#field line golden retriever

[poodle-gutz]

Service dog appreciation post

Molly, you will never know how much I appreciate you. You've guided me not only physically but mentally. You may be "just a dog" to some, but to me you are my lifeline. You aide me when my body can't, you keep my face from meeting the floor, you ground me when I'm out of control, you've been to many, many, many hospitals, heard so many diagnosises, seen so many tears, both good and bad, and you stick by my side no matter what. You've been with me through thick and thin, you're not "just a dog", you're far from just a pet, you are my partner. The day that I found your listing, I knew you were special - and the day that I met you, you proved me right. You passed every test, you bested your siblings in every way possible, you were always the one. Every time I cry, every time I reach for a hand, I get your paw. You've seen me stable, you've seen me unstable, but your view of me has never changed. Can you believe it's been almost a year since we met? Can you believe it's been almost a year since you started working this trialing job? Yeah.. me neither. You've grown in the blink of an eye, where'd all this time go? We've worked so hard to shape you into the wonderful, well mannered dog you are today. I love you with my whole heart, the heart youve kept alive and beating. You're my best girl <3 I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together.

[notlongtolove]

the fox and her hound

“a fox?” he repeated, and you nodded. “a vixen.” spencer doesn’t understand why you call yourself a fox, not really. so you show him. not all at once, but in pieces, small glimpses of your world that you let him catch—if he can keep up.

pairing: spencer reid x fem!reader (second person, no y/n)

genre: fluff with a pinch of angst

content: a love story told through the allegory of a fox and a hound, mentions of metaphorical wounds

word count: 2k

note: no linked poem bc idk just thought of this and wanted to write it. mayhaps im taking this nature trope a tad too far lol but anyways i will probably come back to edit this.

a line: They don’t see it, do they? The way the fox rolls in the field when she thinks no one’s looking, laughing under her breath as she goes.

On your first date with Spencer, you’d asked him what animal he’d be. He had paused, tilting his head just slightly. He’s never understood why people ask questions like these. What animal? What color? What season? Animals are animals, colors are colors. It would be impossible to pick one to embody his entire being. Such separate realms of nature, totally different worlds, he thinks.

But you’re sitting across from him, head tilted, eyes glinting under dim light. Pretty. So pretty. He doesn’t want to disappoint you, doesn’t want you to think he’s boring or stiff or unfun. He wants to answer correctly, even though he knows there’s no “correct” answer to this.

“Maybe a golden retriever,” he said, trying to keep casual, “or a beagle. Something friendly.”

Something safe, he thinks. Something pretty girls statistically like.

You had smiled then, slow and soft, lifting the glass of whiskey to your lips, you said with all the certainty in the world:

“I’m a fox.”

“A fox?” he repeated, and you nodded.

“A vixen.” 

You didn’t explain it, just swirled your glass like you were swirling the word on your tongue. You loved the taste of it, loved the way it warmed your chest on the way down. Foxes are well-adapted to stay warm. Their thick winter coats, their long, bushy tails. They don’t need anyone to hold them when the frost bites or when the wind howls through the trees.

Spencer doesn’t understand why you call yourself a fox, not really. The dog stays close to the house. He doesn’t stray far, never been anywhere else. He doesn’t know. So you show him. Not all at once, but in pieces, small glimpses of your world that you let him catch—if he can keep up. The forest is dense, you see, the paths are winding and uneven. The shrubbery is thick, sharp branches clawing at the skin. There are logs in the way and the dog stumbles over them sometimes. You wonder if he’s getting tired, if your hidden path is too hard for him to navigate. If the spiders that weave their webs in his face and the fire ants that bite at his ankles are too painful to endure.

So, sometimes, you stop. You sit together on the forest floor, catching your breath. You wag your tails lazily and just talk.

“You know I’d never do anything to hurt you, right?” he asks one evening.

The fox doesn’t answer right away. Her ears twitch, and her eyes flicker toward the trees.

“I don’t like the word never,” she says finally, “It feels like an impossible standard.”

The dog thinks about this, his brow furrowing. “Okay,” he says after a moment. “I don’t ever want to hurt you.”

“I know,” she replies, her voice soft.

But the fox knows her way through the forest. She knows every twist and turn, every trap hidden beneath the leaves. You tell the dog he’d never catch up, sometimes hiding, sometimes running faster—just to see if he’ll try. Spencer doesn’t tell you how he sees that every time you disappear into the trees, you always turn back. Always looking over your shoulder, always checking to see if he’s still behind you. 

Eventually, you reach your den. Your fur coat is scratched and bruised from the branches and the logs, the forest leaving its marks on you like it always does. But you’re here. He’s here.

Silently, you wonder how many more times you’ll have to make this journey. You don’t think you can endure another. But you don’t say it.

Instead, you take him inside.

Your den is small, cobbled together from dirt and leaves, from twigs and scraps you’ve gathered over the years. You show him your dirt mantle, how you’d packed it tight with earth and how you’d lined with relics of your life. You show him the first flower you ever found, or what’s left of it—a brittle stem, its petals long gone. You tell him the story of the hound who crushed it. 

There’s a feather on the wall, light and fragile, from the first bird you ever caught. You smile as you tell him the story of the chase, how fun it had been to run and run with your foxes until the world blurred around you. Until you were the only one left. In the corner, something glints: A metal buckle, tarnished but unmistakable. From the shoe of the first hunter who’d ever caught you.

You trace your fur with your fingers, telling Spencer your adventures and stories of the traps and the teeth, of the hunters who came with rifles and ropes. The dog sits, listening, understanding. You show him how the edges of your den are marked, too. The walls are carved with notches—five, ten, fifteen. Each one a hunter or hound you’d escaped from. You’re proud, you say, even as you run your hand over the rough lines. They’re proof you survived, that you’ve outwitted them time and time again. Not unwounded, not unbroken, but alive. 

You tell him you’re very proud of yourself.

The dog tilts his head, watching you carefully. He sees the way your voice falters when you recount the stories of cages and leashes, how your tail twitches when you mention the hunters. Spencer thinks the fox is lying.

So, the dog tries to teach the fox his ways.

He clears out your mantle first. He takes down the brittle flower stem, the feather, the tarnished buckle. Then, he takes your paw and shows you how to sniff out the bright pretty toadstools, the ones that make the forest less dark. He shows you the rain puddles, not just for drinking, but for jumping in, for splashing until your laughter scares off the birds.

Together, you fill your den with new relics. Ticket stubs from the village fair, postcards you write but never send, laughter tucked away in secret corners. Kisses, soft and warm, planted like seeds that grow slowly into something that feels like home.

Spencer rubs off the old notches on your walls with the pads of his paws, the dust of their memory falling to the floor. In their place, you make new marks. Not notches, but drawings. A fox curled in the safety of her den. A dog lying beside her, his muzzle resting on his paws.

Night after night, you curl up beneath your mantle, snouts touching, tails tucked beneath you. 

And then winter comes. Now, your walls feel too big for just a lone fox.

You see, the dog always listens to his master. He sits, he fetches, he stays. But always under command, always under the whistle’s call. And when his master calls, he has to go. Tail wagging or tucked low, he goes. 

“You’re hardly ever here anymore,” your voice cuts sharper than you meant it to. 

“Can we please not do this now,” he says almost pleadingly, his jaw tight.

For the first time, in the quiet of your den, the fox feels the cold.

The dog goes. The fox doesn’t follow. She can’t. She doesn’t belong where the dog goes—to places of shiny badges and polished shoes, of clean, carpeted floors and voices that echo off tall, glass walls. So she waits in her den, her fur bristling against the chill, her paws worn from pacing the same patch of dirt.

You try to remind yourself of who you are. A fox, sly, swift, clever. A fox, who doesn’t need to wait for anyone. 

But still, when the forest quiets, you glance toward the trees. You press your ear to the ground, hoping to catch the faintest echo of his steps, the rustle of leaves under his paws. The fox runs her fingers over the edges of the drawings, tracing the uneven lines, patching the spaces in her den where the light and the wind get in with twigs and leaves. She roams the fields, trying to race the clouds again. But she doesn’t think she runs quite as fast without Spencer beside her. She chases her tail like he taught her, spinning in quick circles, but it’s not as fun when she’s alone. She doesn’t try to catch the birds anymore. It doesn’t feel the same.

When Spencer comes back, his coat bruised and worn from his time away, the fox licks his wounds. The scrapes and the scratches, soft and slow, patching his paws with the leaves she’s saved. ​​He carries something in his teeth—a token, a peace offering, a sign that he thought of you while he was away. 

A flower. 

He’d found it near the river, petals still dewy, fragile and bright. He hopes you like it. You do.

You take it from him with careful paws, eyes tracing its delicate form before placing it on your mantle, next to the postcards and ticket stubs, next to the daffodils, peonies, dahlias, irises and all the other flowers he’s found for you over time. You think back to the brittle and dead stem you once kept and wonder if there’s any way to hold onto something that beautiful forever.

Because sometimes even beautiful flowers die.

And when it comes to fight or flight, the fox always runs. They say it’s in her blood, in her very nature to flee. So she bolts. She runs away from the den, away from the mantle and the flowers he’d collected. The fox doesn’t know if she can find flowers quite as beautiful as the ones Spencer has given her.

You don’t need the flowers, you tell yourself. You’ll find a new den, find new birds to catch, rebuild your mantle from scratch, carve new notches in your walls once more. You always do.

But the hound finds you. Bred for hunting. Tracking. Scenting. For knowing where to look and how to catch. Bred for the hunt, he always finds you. Your crouched back, tail down, ready to pounce or bolt if you have to. Every instinct telling you to run, to vanish into the underbrush before he can catch you. 

“Open the door,” a voice calls, low and insistent.

The fox is curled in the corner of this den. It doesn’t hold the warmth of the last.

“I know you’re home.”

She shuts her eyes and digs deeper into the wall.

“Open the door,” he says, voice softening, pleading. "Please."

The fox exhales, and with a shudder that shakes through her, she reaches out and opens the door. She misses her flowers.

It’s not the chase you expect. No barking, no growling. You bare your teeth. But he doesn’t move. Doesn’t even flinch. 

“What do you want?” she asks, claws sharp.

“I want to talk.”

“I don’t have anything to say to you.”

“Then I’ll stay here until you do.”

And so the fox and the dog sit. They wait and wait then talk and talk. By the time the first rays of the sun creep above the treetops, the fox is laughing again. It’s a sound that is warm and bright, something that makes Spencer’s heart feel a little fuller, a little lighter. He thinks he understands now. 

They don’t see it, do they? The way the fox rolls in the field when she thinks no one’s looking, laughing under her breath as she goes. The way she finds the sunniest patch to lay in and closes her eyes, tail swishing in contentment. They only see the scars and the snarls. They don’t ever see the joy.

“Why don’t you trust me?” he asks, his voice gentle but steady, the kind of tone that makes it clear he already knows the answer.

“I do,” you say quickly, instinctively.

He doesn’t push. He waits.

“I know you don’t,” he says finally, not accusing, just truthful.

You look away, fidgeting with your tail between your legs. “I’m trying,” you whisper.

“I know,” he says again, softer this time, his tail brushing lightly against your side.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ hi if you're here! thank you for reading! feel free to like or reblog or comment or reply!

ᯓ★ song recs if you feel like it: you’re here that’s the thing by beabadoobee tsunami by niki

[chronicowboy]

imagine you're a guy finally admitting he's queer in his thirties in a macho field of first responders, you got to watch your coworker be an out and proud lesbian at your shitty station but you still don't feel like you can be yourself until you leave behind everyone who knows you for harbour, few years down the line an old coworker calls you to ask you to fly them into a hurricane, you say sure what's the worst that can happen, and maybe you want to repay the woman who showed you what bravery was, and there you meet a golden retriever of a man who is too much to think about in that situation actually, so you don't, but then after it all he puts a hand on your shoulder and smiles at you and maybe..., he calls you a few days later to ask for a tour, asks you out for a beer too but you can't quite tell whether it's platonic or not, you panicked and called him kid it's probably platonic, he shows up to a basketball game and you're pretty sure he's in love with his best friend, you mess with him just a little just for fun, but then things get bad and you go to try to smooth things over, you end up on his doorstep somehow, he's golden in the dim light of his loft and you want to kiss him but you've spent the last two weeks learning how deeply integrated he is into his best friend's family, he's not yours to kiss, except he's making fun of your fake mouth static and he's so close and he's asking to spend time with you and telling you that he wants to get to know you and admitting he wanted your attention, and well you kiss him, and he looks a little like he's just found religion but you make sure it's okay just to be safe and it is, it's okay and god you like him, you really like him, so you ask him on a date and he's breathless in his rush to accept and you really fucking like him, you pick him up at 8 on saturday, you take him to an intimate little italian restaurant, he's tense and looking around like he's waiting for someone to jump out on them and throw a bucket of rainbow glitter over their heads, you tell him about your own journey of self discovery and he listens, takes it a little like an accusation, starts rambling about being an ally, and you really fucking like him it's embarrassing.

tommy kinard the man that you are...

