#does the next book have LESS exclaimation points?

[hsincerely]

I would enjoy this book at least 80% more if there weren’t so many exclaimation points

[authorhjk1]

Since you're a fellow Fromis_9 nagyung enjoyer do you think you could do a nagyung short about her and her significant other trying to sneak around the other members to find “a quiet moment to themselves”

Nowhere to hide

(Lee Nagyung X Male Reader)

You hate lying. If there is something everyone knows about you, it's that you don't lie. Never.

"Oh no! I hope it doesn't hurt too much?"

Being the caring woman she is, Lee Saerom looks at you with love in her eyes as she hears what happened.

"Well, the doctor said he shouldn't be alone for a while, since he can't walk properly."

You are able to send an angry glare in your girlfriend's direction.

This isn't how it was supposed to go.

The members of Fromis_9 planned on going on a two week trip to Hawaii. The flight was booked for today and everyone was already at the airport. Except for your girlfriend.

Nagyung still has to do a shoot for her new drama in two days. Which would've meant that she would have flown to Hawaii later.

Because you have to work, there was no way you could come with them. That's why you and Nagyung decided to use the two days of this weekend to enjoy each other's company. Aka fuck like rabbits, until one of you passes out.

But to your dismay, your alone time didn't last very long. Nagyung was already on your lap, grinding her ass onto your cock. Your pants were around your ankles, your wet dick leaving small marks on her blue jeans. Your messy kiss made her moan into your mouth.

Suddenly both of you heard the electronic lock getting unlocked. Nagyung quickly got off your lap and you were able to cover yourself with one of the blankets on the couch.

The seven girls weren't that surprised to see you. You are Nagyung's boyfriend after all. They explained that the bad weather, which is now haunting the whole Korean peninsula, made air traffic come to a halt. Which means that they would stay home.

And being the thoughtless, horny maniac she is, Nagyung told everyone that you would have to stay with her over the weekend.

"He almost got hit by a car!"

She exclaimed, after the girls asked for the reason.

She wasn't lying at that point in time. You really almost got run over by a car on the way to their dorm. The woman ignored the red light and drove over your right foot. It hurt a little, but it wasn't bad.

But you definitely did not see a doctor. Because it already stopped hurting.

You know why Nagyung said it though. This girl lives for sex. She literally can't help it. It might come from the fact that she always lives with her members and just has barely any opportunity to satisfy her carnal desires like a normal person.

But it can't be the only reason. You noticed very early into your relationship with her, how addicted Nagyung is to sex. She could do it anytime anywhere. Whenever you were the one who initiated something, she was already dripping wet. It didn't matter where you were, or what you did. A restaurant date, a stroll through the park, hanging out with her members, shopping. Nagyung would always find a way to get what she wanted.

But it's not always as great as it sounds. Of course you like to have sex with her. But Nagyung is just different. The longer the time period without sex, the more aggressive she becomes. You wonder, if you just deny her long enough, would she just drop to the her knees in the middle of a shopping mall and suck you off? Maybe.

But the longer this sexless period becomes, the less she is interested in your pleasure as well. Nagyung does care for you. But if she has to wait for too long, your needs come second.

Which brings us back to the present. The eight girls stand in the living room of their dorm, Nagyung in front of you, next to Saerom.

You are aware that with only one movement of her hand, you would be sitting completely naked in front of all of them.

"Why don't you unpack your things again, girls? The weather forecast said it's gonna take a while, until we can fly again."

You sigh in relief, when the members follow Nagyung's advice.

As soon as the last one leaves the room, you throw the blanket off your lap. Nagyung drops to her knees again, just like she did a couple of minutes ago. You expect her to help you with putting your pants back on. Instead, Nagyung puts her elbows on your knees, taking your cock into her hand.

"Nagyung..."

You watch in disbelief as she wraps her lips around your tip.

"What the fuck are you doing? They will be back in a second."

Nagyung glares at you as you pull her off your cock.

"I'm so fucking horny. I need you right now."

"Later."

You hiss at her, closing the zipper of your pants.

A second later, Jiheon and Soyeon stand in the doorway.

One hour later~

You are still sitting on the couch. Some of the girls have joined, wanting to keep you company and distract you from the pain in your foot. When the movie you are now watching started, Saerom put the blanket back onto your lap, wanting to take care of you. Nagyung, who is sitting on your left, while Saerom, Jiwon and Hayoung are sitting on your right, uses this opportunity to invade your privacy.

You feel her hand on your thigh first, the blanket covering it. After barely a minute (she couldn't hold out longer) her hand starts to move towards your crotch. Moving your head, you glare at your girlfriend.

"Nakko..."

You whisper, trying to stop her.

But you know she won't. At the seame time, she uses her other hand to take one of yours. She slowly guides it towards her own core.

A moment later, you find yourself rubbing your girlfriend's pussy over her jeans, while her fingers wrap around your cock. You are afraid that one of the girls could just turn her head.

But nothing happens as Nagyung slowly makes you unzip her jeans. You know she isn't wearing underwear. She barely does. Especially not at home.

You dip a finger inside of her, making her sigh. Giving Nagyung another glare, you try to tell her to be quiet. If you can be silent, surely she can be too.

Her thumb draws circles on your tip, while she slowly pumps your cock. You finger her slowly, still afraid of getting caught.

"You guys wanna order some food?"

Your heart drops as you hear Jiheon's voice.

As the maknae walks in, you quickly pull your finger out of Nagyung's wet cavern. Your girlfriend still has her hand wrapped around your cock, but she at least stopped stroking you.

"Or we could just cook, you know?"

Saerom turns her head to look at Jiheon.

"Are you gonna cook?"

Jiwon looks at their leader.

"Well..."

You feel how Nagyung starts to stroke your cock again. Very very slowly. But it still makes you shift around a little.

"Don't worry Saerom. We can cook together. The movie is over anyways."

You were so focused on not getting caught for the last couple of minutes that you didn't even notice.

As you watch how the four of them head to the kitchen, Nagyung is already tugging at your hand. The two of you close the door of her room behind you a moment later.

"Oh god. You have me so fucking wet."

You can't answer Nagyung, because she gets on her tiptoes and puts her tongue into your mouth.

Not that you are complaining. Her teasing, no matter how dangerous it was, left you horny as well. You quickly sit down on the edge of her bed as Nagyung straddles you once more. She grinds her core against yours, getting off on how hard she made you.

"Give it to me. I need to get fucked."

She breathlessly whispers into your mouth, before the two of you break away for air.

A moment later, Nagyung is on her knees, your pants are around your ankles once more. Her blowjob is quick and effective. She knows how to push your buttons and she is making use of that.

"Fuck, Nakko."

A couple of moments later, Nagyung stands up and walks over to the bed on the other side of the room. She takes Jiheon's plushy. A small brown bear, holding a red heart.

"I need this, because you are going to fuck me hard now."

She pushes the chair away from the desk between the beds, bending over.

"Fuck me like you hate me."

With that, your girlfriend puts the bear into her mouth, biting down on it.

You are not surprised that it fits inside. And you are not surprised at her words. When she is this horny, Nagyung doesn't care about her own wellbeing. As long as she is getting fucked.

You quickly stand behind her, unbuttoning her jeans.

"Fuck you are tight."

You groan as you push inside of Nagyung. The jeans around her knees press her legs together, making her tighter than usual.

Saerom and Jiwon seem to argue in the kitchen. You can hear their distant voices as you start to take your girlfriend from behind. Just like she wanted. No build up. No going slowly. You are supposed to fuck her like you hate her.

Quickly, the sound of your hips snapping against her ass cheeks fill the otherwise silent room. Nagyung's moans are muffled by the stuffed bear in her mouth. Her knuckles turn white as she holds onto the edge of the desk. Both your hands hold onto her waist as you marvel how tight and fit Nagyung's body feels underneath your palms.

"Swpnk mwe."

You barely catch what she is trying to say. But knowing your girlfriend, you can guess what she is asking for.

Your tear one of your hands off her waist. It hits her left cheek a moment later. The sound is louder than you fucking her. Afraid that someone might have heard you, you wait a couple of thrusts, until you spank her again.

Nagyung's skin starts to turn red as you take out your anger at her on her cheeks. The way her pussy squeezes around you, tells you how well you are doing. She is barely able to keep it together. To hold the bear inside her mouth must be hard for her. She lost her hold on the edge of the desk a couple of thrusts ago. Now her nails scratch the wooden surface.

"Mm my gowd!"

You hear Nagyung scream into the stuffed bear. The sign that she is close to her first orgasm of the day. If it weren't for the members, you would've made her cum several times already.

"Unnie!"

You heart freezes. And so does the rest of your body as you hear Jiheon's voice behind the door.

Before you are even able to think, you leave Nagyung's slick pussy. She is still too groggy to actively help you as you pull her jeans back up. Jumping under the covers, you take Nagyung with you, making her sit on the edge of the bed. You would get teased if Jiheon would find the both if you lying in the same bed.

"Come in."

You manage to say, right as the maknae opens the door.

The way Nagyung squeezes your hand tells you that she is raging inside. And hornier than ever. In that split second, she would've preferred getting caught, instead of failing to reach her orgasm.

"We are done cooking. Oh, how cute you guys look."

Jiheon's eye smile makes it hard to get worked up about her teasing the two of you.

"In a minute."

You say, very aware of the fact that you are still naked from the waist down.

9 pm~

You groan in disbelief. Nakko can't be serious. Checking the text you just got from her, you shake your head.

"Eat me out💦"

"We are still eating!!!"

"Don't you want dessert"

There is no use in arguing with her.

Walking out of the bathroom, you try to come up with a way to not make this mission too obvious. Luckily, everyone is glued to Jisun's phone. Seems like she is showing the girls a funny video.

Reaching the table, you quickly drop to your knees, getting underneath it. Finding Nagyung's lower half, you put your hands on her ankles. You feel her flinch, when you touch her.

You make your way up her legs, trying to at least build a little bit of anticipation. Once you reach her waist, you start to undo Nagyung's jeans once again. She slightly raises her hips, enabling you to pull them down to her ankles.

Now that you have a good view of your girlfriend's snatch. You realize that she wasn't completely off. You really want dessert now. Its wet folds invite you to have taste. The scent of vanilla invades your nostrils, evidence of the fact that Nagyung is very conscious about how she smells.

Instead of just diving in, you start to pepper her inner thighs with small kisses. It makes her legs quiver in need. The heat coming from her core increases as you keep teasing Nagyung. You start to lick the skin of her thighs from the bottom to the top, just stopping an inch away from her pussy.

Once you've worked her up well enough, you place your tongue right below her snatch. You trace the outlines of her lips, getting your first taste of your girlfriend's pussy for tonight. Because of the strong vanilla scent, it almost seems like she tastes like vanilla herself.

You feel Nagyung's leg tensing, when you finally press your tongue flat against her pussy. Her toes start to curl into the carpet underneath the table as you start to properly eat her out. The other girls' voices seem to fade into the distance as Nagyung's thighs start to close around your head. You like the feeling of them wrapped around you as you indulge in your dessert.

Your hands are placed on her waist, your fingertips exploring her tight midriff. Nagyung either wears something very comfortable, or something very sexy at home. It depends on her mood and the time of the day. Either way, she always ensures that you have quick access to any area you need to stimulate for her to cum. Her midriff being one of them. Nagyung loves the way you adore her tight body and with that, her discipline and hard work. She gets wet when ever you praise her. It doesn't have to be in a sexual way though. A simple "Your food tastes great." can make her rub her thighs together in need of stimulation.

You feel like you are in your own world as you enjoy your girlfriend's pussy. It's something that happens quite a lot actually. Especially when the two if you don't have time or a quiet place, like today. In moments like this, her needs come before yours. You are happy going with that, knowing that she will reward you even more, when the time comes.

You hear Nagyung stutter a reply, when Jiheon asks her something. Your girlfriend is slowly starting to lose her composure. Wanting to punish her for taking such risks, you start to suck on her clit.

The switch up makes Nagyung's legs shake once more. You know that she is close already. Her juices are starting to make her pussy glisten in the dim light underneath the table.

Another flick of your tongue against her clit and Nagyung finally becomes undone. Her hand reaches down to take a handful of your hair into her fist, trying to find an outlet for her pleasure. Her thighs threaten to suffocate you as they close around you, shaking.

"Are you alright, Nakko?"

Your eyes widen in fear of getting caught. It would be really awkward if someone would look under the table right now.

"Y-Yes, unnie. T-The food is just very delicious."

Nagyung answers Hayoung with her shaky voice.

9:45 pm~

"Are you sure this isn't too much for your foot?"

You almost sigh in annoyance. Not because of Saerom, who asked the question, because of Nagyung who made you stick to her lie.

"Don't worry, noona. It's not bad. Plus, we will be sitting the whole time anyway."

The girls spontaneously decided to go watch a movie, after Jisun showed them a funny trailer on her phone.

Nagyung convinced the others that you and her should take your car, while her members walk to the cinema, since it's not far, but your foot still hurts. All were okay with it, except Saerom. Being the caring leader she is, she wanted to make sure that you are doing alright. You knew why Nagyung suggested for you two to get into the car alone. She is now sulking in backseat. You can't help but glance at her occasionally.

Nagyung couldn't have been more clear about her intentions, once she stepped out of her room, after she changed her outfit. Her black top exposed just enough skin to not be inappropriate at a movie theater. Her skirt is the highlight of her outfit. And you know, why she is wearing one.

She catches you glancing a couple of times. With flirty winks or suggestive looks at her core, she makes it clear to you what she is expecting to happen soon.

10: 30 pm~

The movie had already begun and you enjoy the bucket of popcorn that is sitting on your lap. You are sharing it with Nagyung, who is sitting on your left. The other members are sitting in order of age on your right, Jiheon being the one sitting right next to you.

After a jump scare early on, the maknae instinctively buried her head in your shoulder, trying not to look at the screen. After Nagyung regained her composure, she saw what was going on. You knew that this would only fuel her desire for your cock even more. The fact that Jiheon is physically intimate with you isn't a new thing. It's more like a brother/sister relationship. And yet, Nagyung's narrowed eyes, which glisten in the dark theater, tell you that you are in for a long and rough night.

Your girlfriend finally jumps into action halfway through the movie. While she has been holding your hand this entire time, Jiheon kept hugging your arm, whenever she was afraid of another jump scare.

When you glance at Nagyung again, she gives you a meaningful look. You can't hold her back as you see her getting off her seat. She gets on her knees in front of you. The dark theater and the rather dark movie make her almost invisible.

You feel her pushing the bucket of popcorn a little higher, making room for her head underneath. From now on, you feel more than you see what she is doing. Her hands unbuckle your belt in silence, before she unzips your pants. Pulling down your boxers a little bit, your cock falls victim to her tongue.

Nagyung starts to suck you off in the middle of the theater. The girls and you aren't even the only once present. You shift around in your seat as Nagyung takes you deeper into her warm mouth. She is trying to stay quiet, but you can feel her hum in blissful delight at the taste of your cock.

You almost scream internally as Jiheon reaches inside the bucket on top of Nagyung's head. She pushes it down a little as she searches for a handful of popcorn. The unexpected push forces Nagyung further down your cock. In that moment, you are thankful for the fact that Nagyung got used to your size early on in your relationship. Even when your cock is halfway down her throat, just like right now, she is able to fight her gag reflex like a pro. The beautiful and lewd sounds and slurps she usually does for show are replaced by silent anticipation and determination.

Once Jiheon's hand leaves the bucket, Nagyung gets back to properly giving you head. Her hands now rest on your thighs as she starts to fuck her face with your cock. Silently of course. But hot as fuck nonetheless. You can't tell how long you will be able to keep it together. Is she going to make you nut right here?

You feel Nagyung's tongue play with the underside of your shaft, whenever she lifts her head off your cock. Afterwards, you hit the back of her throat, when she buries her face in your lap again. There is pretty much no sound coming from her. You are actually amazed at how good she is. And at the same time, you realize that you won't be able to stay silent for much longer. If she keeps going, you're gonna cum in the middle of the theater.

You are glad when Nagyung finally lifts her head off your cock completely. But your heart sinks once more, when she announces in a slightly raspy voice:

"I'm cold, oppa. Can we cuddle some more?"

Before you can protest, Nagyung is already sitting on your lap. Or rather on your cock. The bucket has moved to her own lap now. Apart from Chaeyoung and Jiheon, who glance at your direction, no one really cares. Except for Jiheon, who has a teasing grin on her face.

You feel your girlfriend grinding against your hard, wet cock, fitting it between her perfect cheeks. Resigning to your inevitable fate, you reach under Nagyung's skirt. No panties. Who would've thought? You wrap one arm around her waist, while the other aligns your cock with her wet core. Nagyung seems to have gotten off just as much as you by giving you head in public.

When she smoothly glides down your shaft, you can't help but sink your teeth into her naked shoulder to muffle your moan. Nagyung gasps, the others probably think because she is feeling cold.

But you know better. With both hands on her round ass cheeks, you lift Nagyung off your cock, after you've recovered from that initial spike of pleasure. Only your tip remains inside your girlfriend, before you slowly impale her on your cock again. You don't care about not being able to watch the movie. The way Nagyung's head slightly tilts back in pleasure is entertaining enough. Her pussy is leaving your cock coated with her juices, whenever you push her upwards.

"Too bad we can't go faster."

You whisper into her left ear, making sure Jiheon is oblivious.

Nagyung is too busy with biting her lip to be able to respond. It gives you control of the situation and you plan on using it to your advantage.

"You are such a slut."

Nagyung gasps as her ass meets your lap. You use your left hand to cover her mouth, while your right is flatly pressed against her midriff.

"You can't even wait a couple of hours, until we are alone, huh?"

You can't see Nagyung's head, but you can feel her shaking it.

"Needy whore."

You degrade her further with your words. Nagyung's pussy seems to tighten in response. The amount of juices that slowly trickle out of her makes her body glide down your cock like it's part of a well oiled machine.

"You would do anything for my cock. Right?"

She nods her head. Knowing that that's the only right answer. Even when she has you inside of her, just like right now, she would still do anything to keep you in place.

"Would you even let me fuck one of the girls?"

Nagyung immediately shakes her head.

You wouldn't have asked that question, if it wasn't for her search history. She asked you to google something on her phone a couple of days ago, because yours was out of battery and she was busy. Like the thoughtless, horny maniac she is, Nagyung didn't use the private tab option, or erased her browser history, after her sinful alone time.

You don't have anything against her watching porn. You can barely keep up with her sex drive anyway. And it's not like she has to watch it out of frustration, because you don't perform. It's just a way for her to get rid off just a little bit of stress.

Anyway, you know what kind of stuff she is usually looking for. And recently a new category has been popping up in her browser history several times. You were surprised to see it at first, because Nagyung is usually quite possessive of you. Your girlfriend seems to like porn, where the wife/girlfriend watches her man fuck her friend. Or at least have a threesome with a female friend.

"You don't want to watch how one of the girls give me head?"

You never really thought about her members like this before. Of course the are pretty. But you are in a relationship with Nagyung. And while she shakes her head again, you feel how her body is trying to tell you yes.

You ponder for a moment, if you should go further. Maybe mention someone in particular?

In that moment, Nagyung leans back against you, since she has kept her back straight this entire time. Her head leans against your shoulder. You see the teeth marks you left in her own. Nagyung carefully bites your hand, signaling you that she wants to say something. You release her off your grip.

"A-All o-of t-them."

Her needy moan makes you see stars. Is she actually serious? Even now, you don't actually consider doing this. It's just dirty talk to you. It's only there for making sure that you drive Nagyung over the edge as soon as possible.

"All of them?"

You cover her mouth again, so Nagyung is only able to nod.

"I bet Jiheon is really tight."

That sentence is all she needed. With a strong bite into your hand, Nagyung orgasms in your lap. It hurts. Not just her teeth, but her pussy as well. Because Nagyung is trying to stay silent, her entire body is already tense. It makes the muscles of her vagina work overtime, almost strangling your cock.

Luckily, she is able to stay silent. But you are now unable to hide your desire to finish yourself. You can't do that here though.

"Restroom. One minute."

Once Nagyung recovers, you squeeze her ass cheek as hard as you can, making her flinch in pain. Punishment for being such a naughty girlfriend.

1 am~

You never made it to the restroom. Both of you were unaware of what was going on around you. You only realised that the movie was over, when the members started to get up, once by one. It was still dark though, so you were able to pull your pants back up, before anyone noticed.

Now you are lying on the couch, staring at the white ceiling of the dorm's living room. All the girls are asleep. But you know it won't take long until...

And there she is. You hear her door open. And a moment layer, Nagyung is underneath the blanket.

2 am~

You have switched positions several times by now. First, Nagyung gave you head again, wanting you to be as hard as possible. You focused on her pussy next, eating her out to completion and earning a cute thank you. Nagyung rode you afterwards. Her hands on your shoulder, while she enjoyed the feeling of bouncing on your cock again and again. Then, you decided to bend her ove the back rest of the couch. You fucked your girlfriend hard and fast, making her cum for a forth time today.

