#give me power of love bullshit I wanna see these two kick ass together in harmony

[star-shapedfruit]

Let's talk about Chapter 107- Part Deux (Ex Machina)

Man. Man.

Follow up post from this. Might as well keep this as a series because I guess verbal diarrhoea is a coping mechanism for me. Thoughts and predictions again. Spoilers below

So it appears that yes, Hiyori is 100% dead now since we saw her memories through Yato (broke my fucking heart btw) and we're going down the shinki route.

Yato didn't want to name her. He had no choice. He had just watched the love of his life be murdered right in front of him and was about to see her be transformed into his Father's monstrous puppet. Naming her there and then before Father got the chance to was the only way to save her. This is the most brutal fucking chapter in the entire series I swear to GOD. (Though I think most of us can agree that from the small glimpse of Hakki we have so far, she looks gorgeous. That sakura design.. 🥺)

But seriously I'm hoping and praying that Hiyori is somehow going to retain her memories and either bypass the GGS or be pretty much immune to it. Like I said before, she's a special case. Because she already had ties to the Far Shore and to multiple gods, she might get a sort of get out of jail free card here. Plus it would just interrupt the flow of the finale to a really weird extent if she lost all of her memories. It'd be too jarring and weird imo. Perhaps she initially has all of them but then over time her Near Shore memories will eventually fade away.

(Reiterating what I said in the previous post. I have no idea how this is going to affect other shinkis with her being around in regards to the GGS. Or even if her existence will be allowed by Amaterasu. It's not like Ammy can wipe everyone's memories of Hiyori to safeguard them. But hey)

Also the fact that his shinkis are literally Snow White? Lol.

Lets say she retains her memories. Will she still be called Hiyori or will she have to go by Shirone even if hearing her name won't break her? Maybe it'll be a closely guarded secret by her and Yato. Having her name on a part of her body that can't be seen (like over her heart for instance because thematics) means it's hidden from view from anyone else, therefore nobody can use that name against her (KAZUMA. 👀) An extra layer of protection for her. It'll be her and Yato's (and probably Yukine's too) secret.

Speaking of Yukine, I'm guessing he's going to be out of action for this final final fight. With Hiyori slicing the Koto No Ha in half like an absolute boss ass bitch, it's likely that The Nation will collapse and everyone will return to their regular forms. Yukine will probably be in a bad shape and unfit to fight let alone even transform into Sekki. Meaning it's going to be Yato and Hiyori Vs Father working together as one. The Deux Ex Machina has appeared and she is pissed.

(Literally though, first thing she does as a weapon is take a slice at Father and the brush. I didn't even realise she'd cut his fingers til the second read through. Looks like she might have even got his neck too? Dare I say...? Slay?)

So yeah. I'm hoping that because of her original ties to Yato and the Far Shore, her memories may not be lost. The two of them will team up to take down Father as possibly the most powerful shinki we've seen so far. Nobody has been able to make a dent in the Koto No Ha until now. Which is possibly why this is why the story is going this way. Yato has tried and failed to take down Father multiple times. He couldn't use Yukine for his final confrontation for obvious reasons so he went on a search to find a suitable and powerful enough shinki to take his place, and that ended up being Kazuma. Obviously didn't work out as intended though.

Funny how maybe the person he's needed to take down Father all along is Hiyori. Father might have ended up winning in the end but by killing her, he's essentially doomed himself.

[myheelsdontmatchmysweatpants]

Such a pretty event!!! May I have a Red Lily with Denki, please?

I am SO SORRY for taking forever to finish this. Clearly I have no chill and it is a tiny bit longer than I thought it would be. I hope you like this!

Red Lily (Passion) with Denki

Warnings: Swearing, mutual pining, sexual tension, making out, mention of a b0ner

WC: 4.4k words 

Denki still couldn’t believe his luck, here he was, with you, working on his quirk. He didn’t think much of it when he was sitting in the sitting area of the 3A dorms off handedly asking if anyone wanted to spar.

He got a look of annoyance from Bakugo, confusion from Kirishima and amusement from Mina and Sero. A sound of someone running up behind him had him turning his head to you clapping and excitedly jumping up and down.

“Oh, oh oh! Umm I would actually LOVE-” You see the looks on the other people’s faces and clear your throat, before continuing. “I wouldn’t mind helping you out Kaminari, if you still want to that is…” You looked down at the ground, playing with the hem of your shirt too nervous to look him in the eye.

Denki is still staring at you, his mouth wide open. You want to practice with him? The girl he’s been pining over since you stood up to that 2B prick saying that he isn’t worth the powerful quirk he has. He will never forget the look on your face as you yelled….

“How dare you! Kaminari works just as hard as everyone else! He is talented and strong, and you are weak for saying bullshit like that!” You are fuming, cheeks red fists balled at your sides, you were at least several inches shorter than the jackass and yet you seemed to tower over him.

After he stomps away red faced you turn to the rest of the class with rage in your eyes before blinking and looking away shyly. “I um... he deserved it.” You back to your seat, no one really knowing what to say. Denki can see admiration in most people’s faces, even Bakugo’s. When you sit down at your seat and stare at your desk Denki doesn’t realize he is staring until Mina throws a note at him.

You look like a lovestruck fish! Close your mouth!

Denki feels a thump to the back of his head. “Fuckin Ow! What the hell?” He turns and sees Bakugo with a glare on his face and a closed book in his hand.

“You haven’t answered her question dumbass!” Bakugo glances at you and goes back to his book.

Rubbing the back of his head he turns and sees you still nervously standing in front of him.

Shit

“Yes! I mean, umm yeah I’m down for that.” He feels Kirishima kick his leg and flinches. “Thank you! I’ll meet you outside in 20?”

Your head shoots up, your eyes wide and shining. “Okay! Yeah! I’ll see you in a bit!” You turn away and skip to the stairs a big smile on your face. You are out of sight of the group when Kirishima claps Denki on the back.

“You almost blew it there man! Good thing Bakugo helped you out.”

“Oi! I did not help him out! I was helping myself out by getting rid of sparky and L/N for at least an hour.” Bakugo doesn’t even look up from his book as he punches Kirishima.

“Of course, BakuBro! Whatever you say!” Kirishima shoots a knowing smile to Mina and Sero, none of them really believing the explosive blondes excuse.

Mina hops up and sits next to Denki. “Soooo! Looks like your gonna have some alone time with L/N! Are you finally gonna confess to her?”

His face goes red, simultaneously imagining you accepting his confession or rejecting it. “I-I-I I don’t know about that. She looked like she really wanted to spar… I don’t want to make it weird.”

“If you don’t I will.” Denki’s head shoots up and he looks at his friends, all four of them pointedly looking away from him. “I’m sorry what!? Mina?”

“What?! She’s amazing and smart and sweet. I like people Kaminari, doesn’t matter how they identify.”

“Kirishima?”

“Uh, Haha yeah dude she’s like super manly and you remember when she helped us out with English last year after Bakugo gave up? Not that I like her as much as you but if you don’t make a move….” Kirishima shrugs his shoulders.

“Then get out of the way you’re holding up the line.” Sero leans back on the couch, crossing his arms, a smile on his face.

Denki coughs and wearily turns to Bakugo. “You too Bakugo?”

Bakugo looks up and stares him down with piercing red eyes. “I’m not a liar fuckin dumbass, stop being a pussy and ask her.” He looks back down at his book, a slight blush on the tips of his ears.

Everyone decides to ignore it in favor of staying alive, Denki gets up and heads to his dorm room to change, Sero and Kirishima in tow.

When you get to your floor you beeline for Jirous’ room, needing to talk to the cool-headed girl before getting changed.

You bust into the room without knocking, causing Jirou and her girlfriend of 2 years Momo to split apart from each other, lips glossy and faces red. You shut the door behind you and sit in the bed, pushing their feet aside.

“You are not going to believe what just happened!” You jump back up and start pacing.

“You just barged into my room without knocking and interrupted my private time with my girlfriend… again?” Jirou lays down on the bed with a huff, sending an annoyed look to Momo.

Momo knows you don’t do it on purpose and decides to take pity on you, grabbing Jirous hand she turns to look at your pacing form. “What is going on L/N?”

“I’m going to be sparring with Kaminari!!!” You stop and look at your two friends, stopping your pacing but wringing your hands, suddenly nervous. “Oh god, I’m going to be sparring with Kaminari! What if I embarrass myself? What if I knock him out or give him a bloody nose! What if I fart?!”

You sit down on a desk chair and put your head in your hands, suddenly regretting speaking up when you heard him ask for a sparring partner.

“For the love of- “Jirou sits up to yell at you but Momo interrupts.

“N/N, it’s gonna be fine! We have handled numerous villain attacks and being in a class with not only Bakugo but Mineta as well. I promise you can handle it.” She sits up and leans over to pat you on the head.

You take a couple of deep breaths and look back up at your friends. “Thanks, you guys I needed a rational person to talk me down. I love you.”

Momo taps your nose and Jirou shakes her head with a smile on her face. “Anytime you drama queen, you know we love you too.”

You get up and say your goodbyes before hurrying to your room to change.

When you get back down stairs you are wearing your cutest workout gear and have a duffle bag with you.

No need for makeup, I’m gonna be sweating anyway and it’s not like he hasn’t seen me looking worse.

When you walk towards the front doors the Baku squad is huddled around the couch trying their best to look like they aren’t spying on you.  

“Real smooth you guys, real subtle. Hey Dynamight!”

“What do you fuckin want?!” Bakugou looks up from his book, red eyes blazing.

You try and fail to hold in a laugh. “Your Uhhh Haha, Your book is upside down.” Before he can throw it, you run outside almost colliding with Denki in the process.

“Woah there sparkplug!” Denki grabs your shoulders and steadies you with a small smile on his face. “Let me guess, running from Bakugou?”

You want to answer him, you really do. But he lost you at sparkplug and now you forgot what words are. “Uh umm w-what?” You shake your head trying to jumpstart your brain. “Did-did you just call me sparkplug?”

Denki’s eyes widen and he let’s go of your shoulders, putting a hand behind his head and rubbing his neck. “Oh Haha, yeah I uh I did.” He stands there for a moment, looking everywhere except at you. “OH! I’m – I’m sorry if you didn’t like it! It just kinda came out and oh geez I’m so sorry.”

His frantic waving breaks you out of your stupor and you giggle. “Don’t worry about it Kaminari! I actually… kinda …. Liked it?” Your face goes red and just as Denki opens his mouth to comment you start walking off at a brisk pace. “We better start getting over to the gym or it’s gonna be too late!”

Denki doesn’t follow immediately, cemented to the spot.

She liked it. She liked it!

He hears a knock on the windows and looks up, Mina and Kirishima yelling at him. He can’t hear it, but he doesn’t need to when they keep repeating, “Follow her you idiot!”

You keep walking, not even checking to see if Denki is following you.

I kinda liked it! Really Y/N? Just call yourself out why don’t you. God, I hope that didn’t freak him out. Alright, it’s fine. Just breath, just forget about it and move on.

You are taking deep breaths and giving yourself an internal pep talk when Denki catches up to you.

“So Uhhh, what ummm what do you wanna work on today?”

You can tell he is trying his best to ease the awkward tension, thankful really. You hoist the strap of your duffel higher on to your shoulder and glance at him.

“Well, you are the one who asked for a partner so I figured I would let you make that decision. But if you don’t have any ideas, I did have some of my own.” You both get to the doors of the gym stopping at a metal door that reveals a keypad. As you type in a password that was given to you by Aizawa, Denki can’t help but check you out.

You are in a pair of black slip-on shoes, a dark green pair of workout leggings with a matching zip up. The colors complimenting your beautiful skin, the pants stretched tight across your ass.

He rubs his hands over his face, closing his eyes and yelling at himself.

What am I doing? What if she doesn’t like being looked at like that, by me, or anyone. Stupid Kaminari, get it together!

You clear your throat, and he peeks through his fingers, you have a concerned look on your face one eyebrow raised.

“You okay there Kami?” You reach out and poke his forehead, to preoccupied with how adorable he looks with his hands covering his face to be worried about touching him.

Denki’s face turns red and his eyes widen. “Kami?”

“Yeah, Haha. I figured if you’re gonna call me a nickname I’ll call you one too!” You walk off with a smile on your face and a blush on your cheeks.

She’s so pretty I’m gonna die.

Denki takes a breath, dropping his hands from his face and accepts the fact he is indeed going to die because you are so pretty. But first he needs to figure out a way to make you his if you want to be.

As you walk to the middle of the gym you drop your duffle bag and start stretching, waiting for Denki to join you.

“I really didn’t think anyone was going to take me up on my offer, so I don’t have any ideas for sparring. I’ll just follow your lead on this.” Denki drops his water bottle on top of your duffle and starts stretching next to you.

“Well, I know you have been struggling with hand-to-hand combat since that wasn’t an option with your quirk until recently so I think that would be the best place to start.” You finish stretching your arms and sit on the floor to continue with your legs. You turn your head to look up at Denki and not realizing he was so close to you, look directly at his crotch. You can’t help but stare, he was wearing grey joggers for Christ sakes! And boy did he fill them out, he maybe more on the lean side but that does not mean he isn’t built. And hung apparently if that imprint is any indication.

You feel your face get tomato red and swear you can feel your nose start bleeding. You turn your head quickly and clear your throat. “Did you want me to use a specific persons fighting style or your good with a wildcard?”

You can see Denki thinking about It for a moment, sitting down to finish his stretches and sticking the tip of his tongue out.

God he is so cute, I just wanna kiss his face.

“Let’s go with wildcard, I can’t think of any specific people. Plus…. I trust your judgement.” He stands up and offers his hand to you.

You take it without hesitation but when you stand up neither of you makes a move to let go. You are both looking at the ground and when you look up and meet each others eyes you both move away.

“Alrighty then! Let’s get started” You walk to the middle of a circle painted on the ground for sparring and get into a fighting stance.

Your quirk was very handy for practicing like this and helping others with combat. Your quirk was both mental and physical, your brain being able to learn any fighting style after seeing it once and your body being able to replicate it. The draw back was that most people base their fighting style off of their quirks (which you can’t replicate) but that did help you in terms of defense.

“Just don’t use your quirk yet, I don’t have anything to protect me from getting zapped.” You knew Denki wouldn’t try to hurt you but mentioning it out loud made you feel better.

You both stood in the circle, waiting for the other to make the first move. You were still trying to figure out what style you wanted to fight him in when he lunged for you, reaching out to grab one of your arms. You dodged to the side, turning so your back was to him and putting his arm over your shoulder. You lean back then lurch forward pulling his arm and crouching so he flips over you and lands on his back in front of you.

You hear the air leave his lungs, but you have both been through a lot of training in your three years and he recovers quickly. Flipping on to his stomach he gets his arms underneath his chest and pushes up getting on to his feet quickly. This time he waits for you to attack. You are both circling each other before you run at him and then slide going for his feet, he catches on to your move and runs towards you. He jumps over your body turns and grabs one of your arms twisting it to flip you over on your stomach. Before you can get up, he bends your arm behind your back and pins you with his body, straddling your hips and pushing down on your back.

You both stop moving, trying to catch your breath before you tap out. Denki scrambles to get off of you and help you up. “Oh shit, sorry sparkplug! You okay?”

You lean over with your hands on your hips still out of breath and wave him off. “Yeah… m’fine…. Just…. need a minute.” You walk over to your duffle bag tossing him his water bottle and grabbing your before taking slow sips. You wipe your face with the back of your hand and put your water bottle down. Now WAY to hot after sparring you unzip your jacket revealing a sheer tank top with a sports bra underneath.

Denki is still drinking water, so he doesn’t notice until you walk over rolling your shoulders and neck. His is mid drink when he sees you, eyes going wide choking on his water.

You jog up to him rubbing his back with a concerned look on your face. “Hey, hey! You alright Kami? What the hell happened?”

He finally gets his breathing under control and stands up straight turning to you. “Wow! That was weird! I’m alright Haha, you ready for another round?” His face is red, rubbing the back of his neck his eyes darting from your top to your face.

You chose to keep your face neutral, not giving any sign that you know what his problem is. But you can’t help but both scream internally in embarrassment and laugh in “karma bitch”.

So, he is checking me out 100% and I might melt but it’s only fair since I got an eye full of the cervix destroyer.

“Yeah, I’m ready, you ready to get your ass handed to you?” You smirk, pushing his shoulder as you walk past.

He laughs, happy you haven’t caught on to his ogling. “If I’m remembering correctly, I won the first round.”

“Well yeah!” Shrugging your shoulders, you get back into a fighting stance. “But that was just the warmup.”

It had been about 2 hours before you both decided to end after the next fight. You had both won multiple fights, but Denki had taken the lead 6-5.

You were both sweating, breathing heavy, you had taken off the sheer top over your sports bra and Denki had taken off his t-shirt.

Thank god he was wearing a tank top underneath but that has been distracting none the less.

You and Denki stand at either end of the circle, watching each other for the slightest movement. You move first, running towards the left side of his body. You knew he always had an opening on that side, even if he were quick at closing it in his tired state you could probably get him this time.

Fate was on your side; you could see the realization on his face just a second to late for him to do anything about it.

You jump at Denki bringing your legs up to wrap around his upper torso, using the momentum to swing around and knock him to the ground. You land, him on his back and you on top of him straddling his waist a hand on either side of his head. Your hair had come undone and was hanging down, a curtain shielding both of your faces from the outside world.

Neither of you makes a move, looking into each other’s eyes, breathing in the others breath, your lips just shy of brushing together. You can see the want in his eyes, the same look reflected on yours. He brings his hands up and caresses your thighs, just before you close the distance you hear a cough.

“I believe I said you could use this room for practice, not…. That.” You both look up, your hair parting just enough so both of you have a view of your homeroom teacher glaring at you with tired eyes.

Denki and you look back at each other and then scramble to move apart. You turn towards Aizawa and bow apologizing and grab your things to leave. Denki isn’t behind you; in fact, he has his back to you, and you can tell that his neck is bright red. “Kami! Let’s go!”

Denki turns and glances at you with nervous eyes. “Oh uh, I gotta talk to Aizawa so I’ll see you later!”

“Alright! Yeah see you later.” You hurry past your teacher, eyes downcast. Walking back to the dorm you try to figure out what Denki could possibly need to talk to the teacher for.

It’s the weekend, and he never talks to the teacher, he isn’t getting bad grades so…. OH MY GOD

You suddenly stop walking, your face bursting into flames. Before you got up Denki had shifted while you were on top of him and you could have sworn something poked your thigh.

“Oh god, what if Sensi didn’t walk in at that moment? Would we have ended up having sex?”

You think about it for a moment, your brain going from embarrassed to pissed in a matter of seconds.

“Did I just get cock blocked by my homeroom teacher?!” You continue walking to the dorm pissed off, tired of the sexual tension and mutual attraction between you and Denki not going anywhere.

If he isn’t gonna make the first move, then I will.

Denki finally walks back to the dorms, crestfallen. Aizawa knew exactly why he stayed behind, giving him a talking to about initiating that kind of behavior in public. As soon as his teacher started talking his issue calmed down and then he had to wait until he stopped lecturing.

As he is walking back to the dorms his quirk is sparking left and right, his mind going into self-destruction mode.

Dude! A boner? What the actual fuck is wrong with you? What if she felt it? Were you going to kiss? Her eyes are so pretty up close. Why did you get a hard on? That’s it, I’m digging a hole behind the dorms and living in it.

He is almost to the building when you walk up to him, a determined look on your face. “Hey uh L/N, I am so sorry about that. I didn’t mean to get us in trouble and – “You stop just short of bumping into his chest and look up.

“I like you. Do you like me too?”

Denki stops talking and just stares down at you.

“I’ve liked you since you found me crying after class and told me all those horrible jokes to help me feel better.”

Denki’s eyes go wide. “That, that happened in our first year!”

“Yes, it was.” You are still looking up at him, your face getting red, worry seeping into your eyes.

Denki is trying his best to talk, to assure you he does also like you, to say something but words are failing him. He can feel his quirk acting up, probably seconds from ruining this moment so he does the only thing he can think of.

“Mmmphf” Denki wraps an arm around your waist pulling you close, cups the back of your head, and crushes his lips against yours. You are shocked for a moment, literally shocked since his quirk was sparking off but the softness of his lips is intoxicating, you reach your hands up to grip his shirt.

When you start getting light headed from the lack of air you gently push Denki and he immediately pulls away. His lips are red and glossy, his eyes dark, pupils blown out.

“You okay sparkplug?”

You huff out a laugh, a small smile on your face. “I’m fine, just hoping that kiss meant you liked me too.”

“Why would it not? Do you normally kiss people you don’t like?” Denki tilts his head in question, laughter in his eyes.

You scoff. “Really Kaminari? I give you this whole heartfelt speech and- mmphf-you just-mmphf “Denki keeps kissing you, but you put your hands over his mouth, laughing. “Okay! Okay! I get it, you like me too.” Putting your forehead on his chest, you stick your lip out and pout. “The least you can do is say it out loud you know.”

Denki moves to grab your shoulders, slightly pushing you away so he can look in your eyes. You drop your hands, crossing your arms in front of you.

“I like you L/N. I’ve liked you since you stood up for me last year and I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since. I like you a lot and I want to be with you. Is – is that okay?” You can see his short burst of confidence wavering, so you take a page out of his book and lean forward to kiss him.

Later that night

“You saw them, right?”

“How could you miss them? Kaminari had a stupid smile on his face and L/N was holding his hand.”

“I saw them kissing out front.”

“I thought Kaminari was gonna zap her, it scared me for a second.”

As most of 3A is down stairs hanging out in the common room you and Denki are in yours, making up for lost time.

When you finally get up the stairs and to your room (Denki insisted on your room) its only a second after you shut your door and lock it before he pushes you against it.

His hands cupping your face, his body pressed against yours and you melt into it. He tilts his face down a bit, sucking your bottom lip into his mouth before nibbling on it and you moan. He lets go of your lip and chuckles, the slight opening allowing you to delve your tongue in. He moans this time, letting go of your face to caress the sides of your body, the heels of his hands ghosting over the side of your breasts before stopping at your hips.

When he pulls away you grab his hand and pull him to your bed, pushing him down to sit on the edge of it before getting on his lap and straddling him.

“Oh shit, are you- um are you sure you want to do this?” He rests his hand on your thighs looking at you with wide eyes.

You rest your forearms on his shoulders and kiss him softly. “We are just making out Kaminari, I just figured this more comfortable for both of us. Are you uncomfortable? I could move.” You shift, preparing to sit next to him but he grabs your hips and keeps you in place.

“No! I-I’m fine, just checking on ya.” He turns his head to kiss your arm. “You can use my first name by the way… unless you don’t want to of course.”

You hum in thought, moving so that your lips are a breath away from his ear. “Can you kiss me now…. Denki”

A shiver runs up his spine, he turns his face to kiss you, mostly tongue and teeth but passionate none the less.

Denki puts his hands under your ass and holds you to him before picking you up. He turns around still kissing you and lays you down on the bed before pulling away, hands on either side of your face.

“Y/N, if I could I’d never stop kissing you.”

@eyebagsbutglam @patchworkpuzzle @doinmybesthere

@reinawritesbnha

[canonicallysoulmates]

Just saw your post about the post phase 1 Marvel movies and the meme you used for CA:CW. So I'm here to ask and get you cancelled. What did you think about the movie? Are you Team Stark or Team Rogers?

........................................................I knew this day would come......okay, let's get me cancelled!

I hate this movie, I hate this movie with every fiber of my being. Watching it was torture, it as the longest 20hrs of my life. It was like living out one of those very confusing math problems I started this movie at 10am somehow 6pm rolls around and there are still 2hrs left! Co��o cómo?! I watched this with my mom, and when we checked how much time was left we were left looking at each other like 'que carajo what twilight zone bullshit is this?' It's one of those Marvel movies that I am so glad I did not waste my money on, I wish I could get a refund for my time but I made my choice and I shall now have to deal with it.

I hate this movie for many reasons but I'm not gonna make y'all wait any longer for what you're really here for because I know what y'all really want to know is whether I am Team Iron Man or Team Captain America. When it comes to the political aspects ie. the Accords, I am Team Neither.

Now, I cannot get into a comprehensive debate about the Accords because the writers did a shitty ass job, in a 2 and a 1/2 hour movie that felt like a lifetime, at explaining what exactly the Accords are in the movie universe. Emphasis on the movie universe, because I have seen debates go on in this motherfucking fandom where some people will bring up aspects from the comics Registration Acts but we're not talking about the comics okay, we're talking about the movies! And they're two fucking different things! And the movie did a shitty ass job at explaining what the Accords are, and that's one of the reasons I hate this movie: that it's so badly written.

But back to the point, which is where I stand on the teams when it comes to the politics, I am Team Neither because ultimately they were both idiots on how they handled this, and I think they both have good points like yes the Avengers and other superheroes should 100% be held accountable if they fuck up, the fact that they are superheroes and the "good guys" doesn't mean that their actions shouldn't have consequences but at the same time Steve's mistrust of the government and concerns that the team and others could be weaponized are also valid so I think they both have good points when it comes down to it and the smart thing to do - and in my opinion what would have made a much better film- would have been to come together and make like a counterproposal, decide on amendments, try to ensure they can get a representative so they have a voice on the table.

So, there you go when it comes to the Accords I am Team Neither however when it comes to the characters and their actions I am 1,000% Team Tony. At the end of the day he wanted to do what was best for both people and for his team, he wanted to keep the team together because he knew they were stronger together, and he was thinking long term not short term.

And then there's Steve who is an asshole in this film and completely lacks self awareness, cause there's a scene in the film after they've found out about the Accords where Steve goes "that's because he already made up his mind" about Tony and I'm just like bitch so did you, pot meet kettle, Rogers you knew from the get go that you weren't going to sign those papers don't go acting different and then like- here's the thing Steve has some very good points when it comes to the Accords but one of his points is that the UN is filled with people with agendas and agendas change which true but also motherfucker you yourself have an agenda! The whole Sokovia mess is an example that they cannot be trusted to hold themselves or each other accountable because inevitably the time will come where they'll want to protect their team mate like we see in this movie Steve do with Bucky, or how he wanted to protect Wanda because he looks at her as if she were a child not an adult. Steve, you lot are not exempt from having your own agendas and biases.

