#got him killed wbu

[crossmyheartwonttellnoother]

hc that andrew laughs but only at neil's deranged jokes

[rei-ismyname]

Iceman Cometh - Bobby Drake Levels Up

As the youngest of the original five X-Men, Iceman was the class clown and the least powerful. Snowboy might have been a better name for him, though that would be a little mean. He definitely experienced growth and came into his own with his powers, but Bobby Drake was closeted for many years in more ways than one.

Snowboy and Iceman, side by side.

All-New X-Men is a great example of an additive retcon for Bobby, revealing that he is gay. His outing is not a model for how to treat queer people, but Marvel sucks at that so it's kinda to be expected. It was nonetheless a quite profound turning point for him and he grew as an X-Man and as a person. 2019's House of X revealed that he was an Omega Mutant of Temperature Manipulation (negative) while also finally defining the term - 'a mutant whose dominant power is deemed to register or reach an undefinable upper limit...' Basically Gods or elemental incarnations for their specific gift, and Iceman was no different.

Iceman terraforming Mars with the other Omegas in Planet-Size X-Men, described as 'creating ice sheets miles wide' - all the ice on Planet Arakko was created by Iceman - the very environment.

Bobby was having a blast in Marauders, taking names and kicking ass on the high seas. In issue 21 most of the Marauders + Emma Frost were flushed into space by a scoundrel trying to rob and kill them. He would have succeeded if not for Iceman's quick thinking, creating a small planetary body to shelter in after being airlocked. Iceman himself could survive space but this feat unlocked confidence we hadn't seen before from him, and something else...

Bobby Drake was truly becoming Iceman and internalising what Omega means. Not having to fear death played a part too but he was considering 'undefinable upper limit' when opportunity struck.

One fine afternoon FIN FANG FOOM smelt their aged Krakoan whiskey and acted as gigantic dragons that win galactic combat tournaments often do. The whole crew was terrified and made haste to GTFO. Sure, customers were waiting on their product, but generally dragons do as they please.

Bobby Drake would have been one of them but Iceman just saw a challenge. 'This isn't even my final form' - probably.

Freezing his gums and his initial attack didn't work, with the dragon smashing Bobby into shards. Fortunately that's barely an inconvenience and Iceman was not giving up. Yeah, get iced, idiot!

Still, Ice Pokémon are weak to Fire. Melting him was as effective as smashing him to pieces, so Bobby finally got serious. 'Get big and beat them down' beats even the hottest flame.

Sure, buddy. After a walloping, Triple F fired off some face-saving utterances and turned tail. The rest of the Marauders were gobsmacked and kinda scared, except for Christian Frost who said 'that's my boy.' He still wasn't feeling challenged though, so he went on a little trip...

... to Niffleheim to bare knuckle box Ice Giants. I feel a little sorry for them bc they were just kicking it in their home when this lunatic showed up and kicked all their asses. 'SEND THE ONES THAT FIGHT THOR!'

'WE ARE THE ONES WHO FIGHT THOR.' Yeah he beat the shit out of all the Ice Monsters in the Ice Realm easily. The ones that give Thor and Odin grief. They've invaded Asgard and Earth multiple times, though they might give the latter a miss in future. Tbh he found it unchallenging, but at least they know who's the king of Ice. ICEMAN, THAT'S WHO.

'What did you do today?'

'Pounded Fin Fang Foom til he fled then beat up the entirety of Niffleheim. Kinda slow, wbu?'

[yourlocalzombie]

(Limited life got me in shambles wbu this does have lim life cleo spoilers btw)

Cleo, by the grace of whatever forces there are, had a new dream when she fell asleep at her desk that night.

She...remembered.

She remembered the swords and axes destroying her body; much like how she had dreamt how the hermits had killed her before.

But there was more.

They remembereded how their spirit lingered, and reunited with her so-called sons.

How scar and dubs welcomed her back.

They did not blame her or try to be rid of her, but rather, they hugged and welcomed her back into their little group.

But something wasn't quite right.

A glint in their false eyes, a tooth to sharp, hiding hands behind their back.

As if even in death, cleo wasn't safe.

Cleo awoke in a sweat, slowly raising her head from the desk she had been working at.

Half completed sketches laid before her, some having to be thrown out. Bare stands and stones were strewn about around the walls, with an opening to the storage room and yet another for tool storage.

She stood up, and with heavy steps, walked towards her proper storage.

She grabbed paper, a pencil, some diamonds and and a bag wrote:

'Etho

I'm in need of your redstone expertise for something I'm working on.

Please meet me in my work room on the middle section of my castle

-cleo'

She placed the note with some diamonds in the bag.

She pulled another paper, writing some more:

"I want to apologize for attacking you that night.

I don't really know why it happens it just....does.

So, if it's anything, you're free to some more diamonds or a voucher to my services or...whatever.

I owe you.

I'm sorry.

-cleo'

She carefully placed the second note on top of the diamonds. She tied up the bag and grabbed it.

However, the zombie first collected a brew they made: a horrendous mix of Redstone, glowstone, sugar, a blaze powder, and a fermented spider eye.

It's horrendous taste made the thing unlikable to the undead and its corrupted nature made the thing undrinkable to the living. All cleo made it for was the immense energy it provided.

After downing the cursed drink with no reaction, she grabbed the bag and flew off to etho's place.

The alien archway made for a fine enough spot to leave the bag, so cleo decided to place the little delivery there.

Cleo was struggling to find a spot to place it however, and in their struggle, failed to notice the resident of the place approaching.

"..cleo?"

Cleo's head rapidly turned to face him, "oh, uh, etho.."

"What are you doing there?"

"Well, I was going to just leave this here for you but...here, just take it" cleo was clearly nervous, grabbing her arm after throwing the the.

Etho clumsily caught the bag, and carefully inspected its contents after untying the string.

He silently read the notes and inspected the diamonds within. As this occurred, the creature wanted nothing more than to flee.

But what would she be if she ran away from her own apology?

So they stood there in silence.

Etho looked up, "cleo I would love to make some machines for you."

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah, redstone is only like my favorite thing. Besides, what happened that night, that wasn't really your fault - that was the watchers wasn't it?"

"Honestly? I'm not really sure what causes me to go mad like that, but that's my guess too."

Etho shrugged, "Whatever it is, I don't hold it against you. Grian doesn't either.

Anyway, what machines do you need?"

"Well..."

Cleo went on to explain the plan Joe had come up with.

"...just something to freak some people out, good fun yeah?"

"Absolutely."

Cleo nodded to herself, "unfortunately I haven't made all the sketches yet but...oh it's fine, I'll be back when I have them!"

Cleo's breathing had picked up, and they began to sweat. A cough developed shortly after.

"Are...are you ok?"

"I'm fine! It's fine!"

Cleo was not fine.

Etho noticed, "can you do me a favor and stay right here? I'll be right back.."

Cleo nodded, sitting down next to the stoke arch.

As Etho stepped aside to do...something - all cleo could hear was that he was calling someone, though they didn't know who. Their stomach was practically rioting, and, well, had it always been this hot outside?

