#group insurance agent

[northshorein]

North Shore Insurance Associates - Business Insurance and Group Health Benefits

Address:

1866 Sheridan Rd Ste 215

Highland Park, IL

60035

USA

Phone:

3129091405

Business Email:

gosia@nsinsuranceassociates.com

Website:

Keywords:

group health insurance, business liability insurance near me, life insurance broker, business life insurance, life insurance annuity, best umbrella insurance, business insurance Illinois, small business insurance Illinois, life insurance agents, occupational accident insurance, liability insurance Chicago, workers compensation in Chicago, group disability insurance, workers compensation Illinois, large group health insurance, group health insurance brokers, occupational health insurance, best commercial auto insurance companies, affordable group health insurance in Illinois 

Business Description:

North Shore Insurance Associates specializes in affordable group health insurance for businesses of all sizes. Serving Pennsylvania, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Vermont, and Illinois, we provide tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of companies, including group health insurance, business liability insurance, and workers compensation. As trusted life insurance brokers, we also offer business life insurance, life insurance annuities, and income annuities to ensure comprehensive coverage. Whether you're looking for small business insurance in Illinois or need occupational health insurance and best umbrella insurance, our experienced team is here to guide you. We’re committed to being the top choice for large group health insurance and workers compensation in Chicago and beyond.

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 9 AM–5 PM

Saturday-Sunday: Closed

[snappbenefits]

Reasons To Contact a Health Insurance Agent in Fort Pierce and West Palm Beach, FL

It is customary to go to the best person when hoping to buy a product or service. The prospect of buying insurance is not any different, either. Most people turn to large carriers who have offices across the country. It may be beneficial to contact a local health insurance agent in Fort Pierce and West Palm Beach, FL, instead. The agent is sure to be well-versed in the challenges of the specific area and would advise the client accordingly. ​ Sure, there is always a possibility of a local agency winding up, but an agent who represents multiple top-notch insurance companies will be focused on the client and provide the best service possible. Some of the other gains that a prospective health insurance buyer may hope for by connecting with an experienced insurance agent are:-

· In-Depth Assistance- A CEO or business owner may request group insurance and several employee benefits to ensure smooth business operations and the workforce's happiness. The agent would discuss the pros and cons of adding specific group insurance plans or revising them according to the necessity. The agent may be able to walk a small business owner through the pluses of providing group dental and vision plans and health insurance coverage.

· Customized Support- The agent is sure to devote both time and energy to the customer to hear out the problem and answer the inquiries related to health insurance. The best agents would be able to prepare customized plans according to the necessity. The employers are pleased to find the perfect group insurance plans at cost-effective rates. The coverage requirements are considered at length, and the latest healthcare laws are being pondered upon. Finding the best-suited insurance policies becomes a breeze courtesy of the agent regardless of whether the customer is a business owner or an individual.

· Market Knowledge- The agent will be knowledgeable about all insurance matters. It is essential to understand that health insurance regulations keep evolving, with the law being revised frequently. The health insurance agent will remain updated about the present laws and will make every effort to inform the customer about the specifics and details of the health care insurance plans. The following are sure to be discussed carefully, and new plans formulated to ensure the convenience of the policy buyer:

l Deductibles l Prescription Drug-Benefits l Maternity Benefits l The Risks vs. Benefits of Short-Term Plans l Network Coverage Options Other details may be discussed until the customer understands and approves the customized plan.

While business owners are eager to offer employee benefits to their advantage, it always makes sense for them to consult a hugely experienced group health insurance broker in Fort Pierce and Vero Beach, FL, to find the best policies. The legal jargon can be sampled and explained in simple language to ensure the customer remains informed about the associated benefits. Such assistance can perfectly assess the cost to the company.

[tushar-hirani]

Why You Should Consider a POSP Agent for Your Insurance Needs

When it comes to securing your future with the right insurance policy, the process can at times seem overwhelming. The multitude of plans, terms, and conditions can make it difficult to decide which policy best suits your needs. This is where you can depend on a POSP agent as they can provide you the guidance you require. A Point of Sales Person (POSP) insurance agent is specifically trained to help you understand the complexities of insurance policies, ensuring you make an informed decision.

This article will discuss why you should consider a POSP advisor for your health insurance needs and where you can get a reliable agent. 

What is a POSP Insurance Agent?

A POSP agent is a certified insurance representative who has undergone specific training to sell various types of insurance products directly to their customers. Unlike traditional agents who might specialise in one type of insurance, agents are trained to offer a wide range of policies, including health, life, motor, and general insurance. Due to this versatility, they are able to provide comprehensive advice and solutions tailored to your unique requirements.

Why Consider a POSP Insurance Advisor for Health Insurance?

Seeking help from POSP counsellors when it comes to your health plans can turn out to be highly beneficial because:

Understanding Health Insurance Needs

Health insurance can be particularly complex, with numerous plans and coverage options. An agent takes the time to understand your unique needs and financial situation to help you find a policy that offers the best coverage for you and your family. They provide personalised recommendations based on your health history, family size, and financial situation.

Tailored Recommendations

A POSP counsellor can provide tailored health insurance recommendations, considering factors such as pre-existing conditions, preferred hospitals, and specific medical needs.

Simplified Process

The insurance buying process can be tiring, involving a lot of paperwork and legal jargon. These agents simplify this process by handling all the administrative tasks for you. They make sure that all forms are correctly filled out and submitted, saving you time and effort.

Assistance with Claims

Filing for health insurance claims can be just as daunting as applying for insurance. Health Insurance agentsf assist in this process, ensuring that you submit the necessary documents correctly and promptly, thereby facilitating a smoother claim experience.

Post-Sale Support

One of the key advantages of working with a policy agent is the ongoing support they offer even after you have purchased a policy. Whether you need to make a claim, update your policy, or have any questions, your insurance agent is there to assist you.

How to Choose the Right POSP Insurance Agent?

If you’re convinced that an agent can help with your insurance needs and are seeking the right insurance agent for your needs, follow these steps:

Check Credentials

Ensure the POSP agent you’re considering is certified and licensed. This certification guarantees that the agent has undergone the necessary training and adheres to industry standards.

Experience and Reputation

Look for a post of sales agent with a proven track record as experienced agents are likely to have a better understanding of the market and can offer more insightful advice. Moreover, seek reviews or testimonials from previous clients to understand the agent’s reliability and professionalism.

Range of Products Offered

A good insurance agent should be able to offer a wide range of products from various insurers. This variety ensures that you have more options to choose from, increasing the likelihood of finding the perfect policy.

Transparency

Transparency is very important when you’re dealing with health insurance. Your POSP agent should be upfront about the terms and conditions of the policies they recommend, including any fees or commissions.

Customer Service

Consider the level of customer service provided by the health plan agent. When you ask questions or voice issues, they should be readily available. The sign of a trustworthy POSP insurance advisor is providing excellent customer service.

Advantages of Choosing Niva Bupa Insurance Agent

Niva Bupa is known for its comprehensive health insurance plans or group insurance plan and excellent customer service. Here’s why you should consider working with a Niva Bupa insurance agent:

Comprehensive Range of Products

Niva Bupa agents have access to a wide range of health insurance plans (family, group, critical illnesses, etc) that cater to different needs and budgets. This extensive portfolio allows them to offer customised solutions that cater to your specific requirements, ensuring you get the best possible coverage.

Unbiased and Transparent Advice

Their agents work independently, which means they prioritise your best interests. They provide unbiased and transparent advice, ensuring you receive honest recommendations without any hidden agendas.

Simplified Insurance Process

Niva Bupa agents simplify the insurance process by handling all the paperwork and administrative tasks. They guide you through the entire process, from policy selection to application submission, making it a hassle-free experience.

Seamless Claims Process

Niva Bupa agents can help you through a hassle-free claims process, making it easier for you to access the benefits when needed.

Wrapping Up

POSP agents can be an invaluable resource when navigating the complex world of insurance. Their expertise, range of products, and personalised service make them well-suited to help you find the best policy for your needs. Whether you are a first-time insurance buyer or an existing policyholder, an agent can simplify the process and help you make informed decisions.

If you’re considering a health insurance agent who can help with your insurance needs, look no further than Niva Bupa. Their comprehensive plans and excellent customer service make them a top choice for both clients and agents alike. Their agents will understand your needs and ensure a hassle-free insurance process from the start till the end. Connect with them today to get tailored recommendations and professional support for your health insurance needs.

[datadale]

Modern insurance marketing during open enrollment - targeting the right ...

[charlesnewman12]

Group Health Insurance Broker Agent Westchester

Charles Newman is a Westchester County, New York, group health insurance agent. He provides businesses with comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to their specific needs. With years of experience in the insurance industry, Charles Newman is well-equipped to help companies to navigate the complex world of health insurance.

Group health insurance is an essential part of any business's benefits package. It provides employees with access to quality healthcare services at an affordable price. However, choosing the right group health insurance plan can be challenging. Business owners must consider many factors, including the number of employees, their ages, and their healthcare needs.

This is where Charles Newman comes in. He works with business owners to understand their unique needs and helps them choose a group health insurance plan that is both affordable and comprehensive. Charles Newman's services include:

Plan Analysis and Design

Charles Newman analyzes a company's existing health insurance plan and provides recommendations on how to improve it. He works with business owners to design a plan that fits their specific needs, considering factors such as the company's size, the age of its employees, and its healthcare budget.

Employee Education

Charles Newman educates employees on the company's health insurance plan benefits. He helps employees understand their coverage and how to use it effectively.

Compliance

Charles Newman helps businesses comply with the complex regulations surrounding health insurance. He ensures that companies meet all federal and state requirements, including those related to the Affordable Care Act.

Enrollment and Renewals

Charles Newman assists businesses with enrollment and ensures all employees are enrolled in the health insurance plan. He also helps businesses renew their health insurance plan each year, ensuring they continue receiving the best coverage at an affordable price.

Claims and Billing Support

Charles Newman provides support for claims and billing issues. He works with insurance providers to resolve problems and ensures that businesses receive the coverage they are entitled to.

Conclusion

Group health insurance is an essential part of any business's benefits package. Choosing the right plan can be challenging, but with the help of Charles Newman, business owners can find an affordable and comprehensive program. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the insurance industry, Charles Newman is the go-to group health insurance agent in Westchester County. Contact him today to learn how he can help your business find the perfect health insurance plan.

[zattis]

Sizable Security, Inc. (dp x dc thought)

With the ghost attacks at an all time low and the Infinite Realms blessedly calm, a twenty-something Danny Fenton decides to take care of his protection Obsession in a more mundane way: by becoming a bodyguard. A blessed late growth spurt meant that he inherited his father's height, though not his sheer bulk. Still, with an intimidating figure and his fighting knowledge, he figured that it wouldn't be an issue picking up a career as a "protection agent".

He hadn't expected all three (???) of his siblings to join him, starting a family business instead of joining a company that already existed.

Ellie had spent years on the road, traveling across the globe. It had fascinated her, of course, but she found herself missing her family. Going into security with him gave her the chance to go from place to place while being around someone she truly cared about.

Jazz ended up going along with it, rationalizing that keeping making clients feel secure was just as important as actually protecting them, and that she could still put her mind to good use. Not to mention her less chaotic demeanor meant she would usually be seen as the de facto leader of the group.

Then, somehow, Dan ended up joining them, turning their trio into a quartet. He said it was his parole opportunity to go along with them, and while he may relish in the chance to be aggressive, being around Jazz, Danny and Ellie kept him sane and opened him up to show genuine love, in his own way.

As it turns out, having four talented individuals on your payroll, all of whom have some degree of enhanced strength and senses, makes for an extremely valuable service. It also helps when no one in said group is shorter than six and a half feet tall.

Proud & Powerful Protection (the name was Ellie's idea) becomes an overnight sensation, developing a reputation for a 100% success rate and quickly getting booked by just about anyone who can afford them. As a matter of fact, two very wealthy, very public figures employ their services often, with both hoping to hire them full-time.

Lex Luthor sees the quartet as insurance for some of his most valuable employees and yet another one of his secret projects.

Bruce Wayne would rather they take care of his wards, since he's very tired of having to deal with kidnapping and extortion attempts.

Regardless, Jazz, Danny, Ellie and Dan look out for each other, and can pretty easily figure out when their employers aren't telling them everything.

[notakugelblitz]

DELORES PART 1 • Five Hargreeves x Fem!Reader

something sweet to soothe your anger dearest brellies 🥰 takes place during season 4 episode 1, no warning all safe. enjoy !