[sinofthesloth]

so how do you think Epel, Vil, Malleus, Azul and Jack Howl would deal with a crush who actually starts running at them and hugging them as a greeting after a couple months of knowing the boys? (The hugs only seem to be reserved for the boys. Crush clearly has a favourite. Probably horrifies people when they first do this to Malleus). Like their senses tingle and they bee line for the boys and suddenly the boys are being hugged by this human with golden retriever energy from behind or somehow this person had teleported in front of them and hugged?

Hey Sin here, not sure if you want all the boys together since you wrote, "Crush clearly has a favourite." but I am going to separate so each boy has his own part. Sorry if this is not how you wanted them. Also this is my first time doing an ask, so thank you for sending one in!

Content/Warnings: Jack's part is more of a general day of school, Epel's part is centered around the Song and Dance Competition (Epel's part has slight angst and talks about Vil's overblot) Azul's part talks about his overblot, Vil's part talks about his fangirls, and Malleus part talks about Sebek a good bit. (I love him) Requested: Yes by @nesting-dreams Word Count: At least 400 per boy. Written: December 1st. Characters: Jack, Epel, Azul, Vil, and Malleus

Jack

At first the hugs didn't confuse Jack. He took in stride and squeezed back. He had younger siblings and knows that sometimes a hug is just what a person needs to get by. He had known you for quite some time.

He was there for Leona's as well as Azul's overblots. He knows the kind of stress that has been put on you, and he wants you to know he will always be there for you.

Jack started to notice his crush on you when he would make eye contact with you across the courtyard and you started to make a dash to him. At first he thought it was cute, but day after day, he started waiting for you. It was a slow realization, but after Deuce called his tail wagging out at the track field, man was embarrassed.

He also noticed you didn't hug the others like you'd hug him. If he was looking away, you'd softly wrap your arms around him. If he was in a group, you'd make sure he saw you coming first. But every time you'd hug any of the other boys it was always a side hug. You would also press him into yourself as much as you could when you hugged him.

He just hoped you wouldn't notice his tail wagging each time you held him close.

Epel

You've seen each other in classes before, but you didn't speak more than a few short sentences with each other. Just enough to know his name and a few facts about him. You two finally got much closer during the Song and Dance competition.

During the first night they all stayed at the Ramshackle dorm, you made your rounds making sure everyone was comfortable. You didn't need Kalim's family to come after you nor did you need Vil's fangirls finding out you didn't bend to the man's every whim. Epel was the last one you checked on before heading into your own dorm room. It was clear he was upset.

That night you sat with Epel into the late hours. He talked about how worried he was. How he felt that he was always underestimated thanks to his feminine looks, and how he knew he would never live up to Vil's standards of him. Of the standards he put upon himself. He talked about how he always put his best foot forward in fear others will never give him a chance if he didn't. He works this hard only to prove he is capable.

That was the first time you hugged him. Since then, every morning you gave him a quick squeeze before serving everyone breakfast within Vil's restrictions. You'd hug him before practice, after practice, during breaks, during lunch, after classes. Anytime you could spare to hug him, you did. You wanted to show him you cared.

At first he'd give you a light tap on the back, but as time passed he fell in love with holding you against him. He was enjoying these hugs these past two weeks. He enjoyed the encouragement and praise you'd give him and it was clear to Rook and Vil how Epel was changing. He was trying harder, he was more attentive, he was doing anything to prove himself to both you and his dorm leaders.

After Vil's overblot, you beelined it for Epel. Grabbing him with one hand in his hair and the other pressing his chest into yours. He wasn't letting you go anytime soon. He could take the whispering comments of the first years and the mumbles of his dorm leaders later.

Azul

Azul wasn't nice to you before his overblot. He used you, used your friends, used his friends and did many other horrendous actions. No matter what he said during his moment of weakness was an excuse to do what he did, but that didn't stop you from taking his words to heart. He was a scared, hurt child. Still was in some sense. He was coming down from his overblot when you hugged him. He held onto you as he cried. All you could do was help him hide his face in your chest as whisper sweet nothing as he latched onto you sobbing.

As time passed, you grew closer to him. He wouldn't talk about the overblot and you wouldn't bring it up. No one knew why you started to randomly walk up to him and hug him. Half the time you wouldn't even give Ace or Deuce a front hug like you did him. Azul refused to drop the boss-man attitude but if anyone looked as close as the twins did, they'd see the way he would twist the back of your shirt with how tight his grip on you was.

Sometimes, when you were behind him, you'd run up and squeeze him from behind, taking him by surprise. That was the only time his face would be covered in apple-red blush. He'd clear his throat and scold you, before opening his arms for you to give him a proper hug.

He couldn't hide his crush from the twins. They'd talk about how you wouldn't give anyone a front hug, much less one from behind. Just recalling it made his face explode.

He grew addicted to see you. Especially from afar. If you thought he'd make it out of a room before you could reach him, you'd run up and tackle him into a hug.

Vil

Vil was never a hard man to find. Just follow the trail of glitter or the clicking of phone cameras. You don't really remember how the two of you got close. It definitely might have been when you were running from Rook and leeched onto Vil to hide behind. From there, the three of you bloomed an odd friendship.

Vil catches on immediately, and in the beginning of it, he does try to get you to stop. Not just for his image, but yours as well. There have been videos of you running up and jumping on him for a hug. A few of you hold him for just a moment to long and pictures upon pictures of the two of you.

There are multiple theories about the two of you online. Rook loves reading these out loud to Vil while he is getting ready for the day. Seeing his face tint with a cherry red color always puts a smile on Rook's face.

It gets to the point that you'll stop hugging him and instead wave or jokingly bow toward him instead. Which just ignites a fire on the internet. His fangirls want to know if y'all broke up? If y'all were ever together? What happened? Why aren't you hugging anymore? Vil didn't know what to do. He seemingly was going through a mode. Rook called them withdrawals. Epel was just annoyed both for you and because of you.

By the end of a week and the swarm of questions on all his posts, he talks to you about it. Asks what you believed would be best. "No matter what you do, you are in the public's eye. Do what makes you happy." You wouldn't hug him until he made a decision himself. You didn't want to push him one way or another. Another week passed, and he noticed how you didn't hug others the way you hugged him. Ace would get side hugs, and Deuce would get hugs where you wouldn't fully wrap your arms around him. He seemed to be the only one you'd throw your arms around the neck of.

He was glad he was the only one you'd hold like this. His decision wasn't any easier, but he knew he missed your hugs. "Maybe behind close doors."

"You can always just start dating them." Epel commented.

Malleus

(- He is extremely ooc and I hate it, so I'll be fixing it soon. Hopefully after class)

As soon as you attempted to sneak up on Malleus, Sebek is there to call you out. He would be snatching you off the ground before you made it twelve feet in range of Malleus.

The hugs started the night of Vil's overblot. He visited to check up on you, and you didn't know how to thank him. He talked about it for days afterward. Lilia was the one to bring up sneaking up on him for a hug. You've hugged him at least once a day since. Sebek is distraught any, and every time he sees you hugging. Marching over to promptly remove you from Malleus.

If you can make it to him when running up to him, he will laugh before lifting you up as you jump into his arms. It also takes him an embarrassingly long time to realize that you don't hug others like you hug him. He doesn't fully understand the deeply rooted pride his has over this. He also doesn't notice how much he looks forward to your hugs until you're sick one day.

Lilia has to drag this man out of your dorm because he was trying to cuddle up into your bed with you. He just wanted a hug. You promised to give him two tomorrow and with that he left. Leave you some soup and medicine after Silver explains that since you're magicless, there is no way of telling how your body would handle it.

Sebek was mortified. The prince of fae was crawling into the bed of a human. Lilia was dying of laughter as the prince sulkingly walked back to the hall of mirrors. It was clear to those who were close to him that he had fallen in love with a human, those that weren't feared the upset dragon-fae.

No worries. As soon as you hugged him the next day, everyone was wiping out their phones to capture photos. It was spreading like wildfire, and when he returned to his grandmother for the holidays, she asked where you were.

Hope you enjoy trying new foods and being surrounded by multiple suits of armor.

[trevuorzegras]

cowboy!quinn hughes head cannons .ᐟ

wagon wheel — darius rucker 🦌

def not apart of mine & @wnderify’s obsession with luke, and quinn being cowboys.. 🐾

cowboy!quinn has your initial branded into his best looking hat. anytime someone asks what it stands for, he’s more than happy to talk about you.

cowboy!quinn that takes you out on his four wheeler, racing against time to get you to his favorite spot to watch the sunset.

cowboy!quinn knows all the good places to line dance, quickly picking up on the fact you loved it.

cowboy!quinn gets matching camo jackets for the two of you the first winter you spend together.

cowboy!quinn picks flowers for you any chance he can get. if he’s just swinging by the field to check on the horses? he’s getting flowers. he’s on his way home from work, and see’s pretty flowers? you best bet your ass they’re already headed back home with him.

cowboy!quinn who gets you a golden retriever after hearing you talk about how much you adored them.

cowboy!quinn who let’s you wear his flannels. his mom had picked up on this pretty early on, grinning ear to ear the first time she saw you wearing one. quinn was never the type of person to let others wear his clothes, and that’s when his mom knew he truly loved you.

cowboy!quinn who always says ‘yes ma’am’ no matter the circumstances. his momma taught him manners, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to let them go to waste.

cowboy!quinn has a custom belt buckle with the day the two of you got together on it. it’s become the belt buckle he wears the most, replacing the one you got him for your first anniversary.

cowboy!quinn heavily believes in that ‘if you cook, you don’t clean.’ after you insist that you can do the dishes, and kitchen cleaning, he absolutely refuses. he explains his momma always taught him if you cooked, you didn’t clean. from then on, you no longer insisted on cleaning after cooking.

cowboy!quinn checking in with you before he shaves his beard. every. single. time.

[defrosted69]

A line Hook to you

(Danielle Marsh x Male Reader)

A/N: Its been a long time but here's something to you guys. Enjoy!

Note: 7k words

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“The invisible string theory is the idea that the universe itself is stitched together with unseen threads, all of which lead us to our destinies.”

You sighed as you finally clocked out of work with your back aching with a pocking pain. Working on heavy machinery for a good 9 hour shift isn't really ideal for you body who's used to be so athletic and is used in locomotive motion. But time just keeps on going forward, not backward so changes will be applied in life. And before you know it, from writing and sleeping at the back of the class to having to deal in fixing heavy engines and inspecting them everyday to make sure they work properly.

"Why the long face? Come, The old guys are going for a drink tonight. You should come with Y/N"

A pat on the shoulder made you sighed as you heard his voice. Despite this heavy loaded schedule and work you had, there was always a friend that keeps you laughing and knows to make your frown upside down and uplift your spirits.

"Ah I'll pass this one Sunoo. Since tomorrow is Sunday, I'll enjoy my 1 day break"

"Oh Bummer. But I understand since I'll pass with them as well."

"Huh? How come?"

"The last time I joined them, they cause a ruckus in a bar. Remember how our pay got cutted because Boss preety much used our checks to pay up their damage."

You chuckled remembering that fragment of your memory like it was yesterday. It was quite funny because despite how Sunoo claim they are, they were actually great seniors to you. When you were still new to the company, they knew you lacked experience when it comes to the actual field so they were open to teaching you stuff you were confused with. And the funny thing is here is that you were above them when it comes to terms relating to work.

Cause you see, the seniors are all mechanics and car parts specialists but you on the other hand are their supervisor. You graduated in college with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and it wasn't that long when you landed a job in this medium sized delivery company. Of course they were first surprised to see that their supervisor was new and unexperienced but you gained their respect when you had to show them on solving a problem in the Pistons of the engine.

Pistons are one thing to fix but to make adjustments on the fly and make the engine working twice as powerful as before made their jaw at Awe. If most of of them before didn't believe in geniuses, we'll you just debunked their belief.

But since then, you had a good relationship with all of them and you got more wisdom from them since most of them are family oriented now and others have unique experiences that preety much makes you amazed and inspired by them.

"Well where you heading too then Sunoo?"

"Duh I'm gonna watch my Drama. That's the only reason why I have Netflix."

"Right. I completely forgot about that."

Kim Sunoo was your very loyal and emotional friend. Everyone in the company knows he's the golden retriever of the bunch since he's just all smiles especially most of the times. But don't let that distract you that he's one of the best employees the company has. Despite only finishing highschool, he worked hard to understand how the engine works and he had to prove everyone why he's also one of a kind. Despite the two of you being born in the same year, Sunoo has more experience and knowledge when it comes to the company and working experience.