She is now sitting on your lap, slowly riding you. After having satisfied her throughout the day, it is now her turn to offer her body to you in any way you want it.

You lean back, a little tired since it's late already, and just watch Nagyung slowly bounce up and down. Wanting to show off, she lets her hands wander over her midriff. You follow them with your eyes. Nakko plays with her own breasts, her head falling back as she enjoys the slow love making.

Eventually, she looks back down at you, smiling.

"I love you so much, oppa."

She kisses your lips. Her vanilla scent is still there, but one hour of fucking makes her smell a little sweaty. Evidence of having a good time.

"I love you too, Nakko."

You put your arms around her, holding onto one of your wrists with your other hand. It presses your girlfriend's body against yours, trapping her in your embrace.

"Why do you always have to be such a naughty brat?"

"Nagyung is no brat. She is just a needy slut for oppa's cock."

You're surprised that Nagyung is doing aegyo now.

"Is that so? Then why did Nagyung make me lie?"

"I just told you."

She pouts at you.

"Nagyung can't live without oppa's dick inside of her."

"What do you want oppa to do now?"

You play her little game, knowing how much it turns her on. Although, there isn't really something you can do that wouldn't turn her on. Nakko really is yours.

"Nagyung wants oppa to blast her face with cum. He must've build up a really big load throughout the day."

You can't say she is lying. After all these shenanigans, you are ready to finally let go of it all.

When you don't respond, because you want to see what happens next, Nagyung pouts at you.

"If... If you don't want to, you could come on someone else's face. Jiheon for example. Just let Nagyung watch please?"

You can't believe how far she is going with this.

"Would you wake her up?"

You feel Nagyung tightening around you as her pussy is still gliding along your shaft.

"No, oppa. Just cum on her. I'm sure she wouldn't mind."

You wonder for a moment if that's actually true. The idea makes you want to cum right now.

"Alright. If you promis to be a good girl from now on, I will cum on your face."

Her smile seems to light up the room.

"Thank you, oppa. Nagyung will be a good girl for oppa."

You help her with getting off of you. Nagyung quickly gets on her knees, ready to blow you to completion. She greedily sucks on your cock, big eyes looking up at you. You are almost there already. Nagyung is only able to get a couple of sucks and licks in, before you take your cock out of her mouth.

Her eyes give you permission to completely ruin her face. Wit your cock in your hand, you quickly get off the couch. A second later, you start to cum all over Nagyung. She blissfully gasps in surprise, when she feels your hot semen coat her face. Her lips, cheeks, nose, eyes, none of it got spared. You aim a little lower, making your last shots hit her collarbone and tits.

"Oppa..."

Nagyung sighs lustfully, her lips still connected by a string of cum, even when she speaks.

"This was worth lying about. Am I not right?"

Her cheeky grin makes you take a fistful of her long, silky hair.

"Let's see what Jiheon says, when she wakes up and sees your face covered in my cum."

-------------

Hi everyone!

Once again, I have to apologize for not being able for keeping this short. I planned on spending 20 minutes on it at most. It took me way more in the end. Hope you guys will be able to enjoy it anyways.

Because of some issues with Tumblr, I lost the last scene completely and had to rewrite it, so I apologize if it feels a little bit rushed. After losing like 20 minutes of work, I just wanted to finish it and post it.

The aegyo stuff is probably something not all of you are into, but I wanted to try and write the duality Nagyung sometimes has.

Thank you for reading!

Stay healthy!

[pretty-little-mind33]

DAVE WITH AN ALTERNATIVE FEM!READER

Ask : Hi omg i'm so excited for Dave Lizewski bc no one writes for him like that!! Maybe a Dave lizewski x shy reader who dresses a little alternatively like a more casual goth who's secretly a nerd and he sees her at the comic store?? I love awkward x awkward tropes sm!

~ thanks for requesting, love! I made this a headcanon I hope that's okay! I also love the awkward x awkward trope! ~

• Dave would tell Marty and Todd his type was the pretty popular girls: like Katie. And to his defense, that is who he was most likely to crush on. Just like everyone else!

• That changes when he meets you.

• He sees you from across the street from the comic book store, looking in at an old vinyl store with a bunch of old books and even some cool guitars. He's drawn in by your chunky black heels and the amount of colorful butterflies clips in your hair that make a stark contrast to the black dress you have on.

• When he points you out to Marty and Todd, telling them he recognized you from Biology, they laugh and tell him he's delusional because they've never noticed you.

• You're usually shy.

• Todd dares Dave to talk to you, which causes poor Dave to blush so hard and immediately decline.

• His friends call him a pussy and now he's annoyed.

• Dave makes the decision to go up to you. You seem nice enough in class. So, he walks over and taps your shoulder. You jump and turn around, pointing your keys at him menacingly.

• "Woah!" Dave exclaims, moving away. He opens his mouth to explain himself but he's completely distracted when he sees your thick eyeliner and how gorgeous your dark red lip stick is. He just stammers over his words, embarrassed.

• "Dave," you whisper, relaxing and to his surprise you sound just as shy as he's always imagined. Still, your appearance is a contrast to the shyness of your voice.

• You know his name. Dave feels like he's floating.

• "H-hi," he stammers and rubs his nape, resisting the urge to look back at Todd and Marty who are probably staring from inside the comic book store. "H-how are you? D-do you listen to this?" He points at a random vinyl in the window as he tries making conversation.

• You don't but your nerves win and you say yes, making up a harmless white-lie about said band just to keep talking to him.

• Eventually, the conversation becomes more natural and he both end up making each other laugh. Dave is completely unaware that Todd and Marty are angrily glaring at him to come back inside and hang out with them.

• Dave doesn't care! He's having too much fun with you! Turns out you also like comic books just as much as he does.

• You give him your number and you spend all evening on the phone.

• Both you and Dave are nervous that when you're both back at school, neither of you will talk to each other because you're in such different circles. You think Dave would be embarrassed of you, and he thinks you'd be embarrassed of him.

• ✨ Idiots In Love ✨

• When Monday comes, Dave has worked up the courage to come up to you after Biology. You'd spent the entire class worried he would ignore you and the moment you hear him call you name, you spin around on your heels and grin.

• "I like your makeup," Dave says, mentioning your eyeliner and eyeshadow. Your grin widens.

• "I can show you how it's done sometime, if you want," you'll suggest in a whisper and Dave is immediately interested because he wants to spend more time with you.

• Over the next weeks, you go on "casual dates" and turns out you have more in common than you imagined. You really like him. He really likes you.

• Once you're dating dating and he's your boyfriend, the dates become more intimate and more frequent. Sometimes you'll cuddle and read comics in Dave's bedroom and other times you'll end up making out in your living room when your parents are away.

• The closer you become, the less shy you both become.

• Dave now can't get enough of the way you dress and how you wear your makeup—he even lets you put some makeup on him 😊

• But his very favorite thing? When you'll kiss his cheek/nose/lips and leave a dark mauve lipstick stain. Makes him feel all fluttery inside! He just loves you so much!

[fayes-fics]

When The World Is Free: Chapter 5 - Sans Y Penser

MASTERPOST PREV | NEXT

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, WW2 AU.

Warnings: none really... mildly angsty situations, some flirting and interesting proposals.

Word Count: 2.9k

Author’s Note: Multi-chapter fic based on a request by the lovely @amillcitygirl! Please see the masterpost for a synopsis of this story. HERE BE PLOT. A lot of things happen in this one afternoon. Thanks to @colettebronte for beta reading. Enjoy!

Le Havre, September 1939

The port city of Le Havre is bustling with travellers hauling suitcases and steamer trunks, all walks of life converging on this point of exit. You weave through the crowds from the train station as a trio, headed for the bright red awnings of the company sailing to the USA. Benedict and Eloise hang back as you approach the ticket window. 

“Name?” the brusque man in the booth opens with a crisp American accent.

“Y/n y/l/n,” you smile politely.

“You are not on the manifest,” he sighs after a pause to scan down the paperwork, impatience colouring his tone.

“But I must be,” you frown, “I was given this here…” 

You push your ticket under the window, clearly marked with today’s date. 

“Fraudsters,” his economic response.

“But… they were from your company? Outside your offices in Paris? And wearing your company livery? They… They said I could bring forward my sailing date from August to today. They took my original ticket and gave me this! It looks the same!” Panic rises in your voice with each sentence, dread churning behind your ribs as you realise you have likely been duped. 

“I'm sorry, ma’am, but that is not a valid ticket,” is his monotone reply.

“Oh god. What can I do? May I buy another ticket now?!?”

His responding laugh is a loud bark, “Hah! Ma’am, we are booked up for weeks in advance. There is a long line every day of people hoping for last-minute availability,” he signals to a line of weary-looking, luggage-laden folks under a makeshift shelter.

“But I….” you feel your eyes watering and dread in the pit of your stomach like you are falling down an endless chasm. 

“Ma’am, please step aside; I need to ensure valid passengers can board this ship…” he warns in a tone that is wholly without sympathy.

With a weak nod, you stumble away, back towards Benedict and Eloise. As you draw closer, their faces are a picture of concern, realising something is amiss. As you tearfully recount what happened, Benedict seethes, and Eloise wraps her arm around you, looking pained. 

“I’m going up there. This is unacceptable!” Benedict grits out, righteous indignation fizzing from his very being.

You have to hold out a hand to physically stop him. “It's likely no use,” you appease.

His ire deflates a fraction at your hold on his coat sleeve. “At least let me try, y/n,” he modifies after a few beats.

“Alright,” you relent, dropping your hand, “but I do not expect a different answer.”

You and Eloise cling to each other as you watch Benedict remonstrate with the same man and then a different one at the window. All the while, your stomach is in knots, equal parts fear and hope.

It's five or more minutes before Benedict returns to you, his face pinched.

“I was not successful,” he screws his mouth, looking away as if he cannot meet your eye as he says it. “They don't seem to care that criminals are posing as agents for their organisation,” he rubs his eyebrow in irritation. “I would report it to the police, but it's not their jurisdiction here, and it still does not solve our dilemma…”

“Thank you anyway…” you breathe, “for trying at least…”

There is a long silence as the three of you stand there, stupified by the conundrum before you. The chime of a clock on the harbour building breaks your thoughts.

“It's 3pm. Your sailing back to England is in less than an hour. You should go. You two leave without me,” you demure.

“NO!” they both exclaim in almost comic sibling unison.

“I’ll be fine, seriously.”

“I’m not leaving you alone here for god knows how long until there is room on a ship to America. You can’t be alone. This isn’t Paris; this is a port city. It’s definitely not safe,” Eloise rattles off, looking at you imploringly.

“She’s right,” Benedict concurs. “You were safe in Paris together before the war. You are not safe here. A beautiful young woman. You are a target for thieves or even worse. You cannot stay here alone.”

You try your hardest not to let Benedict calling you beautiful derail your whole thought train, but it’s futile. Your mind is scattered like a pile of wooden toy railway coaches.

“I... I could return to Paris?” You finally suggest after what feels like an eternity of buffering. “I could call to check for last-minute availability every morning. It’s only a couple of hours by train. I’ll be always packed and ready to go…” you argue, not as yet realising the naivety behind your own idea.

“Paris will be the first target for Hitler’s invasion,” Benedict says gravely. “It could be much worse to remain there…”

“So what am I to do? I’m damned if I do, and I’m damned if I don’t…”

“There is only one solution, and that is for us to remain here as well until you can secure passage out of the country,” Benedict shrugs.

“Agreed,” Eloise nods emphatically as you go to protest.

“There are many more sailings back to England, and tickets are easier to come by,” Benedict points out. “We can move our tickets up. At least by a few days until we can devise a plan.”

 “Wait… if there are no ships to America, why don't you come to England with us?” Eloise pipes up in a lightbulb moment.

“I have nowhere I could stay…” 

“Nonsense! You will stay with us at Aubrey Hall. Won’t she, Benedict?”

“Oh yes, of course. There are plenty of spare rooms,” he assures.

“Gosh, umm... Maybe? I…” you hesitate. The whiplash of the last few minutes and the generosity of their offer momentarily overwhelm you. “That's very generous of you. The problem is I don’t know for how long it would be, or even if I should. My parents only agreed to me living in Paris under the watchful eye of Solene. This… this is entirely other…”

You startle as Benedict places his hands on your shoulders, pulling your attention to his sincere expression. “Y/n, you need to worry less about what your family thinks and more about yourself - what you need and your safety. This is escaping impending war; it’s a completely different circumstance from how you arrived here. The decisions you make right now have to be selfish and unburdened by expectations. It’s easy for others to judge from the distance of safety. But look around you. This town is teeming with people clambering to leave the country before an invasion. We do what we have to in unpredictable circumstances to survive.”

“You sound like a soldier,” you murmur.

“It’s what my father was,” he replies, releasing his grip but not moving away. “As a very young man in The Great War. He was lucky to survive, being an officer away from the front lines, but he taught me many things before he died. And one was about always making the smart choice if you can see one, even if it feels uncomfortable. The smart choice here is to escape by any means necessary. We all know Hitler has his sights set on France, especially Paris, as the figurative and cultural capital of Europe. You must get out. You must come with us.” You are captivated by his hazy eyes as he speaks, your heart beating fast as his face and voice grow softer. “Please. I could not live with myself if we left you behind,” he admits in a much quieter tone, but the plea is no less impassioned.

You cannot help it. You stare up at him, transfixed. Stanley has never been so eloquent. Or indeed so invested in your well-being. 

“Alright…” your hesitancy soft, “but you must let me pay you for my ticket…”

His face seems to light up at your acquiescence. “One day… maybe,” he smiles.

And so that is what he does - leaves you and Eloise ensconced in a nice bistro overlooking the harbour with a large bottle of white wine as he walks over to the ticket office for the ferry company and swaps their tickets for a few days hence and purchases an additional ticket for you, steadfastly refusing to tell you the cost for it even for many weeks hence.

While you are in the ladies' room, Eloise strikes up a conversation with a young man in uniform at the adjacent table; you fondly roll your eyes as you retake your seat and leave them be. Your gaze, however, is never far from the window, to where Benedict last left your line of sight, somehow anxious for his return.  When he reappears, striding purposefully towards the cafe, your chest flutters hard, his coat swishing around his legs, his hat at an attractive slant. If there is one thing you swear you could spend a lifetime doing, it’s watching Benedict Bridgerton just… be. 

“Any luck?” you ask as he arrives and doffs his hat, taking a seat on your other side, throwing an exasperated glance at his little sister and the uniformed man.

“We are set to sail Thursday,” he smiles and signals for the waiter, ordering a glass of Beaujolais. “I also stopped in the post office to call Solene. She has said we can stay as long as we need to at her sister’s cottage a few miles from town.”

“Oh, that's wonderful news!” your shoulders relax for the first time in what feels like hours. “But wait, I remember she said there is only one bedroom,” you point out. “You’ve been sleeping on our sofa for days now… you deserve a bed. I’ll take the sofa…”

“No. Also, I’m not sharing a bed with my sister,” he shudders, “she kicks in her sleep!”

“Oh, thanks. So I guess you want me to have bruised shins, then??” You laugh with gusto, the ricochet day making all your emotions heightened, seemingly bouncing from one extreme to another. Right now, a strange bubble of joy at this lighthearted exchange.

“Not at all. In fact, I’d happily share with you instead to save your legs from the abuse!” 

You know it’s said in jest, the comedic relief of the moment evident on his face, but still, a shot fires in your chest at the thought of sharing a bed with him. You decide to make light of it, even as your heart quickens.

“How do I know this kicking is not a problem that runs in the family? And you’re way stronger than her!”

“You can tie me down if it would make you feel better!” he chuckles loudly. 

You flush all over, the very thought so beguiling yet scandalous. And yet you cannot stop your mouth running away with you, this flirtatious banter too tasty to resist, the wine you’ve been drinking far too quickly for the last half hour loosening your lips.

“I think you would enjoy that far too much, Mr Bridgerton,” you volley back, raising an eyebrow with a giggle.

His cheeks turn the most adorable shade of pink even as his eyes dilate rapidly, a corner of his tongue flicking out to pull his bottom lip under his teeth. It makes you want to sink your teeth right there, this impulse to be so physical with someone discombobulating. You've never had such errant, feral desires for Stanley. 

“You're probably right…” he rumbles quietly after a pause. 

You dare to hold his gaze even though you know it’s a mistake. This nightmare of a day makes you uncaring of propriety. He looks as wild as you feel inside, a glint in his eye that is at once permission and danger. 

“Theo here has been telling me all sorts of helpful information,” Eloise leans in, breaking the spell between you, a slight slur in her voice from her wine. 

Theo nods to you and Benedict. On closer inspection, he appears to be in a British soldier uniform. 

“I have to get back on duty,” he explains apologetically as he rises from his seat, “but I hope the information I’ve provided to your sister here will help.” He adds with a tiny salute.

You look surprised at Eloise as she just shrugs. You thought her up to her usual flirtatious banter, not researching. Benedict looks impressed too. You both, however, don’t miss the note he slips to Eloise before he takes his leave. Perhaps not purely intelligence gathering, then.

“Theo is helping process entry to Britain for foreign nationals wanting safe harbour. The numbers have spiralled since the war was declared.” She begins to explain when he is out of sight. “There is sadly a waiting list. But there are a few ways to skip the queue…

“Those being?” Benedict prompts before you can.

“Having family relatives residing in Britain already or, top of the pile, being the spouse of a British national.”

You slump your shoulders. “I have no relations there. Uncle Robert was visiting, but he was already at sea returning to America when the war was declared,” you explain, wishing he had stayed a few weeks longer.

“I wonder if we can find any paperwork forgers around?” Eloise ponders aloud.

“Eloise,” Benedict's tone is one of brotherly warning and disapproval, “we will not be taking that route.” his tone striking a chord of finality.

“But… how else can we get her into the country without bending the rules?” she exclaims at him, frustrated, gesticulating.

“I’m thinking…” Benedict grouses back, rubbing his chin and looking deep in thought.

Eloise leans back in her chair and twists her mouth into a pout. She takes a swig of wine before twisting to you and casually making a suggestion that flips your entire being.

“You could marry this one,” she jokes, shrugging and gesturing at Benedict. 

Your eyes dart to Benedict and his to you. A tidal wave of a hundred different feelings crashing through you at once.

“I’ll do it…” he offers, quick and quiet.

“El, don't be ridic…” your denial, spoken over his, dies on your tongue as you process what he said. 

You can't help it, you gape open-mouthed at him. As does Eloise.

“You would?” you stutter.

He nods, mien sincere, but you could swear there is more, too, a rousing intensity.

“I was joking, brother,” Eloise frowns.

“It's the only solution that guarantees her passage out of France,” he argues, “that's the most important thing here…”

“But marriage? That is such a sacrifice… I could never ask that of you…”  you shake your head, even as your stomach feels like a rollercoaster.

“That's why I'm offering, so you don't have to ask,” he shrugs as if this is not a big deal. “It is not me who has to make the sacrifice. It is you who has an intended…”

Stanley.

Your face falls as you think of the consequences. Marrying Benedict, if only for escape, would wound Stanley beyond belief. Your father, both your parents, in fact, would vehemently disapprove. 

“We can annul it as soon as we get to England…” he assures.

“French marriages can be annulled, brother, yes, but in France. Not in England,” Eloise pipes up, ever the font of knowledge.

“Then I will grant you an immediate divorce,” he amends.

“I can't believe you are taking me seriously,,,” Eloise mutters, but both of you seem to ignore it.

“I’d still be a divorcee, damaged goods as my father would say…” you wince at the phrase but know it to be accurate in Long Island, as much as you hate it.

“I don't know how else to help you escape, y/n,” Benedict implores, slightly alarmed. 

“Keep thinking!” Eloise interjects hotly. “I won't have my poor best friend here shackled to a Bridgerton brother. She has done absolutely nothing to deserve such a sentence, however short.”

“Eloise!” you scold without thought, “don't be so rude about your brother! He's wonderful….”

You immediately flush with embarrassment as she looks at you suspiciously. You dare not even look over to the subject of your praise, but you can feel the weight of his stare.

“But umm yes, let's keep thinking…” you mumble, embarrassed, looking down and picking at your cuticles in your lap.

“I need a bloody cigarette,” Eloise pronounces, suddenly standing up, her chair scraping loudly over the tiled floor.

“Sister, you do not smoke,” Benedict frowns up at her, again with that air of elder sibling forbearance.

“Sometimes I do,” she shrugs, her tone defiant, “and this situation definitely warrants one.” She jabs her finger by her side to emphasise her opinion.

With that, she marches up to the bar and orders one but does not return to the table, shooting you both a look before heading to the wall outside and sitting alone, staring out at the horizon and taking deep draws.

You and Benedict sit in silence, heads bowed in thought for what feels like an age, only interspersed with small sips of wine. 

“I honestly can't think of another way out of this mess…” Benedict sighs, breaking the hush. “But I understand it's such an enormous decision; you need time to consider it.”