Y/N had worked with Five at the Commission. She was with him on the day of JFK's assassination, and when he mentioned the possibility of escaping the company, she thought, why not? The Handler still hadn't given her the promotion she'd been promised 15 years ago, and the health insurance was worthless by then ...

Y/N followed Five through three apocalypses, becoming a teenager again. At least she no longer had the beginnings of arthritis, which she was more grateful for than her colleague. The Hargreeves quickly took Y/N under their wing, appreciating her a lot, especially since she had the gift of shutting Five up.

Y/N and Five became very good friends. Once the umbrella Academy lost their powers in this new timeline, Y/N chose to open a bookstore, while Five became a CIA agent. They met from time to time, enjoying each other's company over a black coffee on a terrace. In six years, nothing ambiguous had happened between them. Y/N wasn't sure if she wanted it to or not—it was a strange feeling. But now, with her new life started, she had time. If Five was interested, he would make a move; if not, so be it. But this was the calm before the storm...

Five entered the secret meeting set in an apartment with a classy, dimly lit atmosphere. The place was spacious, hosting about thirty people. Five smoothed his mustache, grabbed a glass of champagne from the buffet, and scanned the room. Just as he thought he recognized Lila, another young woman caught his attention. She was leaning against the balcony, her face hidden as she stood with her back to him. She had long, straight auburn hair, styled with a yellow beret. She was wearing a white shirt with black polka dots, neatly tucked into her pencil skirt.

Five felt a drop of sweat trickle down his temple and took a deep breath before joining her. He also leaned on the balcony, just like she did, barely daring to look at her.

"Beautiful night, isn’t it?" Y/N murmured, a simple smile on her lips.

She didn’t meet his gaze either, which slightly irritated Five. He finally turned his head and recognized Y/N.

"What the hell are you doing ..."

The words escaped his mouth when he noticed the name on her nametag : Delores. Five almost choked on his champagne.

"Yeah, the champagne is disgusting, I agree. But the hors d'oeuvres are delicious though. You should try them!" "What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you’re part of this ridiculous support group ..."

Y/N burst into laughter, shaking her head.

"Oh no, no ... I came with "Nancy" so Diego wouldn’t ask too many questions. But this wig is seriously itching. It's awful." Y/N explained, amused, scratching her scalp.

She then turned her attention to Five and looked at his nametag.

"Jerome? That doesn’t suit you very well. I wonder where you got that name..." "It wasn’t my choice. And where did you get yours?" he retorted, frowning.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden cold and somewhat aggressive tone.

"I like that name." Y/N simply said. "And that shirt—do you like it too? It’s hideous." "I found it in a thrift shop—it seemed nice... hey! What’s gotten into you?" Y/N finally exclaimed. "Bullshit." "Five what the hell!"

Y/N seemed sincere. She had no idea what her cover name meant to him. After all these years, he had never told her about Delores. Instead of apologizing, he downed his glass of champagne.

"So, those hors d'oeuvres?" Five asked.

Y/N laughed lightly, understanding it was his awkward way of apologizing. Just as she was about to praise the treats, Jean and Gene appeared, announcing the start of the meeting.

What followed was a very eventful evening. The Umbrella Effect, interacting with Jean and Gene, dining with Lila and Five, Viktor's kidnapping... it felt like the old days! And throughout it all, Five kept giving Y/N odd looks. Why had fate embedded the love of his life so clearly in his friend and colleague? Five didn’t believe in coincidences; he never had.

Y/N had noticed those supposedly discreet glances, which intrigued her a lot. Especially since she could feel her cheeks flush like a 16-year-old girl.

Despite everything, the Hargreeves ended their evening at an Asian restaurant to debrief. Having retrieved the Marigold thanks to Sy, most of them decided not to take it. This surprised Y/N a lot. Powers... that was the dream, wasn’t it?

While Ben was in the bathroom, Y/N leaned toward Five.

"Imagine what you could do for the CIA with your teleportation..." she whispered. "Shut up, Y/N." Five murmured. "No, but seriously! I don’t know what I’d give to be special like you guys were! If it were up to me, I’d drink that jar dry!"

Five chuckled sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

"If you think this is one of those stupid Marvel movies, think again. Having powers comes with great responsibilities, sure—the responsibility to control them and not cause an apocalypse." "Killjoy..." Y/N sighed. "And for your information..." Five hesitated before continuing in a lower voice, leaning a bit closer to her. "You don’t need that to be... special."

Coming from his mouth, it sounded weird. Reaching her ears, it sounded weird. Y/N sat up straight and silently thanked some higher force when Ben arrived with a tray of eight shots. While everyone found an excuse to leave, Ben convinced them to drink. "For old time's sake," he said.

Everyone gave in, and when Y/N realized she didn’t have a glass, she felt disheartened.

"Can’t I celebrate our reunion?" she asked. "You're not part of the family." Ben snapped. "Wow, Ben, that’s rude!" Luther exclaimed. "Y/N is more family than you ever were." Five groaned, pointing a threatening finger at him. "No, it's fine, let it go, Five." Y/N sighed, though Five’s words had touched her.

She stepped aside, letting them toast. Just as everyone raised their glasses to their lips, Klaus nudged Y/N and handed her his glass.

"OnJanuary 15th, it'll be 3 years that I am sober. Tonight’s not the night I’ll mess that up, and certainly not for old time's sake." Klaus whispered. "I can’t accept that ..." Y/N politely refused. "Oh, come on, down it or I’ll tell everyone you slept with Five at Luther’s wedding."

Y/N gasped, grabbed the glass, drank it down in record time, and handed it back to Klaus. No one seemed to notice the trick, and that was just as well.

Y/N still had that awful taste in her mouth. Maybe she shouldn’t have drunk that glass. After all, Klaus was lying. Wasn’t he? It was true she had a total blackout that night, but... her and Five? No... right?

Once outside, everyone said their goodbyes. As Y/N tried to figure out where Klaus had gone so she could question him, a car pulled up next to her. The passenger window rolled down, and she bent down to see the driver. It was Five.

"I’ll give you a ride." "No, it’s okay, I’m not far..." "That wasn’t a question," Five said, leaning over to open the passenger door.

Y/N sighed but couldn’t help smiling. She got in, buckled up, and Five started the car.

"Be honest with me, Y/N." he said seriously, focusing on the road. "Mmh?" "Why Delores? And why that damn polka dot shirt?"

Y/N widened her eyes.

"You're still hung up on that!" she exclaimed. "I’ve changed since then..." "Stop it right now, Y/N. This isn’t funny," he growled. "Look, Five, I don’t understand! You’re completely crazy!" "Why Delores?" "I don’t know, okay?" she yelled back. "I don’t know."

She repeated the sentence silently to herself.

"The name just came to me, and the shirt was the cheapest... I swear, Five, I’ve never been more honest with you..."

Five finally looked at her and realized she was telling the truth. When they arrived at the bookstore, he parked on the side of the road.

"I’m sorry, Y/N... it’s just that... I knew a Delores a long time ago, and... she looked just like you."

Y/N, surprised, met his gaze and tilted her head to the side.

"I never thought the famous Five Hargreeves had a romance," she breathed.

Five nodded , locking eyes with her sparkling ones. He had always loved that color, though he would never admit it. He looked away, eyes fixed on the steering-wheel. Fortunately Y/N didn't know Delores was a mannequin. Five kept silent, thinking about this damn coincidence and its probable meaning.

Y/N didn’t know what to say so she got out of the car, feeling unsettled. As she headed towards the bookstore, she suddenly stopped, turned around, and walked back to the car, leaning against the window on Five’s side.

“Be honest with me, Five.” she said seriously.

Five chuckled softly, amused by this ongoing joke, and nodded, signaling her to continue.

“What happened at Luther’s wedding?” she asked suddenly.

Five frowned. Why was she asking about that now?

“They got married,” he said simply. “Haha, very funny. No, seriously, between us... did something happen?”

Five discreetly swallowed and started the car.

“You should go home, it’s getting late.”

Y/N groaned and walked around the front of the car again so that he couldn't leave, suddenly opening the passenger door and sitting down.

“What are you doing…?” “You agreed to be honest with me. And you’re not. So I won’t move until…” “Fine.” "Oh, that was quick."

Five immediately started driving and continued in silence.

“Aren’t you going to say something?” “No.” “So, is this a kidnapping?” “Call it whatever you want. You learned how to jump out of a moving car at the Commission, so if your ass is still in that seat, it means you don’t really want to leave.”

Point for him. The silence was fine at the beginning, but it grew heavier and heavier minutes after minutes. Y/N was relieved when she recognized the streets as they were arriving at the parking lot of Five's apartment. He turned off the car and slumped further into his seat. Y/N could tell he was hiding something.

“So. Did we sleep together that night?” she asked bluntly.

Five’s eyes widened.

“What! Who told you that nonsense?” he exclaimed with an amused tone. “Klaus… he…” “You know Klaus always exaggerates, Y/N…”

Y/N lowered her eyes, embarrassed for having believed it so easily. Five noticed her distress and sighed. He rummaged through an inner pocket of his jacket, hesitating before pulling out a Polaroid photo. He handed it to Y/N nonchalantly. She looked at him, then at the photo, which she took with apprehension. It was taken at Luther’s wedding. Y/N and Five were on stage. A microphone stand separated them, only a few centimeters from each other's face. They looked completely drunk, which explained why they were singing so close and why Y/N had no memory of it.

“Just imagine eyes like moon rise, a voice like music, lips like wine.” Five muttered, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

Y/N looked up at him. Those were the lyrics to a love song by Frank Sinatra, yet it sounded oddly different coming from his mouth.

“Please, tell me…” she whispered.

Five sighed, knowing full well he had reached a point of no return.

“We overdid it on the alcohol that night. And with the apocalypse looming... it makes you do things you wouldn’t normally be capable of.”

He paused, but Y/N smiled, encouraging him to continue.

“You seemed different that night. You had no filter. You never had one when it came to annoying me, but for saying nice things, well... and you were really beautiful. And without thinking, I grabbed that mic and sang that stupid Sinatra song. And you looked at me with those eyes. They sparkled like… like the Kugelblitz. Almost more. And you joined me, and we made quite the duo, I must say. I can't fucking remember the name of the song as we were only babbling incomprehensible lyrics.”

Y/N was speechless.

“So…” “No sex. Pure fluff, even though it’s a disgusting word to say.”

Y/N chuckled.

“And you kissed me,” Five finally said, emotionless.

Everything seemed so unreal, yet he looked sincere.

“Why didn’t you tell me for six years?” she asked, shocked. “I… I chickened out. You didn’t remember, so it gave you the chance to start fresh.”

Suddenly, Y/N slapped him across the face, the sound of the slap echoing through Dallas. Five didn't blink, feeling like it was deserved somehow.

“You’re such an idiot.” “I know.”

They remained silent for a moment, staring into each other’s eyes. If any member of the Umbrella Academy had the power to read minds, they would’ve run away, given the turmoil that stirred within them.

Y/N thought back to all those moments spent with Five, and of course, they had a different flavor than those shared with an actual colleague. Despite their constant teasing, Five had always been there for Y/N, and vice versa. They understood each other, given their age and experience. Everything suddenly became clear.

And then, in perfect synchronization, they kissed passionately, Y/N placing her hands on Five’s cheeks while he firmly gripped her waist. It was a fiery kiss, making up for all the lost time due to misplaced pride. Out of breath, Y/N pulled back slightly to look at him, a smirk on her lips.

“What? Don’t make me regret what just happened…” Five chuckled. “Firsy things first, secretly keeping a picture of me is weird. Secondly, the song by Sinatra ... It is named Dolores. Just saying…” Y/N laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear that had fallen over his bright eyes.

"Shut it." he groaned, pecking your lips to make you silent. But then , he approaches his lips to your ear, whispering.

“It seems that no matter the timeline, I’m destined to have a Delores getting in my way.”

Y/N burst out laughing, and Five couldn’t help but smile sincerely. It felt good to come out of his shell, especially for Y/N. Five invited Y/N to spend the night at his place. This sudden happiness seemed surreal, yet it was very real. The idea of a normal life together seemed so pleasant. If only they knew ...

here it is, i really hope you liked it ! sorry if you spotted some mistakes, English isn’t my first language.

would you be interested in a part 2 now that Y/N swallowed up a shot of marigold ? just sayin’ … 😏

[triysn]

No but rex ft. social situations

Rex that just tends to talk about downright horrifying shit because he’s doesn’t have a clue how abnormal it is

Some stuff is about his screwed up past like he’ll say oh yeah my parents used experimental tech on me as a child and gave me powers but don’t worry they did it to save my life OR yeah providence/holiday has 24/7 access to all my biometrics and can tell whenever I so much as sneeze

And people are just outraged (rightfully) and be like… sweetie, that’s- that’s a violation of basic privacy?? They’re not allowed to do that to a minor, much less someone who has no idea what the full ramifications of such an invasion is and has not been informed nor asked for consent to such a thing.

