly pressed and he had a golden necklace on. He would've been attractive if not for the smug look on his face. They were currently in an abandoned part of the school, classes had long since ended and everyone was either at club activities or just chilling in their dorm rooms.

Yuu pressed her lips together and uttered one word. "No."

A look of confusion washed over his face. "What?"

"You heard me, Tony."

"It's Maverick."

Yuu tilted her head and smiled. "Tony. Anyway, yeah the answer is no."

"Are you that uncaring that everyone will see you in a towel and nude?"

"Go ahead and spread the pictures, I don't care. I ain't gonna date your ass just cause you're blackmailing me." She crossed her arms. "You could get a date cause you ain't bad looking but the moment you show your true nature, you're gonna scare people off."

"Not good enough for you to say yes to, apparently." He glared at her and put the phone away.

"Yeah, no shit Sherlock. You came up to me and immediately began our conversation with a threat." She narrowed her eyes. "But I will give you one of my own. Don't kick over the beehive."

With that she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Maverick standing there in the empty hallway. He watched her leave before gritting his teeth and beginning to walk the other way, he pulled out his phone and sent a multitude of texts to the student body.

The next day, Yuu sat between Ace and Deuce as she slowly ate her lunch with Grim stealing some of hers in the process, tuning out whatever argument the pair had gotten into. She could feel a multitude of lecherous eyes on her, she could hear whispers from behind her and she sighed.

"Something wrong, Yuu?" Jack asked, his sharp hearing having caught her sigh over the yelling.

"I'm good." She muttered and waved off the concern.

"You didn't look okay coming back to the dorm last night." Grim spoke over his mouthful of food before swallowing. "You nearly broke the punching bag."

"So something did happen." Jack's voice was now filled with concern.

"What was it?" Epel asked, having put down his apple carving to focus on the conversation.

"It mustn't be that important if she doesn't want to speak on the matter." Sebek commented.

"Oh no, it's important. Her mood has changed." Ortho added in with a concerned look of his own. "Yuu Homura-san, are you really okay?"

Ace and Deuce managed to calm down and listen in on the conversation. Yuu looked around at her friends before sighing.

"Some guy tried to blackmail me into becoming his girlfriend, I said no, so he sent the pictures around judging by the looks I'm getting."

Deuce frowned. "What pictures?"

Yuu blinked. "Did you not get sent any?"

The boys shook their heads.

"Oh shit, he didn't give it to you because he knew y'all were my friends. So to make a TLDR-"

"Hey Homura!"

The group turned to see a Heartslabyul 3rd year and his friends walk up to the table.

"What?"

"Those pictures of you are really good but ain't nothing compared to the real deal." He looked her up and down and Yuu had to grab Deuce and Ace's arms to prevent them from getting up. "Although they were a nice little preview, now how about you show us the main attraction?"

Wordlessly, she loosened her grip on Ace and Deuce as they stood up between Yuu and the 3rd year. Jack, Epel, Sebek, and Ortho had stood up too, gaining the attention of the cafeteria. Even Grim stood up on the table, embers starting to show in his mouth as he reared up for a fight.

"You don't get to say that to her." Deuce growled.

"Oh ho." The 3rd year smiled. "And what are you two? Her knights in shining armor? I thought you could handle yourself, Homura."

"Oh, I can, but you pissed off everyone at this table so... I'll let them handle it."

"You seem pretty calm about this, got a couple of guys to protect you so you don't have to do it yourself. What did you do? Give them a little taste of you and suddenly they'll follow your every word? Ha, what a slut."

Ace pushed him. "Don't call her that."

"Watch yourself, freshmen." the 3rd year growled.

"Like hell I'm going to allow you to call her that and not stand up for her." 

"She's just sitting there and letting you handle it. What kinda strong woman is she when she'd rather let you stand up for her?"

Yuu stood up abruptly and placed herself infront of the 3rd year. "If you got something to say, say it to my fucking face."

"Is there a problem here?"

All heads turned to see Riddle and Trey standing nearby. Riddle's arms were crossed as he stared hard at his dormmates while Trey fixed Yuu with a concerned look. The Heartslabyul members backed away from one another as Yuu crossed her own arms and looked away.

"Don't worry about it, Riddle." Yuu bluntly said. "I was just about to leave anyway. Lost my appetite."

She left the cafeteria, ignoring the stares and whispers, and walked into the courtyard. She sat down beneath a tree and pulled her legs up to her chest, placed her head on her knees and stared off into the distance.

"Shrimpy?"

She looked up, spotting Floyd standing nearby, clearly having followed her out there.

"Hey, Floyd."

He sat down next to her. "What did that small fry say to you?"

"Don't worry about it."

He frowned and picked her up, settling her in his lap as he wrapped his arms around her. Floyd pressed his cheek against the top of her head.

"Tell me or I'll squeeze you."

"You probably already know."

"Know what?"

She fixed him with a confused stare. "The pictures?"

"What pictures?

"Did you not get sent any?"

Floyd hummed in thought. "Nah, my phone's been messing up lately."

"It is cracked beyond repair."

"What pictures were they?"

"Uh-

"Herbivore!"

Both of them turned their heads to see Leona leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed. His tail lashed to and fro as he stared at them. Floyd frowned and pulled Yuu closer to him. Leona growled and moved away from the pillar, marched his way over and snatched Yuu out of Floyd's hands.

"So Sea Lion wants to get squeezed, huh?" 

"Mind your business, Leech."

"Boys please." She pressed against both of their chests as they unknowingly boxed her in between them. "I'm dying down here."

Both of them continued staring at one another until Yuu reached up and knocked their foreheads together. 

"Ow!"

They both rubbed their foreheads and stared down at her.

"Now that I have your attention. Did you need something, Leona?"

"Tch. Dorm leader and vice leader meeting."

"When?"

"Now." He grabbed her hand and started walking in the direction of the mirror chamber.

"Leona! Ugh." Yuu turned back to see a pouting Floyd. "I'll talk to you later, Floyd!"

Leona let her go once they were close to the chamber. He entered wordlessly and slumped in his chair.

"What's this meeting about?" Yuu spoke as she sat in the chair next to Lilia.

"It's about the pictures being sent around the school." Riddle spoke as he stood up. "I'm sorry, Yuu, Cater came to me about the pictures he had received."

"What pictures?" Kalim questioned with a confused look on his face.

"Before this goes any further. How many of you got the pictures?"

None of the dorm leaders or vice dorm leaders spoke up, each of them sporting different levels of confusion apart from Leona, who was glaring down at the table, and Lilia, who looked at Yuu with sadness in his gaze.

"Silver told me." Lilia said. "It would seem that whoever did this avoided the dorm leaders and their vices."

"Trey and I know from Cater." Riddle added.

"Ruggie." Leona bluntly said.

"Great." She leaned back against her chair. "Wonderful."

"These pictures seem to spark anger in you, Miss Yuu." Jade spoke. "What ever could they be about?"

She glanced around the room, taking in the various faces of the people she has helped out. Yuu took a deep breath and let it out.

"They're pictures of me in a towel and in the nude when I dropped it. My back is turned towards the camera so you don't see everything but the damage is already done. The guy posted them because I wouldn't go out with him. He's an octavinelle 2nd year."

