#fridge is a year and 3 months old. last fridge didn't even make it a decade

[imwritesometimes]

not me getting up super early today to call the store where I bought my fridge last year cause something's already wrong with it but the store doesn't open until 10am 🙃

[stop-talking]

You're his ex, but he's desperate for a babysitter. (pt. 4)

Mike Schmidt x fem reader

2.4k words + 300 word epilogue

Tags: 18+, mike x fem reader, no use of y/n, exes, enemies to lovers, slowburn? sassy mike, sassy reader, pet names, banter, angst, fluff, comfort, happy ending.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

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Mike sits at his kitchen table, trying not to nod off into his cereal. Today is a quiet day. A lazy day. His one day off.

Except, not really. There's always work to be done. He just has to figure out what today's work would be. He's caught up on laundry and dishes, the house isn't too much of a mess... Hm. Maybe he should finally fix the dripping pipe in the bathroom. Or the living room window that's been stuck for years. Or one of the million other things wrong with his house.

He sighs and goes to take a bite of his cereal, only to realize he forgot the milk. Damn it. When he opens the fridge, he stands face to face with a little blue dolphin stuffed animal. Right... Abby's still testing him. He leaves it alone, she'll see it when she gets home from school and assume her "spell" still works. Pfft.

Mike nearly drops the milk mid-pour when he hears the phone ring.

*click.*

"Hello?" He mumbles groggily, a little annoyed to have his morning brooding interrupted.

"Hey, Mike? You free at all today?"

He immediately perks up at the sound of your voice. It's been two days since he last saw you, and he honestly wasn't sure if you'd ever speak to him again.

"Yeah, uh... It's my day off, actually."

"Good. I'm using that 2nd favor."

Mike's heart races. If this favor is going to be anything like the last one, he was definitely up for it.

"Oh? Missing me already, sweetheart?"

"As if. I need you to build me a shelf."

A shelf? Well, that was unexpected. Hm. Better than nothing.

"What, like build it from scratch? Are you expecting me to buy the boards, or-"

"No. I have all the pieces. It just needs to be assembled."

"You can't assemble a shelf?" Mike scoffs, but secretly he's pleased. Sounds like you just want an excuse to have him over.

"Mike. You know I'm no good with tools."

No, he didn't know that actually. Liar. You definitely just wanted to see him again. God, he felt giddy.

"Mhm. Sure."

"Just get your ass over here, Schmidt."

"Woah, what's with the attitude, Princess? I'm here to help." He can't help but let some smugness seep into his tone. Okay, more than some. He's a cocky bastard and he knows it.

"I've been working on the damn thing all morning. Almost three hours now. Not in the mood, jackass."

Shit. You sounded sincere. And really pissed off. Then again, what kind of a shelf took three hours to assemble? The fuck was it? A jigsaw puzzle?

"Alright, alright. I'll be over soon. See ya."

Mike slumps against the counter as you grumble something incoherent and slam the phone down. Damn, what is he getting himself into this time?

Only one way to find out.

・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・

When Mike finally arrives at your apartment half an hour later, he feels a bit silly. He put on a nice shirt and trousers to come see you, and here you are in sweats and a baggy t-shirt. Figures.

"Call for a handyman?" He greets you with a teasing smile, holding up his old rusted toolbox as he makes his way inside.

"Pfft. Someone's happy to see me."

Mike can't really say anything to that, so he doesn't try. He is happy to see you, even if you have attitude problems and dress like a bum.

"So, I bought the damn thing from a friend-of-a-friend, who got it at a garage sale. I swear, it has to be missing some parts or something, because-"

He nods as you rattle on and lead him to your bedroom, but he's only half-listening. He looks around your apartment, taking it all in. It's been at least six months since he last came over, probably longer. It doesn't look to have changed much. He likes your apartment. It's cozy.

"Anyways... can you fix it?"

Mike pauses in the doorway of your bedroom as you give him a sheepish smile and gesture to something in the corner.

Holy hell. Is that supposed to be a shelf? Mike can't help but think that the hideous agglomeration of boards and screws would only be good as a fire-starter. It looks more like a pile than a shelf.

"Uhh..." He bites his cheek, desperately trying not to burst into a fit of laughter. Maybe you really weren't lying about the whole "no good with tools" thing.

He finally loses it when you groan and flop down on the bed, hiding your face in a pillow.

"Ughh... Laugh at me, whatever. Just fix it."

"Jesus Christ. This has to be the sorriest excuse for a shelf I've ever seen. Sure you don't want me to haul it to the junkyard instead?" He snorts, sitting down on the edge of your bed and looking with disdain at the half-assedly assembled shelf.

Mike immediately shuts his mouth when you glare at him. Oops, right, you're in a bad mood.

"I mean, uh... you tried?" He laughs, shaking his head in amusement. He still can't believe you're actually this inept when it comes to assembly.

"Get to work, Schmidt."

Mike yelps as you kick him off the bed, but doesn't bother retaliating. He just grabs his toolbox and sits on the floor, examining the so-called "shelf".

"Well, the first step is going to be un-doing everything you did."

・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・

You lie on your stomach in bed, chin propped up on your hands as you kick your feet in the air and ponder the sight before you. Mike's back is turned to you as he quietly works away taking apart the monstrosity you assembled.

"How long is this gonna take?"

"Well, If it wasn't so..." He trails off, glancing at you and choosing his words more carefully.

"...sturdy, it'd be a lot easier to take apart."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

He gives you an incredulous look and gestures to a series of nails in a corner where two boards meet. It does look pretty ridiculous, the sharp ends pointing out the other side. Not your best work.

"You put nails in it, sweetheart." He scoffs.

"How else was I supposed to keep it together?" You give him your best pout, and gloat internally when he has to turn away. He's absolutely infatuated with you. Even the back of his neck is pink.

"It comes with screws for a reason, ya know."

"There's a difference?"

He turns and gives you a flat look, and you laugh. Damn. You can play dumb with him, but maybe not that dumb. Noted.

Still, it's a little boring just laying there and watching him grumble and pull nails from wood. You can't really mess with him too much either, because you really do what him to fix the stupid shelf.

"You want something to drink?" You finally break the silence, under the guise of trying to be a good hostess.

"Pfft. Need some whiskey to deal with this bullshit." He snorts, pulling yet another nail free. He'd almost gotten one board off. One. This was gonna take a while.

"I was thinking more along the lines of soda or tea."

"Jack and Coke, then?"

"Mike. It's hardly past noon."

"So?" He scoffs. "For me, this is like... evening, or something. I dunno. Sleep schedule's fucked with this new job."

That answer makes you pause.

"What is it you do now, anyway?"

He groans, finally prying one of the boards free of the clusterfuck.

"Night guard. Told you already, remember?" He tries to shrug the question off, but you're nosy.

"Where?"

"Uhh... Freddy Fazbear's Pizza..."

"Speak up."

"Ugh. It's this stupid rundown hellhole pizzeria. Honestly dunno why anyone would wanna break in there anyways. It's a dump."

"What kind of a pizzeria needs a night guard? Or any guard?"

"The haunted kind."

You decide not to ask about that, simply shaking your head as you walk to the door. He's truly a loon. A loveable loon, unfortunately.

"Just tell me what you want to drink, Mikey, or I'm getting you water."

・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・

Mike sits on the floor of your bedroom sipping his glass of water and wondering how he got here. If you'd told him a week ago he'd be building his witch of an ex-girlfriend a shelf, he would've gagged. Now...? Well, he just wants to go join you on that bed.

"So are you really just gonna sit there and look pretty while I do all the work?"

"Aww, you think I'm pretty, Mikey? You smile, lying on the bed with your feet kicking in the air, giving him a look of pure adoration. It wasn't hard to do.

"Pretty annoying, yeah." He turns away with a scoff, returning to his work. If only he could get this stupid nail untangled from the other two... why would anyone use this many nails?

"You know, I think I liked you better gagged."

"Oh I know, sweetheart. I could see it in those evil eyes of yours." He can't help but smirk a bit at the comment, though. Sometimes he liked himself better gagged, too. He shakes the thought away and keeps working.

"Why can't you just get on hands and knees and beg me to take you back already?" You huff dramatically and roll over onto your back, letting your head fall over the edge of the bed. He looks silly from this angle. Upside-down.

That question nearly makes Mike drop his tools. Were you serious?

"Why? So you can laugh me off again?"

Ouch. It was true you'd turned him down the last time he'd tried it, but that was six months ago.

"Maybe if you used those big brown puppy eyes of yours on me."

That only earns you a grunt, so you verbally prod him again.

"Besides, why can't I do both? Laugh at you, then take you back? Sounds fun."

"Pfft. Fun? To toy with me? You'd probably break up with me all over again just for shits and giggles." He responds bitterly, still refusing to turn around.

"Mikey. Look at me." You roll back over onto your stomach and rest your chin in your hands as he slowly meets your gaze.

"I didn't break up with you just for shits and giggles. You know that. I'm not letting you sit there and wallow in self-pity."

Mike goes stiff from your words, but your tone is soft, and your eyes even softer. You're still giving him that adoring look. Damn it.

"Well maybe I'd rather wallow in self pity than admit you were right all along."

"You've had six months to wallow. Grow a pair and come kiss me."

He can't say no to that. Not when you look at him that way. He shuffles over, kneeling by the side of your bed. On his knees for you again, damnit.

You kiss him. It's different from the lustful, sloppy kiss you shared last time. This one makes you feel warm. You kiss him again. And again.

Mike really doesn't want this to end, but the knot in his stomach forces him to pull away. He has to ask.

"Why? Why are you doing this, I mean? Do you really want... to take me back?" He sputters, looking down at the floor.

"I'm not completely sure yet." You answer honestly, shifting and lying back on the bed.

Damn. That's not the answer he wanted to hear.

"Are you-"

"Come here."

When you pat the spot next to you in bed, Mike melts. He's a wreck right now, but still wants nothing more than to be with you, in every sense of the word. He silently complies.

"It's not about right and wrong, you know. As much as I love being told I'm right." You give him a soft smile, breaking the silence and placing your hand on top of his as you both lie on your sides.

Damn it. He'd done this with you before, this and so much more. Why was such a small touch turning him to goo?

"What isn't?"

"The breakup. It's about growing as a person. As people. Both of us." You lace your fingers with his, and can't help but laugh as his face reaches a level of pink you've never seen before.

"And what exactly am I supposed to be growing out of?"

"Pfft. I don't know, the emotional unavailability? The way you never made time for me? Constant irritability?" You start to dramatically list off his flaws, using your free hand to count on your fingers.

"Okay, okay. I get it." He huffs, and grabs your hand before you can make fun of him more. Instead, he guides it to his side, pulling you in a little closer.

"And you're miss perfect?"

"No. 'Course not. I have flaws too." You give him a sly smile, and start listing your own "faults".

"Too hot and sexy, too intelligent, too kind, amazing, sweet and caring..."

That's as far as you get before Mike scoots closer, burying his face in your neck and giving you a playful nip.

"Too arrogant." He adds with a laugh, wrapping his arm around you and letting himself melt further into you.

"My arrogance is one of my best qualities, thank you." You reply haughtily, sliding your hand up his back and into his hair.

Mike couldn't speak, even if he could somehow find the right words to say. Everything in this moment felt so right. His arm around you. Your fingers in his hair. He lets out a soft groan instead.

You aren't exactly eager to let go of this moment either, and just hold him for a few minutes. It feels nice to play with his soft brown curls.

"I'll do better. Please." He finally mumbles something to you, not bothering to move his face from where it's buried in the crook of your neck.

"Please what, Mikey?"

"Take me back."

He finally pulls back, just enough to give you a glimpse of those puppy eyes of his. Damn it. How could you even think of saying no?

"Yeah. Okay."

You both lean in for another round of soft passionate kisses, and Mike feels himself relax completely. His stomach unknots and his mind goes numb. For the first time in months, he feels completely safe.

・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・・・・・・○・

"So does this mean you'll babysit for me again?"

"Go finish the shelf, Schmidt."

"Yes, Princess."

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♡ Epilogue ♡

Over the past few weeks, you and Mike had fallen into a sort of rhythm.

He never did end up finding a new babysitter, and besides, you're the only one who could ever get Abby to finish her dinner. You had to graduate her from daily witching lessons to weekly ones, though, convincing her she needed to study for the more advanced spells. Secretly, Mike was just losing track of which objects in his house were supposedly invisible. It was quite amusing to watch.

Mike's favorite part of the day was coming home to you already asleep in his bed, and waking you up with a kiss. He'd then either lie down in bed while you shower, or hop in there with you, depending on how you felt. Either way, he loved the view.

The conflicting schedules made things complicated, but you were able to work around it. Mike slept better with you holding him, and consequentially, was a lot more agreeable. He did his best to make more time for both you and Abby.