And rex is just like, what :)

And lord forbid rex casually drop his pre-Providence backstory like: yeah, my parents died when i was 10 and i just wandered around alone with amnesia, doing crime and being exploited by mafia bosses. Also whenever i got reaally stressed i exploded and lost all my memories again so

Noah: >8O

Rex: is that okay

Holiday takes the greatest joy in bullying white knight/providence into paying for rex’s weekly therapy sessions, because if anything’s owed, it’s monetary compensation for all the shit rex had to put up with

On a lighter note, there’s probably a lot of stuff rex just doesn’t know about because of his funky memory and noah not being able to fully socialise rex in every possible way

Like he doesn’t know about Disney or has never been to an amusement park (outside of work) and reintroducing him to everything could be a whole fic in itself.

Also let us remember that rex isn’t actually good with teenagers his own age??? The only person we’ve seen him spend time around is noah but when faced with multiple teenagers in a social setting without noah he’s a hot mess??

re: “Awkward teen situation” in hong Kong,

the asshole group based off of the men of action.

I don’t know. He’s so eager to please which is usually what makes the situation so hilarious. he’s like an adorable puppy who has no idea what he’s doing but he’s trying so hard?? The fact that he could probably wreck everyone he’s trying to make friends with makes it that much more surreal. Like. He just killed a guy yesterday, but then he's trying to play video games with you.

the code switch between trying-to-make-friends him and providence-agent him in Grounded is insane.

Every interaction between him and a normal person about life is just

Noah: it’s not normal for your parental figures to try and microchip you Rex, who is long accustomed to holiday trying to stick bits of metal into his bloodstream: wHAt

Rex: hey guys sorry I can’t hang out today white knight says I have to work Noah: it’s Sunday Rex: Yea Noah: you were working Monday thru Saturday for like more than 12 hours Rex: …yea Noah: that’s illegal. That’s a violation of labour laws. Rex: i’m 17

Noah: don’t you get vacation days? Paid leave? Sick days? Health insurance??? Rex: I don’t even get paid

throw in the celebrity trio and their parents are ready to adopt this traumatized child-soldier.

[girlactionfigure]

THURSDAY HERO:

Odoardo Focherini 

Odoardo Focherini was an Italian journalist and devout Catholic who rescued 105 Jews between 1942 and 1944 by obtaining false identity  papers for them and transporting them to safety in Switzerland. He was posthumously beatified by Pope Benedict XVI.

Odoardo, known as “Odo,” was born in Modena, Italy in 1907 to a devout Catholic family. At a vacation in Trento in 1925, he met Maria Marchesi, and they fell in love and soon became engaged. Odo was 18 and Maria was 16, so they waited until 1930 to get married. They had seven children.

Odo worked as an insurance agent, but in 1933 he followed his passion and started a new career as a journalist. He became managing director of L’Avvenire d’Italia, a daily newspaper affiliated with the Catholic Church that is still being published today. Odo was such an exceptional journalist that he came to the attention of the highest levels of the Catholic Church, and Pope Pius XI awarded him the Order of Saint Sylvester in 1937.

The situation in Europe grew increasingly darker for the Jews and in 1942, Hitler enacted the genocidal “Final Solution.” Cardinal Pietro Boetta, the archbishop of Genoa, asked the editor-in-chief of L’Avvenire d’Italia, Raimondo Manzini, to help a group of Polish Jews escape from fascist-ruled Italy to safety in Switzerland. Manzini immediately recruited Odo, known for his strong moral compass and devotion to justice, to carry out this lifesaving mission. Odo created a secret network of Catholics who wanted to help persecuted Jews as the Nazi death machine took over Europe. Using contacts he’d met during his work as a journalist, Odo procured a large number of false documents and personally accompanied many Jews over the border to Switzerland. Odo saved the lives of 105 Jews between 1942 and 1944.

Unfortunately, the Nazis found out what Odo was doing when they intercepted a letter in which he wrote that he was helping Jews “not for profit but out of pure Christian charity.” He was arrested by the Gestapo on March 11, 1944 and imprisoned in Bologna. That August Odo was transferred to a work camp in Germany. During his imprisonment Odo sent 166 letters to his beloved wife Maria. Later that year Odo was sent to a concentration camp in Hersbruck, Germany. He developed a leg infection which wasn’t treated and became gangrenous. On December 27, 1944, Odo died from the raging infection. His last words were, “I declare that I die in the purest Roman Catholic faith and in full submission to the will of God.”

Odo was posthumously awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations by Israeli Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem in 1969. In 1996, Pope John Paul II declared Odo a “Servant of God,” because he was murdered for saving Jews. This began the lengthy beatification process, and in 2012, the decree attesting to Focherini’s martyrdom was finally signed by Pope Benedict XVI. Odoardo Focherini was the first Righteous Gentile to be beatified. Odo’s letters to his family were published as a book in 1994. The Memorial Museum in Carpi displays a large banner with a quotation from Odo that he said to his brother-in-law who visited him in prison: “If you had seen, as I have seen in this prison, how Jews are treated here, your only regrets would be not to have saved more of them.”

For saving 105 Jews, at the cost of his own life, we honor Odoardo Focherini as this week’s Thursday Hero.

[ohmygawdyoufoundnemo]

She Plays Bass

Bangchan x reader

•Part 1•

(Brief mention of 'noona', which means older female sibling or older sister in Korean, only because I am a couple of years older than Chan. If you're not a noona, don't worry too much. I just hope you enjoy this read while you're chilling🙏🏻)

EDIT: I made a few changes to this part, especially when I messed up with the whole start of the DominATE tour thing.

Y/N has hit the jackpot when passing her audition and joins Stray Kids on their world tour. But what happens when the leader meets the new girl?

✨

With the adrenaline still pumping through my veins from this whole morning, my leg starts to jiggle up and down waiting impatiently for my mum to pick up her phone. I could scream right now.

“Hello, darling. Are you on your way home?”

“Hi. Yeah I’m on the bus now.”

“Well, how did it go? Did they like you? Did you get it? Actually, tell me when you get back, ok? I’m just shopping at the moment.” I honestly feel like I could burst into tears, one: because I’ve just been running, which I never do, and two: the best news I could get after trying so hard to discover myself and where I want to be. I’m going on tour! Little old me is going to be playing to thousands of people worldwide!

“Ok. I’ll be home soon. Love you ma.”

“Love you too sweetheart.” We hang up and I could literally scream the roof of the bus apart. It seems too surreal to be true. After stressing so much this whole week about this audition, not being able to sleep and wondering what to play, it’s finally come fruition and a weight has just been lifted from my shoulders. The company came to London from South Korea for the auditions for new touring musicians for their groups, and now I’m going to be one of them! But the thing is, I have no idea what band I’ll be playing for or even when.

Later on that night over dinner, I tell mum of the events and some mishaps of everything that happened. She almost broke a rib or two pulling me into a hug when I told her that I would be officially touring with a band once I hear back from my agent.

“That is so exciting! My baby going into the world. I’m so happy for you!” She gives another big squeeze, swaying us from side to side just as my phone vibrates in my back pocket. “Oh! Who is it?” she asks before pulling away and cleaning up the dining table.

“I think it’s them. I’ll be right back. Hello?”

"Hello Y/N, it's Anna." My agent’s voice rang through the phone, easing the butterflies in my stomach for a moment.

“Hi Anna, how are you?”

“I’m very good! I also wanted to congratulate you on your audition today, they absolutely loved you! And we have a position lined up for you.”

“That’s great!” Already? That was quick!

“I just want to give you some more information about the success of your audition and going forward, within the company all travel and accommodation expenses are paid for so you don’t have to worry about anything. And, of course, if you have any insurance with your equipment we can help with that as well.“ This really is too good to be true! “With that being said, we would like to join us in Seoul for the start of the tour.”

Wait. What? SEOUL?!

“When? Is there a date when I would have to be there for rehearsals? Sorry, I’m a bit jittery.”

“That is ok. Rehearsals will be on the twenty-third of this month but we would like you to spend some time with us and the rest of the band around the fifteenth.” My feet instantly carry me to my room where they stop in front of my calendar. That’s in six days! “You will have time to explore a little bit of Seoul with one of our guides, you will also have your own hotel room set up, you will of course have the choice to explore the city on your own but in regards to security it would be...” I think I blanked out everything else Anna was saying. My ears were ringing, I was getting light headed looking around at all of my stuff in my bedroom. I’m going to South Korea to start a world tour with a band I don’t even know. Six days. Six days until I leave my home to bed hop in hotel rooms around the world for god knows how long! “So, what do you say?”

Before I can even think about my answer, my mouth opens, “Absolutely!” Shit! How much stuff should I pack?!

“That’s great news! Before I go, do you have any questions you would like to ask?”

“Is it alright to ask, the band that I’ll be playing with or for...”

“Ah, yes! I thought you’d might ask. Usually we don’t disclose this information until closer to the time but since you signed a contract with the company and will be joining us very soon there are no issues. So you will be rehearsing and being a touring musician for Stray Kids.”

~

Six days came and went so quickly that I could barely focus on anything. I nearly forgot my carry-on luggage, headphones and even my iPad which has all the bass and synthesiser recordings on it. Luckily my mum helped me with the checklist, knowing very well that I will forget something, before leaving me at the airport with Anna. Speaking of whom, after a very long journey, we are on our way to the hotel. Each part of this experience is so fast-paced with no time to take in the huge shift this has made to my life that I almost cocoon myself in my hoodie in the backseat of the car, yet the sight of the KSPO Dome won’t allow me to stay slumped for too long as Anna points out the venue from where we’ve stopped at the traffic lights.

“It’s huge!” I say to her in Korean, turning to Anna like an excited child seeing Christmas lights for the first time. She laughs at me. The thing about Anna is she’s also my agent as I was struggling to find any gigs in the past three years. The audition was like a big break for me to finally do something I love. She had also been the one to encourage me to learn Korean, when we first started talking while I attended college she had only learned the basics in English not too long before. So to save her more hardship and to learn something new, I took up a side quest to learn her language and she’s just embraced me and shares her culture with me.

“Wait until we get inside in a couple of days.” She says just as she goes to answer her phone. As we get closer, I pull on my Dr. Martens trying my best not to get dirt on the seat as well as getting concussed by the front passenger seat.

The butterflies are throwing up in my stomach.

~

I couldn’t close my mouth as I gawked out the window overlooking the city lights of Seoul. Every day since I’ve been here, I’ve done the same thing, wake up early to gawk at the sunrise, have breakfast, message my mum for a little while, stare out the window whilst getting dressed or brushing my teeth for my scheduled day with Anna, taking picture after picture of the tourist attractions. My legs hurt so much but it’s so worth it!

How am I here? Well, I know how but it’s like an out-of-body experience standing here in a hotel room, in a dream, on the same floor as Stray Kids. Rehearsals are tomorrow and my stomach is doing somersaults.

~

I’m still rubbing the sleep from my eyes, my body is too tired from the adventures I've had so far in the past three days to lug around my bass guitar on my back. I’m being lead through the maze of a hallway in the arena by a member of staff. Plus I hadn’t slept too well last night, I miss my mum, my cat, now I miss Anna but she’s a busy woman but I’m now left to my own sleepy devises at rehearsals and meeting everyone. I had already met the rest of my band the other night over dinner. They’re so cool and so welcoming! I also met the stylists for tonight which woke me up a little bit more after seeing my outfits for the next week. Chef’s kiss!

The engineers help me with setting up my equipment and my ear pieces that there's no time to really take in the gargantuan size of the dome. I hear the drums, guitar and keyboard echoing throughout the stadium, the sound of the music reverberating against the walls finally made the realisation hit me. I am but one small person which by tonight will be playing to thousands of people.

As reality sinks in, the cluster of instruments being tested in my ear pieces seems soothing the moment I lock them in.