And through pretty much the entire movie, he has this whole my way or the highway attitude like this man does not know the meaning of compromise in this film, and he has such tunnel vision for Bucky- and listen! listen, listeeeeeen, I get it, I don't judge Steve for making his bestie a priority; I understand that Bucky is incredibly important to Steve, that he's the one person who's gonna look at him as just Steve and not as the Steve Rogers, I get that he carries a guilt over what happened to his friend, I understand he misses him, I understand all of that and respect the ride or die game but goddamn he was so focused on being a good friend to Bucky that he forgot about everyone and everything else and was a shit friend to Tony.

Actually a lot of people in this film were shit to Tony for no goddamn reason but Steve was such a shitty friend not telling Tony about his parents, that was a shitty ass thing to do and listen! I know what some of y'all are thinking you're thinking some version of 'he wanted to protect Tony' shut the fuck up. No, no, that's an excuse and it's a cheap one, you know damn well that was a shitty thing for Steve to do and y'all know damn well you would have reacted the same way Tony did if someone who you thought was your goddamn friend knew about something horrible that happened to people that were important to you and they never told you; that kind of shit hurts, and finding out someone you thought of as a friend doesn't care about you as much as you care about them hurts.

And y'all know goddamn well how emotions work, you know emotions aren't gonna wait for the rational brain to kick in don't some of y'all go playing dumb as if you didn't know this shit. Same way deep down all of y'all know Tony was holding his punches, that man gave Thanos a fight and got some blood if he had wanted to kill Bucky he would have. Don't none of y'all motherfuckers try to play games and act like you don't know this info.

Steve was a shit friend to Tony. Period. The least he could have done is have some empathy or compassion towards Tony when he saw his parent's being killed- and I swear to motherfucking god to the person who is getting close to their keyboard thinking of saying he showed compassion by not killing him back the fuck away from your motherfucking keyboard what did I tell you about playing stupid, this is properly tagged, stay in your fucking lane. Some of y'all be acting as if it were still 2016 and we're gonna be talking about that too, anon wanted my opinion on this film so now I'm going off.

Back to what I was saying, in some ways Steve wasn't a perfect friend to Bucky either cause he kept looking at Bucky and thinking of the guy he used to know but Bucky's not that person anymore, he's been through a lot of shit and it feels at times like Steve didn't fully realize that.

I hate Steve in this movie, I wanna punch him in the throat; he's an ass, he thinks he's above the rules, he's unaware of his own flaws, he might be a good friend to Bucky but that's it. I don't blame Steve though I blame the writers cause they're the ones who wrote him this way; moving on from Steve, I wanna talk about Wanda real quick, I don't hate the character of Wanda but I do hate the way she was written in this film, I hate that the writers expect us as an audience to look at this adult and think of her as a defenseless child who should be exempt from consequences, I hate that instead of actually doing something with her and exploring some interesting dynamics they just give her an AI boyfriend and a pinterest quote which sounds nice but falls flat especially considering she says said quote as she uses her powers (which is what people are afraid of) to send her love interest down several floors of a building. They could have done so many cool and interesting things with her, shame they didn't.

Another thing I hate about this film is what it did to the fandom, and how it was promoted because it was very much promoted as a pick your fighter, pick a side type of movie and after this movie came out I feel like the divide between Tony fans and Steve fans grew toxically and the effects are still seen to this day like some people really do be acting as if it were still 2016 and attacking others for what side they went with or for who their fav between the two is, and I'll be very honest a lot of the hate I have seen has been directed towards Tony and Tony fans. I hate that, I hate when TPTB deliberately pits fans against each other cause it just encourages a toxic environment.

Let me think was there anything that I liked about this film- wait, oh my god talking about all these other things I hate almost made me forget the thing I hate the most about this movie: it's pointless. Its existence is unnecessary; the biggest aspect of this film isn't the politics of the Accords, it's Steve and Bucky and how far Steve is willing to go for Bucky and have him by his side...but Endgame exists. The end of Endgame turns this film pointless, because the only true point of this movie is the relationship between Steve and Bucky that's the biggest takeaway from the whole thing, but then you have the end of Endgame where Steve just leaves Bucky.

I hated this film before I saw Endgame but after.....I never plan to watch Civil War again but if I did I'm pretty sure I'd self combust cause I'd be so angry I'd scream every time Steve appeared cause that son of a bitch ends up leaving; tears the whole team apart only to end up leaving his friend behind in the end.

I hate this film, I hate everything about it, well that's not true I love the Tony and Peter stuff, but aside from a couple of things I hate this movie, someone give me time stone I'm eliminating it from the timeline.

So, there you go those are my thoughts on CA: CW.

In conclusion, I am Team Neither on the Accords, Team Tony on everything else, Steve I still like you but this movie demoted you in my eyes and makes me wanna punch you in the throat.

[thearvariblues]

And They Were Roommates - Chapter 1

Slimmer Than Yennefer’s Waist

***

“I just wish he just fucking did it already, you know?” Lambert muttered, leaning against the bar counter.

“Yeah, I know,” Eskel nodded, wiping another glass dry. “He’s like a lovesick puppy.”

“And you don’t have to live with him,” Lambert groaned as he watched Geralt “help” Jaskier pack his things on the tiny stage at the back of the bar. The help consisted of Geralt doing all the work while Jaskier just stood there and watched, smiling like an idiot.

“Yes, every fucking day I see them like this, I thank all the gods I know for that,” Eskel agreed.

“Hey, Geralt!” Lambert yelled. “Aren’t you fucker supposed to be helping us close the bar? Or are you too busy playing a roadie?”

Geralt lifted his middle finger, not even looking up from Jaskier’s things.

“Fucking unbelievable,” Lambert snorted.

“By the way, aren’t you supposed to be helping, too? Because it seems to me like I am doing all the work here.”

“I’m giving you moral support or something, jeez,” Lambert sighed, rolling his eyes.

“And that prevents you from doing anything else, or…?”

“Ugh, fine. Whatever. Whose bright idea it was to close almost right after Jaskier’s gig ends, anyway?”

“You mean whose bright idea it was to plan a gig that ends at midnight,” Eskel replied. “Although there were so many people here tonight that I’m starting to think Jaskier’s really good. Probably.”

“If you have any doubts about that, don’t mention them to Geralt. He’ll gladly explain to you that Jaskier is the best thing that happened to rock music since fucking Queen.”

Eskel paused.

“Doesn’t Geralt only listen to death metal? Power, if he’s feeling particularly soft.”

“Yeah, I said rock, not metal,” Lambert chuckled. “Besides, Jaskier loves Queen.”

“Oh. I see.”

“Yeah, it’s absolutely disgusting.”

“That he loves Queen?”

“No, I mean what Geralt’s doing.”

“Well… Yeah,” Eskel chuckled, but then he suddenly paused, blinking. “Uh-oh. I think he told him something.”

“What?!” Lambert turned back to the stage, his ginger curls whipping around his head.

Jaskier was just standing there, utterly baffled, staring at Geralt with his mouth wide open. Geralt, meanwhile, was red as a beetroot, clearly trying to come up with something to say and failing.

“Oh, no, don’t you dare,” Lambert muttered. “Don’t you dare back off now, I won’t spend the next two years listening to your lovesick bullshit!”

“You don’t even know what he told him,” Eskel remarked.

“Don’t care,” Lambert shrugged. “Oh. Oh, yes. Can you see that? Jaskier’s coming closer!”

“Oh, fuck, it’s happening,” Eskel gasped, leaning against the counter next to Lambert. “It really is happening.”

“No no no, Geralt, don’t you fucking dare run away, you moron.”

“Yes, Jaskier, stop him, that’s a good boy.”

“Of course he was gonna stop him, that queer bard has been madly in love with him for years.”

“Are you allowed to say queer?”

“Jaskier calls himself that!”

“Fair point.”

“Besides, I am… Oh, god. It really is happening!”

“Jesus Christ, I can’t believe it.”

That was the moment when Jaskier and Geralt’s lips finally met in a careful, almost shy kiss.

“Yes!” Lambert yelled, jumping up and down. “Fucking finally, you hare-brained dickheads!”

Geralt pulled Jaskier closer with one arm, using his other hand to give Lambert another middle finger.

“You gotta admit they’re kind of sweet, though,” Eskel chuckled when Jaskier jumped up, wrapping both his legs around Geralt’s waist.

Lambert rolled his eyes.

“Whatever. But if I ever start being sappy like this, just promise you’re gonna kill me.”

“Oh, Lambert,” Eskel sighed. “With pleasure.”

*

Precisely six months later, Lambert was sitting on his couch, staring at Geralt in utter disbelief.

“What the fuck do you mean you’re gonna move out?!”

“I’m sorry, I really am,” Geralt sighed, taking another sip of his beer. “But we knew this roommate situation wasn’t gonna last forever, didn’t we?”

“Oh, fuck of. We’ve been living together for how long? Since your divorce. That was what, four years ago?”

“Five.”

“Even better,” Lambert snorted. “Not forever, my ass!”

“Look, Lamb, I can give you… three rents. So you have time to find another roommate or… a cheaper apartment to live in, I don’t know.”

“You know where you can shove your fucking three rents, don’t you?” Lambert growled. “Am I really that insufferable a roommate, Geralt?”

“No. Well, you’re very… yourself,” Geralt smiled.

“Thanks a lot, mate, really appreciate it.”

“Lambert. It’s not you. I just… I just want to live with my boyfriend, really.”

“Yeah, and I get it, but I…” Lambert sighed. “I fucking love this apartment, I really do, and now I’m gonna have to give it up. I could never afford a place like this on my own.”

“You just need to find another roommate, Lamb.”

“Hate to break it to you, honey, but chances that I find another person willing to put up with my bullshit are slimmer than Yennefer’s waist.”

“You know, you could just say you’re gonna miss me,” Geralt smiled.

Lambert sighed again, but then he raised to his feet and went to the kitchen. When he came back, he was holding a bottle of scotch and two glasses.

“I am gonna miss you, Geralt,” he said, placing the glasses on the table with a soft clink. “Wanna get utterly wasted one more time?”

“With you? Always,” Geralt nodded, finishing his beer.

*

Geralt’s task to speak with Lambert was a walk in the park in comparison to what Jaskier had to go through.

“So… You want me to move out, basically,” his roommate said.

“I didn’t say that, dear heart,” Jaskier sighed, pouring them another glass of wine. “You’re more than welcome to stay, it’s just…”

“It’s just that I’d have to live here with you and your boyfriend. No, thanks.” He ran his fingers through his long black hair. “It’s fine, really. I’m sure I can find a place to stay.”

“Geralt’s not gonna move in immediately, of course. I was thinking… perhaps next month?” Jaskier shrugged. “I can even help you with the apartment hunting, if you want.”

“That’s sweet of you, Jaskier, but there’s no need. I’m sure I can do it on my own,” he said, adjusting his long skirt to cover his feet. “Damn, it’s fucking cold today, isn’t it?”

“Just put on some socks.”

“You know I hate socks.”

“Fine, freeze to death, then, if you want. Just… Listen, I want to help. To compensate for kicking you out!”

His roommate smirked.

“You just wanna ease your conscience, that’s all, babe. Stop it, for fuck’s sake. I’m gonna be fine. I’m just gonna miss my friend, that’s all.”

“Oh, honey, but you can still see me whenever you want!” Jaskier said quickly. “Just stop by for a glass of wine, or we can meet at Geralt’s bar!”

“You mean Geralt and those other two’s bar.”

“Eskel and Lambert. Geralt’s adoptive brothers.”

“Yeah, those two. The scarred one and the asshole one.”

“You could meet them if you wanted, you see.”

“No, thanks. Knowing Geralt is probably enough, I don’t need to meet his family, too.”

“Well, you’re gonna meet them at the wedding whether you want it or not, so–”

“What fucking wedding are you talking about? Jaskier! Did he propose and you didn’t tell me?!”

“Relax. I meant a… potential future wedding I absolutely haven’t already planned every detail of.”

“Jesus, you’re incredible, Jaskier,” his roommate laughed. “Hey, I have a question. Couldn’t you like… you move in with Geralt and leave this apartment to me so all I’d have to do would be to find another roommate?”

“I wish,” Jaskier muttered, licking his lips. “But I told you Geralt lives with his brother Lambert, remember? And he insisted on leaving that apartment to him.”

“Lucky bastard. Think I could convince him to let me move in with him?”

Jaskier blinked, mouth falling open.

“Aiden!” he gasped. “That’s a fucking brilliant idea!”

Aiden groaned finishing his wine in a single one gulp.

“Oh, well. Looks like I’m gonna meet one of Geralt’s brothers, after all. Lucky me. Just remind me, Lambert is…”

“The asshole one.”

“Fucking great,” Aiden said, lifting the hand holding his glass. “In that case, more wine, please. I don’t want to face that idea sober.”

[cynthiaandsamus]

Custom Toonami Block Week 73 Rundown

Code Geass: Lelouch and co. are still stuck in China and Xingke’s flipping out because the Chinese assholes are gonna kill the Empress and go with someone less problematic for their political marriage to Britannia’s creepily overaged prince. However Lelouch pulls out a Knightmare that’s basically the Twink version of the Gawain and busts everyone up as well as pulling a Father Cornello on them and letting the people know they’re all elitst 1% assholes that don’t care about them, which I suspect all countries probably know about their leaders but it sucks to hear it in a recording so riots show up all over China and CC Geass Flashes Anya to take her out so Britannia has to back out because the Chinese Hierarchy are now the least popular people in the world. So Xingke gets to be with his Empress and joins the Black Knights but Dietard wants the Empress to marry someone on their side so they can basically do the asshole move Britannia just tried to do but for them. All the girls are like ‘hey no’ and Lelouch is like “Oh hey Tamaki buddy, let’s go talk and get me the fuck out of here” so before Lelouch actually has to give Tamaki more lines and elevate him beyond the Black Knight’s Yamacha Shirley calls and Lelouch just straight up asks Shirley about love in a weirdly forced series of circumstance. But Shirley’s like “Yeah don’t fuck with love, don’t you love anyone?” and Lelouch is like “Yeah I do, Nunally!” and I don’t think that’s at all what Shirley meant but it does mean Lelouch sees that fighting for something beyond politics is powerful and agrees to not marry off the twelve year old girl, so that’s good. Lelouch decides to return home while they hunt down the Geass cult which is in China for some reason despite that being one of the like two places on earth Britannia doesn’t control and the Geass Cult largely being a Britannian affair. Meanwhile Sayoko is basically a Lelouch Vtuber at this point with her insanely accurate Lupin III mask of Lelouch and kisses Shirley so Shirley’s a little bit more gay than she was before and is not sure how to feel about that. When she’s about to tell the real Lelouch he kisses like a girl, Anya and Gino show up because we’re retreading the whole ‘sleeping with the enemy at school’ thing from the first season except with way less interesting enemies. Also the preview for the next episode is Lelouch dramatically talking about enemies finding out he’s Zero overtop footage of Shirley and Milly absolutely naked in a batthouse scene so I think we know what kind of episode that’ll be.

Inuyasha: The Panther Demon filler concludes with everyone meeting at the site where the Panther Master is being revived behind a strong barrier, if only someone just got a barrier upgrade to their sword, oh wait. But yeah everyone manages to free the hostages so even though Kagome’s jewel shards revives the Panther Master he’s still a zombie without a sacrifice which is weird since Naraku managed to completely revive the Band of Seven with one jewel shard each from skeletons and the Panther Lord has three shards so idk the rules here but yeah he steals the souls of his own men to revive and is Wind Scar Proof because he just is. It’s pretty cool to see him shooting his claws and lightning and shit but he’s too big and slow for it to be much of an interesting fight. Sesshomaru’s about to go full demon which would be interesting since we haven’t seen his full demon form since he lost his arm but in a neat bit of character development, Tenseiga calms his rage and tells him to use it instead. You get the feeling Sesshomaru only goes full demon when he flies off the handle and forgets about speed and strategy so him opting to not repeat the mistake he made against Inuyasha is pretty cool. Anyway Tenseiga heals the souls of the Panther Demons and drains their energy from the lord so he’s back to Zombie Cat Man which Inuyasha can Wind Scar because that’s what happens to villains on this show, all Wind Scars all the time. The Panthers don’t wanna fight anymore since their boss just killed them and tell Inuyasha to tell Sesshomaru the feud is over and they’re going back to the West. Honestly this is basically the same backstory they gave Kirinmaru in Yashahime so it’s funny for them to say they’re going back to the same place Kirinmaru is from, wonder if it’ll ever come up in Yashahime since most filler seems canon there.

Yu Yu Hakusho: Yusuke and Kuwabara continue the assault on Tarukane’s compound and basically plow through the lower demons easy since they’ve been fighting minor deities up to this point. It’s always pretty cool in Shonen to just have a few rounds to show how much power creep the heroes have had where certain things just don’t bother them anymore. Toguro murders a Chimera which has an oddly similar backstory to Nina from FMA and he seems really bummed about it but he’s like “Hey we’re both monsters made by humans telling us to do shit, so sorry for killing you bro”. And Tarukane basically sees Toguro is the next boss and is like “Yup time to scam some people off of this” and he sets up a betting ring for how far Yusuke and Co will get into his compound. This is kinda neat because it puts Tarukane in the weird position of betting against his own guards and hoping Yusuke will make it all the way to Toguro and then lose after everyone else has seen how awesome Yusuke is and bets on him. And funnily enough Sakyo’s in on the betting and he’s watched anime before so he knows to bet on the plucky teenagers with weird powers. So yeah Yusuke and Kuwabara finish plowing through the demons while Hiei kinda stalks them and remembers getting his eye surgery and wanting to help his sister but it’s kind of against spirit world rules for demons to just go plow through humans even if they’re scumbag humans so now Yusuke and Kuwabara have to go fight the Triad of boss demons Toguro has under him before Hiei busts in and just murders everyone for kidnapping his bird-loving jewel-crying little flower of a sister.

Fate Zero: So Kiritsugu can break Kayneth’s Terminator 2 Gaara defenses with rib bullets that just say ‘no’ to using magic and fucks his arrogant ass up. Saber and Lancer do some combo shenanigans to stab Caster right in the book and disrupt all his hentai tentacle demons but the book heals so idk why he can’t just make more. Kirei fucks up Maiya and Iris but didn’t double tap Maiya and DID double tap iris but she’s got Saber’s bullshit healing scabbard on her which no one knows about so Saber’s like “uhhh why are you healing” and Iris can’t tell her so she’s basically “Uhh internet?” Lancer comes in to save Kayneth’s worthless ass and tells Kiritsugu to stop being a dick to Saber because she’s pretty dope. But as usual for an early Fate encounter, no one dies and nothing of terrible consequence happens despite it being teased a couple times. I’ve noticed a trend with Fate that it really doesn’t like killing characters early so you’re basically guaranteed to have the first 2-3 major battles have a zero net gain/loss. Rider in UBW was probably the subversion to that since it happened crazy fast and anticlimactic but even that wasn’t till like ten episodes in.

Konosuba: So we finally meet Wiz the big booby Lich and Kazuma learns a new skill, both fun things. Also the gang gets a house to stay in after escapades with an army of haunted dolls and the most “I need to pee” in a horror setting since Corpse Party. But yeah, good progress this time honestly, the living in a stable gag was getting kind of old so Kazuma’s a bit stronger now and they have a home base so that’s pretty cool. Also Wiz is a Demon General or some shit but no one cares cause there ain’t no money in murdering busty zombie waifus.

Sailor Moon Crystal: So turns out Minako is Princess Serenity, except everyone who knows anything about Sailor Moon or indeed plot structure knows Sailor Moon is Princess Serenity, that’s like the Luke I Am Your Father of this series. But still turns out Minako has been guiding everyone with the power of video games but also thinks the power of friendship sucks and she’s gotta go do everything alone. This makes things super awkward because Mamoru’s pretty sure he was in love with the Princess but likes Usagi, now instead of running with this interesting thread of a reincarnation falling in love with someone new we’re gonna do the reveal that Usagi’s the princess and the whole ‘till death do us part’ part of marriage was just a metaphor and you’re stuck with one person no matter how many times you reincarnate. But yeah, Minako fights the bad guy on top of the tower but he has Naraku’s Barrier now and Minako doesn’t have the Red Tessaiga upgrade yet so she needs the power of friendship but this barrier is friendship-proof and this fight is basically a bunch of kids on the playground making up increasingly stupid powers that negate the other powers the other guy just made up. Anyway Tuxedo Mask shows up and is like “Holy shit Sailor Moon I love when you kiss me and kick ass, go get em sweetie I’ll hold your flower” and they kiss and Usagi has learned that if she just pretends she got this the power of her confidence will beat the bad guy. Unfortunately she does not got this and Tuxedo Mask has to pull a Piccolo and throw himself in front of the blast.

Durarara!!:  So now that we’ve had our climax for the arc we have a six month timeskip and everyone’s just kinda living life, Mika and Seiji are being clinically insane together, there’s cops harassing Celty to the point of mental breakdown (normal cop stuff) Shinra’s dad’s in town, Namie’s become Izaya’s secretary for blackmail shit, you know, normal stuff. Also there’s a katana-wielding maniac going around slashing people and Anri’s being bullied and sexually harassed to the point of mental collapse, normal stuff.

[babyspiderling]

“Control” Steve Harrington x reader

Steve Harrington - Control Janet Jackson

Not requested 

First time I fell in love, I didn't know what hit me So young and so naive, I thought it would be easy

August 1982

“I don’t understand how you like this stuff!” I roll over to sit up on Jonathan Byers bed. “How do you not? It’s so easy to move to, he has a nice voice, don’t even get me started on his dancing!” He looks up from his workbook with an incredulous look. “Y/N, I get it, you’re a dancer. But seriously? Michael Jackson? I thought I taught you better than that.” I shrug, “Well, I happen to like Disco and Hip-Hop. Not everyone could like The Clash, or else they wouldn’t be so indie.” We sit and study, or at least try to. We eventually migrate next to each other, hands intertwined. Everything felt simple then. 

November 1983

Will had gone missing. Jonathan was up all hours of the night looking for him, and for some reason Nancy would always happen to be around. “Hey Jon, you wanna watch a movie tonight? I think we both need to destress.” He looks back at me, dazed and confused. “What? Yeah, sure.” He turns to look back at someone across the lunchroom. As I follow his gaze, no one but Nancy Wheeler ducks her head down, not wanting to get caught. Everything in me sinks at the realization, but I smile at him anyways. 

It’s been hours since movie night was supposed to start, and Jonathan had still not shown up. Sighing, I put away all of the snacks I had prepared, put the tape back in the box, turned off the TV, and went to bed, crying myself to sleep. The next morning, I don’t see Jonathan or Nancy until second period. I watch them silently communicate across rooms or hallways, Jonathan disappears at her signal, leaving me alone during lunch most days if not all. As Jonathan leaves again, not even bothering with an excuse this time, I break. I gather my things and blink away the tears, heading to the library for peace and quiet. I cry in a secluded corner of the library, muffling my whimpers with my hand. How am I going to fix this? 

October 1884

Jonathan didn’t want to go to this party. I didn’t want to go to this party. But Nancy wanted to go to this party. She wanted Jonathan to go to this party. That’s how I ended up dressed as Stevie Nicks, all in black and hair big. I had grabbed a soda, wanting to stay sober and keeping my mind in the right place. I watch Nancy and Steve have an argument, resulting in her white blouse to stain red. I had lost Jonathan not long after we arrived, choosing to people watch instead of looking for him. Feeling claustrophobic over the amount of bodies in the main room, I head outside. I watch the new guy do a keg stand for a surprising amount of time, and observe the costumed teens mill about the lawn. By the time I re-enter the house, Nancy is gone, and I’m done partying. I bump into a wall of a person in the hall, looking up at none other than Steve “The Hair” Harrington. “What are you still doing here? I thought you were taking Nancy home?” Rolling his eyes he leans against the wall. “Yeah, I thought I was too, until your boyfriend did it for me.” I gasp, hurt filling my chest. “Oh. Ok, cool. I guess I’m walking home tonight. Guess I should probably get started then if my ride is gone.” As I turn to walk out the door once again, Steve grabs my wrist. “No, there’s no reason for that. I’ll take you home. I mean we both get fucked over, might as well be hospitable to each other.” Nodding, I mutter “I need a drink. Fuck being sober.” 

I take another sip of “Pure Fuel” as Springsteen blasts through the stereo system. I felt the buzz kick in as I move out to the living area. As a bass and drum heavy song comes on I feel a grip on my hips. I throw my head back to see the offender, coming face to face with the “New Keg King”. I shout “Can I help you?” over the music with a raised eyebrow. Leaning in, he says into my ear, “I’m hoping you can sweetheart.” Ok, if that’s how he wants to play, then let’s play. I swivel my hips hard against him, his grip tightening. I smirk and grip the back of his neck and his left hand on my hip. Spinning in his arms, we face each other. We keep dancing together, intertwined in a sweaty mess. He moves us against the wall, leaning to nibble at my neck. I catch Steve’s eye, and he holds up his keys, time to go. Rolling my eyes, I push the keg king off of me. “Well, I’ve had so much fun sweetheart, but I’ve got to go. Have a nice night.” As I walk away, I feel his gaze burn into my backside. Linking my arm with Steve, I ask: “Alright big boy, where to?” We get in the car, and I rest against the window, the buzz wearing off, leaving exhaustion behind. I tell him where I live, and fall asleep. I wake-up slightly at him opening my door, and he picks me up. “Parents aren’t home. Key under the mat.” He gets the door open unexpectedly easily. “What room?” Cuddling further into his chest, I grumble, “Upstairs, third door on the left.” I once again doze off, not waking until morning. 

When I was 17 I did what people told me Did what my father said, and let my mother mold me

Summer 1985

“Y/N, you need to get a job. How are you going to get a car? Or pay for college? Your mother and I are not always going to be here for you.” I nod at my father's words. “Yes Sir.” My mother opens her mouth to give her two cents in. “Oh, Y/N, before you go, let me help you with your make-up today. You always have to be presenting yourself, you want to make me proud, don’t you?” I look down at my plate, nodding, and take another bite of my waffle. “Oh, and Y/N, maybe we can start a diet. Don’t want an embarrassing figure now honey.” Pushing the offending food around my plate, I respond “Yes Ma’am.” 

