#happy wiht how this came out

[d-e-w-p]

now these two i am pretty proud of. Arata and Azumi are @aviaviator toonkind oc's and becasue they're persona 5 expies i tried a playing card vibe that i really like. These were super fun to do and their charcaters are super funky too!

[moonlight-tmd]

Shockbee.

These an a.u where Bumblebee was accused of being the decepticon spy instead of Wasp.

How would you have things play out?

Oh yeah, I think I read that multi-ship fanfic- mainly for Blitzbee.

Well, if we take the same concept as the one there... I'd guess it pained Shockwave to see Bee being dragger out in cuffs. In the short time they knew each other he has grown fond of Bee, and the lack of the jolly scout was driving him with guilt he's never felt before.

I would guess Longarm, after becoming a Prime, goes for a "routine visit" in the stockades Bee is being held in. He doesn't see him at first, only after a closer look he notices a small figuring lurking on the far end of the lower bunk berth. Bee was pressed against a wall, never bothering to look at the holo-field that locked him in the room.

There wasn't any light in the cell, the corrdor and the barrier were the only sources of it. Longarm could make out something on the walls- drawings. Crudely carver and scratched into the metal with something dull. Few represented bots who Bee knew before coming here, few Long didn't recognise. There were items and words and even a big chunk of a wall carved into looking like a landscape of Cybertron. Here and there he could see some portions of the drawing have a pinkish hue as coloring- dried energon.

"Bumblebee?" Longarm's voice reached thru the barrier. He heard that the minibot held here wouldn't answer to anyone but this time, Bee looked up from his position in the dark corner. A pair of dull pink optics met the blue and red. He didn't answer at first, but after a while of silence he regocnized the mech that came to him...

Bee wasn't exactly... happy to see Longarm. He was cold and accusing him of coming here to gape at him like the locked fool he is. It was clear that his psyche wasn't in the greatest condition as he snuck in a little giggle in between sentences.

Bee was such a sweet and social mech, but in the confinement of the cell and no one to speak to he turned into something barely stable. Solitude was driving him crazy as ever and the only sound to fill his audials was the electionic buzz of the prison.

It hurt, so so much. Shockwave should've never let them take Bee. He was going to fix that. Somewhere in their brief talk the alarm sounded, Shockwave's cue to act. The cell doors began flickering off and as soon as Bee's cell powered down, he shot out his arm and grabbed him before making a run for it. Bee didn't even try to fight back, it was the most action he got in a long while.

After the two made it out in the chaos that arose in the break-out, Longarm snuck them onto a ship that departed shortly after few other prisoners came on.

He took Bee to a private room and patched up any injuries the scout might've gotten- there were a lot of poorly welded self-damage scars. It was then Longarm told him that he's been trying to find and free Bee for a long time and hw much he missed him. Bee was sceptical to the idea Longarm would really say that to him... but the longer Longarm talked the more Bee felt like he meant it

Longarm told him that the chaos in the prison was planned as a big break-out for the Decepticon prisoners. Of course, Bee got buzzed up and started asking questions- Longarm had to admit that it was he who worked with Decepticons. He expected Bee to yell and try to kill him for making him suffer, but to his surprise Bee was pretty chill. He even said he wanted to join up cuz he might as well be a 'Con if he was sitting in these for "working wiht them". Also these Autobots fraggers have lost all his respect, by his words.

After a long while of going around, consulting with Megatron and changing aspects of his frame, Bee was finally good to go as a Decepticon Scout. He asked Longarm if he really wanted to stay like this in case the Elite Guard saw him running off with Bee but the topic was quickly shut down with one switch of root-modes. Shockwave in all his glory introduced himself, Bee had only one word to say before going off to his next destination on the list; "Hot".

And so from then on Bee and Shockwave work together- or rather Shockwave sets them up to work together and Bee follows along. Even if slightly off the rocker, Bee has slowly returned to being that sweet and cocky version of himself around Shockwave. Bee wasn't surprised when Shockwave finally confessed having feelings for him even when all this time they were doing pretty much everything a couple would do. Oh well, at least it's official now.

[rodawgg]

meowmeowmeomwmeowmeowmemwomeowmeowmeowme

WAHOOO im so happy wiht how this came out,,!! :3 i love drawing hi m as a crusdy thign nasty little basement dweller hasnt seen light in years kinda thing yk

i cooked this up so quickly yall dont even KNOW !!!1! >:3

[rosesntea2]

DTIYS entry

OKAY HI POSTING ART HERE AGAIN I'm a bit of a dumbass and forgot I could post art here and not just show how autistic I am about TMA anyways!!!! I joined @wormwoodcorvids 400 follower dtiys from insta!!! very happy wiht how this came out

[indigo474]

31:00~~2/10/24~~

I ran my 2nd 5 k today and managed to run 3 minutes and 26 seconds faster than last time.. l'm not even sure how that is possible.. it must be the hills. i am so proud of myself and again amazed. a tiny tiny voice tells me i could have done better.. maybe... Madison came wiht me for support. I saw people there alone so next time I wont bother her to come with me, unless she wants to of course. I wish i had someone to celebrate with. i'm thankful for Maddy.. I'm thankful for a lot but still wish i had someone. i thought a lot today about how my divorce was/is the single best thing that has ever happened to me. I thought about how i hate hate hate how people say ohh sorry for your divorce. I thought about how it would have been a shame for me to not be the person i am today and how much i have learned and grown and healed. i thought about how i wish i had left sooner .. i dont let myself go too fr down that trail. I left and thats all that matters.. all these great things. Me- i dont know if i will ever be use to this life and these feelings of happiness.. when i laugh, i laugh.. joy. i did not have that or feel that for a lot of years and the last thing i wanted was to really feel anything because none of it was any good and now.. now.. peace. Peace.. and love. Madison is sweet to me. she knows i eat an apple a day and when she shops she has been making sure to buy apples. when we lived in our apartment she would always make sure to leave the outside light on for me.. i hate walking up to a dark house.. ptsd from Chatham. If he turned the automatic light off i knew i was in trouble. sooo.. i guess i'll keep running..

I am not a game player. Its just not my natural state. Pam has issue. Deep seeded trauma from her childhood.. its so obvious to me. the way she talks and her need to be liked and seen as cool and the way she tries to manipulate the people around her. She's smart but not intelligent. So, whatever.. i'm not friends with any of them.. there's one supervisor i kind of like, she was my first supervisor when i started.. and she is weird. None of it matters. I'm working from home tomorrow. I didnt get nearly enough sleep last night. I didnt want to get out of bed this morning. i tried to be nice to my Mom this week, i was being kind and supportive and she can not accept love because she does not love herself . she hates herself and doesnt think she deserves kindness or love and that is not my problem. do i love myself enough to be able to receive love?

I spoke to my manager in regards to the very important meeting she missed. She claims to have wanted to be there but it was thrown together last minute and she was not made aware of the time. Drew was in charge of the timing. Drew is always in charge of the meeting times and he sucks at it. I pretty much said that to her but in a professional way. its taken a year but his scheduling skills infuriate me. people pretty much do what benefits them. Drew has a attitude about people leaving work at 5.. he feels we should all stay later. He is late to work everyday and it benefits him to stay later so misses the rush hour traffic. ive stayed late in the past to accommodate him. I'm not doing that anymore. I get to work early almost every day. I am not staying later than i have to. I feel like he doesnt value other peoples time. he's called me 2 x in 2 days while i wasn't work.. he called me today while i was in walmart talking nonsense.. i got a new rep who is a total idiot. he never should have made it out of training and Drew is acting like he's been on team for a long time and what am i going to do about him. He's been on my team for less than 20 hrs- he was on Drew's team for 90+ days- how and why did this guy become my problem when he has been a problem all along.

I'm going to read the Bhagavad Gita- maybe finish it. I have been sleeping a little too good.. through the night good. the funny thing about work is none of it matters.. we can all be replaced tomorrow and that place would still go on. I shouldn't let it stress me out. i woke up with my period today. silence is beautiful. You're doing a great job April.. keep going! Good night

.

[jwnchstr]

the one with the silent treatment pt.2

title: the one with the silent treatment | c.l16

characters: charles leclerc, you!reader, carlos sainz jr.

summary: in which, you didn’t invite charles to lunch wiht you and pierre and he is sulking and gives you the silent treatment.

masterlist | part one

*   *   *

     “ah,” a familiar voice hummed. it was carlos. he was at the door of his driver’s room. “look who’s here.”

     you looked up and smiled guiltily at him. there’s no reason as to why you found his driver’s room more comfortable when charles’s driver’s room is literally beside his.

     carlos entered his room. he’s not complaining about you in his room, this time. it’s not bothering him at all that you’re here. he’s not worried about his girlfriend finding out that you’re in the same room with him even though could feel uncomfrotable about it.

     the older spaniard took a seat beside you, though left a reasonable space between you two. “does this mean that you still haven’t apologised to charles and you guys are still not talking to each other?”

     you took a deep breath and sighed. you’re not sure if you’re relieved that you and charles fine. what happened after blew up your mind. “hmm.”

     “what ‘hmm’? i asked you a question,” carlos seemed annoyed. “oh, wait. did he...” carlos left his question hanging on purpose to watch your reaction.

     you raised your eyebrows at carlos, pretending that you didn’t understand what he was trying to ask. you tried your best to mask your sheepish smile, but carlos caught you blushing.

     “you’re blushing!” carlos’s face lit up.

     “i’m not blushing,” the sentence came out of your mouth way too fast.

     “you are! so, i guess, it went well. in fact, maybe too well,” carlos teased you.

     you snorted as you rolled your eyes at carlos.

     yes, maybe it went well with charles last week even though his confession was out of nowhere, but you’re not sure if you wanted to talk about it with anyone at the paddock. maybe they will figure it out by themselves.

     “i’ll see you around, chilli.” you stood up to leave.

     carlos pulled a face. “you’re leaving? no! not now! i want to know what happened!”

     “no, carlos. i’m not going to tell you anything.”

     “huh.” carlos snorted in annoyance. “not like neither of us here don’t already know what’s happening between you two.”

    hearing that, you returned back to your seat beside carlos like a happy little girl who gets a christmas present. with shiny eyes, you asked, “what happened between me and charles?”

     “nothing.” carlos winked his eyes at you. “now, irme. i need my beauty sleep before the fp2 this afternoon.”

     *   *   *

     the garage had never been so busy, though it’s only free practice for the belgian grand prix. you were standing in the fan zone box, with noise cancelling headphone on your ears, watching the mechanic doing their thing with charles car. you love how determined they are at their job, always wondering if they ever wanted to quit theirs like you with yours.

     “hey,” he greeted you. he was smiling as usual, though this time you felt different.

     he looked shy, but he’s not hiding it. it’s like he’s comfortable to let you know that he’s shy whenever you’re around him.

     as he rested his hands on the rails, you smiled back at him. “hi.” his face was so close to yours.

     “having fun yet?”

     “no,” you answered honestly. not like this is your first time being blunt with charles, though. “i don’t know what you guys are doing, for instance. and i have work to be done, but i don’t have the moods to finish them either.”

     charles chuckled at your honest answer. “did you find isa? have you eaten? anything i can help before i get into the car?”

     “i found her not long after you left. we had lunch together just now and i think we’re going to have a walk while you’re working.” you genuinely smiled at him. “don’t worry. i’m good.”

     “good.” charles never stopped smiling at you. not even a second. it looked as if he’s dreaming about this moment with you. “i’ve got to go.”

     “okay.”

     charles pushed himself closer to you, giving you all these wild thoughts about what people around you. he also gave you butterflies and weak in the knees, but you didn’t pulled away when he has his lips on your lips.

     “see you.” charles winked before he turned around to his car.

     you watched as his crews helped him as he got into his car and as he settled in the cockpit. you saw him pushing some buttons on the steering wheel as his engineers communicate with his through the team’s radio. maye you stared too much at your boyfriend that you didn’t realise what’s actually going on around you, but the second you’re taken back to reality, you felt someone staring back at you.

     you turned towards the direction, only to see carlos smirking at you.

*   *   *

tags list:

@charlewiss @enjoymyloves @o0itsjustme0o @hufflehans @leclerc16s @daikenkki 

[halaboyz]

congrats on 500 sunshine !!! youre growing more & more every single day and being appreciated and acknwoledged as you deserve ahh hope your days are fulled wiht nothing short of happiness <33 love you, always rooting for you !!! even if i dont say it a lot :/

&& for the prompt game thing- idk if im doing this right but “promise me”, changmin !!!

pairing: changmin x fem! reader genre: fluff word count: 1.6k warnings // notes: muffin )): thank you so much!! i hope the same for you, lovely !! you deserve everything and much much more than my shy ass not saying how much i really do appreciate you <3

send me a made-up fic title + idol.

You really weren't one to overthink about your future. Everything for you, you laid it upon destiny and what came to you, you just accepted it.

So when Changmin came into your life, you didn't try to push him away the first time. Maybe he was there to come and go– like everybody does.

"Should we go to the beach?" Changmin suggests, tugging your arm to sit on the sofa beside him.

"Mmhm," You simply hum as a response, scrolling through your phone as he did the same to plan your small vacation.

Now on your fifth year together.

It was needless to say you're scared to lose him at this point. Where you've found solace in his warmth, where your love only grows for the man.