~

The members were getting ready to go to the stage, the stylists getting everything prepared for later on tonight, their manager rushing about making sure everything is all good to go for rehearsals, Bangchan was writing little messages to STAYS on Bubble with some comments making him smile and blush when out of nowhere, Han makes a noise in surprise which causes the others to look up at what he’s pointing to. Chan looks up to see Han gesturing to the TV that was switched on for background noise, it was filming live footage from the stage. Chan gulped down some saliva when he saw a new band member setting up, which didn't go unnoticed by other members of staff either.

Is it warm in here?

“Who’s that? Is that a new bass player NMixx?” I.N. asks while glancing between his phone and the TV. Chan knew the question was to no one in particular but he was taken back to respond. She was pretty, really pretty. The breeze flowing through her hair pushes some strands over her shoulder as the band plays a random tune, the boys stare in wonder only for a few seconds before the camera shot changes to a scope of the venue.

“She was pretty!” Han exclaims as he’s being set up with equipment for soundcheck and being handed a microphone.

“Stop staring!" Minho gently swats at Han, "You’re getting drool all over the carpet!” scuffing up Han’s bed hair, the member of staff helping Han adjust his monitor waiting patiently for them to stop slapping each other.

“Hyung,” Chan finally looks away from the TV too to see Felix holding his spare t-shirt. “Can I borrow this?”

“Sure, go ahead.” Who was she? He asks himself just as she comes up on the screen again. She looks over at the cameraman, shyly waving and smiling. Chan couldn’t help but notice the colour of her big round eyes. Uh oh.

“Wow! Never seen Chan-hyung with big heart eyes before.” Changbin says getting the boys attention, pumping his chest at his leader. Chan just glares at him, trying to keep him at arms length but ends up breaking into a red-faced laugh while chasing him around the room.

~

“If you need help with anything, give us a signal.” He says, making the gestures of signals but I get distracted when I feel eyes on me. I glance over the soundman’s shoulder to see the group of guy’s looking over at me. Through my ear piece just as one speaks into their microphone, I hear, “Hey! Hello.” One waves at me, followed by the others. I wave back as he walks closer with a huge smile. “I’m Han." They each wave again. "What’s your name?” I introduce myself in Korean which surprises them and makes me laugh. “WOW! Oh, are you our new bass player?”

I nod, just as a song starts he jogs away.

"Let's get it!" We start with S-Class and go into Superbowl. The flow is so good! Me and the boys are really happy with it. I sort out my bass synthesiser for the next song just as another member comes into my peripheral.

“Hi.” I feel my cheeks grow warm as he smiles at me.

“Hello.”

“That was really good but I can’t hear the bass so well in my ...”

“Oh, yeah. They said they’ve been having minor technical issues with it but it should be better for tonight.”

“Cool! Err.... I’m Chris, by the way.”

“Y/N. It’s nice to meet you.” Is it really that warm out here?

“Hyung! Stop flirting with our new girl and get back here!” Minho yells away from the microphone causing Chan to shy away but ultimately wave at me with a ‘see you later’. Bangchan tackles Lee Know into a back hug with much retaliation.

This is going to be fun!

~

It’s been a couple of weeks since starting tour and it’s been amazing! Crazy busy with non-stop moving and airport travels and hotel bed hopping but other than that I can’t knock this experience. Especially since Stray Kids have taken me in. Almost every night we play, either Changbin, Han or mainly Felix come over and rock out with the band, hyping us up and wordlessly letting us know we were doing a great job.

Almost a month ago, I never would have thought I would be hanging with any of them, but usually Han comes over to play guitar with me playing songs before or after rehearsals. The chaos is real and it’s heart-warming to have so many people around who are so supportive and bring out the best chaos in you.

“Y/N noona?!” I glance up from my iPad taking out one of my airpods, I’m sat on the carpeted floor adjusting bass tones for the songs for the set to see Changbin sitting across from me, all dressed up for later on, which only reminds me that it’ll be my turn soon. Restless, full of bounding energy which he’s been told to save for tonight.

“Dwaeki?”

“Noona! I’m bored.”

“Where are the others?” I’ve only just noticed it’s just me, Changbin, I.N. and a couple of stylists in here. “How long have I been working?”

“Too long! Pay attention!” his whining makes me chuckle, I try to hide it to not upset him but he notices and starts getting irritable. “Stop laughing at me. I’m serious.” He starts smiling, not taking himself seriously.

“What do you want from me? What do you want to do?” he ponders for a moment.

“I don’t know. Help me!” while slumping his head on the table, he quickly retracts it with a small yet dramatic yelp in pain. I reach over to rub his forehead. He slaps the table as if offended which makes me laugh harder.

“Be careful Changbin! You want to be able to remember lyrics tonight.”

“Ah!” he pulls away with a sneaky look on his face. “NMixx.” He points to the live footage of NMixx on stage.

“What?” I ask as he quickly gets up and dances to the start of ‘Love Me Like This’. “I saw the video. You know it. Come on!”

“Absolutely not.” How did he know about that video?

“Noona! Noona! Noona!" I.N. starts chanting. Changbin pulls me up and before I know it, he’s filming us both dancing to the song, all while I.N. sits and watches. The others walk in just as me and Changbin finally finish. I must have gone red in the face when I saw Han and Bangchan just grinning.

“What’s going on?” Chan asks as I quickly go back to what I was doing before.

~

Changbin shows them the video of him and Y/N dancing along to NMixx. Bangchan sneaks a glance over at Y/N who’s too caught up in the new bass system that she’s been obsessed with for days now.

There’s a niggling feeling he just can’t shake off when he’s around her. He likes her a lot! She’s cool, amazing bass player and has a great flow with the band, she gets along really well the Kid's too. It’s like they just clicked, she takes care of them when he's too busy which gives him time to work or gives him a breather even just for a moment. She has a cool sense of style, right now she’s wearing her classic pink beanie, crop hoodie and black denim shorts and barefoot while sitting cross-legged at the table bobbing her head along to what she’s listening to whilst taking notes, there’s just something warm and natural about her. Even when she’s playing to thousands of STAYS, he’s always noticed that glow in her eyes while looking out at them, and her personality never changes. He recently saw a video shared around on TikTok of fans who had been watching our opening acts in quite an unbearable heat and while our set was being put together, she handed out extra water bottles for STAYS.

“Hyung?” Chan pulls his gaze away, not realising he’s probably been gawking at her for a bit, hoping that she didn't catch him doing it. He helps Felix adjust his necklace. “Hyung.” Chan hums in response to Felix as Y/N brings Seungmin his water bottle as he does his vocal warm-up just as Hyunjin tackles her in a side hug. “You’ve been quiet all day. Everything good?”

“Yeah. Really good.”

“You sure?” Felix asks peering over his shoulder with a little smirk, Chan couldn’t help but glance over at Y/N again to see her taking selfies with Hyunjin and Changbin. His heart flutters a little as she smiles at whatever Lee Know said about their poses which gets more of a response out of Changbin. “Why don’t you just tell her you like her?”

This brings Chan back to reality like a smack in the face.

“What are you talking about?” Felix gives him a knowing look. “I can’t just...do that. It’s complicated.”

“It doesn’t have to be complicated." Felix turns around to see Y/N giggling at Changbin and Lee Know bickering, nearly breaking out into a play fight. "She won’t break your heart, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Of course Felix would say that. The Kids practically adore her.

Lee Know keeps her at arms length but respects her and is fond of her, and her comebacks to his playful insults catch him off guard most of the time, they're not mean but just as good. Changbin see’s her like a sibling, and now a dance partner or someone he challenges when he tries to tease her because she’s our noona which sometimes makes her feel bad yet they have a special bond. Hyunjin has shown her more of his artwork, he even made her a picture for her birthday which she adores and she’s shown him how to create his own music. Han adores her because she works hard to help us sound better on stage and how caring she is to us. Felix, well he isn’t shy to the fact that they’ve become close friends and dotes on her. Seungmin, like Lee Know, shows a lot of respect for noona. And I.N., if any one of them follows her like a lost puppy, apart from Felix or Changbin when he’s in the mood to bother her or simply wants her attention, it’s him.

But where does that leave him? Chan breathes out a sigh. They get along really well but something feels stagnant. He isn’t worried about her breaking his heart though, he’s more worried he’ll explode with professions of adoration and scare her away.

~

“Where are you going?!” Chan calls out as Y/N hurriedly takes out her earpieces and takes off her equipment. The Kid’s keeping a distance from the firing line.

“Out for a walk! Is that ok with you?! God!” Y/N storms off stage, snatching her jacket from it's place on the bass holder on the way out. The others stare cautiously between the two, seven pairs of eyes following Y/N as she disappears around the side stage, then over to their leader who is almost red in the face. Rehearsals just finished but throughout the set, things just kept going wrong which ended up with the soundcheck taking longer than usual. If Chan were to name a few, the boys were more chaotic as usual but for some reason it just got to him today, then the sound system kept messing up which messed up their queues and they had to restart the song, Han and Seungmin’s microphones kept glitching, then Y/N said she had forgotten her iPad backstage which has all pre-adjusted bass tones on it, that was the final straw in the span of the two hours since the minor late start to rehearsals, that’s when Chan snapped. Not at everyone or anything, but at Y/N.

This confused the Kid’s so much after the new revelation they had witnessed over the past few months between their leader and their new bassist.

The air was thick with tension and it wasn’t great to be around. The members were silent, waiting for Chan to make the first move. He took a few breaths before turning around as he removed his ear piece from under his beanie.

“Sorry hyung.” Some of them mumble as he takes off as well.

✨

*So that was Part 1, I hope you enjoyed it! I know it's looooong but I haven't written anything like this in 3 years so I may have gotten a little excited or enthusiastic to get this out of my system*

[wandabear]

CHEERFUL OBLIVION - WANDA MAXIMOFF X FEMALE READER (chapter three)

ㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ

Summary: Your duty is to watch her 'till Chton comes for her, even if you hate it, but do you really hate it? Especially when you start to get to know Wanda. The bond begins to torment you. But, oh Lord, you've never been so in love. ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

chapter one chapter two chapter three chapter four chapter five chapter six

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masterlist

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tw: angst, violence, blood, mentions of death, fluff, angst with a happy ending.

Jules/Stolas is portrayed by Adelaide Kane. Here.

ㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤchapter three

ㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ After two hours of travel by quinjet, everyone arrived in Égerszög, a small town in Hungary. The mission was not easy, they had to enter and disrupt an organization linked to Batroc who remained on the run.

ㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ

The bad news was that the place was a very old church, close to the well-known caves of that town. If Georges Batroc became aware of their presence, he could escape through the old basements and secret passageways to the cave with ease, although it was quite dangerous. That’s why as insurance against any attack, the mercenary took hostages who remained inside the cave.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

The groups were divided between two or three agents, surrounding that place, Natasha and Yelena interfered as spies. They would go for Batroc, while the agents would take care of their mercenaries.

Y/N’s mission was to rescue the hostages who remained at the entrance of the cave.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“I'm going in.” Y/N announced over the earpiece. 

Walking cautiously, the demon surrounded the church, taking down every mercenary she saw with agility until she finally could see the door to the cave. It was a rusty iron door, protected by two agents with machine guns and a deadly look. Above them, two snipers stood expectantly in the church bell tower, ready to kill anyone they saw near the door.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Kate, Y/N. Be careful, two snipers are in the church bell tower like two birds of prey.” Natasha's voice was heard in the earpiece.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Yes, I can see them.” Y/N muttered, hiding behind an old concrete wall. Next to her was Kate, who was clinging tightly to her bow, somewhat nervously. It wasn't her first mission, but this one wasn't easy and Clint wasn't at her side for the first time.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Hey.” The demon caught her attention to look into Kate’s blue eyes. “I'll have your back, okay? I will shoot those at the door, you make the birds fly.”

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Kate nodded quickly. The archer took out one of the explosive arrows and took a deep breath, nervous about such a dangerous but necessary move. If they didn't get out of there, they would be surrounded by enemies soon.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Don't be afraid, I won't let them shoot you.” Y/N whispered, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder. “I'll go out first, cover your back, shoot the sniper's nest. We will get those hostages out, we will go home and I'll buy you a burger.”

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Being more confident, Kate nodded and steeled herself as Y/N came running and sliding out of hiding to shoot the agents in front of the door. Hiding behind a destroyed concrete wall, she nodded to Kate before firing again, giving confidence for the archer to come out and fire at the snipers.