But he is also an open armed person meaning he's not afraid to help you whenever you were need. There was a time your window in the apartment got cracked because of a storm, and you couldn't go to work. Sunoo came after the storm passing with tools for replacing windows and he actually gave you a free window without even costing you any expenses at all. All he wants was to see you at work since it's been a while since he's had someone his age to talk too.

"Well enjoy your stranger things drama or whatever it is. I'll see You at work on Monday man."

"Yeah Man see you in Monday."

He waved you goodbye as he went on the opposite of your direction of where you were going. The night was very chilly and the sky was clear as the day. Looking up, the moon was shining brightly with its stars twinkling next to it creating a perfect harmony in the sky. You were used to walking to your apartment since it's usually just 15 minute walk from home and you could admire the beauty of the building around and scenery.

But something had to ruin the beauty of what your eyes admire as couples walk past you showing their affection to their love one as if the sidewalk was their hallway to act all flirty with each other. You had no objection to people being extra PDA with each other since you'll be getting a good show but it just throw you off.

Perhaps since you've never had a female in your life, you've become the bitter old man who gets angry when youngsters and couples exhibit their love in front of you. It seemed like salt was thrown at you, as the cosmos is continuously reminding you of how lonely you are in this world. So taking deep breath, you decided to take a small detour and feed your stomach a bit after all, you didn't have proper lunch since the company cafeteria is serving nothing but sandwiches and energy drinks. And you were never a fan of energy drink especially after that small incident you had when you drinked an energy drink despite only having 2 hours sleep.

You really though you were gonna die when your heart felt heavy and you started breathing heavily. Luckily for you, that attack only lasted for 5 seconds before everything returned to normal but you were glad it didn't lead to something worse.

So after taking a detour of going to your favorite ramen shop, your stomach grumbled one more time reminding you to eat already or you might faint from starvation. Entering the place, there wasn't much people around since it was night time already which you preferred more than a jam packed day time. So ordering your usual bowl, you took your food to your favorite spot, near the window side on a single chair.

That place has hold a significant place in your heart because ever since Highschool that seat has always been your spot admiring the sunset, the cars, the people but more importantly, it's because that solo space gave you sanctuary to the problems of life.

So anticipating it to be unoccupied, you froze when your eyes saw a woman with a smirk showing how proud she was in her position as she spoke.

"I knew you would be here. The Invisible string really is true!"

You were confused at to what she was saying yet she smiled and stood up and immediately taking over your personal space as she got close to you with her eyes glittering like stars.

"I meant to say is that fate us brought us here together. Because I need your signature right here"

She pointed with her pen a piece of paper in a clipboard which had a few signature of some people as well but, it was smudged and the paper looked like it was dried from air after being soaked in water.

"Is this paper dried up?"

"Ohh eer… Dont mind that. Just sign it please. For my extra credit in college. Pleeese Mr. Pleeeese."

She began begging you like a wild Woman as other people anf some staff look at the two of you weirdly. Thier Stares somewhat made you feel embarrassed of her so without even hesitation, you signed whatever was in that clipboard hoping to end this already. Once you wrote down your signature and name, she smiled brightly and giggled cutely.

"Thank you Mr. I'm sure I'll see you again in the sidewalk. See you next week again. Bye bye Mister~"

She happily waved at you and giggled her way away of the restaurant leaving you perplexed and with so many questions than answers.

"Who the heck is she?"

.

.

.

Danielle extended her arms out and giggled joyfully as the sun caressed her face. She was overjoyed once again since she would finally receive additional credit for her completed assignment. That signature from last night was what she needed the most since she was finally able to obtain 100 signatures on her paper, which wasn't easy given the time constraint their professor had set. 5 days to get 100 signatures isn't as easy as it seems. So she was pleased to receive her final signature from someone she knows well.

After doing her usual morning routines, Danielle smiled happily as she leaves her dorm with a sense of happiness amd joy filling her body right now. The sky was clear and the air was perfect for her for a walk so with that she did. She began walking to her university humming her favorite song along the way. The common sidewalk that she has been walking was so colorful in her eyes right now and everything was so just blooming.

"What a wonderful day to eh mate?"

She asked herself as she giggled to herself. Yet among the busy people walking tbe familiar sidewalk, her eyes were looking for a guy who she was very thankful since the first day of her college days. As she keeps looking for that man, from a far and from someone's perspective, she looked like a mole appearing in and out of the crowd of people trying to look for you.

That's right, there was a reason why she waited for you at that restaurant last night although it was mostly just her guess and it was completely coincidental that the events unfolded that night. Never in a million years would she would have known that the stars aligned just to answer her wish to make her last signature poetic. She betted on herself that someone special will sign the last space on her paper and boy was she right.

At the very last second, just when she just admitted that everything isn't a fairy tale and her stupid brain admitted that ideal scenarios will come to reality was a slap and a wake up call for her. But you pulled at the very last second and helped her once again. Just remembering the first interaction you had with her made her blush and squeal in delight which earned a few confused and weird looks from the people.

"Shit. I'm public I forgot.."

Danielle giggled as she continued her walk to university. Although she didn't see you today, she understands that you would have left your place earlier considering your a working adult and she's just a college student yet, in her eyes and brain, she's as equal to your status in society which further more pushes her agenda that the invisible string theory exist. Because there must be some kind of connection in which you would be a part of her huge life. After all, Your first encounter with her was during her first time being in the city.

Being a college student means that you have to choose a college to go to and unfortunately for her, her desired course was far away from her city and her family. And of course, that sucks and is hard to understand but Danielle knew that this was a huge chapter of her life and as much as she didn't want to get away from the hugs of her parents, she had to let go of the meantime and travel to an another city with no friends, no nothing at her silos disposals.

She was starting at level 0 where everything had reseted for her but that didn't stopped her to be productive and she continued to encourage herself everyday that what she's doing is the best for her family and for herself. Life may be hard but you have to got an iron will to keep up with the waves of life and keep on moving forward with a stronger resolve to finish college.

Now is where her first encounter with you was. She wasn't sure if you had remember it but you were the guy who picked up her wallet when she had dropped it on the sidewalk where you and her were usually walking. Although she was to be blamed of why she had let go of her wallet because, she choose to admire than to keep her valuable in check within her reach. Honestly, the moment she realized her wallet was gone from her elbow immediately made her feel a cold shiver down her neck.

Everything she needs in collage allowances was in that wallet filling with bank cards and IDs for her to use in public to identifying her. But more importantly she didn't want a handful of earing coming from her sister about her losing her Wallet. But as soon as she turned around, you stood there returning her wallet back at her.

There was this weird trait for Danielle in where she remembers the people's face of those who showed her kindness so it wasn't such a suprise why she would remember you but if she recalled your reaction the other night, she knew she fucked up big time and leaving a good impression of her.

"Gaahh! Why did I spew that nonsense infront of him!"

Daneille ruffled her hair in embarrassment and irritation from herself for acting like a complete fool to the person…

She might have caught feelings for.

In Danielle's defense for this such claims is that she is attracted to people who shows her kindness even if it's just a small one. So despite meeting you before, Her total times of meeting you was 3 times in total considering the other night. Since the guys who were nice to her was absolutely no one. She was often mocked for being an aussie or her accent was made off back in middle school. They weren't that rampant back in high school yet as time moves forward, that claims are now reversed.

"Morning Dani. Did we sleep well?"

Lily Morrow asked her friend who wore a bright proud smile as she walks with Danielle to campus. Hearing her voice snapped her in her characther emission fantasy about which you were glad because everyone in school would know how much of an idiot she is sometimes.

"I slept well. I'm sure I'll get my credit today hehe."

Danielle smiled brightly as the two of then catches up their weekend drama as Danielle happily explained to Lily what she felt during that time as Lily was on full mode listening to every details eh spoke out off. But as soon as that was done, Danielle proceed to the teachers office as Lily went to attend her class. Danielle carefully knocked before entering the room where her professor was waiting for her.

"Ah Ms. Marsh. I assume you brought in your task I have given you?"

"Yes sir."

Danielle pulled out her clipboard along with it was the signed paper yet it didn't take 10 seconds, her progress was returned to her. And that slowly made her confidence shatter into millions of pieces.

"I'm sorry Ms. Marsh but I can't accept this paper."

"But sir, I completed the 100 signatures under 5 days."

Her professor sighed as He knew this was the reaction of Danielle once he rejected her paper. It's not that like her report was not significant to her course but what irks him, was how obvious that her paper had gotten wet or soaked to be more exact.

"I know Ms. Marsh but you gotta understand. Your already in your 3rd year and yet you can't understand simple instructions. I had given you a clean paper to work on and you returned it to me like a wet Wipes dried up?"

"But sir-"

"I don't wanna hear it but I'll give you on last chance to get that extra credit you want."

Danielle was now in full effect to listening to her professor because she needs to pass this subject without enrolling it next semester. It would be such a waste of time and year of she didn't take college seriously.

" I'm gonna give you another paper but this time it's only 75 person BUT, I need you to pass this in Wednesday."

Danielle widen her eyes knowing that getting 75 signatures in 3 days isn't gonna be easy since her college schedule for this semester was absolute trash. But if it means to pass this subject she would do it. So Danielle accepted it and he handed her a new copy. She thanked him as once she leaves the room, Danielle let out a frustrated groan from her as her task was easy enough yet hard to execute.

Although she still has 2 days to work on it and she could easily fill in that 75 person mark, the requirement for that is people outside of the campus and not students. She wouldn't break a sweat if it was just students since it would be very easy. But for strangers? It might be very difficult for her considering that she doesn't know strangers at all and sometimes they could have intentions and very bad at one.

"What do I do?"

.

.

.

The sun was slowly shining down as you clocked out earlier today. It was quite a suprise for everyone when the boss announced that today would be an early work off day since he had something to do. It was very odd since Mondays are usually a busy day at the company with a lot of the trucks being used as transport for its services. But if it means more time for you to relax and sleep in your bed.

Yes, the bed is your best place to relax and just forget about the reality of things especially in the adult world. Rest is the most important factor because it's an escape for you from all the troubles of society and life itself.

Upon changing into your casual wear, Sunoo got your attention once again as he smiled at you.

"Whats your plan now? It's still quite early."

"Bed."

"Why? You wanna watch porn or something?"

"Nah I just love sleeping."

Sunoo nodded his head in understanding but you can tell from his body language that he was itching to tell you something so not wanting to make him look like a fool anymore, you decide to break his bubble.

"What? What are you trying to tell me?"

Sunoo chuckled in embarrassment as he got caught by your keen observation but then again, that's what makes you stand out from the rest of the guys working in the company and its the reason why your his supervisor. Your eyes always managed to observe every small detail and remembers them which leads to new adjustment and improvement of the engine. And mind you, it's no ordinary engine, it's a truck engine. Those who big and carry a lot of horse power.

"Well you see. My friend hooked me up and he said we need a third player and I was thinking you-"

"Pass."

"Okay."

Sunoo gave up now. Once you set your decision on one thing it means you wouldn't change your perspective on that decision. And he knows your not into relationship as of the moment as far as he knows. But that thought made him question you.

"Say Y/N, why don't you go on a date now? I mean your finished in college right? You have a good job now so why not right?"

"I don't think I'm ready for it. The responsibility of taking care of someone is a Challange especially since I can't even take care of myself."

Although the real reason why you don't want a girlfriend right now is because you thought you don't deserve to be loved after all, one rejection back in the past really pushed you way back into not stepping into the world of romance. The pain of rejection and seeing that girl choose the wrong girl will never be not funny and painful for you.

"I guess your right. But there's nothing wrong in at least trying something new right?"

"It's not new to me, I already have been in that position before."

"Then why stop at one and live a life of repeating cycle when you can add new things in your cycle of life."

You wanted to speak up but you decided to take in what Sunoo said. There was no hint of any lies in his words as they were all pointing at you about your daily life. Yes it was a repeating cycle of sleep-work-eat-repeat and that's it. Nothing was really getting in between your daily cycle of life which was kinda boring in a sense.

But boring life is what you have been accustomed to and somewhat that's what you like to live in. But is that all there is in your life now since your really crossing the late 20s now. At the age of 25 where many people get married and have a family, your still wondering what your life's purpose is. As you walk the familiar street towards you apartment, the question still lingered on your head.

What do you really wanna do?

A simple question yet it has so many possible wrong answers depending on how you read into it. For you, you definetly have no proper answer at all to that question because you yourself was finding that purpose since College and even now, that you have a proper job, that question still lingering on your mind and time wasn't helping you since people your age have already figured out their path in life. Yet for you, you were still trying to pick up the pieces together and look for that glue that connects everything together yet, you couldn't find it.