He even started to open up to you for once, letting you take on some of his burdens. This man sure had a lot of guilt. You were certain he hadn't yet told you everything, but he told you enough. At least you finally knew what the fucking NEBRASKA poster on the ceiling was for. Now you kind of felt bad for all the times you teased him about it the first time you dated.

As for the damn shelf... well, he finished it. It was still hideous, but it was functional. There were holes in it from the nails, and the wood had even started to splinter in a few spots. You couldn't bring yourself to get rid of it, though. Not after how much work you both put into it. Even if most of Mike's work revolved around un-doing yours.

It definitely wasn't a perfect relationship, not by far. But Mike never promised to be the perfect boyfriend. He just promised to be better.

And he was, bit by bit, every day. Better. ♡

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Author's note:

Thank you all for the love!! This was my first time writing a fanfic of any kind so I'm really happy so many of you enjoyed it. Feels good to bring the story to an end.

Feel free to send me a request, I'd love to write more fics about Mike. Or any other J-hutch character for that matter, Mikey is just my favorite <3

[thehusbandoden]

The Last Straw -Shoto x Reader Angst to Fluff

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.. I started working on a request, and then some ideas for a few others and that took all my time, and now I'm in a block and it's really really annoying >.<

This was written a while ago, but I wasn't that confident in it so I decided not to post, but I guess I'll just post it now, so sorry if it sucks </3 | also I had 0 idea what to put for the title :')

Angst to fluff | Fluff(??) ending | 1,497 words

Warnings!: arguing, yelling, cruel words, Shoto being a jerk, self hate, guilt, a teeny bit of self harm (Shoto scratching his face), self doubt, Shoto hating himself :(, kinda open ending but not necessarily

You and Shoto have known each other since middle school. You dated for four years, and have been married for three. You both love one another dearly, and have memorized each other's patterns, habits, preferences, pet peeves, and everything in-between. And besides the rare arguments your life was a dream. Filled with laughter and happiness. Your husband did his very best to provide the best life for you, and he sure did deliver. You were happy, very happy. Key word 'were'.

As crime rates grew higher (ik ik I'm sorry this is probably old >.< <3) the pro heroes gained more hours. And Shoto being the top 3 in Japan led him to take a large portion of the work load. Leaving him with only a few hours to care for his basic needs, let alone a relationship. It was draining really, but you persevered, knowing that it wasn't personal, and that it might would go back to normal soon.

Except, it didn't. It went on for months, and you were crumbling. You would wake up at six to get ready for work to see Shoto dead asleep, arm splayed across your form, face buried into your shoulder. You would smile sadly, kissing his hand softly. After a few minutes of admiring your charming prince, you'd move him to his body pillow that totally did NOT have a cute pic of you giving him an in-love smile on one side and a seductive look on the other, which he grasped onto, burying his face into the pillow which smelt like you.

After work you'd get home to make dinner for two, putting Shoto's portion into a bento for tomorrow. After that you do the chores, relax, and then go to bed, alone. It was tiring, really. Even on his one day off he just slept and you had work so you couldn't even cuddle with him. It was really starting to wear you down. And after the total crap day, you lost it. Instead of going to bed on time like you usually do, you decided to rage clean the house, knocking down all of your 'to do's.

Clean out the fridge?

Check.

Reorganize the pantry?

Check.

Sort through all the piled up mail and emails?

Check.

Deep clean all the furniture and carpets?

Check.

After all of this, you finally admired your work before glancing at the clock; 3:53. Cursing, you quickly move to get to bed, only stopping as you hear the front door creak open. Freezing, your eyes grew wide -and hopeful- as Shoto walked in, a few bruises scattering his body.

His hair was a disheveled mess, and his suit was soaked with grime from the day. His eyes were exhausted as he took in your frozen form, not quite recognizing how late you stayed up. As you studied your husband, you noticed how dark his eye bags were, and how his exhausted eyes raked across you, sinking in the sight. You blushed as you realized you were only wearing your undergarments and one of Shoto's shirts.

"Sho-"

"What are you doing awake?" Shoto asked, moving inside and closing the door.

"I had a crap day and-" you paused as you heard Shoto scoff as he moved to disregard his hero costume, setting the gear onto the newly cleaned floor.

"Why.. why did you scoff at me?" You ask, confusion and hurt consuming your thoughts.

"It's nothing y/n."

"It's not nothing Sho."

"Just drop it y/n."

"Fine! I will."

"Finally." Shoto murmured, causing you to swerve your head toward him.

"Finally?! What is that supposed to mean?"

"Gosh y/n! Just leave me alone!"

"Leave you alone?! Shoto- we've hardly talked to one another in months!"

"Are you implying that that's my fault?! I have to work y/n! We can't survive on your wage now can we?" Shoto spat, heterochromatic eyes filled with anger.

"I'm just saying that it's unreasonable for you to get mad at me talking to you, when the last time we talked in person was when I dropped off your forgotten bento two weeks ago. Which made me late, and caused my crappy boss to scream at me. But I didn't complain, because I got to talk to you."

"I'm exhausted y/n. I just want to sleep. I'm sorry you got yelled at, but it's your fault for annoying me at work. Punctuality is important. Maybe your lack of it is the reason why you didn't get accepted as a hero."

At Shoto's words you just stood there, mouth agape. Your failure at becoming a hero was a huge insecurity of yours, and you trusted Shoto to comfort you, to be supportive of your heart crushing failure and help you get over it. But, instead he's just rubbing it in your face.

"T-that's not fair and you know it."

"Oh yeah? I think it's more than fair. In fact, I have a lot more to say to you if you're going to be like that."

"Excuse me?! What the heck is wrong with you!?"

"You're what's wrong with me. Moron!"

Your voice caught in your throat as tears threatened to spill. Unaware of your distressed state, Shoto went on, spitting insults with such venom that he didn't sound like himself.

"You're completely useless y/n. All you ever do is spend money and nag me."

"Your 'job' isn't worth anything compared to mine. If you were useful enough to become a hero you'd at least make something. But no~ instead you played around, got bad grades, and snuck into a boy's dorm. Distracting him from success."

"You do nothing in this house that I payed for."

While Shoto went on and on the tears fell down your face. As Shoto's words grew harsher and more venomous he took a step forward, backing you into a wall, step by step. As your back hit the wall you called out to Shoto who didn't even seem to hear you.

"I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY I MARRIED SOMEONE LIKE YOU!"

"SHOTO STOP IT! YOU'RE SCARING ME!" As you screamed at him you broke down in sobs, body sinking to the floor. Shoto froze as he heard your sobs, finally being pulled to the moment he looked down in horror to see your shaking, sobbing form. As he stood there stunned, all of his words knocked him to his knees, leaving him hyperventilating as he clutched at his aching heart.

Did he.. really say all.. of those horrid things.. to you? As he remembered every word that he said and your face as he said them he completely broke.

His screams echoed through the night, drowning out your retched sobs.

Your sobs slowed as you looked up, concerned for your love. Yes, he hurt you. A lot. But you still cared for him, and you knew that if he was left to his own thoughts he'd imagine something bigger. Something terribly horrifying.

So, moving to your knees, you moved your body to his, his face buried to the floor as he screamed. "Sho baby.." you whisper, tears falling down your face at his broken state. When he didn't respond, you gently placed a hand onto his shoulder.

As soon as he recognized your touch he jerked away, rolling away from you pitifully.

"NO! GO AWAY! I-I-I'LL HURT YOU AGAIN-" At his own words he broke down in sobs, nails clawing at his face savagely.

"Shoto stop that!" You exclaim, lunging to grab his hands. Shoto just weakly resisted, attempting to pull his hands out of yours and toward his face, whispering the words "no" and "leave" repeatedly.

After a while his sobs ceased, and he just let you hold his hands, which you did so gently, caressing them lovingly as you gazed into the broken eyes of your beloved. His eyes were blank, as if the burden of hurting you caused him to pass away silently.

But you could tell by his small breaths and the warmth of his hands that he's only attempting to cope. After a while you were drifting to sleep when your attention was grasped by Shoto's hoarse voice.

"Y/n.. I'm really sorry. I don't know what came over me.. I'll understand if you want to leave."

"Sho Baby.. I'm not going to leave you. And thank you for your apology. But.. you hurt me, a lot. And no, no you are not like your father and no you are not a terrible person nor husband. You just made a mistake. Everyone does. And I know that I've messed up in the past. And did you leave me? No. You stayed, and we worked things through together. Shoto, we will go back to normal. And you will learn from your mistakes, okay? So please, please don't hate yourself. If you beat up on my baby then you'll hurt me further."

Shoto just nodded, eyes tearing up again as he wrapped his larger form around you, nuzzling his face into your neck desperately.

Yeah I don't know, I felt like I rushed the ending?? Hope you enjoyed!

Requests, comments, and reblogs are always appreciated!!

Shoto's Masterlist | Main masterlist | Requesting Rules (requests always open)

Tips <3

Do not copy, repost, nor plagiarize my work. Ask before you translate or use my work in any way, minus reblogging.

[jamsterrr]

P. SEONGHWA . . . FATAL ATTRACTION 1 ⭑.ᐟ

seonghwa. fatal love. ex lovers. “ i want you again .. “

description ; thinking it was for the best , breaking up with your boyfriend of 3 years since you both “ grew apart “ but when a mis understanding comes about. what will happen when you’re forced to spend time together, what happened to those “ we just grew apart “ feelings.

seonghwa!ateez x female!reader

words : 2k

contains. ‼️ ; cursing , sexual scenes , 18+ content , may contain typos , slight slow burn. ( let me know if i miss anything ! )

MULTIPLE PARTS .. !!

———— .. ᯓᡣ𐭩 ( part one ) ᡣ𐭩ᯓ .. ————

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ

You took the small step into your apartment as you let out a breath you didn't know you were holding in. Yesterday's work had drained you. Being a photographer worked a lot on you both mentally and psychically. Staying up most nights to edit pictures, booking as many weekend sessions as you could to be able to afford even rent at times. Though it was mentally stressful it still worked out for you in the end. After breaking up with your boyfriend of 3 years, you thought that nothing could tear you down after remembering how you were for almost 3 weeks straight. 

Working in the same place didn't help either. Having to see him when you'd rather you didn't. But you didn't hate him, just his actions on certain things. Regardless, you still kept professional and even more happy that you didn't have to be around him as much. Though feelings still tended to be raw, and you found yourself looking at your old ' happy ' photo together wondering where did everything go wrong?

As you settled down for the day, at work on the last day for a month's time due to a little renovation of your building. You set to use this time to relax, to take time slow. Bills were paid, fridge was stocked and house clean. You were determined to relax. Taking your hair out of its pinned-up state, leaving it to rest in its natural state, running your hands through it as you made your way to your room. A small smile resting on your face when you notice your dog sleeping fondly on the bed, his body curled up and head resting on the pillow next to you. 

You gently took your hand, gliding it through the golden retriever's fur as he looked at you, his tail wagging and hitting the bed. Your smile stayed as you made your way to the closet, looking through all of your choices of relaxation clothes. Simply deciding on some shorts, along with a oversized t-shirt, slightly covering the shorts, but that didn't matter, you were in your own place.

Deciding to make your way to your kitchen to wind down for the night, all of the sudden feeling a vibration rattle against your skin. Taking your phone out of your shorts pocket.

The pounding in your heart sent chills down your spine. It was Hwa, someone you didn’t expect. Your ex at the least of all people that could call you. Before the call could end and the phone stopped vibrating you answered, hearing a short breath at the end.

“Hey Y/N, we need to talk … “ he spoke. “About?” You asked, though your tone wasn’t rude, just genuinely interested in why the man you didn’t love anymore, who said didn’t love you anymore was calling you.

“My parents expect you at the family trip” he started. Your eyes widening. Early in the year Hwa’s parents were getting ready for their summer trip, making sure to invite any and everyone. Mostly for memories and since you were considered a member of the family, as well as knowing how much they loved you, you were invited.

“Hwa..” you started. “You didn’t tell your parents we broke up?” Though the silence over the phone told you everything you needed to know about the situation. “No..” the male softly mumbled. “Do you want me to tell them you won’t be attending?” The male suggested. Though his tone sounded hurt. Why would he be.

You took a deep sigh. Could you face Hwa? Would these feelings you put aside start to flood back to you? “No..” you spoke as you gently rubbed the skin near your temple. “You shouldnt tell them that. I’ll come..”.

The feelings you had right now, overshadowing the overall situation at hand. “I’ll make sure to let them know, and I’ll come and pick you up at 7am” the male said softly. The phone connection slightly statically moving. “Okay” is all you were able to reply with. “See you then” and then the phone call was over.

What did I get myself into? Was the only thought that came to your head. Not even the fact that you were hungry. Though you forgot to ask the male an important question.

———————

# contact ,, Seonghwa. 78%…

What about Pop?

You can bring him.. they love him

and tons of room for him to run around.

Ok..

———————

( pop is your dogs name btw. )

The day seemed to go by faster at the thought of going on this trip with your ex. Not wanting to disappoint his family this also meant you had to put on an act. But if your feelings were gone? How were you going to do that?