"We leave later evening," Changmin sighs, tossing his phone lightly on the side of the sofa as his other hand naturally caresses your hair.

"Do we have an itinerary or do we just do whatever we want?" Doing the same, you burrowed yourself to his side comfortably.

"When did we ever have an itinerary?" Changmin chuckles, landing a soft peck on your temple.

Countless times you've pushed him away mid-relationship. Day by day, your fear of losing him only keeps getting bigger and bigger despite the strong presence of his love for you.

Waking up on an unfamiliar bed, with an unfamiliar coldness beside you, you shoot up to look everywhere, every nook of your rented cottage for Changmin.

It became a bad habit– anxiously always having to look for him whenever you opened your eyes, when just before you closed them, he was there, smiling at you.

It wasn't because you didn't trust him, no. It was only because you realized that you've thought of your future over and over again while you're with him.

And you want him in it.

Sighing in relief when you messily went out of your cottage, you see Changmin staring out in the ocean only meters away from you. A small smile tugs on your lips, fixing yourself before hugging the thin cardigan you had on to walk closer to him.

A smile was plastered on his face, enjoying the wind that continued to push his worries away. Leaning his head back, closing his eyes.

This was what he wanted.

"Thank you for giving me another day to wake up beside her," You hear Changmin mumble, drowned against the harsh wind but clear enough for you to hear as it washed away your anxiousness.

"Oh?" Changmin turns, perplexed that you were there, only staring at his back for who knows how long. "Have you been there for long?" Changmin chuckles, reaching his hand out for you to take.

"Nope," Shaking your head, a genuine smile slowly makes its way to your lips as you took his hand, walking to his side. Feigning innocence at what he just said, the both of you silently admiring the view.

You felt at home. This was home. He was home.

His soft touches that linger on your arm as it brushed the coldness away, his chin placed atop your head as if it was its natural place, his warmth that emitted nothing but love and comfort to you.

Maybe, this was your future. You wanted it to be this.

"Hey," Changmin shakes you lightly, slight worry in his eyes. "Are you okay?" He crouches down to your level, trying to search for any discomfort in your eyes.

"Changmin," You sigh out, "I am more than okay," Shooting him a small, sincere smile, you knew he knew once he looks into your eyes that everything was fine.

Nodding at you, he pulls you once more to his side to enjoy the morning breeze before agreeing to finally go to some restaurant nearby to eat breakfast.

"...How about a date?" Changmin suggests in the midst of suggesting plans for the rest of the day, eyes avoiding yours in embarrassment as you caught a glimpse of his dimple starting to show. "There's this place I found a while ago and.."

"Changmin," You chuckle, "This is already a date," Taking his hand for you to intertwine, you giggle at the newfound adorable side of Changmin which you were sure you didn't get to see yet.

It had a hint of nervousness and embarrassment.

"Besides, I didn't really bring any clothes for an extravagant place,"

"It's not an extravagant place. I promise. Wear something comfortable, you'll be fine." Changmin says, reassuring you. "I'll be meeting you in the front, yeah? You can change now,"

Changmin pats the small of your back, but you only shift on your place to face him. He raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner, waiting for you to talk.

You did nothing but stare, then a sly smirk tugs on your lips before jumping to peck his lips. Giggling as you escape his whines, the smile never leaves your lips as you change to the most presentable clothes you packed.

"Meet me there by the cliff you see there," Changmin points somewhere a little bit in the distance, and you frowned at him.

"We aren't going together?" You faced him, pouting.

"I'll be there as fast as thunder," Changmin softly says, his lips naturally meeting your forehead.

He watches you walk off first before heading back inside once more, clammy hands continuing to fumble around the depths of his bag for something.

On your way to where Changmin pointed, your heart beating a little more than usual. And for the first time when left alone, it wasn't because you were scared Changmin is going to suddenly disappear on you, but only because how you realized that you never knew if he felt the same.

Spending the rest of his life with you, that is.

"Woah," You gasp once you step foot on the last rock to climb the small cliff, the scenery making you awestruck.

Your eyes wandered around– The vast sea, the pretty colors of orange and yellow hitting the emeralds of the sea as it sets, the cool breeze that passed through you, the warm sand you're standing on right now.

Everything was beautiful. It just needed.. him.

There he was, making his way to you with the biggest smile on his face as his dimpled you so utterly loved showed. A fond smile makes its way to your lips, as your heart leaped and continuously skipped a beat, just like how when you first saw him.

"Pretty, isn't it?" He proudly asked, hopping to you and intertwining his hands with yours as he loops his arm around your shoulder to keep you close.

"Changmin, it's beautiful," You chuckled at him, burrowing yourself as you habitually do to his side.

And just like that, it was perfect.

Who knew Changmin could make it more than it already was?

He sighs anxiously, turning you to face him as he gets ahold of your other hand, and you only feel how his hands were cold and sweaty, making your heart drop.

"Are you okay? Should we get back?" Searching for his eyes, he continues to avoid it as if your eyes beamed lasers. He was too nervous, and he couldn't help it.

"No.. I.. No," He mumbles, shaking his head lightly as he looked down.

Taking a few courageous breaths, he finally meets your worried eyes, but his only shined of stars, washing every ounce of worry of yours away.

"y/n.." He sighs out, rubbing his thumbs against the back of your palm. "There were.. countless. Countless times you've pushed me away in our five-year relationship,"

The smallest smile comes to his vision, but you let him continue.

"I've honestly, to the very depths of my heart, never felt anything like this. It's like.. a gush of emotions! Like.. like when I'm dancing! You know how much I love to dance," He rambles, and your chuckle was the one that pulls him back to reality. "y/n, you mean so so much to me,"

His other hand lets go of yours for him to scratch the back of his neck, making you smile as you reach for his cheeks to caress.

"I know," You whisper, tears brimming in your eyes.

"I'm positive you don't," He shrugs, "Because even I don't. I just know it's an impossibly unhealthy amount." He nods at himself, then looks down once again. "y/n.. I just.. I just want you to know that I'm never gonna leave you. Ever." He continues, then his hand flies to his back pocket.

You close your eyes to stop your tears, finally realizing what the man was trying to do, once his hand reveal a neatly ribboned small box.

"I can promise to each and every star there is, y/n." He mumbles, sniffling as he looked away from your eyes in an attempt to stop his own tears.

It warms your heart, really. Changmin didn't say much, but it felt like he did, as much as he was willing to give and spend the rest of his life with you.

"Only if you'll let me," He opens the box for you, crouching to your level to courageously look straight into your eyes to let you see he was sincere in every possible way.

He will always be.

Your throat dries up, too overwhelmed with the unfamiliar feeling you were feeling on your chest, you felt like bursting out of happiness.

So you nod as a response, pulling him in for a homey hug as you wet his shirt with your tears.

You hear Changmin squeal to himself, finally letting his tears drop and tightening the hug, letting his lips rest on your temple, then on the crook of your neck.

He was home. Everywhere you go, he will be. And no doubt, he felt the same with you. Will and has always have been.

permanent taglist: @deputyjuyeon @sunlightwoo @teuboyz @90s-belladonna @grassbutneo @skrtbabe @cosmiclele @flrtwoo @jaerisdiction @zvae @karsohn @moonieric @belovedgyus @softforqiankun

[lazychickensoup]

i really don’t know what this is but single dad bokuto is fun fosho

——————————————————————

“Bokuto I had so much fun tonight. The pier was a great choice.” you smile up at your boyfriend. He has a lazy smirk on his lips and his eyes scan over all your features just adoring the person in front of them.

“Yeah, I had an amazing night as well y/n.” his smile fades a little. He looked as if he was hesitant to tell you something.

“Bo? Are you okay?” you reach up to hold his face. He takes a few seconds before taking a deep breath and kissing your hand.

“Yeah, I just need to tell you something but I don’t know-how. I feel kind of bad for keeping a secret for the past two months.” he sighs. You hug him reassuringly and he wraps his arms around you tightly.

“I promise whatever it is I can handle it. We’re adults Bo, I’m not gonna go crazy.” you squeal as he picks you up to where you are now looking down on him. You both share a long kiss before he breaks away.

“Alright, is it okay if I bring you back to my house?”

“Are you trying to make a move on me? It’s gonna be the first time I'm at your house.” you joke.

“No no of course not baby.” he laughs and carry’s you back to the car.

You two drove a while to his house, not to your surprise it was very nice. You’d expect that from a professional volleyball player though. Bokuto nudges your arm, you turn to him and he gives you a quick kiss. His eyes were full of worry and he was fidgeting with his hands. You place your hands on his stroking you thumb across his knuckles. After he clamed down he led you up to the front door. His keys jingled as he was unlocking the door and you could hear tiny taps on the ground from inside. Then a thought came to mind. On your first date you had told him that you didn’t like dogs because they make your anxiety bad. You thought cute that he was worried about upsetting you over something as small as this. When he opened the door a little girl wearing his MSBY jersey on.

“Daddy! You came home eary!” the little girl jumped in his arms he picks her up and swings her around. She giggles happily hugging his neck.

Daddy, huh. Out of all the things I was expecting, this was the last of them.

One of Bokutos friends, Akaashi, walked from behind the door and greeted us. He got on to the little girl for going outside with out his permission and talked to Bokuto for a little while.

“Thank you so much for babysitting Akaashi. You remember Y/n right?” He looks over to me and smiles and softly.

“Of course, it’s good to have someone else babysit Bokuto for a little while. You three have a nice night.” He says walking back to his car. We all wave goodbye as he drives away.

“Daddy who’s that?” the child ask. Bokuto turns his body to face you so she could get a better look. You smile at her sweetly and wave but she shys away in her father arms.

“Bug this is y/n. Her and daddy have been hanging out alot recently and I wanted you to meet her.” Bokuto explainssteping closer to you. “Y/n this is Akemi, my daughter…” he look at you with hopeful eyes searching for a positive response. You carefully put your hand on Akemis back rubbing it slowly.

“It’s nice to meet you Akemi.” she lifts her head up at you looking back to Bokuto and you a few times. She plays with her fingers nervously just like Bokuto does. You study her smaller hands and her other facial feature. She looked just like Bokuto, almost like a twin.

“It’s nice me meet you too Miss Y/n. Are you the reason why Uncle akaashi keeps coming over to watch me?” You and Bo laugh, he pats her hair ruffling it.

“How about we go inside and I can explain okay bug?” she nods her head andn Bo leads you into the house. When entering the living room you saw blankets strategically held up and pillows making a walk way. Akemi jumps down from her dad’s arms and runs over to the fort.

“Look daddy! Me and Uncle ‘Kasshi made a fort!” she proudly yells. Bo chuckles at his daughters random burst of confidence. He sits you on the couch and places Akemi in his lap.

“Okay i’m gonna tell you whats going on but remember…”

“...the ugly words stay in my head. I know daddy.” she finishes his sentence for him. Bokuto was surprisingly very mature with his daughter. You could already tell that he was a great father. Though you were still a little in shock that he had one because that means she has a mother as well.

“Good job. Okay so, me and Y/n have been...going on dates. This is daddys girlfriend. Okay?” he speaks slowly, like she was going to explode if he said the wrong thing.

She sat and thought for a moment both of us scared, then she finally gasped and yelled.

“EW DO YOU TWO KISS AND STUFF THATS GROSSSSS!” We both erupt into laughter to the point where we were tearing up. I take her hand and whisper to her.

“Of course we don’t boys are stinking and gross.” she giggles and crawls into my lap.

“So what do you do then?”

“We go on some dinner dates. Sometimes your daddy will surprise me and take me somewhere fun like the movies.” I explain.

“Ohh can I come next time? I wanna see the new Kitty Force 2!”

“Well Miss Akemi I don’t see a problem with it if your daddy doesn’t.” she turn to him quickly wiht a pleading face.

“Please daddy. Can I go on a date with you and Miss Y/n? I promise I’ll be super good and clean up my toys.”

“Of course baby. It’s time for you to go to bed though it’s already 9:30.” Bokuto lifts her up and kisses her cheek which she does back to him. I wave goodnight and wait patently while they get ready for bed.

About ten minutes later Bokuto comes back into the living room. He tells me that Akemi wanted me to tuck her in tonight because she had something important to tell me. I tuck her in while Bo stands in the door. Akemi pulls on my sleeve and I turn my head. She rubs her sleepy eyes and sits up again to grab something from under her pillow. She takes out a handmade braclet and hands it to me.

“What’s this for?” I ask as she slips it onto my wrist.

“It’s a present because you make daddy happy and that makes me happy.” She lays back down looking up at me. “We are gonna be best friends okay? So we can have lots of playdates.”

“Yes ma’am. Goodnight Akemi.”

You and Bokuto head back to the living room. You sit in his lap as he just gazes down. Again he isn’t speaking his mind. You lift his head up with your fingers placing a gentle kiss on his lips. “Bo, don’t be so paranoid. I love her already. This doesn’t change anything about us okay?”

He lets out a relieved sigh and relaxes against the couch. Every negative thought he’s had for the past couple of weeks about you two meet had fled his mind.

“So, tell me more about her.” you say rolling over to get your own seat on the couch. His eyes widened at the thought of rambling about his little girl.