Sighing was the only response you could get out of your problem but your bubble of thoughts were popped open when you heard a soft voice of sobbing and sniffing from someone. Of course your not that person to mind someone's business but when your eyes landed on the side and saw a familiar girl with her head down, back reciprocating in a deep breathing motion, and her hands cover her eyes. You just sighed at the scene.

Your legs wanted to keep moving forward and ignore her but the voice of Sunoo once again entered your brain. Will you be stuck to mediocrity forever in your life? Will you never cross that path of change that is really needed in your life right now?

"You alright Miss?"

Taking a huge step forward, you kneel down on her level and what you saw is something you didn't know would happen. Danielle literally looked at you with tears and snott coming out of her nose as if she just had the biggest heartbreak of her life. Her mascara was all smudge down on her eyes and it was preety disastrous seeing her Iike this. But one part of you wanted to laugh at her face right now but you took every ounce of your spiritual being not to laugh at her and try to understand her situation.

"M-Mister? The guy from the ramen restaurant? The one I always see in this sidewalk?"

"Yeah but how come I have many nicknames?"

Danielle sat up as you handed her your handkerchief thinking she would wipe her tears away but no, she used it to blow off the snot she had and that made you froze up. She cleaned her nose and felt her cheeks blushing red mad after realizing what she has done.

"Oh no I didn't mean to make your handkerchief all disgusting. I'll.. Umm.. I'll wash it for you."

Danielle began to panic as she didn't know what she would do since she didn't want to look like a complete fool to you after all. You saw the panic in her eyes which was a little puffy from all her crying. After snapping out of your shocked state, you shook your head.

"No need. It's fine, I mean handkerchief are used for wiping stuff anyway."

"Naur but still. I'll wash it for you. As an Aussie, I promise to make it smelling like a jasmine flower."

"You don't have too."

"Naur I'll-"

GRUMBLE

A large lion roared in her belly and as you look at Danielle's face, the color red slowly took over her face as she looked away covering her face and groaning in embarrassment. There's was no way this day could have gotten worse in Danielle's books but it just got worst. The last on her list is to embarrass herself to someone she looks up and this was a sign that today wasn't her day.

You chuckled at her stomach and your laugher was the hidden laughter that you have been keeping since earlier after seeing her face. Danielle immediately looked back at you with a glare which you immediately stopped your laughing but her glaring and with a few tears was amusing to look at. Maybe a little to adorable in your book.

"Stop laughing!"

"I'm sorry the timing was just to perfect. I'm sorry."

But despite your words, you still couldn't control your laughing and this only made Danielle form more tears in her eyes and seeing her glaring while her lips quivering being mad, embarrassed and sad made you shut up at your action.

"Okay I'll stop. Sorry"

You were genuinely apologizing for your action yet Danielle continued to pout glaring at you trying to intimidate you which is failing exponentially because all this is doing is letting you see an adorable Australian pout cutely at you because she doesn't know how to get mad to people. Knowing that she won't stop pouting and glaring at you, you had to take an action to this one.

"Alright. Let's get something to eat instead so your stomach doesn't roar anymore and perhaps we can talk there about what bothering you. Is that fine with you?"

Danielle didn't reply to you but nodded her head. So taking that as her answer you stood up from the bench with Danielle trailing behind you. Honestly speaking, most people would have just ignored her or to be exact, Danielle should be calling for the police or be at least questioning your true intentions to her but no she didn't. And that though in turns question you why Danielle, trust a stranger like you because as far as you can remember, you don't know her at all except the other night where you first met her, in that restaurant.

But as you were thinking about Danielle, She was silently wiping her makeup and adding new ones. She pulled out her lip tint and applied it on her lips by a small portion. Next she made sure her eyelashes stand out and adding a few blush and powder on her face was the final touch. Using her phone camera as her mirror, she smirked seeing how preety she is as she knows she needs to look preety infront of you right now. Because we don't know when will be the next time you two will meet like this.

Upon arriving at the Restaurant you ordered your favorite meal as you turned back to ask her about her dish.

"So What do you want-"

You got cut off by your own words as Danielle looked nothing like what you saw earlier. Infront of you was a beautiful woman who shined bright as the sun. Her sweet smile was so warm and her headband was the icing on the top as you stood there not knowing what to say next.

"Hmm? I'll have what you have hehe."

She smiled and turned her to the side which really made you stare at her for a good while before the cashier snapped you out of your trance. You order two of what you were having as you paid and choose a seat for the two of you. Unlike before, when you would just sit alone in your favorite place, you have to look for a new place since you have company.

"Let's sit there."

You looked at her a bit shocked because the place she picked for the two of you to sit was where you always sit. Danielle grabbed an extra chair and sat opposite to you smiling happily. It felt weird having to share a seat with someone when you were usually alone in that seat. But nevertheless, you sat down as well on your favorite seat.

"So what made you like a mess earlier?"

You spoke up first trying to break the ice between you two as Danielle spoke up.

"Ugh just my signature getting rejected"

"Huh. Was it that the paper I signed the other night soaked?"

"Hehehe."

Danielle scratched the back of her head guilty of what she did as you sighed and Chuckled a bit. No wonder you found the quality of the paper before weird. It was soaked the dried up quickly.

"So what are you doing now?"

"Well now I have to do another one. But only 75 people signature this time and it's due on Wednesday"

"Oh so your boss needs it?"

"Boss? Naur my professer need it."

"Naur? You australian?"

"Yeet."

You smiled by her energetic response as the two of you shared a laughter together. This was quite a surprise for you because unlike a few of those times when meeting a new person, it was always about business and there was no feeling or sense of friendship that could brew between yet with Danielle, there was no such thing like that. It felt like you have known her since you were in highschool. An old friend kind of vibe.

"Can I see those papers miss…"

"Danielle! Danielle Marsh. 22 years old, college student studying management… And hopefully the one you call baby girl.."

Danielle mumbled the last part and you didn't even get a whip of what she said in the last line because Danielle quickly showed her the papers in which your attention went through.

True to her words, it did need 75 signature from strangers and somehow you felt bad for her knowing she had limited time to do this task. Then a light bulb of an idea popped into your head but will you really take that risk of getting out of your comfort zone to help someone?

Once again, the words of Sunoo echoed in your head making you choose the light bulb of your idea. It will be risky but at this point, you just trusted your guts and went with it.

"I'll help you out. By tomorrow afternoon this should be all signed up."

Danielle gasped covering her mouth with her hands as she couldn't believe your making a move on her. As crazy as it sounds, to Danielle's checklist, this was her first strike that the guy was perfect for her. Of course you didn't know this as you read her expression as shocked but what you didn't know was that she gasped because she thought you were making a move on her by helping her.

"R-Really? You'll help me?"

"Yeah sure since my last signature was wasted. I want it this time to be for good use."

"Oh thank you so much.. Err…"

"Y/N. Just call me Y/N"

"Thank you Y/N."

Out of nowhere, Danielle stood up and hugged you with her face deep in your chest. That action made your heart race so fast as you were sure Danielle could hear it. You were about to push her away when a sudden calmness washed over you when you saw Danielle looking up to you sweetly. It really felt weird seeing someone like her keep you so calm and relaxed without even trying. Add in her cute smile and eyes that see your reflection.

.

.

.

True to your words, you managed to get 75 signature from everyone in the company. You even got your boss to sign because Sunoo told everyone a fake lie. Sunoo must have heard it wrong but in reality, he heard it correctly. You were trying to help Danielle with her signature and he began spreading the word that you helping your secret girlfriend in college and everyone ended up signing it so fast to the point your boss even gave you his blessing.

Of course this made you a little annoyed how they signed it just to show their support for you but that also makes you happy that the people your working with was supportive of you. And perhaps it could also be a sign they want you to have a girlfriend already. So since you already have Danielle's contact on your phone you called her and not even a second in she already answered it in a heartbeat.

You told her that you'll be meeting her in the bench on the familiar sidewalk to which she agreed upon. So as the time to leave for work had arrive, you excused yourself to leave early which your boss was all okay about it. So you left work not even realizing your still wearing your work polo with the logo of your company on it. You sat there waiting for Danielle and it didn't take long before Danielle arrived.

Her bright smile once again shined as you couldn't get enough of her smiling beauty.

"Heyya Y/N, you look like a hard working man hehe~"

You blushed in embarrassment realizing that you were still in your work polo as you chuckled about it. Usually you would just brush off the compliment but when it comes to Danielle, somehow those compliments hit your heart in a bullseye accuracy.

"Oh.. Umm thanks Danielle. Ah right, here's the paper"

You handed her her project and truth be told, you did keep your promise as Danielle look so shocked and happy upon seeing the Paper filled with signatures.

"You really did do it! Thank you so much!!"

Danielle leaped unto you forcing you to catch her in your arms as she hugged you tightly. You were already blushing because this is the second time you hugged her and it felt so right to have her in your arms. She giggled as she buried her face on your chest and you really didn't want to let her go but it would very awkward to just keep on hugging her this long. So as you were letting her go, Danielle felt your arms getting loose so she hugged you tighter hoping you would get the signal that she didn't want you to let her go. She didn't care if she wanted to be clingy, because she IS clingy.

"Who said you can let go? Hmph! Meanie.."

Danielle looked up at you with a pout as you chuckled and sigh as you decided to hug her again. And just like that, Danielle was once again happy.

"I need to repay you somehow Y/N."

"You don't have to Danielle It's fine."

"Naur it's not. You helped me alot. I know, I'll make you lunch from now on and you can't say Naur okay?"

"But-"

She placed a finger on your mouth shutting you up as she giggled and smiled.

"Please? Preety pleaseeee?"

"Well I guess that wouldn't hurt."

"Yeet!"

Danielle giggled as she once again buried her face on your chest and at this point, you were getting accustomed to her Being a clingy girl and a sweet sunshine.

.

.

.

Waking up to get to work again wasn't something new you to yet this time it felt more postive in a sense your actually eager to work today. There was that postive aura around you right now and you couldn't help but smile as you looked at yourself in the mirror looking alright. You checked your watch as you stepped out of the door, only to be greeted by ms. Sunshine.

"Morning Y/N. I made you lunch as I promised hehehe~"

Danielle was holding a packed lunch but what caught your eye was her wearing an apron in her clothes and it looked like she just went to a slug fest with so many stains all over her apron. You felt a huge burning sensation growing up your cheeks as you felt embarrassed and happy by her gesture.

"You didn't have too Danielle. I told you I don't-"

Danielle got up close to you placing a finger up your mouth shutting you up as she giggled and puffed her cheeks.

"I told you didn't I? I promised to make you lunch until then. So just please accept it."

Knowing that she went through hell to make you a lunch box and it shows in her apron and in her hands because there are 4 bandaids in her fingers which she was trying to hide under the lunch box. Seeing her and the fact she mafe effort for you just show how serious she is when it comes to keeping her word so you accepted it. And boy the way your fingers brushed against her, Danielle's cheeks burned red and her heart rushed so fast.

"Thanks Danielle. I'm sure I'll enjoy it."

"Hehehe~ Goodluck at work today."

She waved goodbye at you waved back and walked towards your workplace. As you walk your mind couldn't believe that you actually got a free lunch and you didn't have to suffer from the horrible lunch at work and not to disrespect the lunch lady there, but the food they are serving their are so limited and so small. Yes it's delicious but the portion is so small your stomach would be asking for more. So having a packed lunch from someone isn't just a good reason to avoid the cafeteria at work but it also means that someone cares for you.

And immediately that thought made you smile a little and blush as you couldn't believe your own thoughts.

"Gosh what are you doing to me Danielle."

As you look at the packed lunch you saw a sticky note on the top of the cover that says

"You need a lot of vitamin ME"

Which made you chuckle in amusement by her Witty jokes and it was the perfect quote to start the day ahead of you. And this continued on as Danielle continued to make you lunch every morning with witty jokes which are subtle hints of her feelings for you such as the quotes like:

"I am yours, No refund"

"You must be a camera because you make me smile"

"You know it's hard to find a girl who's so smart, cute, preety and top it all, an aussie. So don't Lose me got it mate?"

And there is one quote which really was your favorite of them all as it says:

"Don't you look away, don't pass me by Anything you want, babe, tell me what do you need"

Danielle knew that sending that quote was risky but she was ready to risk it all for you and when you read that quote your heart raced and a huge blush appear on your face. You usually sit away from the crowd in the cafeteria since you got lunch from Danielle and you didn't want to make any rumors about your life and you didn't want anyone to know about Danielle. Except for one guy.

"Gotcha you bastard. Who packed you lunch huh?"

Sunoo finally caught gist of you as you usually spend lunch with him so when you started to isolate from him, he began to raise an eyebrow and this only made him more believe that your doing something fishy which he believes is related to your relationship status. And he could be right.

"Wh-what are you talking about?"