I'm in Control - Never gonna stop. Control - To get what I want. Control - I like to have a lot. Control - Now I'm all grown up

I ended up getting the job at Scoops Ahoy, much to my Mothers chargain. “Y/N, are you sure you can control yourself around so much sweets? I just don’t want you to get any bigger than you already are.” Desperate to prove my mother wrong, I eat salads every meal, run the mall during my breaks, and always make sure my make-up is immaculate. I squeeze into the uniform my mother demanded I get in a small. It miraculously fits my waist snugly, but pulls at my hips, and rides high on my thighs. The shirt is short and tight around my torso, making it uncomfortable when teenage boys stop by only on my shift, doing everything in their power to stay at the counter and oggle what the uniform brings attention to. One of them grows brave and leans over the counter, “Did you sit in a bowl of sugar? Because it looks like you’ve got a pretty sweet ass.” I turn red in embarrassment, cursing my mother for my “blessings” and her insistence on the overly tight uniform. As I do my best to deflect their eyes and serve them as fast as possible, Steve comes out of the back, his shift starting. His eyes flicker between my red face and the boys ogling his co-worker. He pushes me behind him as he confronts the boys. “Alright guys, how can I help you? Our U.S.S Butterscotch is really good, and two scoops will only cost you a buck. So what’ll it be? Oh, and Y/N, Robin needs you in the back.” I open my mouth to protest, but he just nudges me towards the door. Reaching the back, I look at Robin. “Steve said you needed me?” Her eyebrows scrunch together. “What? No, I haven’t even talked to Steve today.” 

                     .                                                                                                   

We all sit in the bathroom, bloody and bruised. Talking about random shit. Parents end up being brought up in the conversation. “Ugh, my parents want to control me. My dad wants me to be an adult, and my mother wants me to be just like her. She made me get that stupid uniform in a small, she wants me to do my make-up dark and perfect, she wants me to be the skinniest girl out there. I bet she wishes I was made out of clay so she could mold me exactly how she wants me to be.” Robin mutters “My parents just want me to get a boyfriend. Like that’s going to happen.” We both turn to her. “What does that mean?” Blinking, she realizes what she said. “Oh, uh, I like girls. I don’t like boys like that.” I grimace as I scoot closer to her, taking her hand. “Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to tell us that. Just do you know, you’re not missing out on much. Guys are bullshit.” Steve shouts a “Hey!” at my accusation, but I give him a look that says “Seriously? Be honest with yourself.” He raises his hands in surrender and turns towards me. “Alright, why didn’t you want anyone to get close to you when you first started working here?” I swallow thickly, thinking through my answer. “Everyone else has been in control of what happens in my life for so long, I wanted to take that control back. I thought, if there was no one to try to take control, I would never have to lose control. Stupid I know.” They both shake their heads at my answer, just sitting in peaceful silence until Dustin bursts in the door. “Guys, we’ve got to go.” 

After this is all over, Steve takes me home like he did almost a year ago. I rest against his window, sleeping off my injuries. I wake up as the car stops, but it's not outside my house. “Steve? Where are we? This isn’t my house.” Putting the car in park, he turns back to me. “No, it’s not. It’s my house, thought it would be easier to get you patched up and rested here than getting you home and needing to explain it to your parents. You can call them and tell them you’re with Robin or something.” I go to stand and walk into the house, but my legs give out. Steve picks me up from off the ground and carries me into the house. We patch each other up, band-aids here, ice packs there. We spend the night watching cheesy tape after cheesy tape, neither wanting to sleep and see the nightmares under our eyelids. As we both doze off, too exhausted to stay awake any longer, I feel Steve kiss my forehead and whisper “You talk about wanting control, but you’ve had control over me since Halloween.”

[phantom-god-suki]

Sincerely, Yours

Warning!! This is really intense, so read with caution. If you are sensitive to stuff like this, please stop now!

“It is way too quiet” Levy thinks to himself as he observes the battlefield. There were signs of the enemy. He must be very close to the border, and should arrive here any moment now. Things seem to go smoothly but he can’t help feeling nervous. “It's like we're led here…”

“Master Levy...”  A soldier approaches Levy. 

“What do you want?” Levy asks without turning to see who was calling out to him.

“It appears Master Mefy did not arrived”

“What? Mefy should’ve been here by now… what the hell is he doing?!” He smacks his lips.

“I’m sorry master...they haven't arrived.” Levy shoos the soldier away and thinks to himself. He clearly remembers Mefy saying that he had a few more things to prepare, but that his absence would weaken the armies formation greatly. A soldier runs up in panic.

“Enemy Attack!” A soldier yells. 

“Where is Mefy? Shit...we’ll have to stall until he arrives. How many soldiers do they have?” Being on the battlefield was a lot more stressful than the books said. Every book he read led up to this moment, so he has no time to worry about the small things.  

“Erm…”  

“What?!”   

“...” 

“Why are you so quiet?? Answer me!!” Levy grits his teeth and turns to the soldier.

“The enemy soldiers are countless… they have surrounded our base from all sides!” Levy pushes past the soldier and walks outside to take in the scene. He bites his bottom lip and slumps his shoulders. Soldiers in white uniforms completely surround the base. ‘That’s impossible... how could they be this prepared for a surprise attack?’ Levy thinks to himself. ‘Could Mefy...ah, of course not...that's preposterous.” A strong gust of wind strikes Levy and he nearly falls over. Levy immediately looks to his left to see a powerful angel with an eye patch.

“Cute boy… let me enjoy this, alright?” The angel laughs as he gets closer to Levy to examine him.

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

Battle ended a lot quicker than expected. Levy was heavily wounded and around him were all those soldiers who gave up their lives for his sake. He holds the hair clip that he gave Y/N close to his heart. He knew he was going to die but his suffering was far from over.

“You…”Levy looks up to see the fearsome general, Ricardo standing over him.Ricardo sees the hairpin/clip

“Heh...too bad your loved one won’t see you again. Don't worry though, I'll keep her company~” Ricardo smirks and presses his boot on Levy’s wound.

“She's... gone back to her world. You'll never see her.” Levy groans as he coughs up blood. 

“Huh? That’s a pity. I'll just keep you for myself instead.” He lowers his boot to Levy’s groin. “You're a dead man anyways. I could just kill you and be done with it, buuut that would be too merciful of me wouldn't it?” He rubs his boots over Levy's groin.

“Y-You bastard..” Levy weakly tries to reach for his sword but Ricardo hits his head and he blacks out.

Wet, cold and dark. Those were the only words that could be used to describe his current whereabouts. The only source of light was the torch in the hallway of the dungeon. Levy woke up with a massive headache. He was sitting down on the cold floor completely naked with his hands chained together held above his head. He tried to focus on his surroundings but it took forever for his eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Footsteps could be heard from down the hall, slowly approaching the cell he was in. A silhouette stops in front of the cell door.

“You’re finally awake? What a surprise. I thought you would be out till at least morning.” The silhouette opens the door to reveal Ricardo. Levy tries to move but his whole body aches in pain. 

“What the fuck did you do to me?” Levy mutters weakly.

“Oh. You don’t remember anything? Did I hit your head that hard? I’m sorry sweetie~” He smiles sadistically. Memories of the battlefield flood back to Levy in a split second. He lost the battle. He was a failure. Worthless.

“I-I’m useless…”

“You got your whole army destroyed. You don’t even deserve to be called useless. It wasn't all you though. Mefy helped us out a lot. Without his information, my job would be a little more tedious.” 

“Bullshit!! He would never help you assholes out!” Levy yells in fury. His headache seems to get worse by the second.

Ricardo kicks his wound again, causing Levy to grimace in pain.

“Know your place, sweetheart. This is my domain,” Ricardo says coldly. “Believe what you want though. Not like I can change your mind. What I can do however is… teach you a lesson about respecting your superiors. So...I think it's about time I do something about that disgusting cock of yours.” Ricardo licks his lips as he kneels down in front of Levy and injects a liquid into his neck.

 “Ughh...what are you doing?” He groans in pain.

“It's just a little something to get you in the mood~” 

At that moment Levy puts two and two together. “NO NO NO YOU CAN'T--” Levy shouts as he starts kicking around and is rewarded with a punch in the face.

“Come now, I don't wanna scramble your brain more than necessary. There���s nothing you can do, so try to enjoy it while I'm feeling nice… Trust me you don’t wanna make me angry...” Ricardo snarls as he starts to remove his clothes. Dread gnawed at Levy’s insides but he also can't stop the excitement bubbling up. ‘Must be an aphrodisiac.’ He thought to himself.

Ricardo pulls out his cock and smacks Levy in the face with it. “You know what to do cutie.” He smirks. Levy feels a cold piece of metal against his forehead. “If I feel any teeth…” Ricardo cocks his gun and Levy soon realizes that he is in a life or death situation. He may survive to see another day and maybe even escape this hell hole if he cooperates. Without a moment's notice, Ricardo thrusts himself into Levy’s mouth. A muffled sound comes from Levy as Ricardo grabs him by the hair with his free hand, shoving his cock deeper down his throat. “Fuuck...your throat feels amazing…” He moans. Ricardo showed no mercy, caring little about Levy’s well being. Tears started to gather in front of Levy’s eyes and his lungs were burning from lack of oxygen. Levy gags as Ricardo's cock flattens his uvula against the top of his throat. Ricardo pulls out to let Levy gasp for air. 

“Y-You bastard... I'll make you pay for this.” Levy coughs and glares at Ricardo. His stern gaze is immediately offset by Ricardo's laughter.

 “You should be a comedian with how hilarious that was! How are you planning to make me pay?” Ricardo grins and places his hand on his hips. Levy averts his eyes. He doesn’t want to give more information to the enemy. Not after being betrayed by his brother. 

‘Then again I did the same to Lucia’ Levy dreads. 

Ricardo pulls Levy towards him and spreads his legs apart. “Now,” Ricardo stops to take in Levy’s weak naked body. “It's time for the main course.” Ricardo gave a wicked smile and removes his gloves. 

“W-wait, you can’t be-” Ricardo puts his fingers in front of Levy's mouth. 

“I suggest you get them nice and wet.. For your sake of course, it doesn't matter to me.” Levy reluctantly takes his fingers in his mouth, trying to distribute as much saliva as possible. What he did not expect was Ricardo grabbing his member and giving it a jerk. That's when he realized his little problem. He was awfully hard and couldn't stop moaning around Ricardo's fingers.

“Look at you, can’t help yourself from moaning like a common whore.” Ricardo hisses at Levy as he takes out his fingers, slips a finger into Levy’s ass, and moves it slowly, sending waves of pleasure throughout his body. Soon after, he inserts a second finger.

 “S-Stop it-- please i can’t--” Levy moans. Ricardo ignores him and inserts a third finger while continuing to jerk off Levy. He starts to tremble with pleasure as he tightens around Ricardo’s fingers. 

“How can I stop when you're inviting me like this? Your asshole is practically begging me for more. You should be grateful.” Ricardo muses. Levy attempts to hide his pleasure by biting down on his bottom lip till it bleeds. “Ohh?” Ricardo slightly curls his fingers and quickly pulls them out of Levy. The subtle ecstasy is immediately interrupted by a piercing pain.

 “FUCK!!” Levy cries in pain.

“You feel so good…” Ricardo growls as he licks his lips. Levy glares into his defiler’s eye. Words cannot describe the amount of hate and humiliation flowing through him. His eyes suddenly widen as sharp pain spikes through his asshole. Ricardo begins to thrust his hips into the helpless demon. As Ricardo kept on pounding into him, pain slowly dissolves into pleasure. He's not supposed to like this, and yet this sensation was so new to him that he couldn’t help himself. Levy tries to ignore the feeling and attempts to break free, only to be met by Ricardo grabbing him by the jaw roughly to make Levy look at him. 

“Keep struggling. It only fuels me more.” Ricardo smirks and starts touching all over his body. Levy couldn't stop the pleasure working its way through him like liquid fire. When Ricardo pinches his nipples, it was like a thunder strike over his body. He couldn't stop his hips rutting back to the sadistic angel.   

“Now you're getting into it,” Ricardo purrs. “It's adorable how sensitive you are.”

“S-Shut up-- You-- Argghh--” Levy cries out as Ricardo abruptly bites all over Levy's neck and makes him bleed. 

“Fuck...you’re such a masochistic slut aren’t you? I can feel you clench around me…” Levy shudders as he hears those words. His head was getting more and more empty with each thrust and bite. “Just admit it. You like it when I claim your tight little ass. You like it when I jerk that pathetic cock of yours. Say it. Say it!!” Ricardo roars. Levy could see the madness behind his eye, but Ricardo was right. He was enjoying his rough treatment more than he should have been. 

“F-fuck you...you monster...” Levy mutters pathetically. Ricardo stops thrusting for a moment and lifts Levy's legs up to his shoulders. His eyes widened when he felt Ricardo's cock brush his prostate. He lets out a loud moan as Ricardo laughs sadistically. Levy was approaching a gradual climax. Just a few more thrusts would be enough to send him over the edge. His eyes started rolling back but Ricardo pulled out his gun again and shoves it in Levy's mouth. 

“Don't you dare cum.. Unless you want to die. I wouldn't mind finishing inside your corpse.” Ricardo chuckles with his cheerful voice. 

“Mmffffff�� Levy muffles in panic and fear. Ricardo stops his movements,removes the gun from Levy's mouth, gets closer to Levy's face and whispers. 

“Beg me,” Ricardo pulls the gun out of his mouth and kisses his lips softy . “Beg me and I’ll consider it.” For a moment, Levy thought that Ricardo was generous after putting him through all that pain. 

“Please...please allow me to cum.” Levy begs quietly, looking away from Ricardo blushing. 

“Hmmm let me think about it… After insulting me so many times even though I was so nice to you… Should I let you cum? I think the fuck not!” Ricardo laughs as he pumps his cock deeper into the demon. Levy digs his nails into his palms and bites his lower lip. He was getting hazy from all the sensations he was receiving. Pain, pleasure, fear, panic. Levy was a mess. Luckily for him, Ricardo was also on the edge. The rhythm of his thrusts was beginning to falter. 

“R-Ricardo…” Levy whimpered.

“Fuck...stop saying my name with your filthy mouth. Shit...I’m cumming.” Ricardo slows down and pulls out. He cums all over Levy’s weak body. The demon was a twitching mess after being denied for so long.

“Damn, that was the best sex I’ve ever had.” Ricardo exhales as he starts dressing himself and stands over Levy. Many footsteps approach the cell and stop in front. 

“Is it our turn yet sir?” A soldier asks while waiting for permission from Ricardo to unbuckle his belt. Levy looks up and Ricardo and into his eye.

“Ricardo..” Levy could barely whisper before giving in to the tiredness that had been eating him alive.

[nazariolahela]

Best Beloved: Chapter 5

A/N: Hey y'all! This is a PM AU I’ve been working on. It’s a bit different than my previous fic series and I’m really excited to try something new. I hope y’all enjoy it. This story is told in dual first-person narrative, from Kaia (F!MC) and Damien’s POV. The first half of this story takes place during Kaia’s freshman year and Damien’s senior year of college. The second half is two years after Kaia graduates. There will be sprinklings of canon in this fic, but we’ll try to step out of the box for the most part. Thanks for reading, and please leave feedback, and/or if you would like to be tagged.

Catch up here

Series Tags: @burnsoslow @lady-calypso @irishwhiskys-blog @loveellamae​

Synopsis: What happens when you find yourself crushing on your best friend? For years, Damien and Kaia have been friends, while secretly harboring feelings for one another. Everything changes one night after a little too much alcohol and years of pent up feelings. Can they control their emotions and salvage their friendship, or will the feelings they hold for one another destroy everything they have?

All characters are the property of Pixelberry Studios. Thanks for allowing me to borrow them.

Chapter Summary: Damien and Kaia meet for a study group, but the assignment isn’t the only thing they’re struggling with.

Kaia

“You’re late,” I said, my feet propped up on the table, as Damien shuffled across the library to where I was sitting. It was our weekly study session and we were supposed to start 20 minutes ago, but I was the only one in our group who had grasped the concept of time management.

“Yeah, sorry. This internship is kicking my ass. I had to stay late because we were setting up some new security clearance protocols. Don’t tell anyone though. That information is classified,” he replied as he slid the backpack off his shoulder. He took a seat at the table and shot me a panty-dropping grin. My body instantly reacted. Bastard. How did he keep doing that?

“Yeah, well Brad and Allison aren’t here yet either, so I guess I can’t be too mad at you.”

“You couldn’t be mad at me if you wanted to. You love me.”

I paused. Did he really just say that?  He always knew how to push my buttons. Even when we were kids. It’s like he lived to get a reaction out of me. I cleared my throat awkwardly. “Anyway. We need to get the rest of this project done. It’s due on Monday. Did you finish your part?” 

“Of course I did. What do you take me for?” he grinned, pulling his laptop from his backpack. I watched him from the corner of my eye as he set it on the table and opened it up, powering up the device. “I’m emailing it to you right now so you can add it to the final document.”

I had the unfortunate task of presenting the project to the class, so everyone sent their parts to me. It was my job to outline the project, then organize each part into our PowerPoint.  

“Not gonna lie, this is not how I wanted to spend my Saturday afternoon. I have a very pissed off girlfriend right now,” he said.

I hid my smirk behind my laptop. I know, I know. It wasn’t very nice of me, but I got a little thrill hearing that Damien and Alana were having problems. It wasn’t that I wanted my friend to be miserable, but if he suddenly became single, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. I had nothing against Alana personally, but the few times we interacted, she was very cold towards me.

“Hmm...that sucks. So, I have Allison’s part. She emailed it to me last night, but I’m still waiting on Brad’s part. I put your part on slides 5 and 6 to transition from Allison’s slide, then we’ll put Brad’s part on slides 9 and 10 after my part. Then, we should be good to go.” I checked the time on my phone. Brad and Allison were over half an hour late. I sent both of them a text asking when they planned on showing up, then went back to laying out the presentation.

Damien and I worked in silence for several minutes. Occasionally, I would look up from my computer and sneak peeks of him. I couldn’t help but stare at his features. Even after all these years, my attraction for him never waned. He looked up and caught me staring; his lips turned up in a wide grin.

“Do I have something on my face?”

“Um...uh...nope. Y-you’re all good!” I replied a little too enthusiastically.

“Then why are you staring at me like that?” he smirked.

I felt my cheeks turn beet red. I quickly looked away and tried to focus on what I was working on, but I could still feel his eyes on me. My phone pinged, breaking the silence — and thank the gods — the tension. I grabbed it and saw a message from Allison. She mentioned that she wasn’t feeling well and would not be able to make our study group tonight, but that she would see us next week. There was still no word from Brad, which I was not surprised by.

I rolled my eyes and placed my phone on the table. “Well, Allison’s not coming. I don’t know about Brad, but I’m guessing if he was going to show up, he’d be here by now.”

Damien shrugged. “No biggie. That kid is a major tool anyway. Not having him here is a blessing.”

I giggled. “True, but we can’t finish without his contribution, so we’re stuck with him until we turn this stupid ass project in.”

“Yippie,” he said in a monotone voice. I rolled my eyes and went back to finishing up our presentation.

We worked for about ten more minutes until my eyes started to blur from staring at the screen. “Well, I guess this is a good stopping point for now. Until we get Brad’s part, this is as far as we can work,”

I stuffed my things in my backpack and slung it over my shoulder when Damien stopped me.

“Hey, you busy right now? Wanna go get a bite to eat?”

I cocked my head in confusion. Was he really asking me to hang out? I had offered to meet him for lunch or coffee outside of our study group several times, but he always had plans with Alana. “Uh…I guess. If that’s okay with you.”

“Obviously it is because I just asked you,” he smirked.

“Yeah, sure. You wanna go now?”

“Nah, I was thinking sometime next month. Of course, I want to go now. When else would we go?” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

I looked down at the yoga pants and hoodie I was wearing. “Well, I was hoping to shower and change before I go out in public.”

“You look fine. No one’s going to give a shit what you’re wearing. Besides, you’re technically already out in public, so it’s a little late for that,” he laughed.

I huffed. “Fine. Where are we going?” 

“There’s a little bistro off-campus that has really good burgers.” He slung an arm around my shoulder, pulling me to his body. The feeling of him pressed up against me sent chills down my spine. I shuddered as he grabbed my backpack and handed it to me, then led me out of the library.  

When we reached his car in the campus parking lot, he unlocked the doors and tossed his backpack in the back seat. I stopped in my tracks. He still had the same car from high school. All the memories of us riding around in this thing on Friday nights came flooding back. He moved to the driver’s side door, stopping to wait for me. “Are you going to get in the car, or are you just going to stand there all day staring into space?” He extended his arm and tapped his index finger to his wrist. “Time’s a-wastin', Park.”

Snap out of it, Kaia. It’s just Damien. But it wasn’t ‘just Damien.’ It was the boy I had been in love with for as long as I could remember. I moved slowly to the car and opened the passenger’s side door, sliding in. He smirked and started the ignition. We drove in silence, the only sounds coming from the radio. A song from our childhood started playing and we looked at each other with goofy grins on our faces.

“Remember the first time we heard this song? You wouldn’t stop singing it for weeks,” he said with a laugh.

“What? It’s a good song,” I replied, singing along and dancing in my seat.

I smiled at the memory that song brought back. It was the summer of 2009. Damien and I were in his backyard, hanging out in the treehouse he and his dad built a few summers before. Two of his younger sisters, Isabela and Carina, were having a sleepover, so he was hiding out. His sister Carina was my age and we were in a couple of classes together, so I was friendly with her, but I spent more time with Damien. The sun had finally set over the horizon so we decided to start up a fire in the fire pit and make S’mores. We climbed down the ladder and he pulled a lighter from his pocket.

“Why do you have that?” I gasped.

His eyes met mine and a smirk spread across his face. “I was smoking a J behind the school gym this morning, so I needed it.” He stared at me for a few seconds, watching my reaction, then burst out laughing. “I found it in the junk drawer in the kitchen, you dork. You know I don’t smoke.”

I leaned over and smacked his arm. “Not funny, Dames.”

“I disagree. I thought it was hilarious.”

“Whatever. Just light the stupid fire. I’ll run inside and grab the stuff to make S’mores.”

“Watch out for the slumber party,” he called back as I walked into the house. I made it to the kitchen and started rummaging through the cabinets, looking for the ingredients we needed. I found the graham crackers and chocolate bars but had no luck locating the marshmallows. I was about to go back outside and asked Damien when I turned and bumped into Isabela.

“Hey, Kaia. Whatcha doing?” she asked, holding several bags of chips in her arms.

“Dames and I are making S’mores. Where are your marshmallows?”

She set the bags of chips down and rummaged around the pantry before locating and tossing me the bag. “So, what’s going on with you and my brother?”

My cheeks instantly flushed. “Wh-what do you mean?”

She smirked. “You know what I mean. You two spend an awful lot of time together. Are you two a thing?”

“No. It’s not like that. We’re just friends,” I lied. Her cocked eyebrow said she didn’t buy my bullshit, but she nodded her head. I grabbed the bag of marshmallows from her hand and hightailed it back outside. "I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas blasted through the portable speakers in the yard. I approached Damien sitting in front of the firepit, poking one of the logs with a stick. He was shirtless and the moonlight bounced off the muscles of his toned back. The sight made my mouth water. That was the first time I realized I was in love with him.

I was thrust back into the present by the sound of Damien killing the engine. I looked up and noticed we had arrived at the bistro. We exited the car and made our way inside, snagging a table toward the back of the restaurant. The waitress dropped off the menus and took our drink orders, before leaving us to decide what to eat. I pretended to peruse the menu, but my mind was on the guy sitting in the booth across from me.

“Order whatever you want. My treat,” he said.

“Huh?”

I looked up and he was watching me. He nodded toward the menu in my hand. “Don’t worry about paying. I’ve got it this time.”

“You don’t have to do that, you know.”

“I know,” he said softly, riling up the butterflies in my stomach. Our waitress returned a few minutes later and took our orders. Damien ordered the Maple Bacon Burger while I ordered the Mac ‘N Cheese Burger. The waitress left to put our orders in, leaving us alone again.

“So, now that we’re a month into the school year, how are your classes going?” he asked.

I shrugged, swirling my straw in my glass. “Classes are going well. I’m not ready to drop any of them, so that’s a plus. Dorm life is pretty fun, too. I got really lucky with my roomie. Her schedule is different from mine, so we don’t see much of each other, but one night a week, we hang out.” I tapped my finger against my chin. “It’s crazy to think that we’re already a quarter of the way through the semester, so that means I’m 1/32nd of the way through my college career.”

He laughed. “I guess that’s one way of looking at it. What else is going on? Any interesting guys catch your attention lately?”

My eyes shot up to meet his. Why was he asking me that? I went back to staring at my drink. “Uh...not really. There is this guy in my algebra class who asked me out, but I turned him down.” I peeked at him from under my lashes, unable to make out his expression.

***

Damien

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. On one hand, I wanted her to find someone who would make her happy if I couldn’t. On the other hand, knowing that she wasn’t involved with anyone gave me a tiny sliver of hope. I know she wouldn’t wait for me forever, but I still liked that there wasn’t another guy capturing her attention. Jesus, I was such an asshole.

“So, what happened?” the words left my mouth before I could stop them.

She shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s super nice and really cute, but I just couldn’t bring myself to say yes. Which is weird, because there’s definitely an attraction between us. My whole goal for this semester was to step out of my comfort zone.”

She looked up at me, those big, beautiful brown eyes staring into my soul. No matter how hard I tried to fight it, everything about this girl did things to me. Her laugh was like the most beautiful music to my ears. Her sense of humor was aligned with mine. Even her looks were enough to make other girls jealous. When she complained earlier about how she was dressed, I internally rolled my eyes. Even when she didn’t try, she still looked mouth-watering. She was wearing a pair of black yoga pants and a light pink hooded sweatshirt with the words “Rosé and Shine” written in gold cursive letters across the chest. Yes, I looked at her chest. If she busted me, I would’ve just said I was trying to read her shirt.

I awkwardly cleared my throat. “You should give him a chance. Who knows? He might turn out to be a great guy. We all know those are in short supply lately.” Gods, what was I doing? I knew it was the right thing to do, but saying those words hurt.

She nodded. “Yeah, I guess. Maybe he is great and we’ll be really happy together. I just don’t know if I’m ready to start dating yet. I think… I just...I’m not over...” she trailed off.

“You’re not over what?”

“Nevermind,” she shook her head and took a long sip of her drink.

The wheels started turning. Was she talking about me? I know she dated in high school, but Nadia told me those relationships never lasted longer than a few months. She suspected I was the reason for that. Yeah, I know it sounded a tad creepy, but I was able to keep tabs on her, thanks to her cousin’s need to gossip.