“Well she is 5 years old. Me and her mom met in college but when she found out she was pregnant she didn’t want anything to do with her so she left her to me. I haven't heard from her since. I think I'm doing a fine job though. She’s so sweet and funny. She wants to be a volleyball player just like me so we go out and practice on my days off. She’s terrible right now but I know she’ll get there one day. Akemi is my whole world. That’s why I was so nervous about you two meeting. I love you and all but if you two didn’t get along…I just have to put her before anyone, but I really didn’t want to lose you.”

His face held a saddened expression while yours held shock. Out of the 6 months you were dating you had never heard Bokuto tell you that he loved you. You didn’t say it either just out of fear that he would say he’s not there yet.

“You love me?” Bokutos eyes grew as the realization of what he said hit him. His face burned a bright pink.

“I- Well um yes. I’m sorry if it was too soon it just kinda came out.”

“I love you too, Bokuto. And I promise that I'm gonna love that little girl as much as you do.”

He smiled wide and fell onto your chest hugging your torso tightly. You both fell asleep like that in each other's brace. Only to be woke up in the morning by the paw patrol theme song.

[psychewithwings]

Bitter Taste: Iwaizumi x f/reader Pt. 1

pt. 2 here

THIS IS SO LATE and I’m a fuck up hahahaha (kinda ironic this was 2 weeks late for Mental Health Awareness month) 

I am crediting my girl @kuso-deku for giving me Iwaizumi brain rot to begin with. I am also crediting @gixxie and @idonotagreebitch for helping me talk through my ideas... and crediting @doinmybesthere for the wonderful idea of a mental health awareness collaboration the link is here. PLS READ THE REST OF THE WORKS. Everyone deserves the love.

TW: manipulative male/female relationships, gaslighting?, subtle shit head crap that most men do (don’t worry Iwa is a peach as always tho, it’s Ushijima that’s the problem)

_ 

Iwaizumi stands and stretches in the cinema. The movie had been good, but long, he figured it was a little after midnight. “What’d ya think?” Kuroo asks as they exit the theatre. “I hated the ending…” Oikawa gripes, “I hate endings where everyone just dies.” “You are such a princess Tooru, I swear, it’s a metaphorical ending… did you not catch all the symbolism in the opening credits?” Iwaizumi sighs and turns his phone back on, trying his best to ignore their bickering. Slowly, notification after notification pops up… all from you. He blinks, surprised. You had declined his offer to join him for the film, stating you had previous plans attending a close friend’s birthday.

Iwa opens the messages from you. He sees first the selfies. You look beautiful, extravagant even. Your dress is beautiful, it compliments your figure perfectly with the corseted bodice. It’s white and so is your lace mask. Broad, feathered angel wings rest on your back. Angelic would have been a word he’d used to describe you before, but now, it was confirmed. He wants to keep staring at the photos but Kuroo and Oikawa are starting to become too curious about the contents of his phone. He scrolls and relaxes his face to look more casual. But it’s hard when your intoxicated messages are so darn cute.    

hope the movie is good!

okay so I guess there’s an open bar? Is it my birthday too?

if you wanna come by after the movie I’msure you coul

this partyyyy suckssssssss assssssssss

wish id gon wiht u xx

You are clearly drunk and he laughs to himself before Kuroo peers over his right shoulder. “Well she’s thinking about you at least,” he smirks. Oikawa peers over Iwaizumi’s left shoulder, “ooo play the voice message.” Oikawa taps the message before Iwaizumi can give him an answer.

“Hiiiii Iwaaaaaa, hope you like the moovie and you’re having a good time, cuz I’m having a preetyy good time, they gots free margaritaaass. Okay byeeeee”

The guys laugh and Oikawa presses the next one.

“Hey Iwaaa, I made up a song about you, ready?

Iwaizumi

Doesn’t know what he does- to me…

Sshfhsijknfhahaha I cant remember the rest som’n bout… som’n I dunno. Byeee”

“Okay, Ushi says that I need to say sorry for sending so many…” you pause and then whisper, “drunk messages, but I’as only tellin’ ya I ssink ‘r awesome ‘n you should totally come to this party and hang out with me… you’re awesome, okay byeee”

Oikawa and Kuroo pause and look at Iwaizumi. “Ushi?” Oikawa asks, “like Ushiwaka?” Oikawa’s eyes are narrowed and he gags dramatically in disgust. Iwaizumi nods and walks to exit the theatre. “Wait… that’s her friend who’s having the birthday party?” Iwa grimaces as Kuroo chuckles. “No wonder you’ve had a stick up your ass all night.” Iwa glares at him, “they’re just friends… apparently… I don’t know, she said they’ve known each other for a really long time…” Kuroo claps Iwaizumi on the back. “I think you should definitely go to the party.” Iwaizumi starts to object but the ring of his phone draws attention, and he answers it. “Heyyy you're outta th’moviee, heheeheheha,” you slur. Iwaizumi laughs softly and smiles, “yeah, I’m out of the movie now, are you… good?” There is so much background noise, it almost drowns out your sweet sleepy voice. “I’m soooo good… … I just-” he can hear your voice drop to a drunken whisper. “I’z just hoping to see you today,” you mumble finally.  

Iwaizumi can feel his heartbeat quicken, his head reeling. “Oh really?” He plays cool but then instantly regrets it when you give him a serious answer. “Yeah, I was really hoping you’d come to the party, even for just a little,” you murmur. Iwaizumi can’t help but chuckle. You were pretty cute like this, not normally so transparent. You were actually quite hard to read, so sweet but guarded and teasing too. You were a friend of Oikawa’s first and he had met you through him. He’d liked the way you sat cross legged on the couch smiling, chin in your hands while you asked questions and listened to his answers. Your eyes sparkle when you hear something you like, and your face lights up when you talk about things you find interesting.

“Ya don’t have to, I can just see ya another time,” you add. He’s been silent too long which causes him to speak without thinking. “No, I’d love to see you, I’ll head to you now.” Kuroo and Oikawa are silently cheering him on and Iwa turns away in embarrassment. “Really? Okay! I’ll drop my pin… as the kids are sayin’ these days hahaha.” “See you soon, drink some water okay?” “Mhm, I will, see ya soon!”

You were at a club owned by Ushijima’s family. A place called ‘Eagle’s Nest’. He’d only known you for a few weeks but he couldn’t help his infatuation. It was immediate, the night he had gone to Oikawas for game night. You spoke to him so easily not knowing him at all and laughed at his little side jabs to his long time friend. The way you looked at him… Iwa knew then that he wanted to see you smile, hear your laugh, and that he would be happy to assume the responsibility of making that happen.

He was surprised when you had declined his offer for the movie, feeling that you both had some definite chemistry, but Iwaizumi was even more surprised when you had said that you had prior plans with his old time rival Ushijima Wakatoshi. Iwaizumi hadn’t seen him since high school but they knew a few people in common, Oikawa being one of those people. Oikawa could sure hold a grudge but Iwaizumi took all of his comments with a grain of salt. Ushijima often came off entitled and cold, which would leave Iwaizumi with a bad taste in his mouth. Maybe Oikawa had the right idea holding a grudge… But grudge or not he wanted to see you, hear your voice and admire you all dolled up.

When Iwaizumi arrives at the club he is met with a large security guard. “Invitation?” he grumbles. Iwa remains calm but a small trickle of fear runs down his back. Iwaizumi gives the guard a casual smile before he starts to answer but he is interrupted. “Iwaaaaa,” you cry from the top of the stairs. The mask you’d had on is now resting on top of your head, the delicate features of your face now exposed. The floofy skirt of your dress bounces with your excitement as you run down the stairs. You crash into him, throwing your arms around his neck. You bury your face in his collar and still momentarily. Drunk and bubbly, you melt when Iwa wraps his arms around your waist in return, avoiding your costume’s wings. “Mmmm,” you hum, breath hot against his skin, “you smell good.” You pull back and stare into his wide eyes. “You look incredible,” he offers, a slight pink tint to his cheeks. You grin in return and simply take hold of his hand. “He’s with me,” you beam at the guard. Iwaizumi is doubtful this trick will work here. But he is surprised when the guard steps aside saying, “as you wish Miss L/N.” You giggle and pull Iwa towards the doors. “I’ll bring you some cake later, okay Jurou?” Jurou laughs, “just have fun darlin’.” “You’re the best,” you call behind you as you push open the doors. Iwaizumi can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy knowing that you are on a first name basis with one of the body guards at the Wakatoshi’s club. How close were you with Ushijima?    

Blue and purple lights illuminate the vast space while black tiles make up the main floor. The dance floor is sunken, in the middle of the club with a small set of stairs leading down to it. It’s made entirely of glass, beneath is a saltwater garden of different plants and coral.  

“You’ll need one of these,” you explain, swiping a simple black mask from the welcome table. You hand it over to him and pull yours down over your eyes. Iwaizumi adjusts it to where he can see. “You look so handsome,” you admire. He grins, “what about you? You’ve got wings!” You laugh and adjust your mask back on top of your forehead. “I’m a swan, and Ushi said I couldn’t be a swan without wings!” You spin for him, trying your best to flap the feathered wings. Small pieces of confetti glitter rain from the skirt of your dress. Iwaizumi takes in your face illuminated by the lights of the club. Blue and pink dancing over your cheeks as you smile up at him. “What?” you giggle nervously. Just a few weeks but he is mesmerised by your everything. He shakes his head and tries to move on. He wanted to tell you how he felt but this wasn’t the right time. It should be when you’re sober, when you can take in his words properly.

You coax him down towards the bar.  “You’re sure it’s okay to sneak in uninvited guests?” Iwa questions. “Well, I asked Ushi ‘nd he said it was okay, so yeah!” You grin but notice Iwaizumi’s reserve. “It’s really okay, I promise, let’s just get a drink,” you suggest and take his hand. “Only if you drink more water,” he smirks. You roll your eyes at Iwa, “I drank some water before you got here actually.” You look back at him as you both head down to the bar. “I’ll prolly regret that yurr seeing me like this tamorow, ya know,” you call over the blaring music. “It’s cute, you’re cute,” he assures as he leans against the bar, “I didn’t know you thought about me this much until I saw all the snapchats and voice messages and texts.” You cover your face in humiliation, “I knowww, I’m sorry but you were on my mind a lot, alot alot, and  couldn’t stop think about ya, and the booze told me to keep on messaging…” You trail off,  finding the last shred of your filter to keep you from talking.  The bartender hands you your water and you take a long drink.

“Iwaizumi,” a voice projects over the baseline. Ushijima stands tall advancing towards where you both stand. His expression is neutral though, his eyes keep darting to you and then back to Iwaizumi. Ushijima is dressed as a knight, his silver mask hangs languidly around his neck. “Ushiwaka,” Iwa acknowledges, “this is a hell of a birthday party.” You giggle and point at Ushiwaka, “he’s 28 today; getting sooo old.” In that moment, Iwaizumi watches him do something he had never seen him do before. Smile… and then laugh. Ushijima wraps an arm around your waist and pulls you closer.  “You’re just a baby,  you’re only-” You wave your hand in front of Ushiwaka’s face, shushing him. “No, no, Iwa doesn’t knowww, don’t tell him,” you plead. “She’s only 23,” Ushiwaka says. You hold your face in your hands once more and groan. Ushijima pulls your hands from your face, “just barely twenty three too.” You glare at him and look back at Iwaizumi embarrassed.  “Did she not tell you her age?” Ushijima asks Iwaizumi. Iwa shrugs, “She didn’t, but I never asked,” Iwa shrugs casually, addressing you now, “didn’t seem important since you carry yourself so well.”

You turn to Iwa, mouth open like you’re about to respond but Ushijima swipes the glass from your hands before you can finish. “Drinking water?” You look up at him. “But it’s my birthday… and this is a party…  you need something stronger…” Ushijima beacons the bartender with a single flick of his hand. The barman pours three double shots of a clear liquid from a foreign looking bottle. Ushijima takes a glass and hands it to you, before handing another to Iwaizumi. Ushijima gives him a wink as he loops his arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him. He raises his glass, the violet lights illuminating the liquid. Iwaizumi follows his lead. “To my Juliet, the belle of the ball,” Ushijima bellows. You smile slightly and shake your head. “No no, to you Ushi, it’s your birthday, not mine, we are celebrating you!” Your eyes find Iwa’s, but you leave your glass raised. Ushijima grabs hold of your hand that’s still wrapped around the glass. “Cheers,” He tips the glass towards your lips and you swallow the clear liquor as he feeds it to you. You down it all in one go and Ushiwaka smiles wide once again. “She’s good, huh?” With that, Ushiwaka clinks his glass to Iwaizumi’s, “to you brother,” he assures. Iwa is surprised with the sudden sentiment. “And to you,” he replies before downing the shot. The liquor is surprisingly smooth, expensive, and strong. Iwa can feel his head starting to get light from the small portion that was in the glass and Iwa wasn’t a light weight. “Strong huh?” Ushijima smirks. Iwaizumi nods then turns to the bartender to signal for a water.