A sigh escaped your lips once again before you pulled out your bags, stuffing in a couple of outfits, important hygiene things you needed as well as a swimming suit, hoping to relax yourself in the lake whenever you could. Deciding to treat this like a paid vacation, only you had to pretend to be in love with your ex still. This should be interesting.

Your bags were finally packed, as well as the thing you might’ve needed for your dog. After a few minutes you decided it was time for you to go to bed. Reaching over and putting your phone on the charger, as well as setting an alarm to get up early.

Closing your eyes as you and your golden retriever dog drifted off to sleep. Your thoughts or worried drifting away so you were finally able to sleep.

—

Hearing the sound of your alarm caused a groan to escape from your lips. You hated waking up super early in the morning. Though you were excited but slightly anxious for this new trip. Even though it was with a person you’d least want to see, you didn’t want to be bummed out about it. Why?

Slowly making your way out of bed, sitting up and attempting to rub the tiredness out of your eyes. Slowly getting up and rummaging around your dresser, grabbing some casual clothes to be comfortable on the ride there.

Wrapping the leash around your dogs silk fur, you heard a knock at your door. A familiar 3 knocks symbolizing Seonghwa was there.

Your body shuddered in nervousness. This would be the first time seeing him after the breakup, alone and without your friends or colleagues around. Taking a deep breath you walked to the door and opened it as you were greeted by his familiar smile.

“Morning, ready to go?” He asked, bending down and petting Pop. You nodded, clipping his leash on and grabbing your bags before his hand gently grabbed onto them. “I got them, you just get Pop” and that’s what you did.

You watched as the male carry the bags down the apartment stairs and to his car. You following close behind with Pop, leading him into the car when Seonghwa unlocked it. Debating on if you should sit in the front with him, or the back with Pop. Though your body and mind was already a costumed to sit in the front. That’s where you ended up.

Your head rested against the window as you felt the weight of the car shift slightly. Your eyes shooting up to be met by Seonghwa’s.

“I want you to be comfortable this whole time, are you okay?” The male asked softly. You could see it in his eyes.

“I’m good, I’m okay, just a little tired. I’ll go to sleep alright?” You spoke, looking towards him and then turning your head to rest against the window. It was too early for you to think about anything.

Your body felt the car get into gear as your eyes closed. Letting your body drift off to sleep.

After what felt like a whole day you woke up as you felt the car shut off. “Are we here?” You asked the male as he gave you a smile and shook his head. “No, 30 minutes away, but we’ll be there soon” he hummed. “I’m stopping to use the bathroom, you should let Pop do the same” he spoke as he handed you the keys and got out of the car. You slipped the keys onto your wrist and rubbed the tiredness from your eyes.

Gently grabbing the leash from the back and clipping it to the dogs collar, you opened the door to let the dog out before walking him to a reserved spot so he could do his business.

Afterwards you put him back in the car, spotting Seonghwa coming back with a bag full of snacks and drinks. “Finally..” you mumbled slightly as the male chuckled being able to hear you.

“You just woke up, and I know you get hangry, so I decided to just go ahead and nip it in the butt before you chew my head off” the male spoke, putting the snacks into the car.

You huffed and shook your head. “I’ll be back. I’m going to the bathroom” you said slightly rolling your eyes playfully at the male. You caught yourself before straitening your face and going to the bathroom, rubbing the tiredness from your eyes once again. Finally, after a couple of minutes, you finished in the gas station bathroom and spotted the male playing with Pop as a smile gleamed on your face as you got back in the car. "Ahh~ Hwa lets go, I'm ready to be there and get settled in.

--

After a couple of more hours of driving to the place, many laughs, old jokes the two of you used to tell together to see who would laugh the loudest or the most, and you would always lose. You pulled up to the familiar cabin that you had been to at least once before. The smell of the slightly nostalgic air hitting your nose. "Wow, it's been forever" You spoke to the other, gently stepping out as you let Pop out of the car, the three of you being greeted by Hwa's parents. The both of them giving you big and bright smiles, his mother opening her arms to give you a big hug, you, bowing respectfully and finally hugging her back. "It's been too long Y/n since we have seen you!" the woman said, her grip strong, swaying the two of you side to side.

Hwa chuckled a little nervously before looking at his father and then his mother. "Mom, don't squish her" the male spoke, taking the bags from the trunk, walking up the wooden stairs.

"Shush, I'm just excited to see Y/n" the older woman rolled her eyes at her son. "You two must be tired, lets get you and this beautiful dog inside, rest up and i will fix us some lunch" the woman said, his father greeting you with a smile as well. "That sounds absolutely amazing".

Your face glanced at Seonghwa's, whose hands were now empty and prepared to lead you to the room you two would be sharing for the next month. You bit your lip nervously before excusing yourself from the older couple and made your way to Hwa, following him through the familiar cabin, with the sound of Pop's paws following behind you. Seonghwa carefully opened the door, the room still looking the same, only a few things have changed. The position of the bed, there had no longer been a moose picture plastered on the woods and there was no couch in the room. The two of you stepped in the room, Seonghwa coming in after you. "If you'd be more comfortable I have no problem with sleeping on the couch" he spoke, taking in your staring at the bed. "Oh... no its okay, then people would question why we aren't sleeping together, and I don't want to handle that right now" you replied, walking over to the bed and sitting gently on it. "Plus, it does get cold, and I might only need you for warmth" you said teasing the male, a smile appearing on both faces.

"Yeah, whatever you say Y/n" the male spoke in a low voice, rolling his eyes as he tossed your bags beside you. "Unpack and change, let's get ready for lunch".

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ part 2 here.

[daydreamgoddess14]

Deserving

Part of the 200 Followers celebration! From the request for @onceuponaoneshot :

Roy Kent x F!Reader - "You deserve better"

