#except maybe the shirt since I'm not sure if the cross makes sense or not atm ah well

[coyotes-rules-of-change]

Have we as a society lost our sense of acceptable public behavior?

Picture it: me, a swanky bistro, and an elegant patio adorned by the warm glow of string lights. I'm having a nice dinner—just me and my current favorite menu—until a couple is seated near me. It didn't take me long to hear that they were celebrating a six month anniversary and—given their gradually escalating volume—it was a night out at my favorite restaurant that was not going to fix their obvious relationship problems. In the short time it took the fresh rosemary rolls and whipped butter to arrive at their table, their loud talking had become peaks of yelling quelled only briefly by an unsatisfactorily hushed "quit talking so loud" or an ironic "you're embarrassing me."

Do you hate them yet? Because I definitely did. Except unlike you, I can take care of this; after all, knowledge of my methods is becoming more widespread. All I have to do is wait the thirty seconds it will inevitably take for the volume to boil over yet again.

"I can't take you anywhere!"

There she is again. Time to work my magic—

"Same shit again! I can't fucking take you anywhere! Everywhere we go: "miss, could you quiet down", and "sir, could you tell your date to stop yelling.""

"I'm not the one screaming f-bombs in public places! You need to learn some manners!"

*Whoosh.*

"Babe, I just can't have a conversation with you if you always yell." Already he's speaking at a much quieter volume.

"I just never feel like you're listening to me."—and she's also followed suit. Maybe that was all I needed to do, now I got my peace and quiet... but I'm not one to stop once I've started, and I suppose I'd rather not disappoint you either—after all, this isn't very interesting yet, is it. She continues: "I told you to dress nice and all you can manage is a t-shirt and shorts."

"I love you babe, but you can't tell me that you showing that much skin in a place like this is appropriate either."

No one sees it, but a slight grin crosses my face. I wave my hand and...

*Whoosh.* A light breeze passes through and their outfits shift.

"I'm dressed showing skin?! You're not even wearing a shirt."

"Babe, you're basically just wearing a sports bra and shorts."

"I look good. You don't work out enough to pull off not wearing a shirt in public."

*Whoosh.* A light breeze again. He's sporting some nice light muscle: square pecs, a nice six-pack, and some toned arms.

"Babe, I know I'm nowhere near my bulking goals but I know I look good enough to pull off being shirtless. Look, if you're gonna be like this, maybe we reschedule and have this dinner when you're not on your period."

...

...

...Look. What I did here may have been inappropriate... but would you expect anything less from me. I don't claim to be ethical, and I'm pretty sure you are well-aware of my biases by now... I'm not proud of what I did... I'm not... Okay maybe I am.

The ebb and flow of the conversation took a radical tone when one masculine voice was met for the first time by another. "Well then it's a good thing I'm not a girl."

"I guess that's true. Why would I even say that?"

"Because you're trying to avoid the subject again. Between you're time at the gym and your time at work, I never see you."

"I can't help it. At least I have a job."

*Whoosh.*

"Being an influencer is a job. I just wanna know how you can spend so much time working out when your job is being a personal trainer."

"My body is my sales pitch. I've build so much muscle now my co-workers are telling me I could enter a physique competition. Maybe if you worked out more, you'd actually get followers, and make money."

*Whoosh.*

"That's why I wanted to come here with you. Ever since I started working out with you, I have been gaining followers just as fast as I've been gaining muscle. I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you: I have 1 million followers."

"Babe, that's great news. I can't believe it!"

"Yeah, and there's more. The videos that gained the most traction online were the ones I shot with you. So I wanna go in a different direction with my page from now on."

"Wait, you've built it up by yourself. Why would you change it?"

"I wanna make it a couples page. Health, fitness, and gay pride."

"Most people dating for three years usually get proposals involving a ring."

"Do you wanna do this with me?"

"Yes, of course!"

A couple in my favorite bistro rise and embrace beside their patio table and share a passionate kiss. They seem happy, although I sit there and wonder if they'd be interested in a third for the night.

Have we as a society lost our sense of acceptable public behavior?

No. Not in this case. It could absolutely be much worse.

[lola-andheruniverse]

WIP Saturday - Caryl Fanfiction Rec

Dear fellow caryler, today's WIP is an old but gold fic from 2014. A fic this old is almost surely abandoned (but never say never). Sad but that's okay. It happens. Sometimes the author's muse simply doesn't collaborate anymore. Sometimes the fic doesn't get enough reviews to keep the author motivated. Sometimes canon kills everyone's vibes. My point is that it doesn't really matter why an author doesn't finish a fic. What matters is that old fics deserve the same amount of love and praise that new fics get. They shouldn't be forgotten - finished or not. Kintsugi by @jaibhagwan has six chapters posted on 9Lives and AO3. It deals with what could have happened to Carol after Rick kicked her out if the Governor never attacked the prison. Summary: S4 AU. Carol was everything to him and then she was lost. When Daryl finally finds her again, everything has changed except his feelings for her. Can he help her remember the goodness inside of her the way she once did for him? Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using gold to mend the seams. Is there a better metaphor for Caryl? I think not. Rating: E / Explicit Chapters: 6  Word count: 26286  Published: May 23, 2014 - WIP

This fic is a beautiful one. It treads carefully but realistic through the very difficult and emotional place both Carol and Daryl are after he finds her and gets her home. Characterizations are on point and every prison era character has a chance to shine (Michonne fans will particularly love this story). It's been a few years since I read it for the first time and I'm still curious to know where this story could go. Here's a little excerpt to get you interested to read this one. Rick realizes what he has done: With both hands, Daryl grabbed Rick by his shirt and pushed him roughly against the wall. He wanted to strike Rick in his face to make him feel how much his actions had hurt him. Maybe he could knock some sense into the man. But despite what he'd done, Rick was still family, and Daryl cared about him. He didn't want to be like his father and take his grief out on the people he loved. He was a different kind of man. He was Carol's man of honor. She had suffered enough, and he was damned if he was ever going to let her down again. [...] Hearing the commotion, Glenn and Michonne approached cautiously from the cellblock as Rick stared at the photo.

"Everything alright?" Glenn asked.

"How could I have missed it?" Rick wondered, pulling his eyes from the picture.

There was a long pause as he reflected on his interaction with Daryl.

"How could I not see that he loves her?"

Please, dear fellow caryler, give this fic a try. Leave a review while you're at it. I'm sure our dear author will appreciate it and maybe even feel inspired to write again. Who knows? *fingers crossed* Love you all! Caryl on!

[nancypullen]

Friday

It was a long week, a weird week too. In the library we see loads of nice people, but we also see our fair share of wackadoodles. On Wednesday I arrived at work to unlock the doors, get things ready to open, take our deposit to the bank, etc. The parking lot was empty when I arrived with the exception of a woman who appeared to be intoxicated. Most of my brain focused on how sad it was that she was under the influence at 8:45 in the morning. But the curious part of my brain was entertained by her actions. She stood at the entry, looking at her reflection in the door, and raised and lowered her shirt while shouting (something I couldn't make out). She thought it was hilarious.

As I walked up to the door, hoping that our interaction would be a good one, I said, "Good morning!" She stared at me for a minute and then said, "Heyyyyy, peace lady earrings smile." I was wearing peace sign earrings, so I guess it all made sense. About fifteen minutes later a coworker came in and said that our friend at the door had made fun of her green shoes. Everyone's a fashion critic.

During my lunch break that same day I decided to treat myself to Starbucks. It's only a couple of minutes from the library so I zipped over. While sitting at a red light, I noticed a fellow on a bike waiting to cross. There was white hair poking out of his helmet so I was admiring his gusto when I noticed something else... sitting on his handlebars was a big ol' parrot.

Terrible picture because I had to zoom in and then the darn bird kept turning away. I think he was embarrassed. He knows he's supposed to wear a helmet. As the full Flower Moon drew closer things just got weirder and weirder. Patrons asked kooky questions, another coworker quit (that's 4 in the last four months!), I was asked to paint those snake rocks (shudder), and so on. But I still love a full moon and I couldn't wait to sit on the porch and soak it up. I plan to do a lot of porch sittin' for the next couple of days. Isn't it pretty?

I probably should have swept before snapping that, but this is real life, not a magazine.

There's a fern to the left of the front door. SItting beside that fern is a cute little pig that the grandgirl named Maybe, after a pig in a storybook.

On the opposite end of the porch, where it wraps around just a bit, is where I like to sit and read. It's not fluffed up just yet, but it's serviceable.

I'm short enough to sit on that loveseat and prop my legs on the railing. It's comfy. That stretch of dirt you see along the side of the house is popping up tiny zinnias and sunflowers. It'll be a glorious riot of color this summer. There's also bee balm and a climbing rose just out of the photo. From that spot, if I look to the right I can watch the chickadee family that's occupying the little white birdhouse.

All in all, a really lovely place to waste some time. Though it's not really wasted time if it recharges your batteries, right?

After getting the mulch down I poked around a bit and gave all of the plants a pep talk. The basil, dill, and cilantro look fantastic. The rosemary isn't thriving. I've never in my life had a rosemary plant that didn't do well. I wonder what she needs from me. More sun, less sun, more water, less water? She's in a pot with several types of flowers, is there someone she's not getting along with? Some plants don't play well with others. I'll figure it out. I've got to run up to Walmart and buy spray paint for the rocksssss. Since the basil is growing like gangbusters I'm tempted to pick up an eggplant and make eggplant cutlets with fresh mozzarella and a big slice of tomato. It's so yummy. Fresh basil takes it over the top.

This is the recipe I use, so simple and absolutely delicious.

I'd better wrap this up and go get some paint. I have big ideas and I'm not sure how to execute them - never stopped me before. Just wanted to reach out from my little corner of the web and tell you that I think you're fabulous. You really are. I double dog dare you to name three things that you like about yourself. Are you smart, kind, creative, hardworking, generous, witty, athletic, punctual, efficient, organized, flexible, a snappy dresser, helpful, or any number of other good things? Think about how much you'd admire those same qualities in someone else. See? You're fabulous, own it. Sending out love and full moon vibes. Stay safe, stay well, get kooky. XOXO, Nancy

[distilled-prose]

Dear @cherokeeghostwriter

I have for years struggled with the same feeling of being taken for granted on Father's Day, and actually "taken for granted" may be too kind of a description. I think it's more like not being considered at all, not being worth the time to send a card in the mail, or even an email, a text. It has routinely made me quite despondent. I remind my children about Mother's Day, birthdays, Valentine's Day, etc., (when the boys were little I would take them shopping with me to get Mother's Day presents), but the children never extrapolated any of it to Father's Day. My wife never seemed to think to remind them of Father's Day (or if she did they ignored it). Not only did it leave me feeling un/under appreciated, it made me feel pretty much unloved. It's kind of embarrassing to admit, that a father would need that. Maybe it's us (current or former) poet fathers, but I think not. And heaven knows I don't need presents, don't need "things". A card with a few thoughtful words would mean the world to me. Because I was home this year, I did get a couple of shirts and a book of poems. The book I asked for. The shirts were a surprise. Cards were included. It was the most demonstrative Father's Day in probably ten years. But because the past many years were devoid of any expressions, it made me wonder whether the gifts and cards were heart felt or were they a result of a sense of obligation, a duty since I'd be seen in the week or two leading up to, or would be seen after, Father's Day. The only card-like note I have gotten in the past few years is from someone who didn't come by in person, @aliaspen , of these pages, who I don't even know at all. It was a shock the first year. It was equally shocking this year because I don't even routinely interact with that person. I don't know their name, their age, their gender, where they live, nothing. It's typical Tumblr anonymity. Our paths seldom cross, except on Father's Day when I get a message. I has always makes me smile. Anyway, for the past few years, I have had the presence of mind to pre-empt my disappointment regarding my own family. I send a Father's Day note to each of my children thanking them for making me a father. I tell them how proud of them I am, how proud I am to be their father. That typically takes most of the edge off for me, and allows me to appreciate the overall sense behind the recognition of the day. Last summer, when I was at the mine, even after sending them all a note, only my daughter sent me a "Happy Father's Day" email. So, I guess a man has to protect his psyche any way he can. I think we each have good children. But I think modern culture diminishes the concept that we as fathers need any affirmation. And here's another thought I've been playing with: Several years ago I read a book about an autistic child (although they never label her as such in the book). In the story, the grandmother has the habit of giving gifts to other people when it is her (the grandmother's) birthday. Since Father's Day seems to be particularly easy to dismiss, perhaps if I was to give each of my children a small gift, it would highlight the intention of the celebration. I'm sure your daughters would love a piece of your turquoise jewelry. They could wear it and tell people "My father gave this to me on Father's Day." It's the kind of juxtapositioning that might inspire other children to remember their fathers. I guess Fathers aren't expected to need much in the way of any kind of demonstrative love. Damn, if people only knew! But I know how much your daughters and your grand children mean to you. And though it's belated, you should know that you're a great father, and your family is lucky to have you. You're a good man, GGW. Keep the faith.

i haven’t a thing to say. haven’t had a thing to say, i should have said. not sure it’s helpful to share this, but i’m tired of looking at the empty space that once occupied this …space. i’ve plenty of nothing to share. oodles of it. like so much shipping popcorn/peanuts or whatever it’s called that spills out onto the floor whenever i open the occasional package, that occasionally comes in the mail. is mail an occasion?  i suppose it is at this point, considering that i am making/writing an entire post about absolutely nothing, and have taken you down a path with me, that leads to now -here. nowhere. if you’ve come this far you may as well know that i’m feeling a bit sad this morning. fathers day came and went without a call or text. sad is probably too strong a word, mildly disappointed. i’m mildly disappointed about a made up day that didn’t fulfill my desperate need to be loved by my own children. they’re grown and have lives, and children of their own. it’s a busy world out there.  well, the sun came out while i was doing -whatever this is. -call your father. he’s bored to death.

[storfulsten]

would bombeep fusion look the same or different with the species swap au?

hm good question actually, didn't think about that before lol

tbh I assume he'd look kinda different given the features used for the original dude ye

so ye here's an attempt that went kinda overboard in a wonky way but whatever ha feel free to ignore tbh

lol I know human whitty didn’t have a stubble but old habits die hard I guess sorry

[whosaskingwrites]

Glass Heart (Oikawa x Reader x Kageyama)

A/N: This was the only request that came in for the follower event which by the way I've extended so its still open. So thanks for requesting this it was fun to write! Full disclosure the Akaashi b-day one was supposed to be uploaded first but I haven't finished it yet so...Also I went a little feral on this cause its the first ever request on the blog 💞. I even added it a small thing from one of my favorite movie series. Also I don't know if this is exactly what you wanted but I did my best to fulfill the request. Some things are changed in it but this is the final product.

Details: 9.4 pages 3,305 words (she long)

WARNINGS: Mentions of blood, angst, heartbreak, there's a happy end for Mc tho, manga spoilers??? Kinda not really???

Date: December 7th, 2020

Theme: Glass Heart Syndrome- Similar to the Hanahaki disease, when a person goes through heart break it causes their heart to literally form into glass and break. It will result in the person never being able to love again or die through the agonizing process. The symptoms include dark cracks on the chest stemming from the heart that spread and grow darker the worse the heartbreak is, the victim becomes physically weaker, and they’ll cough up blood. (Taken directly from the request)

Sachi- means miracle. Thank you @msecchi for requesting 💞 hope you enjoy!

Nightmares.

That's what the doctor said to him. "You can't sleep because of the nightmares!" Thats what he was told by them. For ten years doctors told him its just nightmares. But he knew it wasn't nightmares no...He was being haunted by her. Dead and cold e/c eyes stared at him from the darkness as they dulled. A faint shattering sound accompanied it as he watched shards of glass fall.

His heart was cracked black lines trailed against his skin hidden under his shirt. It had cracked all those years ago when he thought she was gone. She had recovered though it was a miracle really that she had. After all he was there when her heart shattered.

Hanamaki and Matsukawa still looked at him with disgust. They supported him sure but they only supported him because they wanted him out of Japan. Iwaizumi didn't look at him the same either, there was always something hidden behind his gazes. He could take the anger from them though it was worth it to know she was still alive.

He loved her. He knew that, Iwaizumi knew it. For ten years he asked Iwaizumi how she was doing "she's fine," was the only response he got. Now he could see for himself if she was fine. The Olympics were here and he was currently on his way to Japan with his team. It'd been a long time since he'd been back. Almost nine years now but he wasn't worried. He curled into the plane seat shutting his eyes and trying to catch some nightmare free sleep...

___________________________________________

"Y/n-chan! You look really pretty today!" He threw an arm around the h/cette's shoulder pulling her roughly into his side. She stumbled a bit peering up at him through long eyelashes. "Can you let me go please Oikawa-san?" She asked shifting to pry his arm off. He held on though and gasped "Eh? Why Y/n-chan!" He shrieked and just like that his arm was thrown off her shoulder and Iwaizumi stood there.

"Dumbass she doesn't like people touching her!" He yelled flicking him in the forehead. He whined and rubbed at the spot "Iwa-chan you're supposed to be on my side!" Iwaizumi simply shook his head before turning towards Y/n. "So Y/n have you decided on a high school yet?" She merely hummed "I was thinking Shiratori-" "No you can't go there!" Oikawa cut off quickly throwing himself infront of her.

"...Can I finish my sentence?" She asked sending a pointed look towards him. "Please do," Iwaizumi supplied as he covered Oikawa's mouth. "Shiratorizawa but my cousin convinced me to go to Aoba Johsai instead," She finished sending a pointed look towards him. He pried Iwaizumi's hand off to speak "You're going to Aoba Johsai!?" She laughed then smiling at him and he felt his heart rate speed up in response.

It'd been a few months since then he was a third year now and her a sparkling brand new first year at Aoba Johsai. Since day one he'd been around her constantly. Walking her to her classes or sitting with her at lunch sometimes bringing her an extra piece of Milk Bread. Of course the team knew he liked her it stared them in the face everyday. He'd smile at his phone everytime she texted or his face would flush slightly when she complimented him. Not that she ever noticed but they knew she was falling to.