Ushijima turns to where you stand swaying slightly with the music. “Look at her, she gets drunk so easily,” Ushijima smiles. “How are you feeling, princess?” he shouts over at you. Iwa turns away and downs his water in disgust. ‘Princess?’ Ushijima shouldn’t be calling you that if you’re both just friends. You blink and give him a smile and a thumbs up. There was a natural innocence about you, a childlike wonder and curiosity, the embodiment of sanguine. Ushijima’s air was sometimes sinister, like he was taking advantage of your natural trusting nature. Iwa watches as Ushijima’s large hands rest on either of your shoulders and he pushes you back and forth like a pendulum between his palms. You giggle and try to push him away, “Ushi stooopp.” He laughs with you and continues pushing you around, “you’re so cute and small though, see?” He places a hand on top of your head and you still. “I said to stop,” you mumble. “And I did,” he retorts before letting you go.

Iwa watches the sudden weight of gravity find you as you stumble in your heels. He catches your arm just in time. Your arms find their way around his neck once more, your face in the crook of his neck. You pull away and Iwa examines your foggy eyes. “You okay?” You nod, pushing off of Iwa’s chest. You fix your hair, “it’s fine, he just messin’” you turn to Ushijima, “and someone doesn’t know when to quit.” You’re pulled away into Ushiwaka’s arms. He sways you back and forth, your back held against his chest while he says soft apologies. He whispers something to you and you nod. Iwaizumi wanted to pull you away from him. Not because he was jealous, but because the way that Ushiwaka was behaving with you was odd.

“Y/n is a little bit tired, why don’t you join us in VIP?” Iwa smiles and gives his thanks, trying his best to hide his scowl. Iwa follows after you and Ushiwaka, upstairs and under velvet ropes hoping that he will find a good moment to pull you away. But instead you are pulled onto the couch beside Ushiwaka. He lights a cigar and offers one to Iwa, but Iwaizumi declines with a simple, “no thanks, don’t smoke.” It’s strange the way that Ushiwaka keeps whispering in your ear, giving you sips of his drinks, and blowing smoke in your face. “Ushi, stop please, the smell is making me sick,” you whine. But he just pulls you closer to him, chuckling all the while and does it again. You’re laughing and poking his face, but it’s not out of joy... Watching Ushijima interact with you the whole night has been like watching a cat toy with a mouse.

Iwa grimaces when Ushiwaka tickles you. “Stop-stop-don’t-stop,” you giggle and howl. “She said to stop!” Iwa raises his voice. Ushijima’s eyes shoot towards Iwaizumi while you squirm off the couch. Your eyes are heavy as you walk towards a dark hallway and disappear into the shadows. Iwa’s eyes flick to the entrance to the hall. Ushiwaka sits in a contented silence, sipping a drink, “she’s so dramatic,” he sighs. He continues smoking, arm rested over the back of the purple velvet sofa. Ushijima takes a sip of his drink, swirling the ice in his glass. Iwa doesn’t move to break the silence no matter how expectant Ushijima’s expression was. He stamps out his cigar in the tray before addressing him.

“She’s awfully talkative, and incredibly fond of you…” Ushijima starts, an odd smirk painting his expression. Iwaizumi raises an eyebrow in intrigue and Ushijima’s face hardens. “She won’t shut up about you since she met you… it’s annoying...” Iwaizumi, remains quiet, the silence settling over the men like a thick fog. The only sounds are muffled club music and the ice tinkling against Ushijima’s glass. “I’m going to be honest as a friend… bad idea.” Iwaizumi can feel the rage bubbling inside his gut, “I don’t think that what’s going on between us is any of your-” He’s cut off by Ushijima.

“I’m really looking out for you Iwaizumi, girls can break hearts and Y/n is kind of known for that… she’s just a sweet soul, makes friends easily, but love? That’s harder for her… doesn’t have the best taste in men I’m afraid, I want to protect her and you from a situation where I can already see the conclusion… I get that you like her, everyone does.”  Iwazumi leans forward, “does that include you?” Ushijima is stone faced, then gives a cold laugh. “You’re funnier than I remember, Iwaizumi.”

Iwaizumi rises and heads towards the hall you disappeared down. If he sat in front of him any longer he was going to say something he regretted… and you still haven’t come back. He slips into the dark hallway as you’re exiting the bathroom. Your mask has been removed and even in the dim lighting you look pale. “Hey, what’s happened?” You look up at him embarrassed, your dress almost as wilted as you are. “Got sick…” you mutter. You’re shaking slightly, arms wrapped around yourself. “Oh Y/n, are you alright?” he sighs. His arm starts to reach for you but he thinks better of it, pulling it back to rest by his side. His eyes widen as he feels the warmth of your hand in his. He didn’t figure that you would want to be touched right now. But your fingers interlace with his,  your skin soft. “Are you good to drive?” you whisper. His hand instinctively tightens around yours protectively. “I only had whatever Ushijima gave us, it was strong but I’ve had water- yeah I’m good.” “Would you mind taking me home?” you ask, as you start to walk back towards the VIP room. “Sure, course,” Iwaizumi replies gently. He feels how your thumb brushes over the back of his hand in silent gratitude. The gesture has his heart beating hard against his ribs. Iwa walks forward, his eyes on you and nothing else. Your brow is furrowed and your expression painted serious which was unusual from how he knew you to act.

“Iwa’s taking me home now,” you announce and walk towards the stairs. Ushiwaka’s face hardens, “I can take her home, you shouldn’t trouble yourself,” he addresses Iwaizumi. You smile and turn around facing Ushiwaka. “But Ushi, ‘s ur birthday, you can’t leave this party jus’ ‘a take me home,” You turn to Iwa now. “Let’s go,” you say and Iwa nods, still holding your hand.  “Where’s my hug, princess?” Ushijima calls after you. You stop in your tracks and close your eyes, taking in a deep breath. You drop Iwa’s hand slowly, hesitantly. You walk back slowly and stand before his open arms. He lifts you and you groan. You’re still hugging him tightly but not quite with the same intimacy as before.

As Ushijima places you down you turn to look back at Iwa when Ushijima catches your face with his large hand. He coaxes your face back towards him then leans down. Ushiwaka locks eyes with Iwaizumi as he whispers something in your ear. Then he presses his lips to your cheek, still not moving his eyes away from Iwaizumi’s. Iwa tries his best to remain neutral but he can feel his lip creeping upwards in contempt. Ushiwaka is too prideful for his own good it seems.

You take Iwa’s hand again, leading him towards the exit. An exasperated look rests on your face. “What did he say to you?” Iwa asks. You sigh and shake your head. “‘S nothin’,  ya shouldn’t worry your pretty lil head ‘bout it.” Iwa can’t help but allow a smile. He raises an eyebrow at you, “think my head is pretty?” he asks. He’s met with your hazy gaze, “I do,” you say simply. Iwa wasn’t prepared for such a straightforward answer to his question.

Once out of the club, the valet pull Iwaizumi’s car around. He’s careful not to let you walk too far on your own. Sick, in those ridiculous shoes and still quite drunk, he opens the car door for you before hopping into the driver's seat. “Will you put your address in?” Iwa hands you his phone and you type it in as asked. “Thanks for doing this,” you sigh. “Yeah of course,” he says as he puts the car into gear. A few streets of city light pass by in silence. Your hands are resting in your lap but your body is still trembling. “I can- umm- pull over if you need me to…” You wave the thought away with your hand, “it was the smell of the cigar more than anything…” Iwa’s gut begins to boil again. Your voice is soft, almost defeated. He speaks before thinking better of it. “Does he always treat you like that?” You look at Iwa and make eye contact briefly before his attention is back on the road. “He was being a little extra weird today, maybe because y’all used to play volleyball together or… I dunno really, he just gets like that sometimes…” You trail off, allowing your thoughts to fade into the rearview. The silence is deafening and you feel the need to break it. “He’s really nice too though, don’t get me wrong, he cooks for me and calls to check in, he even gets me little gifts, so I know he cares.” Iwa shakes his head, “if he cared he would have stopped when you asked him to.” You take a breath, “I know but he was just having a night I guess…” Iwa pulls into your driveway as the GPS notifies him that he has ‘arrived at the destination’. He puts the car in park, “you don’t have to make excuses for him… it’s okay to be angry, if that’s how you feel.” You start to open the door, your fingers on the handle. “I’m not angry though, I’m just kinda hurt.” You open the door and start to get out, “okay, maybe a little angry too.” You laugh to yourself but not out of joy. It’s an ironic laugh and Iwa can hear the pain ringing inside of it. “Let me walk you inside.”  

[scvrllet]

can i request a sirius black x fem!reader with 10 from the fluff section?

10 - “Stop moving and let me braid your hair.” from this prompt list

Flower Crowns

-

On the rare times where Sirius wasn’t serving detention, he would plan small dates for the two of you on the weekends. This week, he had managed to get the House Elves to give him some food for a picnic. It was a still a surprise to the both of you that they had actually given any, let alone an entire basket with everything you’d need for lunch complete with drinks, desserts,and the main entree itself. 

It was a relaxing afternoon spent by the Lake. The other Marauders had decided to give the two of you some needed alone time and instead headed to Hogsmeade for a butterbeer.. 

“Seeing as we have the rest of the afternoon alone, what do you reckon we do?” Sirius asked as he took the cup of sweet tea from your hand and rested his head on your lap. You pouted and looked down to see him grinning at you. 

“Well you could give me sweet tea back.” 

Sirius chuckled and handed you the drink, mumbling something about how childish you could be at times which earned him a slap on the shoulder. 

Your fingers raked through his long hair as you hummed an old song you grew up listening to. That combined with the warm spring air and the sound of the Lake just a few steps away was enough to nearly put him to sleep. He was in such a state that he hadn’t noticed the slight tugging at his head until nearly five minutes later. 

“Stop moving and let me braid your hair.” You told him, smiling to yourself when he listened and relaxed again on your lap. 

When you were finished braiding his hair you felt as though it wasn’t enough. It seemed to be missing something but you couldn’t seem to know what. Looking to the side you noticed a small patch of daisies and an idea came to your mind as you grabbed your wand. 

Moving your wand, you made a bouquet of white daisies appear beisde you. 

“Orchideous?” Sirius asked upon seeing the bouquet. He often used that spell to conjure a bouquet of red orchids whenever he could. Your nightstand usually had at least one bouquet on it everyday because of this.

You simply hummed in response and started to make a flower crown out of the flowers. Sirius, whose head still lay on your lap, had summoned a book to read while waiting for you. It was quiet and peaceful, just how you liked it especially when you were dating a Marauder. 

Their lively and reckless energy was something you admired but breaks like this was often needed to regain that energy they never seem to run out of. You were more than happy to hear that Sirius was more than willing to give you that time and even happier to spend it wiht you. 

When you were finally done, you duplicated the crown and placed one on your head. Sirius was now deeply so engrossed in his book that he didn’t know you had finished until you placed the white flower crown on his head. 

Placing the book down, he sat up and faced you. A smile grew on his lips when he noticed you wore a matching crown as his. He leaned in to kiss you before pulling away only to pull you into his arms so that you were leaning on him. 

“Thank you princess, I love it.” He said as he placed a kiss on your cheek causing you to smile. 

“I love you more.” 

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[aphrorite]

-ˏˋ sweetheart diaries ˊˎ- #2 🕊🌱 🐥 !!

૮₍ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ₎ა ♡ ༘

⋆ ✧₊ﾟmay 13th 2022 🦋 🫧🎐 ⊹ɞ

posting yesterdays diary log bc i was too tire to do it SLKFJLSDKSJS hehe. so yetsterday wasnt too bad again ! i wasntn sure on what to wear so i wroe a black pinstrip e skorts, a white puffy ruched tank, and a black t shirt button up tht had pretty rhinestones on it fo r buttons tht matched w my af1s and pearl necklace <3 🪄✨💖

︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶︶

i woke up at 730 this time ))): but stil made it in time to straightn my hair (cos i shower on may 12 n hair got rlly wavy ) which was crazy !!!!! im proud of not being late late ⏰😁

at school i had a math test for mu trig, n it wasnt too dificult acc, i k i need to finish the homeworks still and do some word problem s as the last page is what i strugg with the most cos is the most difficult, so ye! OH AND IGOT MY TEST MARK BACK FOR 2 OF THEM AND IM SO HAPPY BC I GOT AN 88 ON ONE AND THEN AN 86 ON THE OTHER !! i still a a+ student. n then in art we were doing mosiacs n i almost done my butterfly one, i jus need to grout it ! i think blue, white or black, or maybe dark blue grout wouldlook good 😮😵‍💫😵

break came n i scroll on aliexpress n played a little bit of projec sekai, have to get my daily in ! 😈 my main card is mizuki’s pink bow one, n then my title cards r “luka fan” “i love them all!” and “hbd airi” cos theyre all pink and aesthetic. and im thinking of all this new stuffs i wanna get on aliexpress, ever since i starte d regressing frilly stuff and pink sweaters is like,, really interests me which is crazy cos usually, even though i do love pink , i dont think id ever wear wear it or have super frilly stuffs, but i hav this idea in my head and idk if itll work or look how i want it to ,, though its opened my eyes to appreciate croquette aesthetic and cutsey ones more , i nev er thought id be into croquette though ive been into brandy melville ditzy stuff and soft girl vibes, and i think agere (age dreaming / half agere) allows me to feel mor girly and comfy in it even though u dont have to be a specific aesthetic to be agere. 💗

in regards to age regressing, i feel really guilty and shamefula bout it, because its almost involuntary righ tnow ); but talkign tomsyefl in a child voice in my head is soo much ebtter than hearing intrusive thoughts or mean voices. i just hoope it can balance it bc my ocd kicks in and says that the reason why i love pink and all these cute stuffs is because im an age regressor when really, i loved cute stuff before age regressing and so now that im sort of age dreaming that cute stuff i really really like! it had nothing to do with each other ther is no correlation. i like cute stuff because I WANT TO !!! not bc its trnedy or becuse im age regressing . i do like cute stuff. silly mind likes to play tricks )): (₸~₸)

work was soooo slow for a friday ))); i mostly did greets and extreme detailing but it was super boring and i was starinrg down at the clock. i do love internships dont get me wrong bec its a big opportunity though these days work is so dry and theres not a lot of sparks to it anymore, though i do feel like woring here hs help s lots wiht my confidence and public speaking! beforehand i was very shy to go and greet customers but now it is slowly becomign muscle memory so i am proud of myself cos of that

my mom picked me up n she was super hungy so she went to get some bourbon chickn from food court, we ate in the car in the shade and jus talked, n then went to home depo for a water tnak gear n some other thingies, i laid in the back seat while waitn for her cos me feet tire fromw orking, n then we went home ! i spent time w m sister for a littl bit n then played sims 4 hehe n tthen went upstairs to hug teddy n b on my phone for a little, ate some popcorn yumyum popcorn my favourite, n then mom n sister went out for food so i spent some time w my cat roscoe while waiting, n pet his soft orange white fur while he licked his blanket. mom n sister came back with CHICKEN NUGGET!!! i so happy abt that cos i havent had maccas in a long while so i enjoy my chicken nugget while looking at aliexpress smore, ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

i was trying to focus on relaxing cos whenever id os oemthing i always feel very guilty. shame i livewith everyday , and it was a battle of tellignmyself tht i deserve to relax, and live i nthe moment, so i did! i worked on my bllogg, played arsenal fps game with my close friend, went on dizzy n smashed my anxiety of setting my acc to online and spent some more time w him wathc ing him play sonic, ready or not, stanley deluxe, and listening to undertale music he pciked out. speaking of undertale, i lstening to respite rn from deltarune . i dont relly like playing underale or deltarune and i never hav, btu ive seen him play it and i liked the music ^u^ i also did some creating and tried to make some roblox softline clothes, it difficult tho bc it was un-hardlining my other creation, so i ended up quiting it )): ill pick it up tmrrr probably after i take care meself. 🎆

i was srolling on shein while watching stanley deluxe , n then he went to bed so i did too, i was on my phone a lil more beside teddy n then around 12:35 i decided to sleep instead of fighting it. 😊😴💤

night night diary, luv u lots. bear says hello  👋🧸

╭┈─────── urs truly, ࿐ ˊˎ-

╰┈➤ sweetheart xx

[springki]

Isu 9

The final issue for this short arc, spoiler ahead uwu

Throughout the night, Yaya, Gopal and Hali tried to get out from being buried but failed. Its almost sunrise, Yaya used her last bit of power to crack open the land, and finally they're out :D The trio contacted Ying. She was very happy to see that they are okay. Hali asked Ying to send their location, so that they can head there quickly.

Meanwhile, our other trio; Ying, Duri and Solar tried their best to open the pyramid's gate all night. Duri, being the simpleton he is, tried to open the gate by using pantun, while solar beng the big brain, used mathematic calculation to do so. Both method resulted in nothing and these two kept on arguing until Ying scolded them. Just then, the tree roots surrounding the gate started to move as the sun rise, lifting the gate along. Ying told solar to use his power to speed up the process. She also asked Duri to help but he cheers instead before being scolded again by Ying XD Then, these two worked together to lift the gate open.

After the gate was open, there was another door inside with lock of cube shape in the middle of the door. Suddenly, the trio was surprised by missiles shot from probe. Adudu came crashing in wiht probe. Probe who saw the key lock, grab adudu and push his head into it lol and the door actually open! The trio was shocked to see so. Probe shot a few missiles before running away, preventing the trio from getting in. They quickly evaded and slid into the pyramid. Just then, Yaya,Hali and Gopal came.Gopal turned the door into chocolate and Yaya punched it into bits to open it. (This group did it so easy lol)The two groups were reunited.

They walked into the pyramid and saw wall drawings about the history of the planet. According to it, the planet used to be a barren land and the living beings could not feed off the plants they planted as the all the plants died. It was pasubot's power that made the planet rich in greens and become the current thick forest. Pasubot was brought by an alien from another planet. The face of the alien was scratched, so the gang did not know which alien it is. (Can you guess who it is hehe)

Then, they heard Adudu's laugh and head to the direction of it. Both Adudu and probe had already found pasubot, inside a sphere vessel. When our gang found Adudu, he unleashed a gate stopping the gang from reaching him. Bbb asked him about how he can enter the place so easily. Adudu finally revealed that the pyramid was actually made specially for his race because his ancestor was the one who brought pasubot to the planet and saved the planet! This is the reason why the indigenous people made adudu their leader before :o

Adudu hold the pasubot in his hand and input the 'oakuat' seed into it. (In case you wandering, the power sphera is like a vase, so adudu put the seed into the soil on its head). He was so delighted :D Suddenly, thick plant veins rushed out of pasubot! Actually, the seed adudu took from bbb is not oakuat but instead, it is one of the seeds they found when they first land on the planet. From the seed, the largest plant moster (or Gopal called it as Alpha Jumbosaur) emerge!

Adudu and probe were quickly captured by the jumbosaur :o Then, it tried to eat our gang next. So, there was intense fight going on. However, no matter how much they injured aka cut the plant attacks thrown at them, it will regenerate. Pasubot then said that jumbosaur can do so because it was attached to pasubot. Bbb then went to get pasubot, he succeedly did so and throw pasubot to gopal. Then, yaya,ying and gopal ran away as the monsters are chasing them. On the other hand, bbb was trapped by the plants on its body. Adudu and probe also met the same end.

The three reached the top of the pyramid, and luckily, Papazola had also reach them with his spaceship. Just then, the jumbosaur break through the pyramid and use his plants attack to trap the spaceship. In the dire situation, bbb got an idea and split into two: Solar and Duri. (you guys can already guess the direction of this development :D) So this is the most hype part in the comic part where bbb solar and duri fuse to become --- BOBOIBOY SORI :DDD... honestly, his name sounds like a meme sorry :P

Sori obliterated fought the jumbosaur so easily despite being a plant element himself XD btw i would like to point out that even sori makes puns of his name lol my boi had more duri's personality than solar... The gang returns and Adudu also run away. Happy ending :D The last page foreshadow the next arc, in which it showed 'someone' get out from her cocoon.

I dont know how to write on sori fighting scenes to make you guys hype, so i give you guys pics of our sunshine here :'D

imo: I actually did not expect the plot twist on adudu race ?? Im interested to know about the kubulus rlly. Like why they become bad, they even so proud of it lol btw i was actually spoiled on sori appearance by the yt :(( so sad im not that hype when he appeared.. nevertheless i still like him i just dont like his name :D Overall, this ep feels more like a stage for sori appearance and the conclusion on oakuat case. Next arc is a totally different story ;))

[hellomynudebrain]

Minty Friday (Vxreader)

Hello nurses! This fic it's a colab with @lytholia check her art, and from a special event with @mysme-rbb

Enjoy it!!!

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

Another friday afternoon in the spring

The trees has colorful flowers, the weather is getting warmer and the city is crazy as ever; the only place to relax from that riot is the park. And there's you, who is running behind your 99 pounds bobtail dog, because why not, you decided to bought him a new collar which was more fragil than the last one and broke on the middle of the park. So yes, you're running behind him with the most unconfortable pair of shoes and almost out of breath.

"Rosco, stop!" You screamed for all over the park while the people dodge you and Rosco.

Rosco was running as a horse and making to the other dogs bark, making the children scream and some old people cursing you because you can keep him calm.

The race is getting tired, you can't keep with the pace of Rosco and the shoes are killing you. Suddenly, Rosco stop on a bench and jump on the person who is sitting on the bench.

You're so embarrased from the way Rosco is behaving what make you run faster and apologize to the person.

Once near the unknown person, you see Rosco licking the strager's face. You rush to him and taking Rosco off from him and face him.

"I'm really sorry. My dog is not agressive but I hope he didn't hurt you" Blushing for the bad moment you had, you avert your eyes from him a second, however you can see him briefly. A handsome man with fine features, pale skin, mint hair and mint eyes which where cover with a pair of sunglasses, make you fall in love of him at first sight.

" He didn't cause any problem. In fact, he made my day really interesting. I've never seen a dog so cheerful as him" He giggles and caress Rosco.

"Thank you for been comprehensive. I always try to be careful with him but...today...today wasn't the day...Is there a way to repay you for this?"

"Don't mind it. He made my day..." He sigh and get up from the bench. "Anyway, take care of him, it was nice to meet you" He turned his back to you and kneeled in front of a black bag.

You are disappointed, because you wanted to talk with a bit more, nevertheless you take Rosco and turn your back as well. However just a few steps, you hear something fall on the grass. You turn your back and see the mint hair man trying to pick up a camara aquipment from the grass, he looks frustrated and sad, you couldn’t take it and go back to where he is and kneel before him.

"Are you sure you don't need something as repayment for what Rosco did?" You ask while you help him to pick all the camara stuff.

"... No... Well.. .If you can help me with this.. I'll be really greatful..."

"Yes, I'll help you. Just let me tie Rosco. I don't want to more repays to do"

He smile at you and you feel how the love arrow stab in your heart.

You tie Rosco as you can to the bench with the broken collar and help the beautiful stranger to arm his camara equipment with a warm and pleasant silence, like him and you were a couple.

Once you finish, the time to leave comes. You don't want to go, but you don't want bother him, besides he looks like a professional, maybe your talk wouldn't help him to concentrate. You walk through the bench and untie Rosco who was sleeping until you get near. You are hesitating and making more difficult to undo the knot only to gain more time, time to spend just a more with him. Your clumsy way to keep you there was a success, because the mint hair man calls you back.

"... Umh.. If I don't bother you... May you stay a bit more to help me? Just in case I mess up again, of course."

Your eyes fill with sparks and cheerful smile where evidente on your face.

"Yes, of course!"

You sit on the bench and look him work, focusing his camara on the beautiful view of the park.

The silence is present, but again not in an awkard way, but in a confortable one.

The mesmerazing view of him, keep you quite and Rosco calm, however, he decide to talk.

"I apologize for asking you to help me..."

"No, I have to be the one asking for an apology"

"... Hahaha... This is an apology festival."

You giggle, but a doubt comes to your mind and without thinking you talk in a loud voice.

"But if you're a professional, why do want my help?"

"... I'm a photographer... But lately my sight is not how it was... And the last time I came here. I saw this beautiful view and some how I got the need to take a photo of it...before my eyesight can't let me continue"

"Oh god! Is there's a way to help you to revcover it?"

"... Yes, a friend offered me to get a surgery... However, this is a punishment sent by God since I couldn’t keep my promise with an special person..." He turned her back to you and for a moment.

Your heart broke a little when you heard what he said, and it broke a little more when his sunglasses go down and let you see his eyes, a lonsome minty eyes, full of regret, nostalgia and with no hope in life .

How such adorable creature has to suffer like this? Those were your thoughts.

"... I don't know what happened but you should forgive yourself for whatever you did...You have the right to redeem yourself as any other human being!"

He turn his back and face you with a bitter sweet smile, a smile between disconfort and happiness.

"I wonder if I deserve such a thing as reedem. A sinner like me doesn't deserve it, not after I became a beautiful being into a different one"

"But you do!" You screamed and continue after an awkard silence. "You do deserve it! I think it's the better way to pay for your sins If you did something terrible, try to mend things and do good deeds until the day you die. On the contrary, suffering all alone and pity yourself and that person won't change anything!"

He look at you with a surprise look, what makes you regret immediately all you said.

" I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to offend you... But... "

He begins to laugh.

" Hahahahahaha... I never thougth that I get to know someone as direct as my best friend... Don't mind it, this is a point of view I've never thougth before, thank you... I'll think about it..."

The rest of the afternoon was calm and you spent a talking with him more, but about stuff not relate with the first conversation.

After a while, you and him say good bye to each other, however, the fairy tale ended, because the silly you, never asked his phone or at least his name.

The next few days, you spent your afternoons to look for him in the park a pathetic intend to meet again with him.

Saturday, you waited on the same bench with the hope he'd come to the same place or find him walking on the road, but your waiting was in vain.

Sunday, you have a family meal and between the talk and the no ending questions of your family, you came too late at the park.

Monday, the weather was against you that day, since it was raining in the city, but that didn't matter to you. You took a cape coat and boots, you cover Rosco, put him a cape coat too, and went out directly to the park, running on the muddy floor, your flustered heart and a Rosco getting fun with the puddles, were hanging to the hope of finally find him, even in the heavy rain, but he wasn't there.

Tuesday, rushing out from your work. Running out of the bulding bumping with each person that walked near you, sweating and running to arrive to your aparment. You take off your heels, fixed your messy hair and make up because of the race you made and grabbing the dog leash and bring Rosco with you. You were sure to arrive at time and find him on the same place and the same hour, but you could only found a cute elders douple fedding some pigeons on the bench. Sad, you took Rosco and walked out of the park.