Filthy smutty smut y'all. You've been warned! This is also a part 3 to Complaints Procedure & Noisy.

~~~~~

He was gone. 

 

You'd seen the tackle, watched from home as Jamie Tartt knocked him to the floor and damaged his knee for good. He hadn't needed to do anything for the paperwork, Ted had it all under control, and it allowed Roy the distance he needed from Nelson Road. You wondered if you'd even crossed his mind. The boot room hadn't been the end of it. You'd never instigated anything yourself, but he'd sought you out occasionally. You'd let him lose himself in you, always slightly demanding but never degrading, you'd challenge him and go toe to toe on who had the upper hand. He'd wanted to fuck his frustration and anger away and you were a willing participant. It was no strings, no commitments and while you knew it wouldn't last, you didn't expect him to just disappear without a backward glance. 

 

No one seemed to know how he'd fared since he was last seen at Nelson Road and you had no real reason to check in on him. So how you found yourself knocking on his door at 11pm on a random Tuesday night was utterly beyond comprehension. 

"The fuck are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too."

"I mean it, why are you here? Did he send you?"

"Ted? Why would you think that? I thought I'd check in and see how you were?" He grunted. 

"Or you fancied a good fuck?"

"Y'know what, forget I came. I didn't come here to be insulted." You turned to leave,

"No, praise is your thing isn't it? Like to be told you're a good girl." He sneered, leaning against the door frame. 

"Fuck you Roy, you're obviously fine. I'll leave you to it."

"What's up? You're usually into this little fucking game we play?"

"Yeah, when it's mutually good. You're just being a dick for the sake of it. I'm the idiot who thought you might need someone to talk to, I needn't have bothered." You're halfway up his drive when he responds.

"Don't go. At least come and have a drink. You can tell me all the shit everyone's been up to." You cock your head to one side, "I'm sorry for being a dick. I shouldn't have been rude to you." You still hesitate. "You're a sight for sore eyes. It's been too long."

"Who's fault is that?"

"Mine." He admits with a self conscious shrug. 

"You're fucking right it is." Your brushed passed him and into the house, "and I'll have a glass of wine please." You weren't new to small talk with Roy, though it did usually occur after he'd made you come multiple times. You made yourself comfortable on his sofa and watched him in the kitchen, pouring wine from the fridge for both of you. 

"I didn't mean to upset you." He puts the glass down in front of you. 

"You didn't. You know I'm not easily offended, but there's a difference between our usual tête-á-tête and you just being plain fucking mean after 3 months of solitary confinement."

"It's not been solitary."

"I heard you coach 9 year old girls now?"

"Who told you?"

"My niece is one of them, Quinn."

"She's fucking class."

"Hmm. Future England player maybe, according to my twat brother. You're still better than that, though," you drink more, looking for courage in the bottom of the glass, "and I wondered if you might call. More fool me."

"You don't want me to call."

"Says who? You?"

"You deserve better." He sighed. 

"Do I? Is that your conclusion or do I get to make my own?"

"Are you just going to keep questioning my opinion, or actually offer any of your own?" He countered. You smirked over the edge of your wine glass at his frustration.

"Well, you haven't let me have an opinion yet, have you? You've decided that I don't want you to call and that I deserve better, all by yourself. Shall I just submit all future decisions to you from now on?" He shook his head, 

"I've fucking missed your attitude." He stood, taking the empty glass from your hand and putting it on the table, and then gripped your wrist gently to pull you to standing. "I'd carry you, but -"

"You're a fucking idiot," you finished for him, reaching on your toes to kiss him. His arms circled your waist, 

"I'm a fucking idiot," he agreed with a mumble, his lips not leaving yours. You let him lead you to his bedroom. 

"An actual bed? Jesus Roy, you're spoiling me." You laugh, pulling his t-shirt off before taking a step back and slipping your own summer dress off and letting it fall to the floor. Your usual frenetic dalliances have meant that despite knowing your body intimately, he's never actually seen you naked. He drinks in the sight of you in summery coral lingerie in the dim lamplight, his eyes dark as you reach behind to unclip your bra and let it slide down your arms. You drop to your knees in front of him, pulling his shorts down over his hips. He's already half hard. You pull his shorts all the way off, and he steps out of them. On your way back to your goal, you pause just long enough to press a kiss to the inside of his bad knee. You hear the shaky breath leave his body and focus your attention elsewhere which allows him to do the same thing. This is not pity you try to convey with your actions. Your mouth waters in anticipation, all this hurried sex and you've never once had the chance to see him like this, to feel the weight of him in your mouth. You slide your tongue up the underside of his cock and swirl it around the hot tip. He rocks against you, his hands fisted at his side. You take his hands one at a time and put them on your head, looking up his long body to watch his reaction to you pumping his cock with kiss swollen lips. 

"Fuck me, you look so fucking good -" He rasps, his voice strained. You hum in agreement, the vibration running through his body. He tugs your hair lightly, the sensation sending waves of desire to your core and making your thighs rub together in desperation. When he pulls again, it's a request for you to stop, "I need to be inside you," he practically whimpers, pulling you up by the hand. You guide him the couple of steps back to the bed and he sits down heavily, dragging you into his lap as he does. You lift up onto your knees hands on his shoulders for balance as you line him up against you, shifting your underwear to one side. He cups your heavy breast with one hand while the other grabs the swell of your ass as you lower down onto him. With your thighs spread wide over his, the depth is incredible and takes a second to adjust to. His tongue follows his hand across your nipple, taking it into his mouth, rolling it and biting gently. It's enough to have you grinding against his cock and arching your back to have him fill you right to the hilt. Then he echoes the words you've always told him in a desperate whisper, "fuck me." Your forearms on his shoulders give you the perfect leverage to rise and fall on him over and over, the proximity means he's able to lavish attention on your breasts while his hands kneed and grasp your hips, helping you keep your rhythm while his cock splits you open. "God, you're so fucking beautiful," he groans, capturing your mouth in a rough, needy kiss. Considering your previous interactions left you the one feeling needy and yielding, you're currently feeling like the powerful one. He brings his hand up to your mouth, running his thumb across your bottom lip and letting you suck it. He uses it to brush against your clit and you lean back in his arms, partly to give him access and partly so he can watch as you take his cock. 

"See how you fill me up so perfectly?" You breathe, gasping as his circles against your clit bring you closer to release. "Do you even know what you do to me?" You ask, pulling him closer again with a kiss. "This is what I fucking want, this is what I deserve." You tell him. You'd say more, but your words have his hips stuttering as he comes inside you, the feeling pulling you over the edge with him and your words turning to incoherent affirmations and praise. His hands still your hips as you collapse into him, your head falling to the crook of his neck. He kisses your shoulder and up into the spot behind your ear that makes your body unintentionally buck against him. 

"Fucking hell, I'm never avoiding you for 3 months again. You'll be lucky if you get 3 minutes of peace from me ever again." He mutters, biting your earlobe. 

"Promise?" You ask with a low laugh. 

 

FIN

[echoghost1]

InvisoBang 2023 - Dawn Of Influence - Chapter 1

Oh my gosh it's finally time that I can share what I've been working on for months! 🎉

Title: Dawn Of Influence Chapter 1 title: Growing Pains? Summary: Danny is in his senior year of high school. His life, even with his still secret half-ghost nonsense, has settled down to a new, but manageable normal. That is until one day he starts to notice something is off. He doesn't feel right, so he tries to find out what’s going on. His ghost form is changing but he has no idea what it’s changing into or why. Characters: Danny Fenton, Sam Manson, Tucker Foley, Jazz Fenton, Clockwork, Pandora, Frostbite Total Word Count: 17,010 Trigger Warnings & relevant tags: Mystery, Horror, Body Horror, Non-Consensual Body Modification, Ghost King Danny Fenton

And of course you can see some super awesome art for this fic on AO3 or here on tumblr by Nimhrodell !!!

You can find my fic on ao3 and read chapter 1 down below the cut!

[you’re here] | Ch 2 | Ch 3 | Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Ch 6 | Ch 7 | Ch 8 | Ch 9 | Ch 10 | Ch 11 | Ch 12

Danny groaned in annoyance as his alarm clock interrupted his sleep.

Why did it always seem to go off earlier than he wanted it to? Even when he went to bed on time it always went off too early. 

"Whoever decided to make school start before noon was pure evil," Danny mumbled into his pillow. 

He sighed and reached for his alarm to turn it off despite how much he didn’t want to move.

He felt a twinge in his side as he moved but he ignored it. There was always something that was sore nowadays. 

He was way too young to feel this old.

"Hey Danno, you better come down if you want any breakfast!" His dad called up the stairs. 

"Yeah, yeah," he replied, nowhere near loud enough to be heard.

He rolled over and felt a similar twinge on his opposite side.

"What gives?" He didn't remember getting shish kabob-ed recently. 

He felt the area but didn't find anything. "Whatever." 

He floated out of bed and stared at his closet. Today seemed like an oversized hoodie day. If anyone asks he can always say that it’s because he’s cold, it’s not like he was lying. 

He’s always cold. Stupid ice powers.

Once he was dressed he grabbed his backpack and made his way downstairs.

“There you are, I was just about to go get you.” his mom said with a smile, “I got some more of that green juice you like in the fridge.”

“Mmhm, juice,” he mumbled as he beelined to the fridge. Sam had introduced him and Tucker to it a few months ago. Tucker hated it because it was full of vegetables, but Danny liked it a lot.

It did taste a little different when he had it at home, but he kind of liked it more that way.

It was probably contaminated with ectoplasm, but it’s fine. 

Probably.

It hadn’t done anything to him yet.

He poured himself a glass for now and filled a thermos (not Fenton branded) for lunch later.

“Oh Sweetie, make sure you eat something before you go, I’ll pack you a lunch, okay?”

“Thanks Mom,” Danny said before he got himself some cereal.

Once he was finished with his breakfast he gathered his things and headed off to school. 

It was a bit of a bummer not to be able to get a ride with Jazz since she graduated last year, but it’s not like he had to take the bus. 

He slipped into the back alley and shifted into his ghost form.

He felt a twinge in his sides again, but after a moment it passed.

"Weird." He readjusted his backpack straps and took off for school.

He really hoped that would go away soon.

He probably just slept wrong.

The school was in sight before he knew it. 

For a second he thought about just flying right past and finding a nice place to nap. 

"If I can't sleep right in my own bed, a tree isn't going to help," Danny muttered to himself before slipping into invisibility and finding a good spot to shift back without being noticed.

He changed back with a yawn and went to his locker knowing his friends would be there waiting for him.

“Hey man, what’s up?” Tucker greeted with far more enthusiasm than Danny could return.

“Tired,” Danny said simply before twirling the lock on his locker a few times to give the illusion that he even knew his combination.

“And here I was thinking I wasn’t a morning person,” Sam teased as she leaned against the locker next to Danny’s.

Danny gave a non-committal hum in response and slipped his fingers intangibly through the locker to flip the opening from the inside, once it clicked he opened it and shoved his backpack inside.

Danny stared into his locker for a full thirty seconds before he spoke. “Do we need anything for first period?” he asked.

“Was there a problem last night that you didn’t call us for?” Sam asked. When she said problem like that, she meant something ghost-related.

“No, that’s what makes this more annoying.” Danny lamented.

“There, there,” Tucker said while patting Danny’s shoulder, “do you need a hug?”

Danny turned around and immediately took Tucker up on the offer. He didn’t care if Tucker was probably joking.

“You sure you’re just tired?” Tucker asked as he returned the hug.

“Yeah,” Danny didn’t think mentioning being sore this morning was worth it. Besides Tucker’s hug meant that he had his nice warm arms wrapped around him in just the right place. It felt so nice he wanted to melt.

“Enjoying the warmth?” Sam said. Even if he couldn’t see her smirk from his blissful position, he certainly heard it.

He smiled and hummed in agreement.

“Poor little snowman.” Tucker teased.

Danny thought about sticking his icy hands up the back of Tucker’s shirt in revenge but that would just end the hug. So he just pouted instead. “I don’t wanna be a snowman.”

“I still don’t even get why you got stuck with that anyway. I mean electricity or even metal would make more sense.” Tucker mused.

“Maybe I got it as a cruel cosmic joke. Clearly, the boy who hates winter should have power over ice.”

“Maybe it’s personality based?” Sam suggested.

Danny pointedly looked away from Sam. How dare she suggest he was a cold person.

In the non-literal sense.

Then he heard her snicker.

He just huffed in annoyance. He was not going to give her the satisfaction of a response.

“You know you’re kind of proving my point,” Sam said with a slightly repressed giggle.

Okay, that got his attention. He turned and just glared until she explained herself.

“You just gave me the cold shoulder. And now you’re giving me a pretty icy glare,” she said with a smirk.

Danny looked up at Tucker, “I can’t believe she just used puns against me like that.”

“I know. So cruel.” Tucker said, giving him a sympathetic pat on his shoulder. “But I believe in you. You can recover from this.”

Danny snuggled against him, “I knew you’d understand.”

“Would you two stop flirting already? We’re gonna be late.” Sam said as she closed Danny’s locker.

“Wait, I didn’t get my stuff,” Danny said only half leaving the hug to reach towards his now-closed locker.

“Don’t worry, I already got it,” Sam said with a quick wiggle of his notebook and textbook.

Danny finally stopped hugging Tucker to grab his stuff. “Thanks. You’re the best.”

“Well someone sure changed their opinion of me pretty quick.”

“You know I can’t stay mad at you.” 

“Shut up,” she muttered.

He may be notoriously clueless, but he didn’t miss the slight blush on her cheeks as she looked away.

It’s why he said it.

They were halfway to class when he realized he didn’t have anything to write with.

“Aw, crap. I didn’t get my pencil.”

“I got you,” Sam said before she turned on her heel and did the very precise art of moving quickly enough to be faster than walking, but not so fast that she would get in trouble for running. 

Danny knew far too well that if he tried that, he’d get in trouble. That or he’d trip.

He was kind of hoping that once he got used to his powers he’d stop being so clumsy but apparently not.

Sam made it back just as he and Tucker were crossing the threshold of the classroom. Instead of just handing him the pencil like a normal person, she slipped it into his pocket as she walked passed. It was like reverse pick-pocketing.

He gave her a questioning look when he got to his seat and she just shrugged.

He shook his head with a smile. Leave it to Sam to find the most unique way to do something just because she could.

He was glad he didn’t just skip today. Not just because of the residual warmth from Tucker’s hug earlier was still clinging to his hoodie, but just being with his friends made him feel better.

It didn’t matter if classes got boring, or if the other kids in their class thought he was a weirdo. His friends were there for him no matter what.

[deserteye]

CHAPTER FOUR ;; Knowledge from a Demon

DIPPER'S P.O.V.