She no longer rejected physical touches from him she leaned into them instead. She always smiled at him whenever he appeared in her line of sight. She even started using his first name! Halfway through the school year everybody knew Oikawa Tooru and L/n Y/n were attached at the hip. Fangirls confessed all the time but he rejected them without fail thinking of the girl with s/c skin and e/c eyes. He wanted her confession but it never came to him. He got tired of the team making fun of him one day. They always picked on him so why should they be allowed to do it when it involves the girl he liked?

"Oh please! Like I even care about her! She's getting boring anyway i'll just move on to a new girl. One that's more exciting and not some bright-eyed first year," He had said crossing his arms and looking up indignantly. "Oikawa...You don't mean that," Iwaizumi said slowly looking at him. "Of course I do. She's boring now," He pushed refusing to crack under the pressure.

Of course how was he going to remember that all of this went down a minute before she was supposed to walk into the gym to watch him practice like everyday? He really should have remembered that if he had things might have gone differently. Practice had ended as usual though it had been quieter than he remembered. Something was missing and he knew it.

He shrugged it off as he left the locker room walking towards the front gates to wait for Iwaizumi with Y/n. "Hey Y/n-chan what'd you think of practice?" He waited a moment to see her rush around the corner in a flurry of excitement but it never happened. "Y/n-chan..?" Rounding the corner of the gate he saw the spot they normally waited in was empty no sign of the beautiful girl anywhere.

There was however a piece of paper trapped against the bars. It was a small thing easily loseable but the way it was crumpled and felt soft meant the paper he held was old and probably had been thrown away. He opened it slowly and glared at what he saw on it. 'Kageyama Tobio xxxx-xxx-xxxx' What were the odds he'd find his enemies number here of all places? Astronomically low he knew as he chucked the paper away.

Iwaizumi had come up then pushing him along while he struggled. "Iwa-chan! Y/n-chan isn't here yet!" Iwaizumi rolled his eyes. "She went home. She was feeling sick today," He responded easily while Oikawa's nose crinkled. That was impossible he'd been with her all day except for in class. She was perfectly normal in every way today, he'd have know she was sick.

Maybe if he said something to Iwaizumi instead of keeping quiet he'd have seen her and fixed everything. Maybe if he had made them stop at the park like he did everyday instead of being consumed by his thoughts he might have seen a familiar h/c haired girl sitting with a boy that had blackish blue hair and vibrant blue eyes.

He might have seen the boy give her his jacket and a carton of milk when she started crying. Or how he awkwardly patted her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. But instead the duo walked on with him thinking about how to ask Y/n why she lied. Of course for the next two weeks he wouldn't receive a response since she avoided him at every turn.

Eventually though he cornered her right outside the gym after she dropped off Hanamaki's water bottle. He didn't question why she had it or the black and blue jacket she was wearing that was slightly too big for her. Instead he ran after her stopping her before she got to far. "Hey! Y/n-chan why are you avoiding me!?" He shouted towards her.

She and everyone else nearby stopped people whispered as they looked at them but he didn't care. He watched her turn and froze as dull e/c eyes met his own. "Just speeding things up. After all you said I was boring Oikawa-san,"

___________________________________________

He jolted awake sitting up rapidly as he tried to slow down his racing heart. "Hey you okay man?" He turned his head looking at his teammates who looked startled. "Yeah I'm fine...Just a bad dream," He smiled at them before looking out the window. Japan was spread out below them lights twinkling in the dark.

The smile fell from his face as they landed replaced with a sense of displacement and nostalgia. He gripped his bags tightly tomorrow he would be facing his biggest rivals on the court all to see who would win the gold. He didn't have time to think about what happened to the girl he used to know.

___________________________________________

"Wha- who said you were boring?" He asked stepping towards her. She took a step back in response "You did. Two weeks ago when I went to the gym. I heard you," His eyes widened dramatically as he looked at her "No- That's out of context!" He tried to save it but she just shook her head. 

"Don't lie Oikawa-san," Her eyes became more dull as she spoke. "Don't- dont call me Oikawa please. Dont do that please," he begged reaching out towards her. She coughed then putting a hand up to her mouth. As she did the sleeve of the jacket rolled down and he saw them. The thin black lines trailing across her skin and decorating her pale s/c arm.

"Y/n-chan...," he trailed off as his eyes focused on her arm and the thin trail of blood coming from her mouth. She smiled but it wasn't anything. Only a slight twitch upwards no warmth behind it. "Its okay Oikawa-san you helped me you know?" He paused as he looked at her "Helped you..?" She nodded slowly "Yeah! You helped me realize that love is worthless so thank you," He could only watch in horror as the black veins spread further and widened being accompanied by a cracking sound.

Like someone had thrown a ball threw a glass window she collapsed at the same time a shattering sound filled the air. A girl nearby screamed as Y/n fell while someone else yelled for emergency services. "Y/n!" He was shoved backwards as Hanamaki and Matsukawa ran past him.

"What happened!?" Matsukawa yelled as he lifted her head. He looked at him while blood dripped from her mouth. "I- I don't know. S-she said she heard me a-and-," Hanamaki whipped around at that "She heard you!?" He stood blood had left a red stain on his white track pants. 

"If she dies from this I will never forgive you," Hanamaki hissed. "Makki she's- she's not breathing!" Matsukawa screamed pressing a hand on her heart. Paramedics rushed into the area skittering around as the pushed Matsukawa and Hanamaki away. "What happened?" One of the medics asked. "Glass Heart Syndrome," Hanamaki answered back glaring at Oikawa as he spoke.

"We need to get her out of here right away! Lets go!" The medic had run back over towards Y/n helping to pick her up onto the gurney. They paramedics left quickly with her denying Hanamaki and Matsukawa's attempt to go with her. They raced into the gym grabbing their stuff before running back out. Hanamaki shoved Oikawa out of the way and down to the ground as they ran.

___________________________________________

He sighed as he jolted awake for the third time in a row. This was ridiculous she wasn't even dead so why couldn't he sleep without seeing dead e/c eyes? Guilt that's what Iwaizumi told him. He tilted his head to see the time five am was what the clock told him. He needed to meet the rest of the team at seven thirty so he changed and went running.

The streets he ran on seemed so familiar but so different to him. Of course he stopped at the nearby park it was similar to the one he used to stop at with Iwaizumi and Y/n. Those trips long since abandoned after what he did his eyes flittered over the park until they landed on a h/cette. His eyes widened as he looked at her so similar to the last time he saw her.

Slightly taller and figure slightly rounder perfect to him but it hurt to realize it was a pregnancy bump. The h/c hair on her head sparkled and her e/c eyes glittered with a warmth he hadn't seen in years. He began walking towards her almost starting to run until a voice stopped him. "Y/n!" He stopped immediately snapping his head to the side. Barreling towards her was a male with silver and black hair and golden eyes sparkling. He knew who that was...Bokuto Koutarou wing spiker for the MSBY Black Jackals and he was his opponent in the upcoming game.

He slunk closer and it was then that he noticed a little girl hugged to Bokutos chest. She couldn't have been older than five from what he could see but he noticed that running through the girls h/c hair were streaks of silver. He certainly didn't expect her to take the little girl from him and kiss his cheek. His shock was palpable when she reached a hand up to run through his hair. A thin sliver band with a small diamond on it glared back at him glittering in the sun.

Bokuto had lifted his own hand to run it through the small girl's hair the silver came through more prominently as well as exposing dark navy almost black streaks he hadnt seen before. The little girls head turned revealing a single e/c eyes. His eyes however zoned in on the gold band on Bokuto's finger. He was excitedly talking to her while she shook her head and started walking off. He watched Bokuto's eyes widen comically as the wing spiker ran off after her.

He stood frozen as he watched the scene anybody could see a cute family scene. That should have been him handing her their kid not Bokuto. But it wasn't him no it was someone else. So of course he called Iwaizumi to complain.

"Iwa! You didn't tell me Y/n was married to that- that wing spiker!?" He yelled into the phone while Iwaizumi scoffed. "One I shouldnt tell you anything about Y/n since you ruined that. And two thats not your business," He returned the statement with a scoff of his own. "Not my business? Shes married! You know what Iwa. I'll win her back," Iwaizumi laughed then it was laced with disbelief much like his voice was. 

"Sorry you are gonna try to win back a married woman who has a kid and another one on the way?" Iwaizumi was right that sounded wrong out loud but he couldn't back down. "Yes! I'm gonna win her back from that Bokuto guy!" Iwaizumi snorted "Sorry how'd you figure they were married?" Iwaizumi asked with a laugh "I saw the rings and her daughter has silver hair like him!" He stated indignantly.

Iwaizumi did bust out laughing then "Silver hair? Must have dyed it then," Iwaizumi mumbled quietly. "Iwa what are you going on about?" He asked not being able to hear the male on the other line clearly. "Oh nothing just suprised you don't pay more attention to your sworn enemies," He called uninterested. "I pay enough attention to know they're on the same team and will be playing against me," He hissed and Iwaizumi laughed. "I gotta go. See you later Oikawa," He hung up and Oikawa sighed as he put the phone away.

___________________________________________

"Oh are you all here for Ms. L/n?" The team turned eyes landing on a doctor with short brown hair and hazel eyes. He was clearly foreign but they didn't have any questions other than about her. Looking at them all he could see the fear in their faces and sighed. "Well its a miracle really that she lived. One of the worst cases of Glass Heart Syndrome I've seen in years," Oikawa froze as he felt the numerous glares on his back.

"Thank you doctor...?" Hanamaki walked forward looking at the man. "McCoy. Leonard McCoy," He said holding out a hand. "Thank you Doctor McCoy. Can we see her?" Hanamaki shook his hand while the doctor sighed. "Im afraid not. She still needs some time to recover we're going to try some beta blockers but until we try them I can't allow you guys in just incase," He said turning back around and leaving just like that.

The next week was spent waiting for the news. It came during practice one day for them "The beta blockers worked. She starts school again tomorrow at a new school," Matsukawa said as he walked back into the gym. The team cheered in excitement "Wait a new school? Shes transferring?" He asked stopping everyone while Hanamaki scoffed "she lived which was a fucking miracle and now you want her back here at the school that she almost died at with the person who almost killed her?" He flinched at the tone.

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The game had ended with Argentina's victory them winning the gold. He smirked at the wing spiker on the other side who only tilted his head in confusion silver hair following the movement. Iwaizumi smacked him as he approached "Stop looking at Bokuto like that," He said with a sigh. "I won against him and now I'll do it again," He was determined as he huffed. "Also Iwa how could you! Did you even know they got married!?" Iwaizumi scoffed in disbelief.

"Of course I knew she got married. I was a groomsmen along with Ushijima and Bokuto. Hinata was the best man," He processed the words "Sorry did you say Bokuto was a grooms-," before he could continue his questioning the patter of running feet interrupted him. "Daddy!" He snapped his head to the side seeing the little girl again only this time his jaw dropped.

The girl was pulled into a pair of arms which he followed to their owner. Kageyama's side profile glared back at him as he smiled down at the little girl. From this side he saw her other eye was a vibrant blue shade and sparkled in joy. "Hi angel what's going on here?" He lifted the girls hair in his finger and Oikawa saw the silver band around his ring finger while silver hair slipped through his fingers. "Uncle Kashi took me to the hair salon while he was watching me! I got my hair done to match Uncle Bo!" The little girl threw her arms up with a smile.

"Eh? Why not Uncle Tsumu kid?" Atsumu had asked joining the conversation. The girls nose crinkled "Uncle Bo is better than you!" Atsumu threw a hand over his heart and gasped mocking hurt. "Sachi Kageyama what did I tell you about running off?" Everyone turned seeing Y/n walking over with her arms crossed Akaashi stood next to her carrying her bag of stuff a ring of gold stood out prominently on his finger. "M'sorry mama," The girl now identified fully as Sachi frowned looking down with big eyes.

"Sachi. Just because Uncle Bo's sad face doesn't work on me doesn't mean yours will," She tapped her foot twice and Oikawa felt it the black veins trailing on his skin getting bigger and darker. He could hear the crack in his heart as Kageyama leaned over to kiss Y/n. The two of them fitted together perfectly while Bokuto bounded over to Akaashi and threw an arm around his shoulders. "Alright we get it. You two and your miracle are cute!" Hinata claimed as he shoved the two apart.

Y/n laughed as she looked up her eyes flittered over the other team stopping on Oikawa for a moment. He froze under her gaze. The warmth in her eyes faded replaced by the same empty and dead eyes he'd grown used to. The group had headed towards the exit as he felt the cracks happen rapidly. The last thing he could remember was the loud sound of something glass shattering before he collapsed to the ground.

[lady-divine-writes]

Good Omens Secret Santa 2020 - “Lights Will Guide You Home” (Rated PG13)

Summary: While watching the kids for the night, Crowley takes them all on an adventure, which includes a trip to the states to look at the Christmas lights. He drives them around to see bigger and gaudier displays, but Aziraphale is a little confused when he finally gets to see Crowley's favorite. (1556 words)

Notes: Written for Micha (@one-with-the-floor) as part of the Good Omens Secret Santa 2020 gift exchange.

Read on AO3.

"How about this one, kids? This might be the brightest one yet! ... Kids? ... Kids?" Crowley looks in his rearview mirror and scowls. "Oi! When did the little buggers fall asleep?" 

Aziraphale turns away from his window and the house beyond covered in every twinkle light available on the Eastern Seaboard (he suspects) and gives Crowley a confused look. Then, remembering that they aren't alone in Crowley's Bentley, he peeks over at the seat behind them, where five children snore softly, heads leaning on shoulders, fast asleep. "About five houses ago, I believe? Give or take? That's the last time I heard any ooo'ing or ahh'ing."

"Which house was that?"

"The one with the nativity scene made up of inflatable dragons breathing fire and wearing Santa caps."

Crowley's brow draws together as he tries to recall. "Oh, yeah. Right." He looks over his shoulder so he can see the pile of children properly: Warlock dressed in his stiff new Christmas suit, Adam a bit less formal in khakis and a pale blue polo, the rest of The Them a hodgepodge of wrinkled trousers, thick-soled shoes, and shirts of various fit alongside Pepper's red velvet gown, which her parents forced her to wear (a fact she stated numerous times throughout the evening) and which she accessorized with a faux leather jacket and a bulky pair of Doc Martens. "What's the deal with them knocking out so early? They're kids! They're supposed to be boundless founts of energy, aren't they?"

"Early? It's close to one in the morning!"

"Yes, but if you take into consideration the clan of gingerbread people they decimated, then washed down with a gallon of cocoa, they should be bouncing off the ceiling! We've been out for, what? An hour? Two?"

"Try four," Aziraphale says, checking his watch to be sure. "Did you have to miracle us all the way to the states?"

"Yes," Crowley says definitively. "They do Christmas a little differently out here. Bigger. More grandiose."

"That's an understatement," Aziraphale mutters as they pass a house so festooned with lights and animatronic creatures, he can't see the structure they're affixed to. "As is, I'm not sure how exactly you're getting away with miracling the lot of us abroad."

"When Hell finds out I used my magic to take five children across borders without passports, they'll be ecstatic!"

"But will Warlock's parents? Or Adam's?"

"Who's going to tell them?" Crowley shoots his angel a significant look, but Aziraphale matches it, arms crossed over his chest, glaring sternly, and Crowley backs down. "Look, their parents ditched them with us so that they could go off drinking and regaling and having a good time."

"Ditched them?" Aziraphale chuckles at Crowley's skewed point of view. "We offered!"

"And we promised these kids a good time!"

"You definitely delivered," Aziraphale says, smiling at his memories of their night: the snowball fight that ended with them crashing an outdoor service; the horde of snow zombies they built in the yards of a quiet and unsuspecting neighborhood; the hills they zipped down using trashcan lids as sleighs. Aziraphale was horrified by most of these to begin with, but that didn't last. Not when he saw how thoroughly the children enjoyed themselves. 

Crowley, too. 

But driving around, looking at lights? That was an unexpectedly tame suggestion. And Crowley was rather insistent. "But why did you want us to see Christmas lights?"

"Because it's important."

"How?"

"This is the only time of year you get to see this," Crowley explains, gesturing vaguely.

"And what's that? Enough wattage to coax down passing aircraft? Or are you perhaps referring to the eight-foot Santa mooning passersby?"

"No," Crowley replies. But that Santa was hilarious! The children spotted him from miles away and made Crowley drive over. They spent a good fifteen minutes pointing and laughing, making the kinds of off-colored jokes that make parents shush! But more hilarious was his angel's scandalized reaction - his dramatic tut, followed by an even more dramatic, "God Lord." "Humanity." Crowley sighs. "I know I talk a lot about Christmas becoming vulgar and over-commercialized. And come the day after, it'll be back to the business of not giving a shite about their fellow man, trampling each other in the shops to get the most ridiculous garbage at seventy-five percent off ..."

"Something you earned a commendation for, if I recall," Aziraphale points out.

"... but when humans light their houses like this, invite their neighbors to gather 'round, they're saying 'All are welcome! Stop on by! Let's celebrate together!'"

"To me, it's more like they're saying, 'Look at me! Look at all of this useless bother I own! Who cares that I'm diverting migratory birds from their destinations? Astronauts can see my house from space!'"

"Agree to disagree then," Crowley grumbles, then goes silent, and Aziraphale knows he's teased one step too far.

"The children falling asleep will make it easier to transport them," Aziraphale says, easing into a new subject until he can think of a way to apologize. "We can miracle them into their beds when we get back to the Dowling's. Then we can do a little regaling of our own."

Crowley grins. He can't stay stung by his angel forever. He's just too sentimental tonight to have a sense of humor. "Sounds about perfect. Been a while since I've done any regaling."

"Tonight's as good a time as any to start."

Crowley turns down a street with fewer lights and no neighbors milling about, preparing to snap them back to London. "Which house was your favorite?"

"Oh, none of these," Aziraphale says snobbishly. "I'm not the biggest fan of modern-day extravagance. I would have to say my favorite out of all the displays was that abbey down by the river: fairy lights reflecting off the water; tasteful nativity out front; evergreen trimmed with simple decorations - wooden star atop, red velvet bows, paper angels ..."

"Leave it to you to choose the one holy place we found, and only because we took a wrong turn."

Aziraphale wiggles happily in his seat. "You know what they say - there are no accidents."

"Yup. And four rights make a left."

Aziraphale pulls a face. "I ... don't think that's correct ..."