One particular moment was that first Christmas after I left for college. I received a text from Nadia asking if I was coming home. She then asked that I keep my distance from Kaia. When I asked her “why,” she told me that she was still upset about what happened after graduation. 

But I didn’t care. I wanted to see my best friend. I dropped by her house to say hi to her parents. They always treated me like the son they never had. Her dad asked how college was going. I told them about my classes and the friends I had made so far. Her mom was filling me in about the neighborhood gossip when I caught a glimpse of Kaia hovering in the hallway. She looked like she wanted to talk to me, but I could tell she was embarrassed to see me.

We locked eyes briefly before she turned around and retreated to her bedroom. I waited a few moments then excused myself to use the bathroom. I stood outside her door, listening for any signs of movement, before lightly tapping on the door. I heard the springs of her mattress squeak under her weight, then the door swung open. She looked adorable in her red and white Reindeer pajama pants and white thermal top. My eyes briefly traveled down and I noticed she wasn’t wearing a bra.

“So, you weren’t even going to come to say hi to me?” I asked.

She shifted on her feet. “I don’t know. I figured you didn’t want to talk to me after what happened last time.” I watched as her eyes traveled up and down my body. It took everything in me to keep from pushing her into her room and kissing her. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t. Not only were her parents in the other room, I knew the whole age difference was frowned upon. And what if we did get together and it didn’t work out? I’d lose my best friend forever.

“You’re my best friend, Kaia. No matter what happened in the past, that will never change,” I replied.

“Even when I get drunk and act like a lovesick idiot?” She played with the drawstring of her pants, avoiding my eyes.

I gripped her chin with my thumb and forefinger, tilting her face up towards mine. “There’s nothing you could do that would ever make me want to stop being your best friend. And hey, I don’t hold what happened back then against you. Sometimes we do dumb things when we’re drunk.”

Her face dropped and it told me I had said the wrong thing. I brought my hand up and cupped her cheek and she leaned into my touch. The moment was interrupted when her mom called from the kitchen to ask me if I wanted some hot cocoa. I dropped my hand and gave her a weak smile, then backed away slowly as I made my way down the hall back to the living room. I looked over at my shoulder to see her still standing in her bedroom doorway, watching me go.

I was pulled back into the present when the waitress arrived at our table and delivered our food. The two of us ate in awkward silence, occasionally looking up at each other. After our plates were cleared, the waitress reappeared and I ordered a slice of cherry pie for us to share. When the pie arrived, we each took a fork and dug in.

“So, tell me more about this mystery guy?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

She chewed for a few moments, hesitant to talk about it, then finally spoke. “Well, his name is Hayden. He’s a freshman and a photography major. He’s from Upstate New York and has a Border Collie named Dipper. He also has a twin brother named Harley, but I guess they don’t get along. Nadia loves him and she’s been bugging me to go out with him for the last few days.”

I didn’t know this kid from Adam, but I instantly didn’t like him. Was it jealousy? Probably. Was I going to do anything about it? Nope. “It’s obvious that you like him, so why not go out with him. You’re overthinking this, Kaia.”

“Yeah, maybe,” she sighed and took another bite of pie. At that moment, Alana’s friends Rowan and Cecile walked by. They waved, then stopped short when they noticed it wasn’t my girlfriend sitting in the booth across from me. Cecile gave me a skeptical glance while Rowan looked on in shock. 

“Hey, Damien. What are you up to?” He asked, looking between Kaia and me. 

“Hey, guys! Just capping off a little study session. This is Kaia. She’s an old friend.”

He nodded. “Cool, cool. You guys going to Homecoming next week? Cecile is a candidate for court, so we were going to have a little get-together after the crowning ceremony. You and Alana should come. It’s gonna be fun.”

“Yeah, that sounds good, man. I’ll talk to her about it this weekend.”

Cecile cocked an eyebrow as if to call me out on my bullshit, but didn’t say anything. She narrowed her eyes at Kaia, then turned back to me. “Well, we gotta go. Tell your girlfriend, Alana, hi for us.” She grabbed Rowan’s hand and they walked out. I sighed. I was sure I was going to get a phone call about that by the end of the night.

“Well, that was weird,” she said. “Speaking of, what’s going on with you and Alana?”

Shit, where do I start? “It’s complicated right now. We’re taking a break.”

Her eyes widened. “You guys broke up?”

“Eh...Not exactly. We’ve been fighting a lot, so we’re taking a few days to calm down and re-evaluate the relationship. It’s not how I would have handled things, but she thinks it will give us time to,” I held up my index and middle fingers, making air quotes, “figure things out. She thinks I’ve been neglecting her, which I kind of have been. But she also thinks I’m cheating on her.”

“Wow...I genuinely don’t know how to respond to that,” she replied.

“Yeah, me neither.”

Kaia nodded silently, setting her fork down on the plate. She rested her elbows on the table and folded her hands in front of her face. “Can I be honest with you? This whole relationship seems really unhealthy. There’s a huge lack of trust on both sides. That’s something a break isn’t going to fix. If she doesn’t trust you to be faithful, your relationship is doomed to fail. So, it’s up to you to figure out how you want to proceed. If you think the relationship is worth saving, you need to prove that you’re a reliable partner, and she needs to work through her insecurities. If not, you’re better off ending it now. Especially before you two decide to get engaged or something.”

“I kind of already proposed to her though,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck.

“Oh,” she replied. “Well, you should think about doing some sort of premarital counseling before you get married.”

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because she said no,” I deadpanned.

Kaia went quiet. I waited for her to say something else, but before she could speak, the waitress reappeared to drop our check off and ask if we needed anything else. Neither of us spoke as I paid the bill and we made our way out to the car. I debated asking her what she was thinking but decided against it. We rode in silence back to the dorms. When I pulled up in the parking lot, she grabbed the handle to exit the car, then stopped.

“For what it’s worth, Dames, I am sorry about you and Alana. I might not like her, but you’re my best friend. And if she makes you happy, then I’m happy for you. If you ever want to talk about it, you know where to find me. I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”

I nodded. “Thanks. I appreciate that. And hey, let me know how things go with Hayden.”

She frowned slightly, then quickly covered it up with a smile. “Will do. I’ll see you in class on Monday. Have a good weekend.” She got out of the car and took off running towards her dorm.

I dragged my hand down my face. Get it together, Dames. She was my best friend. And I had a girlfriend. I got out of the car and headed toward my dorm. When I reached my floor, I swung open the door to my room and was met by the cold stare of my girlfriend, sitting on my bed, her hands folded in her lap.

“Alana? What are you doing here?” I asked as I moved into the room. She rose from the bed and made her way towards me.

“Cecile texted me.”

Shit. I knew this was coming. “Babe, it’s not what you think.”

Her eyes gave away nothing as she took a deep breath. “It’s not important. What matters is you and me.”

Confused, I grabbed her hand and sat down on the bed. “You know I love you, babe. And I know I’ve been a shitty boyfriend these last few weeks, but I want to make this work and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

She nodded, but her face told me she didn’t believe me. I sighed and pressed a kiss to her temple. It was going to be a long night.

[meganshinsou-tm]

Sugarcoated. (m)

↳ chapter twenty-four: finale

❧ genre: pro-hero hitoshi, adoptive siblings, happy ending

❧ chapter warnings: none

[multi-chap masterlist] [previous chapter - next chapter]

It was quiet and nearly dark inside of the building that Hitoshi so eagerly dragged you to before your date. The temperature inside also much warmer than outside which made you hum curiously, before you could think too much about it though Hitoshi’s hand slipped out of your own, leaving you alone suddenly in the dark. You reached out, searching and listening close to where he may have been, walking only to bump into an object and whine.

“Toshi, I can’t see.”

“I know sweetness, I’m turning on the lights, stay right there and give me just a second.”

You nodded as if he could see you and decided to look out towards the street where you could at least see some light from the dimly lit lamp posts outside. Not a minute later you heard Hitoshi cheer as he found the switches and flipped them on, the bulbs quietly humming as they powered up and filled the entire area with an iridescent glow. You winced just a bit and let your eyes adjust to the change, sighing with relief for having your vision back along with the sight of purple snowflake covered hair coming your way.

With a smile you reached out as Hitoshi closed in and let you ruffle the cold particles away, he chuckled before doing the same to you along with rubbing the pad of his thumb on the tip of your nose to warm it up.

“So, now that you can see, why don’t you take a look around!” He suggested while rubbing your shoulder and letting his hand trial down your back before giving it a light push.

Smiling, you stepped forward and crossed your arms behind your back. With a smirk. Hitoshi watched as you walked around and scoped out the area curiously. As you wandered you started to pick up the scent of what seemed to be cleaning chemicals, soon enough after sniffing the air your nose started to itch and caused you to sneeze.

“Bless you.”

“Hah, thanks. Did they recently clean in here or something?”

Broad shoulders shrugged as the man followed you behind the counter. “Uh I guess so. It’s pretty spacious right, while still being a little cozy.”

You nodded, running a finger down the counter as you walked beside it. There was nothing wrong at all with the place, it was actually perfect.

There were already small tables and chairs set up, a glass display case that connected to the counter and it looked like the kitchen was just around the corner and hidden away from the front. Tilting your head you went to go and check it out, at least until Hitoshi was wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you back into his chest.

“Toshi, I gotta check out the kitchen, it’s the most important part.”

Hitoshi smiled and nuzzled your cheek with his nose as he hugged you close from behind. “I know sweetness but I just wanna talk to you for a second before you do.”

Your head turned to look at him, earning you a kiss on the nose and making you giggle. “Okay then, talk.”

“Well having not seen the kitchen yet, what do you think?”

“I like it.”

Hitoshi quirked a brow and tilted his head, “Do you? That didn’t sound very enthusiastic.”

The man let out a nervous sigh, something that didn’t go unnoticed by you. You pouted, feeling like shit suddenly before squeezing his arms and clearing your throat.

“No, I really do! I know it doesn’t look like it but I’m honestly trying to contain myself, I mean I don’t want to get my hopes up you know, this place is perfect really and I can only imagine how much it costs!”

“(Y/N), what have I told you time and time before?” Hitoshi replied as his purple eyes rolled. “Forget about money right now okay? Think about this place as yours, how it would look once you owned it and made it your own, what plans you have for it. Think of its location, all the people you’d have coming in and out to buy your desserts! Remember all the hero themed items you wanted to make? Can you picture Deku and Shouto coming in here to buy a cupcake and ice cream that was based on them? Most of all, think of what you want, can you see yourself finally living your dream all right here where we’re standing?”

Your eyes blinked as you took in everything he was saying, looking down at the ground where the two of you stood before looking up and around. The muscle in your mouth darted out just a bit to wet your dry lips and you smiled at the street as you imagined everything! Parents being dragged by their kids outside the window, pro-heroes jogging in on their break, the display case full of goodies for everyone to try. The happy vision was cut off when Hitoshi started to hum the Jeopardy tune in your ear, you laughed and playfully elbowed him.

“The truth?” You questioned as you turned to look at him again.

“No - lies, give me lies!”

“Okay, okay,” you giggled and sighed as you melted back into his chest. “I absolutely love it Toshi. I can see all of that and more happening right here, with you. I don’t want this to be my place alone, I want it to be our place.”

“You mean that?” Hitoshi responded as he started to unwrap from around you.

You nodded and turned to face him fully, letting him take your hands in his own as he smiled.

“Of course I mean it. Hitoshi, I wouldn’t even be this close to my dream if it weren’t for you. I … I may not even be here honestly to even still dream if it weren’t for you. Now that I am so close, I want nothing more than to share my dream and more with you, I don’t want to do anything really without you with me … I need you. It’s all your fault really for spoiling me so much!” Hitoshi chuckled and nipped at your cheek as you laughed. “Apart from that though, why wouldn’t I want to share all of this with the person who makes me the happiest in the entire world and who I love more than I love myself? I don’t want to just own and run a bakery together Toshi, I want a life together that lasts longer than these three months I’ve been with you. I want more pictures, Halloween parties, Sunday dinners and 3am talks on the kitchen floor with you - forever.”

A permanent smile was plastered on Hitoshi’s face as the two of you stood there. He took just a moment to let everything you said to him saturate like a sponge, a warmth growing throughout his body that was pushing back his nervousness. The hero was trying himself to contain his joy, not only for the shop being a big hit with you but also for your unconditional love for him and the fact that you had the same hopes and dreams as he did. Hitoshi now knew more than ever that you were the one, always were the one.

With a deep breath he kissed your forehead before peppering your entire face with soft kisses. You giggled and looked at him curiously, the guy was always affectionate but tonight he was like a puppy who hadn’t laid eyes on its owner in days.

“I want that too, more than anything. Even back then, after seeing you a few times at that cafe, I just knew and had to have you. I didn’t know the shit you were going through and I still kick myself for not getting to you soon enough that night and no matter how many times you tell me it's okay, I’ll always live with that guilt but it just gives me even more will to protect you and care for you no matter what it is. I can’t undo the damage or trauma you’ve gained but I’ll do everything in my power to help lessen it and carry it with you - together. You’ve come so far since you moved in with me, become so strong and overcome all that bullshit and now, I want to still be by your side when you start to accept all these things that you deserve like this bakery and happiness. I want to be here to help you when the days are tough or you’re struggling with creativity. When you’re dog tired and just need love and pampering. I want to annoy the shit out of you for the rest of my life and overall I just want you for the rest of my life - forever.”

You smiled and reached up to brush one of Hitoshi’s purple brows. “You sure about that? Do you really think you can handle me for that long, forever is a long time Toshi.”

“Hah, I’m not gonna say I can handle it but I’d enjoy every last second of it and try my damnedest!”

Chuckling you stood on the tips of your toes to close the small distance between the two of you, Hitoshi chuckled and helped out by leaning down enough and capturing your lips with his own. His arms wrapped around and held you close as your own wrapped around his neck. Once the kiss broke, your noses brushed together and you smiled.

“I love you so -” Before you could finish, a noise had come from the kitchen area, making you gasp and cling to Hitoshi with wide eyes. “W-What was that?”

The lavenderette looked in the direction the commotion came from and shrugged with a grin. “I don’t know, let’s go check it out, it came from the kitchen I think.”

The next thing you knew Hitoshi was dragging you along with him towards the kitchen, immediately you buried your heels into the floor and shook your head.

“Are you nuts? You don’t go towards shit like that Toshi, don’t you know the rules of horror movies? No - let’s get out of here, please!”

Hitoshi only laughed and shook his head back at you, his strong hands gripping your wrists and tugging you with ease. You still stayed adamant about not moving a step further, begging and pleading.

“Look you can’t be a pussy all your life, now either walk or I’ll make you!”

You scoffed at the hero nervously with rolling eyes, “You and what army - Shinsou?”

The sass you held with the statement only caused a dangerous grin to grow on Hitoshi’s face, making you regret your words instantly.

In a flash you were jerked and hoisted up over his shoulder with a firm smack to your ass, eliciting a yelp from you. Not being able to do much else you covered your eyes in fear as the man carried you further around the corner and into the kitchen. Using only your sense of hearing you picked up on other feet shuffling and shushed sounds. Your heart was hammering away as you started to slightly tremble.

“You’re a bigger brat than Eri is you know that?” Hitoshi grunted as he tossed you back over his shoulder and to stand on your feet again, he chuckled as you still kept your eyes covered. His hands were soon on your hips and turning you around, making you gasp and back up into his chest. “Calm down sweetness, I’m right here. I think I found the cause of that noise, why don’t you take a look?”

“Wow, this is where I die, isn't it?”

“How d’ya think I felt while having to listen to that mushy crap out there huh? I’m too old for this!” A gruff and tired voice spoke.

Your eyebrows quirked under your hands before they finally were pulled away by Hitoshi who stood close behind you. Before you stood Aizawa and Eri but that wasn’t all.

The kitchen was decorated with warm string lights hanging from the ceiling and appliances, multiple canvas prints were set up of you, you and Eri and also you and Hitoshi. Pink rose petals were scattered all over the area along with confetti and colorful streamers. You didn’t realize how dazed you were until Hitoshi placed his finger under your chin to close your mouth with chuckle.

“I told you you were gonna love the kitchen.” He cooed while walking out from behind you and to stand before you, taking your hands in his own and bringing them to his lips so he could press soft kisses to the insides of your palms.

You couldn’t help but blink at him, lips parting to speak but no words coming out. Hitoshi grinned and rubbed the side of his neck before sighing and looking around.

“So I have a couple of confessions to make.”

“W-What are you talking about? What’s going on here Toshi?”

“Well a lot really. First off, these last few weeks I haven’t really been having to work late, I’ve actually been planning … all of this,” he motioned around the area with a half smirk, “making sure that everything is perfect for tonight and making sure that these two were here as well. In fact, I wouldn’t have been able to do all of this or keep this secret from you if it weren’t for them, especially that little turd over there, she did pretty damn good at acting all sad all those nights.”

You let out an exasperated breath and lightly punched Hitoshi’s arm. “I’m gonna kill you!”

Hitoshi grinned and turned around to look at his father and sister, “A little help here kid?”

With a giggle, Eri stepped away from Aizawa while carrying a suspicious small box in her hands. The sight of it had your stomach in knots, hands trembling and throat going dry. All at once everything happening was starting to add up.

The late nights, hushed phone calls, the lights and pictures, the whole night being a total run-around, all the love and affection Hitoshi had shown since stepping foot into the building and that fucking box! A box that small and square could only mean one thing and the closer Eri got to you with it, the closer you were to tears, inhaling sharply to try and stop them but failing as you quietly whimpered.

Hitoshi looked at you with concern before placing a hand to your cheek and brushing his thumb across it as he held your hand tightly in his other that was starting to tremble as well, soothing you the best he could while also becoming a nervous wreck himself on the inside.

“A-Are you okay, this is too much isn’t it?” He questioned, brows furrowing as he chewed on the inside of his cheek.

Quickly you shook your head and placed your free hand over his heart and smiled.

“No, no, no, no Toshi! I - I’m so great right now, I’m sorry you know how much of a baby I am you should’ve expected this!” A small, warm and nervous laugh left Hitoshi’s lips as he took your face in his hands and kissed your forehead, when he pulled back you nodded at him and wiped a tear from your cheek. “Keep going.”

The hero took a deep breath before turning to look down at his little sister who was smiling up at him and crouched down to her level on one knee. Eri held the box in her hands close as he picked her up and sat her down on his propped knee, kissing her cheek before whispering something in her ear. As you watched them the knots in your stomach turned to butterflies and there was a comforting warmth spreading all around you, tears steadily streaming from their ducts as the last three months flashed before your eyes.

Three months, it had only been that long and for some reason you didn’t care, all that mattered at the moment were the people in front of you and how you couldn’t dare to imagine or want to imagine a life without them.

“Uni, will you … uh,” Eri finally spoke with a quiet voice as she pouted her lips, with a warm smile you sunk down to her level making her smile. “Will you be part of our family?”

Your watery eyes looked up from her and to the tired man behind them, “Does this mean you’re adopting me Shouta?”

“Tch, you’re funny!” He chuckled lazily and rolled his eyes.

You sniffled, trying to laugh back and only choking on a quiet sob. A warm hand touched your cheek and turned it to look back in front of you, thumb brushing the fresh tears that ran down. Your lips quivered as you tried to keep yourself together, literally overwhelmed with happiness even if it didn’t sound or look like it. Hitoshi only smiled and told Eri to open the box.

She reached out a small hand to touch your cheek and wipe a tear or two before looking down at the object and opening it. Inside of it, nestled in black velvet was a ring unlike any other. A light pink diamond cut in the shape of a heart sat on a thin setting of other diamonds that formed the ring, making it sparkle and glisten with every tilt. It was so different, so weird and just so you!

“I love you so, so much, you know that right?”

You only nodded, licking your lips. “I love you!”

“I know this may seem way too early to some people but I swear, the moment I woke up with you next to me on the couch, the moment you smiled like a maniac at DisneyLand, the moment you made this little brat laugh - I just knew it was you. I don't want to spend the rest of my life with anyone but you, I can’t. I want to keep you happy, make you smile and laugh, keep you safe for as long as we both breathe. So, if it’s not too much to ask … (Y/N) will you marry me?”

“Yes.”

“Yes?” Hitoshi repeated, almost as if he weren’t expecting it.

You choked out a laugh and nodded excitedly, reaching out to touch Hitoshi’s cheek with a massive smile. “A million times yes!”

The hero let out a relieved sigh before surging forward, hand wrapping around the side of your neck and pulling you close enough to kiss. You giggled as your lips connected briefly before Hitoshi was smothering your face in playful pecks. Eri giggled as well, making him turn to her and do the same.

“Can she wear the ring now Sou-Sou?”

“Of course she can, you wanna put it on her?”

The little girl nodded and looked at you with an ear to ear smile, making your heart burst even more at the seams. You quickly wiped your cheeks then dried your hands on your clothes before reaching your left one out towards her.

Very carefully she took the ring from its box, listening as Hitoshi instructed which finger to put it on. Without any problem, the piece of jewelry slipped down your ring finger and over your knuckle, fitting snugly. You chewed on your lip and awed as it sparkled.

Hitoshi removed Eri from his knee, grunting as he stood to his feet again, his hand took yours and helped you stand up as well. He proudly smiled as he examined the engagement ring and looked at you. Purple eyes meeting (e/c). Your lips jutted in a pout as you could tell he was on the verge of tears. Leaning in you pulled his face close and kissed the corners of each eye.

“I love you so much Hitoshi and I promise I’ll be the best wife you ever had!”

“You’ll be the only wife I ever have. You’re stuck with me now halfling, no take backsies!”

“I’d never, I think I hit the jackpot here.”

Hitoshi chuckled and quirked a brow, rubbing the side of his neck and looking away. “Speaking of jackpot.”

You narrowed your eyes, head tilting as you could tell something else besides this whole extravagant proposal was up.

“Hitoshi Shinsou, what did you do?”

“... well, I may or may not have already bought this place. Think of it as an engagement gift?”

“Are you fucking serious?”

Slowly, Hitoshi crouched back down to Eri’s level, pulling her close and holding her tight as he stood back up and started to take a step back. Over his shoulder he spoke to his dad.

“I got the kid, it’ll give us a few seconds of protection but that’s it. I suggest we both start running.”

“No, I suggest you start running, she wants to kill you, not me and don’t use my kid as a shield, get your own!”

Aizawa snatched Eri from Hitoshi’s grip, leaving your now soon to be dead fiancé defenseless with a sheepish smile as he held his hands up.

“Baby, kitten, sweetness - let’s talk about it over dinner? And I mean it this time, I’ll buy you all the food you want.”

You chuckled but with a dark undertone, eyebrows raising and fingers wiggling. “You’re so dead!”

Without another word you bolted for Hitoshi, making him laugh as he dodged the attack and charged out of the kitchen, you hurried and ran after him, curses spewing from your lips as the hero cackled. Aizawa groaned and shook his head, looking to his daughter who was smiling.

“Yeah I’m way too old for this.”

Giggles and keys jingling filled the snowy air as Hitoshi tried to unlock the door to the bakery, it was a struggle in the dim light of the street even if you were standing next to him using the flashlight on your phone to help.

“Babe, you gotta stop shaking and hold that thing steady, I’m a little inebriated and this is a struggle.”

“That’s what she said,” you snorted in response, making your newly wedded husband roll his eyes. “I’m sorry I saw my chance and took it. I can’t help that it’s freezing out here!”

With a pout you held the phone a little steadier, enough for Hitoshi to shove the key into its mechanism and unlock the door.

“Well who's the one that wanted a winter wedding even though they malfunction in only 60 degree weather?” Hitoshi teased as he tugged you inside the warm building, making sure to gather the material of your dress and cape as he placed kisses along your shoulders.

You giggled, trying and failing to push him off.

“I wanted to wear a pretty cape and have snow as decoration, sue me!”

“Whatever bridezilla!”

Your jaw dropped with a dramatic gasp, Hitoshi dodging the slap that was coming his way by wrapping your arms around yourself as he held you from behind and nipped at your cheek.

“You’re such a jerk.”

“A jerk you so willingly married. Now come on, let’s see if there’s any leftovers we can munch on, you’re getting hangry.”

With a smirk you turned your head to look at Hitoshi, his violet eyes already on you like they always were and still so full of love even a whole bakery and two years later.

The two of you had been through chaos since your engagement with opening the business together along with him still teaching and being a hero, and to top it all off - planning a wedding.

Neither of you were in a rush though, more than anything Hitoshi wanted you happy and if it meant putting the bakery first and getting it off the ground before a wedding then he was perfectly fine with it. Sure it took longer than expected but finally once things settled the two of you started to really plan and hit the ground running when it came to your wedding which ended up being more than you expected. Hitoshi along with your friends and family went above and beyond to give the both of you the wedding of your dreams - outdoors, lots of greenery and snow, and the people you loved most there to share it with you.

The ceremony was emotional, even Shouta shed a tear or two. The reception was fun and full of smiles, dancing and drinking. Finally it came time for you and Hitoshi to leave it behind and spend your first night together as newlyweds and you couldn’t think of a better place than the very bakery you started together, plus the fact that there were more than likely tons of leftover sweets still there from the day was a bonus.

Lost in your own thoughts, Hitoshi scooped you up bridal style, fitting for the night, and kissed your cheek as he started to carry you. You couldn’t help but smile and hum, running a hand through his tousled and wild purple locks and snuggling up close to his chest. The man awed and pressed his cheek to your head until he was standing in the bakery kitchen. Carefully he set you back down on your feet before removing his jacket and placing it on one of the countertops. He helped you remove the hooded cape that draped over your shoulders, not missing his chance to kiss the skin of them once they were uncovered.

“Shall we eat Mrs. Shinsou?”

After making some hot tea and raiding the massive fridge of all its contents, you and Hitoshi sat on the floor on top of your dark plum cape that was spread out.

Cupcakes, cookies, scones and even cheesecake laid before you both as you ate away at it and talked about your night together. Shoes were kicked off, pieces of your hair falling from its pins and Hitoshi’s tie halfway undone. Neither of you cared if there was colorful icing or crumbs smeared on the priceless white gown you wore or Hitoshi’s button up. You were enjoying just being alone together finally after such a hectic day.

“So - was it what you imagined, are you happy?” He asked while reaching out and swiping a small amount of icing from the cupcake you ate.