Silence greeted her before various flashes of anger and disbelief showed on their faces. Thunder boomed in the distance as a frown appeared on Malleus' face. Kalim was in disbelief while Jamil was trying to mask his anger, but parts of it were showing through. Azul and Jade's eyes were wide with surprise on their faces. Idia was silent, tablet floating there in silence. Vil had a look of disgust on his face while Rook looked taken aback with his hand over his chest. Even Crowley, who wasn't fully paying attention to the conversation, had a look of surprise on his face behind his mask.

"Yuu." Azul cleared his throat. "I can assure you that-"

She put up her hand, cutting off the octomer. "I know Azul, this isn't like you. You make deals, not this level of blackmail."

"Did you happen to catch his name?"

"Maverick." 

Jade and Azul looked at each other just as Yuu's phone went off. She answered it without checking the ID.

"Hello?"

"Shrimpy, I got the pictures." Floyd's voice was serious and deep, there was no chirp of how he usually sounded. "I'm gonna squeeze the small fry who took the pictures. Now who was it?"

"... Maverick, octavinelle, 2nd year."

The phone call ended after that and Yuu pulled the phone away from her ear. 

"Jade, Azul, you both need to go get Floyd before he kills Maverick."

Azul and Jade excuse themselves and all but rush out the door. Leona stands up and walks over to Yuu, he gives her a long look and pats her shoulder before leaving the room. 

"You and Leona are close?" Vil asked.

Yuu shrugged. "Don't worry about it." She stood up.

"Wait." Crowley grabbed her attention. "Why couldn't you come to me with this information?"

She let out a humorless laugh. "Are you kidding me? Have you not seen your, and excuse the language, fucking track record of helping me?"

"Now, prefect-"

"Don't prefect me! You haven't done shit! The phone was probably the most useful thing you've given me. But outside of that? Nothing. You'd probably tell me this is somehow my fault!" Yuu glared at Crowley. "Hell, I don't even trust you to make the right decision about this whole thing." With that, she angrily left the room.

"Headmaster, you will fix this." Malleus said, practically demanding it, as he and Lilia stood up and exited the room.

"Come on, Kalim, it's time for us to leave." Jamil got up and left with Kalim tagging along.

"What a heinous act to befall our beloved Trickster." Rook sadly said.

"Come Rook, we're returning to the dorm and doing a sweep of everyone's phones." Vil stood gracefully and walked out of the room.

"We must bid you all adieu." Rook bowed and followed after Vil.

Idia chimed in. "I have to go too, I have work to do." The tablet began it's journey out of the room.

"Trey, we must return as well. Anyone caught with Yuu's pictures saved on their phone faces punishment and a beheading." Riddle left, leaving Trey in the room.

"Yuu is right, headmaster, you haven't done much for her. But it's never too late to change that." Trey gave a small farewell and followed after Riddle.

Yuu was beyond pissed as she angrily stormed through NRC, some students stepped back as to not get caught in her wrath. Others stopped and stared, making vague comments about her body. She paused and shot the boys the dirtiest look she could muster, sending them scrambling away. She was on her way back to Ramshackle when a shadow appeared in front of her. It danced around merrily before pointing its way towards Sam's shop. With a faint smile, she made her way over to the store and opened the door.

"Sam?"

"Little Imp!" Sam greeted her warmly. "I haven't seen you all day!"

"Yeah it's been hectic..." She sat on the counter. "So why call me over?"

"A pair of little birdies told me about your problems today." Sam leaned against the counter. 

"Ace and Deuce?"

"The very duo."

"What did you hear?"

"The pictures."

"Ah."

"Little imp." Sam's tone switched to a serious one. "You could've told me or Crewel."

"I know, I thought I had it handled..."

"You're not alone anymore."

"I know it's just so hard for me to let others handle it." She looked at her hands. "I moved to Japan and all I felt was alone, like I wasn't accepted, even by my own family. But I'm here and that feeling hasn't changed."

"Except it has." Sam moved out from behind the counter. "You have friends willing to do anything for you, Little Imp. You found your family."

Yuu felt her eyes tear up and she reached over to hug Sam, who returned the hug just as the door opened and Crewel walked in.

"Pup."

"Hey, Pops." She greeted him, with tears in her eyes.

"Oh darling." He rushed over to wrap her in a hug. "He shall be dealt with."

"If not by us, then by your family." Sam added with a sinister smile.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Maverick made his way down the hallway, each student he passed talked about Yuu in some way and it brought a smirk to his face. It's what she deserves after rejecting him, so she got everything that was coming to her. 

"Oi, little minnow."

He paused and turned around, seeing the deranged face of one Floyd Leech.

"What?"

"You're the one who spread those pictures of Shrimpy."

"So? Oh I get it. You don't like pictures of your plaything being shown, you want her all to yourself."

Floyd's fist connected to Maverick's face, sending him to the floor as he held his nose. Floyd stood above him and pressed the heel of his foot into his stomach.

"You don't get to say that shit about her when you don't even know her." Floyd's voice grew dark and deep. "She's her own person and you tried owning her like she was an object. So you got pissed when she rejected you cause you couldn't have her and you decided to ruin her reputation instead." He pressed his heel down harder. "But you forget, little minnow, Shrimpy's made friends with a lotta fishes and they won't take kindly to your actions."

"You ain't that different from me, Leech, you got rejected by her too."

"Nah, I know shrimpy loves me and I love shrimpy." A smile stretches across his face. "She gave me your name cause she knew I could kick your ass." He raised his fist and slammed it across Maverick's face. "She knows I can handle you cause if she fights back, she'll get in trouble. But me? I won't." Another fist slam. "And like hell I'm gonna let you run free unscathed from this." 

"Fuck you, Leech!" Maverick spat out blood and snarled. 

Floyd kicked him in the stomach and sent him rolling across the ground. He approached him only to have his arm grabbed.

"Let go." He already knew who it was, but still tried to pull his arm free.

"I'm afraid we need him alive, Floyd." Jade said. "He can't be punished if he's dead."

"He hurt Shrimpy."

"And he'll be dealt with. There's still several others who want their turn at him." Jade smiled, showing off his serrated teeth. "And as tempted as I am to join you, I'm afraid we must refrain from further damage."

Floyd growled but backed down, glaring hard at Maverick as he lay there returning the glare. Azul stepped out from behind Jade and walked over to him.

"I'm disappointed that someone from my dorm would stoop so low as to blackmail a good friend of mine."

"You ain't a saint, Ashengrotto. I've seen the shit you pull on others, so this was no different."

"You see, that's where you're wrong. Yuu is smarter than you take her credit for. Smart enough to reject you but still walk around the campus after that. She didn't run into anyone's arms and she certainly didn't come running back to you to proclaim that she was wrong." Azul adjusted his glasses. "Even I know when a deal isn't worth pursuing."

Maverick rolled his eyes. "Uh-huh, like you're one to talk, you got a hissy fit when she outsmarted you. And you even tried kicking her out of her home. You ain't any better than me, dorm leader."

Azul simply smiled. "Well, I was going to save you from your own fate but it would appear that you still need to have your lesson learned. Jade, Floyd, we're done here."

"Yes, sir."

"Whatever."

"Enjoy what remaining few days you have left at this school, Maverick-san."

-----------------------------------------------------------

Yuu lay in her bed in Ramshackle as she absentmindedly ran her fingers through a sleeping Grim's fur. Her phone vibrated on the table and she reached over to grab it.

"Hello."

"Herbivore."

"Leona, what a surprise."

"Come over."