By the time etho returned, whatever ailed the zombie had taken full affect, much to the man's dismay. Luckily, while Joe was unavailable, Gem told him a recipe for something that should help.

He knelt down next to cleo, aiding her in drinking this alleged cure.

Cleo eventually drank the whole thing, though it's affects were not immediate. Soon enough, however, she was lulled off to a calm slumber.

Etho sat beside her, making sure nothing happened to cleo while waiting for Gem. Luckily for everyone involved, etho's various projects included machines for travel. It was all to often unconscious hermits needed to be moved and he loved to tinker, so it only seemed natural that the machinist made it.

Etho's relief was immense upon hearing the pounding of hooves approaching where they were.

Gem came to halt and asked a question:

"Do you have any idea what potion cleo made?"

Etho sighed. He was familiar with the crew cleo made, given she had made it on many occasions and sever of the hermits - including him - have had to take care of them after the fact.

"I have no idea, all I know is it keeps her awake, eventually makes her sick, and then this happens."

Gem thought for a moment.

"Do you know if she writes down the recipe anywhere?"

"Its possible, but you could also probably just snoop around her kitchen and figure it out. It's the only potion she makes 'cause nobody sells it."

"I see. Well, let's get her to a bed at least."

Etho nodded, "I'll be right back."

He ran off and returned with one if his machines. This one was incredibly simple, just being a table of sorts, with propellers on the bottom and, according him, some other force.

"Do you regularly not know how everything in your machines work or is this a one off?" Gem asked, incredulous.

"Oh, this is a one off, but I can tell you it comes from phantom membranes!"

Gem just nodded. If it worked, she supposed it didn't really matter. Plus the bit about phantom membranes did make sense, as they were used in slow falling potions.

Etho and Gem put Cleo on the traveling table, and said their goodbyes.

...

Eventually, Gem was able to bring cleo back to Atlantis, as the zombie liked to call it.

She laid Cleo unto their bed, covering the peaceful creature with blankets. Gem used to herself; she had never seen cleo so...peaceful.

But she had something she needed to know.

Gem walked into the kitchen, already noting a lingering, horrendous smell. One of the cabinets was already open, much to Gem's convenience.

She gazed through the inward containers of alchemical ingredients.

"Blaze powder. Redstone dust. Glowstone powder. Sugar. Fermented Spider Eyes. Did they really mix all these?"

She inspected the inside of a few remaining bottle, finding residue of all the ingredients within. There's no way they'd all mix correctly to begin with, let alone with how much cleo might be using to make themselves sick like that.

Gem sighed to herself, ready to scold the zombie for such an idea.

"I mean, really! No wonder she got sick!... they need to be more careful..."

Gem walked back to the bedroom, finding the creature to still be asleep.

Gem couldn't bear to wake them.

The gentle rise and fall of their chest. The slow adjustments into the stillness of comfort. The peaceful look of the face.

It was like everything was right in Cleo's world.

Something that Gem knew hadn't been true. And likely still wasn't.

Gem decided to resign herself to a nearby chair, grabbing a book to read as she waited.

It was about stand-making.

....

Cleo woke up rather peacefully. They didn't have the best dream, still waking up in a sweat, but it did beat everything prior.

She sat up and looked around and found themself in their bedroom. Gem was sitting at the foot of the bed, who gave the zombie a gentle look.

"Mornin, sleepy!"

"Morn- wait, what?" Cleo blushed.

Gem chuckled, "sleepy! Sleepyhead," She continued sounding as if she was about to stick her tongue out at cleo, "you've been out for a couple days!"

"I...what?"

"That potion you made really messed you up. After it left your system, you were just completely clocked out," Gem seemed more serious now.

Cleo sighed, speaking more to herself, "I keep telling myself I'll stop making those damn things.." She turned her attention back to the fae before her, "Well, I take it you've been here most the time?"

"Sure have."

"Let me make you breakfast then, it's the least I can do," cleo continued, "I also promise my actually cooking is nothing like that potion."

Gem chuckled, "that better be true, cleo!"

....

"Can I watch you work?"

Cleo was caught off guard by the question.

"Err...why?"

Gem finished chewing the egg she bit first, "I read a book you had in your room, about making those stands. Made me curious. Maybe you could even teach me how to make something!"

"Well..." cleo considered making up an excuse.

"...alright," cleo relented without a fight.

Gem's smile was wide as the pair went to the work room, ready to learn more about the craft.

And to spend time with an awake Cleo.

[daechwitatamic]

Yes, he was WILD! Too many amazing moments to count. Seesaw acoustic version with the signed guitar killed me. There was a sweet moment where he noticed an army's birthday sign in the crowd and had us all sing for her (after saying huh? trying to hear her name about 5x) Wbu now that you've had time to process??

And then it was just so fun to be around everyone going bonkers! Someone gave me a little Agust D themed goodie bag, just cuz. There was a teenage girl with her mom next to me absolutely shrieking at the top of her lungs for two solid hours who apologized repeatedly for blowing out my ear drums. And I did not mind at all, because BTS creates such a special space for us and normal decorum does not apply! And then I've already seen so many people on Tumblr post about being there too and it makes my heart warm, I wish I could've met them all irl

Our seats were pretty good, we were in the upper bowl on the right side of the stage and he came over our way a lot! I hadn't been to the Kia Forum before that, but it's a pretty small venue (at least compared to enormous SoFi next door) so truly felt like there was not a bad seat in the house. I can't wait until 2025/2026 for another concert so here's keeping our fingers crossed we get a tour from someone else before they leave.

I will definitely keep you updated on my thoughts on the book, I have a bunch of travel coming up so will have lots of time for plane reading! I already have my Taetae bookmark tucked in it, ready to go.

🌴

My highlights were:

the ENERGY of the crowd when he started Daechwita. like. i had a moment where i was like fuck i love us :') getting to scream that along with the entire prudential center was incredible

the POUT on his lil FACE when his guitar string broke!!!

finding Jimin straight across the arena from me, and Yoongi telling us to pay attention to HIM :') trolls. i love them.

the crowd singing along to Amygdala went SO HARD and it was only a week after release and i just hope he felt our love and understanding echoing back at him aufshakuhfuiwahf BYE

getting to see nevermind performed bc i honestly thought i never would bc that era ended before i was army and it is THEEEEEEEEEEEEE jo song of all jo songs.

i got a ton of goodies when i was in line too! the best was the AMAZING keychain, i'll have to post a photo and see if i can get the artist's @ out of my bag.

i also met up with several moots that weekend and that was WONDERFUL and i loved it :')

i loooooooove that taetae is gonna keep you company through fifth season!!!!!!!!! when you finish i'll tell you about my crossover idea >:)

have a great weekend my friend <3

[moved2fshfish]

i have watched the dsmp finale multiple times and it hits hard every time. i am emotionally wrecked rn.

wbu? also overall what are ur thoughts on the finale??

personally i thought it was gr8- tommy died a hero, dream didn't die a villain, and overall it felt very poetic and epic

i havent seen tommys pov so i cant really say many thoughts on that, i dont like that they made cdream sympathisable(?) i guess ? idk hes been the bad guy For the whole smp and if he was going to get a redemption arc i feel like it shouldnt have been rushed . he abused ctommy and drove him to attempt suicide not to mention all the shit he did to ctubbo too ?