"Don't lie, you can't cook shit. So who made you lunch? Your girlfriend?"

"I don't have a-"

"Or perhaps your dating someone?"

"I don't-"

"You like her don't you?"

"I…. I….. Yeah.. I think I have fallen for Danielle"

"Wait.. Wait so you DO have someone?!"

Sunoo couldn't believe it. His theory was proven right and your walls just crumbled and it was all Danielle's fault. She broke that protective wall of yours that you kept away from romance yet Danielle, pushed through and got it broken down. Her efforts didn't go in vain because you noticed it upon yourself too.

"So the reason you work so hard and happy was because of her dude?"

"Am I really showing happiness at work?"

"Duh. You have been more brighter for the past few weeks compared to the last few months or even when you started here. You were so non chalant and bland yet now, you seem to be shining brightly."

Danielle's bright personality has finally rubbed into you as you couldn't believe the postive impact she has brought upon you and to others.

"But what if she hates me or-"

"Dude, she made you lunch just once?"

"No she's been making me lunch for the past few weeks."

"Fucking marry her and don't ever let her go dipshit."

Sunoo shook you as he said this and you decided to take his words once again. Danielle has nothing but sweet and a ball of sunshine for you. Your usual cycle of repeating boring process has come to an end with Danielle now in that mix. Everyday seems so enjoyable now and you look forward to it more than before.

But are you really ready to take that risk to love again? Will it finally clicked this time and wouldn't end in vain? This questions has been running rampant on your mind as the day goes by. The moment you clocked out of work, you saw the sunset setting and you took in all what have happened for the past few weeks and there you already found your answer.

Just as the universe seems to be setting you up, you got a messaged from Danielle that says,

"I made you dinner. I made too much earlier Lol"

The perfect scenario was upon you and a sudden hit of nostalgia rushed in your mind making you smile a little but instead of leaving in pain, you were optimistic something good was gonna happen so you rushed out of the company wearing your suit and the winds pass you by.

Danielle on the other hand was patiently waiting infront of your door with a bowl and a sticky note which was her last. Because today she was gonna do it. She had consoled Lily about today and it was the day of confession. Her heart couldn't keep it in anymore as it just screams your name everytime she sees you or everytime she makes you lunch. She needs to let her heart speak now and that last sticky note is the last one that speaks her heart.

But she didn't have to wait long as you walked up the stairs and there she stood and as if she was in a painting, the sunset behind her gave her the perfect complimentary to her beauty as ger white Capri sun dress and twin tails just makes so picture perfect. You Stared at her in Awe for a couple of seconds before walking up to her quite nervous and scared. Scared that history may repeat itself again.

"Hey Danielle. That's a huge pot."

"Oh right sorry I made too much earlier. Hehehe."

Her sweet smile really got you smiling and attracted to her and you wished this girl would be in your arms right now. But how will you pull the trigger on what you wanted to say? Anxiety was slowly beginning to creep up to you and it makes you so-

"Ah, I have one last note for you Y/N."

"Last note?"

Danielle nodded and that made you feel so sad and devastated. It felt like the ride was about to end with her and you would go back to your usual boring repetitive cycle. Danielle turned the cover of the pot with the note that says..

"Baby your my special one, cause you're the one I like"

Danielle stared right straight into your eyes not wanting you break eye contact because tonight was gonna be big for her. Her heart was racing quick and her hands were sweating but she took one deep breath as she let her heart do the talking.

"Y/N. You have been such a great person to me. You have helped me a lot of times now and I really am thankful for that. I thought I was crazy at first but I didn't expect that the person I fell in love with was within my view all this time."

You stayed silent listening to her as your heart was pounding so fast.

"We walk the same sidewalk everyday yet before I wasn't aware of you but ever since I saw you, my eyes was all locked in you. Because in that sea of people, I only have my eyes set on you."

"So before I… Before we have our… Meal.. Which I hope is not the last time we see each other because I don't want to make things awkward.. Umm.. I.. I.. I just wanna say-"

"Yeah I fell for you too Danielle. A lot."

"I love you-Wait what?"

You stunned Danielle so fast her eyes went so wide like the sunset as you chuckled at her reaction. Hearing her words was enough to confirm that your heart and her heart screamed the same song called love.

"My life has always been a repeating a cycle but I thought that was enough for me. Until you came into my life and change that. Everyday I See a reason to keep me smiling and motivated to work because you, you Danielle make my world so bright."

Danielle just stared at you with the most loving look as if she was ready to melt under your touch and you decided to do just that. You cup her cheeks and kissed her forehead and said the words that stopped Danielle.

"I love you Danielle."

As soon as those words was spoken Danielle placed the pot on the floor let and hugged you tightly and began bombarding your cheeks with kisses.

"You don't know how much I was holding myself to not kiss your cheeks. Now I can kiss you as much as I can. Hehe~"

You laughed whole heartedly as you let Danielle kiss your cheeks so much as you really felt the love coming from her. Despite having a painful memory of heartbreak, Danielle was the reminder that change is the only permanent thing in the world. But more importantly, Love wins all.

"You know my co-workers will be shocked that your in college."

"Naur they won't. Besides, My friends will be proud I have such a working adult boyfriend. Who will understand my craziness."

"Oh believe me, I have seen more crazier things Danielle."

"Prove it to me babe. Hehe~"

With a smirk, you carried Danielle, princess style making her blush and laugh as you two entered your apartment but aside from being so happy where the strings between you two has finally connected, the pot of food was left outside.

.

.

.

[bucksboobs]

Not even into pet play (and i don’t think the cone thing was a pet play reference even) but i am side-eyeing anyone who’s acting like it’s a ~super edgy, shocking~ kink? I’m sorry yall can call that man a golden retriever but he’s not allowed to say “okay, bet”??? Cowards.

There really are two levels here: first level is that this is truly so out of left field to act like that line was at all intended to be sexual and the effort it took to try to make it sound sexual is baffling and unconvincing

The second level is that if you entertain the idea that it was a puppyplay joke, my reaction is the same as with The Accursed Dinner Scene which is: …and? So what? The gay man and his bi boyfriend have kinky sex and that’s a problem? Why are you acting so sex negative and disgusted by the slight implication of gay sex on the Gay Firefighter Show? Are you this repulsed when Athena and Bobby fade to black after shutting their bedroom door? Maddie and Chimney have sex, were we so horrified when they flirt?

The answer to both scenarios is either that these people are homophobic in the weirdest way possible (because apparently they still ship gay ships) or that they’re just fine utilizing homophobia and people’s disgust for gay sex if it achieves their goal of putting down Buck and Tommy’s relationship. Neither possibility is very flattering

[zayed-gold87]

The Golden Team: A Bond Forged in Dedication

The setting sun cast its golden glow across the soccer field, a perfect reflection of our team’s identity: The Golden Team. This wasn’t just another training session. Tomorrow, we would face Team Vanguard, a squad as sharp as its name implied. Our captain, Brody, stood in the middle of the field, his voice rising above the sounds of practice.

“We don’t just play. We inspire,” he declared, his voice brimming with confidence. “We’re not just a team. We’re a family.”

I stood near the defensive line, scanning the field as always. As the team’s sweeper, my role was to read the game and turn defence into attack, something I took immense pride in. Ahead of me, Herc, our star striker, thundered through the training cones, practicing his powerful and precise shots. Beside him, Maximus and Ezan worked together, perfecting their quick passes to break through any defence.

Further back, Grayden ran agility drills, his speed a weapon that could tip the scales in any match. Our goalkeeper practiced relentlessly, leaping to deflect incoming shots with incredible focus.

Watching over it all were the Polo Drones. Once players themselves, they now dedicated their lives to making us better. Their uniform rubber polo shirts glinted faintly in the warm light. They moved with a strange synchronicity, wordlessly setting up cones, retrieving balls, and even stepping in for one-on-one challenges when needed. Their minds seemed singularly focused on one thing: our success.

“Zayed, step up!” Brody’s voice pulled me back to the moment. A ball arced toward me. With a sharp step, I intercepted it, pivoting cleanly and sending it forward with a long, precise pass to Herc.

“Nice work, Zayed!” Herc called out, a grin spreading across his face as he received the ball and fired it into the net.

As training progressed, Brody gathered us into a huddle. The Polo Drones silently moved to the sidelines, their job for now complete. Brody’s eyes swept over us, his presence commanding.

“Tomorrow isn’t just about skill,” he began, his voice low but powerful. “It’s about unity. Every move we make, we make together. Remember, the strength of The Golden Team isn’t just in our individual talent—it’s in how we lift each other up.”

We all nodded, a wave of determination washing over us. Brody clapped my shoulder. “Zayed, you’re the link between our defence and attack. I need you sharp tomorrow.”

“You can count on me, Captain,” I replied, the weight of the moment filling me with purpose.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the field basked in an amber glow. The Polo Drones resumed their silent tasks, preparing for tomorrow’s game. I stayed behind a little longer, practicing my positioning and passing.

Tomorrow, we wouldn’t just face Team Vanguard. We would prove the power of dedication, friendship, and unity. Whatever the outcome, The Golden Team would stand together as one.

Want to join the golden team? Contact @goldenherc9 @polo-drone-001 or @brodygold

[aloysiavirgata]

little fic: Scully 60th birthday with Mulder and their three offsprings (Emily, Will, Baby)

pretty please :) :)

Emily has been practicing for almost two years now, at a good dermatology office northwest of Baltimore. Emily is 5’10 and freckled, with hair like a Nebraska wheat field and her mother’s remarkable eyes. Emily, extroverted and charming and the life of every party, was the captain of three varsity teams in high school. Emily left soccer cleats and lacrosse sticks all over the house; Emily wore her father out with endless games of catch and tag and chase-the-frisbee. She has a quiet boyfriend named Sebastian who makes heavenly rugelach. He and Mulder swap notes on sourdough starters.

“Happy birthday, Scully!” she says, bending over to kiss her pixie mother. “You don’t look a day over 40, and I should know.”

Scully laughs, clutches at the human Golden Retriever that is her daughter. “I’m so glad to see you,” she says. “Where’s Baz?”

“Got a cake in the car. Hi, Dad!” She hurls herself into her father’s arms, laughing when he staggers backwards a bit.

“Jesus, kid,” Mulder says, squeezing her close. “Cut an old man some slack.”

Emily, laughing, is bright as the sun.

William, rangy and pale from too many hours in the chemical engineering lab, tosses grapes into his mouth while Vera, newly five, applauds.

“That’s forty-two, Will,” she says, adoringly, marking in her notebook. She huffs a new-penny corkscrew of hair from her line of sight. Vera alone inherited their mother’s hair. Their father’s changeable eyes.

“What up, nerd?” William says to his older sister. He throws her a grape, which she catches and eats.

Vera applauds again, records further data with the tip of her pink tongue poking between her lips.

“Price of gas,” Emily replies, walking over to drop kisses on her siblings. “Helicopters.”

Vera flings her arms around her sister’s neck. “Where is Baz, please?”

Emily scowls. “Everyone loves him more than me, even my own family. What gives?” She scoops her sister onto her hip.

“Baz makes patisserie,” Vera says, carefully enunciating. “Baz c’est magnifique.”

“Where’d you learn French?” Emily asks.

Vera beams but does not answer.

“We don’t know,” Scully says. She scolds Daggoo from the couch.

“Enigmatic little thing,” Mulder says proudly. “Like the rest of you.”

William pinches Vera’s bare toes, making her squeal. Like his father, he doesn’t openly acknowledge that Emily can see ghosts and learn from them. That he’s telekinetic, that sweet little Vera is, at least partially, psychic. He knows that Vera can speak a little French because Mulder can speak a little French.

Vera does a lot of things, does them quietly.

Their family is so boisterous, they talk so much and say so little.

Baz comes in, carrying a robin’s-egg-blue cake draped in garlands of pale yellow Lambeth frosting.

Vera gasps. “Oh, c'est beau ! Scully, regarde ce qu'il t'a fait! N’es-tu pas fière, Emily?”

William lolls on the sofa. On the table, a Rubik’s cube silently solves itself.

Emily looks at her extraordinary baby sister. Her beautiful, strange little brother. She looks at her mother, who isn’t aging quite right. At her father, whose ghosts she holds in her scarred heart. She returns her sister to the couch.

She kisses Baz on his perfect, regular, amazing, ordinary face.

“English please,” she says to Vera. “Just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.”

Emily attended medical school at Hopkins.

“Fitzgerald,” Vera murmurs as she draws a diplodocus. “The Great Gatsby.”

Mulder and Scully exchange a glance.

Baz, beaming and sweetly, beautifully, oblivious, sets his artwork on the table. “Vanilla chiffon and raspberry,” he says, a kiss on Scully’s marble cheekbone. “Swiss buttercream.”

Emily preens.

“My favorite!” Vera cries.