"Are you sure that's wise?"

"If you're worried about them, they ain't going to say shit. They know better."

"Leona, sweetie, I really ain't in the mood to come over-"

"Yuu."

She paused as she heard the lion beastman say her name.

"I don't want you staying there, especially since someone already invaded your privacy. Who knows who else is going to pull the same thing, but this time when you're asleep or something? I want you to feel safe. Come stay with me and that includes your little furball too."

"Leona..."

"Don't make me ask again."

"Alright, I'm on my way." She ended the call and picked up Grim.

Yuu made her way out of Ramshackle, bid a good night to the ghosts, and departed for Savanaclaw. She entered the dorm to see some members chilling in the pool area. A few looked over at her but soon returned to their conversations. Sensing Leona was right, she walked up the stairs and navigated the dorm. Yuu spotted Ruggie on the stairway almost as if he was waiting for her.

"Yuu."

"Ruggie." She continued up the stairs with the hyena beastman tagging along. "You look like you want to say something."

"Leona-san already talked to everyone in the dorm, well more like threatened them if they said anything about you. Shishishi." Ruggie laughed before becoming serious. "Once I showed the pictures to Leona-san, I deleted them. I'm not going to keep something like that on my phone."

"Thanks, Ruggie, you're sweet."

"Uh-huh. I think I deserve something for telling Leona-san."

"I'll make you some donuts later."

"You're the best, Yuu!"

She shook her head as Ruggie departed to his own room once she stood in front of Leona's room. Yuu opened it with no hesitation, Leona was lounging on his bed, shirtless as his tail thumped against the bed. Yuu set Grim on the couch, placed a pillow under him, and made her way over to the dorm leader. His green eyes followed her the whole time.

She sat on the bed and Leona wordlessly patted the spot in front of him. Yuu moved over and was pulled into Leona's arms. He kissed the top of her forehead and rubbed her arm.

"I'll kill him."

"Don't, he needs to be left alive."

"Not after what he did to you."

"Don't kill him, I couldn't stand to see you jailed for murder."

"Mmh." He pressed his face into her hair. "I'll think about it, but for now, go to sleep herbivore."

She closed her eyes as she fell asleep in the warm and protective embrace of the lion. The next day saw Yuu walking down the hall, she was by herself, having been excused from classes given the incident. She paused as Ortho floated over to her.

"Yuu Homura-san, my brother would like to talk to you."

She looked around for the tablet as Ortho shook his head.

"In person."

"Wow, really?"

"Yes, follow me please."

Yuu followed him as they rounded a corner and spotted Idia with his hood up and wringing his hands as he looked around nervously.

"Idia?"

"D-Dont say I didn't do anything for you, Yuu-shi." He spoke and tightened the drawstrings on his hoodie. "Anyone who had the pictures left on their phone after the others did a sweep of them, I sent a nasty virus that deleted the pictures for good on their phones. I also scrubbed the Internet to see if any of them were posted online, they weren't, so there you go."

"Oh Idia." She paused. "Can I hug you or no?"

"Eep! N-no hugs are necessary! Just..." He pressed his fingers together. "Let's have a gaming session or something sometime."

"Alright, consider it a date. Thank you, Idia."

"You're welcome, Yuu-shi." He smiled. "Now go beat him."

"I'll wait until everyone has had their chance with him." She returned the smile.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Maverick was now understanding what Yuu meant by don't kick the beehive. First Leech beats him up, and now the pictures were gone from his phone. He rubbed his bruised cheek as he continued walking only to have the back of his shirt grabbed as he was slammed against the wall. He glared up at Leona Kingscholar, who glared down at him with hate in his green eyes. 

"The hell do you want?"

"Keep talking and I'll turn you into nothing but a pile of sand." He snarled. "Herbivore isn't someone you can mess with and think you can get away with it."

"What, are you and Leech gunning for her? She'll reject you like she rejected me."

Leona smirked. "Is that what you think?"

Maverick looked at him and squinted his eyes. "You're lying."

"Am I? Oh before you go spreading that rumor..." Leona grabbed Maverick's phone and turned it into sand.

"You-!"

"Stay away from her and watch your back from now on." Leona left with a flick of his tail.

Maverick got off the wall and looked down at the sand that used to be his phone before snarling and stomping away. He made his way down the hallway just as an arrow went whizzing next to his head and embedded itself in the wall. Maverick jumps back as another on strikes where his head used to be, he backs up as another arrow embeds in the wall. He keeps backing up as arrow after arrow is fired at him until suddenly they stop. Maverick pauses and looks around, fully expecting another arrow to come at him. Another flies at him only to embed in the floor, this one had a note attached to it.

He hesitantly picks up the note and reads it.

"Watch your step."

Maverick fled before anything else could happen.

------------------------------------------------------------

The door to Crewel's class slammed open, startling everyone apart from Yuu and Crewel, who stared at the intruder. Floyd walked into the classroom, heterochromic eyes scanning the room before falling onto Yuu's face. With a smile on his face, he casually walked over and picked her up, causing Grim to scramble out of her lap and onto the desk. Floyd turned on his heel and left the classroom with the prefect in his arms.

"Leech!"

Floyd turned his head to look at Crewel, who stood with his hand on his hip, as he semi-glared at the tall boy.

"Return her before it gets dark."

"Eh, no promises." With that, he happily disappeared with her.

Yuu allowed herself to be manhandled as she was wordlessly dragged along. Floyd made tracks towards the school pool and kicked the door open. He placed Yuu down and jumped in the pool. Yuu backed up so the water wouldn't splash her and waited for the eel to resurface. She watched as his clothes floated to the surface before his head popped out of the water. He smiled and held out his clawed hand to her. Yuu pulled off her jacket, set her shoes to the side and placed her phone on top of them. She approached the water, bare feet making a soft padding noise before she stopped at the edge. They stared at each other before she set her hand in his. 

He pulled her into the water and kept her close to his body as he dove under the water. Floyd spun her around, giggling all the whole whole before he began to ascend back to the surface. Floyd smiled gleefully as Yuu moved her dark hair out of her face.

"Shrimpy."

"Mmh?"

He placed his forehead to hers. "I hate it when you get all mopey, you ain't fun or interesting like that. And my Shrimpy's gotta be happy. Since swimming makes me happy, it'll make you happy. And you're happy, right?"

She smiled. "I'm happy, Floyd. Well not fully, but I'm getting there." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "And who wouldn't be happy swimming with their favorite eel?" Floyd smiled and she chuckled. "And I heard how you beat up Maverick."

"Asshole had it coming."

"I also heard that Jade wanted to join too."

"Well yeah." He adjusted his hold on Yuu. "It pissed Jade off too. You should've seen how he was that night. He talked about what mushrooms he should slip into the bastard's food." Floyd stuck out his tongue. "Mushrooms are nasty but it's fine when I'm not the one eating the weird ones."

"Jade plotting revenge, huh? Would've loved to have seen that."

Floyd picked Yuu up as he started to float on his back, placing her against his chest. "I don't wanna see anyone hurt you like that. I also squeezed someone in basketball because they were talking about your body. Crabby almost joined in too, but Sea Snake held him back." He placed his hands on her back. "Although, it looked like he was getting ready to squeeze them too."

"Really? Jamil did?"

"Uh-huh."

"Hmm, interesting." She sat up. "Honestly, I can't say that I'm surprised. It's a mutual respect."