You are scared by how much your heart and mind are screaming, ‘I really don't, I will marry you,’ even if your gut churns with the idea of how you will explain it to everyone. You look up, and again, those blue eyes bore into yours. Sincerity, concern, empathy, and something that looks dangerously like desire. You could get lost in that look. Forever.

“I’ll do it…” you whisper, knowing you are playing with fire… and yet yearning to be burned.

Benedict taglist: @foreverlonginguniverse @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @benedictspaintbrush @miindfucked @sorryallonsy @cayt0123 @hottytoddyhistory @truly-dionysus @fictionalmenloversblog @zinzysstuff @malpalgalz @panhoeofmanyfandoms @kinokomoonshine @causeimissu @delehosies @m-rae23 @last-sheep @kmc1989 @desert-fern @starkeylover @corpseoftrees-queen @magical-spit @bunnyweasley23 @how-many-stars-in-the-sky @amygdtjhddzvb @sya-skies @balladynaaa

[undiscovered-horizon]

i know you only uploaded it a few hours ago, but please carry on the reader accidentally summoning morpheus, im dying to know their history, and his feelings on how much time has passed <3 big fan!!

A/N: By popular demand, I'm writing a 2nd part. The quoted poem is something I was obsessed with as a kid. My mom still quotes it.

[Imagine accidentally summoning Morpheus] || [Sandman-inspired playlist]

All of it sounded like a madman's bad joke.

"Wait, hold on." You waved your hand. Hunching over the dusty box filled with remnants of your childhood, you began looking for another trinket that surely must have been there. "You mean that you are... goddamn where is it... I saw it somewhere here... Got it!" you exclaimed when you stood up with a thin, red book in your hand. "You mean that you are this funny fella?"

Your finger was tapping against the cover of a children's book. There was an illustration of a Santa Claus-like man carrying a big sack thrown over his shoulder. He was climbing a ladder to an open bedroom window. Above the picture, in fancy curvy letters, was written Grandfather Sand.

A small smile crept unto Morpheus's face. His eyes lit up vividly and you suspected that if he was any less reserved in his emotional expression, he would have laughed in your face. "Did you think he is the Sandman?"

"I didn't think the Sandman was at all," you retorted as you carelessly tossed the book on your bed. Looking once more at the pleasantly familiar illustration, the nostalgia made you recall something Morpheus had said to you a few minutes ago. "You said you know my face."

"I have visited you many times before," he stated. After a moment, he added in a quieter, defeated tone: "But you don't seem to remember."

You only shrugged your shoulders. "If I was a toddler, then no wonder. It was lifetimes ago."

Morpheus gave the room an absent once-over before staring at the box next to the two of you. Something brown and fur-like was peeking from behind dolls and plastic horses. His pale, skeletal hand reached for the mysterious object only for it to turn out to be an old, worn-out teddy bear. It still smelled of your grandmother's perfume. Sometimes you wondered what happened to him... Apparently, Terry had been safe and sound in your grandmother's basement throughout all those years.

Dream was examining the bear when he suddenly decided to make you recall something you had already forgotten you once remembered: "Maybe Spot tugged at him, tore the ear off, didn't say he's sorry?"

It was a quote - one that you had grown to know all too well. You felt as though that single line from a rhymed story allowed you to rediscover the oldest memories your brain could possibly store like you suddenly became privy to a life you had once led but not anymore. "A needle, a thread, a pair of hands, we'll mend the hurt right away," you quietly continued." You fixed Terry..." Yes, that plushy friend from your childhood did need an 'emergency surgery' once, although you could never quite recall who sew his ear back on. At some point, you even began questioning whether his little accident was even real as there was no sign of a tear whatsoever.

The memory came to you in waves like afterimages of a dream one tries to recall after waking up. It was all blurry, voices heard from miles away and sights as if seen through a dirty lens. "Yeah, I remember I used to ask to be told the same three stories over and over again and you were never frustrated with me."

"You were a great listener."

"So, how does this work? The melody plays and you just, puff, appear wherever?"

Morpheus sat Terry at the top of the dolls, plastic horses and fairytale books about fairies still residing inside the box. His bony hand lingered on the brown, matted fur of the plushie. "It was a gift." His gaze returned to you. "To a girl who just like you could not fall asleep. For decades it remained silent until that one night when I met you for the first time."

Your hand brushed against the ceramic raven inside the music box. It was quite an interesting choice of design for an item meant for children. "A magical heirloom. Sounds cool." The ghosting touch of your fingers was withheld only for you to close the enamelled lid for an unspecified amount of time. "Don't worry, I won't abuse that... privilege. I'm sure you have a lot going on anyway."

Without letting his gaze leave you, Morpheus was a little too quick to answer you. "Play it anytime you want."

His expression remained generally ambiguous but you figured it was just the way he looked. There was, however, one detail of his face that caught your attention: his eyebrows slightly raised making him appear somewhat surprised or nervous. "Is that permission or a suggestion?" you asked.

"Both."

Tagging people who were interested in a follow-up: @secretdreamlandmentality @kbrownie @lolitaisreal @thegraywitch @aralezinspace @boofy1998

[zhongyeet-me-to-the-moon]

Diluc x Reader(or can be more characs)

Where they find reader crying over a book and I really wanna see how they’ll react

It’s just such a cute little scenario I think about everyday whenever I read some of my books

This is hella cute tho. I to, am a book cryer and I have a lot of feelings about this w a lot of characters.

Catching you crying over a book

pairings: Diluc, Al haitham, Wanderer, Kazuha, Arataki itto, x gn! reader

type: bullet points

warnings: none

masterlist --> x.

Rules --> x.

Diluc

After a long day and him telling you to go ahead you found yourself in your usual spot, a loveseat that Diluc got for you to be placed near the fireplace.

It was another night of "one more chapter", the previous all ending leaving you needing to know what happens next, and at the pinnacle, Diluc finally come in, quietly just in case you did fall asleep.

But instead, he comes in right as you shot up from the chair, a first it was cause he thought he scared you, instead finds you so engrossed in the book you didn't even hear the slight noise he made from getting scared at the sudden jump.

Instead, he sees you tearing up and pacing a bit, fingers already on the next page waiting to turn it as quick as possible. He chuckles a bit, trying not to interrupt. The pacing stops at a particularly strong point on the page, tears freely falling and no sign of you trying to wipe them as you read on.

Goes to get some sleepy-type tea for the both of you.

Sets the tea down on the table next to the love seat is when you finally notice him, jumping a bit at him suddenly appearing in front of you.

"Ah- hey, Diluc! When, when did you get in?" You quickly wipe your tears, hoping not to worry him over something a little embarrassing to cry over.

"Oh not too long ago, " He lies a bit, smiling knowingly as you not so subtly try and hide the wiping of tears.

The usual routine of asking about each other's days begin, till it finally gets to your book and you're eyes sparkle when he finally asks about it.

Loves listening to you retell the events with such excitement, and thinks it's the cutest thing.

Al Haitham

Now Al Haitham isn't one to indulge in non-fiction books. He didn't see the point in them.

The key point is didn't.

But seeing how animated you get when you're face full in a book, might just give him at least one reason to like them.

He can't work when you read though, cause he easily gets distracted by you're ever-changing face and the tiny mumbling comments you make each time.

When you're quiet is when he's actually concerned. Looking up though and seeing you tear up, oh boi.

He's shocked the first time it happens because he can't really wrap his head around crying over something that isn't real so he asks if you're ok thinking it has to be something else. When you tell him about a part in the book it does nothing to quell his confusion, but he is relieved it is nothing serious.

After a while, he finds it really cute, especially cause you don't notice him watching you when he's right in front of you.

Especially more when you do notice and immediately try and wipe the tears, you get a small chuckle out of him every time.

He won't say anything, just shake his head with a smile and goes back to work.

Wanderer

This man will not admit he likes non-fiction books, and will always tease you for being so expressive while reading them.

"You've read that book a thousand times, how can you cry at the same part every time?"

"Shush you, I like this part is all."

Does love as you try and justify yourself by retelling the events in the book, you're defensive voice exclaiming "How could you not tear up?!" as you talk so passionately is his favorite pass time.

Any time he catches you crying over a book he just shakes his head and goes on with his day, less you tell his to shush up cause "it's just getting good." and he's interrupting it.

Quietly hands you a handkerchief in passing to do his own things, and a glass of water to keep you hydrated.

Kazuha

This man does not say anything for a while.

Thinks you're the most beautiful when reading, and even gets his hand on a kamera to take pictures while you do. Puts every one in a journal with little hearts and poems written around it.

After pretends to walk in like he just got home, kissing you on your cheek.

Definitely loves reading with you so as soon as you see him you scooch over and let him snuggle close while you catch him up on what's happening.

Buys lots of books of many genres just to see you're reaction to all of them. He's the best at picking out books to read. Hands down.

You'll apologize for getting all sappy over something silly like a book and he just chuckles lovingly.

"What's so embarrassing about enjoying something so much it moves you to tears? it's certainly one of the most beautiful things about you I think."

Arattaki Ito

Let's face it, this man does not read like he should. Nothing past reading for kids or signs at food stands at least.

Loves you're attention but knows to be respectful when you want to read, so instead distracts himself with other things in the mean time.

Will however forget the reason he left was to let you read. And this man does not come home quiet.

The type of guy to immediately come in, no greeting, and sometimes forgets to take his shoes off cause he just has to tell you about what just happened.

"BABE! You are not going to believe this, me and the gang just- wait why are you crying?"

Gets real serious at first thinking something happened, especially because his loudness always makes you jump no matter how much time has passed being with this man.

After you tell him you were just crying about something that happened in the book he lets out a sigh of relief along with a quick "don't scare me like that." before immediately asking what happened in the book that led to the crying.

This man isn't big on reading but if it catches his interest is more than willingly hop in your lap and let you read to him the rest of the way.

[ghost-go-roasty-mctoasty]

I cant stop thinking about the bmol experimenting with Sam and thanks to @trials-era-sam confirming our hc with Sam's addiction (thank you Jared!!) i just had to write this-

"Names Sam. All we need are names." Toni repeats, tapping her pen against her stupid little notebook.

Even if Sam wanted to, he can't give her want she wants. He doesn't really know that many hunters to begin with, let alone all the hunters in the whole of the united states. Who does she think he is?

She sighs dramatically and puts both her pen and book down on the old table next to her, uncrossing her legs and standing up, taking a few steps closer to Sam.

"Fine." She muttered, "we'll just move onto the next phase, since you're choosing to be difficult."

She starts fishing around in her blazer pocket, in search for something, and Sam can tell she found what she was looking for when a small smile pulls against her lips and she slowly withdraws her hand out, holding what looks to be a small vial?

Sam tilts his head to try and get a better look at it. Is it another drug to induce hallucinations? A truth serum? Who knows what they've invented over across the Atlantic.

Toni scoffs at the confusion displayed on Sam's face, and holds out the vial for him to see, holding it up triumphantly as if she won a race or something.

The first thing he notices is how red it is. He stares for a few more seconds until he realizes, and he can practically feel all the air leaving his lungs.

They've been keeping tabs on him for a good 12 years, they know pretty much everything about him. He doesn't know why this didn't occur to him sooner.

"No." He practically hisses at her, his mind flooding with the pain of detox already. Although he doubts he will ever make it out of here, and hes kind of already given up trying to escape. Whats the point? Dean is dead, Cas will be fine without him. Lucifer is out there roaming free, theres nothing for him anymore.

He's completely content with these british people keeping him here.

But eventually he'll have to detox, he always does.

He can feel his heart starting to pick up pace.

The first detox was bad enough, but he can start to feel the panic raising at the thought of having to live through that now, what horrors would haunt him in his...less than stable state.

He doesn't know what he'd do if he has to see Lucifer or the cage again.

What atrocities would his mind conjure up this time?

He finds his mind rushing back to all the less than pleasant experiences in his life. How it felt to have an archangel inside of him. He thinks that’s why he didn’t realize Gadreel was in him for so long. In comparison to the searing pain of the literal devil in his body, some run of the mill angel was like a tick. Hardly worth his attention.

Toni clearing her throat snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked up at her again, and couldn't hide the fact that his hands were shaking.

"Sam," she began "you have made less than ideal choices in your life." A pointed glance towards him. "But, that doesn't mean you still can't be utilised. We as men of letters firmly believe in sufficiency, and your way of...terminating demons is much faster than any excorsim that we have on hand. Don't you think?"

Sam thinks that his heart is going to give out with how fast it is pumping. He can hear the blood rushing in his ears. The year of shame and regret with Ruby and all his mistakes crashing down on him.

"Please." He pleads, looking up at this awful woman through his wet hair. "You don't know what you're doing." He tries to reason with her, but with that glint in her eye, he knows shes not listening to a word he's saying.

"Cmon now Sammy, you can't tell me that you don't miss it." She exclaims, a soft undertone to her voice, as if shes trying to be understanding towards him. Sam scoffs.

And hangs his head in defeat.

They've burnt him, shot him, cut him up and probably broken a few ribs if his pain is any indication. He has no doubt that they will hesitate to do this to him too.

Hes just glad Dean won't be here to watch him turn into a monster again.

Everything Dean told him during that year comes rushing back as he clamps his mouth shut tight. He knows that this will happen to him with or without his consent, but he won't let it happen without a fight.

After all, she isn't Lucifer, he doesn't have to lay down and let her do whatever she wants to him. Hes allowed to fight back. And for Deans sake, he will try.

Toni notices Sams jaw muscles working, and sighs like a disapproving mother whose toddler just won't listen to her.

She roughly grabs Sams face and lifts his head up, making him look up at her.

And although his face is rock hard with determination, pure fear is flashing in his eyes.

He doesn't want to go back to that. To that feeling of desperately needing more and more.

Hes fought so hard against his addiction for so long now. Why is this happening? Chuck must think his life is a joke to do this to him.

But, he keeps his mouth closed tight as Toni tuts and pinches his nose closed, staring down at him patiently.

He hopes he's strong enough to let himself pass out before his mouth inevitably opens to let in air. At least then he could say he tried. But he knows the human body, he knows that when survival insticts kick in, he won't be able to fight it.

But he closes his eyes and tries to stay calm as toni pinches his nose tighter and grows more annoyed.

He starts to count.

Hes gotten to fifty seconds when his lungs really start to hurt.

67. His head has started to spin.

89. His teeth hurt from how hard he's clenching them.

92. He can feel the presence of the vial hanging above him like a carrot on a string. Patiently waiting for his mouth to open like they both know it will.

107. There are spots dancing behind his eyelids. He knows his body will betray him soon.

He lets out a silent prayer at second 115. Begging for someone to help him.

He wonders if Lucifer can hear him.

121. He gasps.

Before he can even suck in some precious air, the vial is being shoved in his mouth, and the metallic taste of blood on his tounge is the only thing his senses can focus on.

Its okay. Dont panic. He just has to spit it out like he did before. No biggie.

He ignores the way his body yearns for it. To swallow it. He ignores how his muscles are remembering how powerful they used to feel. He ignores how his throat is trying to gulp it down, actively working against the only rational part of Sam's brain.

The smell is overwhelming. The taste practically irresistible.

He doesnt have to swallow it. He doesn't have to let her win. He doesn't.

He goes to spit it out. Toni sees. She acts quicker than Sam can even realise.

She's pinching his nose again and roughly keeping her other hand over his mouth. Making sure that he can't possibly spit it out and cutting off all access to air.

Meaning he'll need to swallow it to be able to gasp for air.

He looks up at her with tears in his eyes. His head starting to spin again from lack of oxygen. He shakes his head softly, once again begging her not to do this to him, even though he knows this grovelling will get him nowhere.

She looks down at him with no emotion in her eyes. Even the smile on her face has faded. She just seems a bit bothered now. As if Sams resistance is just a small inconvenience to her.

He'll have to swallow soon. She knows it. They both know it.

Eventually Sam finds his throat working against him and swallowing down the sweet sweet blood.

As it goes down, he gasps out and Toni removes her hand. A satisfied smile on her face.

Sam, on the other hand though, couldn't be more disgusted with himself.

He would start crying if there was any liquid left in his body. He can already feel it. Feel the power thruming through his veins. He can feel his body yearning for more already, protesting that it wasnt enough.

He starts to shake. Silently sob. He cannot believe that this is happening to him again. That he has to go through this again, and all for what? Because some british people want to study him to see how he works and then do who knows what with him?

He starts sweating. Even that tiny amount enough to bring back a pretty severe addiction.

Toni sits back down looking smug. "How do you feel, Sam?"

He glares at her, although how effective it is with his shaking chin and dried tear streaks on his cheeks, he doesn't know.

"Alright." Toni nods at him and starts to make her way back up the stairs.

Sam starts to freak out, but refuses to show it. Not at least until she leaves the basement.

Theyre leaving him here. For how long? Are they going to make him go through detox now? Study his symptoms? Wait for him to start begging them for some more? Maybe, if Sams lucky enough, it wont be that bad, since it was only one small vial.

But he can already feel it. The way his head feels like it's getting squashed between two rocks, the way his stomach is rolling like he's about to vomit, the way his limbs are shaking quite violently.

Sam is never lucky. And this is going to hit him hard.

He hopes it doesnt get so bad that he starts begging for more blood. He'd never forgive himself if he fell that far.

He wishes Dean were still alive.

[darknight3904]

Library Talks

Masterlist / Main Masterlist

Asgard 2011 

Loki couldn't tell what Astri was thinking as the week flew by. He was kept busy with different kingly duties, primarily meetings and at one point he imparted his blessing on a noble family's newest child. His free time was divided between Astri and his mother. Frigga had only left Odin's side to bathe and change her clothes while Astri was spending most of her time as far away from the throne room as possible. He could tell she was uncomfortable talking to him whenever he was on the throne so they hadn't seen each other since their moment in the weapons vault.

He had spent much of his time today plotting. He wanted to be rid of Odin permanently. Thor was already out of the picture. Loki had visited him once on Earth and given him the news that their father had "passed". Thor's face indicated that he was distraught but, Loki only saw the emotion show when he lied about their mother's feelings towards Thor. His next step to being on the throne was rather simple. Laufey had agreed to kill Odin, of course, he had he hated the old man as much as Loki did. Now, all Loki had to do was follow all the way through with his plan, and Joutunheim and his true parentage would be gone for good. Then, he could truly be worthy. That was truly what he wanted. He wanted to feel less alone and more worthwhile. Most of all, he wanted to be someone Astri could be proud of growing up with. Tomorrow his plans would be set in motion and when they finished he'd finally be Thor's equal, someone worthy of his station in life. 

He had initially sworn he wouldn't visit Astri until after he was someone she'd be proud of but after his final council meeting his legs carried him to her. From his spot in the doorway of the library, she could see her. Her long hair was free-flowing and shone as the sun streamed into the room. He smiled when her nose scrunched slightly, the book on the desk in front of her the cause. 

   "What are you reading?" He asked taking the seat beside her 

   "Some of the the Kree's history. It's rather violent." Astri said shutting the book.  

Loki nodded slowly. Maybe coming here wasn't a good idea. Astri didn't seem exactly thrilled to see him in fact, she seemed rather tired and maybe a bit stressed.

   "How was ruling Asgard today?" She asked

   "It was fine. It would have been better if you had eaten lunch with me the way you normally do." He said 

   "I was busy," Astri mumbled 

   "With what? Reading your life away in this stuffy room?" He questioned, angered by her response 

   "Why does it even matter to you what I do with my time? You should be busy giving orders and kissing babies." Astri said 

   "It matters because we have spent the last thousand years together and all of a sudden you decide I am no longer worth your time because I have a new position. If anything you should be glad for me, celebrating that I am on the throne instead of that oaf." Loki spat 

   "God it's always about Thor!" Astri exclaimed springing from her chair and beginning to walk to the door 

   "It is not always about Thor." Loki said, blocking her escape route "I just...want..." 

   "What do you want Loki?" She asked avoiding his eyes. 

He thought about telling her his plans to get rid of the Joutuns about how he had lied to Thor about Odin. But then he thought about how she'd react. Her love for Thor would outweigh her love for him and he'd be met with nothing but judgment. 

   "Fine. Don't tell me anything. You never do anyway." Astri said before slamming the door in his face. 

Loki was left in the library just like that, alone and in deafening silence. In his mind, whatever reservations he had about his plans for tomorrow melted away as Astri ran away from him and his ideals. 

⋆⭒˚｡⋆

That night, Astri's dreams were particularly vivid. Maybe it was her fight with Loki or the fact that she missed Thor and his bad jokes and infinite appetite for ale but she found herself dreaming of her past. 

Asgard 2001 

The party had lasted long, even by Asgardian standards. Astri swore, Thor and Volstagg couldn't get any drunker as she snuck away from the hall. She had been invited to drink some more with them but she feared that if one more thing went into her stomach she'd explode. The night air of the gardens was perfectly refreshing as she walked and admired the flowers that were in bloom. 