"Don't matter." Crowley turns in his seat, looks at his angel. "Do you wanna see my favorite?"

Aziraphale smiles, all thoughts of turns shelved for the moment. "Of course." "Alright. It's back in our neck of the woods, so hold on tight."

Aziraphale reaches to the side, takes Crowley's free hand in his, gives it a squeeze. "Ready."

Crowley snaps his fingers. 

For a single second, the world stops. 

A bright light surrounds the Bentley, engulfs it in its brilliance. In the amount of time it takes for Crowley's fingers to slide across one another, they're home. 

Aziraphale blinks, looks about as his eyes adjust to the lower light. He expected to see a house pulsating with a glow equal to a thousand suns outside his window, maybe with Virgin Mary riding a motorbike behind the abominable snowman while the angel Gabriel wrestles an alligator. But the shapes around him are familiar. His brow wrinkles as he tries to understand what he's seeing. They're not just back in London, they're in Soho.

Right outside his shop. 

"Which one is it?" Aziraphale looks up and down the block at darkened storefronts, most of them as frugally adorned as his own - a rope of garland, a wreath, a silver bell or two, but nothing special. Nothing noteworthy. Nothing even close to the houses they spent the night ogling. 

"This one right here." Crowley points past Aziraphale toward a set of wooden double doors.

Aziraphale frowns. "But ... that's my bookshop."

"A-ha."

"I didn't do much in the way of decorating."

"I know."

"And I don't like when people stop in, so it's not as if I'm encouraging my neighbors to gather."

"Know that, too."

"So, why is it your favorite?"

"Because ..." Crowley scoots across the seat, puts an arm around Aziraphale's shoulders "... it's home."

"You consider a dusty old bookshop home? When you own that mansion of a flat in Mayfair?"

"You consider the bookshop your home, don't you?"

"Yes, but that's because my books are there, my liquor cabinet, my snuff boxes - everything I'm fond of. Everything I adore."

"What a coincidence. Because everything I'm fond of ... everything I adore ... is at your shop."

"And what would that be?" Aziraphale asks sarcastically. "My bottle of Hennessy Paradis Imperial?"

"No. You, you pair of walnuts," a grumpy Warlock responds in Crowley's stead.  

Crowley glares at his young charge over his shoulder. "Rude."

"Look, could you guys take us home first and then make out?" Adam asks.

"Yeah," Pepper agrees. "My entire body is numb except for my right eyelid."

"Plus, listening to adults flirt kind of grosses me out," Brian adds, the rest mumbling in agreement.

"Alright, alright," Crowley growls, sliding back into his seat and putting the car into drive. "We'll drive you ankle-biters home, and then ..."

"We regale! Which I'm confident will include plenty of 'making out'? Right, my dear?"

"Absolutely," Crowley says with a smirk. Aziraphale snorts when their cluster of pre-teens groan.

"I think we're making them uncomfortable, angel." 

"Serves them right," Aziraphale says, straightening in his seat. "I could have happily gone on for another six thousand years without seeing Santa Claus's rear end. Vengeance is mine."

[guigz1-coldwar]

'Breaking' : New chapter for "Redemption in a Spirit in a Cold War" is out !

'Breaking'

"We both said that we were scared for the future and we realized that....our love was going to help to go through everything."

Chapter Summary : Yirina is filled with pain after her talk with Adler that ended into an fight and more she's staying captive, more she start to feel more broken...but she has to stay strong....

To read it on AO3, click here !

Words : +3200

Taglist : @snowgoldwaylon , @clxudtea , @efingart

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Stitch was still for me an mysterious man despite the memories I had with him before and the voice he was taking each time there were an discussion showed how he was trying to put an scare into me and it did worked an little, feared by his presence and seeing him in his same clothes but when the talks were made, I was making him sure that it wasn' really working. Deeply inside of me, I know that I was hating Stitch long before everything and I still do, that was almost the only thing that me & Adler could really get along.

After his departure from my cell, it was better for me to get back to sleep and the only thing that I could do for hours was...to wait. He told me that my next test was going to happen in an day but nothing was there to help me pass the time, only looking deeply in each wall of my cell, struggling to not becoming crazy at each hour passed and to add to that, no one was coming here to make an talk or to make me move to do an test...no one was coming to talk....

It was mostly guards that were coming to bring me some things to eat & drink and that was it, they didn't wanted to talk to me and I was thinking the same thing. They were maybe knowing the story about me but I wasn't going to put an word out of my mouth to them. Time passed and finally, at the end of the day, the 6th of June, Stitch came in my cell...to tell me that my next step was reported to next day...meaning more waiting for me and more desperation to feel inside...only that.

The next day wasn't so much different except that all day, I was wondering what my 'next test' would be to be honest : was it going to be another talk with Adler ? were they going to confront me to someone of my real past ? I couldn't know and that was only intriguing me as the long hours passed until the door opened at, I presumed to be the moment of the test they are going to put me in.

"Are you ready for your next test, Bell ?" I looked up, sit on the edge of my bed to see Sonya themselves, standing up next to the door of my cell.

"I guess that I will not know until you're bring me to another place ?" I suggested, moving on the bed to put my back against the wall and they nodded to me.

"Stitch said that it's not necessary for you to know for the moment." They replied, joining their hands together.

"Stitch said an lot of things but he can't tell it to my face." I exclaimed, making an little laugh about it, watching Sonya carefully. "Why is he always sending someone else to do his work ?" I asked them clearly, my hands on my lap.

"Well, he said that....." They stopped themself, maybe realizing that they needed to change words to talk about their brother. "Stitch doesn't really want to create an bond with you because of things he told me." They added, looking outside the cell, it was just them here, not even Knight doing the 'taxi'

"He told you things that I never did." I said, still talking & sounding like Bell would do.

"He explained that you were the one to broke his arm." They spoke up, putting their hands behind them as in the inside, I was resisting the urge to make an smile on my face. "That...you were the 'Winter Soldier'." Instantly, the smile in the inside faded away by hearing those words.

"What is this name ? An joke ?" I scoffed around, faking to hate that name even if I was really hating it. "Who would call someone like that ?" I added.

"To be honest, I wouldn't never do that." They expressed, making an relieved breath.

"Why are you like that ?" I whispered almost loudly.

"Uhm ?" They muttered, looking back at me as they were having their eyes at the door.

"I said that I was wondering why you are like this with me ?" I repeated my question that was something we already talk about between us but I wanted to know again.

"Why are you asking ?" They asked me back, crossing their arms.

"The Sonya Kuzmin I met in that interrogation who was rude, agressive....." I stopped myself, taking an quick look at them like if I was scanning them. "Are they the same person right here, right now ?"

"It's not because I'm rude that I can't be gentle." They responded, taking an half-annoyed voice. "I have a soft side too, you know." They pointed above their chest, just at their heart level.

"I'm not doubting that, now." I exclaimed to them and my words seems to have touched them as they brough an little smile on their face. "Tell me, how did you & Wraith met ?" I demanded after an few seconds of silence.

"I don't know if I should tell you this." They breathed, taking an look at the camera at their left.

"Stitch did say that you shouldn't talk about things but if you want to open yourself, do it." I adviced them, remembering his words to them, 2 days ago.

"Aw shit." They muttered, looking down at their feets. "Me & her, we met when I first joined Perseus in 1980." They started, taking an deep breath before looking up at me. "I will not say that it was love at first sight but we did start to...be closer enough, she was looking deeply alone at that time." They continued as in me, I was rethinking about the last months of 1980....'deeply alone'....with me starting to dream away....

"You were like recomforting her." I chuckled and they nodded.

"Yeah but now since April, she's not looking the same, you see ?" I nodded to them, biting my upper lip as they were sounding an bit sad. "Distant, jump mood from time to time." They added.

"And you were always here." I whispered.

"It was looking that it wasn't really enough, like she wanted more than just me." They told me, seeing an tear on their face, coming out of their right eye. "She's looking deeply into you but each time I want to know, she's rebuffing me."

"It's no-sense." I rolled my eyes around the cell, faking to be disturbed by that thing. "It's something that has been disturbing me since the moments she kissed me."

"Wait, she kissed you ?" They were sounding stunned, curious to me, making me realize that I shouldn't have really talk about this...until I slowly nodded.

"I don't know why, must be because of the things about me, things that isn't real." I expressed, moving away from the bed to get up. "Guess they want me to tell them more in those test." I muttered as I handed over my hands, knowing the procedure to get out.

"Yes, they want that." They breathed before they took handcuffs in their hands. "Seems that you're ready now." They said after handcuffing me.

"Guess that I don't have any choices." I joked, gesturing with my handcuffed hands to them.

"Come on, let's get going." They ordered, going back before we walk outside my cell.

This time, it was just them that were going to escort me into the place that Stitch & Freya want me to pass their 'test' and by looking at it, it seems that I was getting in the same way to the room the first test happened with Adler, meaning that I was maybe going to talk with someone else or worst, Adler again. I asked an few times to Sonya but they wouldn't respond at all at my questions, guess I will have to found out to myself.

My doubts were confirmed when we arrived in front of the same door of that interrogation room where I fought with Adler but this time, no one was here to greet us, not even an guard. Sonya decided to handcuff me at this moment and even if I would try to do something, I couldn't do it, I don't know the place too much because I don't even know where are we and I don't know where is Park.

"Is she ready ?" I was surprised when I heard Stitch's voice coming in with Freya at his side, next to him.

"She is." Sonya replied to my place, still holding me at my shoulders in case of anything.

"Good, another talk will happen today, as you maybe thought about it." Freya told me in an clear voice, moving to get her hand on the door handle.

"Don't tell me that he's behind his door." I demanded, remembering them of that fight days ago.

"Well, we will see how she will react." Freya said in an neutral voice as she started to open that door to let me discover.....

"Park ?" I whispered very silently, making sure that no one was hearing me as I entered the room.

She was here...in front of me...sit on the same chair Adler used. In terms of clothes, she was also like me : only an simple shirt and the pants she used back in that mission. To say....we were both alike in terms of everything : almost broken in the inside, only wanting to escape. She was looking down at her boots before she slowly looked up to see me, arriving me in the room. It's been almost an week that I didn't see her.

"B-Be-Bell ?" She exclaimed as we both know that we had to play an act together now.

"My god, Park, you're okay ?" I asked, very worried, moving to get sit on the chair I used before.

"Yeah...Yeah, I'm trying to be okay." She replied, feeling the sadness in her voice as she put her arms on the table. "They didn't hurt you ?" She demanded and I shook my head.

"No...and you ?" I asked back.

"Same, they said that it wasn't going to be useful if they hurt us." She responded, moving my arms too on the table.

"They want us to believe in their stupid vision." I exclaimed, looking at the mirror in the room, knowing that the trio were behind it and Park was doing the same. "Did they talk with you ?"

"Only one was coming from time to time and it was that Sonya." She explained, looking back at me. "It seems that they weren't like that, that day."

"We all getting surprised by that in those days." I told her with an smile, winking at her, an gesture for us both to start an normal conversation despite the whole situation. "How do you feel ?"

"I was starting to think that I will never see you again." She answered, still an part of sadness in her voice as with her left hand, she was trying to reach my right one. "I'm like back in hell but not alone."

"I know." I snorted, passing my left hand below my nose. "We both been through hell, we know what it's like."

"Yeah, I never wanted to live that again." She muttered, tears falling out of her eyes as we finally reach both hands together.  "It's hard each day but there's still something that hold you to not doing the unthinkable." She smiled at me. "You're the person that hold me."

"Yes, me too." I smiled back at her, our eyes both looking at our joined hands. "Park, I'm afraid." I told her, my voice breaking down by saying these words. "I'm afraid to lose you, to....I don't want to die or having you or my friends hurt."

"I'm afraid too." She repeated with the same tone as me, both realizing that we were thinking of the same thing. "Remember that night in the New Orleans ?" She questioned me and I nodded.

"Yes." I breathed with an little grin.

"We both said that we were scared for the future and we realized that....our love was going to help to go through everything." She said, remembering the talk we add that night....I could remember that conversation...."I've been always thinking about this for an long, long time."

"I didn't want to lose you and you....only you understand my feelings in the MI6." I expressed my pain to her, mentioning my life to her in an few words. "You're the only person that I'm in love." I affirmed as an little smile was beginning to form on her lips, knowing that I was saying the truth to her...like I always did.

"Before, I was thinking at first who was this woman that is now in front of me and...." She stopped herself to take an deep breath. "I'm realizing that I've been in love with you since the start, since the moment I saw you in my life."

"He said that it was impossible but we showed him that he was wrong about us...about me." I told her, referring to Adler himself and she was knowing about who I was talking about. "I love you, Park, always has been." I admitted as we start to slowly got together, seeing tears in our both eyes before we could make an kiss....something that I've been missing since days....giving me some hope.

"I love you too." She whispered after we broke the kiss, forehead to forehead, our hand on each other's shoulders before we moved back at our seats as the door was getting opened.

"Time's up, the test is finished." I could hear Stitch's voice coming inside the room and I looked around to see the trio arriving...with Freya, looking almost angry....

"Okay, time to get you back to your cell." Sonya started as they moved to get next to me.

"No !" Freya suddenly spoke up loudly, stopping everyone in their moves. "The test isn't finished....not for me." She exclaimed, looking between me & Park.

"What it is about ?" I asked her in an curious voice.

"Shut up !" Freya slammed her fists on the table, scaring me at my highest point inside of me as everyone was confused here, even Stitch. "Attach her to the chair with her handcuffs, Sonya."  She ordered to them in an clear voice and Sonya was so scared that they complied in an second, attaching me to the chair armrests with two handcuffs.

"Wraith, what are you doing ?" Stitch demanded as even himself was curious.

"Tell me, Park." She ignored his question as her look was on Park herself, moving slowly towards her. "How long this has been going on ?" She questioned her before she decided to slap her in the face.

"Hey !" I protested, trying to move but Sonya put their hands on my shoulder, avoiding to move. "Don't touch her !" I ordered but that was useless.

"Answer me, bitch !" Freya put her hands on her neck, holding it and almost starting to strangle Park. "Answer or I'll make your scar bigger and deeper." She threatened, even taking out her own knife to show it.

"Wraith, if you touch her, I'll kill you myself !" I told her in an angry voice as Stitch had to move to help Sonya to hold me.

"You took her away from me." Freya snorted, sounding more sad than angry. "You broke her enough, you lied to her." She added as she decided to punch Park who wasn't responding at all to her.

"Fuck you." It was the only thing that did go out of Park's mouth, determined to not say anything.

"Answer !" Freya repeated loudly as she was going to move her knife next to Park's scar....

"Freya, stop !" I ordered, my voice getting to get more broken and hearing her name...make her stop in her moves. "Please...I'm begging you, don't hurt her." I continued, starting to feel more tears coming out of my eyes....I wasn't Bell anymore.

"What did you say ?" Freya asked in an low voice, turning around to face me.

"I want you...to stop....I know..." I stopped myself, my eyes filled with tears until I looked at her straight in the eyes. "I know since 3 years." I revealed, Park looking shocked, Freya getting the knife out of her hand that went limp as Sonya & Stitch was removing their hands from me.

"Yirina..." Park whispered in an low voice as the trio was realizing everything.

"You....you knew ?" Freya demanded and I slowly nodded, still crying out my whole pain.

"It's been 3 years that I know what happened to me." I said, trying to look away from her but I couldn't. "I know about everything." I added before looking down in shame of myself to have played an act.

"Sonya....Stitch...." Freya started to say, sounding shocked until her bones. "Get....get Park back to her cell, I'm taking Yirina to hers." She ordered in an almost broken voice as the two start to move to get Park up, she was looking sad to me, having seen break in the inside. "Get up !" Freya expressed as she was removing my handcuffs before she forced me to get back up to leave the room.

I was still crying when we left that room but this time, Freya wasn't wondering what just happened like before, she just realized....that I lied to her....that I was just playing an act the whole time. I was redoubting about that moment and it just happened here, right now and like I doubted it, I wasn't able to contain the tears inside of me...tears that was still on my face when we got back into my cell.

"Three years ?" Freya removed herself from me as she almost threw me away on the bed. "You know about everything this entire time ?"

"Yes." I breathed, slowly sitting on the bed, ashamed of myself. "They told me about it....days before they could stop Perseus to use Greenlight." I explained.

"And instead, you could have come back here." She snorted, tears on her eyes too.

"I couldn't, Freya !" I spoke up before looking down at my feets. "Adler left me for dead at Solovetsky, I spent 3 years in an fucking coma in Moscow." I pointed at my scar on my head to her, I was angry and crying. "And even, I wasn't going to come back."

"You...you were aware of it in those calls you made to me, each time we saw each other in real." She exclaimed, leaning herself back against the wall.

"It was breaking me in the inside each time." I put my hands on my laps, seeing them trembling. "You know why I wasn't telling the truth ?" I asked her. "I was afraid like I have as been."

"You could have come back to me." She repeated again, almost pleading me to do that.

"It wasn't an option for me, I hate myself for working with Perseus for years without opening my eyes." I affirmed to her, looking back at her, meaning the seriousness of my voice. "And...no, it wasn't an option." I said again.

"You betrayed what we were standing for, you betrayed his ideals, Yirina." She told me as I narrowed my eyes to her, wondering if she was really the good Freya that I knew before.

"You betrayed me !" I whispered in an very serious voice as I decided to get back to lay down on the bed, looking at the ceilling, thinking about the whole fucked up situation right now before looking back to her. "You stole things from me, I was like an sister to you and what did you do ?" I demanded as she looked down at her feets.....

"It was more important than Perseus but instead, you betrayed me !"

[shadowknight465]

The Wrath of Life

Light. Light of all colours in rainbow except for purple.  Surrounded by a golden aura. It was beautiful yet he is afraid.  When he tried to touch it. It burned him. Causing him screech a unholy sound with repeated phrases like. "Sinful creature and True spawn of hell."

There was a knock at the door.

Do these people have a life outside of bullying me?

He thought as he opened the door.  Except that the person was not who he is expecting, in fact he doesn't think he has ever seen him before. Before he could the stranger's name. He barge in straight to the guest room. "What a lovely house you two have, Nightmare." He said putting down his things . "Do you mind if you can run hot bath for me?" He asked.