"You and Sea Snake still ain't good?"

"Kidnapped. In scarabia. For like five days. I'm still a little miffed at that."

Floyd laughed. "It was funny to see you and Earless Seal come crashing in."

"Yeah, to you maybe." She poked his nose. "You thought it would be fun."

"Yeah, cause I got to spend more time with you."

"Wow." Yuu placed a hand over her heart. "That was so sappy."

"Eh?"

"Who are you and what have you done with my tall bastard eel?"

"Shrimpy's so mean." Floyd placed his hand over his eyes. "I'm sad, you're making me cry."

"Please. Wipe your crocodile tears."

He grinned mischievously and before Yuu could do anything, he quickly flipped himself around and sent her into the water. He started laughing as she surfaced with a scowl on her face. Yuu splashed him, causing him to stop laughing and stare at her. 

"Oh, Shrimpy, bad move."

Yuu started to laugh as he sent a wave of water with his tail at her. He tackled her, sending them tumbling around in circles under the water. Floyd wrapped his tail around her, keeping her close to his body as they rolled around. They both stopped upside down and stared at each other before bursting out into laughter, or in Yuu's case, bubbles.

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Yuu!"

Yuu paused and turned, watching as an angry Maverick walked up to her. She glared at him and crossed her arms.

"What?"

"Call off your lovers."

"They ain't my lovers."

"How else do you explain why all of them came after me?"

"Newsflash, asshole, you took and posted photos of me to just about everyone. So yeah, of course you're getting the ass kicking you so promptly deserved."

"No guy would be that dedicated to some bitch unless she playing them."

"Is that what you think? That I just happen to be playing them like a fiddle against you? That I would just go up to the dorm leaders and vices and just twist my hair and act all innocent to get them to kick your ass? Nah, it ain't work like that. See, they're my friends, genuine friendships and relationships I have made with them by being myself and allowing them to also be themselves. And you know what happens when you fuck with the beehive like that?" She leaned in. "The hive comes out and decides to protect the one who needs it." She moved back. "I'm not someone to fuck with."

Maverick grabbed her arm and snarled. "Listen here-"

"Let go of her now, young man."

Both of their heads jerked back to see Crowley standing there with a stern look on his face. He walked up and pulled Maverick's hand off of Yuu. He threw Maverick's hand away and pulled her to his side.

"You've done enough damage to my daughter and your crimes against her are horrendous and numerous. To think that one of you would stoop so low as to blackmail her is unheard of."

"Ashen-"

"I am not talking about what Mr. Ashengrotto has done." Crowley interrupted him with a slam of his cane on the ground, startling both students. "We are talking about your actions specifically."

"Headmaster-"

"No excuse you try to come up with will subtract from the severity of what you caused. You sent out pictures of my daughter to the entire school, bearing the dorm and vice leaders and a select group of first years. Come to my office so I can have you expelled properly."

"Expelled!?"

"Now. Before I lose my temper." Crowley turned towards Yuu. "Get home safely, I'll come to check on you later." He hesitated for a few moments before pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry and I'll try to do better." He let her go and began to walk away with Maverick reluctantly following him.

Yuu watched as they left, blinking owlishly at Crowley's back before slowly turning around and beginning to walk back to Ramshackle. Yuu paused on the walkway as she spotted the lights in Ramshackle turn on. She slowly walked up to the door and pushed it open. She was greeted by the scent of something baking and the sound of sizzling meat. 

Yuu looked around, trying to grasp what was going on, until she reached the large lounge space. Ace and Deuce were playing cards with Cater, Epel, Jack, and Grim. Leona was lounging on the couch, tail flicking as Ruggie sat on top of it. Idia was sitting in front of the TV, him and Ortho were playing something as Floyd and Kalim watched. Vil sat in one of the nicer chairs, legs crossed as he and Rook talked.

Riddle and Azul sat at one of the tables, papers scattered between the two of them as they seemed to be in deep conversation. Silver was asleep, head on very unpleased Sebek's shoulder. Lilia smiled before continuing his talk with Malleus. She blinked, eyes flicking between the boys as she tried to piece what was going on.

"Welcome back, Miss Yuu." A voice sounded in her ear.

"Holy-!" Yuu jumped and turned around to see a smiling Jade as he held up a platter of various teas. "Jade, you almost got punched in the face."

"Oya, that would be interesting to see." He lowered the platter. "Orange hibiscus tea?"

"Thanks." She took the cup and watched as he walked into the room and set down the tea the others had ordered. "Huh..."

"Oh, Yuu, welcome back." 

Yuu took a sip of her tea and turned to see Trey holding some tarts and cookies. He was smiling warmly and there was some flour on his glasses.

"Hey." The prefect reached up to wipe the flour off. "So who do I talk to about the home invasion?"

"Grim let us in." Trey lowered the platter and Yuu pulled a cookie free. "We told him what we had planned and he let us in with no problems."

"What plan?"

Trey only chuckled and walked into the room, leaving a confused Yuu in his wake. Predicting another person soon to be behind her, she pivoted on her heel to see Jamil. They stared at each other, she bit into her cookie while Jamil just blinked and cleared his throat. 

"Yuu."

"Jamil."

"How are you doing?"

"Better. It's hectic but it's better."

"That's good." He went to walk past her, but she reached out to grab his sleeve.

"I heard from Floyd that you almost got into a fight on my behalf." Yuu drank some of her tea and let go of his jacket. "I know you don't join fights, but I appreciate it."

Jamil looked at her. "They were disrespecting you, I couldn't stand by and not do anything."

"You actually got into a fight for me?"

"It's not a fight if you're smart about your approach."

"Clever snake."

Jamil gave her a small smile before it disappeared. "I have a little sister, do you remember Najma?" Yuu nodded. "I just thought of what if this was her in your situation and I got angry." He looked away before his charcoal gray eyes shifted back to look at Yuu. "Mutual respect?"

"Jamil, you fought for me, I think we're friends at this point." She held out her hand. "That is if you want to be."

He looked at her hand before reaching out to grab and shake it.

"Yuu Homura, how are you?"

"Jamil Viper, I'm doing fine."

"Alright." She smiled and fully entered the room. "S'up boys?"

There were various styles of greetings as she sat next to Ace and Deuce. Both of them wrapped one arm around her, she wrapped both of her arms around them.

"My boys."

"Gross." Ace stuck out his tongue and smiled.

Deuce leaned into her embrace. "Our Yuu."

Food was eaten and drinks were consumed as Yuu went around to various groups in the room and talked with them a bit. She approached Riddle and Azul and stared down at the papers.

"Legal docs?"

"Yes." Azul adjusted his glasses. "Against Maverick-san, that is if you do take legal action."

"Maverick broke a number of rules." Riddle added as he took a sip of his tea. "Of course, as Azul stated, it is up to you if you take legal action."

"Ruin his life the way he tried to ruin mine?" Yuu took a bite out of the meat on her plate. "Get it all in a simple, cohesive, stack and I'll look at it later."

"Of course."

"We shall."

"Thank you, boys." She smiled and departed from the table.

Yuu walked over to the large amount of food on the long and large table and plucked Grim from shoving his face further into an apple pie Trey had made.

"Hench human!"

"Spill Grim, why are they here?"