   "Too much time with Thor?" a voice asked 

Astri turned to see Loki standing behind her, his usual armor was gone and he was in a much more comfortable version of his usual attire. 

   "Something like that." Astri smiled 

   "I'm glad you're here," Loki said falling into step with her 

   "Of course you are. I'm great." Astri bragged, laughing when Loki cast her a sideways glance. 

   "Anyway...I'm glad you're here because I've been wanting to give this to you." Loki said, his palm glowing suddenly and a silver necklace with soft green stones appeared. 

   "I saw this on Thor and I's trip to Xandar. I thought it would suit you nicely."Loki said holding it so the moonlight glinted off the stones. 

   "It's beautiful." Astri breathed 

   "Turn. I want to see it on you." Loki said 

The coolness of the metal was a stark contrast to her face which was going red as Loki fastened the necklace on her. Her hair was brushed slightly by his fingertips as the silver shone in the moonlight. 

   "There," Loki said proudly 

Astri turned back to him awaiting his opinion. 

   "It is perfect. I knew I had a good eye." He smiled  straightening the necklace 

   "Thank you, Loki. I love it." Astri said bringing him into a warm hug. 

Astri woke up, her ceiling stared back at her as she wrapped her fingers around the necklace that sat on her. She only removed it when she bathed, it was one of the few things she had that she truly treasured and Loki had given it to her. She wished she could time travel back to that moment to see the Loki she had grown up with not the one who was sitting on the throne now. She wished Loki would understand that she didn't want the king of Asgard. She just wanted him. Loki as he was before his ambitions truly got the better of him. 

Hello everyone Sorry this update is later than I had expected. I recently moved houses so things are crazy since there's stuff all over our new place. This chapter is a little short since I was preoccupied with the move. I promise to get back to better-quality chapters asap. 

Taglist (To join comment below)

@buttercupcookies-blog

@666-gothic-bat-666

@cyberwears

[berrypass-de-murdler]

86. Murder on Sound Stage B

out of my 180+ posts I have never posted anything not somewhat related to murdle

Even the intermissions were about the show

Regardless on your opinion of me you can't say I'm not PROBLEMATICALLY LOYAL

DON'T READ THE EPISODES UNTIL YOU'VE FINISHED THE FIRST BOOK!!

Logico steps onto the set of his FAKE office. It’s good… but not good ENOUGH. 

LOGICO: This is inaccurate. And this is inaccurate. And THIS is inaccurate. My god, were you even trying?? MIDNIGHT: Do you want to get paid or not. LOGICO: all right

Creepy ass robots of Bluski, Coffee, and Crimson surround him, just like in that funny season one incident when Bluski killed a stranger thinking it was Logico. But somehow they seem LESS friendly.

FAUX BLUSKI: Deductive Logico. Look at the- Deductive Logico. Look at the- MIDNIGHT: We’re still working on that one. AUREOLIN: LOGICO!

Auree runs over and hugs Gico aggressively. 

AUREOLIN: I finally got a job, one they’ll actually pay me for! I get to be your sidekick! This is incredible isn’t it?? LOGICO: Well… you’re in a good mood all of a sudden. AUREOLIN: Look, [points to her kids in chairs] I brought them, and they’ll be watching the whole thing in the making. Come on, let’s go film.

Logico trips over what appears to be Mr. Shadow’s hat. Kind of weird… 

MIDNIGHT: Bad news, the filming’s been cancelled again, one of the background actors is deeeead. AUREOLIN: UGGHHHHHHHH

The rabbit children jostle and squeak, still with no readable expression. Logico looks back. Three of the 'suspects' are literally robots.

LOGICO: AUREOLIN… AUREOLIN: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? AGAIN?? HOW COULD I- ohhhhhhh forget itttt

Logico does his detective formula.

FAUX COFFEE: Ugh… I wonder if I could kill a person. I wonder.

Logi shudders. This fake Coffee is even more disturbing than the real one. 

FAUX CRIMSON: As a doctor, trust me. LOGICO: Oh COME ON! SHE’S NOT EVEN THE REAL DR. CRIMSON!!

The fake Bluski is about as expressive as the real one, and the real Aureolin is arguing with Midnight.

AUREOLIN: Please, can I just say like one or two things, I’m just standing there and it’s weird- MIDNIGHT: Stop talking. The bunny sidekick is there for the kids to be entertained. AUREOLIN: RABBIT. RABBIT sidekick. Bunny is degrading. MIDNIGHT: I say whatever I want. AUREOLIN: A-

Logico brings out the phone to get distracted.

LOGICO: Tino IRRATINO: Gico LOGICO: So… what… is… you. IRRATINO: Y’know, I actually had a dream last night that you would call me.  LOGICO: Sounds thrilling. IRRATINO: Yea yea and in this dream, I was talking to you on the phone, just like now. Pretty crazy, huh? And then I told you, that General Coffee wanted to see if he could. Y’know? LOGICO: No, I don’t know. …OR DO I?

Short King hangs up without another word and creeps to the closet, where he spies a dead-eyed fake Coffee squatting there, looking unhinged. It turns to look at him.

FAUX COFFEE: Settings restarted. LOGICO: Come here, you. 

Logico swipes through endless menus to access recordings from Coffee-Bot’s eye screens. He gives himself a lovely thumbs up and runs to the balcony to arrest…

Fake Crimson. 

FAUX CRIMSON: I am caught. I am Dr. Crimson. LOGICO: Oh, let up.

The studio people carry away the glitching robot woman as she exclaims reused dialogue audio from a previous episode.

FAUX CRIMSON: “They tried to make a FOOL out of me, so I made them PAY!!”

Logico is rather satisfied, but turns around to find a bunny staring at him with a smug expression.

LOGICO: Don’t look at me like that. AUREOLIN: Whatever, Deductive. C’mon kits. I’ll show you how to do a take.

Finally pleased with herself, the rabbit leads her weird little children into an unknown stage room.

The end!

Karber officially referred to Obsidian as goober in his response to game questions I can't fjdnsknlfdvsdvm

(technically all the board game suspects are goober but obsidian is one of them lmaoo)

The power of Goat Lord compels you!

See you next time murdlers!

[thewidowsghost]

Lost, Then Found (Max Mayfield x Adopted!Harrington!Reader) - Part 1

Series Masterlist

Max Mayfield Masterlist

Main Masterlist

@baylegend6 asked:

Can you write a fem y/n x Max Mayfield y/n is the older sister of El by 1 year. She is taken in by Steve's family. She goes to school with the party and meets Max who takes a interest in y/n the two become friends and y/n trusts Max that she tells her the truth and shows Max her powers as proof. Max falls in love with y/n and asks her to the snowball and confesses her feelings and the two date. S4 y/n and El defeat Vecna saving Max and Hawkins

Steve Harrington slows down outside of the middle school, and (Y/n), his younger adopted sister, opens the door to slide out of the car.

"Hey, kiddo," he stops (Y/n) before she can get out of the car. "You have a good day, yeah?"

(Y/n)'s expression softens, and she smiles. "I'll try."

Stepping out of the car, she shoulders her backpack. (Y/n) takes a step towards the sidewalk but jumps backward as a blue Camero almost runs her over. She's so startled, that a heat had started rising in her fingers, and (Y/n) probably would've blown up the car if she'd had less control.

Staring after the car, (Y/n) watches it turn into the high school parking lot.

"(Y/n)! Hey!" (Y/n) hears Dustin call.

"You almost got run over by a manic!" Lucas says as he, Mike, Dustin, and Will walk over to meet her.

"No kidding," (Y/n) agrees, looking over at the car. She watches as a girl with long, fiery red hair gets out of the passenger side of the car.

She's pretty, (Y/n) thinks before she shoves the thought away. I'm not supposed to like girls that way.

. . .

(Y/n) finds herself at the back row of her science classroom, tapping her fingers on the desk quietly.

"Meet the human brain," Mr. Clarke sets the model of the brain on his desk. "I know. I know, it doesn't look like much. A little gross even, right? But consider this. There are a hundred billion cells inside of this miracle of evolution. All working as one. No, no, I did not misspeak. I did not stutter. A hundred billion."

The door closes, and (Y/n)'s gaze flies to the door.

"Ah, this must be our new student," Mr. Clarke says.

"Indeed," the principal. "All yours."

The redheaded girl starts to walk towards the only other open seat – the one to (Y/n)'s left, nearest to the window.

"All right. Hold up," Mr. Clarke says and the girl stops. "You don't get away that easy." He waves the redhead back up to the front of the room. "Come on up. Don't be shy." The teacher looks at Dustin. "Dustin, drum roll." The boy taps his fingers on his text book. "Class, please welcome, all the way from sunny California," Mr. Clark says, and (Y/n) fixes her gaze on the girl, who was trying to look everywhere but at any of (Y/n)'s fellow classmates, "the latest passenger to join us on our curiosity voyage, Maxine."

"It's Max," the girl mutters.

"Sorry?" Mr. Clarke asks. "Nobody calls me Maxine. It's Max."

"MaxMax," Lucas whispers.

"Well, all aboard, Max," Mr. Clarke smiles. "You can take a seat next to Ms. (Y/n) back there."

(Y/n) almost crawls into her own skin when she sees Max studying her before she moves to the empty seat beside (Y/n). She does almost laugh when she sees that her four friends – Dustin, Mike, Will, and Lucas – had turned to follow Max's movement to the back of the classroom.

Max glances over at (Y/n), who's (E/c) eyes gleam with amusement as she watches her friends.

. . .

"There's no way that's MadMax," Mike says as the five of them watch Max skate around on her board at lunchtime.

"Yeah," Will agrees. "Girls don't play video games."

"Excuse me," (Y/n) smacks Will's arm gently.

"Ow," Will exclaims, though the smack hadn't hurt.

"And even if they did," Mike glances at (Y/n) apologetically, "you can't get 750,000 points on Dig Dug. It's impossible."

"But her name is Max," Lucas argues.

"So what?" Mike asks.

"So, how many Maxes do you know?" Mike asks.

"You guys are being creeps," (Y/n) comments, moving away from the boys. "I'm going inside."

She circles the fence towards the stairs, but (Y/n) stops when she almost runs into Max.

"Oh," she stops suddenly. "I'm sorry."

Max studies (Y/n)'s face, she (Y/n) feels her skin growing hot, though she doesn't know if it's from her power, or embarrassment. 

Or both.

"You're friends are total creeps," is Max's only comment, and (Y/n) mouth twitches.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you that I just told them that," (Y/n) replies, her (E/c) eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Where were you headed?" Max asks.

"The library," (Y/n) admits. "You wanna come?" she offers.

Max takes a moment to consider the offer. "Sure."

. . .

Dustin and Lucas sit outside the arcade, Lucas looking through a pair of binoculars.

"Still no sign?" Dustin asks.

"Jack shit," Lucas replies. "Just (Y/n)."

"Oh! Damn it. My mom's gonna murder me," Dustin mutters.

"So go home. I'll radio if she comes," Lucas replies.

"Oh, yeah, nice try. You just want me out of here so you can make your move," Dustin retorts.

"Oh, 'cause you're such a threat," Lucas says.

"That's right," Dustin agrees proudly. "She will not be able to resist these pearls," he makes a purring sound like a cat or a tiger.

Lucas rolls his eyes in exasperation.

"Ten o'clock," Dustin hits Lucas's arm. "Ten o'clock."

"What?" Lucas questions.

The blue Camero skids to a halt in front of the Arcade.

Max gets out of her brother's car, arguing incoherently. The car's tires squeal as the car, and (Y/n) raises an eyebrow at her new friend.

"My brother's an asshole," Max says. "C'mon, let's go."

. . .

The three boys – Dustin, Mike, and Lucas – ride up to the school singing the Ghostbusters' theme song. The three boys rack their bikes. "Who you gonna call?" the boys sing.

"Ghostbusters!" Will exclaims – he and his friends – dressed up as the main characters from the Ghostbusters movie.

"Hey, guys," (Y/n) joins her friends, dressed simply in black jeans, a red shirt, a black leather jacket, and black Vans shoes.

"Guys . . . Guys! Guys!" Dustin shouts, interrupting Lucas and Mike's arguing. "Why is no one else wearing costumes?"

Walking down the hall, some of the other kids laugh at Lucas, Mike, Will, and Dustin.

"When do people make these decisions?" Dustin asks out of the corner of his mouth.

"Everyone dressed up last year," Will mutters.

"It's a conspiracy, I'm telling you," Dustin replies.

"Just be cool?" Mike offers.

"Who you gonna call?" A boy calls from behind. "The – !" (Y/n) silences him with a glare.

. . .

(Y/n) leans against her locker, watching as Lucas and Dustin unsuccessfully invite Max to go trick-or-treating with them later that night.

Max's gaze falls on (Y/n), who was watching the boys with amusement.

Feeling eyes on her, she looks over to find Max watching her closely.

Lucas and Dustin trudge away, and (Y/n) takes their place.

"Nice thought," (Y/n) comments. "Bad execution."

Despite herself, Max laughs.

"We do want you to come with us," (Y/n) says. "We took a vote and everything."

Max's mouth twitches. "That's presumptuous of you."

(Y/n) expression screws up in confusion.

"Maybe I'll see you later, stalker," Max says, and she turns around, shouldering her backpack, and walking away.

. . .

(Y/n) steps silently into the house after walking home alone – Steve had picked up Nancy from school and they'd gone out.

She sighs, heading up the stairs. No one else was home. No one else was ever home. Her adoptive parents were always at work, and she really only ever saw Steve when he was picking up – or dropping her off – from school.

She drops the backpack onto the floor, dragging with exhaustion from trying to be so happy all the time.

(Y/n) missed her younger sister, Eleven, who had died less than a year ago.

(Y/n) sits on the floor, and allows her hands to catch fire.

"How did they find us?" Mike asks as he, Dustin, Lucas, Eleven, and (Y/n) run down the stairs.

"I don't know, but they knew we were in the gym," Lucas pants, he and his friends running down the hall of the middle school.

"Lando," Dustin gasps.

"Stop!" (Y/n) says suddenly, and the others stop in their tracks, watching as they have harsh, bright lights shining in their faces.

A scream rips itself from (Y/n)'s throat, and a wall of flames surges towards the 'bad men."

(Y/n) shakes the fire from her hands, staring off into nothing.

. . .

"If I get another 3 Musketeers, I'm gonna kill myself," Lucas comments as he and his friends leave the house.

"What's wrong with 3 Musketeers?" Dustin asks.

"'What's wrong with 3 Musketeers?'" Lucas echoes.

"No one likes 3 Musketeers," Mike agrees.

"Yeah, it's just nougat," Lucas adds.

"You'd like it if you'd never had candy before a year ago," the words slip out of (Y/n)'s mouth, and she almost kicks herself. The other glance over at (Y/n), who looks apologetically at the others. "Sorry," she mutters.

The five kids return to the road, walking towards the next night.

A figure wearing a Micheal Myers mask jumps out from a bush, and the others scream. Steam rises from (Y/n)'s shirt, and she swats the sparks from it.

The figure lifts the mask from her face, and the four boys and (Y/n) see Max.

"Holy shit! You should have seen the look on your faces!" Max laughs. "And you," she points her fake blade at Lucas. "Who screams like that, you sounded like a little girl." Max turns, starting to walk towards the next house. "Hey, you guys coming or not? Oh, I heard we should hit up Lock Nora," Max says, turning back to the group. "That's where the rich people live, right?" she laughs. Lucas, Dustin, and (Y/n) follow after Max, leaving Mike and Will trailing behind slightly.

. . .

"If you're not out in an hour –" Billy Hargorve threatens his step-sister as he drops her off outside the arcade.

"I'm skating home. I know," Max rolls her eyes.

"Hey! Watch the attitude, shitbird," Billy retorts.

Max huffs, rolls her eyes, and flips Billy off as his tires squeal.

The redhead enters the arcade, moving straight to Dig Dug, but she groans when she finds an Out of Order sign on the arcade machine.

"Sorry about that, Road Warrior," Keith, still eating his Cheese Puffs, tells the redhead.

"What happened?" Max asks.

"Short circuit in the motherboard," Keith smacks the machine. "A real bummer. But fret not. I got another machine up and running in the back."

He leads Max back to the staff office. The door opens and Max finds (Y/n) sitting in the office in front of the old Dig Dug machine, smiling sheepishly.

Max rolls her eyes and she steps into the office.

"You better get me that date now, Harrington," Keith threatens.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," (Y/n) grumbles.

As soon as the door closes, Max whips around to look at (Y/n). "What the shit, stalker?" Max asks.

"Sorry, I just needed a safe place," (Y/n) replies, fiddling with her fingers.

"To do what, exactly?" Max asks. "Be creepy?"

"To tell you the truth," (Y/n) answers. "But if anyone finds out, you could be arrested. Or worse."

(Y/n) can tell from the look on Max's face that the girl was about to laugh. "Killed?"

"I need to know," (Y/n) pauses, looking Max straight in the eyes. "Do you accept the risk?"

"Oh, my God!" Max says, looking exasperated. "This . . . this is so stupid."

"Do you accept the risk?" (Y/n) replies, her eyebrows knit.

Max rolls her eyes. "Yeah. Sure. Fine. I accept the risk." The redhead slumps into a chair, and (Y/n) sits back down on her stool.

"Last year . . ." she pauses. "Will didn't get lost in the woods. He got lost somewhere else."

. . .

"And that's the last we saw of her. After that, she was gone. It feels like yesterday," (Y/n)'s jaw tightens noticeably, and Max adverts her gaze.

"Yeah, I mean. I bet. Wow."

(Y/n) nods.

"It's crazy, but . . . I really liked it."

(Y/n) recoils, "Excuse me."

"Well, I mean, I had a few issues," Max replies.

"Issues?"

"I felt it was a little derivative in parts," Max says.

"What're you talking about?" (Y/n) asks, frowning heavily.

"I just wish it had a little more originality," Max says. "That's all."

"You don't believe me?" (Y/n) frowns.

"(Y/n), come on, seriously? How gullible do you think I am?" Max asks.

"Why would I make all this up?" (Y/n)'s eyebrows knit angrily.

"I don't know. To impress me or something? Or you're just, like, insane," Max says.

(Y/n) sets her jaw. "I tell you all this, and this is how you react?"

"I mean, yeah?" Max says, getting to her feet, grabbing her skateboard, and walking towards the door.

"Where are you going?" (Y/n) asks, also standing up.

"Story time's over, isn't it?" the redhead asks. She opens the door into the main part of the arcade, and (Y/n) follows close behind.

"I don't understand what's wrong. I gave you what you wanted," (Y/n) sounds legitimately confused.

"I wanted to be part of the group, not a part of some joke," Max turns to face (Y/n).

"It's not a joke," (Y/n) insists.

"You did a good job, okay?" Max says, and (Y/n)'s head tilts a little to the side, her eyes wide with confusion. "You can go tell the others I believed your lies if it gets you experience points or whatever."

Max starts to walk away, but (Y/n) rests a hand on Max's arm, and the redhead stops. "We have a lot of rules in our party, but the most important is, 'Friends don't lie'. Never ever. No matter what."

"Is that right?" Max rolls her eyes, stomping back towards Dig Dug, ripping the 'Out of Order' sign off the screen, and pressing the tape onto (Y/n)'s shirt. "How do you explain this?"

"I had to do that. To protect you," (Y/n) replies, pulling the 'Out of Order' sign off her shirt and holding it loosely in her hand.

"To protect me from who, exactly?" Max turns to the Dig Dug machine. "The big bad government kidnappers from Hawkins Lab?"

"Quiet," (Y/n) hisses, the paper going warm in her hand.

"Or maybe it was to protect me from the Demogorgon from another dimension," Max says, even louder, and a boy standing two machines down glances over at the two girls.

"Seriously, Max, quiet down."

"Oh, no, no!" Max says light a laugh. "You know what it was? It was Eleven. The girl –"

(Y/n) finally steps forward, placing her hand over Max's mouth. "You are going to get yourself killed. Do you understand?"

"You're serious?" Max asks, once (Y/n) lowers her hand.

"I wish more than you that I wasn't," (Y/n) replies, the piece of paper starting to smoke in her left hand.

. . .

(Y/n) tosses a stone at Max's window to get the girl's attention.

"Hop on," (Y/n) gestures to the seat of her new bike once Max opens the window.

"What?" Max asks, looking confused.

"I have proof."

. . .

"I said medium-well!" Lucas calls from his bike, riding beside (Y/n) and Max.

"Who's that?" Steve Harrington asks, looking towards Max.

The three join Dustin and Steve.

. . .

"You told her?" Dustin hisses, he and (Y/n) ducked behind an old car.

"'So what?'" (Y/n) asks. "If anyone has the right –"

"So what?" Dustin interrupts.

"You wanted to tell her too. So did Lucas."

"But we didn't, all right? We agreed not to tell her and to look for Dart," Dustin says.

(Y/n) goes to say something, but then a, "Hey, assholes. How come the only one helping me is Lucas and this random girl?" comes from Steve. "We lose light in forty minutes. Let's go! Let's go, I said."