William lights the candle without touching it, to make a point to Emily.

Emily, as expected, glares.

Vera gazes at the adults, enraptured. She sings Happy Birthday to her mother with the tone-deaf verve of kindergarten. She snuggles against her father with the trust of the utterly adored.

Scully grins, blows out the candles.

Watch little Vera, say Melissa and Samantha to Emily. She’s more.

Emily pretends to ignore her aunts, sees her brother adjust a deck of cards across the room. Sees her mother’s extraordinary beauty, sees her father’s extraordinary love.

She hugs her mother and cries, just a little, for reasons that are unclear. “I love you,” Emily says, throaty.

William rises, embraces them both. “Happy birthday, Mom,” he says. He kisses the top of her shining head.

Vera looks up from her drawing. “Ich habe keine Unruhe,” she says in her sweet, fluting voice.

Scully’s wine glass hits the floor in a sudden, piercing cry.

[mouseymousey]

A couple of transformers fans on here are cooking up a mecha au with a lot of ship content. I am here for it. Here are my head canons:

Whirl:

Whirl is someone random like the air conditioner mechanic that just has keys everywhere to do his job because certain computer parts have to be kept at an EXACT temperature.

He was hired because his security clearance is through the roof working for other government buildings and such, and he's super good at his job. Like, they've never had a problem because he can just Spidey-sense when he needs to do something. His internal clock is crazy and so is he, but they can't hire anyone else at this point.

Every once in a while he disappears for minutes or hours fixing something, but otherwise, he has nothing to do.

He uses his free time to play matchmaker.

Whirl may or may not also sleep in the vents sometimes.... or most of the time.

Soundwave:

The Soundwave mecha has his minicons on his forearms, calfs, and thighs that he can deploy if he needs or use as extra armor in battle. The pilots for them are in his chest. They're separated from the main pilot compartment in the head and have a lot less training.

This creates a lot of free time for the minion pilots when they're not in use, and they're usually on a secondary line talking about anime or arguing about something until Soundwave calls on them. Soundwave sometimes puts them on in the background, especially during their karaoke nights. He lowers the volume enough it's not a distraction, and it's like his version of white noise.

Ravage is the only cybertronian. She's trained to run up Soundwave's back and pounce forward on an enemy. She turns into his backpack when she's tired of walking, and frequently takes cat naps on the Soundwave mecha's feet when her friends are away.

Only Soundwave (mecha or not) is allowed to pet her. She put Frenzy in the hospital the last time he tried, and she isn't scared to do it again.

Lazerbeak has been painting Ravage in their free time.

The minicons annoyed the base into getting vending machines, and it worked.

They didn't annoy the base enough to keep restocking the vending machines, so Soundwave has been restocking his teams favorite snacks secretly. They're all sugary and make them hyper, but he needs the youthful energy in his life because up until now he's forgotten what he's fighting for.

Soundwave has been doing this for a long time. The days were starting to blur together.

The Soundwave mecha was just a prototype. It was considered a failure and ready to be decommissioned, but Ravage is such an asset in the field they can't get rid of the Soundwave mecha or she'll just stop showing up.

Everyone is at the mercy of the cat.

Rung:

He's their psychiatrist.

He's damn good at his job, and he's the most normal person there. He literally has a golden retriever at home because he's really really normal.

He has stopped trying to convince people ~Vortex the haunted mecha~ isn't real and has just started comforting them. He may be good at his job, but he can't win that battle. (Remember he's a psychiatrist, so he just thinks they're under too much stress, not that Vortex is actually haunted.)

He puts cookies in the break room on holidays. Nobody remembers that it's him, so he's their own personal Santa Clause myth.

[biblomaniac]

Part two of the fic ‘My Lovers’s Got Humor’

Kara flies into the Tower through the balcony entrance after helping at the scene of a massive pileup. A box truck overturned in the middle a two-way road leading into National City. It was just after five o’clock in the evening, meaning many cars were headed to the outskirts of the city to return to suburban homes.

Due to the position of the truck, vehicles traveling on both sides of the road were unable to brake safely, meaning they impacted the truck and the vehicle in front of them one after another. By the time Kara made it to the scene, five cars entering the city and 9 leaving the city had been involved in the accident. The wreckage was a disaster, people hurt in nearly every vehicle, with the most mangled cars being the ones in direct contact with the truck.

It took several hours to safely extract each person, turn off engines and checking fuel lines on each vehicle, lest a fire break out. Luckily, everyone involved made it to the hospital safely. Supergirl stayed after to help clear debris off the road so that backed up traffic could continue on about their evening.

By the time she was done, soot and ash covered almost the entirety of her suit while streaks of black marred the tanned skin of her face. Kara intended to go straight to the showers of the Tower before heading home. That is, until she heard the melodic beat of Lenas heart. Kara follows the sound to the lab where the scientist was tinkering with a proton gun she had confiscated from a rogue alien last week.

“Hey, Lena,” she greets, stepping into the room.

Lena looks up, she’s brightening at the sight of her best friend. She lays her tools down, removing the safety goggles on her face before crossing the floor to meet the blonde.

“Hi, darling. My, my, my, busy day I see.”

“Hey, I just got done with the accident on I-12. What have you been doing?”

“Trying to reverse the polarization on this gun. I want to see how effective its blast radius is.”

Kara loves to hear Lena talk about science. Though she played dumb for much of her time on this planet, Kara was actually very knowledgeable on Earths STEM fields. The information was primative in comparison to Krypton.

“I love hearing you talk about science.”

“Oh, really? I wouldn’t want to bore you.”

“You could never. I find intelligence an attractive quality in a woman.”

A dark brow raises, “Interesting. What else do you find…attractive, in a woman.”

Kara chuckles awkwardly and begins to list qualities she finds attractive in Lena, specifically. “Uh. Beauty, humility, a sense of humor, kindness. Y’know, the usual.”

“I see. You know what I find attractive?” Lena asks conspiratorially.

Kara ears perk. She’ll take just about any crumbs Lena will drop.

“Someone who’s smart, strong, brave, loyal, sweet…”

Okay. Okay. I can fit those, right? I’m super strong, I fight crime for a living, I’m vastly more intelligent than I seem, and I’ve been compared to a golden retriever on more than one occasion. Maybe I do stand a chance!

“And has lots and lots…of muscles.” Lena finishes, hand trailing along the dirty sleeve of Kara’s suit and squeezing. Her voice is a low whisper that caresses Kara’s ears.

Golly.

Kara tenses, unintentionally flexing the muscles of her bicep. “Uhhhh. Um. Yeah. Cool cool. Well, I should shower! I’d hate to get you dirty, I mean— nevermind, see you!”

As she speeds toward the bathrooms, she hears Lena chuckling at her departure.

**********************

“No no no no n—dammit, Kara!” Alex exclaims.

Kara has just won their final round of Jenga, making her the champion of this game night.

“Suck it, Alex!”

“Language!” Kelly interjects.

“Sorry,” they both mutter sheepishly.

Esme isn’t usually present for game night, but her sitter cancelled and the group decided to pull out some of the more kid-friendly games to play with the young alien.

“How about we watch a movie? Since it seems you two can’t play nice,” Lena suggests from the kitchen.

“Good idea. Esme! Why don’t you pick a movie for us to watch?” Kara offers.

“Okay!” Esme skips to the console, opening it up to reveal the plethora of movies Kara has collected. There are a number of plays, musicals and other mediums available, but Esme only has eyes for the children’s films.

“Can we watch The Princess and the Frog?” Esme asks, pulling out the box to show the title.

“That’s one of my favorites! Have you seen it before?” Nia asks, grabbing the box to load the DVD into the player.

The little girl shakes her head, “No, but we read the book for story-time this week in school. I liked it.”

“You’ll love the movie, then. Kara made me watch it when we became friends and I loved it,” Lena says, walking back to the living room. She surveys the room with a sharp eye, determining where she will sit.

Evidently, Kara looks like the comfiest option. The brunette walks over, placing her drink on the end table before sitting sideways in Kara’s lap, her back to the arm rest.

Dear Rao, what do I do? Should I hold her? Maybe, she’s in my lap. Where do I put my hands? Her lap? Maybe not, what if—

“Aunt Kara, why is your heart beating so fast?”

Kara immediately flushes, rushing to quiet Esme before she embarrasses her any further. She would not say this is her proudest moment, but a six year old calling her out on her feelings was not in the agenda for today.

“Esme! What did we say about using other peoples powers without permission?”

The littlest brunette ducks her head at the admonishment, “Sorry.”

“Come here, love,” Lena beckons, spreading her arms to invite Esme for a hug.

She walks over head bowed low before burrowing unruly curls into Lena’s chest.

Kara feels bad immediately. “Oh, little one. I’m sorry.”

She places a hand on Esme’s back, running it up and down in a soothing motion.

“It’s okay,” comes the muffled reply.

“It’s not, I’m sorry. Come, give Aunt Kara a hug.”

Esme plants one knee into the couch, climbing on with Lena’s help to rest in her lap, head on Kara’s shoulder.

Kara kisses the girls forehead, squeezing her just tight enough for her little Dryllian body.

“You okay, love?” Lena asks her.

“Yeah, all better.” She presses a kiss to Kara’s cheek, then Lena’s, before speeding back to her parents to watch the opening scene of the movie.

In the time it takes for the movie to truly begin, someone has turned down the lights. The open curtains wash the room in soft moonlight. Snacks are shared, blankets passed out, and phones off for the optimal home theatre experience.

Yet, Kara still feels bad. It’s not Esme’s fault she gets nervous around Lena now. Sensing her distress, Lena turns to rest more fully against Kara. She lays her head in Kara’s strong neck.

“Don’t feel bad, darling. It was an accident, and you did the right thing apologizing.”

Lena’s warm breath on her skin makes Kara shiver. She doesn’t respond verbally, only squeezing Lena once in acknowledgment.

By the time Tiana is preparing beignet’s, Lena has burrowed herself under a blanket, arms tucked up against Kara’s chest. Her warm breath hits Kara’s neck at every exhale.

Kara still hasn’t figured out what to do with her hands. One is tucked into the couch cushions and the other hangs over the arm rest. The position has to look awkward to everyone glancing at them.

The editor feels a warm hand touch her cheek to angle her face down. Lena looks into her eyes before moving up slightly to whisper into her ear.

“Relax, darling. You can hold me.” The lilting whisper is meant to soothe, instead it winds Kara up even more.

Tentatively, Kara moves one hand just above Lena’s knee while the other wraps around her back, cradling her close. The soft clothes the scientist is wearing are actually Kara’s, but boy do they look and feel infinitely better on Lena.

“Good?”

“Good. You can touch Kara, I won’t bite. Unless you ask, of course.” Lena nips at Kara neck playfully.

Rao, give me strength.

**********

Tonight is themed night at Al’s. This month, the theme is country. Kara sports a white tee tucked into beat dark blue jeans, brown cowboy boots, and a black cowboy hat.

Kara is at the bar waiting on the next round of orders when she feels Lena standing at her right, back to the bar and gazing out onto the dance floor. She looks out the corner of her eye, trailing her eyes up and down her friends figure.

The pants Lena is wearing are sinfully tight and flaring at the legs, hugging her curves perfectly. Her borrowed plaid shirt from Kara is tied in the front just below her sternum to hug her chest and show her belly. Her hair flows loosely, curling in its natural ringlets. The black one inch boots are comfortable, much more modest than her typical footwear.

Unfortunately for her, Lena notices.

“My eyes are up here.”

Cobalt eyes shoot to kryptonite green. A sheepish smile adorns her face.

“See anything you like in particular?” Lena asks cheekily, leaning back further on her elbows. This position happens to present her chest better than the first. It takes all of her Kryptonian strength to keep her eyes on Lena’s.

“Just admiring the view,” she smirks, tipping her hat down.

A boisterous laugh escapes Lena’s parted lips.

“I could say the same, darling.”

The ladies are interrupted by the arrival of their drinks, “Order for Kara?”

“Here! Thanks.” Kara grabs the tray and returns to the table. Lena follows behind, commenting on people’s outfits as they pass by.

Kara places the tray on the table, handing out drinks and food before returning to her previous seat in the booth. Lena remains standing, occupying the space behind Kara as she sips her drink, talking to Brainy about one project or another.

Nia perks up at the song change.

“Ohhh, I love this song! Lena, come dance with me!” She exclaims, pulling Lena to the dance floor by her hands.

Kara watches them go with a small smile. For so long, Lena had refused to believe that their friends were truly hers outside of a relationship with Kara. Seeing Lena dance with Nia, happy and carefree, warms her heart.

“Kara, go dance with her.”

“Huh?” Kara turns to the voice, eyes traveling to connect with Kelly’s across the table.

“Ask her to dance! Remember what we talked about? This is a chance for you to make your move.” Kelly reiterates.