As soon as the arrow hit the wood, it took a few seconds to explode, getting rid of those agents and leaving a clear path for them to pass. They ran towards the door and after planting a mini bomb to open it, went inside to take the hostages who were chained.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Let’s go, let’s go!” Y/N yelled as she led those people towards the safe exit, especially when some S.H.I.E.L.D. agents came to help them. She was about to keep going but Kate stopped, taking her arm and looking at her with concern.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Y/N…” Kate stammered looking at the brunette's belly.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Looking down, Y/N belatedly realized that her uniform was soaked in that crimson liquid. Apparently one of the bullets pierced the demon’s stomach in the confrontation and she had not even noticed it, causing blood loss.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Oh no.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“I’m okay.” Y/N nodded, willing to continue. They couldn't stop, no one was supposed to find out what she was. This was only going to make it worse. “We must keep going.”

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“No, but you-” Kate tried to stop her but the demon turned to look her in the eyes.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Kate, I’m okay.” Y/N whispered, hoping Kate would believe her and not have to manipulate the girl into forgetting about it.  She promised not to. “Look at me, I'm fine. Trust me.”

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Y/N didn't want to have to manipulate Kate to make her forget, didn't want to do that with whoever she loved.  Despite Y/N's thousands of attempts to ignore the new 'Hawkeye', the girl became one of her greatest friends. One who always came to Y/N when she needed advice or help. Friends, something she couldn't even begin to think about, was what she had now.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

She did it so many times in her life, manipulating humans to forget, but now the idea of having to get into Kate's mind to alter it was extremely painful.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

‘Please, don’t make me do it,’ Y/N thought.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Sighing a little thoughtful and worried, the brunette decided to nod.   Limping slightly, the demon wasn't going to deny that she was a little bit in pain but it would soon heal. A bullet in the stomach was nothing to her.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“I can't believe you did that for me.” Kate mumbled as they walked towards the quinjet, the hostages now safely on the ship. Shots could be heard in the distance but S.H.I.E.L.D won the battle that time.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Me neither.” Y/N joked as she walked over to sit on the ship, noticing how Natasha approached with concern carrying a first aid kit.  She didn't expect one of the 'casualties' to be Y/N.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Thank you.” Kate whispered, taking Y/N’s bloody hand as they waited for the quinjet to finally take off.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Thoughtful, Wanda remained watching through the window, those enormous trees that surrounded the compound. The night arrived and when the lights went out, the stars made that place charming.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

She sighed; couldn't get that kiss out of her mind.  The way Y/N grabbed her waist, the way she looked or kissed her. That delicacy and passion at the same time drove Wanda crazy, never thought she could experience something like that.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

When Pietro was alive, he used to scare away every boy who came near her. They had always been so protective of each other. But now her ‘little brother’ was no longer there, and although she felt joy for experiencing love for the first time, she also felt enormous guilt for being happy without him.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Are you okay?” Clint asked as he walked closer. The Sokovian turned to look at him surprised, it was assumed that the man was spending a few days of necessary 'vacation' with his family.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Yes, I’m just-” She started to say but then stopped, she didn't want to bother with such silly problems. “What are you doing here? I thought you were home with Laura and the kids.”

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“Oh, Stark made me come to see something. I'm free now.” Clint sat next to Wanda. She didn't say anything, just nodded.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“You know  you can talk to me. You’re not alone.”   Clint always knew how to approach her without making the girl feel pressure or awkward. And Wanda found in him a father figure that she always needed.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Hesitantly, she turned to see the blonde. “I think I like someone.”

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

Nodding slowly, Clint momentarily cursed himself for asking about it. He felt like a dad talking to his daughter for the first time about love, but after sighing deeply, he smiled understanding what it was about.

ㅤㅤ ㅤ

“That brooding agent who's always frowning.” Of course the man saw them together many times, Wanda tended to avoid everyone except her.

ㅤㅤ

“Yes.” Wanda cleared her throat, playing with her rings. 

ㅤㅤ

“So what do you think?” Clint sighed as he looked up at the sky, the moon shining overhead.

ㅤㅤ

“I don't know, I'm worried…” Wanda murmured barely, afraid that if she said it it would become so real. “I'm terrified of holding on to someone and then losing them.”

ㅤㅤ

ㅤㅤ

The Sokovian sighed, still couldn't fully heal remembering the painful loss of Pietro. How she lost control in Sokovia, and thanks to her friend, Vision, she was safe at that time. If only she had been with Pietro to stop those bullets.

ㅤㅤ

As soon as the witch arrived at the Compound, she completely avoided socializing with everyone in the place. Locking herself in a bedroom until Y/N came. Changing her life completely.

Y/N wasn't trying to get her out of it, rather sharing the loneliness next to her, slowly mitigating the pain.

ㅤㅤ

“I feel happy when I see her, but I also feel guilty for not being able to mourn my brother as I should.” Finally the brunette released that deep pain in her chest, which had been hurting her so much those days when she walked away from Y/N. “I feel like I'm being selfish.”

ㅤㅤ

Clint sighed, thinking carefully about what he wanted to say so as not to cause more harm. He wanted the girl to allow herself to be happy, she and Pietro were so young when they found them.  And he'll  always be grateful, Pietro gave his life for him, Clint would always be in debt for it. That's why the archer promised to take care of Wanda until the end of his days. ㅤㅤ

“First… She looks like a good girl, and she's a good agent. That's good.” Barton tilted his head, enjoying the silence that surrounded them. “Being happy is not an easy thing for people like us, but we learn to survive the pain and accept the good that comes to us when it does. There is no time for 'grieving'. You just do it, and move forward so you don't die. He is your brother and always will be, but think that he wants the best for you, just as you would want the best for him if it were the other way around.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I will be honest, just be happy, Wanda. Pietro would want that for you, it’s the best way to honor him.” Clint finished by bringing his hand to the girl's shoulder and squeezed it gently. He stood up from her seat, looking at her one more time.

ㅤㅤ

“Thank you, Clint.” The brunette smiled gratefully. “I'd better try to occupy my mind on something else so I'm not so worried.”

ㅤㅤ

“Don't worry... Now I think I have to go or Laura is going to kill me. I can't miss movie night.” He joked as always. Wanda stood up to walk towards the kitchen, while Clint slowly walked away towards the parking lot.

ㅤㅤ

Y/N sighed, lying on that infirmary bed, cursing herself for not having been faster. Well, she couldn't use her powers if Kate was around.

She looked at the IV connected to her arm and just rolled her eyes, happy to be alone for a moment. Of course all this was unnecessary, she didn't need this type of treatment but couldn't say no. After a quick surgery, Helen Cho managed to remove the bullet from her stomach and the demon was now resting.

ㅤㅤ

“Hello, Y/N. How do you feel?” Helen asked as she walked through the door, holding her stark tablet. 

ㅤㅤ

“I’m good. Ready to go.”

ㅤㅤ

The doctor remained silent. From her body expression she seemed nervous, and Y/N noticed it quickly.  “What's wrong, Doc?” Y/N asked and narrowed her eyes as she watched the woman hesitate.

ㅤㅤ

“Y/N…” Helen cleared her throat. “I must tell you the truth, as my patient… W-While I was removing the bullet, I noticed how-” 

ㅤㅤ

She stopped, not knowing if she should talk to this woman because maybe Y/N didn't know or if she should talk to one of the avengers first. Or maybe Fury.

ㅤㅤ

“I noticed how part of your organs were regenerating themselves.” Finally the doctor was brave enough to say it. “Slowly, but much faster than a human. The bullet pierced part of the intestine, hit an artery. You couldn't possibly be alive.”

ㅤㅤ

Oh.

ㅤㅤ

“That’s it?” Y/N asked as she took off the covers and got out of bed without much trouble. The wound was still there, but it was nothing the demon couldn't endure. “Does anyone else know?”

ㅤㅤ

Helen shook her head, backing away. “N-no.”

ㅤㅤ

“Good.” Y/N smiled slightly then her eyes changed. Her pupils became vertical, fixed on the doctor's eyes.  “Helen, you'll look me right in the eye.”

ㅤㅤ

Even though she tried to refuse the control, Helen could do nothing but nod her head and lose herself in that look. 

ㅤㅤ

“You're going to forget everything you said and what you saw. The surgery went well, you haven't seen anything strange.” Y/N hissed at her, easily manipulating her.  “You'll discharge me right now because it wasn't that bad.”

ㅤㅤ

Lost in the demon’s gaze, Helen just nodded her head slowly in complete obedience.

ㅤㅤ

“You will forget after my eyes change.”

ㅤㅤ

When Y/N finished and her eyes returned to their human form, the demon sat on the bed and the doctor woke up from that daydream, blinking rapidly.

ㅤㅤ

“Sorry, I started to dissociate.” Helen giggled and Y/N just smiled politely. “So, the surgery went well. Nothing strange, you will recover  slowly but you were very lucky. ”

ㅤㅤ

At that moment the door opened, Wanda hurriedly and worriedly approached Y/N to hug her.

ㅤㅤ

“Are you OK?” Wanda exclaimed, taking Y/N's face carefully, terror could be seen in those green eyes.

ㅤㅤ

Y/N giggled, taking Wanda's hand. “I’m fine.”

ㅤㅤ

“How is she?” Ignoring those words, the Sokovian turned to see Helen who smiled tenderly at seeing them together like that.  Everyone knew they were 'together'.

ㅤㅤ

“I'm fine!”

ㅤㅤ

“I was telling Y/N that I could discharge her, if this woman behaves well. It wasn't that bad.” Dr. Cho walked over to see that everything was fine on her tablet and then nodded. Y/N’s blood pressure was normal, plus nothing was out of the ordinary.   “But you will need rest for a few days.” 

ㅤㅤ

“I'll make sure she does.” Wanda nodded, still holding Y/N's hand.

ㅤㅤ

She turned to look at the demon, truly grateful that nothing bad happened to her. As soon as she found out that Y/N was hurt, her life was in total chaos, unable to do anything but wait.

Y/N didn't say anything, she just listened to Wanda talk to the doctor about how careful she should be, and just stayed thoughtful. At first it felt weird, to feel like someone cared about you, but then she felt such great joy that her ears turned red due to blushing.

It was nice, hopeful until all that turned into suffocating guilt. How could Y/N do this to her? The girl was there, doing the best to take care of her and Y/N was just plotting to hurt her as much as possible.

ㅤㅤ

“Y/N?”

ㅤㅤ

Wanda's soft voice made Y/N wake up from that daydream, her gaze lost in that steaming bowl.  The sokovian insisted that she should be resting, so Jules gave up her room so that Y/N could sleep peacefully and she would spend the night playing games with Kate, -or possibly with Natasha-.

ㅤㅤ

“What's going on?” Wanda asked a little worried, sitting next to her in that bed. “Is it cold?”

ㅤㅤ

The sokovian made some soup for both of them, saying it would 'help her regain strength'. Of course the demon just giggled thinking about how cute that was, she didn't need it but wasn't going to refuse so much affection.

ㅤㅤ

“No! It's exquisite, it's perfect.” Y/N smiled, taking her hand and leaving a short kiss. “I’m just thinking.”

ㅤㅤ

“Still thinking about the mission?” Wanda settled next to her, watching as the girl slowly ate the soup.  She observed carefully  Y/N's injured face, a bruise on her left cheekbone, her eyebrow cut but the worst was that shot in her belly, now covered by a bandage.

ㅤㅤ

“Not so much.” Y/N licked her lips, enjoying the taste. She lived for so many years but never enjoyed food as much as she did now. “I was more worried about Kate, but she did great.”

ㅤㅤ

“Kate said you took that bullet for her.” The Sokovian smiled tenderly, despite her concern and fears, she felt very proud of what 'her girl' did to save a friend.

ㅤㅤ

“She's overreacting.” Y/N rolled her eyes and finished the soup, leaving the bowl on the side of the bed.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I was so worried. Terrified.” Wanda whispered, she had to be honest with her. Carefully, the Sokovian tucked a strand of hair behind Y/N's ear. “I don't want anything to happen to you.”

ㅤㅤ

I don't want anything to happen to you.

ㅤㅤ

Possibly one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to her. Y/N felt her heart jump, no one had ever cared so much about her like that. Her life has always been about manipulating people and avoiding emotional ties.

ㅤㅤ

“I’m okay, I swear… Come here.” The demon assured her with a sincere smile, pulling the brunette over so she could lie down next to her. They both settled into that bed, simply holding hands and looking into each other's eyes.

ㅤㅤ

They spent some time that way, sharing some cute looks and kisses. Y/N told her some stuff about the mission and Wanda about what she talked to Clint, opening up about her fears. Even from the suspicions Y/N had about Jules having 'something' with Natasha.