. . .

Max watches, her eyes wide with amazement, as (Y/n)'s hand blazes, welding pieces of metal to the bus.

Steve pours a trail of gasoline from the center of the junkyard to the front of the bus. "Hey, sis?" Steve says, and (Y/n) looks over. "Don't accidentally set us on fire? Okay?"

(Y/n)'s gaze twinkles with amusement, and, a careful fifteen feet away from the line of gasoline, she snaps her fingers, sparks cascading over the body of a broken down car.

Max steps over to where (Y/n) had gone back to welding metal together.

"Here," Max hands (Y/n) a bottle of water and a granola bar.

(Y/n) pauses her welding to accept the water and granola bar. She sits down, leaning against the bus.

Max sits down beside her. "You're amazing," Max flushes brightly, realizing her slip-up at the last second. "I mean –" She stops when she sees (Y/n)'s shy little smile.

"You are too," (Y/n) replies softly. "Amazing, I mean."

"I'm sorry I didn't believe you at first," Max murmurs, playing with her fingers in her lap.

"I wouldn't have believed me either if it hadn't happened to us," (Y/n) replies, summoning a tiny flame to dance in the palm of her hand.

Darkness is beginning to fall on the junkyard, and Dustin, Lucas, Steve, (Y/n), and Max enter the bus, closing the door.

. . .

(Y/n) sits on top of the bus, looking into the fog with a pair of binoculars.

"It's kinda awesome," Max says, and (Y/n) turns to see her standing at the top of the ladder.

"Huh?" (Y/n) asks, scooching over so Max could take a seat beside her.

"The fog," Max clarifies. "Looks like the ocean."

"You miss it?" (Y/n) wonders aloud.

"What?" Max tilts her head in question.

"The ocean," (Y/n) replies, shifting slightly to look at Max better. "The waves? California?"

Max shrugs.

"Hawkins seems pretty lame, I bet," (Y/n) says.

"No, no, no, it's not that. It's just . . ." Max pauses, and (Y/n)'s gaze rests silently on her. "My dad's still there. So . . ."

"Why?" (Y/n) asks, not knowing the answer.

"It's this legal term called 'divorce'," Max explains patiently. "When two married people don't love each other anymore –"

"Ohh," (Y/n) realizes. She'd heard Steve talking about their parents possibly getting divorced, but she shoves the thought away.

"My mom and my stepdad, they wanted a fresh start away from him," Max continues. "As if . . . As if he was the problem, which is total bull. And things . . . are worse now. My stepbrother's always been a dick, but now he's just angry . . . all the time and . . . Well, he can't take it out on my mom, so . . ."

"He takes it out on you," (Y/n) finishes.

"I don't even know why I'm telling you this," Max mutters. "Your childhood was so much worse than mine."

(Y/n) glances back out over the fog, as though considering Max's words. "You shouldn't measure trauma," she says finally.

(Y/n) looks back over to meet Max's gaze.

"When did you get so smart," Max teases.

(Y/n) scoffs comically, nudging Max with an elbow.

Max sighs before she continues, "It's just . . . I know that I can be a jerk like Billy sometimes, and I do not want to be like him. Ever. I guess I'm angry, too, and . . . I'm sorry." Max looks like she's about to cry."

"Hey, listen," (Y/n) straightens. "You're nothing like your brother, okay? Last I know, you didn't attempt to run me over with a big blue car," she jokes, trying to make Max smile – at least a little. It does work, because Max cracks a grin. "You're cool and different. And super smart. And like, totally tubular," she deepens her voice on the last two words, mocking Dustin and Lucas from Halloween night.

Max laughs, her eyes crinkling. "Nobody actually says that, you know."

"Well, I think I do now," (Y/n)'s eyes gleam with amusement.

"It makes you sound really cool."

"I like talking with you, Mad Max," (Y/n) says, and Max's smile widens.

"And I like talking with you, stalker," Max replies, and (Y/n) is glad for the darkness, hiding her darkening cheeks.

Suddenly, a growling sounds rips (Y/n) and Max out of their moment.

"(Y/n)!" Dustin's voice comes from below in the bus. "What's going on?"

"Hold on!" (Y/n) shouts in reply. She presses the binoculars to her eyes, and then sees the demodog appear from the fog straight ahead. "Straight ahead!" (Y/n) replies.

(Y/n) watches Dart. "Why isn't he coming closer?" She hears Dustin asks.

"Maybe he's sick of cow," Steve replies.

"You sure that's not a dog," Max says.

"Max!" (Y/n) looks bewildered.

Suddenly, blood pounds in (Y/n)'s ears when she hears Dustin's, "Steve? Steve, what are you doing?" And then she sees when Steve steps into the middle of the foggy clearing.

Max grabs (Y/n)'s shoulder, shaking her out of her daze.

The two girls descend down the ladder. (Y/n) makes her way towards the bus door but Lucas stops her. "What are you doing?" he asks.

"I gotta help," she replies. "I'm the only one who can."

Lucas pauses, considering the reasoning. "Fine," he says, moving to the door to open it.

"Shut the door when I get out, you hear," (Y/n) meets Lucas's gaze. The boy nods. "On three." (Y/n) says. "One. Two."

"Three," (Y/n) and Lucas say in unison, and (Y/n) charges out the door.

Steve and (Y/n) stand back to back, as they hear the familiar chittering sound of the demodogs.

Steve makes a whistling sound, as if to call the monster closer, and it dives at the Harrington siblings. 

Word Count: 3525 words

Taglist:

Lemme know :)

[sofya-fanfics]

You Are The Smartest Person I Know

Fandom : Spy x Family

Characters : The Forger Family

Prompt number : 5 - “You’re the smartest person I know.”

Rating : G

Warnings : None

My Fictober 2023 contribution.

I’m sorry for the mistakes, English is not my native language. I hope you like it.

Summary : Yor put the plates away after washing them, when she heard a loud sigh. She looked at Anya, who was sitting at the dining room table doing her homework. Her head was resting in her hands and her hair was falling in front of her face, preventing Yor from seeing if she was okay or not. She walked towards the dining room, worried.

Disclaimer : Spy x Family belongs to Tatsuya Endo.

@fictober-event

AO3 / FF.NET

Yor put the plates away after washing them, when she heard a loud sigh. She looked at Anya, who was sitting at the dining room table doing her homework. Her head was resting in her hands and her hair was falling in front of her face, preventing Yor from seeing if she was okay or not. She walked towards the dining room, worried.

“Anya ? Is everything alright ?”

Anya raised her head, she was on the verge of tears.

“I don’t understand it. I've been trying to do this exercise for almost an hour but I still don't understand !”

Yor rushed to her to comfort her. She hated seeing her like this. Each time, it broke her heart, even if it was because of an exercise she did not understand.

“What exercise is it ?”

“Math.”

Anya turned the book towards her and Yor frowned. Usually, it was Loid who helped her with math, but he had called them to tell them he would be home late from work. He had to take care of a difficult patient and he did not know when he was going to get back. It does not matter, Yor thought. She could help Anya. After all, it was an exercise for ten year olds, it should not have been very complicated. She took Anya's book and began to read the wording.

******

Yor crossed out what she had just written. She and Anya were surrounded by crumpled, crossed out, scribbled sheets of paper. She felt like all the numbers were mixed up in her head. How could an exercise for ten year olds be so difficult ? What were they teaching them at this academy ? She did not remember Yuri having such difficult homework. She heard Anya sobbing. Yor knew how important it was for Anya to succeed in her studies and she saw all the efforts she was making since she went to Eden. Yor took a deep breath. She had to keep calm for Anya.

“Haha, we won’t be able to do it ! It's too complicated !”

Yor straightened up, determined.

“Don’t worry. We will do it. We just have to reread the wording again.”

She read the exercise once again and do a calculation. Should she add or subtract ? She was so absorbed in the exercise that she did not hear the door open and Loid enter.

“Yor ? Is everything alright ?”

Yor looked at him on the verge of tears. She understood what Anya might be feeling.

“Loid !” She exclaimed.

Loid gestured for her to speak less loudly and pointed to Anya who was sound asleep on her notebook. Yor looked at the late hour and blamed herself for not having noticed that Anya had finally fallen asleep.

“What has happened ?” Loid asked as he approached.

He picked up a crumpled paper from the ground and unfolded it.

“I tried to help Anya with her homework, but it was a disaster.”

Loid sat down next to her. Tears ran down Yor's cheeks.

“I couldn’t even understand a primary school exercise. I'm really stupid.”

Yor sobbed, at her wits' end. Loid brought his chair closer to hers and took her hands. He hated it when she went herself down.

“You’re not stupid. Quite the opposite. You’re the smartest person I know.”

Without them realizing it, the two of them had moved closer. They were only a few inches apart. This was not the first time they were in this kind of situation, Yor noticed. And each time the desire to put her lips on his was stronger.

“Chichi, you’re home ?” Anya mumbled sleepily.

Yor and Loid moved away, both blushing. Loid cleared his throat and stood up.

“I’m going to go put Anya to bed,” he said. “Afterwards, we will try to solve this exercise together.”

He gently took Anya in his arms and took her to her bedroom. A huge smile lit up Yor's face. Whenever she felt like she was a disaster as a mother, Loid was there to comfort her. Thanks to him, she felt invincible and told herself that no math exercise could resist her.

The end

[3rdsday]

Not as Thick as Blood (2012 TMNT Fic)

Chapter 1/2, 5k words

Summary:

“What if he found something bad in his DNA test?” “Bad? Like what?” Leo asked, and Mikey shrugged, but Raph’s face grew dark. “Like a disease? Or maybe he found out that our expected lifespan is only, like, 20 years or something,” Raph mumbled, not taking his eyes off the screen. --- Donnie gets curious about his and his brothers' genetic makeup. He ends up finding something he didn't expect, and Mikey feels like his entire world has been thrown off balance.

Read on AO3 here or click keep reading

Mikey wasn’t the type to question things. Even when he didn’t understand the point of something, he trusted his brothers, so most of the time it was easier to just go along with what they told him.

With that said, he didn’t understand why Donnie wanted to stick a cotton swab in his mouth.

“You don’t understand, Mikey! With the new DNA analyzing kit I managed to snag from Stockman’s lab the last time we fought, I could learn so much about our unique biological makeup!” Donnie exclaimed, practically vibrating out of excitement.

Mikey just pouted. “What does that have to do with putting a stick in my mouth?”

“That’s how I get the DNA,” Donnie explained, buzzing with anticipation and perhaps a bit of annoyance now as well. “I already did the same to myself, and I’ll be asking Leo, Raph, and Sensei for a sample as well!”

Hearing that this wasn’t a test he alone was forced to undergo, Mikey shrugged and opened his mouth, bracing himself for the unpleasant feeling of a foreign object being stuck down his throat like the one time he’d been sick. Instead, it was rubbed against the inside of his right cheek for a few seconds before removed and placed in a test tube.

“Thanks, Mikey!” Donnie shouted, already speeding off to locate the rest of the lair’s occupants. Mikey blinked for a few seconds, surprised at how simple that had been, before deciding it didn’t matter much and flopping down on his bed, picking up the comic book he’d been reading before Donnie barged in excitedly.

If it made Donnie happy, Mikey didn’t have any complaints.

===

By the next morning, Mikey had essentially forgotten about Donnie’s actions the afternoon prior. While he was certain his scientifically minded brother would find something to be excited about over some icky mouth germs, it wasn’t exactly high on Mikey’s list of interests. What he was interested in, though, was making breakfast.

“And… voila!” he exclaimed as he masterfully flipped a pancake straight from the pan to Leo’s plate, repeating the action for Raph and Donnie before serving himself. “Gentlemen, I give you my not yet world famous banana mozzarella sausage pancakes!”

Expressions of varying degrees of wariness and disgust stared back at him, which he ignored, opting instead to sit down in front of his own plate and drizzle his breakfast in syrup before taking a large bite.

He sighed happily as the meal met his tastebuds. Yep, he nailed it again. Hesitantly but politely, Leo cut a slice from his own pancakes and brought it to his mouth, his expression morphing into one of confusion and then intrigue, before settling on something positive. Upon seeing Leo’s approval, Raph and Don took bites themselves, and Mikey was beaming when they both seemed to at least tolerate his latest creation.

“I have no idea how you made this work, Mikey, but it’s not half bad,” Leo admitted as they each continued munching away at the atypical breakfast.

Mikey grinned through a mouthful. “Hey, I have my secrets, bro!”

“Clearly those secrets don’t include swallowing before you talk,” Raph grumbled, but even he seemed to be in a good mood that morning. It was shaping up to be a good day, and when everyone had finished eating, they made their way to the dojo together.

===

Training went well. Mikey actually won a match against Donnie, which, while not unheard of, was definitely less common than Donnie winning against him. Mikey couldn’t hold back an enthusiastic cry of victory, pumping his fist in the air before helping Donnie to his feet. “Did’ya see that? I out-ninja’d you, bro!”

Donnie rolled his eyes. “Don’t get too confident, Mikey. You only won because I was distracted.”

“By what?” Leo asked as he accepted a high-three from Mikey, who was still feeling the adrenaline from his victory.

A long, high-pitched beep sounded from across the lair, in the direction of Donnie’s lab. His brown eyes went wide, and he turned around to face Master Splinter. “By that! Uh, sensei, may I be excused from the rest of training? My samples are ready to be analyzed!”

Splinter stroked his beard thoughtfully. “It is clear that your mind is not fully devoted to training today. You may be excused, but I expect your performance to be back to its normal standards by tomorrow.”

Donnie bowed, gave a quick “Hai, sensei!” and dashed out of the dojo.

“What was that all about?” Mikey asked, confused. It was rare for any of them to be excused from training, and the fact that Mikey had beat him was being attributed only to Donnie being distracted? He’d been training hard lately, ever since the farmhouse, and he’d put his all into the spar against Donnie. Was it so hard to believe that maybe he was getting better?

There was a hand on his shoulder, and Mikey was surprised to see it was Raph. “Don’t worry, little bro,” he was saying, “Donnie’s too focused on his science, but we saw how you won that fight.”

Mikey smiled gratefully.

“Michelangelo, Raphael, you will face each other next,” Master Splinter decided, and they took their stances across from each other, Mikey feeling confident.

He didn’t win, but he got close.

===

“Is Donnie still in his lab?” Mikey questioned as the rest of them headed into the pit to wind down from training around an hour later, noticing a lack of a purple bandana wearing turtle.

Leo shrugged. “I guess not. He was pretty excited about the DNA thing.”

Raph scoffed as he turned on Crognard, the brothers settling on the couch. “He’s always excited about some nerdy shit, why am I not surprised?”

Mikey let out an exaggerated gasp, placing a hand on his plastron and making the best offended look he could manage. “Raph, language! What if Ice Cream Kitty heard you!”

“I couldn’t give a fuck if she heard.”

“Raph! Her poor, innocent ears!”

“Maybe it’s good for her, she can’t stay sheltered forever, right?” Raph smirked, and Mikey playfully shoved at his arm, starting a play fight.

Leo just looked on with a shake of his head, probably letting them get it out of their system. Mikey knew his big brother would intervene if they took things too far or roughhoused too much and risked breaking something. They could get a little bit carried away, he admitted to himself as he and Raph wrestled on the ground, but that’s just how being brothers worked. At the end of the day, everyone would make up and they’d go back to being as close as ever.

Leo must have gotten sick of their fight at some point, though, because he stood up and announced he was making popcorn. “If either of you want some, you better be sitting nicely on the couch when I come back.”

That got the fight to stop pretty quickly, the two of them settling on the couch as the sound of kernels popping from the kitchen met their ears.

“Leo really thinks he’s in charge of us all the time, huh?” Raph said with a small huff, although he didn’t seem particularly upset. “We weren’t even hurting anything just now.”

Mikey shrugged, opening his mouth to respond, but whatever he’d been planning on saying evaporated from his mind immediately when Donnie walked in the room. “Hey, Dee, come watch Crognard with us!  Leo’s making popcorn too, so… uh, is something wrong?”

Donnie had entered the room with his head hanging down, which should have been enough of a sign that something was up with him. When he met Mikey’s eyes, though, there was something… off. It was like a shadow had been cast over them. Mikey didn’t get long to tell what it was, because Donnie’s gaze quickly flitted away from Mikey’s after they met for only the briefest of moments, Donnie looking almost as if he’d flinched away.

“Nothing’s wrong,” Donnie insisted, but his tone was off. Too sharp, too guarded. “You said you’re watching Crognard?”

Mikey nodded and patted the cushion next to him. “Come join us!”

Donnie looked between the screen and the couch, his eyes refusing to fall on Mikey again. “Um, that’s okay. I’m going to go find sensei.”

And with that, Donnie left the room in the direction of sensei’s room.

Raph looked at Mikey, his brow creased in confusion. “That was weird, right?”

“What was weird?” Leo asked, holding a bowl of popcorn as he walked back over to his brothers.

Raph and Mikey exchanged a glance before explaining Donnie’s weird behavior, and how something seemed to be bothering him. Leo frowned, and the telltale signs of Leo Worry were visible in the way he crossed his arms and fidgeted with his hands.

“I’ll talk to him when he comes back if he still seems upset. Maybe talking to sensei is all he needs,” Leo told them, but Mikey doubted Donnie was getting away from this without at least having a brief talk with Leo. “Let’s just watch Crognard, okay?”

They each grabbed a handful of popcorn and turned their attention to the show. None of them seemed particularly invested anymore, but no one suggested finding something else to do.

Then a new thought crossed Mikey’s mind, and he broke the silence.

“What if he found something bad in his DNA test?”

“Bad? Like what?” Leo asked, and Mikey shrugged, but Raph’s face grew dark.

“Like a disease? Or maybe he found out that our expected lifespan is only, like, 20 years or something,” Raph mumbled, not taking his eyes off the screen.

“Maybe there’s something wrong with Master Splinter, which is why he went to talk to him?” Mikey suggested, trying not to let his voice shake at the thought. What were they going to do if there was something wrong with sensei?

“Stop,” Leo ordered in his leader voice, and Raph’s mouth snapped shut immediately. “Look, we don’t know what’s wrong with Donnie. Maybe he’s just upset because his experiment didn’t work, have we considered that?”

Mikey thought about it and nodded. That did make sense. He knew how much Donnie’s experiments meant to him, and how excited he’d been for this one. It would definitely upset him if it was messed up in some way.

But why had he been looking at Mikey like that? Or rather… not looking?

Maybe he thought Mikey had messed things up somehow? But that didn’t make sense either. If he thought that, he would have gotten mad at Mikey, not avoided him. Something about the situation wasn’t adding up, and it was because of Mikey, he was sure of it. Afterall, Donnie hadn’t avoided looking at Raph like that.

April and Casey arrived shortly after, although Mikey wasn’t entirely sure how long it had been since Donnie had left to speak with sensei. He’d been watching Crognard, but he hadn’t been truly processing the show, too concerned about the Donnie situation.

“We brought pizza!” Casey shouted, leaning the boxed on the back of the couch as the three present brothers stood up to greet their friends.

“Hi, guys,” April waved. “Where’s Donnie?”

“Talking with Master Splinter,” Leo said, but before he could get further, Donnie and their sensei walked into the room.

Donnie smiled. “Hey, April! And Casey. I heard you brought pizza?” He walked over and took a slice out of the top box, biting into it immediately.

It was fake.

Mikey couldn’t explain how he could tell, but Donnie’s smile was fake. His words were fake. His whole attitude was fake, and whatever was bothering him before was clearly still an issue. He was just trying to hide it now.

Everyone gathered in the kitchen, sitting and passing around slices as April and Casey shared about their days. It seemed like any other afternoon in the Hamato home, but Donnie still wouldn’t even look in Mikey’s direction.

When April mentioned something about biology, Leo’s eyes widened slightly and he looked over at Donnie. “That reminds me, Don, how did the DNA project go?”

Donnie immediately stiffened, but seemed to force himself to relax, shifting in his seat in a way that he tried to pretend was simply finding a more comfortable position, but was clearly an attempt to hide his discomfort.

“Ah, well, you see…”

“Did something go wrong?” Mikey asked, trying to make his words sound as sympathetic as possible. Clearly Donnie wasn’t having a good time, no matter what was going on, and maybe if Mikey made it clear that he’d be supported if something had gone wrong was what he needed in order to share what happened.

But Donnie shook his head. “Uh, no, actually th-the testing went perfectly! It was very informative, although I don’t know i-if any of you w-would think it’s interesting—”

“Cut the bullshit, Donnie,” Raph said sharply. “Which one of us is dying?”

Donnie’s eyes went wide. “What? No, no, nobody’s dying! Why did—what, why would you…?”

“Then what’s so messed up about those DNA samples, huh?” Raph demanded, volume rising. “Y’know, maybe we aren’t geniuses like you are, but we aren’t idiots! We know there’s something wrong that you’re not telling us!”