“How should I ask her?”

“With your words, Kara. She’s not a stranger; go up to her and ask to dance. It’s that simple.”

Kara bites her lip, glancing back to the floor to see her friends dancing together.

“I can do this, right?”

“You can! Go go,” Kelly shoos.

“I got this. I got this.” Kara tells herself, weaving through the crowd to reach her friends.

Reaching them, she makes eye contact with Nia before looking to Lena, “Can I cut in?”

“Of course, darling. You don’t mind, do you, Nia?”

“Oh no, you go right ahead.” Nia smirks conspiritually. She gives Kara two thumbs up behind Lena’s back before disappearing to the table.

“So, uh. Would you do me the pleasure of sharing a dance?”

“How formal. Should I curtsey to accept your invitation?” She jokes.

Kara shrugs playfully. “A ‘yes’ will suffice.”

“Then yes, I would love to dance with you.”

Lena starts to sway, but Kara stands mostly still. Her “dancing” is often more of an awkward flail, and this certainly isn’t the time for that.

“I thought you wanted to dance; why are you so far away?”

“You want me closer?”

“Yes, Kara. Here; put your hands on my hips,” Lena grabs Kara’s hands, placing them low on her hips then wrapping her arms around Kara’s shoulders.

“See? Now move, you look like a deer in headlights.”

Kara’s wants to say: I feel like I’m staring into the sun.

What she really says is: “Okay.”

Kara follows Lena’s movement, going side to side, back and forth, moving to the rhythm of the beat. The lights flashing onto the brunettes skin make her look ethereal; like a being from out of this world (which really, Kara should be used to by now, seeing as she herself is a literal alien).

At the next song, the brunette turns in the taller woman’s arms, left hand dropping to hold Kara’s against her hip. She pressed her backside into Kara’s pelvis, hips never ceasing their movement even when the cadence of the beat changes abruptly. The music itself isn’t the quick beat of a line dance or the slow melody of a love ballad. Instead, it has a deep thrumming bass that Kara feels vibrating in her chest.

Pale skin feels incredibly hot beneath her clothes. Kara spreads her hands to palm at Lena’s hips and waist, but not trailing any farther above or below.

I may be using some…morally gray tactics, but I’m still a gentlewoman.

The hand grasping Kara’s neck pulls, tugging the blond to lean down to rest her lips near a pierced ear.

“Are you enjoying the dance?” Kara asks, testing the waters by pressing a quick kiss to the shell of her ear.

She feels a minute shiver emanate from her partner. “Very much so.”

Lena plays in loose hair at her nape, keeping her close and pliable. Kara is more than happy to wrap her body around Lena’s, molded to her back, hands roaming. When a pale hand reaches down to shift her open palm, Kara thought she’d gone too far somehow. That is, until Lena drags her hand up her side and across to rest on the naked skin of her stomach.

“You have to keep moving, Kara.”

“Sorry, you’re just so pretty. It distracts me,” Kara admits truthfully.

The brunette inhales sharply, movements pausing for a split second. Her heart thuds a little offbeat.

“Yeah?” She says questioningly, as if she doesn’t know she’s drop dead gorgeous.

“Absolutely,” states Kara. The tan hand on her stomach presses lightly, as if being closer is even possible. Lena doesn’t say anything, but Kara hopes she’s just as flustered as she was.

They move in silence for a while after that, relishing the closeness they’ve acquired.

Kara vaguely hears the DJ speaking into a mic, prompting people to take to the dance floor. “Okay, everybody! This hoedown is sure to get out your seats!”

An upbeat tempo comes on, making their current position a bit out of place. Kara watches people flood to the floor, forming lines and preparing to dance.

“Well that’s my cue, thanks for the dance, darling!” Lena turns in her arms, pressing a kiss to the corner of pink lips before walking past Kara.

On her way by, Lena grabs the hat on Karas head, placing it on her own as she retreats from the floor.

Kara stands there, fingers pressed to her face, watching tempting hips sway all the way back to the table.

[poodle-gutz]

New gear from yup and pupcessories!! I have to send the cape back to pupcessories because they forgot to add the attachments for saddlebags but I'm so excited and happy with how everything turned out.

[remember-digimon]

Since it's pride month and I'm a lonely queer person I decided to do a quick rundown of my hc for the DigiDestined's identities. This is disregarding the epilogue bc to heck with that let these kids be queer in peace

Now I don't like to discuss the sexuality of young children purely bc they are children and I am an adult and that's weird so I'm basing this on what little knowledge I have of them in Tri alongside what I know from 01. This is them as adults ok? ok here we go

(also um. I'm a dumb millennial that lives in a corn field so uh. If I get something wrong please correct me orz)

Tai: bisexual. As if there was any other answer. Something about him just gives off 'bisexual guy' vibes. Maybe because I think he'd be a total golden retriever boyfriend and those types are usually bi

Sora: non-binary. Her upbringing kind of forced her into being feminine when she really just doesn't want to participate in gender at all

Matt: I'm gonna say pansexual bc to him it literally does not matter. He likes who he likes. Also demisexual and possibly demiromantic. He has to have a strong connection for feelings to develop

Izzy: Ace all day babyyyy. To him, sex is for making babies, but not in a religious way. He isn't sex-repulsed, it's just not a priority

Joe: the cis-hetero ally of the group. You know he's the designated driver to all the Pride events

Mimi: LESBIAN LESBIAN LESBIAN She's a high femme lesbian and she likes other femmes, butches, chapstick lesbians, just WOMEN. and she beats up TERFs bc trans women are women DUH

TK: doesn't wanna put a label on it right now, man, he's into what he's into and he'll figure it out later, my guy. A few months later he realizes he's bi and has to call Matt at 3am bc he's having a crisis, he got an iced latte that day and the male barista smiled at him and now he's having his first Gay Panic

Kari: also bi, the Kamiya family makes bi people like they have a quota to meet. She hooked up with Yolei once and it was fun. Now they listen to Chappell Roan together ❤️

Davis: the hyperactive gay guy of the found family. Falls in love at least once a month. Is terrible at hitting on guys but they always think it's endearing

Yolei: trans girl, lesbian. The others will line up to absolutely obliterate any transphobes that give her problems. She wants an idyllic lesbian romance with absolutely no children

Cody: aro/ace and unbothered by everyone else's romantic life. Don't bring the 'Tai and Matt used to make out all the time in high school' gossip to Cody, he literally does not care lol

Ken: he is gay and hopelessly in love with Davis. He sighs dreamily as Davis tries to do parkour and smacks into the ground like a wad of wet paper

[ch0k3herwithaseaview]

@jegulus-microfic | april 22 evoke | words: 1,6k

big shout out to @frnkmush for helping me with this one, you’re such an angel 🫶🏼

tw: swearing, mentions of wounds

part one

On Monday evening, Regulus received an Instagram message request from someone called jfprongs. He went to check on the person’s profile to see who they were, and—oh god.

At the sight of a radiant smile, bronze skin, and golden glasses, all memories from the night before evoked in him. He suddenly remembered making an absolute fool of himself by asking a doctor who just stitched him up on a date.

While he was drunk.

The first thing he did was send a screenshot of the profile and the message that read just a simple ‘Hi’ to the group chat.

i can fix him (i can’t)

Reg

<2 photos attached>

that’s the doctor from last night

what do i do??????????

Barty

skakksjsksjsjsjsjajsjsj

Evan

x2

Pandora

x3

what is he doing in your dms?

Reg

…

i may or may not have asked him out

There was a short pause before his phone started ringing.

“What the fuck do you mean you asked him out?” Pandora asked, amused. In the background, Regulus could hear Barty and Evan laughing hysterically.

“Well, I was drunk, and he was really hot. We should all be grateful I only did that instead of trying to convince him to fuck me on his desk,” he responded, trying to take off the bandage off of the fresh wound without making it hurt more than necessary.

On the other end of the line, he could hear Panda huffing a small laugh. “Yeah, thank god that whore didn’t come out.”

“Any—oh fuck, it hurts—anyways, what do I do now?” Regulus asked again, finally throwing away the old bandage and starting to clean the cut. He hated using disinfectants on any part of his body, really, but on the face, it felt worse than anything.

His friend hummed thoughtfully. “I think you should text him back and see how it goes,” and so he did.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

On Tuesday evening, exactly at 7:36 p.m., Regulus was sitting on a bench in front of his apartment building and waiting for a grey Mercedes to arrive.

After he answered James yesterday, they talked a bit and agreed that Drunk Regulus’ idea about meeting sooner was actually a pretty good one. So he sat there, checking his phone every three seconds, hoping to see a message that would say ‘I’m here’.

He picked it up again when a grey car parked next to him and the passenger’s window rolled down.

“Hi Regulus, come in,” James invited him with a warm smile painted on his lips.

As Regulus took the front seat, the other man reached to the back, pulling a small bouquet of purple carnations.

“What’s that?” Regulus asked, confused. James eyes widened at that.

“Well, I assumed it’s a date, and I thought it would be a nice gesture, but if I overstepped or misread—“

“No, no, no, absolutely! That is a date, and those are lovely, I just—I'm not used to getting flowers.” He could feel his cheeks starting to burn a little when James smiled wildly, like a happy Golden Retriever.

They finally drove away from Regulus' block, heading towards the city center. The radio played some soft, lofi music that, added to the soft humming of the engine, started lulling Regulus to sleep. James must’ve noticed, because he handed his unlocked phone to him.

“Choose the next song; I’ll pick something after you,” the bronze-skinned man told him. Regulus, extremely eager, grabbed the phone and typed in the title he needed to hear right now. Thankfully, the chill music ended shortly after, and an 80s synth-pop melody came on.

“Somebody runnin’ through the field/Somebody shoulda stayed home/Somebody pickin’ up the body of somebody they were gettin’ to know,” Regulus hummed softly to Matty’s lyrics. James whipped his head at a light speed and looked at him with wide eyes. Regulus gave him a questioning look in response.

“First of all,” James began, “is it the one about the school shooting?” Regulus nodded, smirking. “Okay, that’s surprising. Second of all, you have quite a nice voice.” Now Regulus wasn’t smirking, just smiling sheepishly.

After ‘Looking for somebody (to love)’ ended, there was a disco bit, and Reg wanted to whine as soon as he recognised the song. The only thing that stopped him was that sparkle in James’ eyes.

And then the other man started singing.

“OOH, YOU CAN DANCE, YOU CAN JIVE, HAVING THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!” and Regulus couldn’t help but laugh hysterically. “What? Don’t you like my vocals?” James chuckled, knowing damn well he sounded like a cat in heat.

“Oh no, your vocals are just as lovely as your smile,” the younger man giggled.

They continued to take turns choosing songs, becoming more and more comfortable, and singing louder and louder.

They reached the restaurant as Olivia’s ‘all-american bitch’ was coming to an end.

“Wait here,” said James, getting out of the car and running around it, just to open Regulus’ door. The older man held out his hand in a dramatic gesture.

Reg rolled his eyes, taking the hand and getting out as well.

“Such a gentleman,” he commented sarcastically, yet still, he could feel the warmth spread inside of his chest at this small move.

They walked into the restaurant hand in hand, talking lightly about their favourite type of pasta. James gave the hostess his name, and the woman led them to their table, giving them two menus. Regulus scanned it in search of the cheapest meal, so he could afford it. The restaurant wasn’t really fancy, but it was still expensive.

“15 pounds for Carbonara? Is it made of gold?” He mumbled, but apparently not quietly enough, because James replied, ‘Don’t worry, it’s on me’. This caught Regulus off guard. “What do you mean? I asked you out; I should be the one paying.”

“Yeah, no,” was all James said, and the other man kept looking at him in confusion. “You’re a student; I work full time; it’s only fair if I pay,” he continued, looking up from his menu.

Regulus opened his mouth as if to argue, but quickly shut them back up. “Yeah, okay, you have a point.”

After that, they talked only about what they should order, settling on a lasagna for James, pumpkin ravioli for Reg, and a bottle of rosé.

“So,” the older man started. “What do you study?”

“Oh, um, painting. I’m in art school,” he mumbled in response, taking a sip of his wine. “I’m not gonna lie, I know it won’t get me a lot of money, but I love it. I can’t imagine doing anything else, even if it means I’ll have to eat pesto pasta for the rest of my life.” He couldn’t exactly read James’ face; it looked kind of blank.

“Can I see any of your work?” he asked finally, sounding actually interested. So, of course, Regulus reached for his phone and started scrolling through it in search of the pieces he was most proud of. When James saw the one with the white stag running through a blue forest, he pointed at it and exclaimed, “That. I want that one in my living room,” and Regulus laughed lightly at him. “What? I mean it. How much do you want for it?”

“A thousand pounds!” the younger man kept chuckling.