Wednesday. Your jerky boss, gave you so much work, so much of it, however that doesn't matter to you and with some help of some cups of cofee (six because you need the caffeine), the speed with you finished the work was you personal record, however you finished on time. You did the same you did on sunday, but with the help of the coffee you could swear you arrived faster, just in time to maybe meet him, but God was messing with you. An elder man who was walking in front of you, collapse and had a heart attack. You assited him and some people too. When the paramedics came, it was late, but you hope wasn't broken (you never learn, don't you?) . Runnin again to the same bench, you could only see an empty space.

Thursday. You are tired from work and from the hectic week you had. You feel so frustrated, at this point, look for him was a madness and the logic told you it was, but your lingering feelings fot the boy with sad eyes, the urge to see him, hug him and tell him that everything was fine was stronger, just the enough amount to make you run and look for him. But not today, because you logic won, and you're felling sad while hugging Rosco sitting on the floor of your livingroom. Just today, you logic won and your heart is broken.

Friday. You get up was usual, go to work, get mad on your jerky boss and finish your day as always. You feel discouraged, your hands feel heavy to open the door of you aparment, but somehow you do it. Open the door, throw away your shoes and bag on the entrance, walk in a zombie way, to finally throw youself on the bed. You closed your eyes and hold the tears, but Rosco is not reading the mood, and with a happy tail move and wiht his dog leash on her mouth, he scratchs your hand and lick you face. You only look at him.

"I'm only a chaperon and a food giver to you,Rosco? " He wags his tail and look to you as an answer (Yes, you are human. Now, let's go to the park)

With a really bad mood, you enter in the park. The world didn't change, but you feel like it did. The way you walk is reluctant, only to satisfy Rosco.

You are getting near the same bench you found him, but the hope of finding him is dead. A tear is about to get out from your eye, but Rosco again, won't let you get down, because a squirrel show off on the road, and Rosco loves to chase them.

Yes, you fly when Rosco begins to chase the squirrel, you are running againt your will tryin to stop Rosco but he's stronger. The squirrel run faster as Rosco do. You close your eyes, and from nowhere something stops Rosco from the race.

Your eyes begin to open slowly, only seeing a minty stain in front of you.

"I think we should stop to meet in these circunstances" The man you were lookin all the week is here, in front of you giggle anda playing with Rosco.

Your feelings are all over the overwhelming, the right amount to make you inner voice come out.

"I thought we won't never meet again..." Your mounth spoke while a the tear you were holding finally comes.

The mint hair guy panic and with a really concerned look gets near you.

"Are you ok? Did you get hurt? Where did you feel pain?" His gloomy side disappeard for a second which made you laugh. No matter if the feelings you have creep him, you want to be honest.

"No, I'm fine...I was just... happy to see you again after...I spent most of the week trying to find you, but my tries were in vain, I felt frustrated and sad...but now that you are here...I feel happy, because I like you..."

The silence after you confession is long and you don't dare to look him in the eyes, bu when you do it. You are shocked. The minty man was red as tomato and is covering his face with embarrassment .

He sigh and look you at your eyes.

"...You weren't the only one...After you left I felt funny and the feeling was a bother, because about you said and what made me feel....so....ehem...I decided to look for you and discover why I feel like that...but all the week I have bad luck."

You eyes get bigger with every word he said.

"Saturday, my friend invited me to drink some wine, but he drank more than I thought and when I arrived to the park, you weren't here. On sunday, my camara broke when I was trying to take a photo and I went to the tecnician but he delayed and when finally I could go out, it was really late and park was closed. On monday, I came before the rain got me soaked and got me sick for the last three days. I tried to go out but everytimea bodyguard of my friend got me in bed again."

You laugh again, because it was stupid how many times you wanted to meet but you couldn't. Suddenly, the sadness go away. Suddenly, both of you begin to feel bold and get near to each other. He put his hand on your cheek and caress it while clening your tears from hapiness and sadness.

You feel his breath getting close to you, you body react by itsefl and close the eyes. A little peck on your lips is where you want to focus. Your arms as if they have a mind on their own cross on his neck making the kiss a little bit passionate, and his body is not against it, because his hand pull you face closer to his. The time stops.

Both of you look at each other and with a enchanted gaze and blushed cheeks you manage to open your mouth.

"...What was you name?"

"....hahahaha...Jihyun"

And he kiss you again.

[indigo474]

- Jan 8th - Happy Monday-

I woke up thinking about a tow truck driver i met years ago. Kristian.. with a K. He asked to take me out and all was good but i never texted him.. if i remember correctly he said he was use to girls blowing up his phone and he wanted me to text him and i told him that wasn't going to happen. he has crazy x drama and i shared some things wiht him- its amazing what you can learn from someone on a short car ride.- he was in recovery. Weird how he came to my mind today. He told me his dream was to move- i forget where to- i wonder if he ever did the things he wanted to. ..

I'm not going to blow up someones phone in a bid to have them choose me. probably reason # 500 why i am not partnered up. I haven't been feeling very motivated to run lately and when i do run it feels really hard- harder than usual. I forced myself to run this morning and of course as soon as i come inside i want to go back out and run more and i have plans in my head to run run run.. the hard part is getting myself to do it. i've been here before. if i keep at it this will pass.. if i quit- i'll feel horrible about myself. Day 8- i need that release. the feeling comes and goes.

I listened to a really good pod cast- I heard it a few times because of auto play when i sleep- it was about relationships and how as a society it's normal to bad mouth your partner. nagging wife- dimwit husband- i hear it all the time- i use to do it- i hated my x and would tell anyone who would listen. it was about how wrong it is to do that and how the best relationships are between 2 people that don't bad mouth each other and dont let other people bad mouth their partner and it makes total sense. something so simple- if you have something to say.. say it to your partner.

[sea-side-scribbles]

Fanfiction: Sympathy For A Downer

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22737214/chapters/82993969

Chapter 77

Arthur and Nick spent the rest of the day with each other. Arthur made an effort to comfort his lover and Nick gladly accepted his efforts. They made good for the meal they had missed and thanks to Arthur's supplies it didn't consist of porridge alone. The next day, Nick was simply happy about waking up with Arthur. He wasn't in a rush and very sorry when his lover eventually went out of bed. “I see you need your coffee”, Arthur teased the former rockstar who didn't move a muscle. Nick stretched out a hand. “Actually, I need more Arthur”, he admitted, even though he found it sounded desperate. His lover came back and sat down on the bed, leaning over to kiss him. “My poor darling...You've been alone for such a long time...” “I thought I lost you down there...” “Please, stop torturing yourself with it...” “I dreamed of it...” Arthur hugged him. Nick couldn't imagine a better place than the crook of Arthur's neck.

“I wish we had more time...but there's still so much to do...” “We'll have time soon, Nick...”. Arthur feared that they would have more than enough of it, being trapped on this island. This perspective made his intentions for today look like he was hopelessly dwelling on the past. “I don't want to leave you alone again, but I also need to know if any of my friends forgive me...”, Nick cut off his train of thoughts. “Just go then. I have to get something done today too...I may be gone for longer, but I'm back no later than in the evening.” Nick sat up. “What are you going to do?” Arthur took a deep breath. “I have to go to the Executive Committee...Only they can tell me where my brother is. If any of the workers there is still alive...I hope they still have the documents...” He ran a hand through his hair. “At a pinch, I'll search every drawer and shelf I can find.” “Good luck, Arthur. I hope you find something”, Nick said softly. “Thank you.” “I'll come and help you when I'm done.” “You don't have to...Just take your time with your friends...Stay longer if you must...” “Okay...” Nick mused. “Do we still have time for a coffee?” Arthur agreed. Strengthened like this, they hugged each other goodbye. “Take care, my hero”, Nick whispered. “You too, Nicky...Remember that I believe in you...that you are worth loving...” “Oh, Arthur...” “You won my heart, Nick. Don't forget that.” “Perhaps it was the other way around.” They laughed at that.

Later, Nick reached the house of his former band. Matt answered the door and for a while he looked like he had expected someone else. “Oh, it's you...”, he said hesitantly. “Come in...” Nick went in, once again wondering if it had been a good idea to come here. "Did something happen?", he asked because of Matt's expression. "Chris left again...", the other man said gloomily. "Did you fight?" "Brad and him keep quarreling." Matt shrugged, but he didn't look incurious at all. "It's because of me, right?" Nick leaned against a wall and sighed deeply. "You know, you have every right to kick me out..." Matt shrugged again, more helplessly. "I don't know...I fear I'm losing my head, Nick..." He started to walk around the room. "I don't know what I'm supposed to think of all this...Since I'm off my Joy, more and more memories are coming in and...it's all crazy!...It's been ten years of our lifes! Ten years that some...crackpot stole from us! And why? We don't even know who started all this! It just popped up and now it's gone! We're left with nothing but ruins and we're about to starve! And freeze! What if we never get out of here? What if we run out of supplies? People still help each other for now, but if shit hits the fan, they'll freak out again! It's gonna be winter soon!" He shook his head. "Why did we have to stop taking Joy? What did we win?" He gave Nick a sad look.

"A chance", Nick offered. "We won't starve so easily, we still have a lot of supplies. Victoria Byng took care of that, I know that from Arthur. And perhaps we don't have to leave. We could grow plants in the Garden District again. There's still hope. With Joy, we would've starved for sure." "But we would've been happy...." "It was a lie!" "But it was our life! I wouldn't know how everything changed, I wouldn't remember who died...Virgil would've never really left us...and Morrie..." He breathed in deeply. "Do you know what's worse? That he never knew the truth...He died with this lie." Nick eyed the floor. "Right...shit..." "And was he worse off than us? He could live the life he was used to until the end. He was always a Make Believe and had nothing to worry about than his music...But us...We're lucky if we'll ever be a real band again!" "Why shouldn't you?" "Nick...who's gonna spend money on us? We have to become goddamn farmers to survive here!" "Hey, you will be heard, don't worry. I felt it too when I played my guitar. People miss their old life and they want to hear the music. There'll be gigs in the future, only without Joy."

Matt finally took a rest on the couch and looked up to Nick with a tired expression. "Could you do that, Nick? Could you continue playing our songs without Morrie?" Nick fell silent for a moment. "I couldn't stop...I you still wanted this, I wouldn't hesitate to keep this up." Matt pondered. "Did Morrie ever have a chance?" "Yeah..." Nick sighed. "If I never met him, if we had never been together, then yes...I didn't do him good." Nick blinked. "But believe me, I was loyal before I took Joy. It wasn't easy, and sometimes Morrie had to bring me back to my senses..." Nick had to smile at the memory. "...but I made him happy...I think..." "You did", Matt said firmly. "Morrie swooned over the old days and always wished you would come back like this...The poor thing! He never understood what happened and I can't explain it to him anymore..." Nick sat down next to him. "I'm sure you've been a good friend to him...Gosh, I never thanked you for this...er, thank you." "I wasn't a much better friend than you...That evening you fought with him because of Arthur, I should've comforted him, stopped him from following your or coming along, but I was too busy comforting myself wiht Joy and scotch..." He gulped heavily. "We've been awful people, haven't we?"

"Unlike me you've all been saints", Nick said. "You couldn't know that there was a mass murderer on the loose who killed my friends and loved ones out of jealousy." "No...but I should've helped him..." "I'm sure Morrie wouldn't reproach you with this if he knew what was going on. He also took a high risk going outside at night. He wasn't allowed to. He could've ended up in a Jubilator...I shouldn't think of that..." "Oh, dear, thanks for the image...", Matt moaned. "Sorry...See, it wasn't all sunshine and daisies in our old life." Because Matt continued to silence, Nick dared to pat his back. "Hey...I'm sorry...I should keep my bloody mouth shut." "I don't know...Sometimes I think we had some bad luck, and sometimes I could give you a thrashing...Why did you have to betray him? Why did he have to die for this?" "He would've been a target for James, either as my enemy or my lover...Arthur didn't chance that", Nick whispered. Matt closed his eyes shut. For a while, they sat together in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

"I understand why we took Joy...", Matt said some time later. "Not being able to forget, having to live with all this...it's...it's" He clenched his fists and tensed up. Nick was searching for words when Matt finally relaxed again. "Brad is right, it would be easy to blame it on you. In the end, you've been just a poor sucker like us." "You don't have to take me back, though...not ouf of nostalgia or anything..." "But you would like to...?" Matt eyed him from the side. "Sure...What a question is that?" The bass player stretched himself. "Well...you have to persuade Chris." "He'll come back, right?" "I think I know where he is." Nick hesitated. "Is it a good idea to be alone with him?" “Well, it's your only chance. In here, he feels cornered. Alone, you're at his mercy but he'll most likely listen to you.” Nick sighed. “Okay...I'll try...By the way, how's Brad?” “He needs some time for his own, too. I'll take care of him as good as I can.” “Just tell him I said hello.” “Alright...Now listen...”