“N-nothing’s wrong!” Donnie insisted, voice rising to match Raph’s. “All of the samples suggested peak health, despite the fact that we’ve spent our whole lives in the sewers, which is actually quite remarkable when you think about—”

“Then what is wrong, Donnie?! If it’s not the DNA, what is it?!”

“I’m telling you, Raph, there’s nothing—”

“Oh, don’t give me that—”

“Why won’t you listen! Everything’s—”

“It’s me,” Mikey said softly, but the arguing continued over him, Leo, April and Casey not seeming to notice he’d said anything, let alone Raph or Donnie.

“You always do this shit! You act like you’re better—”

“Maybe there’s some things you don’t need to know! Have you ever considered—”

“GUYS!”

All eyes were suddenly on Mikey, his outburst startling the whole group. He didn’t want the attention now, the eyes on him seeming to burn into his skin.

Especially Donnie’s.

“It’s me, isn’t it?” he asked in a small voice, looking directly at Donnie. “There’s something wrong, or-or different, about me. Right?”

Donnie looked like he’d been slapped. He took a deep breath and looked around the table, frowning slightly when he saw April and Casey. “Um. April, Casey… thank you for the pizza, but I think this is a personal conversation between us…” He trailed off awkwardly, rubbing his left arm with his right hand.

April nodded and stood up, gently tugging Casey to his feet as well. “We’ll come back tomorrow, okay?”

“Sorry,” Donnie said, looking the most awkward Mikey had ever seen him, which was saying something, since most of his interactions with April were almost painful to watch. Everyone shifted awkwardly as the two humans left, and as soon as they were likely to be out of earshot, Donnie slumped forward.

There was ringing in Mikey’s ears. He didn’t know where it was coming from. All he knew was that he’d been right: something was wrong with him, something serious enough that Donnie didn’t think April and Casey needed to know. His heart felt like it was trying to push its way out of his plastron and his lungs felt like they were being squeezed. They were like water balloons filled too far, and the slightest bit of pressure could cause them to burst. He was still in the kitchen, seated at the table with his brothers, but everything felt a little bit fuzzy. Had he fallen asleep? Was he simply dreaming that he was here, waiting a million seconds for Donnie to speak again?

An arm was suddenly around his shell, the comforting weight bringing him back to his senses a little bit. Leo had slid his chair closer to him, although Mikey couldn’t remember when he’d done so.

He was glad that his big brother was there to comfort him.

“Alright, Donnie,” Leo said, his voice low, almost as if they were discussing something forbidden, something that shouldn’t be said aloud. “Now will you tell us what’s wrong?”

Donnie bit his lip and hesitated, but let out a sigh and began speaking slowly. “There’s nothing wrong, per se. No one’s sick or… or dying, everyone’s perfectly healthy, and I expect us all to stay that way.”

“You already said—” Raph tried to say, but Leo held up a hand, cutting him off.

“Go on, Donnie,” Leo encouraged.

Donnie took a deep breath before he continued. “I was mostly hoping to find any potential health risks in our DNA by studying in it, although I must admit that a part of me was simply excited for the fun of it… Uh, the thing is, there was something I found out that…” He paused, seeming to collect his thoughts. “Honestly, it shouldn’t mean anything. It isn’t something that impacts any of our lives, it’s just…” He looked between Raph and Leo, then let his gaze fall to Mikey, before returning to the elder two. “Before we were mutated, not all of us were related. Bio-biologically, I mean. Leo and Raph, the two of you must have come from the same pair of turtles. Mikey and I… we both had different turtle parents.

“That’s not all,” he continued when Raph opened his mouth again, seemingly prepared to cut Donnie off again. “When we were—I mean, well… when anyone or anything is mutated, the mutagen locks onto the DNA of the last living being that the mutated organism came into contact with. For example, April’s dad had been swatting at bats before he was mutated, erm, the first time.” He paused again, taking another deep breath. “I had assumed… reasonably, I would say, that the four of us all obtained our human DNA from Master Splinter. A-and that’s—that’s almost true, but—”

“But I’m different?” Mikey asked, whispered, really. It felt like the water balloons that had replaced his lungs had finally burst, icy water flooding his insides.

Donnie just gave a small nod.

“How, though? Where would it have come from?” Leo was saying, but Mikey wasn’t really listening. It was hard to hear over the rushing water in his ears.

“I’m not certain, but if I had to theorize, it was likely a pet store employee, or perhaps another customer…”

“Why only Mikey, though?”

“I’m not sure, Raph, although it’s possible…”

The words faded away as his brothers—no, wait, they weren’t brothers, were they? —continued speaking around him. He needed… he needed… he wasn’t sure. All he knew was that the cold water inside him felt bad, felt wrong, he needed to do something.

He was standing before he realized he had even moved at all, breathing heavily and leaning against the table, palms flat on the slightly messy surface, lightly coated in crumbs and pizza grease.

“Mikey?” Leo asked gently, and he turned to face his older—no, not brother—the… elder turtle. “Are you okay?”

He blinked a couple of times. Why was he being asked that…? “Uh, yeah, I’m fine! Ha ha, I just got a little bit dizzy!” He pleaded for them to accept it, not to interrogate him. He couldn’t handle that right now…

“Mikey,” Donnie spoke up, “You know this doesn’t change anything, right? The DNA results don’t mean that you’re not still our brother.”

Then why couldn’t Donnie meet his eye earlier? Instead of voicing that thought out loud, he plastered a smile on his face. “Don’t worry, Dee, I know! Jeez, and you had us all worried that you were gonna announce that we were all gonna die tomorrow or something. Psh.”

His brothers exchanged a look that he didn’t know how to decipher, and then Leo’s hand was on his shoulder. “Look, Mikey…”

He casually shrugged the hand off. “No need to worry, bro! I think I’m gonna go read some comics, though.” He picked up his plate, which still had two slices of pizza. Technically, food wasn’t allowed in their rooms, but that rule had never been enforced as much as it probably should have, and none of his broth—the others made any move to prevent him from doing so.

As soon as he was out of sight, he let the smile drop, his shoulders sagging. He honestly had no idea how he felt. It was as if the freezing water that had been inside of him had warmed up to a neutral temperature, but was still sloshing around, making him feel unbalanced.

Before he was out of earshot, he caught a comment from Leo that clearly hadn’t been meant for his ears. “Give him some time,” the leader’s tone carried out from the kitchen. “He probably needs time to process things, and then he’ll be himself again.”

He didn’t wait to hear what Donnie or Raph might have to say to that. He didn’t want to know. He couldn’t face it, not now. So he rushed to his room and closed the door quickly, abandoning his plate on a shelf before collapsing on his bed.

He didn’t feel like reading comics. He probably wouldn’t be able to, anyway, with the tears blurring his vision.

===

The next few days passed normally, for the most part. Mikey pretended like he wasn’t more aware of every mistake he made during training, how he couldn’t keep up with the other three, and it seemed his supposed improvements lately had just been a fluke. He pretended that he didn’t notice the looks his brothers the other turtles would send his way when they thought he wasn’t paying attention, how their eyes were full of concern even when their mouths were pulled into unwavering smiles. He pretended it didn’t sting a little more than usual when they were scouting out a new Kraang facility and Mikey was told no less than four times to not touch anything.

Everything was normal. Everything was fine.

And Mikey wasn’t going to do anything to give his—the family any reason to decide he wasn’t worth the effort anymore.

So, he smiled during the day, doing his best to not act any different from before. And if he’d toned down the pranks immensely, or not fought for the last slice of pizza, or gave up TV privileges to the others more easily, what did it matter? He needed to be less annoying anyway.

And if he went to bed earlier than normal, no one had to know that it was because he couldn’t handle being around the rest of them any longer, couldn’t keep up his act. His nights were spent restlessly, his mind plagued with worries about what he would do when everyone got sick of him and he could no longer call the lair his home.

The Mutanimals would likely let him stay for a few nights, but he couldn’t ask them to house him permanently. April would also let him stay temporarily, but staying in a human apartment for a longer amount of time would be too dangerous. Casey wasn’t an option; Mikey knew his home life wasn’t good to begin with, and doubted his dad would be accepting of a giant talking turtle asking to crash there for a while.

He could always hide away at the farmhouse, but he had no way of getting there on his own. Plus, if any of the others decided to visit, they’d find him. That wasn’t an option.

He decided that the best course of action would be to find a suitable part of the sewers on the opposite side of the city to hide in. That way he’d be out of his the brother’s shells, but would be close enough that he didn’t have to worry about moving his stuff too far.

If they let him take it with him.

He rolled over and pulled his blankets tighter around himself, begging his body to finally give in and pull him into unconsciousness. It was almost 9 am; they were expected to be up at noon due to their mostly nocturnal lifestyle. He needed the three hours of sleep he could still potentially get, but it didn’t seem like it was going to happen.

Groaning, he pushed himself out of bed and let the blankets fall in a messy pile on the mattress. Maybe getting some water would help his mind calm down enough to sleep.

Of course, it wasn’t that simple.

Donnie was in the kitchen, facing the wall where the coffee maker was positioned on the countertop. He turned around, mug in hand, and proceeded to spill it all over himself when he jumped at the sight of Mikey, clearly not expecting anyone else this late at night.

“Mikey!” he shouted, and then hissed, dropping the mug and shaking his burned hand. They both winced when the mug shattered as it hit the ground, and Donnie jumped back, trying to avoid the broken shards of ceramic that now littered the ground.

No, no, no, this wasn’t supposed to happen. This was bad. This was so bad!

He knew he should be checking on Donnie to make sure he wasn’t badly hurt, but Mikey felt like he couldn’t breathe. He ran from the room, trying to remember how to make his plastron rise and fall as he took in air, suffocating on nothing. He stumbled back to his bedroom and collapsed on the mattress, fumbling with the messy blankets he’d only just abandoned until they were wrapped tight around himself and pulled over his head.

His whole body was shaking as he sobbed, tears wetting the blankets and his pillows as he pulled his limbs into his shell, wanting to disappear. He’d gotten Donnie hurt and caused him to break a mug. If they hadn’t already decided to get rid of him, this was sure to seal his fate.

It couldn’t happen so soon, though! It had only been four days since they’d all learned the truth, he hadn’t had enough time to prepare! He wasn’t ready to lose the only family he’d ever known, to say goodbye to the people who he’d loved with all his heart, and had loved him in return.

The tears fell harder, his eyes stinging, the sobs growing uncontrollable, and he wailed.

“Mikey? Mikey?” He barely registered a voice as he pulled his head into his shell as well, not wanting to face whoever it was, not ready to lose everything. If he hid, maybe he could keep his life a little bit longer, maybe he could pretend it wasn’t all falling apart.

There was a pressure on his carapace, and he shuddered, unable to flinch away from the contact. It began rubbing small circles into his back, and the same voice spoke again. “Mikey, I’m okay. I wasn’t badly burned, and I didn’t get hurt by the mug,” came Donnie’s voice, but surely that wasn’t right. Where was the anger?

Donnie wouldn’t get mad at you for spooking him, a voice said, and he was tempted to believe it, but that was before Donnie knew the truth.

And Donnie was a scientist. If any of them were going to reject Mikey first, it made sense that it would be him.

So why was he here, rubbing Mikey’s shell in that comforting yet awkward way, with just a little bit of hesitancy that Mikey wasn’t sure Donnie noticed in his own motions? Donnie wasn’t good at comfort—although he was better than Raph—but when he tried to offer it, this was how it always went. Those uncertain motions, the calm statement of facts.

He managed to slow his sobbing to a controllable degree and poked his head back out of his shell, still wary that he’d been deceived somehow… but Donnie wouldn’t do that, would he? Donnie was a lot of things, but cruel was not one of them.

And he wanted to make sure Donnie really was okay.

His big brother the older turtle’s eyes lit up almost imperceptibly when Mikey looked up at him, and the first genuine smile Mikey had seen from any of them since they found out the truth appeared on Donnie’s face, even if it was small.

“I’m okay, see?” Donnie repeated, then held out his arm for Mikey to examine. He pulled one of his own arms out of his shell to carefully observe Donnie’s hand, which seemed slightly swelled and irritated, but far from the worst injury any of them had ever received. “It’s first-degree. I’ve gotten burned worse working on Metalhead,” Donnie assured him, and gently patted Mikey on his head as his tears were finally slowing and his lungs learned how to function once more.

“Sorry,” Mikey said in a small voice, wincing as he braced for Donnie’s next words.

“Mikey, you didn’t do anything wrong. I was just startled because no one else is usually awake around this time.” Donnie frowned as he seemed to remember something. “Speaking of that, is there a reason why you got up?”

Mikey didn’t want to admit the truth, didn’t want anyone knowing about his fears and his plans.

Why not? A voice in his head asked, and he didn’t have an answer for it.

“Had a bad dream,” he mumbled instead, looking away from Donnie as he eased the rest of his limbs back out of his shell.

Donnie gave him a look of sympathy. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Mikey shook his head.

“Was… was it about the DNA thing? Because if so—”

“I’m tired,” Mikey cut him off, not wanting him to continue whatever he was going to say. “I wanna try to get a little bit of sleep before training tomorrow.”

Donnie looked dissatisfied, but Mikey couldn’t bring himself to care when Donnie dropped the subject and stood up from where he had sat on the edge of Mikey’s bed. “Alright… but you can talk to me, okay?”

Mikey answered with a half-nod, half-shrug before shifting his blankets so they were more comfortable and placed his head on his pillow. He really was exhausted, and he felt his eyes closing heavily, feeling sticky from the now drying tears on his face.

He heard Donnie move towards his door, but the elder turtle paused before leaving. After a few seconds, Mikey was about to open his eyes and ask if Donnie needed anything, but the other turtle spoke up before he had a chance, his voice soft. “Love you, Mikey.”

Then he was alone in his room again, and he let himself be pulled into the darkness of sleep.

[pcttrailsidereader]

small WORLD

I can't seem to ignore a book about the Pacific Crest Trail. I don't see all of them much less read all of them. I was visiting a friend and on the way out the door to go home I noticed he had a book about, you guessed it, the PCT. This particular book is titled 'Walking Home'. We posted an excerpt from it a few weeks back.

As you may have read in the intro to that post or may remember the author, Rick Rogers was not exactly a stranger to me. I had met him a few years ago walking a section in the Mojave. After reading his book I got in touch with him as he just happens to live not far from me in northwest Washington.

We agreed to meet up for (what else?) a walk. The conversation came easily. As we got reacquainted Rick told me he would be leaving for England in a few short days with his teenage son and Rick's non hiking sister to walk the Southwest Coast Path in southwest England. I have walked short portions of that trail and it can be spectacular. My enthusiasm for Rick's next hike was high for many reasons. The first one was my family and I lived in southwest England a while back and we love the area. We also made some very good friends there who we maintain a solid connection with even today.

I offered to put Rick in contact with a couple I know there who have walked the entire Southwest Coast Path and would be perfect resources for him. After I returned home from my walk with Rick I called my friends Duncan and Sandy. I gave them a soft sell..."what would you think...? This person I recently met may contact you...I don't know if he will...If he does, he may need a ride to the start of his walk...what do you think? " True to form Sandy and Duncan were more than agreeable. Over the years we have known each other they have listened to me sharing many PCT stories and read a few too. They were tickled to find themselves in the role of trail angels quite a ways from the PCT. I passed their response back to Rick and let the cards fall wherever they might.

About a week or so later I heard from Duncan. Yes, Rick had contacted them. Yes he and Sandy picked up Rick and his party at the train station and brought them to their house for lunch. Yes they had even made a short stop to grab some last minute supplies in town before heading off to Minehead where they would begin their journey. Amazing but not surprising. This was an example of 'trail magic' at least once removed...

Off Rick, his sister, and son headed west and Duncan and Sandy returned home. In a few weeks they would be heading to Calgary for a summer holiday that would bring them to us in Washington. The connection that came together was a marvel to me. I couldn't wait to hear more about their experience with Rick and his family. But wait! There is more!

Duncan and Sandy came to us via the train from Vancouver BC. I was anxiously awaiting them on the platform as the train pulled in. The first people off the train were a woman with a smallish backpack and a teenager also carrying a backpack. Not an unusual sight around here in the summer especially. Next off were Sandy and Duncan. Duncan was pointing wildly at the two people who just disembarked from the train. I didn't quite understand. "This is Rick's family!" he exclaimed. I couldn't believe it. Rick had continued on the Coast Path as planned and these two had come back home after a few weeks walking via Vancouver as planned. Unplanned was the rendezvous with Sandy and Duncan in the Vancouver train station and the animated conversation on the train south.

The story of me reading Rick's book, our meeting, drafting a potential contact, having the contact more than work out, then meeting up on the train nearly has brought this story full circle. My dear friend Jim Peacock refers to these kind of events as happenstance. Others might call it kismet. While still others might just refer to it all as a form of trail magic. Whatever you call it it is a reminder of how small connections can shrink a big world. Those connections are heartwarming in the least. Heartening for sure while helping me see how small this world really is. Now to complete the circle I am waiting for Rick to return home so he can tell me the rest of the story.

[taran-chan]

on a Wednesday, in a cafe (chapter 27)

Read on AO3

sunday lunchbox: croquettes, bingsu & fruit tarts

“I told you so,” Gil grins smugly.

“I didn’t think the rain would actually stop,” Thena admits.

“Ye of little faith,” he teases, rubbing his morning stubble against her cheek. Thena pays back by pinching his round cheeks, narrowing her eyes at the three sunny dolls swinging back and forth to the wind on his balcony.

“You dark wizard,” she mutters.

It rained heavily last night and didn’t let up long after they went to bed. Everyone thinks the Sports Event is tanked. In a last desperate effort, Gil tried to make a new sunny doll. Thena took interest in that so she put her book down and joined him. They made two dolls, and Gil brought his old one out as well and hung them all outside. When they wake up in the morning, it’s like the rain never happened.

“Do they only pray for sunny weather? Can they make it rain?”

“Sure, just hang them upside down. Why? You’re planning on praying for rain at some point?”

“Just asking,” she shrugs, locking her eyes with his, “Maybe I’ll use them when I want to share an umbrella with you.”

She bets her face is as red as his right now, but she couldn’t care less because this is the second time in three days that words escape him. It’s usually the other way around. She holds his face with both hands, rewarding herself by kissing him in a way that makes him moan and press her against the balcony, but his caring nature doesn’t forget to squeeze an arm between the railing and her lower back. When they pull back at the same time to catch their breaths, a silver string connects their lips.

After breakfast, Gil uses the shop’s kitchen to make their lunchboxes. Thena sits across from him at the kitchen counter and impatiently waits for her ride. She wants to lend Gil her car so he won’t have to take the crowded bus, and Ajak and Makkari have already gone with Sprite to school since early to support her, so naturally Thena will stick with Sersi, who’s nowhere to be seen.

15 minutes after their scheduled time, she hears a car horn from the backyard and spots Sersi waving at her over the fence.

“Wait, wait,” Gil calls out when she’s about to run outside, “Bring this with you. It’s hot out there.”

He gives her a bottle of iced pomegranate juice.

“When did you make this?” She asks in surprise. How does he find time to make a juice bottle between cooking breakfast AND lunch, she has no idea. He shrugs like it’s nothing.

“I always have time for you, Thena. Now go, I’ll be there before the relay race.”

“This is not fair, I was in the lead this morning,” she grumbles, shoving the bottle into her bag.

“What?”

“Nothing,” she huffs, kissing his cheek goodbye.

★

“Sorry I’m late!” Sersi exclaims and gives Thena a big hug when she comes close enough, “My car is broken so we had to go back to Steven’s house to get his car.”

“Where’s Ikaris? And Kingo?”

“Ikaris went to Kingo’s to try some of his new games, apparently they played all night and now they’re beaten. Just me and Steven.”

From the driver seat, the curly-haired guy nods at Thena shyly.

“That’s fine, let’s get going,” she nods back, “Ajak is nagging in our groupchat.”

Sersi gets into the passenger seat and Thena slides into the back seat. The first thing she notices is a blue hippopotamus plushie sitting next to her. It wears something like a golden tiara. As if Steven sees the way she’s looking at it funny, he starts to explain.

“It’s a present from one of my students.”

Thena just raises an eyebrow, still her fingers subtly playing with the hippo’s ears.

“You’re going to the Sport Events as well?” She asks.

“More like I’m there for the play. Hadestown?”

“He loves everything about history and mythology,” Sersi says, “He’s a history teacher.”

“You would get along with Sprite,” Thena observes.

“Nah, I’ve met her a few times and she has that intimidating aura, I’m afraid I might get bullied by a sophomore student,” Steven’s answer makes the two women chuckle.

He pulls over at the school entrance and Sersi immediately leans out the window to wave at someone. A few seconds later, Makkari runs to their car. She nearly stomps her feet in annoyance as she madly signs at them.

The second half of the game has already started! Do you know what time it is?

“Car problems,” Thena replies while Sersi hugs Makkari to apologize like she did with Thena.

Anyways, glad you guys made it. Let’s go! The competition takes place in the gymnasiums so we’ve got to run.