“Toshi, it was so much more than I imagined. I couldn’t ask for more really. You’ve been so amazing to me, ever since the beginning.” You smiled and sat the cupcake down, moving towards your husband. He grinned and sat up, helping you bunch up your dress as you went to straddle his lap and wrap your arms around his neck. “There’s not one day that I’ve ever been unhappy, even on the dark days, you were right there by my side, you were my happiness and always will be.”

Hitoshi brushed a lock of your hair back behind your ear, hands rubbing up and down your sides slowly, feeling the beading and lace of the dress. He still couldn’t get over how stunning and beautiful you looked that night, how much he cried at the altar just from the sight of you. He felt on top of the world, but he felt like that every day the second he’d wake up to see your face sleeping next to his.

Blinking, the man realized he had been staring for quite some time as you looked back at him and played with the soft hair at the nape of his neck.

“The question is Mr. Shinsou, the most amazing teacher at UA and kick-ass hero on the side, are you happy?”

“Always have been and always will be, as long as you have that pretty ring on that cute little finger and my last name, I couldn’t be happier.”

You quirked a brow and smirked, leaning in to kiss Hitoshi. He hummed as his lips molded perfectly like always to your lips, that familiar and welcomed tingling returning at the back of his skull from how sweet you tasted. The smell of sugar in the air only heightened the high for him and when you bit his lip it caused a low groan from his throat.

“So what’s next Toshi?” You questioned with a sigh as he started to trail more kisses across your collarbone and neck.

“Mmm, whatever you want sweetness,” he responded without a thought, too caught up in trying to make you come undone.

You giggled and tugged at his hair when he nipped at your skin, hands gripping tighter and moving the annoying material of your dress out of the way.

“Well, you know … I kinda miss having Eri around.”

“Hah, is there some hidden message you’re trying to give me?” He replied with a snort.

Still not bothered. Still kissing, licking and biting. You tried to be serious but he just wasn’t letting you and not a second later you were finally giving into your husband. He wasn’t displeased at all, a prideful hum rumbling through his chest as he quickly maneuvered you onto your back on the floor. You laughed when his hand squashed a cupcake only to whine as he smeared the icing all over your face and started to lick it off like a dog. Soon enough laughs and smiles turned into heavier breathing and sighs as teeth chewed on lips and skin. Strong hands squeezed at your thighs under your dress as you tugged on the tie still hanging from Hitoshi’s neck to pull him closer into your heated kisses.

“You know we still need to consummate our marriage,” Hitoshi smirked as he wrapped one of your legs around his waist.

You looked up at him with lidded eyes and flushed cheeks, your response barely even a whisper. “... or we could just try for a baby.”

The hero blinked a few times, face leaning in closer and hand cupping your face. “Did I hear that right?”

“I mean … if you want it to of course. I just, I love you so much Hitoshi and you’ve given me so much that I can never repay you for or even top - this is something I can give you. I see how amazing you are with Eri, with Shouto and Deku’s kid. I mean maybe this is too fast … I don’t want to -“

“No no no, of course I want that too! God, I - you don’t even know how much I imagine this, to create something so precious with you. Sure I’m a little scared about it turning out to be a brat like you but I’ll love it anyway!”

“I take it back, I don’t want a mini Toshi!”

Hitoshi smiled, hands suddenly tickling your waist. He took in the sound of your laughter, the pink tint of your cheeks and the sparkling of your smile, and imagined all those beautiful qualities morphed into a tiny little human with more sass and attitude than the world knew what to do with.

Oh yeah, he wanted this. You, little brats, the whole nine yards.

Quickly Hitoshi stopped his tickling and took your hands in his own, making you smile as he placed those sweet kisses inside of your palms. Soon, your hands were pinned to the floor beside your head, strong lean fingers intertwining with you soft delicate ones.

“I’m ready when you are sweetness, just say when.”

You giggled and scrunched your nose before smiling wide.

“When.”

[jaxl-road]

Scar Tissue, chapter 7

You know that part of fancy dances where everyone weaves around the room switching partners until you eventually find your way back to your person?

Slash is getting dizzy. And he gets the feeling he’s not missing something so much as being left out of something.

Pairings: Slash/Duff, side Axl/Izzy, side Nikki/Tommy, side Steven/Vince

Warnings: ((not in this chapter)) Implied/discussed past abuse (non-explicit)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The show went by in a blur.

Slash felt like he couldn’t stop smiling, running and jumping around the stage more than usual just to get some of his excess excitement out, almost rivaling Axl’s antics. The energy was infectious, and all five boys found themselves in a feedback loop that carried over to the audience. By the time the show ended, Slash could barely remember what had even happened, but that didn’t stop him from being certain that it was one of their best shows to date.

And the second they made it back to the dressing room, Slash pulled Duff down for another kiss.

Steven cheered, throwing his arms in the air, “Fucking FINALLY!” As the new couple broke apart, the drummer threw his arms around both of them, turning to Duff with a grin, “I’ve been watching this idiot pine for MONTHS.”

“Excuse you, we’ve all been watching him pine, “Axl chimed in.

“I kept expecting him to bring some sad, lovesick song to rehearsal,” Izzy contributed.

“I hate all of you,” Slash pouted, Duff chuckling and ducking his head to hide his red face.

They all settled around the dressing room, coming down from the adrenaline of the show, alternating between teasing Slash and excitedly discussing the show. Axl walked back and forth, waving his arms as he rattled off the potential for their upcoming gigs.

Eventually, the door opened and the terror twins burst in, grinning mischievously. “I can’t believe you guys ripped off our look!” Tommy laughed.

“We still win though cause you don’t have heels,” Nikki declared, kicking out one foot to show off the platform boots dramatically.

Tommy snickered, “Still though, that was awesome!”

“Brace yourselves,” Mick drawled as he slunk in behind them, “Incoming in three, two-”

“HEY, ADLER!”

Vince shoved past his bandmates, pointing accusingly at the Guns drummer, “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about that bullshit two weeks ago! I’ve got a fucking bone to pick with you!”

Steven froze, staring wide-eyed as all eyes locked on the two blondes.

Just as Vince was taking a step forward, Tommy leapt forward, standing between the two and facing his singer, “Okay, alright, as much as I love a good fight, I distinctly recall telling both of you to just talk this shit out.”

“Fine,” Vince grit out, crossing his arms, “I’ll start: What the fuck, man?”

“Uh…” Steven glanced around nervously, Slash giving him a ‘go on’ motion encouragingly, “Right. Well,” he gathered himself and narrowed his eyes, “fine. I was high and drunk and you were being a dumb bitch.”

“Excuse me?” Vince screeched incredulously.

Slash sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Off to a great start there, Stevie.”

“Well, it’s true!” Steven snapped, “You tried to set me up with some random chick, of course I got pissed!”

“How is that a bad thing?” Vince exclaimed, “I was trying to help you get laid!”

“And I was trying to get laid by you!”

“Well I-... Wait, what?” Stuttering to a halt, Vince’s face was a mixture of confusion and surprise.

Steven threw his hands in the air in exasperation, “I’ve been flirting with you for months!”

“No you haven’t!”

“Yes I have!”

“Uh, Steven?” Slash raised a hand, cutting in, “Dude, I’m on your side, but you’re terrible at flirting. You literally don’t act any different than normal.”

There was a general murmur of agreement, Steven shooting a look of betrayal at his friends as Vince smirked in victory, “Hah! See!”

“Okay, well,” Steven glared, “even so, that night I was totally blatant! You said you needed someone to fuck and I told you I was available!”

“Ooooh, he’s got you there, Vinnie,” Nikki commented, he and Tommy snickering together in the corner as their singer glared.

“Well,” he was starting to look flustered, “I- you-... I thought you were straight!” he blurted out.

Steven’s jaw dropped, “Are you fucking kidding me?? Vince,” he gestured up and down at the singer and yelled, “no one is that straight!”

For a moment, the room is silent, Vince gaping as Steven’s hands curled into fists at his sides. Finally, the drummer sighed in frustration, “Fuck it, this is stupid. I’m sorry I punched you or whatever, let’s just-”

But before he could finish, Vince rushed forward and kissed him firmly.

There is only the briefest moment of surprised hesitation before Steven is wrapping his arms around the singer to pull him even closer.

Meanwhile, the other seven rockers in the room stared awkwardly. Eventually, Tommy started a dramatic slow clap. Unsure of what else to do, the rest of the group soon joined the applause.

“Fuck you guys,” Vince tried to look annoyed, but we was still grinning. He looked like he was going to say something else, but Steven pulled him back for another kiss.

“Wow. For a minute there I didn’t think this would end well,” Slash laughed.

“Apparently love is in the fucking air tonight,” Izzy mumbled, winking at Slash and Duff.

There was a soft thud, drawing their attention back as Vince pushed Steven up against the wall, and immediately the terror twins sprung into action, “Oh, oh boy, okay, time to go!” Nikki stated.

“Yup, trust us, Vince ain’t gonna slow down just cause he’s got an audience,” Tommy added, the two of them herding the group out of the room, managing to close the dressing room door just as the two blondes fell onto the couch together.

“I can’t decide if Vince is going to be more or less insufferable now,” Mick mused.

“Probably the same,” Nikki laughed, “But we are definitely late for the afterparty, so let’s get fucked up!”

The two bands (minus one singer and one drummer) once again made their way to Motley Crue’s apartment, and Slash found it funny how different this time was from the last time they partied together.

They were barely a block away when Nikki and Tommy honed in on Slash’s arm around Duff’s waist. Sharing quick look, the two quickly situated themselves on either side of the couple, Nikki next to Duff and Tommy next to Slash. It was a little absurd how tiny Slash felt next to the three of them.

“I can’t help but notice some PDA going on over here,” Nikki smirked.

“Don’t tell me today is couples day,” Tommy joked.

“Uh…” Duff stammered, glancing at Slash almost nervously.

Meanwhile, the guitarist puffed his chest out, grinning proudly as he tugged Duff closer, “You bet your ass it is. We beat Steven and Vince by a solid two hours,” he bragged.

“I didn’t realize it was a race,” Tommy said, “But in that case Nikki and I definitely win.”

“Damn straight,” Nikki high fived him behind Slash and Duff’s backs.

“I think the fuck not,” Axl snapped his head around, glaring, “Izzy and I left you slow burn fuckers in the fucking dust, thank you very much.”

“You tell ‘em, babe,” Izzy nodded.

“I hate being single,” Mick grumbled.

“I know Mick, I know,” Nikki patted his shoulder comfortingly, the guitarist swatting his hand away.

If Slash had been paying more attention, he might have noticed how Nikki and Tommy left him and Duff in favor of flanking Izzy and Axl, Nikki and Axl talking in hushed tones in a way that would have been suspicious. If Slash had been paying attention.

But he wasn’t. He was too busy walking on sunshine at getting to hold Duff so close, making the bassist blush as he complimented his playing at the show, kissing his cheek and the corner of his mouth every few minutes while Duff laughed and played with his curls as they walked. When he thought about it, part of him wanted to ditch the party- to just go home with Duff and have a few hours to themselves, to lay in bed and touch every inch of him, soft and slow.

As they approached the apartment, Slash opened his mouth to suggest to Duff that they split off. But before he got a chance, Tommy was sliding next to him, “Hey, Slash! I have a question,” he began cheerily, “You have a pet snake, right?”

“Um,” Slash blinked in surprise at the unexpected question, “I have a couple, yeah, but they’re back at my mom and grandma’s place.”

“Cool, cool,” Tommy nodded, throwing an arm around his shoulders, “I’m trying to convince the guys that we should get a pet, but Vince is allergic to cats, and Mick is allergic to dogs, so I was thinking a snake or something! What do you think?”

“Are you kidding me? No fucking way,” Slash laughed, “You guys can barely keep yourselves alive and you wanna add a pet? None of you should be responsible for any living thing ever. Just get a cactus or something.”

“But I can’t cuddle a cactus!” Tommy pouted.

“I mean, not with that attitude!”

“You’re unhelpful as fuck, dude.”

Slash’s laugh was cut off as Tommy guided him through the window into the apartment. He hadn’t even noticed them walking up the fire escape. Blinking, he suddenly became aware of the lack of bassist at his side.

Furrowing his brows, he glanced around, “Hey, where’d-”

“I am way too sober, all the adrenaline from the show burned through everything in my system,” Tommy interrupted, dragging Slash over to the coffee table as strangers started pouring into the apartment behind them. The drummer quickly kneeled down, pulling a bag of white power from his pocket and shaking it at Slash with a grin, “Care to join?”

Slash paused for a moment in consideration, but finally shrugged, “Sure,” he crouched down next to him. He’d just do a quick line or two and then he’d track down Duff and whisk him away.

It only took a few minutes for Tommy to cut a few lines and for each of them to snort them up, both laughing as they felt the initial rush to their system. Wiping at his nose, Slash stood and nodded at the drummer, “I’m gonna go find Duff.”

Tommy gave him a quick wave before turning to chat with some of the partiers. The apartment had filled quickly, people passing bottles and cigarettes and bags of coke, voices layering over each other and someone throwing on a record to add even more noise. Looking around the room, Slash saw no sign of the tall blonde. Glancing at the window he had come through, he was thrown back to the last time he had come to the Crue’s apartment- the last time he had lost track of Duff.

Walking over and glancing out the window, Slash blinked with deja vu as he spied Duff and Nikki standing at the bottom of the building, smoking and talking together. This time though, it looked almost like they were arguing. Not heatedly, but Nikki had his arms crossed, a serious look on his face while Duff gestured vaguely and seemed to ramble on about something with wide eyes.

Slash narrowed his eyes. He hated when Duff got that look of anxiety on his face, and he didn’t appreciate Nikki putting it there. He took the stairs two at a time, and by the time he hopped off the fire escape, the two bassists had become aware of his presence. Nikki sighed, and Duff shot him an almost guilty look.

“Hey guys!” Slash smiled tensely, “I was wondering where you ran off to,” he said to Duff, weaving their fingers together.

“Oh, yeah, sorry,” Duff gave a nervous laugh, “just got caught up in conversation.”

“Bassist bonding, y’know?” Nikki grinned, taking a long drag of his cigarette as he eyed Slash with a look the guitarist couldn’t identify.

“Yeah, I’m still trying to convince Mick to join me and Izzy for ‘guitarist get-togethers.”

“Oh, I definitely need to see that,” the strange look disappeared as Nikki laughed.

Leaning heavier against Duff, Slash turned to him, “I’m pretty beat from the show. I was thinking maybe we could get out of here…?” he suggested with a sly smile.

Duff looked away quickly, “Oh, yeah, sure, I-”

“Aw, don’t leave so soon!” Nikki cut in loudly, giving them exaggerated puppy eyes, “You only just got here,” sauntering around them, put his arms around them both, ducking his head between them, “At least stay for a few drinks.”

It wasn’t a question, the dark haired man already guiding both of them back to the apartment, his hands firm on their shoulders. Slash sighed, but figured it wasn’t the end of the world. After all, he wasn’t exactly going to complain about free booze. So the three of them made their way to the kitchen, where a variety of bottles had accumulated on the countertops.

“Pick your poison!” Nikki offered cheerfully.

Duff eagerly snatched a bottle of vodka, not even bothering with a glass, instead taking a swig straight from the bottle while Nikki cheered. Slash laughed and reached for the whiskey, while Nikki quickly mixed himself a jack and coke. They drank and chatted, practically yelling to be heard over the ruckus in the apartment.

Before long, Tommy bounded over, clearly having helped himself to more cocaine since Slash last saw him. Coming up behind Nikki and wrapping his arms around him, “Heya babe! Having fun with the lovebirds?” he giggled.

Slash barked out a laugh, “You’re calling us lovebirds?” he gestured at the other couple.

“Nikki, Slash said we shouldn’t get a snake,” Tommy pouted, ignoring Slash’s comment.

His boyfriend only raised an eyebrow, “Well duh, probably because we definitely shouldn’t get a snake.”

“But baaaaabe,” the drummer whined, “I want a pet!”

“I got a dog from a blacksmith once,” Duff blurted out, three sets of eyes snapping to him in confusion. He smirked slowly, “As soon as I got home he made a bolt for the door.”

While Slash and Tommy laughed in surprise, Nikki had unfortunately just taken a sip of his drink and proceeded to immediately snort it out his nose. Sputtering and coughing, his three friends howled with laughter as he glared and pulled himself together.

“God fucking dammit, Duff!”

“You get used to it,” Slash snickered, patting his back in faux sympathy as Nikki flipped him off.

Just then, two familiar blondes crawled into the apartment. Vince had love bites running from his neck down his chest, disappearing under the low neckline of his shirt, and Steven’s hair was even wilder than usual and as they got closer Slash could see his shirt was on backwards.

“What’s up, losers? Did you miss us?” Vince exclaimed, waltzing over to the group in the kitchen with Steven beside him.

“Not really,” Nikki responded sarcastically.

“You wound me,” Vince pouted, “Where’s the love? I was nothing but supportive when you fuckers finally banged.”

“You gave us shit for weeks!” Tommy cried.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Tommy,” Nikki rolled his eyes, “He still gives us shit.”

“We need new friends,” Sighing, Steven snaked his arm behind Vince’s back, too low for his hand to be anywhere but on the singer’s ass.

Slash fake gagged, “Oh God, I thought you both were bad individually, this is gonna be even worse.”

“At least get a room,” Duff mumbled into his vodka, looking away firmly.

Vince lit up, “That is an excellent idea,” he purred, Steven grinning as he was tugged further into the house.

As they disappeared into Vince’s room, Nikki shook his head fondly, “This is going to be interesting.”

“Yup,” Slash looked over at his own boyfriend, who was steadily draining the bottle in his hand, “Although, on the subject of getting a room-”

“There you fuckers are!”

Axl strutted into the room, Izzy close behind him, “Did you see Steven and Vince go by? I can’t believe this! I wanted to see Vince get punched and instead I have to watch them get all handsy with each other! It’s a fucking outrage!” he ranted.

“Unfortunately, love won this round,” Izzy deadpanned, smoking a cigarette lazily.

Huffing, the red-head crossed his arms petulantly. Nikki shook his head before changing the subject, “So, you guys have any more shows coming up?”

Perking up, Axl started talking about GnR’s upcoming gigs, Nikki and Tommy nodding along and commenting on the various venues. Meanwhile, Izzy turned to Slash.

“Speaking of, we should try to finish a couple of our new songs for the next show.”

“Oh yeah?” Slash nodded, “That’s not a bad idea. Any in particular you wanted to work on first?”

The two guitarists discussed which of their half-completed songs to work on first. Their conversation slowly shifted until they were discussing their favorite guitar riffs, from their own songs and from other bands.

“You guys should grab Mick,” Nikki suddenly chimed in, “I still want to see a ‘guitarist get-together’.”

“Oh my gosh, I’ll take pictures!” Tommy laughed.

“I wouldn’t mind,” Izzy shrugged, “Mick’s cool.”

“You’re only saying that because you don’t get scolded by him on a daily basis.”

“I mean… yeah.”

Looking around the circle, Slash frowned. He glanced over his shoulders, but the four of them were the only ones in the kitchen, “Where’d Duff and Axl go?”

The terror twins shrugged, “I dunno,” Tommy answered unhelpfully.

Sighing, Slash took another swig of whiskey, “I’m gonna go find ‘em.”

But before he could exit the kitchen, Izzy threw his arm around his shoulders, dragging him back to the circle, “Oh come on, they’ll be fine for a few minutes,” he argued nonchalantly, “let’s at least get back to figuring out which songs we want to work on next.”

Frowning, Slash wanted to say no. He just wanted to hang out with his boyfriend- (and oh boy did that thought make him giddy every time he thought it- Duff was his boyfriend)- but he figured Izzy wasn’t being unreasonable, so he nodded along. The discussion went longer than Slash expected- every time he thought they came to an agreement, Izzy would suddenly change his mind, or Tommy or Nikki would interrupt with a note, or comment, or line of coke.

Eventually though, when the whiskey bottle was nearly empty and he’d done two more lines, Slash insisted on finding Duff. He weaved his way out of the kitchen, the alcohol making him a bit unsteady. Luckily, the tall blonde was easy to find. He was sitting on the couch, Vodka still in hand (it looked more full than it had been before- was that a new bottle?) and Axl sitting beside him, the singer facing him as he gestured wildly, clearly ranting about something or other.

Duff brows were slightly furrowed, like he was confused, and Slash couldn’t help but smile fondly. He was familiar with the way Axl could sometimes just talk and talk, and it was almost cute seeing Duff try to comprehend whatever passionate speech he was caught up in.

He wasted no time making his way over, sitting on the arm of the couch to lean over Duff and place a kiss on the crown of his head, giggling as the bassist jumped, “Hey babe,” he sang, “I missed you!”

Across from him, Axl huffed, narrowing his eyes at having been interrupted, “Um, rude? We were clearly talking.”

Slash glared right back, resting his chin on Duff’s head and letting his arms drape over his shoulders, “Hey, he’s my boyfriend, so I get to call dibs.”

Before the red-head could argue, they were both cut off as their blonde drummer reappeared, face flushed and smiling contently, “Hey guys!" he drawled, "I am having the best night. You would not believe the things Vince can do with his tongue-”

“No no no!” Slash cried frantically reeling back and slapping his hands over his ears, “lalalalala I can’t hear you!”

“Oh come on!” Steven laughed, “We’ve described good fucks to each other before!”

“Yeah, but this is Vince,” Slash insisted with a shudder, “This is someone I have to look in the eye on a regular basis! Please, as your best friend, I am begging you to spare me the details just this once.”

The drummer sighed dramatically, “Oh, fine. But only because I fucking love you.”

“Thank you.”

“What about you, Tommy? Can you handle the dirty details? Cause I seriously need to get this out before I’m ready for round three.”

“Wait, what?” Slash snapped his head to the side, nearly losing his balance as he blinked drunkenly. The blonde bassist had been replaced by the Motley Crue drummer. Axl sat beside him, pointedly avoiding the guitarist’s gaze, although he couldn’t quite hide a cocky smirk.

Tommy shrugged, “Honestly, I’ve walked in on Vince enough that nothing can scar me anymore. Spill.”

Growling in frustration, Slash lurched to his feet, Steven swiftly taking his seat as he began to wax poetic about Vince’s bedroom skills. Stumbling away, Slash didn’t understand what was happening. Because something was happening. There was no other explanation for how Duff kept being swept away from him every time he turned his head. He didn’t even care about going home anymore- he just wanted to spend time with his boyfriend. It would be enough to just stand next to him and hold his hand for more than two minutes, maybe press a few kisses into his skin. He’d waited so long to get to this point. He just wanted to savor it.

Pressing through the crowd of people, he found Duff in a corner, leaning heavily against the wall with an empty vodka bottle held loosely at his side. Nikki was next to him, smoking a cigarette while Izzy stood in front of them and spoke quietly.

“Duff!” Slash cried excitedly. The three boys turned to look at him, Duff attempting to stand up straighter but only managing to pitch forward. Luckily, Izzy and Nikki quickly steadied him, Slash hurrying over and slinging the bassist’s arm over his shoulder to hold him up.

“H-hey, Slash,” Duff smiled, his eyes slightly glassy from the alcohol. He pressed himself closer to him, burying his face in messy curls with a sigh.

Despite his previous frustration, Slash couldn’t help but smile, bringing his free hand up to play with the ribbon around his neck, “Hey,” he drawled, “I keep losing you. Or, you keep getting stolen,” he raised an eyebrow at the two rockers in front of him. They both stared back evenly.

But Duff shuddered in his arms, reaching to clench his fingers in the front of Slash’s shirt, “‘m sorry,” he whispered into his hair.

He almost missed the way Izzy and Nikki’s eyes seemed to darken, but he didn’t have the energy to think about it, instead focusing on pulling Duff closer, “It’s fine, you’re fine, ‘m just messing,” he soothed.

There was a nod against the top of his head, and the blonde seemed to sink a little further against him. Behind his back, Slash heard a soft thud, turning his head to see that the empty bottle had slipped from Duff’s fingers. Rubbing his back softly, Slash decided that this time, it really was time to go.

“I think you and I are gonna head home now,” he declared, “I’m half wasted and you’re half past wasted.”

Duff laughed lightly, nodding in agreement, “Yeah, kay.”

“Thanks for the booze and shit,” Slash nodded at Nikki, turning and giving Izzy a quick wave, “I’ll see you guys at home.”

He barely processed their responses, if there were any, too busy keeping himself and the tall blonde upright as they left the apartment. The fire escape was a challenge, but both of them were laughing by the time they finally reached the bottom. Normally the walk between their apartment and Motley Crue’s wasn’t too long, but with both of them weaving and tripping over their own feet, the journey took twice as long.

Slash didn’t mind though. He welcomed any time spent with Duff- always had, but even more so now. Whenever Duff stumbled against him, he couldn’t resist pressing his lips to the side of his neck, feeling the bassist sigh against him as he mouthed at his collar bone. When they finally reached the Hell House, Slash ignored his keys in favor of gently pushing Duff against the door to press their lips together, kissing lazily and stroking his hand against the small of his back while Duff tangled his fingers in his hair.

Eventually, the chill of the night motivated them to pull away and unlock the door, making their way inside. They giggled as they fumbled in the dark towards their room. Slash didn’t bother turning the lights on, and after the briefest flash of hesitation, guided both of them towards his own bed.

What a strange day, Slash thought to himself. It had gone so fast but felt so long, and even though the two of them had shared a bed the night before, tonight was different. Because, despite all of his doubts and shyness, Slash and Duff were together now. He wondered if the giddiness would ever die down.

As he maneuvered Duff onto the bed though, he couldn’t ignore the way the bassist fell back onto the mattress like dead weight, limbs sprawled out and eyes fluttering open and closed, and Slash still tasted vodka on his lips.

So, smiling softly, he crawled on the bed and gently laid his body on top of Duff’s, resting his head against his chest and sighing contently.

“Mmmm… Slash?” Duff muttered, turning his head to try to look at the guitarist, “I-... ‘re you…”

Slash hushed him, wrapping his arms around his waist and rolling them onto their sides, tucking his head beneath Duff’s chin, “Long day,” he slurred with a smile, “Let’s just sleep now. I’ll take you on a date tomorrow,” he promised.

“...Oh,” Duff let out a breath, “Okay,” he laughed a little, bringing a hand up to smooth back Slash’s wild curls.

Pressing one last kiss to the bassist’s shoulder, Slash held Duff tighter, smiling even as the whiskey pulled him towards sleep.

He drifted off with Duff’s steady heartbeat under his ear.