"Um. First of all I don't even know you.  Second you can't just go to people's houses and expect them to treat you like royalty. " He said crossing his arms. The stranger look at him. "I thought Dream already told you about me." Nightmare thought of what Dream said before he left. "Neil?"

"That's me."

"Hold on if you are really Neil then give me proof."

Neil removed his cloak. Revealing that the cat has lost an arm. Nightmare felt guilty.  " Don't put on a sad face little boy.  You are just being protective of your home, and that I applaud you." Neil woke Nightmare with his thoughts. Neil then smile. " I guess I forgot that Dream told me you're not very trustful with strangers." Neil scratch his head "Speaking of which ,  Do you happen to know a person name Hubert Cumberdale or better known as Salad Fingers?" Nightmare gulped.  It's been awhile since he seen Hurbert his first and possibly only friend.  Last time he ever saw him was the time he had to take Hubert to the asylum. "Yes. I've know him." He answered. 

"Hubert wanted me tell you thank you." Neil responded.

"For what?" Nightmare asked.  He doesn't remember giving Hubert any kindness in fact he thinks what he did was horrible. "Because of your actions Huber is now married with a beautiful wife they had a lovely child." Neil responded.  Nightmare sigh in relief. " So I was worry  for nothing?"

"Yup. Now can you please run me a hot bath?" Neil responded. Nightmare decided this time he would run him as hot bath.

~~~~~

Dinner was not like what he was expecting.  Instead of him cooking it was Neil. But at least it was good. Baked beans with roasted ham. With a cup of wine. He felt comfortable knowing the person living with him for a while is friendly. "Hey Night, what time is it.?" Neil asked. Nightmare looked outside. "Well it is dark." He said. "Well time for me to hit the sack." Neil got up and went to his bedroom. 

Maybe I should go to sleep as well.

Nightmare thought. He took of his shirt. Brush his teeth with a dry corn cob. And went the his bed.  Falling asleep as soon his head hit the pillow. However instead of his normal nightmares this one felt wrong. He was wearing the same clothes Moon was except it was mostly black and sliver. He has markings all of him and he was behind a female paladin. Her skin was kissed by the sun itself. Her short hair looks like fire and her eyes were a red and yellow gradient.

"Sun. Is something wrong?" He spoke, but it wasn't his voice.  The paladin said nothing. "Sun?" The paladin turn with a flaming sword in her hand. "What are you doing?" He said backing away slowly, but the girl's eyes turned snake-like. And she jumped to him. Stabbing him with her blade. He quickly got the blade off of him screaming.  "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" The girl didn't answer.  Instead she showed her snake-like fangs smiling. He knew this was a fight so he summoned his unprepared scythe. The girl called for help claiming Moon was a traitor again and all the women that came looks familiar.  "But Sun. Didn't Moon said-" One of girls tried the reason. "She lied to us again." She cut her off. Nightmare felt betrayal, but he doesn't understand why. None of the girls responded and attacked him. One tore his mask and shot him in his missing eye with a arrow.  A mix of magic and weapons overpowered him. He knows he can kill everyone if he takes his gloves, but he made a vow to never used his bare hands. So he decided to do the next self defense.  By placing a cursed on them. One where they are trapped in limbo. He place his scythe on the ground and chant in latin. However the paladin attacked him in the back. He felt his life draining from him as he hears a man scream. "Mi Nina." He shut his eyes for the final time with the feeling of wrath and sorrow.

Nightmare woke up in a cold sweat. As he looked around he saw that the scythe Moon gave him was with breaking. Eventually turning a bit bigger with a moth at the bottom. 

What just happened?

He thought. Maybe another vision? He eventually fell back to sleep. He'll think about it in the morning.

~~~~

The autumn harvest festival has arrived and Nightmare put on his more regal garment. Neil was getting a few beers and the townsfolk had forgot he existed.  He was thinking about looking into the lore of the festival until a mysterious stanger showed up wearing strange garments.  She was pretty however.  Skin that was kiss by the sun, flaming hair that's been put up by a high ponytail.  A gold-red mask covering half her face, but not fully her scar. 

The priest was the first to got up to her. "Hello madam." He said.

"Olá" She responded.  "Huh?"

"I said hello in my native tongue." She answered.

"Oh. Anyways  What a pretty thing like you brings in our beautiful village?" He said.

Here he goes again trying to groom someone.

Nightmare thought as he rolled his eyes.  He look at her again and felt off. Like he met her before.

It wasn't long till she spotted him. She walks towards him.  Later squinting her eye. "M-Moonie?" She asked almost crying. Nightmare felt awkward.  "No, I'm Nightmare." He said. She blinked. "Oh my mistake, you just reminded me of an old friend of mine." She said as she walk away whispering "Eu sinto Muito.". 

Why do I feel unsafe around her?

Nightmare asked himself.

"You best keep an eye on her." Nightmare heard a familiar voice.  He turned and saw Nox in disguise.

"What are you doing here?" Nightmare asked. "Errands." Nox reply.

"Hey, Nox can I have a word with you?" Nightmare asked. Nox set the large sack he was carrying down. "What is it?"

"That's scythe Moon gave me.  Is it perhaps any chance curse?"

"What makes you say that?" Nox reply. "Last night I had a dream where I was murdered.  But it wasn't me at all." Nightmare answer. "Maybe the scythe didn't like you." Nox said. Nightmare could feel the jealous aura coming from Nox.

What's make that scythe so important to him?

He thought. "I think there's something that you're not telling me.  In fact ever since we first met I could sense you have some grudge against me and I don't know why." Nightmare said. Nox glared at him than he towered over him getting ready to punch him. Yet he didn't.  Instead he just sighed. "Moon's soul stuck in it. And I don't want anything bad happen to him." Nightmare had seen this behavior before.  In both real life and in his books mostly his romantic novels. "Are you telling me that you're..." Nightmare begin. "No. Not like that." Nox begins to plea. "In love with him?.." Nightmare finished.  He's no love expert, but  He can tell Nox is in love with Moon. Nox blushed a purple hue before covering his face. "Look me and Moon first met we had a rocky beginning.  I was task with killing death by W.D Gaster. I would have succeeded if that man didn't spot me. When we met again  It turns out that both of us aren't so different after all and.." Nox stops himself and put his arm around his chest. "He was the only person I could talk to about these feelings of hate on being born with a uncomfortable body." Even though Nightmare can't understand he felt bad for Nox. "So what do you think about that dream I had? Does it mean something?" Nightmare asked trying to change the subject.  "I don't know myself. And I read all of Moon's books and scrolls." Nox answered. Nightmare watch Nox pack up. "Where are you going?" Nightmare asked. "Home. Hecate freaks out being alone at midnight." Nox replied. Nightmare took a breath.  Then music became louder and more vibrant, with the lights and fire becoming brighter and more warm. He turn and saw the stranger dancing with the strong man. Something doesn't seem right. Usually the strong man would refuse to dance for anyone, but the little girl he was targeting.  And he could've swore he saw scales of a snake on the stranger. The stranger later took the man to a small alley.  Nightmare thought that the man is just showing her around town. So he didn't pay much attention. He decided to try out the bobbing for apples he saw a couple of people did.  He should known better than to trust everyone when they pushed his head into the water. Luckily the little ones are making smores next to its fire they made themselves so maybe he can rest there.  As he headed to the campfire the little boy with the abusive mother grabbed him. "Nightmare, I don't feel comfortable with that girl."

"What girl?" Nightmare asked.

"The girl dancing with my mom." The boy pointed out. Nightmare took a look and saw that the stranger with the boy's mother.

Wasn't she with the strong man?

He thought. He turned to boy. "I'll keep a close eye on them while you have fun with your friends. Alright?" The boy nodded. Nightmare walks towards the dancers, but made sure that both of them can't spot him. He watch as the stranger convinced the abusive mother to go to the alley. Once there the stranger carefully removed the other woman's clothes. Nightmare thought they were going to court with each other so he turned away embarrassed. Even if he wasn't there the two women would eventually be found, and be hanged for committing homosexuality witchcraft. He left to tell the boy he might be getting two moms if they can convince the court. To his surprise the boy didn't pay no mind to it. In fact the boy just ask if it's okay with God. He doesn't know how reply due to him not being religious.  So they change the topic. Eventually Nightmare forgot about the stranger. Later he got tried and decided he had enough partying for tonight. As he went back home he heard a scream next to him. He turn to where the scream was and saw the unimaginable.

Everyone that danced with the stanger died in pools of blood and a demon snake mantis fire thing licking some from her hands. Nightmare backed away slowly until a woman scream caught the creature's attention. She smile and dash past Nightmare and grabbed the woman and begins to feast on her. By making her paralyze with the vemon in her fangs. Then she gutted her with her teeth. Later riping her limb from limb until she was nothing more than a pool of blood. Worst of all everyone saw it. While Nightmare ran.

Is that a Solarite?

He thought, but someone grabbed him and push him towards her. The Solerite took notice and held him down. Nightmare closed his eyes and hope that the death will be quick, except it never came. Instead she froze in place and is beginning to cry blood. Then stopped. "Você conhece o Nim?" She said.

"W-What?" Nightmare asked. "I said. Do you know Nim? You know that apple tree dryad?" She said.

"Yes. She's my mother." He said. She glared, but not at him. "Essa vadia...I know she would do this. But never to her own son."  She muttered.  "Nightmare, did you summoned this..thing?" A man yelled. "No. I barely even kno-" He was cut off. "As if you weren't evil enough you destroyed a sacred ceremony. " Nightmare look down.

Are they that stupid?

He thought. "Wait, I cause the massacre.  Not him. And how is he a part of it?" The solerite asked. "Didn't he summoned you?" Someone else asked. "No. I came by going on a boat by myself. " She answered.  "Well he bleeds black blood." A woman said. "I have a close friend who bleeds black blood and he would never harm someone unless he has too or is provoked." She replied. The solarite stood up and allowed Nightmare to stand up. Then she put her hand on his shoulder.  Surprisingly it didn't burn him. "Are you a scapegoat?" She asked. Nightmare took a deep breath.  "Yes." She turns to village.  "Raise your hand if you still think he cause the massacre?" Not surprisingly almost all of village raise their hands. "Good thing my pets love barbecues." She whispered. "Now come to me if you think he is innocent." All the children and some of villagers came forward despite their loved ones pleas and threats. She came up to them and pat them all on their heads. Later did the same to Nightmare. "Who are you?" Someone said. The solarite smile. "I am the wrath of life." She said as she turns into a snake and begins slithering away. Many tried catch her, but she was too fast. And those that did hands were burnt to a crisp. Nightmare took the opportunity to run. He went home grabbed Moon's scythe and spent the night at the in-hill. Planning to talk to Moon about her and about that dream.

[arthurflecksgirl]

Hellooo, me again, I'm sorry to keep pestering ^--^ I was wondering if you would be willing to write a fic where Arthur's s/o is on doctor-prescribed bed rest for whatever reason and Arthur wants to take care of them (making them food/running to the store for them/comforting them through pain)? I have chronic but severe pain that makes me need to rest a lot and the idea of Arthur actually WANTING to take care of someone makes me ^--^

Heyyyyy Sabrina :) Thank you soooo sooo much for your request and why on earth would you ever apologize for making a request ? OMG. I appreciate your messages and asks so much! This is the result and I really really hope you like it.

Arthur taking care of you during “this time of the month”

Your hand reached out for the soft skin of Arthurs arm. You needed it wrapped around you tight. So tight it would ease the pain a bit. Arthurs skin on yours always eased the pain. The warmth of his body was the best medicine you could think of. It was this time of the month again when your body will torture you with serveral pain and cramps until you got too weak and tired to even go out of bed. Waking up from bad pains in your lower belly made you desperately search for Arthur under the sheets. Your eyes still closed, trying to breathe through the pain. "Arthur?" you whispered in the dark of the bedroom. The only thing your hand reached was Arthurs light blue pillow, still warm from him sleeping on it. You rolled up to his side of the bed and pressed your face into his pillow. You loved how his warmth was still holding on to the fabric. Or was it the farbric holding on to his warmth? Trying to make him stay? To make the remains of his body heath a ghost, lingering on the pillows and sheets? To proof that he just left some minutes ago? That he will be right back because this was his save place. Right here with you. Where the warmth of your body mixes with his. To become one bundle of comfort.

You rubbed your face into it. There was not just the warmth that remained but teh smell of his hair. A deep breath in made you feel like you just buried your face into the crook of his neck, except the sensation of his curls tickeling your nose was missing.

"Arthur?" you called out his name like a prayer. Like he would be right there when you call for him. And he was.

"Y/N? Hey....Good morning, sweetheart!"

"Arthur, I`m in so much pain..." you whimpered, while you abdomen felt like someone tried to tear it apart.

Arthur immediately got up on the ebd to cuddle you from behind "Oh no! Whats wrong?"  "Those horrible cramps again. I can barely move...."

Arthur pulled you closer to his naked chest. He was still in his Pjs. "Oh baby. Remember what the doctor said. You need to rest and stay in bed when this happens. Did you already took some pain killers by now?"

You shook your head "No, it just started. But I feel that its getting bad".

Arthur hurried, telling you that he will be right back.

He seemed a bit overwhelmed by this. He never had a girlfriend before and this was new to him. You have been together for some months now and he realized that what you were going through each month wasnt fun. He was always getting a bit nervous when he saw you struggeling. Worried about if he was doing everything right to help you with the pain, which was teh sweetest thing to wittness. Your ex boyfriend never payed any attention to this kind of struggle. But Arthur took it very seriously. He couldnt stand it to see you in this condition. So he tried to hide the fact that he felt a little helpless.

Arthur came back with some pain killers and a glass of water. "Here, take these. These are the ones the doctor perscripted you last time we visited him". He gently stoke the back of your head as you swallowed them down with a sip of water. "Thank you, Arthur. I can barely stand up...."

"Then dont. Just stay in bed and rest, okay? I can get anything for you if you need something. Just let me know."

You nodded before you fell back into the pillow. His one. The one that smelled like home and comfort. You heavily breathed into it. Trying to concentrate on relaxing but it seemed impossible. "The pills will ease the pan soon" . He had no idea that his soothing voice was much of a beter helper.

You body twitched.

"Oh darling. Is it that bad?"  Arthurs hand reached under your shirt to caress your belly as you curled yourself up into a ball. His fingers tenderly moving in circles while you just tried to breathe calmly.

"It is.....can you.....please just....lie here with me and wrap your arms around me? " You just had to feel him close to you now. Otherwise you would fall apart.

"Y/N....what a question. Sure. But first I gotta call my boss and tell him that I will stay away from work today."

"What? Arthur but....you cant do that. You know that Hoyt is going to be pissed."

"So what?" Arhur stood up to grab the phone "I dont care. I won`t leave you alone in this condition. I will stay right here with you and make sure you have anything you need."

As soon as Hoyt was on the phone, he told him he was on some new meds and they made him so sick to the stomach its impossible for him to leave his bed today. it was not possible for you to make out what Hoyts answer was like, but Arthur hung up the phone, rolling his eyes.

"He was mad, wasnt he?" you asked, trying to drink some water without throwing up.

"Forget about him. He will calm down. He`s just being Hoyt. One of my workmates can jum in for me today. " He crawled back on the bed, looking so lovable in his pajamas and messy morning hair.

"The kids will miss their cute Carnival. They need him."

"You need me more"

"Good point!" you replied, pulling him closer.

"Carnival can show you a lil dance later if you want. He`ll make anything to make you forget the pain."

You smiled "I know he would."

Arthur spooned you from behind so he`s got his hands free to caress your belly "Where does it hurt the most?" he asked. His fingers doing their magic. Sometimes you swore he had healing hands.

"Everywhere....on the inside, you know?"

"I wish I could crawl right into you and ease the pain from inside".

You angled your head to kiss him on the lips.Just to get a taste of him.

"I think I gotta go to the bathroom. I havent even brushed my teeth since I woke up.

"I dont care. Stay here. "

The tip of Arthurs nose traveled up and down your neck.

"Arthur?"

"Huh?"

"Can I put on your brown cardigan? I think it might help me calming down until the meds show results".

Arthur bend forwards to grab his worn out cardigan which was lying on the floor. He asked you to sit up and helped you to get in it. A smile was crossing his face. This meant much to him. Knowing that his old clothes gave you comfort.

"Better?" he asked.

"A lot, Arthur. Thank you."

"Is there anything I can do for you? A tea? A hot watter bottle? Please let me know." The way Arthur wanted to take care of you filled your heart with so much love. He wasnt doing this because he had to ,but because he wanted to. It meant something to him, to have someone to take care of. Someone who appreciated him being there and caring. Helping other people with feeling better had the same effect on him than making people smile by telling jokes. It filled his heavy heart with joy and made it lighter.

Arthur wanted other people to need him. Especially the ones close to him. He loved to be needed and wanted in any way. He never thought his hands would help someone feeling better. He never thought his voice would be heard by someone who loved the sound of it. All his life Arthur wished for someone to crave him. To long for his presence. And now he was able to help you. Just by being here. Being able to help made him feel important to someone.

But this wasnt just about him. he loved you with all his senses and seeing you being in pain was unbearable for him. He tried to get rid of the feeling of being helpless and worried  by asking you what else he could do for you.

"Um...maybe both?" you giggled, realizing that the pain has gottan at least a little bit better for now. Sure of the fact that it wasnt because of the meds but because of him.

"Alright. So a tea and a hot watter bottle " he nodded, running his fingers through his curly hair "Anything else? Like....do you think you can eat something? Or....?"

"Um....I`m not sure. I´m sick to the stomach...."

Arthur stroke your cheek. He knew this feeling too well.

"The only thing I can think of are these  small pretzels ....."

Arthur laughed out loud as he lit himself a cig "You really want pretzels right now?"

"Yeah...." now you had to laugh,too. Almost forgetting about the pain for a moment.

Arthur inhaled the smoke, the cig tugged between his mischievous smirk. "One moment, honey". He walked to the kitchen, into the bathroom and came back with a hot water bottle and a hot cup of tea. He placed the water bottle on your belly "I hope this will help you relax. We dont have any pretzles anymore I`m afraid. I ate the last one the other morning.I`m sorry".