It was the next morning, and the actual morning and not 3 AM. I pulled my head up from the pillow, feeling my head grow a bit dizzy from sitting up too quickly for my half-asleep brain. I groan slightly, sitting there for a moment before turning my body to get out of bed.

I rub my eyes sleepily before hauling myself to the bathroom, doing my business, and brushing my teeth before making my way downstairs, waving a warm welcome to Melody and her and Soos's kid, Stanley JR. I walk into the kitchen, where I was greeted by Mabel and Grunkle Stan sitting at the dining table, Great Uncle Ford standing and mumbling to himself while writing down something in a journal, as he started making another set of journals after Bill destroyed the first 3, and Soos standing nervously in the corner.

"Stiff morning, isn't it?"

I laughed nervously, trying to lighten the mood a bit, before walking to the fridge to get something to eat.

"Haha, yeah-! Someone get me a knife so I can cut through this tension!"

Mabel joined in, wanting to lighten the mood as much as I did, but it didn't work so well.

"So.. You dudes are telling me that crazy triangle dude is back?

Soos added, more nervous than the first wave of Weirdmageddon since he has a wife and 3 month old now, I didn't even think Soos knew how kids were made.

"Precisely, Soos. We have a lot to do today, firstly, Stan and I are gonna go hunt down the statue-"

Ford started before Mabel cut him off.

"Woah woah woah, what?! Why don't Dipper and I get to go?!"

She asked, standing up from her seat.

"Hey yeah, why do you two get to go but not us?"

I repeated my sister, moving to stand next to her.

"Because it's not safe for you. Stan and I have been traveling the seas and fighting and capturing random anomalies Bill spread throughout the globe with his first try with Weirdmageddon. You two have been out of the game for six years!"

"Yeah, but we're not kids anymore, Ford! And Dipper has been obsessed with studying weirdness since we came here back in 2012!"

Mabel protested, the last statement shocking Ford as he turned to look at me.

"Mabel-!"

I defended myself, pulling my hands up to guard myself.

"You've started studying anomalies?"

Ford asked.

"Well, yeah- Along with biology and astronomy-"

I added, laughing nervously.

"Haha! Amazing!"

He exclaimed, walking over and hugging me, surprising me before I hugged him back.

"After we deal with Bill, remind me to give you some of my research."

He smiled, causing an eager smile from me.

After we finished planning and had breakfast, we split up to track down our people. Mabel and I find Y/N Sphinx, and Stan and Ford go off to find Bill's statue.

YOUR P.O.V.

I woke up sleepily, yawning before pulling myself up and awake, stretching my arm before letting it fall to my sides. I stood up and stretched my back quickly before walking to my bathroom and doing my business.

I mumbled a song stuck in my head sleepily while walking downstairs and into the kitchen, starting to make myself a cup of coffee, before a suggestive whistle pulled me from my sleepy trance.

I shot my head around to the living room, where Bill was sitting on the couch. I had completely forgotten he was here.

"You look nice, Y/N~"

He chuckled, one leg propped up on the other while he was reading a newspaper. I immediately fell down, sitting on the ground and back leaned against the kitchen cabinet.

"Close your eyes!"

I yelled, covering my now red and embarrassed face.

"Whaat, I've already seen you?"

He laughed, and I could hear the sadism from it. He was enjoying this.

"Just do it, dammit Bill!"

I yelled again, sighing.

"Alright, alright. Calm down kid,"

He laughed before closing his eyes. I pulled myself to peek over the counter to ensure he closed his eyes. He was, and I pulled myself up and ran upstairs.

"You can open your eyes now!"

I yelled once I got upstairs, racing to my bedroom and slamming the door, sinking to comprehend the embarrassment I was feeling. If I had to be honest, I would stay curled up there forever. But, I couldn't. I was hungry. I picked myself back up, putting on a C/C (Color of Choice) hoodie and shorts. I took a deep breath before walking back downstairs.

Once I got back downstairs, I didn't even look at Bill and the shit-eating grin I knew he was making. I just continued to make myself a coffee.

"Forget to put clothes on this morning?"

He asked, holding back a laugh.

"Shut up,"

I mumbled, my face growing red again as I refused to turn and look at him.

I finished making my cup of coffee and walked over to sit down on the matching armchair that matched the couch Bill was sitting on. I continued to avoid making eye contact with him and just tried to enjoy my coffee.

He noticed I still refused to look at him, and he laughed, as my attention was brought up when he snapped his fingers, teleporting himself to float right in front of me, face to face, causing me to jump as our noses were about 2 inches apart.

"Gah-! Bill!"

I yelped, jumping in my seat and thankfully not spilling my coffee. He giggled with a cheeky grin, finding my fear funny. I pouted.

"It's hilarious how easily scared humans can get~"

He hummed with a sweet tone, and I roll my eyes.

"Yeah yeah.."

I mumbled in response, pulling my mug to my face to comfort myself with the heat.

"So, your first question?"

He asked, still floating but spinning to float on his back instead of his stomach.

"What-?"

I asked in response, looking at him tiredly.

"It was a part of our deal. You give me my powers and give me a physical form and I don't kill you and give you information."

He reminded me, pulling a small "Oh" from me before I started thinking.

"Can I ask two questions instead?"

I asked, looking at him finally.

"Hmm, sure, just because of that show from this morning~"

He teased, making me blush but I thought for a moment.

"What, are you?"

I asked, pulling a laugh from him.

"A God, a Demon, an Angel, a Deity, a Being of Pure Power, a Pyramid, I've even been called a 'Dorito' a few times! I am everything, and nothing at the same time."

He explained, floating idly in the air, and I hummed, processing his words.

"What's your second question, Y/N?"

He hummed, summoning his cane and playing with it while he waited.

"Why did you call Mabel and Dipper, 'Shooting Star' and 'Pinetree'?"

· · ─────── ·⃤ ─────── · ·

Next Chapter | CHAPTER FIVE ;; The Zodiac

Last Chapter | CHAPTER THREE ;; Tall & Blonde

[corhore]

So… Zeb Wells totally intended on the kids actually being MJ’s and Paul’s biologically and chickened out (rightfully so, fucking idiot) at the last minute right?

Because in issue 24, Rabin has no idea the kids exist, nor that they’re in the bunker. In issue 25, it’s implied he creates them and the first person he meets when he attacks the bunker is one of the kids. And then issue 26 reveals he created them as a tracking beacon to follow MJ back to her universe, except he could already travel universes and follow and locate her at will way back in issue 21, BEFORE the kids were ever a thing. And the farm life that the “happy family” lives shows they were safe for years, not under constant attack/danger like we assumed, meaning MJ and Paul totally had time to *make* the kids the old fashioned way. Plus Rabin saying he made the kids look like them so they’d get attached more easily feels like some quickly made-up bullshit to justify why she’d stay with Paul if the kids were adopted, instead of co-parenting with Peter.

And in the MJ/Black Cat spin-off, MJ is repeatedly said to have vanished for six months, whilst issue 25 reveals she was gone less than one and her kids are referred to by a demon lord who has been told nothing about them - he just knows stuff because he’s a demon - as MJ’s progeny - not adopted, biological.

They changed it last minute to save his ass.

And then in issue 26 they have Rabin call Paul “Your precious Paul” to MJ, have MJ defending a genocide enabler against Peter, which certainly seems intended to imply she loves him, especially when she compares the two, tells Peter she knows everything about Paul and tells him Paul has never lied to her (which he has, about many very big things, so gaslighting too now) and has MJ protesting “Spider-Man is not my boyfriend!” when Kamala calls him her bf. Yeah he definitely wanted to make his OCship canon and is pissed he wasn’t allowed (GOOD, fuck him).

Fucking idiot genuinely thought he could permanently split up Peter and MJ, remove the possibility of Mayday from canon for good and fans would be ok with it.

I think your giving Wells too much credit.

The truth is that he has NO plan for the kids or Paul. If he did then they would actually get explored and fleshed out in the book. The fact that Paul and the kids have had zero spotlight other than one issue (and the girl having two names cus the editors/Wells didn't remember her name) is evidence that Wells didn't care. Hell they only appear in like 7 issues across 27 issues most of which they do nothing.

From the very beginning he didn't care at all about the Kids/Paul nor MJ. He just wanted to writer a Spidey book with Peter working with a "reformed" Norman and be with Black Cat. Paul and the kids was just a dumb way to get MJ outta the way.

The truth is you can make this premise MJ dating another guy and adopting kids good. You can, but the execution has to be fucking spot on especially with MJ, but Wells not only isn't a good enough writer to pull that off, but he didn't care about the premise to begin with. Paul and the kids are nothing characters. They are props. Literal props to stir up controversy and to make people angry.

What were left with is the kids are gone, Paul is still around and MJ is sad. Are they still a couple? Were they ever even in love? What happens to them now? All questions everyone wants (good) answers to, but Wells doesn't care to answer for at least several months cus MJ isn't appearing in the book for the foreseeable future.

And then theres the legit textbook fridging of Ms Marvel a character whos appears in a whopping 12 pages overall.

Its legitimately insane how baffling poor this book is. This is career endingly bad. I fear Zeb Wells isn't writing another Marvel comic for a very long time after this.

Btw he's also writing Deadpool 3 and The Marvels.

[the-girl-with-hip-dysplasia]

Tips to Prepare for Labral Repair & Hip Impingement Surgery

Hey Guys!

I wanted to share my tips for preparing for labral repair and hip impingement correction surgery. If you've read some of my prior posts you may have seen that when the surgeon went into my hip he actually did not find a tear; my tissue was perfectly intact.

So even though I didn't get the labral repair, my prepping for surgery tips remain the same because that is the surgery I was preparing for. Also, as far as recovery, I'm still following the same protocol as someone who did get a labral repair because I still underwent a surgery and I still got the extra bone growth shaved down to address the hip impingement.

Okay so here are my Surgery Prep Tips:

Enjoy Life :) I decided to get my surgery before the start of summer because that worked best with my work schedule, but I was sad about having to miss out on many summer activities. I love the summer. So I did as many fun things as I wanted to do before the surgery so I wouldn't feel as sad about what I would be having to miss during recovery.

WORKOUT! Surgeons call this pre-hab. Strengthening the muscles surrounding your hips and legs as best you can will only help you during recovery. The muscle memory will still be there when you start physical therapy and start walking properly be there. During my first two weeks of PT, my PT asked if I was athletic because I was able to do the exercises better than she expected I guess lol

Eat Healthy. A few months prior to surgery I tried to kick my health stuff up a notch. I've already been trying to be more intentional about what I am eating over the past few years anyway, but 2-3 months prior to surgery I was trying to revv up my Vitamin C and Vitamin D. I drank green juices a few times a week, took a multivitamin each day, tried to eat a proper serving of vegetables each day, lowered my alcohol intake (probably a month before surgery), and tried to drink enough water each day to make sure my body was hydrated going into surgery.

Create a Peaceful Recovery Space. I knew I was going to be in my room majority of the day for a few months. So I decluttered my space and re-organized and/or added things that would be peaceful to look at (ex. my plants & candles)

Put Important Things within Reach. All of the things I would need, I tried my best to put within reach of my bed. I received a "grabber" in my hip kit from the hospital to help me grab things within reach since I wasn't able to bend or twist much.

Consider a Mini-fridge & Microwave in Room. I live in a 2-story apartment with the kitchen on a different floor than my bedroom so a mini-fridge in my room was essential. In there I had a brita water pitcher, fruits, and other things I wanted to snack on.

Consider a Removable Shower Head. I had got one, but didn't use it because I tried to install it the night before and I couldn't get the old shower head off. And then when I went to shower after surgery I was able to do so with help from my mom so I just let the removable shower head go, but install it if you can because it would be really helpful.

Ask Surgical Team about Hip Kit. So the social work team at the hospital handled ordering items to help me with recovery such as a shower chair and a raised toilet seat. They also told me that I would receive a Hip Kit from the hospital the day of surgery. This Hip Kit is VERY important because it includes items to help you reach for things and put on your clothes and shoes since you aren't supposed to bend much. BUT when I was done with surgery they were saying goobye and I was like "wait where is my hip kit?" They were looking at me like HIP KIT?!?! So apparently someone didn't communicate with the OT department who was responsible for putting the kit together and they had to put it together last minute because I wasn't leaving without one. If they don't provide one, you can order one online.

Stock up on Gatorade and Meal Prep. The gatorade has a lot of electrolytes to help w/ recovery (they even had me drink one the morning of surgery). I had my mom to cook for me, but even she got tired of cooking lol. It would have been nice if I cooked as much as I could and froze the meals to have them ready to go.

Get Ice Packs. I had a small ice pack, but needed to order a bigger one during my first week of surgery to cover my thigh and hip at the same time.

Have Things to Do. You may get REALLY BORED. I definitely did. So I made sure to have things ready to keep me busy. Books to read, shows/movies to watch, games to play, etc etc.

I hope this is helpful and if you have anything to include from your experience or have any questions feel free to comment 😊😊😊

[myheartsmadeofparts]

Friends and kids, late 30s, 2023

A.B. (cousin): [Older kid] is sick and [husband] is sick and I'm sick too. [Older kid] was throwing up last night, but she didn't wake us up. She barfed over the side of her bunkbed. Some of the throw-up landed on [younger kid] but she didn't wake up either.

I agreed to talk to you at this time one-on-one once a month, but I'm home with kid who is sick, you're going to chat with her while she tries out a bunch of funny filters including one that makes her look like a strawberry but with her own eyes and mouth.

K: I was on the subway sitting next to a mom with her baby in a stroller. We were smiling at the baby and suddenly I started crying uncontrollably. The woman saw me crying, and she took out a flask, held it up for me to see, and started chugging. Then we just looked at each other. And I got off the train.

JK: I want kids and he wants kids, and he's really sweet to me but sometimes not so great and drinks too much. I'm happy where we're at in the relationship but idk if I want to take the next step. I don't want to go through a breakup right now; I want to finish my novel by the end of this year...Oops I'm pregnant.

Well I'm 38, I don't want to not be pregnant. We made the appointment, we both took turns freaking out. Daycare is expensive, we'll be just okay if I stay home for the first year. They say you can never really be ready, right?

AC: (post hysterectomy for adenomyosis/ removal of endometriosis, has 3 cats) I took home my uterus. Surprised how small she is. I think I'll take her with me to [home state] and bury her.

[Later, in home state]. I put her in a lunchbox with an apple so they would think she was food. I had my boyfriend on standby in case they wouldn't let me take her on the plane. I have TSA pre-check. No-one even noticed.

[After return to current home] She's still in my mom's fridge. I guess it was hard to say goodbye. Would you like to see some pictures?

AS: I really loved that job, but [boss, a mother] said it would be impossible to keep that job and have a baby. So I went back to my old workplace...it's fine. I wanted to start a family!