[thepartyresponsible]

here’s the first fic for inbox cleaning week! i’ve received a few separate prompts for deadpool and dc crossover fics, but i’ve never actually had any luck writing them. i think the problem is that i was trying to throw wade wilson at jason todd, and that’s a molotov cocktail, not a love story.

so here’s deadpool falling absolutely in love with dick grayson. it’s ridiculous and fluffy and shockingly low on violence.

Word comes through the various superhero backchannels that Batman’s got himself murdered again. Or kidnapped. Stolen, dimension-hopped, married. Whatever. The point is, the Dark Knight is brooding in a better place. Or a worse place. A different place, definitely. That much, Wade knows, is true.

A power vacuum in Gotham is never a good thing. The local villains go wild in Bat’s absence, and it’s not the fun kind of wild with foam parties and naked dancing and drunken mistakes. It’s the kind of wild with blood in the streets and monsters rising from the sewers and terrible deaths played out to the soundtrack of mad laughter.

That kind of thing spreads, is the problem. It’s infectious. What starts in Gotham will spread to New York, and Wade doesn’t wanna deal with Gotham bullshit in New York. He doesn’t want New York to feel like it has to one-up Gotham’s weirdness. New York is weird enough.

So Wade, a concerned good-hearted citizen, a real man of the people, swings by Gotham to check up on things.

He expects to see Robin, if he’s lucky. Or maybe Batgirl. Red Hood, if things get especially spicy.

The last he heard, Nightwing was over in Bludhaven, so he doesn’t expect to see him at all.

It’s hard to tell, honestly, if Wade would’ve been prepared to see him if he’d had some kind of warning. It is not at all hard to tell if he’s prepared to see him unexpectedly. The only hard thing is him. Specifically, it’s his dick. Immediately.

It’s not his fault. Nighwing comes back-flipping into a street brawl like he’s qualifying for the Russian women’s gymnastics team. He’s lean and muscular and beautiful, wearing something blessedly skintight, and Wade thinks the entire world stops on its axis, stretches out time, just so he can stare, open-mouthed, at the shape of Nightwing’s ass as it spins under the murky glow of Gotham’s streetlights.

“Holy shit,” Wade says, when Nightwing kicks off a wall, knocks a man unconscious with his thighs, and then does a full twist in the air before hitting the sidewalk in a perfect three-point superhero landing.

“Oh my God,” Wade says, barely breathing. “Do that again. I missed my chance to shove a twenty in your utility belt.”

“Deadpool?” Nightwing stands up, rising from the busted concrete like Aphrodite from the sea. There’s a chorus of angels singing in Wade’s head; he doesn’t know Latin, but he thinks it’s a cherubic cover of Baby Got Back. “What are you doing here?”

“Fighting the good fight,” Wade says, staring helplessly at the bulge of muscle under all that sinful spandex.

Nightwing’s head tilts to the side. “The good fight?”

“Trying not to jizz in my pants,” he clarifies.  

It’s not his best first impression. But at least it’s an honest one.

Nightwing makes him promise not to kill anyone within Gotham city limits, and Wade feels like that’s a perfectly reasonable ask, because he was prepared to offer up three kidneys, half his teeth, and all his childbearing years.

He has a bit of trouble early on. Deathless crime fighting falls outside his general oeuvre, and there’s a whole caper two days in where a guy drops dead of a heart attack, and Wade spends twelve hours desperately hauling the body from one dumpsite to another, trying to find one the Bats don’t know about. But all in all, he does alright, and Nightwing takes him on a romantic picnic a week into his stay to celebrate.

“Is this a date?” Wade asks, as he kicks his heels over the side of the building, biting happily into the cheeseburger Nightwing handed him out of a takeout bag. “Because I’m not really that kinda girl, but we can totally do butt stuff on the first date if you want to. It’s just that you’re so gentlemanly and svelte. You’re completely overwhelming my natural modesty.”

“Svelte,” Nightwing says, laughing. He takes all of Wade’s flirting in stride, and Wade honestly can’t tell if it’s because he’s not interested or because he gets hit on so much and so often that he thinks it’s just how people talk to each other.

Last night, Wade slapped him on the ass in a last-ditch effort to clarify his intentions, and Nightwing just ass-slapped him back and then yelled “Good game!” over his shoulder as he executed a perfect double tuck off a fire escape.

“Bluebird,” Wade says, with a heavy, wistful sigh. “You’re breaking my heart.”

Nightwing looks over at him. He’s got a smear of ketchup right before his bottom lip, and his jawline makes Wade want to lick him from his chin to his ear.

Well, and everywhere else, too.

“You’re a funny guy, Deadpool,” Nightwing tells him. “When Batman comes back and runs you out of Gotham, you’re welcome to take sanctuary in Bludhaven.”

And isn’t that the perfect metaphor for the pair of them? Nightwing, human embodiment of grace and goodwill, ushering Wade, sack of sin in human skin, into a place of sacred safety?

“Okay,” Wade says. “But only if I get to show up in a nun costume and confess my sins on my knees.”

Nightwing nearly chokes on his food. When he looks up at Wade again, he’s smiling, wide and cheerful, a little crooked. He reaches over, pats Wade on the knee, and his fingers must slip on the way back, because they run halfway up Wade’s thigh before he pulls them away.

“Whatever makes you comfortable,” he says.

Wade finds Red Hood in a shoot-out, and the pair of them go through some genuine gymnastics to get the whole thing calmed down without murdering anyone. Wade gets shot five times toward the end, when he gets bored of all the tireless back-and-forth and hops out from behind cover to go chase down the last guy. One of the bullets nicks his spine, so he ends up lying on the floor, face mashed into a growing puddle of blood, waiting for that to heal, but Red Hood’s a real sweetheart and comes along to drag him bodily to a dry patch.

“Hey, Red,” Wade says, when he can finally roll over under his own steam. “First of all, great color scheme.”

“Thanks.” He doesn’t sound like he means it. He’s doing some Florence Nightingale cosplay routine on the criminals, patching them up while they lie there unconscious or bat at him weakly, cursing the whole time.

“Second of all, about Nightwing.” Wade pushes himself up on his elbows, tries to move his feet. They don’t respond, so he leans back, settles in to wait a little longer. “What’s he like? What’s he into? Flowers? Wine? Fellatio?”

Red Hood’s head swivels his direction. There’s a long pause. His hands move suddenly, and the trafficker on the ground underneath him screams.

“Yikes,” Wade says.

Red Hood ignores him and goes back to work. Wade watches as he takes a marker out of some unseen pocket in his suit and writes TOURNIQUET 1:21 AM on the criminal’s forehead. When he stands up, his pants stretch over his prodigious thighs, and Wade hears angels signing again, but they’re a little half-hearted about it.

A minute or so later, Wade climbs shakily to his feet and stretches while his nerves get their shit together. “I mean it,” he says, walking across the warehouse. “Nightwing. I’m trying to woo him. Got any tips?”

“You could fuck off,” Red Hood says, off-hand.

“Novel approach,” Wade says. “Don’t see how it’s gonna help.”

“It’s gonna help me.” Red Hood surveys the bloody scene, hands on his hips. He points directly at a pale man in the corner, whose leg is so badly broken than his toes are somehow pointing directly behind him. “You’d better not fucking go into shock. EMS is five minutes out. You’re alive when they get here, or I’ll kick your ass.”

“Yeah,” Wade says. “Me too.”

Red Hood shakes his head and stalks out of the building. Wade follows at his heels. All these Bats have really amazing asses. He wonders what their workout routines look like.

“How many squats do you do?” Wade asks. “I mean, hourly. What’re we talking? Two hundred?”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Red Hood ducks into an alley, and Wade ducks right along beside him.

“Nothing. I’m just curious about those thighs.”

Red Hood lets Wade follow him all the way up the fire escape, but then he turns around, blocks his path, and stares at him through the eyes of the helmet. “Stop following me. I promised not to kill anyone in Gotham, but you can’t die.”

Wade blinks at him. “What’s that mean?”

“It means,” Red Hood says, leaning in, “that I can do anything I want to you. Won’t kill you, right? And I’m in a real bitch of a dry spell.”

“Jesus, Red,” Wade says, clutching at nonexistent pearls, “did you mean that to sound as sexual as it did?”

Red Hood makes a low, disgusted noise. “Aren’t you panting after Nightwing?”

“Sure,” Wade says. He swallows, shakes his head a little. If Red Hood is the scintillating demon in skimpy red lingerie, Nightwing is the beautiful angel in white lace, and he’s trying to be good here. He’s trying to orient himself, dick-first, toward the side of light and beauty. “But, hey, I’m a flexible guy. Listen. If you put on a domino mask, maybe spray paint that red bat blue, we could have something.”

Red Hood visibly recoils. “I’m gonna throw up,” he announces.

“Yeah,” Wade says, nodding. “A lot of my romances start that way.”

Red Robin won’t give him any advice, either. He won’t even talk to him. He scampers away into darkness every time Wade so much as gets close.

He corners him, finally, when Red Robin’s in the middle of doing something complicated with what appears to be an actual, no-shit time bomb. There’s a digital timer counting down and everything. It looks like something out of a 90’s movie.

“Hey,” he says. “Sorry. I can see you’re busy. But if you had to seduce Nightwing in five minutes or less, how would you do it?”

“Are you serious?” Red Robin points empathetically at the bomb. “I’m working.”

“Yeah,” Wade says. “I see that.” He glances at the timer. “Looks like you’ve got at least thirty seconds to answer the question.”

Red Robin make a series of persecuted noises. “I can’t believe he was serious,” he says, when he’s done.

Wade feels a flutter in his chest. It could be the chalupas he fished out of the dumpster four blocks back, but he thinks maybe it’s love instead. “Who? Nightwing? Was he talking about me?”

“No, Red Hood. He mentioned your weird crush in the group text.”

Wade gasps. “I made the Bats’ group text? Batman’s gonna see my name?”

Red Robin peers up at him. It’s hard to tell, given how much of his face is covered, but he looks pained. “Nightwing likes redheads,” he says. “Busty redheads.”

Wade thinks it over. “I can get surgery,” he decides. “And a wig.”

“Oh my God,” Red Robin says, and severs a wire.

They don’t blow up. That’s probably more important for Red Robin than it is for Wade.

Wade gives him a companionable slap on the back. “Hey, look at you, kid. You’re doing great.”

The look Red Robin directs his way is bleak. “Honestly, I was kind of hoping for a quick death.”

The smallest Bat doesn’t speak to him at all. He just comes at Wade with a sword. It’s maybe the single most adorable thing Wade’s ever seen.

“Look at you!” Wade coos, as they dodge and spin, blades clashing against each other. “You’re so cute and angry, oh my God!”

Robin shrieks something shrill and then tries to take his head off.

Nightwing and Red Hood arrive to break things up before the fight can get out of control. Wade loses a couple fingers in the brawl, but he manages to keep Robin from getting nicked even the littlest bit. He gives the kid a jaunty wave as Red Hood hauls him away in a fireman’s carry.

“You’re doing great, sweetie!” he yells. “I’m so proud of you!”

Robin flips him off with both hands, and Wade honestly tears up a little.

“Kids, huh?” he says, knocking his shoulder into Nightwing’s. “They’re the future.”

Nightwing runs a hand down his face. He seems embarrassed. “I’m so sorry,” he says. “Red Hood made a joke about protecting my virtue, and Robin didn’t get the humor.”

Wade nods sympathetically. “They’re very literal at that age.”

“Yeah,” Nightwing says, sighing heavily. “God, that’s embarrassing.”

Wade checks on his hand. The last three fingers of his left hand are just tiny little spurs of skin and bone, re-growing as he waits.

Nightwing breathes in sharp across his teeth. “He cut off your fingers?”

“Yeah.” Wade shrugs. “He’s a scrappy little thing, huh? But they’ll grow back.”

“I’ll have a talk with him,” Nightwing says. His hands land on his hips. He sounds deeply aggrieved on Wade’s behalf. Those butterflies come back, and Wade hasn’t eaten since he stole a box of Fruit Loops this morning, so he knows it’s not indigestion this time.

He nudges Nightwing with his shoulder again. “You could kiss it better,” he offers, with blind, desperate optimism.

Nightwing turns to stare at him. His eyes are an unreadable white behind his domino mask, but his mouth is twisting up into a dubious smile. “You want me to kiss your bloody stumps?”

Wade swallows. “Can I, uh.” He stops, swallows again. “Can I pick another stump for you to put in your mouth?”

Nightwing snorts and then shakes his head. His smile is breathtaking. Or would be, if Wade hadn’t snuck a quick glance down at his ass while Nightwing had his eyes closed. As it stands, Wade doesn’t have any breath left to take.

“Let me buy you dinner,” Nightwing says. “To make up for Robin.”

“Oh,” Wade says, perking up. “A second date, huh? Can we do it without the gargoyle chaperones this time? No offense, but they’re a real buzzkill.”

Nightwing shifts beside him. He makes a low, thoughtful noise in the back of his throat. “We can do it at my place,” he offers.

“Jesus, baby blue,” Wade says, “I can’t deal with the innuendo anymore. You gotta cut it out. I’m gonna ruin my pants.”

Nightwing grins, smug and crooked, and reaches up to scratch at the back of his neck. He’d seem almost shy, except Wade can’t believe for a second that a man who’d willingly leave the house in that outfit has a single spare ounce of modesty left in him.

“Who says it’s innuendo?” Nightwing asks. He glances up at him, sidelong through the domino mask, and Wade’s heart swoops, spins, and settles into the pit of his stomach. “Maybe it was just an offer.”

Wade wonders if he’s hallucinating. Maybe that tiny little Robin drugged him somehow.

“What?” he asks, turning to face him straight on. “What was that, Bluebird? Sorry, I hallucinated.”

Nightwing laughs. He’s still smiling, bright and friendly. “Come on, Deadpool. Let me buy you dinner. We can take it back to my place.”

“Maybe you’re hallucinating.” Wade steps closer, checks Nightwing over from the top of his artfully messy hair to the tread of his boots. “Did that little demon get you? Hit you on the head? Stab you with a needle, dose you up?”

“Hm, maybe.” Nightwing doesn’t seem the least bit bothered by how close Wade is. His voice is a little lower, though, dropping into bedroom range. “Maybe you’d better check.”

Wade stares, open-mouthed.

Nightwing shakes his head a little, still smiling, and then he reaches down and takes Wade’s hand, knots their fingers together, and tugs him toward the door. “You coming?” he asks.

“God,” Wade says, stumbling after him, ready to follow him to hell and back, right through the worst parts of Gotham. “God, not yet. But I’m really close.”

[jo-ships]

Of Free Will and Butterflies - chapter 6

Summary: Team Free Will finds themselves in another universe on a mountain with 9 teenagers and as the night goes on, they find that they need to make sure these teens survive.

Josh had slipped out to give Mike and Jess directions and see them off, and with Sam in the bath and Matt and Em looking for the latter's bag, this left Team Free Will and the remaining kids alone. "Think those two couples will be ok?" Jay asked to no one in particular.

"Yeah, probably," answered Chris. "Mike and Jess have each other for entertainment, and Em can handle herself pretty well."

Jay nodded and backed away, joining the brothers who were eying some shelves. "What about you guys? Think the kids will be ok?"

"Yeah, seems pretty safe so far," came Dean's reply. He wasn't too concerned. "If you're asking if there's anything for us here, I doubt it."

Sam nodded, "Yeah, we're just here to rest until someone can open up a rift to take us home."

"Yeah, and hopefully Jack or Gabe get some mojo going soon. In case you don't remember, we were in the middle of something in our universe," Dean added, impatiently.

"Well, you're gonna be waiting a while for me," inputted Gabe. "Don't think I'll be recharged enough for something like a rift for a while."

Jay moved a few steps closer to Gabe who had joined her with the brothers and reached an arm around him, giving him a sort of half hug. "It's ok, if you can help when Jack has enough power that would be great but don't strain yourself." She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and smiled.

"Thanks, sugar," Gabe grinned, glancing at the brothers as if challenging them to say something.

Dean just shook his head and moved to the couch Mike and Jess had been on. Sam pressed his lips together and turned his attention back to the wall decor. "Native American, huh?"

Chris spoke again, being the one in the room closest to Josh's family. "Yeah, this place has been here for a long time, they kept the same decorations up."

"Huh." Sam kept examining the masks and other such decorations. "Any lore on this stuff?"

Sam's question was met with shrugs from the remaining kids. "There's a library somewhere here, maybe there are some books about lore?" Jo suggested. "Chris, you know where it is, right? Maybe you can take him there."

Sam looked interested, so Chris agreed. "Sure, yeah, I can do that."

"And then there were 5," Jo commented after a minute. Just after she said that, in came Josh.

"6," Ash corrected, a snicker coming from Jo afterwards.

"Yeah," Josh nodded, pretending he understood what was going on. "Where's Chris and the, uh," he gestured above him, "the tall one."

"Right here," Chris said, returning to the group. "Just showed him the library, what's up?"

"Just wondering is all." Josh made his way back to the fireplace and started messing with it again, stopping only to go halfway up the stairs and yell. "Sammy!"

"What?" Came her call back.

"You mind coming and helping me with this fire?!" He asked.

"I'm kind of getting in the bath right now!"

"Oh," Josh started before realizing the opportunity to flirt. "Oh, do you-do you need some help with that?" Jo snorted at the question.

"Hardy har!"

Josh laughed at himself and went back down the stairs and to the fireplace. Dean stood up and joined him. "Hey, you need some help? I might be able to."

"Think so?" Josh nodded, still grinning at himself. "Sure, I appreciate it, man."

Jo got up and stretched her arms over her head and in front of her. "Alright, while you guys you that, I've got VS code calling to me." She held up two fingers as a peace sign as she reached for her laptop bag with her other hand. "I'll be over there if you need me." She gestured back at the other seating area on the other side of the room and spun around, walking to the couch to set up her laptop. As she waited for it to boot up, she got out her iPod and started putting in her earbuds until she saw her counterpart approach her. "Hey."

"Hey," Jay greeted back. "Your friends are...wild."

"Ha, you should've seen last year." Jo looked at her laptop grimly and then snapped her attention back to Jay, unplugging her earbuds and hitting shuffle on the playlist she had up. "Guessing we probably have similar music tastes so I hope you don't mind."

"Saint Motel? Hell yeah, love them." Jay settled down on the couch next to her, looking at the laptop screen for a moment before turning her attention to Gabriel who was staying close by, looking around at the walls and second floor above them. "So, this might seem like an odd question but uh... What's the date today? Or tonight, I guess."

"Oh, it's the, uhhh," Jo looked at her iPod screen to check. "February 2nd."

"2020?"

"No, uh, it's 2015," Jo responded, confused.

Jay's only response was, "Ah," and a nod.

--

"You can do it man, we believe in you," Chris encouraged in one of his impressions.

"Yeah, woo! Let's go, Jo-osh, let's go!" Ash cheered half-heartedly. "And Dean."

"Josh, Dean, you guys are heroes if you get that fire going," Jo added from the other side of the room.

Josh stepped away, leaving Dean to work alone. "Hey, you know something? There's an old spirit board my we used to mess around with somewhere."

"A spirit board?" Ashley questioned.

Chris shook his head. "Those things are bullshit, man."

"No, come on, I think it would be pretty fun to get out again," Josh argued.

"No hot water kinda seems like a major oversight, don't you think?" Sam's voice could suddenly be heard.

"You have to fire up the boiler first." Josh looked at Chris and Ashley before speaking again, "Hey, maybe you guys can go look for that spirit board I mentioned."

Ashley nodded her head and started walking off, waving to Chris to follow. "Come on, Chris, it'll be like a scavenger hunt!"

Chris shrugged dismissively. "Alright. Hey, Jo, wanna join?"

"No, thanks, I'm good." Jo waved, now starting to tap away at the keys on her laptop.

"You up for a ridealong," Josh asked Sam who nodded. He looked back at Dean and patted his arm. "I'll be back soon. You can hold off on the fire 'till I get back."

"I'd rather no one freeze. I'll figure it out," was Dean's response.

"Alright, well, godspeed!" Josh encouraged as he and Sam wandered off to the basement.

--

"I'm tellin' ya, Jo, if you like Saint Motel now, you're gonna love them in a few years," Jay said, hands behind her head in a relaxed position.

"Can't wait," Jo responded just before some screaming could be heard from the basement.

Jay shot up and looked at Gabe before they both bolted to the stairs. "Stay there," she addressed Jo. "Dean! You heard that too, right?"

Dean met them at the stairs. "Of course I did! I'm not deaf!" They rushed down and heard pounding at a door followed by a muffled yell about the door being locked. "Stand back!" Dean yelled to them, about to kick the door down when the yelling stopped.

"What the hell?" Jay put her ear to the door and shook her head, rolling her eyes as she pulled away. "It was just Chris scaring them."

The door opened revealing Sam, Josh, and Chris wearing a monk outfit. "You're such an ass!" Sam yelled at Chris. "Thank you for trying to help, but it was just this jerk," she fumed, now looking at Dean, Jay, and Gabe.

"What the hell happened in there?" Dean asked.

Chris laughed as he responded. "Oh, I just pranked them." Josh laughed next to him.

"Well don't. We thought something happened," Dean scolded. "Jesus, kids these days." He turned around and started walking back to the stairs.

Jay and Gabe looked at each other, smiles on their faces. "Hey, don't listen to that muttonhead," Gabe started, looking at Chris as the group followed Dean. "He doesn't know a good prank when he sees one."

"Yeah, maybe we're not the best examples to go by, but we've hit him and his brother with some pretty big pranks," Jay added.

Chris nodded, now back to laughing at Sam's reaction. "Yeah? You'll have to tell me about some later. Maybe I can take some notes."

"I'm ready to admit that your little prank may have had a slight whiff of humor to it," Sam interrupted.

"Joke master!" Chris joked with a funny accent.

Sam yelled at Chris and Josh a few more times before giving up. Jay and Gabe, meanwhile, found much amusement in the situation. Jo and Ash met the group at the top of the staircase. "What happened?" Jo questioned, concerned after hearing the screams.

"Yeah, and what are you wearing?" Ash added.

"I have found my true calling," Chris replied, only addressing Ashley's question. He crossed her heart as he spoke and put hit hands together in a mock prayer.

Jo and Ash both cracked a laugh. "Please tell me you're gonna take an oath of silence," the latter joked.

Chris responded by gesturing his hands and moving his mouth as if speaking, earning more laughs from the girls and especially Jo.

"Did you at least get the thingy?" Ash asked.

"Boi-oi-oi-oi-oing." Chris pulled the spirit board box out of his robe and held it up. "Here's our one-way ticket to the spirit realm," he confirmed.

"You know what? You guys go ahead and do that, I've been through enough spooking tonight. I see a hot bath in my crystal ball," Sam excused herself once again and walked upstairs back to her bath.

Josh shrugged with a chuckle. "How about you guys? Any of you wanna join?"

Dean shook his head. "Nope, I'm good. Be careful, those things can be dangerous."

Jay nodded, as did Gabe. "Yeah, they can, so just be careful and follow the rules." Jay backed off towards the couch she had been sitting on, Gabe joining her.

"Yep, you're probably safe but don't do anything stupid like throw the planchette off the table," Gabe warned. "Back things can come of that."

"What, like ghosts?" Chris asked sarcastically.

"Exactly," Gabe answered. Chris still didn't seem to buy it but he didn't argue.

"Yeahhh," Jo said, backing away too. "Think I'm gonna have to sit this one out. It looks fun but... Ghosts freak me out," she reasoned.

"Alright, your loss," Josh replied, now walking off with Chris and Ashley in tow.

Jo walked back to the couch she was on with her laptop and sighed. "Would've been nice to spend that time with-," she cut herself off. "No, never mind."

"With Chris?" Gabe teased.

Jo's face turned red. "Shut up. There's plenty of time anyway. I'll have a chance."

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[buffysresources-archive]

╰    ♡    *    SENTENCE  STARTERS    ─     HEATHERS    !

feel  free  to  change  pronouns  if  /  where  needed  .    trigger  warnings  for  some  nsfw  stuff  ,  death  ,  suicide  ,  etc  .