"Oh Artie, dont ever be sorry for eating. I`m so happy everytime I watch you eat something.  Arthur put his shoes and hoodie on "You knwo what? There is this store just two blocks away and they sell those things. I will go get some for you okay? I`ll be right back!"

"Oh you really dont have to...."

"I willl hurry up, I promoise!"

"I only let you go when you promise me you will eat one,too."

Arthur leaned in to give you a sloppy kiss on teh forehead. He smelled like cigarettes. "I promise".

When Arthur was out the door you buried yourself in his pillow again. Thinking about how lucky you were to have a man like him on your side and how little the others knew about him.

Arthur met many people in his life, especially while working. He was always meeting them on birthday partys, hospitals  and other events. But they never really got in touch with him. What  a pity. To them he was eighter just the party clown or the mysterious, shy man in the background. They had no idea what they missed out on.

You were lucky enough to know him. To know what a wonderful lover he was. And it was obvious that Arthur would be an amazing friend if people would just give him a chance and try to take a closer look. A look behind the laughter that they tought was weird or creepy.

You felt the heath of the water bottle calming your muscles but it didnt had the same magical effect as Arthurs body heath. A deep sigh escaped your lips.

Maybe it wasnt just luck. Maybe it was because you saw him. His true self. And now his hands belonged to you. The gentleness of his touch, the softness of his skin, the warmth of his body at night, his lips, his dreams and hopes and darkest fears. It was all yours now and you embraced it with everything that was you.

It didnt took long until you`ve heard the keys in the lock. Which was a relief because you already felt the pain getting worse after he was gone for 5 minutes.

"I`m back with the pretzels!" his voice sounded like a humm as he threw a whole bag of it on the bed and got rid of his hoodie and shoes.

"Arthur. You forgot to change your pants." you chuckled.

He looked downon himself, realizing that he was leaving the house in his PJs "Oh!" he shrugged "Too late now I guess". He checked his hair like he always did when he got out of his hoodie.

"You`ve been okay?"

"Yeah"

Arthur opened the brown paper bag and fed you one of the pretzels. Just one bite and another. You had to go real slow to not get sick. Now you knew how Arthur felt about eating every day.

"Thank you Artie. You`re the best boyfriend a girl can wish for!"

His cheeks turned pink as you also fed him one and he bit off a small piece.

"You also gotta eat something, Arthur"

"Yeah but you too" he added as both of you kept feeding each other the smallest pieces.

After there were two less pretzels in the bag, you kissed each other on the mouth and layed down again. His naked toes playfully touching the back of your foot.

Another cramp again.

"You`re muscles are so tense" Arthur noticed. C`mon. Lets see how i can help."

He disappeared under the green blanket and rolled up the cardigan just enough to place some soft kisses on your lower belly.

"Does it help?" he whispered between the open mouth kisses.

"Oh yeah....a lot!" you breathed through the pain, which was getting better with every touch of Arthurs lips.

"I could do this forever" he added "I can taste the love you hold for me. Its right there....on the surface of your skin. Its right there waiting for me to taste it .... Does that sound crazy?"

You couldnt see his face, because he was covered with the sheets but you knew he was making a serious face asking you this.

"Not at all, Arthur. It sounds wonderful. "

Arthur compleately crawled under the blanket now and  positioned himself over you. Supporting himself with his elbows so you didnt had to carry the weight of his body on your aching belly.

"I love you so much" he muttered into your messy hair.

"Dito!" you replied.

"Now get some sleep, baby. I`ll be right here when you wake up...Or....maybe Carnival will take my place to cheer you up, who knows?"

You smiled right before you drifted into a painless sleep. Dreaming of the most caring clown with the biggest green wig and the purest heart imaginable.

[kiyoomiee]

Submit To Me || Jeon Jungkook

Submit to Me ⟶ [ 2/ ? ]

⟶ genre: wolf au / enemies-to-lovers / fluff / slow burn

⟶ pairing: jungkook x reader

⟶ words: 2k

⟶ sypnosis: Being an omega isn’t easy, you're surrounded by judging eyes and a lot of streotypes. Being an omega isn't easy, especially when your rival is a pure breed alpha named Jeon Jungkook.

⟶ warnings: alpha!JK, omega!Reader, language, consumption of alchohol and weed, a lot of fighting, mutual pining, communication problems, degrading words

⟶ disclaimer: this is a product of my imagination. this is my first post so please bear with the mistakes and grammatical errors, English is not my first language

PART 1 // PART 2

Jungkook’s lips felt soft against yours. Though it tasted like alcohol, it didn’t stop you from wrapping your arms around his nape just to deepen the kiss. The way his tongue explored your mouth was nothing compared to what you experienced from your past relationship. You surrendered yourself completely and kissed him back, hoping that it would take all the pain and frustration that you felt.

“You’re such a tease Y/N. You’re torturing the shit out of me right now.” He was sucking and biting harshly on one part of your neck that you were sure it would totally leave a mark. His irises were in a deep shade of red, a sign that his wolf was taking over.

His hands slid down all the way from your back until it reached your ass. You yelped when Jungkook grabbed your bottoms only to pull you up. Your phone made a sound when it fell on the floor but you didn't care. You and your hands were too focused on roaming Jungkook's shoulders and pulling the strands of his soft curly hair.

You almost whined when Jungkook broke the kiss only to lick and attack your neck. His sudden action caused you to moan and your nails scratched his tattooed arm involuntarily, causing him to hiss. He returned the favor by putting a hand to your waist only to grip it tightly.

“A-Ah shit. Fuck you, Jungkook.”

He chuckled dangerously. Jungkook continued his work on your neck. He ran his fangs on your clavicle causing you to jolt against him as your eyes almost reached the back of your head.

You couldn't think straight anymore and neither could he. Your wolf chanted Jungkook's name over and over, you were starting to give in.

But something felt wrong. Yes, there was something far worse than having Jungkook's tongue down your throat right now. Your body felt hot and your vision started to blur.

"Jungkook wait. Stop." You weakly pushed his chest and gripped his arms tightly to get him back to his senses. He was breathing heavily against your skin when his red eyes slowly turned back into it’s natural brown color.

"Y/N what's-- Fuck!" Jungkook cursed loudly when you passed out against his chest. It took him awhile to get back to his senses but when he finally did he carried you and put you down on his bed.

He stared at you for a moment, realizing what you two just did. His wolf was taking over him when he saw you at the dancefloor. The way you looked and smelled was the last straw. The amount of alcohol he consumed was partly to blame. Jungkook wanted you to submit to him when he pinned you against the wall. He wanted to dominate every part of you so bad that he lost control.

A part of him felt guilty. He knew you were drugged judging by how dilated your pupils were when he looked into your eyes. His plan was to keep you safe yet he took advantage of your current state. He clenched his teeth and kept in mind to punish Taehyung for giving you that cookie.

Jungkook looked away and sighed. He walked straight into his bathroom and turned the water on.

After all that has happened he needed a cold bath to calm him down and help him think straight.

The heat of the sun on your skin is what got you groaning in the early morning. The sudden pain that you felt on your abdomen made you breathe erratically. The beads of sweat on your body irritated you even more. Your lashes slowly fluttered when you finally opened your eyes.

The memories of what happened last night were faint in your head. If the headache that you felt right now wasn’t enough to make you remember then the alpha beside you probably will.

The view made it harder for you to breathe. Beside you was Jeon Jungkook who’s upper body was on full display, gray sweatpants were the only thing that was covering the lower part of his body.

So many thoughts filled your mind, the thought of you two having sex was no exception cause you couldn’t find the clothes you wore last night and your undergarments were only covered by a large white shirt that reached your knees. Surely I would remember if we had sex right? I’m sure Jungkook isn’t the type to make a woman forget. Should I wake him up and ask him to do it again--

And that exact thought was the part that got you running to his bathroom and locking yourself in. Your whole body felt hot. You were thinking about Jungkook, you were ready to pounce at him even. Your abdomen hurts like hell.

You were in heat.

A female’s heat comes every month and lasts for about a week. The heat of males lasts the same but it only comes once a month during winter, which is mating season. You despised it. It's so unfair and it tortures every part of your being. You knew your heat was coming but you never expected it to happen today, especially with an alpha close by. You took every bit of restraint and self respect that you had just to keep yourself locked up and not throw yourself at Jungkook.

Oh Goddess. You called out, hoping that she would prevent you from losing your mind.

Meanwhile, Jungkook's eyes opened quickly when the strong scent of vanilla and lavender filled his lungs. He didn't even bother to stretch his limbs just to find where the sweet smell was coming from.

His lips parted when his brown orbs were slowly turning red, his wolf wanted to take over and he knew exactly why. Any wolf nearby could tell that you were in heat, alpha's most likely. Since alphas and omegas are "destined for each other" they are the ones that are most likely affected when sensing heat.

Jungkook was frustrated that you weren't in his pack, the mind link would surely help to check if you were okay. Atleast she had the decency to lock the door, he thought. Because if you didn't, you two would probably end up in a situation you'll both regret.

For the first time in his life Jungkook didn't know what to do. He just stood in front of his bathroom door as thoughts filled his mind. He badly wanted to help you through your heat yet one wrong move, the everything will be even more complicated than before. It's the heat that's making me like this. The heat. Yes, it's the heat.

Maybe fate was playing with the two of you. You despised one another yet you can't help but to attract each other.

You on the other hand, gathered all the might and courage that you had. Jungkook was startled and took a few steps back when you suddenly opened the door. You didn't even bother to look at him and just focused on finding your things and go. You were panicking inside your head, the clothes that you wore last night were neatly folded on the table beside his king sized bed yet it immediately crumpled when you gathered it without any care. Your main priority was to get out of there immediately yet you couldn't stop yourself from asking Jungkook what happened.

"Jungkook, about last night--" You tried to speak but he immediately cut you off.

"Last night was a mistake Y/N."

Your eyes met his brown orbs that held the same emotion the first time you interacted with him. It was cold, so cold.

"Of course it was. But.. did something happen? Between us?" You asked cautiously.

Jungkook let out the fakest laugh you ever heard as he crossed his arms on his chest.

"Really Y/N? Did you really think that something will ever happen between us?"

"What's with the attitude? How the fuck am I supposed to know? You tell me Jeon, why else would I be wearing your fucking shirt right now?" Your blood was starting to boil because of anger.

"Because you made a fucking mess on your clothes! You really shouldn't be drinking Y/N you know why? Cause your weak ass can't handle simple alcohol. I did you a fucking favor and you're not even a part of my pack." He growled, emphasizing his last statement.

"So that's what this is about? You being a little bitch cause I won't bow down to you? Well guess what? I never will cause submitting to an alpha like you would only prove that I'm weak. I'm glad that I'm not a part of your pack. Anyone would be unlucky to have someone like you as their alpha." You attempted to leave but he caught your wrist before you even made a move.

"Oh yeah? Is that why you had your tongue down on my throat last night? Tell me Y/N, if you hate me so much then why the fuck did you kiss me back?" Jungkook smirked when you were caught off guard by his question.

"It was a mistake Jungkook. We were both drunk." You looked away and refused to look at his eyes. Restraining yourself was already difficult but he made it even harder the moment he touched your wrist.

"I'm pretty sure that you enjoyed it though." You were sure that he knows you're on your heat yet he's pushing both of your patience and limits.

Both of you turned your head's when you heard the sound of Jimin's voice behind Jungkook's door.

"Kook? Who do you have in there? You do know it's dangerous to have an unmarked female that's in heat in a house that has 3 alpha's with no mates right?" Jimin's concerned voice was very clear.

It's a good thing that Jimin's a beta. He could sense the different scents around him yet unlike alpha's, he doesn't go crazy when he smells a female wolf in heat.

Jimin didn't expect to see the two of you when he opened the door. Heck, he knew that you two couldn't stay in the same room without fighting. The sight in front of him made his jaw drop almost instantly. Your cheeks were in a shade of bright red and Jungkook was clearly restraining his wolf. Both of you showed too much skin and the smell of sexual tension was very clear in the air.

When the door was wide open now, you took it as an opportunity to finally leave. But Jungkook’s voice made you stop your tracks.

“Where do you think you’re going?” 

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m going somewhere where you’re not around.”

“Really? Wearing that? Do you need me to remind you that I’m not the only alpha in house and in this city?” He mocked.

“Oh god! Jimin? A little help here?!” You cried in frustration and you raised your brows at your best friend.

“Okay I’m confused as fuck but I have to side with Jungkook for this one. He’s right Y/N. It’s dangerous for you to go out in that state. How about you go to my room and I’ll go run for some heat suppressants?” 

You parted your lips, trying to make up words to say something but nothing came out of your mouth.

"Don't argue with me on this one Y/N."

You sighed and nodded your head in defeat. His idea was the best one to be used so that you could avoid problems.

But deep down inside you knew you couldn’t stay still and just wait for Jimin to come back, especially with Jungkook around You wanted to get out, the sooner the better.

[peaky-shelby]

The key | josh and donna

Words: 1.992

Fandom: the west wing

Ship: josh lyman and Donna

Summary: what would happen if josh had taken that key?

Dedication: @r20ebecca for waiting so patiently to read this.

Spoilers? Nothing important no.

Author's note: this is my first time writing something for josh and Donna pls be kind.

Maybe it was the way that the light fell on her or her discreet blonde curls that looked great on her. Maybe it was her make up today, she must have done something different otherwise it made no sense for her to look so different. There was something unique about her tonight, the way she smiled, the way she laid her eyes on him, the way she spoke with confidence he had never noticed before. He always knew she was a strong woman, he had felt her strength hitting him on the back of his head many times before, he had felt the strength of her voice yelling at him a hundred times before and he had met these confident eyes every day of he life for the last 8 years and more. But tonight it was different.

He thought about all that and more as he sat across from her on the table, he thought about the unexpected kiss and he thought about everything on in the few seconds he was there. She smiled at him, a sincere smile like she was reading his mind and telling him it was OK because she was thinking about it too. Was it inappropriate to let his mind wonder like this? He wanted to kiss her again, hold her cheeks, melt in his arms, surrender in her touch like a young teenage boy.

Donna suddenly looked away, taking his breath away as she did. Then in a slow but confident movement she placed an envelope with a key on the table and slid it towards him while the others laughed and talked about a subject josh couldn't pay any less attention to fight now.

He stated at her a little terrified, a little confused. A thousand questions ran through his head but before they could slip out his mouth the same way she slipped the key, Donna was on her feet, wishing everyone a goodnight.

"I'm turning in" she said while raising her glass and drinking it down what was left from her wine. Josh watched her closely while she did that. His eyes examining her like he was meeting her for the first time, trying to understand the signals she was sending. He didn't want to make a mess of this moment, what if it was all in his head. Hesitation was messing in his head like a tornado, polling data was being drawn in pictures. He looked at the key, his heart beating faster, he leaned in quickly and snatched it. Hid it in his pocket like he had just committed a crime. After she was out of his view he looked at the rest of the team, faking a smile now and then, pretending he was listening. He stayed there a few minutes longer before clearing his throat, capturing everyone’s attention and stood up, rubbing his suit.

“alright im off too guys. Don’t have too much fun without me.” He smiled, taking his drink from the table and swallowing it all down in one ago. He was definitely going to need it.

On the way back to the rooms, his head kept spinning and his feet kept shaking. Maybe this was a mistake, maybe he should go back and have another drink. Maybe this was a line he shouldn’t cross but then again maybe crossing that line had been delayed for way too long. Thinking about everything on and on again like he was listening to a broken record he didn’t even realize he had reached Donna’s door. He stood still like a statue, looking at I like he was expecting it to open by itself or even better fall on him and push him on the floor. He sighed, shaking his head, he was such a moron. “stupid—I’m so stupid” he mumbled to himself. He huffed and puffed and naught as much time for himself as he could, he slid his hand in his pocket, playing with the key with his fingers. What was holding him back? This woman had been with him since the beginning, this woman was his best friend, his most trusted person in the world. He placed on of his hands in the door and leaned his head on it, closing his eyes. That’s it, he thought, that’s why. That woman had been with him since day one, that woman was his best friend and fear of losing her was to high a price for having her. He couldn’t let himself have her, love her, hid her, to this day he had lost so much, he couldn’t stand to lose her too. “I can’t… “ he whispered, licking his lips “I can’t” he repeated and just like that he didn’t. He raised his head, let his hand slip of the wooden door and stepped back. He glimpsed at it one last time before turning his back and walking away. Still playing with the key, still wondering until-

“for a politician you’re a huge coward you know that?” it was her, standing in the hall behind him telling at him. He stopped immediately, looked back at her and then behind him making sure no one else was, watching.

He gulped “I’m not actually a politician” he pointed, the same old teasing smile on his face.

“sure you are” she said, crossing her hands to her chest and walking closer to him “you find a bill you like, a bill that is good but then they come and tell you it will ruin your picture so you back away like a coward and the whole education system fails-“ her voice was getting louder while she spoke. Josh was very confused. He made some hesitant steps closer to her, smiling.

“did you just compare yourself to an education bill? Because let me absolutely clear id never do that-“

“JOSH!” She snapped, startling him.

“OK we can’t do this here-“

“I’m not going to be the girl that waits for you until I’m old and gray and realize that I’ve spent my entire life doing just that-“

“did you perhaps have a little more wine than you should have-“

“I understand you have things in your mind you need to solve and I’ve been patient but I’m a woman josh I have needs-“

He grabbed her hand quickly, before she could continue the sentence and took her in the room closing the door. The room was dark and cold, for some reason she had left the air condition running. They couldn’t see each other but the could feel each other’s stares. Intense and terrified. It was a matter of who would speak first but for what it seemed Donna wasn’t in the mood to continue her speech and josh was too scared he’d get slapped in the face of he tried to say anything at all. Suddenly Donna sighed and leaned her head forward, her hair brushing his shoulder, only then he realized how close they were. “I’m sorry” she said, shaking her head and light curls “im sorry. I’m an idiot, I shouldn’t have-“ she was obviously trying to find the right words, josh smiled at her rumbling. He thought it was adorable. “I’m sorry I snapped. You’re trying to manage a campaign, we’re here to do a job- im a fool-“

“you’re not a fool” he corrected her quickly. Lowering his head just a little, his hair barely touching the top of hers. “a little tipsy maybe but not a fool.”