After that, Nick made his way through the district up to the bridge to St. Georges Holm. He didn't cross it, though, but climbed over the railing and continued his walk on the grass. From there, he could walk past the town through the landscape where he approached the cliffs. They were a perfect spot to seek solitude. Nick understood, that the view was soothing. He had learned that from Arthur. While Nick's gaze wandered along the rugged scenery, the wind blew harder than in town and brought salty, wet air. When he noticed a figure in the distance that looked like his missing friend, he was unsure if he should disturb him like that. Chris sat on a rock and stared at the horizon. Nick could only guess what he thought. But if he didn't try it now, he wouldn't need to ever come back, so he carefully approached him. Then he stopped again, because he noticed that Chris didn't hear him. The grass dampened his footsteps, so he shuffled along a rock with his heel. Alerted, Chris looked around. Nick didn't move and let the other man stare at him. Chris then left his rock.

“You're getting everywhere, isn't that so, Norbert? I'm nowhere safe from you...and it never crosses your mind that you might be unwanted...” The guitarist's voice was full of bitterness. Nick's face fell. “I'm not that stupid.” “Then why are you here?”, Chris snapped. Something occurred to him. “Brad sent you, right? Not even he can leave me alone! What did I do to deserve this?” “Brad has nothing to do with this!” “Who else? Matt? Sure, you talked him round already...Incredible...You kill his friend and he forgives you just like that...” “You know that this isn't what happened!”, Nick shouted against the wind. Chris shook his head, smiling unhappily. “It's always easy for you Norbert. Again, nothing is your fault...and the others fell for you...Now it's three against one...” “That's not how it is!” Nick came closer. “Don't think they're on my side now! They might forgive me, but that doesn't mean they would miss me! You are a part of the band, not me! I can only ask you to let me leave on good terms!” Chris fell quiet for a while, watching the waves.

“You know, I had the choice back then...”, he said almost calmly. Nick came closer to hear him. “It was my idea to form a band. Mine!”, he added with emphasis. “I could have made you dance to my pipe as a band leader, but I thought: 'No let's be friendly, a band isn't a military troop.' He laughed unhappily. “I guess it's still war.” “It was the right decision. We all thought highly of you, more than you noticed.” “And more than a certain someone noticed...” Nick had no idea what he was getting at. “It should've made me suspicious that Virgil spoke to you first and not me...” Nick sensed that there was some truth in that. Still, he said: “It could've been a coincidence.” “Huh! Sure...After watching us all, he coincidentally decided to approach you of all people...He knew exactly what he was doing.” “Even if so, it was his decision, not mine!” Chris made another pause that Nick spent racking his brain, trying to find a way to make him understand that he didn't scheme against him, but how would he prove that?

“I underestimated you, Norbert”, Chris spoke again. “Do you remember when you needed me to buy you a beer because you looked like a bloody twelve-year-old? I never thought anyone would pay much attention to you.” That actually hurt. “Do you want me to apologize because you took me for a baby?” “Well, I didn't take you for a traitor...” Chris kicked a stone off the cliff. “But now you do.” “What am I supposed to think of you? Tell me.” He looked down at Nick who struggled for words in frustration. “I didn't know any of Virgil's plans! I never viewed myself as the only star! And I never thought Virgil could be fixated on me! Sure, sometimes I wondered why he was so harsh especially to me, why he wanted me to be perfect. He didn't seem to do that to any of you. But on the other hand, I was the most problematic. I needed Joy, not you. I guessed he only wanted everything to work well.” Chris looked back at the ocean, seemingly disappointed. “So, you've been simply dumb?” “Not dumber than you, or else you would've found a way to get Virgil's attention.” “But when you kicked us out of the band, didn't you notice it then?”, Chris snapped. “It was never meant to be this way!”, Nick shouted desperately. “I've already told you it was meant to be a workaround until we reunited! Later I just forgot...I went from gig to gig and happening to happening, until I couldn't even to that anymore.”

“And you had a lot of fun doing it.” “Believe me, I would swap it all for a moderate life with you and the guys. You could've played the star if you fancied yourself as one.” “What's that supposed to mean?” “Just what you said! It's not nice hearing that you didn't trust me with anything! That you thought I'm a pip-squeak you can push around!” “I didn't say that!” “But that's what you thought, be honest! That must be it, otherwise I didn't have to take revenge on you! Right? That's what you're trying to turn this into! A revenge plot! I must admit it would've been a much better story because it would make sense.” Nick sniffed. “Now, don't cry, little one.” Chris looked at him. “Why not? What's in it for me if I don't? It's only appropriate for shattering my dreams. You're right, I am dumb. I thought we were friends.” “But we were friends!” “Then you have a weird conception of friendship! If you pushed me around as a band leader, it would've been at least honest!” Chris sighed. “Norbert, now you're exaggerating. I just phrased it a little unflattering...” “And what does the flattering version sound like?” “I just never thought you'd betray me...” “I didn't!”

Chris silenced again and Nick gloomily stared at the waves. Some time later, Chris searched his gaze. When their looks met, Chris made a gesture as if he offered him a seat on the rock next to him. Nick took the risk. The other man didn't seem to mind. He looked back at the horizon and sighed. “You know, this place could be beautiful, also without Joy”, he whispered. “Why did it have to happen here? Why to us?” “Bad karma?”, Nick guessed. “Ah...The Very Bad Thing...”, Chris recalled. “Did you have siblings?” “No...” “Me neither...Well, if I didn't repress it. I keep seeing this little girl...maybe three years old...” He shook his head. “Could've been the neighbour's daughter.” Nick nodded. “Lucky bastards”, he tried a joke. “They get to see the world outside and we're trapped in here.” Chris even adumbrated a grin. “Oh...If you put it like that...Yeah, perhaps they're better off...” He sighed deeply. “I guess we have to make the best out of it.” “We...you mean...including me?”, Nick asked carefully. “Don't be such a drama queen, Nick. Perhaps that's what Virgil went for...drama queens.” “Funny, he should've taken you then.” “Impertinent brat.” “Just look at the setting!” Nick widened his arms. “Shakespeare would've done it any better.” Chris gave the ocean another look. “You know what?”, he asked after a while. “It sucks. I'm cold and wet. Let's get back home.” Nick climbed after Chris, barely able to hide his happiness.

Back home, Chris promptly took off his shirt. “You must be really fond of me again”, Nick remarked. Chris grinned at him. “Don't look if I'm too much to handle for you. Anyway I need to get out of these wet rags.” “What have you been up to?” Brad suddenly appeared in the corridor. “Did you go for a swim?” “It's not forbidden”, Chris said and walked past him. Brad looked at Nick who seemed to be pleased with himself and gave his shoulder a slap. That made him notice that also Nick's clothes were wet. “You should change too.” “Sure, but that's all I have.” Nick shrugged. “So, it's time for you to get out of this funeral gear”, Matt commented, entering the scene. “It doesn't match your style at all.” “Hey, I've just come back and you're already hot for my knickers!” “Don't you like it?” They broke out in laughter. It was a precious moment to simply laugh out loud like that, without Joy.

“I could go back to my place in Hamlyn and change...”, Nick said not very excitedly. “Or we see if Davey has something to spare for you”, Brad offered. “He's still around?” Nick widened his eyes “Yeah, he was the first one we visited after the breakdown. He sat it all out in his hiding spot, the bright spark he is.” “He's not living in luxury right now, but he keeps his shop and hopes for better times”, Matt added. “He'll be happy to see you alive.” “These are good news...”, Nick stuttered. “Then...what are we waiting for?” Chris came back in a new outfit. “What did I miss?” “We pay Davey a visit”, Brad answered. “Good idea.”

Later, they entered the studio of the famous designer and the band called out for him. “Davey, are you there?” “You have customers!” Soon, the wanted person hurried into the shop. He was without his mask, just like everyone else, but other than that he looked as spick and span as ever. “I can't believe it! My favourite band! How are you, boys?” “Pretty good despite everything”, Brad answered and they shook hands. “We brought you someone”, Chris added and pointed at Nick. Davey eyed him, trying to figure out the new face. “Well, do you recognise me without my mask and everything...?”, Nick said a bit self-consciously. Davey recalled the voice. “Nick?” Promptly, he pulled him into a hug. “You made it! Of course you did! You're tough like that!” “Careful!”, Nick warned him. “I'm soaked.” Davey eyed his outfit then. “Is this your new style?” “I thought I'd try something new”, Nick joked. “But I'm not quite feeling it...Perhaps you could assist me with that?” “With pleasure, my dear. Let's have a look, shall we?” To the band he said: “Please make yourselves at home. Feel free to fit something on if you like.” “Gladly, as long as you make Nicky presentable again. He's painful to look at like this”, Chris answered. “Is it really that bad?” Nick looked at himself. Davey waved them off and dragged Nick with him into the depth of the shop. Nick had to admit that he liked his bright colours more than black.

When he had made his choice, he asked: “Say, how can I make it up to you? Really?” “Just tell everyone where you bought this.” “No, I mean...how do I pay you? What use are Sovereigns?” Davey was quiet for a while, then he said: “Let's not lose all hope, alright? Consider it a friendly turn. Just because we're low on food, it doesn't mean we have to dress like scarecrows.” “You're right about that. I'm already feeling better.” Nick admired his new look. “If you like to give me something other than money, just go on, surprise me”, Davey said and walked closer. “I'll think of something”, Nick promised. “I'm excited.” Nick looked around the shop, pondering. “May I ask you for another favour?” “Of course.” “Do you remember Arthur Hastings? The one you took for a model and then turned out to be a reporter?” “The tall lanky with dark hair?” “Yeah, exactly. Could you help me pick out something for him?” Davey understood. “Follow me”, he said.

Eventually, they found something Nick was excited to see Arthur in. Davey wrapped it up like a present with a big ribbon on top and handed it to Nick. “There you go. Say hello to him from me, will you? Tell him I'd hire him on the spot if the reporting business goes down.” “I will.” Nick looked at Davey. “It's nice to see you again.” “Bad weeds grow tall”, the man said tenderly. “That applies to both of us.” “But it wasn't easy.” “No...” Davey thoughtfully adjusted his hair. “Hey, if you need help, pay us a visit. We...I mean the band has a home for themselves...I'm living with Arthur.” “I'm happy for you.” Davey smiled. Nick apologetically smiled back. “It's never fair, isn't it?” Davey now smirked. “Don't take it amiss, but I wouldn't marry you. Too vigorous.” Nick laughed. “And that coming from you!” Davey gently touched his arm. “You can visit me anytime, Nick. You and the boys. We have to stick together.” Nick returned the gesture. “Thank you.”

“By the way...someone else asked for you a few days ago, heartbreaker...”, Davey went on. “Why? Who was it?” Nick was alarmed. “No one else but Birdie Callagher. Ring a bell? She looked worried.” Nick felt caught red-handed. “We got to know each other right before Memorial Day, that's all. Virgil's death did throw us both off the track.” Davey became serious again. “Oh, my...I still didn't realize that...” “He looked ravishing in your suit.” “Huh...yeah...it's a shame I never saw him in it.” “I'm sorry...” “Anyway...Birdie is also one of my friends. Can I tell you you're alive  and well?” Nick looked at him. “Where is she? Perhaps it's better if I talk to her myself.” Davey told him her address and then gave him an intense look. “What?” The designer relaxed again. “Ah...nothing...Let's go, the boys are waiting...” When they met with the band again, Davey received praises for Nick's outfit. They stayed for longer, joked around and chattered like old times. Nick noticed that he didn't need Joy to forget about his worries for a while and there was nothing wrong with that.

They left Davey in an unusually good mood. Nick regretted that he had to say goodbye yet. “Guys, I'm sorry, but I have to leave you now...I can come back, right?” “Well, if you keep behaving yourself like that...”, Chris offered. “You can bring Arthur along”, Brad said. “I will. He'll be happy to see you all again.” “U-huh, he'll start writing an exclusive story about our survival...”, Chris guessed. “That's not a bad thing.” Nick chuckled. “I wonder, what's life with him like?”, Matt asked. “I imagine him taking notes whenever you talk...” Nick laughed out loud. “He's not like that!” “He taking embarrassing photos of you in secret...”, Chris added. “No!” “You'll always feel like a celebrity around him, that's for sure...,” Brad pointed out. “My Arthur is a completely normal person!”, Nick protested laughing. “How boring”, Chris remarked. “There must be something up with him if he made you fall for him.” “Well, there is, but this story is unsuitable for the public!”

Like that, they said goodbye in a friendly way. After that, Nick firstly went home to hide the packages and sneak back outside. He felt sorry that he had to be so secretive, but he needed to get something else done.

Arriving at another house, he rang the bell on the off chance. He was lucky. Someone opened, and that someone looked exactly like Birdie, only without her mask. Despite that she had kept her dignity. Her makeup was flawless and her clothes were clean. Nick was happy he had been with Davey before because he would've been horribly underdressed for this situation. Still, it was obvious that she didn't recognize him. “Hello?” “Hello, Birdie. It's me, Nick.” Her eyes widened. “Nick?” “Yeah...I guess I changed a little...but only on the outside, I promise.” “Oh, Nick!” She fell into his arms. “Where have you been? I suddenly lost sight of you and then everyone freaked out. If it hadn't been for Davey...” “I'm afraid I freaked out, too...”, Nick said quietly. “But that's over.” “Now many things are over”, she said and parted from him. “How do you get along?” “I found my band again...or better, they found me. We don't have a plan yet, but we're alright so far. How do you do?” She shrugged. “Most of the time, I'm helping the doctors. I'm a jobbing nurse now. At the same time my new manager tries to contact the mainland.” “Oh...wow...Did you have medical training, or...?” “Not a bit...” She chuckled. “But there's easier tasks I can manage, where I can't do any damage to the poor souls...” Nick was impressed. “Seeing all this misery must be hard...” “It takes a while getting used to, yes. But I'm getting better. The fight is over, there aren't many terribly wounded people left...Still, not all of them are making it...” She took a deep breath. “I'm sure you're doing your best.” “Of course...like all of us...Honestly, I'm more afraid of getting used to it...Seeing this and just thinking 'Oh, it's another completely normal day in Wellington Wells'...” He nodded. “I know what you mean. Did you see the corpses? They are so many...” “Gosh, yeah...” She dropped her gaze.