ㅤㅤ

“Would you like to watch something on TV?” Y/N babbled nervously, hoping the brunette wouldn't take it the wrong way or think she was too 'clingy'. After all, it was the first time she liked someone and didn't know how to do this.  “Let's watch a tv show, stay with me all day… after all, I have to rest, right?”

ㅤㅤ

Giggling, Wanda rested her head on Y/N's shoulder. “What do you think of sitcoms?”

ㅤㅤ

“I really like them.” Of course the demon was lying, but she wasn't going to deny the opportunity to share time with Wanda. The Sokovian kissed her softly and then took the remote control to look for something good on some streaming.

She decided to go for Abbott Elementary, a new sitcom that always brought a smile to her face.

ㅤㅤ

After some time sharing laughter and caresses, Wanda sighed when she realized her head was on Y/N's chest. Closeness became normal for both of them, without them realizing it.

Biting her lip, she felt enormous joy hearing Y/N's heart beat for her.

Suddenly Y/N started to laugh, but ended up placing a hand on her belly, feeling this sharp pain.  

ㅤㅤ

“Are you okay?” Wanda frowned worriedly.

ㅤㅤ

“Of course, yes, it was just… I laughed. I'm fine, really.” Y/N assured, hoping she would actually believe her.

ㅤㅤ

“I'm kind of scared. Not just before, now...” Looking at the wound, the truth came out of Wanda's lips without even thinking about it.

ㅤㅤ

The demon frowned and turned to look at her curiously. “Why?”

ㅤㅤ

“It sounds really stupid.” The brunette sighed and settled back hugging Y/N, avoiding touching the wound.  “I was afraid that something would happen to you, but I'm not going to be hypocritical, I’m scared because I don't want you to play with my heart.”

ㅤㅤ

Y/N took a moment to think about what to say. She didn't want to lie to Wanda, nor could she tell her the truth. So, what should she do? Half-truths were as painful as a dagger.

ㅤㅤ

“That's something I will never do.” The demon decided to speak the truth. Y/N didn't want to do it but knew she would do it without wanting to. She didn't want to break Wanda's heart, although she existed for that, Wanda achieved something impossible and that is that the demon felt something for someone other than herself.  “I really care about you. I really like you.”

ㅤㅤ

Smiling at those sincere words, Wanda felt like she could finally give herself to her, give destiny a chance, could finally trust that everything would be okay.

Just settled on her girl's chest and let herself be happy for once.

ㅤㅤ

Time passed and Y/N's health had miraculously improved. Of course those wounds healed much faster, so she had to pretend to still be recovering. Natasha allowed her to return to training, and that was a good thing to keep her mind occupied. A mind that didn't stop working, trying to think how to cope with the situation.

ㅤㅤ

Time was running out and Abaddon demanded to see results, and as if that were not enough, fate played a very big trick on Y/N, making her end up falling in love with Wanda.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I've noticed that you're feeling better.”  Jules said as she entered the room they shared, noticing that Y/N was putting some dirty clothes in her bag to take them to wash. She would never have thought that Leviathan, the great devastating demon, would be doing such mundane things like that.

Y/N nodded slowly, thankful that the place was almost empty. She turned around, watching as Jules sat on her bed.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“How you do it? Isn't it hard for you?” Y/N broke their silence, Jules narrowed her eyes not knowing what she meant. “Pretending.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh.” Jules murmured. She couldn't find a good enough answer for that, just looked down, feeling guilty. Y/N hadn't even thought about what Stolas was feeling right now. If she was confused, assumed her 'friend' was too. How could she have been so inconsiderate?

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

That thought of hers only made Y/N laugh; she was a demon. A big one, that was something she had to be. Why did something that she was meant to do by nature make her feel so bad?

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“It's getting so hard, Stolas. I don't know what I'm doing here, but I'm not doing what I should do.” Y/N whispered, moving closer to sit next to Jules, who remained looking at the floor. “You have to leave.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“What?”  She looked up, surprised. After a few seconds of silence, the dark-haired woman broke it and said determinedly, like never before. “No. I won't do it.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Frowning, confused but more offended by Stolas's disobedience, Y/N turned to look at her. “I'm not asking you. You must leave soon, Stolas.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“It’s 'Jules' here.” The brown-eyed girl finally looked into her eyes.  “What are you talking about?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“If Abaddon finds out about this, she's going to kill you too.” Y/N whispered worried, for the first time, for who she considered a friend. “Won't even think, she will do it.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Jules shook her head. “I’m with you.” 

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I can't bear your death too!” Finally Y/N exploded, pinching the bridge of her nose to try and calm herself down. Things were getting out of control.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I don't know how we got here, I told you we shouldn't get involved!” Y/N angrily shook her head and looked around.   “When we arrived, the place could have burned down and I wouldn't even care. I would have danced on the ashes! But now… now everything is different. Everything hurts.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I know.”  Jules murmured wistfully.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“No, you don’t know.” The demon interrupted quickly.  “I care about them-”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“YES, I DO!”  Jules screamed angrily and got out of bed. For the first time she exploded, showing her true nature, showing her true eyes.  Those eyes changed to ones quite similar to those of a bird of prey, a bright orange color, pupils as dark as night. But as soon as she realized her mistake, those eyes turned brown again.

Frowning, Y/N said nothing. She understood Stolas' pain, because she was feeling that endless number of contradictory feelings too.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Sighing, the dark-haired girl looked down, ashamed to shout at a superior. “I know it, Y/N,  I care too. Everything around me matters to me, and I hate it… but I also like it.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I gotta be honest with you.” Jules swallowed nervously, maybe this would change everything but she couldn't take it anymore. “Abaddon did send me to spy on you.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Maybe she expected Y/N to be surprised or scream at her or rather to end her life for betrayal, but the superior demon only smiled with a certain tenderness, perhaps a little proud.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I know.” Y/N shrugged. She wasn't stupid and she knew the redhead's intentions very well.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“No, you don't understand! She sent me to spy on you but I never said anything!” Jules approached, horrified by the guilt that was drowning her. “I haven't even been reporting back to her and I think that's making her angry, but if I do, she'll know I'm lying. For a long time she has thought that you will start a rebellion, using Wanda at your convenience.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Fear could be seen reflected in Jules' eyes and that made Y/N feel some worry.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“She will burn everything to ashes, Leviathan… and I like this place. I like the air I breathe, and I like it when I eat breakfast, and I like it when the birds sing or the crickets make that sound.” The lower rank demon sighed, embarrassed for disappointing Y/N but that was the truth. And she would die accepting it.  “I like it when I play video games with Kate, or when Natasha looks at me or  asks me if I'm okay. And I don't want to lose it, even if I have been part of their suffering, I like them. ”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N didn't know what to say. It was one thing to feel confused because of where they were, because of living with humans for so long but Jules seemed really affected by it. But it was a very different thing to bet your life on them.  The anguish in those eyes was real.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“And even if you hate it... I've learned these months about friendship, and I will stay by your side until the end. I am loyal to you, even if I die.” The teary eyes of who was Stolas, a powerful demon, made Y/N understand the complex situation they were in.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Nodding, Y/N placed her hand on Jules' shoulder but the brunette quickly rushed towards her to hug tightly.

Surprised, Y/N just patted her back gently, more confused than ever but trying to provide reassurance to her friend. “We'll find a solution.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Like flowers blooming thanks to spring, the love between Wanda and Y/N also blossomed in a strong and powerful way.

Wanda was no longer that melancholy girl who lived locked up in her room, learned to open herself up to others freely,  and Natasha was grateful for that because she found an amazing friend in her.

And she wasn't going to deny that it helped a lot in managing her powers. Y/N was a great help training alongside her, helping the Witch to focus and handle the magic better. Magic that previously came from pain and chaos was now much less violent and explosive.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

And just as Y/N was a positive development in Wanda's life to work on herself and her powers, Wanda was teaching the demon to let herself be loved little by little. She noticed that Y/N was not used to affection, but  she learned by her side, trying to be romantic and affectionate in her own way.

Seeing how the woman tried to understand, how she smiled genuinely or every time Y/N showed her with words or actions how much she loves her. Especially that chaotic night where Y/N finally discovered that she was madly in love with Wanda, and there was nothing that could change it. They were in love, and there was no one in the Compound who didn't notice it.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

But of course, Wanda was also worried that she didn't know much about her either. Y/N never talked about her past life or her family, and that caused a little insecurity in the Sokovian.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ But the good thing was that Abaddon seemed to be perfectly swallowing that Wanda was beginning to decline, perhaps in half a year she would be ready. At least that's what Y/N and Jules told her, feeding her small advances to keep the Knight happy.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Will you...?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

The grass tickled against her skin, a feeling so strange and at the same time so nice.  The warm sun hit her face, such a pleasant and familiar feeling.

Sighing, Y/N opened her eyes meeting that green gaze that only showed immense tenderness.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda smiled when she saw her; both were in front of the lake enjoying a delicious lunch. Y/N rested her head on her legs while Wanda looked at the lake, so calm and relaxing.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“What do you mean?” Y/N wrinkled her nose.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“You know what I mean.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ “You know everything about me.” Y/N played dumb.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“You’re adorable.” Wanda confessed, gently pressing her nose with a finger.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I’m not.” Y/N growled, squinting her eyes so as not to look directly at the sun as she sat next to her again. “But thanks for surprising me with this brunch.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Smiling flirtatiously, Wanda ended the distance between them and kissed her lover's lips once more. A tender and short kiss, but full of such strong feelings. A girl who overcomes her fears of losing, to let herself be loved. And a demon that didn't know how to love, beginning to be afraid of losing her.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Just one kiss of those lips was all it took to seal Y/N’s future. 

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Since I met you, you make me feel so much better.” Wanda whispered against her lips, caressing Y/N's face tenderly. “I don't know how you do it.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Moved by those words, Y/N just bit her lower lip trying to quell the enormous urge to smile. “I just like being by your side, the rest is just... because of you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Stunned by just looking at that woman, those eyes so attractive and mysterious, those lips so soft, the sokovian kissed Y/N one more time. They stayed like that for an hour, chatting about the Avengers and about how quickly the demon healed from her injury. Wanda was watching over her, taking care, trying to make everything easier. And even though Y/N felt a little guilty for 'pretending' that she was still recovering, she also took advantage of being spoiled by her girlfriend.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I’ve to go now… Otherwise Natasha will kill me.” Wanda murmured between kisses, unable to move away from the brunette but still had to. 

ㅤㅤㅤ

Smiling numbly, Y/N confessed: “I find it very difficult to let you go.” 

ㅤㅤㅤ

“How about… you have a date with me tonight?” Wanda looked down to play with her rings, she looked a little shy but also flirtatious.  “Maybe we could be alone... all night. Watching a movie or something.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Raising a curious eyebrow, Y/N felt her heart skip a beat. Was that a date or something else? Maybe Natasha or Kate could help her with this. “That would be lovely.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“See you later, detka.” The green eyed girl said first and stole the demon’s heart once again.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I love it when you call me that.” Y/N said without regret, without fear, without doubt. For the first time she allowed herself to feel, and thanks to Wanda she began to discover what love was.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Now she understood all those songs, now she understood all those tears and poems. Now she perfectly understood Alfonsina Storni, Pablo Neruda and Alejandra Pizarnik.

She was always a bit patient with certain humans, but never thought she could love one. Nodding with a smile, Wanda stole a short kiss before walking away.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N watched this amazing woman, her girlfriend, walk away to enter the compound. But that happiness did not last long, especially when that sudden and horrible feeling came to her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

The presence of an evil being became so strong, that her eyes changed to see where such negative energy came from.

In the distance, she could see how a strange old man was watching her among the trees. With a hunched body, his hair was greasy and his smile was macabre, but the worst of all was its nauseating smell.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Bile rushed up her throat, terrified. Y/N quickly got up and walked towards that place, noticing that the man now was walking away playing among the trees. As if it were a game, hide and seek.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Stolas.” Y/N summoned the demon as she quickly walked.  Instantly Jules appeared at her side, walking next to her. 

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What is it?” The brunette asked worriedly, if Y/N summoned her just like that it was a big deal. Y/N didn't say anything, just told her to keep quiet. They both chased that man until he took them to a clearing, far enough away from the others. Even though the demon was slippery, Y/N was faster and caught it, slamming it into one of the trees.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What are you doing here, Furcas?”  Y/N growled, showing fangs. Y/N tightened her grip on the demon's neck, making it stir. “Answer me! Is Abaddon here?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Even though she wanted to rip his head off, Y/N loosened her grip on his neck so he could answer. Furcas was a very different demon. Some demons were fallen angels who ended up in an awful place, but Furcas was born from the very perversion and depravation.