“Deal.”

“Wait, are you for real?” He looked at the man opposite him in bewilderment, and as the other nodded with a smile, he couldn’t help but smile himself.

It was how the rest of the evening went—they ate, talked, drank wine, and talked some more. They left, again hand in hand, discussing a playlist for the ride home.

They were just a few blocks away from Regulus’ building when he decided to turn the radio down a little.

“Thank you,” he said, turning to James. “I had a really good time.”

“Would you like to do it again sometime?” The other man asked, also turning.

“Yeah, sometime,” he answered softly, pink blooming on his cheeks. He received a small smile back.

When they finally reached his block, Regulus didn’t get out immediately. Instead, he fully turned to face James and looked him deep in the eyes. The older man didn’t break eye contact; he only smiled brightly.

Please, kiss me. Please, kiss me. Please, kiss me.

James reached in his direction, brushing a loose curl from Regulus’ face back behind his ear. Instead of withdrawing his hand, James put it on his cheek, caressing it lightly with his thumb.

They stayed like that for a few seconds (or hours) before James broke the silence.

“Can I walk you to your flat?” and Reg just nodded in response.

They got out of the car the same way they did before. Holding hands, they walked up the stairs to the third floor. As they reached his door, Regulus turned to James again. And once more, James’ hand found its way to Reg’s cheek. The moment was tense, almost tangible. Until-

“Can I kiss you?” The older man whispered, like a secret.

Yesyesyes

Regulus only managed to nod once before he felt soft lips on his. It wasn’t an obscene kiss with a lot of teeth and tongs; it was gentle and sweet, like the first kiss in middle school. It didn’t last long either—far too quick for Reg’s liking. James rewarded him with another sweet kiss, this time on the forehead, before he pulled away with the same bright spark in his eye that appeared during ‘Dancing Queen’.

“Good night, Regulus,” he said softly, taking a small step back.

“Good night, Jamie—I mean James,” the older man chuckled, shaking his head.

“I like it; you can call me Jamie. I’ll see you soon.” And with that promise, he turned around and walked down the stairs, throwing just one last look at Regulus before disappearing on the floor below.

[coffeemakerwriter]

Riley rambles

Gaz my beloved 🫶 head canons for him (need to write abt him more!!)

• most defiantly has quality time as a love language, watching tv together, playing board games, he really just enjoys spending time with people!

• I think he has a fear of losing the people he loves, with his job the possibility of losing people he cares about is almost certain, and I think that scares him just a tad :)

• I feel like he’s a dog person, def prefers bigger breeds like a saint Bernard maybe or a golden retriever?

• fall, he likes the sweaters and the colder weather, and the nice hot drinks (I feel like he’d drink pumpkin spice lattes, but with extra cinnamon)

• he’s very much a cheeky and sarcastic kinda person (based on voice lines and interactions in the games!)

• definitely a morning person, likes to get up and do things, work out, chores, I feel like he prefers to stay active or do things. Keep his mind busy

• was absolutely torn after soaps death, saw him like a brother, and to have him taken from him in the way he did riddled him with guilt. For the longest time all he could think of where the what ifs. What if he’d been faster? What if he’d gone instead of his captain? What if?

• visits Soaps grave often, will sit there for hours and talk to him as if he was still there, tell him about recent missions, his daily life, anything that Soap had missed since then.

• got a necklace with Soaps ashes in it, wears it when he’s off duty or not on deployment, he’s afraid that if he wears it in the field it’ll get broken.

[theelizamanelli]

Tengoku

Reina Iyashi wants a normal, mundane existence until Satoru Gojo takes a special interest in her uncanny ability to bring people back to life (or so Itadori says) and offers her a job as his assistant at Jujutsu High. Tags: 18+, satoru gojo x female oc, boss x assistant, golden retriever x black cat, forced proximity, slow burn, eventual smut, romance, blood and violence, implied/referenced death, implied/referenced child death, implied/referenced torture link to all chapters link to ao3

——————————————————————————————————

Chapter Seven

Satoru Gojo

——————————————————————————————————

The sun shone bright on Satoru’s face as he looked toward the sky, he reached up to tug his blindfold into place as the light warmed his skin. 

The courtyard had few occupants this early hour, Iyashi sat on the steps with one foot extending forward. Leaning backwards onto her elbows, she yawned before turning towards him.

“How long are we going to wait?” she asked, looking at the clock on her phone.

“My students wouldn’t disappoint me, Iyashi,” Satoru replied with a smile. “Have a little faith.” 

As the first year’s teacher, it was Satoru’s responsibility to ensure that his pupils were ready for any encounter; curse or otherwise. Therefore he had devised a morning of hand to hand combat training. 

He intended to use the second years as opponents, he reasoned he would have been too difficult a target. 

The students began to trudge into the courtyard, complaining loudly. 

“So early, so tired,” muttered Nobara as she stepped into line next to Yuji and Megumi. 

Satoru had assessed the three students over the last months, concluding their abilities satisfactory enough to begin field work. Though, one mutual issue existed: a desperate need for humility. 

“When dealing with a curse it is easy to default to our individual techniques,” Satoru announced. The group fell quiet, listening intently.

“There lies a simple mistake, we underestimate our abilities independently. What if we didn’t have our weapons? What if we didn’t have a cursed technique?” He eyed Maki momentarily before continuing. “Then what? Would you be able to hold your own?”

He paused and smiled widely, “Well, that’s what we are here to find out.”

Satoru paired the students up at random: Panda and Nobara, Maki and Yuji, Toge and Megumi. 

With a sigh, Iyashi stretched dramatically before heading in Satoru’s direction. She stood next to him, awaiting his direction. 

She had come to his room the night before to offer help with the training. Claiming that she was beginning to wilt away at her desk. Satoru had offered a few activity ideas that would keep her stamina up - earning him a shoe to the back of the head.

He reached his hand up and massaged the spot where it had hit with a grin. 

Clapping his hands together he leaned forward slightly. “Instead of using our cursed techniques and weapons as crutches, let’s pretend they don’t exist. Please put them up here by Iyashi-senpai and me.” He gestured to an empty spot on the ground next to them.

“Now now now, no cheating out there, please.” He wagged his finger at each of his students. 

He reached his hand up and lifted a portion of his blindfold. Satoru scanned the group, making eye contact with each of them before stating, “I see everything.” 

He returned the piece of fabric to its original position then sang out, “Three, two, one. And go!”

Iyashi wandered between the pairs, giving out constructive criticism as necessary. Satoru proceeded to do the same, stopping intermittently to demonstrate alternative moves. 

He noted that the students appeared to be holding back with their respective partners. He furrowed his brows as he assessed the sparring. Weaving in between the individual fights before ordering them to stop.

The students froze, turning their attention to Satoru. Iyashi crossed her arms as she looked over, a quizzical expression on her face.

“Iyashi?” He asked sweetly, extending his hand out for hers.

“Gojo?” She responded, not moving an inch. 

Satoru grinned, his hand still in the air, “How about we show them how it’s done?” 

A sinister smile crossed Iyashi’s face, “I thought you’d never ask.” She walked to the middle of the courtyard, her jacket floating as the wind caressed it. 

Satoru sauntered forward, providing at least ten feet of space between them. He slid his hands into his pockets and relaxed his shoulders. 

A glint in her eyes, Iyashi reached inside of her coat to retrieve the kaikens. Spinning them between her fingers before tossing them to the side - clattering into the weapons pile. 

Leaning back, Iyashi stretched her arms above her head before gesturing towards Satoru, “Come on, pretty boy.” 

A hush fell over the students as Satoru appeared in front of her, stretching a leg out in an attempt to swipe hers out from underneath.

Iyashi dove to the right of him, rolling into a crouched position. Her eyes quickly assessed Satoru’s position before she ran towards him. Grabbing onto his neck she kicked his leg in an attempt to flip him. He floated through the air as she lost her grip, landing behind her. 

Satoru reached for her ponytail, pulling her backwards as he kicked his leg into the back of her knee. Iyashi reached behind, grasping the back of his neck to pull herself up and backwards. She pulled off his blindfold as she landed behind him, grabbing the piece of cloth and wrapping it around his neck.

“I prefer to see your eyes,” she whispered in his ear.

Satoru grabbed her arms, flipping her over his head. She landed on the ground with a loud thud. 

He stared down at her momentarily, “Is this better?”

She kicked up and caught him in the face, Saturo staggered backwards for a second as Iyashi used her momentum to right herself.

Wiping his cheek, he looked down at the smear of blood on his hand. He pulled his head back in surprise before meeting Iyashi’s gaze.

Slow smiles spread across their faces. 

The spar lasted for longer than the students expected, every time they would assume who was about to win the other would gain the upper hand. A series of “Oo”’s and “Ah”s floated from the group.

In a final attempt at a take down they landed with a hard thud, Iyashi pinned Satoru to the ground - straddling him. She pressed one hand to his chest as a restraint. Her other hand wrapped around his throat. 

Satoru stared up at Iyashi - admiring how the sunlight cascaded down onto her hair, the deep red reflecting. He took note of how her black leggings crumpled around her hips and how her pink long sleeved shirt began to ride up - exposing a portion of her soft stomach. She had long since shed her jacket, the workout proving to be heat sustaining enough. 

Tendrils of hair fell from her high ponytail, sticking to her face. Her cheeks tinged with pink just the way he liked, her lips a soft red. Her heavy breathing caused a shift to her lower half that nearly pulled a groan from Satoru’s throat. 

“I love it when you’re on top, Iyashi.” He murmured, low enough for her ears only.

She squeezed his throat before sliding her hand up and over his jaw. Satoru shivered as her fingers caressed his cheek where she had hit him. Her soft touch lingered warming the skin before she grabbed his chin roughly, shoving his face to the side as she pushed off of him - standing upright. 

He laid on the ground, appreciating the view as Iyashi stepped towards the weapons pile. She pulled her kaikens out with a low grunt.

Walking in the direction of her office she called over her shoulder, “Next time fight for real, Gojo!”

Satoru sat up, reaching a hand up to feel where she had touched his cheek. 

In place of the bleeding cut appeared freshly healed skin. 

——————————————————————————————————

The steam slid over the bathroom mirror, Satoru wiped it with his towel - staring at his face in the reflection. There had to be a reason Iyashi wouldn’t own her cursed technique - he knew if he gave her space and time she would eventually.

Though he hoped it would be soon.

Sliding a pair of sweats on his lower half, Satoru ventured out towards the kitchen. The balcony light cascading onto the couch caught his attention, he paused to investigate. 

The moonlight draped over Iyashi’s figure on the patio chair. He padded softly over to the door, pulling it open gently. 

Satoru pivoted the second chair in her direction before sitting down, stretching his legs out in front of him. 

The silence lingered between them, Satoru stared up at the stars in the night sky - counting them as he waited.

“I used to live in this little town in the countryside,” Iyashi said quietly, shifting slightly in her seat. “There were these light pink tsutsuji that would grow along the road, my sister would make these bouquets from them - put them on our nightstand.”

“The people had grown impatient over the years as the ground yielded less and less. The fresh food had become scarce, forcing everyone to go further into the city for necessities. There were a lot of men who started to steal and pillage different areas. One night, one of the young boys had beaten an elderly woman for the food her granddaughter had brought back to her - she died the next day.”

Satoru refrained from moving as Iyashi continued to speak, not wanting to discourage her story. He found himself holding his breath - he quickly exhaled.

“There was talk afterwards - rumors of a yokai that would steal children and pets in the night. We were all told to not go out late. My sister had seen some tsutsuji on the side of the street earlier that day. She wanted to fill my vase.” Iyashi faltered and hugged her knees to her chest, laying her cheek down - looking in his direction without making eye contact.

Satoru began to reach for her but stopped himself, squeezing the arm of the chair.

“I could always see them, Mom used to say I was kissed by an angel at birth - that’s why I could use my wings to fix things. She told me I was special, meant for great things.” She turned her head, resting her chin on top of her knees to look at the sky. 

“It came in the night, I watched as it ate my sister alive - she was only five, holding pink tsutsuji’s in her little hand. It killed my parents but somehow left me untouched. I tried desperately to save her - no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t use my wings to bring her back.”

A few minutes of silence passed before he stood from the chair, taking a few small steps towards her. 

Satoru reached his hand out and slid a knuckle down the side of her cheek, “You’ve already done great things, Iyashi,” 

He smiled softly, “She would be proud of you.”

Satoru glided through the door, leaving Iyashi with her thoughts. 

Memories flitted through his vision of a young Satoru holding onto a frail red-headed girl covered in blood. He shook his head before looking back towards the balcony.

Satoru reasoned that for all she had been through, Iyashi was a stronger person than she gave herself credit for. 

He wondered what he did to deserve her kindness. 

——————————————————————————————————

chapter eight