“I’ll go and park my car, see you in there,” Steven says.

Do you know the way?

“Yeah, no worries,” he signs back, “But save me a seat!” He shouts after Sersi. She’s been dragged away like a kite by Makkari.

“Alright,” Thena replies on behalf of her friends and follows them.

Ajak is sitting on the nearest bench to the floor, anxiously checking her watch and looking over to Sprite, who’s discussing strategies with her teammates. She competes in singles with a senior student and has won the first round, but she’s terribly distracted in the second. She’s losing and Ajak can’t help but think that telling Makkari to wait for the others outside is a mistake. It’s likely that Sprite’s spirit is down because they haven’t shown up yet, so the woman exhales a big sigh in relief when Sersi got dragged into the room by Makkari, and Thena is right behind them. She gets Sprite’s attention and points at the doorway. Her eyes follow the direction of her finger and widen. She practically throws herself at them, thankfully Sersi opens her arms to catch her just in time.

“I thought you weren’t going to come.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Thena snorts, still the blonde woman hugs her hello and rubs her head affectionately, “Sersi’s car is broken and we had to ask Mr. Grant for a ride. And Gilgamesh will be here later for your relay race.”

How’s the game? Makkari asks.

“The senior team is ahead now, 14-10,” she grumbles.

“That doesn’t sound like you,” Thena states.

“Yeah, I wasn’t myself in the last 15 minutes, thanks to some people,” Sprite narrows her eyes at them, and puts her racket on her shoulder, “But keep your eyes open and watch me win.”

That’s our girl! Makkari signs, then gives the girl her fiercest thumbs up, But if you lose, we’re still very proud of you.

“Thanks, but if I lost this round, I’d have to go for a third round. And I’m not going to let that happen.”

“Break a leg,” Sersi high-fives with her, but hastily calls after her as she turns away and runs back to her teammates, “And I didn’t mean breaking bones literally!”

They slide across the bench to where Ajak is sitting. She has saved their seats by spreading Sprite’s stuff and Makkari’s tart basket on the bench. There aren’t that many people watching anyway, most of them are on the football field to see the obstacle race for the freshmen.

The game continues. They nervously observe Sprite swinging her racket time and time again. Ajak shouts her encouragement while Sersi and Makkari are raising a banner they borrowed from Sprite’s classmates. Thena records the game with her phone so she can show Gil later, however Steven comes forward and offers to take over if she wants to join and cheer for Sprite, which of course she does. This time, the girl is able to pull up her scores to a tie. But what decides the final result happens when she’s waiting for her component to serve, Sersi yells louder than everyone else, “Com on, Sprite! If you lose, there will be a third round!”

Right after that, her attack moves become more aggressive and she scores exactly 5 seconds before the timeout bell buzzes. Ajak is so happy she has tears in her eyes, and Steven forgets his recording mission, jumping up and down frantically, his arms (still holding Thena’s phone) waving around in the air.

Sprite is drowned in a group hug from her teammates. She notices Ajak and the others are approaching and detaches herself. Thena smiles when she catches her words, telling her friends, “My family is over there,” and runs towards them.

They have half an hour to rest and get Sprite ready for the relay race, and after that is the 100 meters race for the parents, also the final competition of the event. They move to the football field. There are many students on the field already, wearing sports uniforms and gathering in large groups. The cheerleaders are doing cartwheels on the grass, despite the heat.

Sprite leads them into a temporary tent, which is already occupied by some other parents. There’s a table with water bottles and plastic hand fans with the school’s mascot. She quickly falls into a selfie spree with Makkari at a corner of the tent, while Sersi convinces Steven to stick with the group and join them for lunch.

“Is it really no trouble?” He keeps asking, “Gilgamesh gave us so many coupons, and you guys have been great customers to our family’s restaurant.”

“It’s all a fair trade, Steven,” Ajak smiles softly, “Besides, Gil always cooks a look, if you don’t join us, there will be leftovers.”

Thena listens to their conversation, wondering what Gil is cooking for today’s lunch. Back at the shop, she saw him preparing pork and scallops, with a lot of potatoes but she forgot to ask. She looks over to the football field’s entrance, her eyes scan the crowd and her lips quirk after a few seconds, “Finally.”

Gil is carrying a large icebox on his shoulder, looking up and down the area. She steps out of the shade and raises her arm. She can see his smile when he spots her and speeds up. She’s so busy staring at him that she almost misses Druig, who’s walking behind the chef with a picnic basket similar to Makkari’s, on his back is a black backpack. Druig is frowning all the way under the sun but his scowl fades the moment he reaches the tent, just because Makkari is waving at him.

“Take off your jacket, Druig, you’ll boil yourself with that black leather,” Ajak reminds him but he ignores her. He pulls Makkari into a big, long hug then signs at her.

“How's my beautiful, beautiful Makkari?”

Thena rolls her eyes, turning her attention back to her partner instead. He puts the icebox down and wipes his forehead with the back of his hand. Sprite is sniffing the basket on the table, “This smells good. What’s in here? Some kind of fried food?”

Her hand is about to lift the lid but Gil quickly blocks it.

“Not so fast, you’ll earn it by winning first place,” he says sternly.

“Hey, don’t put pressure on my daughter!” Ajak scolds.

“It’s fine, I’ll show him,” Sprite says confidently, but then her eyes narrow, “By the way, I won first place in the badminton game. Medals and everything.”

“Then you can take a cup,” Gil grins proudly at the girl.

“A cup of what?”

He squats down to open the icebox, and they gasp excitedly. Among blocks of ice are a dozen colourful bingsu cups the size of a large drink. There are at least 3 different flavours. Sprite shoves her arm into the box and grabs a cup with strawberry sauce and big slices of bright red strawberries. Thena picks her beloved chocolate-flavour cup and Gil hands her a plastic spoon. She scoops up a spoon that has everything: shaved ice, chocolate sauce and chocolate chips. The smooth shaved ice turns out isn’t water, it’s iced milk, bringing a light creamy and sweet taste, so cold that several of them got brain freeze. Thick chocolate sauce enhances the sweetness, balancing with the bittersweet chocolate chips. In each of their cups, Gil has put a couple of pirouette cookies on top.

“You made all of this alone?” Thena asks. He’s holding a mango bingsu cup, it has both mango jam and fresh mango. He’s shaking his head, to answer her but also to chase away his brain freeze.

“I got a little help,” he says eventually, nodding at Druig. Makkari is teasing him by pretending to feed him bingsu from her cup, only to turn her spoon around and into her mouth at the last second, smiling smugly.

“What’s in here though?”

“Why? Are you hungry?”

She shrugs, “Just wondering if it’s what I think it is.”

“What are you thinking about?”

“If I remember correctly,” her forefinger draws circles on the back of his hand teasingly, “A few days ago I mentioned that I’d been craving for a fried dish, which you can make with potatoes, meat, and seafood.”

“Something that would make Kingo regret so, so much for not coming here today?” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.

“Exactly,” she laughs.

Just then, the president of the student council announces that the relay race is about to begin. Sprite pushes her half-eaten bingsu into Gil’s hand, “Hold this!” before dashing to her team’s gathering spot. She’s the fourth runner, also the last one.

“The mushroom is the finishing one?” Druig walks up to them, “That’s ought to be fun.”

Don’t underestimate her, she’s been practicing with me every morning, Makkari warns.

“Really? She didn’t work this hard last year,” Gil says, “It’s not that she needs to anyway.”

“She said she had to secure her victory, because Thena would be there to watch her,” Ajak smiles, touching Thena’s arm, “She really admires you.”

“It’s hard to imagine I’m someone’s role model,” she shakes her head, but a smile threatens to bloom on her lips as she looks at Sprite from across the football field. She can’t help it.

“Oh, I beg to differ,” Gil snorts, tucking a few strands behind her ear, “You’re one big important part of us.”

She returns his smile fully and he lowers his head to kiss her on the cheek as if to prove it further. Only seconds before the starting shot rings out and the field erupts in cheers, she catches Druig’s eyes. His expression is almost apologetic and at that moment, her heart sinks. She has a bad feeling about it.

★

Druig is waiting for her when she’s heading out of the restroom. The race is over and Sprite has preserved her championship. The parent’s race will take place at 2 pm, one hour from now, and the play will start at 5 pm. The rest of them are gathering on the ground behind the gymnasiums, where there are a lot of trees and shade to hide from the sun. They’re about to have lunch.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” He asks. There it is. There’s that apologetic look again. Uneasy feelings plague her, but she nods nonetheless. They walk to a secluded corner of the equipment storage. Druig opens his backpack and takes out a folder. Its size looks like a bad omen, and he confirms that with his following words.

“I wish there was another way, but I really need your help.”

He passes the folder of the case to her and starts to explain. It takes a few moments before she can understand what he’s saying. The more she stares and those words, the harder it becomes for her to breathe. Same circumstances, same type of victims.

“No!” She almost screams when Druig mentions “consultant” and “go back to the city”.

“Thena, please consider it,” Druig raises his hands up in an effort to calm her, pleading, “You won’t have to stand on court, I’ll take care of that. All you have to do is research and work this case with me.”

“Why me?” She demands, her voice low because of her repressed anger.

“You’re the only one who’s qualified enough for this,” he says, and at her bitter scoff, he adds, “The only one that I trust. Plus, despite what happened after that, you won the last case.”

She feels her panic rise up to her throat, choking her. Goddess of War. Victory after victory. She was too confident, nearly arrogant, and it was her downfall.

“Yes, a pathetic win,” she grits her teeth, “You weren’t there. You don’t know how chaotic that day truly was.”

“That’s why I need you! We can learn from it and work together so that it won’t repeat.”

At her deathly silence, he sighs, rubbing his face and avoiding her eyes.

“You know, I’ve always wondered, what would have happened if I had reached out that time and asked my boss to let us work together on that one,” he confesses, “It could have been different if I had carried some of the burdens for you. I understand that you don’t want to have anything to do with it. But at least consider it for a few days before you answer, okay? As a favor for me?”

Thena closes her eyes, her shoulders slump.

“If you had asked to be my partner at the time, my damn pride would have refused. I don’t blame you, honest. If you did anything differently, I might never be able to come back here and meet him,” her voice softens as she tries to breathe deeply, imagining the sound of Gil’s breathing. What happened cannot be undone. But if she refused, would she regret it later? What if this time will be different?

“How long do you think this is going to take?”

“A few weeks, a few months at most,” Drugs says quickly. He doesn’t dare to hope but is still glad because Thena wants to know more.

“I still have my current job.”

“We’re going to get in touch with your superiors and make arrangements. When the case is over, you can come back and continue to work.”

He tries to reassure her that everything would be exactly the same when she returns, but deep down he knows that’s not the biggest obstacle to overcome. Not even close. He isn’t blind, of course he’s seen how Thena and Gilgamesh are inseparable in the time he knows them, from the day he first found her in his shop, to the day they officially…together, till now. Forcing Thena to part from Gil, maybe for months, feels like stepping over the line, and wrong. He pretends he didn’t see her wipe away a frustrated tear on her face. She’s probably thinking about it too.

“When is the deadline to respond?” She asks.

“The end of next week, at most,” he swallows, “We have some paperwork to deal with so the arraignment will take place in the second week of July.”

She balls her hands into fists. Too soon.

“Look, I’ll sleep on it and get back to you soon,” she puts on her steadiest voice, “I promise. But you can’t say anything to everyone else. Especially Gil. If I decided to go, at least let me tell him.”

Druig nods, “Alright. I won’t tell anyone until you make your decision.”

Thena gives back the folder and they go in search of the others.

★

“There they are!” Sersi exclaims. All of them, including Steven, is standing under a large tree.

Hurry up, you two! We’re starving! Makkari’s exaggerated gestures can be seen from far away.

“Sorry,” Druig calls out as they climb up the small slope, “The school is too big, I was lost and Thena found me.”

“Are you okay?” Gil asks worriedly, his eyes fixed on her, “ You look pale.”

“I’m fine,” she swallows the big lump in her throat, “It’s so hot, I got a bit dizzy.”

“Come here,” Gil steps closer, taking off his cap and putting it over her head, “I’ll get you a drink. Then we should eat the croquettes before they become soggy.”

“Good idea,” she clings to his arm. She doesn’t want to think about Druig’s offer just yet, at least not now.

Thena picks one in more than two dozen croquettes. From the outside, it’s impossible to see which ones have pork and potato filling and which ones are scallops and mushroom, like Gil said there are. All are shaped into thick oval pieces, with a crispy yellow breadcrumbs coat. Only one way to find out. She takes a bite. The potato layer cools down enough but the ground pork stir-fried with caramel onions inside releases steam when it’s revealed. It’s perfectly seasoned and tasty as is without any sauce, but Gil made his famous tartar sauce and brought a bottle of salsa so she can’t say no to them either. The scallop and mushroom croquettes are creamy and melt right on the tip of her tongue. For some reason, it keeps the heat inside better than potatoes, so their mouths are burning up from taking a bite too big. However, Gil has the coleslaw ready. Just shredded cabbages and carrots, with some sweet pickle and corn, all mixed with mayonnaise and some other seasonings, but when served on a hot summer day, it’s addicting.

They have Makkari’s colourful tarts and Gil’s last bingsu cups for dessert. While the others are fighting for berries tarts or mango tarts, Steven just adores the lemon tarts. He looks so happy eating them that everyone gives him all of the sweet-and-sour tarts.

When they’re cleaning up the trash, they hear the announcement of the school’s speaker that the 100 meters race for parents is about to begin in 10 minutes, and the contestants should move to the starting line.

You’re going to win! Makkari is giving Ajak a pep talk, You’ve been running every morning with me and Sprite.

“Come on, you can do this,” Sprite adds, “You even purchased a new pair of shoes for the occasion.”

Ajak still looks pretty nervous, until Gil steps in front of her, patting her shoulders and says, “Just keep calm, no pressure, third place is good enough.”

Ajak pokes a finger at his chest, “I'll shove that 3rd place of yours where the sun don't shine. Let’s go, Sprite, Makkari!”

She leads the group toward the football field, ignoring how Sersi is patting Thena’s back, who’s having a coughing fit because she’s choked on water at Ajak’s reply. Druig only stares at Gil, he looks almost impressed. The chef rubs his hands together, picking up the icebox and the picnic baskets, his shit-eating grin never leaves his face.

“Works like a charm.”

They regroup at the tent. Sprite is pleading with Ajak while the older woman is tying her shoelaces.

“Do me a favor. If you win first place, please don’t embarrass me?”

Ajak straightens and puts her arm around Sprite's shoulders, her daughter is almost taller than she is but she pulls her close and stands on her tiptoes to kiss the top of her head.

“My dear girl, I will definitely embarrass you,” she smiles her warmest smile before taking her position. And embarrass her she does, with a gold medal no less. Well, it’s not like Sprite is expecting something else.

★

After the race, they watch the ending performance by the cheerleaders, and the head of the student council announces which year won the most competitions, then they’re going to release balloons with that year’s colour to the sky. Freshman year has blue balloons, sophomore year: yellow and senior year is red. It’s obvious that Sprite’s medals help the sky above the football field filled with yellow balloons. The whole time, Thena’s like a sleepwalker. Everything around her seems unreal and blurry. It’s not until they all enter the packed hall, sending words of encouragement to Sprite before taking their seats, that she is able to ground herself and everything stills again. That’s when Gilgamesh laces their fingers together in the dark.

She also realizes that she’s been subconsciously reviewing what she has done the last time, and what could be changed. If she has to be honest with herself, she’s already known what her choice will be all along, since Druig gave her that offer; she just doesn’t want to accept the fact that she has to leave her home and go back to where she has picked up what’s left of her and ran away. She thinks about Ajak’s words, how Sprite admires her. That 16-year-old girl, who not only won two sports competitions today, but also standing nervously backstage when her family watches the musical that she directs, what would she think if she found out the person she admires so much refuses to help a friend of theirs because she’s afraid that she might fail?

She squeezes Gil’s hand and he puts his head on her shoulder. His breaths are even, she doesn’t have to look to know that he’s nodding off, despite the loud and upbeat music. His hand is so warm, fitting with hers like two perfect pieces of a puzzle. Something twists in her chest; This is what she has to leave behind? She drops a kiss on his hair, then leans her cheek against his head, feeling all the more broken when it occurs to her that he’s the only one in this room who would see that she’s not okay, even if he just woke up, even when they’re in the dark. How is she going to tell him?

[ihateoc]

Ghost

(word count: 2,857) (a mission brings back a ghost from xavia's past)

Dusk and Xavia find themselves before their boss, Aurelius, in his lavish study as he outlines their next assignment, "This upcoming mission promises excitement," He begins with a gleam in his eye, "There's a sword I'm after. It's currently being displayed at the state fair which gives us a great opportunity to take it." 

"What's so special about it?" Dusk asks curiously, albeit bluntly. 

The old man grins, exclaiming enthusiastically, "Ah, I was hoping you'd ask! It was once wielded by the legendary Baron Glover!" 

Xavia freezes at the sound of his father's name. He hides his shock with a hollow laugh and clenched fists, "Are you serious? That famous swordsman?" 

Memories of training sessions that always ended in belittlement and disappointment flood back. Just his damn luck. 

"Indeed! And I know just how your abilities could be used to retrieve it without causing too much fuss," Aurelius replies, blissfully unaware of Xavia's discomfort. 

"Uh," Dusk starts before blinking in confusion, naively pondering, "What's so special about him? There are a million swordsmen out there, right?" 

"Well, for one thing," Xavia interjects, trying to ignore the bitter taste of resentment that swelled in his mouth at her words, "The guy's a well-known bastard." 

"Xavia!" Aurelius reprimands good-naturedly with a chuckle, turning back to Dusk, "But he does have a point. Baron Glover is more infamous than famous these days. However, it doesn't change the fact that his sword work was unparalleled and there's quite some value attached to anything related to him." 

Dusk thinks hard for a moment, "Glover…? The last name sounds kinda familiar I think." 

"They're quite well-known blacklist hunters. They run Glover Hunting LLC in the Kukan'yu Kingdom. Their lineage is considered quite impressive," Their employer explains with a thoughtful grin, "They are very respectable."  

"Is that so?" Xavia says with a dismissive snort, "Impressive lineage. Yeah, right." 

Aurelius looks at him confused and Dusk glances at him curiously but he waves them off, leaning against the wall nonchalantly while suppressing any further reactions. 

"Erm, sorry, sir. You know how cranky Xav can get," Dusk covers for him with a nervous chuckle before reassuringly declaring, "We'll get your sword, sir!" 

"Good to hear. Now off you go both of you," Aurelius says with a dismissive wave of his hand, before burying himself in some old book. 

Xavia pushes himself off of the wall and exits the room without another word, his mood as gloomy as stormy clouds overhead. He could sense Dusk's concerned gaze on him but chose not to acknowledge it at that moment. 

"Xav," She reaches out to him, grasping his arm once they're out of earshot, "What's going on? You seem upset." 

"I'm… I'm alright, Dusk," Xavia says, looking down at her with a forced smile, "Just… this job got under my skin I guess," He then attempts to lighten the mood by nudging her shoulder playfully with his own and quipping in a teasing voice, "You've never seen me cranky before?" 

Damn it! Why does she have to be so insightful? But No one needs to know about him and Baron. She doesn’t need that burden and nor does he. 

"You're always cranky," She begins before thoughtfully pointing out, "But not this cranky." 

"I'll try to be less cranky then," He shoots back, albeit without his usual spark of fun. An awkward silence falls between them but it isn't long before he grumbles out in earnest, "Thanks... For worrying." 

"Um, you can tell me anything you know," She reassures him, quickly adding, "I mean! If you ever want to talk or vent, I'm here." 

Xavia gives her a long, silent stare before finally saying in a soft voice, "I know, Dusk…  And I appreciate it. Really. Maybe someday." 

With that, he walks on ahead leaving his past and his words hanging in the air. 

She is good for him. But how can he explain what even he doesn't understand? The pain, anger and disappointment of his father's betrayal. How it twisted his life into this never-ending cycle of misery... Not yet. 

---------- 

As evening falls, Xavia roams the fairgrounds, nearing closing time, with Dusk positioned strategically for cover at a vantage point, a tall tree a distance away. He steals a glance at the sword exhibited in a glass case, surrounded by a crowd of people. 

Then, realization hits like a sledgehammer. The individual giving information about the sword... Fuck, this is bad. It's Baron himself. 

Xavia's heart pounds in his chest as he sees Baron, the man who abandoned him twice over. Instinct takes over as he activates Zetsu to mask his presence from detection by aura, carefully maneuvering around the crowd towards Dusk's position. 

He reaches up to his ear, pressing down on his comm as he discreetly says, "Trouble. Stay hidden until I say otherwise." 

Using her enhanced eyesight, Dusk watches her partner from her perch, "Xav, what's going on? Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" 

He sighs heavily, trying to keep his voice steady as he responds quietly into the comm, "Not a ghost. Just my past. I'll explain later, Dusk. For now, we need to stay clear of Baron," He glances over his shoulder at the swordsman's back again before adding almost bitterly, "Trust me on this one." 