The birth was soooo hard. C-section after 36 hours of labor!!! I'm texting you this mere hours after not because we are super close but because you are the keeper of women's pain.

I month later: we gave him a cute name. I love it! I'm sorry about your breakup. Sorry, I have to go take my tits out for the 8th time today.

D (a man): It's funny, I never thought I'd be like a "breadwinner" for my family. Our parents help us out so that [wife] can stay home with the kids [and make like, really elaborate cupcakes]. It's getting kind of cramped in the apartment with four of us sharing one bathroom. We looked at apartments but we can't find anything we can afford.

Y (also a man): I told [partner] that not wanting kids or being open to kids was a dealbreaker for me. We're trying, but we're 40. She says she doesn't want to do IVF because she's nervous about the side effects, but she won't say what side effects and the doctor said there aren't major side effects and I have a lot of female friends, some of them have done IVF they said it wasn't that big a deal. [it's not as if I'm willing to google it or something!]

Anyway she doesn't know what she wants and kids are still a dealbreaker for me, but we're having a great time living together, it's really like our honeymoon.

F: I prefer pets.

JS: I might foster teenagers when I'm in my 50's.

#late30s #40 #kids #infertility #fertility #disability

[struggling-to-find-home]

Tw: vent.

The house is a mess.

Usually, I'm always good with upkeep, no matter how I complain about it. It makes sense - the only thing I hate more than cleaning is cleaning up a lot, which means I try to keep my messes up to a bearable level.

Well... Tried.

The house is a mess. The alarm rings for 6 am sharp. I drag myself out of bed and get ready in a zombie-like fashion, stumbling over the random shit on the floor of the room, and try to make breakfast from the pathetic state of my fridge.

Everything in my life is literally falling apart - I had to replace all my school supplies, a bunch of clothes, and shoes, all because mine are physically disintegrating - so the selection of food is slim.

The house is a mess.

And you know, I try, I really do, but when you come home from 9 hours spent in the university and you have to prepare for another nine hours and the deadlines keep running out on you? Cleaning, and dishes, and laundry, start being a priority only when you're physically out of clean clothes. I want to sleep. I can't. I have six days of full-time university and a mandatory 10am meeting on Sunday.

I had an allergy flare up from stress. The skin on my fingers has broken apart, rendering me unable to write - which means the work just keeps on snowballing, and I keep not doing it, because just holding a pen hurts.

I have around 40 pages of the microbiology textbook to fill out. It is one class out of the ten I have weekly (not including the mandatory daily lectures). I'm going to spend a holiday weekend - three days, a miracle - doing only that.

The house is a mess.

They don't tolerate sickness, they don't tolerate being late, they don't tolerate being present but not answering questions, they don't tolerate being present and answering questions in a way they don't like. 2/3 questions correct is a C, 3/3 questions correct is a B, the professor's eyes gleam with joy as he announces eight failing grades in a row, the microbiology department forces you to memorise 120 pages of facts in three days.

At this point, I'm pretty sure they just hate students. They call us lazy, stupid, slow, horrible, unfit for the profession, unfixable, worthless, tell us our hair is wrong, our nails are wrong, our voice, tone and inflection is wrong, our gestures are wrong, our movement is wrong, and we just have to sit there and take it.

Even the smart kids stopped caring. I was never one of the smart kids, so instead of not caring, I'm thinking of dropping out.

The house is a mess.

This week was shitty, no, worse than that. I barely slept three hours a night. Between Wednesday and Thursday, I slept two. I consumed as many energy drinks as I did the entire two months leading up to this mess, and spent the entirety of Halloween trying to keep my eyes open.

My house is a mess.

My friend got engaged this week. Another one had a blast partying. Another one went on two dates. All I did was rot somewhere in-between the classrooms, alone.

Well, not exactly alone... There's other third years. We're all in this together, after all. All of them with rich and colourful lives and girlfriends and boyfriends and actual passion and reason to smile day to day. I've gotten quieter recently, like a light in my eyes got snuffed out. I doubt anyone noticed; maybe that's because compared to every other year, even the sparklers look haggard and tired.

And I hate to admit it, but it's so... Boring. Last year, while a fucking mess filled with more drama than a riverdale season, was at least interesting. Now, you're either monotonously reading books or monotonously getting tortured. Even that gets old fast.

But maybe that's just a me problem. I tried getting on a dating app a few days ago, and figured out that I didn't have any good photos, nor could I figure out what to write about myself. "Hi, I'm Struggling, an absolute failure in everything I try to do and the only reason why I'm doing this is because I crave to feel something, anything, instead of monotony. Toxic, manipulative or looking for a quick no strings attached fling? Come here, and let's ruin each other phycologically!" is a horrible fucking pitch. No wonder I'm so lonely, I'm literally the worst option possible.

The house is a mess.

When I come home thursday after having to sit through a 2,5 hour hygeine lab, a pharmacology test and a lecture in which we get yelled at for two hours, I try to study, or clean, or do anything useful, but I am unsuccessful.

On Friday, I sleep through eight alarms and wake up at 8:40. Curse, internally, stop caring after a minute of two. In the class I'm not in, a professor yells at my groupmate for sitting wrong. I get breakfast - literally just a cup of tea this time - and start packing my bag.

I say to myself, I'll clean when I get back.

It's 10:30pm. My eyes are closing by themselves. I haven't cleaned yet. I'm exhausted.

The house is a mess.

[steamishot]

T-22 days

8/18: plans changed -> hung out with just SC at her place

8/19: WFH together with LG at a cafe (my first time ever WFH at a cafe)

8/20: watch didi with matt

8/21: carbone lunch with matt

8/22: rubirosa and comedy cellar with matt

8/25: othership with T

8/26: switzerland

9/6: last dinner with T

9/7: last brunch with S&I

9/8: last hot pot dinner with LG

S & i decided to take a rain check on sunday. the initial plan was to go to A's place to visit her and her baby. however, because the commute is an hour long (includes train, bus, walking), i didn't want to risk being in a storm on the way home. there was 50% chance of rain during the day and the heavy storm was scheduled to start in the evening/night.

instead, we hung out at her apartment. got to use the pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. i'm feeling lighter about the move, so it was really nice to have girl time. i hope we have more opportunities for 1:1 time in the future, instead of only with our SOs.

LG cooked me a fantastic italian dinner on friday. it was probably the most "romantic" gesture someone has ever done for me in the kitchen LOL. she had just returned from italy and made zucchini pasta with freshly grated cheese, and two types of crostinis. i was surprised by the amount of effort she put in, given that we've only really seen each other <10x. however, she seems overall like a high effort type of person. i was impressed by how well she maintained her apartment despite only being in NYC half the time. and at age 40, she started ceramics, signed up for swimming lessons at the YMCA, and just told me she's also doing a local spanish language learning class. i have admiration for her and definitely think "i wanna be like her when i'm 40".

i'm now feeling like a visitor on an extended vacation. i'm grateful to share these special moments with new(-ish) friends. a lot of the times while i was here, i really yearned for the comfort of old friends/family. however, now that i'm leaving, i know i will sort-of miss being uncomfortable LOL. i think i'll definitely incorporate some of my NYC lifestyle into my new LA lifestyle (i.e. putting myself out there more instead of staying in my comfort zone). i'm happy to have made 3 solid friendships (S, T, K) during my time here, and hopefully LG and i continue to keep in touch.

matt's work: he just completed his last day (night) at work last night! he's been in a much happier mood recently. things have been less chaotic and calmer since the job search ended. he'll have the next 1.5 months off before starting his new gig. i don't love that we'll most likely be together 24/7 from now until moving back, like literally <10 ft apart. but it is the last hurrah of surviving in a studio together for 4 years!

my work: work hasn't been overly busy, but has been constant. i may be PMSing but i fear that i've been coming off mean/condescending to A who i am still training. i'm trying my best to not let my frustration spill out in my emails and to continue giving her grace. sometimes i question if i'm expecting too much from someone new. this gave me a taste of what being in management may look like.

ceramics: i considered making more bowls and asking the studio or LG to ship it to me in LA if they aren't fired in time. i tried throwing on saturday and my mojo is gone. i decided i won't make any more things, but can go in and practice (maybe). i plan on buying one ceramics piece made by someone else in the studio as a souvenir.

fridge cleaning: we're keeping the contents in the fridge to a minimum and cleaning out the freezer. yesterday, i made an oxtail beef noodle soup. today, i'm making fish congee with the leftover frozen rice.

grocery stores: i used to always go to TJ, but have recently transitioned away from it. there would always be so many people (3 lines) and the process just became completely over stimulating to me. my fav grocery stores now are mr. beet and whole foods. i really like mr. beet for no frills produce. it's about a 20 min walk so it's an excuse to get steps in. i'm a fan of whole foods now for seafood and certain fruits/cheeses!

[dizzyatmosphere]

4 July 2024

I keep thinking about what I might be missing by being with L. He doesn't treat me like a person with feelings. I feel utterly stripped by him.

But I keep thinking that life has reached a crossroad—there's someone else who has been there longer, who has always kind of been there. But who I haven't been able to see since moving away.

It's G. We started as strangers in a seminar room eight years ago. I didn't even see him, I just heard his voice when he asked the guest speaker a question. And I thought, wow, what a unique voice. Who is this person? And then time passed and he would sit with me at events. We shared handouts (my hand was a little shaky, nervous). Went for coffee in the evening. Worked together. Small things. Bigger things. More interactions. And then L showed an interest and I was so eager to be in a relationship, that I went for it.

Covid. Nothing. Then G emailed, and we had Zoom meetings together in the summer. These ended after the-worst-thing happened and I spiralled into depression again. A wisp gone, evaportated.

A year and a half later: a redirected reunion via email. Hello. Signing his name with "yours". Calling me "cara", Dear. Weekly meetings, and twice a week in the summer, for the last year and a half. Asking for my address. Sending me a postcard from abroad, with an image that perfectly matched me and what I love. Sending me a photo of himself. Sending me hearts on my facebook posts, private messages. Wanting to melt into him. The thoughtfulness somewhat jarring. The witty banter trying to light a spark that has long been out at whatever core is left in me. The way he pushes me to do things, yet senses when it's too much for me—and his care feels like a blanket, or invisible hand. I won't get hurt, I can tell. He invited me to his home a while ago; I said I couldn't.

He planned to visit me last month. He wanted to stay here with me, but of course there wasn't much I could do. I don't know where the boundaries are—how he really thinks of me. It would have been easy to find out if I was living alone, with this space feeling like my own. Decorated how I would want it—not with the boxes and piles of collected "freebies" that L keeps. My home is just his storage container. Plastic cups and cords piled high in the corner. Spare fridges. Nothing like the home I had when I lived alone, with my candles, art, books, soft blankets.

What surprised me is that G was coming here only for me. Or at least, that's how it seemed.

He didn't end up visiting—I don't really know why. A much delayed flight, maybe something I didn't pick up on. But just the other day, he said he plans to visit again in a month. How different life could be if I ended things with L, who makes me cry most nights and doesn't come to bed until 3 or 4am. If I ended things with him, and could just enjoy myself. Be around someone who actually sees me and finds talking to me interesting, who makes my heart feel something. Even if it didn't turn into anything, just to be single and feel that excitement of two likeminded people getting to know each other. To be able to interact with someone without the entire burden and weight of my relationship draining the light out of me. To find air and kindness. Laughter—we make each other laugh breathlessly sometimes... how is that possible for two people?

He shared riddles with me posted in the english department—he still walks through my old department on the way to the bus. We celebrate his dog's birthday. He told our zoom group that one of the best things that happened to him that week was talking to me about birds.

I imagine a Saturday morning, waking up in a clean home and cooking veggies. With him. He like veggies, and I like veggies. I imagine going for autumn walks with him, and watching netflix at night. Small, silly joys. I imagine hearing him talk about his research. I imagine talking about mine. I imagine him teasing me—not criticizing me and stripping me apart, but because he cherishes the closeness that made teasing possible. Out of comfort and belonging.

Maybe it's all made up in my head—but it does seem incredible to me that we've become so involved with each other after that day in the seminar room. On my lowest days, like today, it's these moments that keep me here. Remembering that I am not totally alone, not totally worthless. Maybe at least a few people think I'm worth being around.

[survey--s]

682.

1 - When you wake up, do you get up straight away or do you lie around in bed for a while?  I remember making this survey years ago, lol. Anyway, it depends. I set my alarm for when I need to be up but if I wake up before then I'll lay around and doze or read my phone. At weekends I often get up, feed the animals, make a coffee and go back to bed for an hour.

2 - Who was the last person you video-called with? Have you done this more often since COVID hit?  My mum, and yes, most definitely.

3 - How many times a week do you go out for food or drink?  Less than once a week as eating out is just so expensive and is often really disappointing imo. We tend to go maybe every 6-8 weeks but we do get takeaway more often.

4 - Do you prefer getting takeaway or actually sitting in a restaurant and eating your meal there?  I prefer going out for lunch or breakfast and then getting a takeaway for an evening meal.

5 - Where’s your favourite place to get takeaway coffee (or whatever your drink of choice is)?  If I had one nearby then I'd go to Starbucks but the nearest is like, a half hour drive and I'm not that desperate. I tend to go to the local coffee/ice-cream place near the beach.

6 - Do you tend to keep your phone on silent, vibrate or loud?  Silent at night or at home, loud at work.

7 - If you have pets, when was the last time one of them annoyed you? What happened?  Archie when he came home from his walk and straight to the litter trays - yes, he is gross and yes, they'd been emptied, he was just being an opportunist lol.

8 - When was the last time you went into a bookshop?  Uh, about August I think? We don't have one anywhere near us.

9 - What was the last thing you ordered off Amazon?  Cat food and dog treats.

10 - When was the last time you took a dog out for a walk? Is this your own dog or did you borrow someone else’s?  Friday and they were someone else's dogs. Oakley and Ollie are my last walk of the week and they're so great to take out. Super obedient, excellent recall and very friendly.

11 - What jewellery do you have on at the moment?  My piercings and my wedding and engagement rings.

12 - Do you have any products in your hair right now? What are they?  No.

13 - Have you ever used a VPN to access foreign content online?  Yeah, mostly just to watch US TV shows for free.