ctubbos ending, on the Other hand :( ough.

im disapointed we didnt get closure for him. he never got to prove that he wasn"t just the sidekick, he never got to confront cdrm or Anyone, he just sort of.. stayed the pawn

he flicked the lever, thinking it was going to kill his best friend but also save the world. and his death ?? sitting on the bench where him and tommy always sat, listening to the discs???? ow

i dont like the ending that much . it feels sort of lazy and the "they all get amnesia" season 2 ??? its poetic That ctubbos creation ended everything, that ctommy died thinking he saved ctubbo, but, idk. i wish we couldve gotten closure

it feels like i cared about these characters for no reason, there wasnt Much actual tragedy in the ending but more being upset that all the characters i cared about died Jist like that

im gonna miss ctubbo man:( i think im mostly sad Because i relate to him a lot and him losing that hope of ever being happy made me lose some hope for myself

we never got cbeeduo ending, and what was in the book tommy left ???? what about micheal and the syndicate and the mushroom base and las nevadas and Karls time travelling ???? did ckarl know this wuz gna happen??

so many questions LMAO

i do think,that its an interesting ending. im sad that ctubbo wont ever go on to lead a happy life and im sad cbeeduo wont ever see each other again and im sad micheal is an orphan or probably dead

and im sad theres nobody to mourn ctubbo like he mourned everyone else , theres nobody to grieve or miss him or accidentially bring out an extra plate for dinner or look at his empty spot in the bed or notice his unused shoes on the porch but never get rid of them

all in all itwas a tragic miserable abrupt ending to a tragic miserable Smp

:(

[kakujis]

i've finished the demo! do you think the last scene will change depending on origins? there is a possibility like alchemist would be more link to leander. it's advertised as a dark gothic romance novel for mature audiences but i think since the game is nowhere near finish, they cannot put an age rating on it yet.

oh, i didn't realised you could add additional items to your tier, i'm new to kickstarter so i have no idea lol. that's good but i've heard the cost of the shipping is pretty expensive too.

ais might be the true route for the game like with other otome games, you have to play the characters in certain order to reach the final/canon ending/route.

there are character sheets??? i feel like mhin is a character that grow on you and leander is the ideal one to start with and vere, you either love or hate him.

really? i thought ais intro was intense esp with that soundtrack! his music theme is the most memorable one. if there are changes, hopefully they will just add more piercings to sen or something like that considering she already have a nose ring.

elyon (?), i felt like he was deliberately designed like that because of his mysterious brief profile information like trying to find the one thing that money can't buy.

what do you think the potential new stretch goals could be? i think we are at the last one. i hope they add more physical merc for the basic tiers then because a lot of fans had chosen them.

omg maybe! i know each origin comes with its own special trait of some sort!! i wanna play sum more when i get home later this week!!! wbu?? r u gonna play thru again using a diff origin? alsooo my fren actually did play thru as alchemist and the dialogue for kuras in particular are diff!! not sure about leander but i thought about that too!!

also yesyes!!! on the touchstarved blog theres chara sheets for all of em! it tells u what they like + dislike alongside their fatal flaw! leanders is cut out im pretty sure soo im sooo curious abt hims. :3 also omg real! mhin is soooososososo pretty eee n i do enjoy their personality buuut, leander is def ideal eep!! vere is super cute to me, but i feel like id stutter to talk to him irl and then perish cus i give in too easily LMAOOO

also yes!! i agree w sen!! give her more piercings shes so damn hot im passing OUT!!! also also, i think leander n vere’s intros kinda swooped me away…. like i literally was dming my friend like: PLs i hope its not vere next ill pass out AND DIE… and then he showed up n i died. poof. GONE. (；ω；)

okok so the whole ais thing w me was like, hmmm. ur hot yes and ur music slaps but that was about it for me! i agree it was really intense! IM NOT EVEN SURE WHY i just felt like. nuffin towards him when i played it LOL. but the scene where he almost borderline kills tht one dude was so hot fusjdjjdjdjkaka. i have a whole lil drabble rn about ais and said alleyway…. im … hes…. hes so. (>_<)… on the floor SOBBING!!! if he is the true route i wont b mad!!! like they do put him in the middle of all the promo art sooo… i could see leander being a true route also. hes soo sweet. i wanna *** him.

yea yea i also agree abt elyon! he’s super handsome tho i bet his route will be great! i wonder what his personality will be like doe… like condescending? rude? patronizing?? hmm hmm. ohh also b4 i forget! yesyes u can change ur tier n do add-ons on the page! it’ll say edit tier or somthin like that! i think shipping will probs b 15 but i am a fool w a lil bit of extra monies. ʅ（◞‿◟）ʃ

personally i gots nooo clue for stretch goals but im the same thinking as u!! im praying for more physical merch. I WAN AN AIS DAKIMURA PLS PLS PLS PLS PLS telepathically trying 2 connect w the devs rn… HEAR MY PLEAS!!!

[snallavanta]

YEAHHH $1 pcs are a thing, think i managed to get a few vernon pcs at $1 it was SO CHEAP but you can also find the selfie kinds at $2, just not the popular members 😕

omg the changing bias line is so real i think when i first started getting into them my bias line was like vernon ww and woozi and scoups really somehow creeps in ocassionay here and there too LOL

nanatour truly is therapy ,,, why pay for therapy when nanatour exists. i cant explain why but i think watching it lowkey healed me in some way it really is so comfort show vibes

im not actually a really big kpop fan too, im just surrounded by people who are big fans so i somehow ended up knowing stuff too but liking svt really somehow just happened. oh and i think also bc i was watching youtube videos with my friends and i put on their dingo live video bc i was curious and it got me hooked and down that hole i went

whats your fav songs !

- sg vernon bias anon (maybe i should use an emoji for anon instead so i dont gotta type out this whole thing im just lazy)

when i first started getting into svt, one of my biases was woozi too! LMAO scoups magically becoming part of it is just the carat way of life. he is everyone’s bias at some point

oh i don’t have any kpop friends so i got into svt mainly through my sister. it’s funny because all my friends are into western artists so i’ve been a bit apprehensive about telling them about svt because when i told a few of them about svt they were like 🤨😵‍💫

also that killing voice video seems to have converted many people into carats from what i’ve seen HAHAHA

my fav songs of all time are super & shadow. i will never get tired of those songs. but my current fav songs are thinkin about you & game boi. wbu!!!

what about 🇸🇬👽 or 🇸🇬🐻‍❄️ or 🇸🇬🌈 (why does vernon have so many emojis to represent him sldjsks)

[mouthfulloftoothpasterry]

Yeah pretty sure I got feelings for him but you know that's always kinda changing but I gotta admit it's fun having a crush and talking to someone and the conversation doesn't end, and flirting is fun too

But anywho how's your day going??

- 🍓

PRETTY SURE?? YOURE JUST NOW FINDING THIS OUTT?? I COULDVE TOLD YOU THAT MONTHS AGO GIRL WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN??

you’re killing me, I say tell him bc what is the worst that could happen? You’re embarrassed for a little?