“im not drunk josh I’m pissed- which I suppose for a woman it’s the same.” She raised her head, her for head hit his nose. “Oh my god-“ He groaned in pain, although stumbling like this around each other wasn’t so unfamiliar to him. He held his nose with his hand “in so sorry” she said, trying to find his nose in the dark-

“that’s my eye- Ouch- why would you do that?” he whined, when fingers got in his eye.

“I’m Sorry!” she repeated louder

“can you open the light?” he asked in a high pitched voice.

“yeah!” she stepped forward, accidently stepping on his foot with her hill “OH MY GOD-“

“IM NOT ENJOYING THIS DONNA!”

She stretched her hand to find the light switch, trying not to move too much so she wouldn’t hit him again somehow. She finally got it but couldn’t quite reach it so she leaned in forward and pushed josh on the wall while doing so, josh yelled again but she finally opened it. The light filled the room, a sudden warmth captivated them both. Except maybe it wasn’t so much the light as the fact that josh was pinned against the wall and Donna was on him. She raised her eyes at him, these blue eyes that for 8 years and more had been his constant reminder of hope. His hiding place that he was to proud of to show anybody else, sometimes even himself. He gulped, looking in between her eyes and her lips time and time again.

“I don’t know what this is” he said in his raspy voice. Her breath hit his cheeks like a summer evening breeze. The smell of wine captured all his senses.

“I don’t either.” She confessed. She twitched her lips, looking down at his “but I whatever it was this morning I liked it.”

“yeah I liked it too.” His voice was barely above a whisper.

“is your nose ok?”

“I think so.”

“your eye?”

“I guess”

“can you see me?”

“why did you live the air-condition on?”

“I like the cold”

“you’re a masochist, you know that?”

“I’m here with you aren’t I?”

“what’s that supposed to mean?”

She shrugged her shoulders “I’m not sure”

“why did you give me the key Donna?”

“why do you think?”

He locked his lips. The smell of wine was blocking all his rational thoughts from before, she had this naughty look in her eyes but it was mixed with her usual innocence. He raised his arm, stroking hers. She leaned closer, leaning her forehead on his. Their noses brushed against each other, he flinched a little.

“are you ok?” she asked

He thought about it and then quickly said “no” after that he leaned in closed and in an instant their lips collided the same way they did that morning only this time they were both more confident and sure if what they were doing. Josh cupped her face, she held on his waist. They made a step backwards together, moving together. Josh moved away from the wall and they walked backwards on the bed until josh slipped on of her shoes and they both fell down on the floor. Josh groaned in pain as he hit the ground but Donna laughed like a kid. Their luck was unmatchable. She laid her face on his chest, chuckling on his shirt.

“you think this is why it took us 8 years?” he muttered, trying to sit up. He laid his back against the bed, rubbing his face while Donna took a seat next to him. She rubbed her eyes, wiping away the tears of laughter.

“maybe we should wait another 8.“ she joked, turning her head to look at him.

He looked at her, shaking his head slowly, biting his lip. He answered the same way he had before “no” and leaned in again. This time it was slower and softer. This time it was love not affection. This time it was real, romantic, just them, no thinking, no joking. Nothing but then finally surrendering.

[d-p-f-m]

Rubik's Cube |💕|📌|✔|

Inseong x Reader |💕|📌|✔|

Word count: 2.014

Thank you @pinkeugirl for requesting it! I wasn't sure what kind of scenario you wanted so I just typed out the first thing my mind came up with. Hope you enjoy!💞

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

It had started as a simple playful fight between you and your friend from university.

She told you that you wouldn't be able to solve this stupid rubik's cube without looking up a guide on the internet. You were watching her fumbling with it expertly on your lunch break between lessons and when you asked her if she'd let you try it yourself she gave you a mischievous grin before handing it over to you with a shrug, saying you wouldn't be able to figure it out on your own.

Competitive by nature you had narrowed your eyes at her, snatching the puzzle out of her hands and sticking your tongue out, ready to prove her wrong. Except you couldn't. Because she was right, you had no idea how this thing was supposed to work. After about two hours of trying, your patience was beginning to wear thin and you were so close to just giving up.

Now usually you had no problem with admitting defeat and asking for help instead, so you could learn from your mistakes and move on, but as she began to tease you for not getting it, the only thing you could think of was to wipe that smug grin off her pretty face. So when your break was over and you still weren't close to solving the cube, you demanded she let you borrow it until the next day. She complied without hesitation, warning you not to cheat and look up how to solve it because she'd find out if you did.

And that's how you ended up where you were now. Sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of your couch, turning and rotating the cube in your hands for hours without any noticeable progress. How on earth was it possible for you to be stuck on it for that long? There were kids out there solving it in seconds just for fun, for crying out loud!

You were so focused on the task at hand that you didn't even notice the front door to your apartment open or your boyfriend walking in with take-out in one hand and an overnight bag in the other.

Still standing by the door after closing it behind him, Inseong's eyes scanned the small living room in hopes of finding you there. He couldn't be sure if you were already home, since you sometimes stayed at the library after finishing your classes to work on your assignments.

Luckily enough he spotted your hair peeking out from the edge of the small couch a few feet away and a content smile formed on his lips. Taking off his shoes and pulling out his earphones he called out to you, eager to talk to you after not being able to see you for almost a whole week. 'Hey darling, I'm here. I brought food in case you're hungry, you wanna eat while watching a movie?'

He skeptically raised one eyebrow when you didn't answer but shrugged it off right after, thinking maybe you were listening to music or something. Setting the bag with food down on the kitchen table he slowly made his way over to you, checking his phone at the same time.

He had texted you a few hours earlier but there was still no reply from you, so when he saw you fumbling with something between your hands instead of looking through your social media like you usually did if you found the time, he got curious.

When he came to a hold right beside you and you still hadn't noticed him, he watched you silently for a moment in case you didn't want to be disturbed. You were hunched over the little plastic cube on your lap, eyebrows furrowed in concentration and a small frown on your face, completely oblivious to his presence. 'Y/N...?'

Without even looking up you grumbled something he thought was supposed to be a greeting, otherwise only resuming to give the object in your hold a deadly glare. Huffing in amusement he decided to give you a few more seconds to properly acknowledge him of your own accord, but when you didn't show any sign of moving, he lightly kicked your thigh with his foot to get your attention.

Startled, you let out a small whine of protest and then finally looked up at him with wide innocent eyes, a surprised look on your face. 'Oh my go- ... you're here already? When did you come in?' Your eyes widened even more when you realised your boyfriend was probably hungry after spending hours training at the company and you hadn't prepared anything for him yet.

You immediately felt bad for not thinking of him sooner and blinked up at him apologetically. 'Shit, I totally forgot the time! We don't have anything warm to eat right now, I'm sorry... I could make you pancakes or something if you're hungry?' After seeing the dumbfounded expression on your face Inseong just stared down at you with his typical judging look that always adorned his features when he thought too hard or something completely stupid happened in front of him. Guessing from experience, it was probably the latter.

'Well hello to you, too. Yeah, I expected as much when you didn't answer my texts, asking what you wanted for dinner. That's why I brought take-out'. Hearing this you sighed in relief, leaning back against the cushions of your couch for a moment to relax. You rolled the rubik's cube in your hand absentmindedly and your boyfriend followed the slight movement with his eyes, cocking his head to one side in thought.

Nudging you slightly with his knee so you would make room for him he moved to sit down beside you, nodding in the direction of the toy before looking over to you in question. 'What are you trying to accomplish with that anyways?' His words reminded you of why you were stuck sitting there in the first place and seeing as you had come to think of that little piece of plastic as the cause to all your latest problems, your grip around it tightened and your mood immediately dropped again.

'Well, it's a puzzle. So I'm obviously trying to solve it, genius' you snapped back without any actual bite in your voice, already feeling bad for letting your frustration out on him. You knew it was stupid to get so worked up over something so silly but you had tried so hard and you were starting to feel like an idiot, for getting played by a toy. Pun not intended.

Beside you Inseong clicked his tongue at your choice of words, trying not to get annoyed because he knew you were just getting tired. He knew it from the way you slowly blinked multiple times with knitted eyebrows and unconsciously leaned against him, bringing your knees up to your chest and grumbling slightly in frustration.

It wasn't often that he got to see you like this, because usually you were the type of person to get over things before someone could even notice you were upset. He took his time studying you, while you pushed and pulled at the puzzle in vain, even cursing it when it seemed like it got more muddled up instead of being solved.

The concentrated frown on your lips slowly formed into a full-on pout the longer you sat there and his heart clenched pleasantly at the cute sight. He knew you probably didn't want to hear him say it right at this moment but if he was completely honest, he thought you looked absolutely endearing sitting there in one of his shirts and with your hair in a messy bun as if you hadn't even thought about anything else besides that rubik's cube since you got home. Knowing you, this might be actually the case.

As if sensing his eyes on you, you automatically looked up to find him staring at you with a fond smile on his face and suddenly became shy from the attention he was giving you. 'What?' you asked quietly, voice just barely above a whisper. Smile changing into a knowing grin he wordlessly shook his head and then tried asking you about your new found hobby again.

Sighing in defeat you shrugged your shoulders and finally told him about what had happened to get you so enthusiastic over the toy. After explaining it to him it felt even more silly to you and you silently waited for his response, just the tiniest bit embarrassed. But he only nodded in understanding and held his hand out for you to place the cube in it. 'It's actually pretty easy once you know the basics. Do you want me to show you?'

You hummed in thought, handing him the rubik's cube hesitantly. 'I'm not supposed to get help from anyone though...' you murmured, disappointed that you couldn't figure it out yourself. Instead of answering you right away, Inseong just slid his free arm around your waist to pull you into his lap, so you could sink into his chest.

'You aren't supposed to look it up online. She never said anything about not learning from watching someone else solving it, right?' His breath tickled your skin when he leaned closer to speak softly into your ear and you shuddered involuntarily before cuddling deeper into his arms. 'That's true, I guess...'

Chuckling slightly, he adjusted your position on his lap so you were both comfortable and then started working on the cube, examining it for a moment before slowly twisting the sides so you could follow what he was doing. While he formed specific patterns with the colors he explained to you how he did it in a low and gentle voice that immediately made you relax completely in his hold.

Without meaning to you tuned out his words, just listening to his soothing voice while playing with the soft fabric of his hoodie between your fingertips, completely lost in thought. After a moment your gaze wandered from the rubik's cube to your boyfriend’s hands all on its own. You watched the small movements of his fingers, suddenly wishing you could put yours between them, holding his hand as you often did when you both were alone like this and a warm feeling flooded through you at the thought.

Feeling his lips on your cheek you startled and turned your head to the side to see him staring back at you with a knowing smirk on his face. Realising you had spaced out admiring his hands a blush crept up your neck and you groaned embarrassed, hiding your face in his shoulder. 'Could you maybe explain it again? I don't think I'll be able to remember that until tomorrow after seeing it one time'

The idol hummed in affirmation, moving one hand up to stroke your hair. 'No problem, sweetheart. Let's eat dinner first, though. I'm actually pretty hungry and I bet you haven't had anything in hours too, right?' The amused tone in his voice made you smile as well and thankful for his suggestion you leaned back to look him in the eyes. 'That's why I love you~'

You pecked his lips lovingly before getting up, holding out both your hands for him to help him stand as well. He tucked you into his arms again after he got up to give you a warm hug and then kissed the top of your head, swaying you from side to side for a moment as if he didn't want to let you go just yet. Eventually he took a step back and gave you another amused smile, making you raise an eyebrow at him in question.

'Just make sure not to get too distracted staring at me next time, yeah?' He winked at you in a teasing way and patted your head as if you were a toddler being praised before dashing off in the direction of the kitchen with you already chasing after him. 'I wasn’t staring at you! Come back here, you hear me?! INSEONG!'

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

[slimcicle]

TIRED

Bill Skarsgård & Reader

Warnings; a little of masturbation

Word count; 1902

Note; sorry if you find something bad writing, English it's not my first language, I'm from Mexico but I'm trying my best, enjoy.

Chapter 2 - The long way home

You had been moving from one side to another in bed trying to fall asleep but it was impossible with so many things in your head; Your mother had called you saying that she would go to the city and expect to see you, your friend Charlotte had been hospitalized in an accident, you had a nightmare and he was still in your head. "Such a face like that was hard to forget" you had told yourself, sitting on the bed and carving your eyes, you looked at the table and it was 3:54 in the morning, impossible to go back to sleep so you got up and went to the bathroom .

The water was cold which was lucky and maybe it helped you to sleep, your hands went down your breasts taking them a little "I think some pleasure wouldn't be bad, I am a very...lonely woman" you thought when you kept lowering your hand until get to your pussy where you gave some massages and even with your thumb you gave him in circles. You heard the door of the other room slamming shut causing you to leave what you were doing and your heart starting to beat too fast.

"Shit," you whispered, taking the towel to get out of the bathroom.

You stayed in the living room until the clock struck 5:59 am, you opened the door of your room looking for your clothes and some shoes, you started by putting on a normal shirt and some long skirt. You made your breakfast when the same door slammed again "¿who could it be?" You had been asking to yourself and making a list; Mrs.Caine was too old, young Erin lived upstairs, the guard was downstairs and some others who didn't even come to they apartment. You had finished doing your makeup and now you were leaving the apartment, giving a light kiss on the cheek to the guard and entering your car.

The radio announced heavy rain for the afternoon, you thought that the best idea would be to spend watching television and getting fat but you had to go to work and maybe there you would see that beautiful man who had taken your breath away. You came to the studio, taking your bag and shaking your skirt, the watching how too many people were on the set in a circle, more than normal.

"Hey, what's happening?" You asked a girl by your side.

"Some guys are fighting, security is coming" she told you to return to what she was doing; record the fight in Instragram.

You evaded the fight and entered the set, the director was talking to some people "better not to disturb" you thought and you went to change.

"Good morning" You greet a new woman who was doing makeup.

"Good morning" you gave her a smile and dropped your bag on a chair.

You sat in front of the mirror, your hands fixing up your hair and you let out a sigh while waiting for the woman to arrive with you. You looked at your fingers, they were somewhat scraped and you had some drops of dried blood "What happened to me when I was sleeping?" You had many problems when you were little, you used to tear your arms when anxiety dominated you, you did it even when you were sleeping but you never believed that That old habit would come back.

"I'm sorry for the delay," the woman said, standing behind you, taking the brush to comb. "Everything is alright?"

"Everything it's fine"

Of course you kept asking, was everything okay? Did you ever want this life for you? It was what you most yearned for in life and you wanted to continue with this, it was what made a person feel alive and maybe now you can have a small role or a small job but that is how we all start and we will keep going until we have everything we dreamed, dreams can be fulfilled with dedication and now you sounded like your mother which you missed.

"We finished, the changing rooms are over there" she pointed to a door on your right.

"Thank you very much"

You were wearing a normal white shirt and shorts since the scene would be filmed in a pool where you would share a scene with the protagonist. You fixed your hair for the last time in the big mirror in the dressing room, taking a big breath as you started to walk to the door with all the attitude of the world and a huge smile on your face. Just coming out of the room he was back there, Bill was talking to one of the producers in the show, he was wearing a white shirt and some nice pants, his long hair was what you liked most and the small strand that fell from his face could make any woman crazy.

You went quickly to the room again with your back on the door breathing agitated "Come on Y/N, you're not a teenager anymore" You came out and tried to surround him but he walked right in that direction crashing with you.

"I'm sorry" he put his hands on your shoulders helping you not to fall.

"It's okay, I didn't see where I was going" you laugh trying to hide your nerves.

"Y/N right?"

"Bill right?" You joked with him and he laughed with you. "I ... I was just kidding"

"How have you been today?" He ask putting his hands on his waist.

"Oh you know, a morning like the usual ones, is not that something interesting happens"

"I think the same thing, except the fight this morning, did you know what happened?" He ask you now putting his arms crossed over his chest.

"No idea..."

The two were silent for a moment looking at the ground.

"I ... I should go now"

"Sure, I don't bothered you"

"No, you don't do it ... maybe you want to have lunch with me? ... Maybe?"

"Uhm, sure" he smiled and continued to leave the set.

"Holy mother"

Your mind was being invaded by ideas of how that lunch would be, thinking of the worst as he did not attend or that you would fall in your food, have a panic attack and many more things that made your anxiety continue to grow, your nails tearing at your arm and they made it go a little red.

"That was all for this moment, take a break," the director shouted and they all started going out for lunch.

You looked at your arm that had red lines on your nails, you tried to make them disappear while walking to the cafeteria. Your eyes were looking for Bill but you couldn't find him anywhere "maybe he didn't come because you're not good enough for him"

"Y/N!" Someone yelled behind you and you watched Bill come up with two trays of food. "Let's go outside?"

"Sure" you smiled walking with him outside.

The two sat in front of the parking lot eating their lunch. You looked at his beautiful profile, his nose should have an award for the best nose, his beautiful eyes and that face sculpted by a Greek god.

"Do I have something on my face?" He asked you touching his face trying to look for something.

"Oh no, I'm just ... I'm very thoughtful" you turn around trying to hide your red cheeks.

"What did you think?"

"I think, in everything" you sigh, leaving your tray aside. "Like an existential crisis"

"That sounds a little deep" he said looking at the sky, you turn to look at him again.

The two kept in silent, you looked at the ground and he looked at the sky, thinking about how life should make sense. As everything was meant to be, will we ever know the future? You remembered that your mother used to say that she knew what would happen because she could see the future but you always laughed because it was impossible for a person to see the future.

"Do you want to go out somewhere tonight?" Asked Bill out of nowhere without looking at you.

"Uhm, sure" your heart beat fast, he was inviting you to a date.

"We can leave after recording some scenes that I have tonight"

"Sure, I ... I'll uhm, I'll wait here when you finish" you smiled nervously, standing with him and entering the set again.

You recorded your last scenes that day and waited as you told Bill in the parking lot. It was raining and you had forgotten to bring your umbrella, you heard the door behind it to open but it was not him, his car was still there so he could not leave yet. You waited about 19 more minutes until you turned to the door letting him see with an umbrella in his left hand and opening it.

"Come on, I don't want you to get wet" he said putting an arm around your shoulders approaching the umbrella.