"They wanted to spend the night here after what that guy Maverick did." He wiggled in her grip. "Vil even brought you curtains for the bathroom. They're thick so you can't see anything through them. Leona bought us new locks for the front door and rooms and Idia even gave us a security system. Kalim even fixed up all the rooms." Grim huffed and crossed his little arms. "I wish you pointed out that guy earlier, I owe him a few burn marks for making my hench human sad."

Yuu looked around at the named boys and smiled sweetly. She gently placed Grim back down only to pause as his tiny paws grabbed her hand. Yuu turned to look at him.

"I don't want this to happen again."

"I can't promise that it won't."

"Then you'll tell us next time if it does, right?"

"Alright, Grim." She ruffles his fur before returning to her original seat between Ace and Deuce.

The night continued and just as everyone was getting ready to retire to their rooms for the night, Yuu grabbed their attention.

"Thanks for all of this, guys, I really appreciate it." She smiled. "And this is probably the safest I've ever felt since being here. So thank you for that."

She gave each boy a hug and watched as they thanked her on return and left the main room. Soon Yuu was left in the room, she turned towards the large windows and stared off into the void of darkness, before smiling and turning off the light to retire to her own room.

[pearlaquaoceans]

Bear with me as I write out my thoughts. I just need to write it somewhere to get it out of my brain. It isn't a critique or a think piece or any grand theories, just me struggling with my own thoughts while listening to the Cooldown after Downfall part 2.

I have always struggled with connecting to Talisen's characters. I see it as he thinks and sees the world and interacts with it in such a different way to me that I just fail to grasp what he is putting down because it is so alien to how i see the world. And right now I'm trying to grasp his Melora. And please understand I know this is a skill issue for me. I just cannot connect on any level to any of his characters because I think I just view the world so differently and how characters are so differently so it's all me, nothing on him. He's great and fantastic and I know his characters to be particularly beloved.

With Melora, and especially what he said in cooldown how Melora would be a betrayer if it was up to her and how she sees humans only as food. She is a tiger and tigers do not look at deer with pity. They look at them only as food and not as something to hold empathy for. And it's a super interesting interpretation and I think if Melora hadn't been previously established I would really dig it because nature is very eat or be eaten but it just doesn't reconcile in my head with what we know. If Melora is the tiger and mortals are mearly prey and not her cubs. Then why send anything at all to the people who have interacted with her in the main campaign. Where does the warmth sent in breezes come from if she has no interest in humans? Why does she care for Orym? Why does she send signs at all if she only wishes for nature to continue? Why not let mortals bumble around on their own and fail so that nature is left to be as it should be. I cannot see this Melora answering any prayers. I cannot see her sending rain.

With the first episode I was thinking she was more like this because the land is choked and she suffers because the land suffers but with Talisen saying there is no anger. No pity. I dunno I just can't quite seem to grasp it. I love the wild harshness of her but nature is also bounty and life and hope in my mind. When flowers and trees bloom after a forest fire. There is a hope in that and I just can't seem to find that hope in Talisen's Melora. If she wished she was a betrayer God and only isn't because of others and not herself, why would she intervene on behalf of anyone? Why would she help to bring Molly back when the body would have caused so much havoc on nature if Lucien were the one to be brought back? Why would she answer those prayers? Why would see do anything for any mortal? This Melora I cannot see her being concerned with anything beyond base instinct. I can get gods being multifaceted and complex, the raven Queen and pelor are doing that in my brain loads but then the connection holds with them and i can weave the different versions together into something that makes sense in my head. Especially with them behind the divine gate in present story.

Then I started thinking, how much are the gods shaped by those who pray? Like are their beings shaped by what the masses see in them? Does Melora find that warmth when people begin to pray to her again after the fall of Aeor? Does she soften? Or is the warmth she send a false warmth and it is not her at all? Or did the distance between them and the mortal realm once the divine gate was created, make the heart grow fonder, and she changed and was able to see things differently and then wanted people to succeed?

I dunno. I'm just listening to cooldown and really struggling with the character and it makes me feel junky because I can look objectively and think Talisen is doing cool things and doing it super well but for the life I me I cannot make the connection in my brain to what we've seen and what we are seeing. The others I can do it but as always I just can't get a grasp of what Talisen is putting down with what I already have in my hands with my knowledge of Melora and I know it's a skill issue and I hate that I'm not finding what I need to understand.

[ikamigami]

NEXUS' RELATIONSHIP WITH SUN

Okay so I'm not sure if I should use main tags for this post because it will definitely trigger a lot of people but..

I think that it make sense.. or at least to some extent..

Read this if you dare but if incest triggers you too much then don't read it.. more under the cut..

Feel free to disagree with me and you can discuss it with me if you want but please don't be rude and don't call me names please and thank you QwQ

After seeing a post about whether Nexus is really aroace or felt forced to be like Moon..

It reminded me of what one of my friends from Discord told me on created by me server for more serious topics for sams..

It was then when I realized that Nexus is paranoid over Sun dying..

Because my friend told me that they think that Nexus might have romantic feelings towards Sun..

I was surprised by such statement and thought that it was too far fetched..

Because they told me that Nexus rarely if ever called Sun brother.. and that he told Earth at one point during his first therapy session that "you think I've been hammering too hard with the sybling dynamic thing".. and my friend found it weird cause why he worded it like that?

And I agreed that it was weird cause why Nexus tried to copy "sybling dynamic" like Moon used to do when it couldn't be to make Sun happy when Nexus didn't want to be like Moon and he saw that "sybling dynamic" wasn't making Sun happy because it was borderline abusive most of the time and not a normal sibling bonding..

And I'm almost 100% sure that Nexus started pushing Sun away after the talk with Dark Sun.. cause Dark Sun told him that he's a "dead Moon" and that most Suns and Moons aren't brothers..

And later it was brought up once again that these Sun and Moon see themselves as siblings.. and it was when Nexus bought a house only for two of them and it was Nexus who said that people may take it as romantic scene but in this dimension they're siblings..

And let's not forget that Nexus was teasing Sun a lot about him being possibly gay or bi..

I won't say that it was definitely "Nexus x Sun incest ship" but..

I think that Nexus was most probably confused on his own feelings towards Sun.. because he indeed loved Sun a lot.. he immediately knew that he deeply cares about Sun since he woke up.. he was the only one who was the most concerned about Sun's mental state and was afraid that Sun might be self-destructive.. and also he was furious that Moon left killcode in Sun's head and that Eclipse traumatised Sun and hence why he was so mad when Eclipse returned..

I think that Nexus didn't know how to feel around Sun.. because Sun saw Moon as his brother because they decided and agreed pretty early on that they'll be brothers..

But think about it.. Nexus woke up not remembering anything and he saw Sun calling his name and he immediately knew that he loves and cares about Sun and wants to protect him..

And then imagine that then Nexus learned that the previous version of him was Sun's brother but as a brother he abused and traumatised Sun severely.. the person you woke up to calling your name.. the person you immediately know that you love and care about and want to protect them..

How one can feel about all of that?

And later Nexus found out that Sun and Moon are rarely siblings and that he's a "dead Moon"..

So maybe he isn't Moon?

But Sun sees him as Moon, his brother..

So he had to be Moon, Sun's brother..

And please don't tell me that Nexus felt resentment towards Sun when before Dark Sun found him in space.. he was very concerned about Sun and told Molten that Sun is his light and he listened to Sun and stayed in that damn cell and later told Dark Sun that Sun in his hallucinations isn't that mean..

I can't help but think that Nexus' confused feelings about his own identity and feelings to Sun change into obsession..