But my day is going good, I’m figuring out my schedule for posting bc I have a long list of blurbs I need to get out, and I’m finally going to post 70’s Harry spring break blurb after a year… 😞 and I’m just trying to figure everything out bc there are still tropes I need to figure out blurbs for and I’m trying to figure out how to space out the dadrry blurbs bc I have a handful of those

Wbu?

[shoyoist]

Rekha, rekHA REKHA PLEASE THIS HAS TO STOP, THIS INDECISIVENESS ON HOW YOU WANT YOUR BLOG'S AESTHETIC TO BE NEEDS TO END, EVERT 3 DAYS I COME BACK AND YOUR BLOG IS A DIFFERENT COLOR, STOP THIS MADNESS I BEG (this is a joke, i love all your blog color palette choices)

Also, i can relate to the post about your brother's terrible driving 😭 my boyfriend is a ABOMINABLE driver and has nearly crushed my car and killed us both from how fucking WIDEE his turns are, and then he gets DISTRACTED by shit like a quarter falling on the floor and he'll be like "i'll get it for you, babe :D" AND REACHES FOR IT WHILE THE CAR SI DRIVING, JFCC MY LIFE HAS FLASHED BEFORE MY EYES TWICE CAUSE OF HIM.

So now, I'm his OFFICIAL OFFICIAL taxi driver because i love him so much but your not touching my shit anymore, your gonna get everybody killed and if we survive then I'm NOT GONNA HAVE CAR ANYMORE.

Idcc if your waking up at 3 am in the morning to go and buy a cheesestick, motherfucker I'm COMING WITH YOU. Cause I'll be damned if i send my bf to go and get a reese from the store and he doesn't return NO ❌❌❌

But anyways, how r u?? ❤❤

pleasee every time i get some xyho + xyho-bf lore it's a fucking roller coaster ride 😭😭 godd i get you tho and it's all the worse because my brother takes me around on his motorcycle so i am able to catch every near death experience within an inch of my face in full colour and motion 💀

i grab his shoulder or smth and he's like "lmao you don't need to hold me like that" BITCH WE'RE GOING AT 65MPH WDYMM i'm like watching the meter go higher and higher like 💀💀 STOPP

hehe other than the six times i almost died today, i'm good <3 met my friends and discussed our post grad plans,, i always feel the calmest when i'm making plans and mapping out the future. had a good time and got free drinks too!! wbu wbu? <3

[bandluvr97]

mbb 🎅

Oh my job is very boring, I have a fancy title but it's mostly the grunt work of making sure everyone else can do their job, and tomorrow I'm background support for a big party. You've got to have a more interesting job/studies, or at least better Saturday plans, so how's it going in your life?

Changkyun really saw Shownu and Wonho leave and said "I guess I'll be the sexy one... a heavy burden to carry, but I'll do it... no need to thank me..." like he has the chest to compete with them. But we love to see a bad bitch thrive, so I support it. "They wouldn't let me put Hot As F in the song, so I made it Fahrenheit and they did" BRO! (but then his vocals in Shape of Love meant I had to forgive him for all his weird explanations of his lyrics)

They're such good dancers it's annoying, seeing the "Fantasia" dance for the first time??? Or the way they pistol squat in "Shoot Out" before jumping back up to keep singing??? And they do everything in such perfect sync, which just makes it so gratifying to watch, they have some of my favorite dance breaks. And then their producers are so good, I'm glad Wonho still gets to work with that team, too (hopefully also Changkyun for his solo work, but Wooki's really good and they killed Duality).

I've never heard of the Post It Note movement, what's that? It's just so great that he dropped his emotional ballad and then said OH YOU THOUGHT! before dropping the slut (honorific) anthem that is "Open Mind".

Do you listen to other groups, too? Is MX your favorite, or someone else, or are you more evenly spread out between groups?

Hey love ❤️ hope your doing well and having a chill day before work! You got this lol is it a supervisor position or is it another type of work? Lol ooooo office party!!!! What do you need to prepare for the party? What is the theme? Lol! If you count grocery shopping and watching movies/bl shows as better plans then sure lol in terms of studies I graduated in June of this year and have just been working full time lol the people and the office is great! Life is chill for now I’m living with my family to get my things together and just taking it one day at a time lol also had some fun online dating but nothing much happened with that lol wbu? What’s going on in your life?

Lmao!! He really went “I got this I’ll give you guys a break and I’ll make sure our fans are never the same after this” and it worked lol who was he planning on targeting with that outfit for the mma’s a few weeks ago when he wore nothing but leather pants, a tiddie vest and jacket like sir!!!!! Your going to give fans a scare and make them horny all in the same day 😂😂 and honestly I am here for those vibes lol and then don’t get me started on honey because he’s all dimples and then he channels his mode and it just kicks us off on the WOAH THERE train 😂😂 I firmly believe that everyone in that group is a duality king and we Stan lol

Aren’t they amazing at everything they do?!?! Like they are models, actors, dj stuff, artists, vocalists, clothing designers (yes I’m looking at you kihyun) and then they are just genuine squishes and it’s so wholesome 👍👍👍👍 oh lawd don’t get me started on the pistol squat from shootout that was phenomenal!!!!! Did you see the shootout dance break at mama in 2018? That was one of the best dance breaks I’ve ever seen them preform (and the jumpsuits were stunning) and I’m sure they will still get to preform together even though changkyun is not with sse anymore but my god thank god wonho is still there tbh that was a relief lol

What happened with the post it note thing was in 2019 he was blamed for allegedly smoking weed with a girl who he was friends with (the girl blamed him and she was doing that to a lot of idols for many years and was even in jail because it got too far for her) so he left the group at that time and he was just really broken since then and so the fandom wanted to make sure he knew that he was loved and appreciated and we wanted him to come back so bad so fans all over the world left messages on post it notes outside of the sse building so he could see it and he didn’t pop up for six months after that lol then when he was officially back to normal he took some pictures with post it notes so we knew that he saw it and appreciated it (thanks for coming to the ted talk lmao) he really said OH YOU THOUGHT I WAS DONE???? Hell to the no!!!!! Imma wear as much crop tops and booty shorts that I can possibly manage 😂😂😂was there other wonho songs you like to listen to?

Yeah I do like to listen to other groups! I would consider myself to be a multi stan 😂😂 I have my ultimate groups like monsta x, bts, ateez and black pink and then I was exploring some other groups like nct, exo, super junior, some shinee, ever glow, dream catcher, and some others lol I also like to listen to non kpop stuff too like Harry styles, one direction, Jonas brothers, why don’t we, Ed Sheeran and some other groups lol wbu?