‘  (   name  )  told me she teaches people real life  .  ’ ‘  real life sucks losers dry  .  ’ ‘  if you want to fuck with the eagles  ,  you have to learn to fly  .  ’ ‘  so you teach people how to spread their wings  &  fly  ?  ’ ‘  you’re beautiful  .  ’ ‘  what is your damage  ?  ’ ‘  i need you to forge a hot  &  horny  ,  but realistically low key note  .  ’ ‘  you don’t have anything for her either  .  ’ ‘  come on  ,  it’ll be very  .  ’ ‘  the note’ll give her shower nozzle masturbation material for weeks  .  ’ ‘  i’ll think about it  .  ’ ‘  don’t think  .  ’ ‘  pilgrims  ,  indians  ,  tater - tots  .  it’s a real party continent  .  ’ ‘  i think i’d probably miss my own birthday for a date  .  ’ ‘  if you’re going to openly be a bitch  -  .  ’ ‘  why can’t we talk to different kinds of people  ?  ’ ‘  fuck me gently with a chainsaw  .  ’ ‘  do i look like mother theresa  ?  ’ ‘  does it not bother you that everyone in this school thinks that you’re a piranha  ?  ’ ‘  like i give a shit  .  ’ ‘  they all want me as a friend or a fuck  .  ’ ‘  i’d change my life  .  new clothes  ,  new haircut  ,  new house  ,  new home  .  ’ ‘  how sad  !  blowing all your cash on two days of trying to be hip  .  ’ ‘  that’s got to be the most spooky ass question i’ve ever heard  .  ’ ‘  this is the part i hate  :  the waiting  .  ’ ‘  i’d say we’re like twenty minutes from major humilation  .  ’ ‘  deep down all teenagers are the same  .  ’ ‘  didn’t you see the breakfast club  ?  ’ ‘  what do i get out of being friends with losers  ?  ’ ‘  i give them a piece of a winner  &  they stain me with loserness  .  ’

‘  i think we should use the money for an end - of - the - world - get - together  .  ’ ‘  we could invite guys  .  ’ ‘  i’d pay madonna one million dollars to ride my face like the kentucky derby  .  ’ ‘  she should be paying me  ,  though  .  ’ ‘  don’t tell me  .  crest would be stained with loserness  .  ’ ‘  a dime increases the time  !  a buck brings good luck  !  ’ ‘  i’m sorry  ?  what are you oozing about  ?  ’ ‘  that episode with the note back there was for all of us to enjoy  .  ’ ‘  you seem determined to ruin my day  .  ’ ‘  we made a girl want to consider suicide  .  what a scream  ,  what a jest  .  ’ ‘  come on you jerk  .  ’ ‘  you know you used to have a sense of humor  .  ’ ‘  a true friend’s work is never done  .  ’ ‘  color me nauseous  .  ’ ‘  geez  ,  don’t listen to them  .  ’ ‘  you know holden caulfield wouldn’t put up with their bogus nonsense  .  ’ ‘  god (name)  ,  drool much  ?  ’ ‘  greetings  &  salutations  .  ’ ‘  this may seem like a stupid question  .  ’ ‘  there are no stupid questions  .  ’ ‘  that’s the stupidest question i’ve ever heard  .  ’ ‘  let’s kick his ass  .  ’ ‘  too old for that crap  .  let’s give him a good scare though  .  ’ ‘  you going to eat this  ?  ’ ‘  what did your boyfriend say when you told him you were moving to sherwood  ,  ohio  ?  ’ ‘  it seems to have an open door policy for assholes though  ,  doesn’t it  ?  ’ ‘  what did you say dickweed  ?  ’ ‘  i’ll repeat myself  .  ’ ‘  god  ,  they won’t expell him  .  they’ll just suspend him for a week or something  .  ’ ‘  they should throw his ass in jail  .  ’ ‘  all (name) really did was ruin two pairs of pants  .  ’ ‘  can you bleach out urine stains  ?  ’ ‘  you seem pretty amused  .  ’ ‘  i thought you were giving up on high school guys  .  ’ ‘  never say never  .  ’ ‘  did you have a brain tumor for breakfast  ?  ’ ‘  anyway  ,  i can say never to high school  .  ’ ‘  no way  ,  no day  !  ’ ‘  give it up girl  !  ’ ‘  god  ,  that was unbelievable  .  ’ ‘  so tonights the night  .  ’ ‘  blow it tonight girl  &  it’s keggers with kids all next year  .  ’ ‘  so what was the first week of spring vacation withdrawal like  ?  ’ ‘  any contestants worth mentioning  ?  ’ ‘  there’s kind of a dark horse now in the running  .  ’ ‘  will somebody please tell me why i read this spy crap  .  ’ ‘  because you’re an idiot  .  ’ ‘  you going to pull a big gulp with that  ?  ’ ‘  if your nice i’ll let you buy me a slurpee  .  ’ ‘  you know your 7-11 speak pretty well  .  ’ ‘  there’s always a 7-11 any town  ,  any time  .  ’ ‘  the extreme always makes an impression  .  ’ ‘  did you say a cherry or coke slurpee  ?  ’ ‘  he seem to enjoy tearing things down more than putting things up  .  ’ ‘  must be rough moving place to place  .  ’ ‘  everybody’s life’s got static  .  ’ ‘  is your life perfect  ?  ’ ‘  it’s not perfect  .  ’ ‘  i don’t really like my friends  .  ’ ‘  i don’t really like your friends  .  ’ ‘  it’s like they’re just people i work with  &  our job is being popular  &  shit  .  ’ ‘  maybe it’s time for a vacation  .  ’ ‘  throw your coats on the bed  .  ’ ‘  that exam was so bogus  .  ’ ‘  did you girls bring your partying slippers  .  ’ ‘  she loves to party  .  ’ ‘  i want to kill  &  you have to believe it’s for more than selfish reasons  .  ’ ‘  you have to believe it’s for more than selfish reasons  ,  more than a spoke in my menstrual cycle  .  ’ ‘  you have to believe me  .  ’ ‘  so are you a cheerleader  ?  ’ ‘  it’s so great to be able to talk to a girl  &  not have to ask what’s your major  .  ’ ‘  so when you go to college  ,  what kind of subjects do you think you’ll study  ?  ’ ‘  let’s go back to the party  .  ’ ‘  you’re just so hot tonight  .  ’ ‘  i can’t control myself  .  ’ ‘  so what do you say we head up to my room  &  have a real party  .  ’ ‘  that pecker actually scored something on his own  ?  ’ ‘  (name)  ,  ever do cocaine  ?  ’ ‘  ever since phil collins did that anti - drug thing on mtv i refuse everything  .  ’ ‘  jeez  ,  right  ,  then why don’t i do drugs  ?  ’ ‘  hey  ,  don’t run away now  .  ’ ‘  seventeen is the last year mom buys the twinkies  .  ’ ‘  christ  ,  i can’t explain it  .  ’ ‘  i understand i must stop (name)  .  ’ ‘  how’s my little cheerleader  ?  ’ ‘  now i know everyone at your high school isn’t so uptight  .  ’ ‘  i don’t feel so great  .  ’ ‘  i have a little prepared speech i give when my suitor wants more than i’d like to give him  .  ’ ‘  save the speeches for malcom x  .  i just wanna get laid  .  ’ ‘  i just wanna get laid  .  ’ ‘  you don’t deserve my fucking speech  !  ’ ‘  (name) says you’re being a real cooze  .  ’ ‘  i feel awful  ,  like i’m going to throw up  .  ’ ‘  can we jam  ,  please  ?  ’ ‘  i sound like a psycho  .  ’ ‘  let me dream of a world without (name)  ,  a world where i’m free  .  ’ ‘  you stupid cunt  !  ’ ‘  you goddamn bitch  !  ’ ‘  you were nothing before you met me  !  ’ ‘  what’s my thanks  ?  ’ ‘  i get paid in puke  !  ’ ‘  lick it up  ,  baby  .  lick  .  it  .  up  .  ’ ‘  monday morning you’re history  .  ’ ‘  dreadful etiquette  .  i apologize  .  ’ ‘  i saw the croquet set - up in the back  .  up for a match  ?  ’ ‘  no wonder you looked so mangled when i came through the window  .  ’ ‘  i’ve always treated (name)’s teen queen power play as bullshit  .  ’ ‘  but i’m really scared  .  ’ ‘  who am i going to eat lunch with on monday  ?  ’ ‘  i sound like an after school special  .  ’ ‘  that was my first game of strip croquet  ,  you know  .  ’ ‘  it’s a lot more interesting than just flinging off your clothes  &  boning away on the neighbor’s swing set  .  ’ ‘  what a night  .  ’ ‘  what a life  .  ’ ‘  now blah - blah - blah is all i do  .  ’ ‘  i use my grand i.q. to figure out what gloss to wear  &  how to hit three keggers before curfew  .  some genius  .  ’ ‘  killing her won’t solve anything  .  ’ ‘  everybody would be cast fucking adrift  .  ’ ‘  i’ll pray for rain  .  ’ ‘  it was good for me too  ,  sparky  .  ’ ‘  just saying it’s not hard to end a life  .  ’ ‘  there’s a difference between the most popular girl in school  &  dead  .  ’ ‘  i guess i don’t know what the hell i’m talking about  .  ’ ‘  i know exactly what the hell you’re talking about  &  you’re right  ,  you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about  .  ’ ‘  i know exactly what the hell you’re talking about  .  ’ ‘  you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about  .  ’ ‘  let’s just grow up  ,  be adults  ,  &  die  .  ’ ‘  i’d like to see (name) puke her guts out  .  ’ ‘  let's just concoct ourselves a little hangover cure that'll induce her to spew red  ,  white  ,  &  blue  .  ’ ‘  what’s the upchuck factor on that  ?  ’ ‘  don’t be a dick  .  that stuff’ll kill her  .  ’ ‘  pull the plug on that shit  .  ’ ‘  she’d never drink anything that looks like that  .  ’ ‘  she won’t be able to tell what she’s drinking  .  ’ ‘  you’re not funny  .  ’ ‘  we both said a lot of things we didn’t mean last night  .  ’ ‘  how the hell’d you get in here  .  ’ ‘  i whipped this up  .  family recipe  .  ’ ‘  did you put a phlegm globber in it or something  ?  ’ ‘  i’m not drinking that piss  .  ’ ‘  i knew this stuff would be too intense  .  ’ ‘  intense  ?  grow up  .  ’ ‘  you think i’ll drink it just because you call me chicken  .  ’ ‘  just give me the cup  ,  jerk  .  ’ ‘  no shit  ,  sherlock  .  ’ ‘  i just killed my best friend  .  ’ ‘  what are we going to tell the cops  ?  ’ ‘  fuck it if she can’t take a joke  .  ’ ‘  stop kidding around  .  ’ ‘  i’m going to have to send my s.a.t. scores to san quentin instead of stanford  .  ’ ‘  i’m just a little freaked  ,  all right  ?  ’ ‘  you got what you wanted  ,  you know  .  ’ ‘  it’s one thing to want somebody out of your life  .  ’ ‘  it's one thing to want somebody out of your life  .  it's another thing to serve them a wake-up cup of liquid drainer  .  ’ ‘  we did a murder  .  ’ ‘  adolescence is a period of life fraught with anxiety  &  confusion  .  ’ ‘  people think just because you’re beautiful  &  popular  ,  life is easy  &  fun  .  ’ ‘  nobody understood i had feelings too  .  ’ ‘  i die knowing no one knew the real me  .  ’ ‘  that’s good  .  have you done this before  ?  ’ ‘  call me when the shuttle lands  .  ’ ‘  let’s talk emotions  .  ’ ‘  i realize now i wasn’t really boring  ,  she was just dissatisfied with her life  .  ’ ‘  (name) was cool  ,  but cruel  .  ’ ‘  the good looks  &  bad manners gave her power but it could not give her happiness  .  ’ ‘  it’s just so unfair  !  ’ ‘  you could actually be digesting food  .  ’ ‘  fuck it  .  ’ ‘  she always said you couldn’t accessorize for shit  .  ’ ‘  i thought she was your usual airhead bitch  .  guess i was wrong  .  ’ ‘  guess i was wrong  .  lot of us were  .  ’ ‘  what a waste  .  ’ ‘  oh the humanity  .  ’ ‘  do i deliver or do i deliver  ?  ’ ‘  hurry up  ,  we’re going to get caught  .  ’ ‘  does this have something to do with menstrual cramps  &  shit  ?  ’ ‘  that was seriously warped  .  ’ ‘  she hated you  !  you hated her  !  .  ’ ‘  what are you smiling at  ?  ’ ‘  goddamn .  will somebody please tell me why I smoke these damn things  ?  ’ ‘  this is a tragic thing  &  sometimes i have a hard time dealing with it  &  stuff  .  ’ ‘  why did you kill such hot snatch  .  ’ ‘  that’s a joke  ,  man  .  people are so serious  .  ’ ‘  hail mary who aren’t in heaven  ,  pray for us sinners  . . .  so we don’t get caught  .  ’ ‘  i just want my high school to be a nice place  .  ’ ‘  did that sound bitchy  ?  ’ ‘  that pudwapper just stepped on my foot  .  ’ ‘  i’m sure your friends are happy to hear that  .  ’ ‘  i hope it isn’t going to be one of those nights where they get shitfaced  &  take us to a pasture to tip cows  .  ’ ‘  oh shit  ,  cowtipping is the fucking greatest  .  ’ ‘  when i get that feeling i need sexual healing  .  ’ ‘  yeah  ,  right  ,  asshole  .  ’ ‘  what is this shit  ?  .  ’ ‘  seven high schools in seven states  &  the only thing different was my locker combination  .  ’ ‘  don’t smile like that  ,  jesus  !  ’ ‘  our love is god  .  let’s go get a slurpee  .  ’ ‘  let’s go get a slurpee  .  ’ ‘  this thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth  .  ’ ‘  i’m sorry  ?  i don’t get it  .  ’ ‘  don’t shut up  .  i’d like to know just what i did  .  ’ ‘  i guess my emotions took over  .  ’ ‘  we won’t be using blanks this time  .  ’ ‘  you can’t be serious  ?  ’ ‘  hey listen  ,  my bonnie  &  clyde days are over  .  ’ ‘  now prepare to be a little disappointed  .  ’ ‘  shut the fuck up  ,  all right  .  ’ ‘  lighten up  ,  dude  .  ’ ‘  in those woods is some of the finest pussy in the school  &  we don’t even have to buy it a hamburger  &  a diet coke  .  ’ ‘  so do we just start fucking  ?  ’ ‘  i was hoping you’d rip my clothes off me  ,  sport  .  ’ ‘  did you miss him completely  ?  ’ ‘  i always hear gunshots when i’m high before noon  .  ’ ‘  life’s a crazy bitch  .  ’ ‘  life’s a crazy bitch  ,  don’t try to analyze it  .  ’ ‘  you took the suggestion as an opportunity to play yet another round of let’s laugh at the hippie  .  ’ ‘  you believed it because you wanted to believe it  .  ’ ‘  your true feelings were too gross  &  icky for you to face  .  ’ ‘  i did not want them dead  .  ’ ‘  ah  ,  young love  .  ’ ‘  my teen angst bullshit now has a body count  .  ’ ‘  the most popular people in the school are dead  .  ’ ‘  everybody’s sad  ,  but it’s a good kind of sad  .  ’ ‘  it’s god versus my boyfriend  &  god’s losing  .  ’ ‘  kill the jukebox  .  ’ ‘  i may be a geek but i have my pride  .  ’ ‘  why are you dissing me  ,  (name)  ?  ’ ‘  i’m trying to redefine the high school experience  .  ’ ‘  you’re ignoring the high school experience  .  ’ ‘  people are dead  &  all you can think to do is whip up some warped pity party  .  ’ ‘  if we’re going to ever build respect for each other  ,  it’s gotta be something  . . .  something real  .  ’ ‘  it was chaos  .  fucking chaos  .  ’ ‘  chaos is great  .  ’ ‘  chaos is what killed the dinosaurs  ,  darling  .  ’ ‘  we scare people into not being assholes  .  ’ ‘  our way is not our way  .  ’ ‘  i’m telling it to you  !  you  !  ’ ‘  nothing good can come from suicide  ,  from murder  ,  from death  .  ’ ‘  you can be so immature  .  ’ ‘  we beat the bitches  .  ’ ‘  do you like your father  ?  ’ ‘  never given the matter much thought  .  ’ ‘  in some sick way  ,  we unclogged the sinuses of the school  .  ’ ‘  if we’re going to keep the school healthy  ,  it’s gotta be through something having to with life  ,  not death  .  ’ ‘  whoa  ,  metaphor tennis anyone  ?  ’ ‘  if you put a nazi in a concentration camp  ,  does that make you a nazi  ?  ’ ‘  that’s it  ,  we’re breaking up  .  ’ ‘  you can’t bring them back  .  you must know that  .  ’ ‘  i’m not trying to bring back anyone except maybe myself  .  ’ ‘  to think there was a time when i thought you were cool  .  ’ ‘  if you can’t deal with me now  ,  just stay home  .  ’ ‘  if you can’t deal with me now  ,  just stay home  &  shoot your t.v.  ,  blow away a couple toasters or something  .  ’ ‘  just don’t come to school  &  don’t mess with me  .  ’ ‘  you’ll be back  !  ’ ‘  where did you get these  ?  ’ ‘  what is this  ?  blackmail  ?  ’ ‘  i’ll give you a week’s lunch money  .  ’ ‘  i don’t believe it  ,  i’m winning  .  ’ ‘  don’t get cocky  ,  girl  .  ’ ‘  i know i’m not as exciting as your other friends  .  ’ ‘  your daydreams are a lot better than my realities  ,  believe me  .  ’ ‘  nice guys finish last  .  i should know  .  ’ ‘  nice guys finish last  .  ’ ‘  you’re so polluted  .  ’ ‘  i don’t see what gives you the right to lecture  .  ’ ‘  some people just don’t matter  .  why should those who do carry their weight  ?  ’ ‘  some people just don’t matter  .  ’ ‘  it’s not even your turn  .  ’ ‘  maybe by the time we head back  ,  your tampon’ll be flushed  .  ’ ‘  christ  ,  doesn’t anybody knock  ?  ’ ‘  so i’m a dark horse  ,  huh  ?  ’ ‘  you make me blush  .  ’ ‘  did you come to tell me something  ?  something nice  ,  remotely apologetic  .  ’ ‘  i say it’s about time we got down to doing what we do best  .  ’ ‘  just finish your drink  &  get out  .  ’ ‘  these little programs eat up suicide with a spoon  .  ’ ‘  if we’re not going to watch that program  ,  can i put on my game  ?  ’ ‘  hey kids  ,  make your parents  &  teachers feel like shit  !  ’ ‘  get the respect in death you’ll never get in life  !  ’ ‘  get up off the floor  ,  your dress is getting filthy  .  ’ ‘  everybody cares about youth  ,  not the individual  .  ’ ‘  all we want is to be treated like human beings  ,  not like guinea pigs to be experimented on  &  not like bunny rabbits to be patronized  .  ’ ‘  all we want is to be treated like human beings  .  ’ ‘  i do not patronize bunny rabbits  .  ’ ‘  treated like human beings  ?  is that what you said little miss voice of a generation  ?  ’ ‘  just how do you think adults act with other adults  ?  ’ ‘  adults can be horrible to other adults  .  ’ ‘  when teenagers complain that they want to be treated like human beings it’s usually because they are being treated like human beings  .  ’ ‘  i guess i picked the wrong time to be a human being  .  ’ ‘  you’ll live  .  ’ ‘  another case of a geek trying to imitate the popular people of the school  &  failing miserably  .  ’ ‘  i said i was sorry  .  ’ ‘  you are out of control  .  ’ ‘  (name) couldn’t take the heat so she got out of the kitchen  .  just think what a better place the world would be if every nimrod followed her cue  .  ’ ‘  just shut up  &  turn on the radio  .  ’ ‘  sometimes i feel like i’m on that island  &  gilligan can be just so stupid sometimes  .  ’ ‘  dude  ,  you’ve got to remember if it wasn’t for the courage of the fearless crew  ,  the minnow would be lost  .  ’ ‘  god has cursed me  ,  i think  .  the last time i had sex  ,  the guy killed himself the next day  .  i’m failing math  ’ ‘  the last time i had sex  ,  the guy killed himself the next day  .  ’ ‘  i’m failing math  .  ’ ‘  we’ll crucify her  !  ’ ‘  my whole life is a mess  .  ’ ‘  i was supposed to be captain of the cheerleading team  .  ’ ‘  i can’t get him out of my head  .  ’ ‘  are we going to the prom or to hell  ?  ’ ‘  give me a break  .  ’ ‘  what are you trying to do  ?  kill me  ?  ’ ‘  what are you trying to do  ?  sleep  ?  ’ ‘  suicide is a private thing  .  ’ ‘  you’re giving your life away to become a goddamn statistic in u.s. fucking a today  .  that’s got to be the least private thing i can think of  .  ’ ‘  if everyone jumped off a bridge  ,  young lady  ,  would you  ?  ’ ‘  if you were happy every day of your life  ,  you wouldn’t be a human being  ,  you’d be a game show host  .  ’ ‘  if you were happy every day of your life  ,  you wouldn’t be a human being  .  ’ ‘  let’s knock off early  .  buy some shoes  ,  something lame like that  .  ’ ‘  people love me  !  ’ ‘  color me stoked  ,  girl  !  ’ ‘  people love you but i know you  .  ’ ‘  so some people need different kinds of convincing than others  .  ’ ‘  jealous much  ?  ’ ‘  why can’t you just be a friend  ?  why are you such a megabitch  ?  ’ ‘  why can’t you just be a friend  ?  ’ ‘  why are you such a megabitch  ?  ’ ‘  why are you pulling my dick  ?  ’ ‘  wanna go out tonight  ?  ’ ‘  i knew you’d come back  .  ’ ‘  it’s over  ,  (name)  !  over  !  grow up  !  ’ ‘  i don’t get it  ,  you were wrong  !  i was right  !  ’ ‘  you can’t ever find a place nice  &  peaceful because there isn’t any  .  ’ ‘  get off my bed  ,  you sick psycho  .  ’ ‘  you think you’re a rebel  ,  you’re not a rebel  .  you’re a sick psycho  .  ’ ‘  you think you’re a rebel  ,  you’re not a rebel  .  .  ’ ‘  do you think you’re a rebel  ?  ’ ‘  you say tomayto  ,  say tomahto  .  let’s call the the whole thing off  .  ’ ‘  i usually go for whole sentences myself  ,  but hey this is perfecto  .  ’ ‘  you’re not listening  !  i’m not on your side  .  ’ ‘  this knife is filthy  .  ’ ‘  you don’t get it  ,  do you  ?  ’ ‘  society nods its head at any horror the american teenager can think to bring upon itself  .  ’ ‘  let’s hope she’s rubbing noses with jesus  .  ’ ‘  is this turnout weak or what  ?  ’ ‘  he’s wrong but i’m going to teach him what’s right  .  ’ ‘  i’m going to stop (name) if it’s the last thing i do  .  ’ ‘  i can’t believe you did it  .  i was teasing  .  ’ ‘  sure  ,  i climbed up here to kill you  ,  but first i was going to try  &  get you back  .  ’ ‘  we coulda toasted marshmallows together  .  ’ ‘  hey  ,  why so tense  ?  ’ ‘  sorry tiger  ,  i’m a little busy  .  ’ ‘  get a job  .  ’ ‘  oh my god  ,  another damn pep assembly  .  ’ ‘  may i see your hall pass  ?  ’ ‘  i knew that loose was too noose  !  i mean  ,  noose too loose  !  goddamn you  !  ’ ‘  like father  ,  like son  .  ’ ‘  you didn’t say simon says  .  ’ ‘  live by the sword  . . .  ’ ‘  you think just because you started this thing  ,  you can end it  ?  ’ ‘  you want to wipe the slate clean as much as i do  .  ’ ‘  so maybe i am killing everyone in the school because nobody loves me  .  ’ ‘  you have a purpose though  !  remember  ?  ’ ‘  let’s face it  ,  the only place different social types can genuinely get along with each other is in heaven  .  ’ ‘  there’s a school that self - destructed not because society didn’t care  ,  but because that school was society  .  ’ ‘  is that deep or what  ?  ’ ‘  i’ll let you put it in your diary  ,  babe  .  free of charge  .  ’ ‘  you know what i want  ,  babe  ?  ’ ‘  you know what i want  ,  babe  ?  cool guys like you out of my life  .  ’ ‘  but don’t worry  ,  these here were ich luge bullets  .  ’ ‘  color me impressed  .  ’ ‘  you really fucked me up  ,  (name)  .  ’ ‘  you’ve got power  ,  (name)  .  power i didn’t think you had  .  ’ ‘  the slate is clean  .  ’ ‘  pretend i did blow up the school  ,  all the schools  .  now that you’re dead  ,  what are you gonna do with your life  ?  ’ ‘  (name)  ,  you look like hell  .  ’ ‘  (name)  ,  my love  ,  there’s a new sheriff in town  .  ’ ‘  my date for the prom kind of flaked out on me  ,  so i thought if you weren’t doing anything that night we could go to the video store  &  rent some new releases or something  .  maybe pop some popcorn  .  ’ ‘  my date for the prom kind of flaked out on me  .  ’ ‘  i thought if you weren’t doing anything that night we could go to the video store  &  rent some new releases or something  .  maybe pop some popcorn  .  ’

[monkey-network]

Good Stuff's Best of 2019

WARNING: Just wanted to say cheers to you for making it through another year. I send you best wishes for next year to be fruitful. Thank you, take care out there, and enjoy. (Best of 2017) (Best of 2018)

Dedicated to Russi Taylor, John Witherspoon, Rip Torn, Tartar Sauce, Caroll Spinney, Peter Matthews, and the many of KyoAni lost in the arson incident. You all did wonderful; rest in peace.

Welp, I figured the last year of this decade would be the most chaotic one by far, then again everything peak after 2012. As for now, I am counting down the best cartoons/animations/comics I’ve seen and loved this year in no particular order other than #1. Same rules apply: No sneak previews of future projects, no repeats, and this time anything goes.

Runner Ups: Superman Smashes the Klan, Marvel’s Aero, Infinity Train, Enter the Florpus, Amphibia, Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart, Helluva Boss, Meta Runner, Lego Movie 2, Forky Asks a Question

Anyways, Badda boom bang whiz, let’s do this shizz...

10. Super Mario Bros GT

Nostalgia can be quite a mystery, especially one that can come out of nowhere. Super Mario Bros Z kicked so much ass as a kid that now, it still frustrates me to this that it got a cease & desist from Nintendo, even the reboot from the same person couldn’t last long. But the gods have offered a slight miracle in the form of this new spiritual successor that has heart and soul put into every pixelated frame. There is much to celebrate with Youtube animation, where many say it’s dying due to the algorithm and all of the site’s corporate bullshit, but it’s stuff like this which helps me understand why we should celebrate. Against all odds, channels like Smasher Block willfully put their works out their for the people and continues to because on top of getting a little dough, it’s what they want to do.

9. DC SUPER HERO GIRLS (2019)

Awwwwww yeah, this is She-Ra and the Princesses of Power done right. Diverse female squad, each given a quality screen time to truly shine (Beecher especially) on their which makes the episodes where they’re all together feel earned and joyous to watch. Certainly reminds me of Friendship is Magic, which is coincidental since they were created by the same woman. I’d like to think this and MLP G4 were the answers to Faust’s cancelled project Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls where multiple personalities collide to one extraordinary superhero team of girls capable great feats that are lifted from their insecurities or drawbacks. And on top of this being a fun series to kick back to all around, it’s a comforting, somewhat aspiring thought to consider.

8. JOKER

I am somebody that rarely goes to the theaters to watch a film; you have to hook my tight just for me to even think of buying a ticket, no less plan to. But honestly, Joker was worth the hype, the ticket, and the fact that it wasn’t the incel uprising that buttfuck normies tried to make it out as. It’s lower on the list because in thought, there definitely could’ve been some tweaks to the dialogue and a couple scenes that I felt didn’t work in the long run. But really, this movie to me worked because of the escalation that leads to a cathartic climax and ending that left me in actual tears. I don’t give a shit if it “doesn’t fit”, having Frank Sinatra sing the film's credits put me in shambles. Joaquin Phoenix was phenomenal as Arthur, and this movie felt authentic in its many details. This is definitely up there with my favorite comic book films of all time. Good thing, too, Spider-Man was taking up most of that shelf.