His car smelled too good, like a beautiful candle bloom, there were some cigarettes thrown away but you didn't have to take much importance. He began to drive and your eyes are on the drops that fell on the window.

"You're not kidnapping me right?" You joked to remove the horrible silence between the two if you.

"I thought that it would be nice to take you along the long way to your home to get to know you better"

"Why didn't we just go to dinner or somewhere?"

"Charlotte told me you're not a fan of dinners, it bothers you that people see you eat"

You turn to see him quickly with big eyes, how the hell did he know who was your best friend?

"Do you know Charlotte?" You asked to settled in the seat.

"She is a friend of one of my brothers, come to see her because my brother asked me to leave some flowers" he look quickly to you and returned to the road "She told me about you since she was looking at a picture of you and her"

"That bitch can't keep her mouth shut"

"Haha ... I think you should know something more about me since I know something more about you"

"Alright cowboy, how many brothers do you have and where are you from?"

"I have 4 brothers and a sister, and I am from Sweden"

"I would give something to have only one brother" you joke and he laughed with you. "Swedish hmm? Du är en härlig man, Bill."

"Du är också"

You spent all the way laughing with him, making some unnecessary jokes and telling some anecdotes from his childhood. You had arrived at your apartment as you had indicated.

"Well Bill, thank you very much" you looked him in the eyes. "Goodnight"

"Goodnight to you too"

You approached him to kiss him but he change to the cheek, you laugh ashamed leaving the car fast. He left and you stayed in the rain, your pants felt tight and your hair was on your face.

"Yes!" You shouted as loud as possible frightening the guard. "Wait a minute, i leave my damn car"

"You will have to walk tomorrow Miss Y/L/N"

"Thanks for the help"

You would have to walk tomorrow but it was definitely the best night of all time.

---

Can't believe I finally end chapter 2, forgive me please I'm such a lazy teenager lmao.

[ghostbustermelanieking]

voyage to norfolk

set about a year and a half after msiv.

They drive to Norfolk in the late days of September, Mulder and Scully and their infant daughter and their grown son. Jackson is eighteen, a legal adult. He's staying in the spare room that they've slowly began converting to his. He restarted his junior year of high school a few weeks ago. Lily is nine months, expected to start walking any day now. She giggles and kicks her legs like a swimmer in her car seat, chews on one of her toys joyfully. She loves being in the car. (“Just like her dad,” Scully has said on occasion. It makes Jackson uncomfortable and he can't explain why. Maybe he doesn't want them to start listing traits he's inherited from them, even though he could make that list, easily.)

Jackson, Mulder, and Scully rotate between the driver's seat even though it's only a three hour drive. Jackson drives with a carefulness that surprises them, he can tell. (Mulder says it's because he inherited his driving skills instead of Scully. Scully privately thinks that it's because of Lily, and she would be right. He is overly careful when he spends time with his sister because he can't bear the thought of hurting anyone else. He's damaged too many people to do anything to this kid.) Mostly, Jackson just likes to drive. There's a peacefulness to being behind the wheel that he enjoys. Mulder usually sits up front with him, bickering companionably with him or offering unasked-for stories about cryptids he's encountered in the area that Jackson secretly loves. Scully sits in the backseat most of the time, quiet, playing with the baby, but he knows she is listening, enjoys listening. She bickers companionably with Mulder, too, as Jackson suspects they will someday bicker with the kid. They seem to be a companionable bickering type. (Mulder loves to bicker with him, but Scully treads carefully, an unshed habit except for when it's things like school or eating healthy or leaving for days and not calling. She seems to feel guilty about more.)

When they drive past the coast, Jackson is filled with a certain nostalgia. He misses the beach, he misses home, he misses his parents. He drives past the ocean with a lump building in his throat. Let me give you the tour, he thinks bitingly, flipping on his turn signal. Here's where my grandfather tried to kill me and here's where he sent the men to kill my parents. Here's where I caused a car crash just because to see if I could. And here is where my girlfriends almost killed each other because of me. He doesn't know why he wanted to come back here.

They go to the cemetery first. Jackson parks at the edge of the bright green lawn, pauses for a moment in the front seat with his hands clenched around the wheel. He can't do this. He hasn't seen his parents since last Christmas, freezing and shivering in the graveyard as rain pounded the ground and tears dripped down his face. He hadn't worn a coat and he tried to hear his mother's scolding in the back of his head. When Sarah had broken up with him and Bri hadn't ever texted back, he hadn't been able to ask anyone to come and check on their graves. He could've asked his old friends, he supposes, and some of them probably would've come, but it was somehow harder to face them than Bri or Sarah. (Not that it would've been any easier to face them. He was a fucking idiot, here in Norfolk, and now he guesses it's time to be a fucking idiot in Farrs Corner. But a different kind. The normal kind. One that doesn't leave anyone dead.)

“Want us to go with you?” Mulder asks gently from beside him, and it's only then that Jackson realizes that he hasn't moved in several long minutes. Hands gripping the wheel too hard.

Scully is watching from the back, Lily fussing against her shoulder. “We'd be glad to,” she offers.

Jackson shakes his head, his jaw tight. “No,” he says. Bringing them there would be like a betrayal, he thinks. Like spitting on their graves.

He climbs out of the car, pausing only to retrieve the bouquets of flowers from the trunk. He's halfway towards the plot where his parents are buried when he turns around, coming back to the car. He doesn't know why he wants to do this, but for whatever reason, he does. He doesn't want to go alone and if he can't ask Mulder and Scully to go with him, maybe he can ask something else. He opens the backseat and asks Scully in a low voice, “Can I take her?” Some part of him inside, some younger part who used to be excited for his parents to meet his friends, to see the two worlds meet, wants them to meet his sister. He can't explain it, but he does. And taking the kid, even if she'll have no idea what's going on, is better than going alone.

Scully hesitates for only a minute, brief surprise flickering over her face, before nodding and lifting Lily out of the seat. Jackson takes her in the crook of one arm, juggling her between the bouquets. Lily giggles, tugging on Jackson's overlong hair in a soggy fist. He grimaces affectionately at the kid; time for a haircut, probably. He bounces Lily once on his hip. And then he sets off again, the roses (his dad's favorite, what he always gave his mom on their anniversary) tickling his nose and the kid yanking alternately on his hair or earlobe like she's on an amusement park ride and feels she needs to hold on.

At their graves (the words loom large in his mind, like they're bolded and capitalized; he can't get away from them), he mutters in the baby's ear, “These are my parents, Lils. I'm visiting my other mom and dad.” Only, a part of his mind insists; it feels traitorous to acknowledge Mulder and Scully as the other. They gave him up, gave up their rights to that. But. They love him, and Lils, and he is the kid's brother. Unquestionably. He has been the kid's brother since he held her for the first time, since he sensed her presence in the back of his mind, the most trusting that anyone has ever been around him, and he'd thought, I need to make sure that what happened to me never happens to her. He can't be her brother and not be Mulder and Scully's son, even if he will never be the son they want him to be. And Mulder and Scully love Lils and him both. They've given him a bedroom, food, clothes, a life. Despite everything that's happened, all the lying and the seizures and the faked deaths and the manipulations. So. They are the other parents. He has no choice.

He feels the need to crouch on the ground before his parents’ graves and beg forgiveness.

He sets Lily on the ground and kneels by his parents gravestones, lying the roses on the ground. Presses his palm against one of them, traces his mother's name with his thumb. “I'm sorry, Mom,” he whispers. “Dad. I'm so, so sorry.” He's said that every time he's come here, and it still isn't enough. Maybe he'll still be saying it twenty years from now.

Lily gurgles cheerfully, yanking up grass in her fists. Jackson wipes tears from his face. He wants to curl up between their graves, the way he used to lie between them in bed when he was little. He wants to be small again, if only because they'd still be alive.  

He sits down on the grass, cross-legged, and stays with his parents for a few minutes. He doesn't talk because he doesn't know what to say, but he thinks that might be okay. They'd always been okay with sitting in silence. He hopes they understand.

When he is ready to leave, he scoops up Lily and whispers to his parents, “I'm safe. I'm okay. I miss you so much. I'm sorry.” The most vulnerable he'll let himself be. He wipes his face again.

“Gaaaaah,” says Lily, very seriously, like a little mini Scully. She's got that stern look in her face, the icy blue eyes that manage to be warm and steely all at the same time; it's kind of creepy. But the kid's Mini Scully Impression still seems sincere, somehow, like she's trying to express her care. Jackson waves goodbye to his parents before walking back to the car, letting the kid grip his t-shirt and smear it with grass stains all the way there.

Mulder and Scully are waiting outside, watching him carefully. They've knocked down most of the awkward walls and bounds between them (they even ground him now, go fucking figure, isn't he supposed to be an adult at this age?), but this is an area they all tread carefully around. The subject of his Other Parents. The only ones he's ever known.

When he suggested this trip, they'd both agreed without question. Don't want to cross that line, or maybe they wanted a real family vacation, no matter how fucked up. Whatever the reason, they're here now.

Mulder lifts Lily out of Jackson's arms instinctively, watching him carefully. Lily presses her tiny hands to his face and says, “Ahhh-guh-guh.”

“Yes,” Jackson replies, deadpan. He's remembering when he was five and he begged and pleaded for a little brother or sister. They'd tried to adopt a little girl but it'd fallen through. He wonders if it would've been like this. “Ahhh-guh-guh, Lils. Very observant.”

“You okay, Jackson?” Scully asks, a hand going to his back. “I know this has to be hard for you.”

“Yeah, I'm…” He clears his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. “I'm fine,” he says, but his voice cracks. He looks down at the ground, tears blurring his eyes. They buried his grandmother in this graveyard. He never thought they'd…

Scully steps forward like she can hear his thoughts—and that's right, she can—and wraps her arms around him. He doesn't wriggle away like he might have a year ago. He lets her hug him. He might hug her back. Mulder reaches out with his Lily-free hand and squeezes his shoulder.

As of yesterday, it's been two years since his parents died. Two years since Scully stood over his not-dead body and tearfully apologized to him again and again. They've come a long way since then.

---

He wonders sometimes if his parents would disapprove of what he's doing now. Living with his birth parents after everything that happened, everything he did. He would've gone somewhere else but there was nowhere else to go. He didn't have other relatives, anyone else to live with. He likes to think they'd want him to be safe, no matter who it's with, but his birth parents were the subject of several arguments, several tension-filled moments between the three of them. He wonders if they'd be upset, him living almost constantly with his birth parents and a new baby sister. His chest stings at the thought of it. He never wants to disappoint them again. They died because of him, it was his fault.

But that night in the hotel, lying in the room that he has to himself (that's Mulder and Scully catering to him, or maybe one grumpy kid is enough) and listening to Lily wail through the wall, he dimly remembers a conversation he had with his mom once. At six, he'd been angry and sullen, demanding to know why his birth parents had given them up, storming around his room and kicking toes over in a prepubescent rage. “Well, maybe they couldn't take care of you,” his mom had said gently. “And they knew that you would've had a much better life with us than with them.”

He'd pouted, flopping down on the couch with his arms crossed. “Then they must be pretty bad people then,” he said angrily. “If they couldn't have taken care of me.”

His mom went quiet, uncertain. She sat down beside him and pulled him onto her lap. “Baby, they must’ve been pretty good people if they could make you.”

Jackson swallows, rolling onto his side. He doesn't know what to say, how to apologize. But he has to believe that they'd be okay with it. He has to. His parents would want him to be safe and secure and happy, wouldn't they. And he doesn't know if he is that. Happy. But he likes to think he will be, someday. When he gets some space. When he starts over. And it's not as if it's a fleeting emotion—there are times when he's been sort of happy, with his new friends he's made in Farrs Corner at the job he'd insisted on getting or prowling the woods with the dog or at the dinner table with Mulder and Scully and the kid, when he finds himself reflexively laughing and realizes that he isn't trying to care about these people. (He doesn't have to try. It's hard, sometimes, but it isn't forced. Not anymore.)

In the morning, he goes down for breakfast and finds Mulder and Scully at a table, Scully with a plate of fruit and a bowl of oatmeal, Mulder eating a sticky hotel lobby waffle. Lily is dozing fitfully on his shoulder with a pacifier drooping from her mouth. “Hi, Jackson,” says Scully. “How'd you sleep?”

“Fine,” he says, sitting down across from them and resisting the urge to add, Better than you; he may not have actively heard Lily crying half the night, but he can sense the exhaustion emnating from all three of them. “Hi, Mulder,” he adds. “Hi, kiddo.”

Lily blinks sleepily at him, as grouchy as he's seen Scully on any given morning after a late night at the hospital. “Lils is a little grouchy this morning,” Mulder says affectionately, cupping the back of her head. (Surprisingly chipper for a guy who barely slept. “Insomniacs fare better with a new baby,” Scully had said tensely over a cup of coffee about six months ago. “Too bad Mulder wasn't around when you were a baby.”) “Meanwhile, your mother's headed that way. Those new kids Skinner assigned to the X-Files are stuck on a case, and they want our expertise.”

Scully's already rolling her eyes, taking a sip of her coffee; Headed? Jackson hears against his skull, prickly and annoyed, but more good-natured than six months ago. She reaches up to where Lily is and lets the baby curl her hand around her finger. “What case, Mulder?” she says in the soft voice she reserves for when The Baby Is Sleeping. “There is no case. They're stuck because there is nothing to find.”

Jackson raises his eyebrows, settling into his chair. He's heard this argument before and knows how to chime in. “Okay, fine,” he says. “What is it? I'll give my input and help you out.”

Mulder—usually the receiver of Jackson's inevitable support—grins. Scully mutters something about not knowing how much actual help he provides. So more or less a normal breakfast.

---

Jackson takes Mulder, Scully, and Lils to a restaurant that he describes fondly, remembers fondly. He'd spent half of his afternoons here, the night after he went to prom with Bri and her friends, dinner after dinner with his parents. He tells them a story of having his seventh birthday party here, laughing so hard that soda spills all over his shirt as he describes one of his friends trying to start a food fight with handfuls of his birthday cake. Mulder and Scully listen, Scully bouncing Lils on her knee. Jackson can tell that this is a little hard for them to hear, but they pretend well, listen attentively. They do care; they've asked him about the missing years a lot, want to know about him. He's been the same way, asking more and more questions as the months stretched on. He wanted to know her better, he'd told her two years ago. And now he does.

Across the restaurant, Mulder nudges Scully and points out someone that looks like Brianna. (They're probably trying to be subtle, but it doesn't work; Jackson doesn't know how Mulder managed to hide out for six years without getting caught.) Bri is watching them with a strange look on her face, like she might want to come over and talk to Jackson. Jackson pretends not to see her. It's been two years and he likes to think he's matured a little (even if not much). Lily smears Scully's food all over her face when she's not looking, and Jackson laughs as hard as anyone.

He takes them to the old playground he remembers from his childhood and pushes Lils on the baby swings. He goes to his old schools and looks around, tries to remember being a kid again. Mulder and Scully go with them, their eyes starry like they are trying to imagine themselves in this life. They go to his house, where someone else is living now, and he is unable to go to the door and knock. He wonders how many people in this town still think he is a murderer.

Mulder tousles his hair before wrapping his arm around Jackson's skinny shoulders. Scully holds Lily with one arm, but her other hand is on his wrist. They stand together for a moment and look at the house. The lights are off, no car in the driveway, but Jackson won't break in. He wants to, but he won't.

They go to the beach, a private spot that he loves. Mulder has inflatable water wings on Lily even though Scully won't let him take her any further than the shoreline. Jackson wades in up to his ankles, lets the saltwater lap over his feet. Behind him, he can hear Lily's laughter, can feel her happiness in the back of his mind. He smiles thinly. He hopes Lils will have a happy life, a good childhood. Better than him. And he thinks Mulder and Scully will be able to give her that. After all, there's no

Scully steps up beside him, her face turned towards the horizon. “You know we grew up on the coast too, right?” she says, her hand raised up to her eyes to shield it from the sun. Her hair is whipped wildly around her face in the wind. “Mulder in Martha's Vineyard. Me in San Diego.”

“Yeah, I think you mentioned that,” Jackson says. The wind is mussing his hair too, blowing it tangly. He really needs a haircut. He'll mention it sometime next week.

Scully smiles dimly, wiping her hands on her shirt. “I enjoyed seeing where you grew up,” she says, and means it; he knows she wants to know the kind of life he had without her. “It's a beautiful town.”

He swallows. He knows this trip couldn't have been easy, especially considering everything they'd gone through in Norfolk. “It is, yeah,” he says. He swallows again, his mouth dry. “I kind of… miss this place sometimes,” he says, and means something else. His parents’ graves on the bright green lawn. Maybe he'll come back at Christmas again. Maybe he'll call his friends tonight and see if they want to go out tonight. (But not to his old hangouts, the Chimera or the sugar factory; those are forever ruined.)

Scully rubs his back, the two of them looking to the horizon. “I know,” she says softly. And she does. The three of them, Mulder and Scully and him, understand loss better than anything. It's a shared language, one that he hopes Lils will not have to learn for a long, long time.

They don't turn until they hear Mulder's panicked, “Lily!” and the kid's delighted squeals. Jackson whirls, stumbling on the sand, in time to see Lily stumbling away from the water where she'd been balancing holding onto Mulder's hand. She takes a few wobbly steps before landing on the sand on her hands and knees. Mulder swoops in and scoops her up as if to comfort her, but the kid is laughing with delight. Scully is at their side in a second, kissing the top of Lily's head, an arm wrapped around Mulder's waist.

Jackson smirks; that kid knows exactly how to get everyone's attention. She's already spotted him over her (their) mother's shoulder. She waves her arms wildly as if motioning him over, giving him an insistent look. The feeling she's transmitting has no actual words, but if it did, it'd probably be something like, Get the hell over here, asshole, this is my moment.

Jackson goes, the waves crashing over his feet as he joins his sister and his other parents on the beach.

[meshugana1]

Could you turn me into an attractive maid? My friends keep making fun of me about how I'm single because of my looks, my shy and timid personality. Plus, I need a job to pay off a bunch of debts.