[apple-bread]

jayyyy GUESS WHAT

so theres this exhibition at my school for a bunch of different subjects (and im in the english one but okay) and my friends are in the arts and crafts one. so they're making newspaper stick dolls and the dolls wear skirts so i think the teacher intended them to be women, but like we headcanon them as trans and nonbinary and gay and basically very queer

so my two close friends made one today (their first) and since im the only trans person they know (also im good at naming) they let me name himmm AND I NAMED HIM AFTER YOU BC YOURE SWAG AND SHES SWAG :DD and the whole class started using the name jaden for the doll SO NOW WE HAVE A TRANS JADEN DOLL IN OUR CLASS <333

anyway that was long but how are you? <33

I AM LITERALLY

i

MY FRICKEN EYES ARE WATERY OH NY GOD YOU NAMED IT JADEN😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

THATS SO CUTE THANK YOU I WAS HAVING A REALLY BAD DAY QITHOUT A READON AMD TGAT REALLY MADE ME SMILE <3333 ALSO TGAT SOUNDS SO FUN

I GOT A REALLY BAD GRADE AT MATH (basically D) and i got 98/100 in English i feel like killing myself bc the mistake ive done is like

IT WAS A TEXT AND AFTER THAT A FEW SENTENCES AND WE HAD TO MARK IF THEY ARE TRUE FALSE OR IF THERES NO INFORMATION FOR THEM AND IM REALLY ANGRY BECAUSE i juat hate those ok theyre reallybstupid bc u get differejt answers depending on thw point of view

anyway. literature was fun, i love Greek mythology. i also kinda want to go to the supermarket to get noodles but i'm also really lazy, so i won't

wbu i hope youre feeling better drink water ily

[pixie88]

Friendly Advice

Chapter 12 - The Neighbour.

A/N | I thought I’d get this out and get the finally chapter of Teddy finished.

Comments & reblogs welcome! Let me know what you loved and hated about this chapter!

I understand if you don’t want to be tagged so just pop me a message to be removed, but also let me know if you would like to be tagged!

Summary | Their family and friends offer the pair some friendly advice...

Check out previous chapters Here!

Word count | 1.3k

Warnings | 18 + Only! Fluff

Pairings | Dean x Alana.

Gif Inspiration:

Song inspiration | Air Supply - All out of love

Enjoy!

A few days later...

Dean has his head under the bonnet singing along to a song on the radio, "I'm all out of love, I'm so lost without you. I know you were right, believing for so long. I'm all out of love, what am I without you? I can't be too late to say that I was so wrong!" he drums along to the beat on the edge of the car.

His phone pings, wiping his hands on an oil rag before pulling out his phone.

A: Hi handsome, I had a delivery at work today. They are beautiful :) thank you! xx

He smiles at her text.

D: Hey sweetheart! No where near as beautiful as you! :D x

A: Always the charmer! Thank you, how's work? xx

D: You're welcome. Good, workin on a 1970 Chevy Nova :D wbu? x

A: Ooo, gorgeous! I had to google but still pretty :) today is draaagging! SEND HELP haha. x

He chuckles at her text as he hums along to the song, "who's got you smiling like a giddy school girl?!" he looks up at his Dad. He clears his throat, putting his phone away, he turns back toward the engine, "you gonna tell me?" John leans against the car looking at his boy, Dean straightens up "her name is Alana!" Dean looks over his Dad.

"It must be serious if she's got you singing along to Air Supply!" he mocks his son, Dean smiles broadly, "I like her a lot! We're taking things slow and it's killing me, but when we do take that step I want it to mean something, you know?" John nods "Good! Dean, you're getting too old for the hump em and dump em routine. I hope it works out this time....wait is it your neighbour Alana?"

"Yeah, my neighbour, you met her a couple of times!" Dean chuckles, "Ahh! The British girl across the hall. She's nice, I like her. Don't screw it up!" he nudges him, "oh, this taking it slow business doesn't mean you can't do other things!" John lips upturn into a smile he threw him a wink.

Dean belly laughs at his Dad, but thought over his words.

Alana

"Grab ya coat you've pulled!" Lola bursts into Alana's office, "huh?" she questions her looking up from her computer "Me, you lunch now! I need your date deeds. Especially now he's sending you flowers to you at work!" Alana grabs her bag and coat following Lola out.

They find the nearest cafe, "How did it go?" Lola presses her, Alana smirks remembering the date and the kiss, "it was perfect!" she blushes. "And the fact you are blushing like a tomato, he definitely put the moves on you!" Alana shook her head at her friend, "we didn't have sex!"

"Wait! You went on a date with Dean? And he didn't hook up with you!?" Lola narrows her eyes at Alana, "No, he didn't...we didn't!"

"Did you have fun? Following the three date rule huh?" Lola teases her.

"I did actually, if I'm honest? It was probably the best date I've been on in a while! No, I don't know...maybe? We are taking things slow."

Lola squeals, "I can see it all over your face! You like him!!"

"I do!"

"I've seen that look on you before!" Lola teases her, "We are getting to know each other!"

"He's been your neighbour for three years if you don't know him by now..." Lola baits her.

"Lola!" she shook her head, "He sent you flowers, huh?" Alana blushes. She didn't think he'd be the type to send flowers. "Yeah, I was thinking maybe there was something I could do for him, obviously I don't think he'd appreciate flowers!"

"What about food? They say a way to a man's heart is through his stomach! What's his favourite food?" Lola had given her an idea.

A few of hours later...

Leaning against her door frame she heard him coming up the stairs, he doesn't notice her until he reaches the top of the stairs, "hey sweetheart, whatcha doing out here?" his lips upturn into a smile. "Hi, I was waiting for you. I cooked and I wondered if you wanted dinner?" he doesn't hesitate "let me just jump in the shower, and I'll be right over!" he gives her a wink that makes her blush, "great, I'll see ya in a bit!"

She wanders back inside.

A little later, she's plating up as he comes through the door, even from across the room his aftershave filled the room, "hey!" she smiles over at him. "Hey, need me to do anything?" he asks as he makes his way over to her, he peaks her cheek "I'll set the table!" he pulls out a beer and a bottle of wine out of the fridge.

She places the plate in front of him, smirking, "what do we have here?" he quirks a brow at her. "Bacon clanger.." looking down, he takes a bite, she waits for his reaction, "whoa! T-This is awesome!" he hums with his mouth full. "What's it called, again?" he looks over to her "Bacon clanger, it's a suet pastry with onion, stuffing and bacon. My Nan used to make it all the time."

"It's good!" he takes another forkful groaning as he eats, "I saw there is a pop up drive-in theater next weekend, and it's playing The Untouchables. I was thinking maybe we could go? I haven't seen it.." she looks over to him knowing this was his favourite film, "you've got to be kidding me? You've never seen Untouchables? We're going..is there any more of this?" he points down at the clanger, she chuckles before taking his plate.

Later they were cuddled up on the sofa, her head rests against his chest as they watched a film, he heard her yawn "are you tired?" he kisses the top of her head, she nods. He picks up the remote next to him turning off the TV, she sits up "stay with me?" she looks over to him, "ok, come on. Let's get you to bed."

They make their way to her bedroom, she changes into her pajamas before they get into bed, she cuddles up to him as he leans down to press a kiss against her lips "Goodnight, sweetheart!" she places another kiss to his lip "Goodnight, handsome!" her eyes drift.

Over a week later...