7. TUCA & BERTIE

This series being what I can’t help but say is a spin-off to Bojack Horseman, a show I respect, was enough to pull me into watching it. But it being like Bojack where it’s tight-roping between a bouncy comedy and a grounded drama was what kept me around for more. It is a damn shame this was cancelled after one season (while 13 Reasons Why gets FOUR seasons like what the fuck), because while this did feel enough like a complete series, I was certainly interested for more because I really enjoyed it all. I have my issue with a couple choices in the show, but I am sure this series would’ve addressed them later down the line. I can see why some women would find this personally endearing, it felt like the personal stories of actual people, and it deserved better. Either way, I enjoyed this series and I recommend it just as much as Bojack.

6. PRIMAL

Genndy Tartakovsky is that kind of cartoon creator where you feel he’ll go beyond if you give him the right amount of space. He’s not a perfectionist like John “Dirty Diddler” Kricfalusi, but with things like Hotel Transylvania and Samurai Jack, he certainly has proven to have the range in animation where you know how he plays. Primal showcasing his noted skill in dialogue-less storytelling and dynamic action scenes, able to convey everything clear with its ruthless yet careful protagonist and his dinosaur friend, all on top of the most luscious backgrounds. This is a series that definitely feels like Genndy’s taken what he’s used from his previous works and putting it together for a brutal yet passionate look at the prehistoric life. He truly brought us an adult series to enjoy and to look forward to more in the coming year.

5. SPINEL

Bet you didn’t expect a character to be on this list, eh? Spinel is the best thing to come out of Steven Universe in general; makes me wish she was in a better movie. The crew certainly did their darndest to make her not only an enjoyable and connectable character through and through, but a very versatile character that the fandom could take in any which way. Call it corny, but Spinel perfectly represents SU as a whole: a lovable goof that can certainly mean business but deep down is deserved of a hug because of what she’s gone through. Wish she had a more satisfying resolution in her respective debut, but really it’s the balance between those three elements mentioned that makes Spinel almost eternally wonderful.

4. MOB PSYCHO 100 II

As someone that doesn’t like reading, I’m a firm believer that the best animations or visual medias elevate the writing to a memorable degree; the visuals hook to the point where you want to think about what you saw and how it was conveyed. Mob Psycho 100, for two seasons now, does this in spades where Studio Bones throw them bones in animating one of the most dynamic animes of the modern era, providing the writing and characters a proper chance to flex its muscles. The characters are especially what makes this and MP100 as a whole work so well, the story being about a boy learning to be more sociable as well as emotionally stronger all while helping others understand maturity and empathy. For more on this, I recommend Hiding in Public’s video(s) on Mob. But with the animation, Bones was able to provide a sense of impact and immersion to the moments that matter, not making it an overstimulating mess, and putting some respect on ONE’s webcomic art style. 

3. KLAUS

Hands down, this is a great Christmas movie. Take away the animation and you have a charming, wanna say ground and authentic, story about the makings of Santa Claus. With memorable and likable characters, a nice escalation in terms of the plot, and moments that are/can be so satisfying, they can bring you to tears. A couple overdone tropes in the road that doesn’t make this the most perfected story, but those sincerely minor compared to everything else that makes this story the best. Now. Add in the animation, and you have a gold, nay a platinum animated story of the year where the visuals definitely enhance the story to a degree where they’re undoubtedly inseparable. The visuals alone is enough to check this movie out and it’s eye-opening when you learn of how it’s all done. Klaus is a film that did it’s job and then some, and I hope this will be well remembered as a classic holiday film for it deserves that status.

2. BEASTARS

I’ll be fair, I’m mostly referring to the manga and not the anime but since the anime premiered this fall, it counts. Because be it the anime or the series overall, Beastars has such well intricate world building all while offering a little something for everyone (violence, romance, slice of life). The story is well paced and even when we aren’t focusing on the main characters momentarily, Itagaki is surprisingly able to make every supporting/side character we come across memorable in their own way; like I said before, the city is much a character in this story. Oh yeah, and the mangaka is the daughter of Keisuke “Grappler Baki” Itagaki, that in itself is a treasuring bit of trivia for this. Everything about Beastars is enticing and Studio Orange certainly helped in giving this series more of a following.

1. GREEN EGGS & HAM

Well, well, well. Guess Netflix is three for three in terms of bringing its best foot forward among its few steps back each year. The best term to describe this series is surprising. Surprising that this is a Dr. Seuss story that got expanded a 13 episode series, that has fleshed out characters, fun hijinks, an easy story, lovely emotional, more quieter moments... on top of being 2D hand drawn animated. I mean, what else is there to say? Green Eggs and Ham is to Dr. Seuss what Seven was for Final Fantasy, what Friendship is Magic was for MLP, what watermelon was before a nice menthol cigarette. This definitely took the top spot because to me, it was able to bring many good elements from the previous entries and knot it all together into a well kept bow that I never knew I wanted until now. I’m genuinely glad this show got to exist the way it is and I am hoping, praying, that the second season keeps that momentum up.

That leads us to the actual number one which is

1. STEVEN UNIVERSE FUT-

Total Dramarama is now the two time World Heavyweight Champion, babey. Will 2020 give us a quality contender? Will the streak last another year?

Stay tuned, and always seek out the Good Stuff.

[rhinozilla]

Whumptober Day 10: Unconscious

Summary:  Apparently, androids can sleepwalk. Hank wished somebody had told him that. Now he has to corral a feverish Connor into going back to bed.

--

If the sound of the radio booming to life at the tender hour of 3am ended up giving Hank a heart attack, he was going to sue Britney Spears.

“Cause to lose all my senses…That is just so typically me!”

Yet, there she was.

Hank snapped awake and then groaned as the rest of his body woke up just as violently.

“Oh baby, baby!”

He threw off the blankets and clamored to his feet, practically feeling the walls rattle around him as the radio in the living room roared. It only got worse when he opened the bedroom door.

“Oops, I did it again! I played with your heart…Got lost in the game.”

He hurried down the hallway in socked feet, skidding slightly on the floor as he reached the radio in the living room.

“Oops, you think I’m in love…That I’m sent from aboooooove…”

In the semi darkness, he pawed at the radio until his hand hit one of the dials.

“I’m not. That. Innocent!”

“Shut up!” he growled, smacking the power button.

Silence plunged across the living room, and the panic that had sent him flying out of bed ebbed enough for the aftermath of the abrupt movements to register all over his body. Hank huffed, putting a hand at his back and leaning against the wall of the kitchen as he caught his breath.

“Jesus…Jesus fucking Christ…Connor?” he wheezed, squinting in the dark living room.

He could see well enough to make out the empty shape of the couch, the blanket and pillows left abandoned, and a big puddle where the ice bag had hit the floor, busted, and then melted. Sumo was sitting up in his bed against the wall, watching Hank curiously.

“Shit.”

Fortunately, it didn’t take long to find Connor.

The android was standing in the kitchen, directly in front of the open door of the refrigerator. He looked dopey enough in his pajamas, just an old Star Trek t-shirt and red basketball shorts, and staring into the fridge like the little light in the back held all the secrets of the universe.

“Connor?” Hank heard water running, and he hurried into the kitchen to see that the faucet was running full blast. “What the Hell…”

He stepped around Connor and turned off the faucet, finding a light switch on the wall and illuminating the kitchen. Connor didn’t react at all, just standing like an idiot in front of the fridge, eyes half lidded and his mouth hanging open like a zombie.

Hank came to a stop beside him and snapped his fingers in front of his eyes. Nothing.

“Hmph.” He waved his hand and got the same amount of nothing in response. He slowly turned his hand over and touched Connor’s forehead. He felt hot. “Ah, kid…”

The technician had warned him that some mild overheating might happen after the repairs Connor had gone through the previous afternoon. When Hank had gone to bed at eleven, Connor had been asleep on the couch, maybe a little warm but not what he’d call feverish, and had a big ice bag over his thirium pump for precaution. He’d been high as a kite from the time Tina and Person brought him home to the time he finally went into rest mode, only waking up occasionally to ask Hank some of the most batshit things that he had ever heard.

Between that and whatever the Hell he was looking at now, Hank was going to have a few words with the technicians who designed that new android anesthetic…pain killer…whatever bullshit. He wasn’t sure whether to call this delirium or sleepwalking…Either way, the lights were not on upstairs, he could tell that much by looking into his friend’s eyes.

“Connor,” he put some authority into his tone. “Go back to bed.”

Connor just stared through him, audibly breathing as his ventilation program tried to cool him off.

“You’re not well, kiddo. Go back to bed.” Hank pointed to the couch for emphasis.

Connor continued to stare into another dimension, though his LED spun from blue to yellow for one cycle, before—

“YOOO I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want—“ the radio screamed back to life, giving Hank his second near-heart attack of the night.

“Fucking Hell, Connor, seriously?”

“So tell me what you want, what you really, really want!” the radio sang loudly.

Hank stomped back over to the radio.

“I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really, want!”

Hank smacked the off button again.

“So tell me what you want, what you really—“ It cut off mid lyric.

“I WANT,” Hank spun back around, “for you to get your ass back on the couch.”

When Connor rose to no such demand, Hank grumbled and marched back over. He was so used to Connor stepping out of the way when he got too close, that he nearly ran right into him. As it was, his proximity sensors were alert enough to make his body take a delayed step back. Hank shoved the fridge door shut and then got behind Connor, planting his hands on his shoulders.

“Move it.” He pushed lightly at his back to make him move.

Connor may as well have been a brick wall for all the give he had in his body. Hank ran a frustrated hand through his hair, sighed, and decided to go with the route he hated, but what he knew would be effective.

“RK800, receive instructions,” he stated loudly.

Facing away from him, Connor’s frame visibly straightened, and he finally spoke.

“Authorization Code?” his voice had no inflection, no tone, sounding every bit like the damn machine that he hadn’t been in nearly two years.

Hank sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Lieutenant Hank Anderson, Code 092329.”

He watched Connor’s LED whirl another cycle of yellow, and then the android nodded once.

“Confirmed. Prepared to receive instructions.” The soulless, flat sound of his voice made Hank’s skin crawl.

Even before the revolution, Connor hadn’t been this robotic. Hank hated it, but Connor seemed to be fully functional and operating aside from…from being asleep as far as he could guess…He had to jog him out of this before he hurt himself or did some other damage.

Resigned to it, Hank stepped up to stand in Connor’s line of sight. “Go lie down on the couch and reboot. Now. That’s an order.”

Immediately, Connor was turning away from the refrigerator and taking long, even strides over to the living room. Hank followed closely behind him, just in case his programming decided to make him walk out the front door instead…or worse, THROUGH the front door.

Instead, obediently, Connor reached the couch, turned around, and stiffly sat down on it. He promptly laid down along the length of it, closed his eyes, and went limp as he rebooted his entire system. That gave Hank about five minutes to figure out what the entire fuck to do…

He plucked up the mushy bag of ice water and carried it into the kitchen, dropping it in the sink to deal with later. He grabbed up a few kitchen towels and mopped up the puddle in front of the couch, before tossing them in the sink too. He double checked that Connor, in his thoroughly unconscious but still mobile state, hadn’t fucked around with anything else in the house like…putting cereal boxes in the oven or taking down all of the curtains in the house…both such things that Hank’s ex-wife had done on separate occasions when she had slept walked at their old house.

Connor was just starting to twitch and sigh as he came back online when Hank refilled another ice bag, carrying it into the living room. He set it on the coffee table and sat down on the edge of the table himself. The rigidity had sapped out of Connor’s body as he came back around, and he was back to looking like any other sick guy slumped on the couch, feeling tired and hot and shitty.

“Hank?” he spoke before opening his eyes, his brow pinching together.

“Yeah, right here,” Hank answered tiredly, feeling his forehead again, then his neck and his chest, over where his thirium pump was. “You know where you are?”

“Home?” Connor struggled his eyes open, blinking blearily up at Hank.

Mercifully, his eyes were focused this time, and they stayed on Hank as he stared at him in confusion.

“You asking me, or telling me?” Hank prompted. “You were sleepwalking. Since when do androids sleepwalk?”

Connor’s eyes widened. “I…was?”

“Motherfucker, you were blasting Britney Spears and the goddamn Spice Girls in here. I hope to fuck you were sleepwalking, otherwise what the Hell?”

Connor slowly lifted a hand to cover his mouth, though the crinkling near the corners of his eyes gave away the amused grin he was trying to hide.

“You think this is funny? Are you still high?” Hank tried to stay gruff, though his hands were gentle as he slid the ice bag over Connor’s chest. “Hold that.”

Connor used his free hand to situate the bag better over his overheating core, and he exhaled in a short snort. “Sorry, Hank…I wasn’t…aware I was doing that.”

“That’s usually how sleepwalking works,” Hank muttered, losing the battle with staying irritated, and smirked. “They really gave you the good drugs, huh?”

“Apparently.”

Hank chuckled at that, patting Connor’s shoulder. “How’s your system temperature?”

Connor paused as he ran a diagnostic. “It peaked at a hundred and three point four—“

“Fucking Hell, I’m sorry, Connor. I should have been checking on you—“

“That’s unnecessary—“

“What if Zombie You had decided to leave the house? Drive the car?”

Connor slouched a bit, casting his eyes to the edge of the coffee table. “You’ve made your point. I’m sorry.”

“I wasn’t—Don’t apologize,” Hank sighed and gave him a onceover. “Feeling better? You still look like shit—“

A yellow LED, and then the radio was snapping back to life.

“—Color my hair. Do what I dare. Oh, oh, oh! I wanna be free, yeah. Feel the way I feel!...Man, I feel like a woman.”

It just as abruptly clicked itself off that time, and Hank looked from Connor, to the radio, and back to Connor.

“I didn’t…mean to do that,” Connor confessed, looking slightly embarrassed. “I’m having difficulty…focusing…I might still be under the influence of the pain killers.”

Hank snorted, chuckled, and then kicked back a bit with a full laugh. “Might?” He cackled and shook his head. “Well, now Shania has made her appearance too…Anybody else you want to invite to the party?”

“What…party?”

Hank rubbed a hand over his own face, the combination of the late hour and the ridiculous circumstances making him feel loopy too.

“Nevermind. What’s your temperature now?”

“One hundred even,” Connor reported, exhaustion sliding back over his face and into his voice as well. “And…dropping.”

Hank saw him starting to fade, and he patted his knee, standing up and returning to the kitchen. He made up two more smaller ice bags and brought them into the living room. He planted one over Connor’s forehead, letting him situate it however he wanted as he slid the second one under the back of his neck.

“I’m perfectly stable, Hank. You can go back to bed. I’m sorry I woke you,” Connor was mumbling now.

Hank untangled the abandoned blanket, dropping it over Connor’s legs, in easy reach if he got a chill later on.

“No chance, pal. I’m gonna park it over there in the recliner, just to make sure you don’t sleepwalk again and decide to remove all the lightbulbs in the house.”

“Why would I—“

Hank waved a hand, and Connor fell quiet, watching him as Hank turned off the kitchen light and turned on a small lamp in the living room to see by. Sumo watched him as well, the big lug never getting up during all the commotion. Hank got comfortable in the recliner and gave Connor a thumb up gesture.

“Go to sleep, son…And, hey…I’ve got a rule in this house, that when you’re sick, you get to watch what you want and listen to whatever music you want. So…go nuts.” He waved at the dark television. “I’ve slept through worse than 90s pop music, and if that’s what makes you feel better, go ahead. Just…keep it under a dull roar next time.”

Connor made a low, noncommittal noise, and Hank watched him wiggle around on the couch briefly. He found a more comfortable position on his side, curling around the bag of ice at his chest. He closed his eyes with a sigh, and the blue of his LED began to slow as he re-entered rest mode.

God, he was ridiculous.

Hank smiled and felt a rush of warm affection for the kid.

Sumo yawned loudly and lay his head back down with a soft sigh, going back into his own rest mode.

The LED spun yellow once, and this time Hank braced himself. Fortunately, the radio came awake much more quietly, playing the same old station as before, but with more mercy on his ears.

“—no love from me. Hangin' out the passenger side of his best friend's ride, trying to holla at me…I don't want no scrub…”

“If I wake up with this stuck in my head, you’re walking to work,” Hank mumbled playfully.

On the couch, without opening his eyes, Connor gave a tiny grin. Hank caught it and smirked, settling in to spend the rest of the night keeping an eye on his ill friend, to the soundtrack of his teenage years.

Fucking ridiculous.

[thorne93]

Stan Lee University (Part 13)

Prompt: What would the Avengers be like in college, more importantly, what would they be like if Y/N existed around them?

Word Count: 2248

Warnings: drama, language,

Notes: This is based on a HC from @carryonmyswansong. They helped brainstorm and write part of this series. In this AU, no one will have powers, everyone is a normal human. Beta’d by @carryonmyswansong​

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the following months, all through midterms, you two became closer than you would’ve imagined. You spent nearly every weekend at his house, often times just staying up late and talking. Eventually, you’d fall asleep in his arms, and he’d cuddle you all night.

You told him about your family, about your holidays growing up, your grades, your time in grade school. You told him about Bucky, how you met, how you fell for him, when you started to fall out of love for him. You told him about your first years of college.

He told you about his family and his time through school. How he wasn’t close to his parents much since his sister’s death. He had a brother, but he was already moved away and somewhat estranged from the family.

Twice, you went to the arcade, declaring whoever won the most arcade games won a free dinner from the other one. You won one night, and he won the other. He teased you relentlessly when you lost, but he wrapped you around the waist and kissed your hair, stating he’d still buy you dinner. You opposed though, stating a bet's a bet.

Around campus, you hadn’t even bothered with the drama. Wanda and Pietro still ignored you. Bucky hadn’t talked much to you since the day you confronted Loki. You and Loki didn’t interact. He gave you a dirty look after Stephen punched him, but other than that, you kept your distance.

Besides that, all was well. You didn’t announce that you and Stephen were dating, because it was nobody's goddamn business. You were sure people knew though, between the way you two laughed during lab, the way he touched your hand, the way you walked hand in hand to lunch, the way you left with him on Friday after your last class. It was obvious, but you weren’t going to let everyone in on your relationship. You didn’t owe it to them.

You went bowling once, and actually won, by some miracle. You gave Stephen a hard time, telling him, “You’ll never be a surgeon with such shaky hands. No way you can do surgery if you can’t even get a strike.” He took it in stride though, and made sure to make you pay when he took you ice skating at an indoor rink. You could barely keep up while he skated circles around you.

“What's the matter, can’t keep up? Oh that’s right, you’re so much more superior. I’ll just be racing around, you know, using my shaky legs.” He raced by you and winked while you barely inched forward, terrified of falling on the ice. After he proved his point, he actually came over and taught you how to skate properly and by the end of the day, you felt more confident on the skates.

It was becoming quick knowledge for you two that apparently you could both cook and bake up a storm. Every weekend you two stocked up on some meals, made them together, and then you baked Stephen some sort of obscure dessert you found on Pinterest -- with no complaints from him.

The Pre-med club had a fundraising event that you oversaw and Stephen helped. He didn’t have to, at all, it was just for officers of the club, but he said he’d rather spend time with you, helping you for a good cause than alone.

He assisted in setting up a whole amazing fair, complete with booths, games, and food. Tickets were for a local children’s hospital and all proceeds went to them. He even got his parents to donate a hefty amount anonymously in the club’s name. You were very appreciative of that gesture.

For the first time in a while, you were purely and genuinely happy. School was still going great, as both you and Stephen were devout to getting assignments and studying done before goofing off. Both of your grades were actually better now with a study partner, one that really understood the material and appreciated the time that needed to be spent on it. All of your friends and you met up still, Stephen joining you for quite a few coffee meets. He and Clint seemed to hit it off, which thrilled you.

The four of you had gone on two double dates, once to a restaurant, and once to a movie. In fact, by the second double date, when Clint couldn’t quite hear because the ads playing before the movie were too loud, Stephen signed what he was saying to him. Your heart swelled at the sight.

“When did you learn to sign?” you wondered, impressed, quietly when they were done conversing.

“A week ago. I know you told me he prefers to do that when it’s hard for him to read lips. I figured we’d be in a few of those situations.” He shrugged and you couldn’t help but smile like a huge idiot.

Tony had hosted three more parties, that you went to together and Loki did not show up to.

Things couldn’t get much better for you. It seemed like everything was finally in a good place.

In two weeks, you’d be home for winter break. You two hadn’t discussed what you’d do with the time off, if you’d hang out more, spend quality time with your families or how it would work. You thought you should probably discuss it soon though.

Saturday night, you were in your PJs in Stephen’s room, sitting at his desk. He was on his bed.

“Okay, did you calculate mu yet for problem fifteen?” you asked, looking down.

“No, give me a second,” he said, his brows furrowed.

“I’ve already got it. I thought I’d let you look at it.”

He lifted his head, a playful glare on his face. “For once, will you let me finish first?”

“I’ll never let you finish first,” you teased before sticking your tongue out. “Maybe when you stop with that bullshit science.” You winked as he stared at you. “What?” you asked, his gaze peculiar.

He bit his lip. “You wanna know why I didn’t go to that party with you?”

You eyed him up and down for a second before nodding.

“Because I wanted to.”

You immediately frowned, not understanding, at all.

“I don’t usually like people. I mean, friends are alright, sure, yeah, but as far as dating… It seemed like a waste of my time. I always thought I’d worry about it when I got to med school or residency. But undergrad, that’s the time to really kick ass, get the good grades in, hit the books. I just thought you would be too much of a distraction. And I was right. From the moment I met you, I knew you’d be the one thing that would threaten everything I’d worked for. But then, when you proved to be something that wouldn’t threaten it, you’d actually help it… I wanted you. I just. I was so worried I’d get wrapped up in you, in us, that my schooling would suffer. Then I hoped you would show up alone, so I could maybe make a move, but you showed up with Loki. Then, when you weren’t sitting in the spin the bottle circle, I was happy to see I had another chance. I didn’t want to date you, because you impressed me so much. I thought, ‘There’s a girl who could actually give me a run for my money’ and I don’t come across that very often.”

“So you blew me off because you were worried I’d make you fall in love with me… Sounds logical.”

He stared at you, serious. “It’s the most logical thing I’ve ever experienced because it’s true. I fell for you.”

You stopped breathing, looking at him. Your heart was hammering so hard and fast in your chest you thought you’d pass out.

“You… fell for me?” you asked in a whisper.

“Despite my better judgement. Yes.” He gave you that award-winning side smile. “I can’t stop thinking about you. I miss you all the goddamn time. I worry about you. And for the life of me, I can’t help but imagine being with you.”

You were silent, having no clue what to say at first.

He got up from the bed before kneeling in front of you, resting his hands on your knees. “Please, say something. Tell me to fuck off. Tell me that I’m an idiot. Tell me you don’t feel the same. But please, don’t… I can’t stand the silence.”

For just another second more, you were quiet, you couldn't help it.

“I know it’s fast. I know you’ve been hurt. I know between Bucky and Loki this probably seems like it’s moving way too fast for you but you’ve got to know that I love you.”

Finally, you found your voice. “I love you too,” you finally admitted in a whisper.

The biggest smile you’d ever seen from him grew on his face. “Really?”

You nodded with fervor and a giant grin. “Of course I do. You’re… you’re everything I’ve ever wanted and more. I wanted to tell you I loved you sooner, but I was worried you’d freak and… I don’t know, run?”

He looked at you, bemused. “I’d never run from you, okay?” He reached up and put your hair behind your ear before leaning up to kiss you softly. “I love you far too much to do that.”

He leaned back and you stared down at him with stars in your eyes, a warmth spreading over your body from head to toe.

“Okay,” you said happily.

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

A week had gone by since Stephen’s confession, but unfortunately, you two hadn’t had much time to focus on each other. He had to pack his dorm, and you yours, plus you had finals to study for.

Everything was packed now and you just needed to talk to Stephen about the holiday break arrangement. That shouldn’t be too hard. It was Sunday and you two agreed to spend time at his house, spending the night there.

“So, I was wondering,” you started, a little nervous to breach this subject. Admitting you loved each other was one thing, talking about holiday arrangements was a huge step.

“Aren’t you always?”

You ignored him except for smiling with an eyeroll. “About the winter break--”

Suddenly, his phone was vibrating on the counter in the kitchen. “Hold that thought,” he instructed as he answered the call and stepped a few feet away. “Yes, this is him.... Oh… Okay… When?... Alright. Yes. No, that’s fine. Thank you so much.”

After five minutes, he hung up and walked over to you, his face a mask of disbelief.

“Stephen?” you addressed, getting up and rounding the island, rubbing his back. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, no everything is great.”

“Who was that?” you wondered.

“That was the study abroad offices. They said I got the spot,” he informed, still clearly reeling.

You frowned, wondering what he was talking about. “Spot?”

Finally, his attention settled on you as he told you. “I… I was put on a waitlist for studying abroad in London. I applied as soon as I transferred here.” He looked at you with apology and slight horror in his eyes.

“Oh, and so you got a spot on their trip?” you realized.

“Yeah,” he breathed, nodding.

You beamed, throwing your arms around him in a hug.  “Great! That’s great!”

He slightly pushed you away and put his hands on your shoulders. “No, the plane leaves right after finals.”

That’s why he was upset. A pit grew in your stomach.

“Oh…”

“Yeah, it’s for over the Christmas break. I… I didn’t think I’d get it. I almost forgot about it. It’s a great opportunity for people wanting to be doctors. You go around and shadow a different kind of doctor every day,” he explained, hoping you would understand.

You nodded, a faint smile on your lips. “That sounds fantastic, Stephen. I’m so happy for you.”

His eyes shot back to your face. He looked at you, worry etched in his features. “I won’t go if you don’t want me to though. I mean, with everything just kind of… starting between us.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, putting your hands on your hips. “Stephen Strange, you listen to me, if this is going to help you make a better life for yourself, then you get on that plane. If we can’t withstand a few weeks apart, then clearly we don’t have a good foundation.”

“Yeah, but…” he started, clearly torn about this.

“No buts. I mean it. I’m happy for you, and I support this,” you insisted.

He put his hands on your hips and pulled you close. “I know. I know you are, but I’ll be away from you for five weeks. What about us? We love each other but this is just getting started and I don’t want to fuck that up.”

“I’ll still be here when you get back. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’m going to miss you though.”

“We can always video chat,” you assured. You reached up and put your hands on either side of his face. “This is a fantastic opportunity and I would resent myself if I kept you from it. You need to do this and I’m happy to support that.”

“You’re an amazing person, and I’m so glad I found you.”

“Back at you, Strange,” you teased before planting a quick kiss to his lips.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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