ㅤㅤㅤ

He was renowned for being a low-ranking demon, but above all, he was renowned for being vicious. That demon was the complete opposite of Y/N. Torture wasn't enough for him, he always had a fascination with repulsive perversions. Things that not even Y/N could come to think of.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She's not here, I-I decided to come and see if everything was okay.” He said with a creepy and squeaky voice. Furcas smiled widely, trying to free himself but it was impossible. “Abaddon thinks she is suffering but I see her very happy there, smiling next to you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Shut up.” Y/N narrowed her eyes.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Stretching out her arm, a sword appeared in her hand.  The grip was strong and dark, the blade had a terrifying edge and strange inscriptions on it. Enochian could be read, isomething that the closest thing in English could be 'willbreaker'. “Do you know what this is?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Of course Furcas knew what it was. Very few demons had one of those, a fallen angel sword.  When Y/N placed the blade on the demon's neck, it shifted restlessly.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“The boss is getting tired of waiting.” He hissed trying to get away from the deadly blade. “And I want to make her happy. A great promotion.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“He's going to fuck it all up.” Jules whispered behind her, shifting into those demonic eyes.  “Put that sword through him now.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“If I do that, there will be chaos. There will be no going back.” Y/N gulped, fixing her gaze on him.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“There won't be any turning back anyway.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

If she finished off Furcas, Abaddon would become suspicious of his absence but if she didn't, he would run to spill everything to her. Of course, the redhead wouldn't take kindly to Y/N's relationship with Wanda.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Abaddon's been eager to see how Maximoff's doing... but you're here playing with the little witch.”  Furcas moved his tongue in a really disgusting and disturbing way.  So much so that it made Y/N wrinkle her nose in disgust. “You were just doing nasty wicked things to her… I love those games. Can I play with her too? ”

ㅤㅤㅤ

He was the kind of demon you wanted to keep away. Y/N clenched her jaw and fought the urge to cut off his head all at once. The disgusting way he referred to Wanda simply made her blood boil.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Shut up, you disgusting creature!” Jules shouted, taking a step forward but Y/N's look made her stop.

ㅤㅤㅤ

But far from stopping, Furcas continued inciting and provoking them, bursting into manic laughter.  “Maybe I’ll just gonna hold her down and enjoy it for a few hours, might even live through it. I’ve got some... anatomical incompatibilities that tend to tear up little girls.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

That was all she needed to hear to react.

Y/N felt her hand tremble, her eyes widening due to the anger she felt in those moments. As she was invaded by that violent nature, she ended up exploding, taking a step back but  stabbing her sword into the demon's chest with enormous violence and strength.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No one is going to touch her, I will make sure to destroy anyone who comes near her.” Y/N hissed, baring her fangs.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Furcas opened his mouth to complain but she plunged the sword even deeper, ending up destroying him.  Painful, very painful it must be, the demon's eyes turned red due to the pain and then his chest burned. Y/N watched as Furcas slowly faded into black ashes until he disappeared. It was an action that would have serious consequences and she knew it. 

ㅤㅤㅤ

“There's the answer you needed. Get ready because things are going to get very messy from now on.”  Y/N sighed deeply. Jules nodded, watching as the sword disappeared again from Y/N's hand.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Go to Abaddon, tell her she's grieving the loss of… I don't know, make something up.” Y/N placed a hand on her forehead, trying to think. Everything happened so damn fast. “Tell her Wanda’s powers are improving a lot, tell her that you think it will be soon but don't say how long. Always remember to show her how weak I feel lately and how powerful she is becoming, make her feel good.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Jules nodded quickly, knowing that she would have to give her best performance hoping the Knight wouldn't find out. Y/N turned on her heels, facing Jules and praying to the universe that she could do it. “Don't let her find out.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I'll do it right, trust me.” Sighing and taking courage, the brunette nodded before disappearing from that place in a blink.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N inhaled deeply and closed her eyes as the breeze moved the leaves of the trees, the scent of sulfur completely disappeared and now she could only smell the linden tree and… there was something else.

Frowning, Y/N's senses caught a familiar scent.

Fuck no.

Y/N turned quickly looking towards the place where that scent came from, exposing her eyes without realizing it.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“W- what was that?”  Kate stammered coming out from behind one of the trees. She looked quite fearful, her hands were shaking. “W-What's wrong with your eyes?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Shifting her eyes to her human form, Y/N took a step forward but Kate instantly backed her away. Kate saw it all. “What are you doing here, Kate?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I  s-saw you guys walking here a-and I thought you were jog-jogging... I- I wanted to catch up with you-” The archer stammered in fear, backing away so much that she ended up crashing into the nearest tree.

The look of terror in her friend's eyes was like a stab to Y/N's heart in those moments. How could they have been so stupid? They were so focused on Furcas that they hadn't noticed that Kate was after them.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What happened to your eyes? What are you? Why did that thing turn into ashes?” The brunette repeated desperately trying to search for the truth. “I thought you were my friend.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Seeing Jules disappear was not something that surprised her so much, but seeing how that creature died at the hands of her 'friends' did.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Listen to me, Kate.” The demon tried to make the girl calm down, could hear her heart beating desperately. “There are things you don't know... that I will explain to you if you calm down and listen to me. I promise to tell you the whole truth.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Seeing her retreat only reaffirmed how scared Kate was and that she wasn't going to see reason. “Please, don't run.”

ㅤㅤㅤ That request only upset the girl even more, especially when Y/N approached again. Frightened, the archer decided to run to save her life.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Saying that never works.” Y/N sighed defeatedly.

ㅤㅤㅤ Kate Bishop ran desperately through the trees, following the 'runners' path that were around the compound. Her heart was beating wildly, fearing being caught, fearing for her life. She couldn't believe it, couldn't believe she saw her friends acting that way, that thing disappear among ashes. What were they? They didn't look good at all.

Those eyes.

ㅤㅤㅤ Y/N shouted after her trying to stop her but it was no use. Desperation played tricks on her, making the archer stumble and fall to the ground in such a way that her knee ended up injured.

Hissing in pain, Kate saw some blood but the pain went away when she saw Y/N suddenly appearing in front of her.

ㅤㅤㅤ Putting her fear aside, Kate stood up ready to fight for her life. She wasn't going to keep running, it seemed pointless anyway.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Don't be afraid, I just want to talk with you.” Y/N tried to reason with her but Kate threw the first punch, starting a fight she knew she was going to lose. Kate would never be like that, the demon knew that the archer would always listen to her but right now she was scared.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N dodged every one of her punches, the demon didn't want to attack her but had no choice but to take advantage. Catching her fist, Y/N forced the girl to turn around grabbing her from behind to stop it. Fear was not only seen in Kate's eyes but also in the demon.

ㅤㅤㅤ She didn't want to hurt  the one she now considered her friend. She didn't want to manipulate her. But there was no choice.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Kate, please, I don't want to do this.” Y/N whimpered trying to hold her down. Tears formed in Y/N's eyes for the first time, as Kate tried to break free.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Let me go!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Knowing there was no other option and that Kate didn't seem to understand due to fear, Y/N quickly turned her around to look at those blue eyes. The demon's eyes changed, that strange and terrifying orange that quickly gained the archer's attention. As if she were being deeply hypnotized.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Kate, look at me…” Y/N hissed, feeling Kate leave that violent attitude and her body finally let go. Completely stunned, the girl just nodded. “Forget what you saw and go with Yelena. You won't remember any of this.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The demon felt enormous sadness for having to do this.

For months she avoided doing something like that with them, with the people she was really starting to care, to love, and Kate was one of them. But she had no choice, they couldn't find out about all this in such an aggressive way. They would think Kate was crazy, maybe Wanda would end up exploding.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“When my eyes change, you will wake up.” Y/N finished, her eyes going back to normal and so did her friend, who blinked rapidly somewhat confused.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Ugh, my head hurts.” Kate complained, feeling that awful migraine but frowned seeing her scraped knee. “Ouch, what happened to my knee?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Clearing her throat, the demon approached to help her. She took Kate’s arm so the girl could lean on it. “Me and Jules went for a walk and found you here. You fell and blacked out for a moment.” She lied.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Kate frowned, a bit confused as she didn't remember it, but understandable if she passed out. Possibly migraine was to blame for that.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Thank you, Y/N. I'm glad you were here.” The archer looked into her eyes and smiled tenderly and sincerely grateful, clinging to her arm as they walked together down the path straight to the Compound. “It's the second time you saved me. You're a good friend.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Those words broke Y/N's heart, who could only smile sadly and melancholy. How could she have done that to her friend? Who blindly trusted her.

There was no other option.  “You are a great friend too, Kate.” She said with a thin voice.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Her gaze rested on the handle of that door for about ten minutes, thinking about how to begin, what she was going to say.  How was she going to do it? Trying to gain courage to do what she had to do, for so long.

Things got out of control, she needed to face the situation.

Y/N cleared her throat and finally knocked on the door, expecting that woman to be gone or to just have to get out of there but when the door finally opened, she sighed.

That was her punishment for all the bad deeds.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda was in front of her, with a happy smile and an excited look. And all Y/N could say, feeling her heart break, was: “We need to talk.”

here goes some amazing and lovely people tags   ✨  :  @wandanatfan @get-the-fuck-outta-here @idontknow-llol @marvelogic

Thank you so much for reading me! ✨ I'm working hard so you can havethe next one sooner.

If you want me to tag you in the next chapters, just comment and I will. Thank you very much for reading me, honeybee! It means a lot! 🐝

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Do you want to help me? Wow, that's adorable and means a lot. You can buy me a coffee here!

[cosmicpuzzle]

Capricorn ♑️ in Houses- Where you are Rigid and Serious?

Capricorn in 1st : Rigid personality and mannerisms. Takes activities seriously

Capricorn on 2nd: Rigid with money and family, takes responsibilities seriously. Rigid with food habits and diet.

Capricorn on 3rd : Rigid with thoughts, ideas, relatives, neighbours. Serious and practical intellect.

Capricorn on 4th: Rigid with family members, hard emotions, serious with land and properties, vehicles, house documents.

Capricorn on 5th: Rigid with romance, chooses older partners, no fun, takes dating seriously or want dating to lead to marriage, disciplines children.

Capricorn on 6th: Rigid with routines, daily activities, takes work and co workers seriously, rigid in workplace, takes health seriously.

Capricorn on 7th: Rigid with relationships, partner, takes marriage as heavy duty, cold partners, lack of love, takes people seriously.

Capricorn on 8th: Rigid with other's money, doesn't like benefitting from others, takes responsibility for others money (tax/insurance agents?), takes sex seriously, orderly in sex habits, rigid with transformations, slow to change life pattern.

Capricorn on 9th: Rigid with fathers or rigid fathers, takes religion seriously or doubts it, travel is no fun, travels only for office/business, takes philosophy seriously.

Capricorn on 10th: Rigid with work, job, father, bosses or they are rigid. Takes career seriously. Takes leadership seriously.

Capricorn on 11th: Rigid with friends and groups, serious friends or older friends, sees friendship as responsibility, slow income, rigid with elder siblings or rigid elder siblings.

Capricorn on 12th: Rigid with having pleasure, doesn't probably relax well or take vacations, worries about responsibilities secretly, takes fun seriously, very inhibited in general.

[russellsppttemplates]

I do not know if this is true but you and Max going on vacation somewhere and he gets denied a rental car because of his age

Note: yes, it happened in Portugal, I think! As they reported on the news, it's the rental company's policies to not let the car be driven by someone under 30, like, insurance and stuff like that. Apparently, it was fine in the end and people made a bigger fuss of it than necessary.

"I couldn't book it in advance, they kept denying it, probably some issue with the passport", you mumbled.

"We have time, it's not like we're we're a rush", you reasoned, following the signs into the rental company you needed.

"Hi, we were looking to rent a car, please", Max said as he arrived at the surprisingly quiet desk, "do you have one one in mind?".

"It's a Mercedes AMG GT", Max said as the employee went to grab the papers regarding insurances and contract and, you assumed, the keys.

"Max Verstappen driving a Mercedes, hm?", you teased him, resting your head on his arm while you waited, "what do you know", you smiled, kissing his clothed arm.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Verstappen, I'm afraid you won't be able to rent our vehicle", the employee came back, "you're not old enough, that is. Our contracts only allow someone who is at least thirty years old to drive the car", he explained.