She felt nervous, remembering Lola's words the day before, "If you want him, show him! Take control!" She looks over her outfit in the mirror taking a deep breath, she hears him call out "Alana?" she makes her way out of her bedroom "hey, alright?" he looks her over clearing his throat he smiles at her, "Hi, you ready?"

She nods, and they make their way down the stairs.

They pull into the drive-in theater, "have you been to one of these before?" she asks him, "a couple of times. What about you?" she shook her head "no, where do we get popcorn and drinks?" she looks around.

"You stay here, I'll go!" he gets out the car and Alana sends a quick text.

A: Going to go for it! Deep maroon lacy lingerie on and flirty mode on! x

L: He won't know what hit him! :D xx

The drivers door opens "I got you buttered popcorn, chocolate and a soda!" he slides in next to her "thanks, so how many times have you seen this film?" he smirks "nearly sixty?" she laughs. The film starts she moves close and snuggles into his side as he drapes his arm over her turning towards the film.

Throughout the film she catches him miming the words, she secretly giggles to herself. Growing a little bored she slowly turns placing kisses against his neck, he groans before turning to claim her lips. She moves the popcorn from her lap, he pulls her onto his, she straddles him a he deepens the kiss. His hand tangles into her hair, she can feel him stiffen against her core.

He pulls away a little, "let's go home!" his words electrify every nerve ending in her body, his eyes burn into hers, and he smirks. She untangles herself from him, he starts up Baby and reverses out of the drive-in theater.

This was the first time in a long time he was nervous...

Chapter 13

@secretaryunpaid​ @aussieez​ @gloriousalmondvoiddreamer​ @palmaviolet​ @rookiemartin​ @peonierose​ @reallyloudstudent​ @deandreamernp​ @leigh70​ @pixie-b​  

[pinkpruneclodwolf]

I feel like maybe their inactivity comes in hand with the fact that Yuu comes from a different dimension and think that they're immune to the laws of their world (Crowley) or that they actually don't know that Yuu is from another dimension and therefore isn't actually immune to blot (the rest of the staff). I feel like even magicless humans in twst do have cores in them even if they dont have or can't use magic. Since their bodies have evolved and they technically need cores to regulate the magic that wizards have and are in the air and the inevitable blot that comes along with it.

Crewel is the first one who most definitely notices the change in Yuu and is the one who first took action but only dismissed it as a blot build up (which he isnt wrong about so to speak) but he only orders Yuu to rest up and assign someone into making sure they eat properly which isnt bad if this was a normal situation but it's exactly where he went wrong. Sam is the one who picks up next thank to his "friends" but is unable to do much since he's not too sure on what to do (and the uncertainty that he might make it worse leaves a pit of nerves in his stomach) and he knows that even if he tries to ask someone for help they'll just dismiss him so he can only watch as Yuu's health begins to deteriorate...

As for Vargas and Trein they actually had their suspicions at first but it isnt when Yuu starts having more... sickly symptoms is when the feeling of dread starts kicking in for the both of them. I actually have a hc that Vargas can't use magic too much bc his core is sort of fractured that's why he's so adamant on muscle building for his students so at the very least IF they're unable to use magic they'd be able to keep themselves safe. Trein has read of cases similar to Yuu but he didn't realize it would be this bad.

Ah, Crowley---deadbeat father of 200+ children. What in the fuck were you thinking? I feel like he never expected this and was sort of ignorant to it until the very last moment where everything has gone to shit because the blot---while magic waste is still magic---blinded him from actually seeing what's going on add that with his ignorance and you've got a whole shit storm. So i feel like thats why Yuu managed to hide their situation from everyone who didn't pay attention to hard for so long bc they were actively making sure none of them saw until the last minute when everything became too much for them.

But like that's my opinion wbu?

But magicless people having a magical core could explain why they, historically, Yuu's situation is rare. If they already have a back up making sure that when facing the brunt of magic they aren't going to die (i realize Yuu has zero resistance to magic when thinking in game terms, a fire ball could literally kill them)

Magicless people need some form of resistance built up especially considering that evolution and such would make sure that each species magicless population does not die out, the probability of a magician breeding with another magician and not getting a magicless baby is low but never zero.

Crowley don't be using his lil pea brain unless theirs money dangling in front of it—but you're right about the Staff not knowing or Crowley believing that Yuu might be immune.

And he wouldn't be far off considering they managed to live on for that long without dying from a stray magic spell or a wild swing of OB magic.

I've also noticed that its easier to hide obvious signs that you aren't okay by playing it off or making up a lie—Yuu can be a good pretender when they want (need) to be.

Vargas having a cracked core actually suits him, I think Trein would've gotten clued in by Lucius, animals have a preternatural sense of who has a serious disease and will be more attentive that person—

LEONA

He specializes in Ancient Curses, no way in hell would Cat Daddy 3000 not have some inclination that Yuu wasn't daijoubu, Ruggie or Jack for that matter! Jack would definitely hang around more often, which might become a source of jokes but when you think about how serious it is or that Yuu is essentially deteriorating...

Yeah, nothing's funny anymore.

Sam getting clued in but worrying if speaking up would help is some angst potential for the Gods. Especially told in increments, he notices small things but doesn't comment. Yuu doesn't frequent as much but when they do it's for medicine, they look sick. And then they just stop showing.

UGHHHH SAM I AMMMM—

You capture the staff pretty well and explained them to me cause I'm always sideeyeing them whenever the kids get hurt, or Yuu's health being put in jeopardy, like yeah I know NRC isn't full of good people but a quick glance at Yuu and they might be able to get them the help they need.

But that's what Yuu's OB is for yall! Its about the venting, miscommunication, airing out grievances in order to finally get that sweet sweet cotton candy flufff

[suhnshinehaos]

heyy reese!!! thoughts on 2 baddies 🤌

ooooh-

2 baddies,

the song : loved loved loved !! on the first listen too !! everyone got their own lil killing part in the song like taeil’s why don’t we just drive away, dy’s 0 to 100 on the highest speed, or rapper jaehyun !!!! the first chorus took me out a little bit but i ended up loving it by the final one !! 

the mv : visuals were good, everyone looked great ,, but im upset abt the lack of taeil screentime ,, sm really needs to show him some respect considering that his vocals are the backbone of a lot of their songs

the album : one of their strongest albums to date !! 2 baddies and neo zone are definitely in contention for my fave 127 release, every song is hit after hit !! my personal faves are time lapse, designer, and vitamin :>>

wbu?

[steviesdoll]

Dark Steve Rogers x reader ,Dark Bucky Barnes x reader.

Chapter 1

Summary : In which Bucky asked you on a date but you rejected his offer. So he aquires Steve's help in making you theirs.

Warnings : Dark Steve, hacking, stalking, blackmailing, dirty messages, future non-con, future smut. 18+

Pairings : Dark Steve Rogers x reader , future dark Bucky Barnes x reader

Note : Cutiepie is readers username and captain is Steve's in among us. And also Steve's a serial killer and rapist and Bucky's the same.

After a tiring day at work, you were finally home . You went to your room chanded your work clothes into comfy nightgown.