"Baron?" She questions him, her voice coming through his comm, "Baron's down there? Isn't that guy super strong or something?" 

"You could say that," Xavia mumbles into the comm, constantly keeping his gaze and senses trained on Baron's movements, "He's also my..." 

Nope, he wasn't going to finish that sentence right now. 

"Never mind… We need a plan B quickly." 

"I shoot him in the head and he dies," Dusk responds simply, earning a quiet chuckle from her partner. Maybe he was rubbing off on her. 

"Trust me, as much I'd love that idea," He responds grimly, "If it was possible, he’d have been six feet under a long time ago," He clicks his tongue in frustration but then an idea hits him, "Wait, Dusk, could you take out the lights? The entire place would be plunged into darkness." 

Shit, it’s risky but if they want that sword without a fight... She has her archery skills and him his bubbles, they'll improvise from there... Or prepare for the worst. 

She scans the area, her sharp eyes locking onto an object of interest, "I can. I have eyes on the main generator. But you'd have to be quick. You'd really only have a second before his eyes adjust… Unless… Right afterward, I focus my arrows on him, he blocks and you have an extra second or two to take it and run." 

"That… Might just work," He groans, already plotting out the fastest route to the sword in his mind, "The moment you take down those lights, I'll rush for the sword." 

"Enhance," She says under her breath to herself as her eyesight grows sharper. 

With a deep breath, he signals her with a curt nod before turning off his comm and getting into position. 

"Move. Now." 

She shoots an arrow at the generator, knocking out the power and then relentlessly barrages Baron who unsheathes his sword to skillfully block the oncoming projectiles. 

In the darkness, Xavia's skills shine. He uses his bubbles to hover in mid-air and shoots toward the sword display like a missile. The glow of Dusk's arrows racing by illuminates Baron well enough for Xavia to keep track of where not to be. 

As he reaches the glass case holding the sword, he wraps a bubble around it, making both items invisible with his Nen before rushing back towards their exit point. 

Dusk continues her assault of arrows as Xavia makes a swift escape. Baron narrows his eyes as he catches sight of his illegitimate son leaving but says nothing, sheathing his sword and folding his arms over his chest. 

Police begin scouting the area, but Dusk and Xav are long gone, back in their hotel room to rest for the night.  

"Shit Dusk… That was close," Xavia pants heavily, collapsing onto the closest chair. He watches as she puts her bow away and can't help but sigh in relief, "You were amazing out there."  

His words are simple and earnest, matching his gaze as he finally looks at her properly for the first time since their ordeal began. She saved their asses back there. And handled it so fucking well. Where would he be without her? Maybe it's about time he started letting his guard down around her a bit more. 

"I'm glad I could help," She responds as she stashes away her quiver in her bag, "Used up all of my arrows." 

Xavia snorts, trying to lighten the mood with a sarcastic grin, "Used up all your arrows? Seriously Dusk, need me to buy you another dozen?" He teases her while pulling out their mission item. The glow of the sword in its bubble washing over his face as he opens and closes his hand around it with a satisfied smirk. 

Silence wraps around the room for a moment, tension slowly rising, until Dusk abruptly speaks up, "Baron definitely had the opportunity to go after you but he didn't. Why?" 

Xavia looks at her, startled by the suddenness of her question. He'd been hoping to avoid this topic for as long as possible but it seems like the universe had other plans. 

"Let's just say…" He begins cautiously, "We share a... Complicated past." 

Dammit… He was hoping she wouldn’t notice but of course she did. Does he really want to spill everything now? She’s going think different about him once she learns who his old man is. Is that something he's ready for? 

"You said he was a ghost from your past earlier too, didn't you?" She sits down across from him at the foot of the bed, her hands resting on the edge of it, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to but... I'm curious." 

Xavia pauses, looking at her with a deliberating gaze. 

"Baron..." He breathes out after a long pause, "He's... My father." 

There it is. The truth is out and there's no turning back now. But why does he feel oddly relieved sharing this? Maybe because it’s Dusk. She always seems to know how to make one feel heard and understood without even trying. 

"W-what?? Really?" She stammers out in disbelief before leaning in closer to him to examine his face, "I don't see the resemblance." 

"Good, because I'm not really aiming to look like a self-righteous prick," Xavia replies sarcastically.  

There's bitterness in his voice but he manages to keep it steady and detached enough for Dusk. He then scoffs lightly, running a hand through his white hair as if trying to clear some heavy thought burdening him. 

"You've never mentioned him before." 

"No… I haven't," He looks away, clenching and unclenching his fists. His gaze falls onto the sword again for a moment before he sighs heavily, "Not really a topic that comes up often…" He finally admits in a lower tone. 

She’s good at this, prying without making it seem invasive or hurtful. He guesses his past was bound to come out sooner or later, better with her than anyone else. 

"Well..." Dusk drawls out slowly, "I don't know much about him but if you say he's a dick... I believe you!" She flashes him a grin and a thumbs-up. 

He blinks at her for a moment, clearly not expecting that response before he begins laughing. It's genuine and hearty, the sound echoing around their room. 

"Thanks Dusk. I appreciate your endless faith in my judgement," He manages to say between laughs. 

She tilts her head curiously as she wonders, "What about Glover Hunting LLC? Do you know anything about his side of the family?" 

He sighs, leaning back into his chair as the subject of Baron's legitimate family comes up. 

"I know enough. His daughter Jaya has a good reputation but… Let's say I don't really care about them," Xavia answers dismissively while absentmindedly tracing the edge of his bubble with one finger. 

They’re all dicks, he's certain… And Jaya? Well, she doesn’t deserve his time or thoughts anyway. 

Dusk flinches when he finally pops the bubble, "I understand. And I'm sorry." 

Xavia looks at her, surprised by her apology. 

"Don't be," He tells her reassuringly, "It's not your fault." 

"I know but... I still feel bad," A sigh escapes her lips as she lays back on the bed, "My family wasn't normal either." 

He observes her curiously for a moment, tempted to ask about her own family. But he knows better than anyone how delicate such topics can be. 

"Normal is overrated anyway," Xavia comments with a nonchalant shrug and attempts at diversion, "And you’ve turned out pretty damn fine despite all that, right?" 

"But you're curious, aren't you?" She presses him as she pushes herself to sit upright, "I've seen you go through my things in my room before." 

Xavia looks taken aback for a moment, his cheeks slowly reddening as he realizes he's been caught. He grumbles something inaudible before finally admitting it, "Fine… I was curious," The white-haired man confesses with an annoyed huff, looking away from her, "Didn't think you'd notice." 

"Have you heard of a cult called the Endless?" 

His brows furrow at the mention of the Endless. He's heard whispers and rumors about them but never really crossed paths with any members as far as he knows. 

"Can't say I've ever met anyone from there, but yeah… I've heard stories," Xavia comments cautiously, not quite sure where she's going with this. 

She looks away, fidgeting with her fingers in her lap nervously, "My mother was the founder." 

Xavia blinked at her, trying to digest the new piece of information. Of all the things he could've guessed about Dusk's background, this wasn't on the list. 

"That… Explains a couple of things," He murmurs half to himself before looking back at her with sympathy in his eyes. 

Sighing, she looks down at her hands as she explains, "I grew up in the cult. Never went to school. I was taught by religious teachers in the cult and was never allowed to leave the grounds." 

Her partner listens silently, his gaze fixed on her, "Sounds quite… restrictive," Xavia finally mutters, his tone gentle and understanding, the usual teasing completely absent. 

Restrictive is an understatement… He had never pegged Dusk to have dealt with such difficult circumstances, but maybe that explains a lot more about how she carries herself and why he finds it so damn hard to wrap his head around her at times. 

"But my mother wasn't a bad person. She loved me," Dusk notes defensively before pausing for a beat in preparation of her next words, "She passed away from an illness when I was 16 and my older sister took over." 

He stays silent for a moment, digesting her words before speaking again, sincerity lacing his voice, "I'm sorry." 

"But my older sister, well… She was a lot different from my mom," Dusk begins, refusing to meet Xavia's gaze, "She took advantage of the followers and abused me." 

His eyes widen, dumbstruck by her admission. 

"One night she had me cornered, submerging my head in holy water over and over again while I couldn't catch my breath. I… grabbed the nearest sharp object within my grasp and just stabbed the shit out of her. She bled out," She explicates in a trembling voice, "I changed my name, dyed my hair and ran. I'm wanted at the moment… Or I guess Violetta is." 

Xavia’s only response was a small, stunned silence. He stares at her in disbelief as she painfully reiterates the traumatic event that changed her life forever. So those ‘night terrors’ weren’t just nightmares after all… He thought he had it bad with Baron but Dusk has been dealing with so much more than anyone should have to.  

"Guess we're both fugitives in our own ways then," He comments finally but there's no usual jest or sarcasm looming behind his words. Instead, just understanding and acceptance. 

"Partners in crime, right?" Dusk wonders as she finally makes eye contact with him, her multicolored eyes meeting his. 

With a small, sympathetic smile, he reaches out to gently clasp her hand in his larger one, "Partners in crime," He confirms quietly with a gentle squeeze, prompting her cheeks to tinge pink. 

She’s brave. Stronger than he ever gave her credit for. Maybe they're more alike than either of them initially thought. 

"You're remarkable, Dusk. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise," He remarks sincerely, not breaking the gaze he holds with her. 

A wide grin forms on her face as she softly utters, "Thank you, Xav. I think you're remarkable too!" 

"Thank you, Dusk," He murmurs softly, his gaze softening even further, a light blush dusting his cheeks at the compliment, but he doesn't break eye contact. 

The way she looks at him... It’s like seeing a clear sky after a storm. Maybe they aren’t so alone in their struggles after all. 

[thebubblesareevil]

Accidental acquisition pt 2

(Familiar faces)

Convincing Zatanna was the easy part, Giovanni decided to wait until Danny had healed a bit more to broach the subject with him. A week after his arrival he approached Danny about his plan.

“You want to what?!”

“Adopt you. I understand you are not in a situation where you can, nor should you, return home. You have been summoned to a whole new dimension, by my daughter no less, and don’t have anything to establish yourself with. Now it would take some work, but between my magic and my connections with the justice league me adopting you should be do able.” He said with an optimistic look on his face

Danny looked at him t like he was crazy “and what does your daughter think about this?” He laughed

“Zatanna is quite excited at the prospect of a sibling.”

“Look I really appreciate the offer, i really do, but I think you’re forgetting, I’m DEAD”

Giovanni gave him a look that clearly said he was not amused. “In your own words “only half” which I would like for you to explain at some point” Danny goes to comment but Giovanni stops him. “In your own time of course, I won’t push you.” He gives Danny a tender look “I know this is a big decision, so how about a trial run for now. Stay with us for the next month, that’s how long our contract at this location will be, and if you decide you absolutely don’t want to come with us then we will go our separate ways, however if you decide you want to come with us you are more than welcome.”

Danny thought about what was being offered, on the one hand if he stayed he had a chance at a family, on the other hand he would be free to go wherever he pleased, there was a whole new world out there. Danny sighed “I’ll stay for the month and we’ll see what happens. I won’t make any promises though.”

And so began a month of getting to know the two magicians. In the morning Giovanni would make breakfast before they would go over everything that needed to be done that day. Zatanna did online classes after breakfast while Danny would help Giovanni set up for the show that night. After she was done with classes, Giovanni would work with her practicing his magic, it was always so fun. They didn’t do shows every night though. On nights where they were free the three would go exploring the town, going into obscure shops and (despite what Giovanni claimed) occasionally getting lost along the way. Danny loved those nights. A little over a week after the talk though Zatanna started to act strange. She would go into the prop room and just stay in there for at least a half hour at a time. Danny started to get suspicious when he realized she had taken the book used to summon him with her. He thought things were going well and couldn’t help but feel a little betrayed, however when he confronted her she was surprised. She made him promise not to tell her dad and dragged him into the prop room. He was confused as she started rummaging around the room before she exclaimed “aha gotcha!” And to Danny’s surprise and elation she pulled out a VERY familiar tiny green dog. When he saw Danny he went crazy until she dropped him and tackled Danny. “CUJO! Down boy!” Danny laughed as he was viciously licked to death.

“You know him!?” Zatanna asked, a huge smile on her face as she rubbed cujo’s belly

“Know him? He’s the reason i started dating my ex, technically he’s also the reason we broke up. But she was more of a cat person anyway so we’re cool.” He paused “is this why you’ve been bringing the book in here? To find out more about cujo?” Zatanna looked a little embarrassed

“We’ll I knew he wasn’t a normal dog, obviously, but I wasn’t sure if he needed anything, what do you even feed a glowing green dog.” Danny laughed and said “this”

Slowly his hand began to glow and a glowing green goo like substance started to secrete from Danny hand. Cujo immediately began licking at the substance. “What is THAT?”

“It’s ectoplasm, the ghost zone is full of it, stronger ghost don’t need as much of it as others, it can form naturally in the atmosphere from ambient emotion in the atmosphere” he explained “it’s a kind of fuel for ghosts, some ghosts go right to the source and suck the emotion out of humans. You should avoid them at all cost.” He paused “because I’m half alive my living half creates pure ectoplasm to fuel my ghost half, while my ghost half heals my human half and keeps my from fully dying.” Zatanna started to look confused.

“If ghosts are fueled by ectoplasm in the air, then why are there not more ghosts like cujo running around?”

“Oh that’s an easy one!” He grinned “most ghosts that you see are only shades, ghosts who have not entered the infinite realms and been bathed in ectoplasm. The realms are filled with pure ectoplasm which the ghosts absorb and use to get stronger. Ghosts in the mortal realm only really come into contact with weak remnants of emotion, like… jello!” Zatanna let’s out a snort

“Don’t laugh I’m serious. Think of the infinite realms as a solid fully formed block of jello, but like those weird 60s jellos because there is a LOT of weird stuff in there, it’s completely undiluted and filling. The mortal realm is more like… jello water where you added way too much water and no matter how long you put it in the fridge it won’t solidify.” Zatanna smiles

“You’re really passionate about this huh?” She asks as she lifts up a content cujo.

“Yeah, I guess I am. I’ll admit it’s nice to talk about this to someone who will actually listen. My parents didn’t… get it. They thought everything thing about ghosts were evil. My friends tried but they never really saw me turning into a half-ghost as being more than me getting cool powers. My sister… Jazz she always tried her best to understand. She would listen to me talk for hours about the other ghosts. At first I thought she was just indulging me, but then one day I saw her just… hanging out with kitty. Talking like she was a perfectly normal living person. It was nice.”

Zatanna lays a hand on Danny’s shoulder “I know I’m no substitute but, I’d love to learn more about the infinite realms, and in exchange I’ll teach you more about magic! Deal?” Danny stared at her extended hand and then looked at the happy cujo sitting in her arms before grasping her hand. “Deal. But we’re gonna have to tell your dad about cujo. I know from experience he won’t stay hidden for much longer. It’s best to rip off the bandage now then to have it ripped to shreds when he jumps on stage with you.”

Zatanna laughs “I guess you’re right”

——-

Giovanni was incredibly reluctant to invite the green dog into the family but one look at his children’s happy faces and he placed a glamour on the puppy and made a bed for him next to Danny’s place on the couch (he tried to refuse but Danny insisted he wouldn’t take his bed if he wasn’t dying)

Giovanni didn’t truly bond with cujo until after a show 3 days later when a couple of boys started flirting with his kids and had their ankles bitten for their efforts (neither teen was amused). Giovanni got him a collection of dog toys and was even brought into his magic act.

———

But all things must end and the month was quickly drawing to a close. Giovanni had been planning a night out to celebrate their time together no matter what Danny decided. Everything was going well, he had sent Zatanna out to grab a few last minute supplies before they left at the end of the week. She hadn’t returned, he paced back and forth, worried he was overreacting he cast a tracking spell. According to the spell she was still at the theater. After telling Danny to wait at the hotel he rushed to the theater to check on his daughter. What he found was a nightmare, his daughter was bound to the stage with her mouth covered she was unable to utter a spell to save herself, she seemed to be in a daze. Wizard walked across the stage.

“Welcome one and all to the final performance of the great Giovanni Zatara!” He laughed as Giovanni moved to attack “now now I wouldn’t be so rash, wouldn’t want anything to happen to your precious daughter, now would we?” Flames exploded around Zatanna.

“Now shall we have some fun?” Wizard attacked

The fight was difficult but Giovanni earned his place on the justice league for a reason and he managed to gain the advantage. Just as he was making his move to subdue Wizard, in a last ditch effort he threw an enchanted spell at Zatanna, it never hit. A green barrier appeared in front of Zatanna and the flames vanished, the ground coated in ice. From behind wizard a figure rose from the ground, a hooded cloak bathed in stars donning is form. He suddenly vanished and immediately reappeared in front of wizard. An uttered in a voice that promised nothing but death

D̷͉̗̖̩̻͔̎̉͜o̴͖̿̂̕͝n̷̡̖͖̫̞͉̥̜̐̽̽̿̌͝’̵̡̡̼̭̣̗͙̪́͛͊t̷̠̮̗̋̈́̓̀̄ ̶͚̋̚̚e̶̪̭̮̺͒͋̂̆͒̍̋̏͘v̵̯̖̈́̽̈́̆ě̶̛̻̳̍̍͑̈́̀͘͝r̵̡̰̣̰͙͉̙̾͜ ̶͇̣̘̮͈̰̬̦̳͒͗̄͘ţ̸͔̣̬̮̬͈̞͊̌́͛̇̆͝͠͠ͅó̸̪͉͒̋̃͑̔̀̕͘ů̶̳͇̗̹͙̤̈́͂̔̀̚͝ͅĉ̴̪̟̼̗̝͌̆̅̆͂̂̅͜h̸͍̖͕̞͇͚͂̎̈́̕ ̸̼̣̗̰͉̲̈͊ͅt̶̨̖̖͖͉̘͐̚h̴̨̨̺̗͉̗͈̣͛̆̔̎̀̊͝͝ẹ̴͔̮̠̺̳̠̇ṃ̷̡̞̫̻̉̓͐̅́̒̃̾͝ ̴̰̈́͐̕ã̵͇̔̊̚g̷̤͈̦͓͇͚̈́̈̀̃͗̐̊͋͠ͅȧ̷̡̩̻̗͌͂̌͆̇̊̚̕͜ͅi̶̢͚̦̞̪͋͐͆͜ň̵̡̡̢͉͚̩̯̭

Wizard collapsed to the floor shaking, Giovanni took the opportunity for what it was and subdued Wizard, placing him in a deep sleep. He turned back to the figure only to witness a bright ring of light travel down his body, revealing none other than Danny rushing towards Zatanna to make sure she was okay.

When she didn’t move he looked towards Giovanni with a scared look in his eye, “don’t worry Danny she’s just in a hypnotic sleep. We should be able to wake he with no side effects” Danny relax just a fraction as he worked. After Zatanna woke she jumped up in surprise “wizard is-!”

“Don’t worry, Danny and I managed to stop him, everyone is okay.” Zatanna looked relieved “sorry dad, I should have been more careful, he managed to sneak up on me while I was get the supplies for-” she stopped, motioning to a rather confused Danny.

“It’s okay, even villains get lucky every now and again. I’m just happy you’re safe.” The three of them headed back to the apartment together.

——

That night Danny knocked on Giovanni’s door, holding cujo close to his chest. Giovanni tiredly opens the door “can we talk?” He was instantly awake

“Of course, is everything okay? Is it about what happened today? You weren’t hurt were you?”

Danny gave a soft smile “No it’s not that.” He hesitated tightening his hold on the green pup

“Is it really okay? If I want to stay with you? To be apart of your family” Giovanni’s heart nearly burst with joy. He wrapped his arms around the two ghost holding them close.

“Of course, Zatanna and I would love for you to stay with us.” If his shirt got a little damp Giovanni didn’t say anything. “Why don’t you go get some sleep? Since you’re going to be joining us we’ll need to get some extra supplies tomorrow”

Danny smiled and the two of them headed back to bed. Giovanni on the other hand pulled out his league communicator, he had work to do.

——-

Next day Giovanni jumped out of his bed and rushed towards the sound shouting and the smell of smoke. When he looked towards the small en-suite kitchen he saw his children arguing over a smoking pan. Giovanni couldn’t suppress the smile on he face as he forced a cough and the two turned to face him. He immediately put out the budding fire “anyone up for waffles?” The day went like usual with the only exception that at the end of the day Giovanni sent Danny to the lobby to get their check out information.

When he returned to their rooms he was greeted with a room filled with floating candles and Giovanni and Zatanna in the middle of the room holding a cake that said “welcome to the family” Danny nearly teared up before bursting out laughing as cujo tackled the cake.

——-

One month later Giovanni signed the last of the adoption papers and Danny Fenton became Danny Fenton-Zatara. That night Danny called him dad for the first time.