14 - Who was the last artist you listened to? Is this someone you’re a fan of? Bishop Gunn and yeah, they're okay.

15 - What was the last thing you had to drink?  Tea, which is really unusual for me.

16 - When was the last time you cooked something for the first time? Did it work out the way it was supposed to?  I honestly have no idea. I never really cook anything.

17 - Black cats are considered to be bad luck - is this a superstition that you’ve ever believed in?  Nope. Two of our cats are black cats.

18 - Would you ever eat blue cheese or do you find the idea of eating mould to be pretty repulsive?  I love blue cheese. We have loads in the fridge right now, lol.

19 - Do you visit the dentist every six months like you should? I go once a year as it's covered for free under my dental plan.

20 - How old were you when you first used the internet? Was it dial-up or did you have access to proper broadband?  I think I was about ten or so. Broadband didn't exist in homes back then so it was dial-up or nothing.

21 - Are you old enough to remember using floppy discs? Yeah, I had loads of games that ran off floppy discs lol.

22 - When was the last time you purchased an actual DVD or CD?  I bought some DVD's a few months ago but I haven't bought a CD for years - probably over a decade tbh.

23 - Do you shave? Which body parts and how often?  Yeah, legs, pits and bits, and everyday.

24 - What’s your favourite season, and what are some of your favourite things about that season?  Autumn - the colours, the weather, the atmosphere.

25 - When was the last time you burned yourself?  Yesterday, I think?

26 - Have you ever been the victim of a theft or robbery? What was stolen? Did the police ever catch the person who did it? Yeah, I was pick-pocketed in France (luckily they didn't take much and I never reported it). My parents have had their car/house broken in to a couple of times - my rollerblades were stolen once. The second time they stole my mum's handbag and the car off the drive.

27 - What was the last TV show you discovered that you really liked? What was it that got you to watch it in the first place? I haven't started a new TV show in months. I did like Young Sheldon for a bit but I got bored after the first few seasons.

28 - Have you seen any of the live-action Disney remakes? Which one is your favourite? What about your least favourite?  Yeah, all of them. I like Mulan and Alice in Wonderland and I LOVED the first Maleficent. Hated The Lion King and Aladdin. Little Mermaid and Jungle Book were good too. Lady and the Tramp was meh, so was Cruella.

29 - Do you have any exciting plans for tomorrow? If not, how are you planning to spend your day?  Just work. I'll be up at half seven to feed the animals, then it's breakfast and get myself ready. I leave at half eight - then it's off to my final visit with Charley (cat) before I walk Sparky. Then it's two group walks before I pick Archie up and take him out with Ollie for the last walk of the day. Then back home, feed the animals again, shower and chill.

30 - Would you ever keep a working dog as a pet? Do you think it’s fair to keep dogs like huskies in flats when it’s so different to their natural environments? I have a beagle in a small house - I don't think your home environment really matters as long as you have the time and energy to give them the exercise and enrichment they need.

[trifoliumrex]

Let's Burn Chapter 4

Master

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

So Here’s the thing. You died. Like dead dead. But there’s good news. Turns out the multiverse is real and Suga and Jay are going to make sure it doesn't happen again. If Yoongi and Hobi don’t get in the way. Or Worse yet the troublesome Kim Namjoon. Can they keep you safe when you don’t even know who they are? Or will Namjoon finally get what he wants.

A reader x J-hope x Suga fic

But also reader x yoongi

But also Hobi, and Jay. the multiverse am I right?

Word Count: 5081

Here, later: 

    All of your pictures of Hobi take two boxes. Two boxes not shoved but gently placed under your bed. A set of treasures. You weren't together but you certainly didn't hate him. You would have left them out. You would have surrounded yourself with happy memories. You worry though at rubbing Yoo–Suga “Suga Suga Suga'' you correct yourself. You don't want to rub Suga’s face in the missing years that were stolen. 

    You place the last photo in the box and shut the lid. It feels like you are shutting part of yourself in their two. Like the past years have all been a dream. A good dream that ended poorly. Like a children's story that is released alongside its target audience and then grows dark and dark until its climax ends in blood. You place the box with great care back under your bed and head for the living room. You’ve rearranged but you are still worried that there won't be enough space. You look over the stack of papers. Home. He’s coming home. 

   It's been about three months since that asshole tried to throw you over the stairs. Two and a half since you last heard from Hobi, and two months since the case was dropped against Suga. Hobi had complained long enough that they had been given no choice, especially when the video had leaked. They had done a lot to contain it but the courts had granted you your order of protection without much question. 

   Once the order had been granted, Hobi stopped responding to you. It was fair. You had broken up with him after all. You had ended it. But despite all that he had still given you the apartment. He had still stayed on Suga's care and you suspect he was the one who was driving him to your place. A  service the hospital did not normally provide. You were informed that someone volunteered.  You had been to the hospital maybe three times a week and we're confident that you understood the next steps to help him do his physical therapy between appointments. The fridge was stocked with all the supplements you need and the new wheelchair ramp that you had to fight to get installed was up. You had nothing to be nervous about.

   Except 

   Except this was in so many ways the culmination of so many of your dreams as a child. The  dream is to be close to him and to be able to take care of each other. Except neither of you though are the same person you were. Except somewhere your Hobi is out there with another person in his head. A psychotic break? Multiple personalities? Possession? That last one gives you the chills. You hate that it feels the most right. You hear a car and hurry over to the door. You count to 100. 

   It's an old habit. When you tried to make it seem like you were calmer than you were. Like you weren't waiting for Yoongi to come home every day. He saw right threw it. Suga sees through it now as you rush out to greet him.  He can’t help but glower at you, just a bit as you offer to push him up the ramp.  “I’ve got it” 

    “Oh" a hateful little pause "alright” you say. He can hear the deflation in your voice and he wills the unhappiness off his face. Suga has been diligent with his therapy and  he’s strong enough for this. It takes longer than he would have liked and he’s a bit annoyed at the way you follow behind him. laboriously. counting your steps. Trying to stay just the right distance away. He sighs. You've always been careful but he hates it. Hates that here it's not like there. There it had been like breathing.

    “Can you open the door for me?” You face flushes and you rush to open the door. He wants to tell you it's ok. That you’ll get better at this. You both will. That he appreciates you dropping everything in your life to take care of him. If he's honest though he wishes it were different. He wishes you had put him in one of the care facilities that Hobi had told him about. Hobi. Fuck. He knew that Jay was under there. He had seen him as he crawled to the door to try and rip you away from Namjoon. When he couldn't even get a few steps away from the bed. Couldn't even crawl to you. Did you think it was your Hobi who knew how to unlock your handcuffs and free you? Still. It was Hobi who helped him into the bed. Hobi who seemed to have an endless amount of patience and Hobi who you had dated between Yoongi's death and Suga finding the empty husk of his body. It might be him who you wanted now. It would be so much better if he could hate him. The way he hated Jay. It was the way he felt about him when he had first seen Jay, when they had first met. 

   When for the first time ever you weren't the only consideration in his life. 

   Hobi was like that. Jay and Suga had. Never mind. Those aren't safe thoughts. Not after what he had done to you. “The place is nice,'' Suga says after wheeling into the living room. It was nicer than what you had done in their apartment. It was more you but he can see the evidence of Hobi. The industrial lamp here, the rug that is too well coordinated to fit your eclectic tastes. A virus in your life but Suga has to admit a symbiotic one. One that was infecting him too.

   “You like it?” You ask in a breathy tone. So hopeful. He suddenly wants to say no. It's not the apartment you should be in. It’s not the one you share with him. But here, it's the best you could have had. And now, here, he can make it like it was. He stands up. It takes effort and leaves him out of breath but he makes it over to the couch. 

   “It’s nice. Does he have money?” It comes out harsher than he would have liked. You flash a strained smile.

   “He made decent money and we had the passive income from your parents property”

   “Why didn't you stay there? It would have been free”

   “Our building was gone.” and he almost died there and his brother had. “I would have had to kick someone out. I stayed in an empty unit for a while but It was pretty far from the hospital”

    “How often did you visit me? Is that where you met him?” He looks at you very carefully and he eases onto the couch. You take the seat next to him. 

     “At first it was every day. By the end it was twice a week. I'm sorry I should have come more. It’s where I met him. Do you…want to know about that?” 

    “No…am I why you broke up?” He doesn't know what he wants the answer to be.

    “No. Do you want to know about that? He wouldn't hurt me” You say too fast. Like you're trying to convince yourself. Suga isn’t convinced. He crosses his arms. “He’s a good man Yoo– Suga. It doesn't matter anyway. He hasn't returned my calls in a while.” Suga forces the smile away from his lips. It's difficult but he manages.

    “I did my PT already. The whole day’s ours. Do they still have Survivor?” He knows they do. One of the few constants.

    “Oh…Suga. They sure do” You pull up the app the show streams on. You are delighted when he takes the remote and flicks through the seasons.  At his best estimate this timeline was maybe two years further then his. Had he wandered around for two years then? He remembered flashes of other places. Always too late to save you. Always just behind Jay. 

   Yoongi wouldn’t have known about streaming services at least not to this extent but he did, but this particular app he had never had the pleasure of viewing. He picks a random season and he leans against you. He wishes it could be like it was. You lean against him, his limbs wrapping around you with an unspoken promise of safety. This is nice, in its own way. It becomes your new routine. You wake up and help him do his PT and make his appointments come home and watch Survivor. Watching the contestants do a reverse journey from Suga. Going from fit to emaciated in the span of a season. Suga is already starting to look better.

     He hates PT. He can feel himself lashing out at you. Usually it's small enough. That you can walk it off or put that strained smile on. But lately it's been getting worse. He feels the venom he spews but can’t tame the beast. 

    He failed to meet the goals Hobi had set for him today and sitting on a bench outside he feels the storm brewing in his gut and in his stomach as he waits for you. Sometimes he can feel someone watching the apartment. He assumes he was being paranoid if it weren't for the way you sometimes looked over your shoulder. 

   Maybe it was just the escalation of that serial killer. The bodies piling up that had you on edge. Maybe every walk up the ramp where your keys trembled so slightly in your hands was just that. Maybe it was because you were with Suga and not Hobi.

    Hobi had kept you safe. Not like Him and not like Yoongi. Yoongi. That bastard who let your face get mutilated. Who left you all alone and in danger from the greatest threat possible. Was it for Hobi's sake that Jay kept his teeth from sinking into your flesh again? Or maybe this was just a long con. Maybe he knew how much Hobi's absence would hurt you. Either way Suga was pissed. He was always angry these days but today he seethes. 

   He needed to get better. Needed to be able to protect you and keep you safe. Today served as just a reminder of how far away from that he truly was. He needs to reach out to some of his old contacts. Needs to build an empire that can protect you. 

   “Suga?” you call again rushing over to him out of breath. You are late and have had to run part of the way to get to him in time. You hate being late to pick him up. To save money though you had started to take the bus there and today you had missed it after trying to do a little cleaning around the apartment. 

   He looks up at you, your flushed face the frantic way you are rushing over to him. He looks at his watch and scowls. You’re five minutes late and you’re freaking out. He makes you feel this way. Scared. He makes you feel scared. How could he not? Yoongi had burned them alive. Suga at least had had the intelligence to keep his crimes a secret. Keep you out of the mud he let himself be encrusted with. It had worked too. Until it hadn't. “You’re out of breath” 

   It comes out like an accusation and you pause. Counting to three in your head. Grumpy. He’s always grumpy around PT. He’s not mad at you, you remind yourself. You haven't done anything wrong. “I missed the bus”

   “Why didn't you take a car? '' The smile on your lips is so obviously forced this time that even you know it won't fool anyone. The money talk. How many fights had you had about that subject? You know you need to get a job. Suga knows you need to get a job. His money is running out and so is the life insurance your mother had left you. You can’t leave him like this. Not when a private nurse would just cost more than you would bring in. You had nightmares about him falling. 

    “I like the bus”

    “Bullshit.”

    “Well we can take a car back so it will work out just fine” 

    “You should just leave me to the state” he says bitterly. It's your turn to scowl. You both know there is no way you’d be able to do that. You were a fool for not having planned for this. For having wasted money and time you could have been making more money on studying. You couldn't even go back to your old job. Not with your face like this. 

   “You shouldn’t talk like that”

   “Just shut up. I hate when you rush to come get me like I'm a child. We aren't kids anymore! You need to take care of yourself!” 

   “I am!”

   “Look at yourself! You didn't even do your makeup” You inhale sharply and Suga cringes back into the bench. That wasn't what he meant. He knows how you feel about it. Know how much it bothers you. Your hand goes to your face trying to hide the long scar. He watches the tears well up in your eyes and you hastily try and wipe them away.

   He’s in pain.

   He’s in pain and he didn't mean it. 

   “That’s not” you hold your hands up in a stopping motion. 

   “The car is going to be over there. I'm going to take the bus home ok. Just…call me if you need me alright?” Yoongi grabs your arm and you both know it's not enough to hold you there. You stay where you are. 

   “I’m sorry. Look. Let me go home and do my shit alone today. I promise I’ll do them but… will you take the night off. I know… I know what I'm like” his voice trembles just a bit and he clears his throat “I know it's hard. I'm sorry”

   “It's not” not what? not his fault? Maybe, but to you he is Yoongi, he is that ass hole who did this to you. too both of you. He should have found this you sooner. This you who, who he can still help. If he only gets stronger.

   “It is” he grabs his wallet and hands you the rest  of the cash he has on him. It's a significant amount. More than the two of you can afford. “Look. pick us up for dinner and those things you put in the bath that makes it smell good. And the wine you like the pink stuff”

   “Y–suga you don't need to”

   “If I could walk as far as I wanted to, I'd get you flowers as big as your head and I don't know all that romantic shit you like.” he struggles to his feet and kisses the scar on your cheek. “You’re beautiful. You have always been beautiful. You are still beautiful” He sees the unbelief in your eyes. He wants to take more time. To assure you. Maybe to mend the hurt between you and for your relationship to grow into what it always was meant to be. He can’t not yet. Not until he can make this broken body capable of the one thing it should have been conditioned to be. To protect you. To finally keep you safe. He had lost count of your lifeless corpses. This time, he would make sure you live.