You went and sat in front of your computer which you mostly used fo gaming. Today you decided to play among us whioch you installed yesterday after your younger brother jaime suggested you.

You opened the game and went to the section of find games. Then you entered a game hosted by someone named captain. As soon as you entered the game he changed it from public to private so no one could enter the game until and unless they know the password. You wondered why he did it.

Captain : Hello

At first you didn't respond.

Captain : Hey girl

Cutiepie : How did you know that I'm a girl?

Captain : Your name itself says you're a girl

Whoever he was he was very strange.

Captain : How much for that pussy?

Cutiepie : Sorry, what ?

More than a question to him it was a question for you. He must be joking, right. But the small line of his made shivers run down your spine.

Captain : You heard me, right.

Captain : How much for that tight little pussy?

As quickly as you can you left the game. If your parents saw it, they would never let you play games online again.

Then again you joined a game hosted by black160 .There were 8 players already in the game and when you entered it made 9 .Just one more player and he could start the game. Then the last player entered and it was coincidentally Captain. Then the game started. The whole time in game he was behind you, following you. For once you thought he's the imposter so you gave his name and luckily everyone listened to you and voted him. He was not the imposter but he was out of the game that made you a little comfortable.

Then you entered a game hosted by rebel007 and other games and coincidentally he was there in each and every game you entered. Then you created your own game and in which Captain entered. Now you were sure that him entering each and every game you entered was far from coincidence. You tried to act brave and wrote :

Cutiepie : Why are you entering each and every game I enter?

Cutiepie : Are you stalking me?

Cutiepie : Have you hacked my device?

Cutiepie : Stay at your limits.

Cutiepie : My dad's a sheriff.

He ignored all your questions. He then sent you a link of a website.

Captain : Open the link.

At first you hesitated but then opened it. After opening it you regreted for why did you open it. There were videos of killing people, torturing them and even raping woman. You quickly left the game and uninstalled it.

Now after the game was finally uninstalled you felt comfortable. You thought if you should say your father about it or not. Then you decided you would tell him.

You got up from your chair and started to head out of your room. Before you could go out of your room you remembered that your father is not at home and wouldn't return before tomorrow morning.

So you got to your bed and tried to sleep. But after all those things that happened to you today, would you be able to sleep peacefully.

The next day came as quickly. You couldn't sleep the whole night thinking about the incident.

It was Sunday so you didn't had to go to work. After you had breakfast you headed to your room and took out of your phone. Then you opened instagram then you saw someone named Captain started to follow you. It didn't take a genius to know that it was the same captain from among us. He didn't had a profile picture and the account was empty like it was newly made. You quickly blocked him.

Now you were too frightened. You knew that he was stalking you or how would he know who you are. You went downstairs where your mom and dad were having breakfast. You told them about all the incident except when he asked about your private part they need not know that.

Your parents were sickly worried about you. Your mom suggested you to not go to work until the situation is handled. Your father agreed with your mom. You took their advice and decided to stay at home. But was it really safe to stay at home when he has his eyes on you.

Then your phone popped up, it was a text from Bucky , your coworker ,who joined a month ago. In a short period of time he became a very good friend of yours. He even asked you on a date but you declined the offer saying that you didn't want to be in a relationship right now and insisted him to continue being friends and he agreed.

Bucky : Hey doll

Bucky : How are you?

You : I'm fine Bucky.

You : Wbu?

Bucky : I'm also fine.

Bucky : I was wondering that if you want to go to today's party.

You : I can't be there cause there's is a lot going with me now.

Bucky : Are you ok, doll

You : Yeah, I'm fine

You : You don't need to worry about me.

Bucky : If you need my help, just let me know.

You : Okk

You : Byy

Bucky : Ok by

Bucky : Take care of yourself.

With that you kept your phone on the bedside table and went to take shower.

You were finally relaxed when nothing happened after a week so today you went to your work. Many of your coworkers asked you for why weren't coming to work. You just told them you were sick.

6:30pm

It was time for you to go to home. You packed your things and headed out. While you were in the parking lot trying to find your car when something hard hit you on the head and before you could turn and see who it was, you lost your consciousness.

[howtosingit]

Fic: shatter every window ‘til it’s all blown away

Carlos visits family in San Antonio while TK faces multiple storms in Austin.

*

Missing moments from 1x04. 

2.1K | Also on AO3

- - - - - -

definitely just saw like 7 tornadoes

wtf

why exactly does this state want to kill me?

Carlos is sitting on his mother’s couch in San Antonio when he gets TK’s texts. It’s the first time he’s heard from the guy in a couple of days, since he left him on his front porch after their date. The silence hasn’t been terrible, if Carlos is being honest with himself. Sure, TK continues to take up space in his head every moment of every day, but the space seems to be getting smaller, or at least less centralized. He thinks that must count for something.

He glances up at the TV across the room, watching the meteorologist report on the major storm system wreaking havoc on Texas. Outside, rain pelts the windows of his mom’s one-story house, thunder roaring as lightning flashes. They’re a little too far south to be facing any tornadoes, but based on what he’s seeing, he can only imagine what kind of chaos Austin is experiencing at the center of the system. 

Behind him, his mother and sisters flit around the kitchen preparing dinner, their conversation barely audible over the thunderstorm. He focuses on his phone again, thinking about how to respond.

Consider that a true Texas welcome?

Are you somewhere safe?

Carlos bites his bottom lip, watching as three dots appear at the bottom of his screen. He assumes that if TK is texting him he’s probably okay, but he’s sure this is the firefighter’s first tornado, so it doesn’t hurt to check. TK has been known to chase danger before.

yeah I’m at work

cowboy judd has us hunkered down until it clears

wbu?

Carlos looks back towards the TV, staring at the map that has taken over the screen. He sees numerous watches and warnings across the state, with a large concentration around Austin. The damage in certain areas is going to be catastrophic.

I’m in San Antonio, we’re just getting heavy rain here 

There’s a pause following his text, long enough that he sets his phone down next to him, leaning forward on the couch to rub his temples. He’s already imagining the crazy workload awaiting him when he returns to town, not to mention all the loss. His heart clenches in his chest, knowing that it’s going to be a long road to recovery for his city.

His phone buzzes next to him.

I didn’t know you were out of town

but I’m glad you’re out of the worst of it

Carlos is already typing a response when another text comes through.

when are you back?

Carlos blinks, forcing himself not to read anything into TK’s messages. They’re friends now, or trying to be, and it’s super normal to ask these kinds of questions. TK’s just being curious, nothing more.

Tomorrow night, I’m working Monday

Just visiting family for a few days, it’s my sister’s birthday

He wonders if he needed to share that last bit. TK hadn’t asked for it, and he probably won’t care what reason he has for being out of town. Carlos sighs, wondering why he feels like he has to overthink every interaction with this man.

tell her happy birthday!

Judd says we’re probably going to lose service soon, it’s getting worse around the station

I’ll text you back when I can

Carlos sends a message telling him to be safe before tossing his phone to the other end of the couch, knowing that if he holds onto it he won’t do anything else until he hears from TK again. His mother finds him a few moments later, biting his fingernails as he stares at the continuous weather report. She runs her fingers through his curls, a surefire way to soothe him.