And I think that Nexus was calling Solar brother because this is how he saw him.. only as brother and nothing more.. he wasn't confused because his relationship with Solar was simple.. they were brothers..

But not with Sun.. he loves him.. he deeply cares about him.. but they're brothers.. but is Nexus doing a good job? What are those feelings? Is that how brother supposed to feel?

I think that this is the reason to why Nexus was pushing Sun away.. or more precisely he was keeping Sun at distance.. because he didn't know how he actually felt towards Sun.. or maybe he didn't know if what he felt towards Sun was right.. maybe he was afraid that he shouldn't feel that way about Sun..

Creator told in one of early episodes that Sun and Moon have special unseparable bond with each other..

They chose to be siblings and their bond is similar to human twins..

But what if Nexus didn't feel like Sun's brother? But the bond was still the same cause this is how they were created..

I think that Nexus loves Sun more than brother.. but decided that he will be Sun's brother, Moon because he loves Sun so much that he didn't want to cross any lines..

And what if he wanted to try to bring Solar back also because of Sun? Because of how Sun was quick to blame himself.. and that Sun lived through so many of his siblings dying.. and he remembered that Sun was always so strong that even after learning that Lunar - Sun's brother - died he took a leader's role for the sake of him and Earth..

But this time Sun was crying.. was breaking after Solar's death.. it was too much for him.. and Nexus saw that.. and was worried that Sun will start drinking more..

So he decided that he'll fix that.. he'll bring Solar back cause not only all family including him were grieving the death of their brother.. but it was too much for Sun.. so Nexus had to do something about it..

And later when he talked with Moon and found out that Sun may sacrifice himself for him..

It was too much for Nexus.. and I think that he felt even more pressured to bring Solar back to not only make everyone happy (to make Sun happy) but also to find out if it's possible to bring someone back from the dead.. because maybe then it'd be possible to bring Sun back if he died..

I think that what was missing in Blood Solar simulation were Nexus' true feelings towards Sun..

Sun thought that Nexus despises him.. but I think that he actually loves Sun in the way that he was afraid that Sun wouldn't accept it..

Sun loves both Moon and Nexus as brothers.. he feels strongly connected to both of them.. because I believe that their special unseparable bond is in their core code.. which both Moon and Nexus have.. cause Nexus didn't have Moon's memories but the core code was still there..

Nexus loves both Solar and Sun.. but he loves Solar as his brother and best friend.. and he feels strongly connected to Sun.. he loves Sun more than anything..

And I think that Nexus was pushing Sun away more when he started hanging out with Solar more.. because he realized that his feelings towards Solar are brotherly.. while those towards Sun are something more.. and I think that he was scared of that.. and then he started being paranoid..

Because not only he could start acting like Moon and harm Sun or even cause his death cause I think that Nexus was afraid that he'll cause Sun's death thanks to what V2 Eclipse told him before he died..

And then all these strong emotions turned into obsession..

And now Nexus feels anger towards Sun.. he wants to vomit from simply saying Sun's name.. but he still didn't do anything to harm Sun.. and he definitely still feels this connection with Sun.. and I think that he still loves Sun..

I don't know what exactly will happen in the show.. but I'm sure that if Sun will die or end up in a coma or something like that.. because of Nexus' actions.. Nexus will be more than devastated..

Because I think that Nexus' feelings towards Sun were and are something more..

And now Nexus is heartbroken.. because he thinks that Sun chose Moon over him.. that Sun loves Moon more than him.. that Sun despises him.. that he failed Sun and Sun won't ever forgive him because why he accepted Moon so quickly and didn't visit him in the cell anymore?

Ofc Nexus doesn't know that Sun still loves him.. that Sun loves Nexus as much as he loves Moon.. that Sun would forgive him if he came back.. if Nexus showed that he regrets his decisions and actions and that he's sorry for what he's done.. and Nexus doesn't know that Sun didn't plan on leaving Nexus alone and he'd most definitely came to talk to him after calming down.. he doesn't know that Sun didn't give up on him.. but it was these stupid Foxy and Puppet's fault.. that they tried to force Sun to agree on killing Nexus.. and he doesn't know that Monty decided to bring Moon back.. and he definitely doesn't know that Sun didn't have a say in any of this..

And Nexus most of all doesn't know that Sun thinks that Nexus despises him.. that Nexus loves Solar more than him.. that Nexus chose Solar over him..

Why they both have to be so stubborn and stupid?/silly

Bxjxkxkkxnxnxnnxkxn

[duskooky]

Hello! I was wondering if you had any headcannons about Tim/Masky?

(Absolutely love your art btw!)

Hi! First of all, I'm really really sorry for the late response, but I've been away from Tumblr the whole time 😭 (I kinda forgot I had this account tbh)

Anyways!! I have lots of HCs about him but these are the main ones, I purposely decided not to write some because they might be spoiler for my comic:

Tim started seeing Slenderman from a young age, and he used to tell everyone that a tall faceless man in a suit was constantly watching and following him.

This of course concerned his teachers and parents, who decided to bring him to a psychiatrist. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and got prescribed a lot of meds, which only made his overall physical and mental health worse, but he kept seeing Slenderman regardless.

Growing up, the symptoms got worse as he started coughing blood, having seizures and even epileptic attacks whenever Slenderman was nearby. His mental health got worse and worse, and he started suffering of severe insomnia and hallucinations as there was always this static sound in his mind who would keep him awake.

No one of course believed in the existence of this "Tall Man" haunting him, so Tim spent pretty much of all his youth in a mental hospital/facility, until the day all the symptoms suddenly got better, as Slenderman decided to take a step back since he couldn't break him. Tim got released from the hospital and started living again, he even applied for college and got back in touch with Brian, his old friend.

Brian introduced him to his new friends, Jay and Alex, who were working on a film-making project (Marble Hornets). Tim accepted to help them out with their project, this causing Slenderman to start haunting the whole friend group, who eventually broke up. Years later, Tim tried to get into contact with them all, but during all this time all his friends changed because of Slenderman's influence, and they all eventually got mentally broken and then killed by him. This was the straw that broke the camel's back, the guilt drove Tim's insane who decided to finally surrender to Slenderman since he had nothing left to fight for, and that's how he turned into a proxy.

Tim turned into "Masky" the moment he became a proxy, thus losing his personality and most of the memories he made as human

[fairyqueentitana]

Let's Talk about Adrien.

Adrien Agreste is the main male character of The Miraculous Adventures of Ladybug and Chat Noir. This is a continuation of my previous post entitled Let's Talk about Marinette.

His relationship with Chloe: I understand that she was his only friend in a family that severely restricted his relationships. However, I do not believe Adrien understands that friendship is an excuse to defend or excuse bad behaviour. When it is made clear that Chloe is a bully, he often encourages others to forgive her or ignore the problem. When her victims are happy that she is leaving he lectures them. I understand that Adrien is very naive and sheltered however he unknowingly seems to victim blame.

His emotional cheating: While he is "with" Kagami he still has feelings or an attraction to Ladybug. This is shown when he continues to flirt with his superhero partner on multiple occasions. While I understand they may have been pressured into their relationship and possibly bonded over their relationship with their parents that is not acceptable.