   My breath grew cold and heavy in my lungs like I had inhaled a block of ice. The center of the room felt like it was dangerous all of a sudden and every cell in my body screamed for me to avoid it. I couldn’t though, this was about personal growth. I wanted to slap myself but that would look really weird. Come on, come on, you can do this Jack. You’re the man, this is easy as pie. The scene played out before me. I had unconsciously crossed my arms as a woman asked a seated man about airfare to the Bermuda triangle. “What do ya want air rates for? We don’t even know if there’s no airports there anyway,” the travel agent said.“Well yes but ships always go missing in there,” she said.“Yeah, but we at least know there’s a couple docks so it’s probably safer.”“Probably? How often do ships go missing there?”“All the time. Every ship we send never comes back.” Come on Jack, jump in.“If no ships ever come back how does your company have such positive reviews?”“Well, no one’s come back to give us a bad one.” The crowd surrounding the pair chuckle and laugh, all but me. I’m still too nervous, a million lines and ideas are all competing in my head and it’s all too much. I’m sure a vein is throbbing somewhere in my head.

   “Hey man, I thought you said you’d get up there tonight? I’m bummed I didn’t get to see you freeze up in front of everybody,” Alan said. He was the lovable asshole that first suggested I come with him to his improve class to ‘break out of my shell’. I was perfectly fine in it, but it still got lonely. It was over nine years since my last girlfriend, and I’m not even sure how that one happened. “Sorry, I just got a little sidetracked thinking of what to say,” I said as I popped two Tylenol to squash the headache I gave myself. “That’s the fuckin problem dude, you don’t have to think in improve. You just do, ya know?” I didn’t know in fact. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t take a weekend off to plan out all the conversations I was going to have the following week. I was always just so scared of saying the wrong thing. “I’ll try better next time, I need to get to my night job or that dick boss of mine is gonna fire me.”“Ya know, I’ve heard you call him dick, asshole, fuckhead, motherfucker, cocksucker, pissant, and douce, but I don’t think I heard his name yet.”“Yeah, I may not like it but I really need the money. I have those student loans I took out remember?” This made Alan laugh, way harder than I thought was necessary. “Oh yeah, you were all set for a law degree and you got kicked out like the first day cause you called some woman ‘the most fuckable MILF you ever saw’.”“Yeah.”“And who did she turn out to be, again?”“The dean, alright? She was the dean.” Alan laughed so hard I thought he was actually choking. Part of me wished he would.

   I waited for Alan to recompose himself, he was the only one of us who could afford a car. I scanned the dimly lit hallway of the rec center. Looking for anything that could take my mind off my friend’s enjoyment of my situation. I saw a worn out cork board on the opposite wall lined with various ads. Better than listening to him choke on my misery. One said there was a snowmobile trailer in like new condition for sale, only $8500. Another advertised an old woman’s piano class, three times a week for only ten dollars a lesson. That was actually pretty good. A bright pink one hidden beneath a wanted poster from 1993 proclaimed the need for a groundskeeper at a country estate and offered to pay a hundred dollars an hour plus room and board. “What!?”

    A hundred friggin dollars an hour? I work a total eighteen hours a day between both my jobs and I barely bring home three hundred a week! “What’s wrong?” Alan said.“This lady want’s to pay someone a hundred dollars an hour to mow her lawn and stuff!”“No way, let me see,” Alan said grabbing the flyer from me. “Oh dude, that’s that old Haderly place like five miles outside town.”“So?”“Dude, she like a shut-in. But from what I hear she’s a total babe and makes all her money from doing cam shows online. No way you can work for a woman like that.”“Wow, I’m not used to hearing you so mature Alan.”“What? No, you can’t work for her cause you’re shy, short, and um, a homely guy. She’s not gonna want to hire you. She probably wants some super stud around to ogle at and get her in the mood. Sounds like a job for me!” Now it was my turn to laugh. He might have had a little nugget of a point, but he wasn’t exactly much better looking than me.“Don’t you dare. If anyone needs this job I do. You make plenty of money at your job.”“Not a hundred fucking dollars an hour. Don’t worry, when I’m loaded and she and I start dating we’ll let you live in the attic or something,” he said with a smile.

   It was an expensive Uber ride out to the property, but one hours wages from this lady would pay it back and more. It was early, the sunrise only just began to blind me as I walked down the path to the house. My fingers traced along the flyer as I walk, I would have called but there was no phone number on it, just this address. The air was so clean and filled with moisture I could hardly believe it. And the yard was nothing less than colossal. I had no idea there were even yards like this in the area. It looked like you had to measure it in acres. It took me nearly thirty minutes to walk it straight down the middle, no wonder the salary was so high, this was a full-time job. I was finally close enough to make out the detail on the ornate wooden doors when I saw another door at the side of the house open wide and a man stepped out. He was huge, built like a brick house and wore a really tight white shirt and jeans combo. He raised a Panama hat to his head and looked over the property with a steely gaze. Was this guy the lady’s husband? Not a second later did he reach back and grab a shovel and rake from the same doorway. Oh shit, was he a groundskeeper? Am I too late? Fuck, no wait. This place is huge, maybe she needs two? Oh please god need two, the ride back is gonna kill my wallet.

   The closer I get the more beautiful the house looks. This might actually be an old plantation home. That would make sense given the size of the yard. I can tell it’s solidly built as I step on the porch. Not a single creak or grown from the wood at all. I take a second before I knock on the door to check my appearance. My shirt is tucked, my shoes are clean, and my hair feels good. Ok, you’ve reversed this a hundred times since last night. Knock on the door, she answers. I say hello and offer a handshake, not too firm. We exchange names, I ask about the job. She asks my qualifications, can’t be too complicated for yard work. She either says yes or no, shake hands again and say thank you. Then I go home and wait for the call. Easy. I turn to knock on the door only find it already open, with a very beautiful woman laying against the doorframe.

   “And how can I help you young man?” she said. Her hair was a light brown color, accented with thin streaks of white. Her face looked beautiful despite light evidence of aging. He skin was still tight, but there was the odd wrinkle here and there. She wore a burgundy silk robe that failed completely at masking her impressive figure. Her hips made waves in her robe as they rested on the bawdy flesh. She looked like an ex-playboy bunny. “Young man? How can I help you?” she said. I hadn’t realized but her sudden appearance had thrown me off. “Oh, um, well,” I said. I fumbled with my hands trying to produce the slip for her. “I, well I was hoping that you could maybe hire me as a gardener. I mean the groundskeeper job,” oh god. I totally fucked this up. She had a questioning look on her face as she grabbed the flyer. “Well first off if you’re begging for a job you should probably lead with your name.”“Right, it’s Jack. I mean I’m Jack,” goddamnit Jack, you totally fucked up.“Thank you, Jack, my name is Irene Haderly. Secondly, I’m sorry to say that I filled that position over two years ago. This is just an old flyer, you probably already saw my groundskeeper, Samson, this morning. He’s more than enough for the property. What I really need right now is a maid. My last one quit about a month ago and it kills my knees cleaning this place by myself. So unless you want that job I can’t really help you.”

   I knew it was too good to be true. I never catch any breaks, I’m gonna be in debt for the rest of my goddamn life. But as she turned her back to me I felt this little ball of white-hot anger in my stomach grow. I was pissed at everything. My shitty apartment, my negative bank account, my stupid shyness, and it just sort of exploded. “Does the maid job pay just as well?!” I said. God, even angry I’m pathetic. But my whiny ejaculation seemed to peak her interest. “It does, actually. Even better, one-fifty an hour plus room and board. You would be expected to live here while you’re employed by me, and there is an appearance code that needs to be followed, are you up for that?” It was even better than I hoped, except for the appearance code. “Um, you’re not going to make me crossdress, are you?” Hell for that much money I wouldn’t even mind. “No, no. Nothing like that. You would, of course, need to sign an agreement, I lose maids so often I would just feel better if you made a commitment to working and living here. Would six months be alright with you?” Six months? At one-fifty an hour? With no expenses? “Could we make it a year? That sounds great!”

   I followed her inside and boy it looked awesome. It was the first time in my life I had an occasion to use the word opulence. I followed her down a naturally lit hallway, the sunlight blinding me on more than one occasion until we reached her office. She removed a simple looking brass key from her robe, it looked kinda heavy but I don’t remember seeing its outline in her clothing. “Now, other than tending to your duties, the only rule of the house is that you are never allowed in this office unless accompanied by me. Is that clear?”“Yes, ma’am.” That’s a pretty easy rule to follow. She handed me a fairly wordy looking piece of paper and told him where to sign. I had finally dotted the last I and crossed the last T, “Alright, ma’am, I think I’m done.” She smiled in a very loving way. “Perfect, now we just need to get your appearance up to snuff, follow me,” she said. This was the most nerve-wracking part. Was she actually going to make me crossdress? She said no but the thought was still chipping away at me.

   I was both happy and confused when she lead me instead of her closet to a side room in her office. It looked like a pantry filled with mason jars. It looked like they were filled with various spices, maybe she made her money with some artisanal spice company. But why bring me here? She looked like she carefully considered each jar, then she reached up and grabbed a small one and dumped the contents into her hand. She brought her hands together and rubbed the spice into her hands repeatedly. She brought her hands close to her mouth as she rubbed and it seemed like she was whispering into it. “Now, this is going to feel a little weird but don’t worry, it won’t hurt a bit.”

   What? She lifted her palm to my face and blew the dusty spice in my face before I could ask what she meant. I coughed violently as the powder flew down my throat and into my eyes. “What the hell was that!?” I said trying to rub the powder from my face, oddly enough though, she was right in that it didn’t hurt at all. “Sorry, I thought you read the contract? This was all explicitly stated.” I was about to tell her that nothing in there said anything about getting sand blown in my face, but all that came out was slurred speech. My knees were getting weak too. I didn’t feel any pain at all. But it was like I could feel the little bits of powder burrowing into my body. My vision got really fuzzy but I could feel everything so much clearer. I could feel really big, powerful hands grab my shoulder and cradle me in even more powerful arms. I knew we were walking but I didn’t know where until I was placed on a bed. It felt like little tacks all over my body just scratching the surface of my skin. It was heavenly.

   My whole body felt like the head of my dick when I masturbated. I tried to reach down for my cock but my whole body felt like jelly. Then after what felt like an eternity, it started to die down. I could finally feel how heavy I was breathing and it was like a had weights on my chest. My back was arched somewhat awkwardly too, but overall I just felt a bit out of sorts. My vision was still cloudy, like my contact lenses had fallen out. Without them, I could barely see a foot in front of my face, but I could make out the shapes of two people on the opposite side of the room. One was Ms. Haderly, but the other one took a little thinking before I could recognize Samson’s broad shoulders. “Finally awake I see, well good. You woke up a lot faster than some of the others.”“Woke up? Did you drug me or something? This isn’t some kinda kinky snuff thing you have right? Please tell me it’s not.”“Don’t be silly, you just had to be altered to fit the appearance requirement, and you turned out pretty great too If I do say so myself.” What was she talking about, turned out great? Oh shit, this was totally like the human centipede. In a moment of cinema-induced paranoia, I reached a hand behind me and, for a brief moment, fully expected to feel the face of some other poor guy who got caught in her trap. I did end up grabbing a lot more flesh than I usually did, but it wasn’t someone else’s face.

   It was my own ass, but it felt gigantic. My bottom was, at its apex, a boney little thing that only by the most generous definitions could be called an ass. This thing I had my hand digging into though, this was a real ass. It was curved, meaty, springy and pretty responsive to touch. I could feel the blood rushing all sorts of places as I fondled my way to understanding. Unconsciously my thighs rubbed together, and when they did I noticed a distinct lack of testicular pressure when I did that though. I wasn’t alone in the room but I really had to be sure. With my free hand I reach to my crotch I closed my eyes and uttered one last prayer and tried to grab my dick. Instead, my palm slaps into a flat, slick, cleft.

   I’m not some super macho guy, so being emasculated wasn’t exactly earth-shattering to me but who wouldn’t start freaking out after losing something so important? Other than my ass and my chest my body felt so light and wispy. I felt a rising nervous energy in my toes and I started bouncing on my heels. Ms. Haderly moved to my side quickly. “Now I know this is a shock, I would be pretty flustered too. But let me just explain what’s going on, okay? Samson, why don’t you leave us to some girl time?” He didn’t say anything as he turned around and left. I still teetered on the edge of a meltdown, but if she did this to me she was the only one who could undo it. So I just listened.

   “You have probably guessed already but I’m something like a witch. And you may not believe me but this was all spelled out in that contract, and I wasn’t kidding about the pay scale. Every hour you live here you’ll make one-hundred and fifty dollars, now a young guy like you probably needs cash like that. And this is only for a year. Now do the math, 24 hours a day at one-fifty an hour, you’ll be a millionaire by then.” That stopped me in my tracks. That was so much money it was crazy. “Why do I have to be a girl though?” “That’s just the way the magic works. Aside from the looks, which are much improved by the way, it also comes with the knowledge of how to execute your duties. That and, well let’s just say the job comes with some really great benefits,” she said. Her nails glided along my thigh, and her hand reached and grabbed what I assumed to be one of my breasts. I hope that’s what it was because I still couldn’t see well, and they felt amazing to be held. She moved in closer and kissed me. Her much larger chest pressed into mine and her tongue darted around my mouth. When she separated I didn’t need my glasses to make out the sultry face she was giving me as she licked her lips. “So, what do you think?”

   She led me to my room a half an hour later, it was towards the front of the house on its left side. The room was directly beside Samson’s it seemed. When I stepped in, from what little I could make out, it was huge. It looked bigger than my crappy studio by three times. She guided me over to a bed and for a second I thought we were going to resume what she started upstairs, but instead, she told me to get dressed and start going through the list of chores. I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised by the uniform she wanted me to wear. It looked like a sexy french maid’s costume, but the thing I was excited about was the glasses on top of the pile of silky clothes. I wasted no time or thought in putting them on, and oddly enough they were my exact prescription. The room instantly became clear and I took in its full rustic splendor. A room like this in the city would cost no less than six thousand a month, and it was mine for just the cost of my cock and balls.

   I was nervous as I crept into the hallway in my new uniform, but not nearly as much as I expected or was accustomed to. This was the most flesh I had ever had exposed while still being dressed. My legs were encased in the thinnest white fabric stockings I could have imagined. The air passed right through and stroked my legs as if they were naked. My heels actually confused me in his easy I took to walking in them. They were over five inches tall, and at first glance, I had no idea how I could walk in them without undergoing training. But as my feet slipped into them it felt just like riding a bicycle, and not once did I even buckle in the slightest. The bra and panties went on in much the same way, but the feel of the silk underwear still caused a blush across my body. They were tight and the panties clung to my new sex, creating a slight camel toe. The bra seemed like it was intended to make my, really rather impressive, chest pop and call attention to itself. There I stood, dressed only in my new underwear and heels, like a lot of porn I had watched, with a chest that begged to be touched. I really wanted to, like really really. But Ms. Haderly had given me a list of chores to get to, and if she could do this to me to help my work go easier, then I really didn’t want to picture what she could do when she was mad.

   My incredibly short skirt bounced as I walked the halls and cleaned the rooms, with a feather duster no less. The house was kept mostly immaculate and only required light upkeep. Still, the house was large and the sun was setting by the time I had finished. I had been required to make Ms. Haderly both lunch and dinner, now I hadn’t made much more than Kraft mac n’ cheese for the last few years, but as I entered the kitchen I flitted about like a master chef. Before I knew it I had made her a hearty seafood salad for lunch, and that evening I made her a two-course meal, a simple Caprese salad and a roast beef for the main course. She even praised the meal, saying it was simply delicious. I had no idea magic could make someone so effective at something so complicated.

   Not only the cooking was different, but I seemed to have an intimate knowledge of the layout of the house, and my own timetable, and well…I seemed to just do everything in the sexiest possible way. I don’t think I ever bent my knees once the whole day, always at the waist and displaying my round ass to whoever was lucky enough to be behind me. My walk was punctuated with a side to side thrust of my hips with every step. Whenever I was in Ms. Haderly’s presence I always had my hands clasped in front of my stomach, which squeezed my breasts together making them look even larger. Honestly, I didn’t mind as much as I would’ve as a guy. I wasn’t good looking, not hardly, but now I was hot. Like really hot, and I kinda loved flaunting it. The sun was finally gone and as I returned to my sizable room, I ran into the groundskeeper Samson as he returned to his.

   I had never actually been introduced to him. A few times I saw him through the windows as I cleaned them, he mostly didn’t wear a shirt all day. That was concerning me. Normally I would be jealous of his intense physical fitness, he was as big as Schwarzenegger and as toned as Bruce Lee. I was jealous that I didn’t have his body, just not in the way I normally would be. He still didn’t have a shirt on and his body glistened with sweat and his tanned chest and face were planted with small, light patches of dirt and dust. “Oh, nice to see you awake. I’m Samson. So I guess you’re staying then?” he says. His rock solid arm reaches up and rubs the back of his neck. His body is so toned I can see each individual muscle move when he shifts his weight. “Y..yeah, it’s really good money, ya know?” My thighs rubbed together absentmindedly, feeling much hotter than I thought they should. “Yeah, that’s what drew me here a few years ago. What was your name again?” he said.“It’s Jack, but you can call me Jaclyn if you think it sounds better,” I said, blushing harder than I had for a long time. “That’s a pretty name, suits you much better now. It’ll take some getting used to though believe me,” he said.“Wait, did she…?” I said.“Yup, two years ago. My name was Samantha, if you can believe it,” he said. I very easily could. I moved my hands behind my back and took a few steps forward, hips rolling with each step. “So, did she change everything on you too?”

   Not five minutes later I was thrown on my bed as he used his powerful muscles to strip me bare. I undid his denim jeans with my teeth and his hard cock slapped against my face, the heat of his solid manhood made my glasses fog up. We were just about to get into it when we heard a that clear near the door. It was Ms. Haderly, dressed in the same robe from this morning. I was horny as hell but nervous, terrified I had broken some unknown rule. “You naughty, little servants should know better. You need to wait for your mistress before getting started.” She stepped forward and her robe slid off revealing her still tight and erotic naked body. She joined me on the bed and began to lick and tease Samson’s cock. Her hand was pawing at my supple ass. It was then that I had made up my mind, this was the best job ever.

The end. Hope Y’all like it!