   “You’ll call me? If you need help? If you need anything” he gently wipes at the tears that still linger on your face. He nods slowly and deliberately.

    “Take a car”

    “That's to much. I'll take the bus. I'll see you tonight” He almost leans in for another kiss. Then he pulls back and gives your hand a squeeze. His eyes never leave your face. He needs you to go. It's an old trope he can’t help it. He hates to see you go but he does like to watch you leave. 

     You take a seat on the bus and you try to figure out what to do. Where to go with your freedom. No, don't think about it like that you tell yourself. What to do with your spare time. You check your phone for movie times. Maybe you could watch one. Really calm down. Maybe something really romantic where no one gets sick and no one gets hurt and the worst thing that happens to anyone is someone gets their heart broken. 

    You check your phone for the nearest movie theater. It's in a part of town you don't know well, you and Hobis' circle had always been fairly close to the hospital so those nights he was on call would be less horrible. It doesn't look that complicated to get there and it's only fifteen minutes away from the bus stop. 

   You buy your ticket online. The romcom in question has a dog on the cover so you quickly google does the dog die. You're not sure you can handle doggie death at the moment. It seems like the dog does not die. Good. even better you've wasted nearly the whole bus ride. You get off and look around. Ok maybe there was a reason you didn't come over here. It certainly looks more run down then the part you had started to grow accustomed to. Still it wasn’t as bad as where you grew up. The worst part was just all the closed buildings. It gave the place a deserted feel. Empty.

   You try not to draw any parallels. Try not to dwell on the empty spot in your life that Hobi has left. The one that you try not to hope Suga will fill. The one that you definitely do hope he fills. It's complicated. Wanting both, knowing neither are really good for you but also knowing that either of them would probably be the best you could ever have. 

   You felt lucky. Despite everything. Two great loves. How many people went through life with none and you had two. True Suga didn't touch you. He looked at your face and stopped and Hobi, shit. You shoot a prayer up to anyone who might be listening that Hobi gets the help he needs. That this is just a mental health crisis. That the sinister feeling you can’t shake is more than that. Does that make you a terrible person? A superstitious fool who would accuse a person suffering from schizophrenia of witchcraft? 

    Your hand drops to your stomach. Like the touch on the outside will sooth the storm that's brewing. It won't. You still have to try. Sometimes you think that's one of your better qualities. Today you do not feel quite the same way. You should be paying more attention. If you had perhaps you would have noticed faster. 

    You had clasped the phone. Your first instinct is to call Suga. The familiar surroundings bring you right back to your childhood. You hand hovers over the button. Then you think of how he has to struggle to his feet. The wince in his eyes. The pain in his face when he found you rotting in your room. Unable to take back the pain you had gone through. The fire. You can't. There is no way you can do that to him again. 

    Fuck. Fuck Fuck Fuck fuck fuck. The footsteps are getting closer. You don't want to turn around. You are suddenly sure that if you do it will be that serial killer who will take your eyes and your fingers. A second worse thought comes to your brain unbidden. What if it's that cop? That awful cop who threatened to throw you over the balcony. Your breathing is getting faster. You only have one other option. One other person who gives a shit whether you live or die.

    Or at least did. He had helped you with that cop. He lives in the area and if  his schedule is the same he dosen't work. You dial the number. What other choice do you have? 

   Jay stands up and grabs the phone. Your ringtone is special. Hobis favorite song. He doesn't respond to your texts. He’s trying, really trying to end this. Without your death. He shoves the man whose mouth he was just inside to the ground. “H…hello?” you whisper into the phone. Your tone has him immediately on edge. He starts pulling on clothes off the other man he hasn’t bothered to learn the name of who looks suspiciously like Suga, he doesn't care. He just needs something to put on “I didn’t know who else to call” you sound frightened. You sound terrified. When he says nothing you  let out a sniffle and your voice trembles even more. “I think someones following me” 

    Jay runs to his car. He doesn't even remember the dash there “Where are you?! Where the fuck are you” Namjoon. It's Namjoon and he's stalking you and he’s going to have to watch you die again. This time he’ll go right to Suga and have him kill him. Bring a gun so he can do it quickly so he can try again.

   He can’t not this time. Not this you. He thinks about the way you touched him. The way your lips had formed around the words I love you. He had forced you more than once to say those words but this time it was real. Hobi was real and 

    “I don't know. I turned down a street” you get out breathy and scared almost as scared as him.

    “Send me your location” he’s screaming it at you. You actually let out a sob and lower your hands to send him your location.  He hears a smack and your phone falls to the ground, a whimper coming from your lips. Someone picks up the phone. 

   “Who’s on the phone, pretty lady?” your voice is muffled but he thinks he can just hear you try to get up. You don't know how to answer. Jay hears another impact followed by a muffled yelp. 

    “The cops! They know where I am so just leave me a–” another impact. 

   “Who is this?” A voice that is clearly not Namjoon's. Jay lets out a sigh of relief. “I don’t think you're telling the truth bitch.” The phone goes dead. Jay wants to crush it but instead looks at the location. The same street Namjoon pulled you off of. He tries to remember what had Namjoon had done to you before taking you to that warehouse? To his warehouse. How many bruises was he able to count on your body over the grainy footage? He remembers the split lip. 

    He makes it to the nearest place he can make it in his car before heading off on foot. The sound of the whimper burning into his brain. It's not hard to find you. He just has to follow the sound of your crying. It couldn't be more cliche if it had shown up in a drama. Beautiful woman pressed up against the corner, begging for her attacker not to hurt her. This is the part the hero shows up. He can feel Hobi. Can feel him strain to get to you.

    Jay sees an opportunity. He can feel the hate for him leaking from Hobi. Jay knows though. Knows that this man won't kill you. He knows he should be staying away but how many nights have he spent pouring over your pictures? How fast would this drive you into his arms? Prove that a nose broken here or there as for your own good That you needed him. He could use this to get you and keep you. Not Hobi, him. He watches the man spin you around like you are a rag doll, take a good look at your face and laugh. The contents of your purse are already strewn about. He hears you frighteningly ask what he wants. Do you not know? What do men like this always want? He can hear when the man spits on you. 

   The moment you go quiet. 

   Just a little more and you would be too scared to leave your apartment. What could Suga do in this new weak body to keep you safe? He had failed even at his peak. Your hands weakly go to protect your head from another blow but it doesn't come. Instead there is ripping fabric and Jays leg bounces. Every cell in Hobis body screams at him. Put yourself in between them. Do something! HELP HER. He needs to keep you safe. Hobis mind can fathom being a shield for you. For both of you to end the day bruised if not broken. There is another impact when you try once more to resist the man. Your lip splits open. Jay has a better solution than a shield. He calmly grabs the man by his hair and slams him into the brick above your head. He watches your expressions. The relief followed by the fear and then the nausea as he slams the head into the wall again and again. He doesn't drop the man till he’s sure he's dead. Jay looks down at you, huddled against the wall. You’re splattered in blood and he has to admit. When it's not yours, he likes it. 

   You watch his face change and Hobi looks at the man in horror. It's only there for a moment before Jay pulls out his phone and starts making calls. Jay has been busy and he already has the contacts to clean this up. He touches your face as he dials his calls. Gently probing each injury. When he's done he lifts you up. 

   You haven't said anything. “Do you want me to take you home?” you shake your head in horror. Suga can’t see you like this. If this is what Hobi did, what would Suga do? What if he hurts himself again? Jay can’t help but smile just a bit but it quickly turns to a frown when his hand trails down to your neck. Is that a bruise? A fucking hand print?How had he let himself think even for a moment  that he should let it continue? He does what he needs to. He lets Hobi out. Hobi who wanted nothing more to help you. He needs to protect you. Both of you. He forces a false memory into Hobis’ stream of consciousness. Lets him believe the man is not dead, and that he’s called for help. That his oath to do no harm is still, mostly, intact. “Is he dead?” you ask in a still trembling voice.

    Hobi looks down at you like a man waking from a dream. He’s so confused and he looks at the man. He remembers calling for help. Remembers feeling his pulse but this is clearly a dead man at his feet. His mind struggles to merge the realities and it hurts. A quiet voice that almost sounds like his own soothes him. Tells him not to worry. To answer you. “No, he’s alive. I'm going to take you to my place ok?” 

  He stoops down to pick up your strewn about items from the ground. The wad of cash that he knows you don't have to just throw around, your id, your credit cards. Jay hadn't even considered it. The pieces of your life that anyone could pick up and use to take your life apart, a piece here, a part there. He loads you into his car, buckling you in and smoothing the seat belt. There’s a tremble in his hand. The voice in the back of his head tells him it's going to be ok. The voice is gentle. The way he only has ever been with you on occasion. All the good in him is summed up here. In this man, and he's tearing him apart.

   There’s no talking on the ride home. Just the sound of  the road and the quiet sound of you trying to stifle your tears. He pulls into his designated spot. “I'm going to therapy. I… I don't know how I did that but. He was hurting you.” You turn to look at him. You look so unsure, so lost. 

   “Are you getting help?” you ask in a tiny voice. He can hear the voice laugh. I am helping you, it whispers. He got out of the car to hide his unease. This is new. This talking is new. He opens your door and offers you his hand.

   “I am. I would never do what he did to you. I would never leave you like that” he whispers in your ears as he leads you up to his new apartment. He lets you set the pace. Let me lead. You hover at the threshold  “you don't have to go in” you don’t have to forgive me. You don't have to let me into your life again. You both hear it. 

    “I miss you Hobi. I miss you so much” You enter his apartment. 

   While you shower Hobi calls Suga. He explains what happened. The mugging. In vague terms. He promises to bring you back home tomorrow. 

    He does. 

    He doesn't really leave after that. 

    Not when both of you confess how hard it's been. How mean he gets when he’s in pain and how much he wants it not to be to you. The move in is slow. And it’s surprising to you how welcome he is. How much Suga likes him. Even when it becomes clear you are together. The lines though, it is funny how they start to blur. 

   How like a page exposed to water, with an ink drawing bleeds your lives start to bleed together. It seems to be better. Hobi seems to be himself. Suga watches though. Watches for the flashes of Jay. He knows he's there. Just under the surface. He waits for him, but he hopes that Hobi will win out. That Jay will disappear the way that Yoongi has. He even convinces himself he has. 

    Until he sees him. 

    He comes out at dinner when a waiter hits on you. This time he at least waits till you go to the bathroom. Jay grins at him. A wink, a sinister gaze that has Suga grip his dinner knife. He’s grateful. Despite it. Because when Jay threatens to kill the man, at least he can.

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

[dragonsaffron]

!! For the OCs

(In reference to a post I reblogged about a month ago. For every "!!" I get, I'll ramble about one of my OCs)

So what happened when I found this ask was, first of all, I spent about half an hour digging through my blog history trying to find out what ask game this was in reference to. Then I realized that this was going to be a nightmare, because I have so many OCs. Just. So many. In fact I have so many that I'm going to write them all down and roll a d8 just to figure out which one to talk about 1: Eva Espada 2: Fanta (yes that's her name) 3: Harriet Norman, Last Baroness of Swanford 4: Catherine Sierra 5: Quinn Brandeis (the only man on this list) 6: Emma Farrier 7: Joyce Alonhall, The Blackbird 8: Lindír Heimirsson aka Lindír Chained-flame And I rolled a 5. So let's talk about Quinn Sebastian Brandeis.

Quinn is a supporting character in my novel The Earthborn Emissary (and tbh if I ever write a sequel to that one, he'd probably be the protagonist of that one). He's eighteen years old, he's day, he deals weed, and he's a cyborg. In the book, his best friend Cathy (#4 on the list) gets sick, develops a chrysalis, and wakes up as a four-armed insect person called an Emissary. When Cathy has to flee the planet Earth to escape the cybernetic soldiers of the Order of the Pale Star, Quinn volunteers to go along for moral support. At the end of the book, he gets captures by the Order and is subjected to a bunch of cybernetic modification in order to convert him into one of their cambion soldiers, a process which is cut short by some plot stuff happening. Quinn is sort of loosely based on a couple of people I knew in high school, taking different traits from each of them. He's very much a modern-day rogue archetype, he can pick locks, he can sneak around, he knows how to use a knife; he grew up with a single mom and got into Crimes pretty early on, so he definitely knows how to take care of himself. His personality was inspired by one person in particular, this heavy sarcasm and sharp political awareness, combined with the kind of bone-deep cynicism that only a Gen Z teen about to graduate from high school can manage. It's a sharp contrast to the other two leads, Catherine Sierra and their girlfriend Miri Hewitt, who both lean towards the sheltered nerd end of the spectrum.

My favorite moment with Quinn, and one of his defining character moments, was the time he managed to get lost in a marketplace on a completely alien world, and within 24 hours had sold some of his blood in exchange for drugs that he then shared with Cathy.

I still feel like I didn't do much with Quinn. He wasn't the main character, and Earthborn Emissary was a first person POV book, so he didn't get nearly as much depth as any of the other characters. Miri had a whole romance arc, and even the adult supporting cast were involved with Cathy's growing up. Quinn was just sort of there. I'd originally even planned that his heroic sacrifice moment at the end of the book would lead to him being killed instead of just captured and experimented on, but I realized that that would be a waste for someone who had had so little focus as it was, and just kind of be an awkward fridging moment that didn't add much besides to make the book's tone darker. So he lived, with some added machine parts, and got to return to Earth at the end of the book.

This is what I mean, btw, when I say that my OCs are different from usual because I'm a writer. They're all tied fairly heavily to the stories I created them for, (except for RPG character OCs, I guess). And if anyone read this far and wants to hear about some of the other OCs on that list, then my asks are open.

Also, not to self-advertise, but if you want to actually read the book that Quinn originated from, it's on my wordpress page. The title is The Earthborn Emissary, and the whole thing is available there for free.