"That's why you couldn't do it online", you reasoned, now putting the pieces all together, "well, his agent is over thirty, so you can give that car to them", you pointed to the rest of the group.

"That's okay, we can just swap the contracts, you have this one for a BMW, it's a very nice car, too, still goes pretty fast", he offered.

"You're too old for something, see?", you teased your boyfriend, "just a nice baby face, handsome".

"I'll show you just how youthful I am", he raised his eyebrows as he drove out of the parking spot.

(Thank you for your submission ✨️)

[kerryweaverlesbian]

Sam on the fly pretending to be from a historical preservation group, and them last episode pretending to be insurance agents. Fun!!!!!!! Delightful!!! Burn those FBI suits!

[handeaux]

A Secret Organization Scoured Cincinnati For Bolsheviks But Found Only A Schoolgirl

It is inevitable, once you have created an organization to snitch on your neighbors, that you will find neighbors to snitch on. So it was with the American Protective League.

The American Protective League emerged from the jingoistic fervor that gripped America during the First World War. According to Steven L. Wright [Queen City Heritage, Winter 1988]:

“The American Protective League (APL) organized in Chicago in March 1917, had units in 600 cities and a membership roster of nearly 100,000. And by 1918 membership had grown to 250,000. Its membership consisted of bankers, businessmen, attorneys, chamber of commerce leaders and insurance company executives. Because of their ‘high’ position, they easily obtained information concerning ‘troublesome’ citizens, especially those who opposed the draft.”

Nationally, the APL received quasi-legal status as an affiliate of the federal Department of Justice. Locally, the Cincinnati branch of the APL was instrumental in arresting thirteen socialists who were charged with treason for circulating literature opposed to the military draft. Those charges would eventually be dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1924.

With the conclusion of hostilities, the APL technically disbanded on 31 January 1919 when Gerson J. Brown, the wholesale tobacconist who led the Cincinnati chapter, turned over all League records to Calvin S. Weakley, special agent of the Department of Justice. Even though the organization ceased to exist, however, some members insisted on carrying on the work of the League. Germany’s surrender had revealed, according to these men, a new and even more sinister enemy working to conquer America – Bolshevism. John L. Richey, head of the Cincinnati Association of Credit Men, announced through several very public speeches that his position as chief investigator of the American Protective League had revealed to him that Bolshevism was alive and well in Cincinnati. According to the Enquirer [9 January 1919]:

“Mr. Richey declared speakers at recent meetings in Cincinnati had advocated immediate revolution and deliberate assassination of public officials who could not be influenced as part of the Bolshevist doctrine. There has been an increase, Mr. Richey said, in the Bolshevist movement in Cincinnati from 500 members 60 days ago, to a membership of a few more than 3,000 today.”

Not quite a week later, the Cincinnati Post [14 January 1919] announced that Richey now estimated a Cincinnati cabal of Bolshevists, International Workers of the World, and various other radical fellow travelers had more than 7,000 members. Richey pledged to continue his investigative work in Cincinnati despite the dissolution of the American Protective League through a new “secret patriotic organization.” According to Richey:

“Members of these groups of radicals, or revolutionists, are guided by a national head, who directs from New York and Philadelphia. Cincinnatians in the organizations principally are foreign born. There are Germans, Italians, Russians, and Hungarians, with some malcontent Americans.”

In a statement that foreshadowed the Red-baiting tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy thirty years later, Richey predicted that eight to ten Cincinnati officials would soon resign once the Justice Department digested the reports submitted by the American Protective League. By February 1919, Richey’s estimate of Cincinnati radicals had reached 10,000, holding regular meetings to urge the “seizure of banks, manufacturing plants, and private property.”

Richey repeatedly asserted that the Cincinnati Board of Education fanned the flames of Bolshevism here by allowing teachers to spread radical propaganda. After all his stomping and fuming, Richey had trouble producing a single Bolshevik. Nevertheless, he told the Cincinnati Post [3 February 1919], he knew exactly where to find one:

“The home of a Cincinnati school girl, the alleged meeting place of supporters of Bolshevism, is being watched by the secret patriotic organization of which John L. Richey is head, he said Monday. Richey told of existence of a Bolshevik school where students are taught principles of Bolshevism and urged to spread them in educational institutions. A Woodward High School pupil is leader in the movement, according to Richey.”

The moment Richey made that accusation, the city turned against him and his “secret patriotic organization.” The pupil in question was Rose Simkin, aged 19, who had immigrated from Russia six years earlier. Since that time, she had been employed at the Cross Overall Company while studying in the morning before work and in the evening after work at Woodward High School, hoping to earn citizenship. She told the Post [7 February 1919]:

“I hardly know what Bolshevism means. I am an American. I didn’t even know it was I who was being talked about until told so by the school authorities. Ever since I have been in America and lived in this free country I have thought of nothing except what a wonderful land this is.”

Miss Simkin pointed to her bookshelves, filled with volumes by Poe, Shakespeare and other classic authors and defied Richey to find any hint of subversive literature.

Helen T. Wooley of the Cincinnati School Board was outraged by Richey’s accusations against Rose Simkin.

“There has been excessive zeal in trying to uncover un-American plots and in this case they have hit an innocent girl.”

The American Israelite pointed out that Rose Simkin’s brothers were serving in Palestine as part of the British army there and that Richey may not have known the difference between Zionism and Bolshevism – a not-so-subtle accusation of anti-Semitism. Mainline organizations such as the City Club and the Women’s City Club passed resolutions condemning Richey’s accusations.

As the Simkin debacle faded, so did Richey’s “secret patriotic organization.” When Richey died in 1962, his obituary made no mention of the American Protective League or his secret organization.

In 1920, Rose Simkin married Edward Trieman, her father’s partner in a Race Street haberdashery. She lived to be 70 and gave birth to a son who became a doctor. Her tombstone identifies her as “A Devoted Daughter In Israel.”

[daifukumochiin]

Summary: Sasuke's orderly life at elite Sairiumu Academy is disrupted by the arrival of Hinata, a timid transfer student whose obvious crush on him, a young man dedicated to his craft and his current relationship, stirs unease. (Initial SasuSaku with SasuHina endgame, modern Norse myth AU, high school, angst, romance, photography, postmodern-ish fic). Rated T

LIGHTS,

BOWS, and

MISTLETOES

an entry for SasuHina Month 2024, Day 27 : Forget and Remember

(for peachy-hina, since December)

@sasuhinamonth

ffnet: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14369143/1/Lights-Bows-and-Mistletoes

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57030778

Part 1: Lights

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iv (Warning to my fellow sasuhina fans: sasusaku content ahead)

Their parents weren't well off when he and Itachi were very young; their father, a young but ambitious engineer from a working-class family who lived in public housing, and their mother, a college dropout turned insurance agent who didn’t make big sales but had a knack for getting downtown and central business district professionals to confide even their best-kept secrets to her.

They sent the brothers to public school. Itachi was well-adjusted and didn’t have problems; inevitably, they thought it would go well for Sasuke, too. But when Sasuke entered preschool, his experience was altogether different. There he had a foretaste of the human suffering that dominated his early years for he was a remarkably beautiful but shy boy whose delicate porcelain cheeks flushed crimson like blooming camellias at the squeals of girls in class. Teachers and strangers at the school playground smothered him with unwanted affection, and they thought it cute when he cried and protested no. This went on in grade school and even in middle school. Older girls from other schools who took an interest in him got a hold of his mobile number and sent him lewd texts. When puberty defined his features even more and he grew taller, his legs longer, the harassment worsened. Entertainment agents, pimps, and extreme fangirls—a whole lot of people he didn’t want to associate with—walked up to him on the daily. People took pictures of him without his permission and posted them online, stalked him and found out where he lived, and even stole his unwashed clothing.

Photography was a hobby his father dabbled with from time to time. For Sasuke, it was his only solace: capturing scenes in the world that offered respite from the bulk that only confused and constantly imposed on him with its shallowness.

The worst of what he had to endure eventually stopped when his parents transferred him to Sairiumu in the last year of middle school because of the higher standards of living that their family business afforded them from contracts dealt with Haruno Group. Still, he wasn't completely free from unwanted attention when he entered Sairiumu. 

So, it came as a rescue when Sakura Haruno of the Kyudo Club confessed to him the spring break before they turned high schoolers. Not only did she keep unwanted attention away, but something about Sakura made her irresistible. How she wielded a bow and arrow—the daughter of her brother's boss—would send a tingling, uneasy sensation in his chest. He loved the danger she posed to his mortality. He fantasized about getting hit by one of her arrows in the middle of the day at the Archery Club's dojo, while he watched on the sidelines with his eye in the viewfinder of the Leica R9 mounted with a DMR that the photography club owned, and it always felt too real. The fear was raw, bordering on arousal, and he couldn't get her out of his mind. There was no other way to explain what he felt: it was a fierce sort of attraction.

Lately, more often than not, that attraction bobs unsteadily, like how a bowstring that once so tightly wound, taut and firm with tension, slowly loosens its grip due to sources unfounded: could be the humidity in the air that causes ennui; it could also be the lack of genuine concern that Sasuke found himself reciprocated with.

They stopped for ice lollies on the way home and while on the apartment lift, Sakura stared long and hard at him.

"What is it?" he asked. He hated it when she kept him guessing what he'd done wrong. Already, he was scanning through his mind everything they'd done together throughout the day, the things he’d said and how he spoke to her. “If it’s about the picture: it wasn’t ugly. How could it be? You’ll see it uploaded later. Composition needs adjusting. There were distracting things in the background.”

Sakura took another bit off her green ice lollies. "You were being followed, that's what.” 

His heart skipped a beat. He was never used to telling anyone about his stalker problems. Only Sakura bothered enough to care—but he wouldn’t exactly use the word care.

“Was it so hard to tell me? All the way to the train! The cow was standing right behind you, did you see?" 

Sakura still spoke calmly, but if the edge to her tone was any indication, she wouldn’t let this easily die out. 

"Had she followed us out I would've peeled off her face then and there.” She threw the rest of her lolly on the floor. "She was wearing our uniform, was she not? You got her pale face in that pic. I'll have someone look her up." 

The elevator doors opened and as Sakura strode out, there was a vicious glint in her eyes.

"Wait." Sasuke hurried after her. "I know her. She's the new transfer student in my class."

Sakura slowly turned. "Oh. Is that so? Interesting." Her eyes were wide and devoid of emotion. "You and that girl got something going on?"

"No—"

"Is that why she's trying to tell me by creeping in my pic and coming up to you like that?!"

"Just listen! Every single time"—Sasuke groaned—"I just know because she's in my class, that's all. She must've been trying to explore places and saw us!"

"Okay." Sakura shrugged, flipping her hair. "It only sounded like you were backing up for her, whatever—"

"I'm not!" Sasuke interrupted.

"Don't get too worked up," dismissed Sakura. "I just don't like people thinking they could fantasize having what's mine."

Anyone who's ever been caught by Sakura stalking him had their companies driven to bankruptcy not long after. It's all too easy for the Haruno Group to change people's lives with a few calls. While that proved effective against his stalker problems, he couldn't help but wonder if someday, it would be his turn, too. 

Because, would anyone abandon something that's theirs on the side of the road? 

She didn’t call for weeks after breaking up with him. He took that as a sign that she didn't want to talk with him anymore. After his installment to the presidency of the photography club, she introduced him to her father and asked permission to live together as if nothing ever happened. However, she had already quit the kyudo club and kyudo altogether and ran for vice president of the student council. Kyudo was something she had devoted herself to since she was a kid. Yet, it was thrown out of her life and forgotten so easily like that. 

The next day, she surprised him by visiting his classroom during lunch break when everyone had already returned and was preparing for when the school alarm would go off. 

He went up to her while she scanned around for a face. "Sakura." 

She wasn't there for him, he could see that much. When she found who she was looking for, she smiled, all too pleased to find that person looking back at her, and whispered sensually in Sasuke's ear:

"Just thought I'd..." 

She wrapped her arms around Sasuke’s neck, stood on her tiptoes, and dove into his mouth for a long, deep kiss.

His classmates teased and hooted. Sasuke preferred intimacy in secret but at that moment had also fully immersed himself in the kiss. He understood it was a performance for Hinata Hyuuga. Whether it aligned with his aesthetics or not, such is lost in the hands of the theatre director. 

When their mouths parted, Sakura gently patted his face. 

"See ya later," she said sweetly.

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