His relationship with Ladybug: Putting it simply he is in love with someone who doesn't love him. In his attempts to pursue this relationship with his constant flirting, he gets distracted and often puts himself in danger which could be avoided if he was focused. His love for her is a bit concerning when he completely changes himself for her. Once again folks you don't change key parts of your identity just to fit someone else's mould because you love them. Worse yet he changed to suit his public civilian persona that he knows everyone would love, a persona that is not him. He puts himself in a cage to suit her when Chat Noir gives him freedom from that cage. I cannot as an aunt, friend and sister encourage those in my social circle to ever do that.

The Lila Rossi problem: While I can blame his response on his upbringing I will only say this once. Adrien could have just told Alya and Nino what happened with ladybug and everything would have been settled. Instead, he chose to keep quiet. There is also the fact that he only realised how Lila was when she got Marinette expelled yet he still stayed silent. As Edmund Burke once said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

The tantrum thrown in Syren: Once again they are teenagers however he really took off his miraculous cause she was instructed by the person who gave them their miraculous to stay quiet? Then in that same moment did not listen to his kwami and was ready to abandon Paris simply cause he was mad. I am not even touching this with another person's polyjuiced body holding a ten-foot pole.

An anon recently assumed that I disliked the show based on my criticisms of Marinette but I don't. All good characters need flaws without flaws a perfect character is boring. However, there are some things I feel compelled to comment on. Adrien is a teenage boy who is growing up in a home with an emotionally manipulative and negligent father he has flaws. However, I cannot excuse all his actions.

[nerdieforpedro]

Fare Well

For @wannab-urs Hozier Song Drabble Challenge

Dieter Bravo x plus size female reader (Sweet Pea)

This fic is for those 18+ MDNI

Word Count: about 1.8k (Yeah so…I went past Drabble 👀)

Summary: Dieter has been working so hard. He still has an issue that might be because of his mind. What can he do about it? Do anything else.

Warnings: unhealthy coping, sexual dysfunction, sex work, teasing, pet names, sexual activity (actual and implied I think? I should know. 🙃)

Notes: I listened to this song 5 times in a row because I didn’t really listen to Hozier (now I do). The color this fic is purple or violet, whichever you wanna say it. 💜 I bolded lyrics I was able to put in the fic. 🤗 Thanks to Gin for giving me two Dieter fics to write back to back. ☺️ That little trash panda is always so giving.

Main Masterlist / Dieter Bravo Masterlist / Writing Challenge

Tapping his foot on his hardwood floors, Dieter Bravo is in an all too familiar place. He’s been purposely busy. Keeping occupied except for when he’s completely exhausted has kept him out of trouble, even in the tabloids. People are saying he’s changed for the better. He knows he’s keeping clean, keeping in the straight and narrow.

Bravo has run into a snag on his progress.

The last few paintings had done well in gallery showing, even selling for double than asking price, his last movie was well reviewed. These are both very good things, wonderful. He’s happy, proud even. Bravo is having plenty of sex, mountains of it. In his head. Reality has played out much differently. All this work he’s doing, he hasn’t been able to chase a different high. One he’s used to replace the drugs. It wasn’t that he couldn’t find people to have sex with. He’s been more careful about it, not something he’s been concerned about prior to his new leaf. In doing so, acts he’d normally attempt weight more heavily on his mind and keep little Dee from swelling when needed. Bravo knows the rumor that might be going around but it’s not true! Since his mind is clearer, he actually thinks about who he’s having sex with more and little D isn’t always on board. You know, one of those words his therapist mentioned – cognitive dissonance except it’s happening with his partner in pleasure little D. Big D when he’s feeling in the mood.

He knows he could just go to one of those discreate clubs, seek his needs out there, but he always assumed he wouldn’t need one. The Oscar Winner keeps looking for different projects, in his studio trying out new paints, trying to learn the saxophone (it was a bad idea, but sounded great at three in the morning when he called his assistant and told him what to buy), he then went to a spin class and damn near passed out after fifteen minutes and tried a cooking class but was kicked out for causing an oil fire.

Nothing was working so he called and asked to stop by, check the place out. The owner of course said that was fine – he’s Dieter Bravo, they’d love to have him. Dieter told the owner,

“I’ll take any high. Any glazin’ of the eyes. Any solitary pleasure that masks my sorrow. No drugs though, I’m not willing to backslide over it.”

The owner said they understood and had the perfect person for him.

So now Dieter waits in this room. It’s an array of different purples well violets since this is a more classy place. He wanted to undress to his boxers but was told by the front desk to leave them on. He did remove his shoes, socks and jacket, but otherwise he’s dressed. Simple black slacks and a white button-down shirt that had bellowing sleeves with a deep v-cut exposing his chest down to his sternum. He felt like dressing up a bit but still kept it simple, most of the clientele were in suits and dresses that Dieter saw. Soft guitar music played in the background, he closed his eyes as he waited curious who they might have matched him with based on what he asked for.

Dieter heard the clicking of heels first. Then smelled a deep woodsy fragrance, it approached slowly, matching the pace of the heels. They stopped in front of him and he caught hints of citrus and a flower. Using his aquiline nose to sniff closer to the source, feeling body heat radiating from whoever was in front of him. “It’s faint but you smell like a sweet pea.” He released a deep breath he’d been building from taking in and trying to identify the different components of their scent.

“Welcome Mr. Bravo. I hope my fragrance invokes pleasant memories. I’m told you want to rid yourself of sorrow. Correct?” The voice embraced him as soft fingers coiled around his neck, thumbs pressing into his chin.

“Yes, please. I need to forget, just for a bit. Then I might be able to get my body to function properly. Everything is fine, great even.” He kept his eyes closed and he felt them. Lips on his forehead, warm and plush. They lingered, “Can I touch you, please?” No answer was given as hands left his neck and were placed on each side of a torso. His palms roamed slowly tracing the lace that wrapped the body he had in his hands.

The lips left his forehead and he was tempted to reach for them, but kept his eyes closed, he would wait, trying to keep his breathing even. “Is this alright Mr. Bravo or do you want someone who might-“Dieter wildly shook his head.

“Don’t you go anywhere Sweet Pea. Stay right here with me. Just like this. Maybe more. Can I look at you?” He pulled the body toward him, sniffing more. “Call me Dieter. Mr. Bravo is the one having issues with his little D.” He made himself chuckle knowing what a stupid joke it was. Fingertips graced his cheek and tipped his chin upward.

“Look at me Dieter. How do you want me to drown your sorrows tonight? I usually go by Violet due to the room, but I like Sweet Pea when you say it. It makes me sound cute.” The giggle from this celestial being has Dieter wondering if she’ll still giggle if he’s buried between her legs. He wouldn’t need to come up for air, just search for what would be his reward: her moans and his tongue squeezed by her pelvic muscles. His palms ran around to her back, feeling the different rolls of her body.

“I want to see if I’m going to go into a coma from drowning in your nectar Sweet Pea. Can I be your first casualty? If I was going to go, I’d want to be surrounded by thick thighs and a woman’s cries I offer her.” Slipping her left heel off, Sweet Pea places her leg on the bed beside Dieter’s right leg. His hand slowly makes its way across the curve of her wide ass to her thigh, his large fingers dipping into the small holes of the fishnets, tugging on them. “Let me show you gorgeous.”