“I’m so glad you’re here and not in the middle of all of that, mijo,” she says, and he glances up to find her watching the report as well, her eyebrows furrowed in concern. “Are all of your friends safe?” she asks, looking down at him. He nods, his eyes closing as he feels her gentle touch on his scalp. He can feel anxiety rolling off of him in waves. “That’s good,” she says, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead. “Come help in the kitchen, nene. You need a distraction.”

Her voice is firm, leaving no room for argument. With a sigh, he pulls himself up from the couch, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they head into the other room, his phone left behind.

- - - -

He’s only about 20 minutes from Austin when his phone rings, the sound cutting through the music blasting in his car. Carlos glances over at his phone where it’s mounted on the dashboard, surprised to see TK’s name on his screen.

The firefighter had texted him once the storms had cleared, letting him know that everyone was safe and the station was still standing. Carlos wished him luck as the 126 headed out into the wreckage, honestly not expecting to hear from TK again before they saw each other at work. 

He reaches out, swiping his finger across the screen to answer the unexpected call. 

“TK?”

There’s a moment of silence before Carlos hears the other man take a deep breath, the sound traveling clearly through his car’s speakers. 

“Hey, Carlos.”

Carlos feels his heart drop down into his stomach at the weak, broken tone of TK’s voice. His mind races with worst-case scenarios, wondering what could’ve possibly happened during his shift.

“Are you hurt?” he asks, trying to keep his voice calm. An image of a battered and bruised TK curled over his desk flashes through his mind, and he presses a little harder on the accelerator, wondering how quickly he can get back home.

“Not exactly. I just…”

TK trails off, hesitating, and Carlos rolls his eyes, frustrated that this conversation is happening over the phone and not in-person. He feels so helpless from so far away.

“Just talk to me, TK. I’m listening.”

There’s another pause, and Carlos swears that he’s about to scream in frustration. He has no idea what’s going on with TK right now, but in the entire time that he’s known him, he’s never heard the other man sound this shattered. Every heavy breath that Carlos hears through the phone feels like a punch straight to his chest.

“We lost someone on a call today,” TK starts, his voice blank. “A dad who wouldn’t let us treat him until we saved his kids. They were trapped in the house.”

Carlos bites his lip, his hands gripping tightly to the steering wheel as his eyes fill with tears. He knows what it’s like to have someone die in front of him, to feel like all he did was stand by and watch it happen. Those are the days where he feels completely useless, like there’s no point in him wearing the badge at all. He knows it’s impossible to save everyone all the time, but he can’t imagine not doing everything in his power to try.

“We got the kids out,” TK continues. “They all reunited, and then he just collapsed. Right in front of all of us. It felt so sudden, and there was n-nothing we c-could do.”

Carlos is shocked by the sound of TK crying over the phone, his breath stuttering over the last few words. He feels a tear of his own fall onto his cheek, his bottom lip quivering at the pain in the other man’s voice. 

Doing what they do isn’t easy. It’s process and procedure and protocol. It’s assessing the situation, finding those who need the most help. It’s quick and sometimes callous, but it’s what they have to do, to be of any real use. It’s tunnel vision and quickest actions, all in the name of saving as many people as they can.

And it always hurts, when someone slips through the cracks; when someone’s pain goes undiscovered until it’s too late. Every time, it makes Carlos want to throw away the rule book, rethink the system, figure out how to make it better. He just wants to save everyone.

“I’m so sorry, Ty,” he says, the nickname slipping through for the first time. He tries to keep his voice calm and clear, for TK’s sake.

The other man doesn’t respond, but Carlos can hear him crying through the phone, quiet sobs rolling through the speakers. He’s just about to speak up, say something else, maybe offer a distraction, when TK’s voice cuts through.

“My dad has cancer,” he whispers, and of all the things that Carlos thought he might say, that revelation had not been anywhere on the list.

“What?” Carlos asks, the single syllable rattling through the air before he can stop it, his heart caught in a vice-like grip of terror for TK. 

The man has already faced so much. 

“I found some pills in his desk,” TK explains. “They’re prescribed for chemo patients.”

“Fuck, TK,” Carlos whispers, running his fingers through his curls as he takes his exit off I-35. “I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah,” TK says, letting out a breath. He doesn’t say anything else.

“Where are you right now?” Carlos asks, a new fear running through him. 

“Home.”

“Is anyone with you?” 

“No.”

“Do you need someone?” Carlos asks, making a decisive turn towards TK’s house. Just in case. 

“I don’t know,” TK says weakly. “I… I don’t know, Carlos.”

“What are you thinking?” Carlos asks, trying to figure out TK’s state-of-mind. He seems a little all-over-the-place, and Carlos doesn’t even know where to begin. 

“I can’t lose him, Carlos,” TK responds, and Carlos can hear the sob in the back of his throat. “He’s all I have here, I can’t lose him. I’m looking around and he’s everywhere and I can’t escape him or, or this image of him just collapsing right in front of me, without warning. Just like that dad did today. What if that had been my dad, and I missed it because I wasn’t paying attention? Because I was focused on everything else and not on the person who was really dying?”

Carlos makes another turn. “I understand that, TK, but it’s not going to happen, okay? It’s not. You know now, and nothing happened to your dad. I know it’s hard, but you can’t get trapped in the ‘what-ifs,’ you’ll drive yourself crazy,” he says, trying to be as soothing as possible.

“I don’t have anywhere to go that isn’t connected to him,” TK continues, “but I also don’t want to leave, because something could happen when I’m not here. I don’t know what to do, and I just keep pacing around the house.”

“Would it…” Carlos hesitates, wondering if he should even offer. “Would it help to have someone there with you, while you wait for him?” 

“I…” TK starts, his voice cutting out. “I thought you were in San Antonio?”

“I just got back, I could be at your place in 10, if you want,” Carlos tells him, already mentally mapping the drive. He turns left, getting closer.

“Are you serious?”

“Of course I am,” Carlos states, his voice firm. “‘Not running away,’ remember?”

There’s a heavy silence following the reminder of their last face-to-face conversation. Carlos pulls up to a stop sign, holding his breath as he waits for TK to make a decision. 

“Thank you, Carlos,” he finally says, and Carlos wonders if he’s imagining the lighter tone in his voice.

“I’m only a few minutes away, okay? Do you want to stay on the call?”

“Do you mind?”

“No, not at all,” Carlos says, his heart feeling a little bit lighter as TK voice strengthens on the other end of the line.

“How was your sister’s birthday?” TK asks suddenly, and Carlos hears the clear request for a distraction; one that he’s more than happy to provide.

He’s in the middle of sharing how he helped his mom with the cake when he knocks on the door to the Strand household. Seconds later, TK throws open the door, his eyes red and glassy as he drops his phone and pulls Carlos towards him. He wraps his arms around TK’s frame, pressing him against his chest as they stand in the doorway, letting TK’s tears soak the t-shirt he’s wearing as he gently strokes his back.

There’s no hesitation, no second-guessing. There’s just a desire to support and comfort and protect.

He can’t imagine being anywhere else.