Smiling, Sweet Pea gives his lips a quick peck before bending to reach between his legs, “Seems just the thought is enough Dieter. Why come to me? I’m sure you’ve got many offers, especially if you’re asking like that.” She lowers her leg and stands back up, turning her back to him but looking over her shoulder to meet his eyes. The glint in them makes her lick her lips, she could ask him to do it, just to see if he will. Given how desperate he is, he might. He won’t say it, but his body betrays him, he said that ‘little D’ was having trouble but that didn’t seem to be the case at all from what she felt. Maybe it’s the scents, the atmosphere and that what happens here will remain here until he comes back. She crosses the room and drops her black thong, stepping out of it and her other heel, sitting on a violet velvet loveseat with her legs open wide. “This is what you want right Dieter?” Her elbows are on her knees with one hand beckoning him. “Come to me, but undress and crawl.”

Bravo doesn’t want control right now, nor does he want to think. He just wants to act, to perform. In this moment, he isn’t thinking about how lonely he is or how his career could crumble on some whim of culture or random video. There’s only this purple room he can melt into as he removes his clothes, making himself bare to Sweet Pea. Dieter’s actually hard, dripping onto her carpet as he lowers himself onto the floor on all fours. His knees are burning as he makes his way across the padded carpet. It’s worth his goal though, into her tender folds. “You like to see a man work, huh Sweet Pea? That’s more than fine.” Halfway there, his bobbing swollen cock made a mess of the carpet and his belly. Upon reaching her, he placed his hands on her knees and looked up to her, balancing himself on his knees so little D was at full attention. He wanted to show her what she’d been able to bring out of him so far. Something changed though, he was smiling but Violet recognized it. She used her fingers to rub circles into his biceps and shoulders before tracing the pronounced vein on his neck.

“You adorable man. This isn’t what you want. At least not now. You can’t seem to decide between the two Dieter.” Fingers run through his hair, and he knows she’s right but couldn’t she had said so after he’d had his fill, hear her cries?

“You’re not wrong, but I still need this. Need you.” He dipped his head to nibble on her thigh and she hummed but pushed his head back. In standing, she also helped him to his feet and brought him back to the bed, removing her lace corset and climbed on the bed.

“From behind, I’m not going to have your tears dripping where I can watch while you fuck me.” Now Sweet Pea was on all fours and Dieter’s sorrow returned. It was inescapable, but he wanted to see her face. He could block it off, just for a short while he tried to get the sunshine.

“No, I need to see how your face changes as you take me.” Crawling across the bed behind her, he pulled her back flush to his chest and turned her chin over her shoulder, capturing her lips. Slipping his tongue in, the warmth felt good. He hadn’t had it in months, he didn’t know why now, in this place with her, but he’d accept it. All of it. “Pleasure to mask my sorrow is why I’m here, Sweet Pea. Have me bask in the sun.”

Their kiss broke as Sweet Pea turned to put her arms around his shoulders, kissing his forehead once again as Dieter laid back on the bed, she fell forward as he took her hair out of the high ponytail it had been in. Her hair fell around her face, her wet folds grazed his shaft and he moaned. “I’ll be your dawn until the light shines on you Dieter.”

Coming unbound, feeling elated and devastated when he had to leave, Dieter had been able to bury his sorrow in pleasure for a time. Another appointment was made for later in the week. To quote Bravo, “I’ll deny me none while I’m allowed because I wouldn’t fare well.”

Bad ideas that Dieter could use: @katw474 @readingiskeepingmegoing @angelofsmalldeath-codeine @megamindsecretlair @pamasaur @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin @sp00kymulderr @mysterious-moonstruck-musings @titlee78 @tinytinymenace @magpiepillsjunior @soft-girl-musings @morallyinept @rhoorl @survivingandenduring @missladym1981 @yorksgirl @heareball @laurfilijames @maggiemayhemnj

[agirlwithdemonblood]

The Celebrity Next Door: Chapter 12 - Brewing Affection

Pairings: Jensen Ackles x Reader

Chapter Summary: Y/N and Jensen get back on track after a horrific night, and he has a request for her.

Warnings: Nothing, just a little panic but mainly fluff.

Series Masterlist here!! & Main masterlist here!

The morning arrived too soon, its bright light invading the bedroom and causing me to wince. I turned over and checked the time, frowning at the digital display that read "10:00 am."

Even though I slept in for the first time in a while, exhaustion lingered. Rolling onto my side, I watched the figure beside me lying still and snoring softly.

A small smile crossed my face; at least he seemed better than last night. We were both a mess of emotions last night, but Jensen... God I hated seeing him like that. I vowed to prevent him from ever reaching that point again.

I was careful slipping out of bed, not wanting to disturb him, as I tiptoed across the carpeted floor of my bedroom, my injured foot throbbing with every step down the stairs.

Finally downstairs in the kitchen, I silently thanked myself for suggesting we spend the night here, or else we wouldn't have been able to make coffee in the morning, which I desperately needed.

As the coffee machine sputtered to life, I began gathering pans for breakfast but froze at the sound of movement upstairs. Heavy footsteps hurried across the hallway, echoing loudly down the stairs.

"Y/N? Sweetheart?" Jensen's voice called out, stained with panic.

I peeked around the kitchen counter, meeting his eyes. "I'm here. Are you okay?"

He sighed, a small smile spreading across his face as he walked over and wrapped me in a tight hug. "I'm good.. I just..."

I understood his concern all too well, having had my own moments of doubt and fear, I nodded. "You don't have to say anything."

"What are you up to?" he asked, eager to change the subject.

Leaning against the counter, I kissed his forehead before reaching for the coffee pot. "I was trying to surprise you with breakfast and coffee, but you woke too soon."

He chuckled softly, "Don't be silly. Sit down. Your foot must be killing you."

I shrugged, settling onto a barstool with a wince. It hurt more than I wanted to admit, each pulse a reminder of my injury.

I watched Jensen move around the kitchen effortlessly, a routine he knew all too well. It was still new to me, and I found myself admiring his composure and soothing presence.

He turned to face me, his cheeks burning red at the way my eyes traveled along his face to his body. "Stop looking at me like that," he teased.

I laughed, my eyes moving back to lock into his. "I don't know what you're talking about."

He grinned, a smile that melted me every time. "What do you want to do today?" He asked, his eyes searching mine nervously.

Shrugging, I took a sip of coffee. "Not sure, what about you?"

He hesitated, his anxiety evident. I reached out, placing my hand on his, offering a reassuring smile. "Whatever it is, you can tell me."

Nodding, he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around me. "I want to take you somewhere, show you something."

"Okay," I replied, curious.

"To Texas." He blurted out, the panic rising in his face.

I blinked in surprise. "Texas? Today?"

He nodded, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. "I know, it sounds sudden and maybe crazy. But after last night, I think we need to talk, and I want to show you some things to help you understand."

My heart ached at the vulnerable look on his face. I smiled reassuringly, "I guess we're going to Texas."

His eyes lit up, and he gazed at me sincerely. "Really?"

"If you think it'll help us, then yes. But first, let's grab breakfast on the way to the airport." I suggested.

He grinned, rushing upstairs to get packed before pausing and turning back to offer his arm. "Oh, sorry I forgot you are one leg short."

I slapped his arm playfully, laughter bubbling between us. "I'm not 'one leg short' you jerk!"

He chuckled, whispering, "Whatever you say, Limpy," just loud enough for me to hear before my hand found his head in a playful smack.

"Oops" he said, chuckling harder, My bad."

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! Chapter 13 coming soon stay tuned!

Like, comment, and reblog, feedback is my fuel 💕