After collecting herself, she waved him in. “Come, let's have a nice, hot cup of tea as long as the Motilene pipes still work.” Nick liked the idea and followed her inside. “Is this your pad or did you...borrow it?” She smiled. “It's mine. I got it shortly before Memorial Day.” She huffed. “What a bad investment! Now I could get it on much better terms.” “We'll be happy if we ever miss our money again...” “That's true...” She turned on a plate. “Yes, it's working!”, she cheered at the sight of the red lamp lighting up. “All hail to Motilene!”, Nick said and looked around in her kitchen. “Do you have some dishes I can smash in the meantime?” Birdie laughed. “Yeah, I have enough of that stuff in this cabinet. Just help yourself.” Nick picked two cups and saucers and put them on the table. Birdie later joined him with her teapot. Sighing, she fell on her chair. “Sometimes I really don't know where I'm at...” She wiped her forehead. “Sorry...since I'm off my Joy I keep whining...” “For a stressed out nurse you're looking fantastic”, Nick tried to cheer her up. “Oh, thank you”, she said gallantly and looked at him. “But I think I should be honest with you, since you are honest with me...” She grabbed her blonde mane and pulled it off her head. Like that, she revealed a tuft of dark brown hair that was cut into a bob and neatly framed her face. She threw the wig at a chair in the corner. Nick stared at her. “So...what do you say?”, she asked him quietly. Nick ripped himself out of his stasis. “I'm...I'm gobsmacked, really...but you're still pretty...” She smiled. “I hoped you would say that...” Nick felt a tickle running through his body. The reason why he came here...he needed to do it now... He nervously wiped his knuckles while Birdie served the tea.

“Birdie...I don't know how to say this...”, he began, searching for words. “This is completely new to me...” She listened carefully. “Do you remember when I said I lost someone who was close to me?” She nodded. “Something happened...something I didn't think was possible...He  came back to me. I'm living with him now. We want to start over.” “Oh, that's...” Now she was stammering, putting the teapot down. “I'm happy for you of course...” “I'm sorry.” Nick avoided her gaze, bracing himself. But Birdie remained sitting on her chair. “You don't have to be...After all, it's a gift. So many people lost their loved ones...Plenty are still missing...Without Joy, some people only remember now that they lost someone long ago...And you found each other in all this chaos...that's beautiful.” “I'm just so sorry I dragged you into this...” Nick sighed. “You didn't drag me into nothing, Nick Lightbearer! I'm not a helpless little girl. It was my decision to follow your invitation”, she said firmly. “But you didn't know what a mess I am.” “Oh, I did...For a long time, there was barely anything nice about you to read in the papers.” “Oh...” Nick slumped down. “I forgot about that.”

“Now I'm sorry”, she said and put her hand on his. “I have to say you were a pleasant surprise.” “Until now.” “Don't be silly. We had fun. And you comforted me. Without you, I would've gone crazy over Virgil's death...You have no idea how much I needed you.” “I needed you too...” Nick whispered. “I mean...I didn't use you!,” he quickly added. “I like you...just not like that...First, I had too much of a broken heart because of Arthur but I needed you and I was afraid of sending the wrong signals...And now I just don't want to play with you.” “I'm glad...Really, I'm thankful that you told me the truth.” Birdie's voice was soft. “I know you could've easily played with me.” “Yeah, well...” He took a deep breath. “I'm thankful too...You could treat me much worse...Scream at me, beat me up, throw your stuff at me...I've experienced it all.” “The truth didn't go down well in Wellington Wells”, she said bitterly. Nick had never seen it that way. “No...not at all...” “I'm glad I met you, Nick. You've been the first I could really be honest to...” “You can still trust me, Birdie. I'll never tell anyone your secrets, cross my heart!” “I believe you.” She smiled. “Arthur is lucky to have you.” Nick looked a bit puzzled, then he recalled he had said his name. “Well...I'm doing my best...” He scratched his neck. “I wish you and Arthur the best of luck.” “Thank you. I wish you all the best, too...I keep my fingers crossed for your manager. Perhaps he'll find a working phone booth.” “Let's see. At a pinch, maybe smoke signals will do.” They burst out in laughter. Nick finally left her, feeling much better than he had feared. The big drama never happened and he felt relieved of a huge weight he had been carrying in his heart. Now he pined for meeting Arthur.

Back in their house he found Arthur in the kitchen and greeted him with an eager kiss. Calming down, he rested his head on his lover's shoulder and sighed happily. “Hmm...my hero...” Arthur ruffled his hair. “What did they say?” Nick gave him a blissful look. “It worked. We're friends again.” Arthur eyed him up and down. “I'm sure they couldn't resist you, looking like that.” Nick's eyes widened. “Oh, that...I had to get rid of James' suit and that's why we visited Davey Hackney. He still has his shop, it's incredible! You must've made an impression on him, because he told me to say hello from him. He'd take you back as a model, too.” Arthur laughed. “Better not. This job is too stressful for me...” “More stressful than breaking out of prisons?”, Nick teased him. “Definitely.” They grinned at each other. “So many good things happened today, I can't believe it! I feel like a new man!” Nick rejoiced.

His lover's cheerfulness took a load off Arthur's mind. “I'm so happy for you.” Nick hugged him again. “Thank you for giving me the courage to do this...I was running on empty...and now I feel almost like the old days.” Something occurred to him. “Wait, stupid me, I forgot something!” He ran back to where he had hid the packages and came back with Arthur's present. “There you go, my hero.” He proudly handed it over. “You brought something for me?” Arthur eyed it in surprise. “U-huh,” Nick said nodding. “You're such a treasure! You're still thinking of me despite everything...” The tall man was clearly overwhelmed. “It's nothing compared to what you did for me.” Nick was once more ravished about how humble Arthur was. His lover put the present down on the kitchen table, suddenly deep in thoughts “This is making it much harder...,” he said wiping his forehead.

“What?” Nick came closer to see that Arthur was struggling for words. “Speak up, my tall boy.” He became more serious when he recalled something. “Is it about your brother?” Arthur gave him a meaningful look. “I found documents...They say that they brought the children to certain...institutions...” “In Germany?” “Yes...Although I don't know to which they sent Percy...There should be a list that assigns the places for each of the children, but I didn't find it...” “But you found the names of the places?” “Yeah...” “So, there's hope!”, Nick urged him. “You know where to look!” Arthur meekly eyed the floor. “It's gonna be a  far and difficult journey...”, he muttered. “Or you're lucky and hit the bull's eye at the first try!”, Nick eagerly replied. “Chin up, Arthur, you taught me to never give up! Where's your courage now?” Arthur avoided his gaze, only eyed him from the side. “It's not that I don't want to try. Of course I'll search for him as long as I need to.” “That's the spirit!” “But...is that also what you want?” “Yes...” Nick was puzzled.

Arthur turned around to face him. “You have your band now.” “You made me talk to them!” “Because I knew that this is your dream...your life...”, Arthur explained carefully. “It's what makes you happy.” “Arthur, this is my past!”, Nick blurted out. “Now you're my priority! I want to life with you! I'm glad I made up to the lads, because they are my old friends, but that doesn't mean I want to stay with them forever!” “You rather travel aimlessly in a foreign country without knowing if you achieve anything with this?” “Come on, it's gonna be an adventure.” Nick gave his arm a pat. Arthur didn't cheer up. “I don't even know from what to make a living...It's gonna be very uncomfortable.” “Arthur, don't make me look more spoiled than I really am! I can take it! You didn't live in the poorhouse before turning Downer and you got used to the streets! Also, what if the Germans also like music? And you aren't talentless either.” “Wouldn't you miss your friends? And don't they count on you to join them?” “They know that I have you! I didn't make it up to them to lose you in return!”, Nick shouted. “I don't understand this, Arthur! Do you want to leave me here?” He pointed at his face. “Is it because of my looks? Are you disappointed? Do you feel betrayed?”

Arthur turned away again. “That's not it...I just want you to be happy.” “But I am happy with you! Really, Arthur, if there's something you don't like about me, tell me!” “I like everything about you!”, Arthur affirmed. “I just don't want you to be disappointed.” “I won't! Trust me, please, everything I want is you! After cheating death, I'm happy that you gave me a new life! Now I want to make you happy too!” “Oh, Nick...You're always so eager to help”, Arthur said shaking his head. “But you don't know what you're getting yourself into...” “But you do? Have you been in Germany before?” “No, but  I have no choice...” “Me neither.” Nick came closer and took his hands. “Here and now, I swear I'll be faithful to you until my dying day. I'll accompany and assist you until the very end. You'll never be alone again.”

Arthur sighed, trying to hide how much he craved for this. “You don't know what you're talking about...”, he said quietly. “Yes, I know!” Nick was upset. “Do you think I'm that naïve? Do you take me for a baby, Arthur?” “No...” “So you think I'm too stupid to learn? I know what faith is!” Arthur squeezed his hands. “You said you love many...” “Yes, but I know how much pain I caused! I don't want this anymore! I don't want to lose you!” “And you? Wouldn't you suffer?” “I thought it was worse than it actually is”, Nick said truthfully. “I broke first ground today. I gave someone a knock-back, so to speak, and see, I'm still alive.” Arthur looked at him. “You quickly find other options...”, he whispered. “That's not what I was getting at!”, Nick flared up. “I rejected someone just for you!” “This must've been hard for you...” “It wasn't fun, but it was worth it. I'm sure I'll do it again.” Arthur was speechless for a while. “You really are stubborn as a mule, aren't you?”, he then produced.

“Indeed. Now look at me for once! Don't you like my face anymore?” Arthur lifted his gaze from the floor but still didn't dare to look Nick in the eyes. “Is it the hair colour?”, Nick asked waving his hands. “I'll grow the moustache back in case that's what's bothering you. It's just that I couldn't wear it under the mask. The bloody thing didn't hold on facial hair and kept falling off..” Arthur had to laugh against his will at the image. He finally met Nick's eyes, viewed every inch of his face. “Yes, I like you...”, he whispered. “And that's why...” He stopped and fell quiet. “I think we should take counsel with our pillows about that”, Nick said placably. Arthur looked doubting, but he also ran a hand along Nick's back.

Nick finally grabbed him by the hips and threw him over his shoulder. “Come on, let's get to bed.” Arthur uttered a yelp. “Nick! I swear, you're gonna break something!” “Yeah, my heart, if I keep listening to you!” “I'm serious! Put me down!” “Stop with the antics already, or I'll get really mad! If you don't want me anymore, you can just as well tell me in the morning!” “Oh, Nick...” Nick put Arthur to bed and was gentle despite everything. He lay down next to him and pulled the blanked over them. “May I sleep by your side or don't you like that either?” Arthur wordlessly pulled him closer.

[goldeneyedgirl]

JALICEWEEK20 DAY 6

The Way of Things

JaliceWeek20 Day 6: Reincarnation

Notes: I... don’t know. It just sort of happened? This wrote itself. There were a few more lifetimes I thought about including (there was a Jessamine and Alice ‘life’ that I really wanted to include but it’ll be a standalone fic once I’ve done a bunch of research) but I think I’m happy with it? 

This was absolutely inspired by a gorgeous Thor fic I read a few years ago based in Norse mythology and the creation of Yggdrasil; if I can find it, I will absolutely link it because it was an incredible piece of writing. 

Also go me! I’m kind of getting a hang of writing sex adjacent scenes! I remember not being able to look directly at my cursor when I implied a blow job in Shadow to Light, I’m oddly proud!

Now, just the second part to Against a Wall. 

Word Count: 4,322

NSFW - not graphic but yeah. 

--

Soulmates are funny things. They do not start out existence together; they must find each other - it might take one life time, it might take ten. It is important they undergo this struggle; some souls are not meant for regeneration - they shine and burn out within a lifetime or two. But others get stronger, more powerful, during those early searching years.

And one they find one another, they are forever more entangled. The oldest and strongest eventually fuse, unable to be separated in life or death.

Of course, eventually they burn out. But not in a tragic way; more like in a way that is last page of a very good book; the wilting of a final flower in autumn; the way snow melts in early spring, with sense of peace and satisfaction, and utter tranquility. And as they dissolve into starlight and dust, they begin the cycle anew. It is neither good nor bad or anything in between.

It is simply the way of things.

—

When they meet the first time they are vampires in Dacia - the land that will become Romania. It is an era of indulgence for vampires in that region, and if any records had been kept, it would have declared nearly dangerous levels of changes.

She is Alis, a peasant girl changed by a careless vampire who fed and left her in a ditch. She’s a gentle beauty, with long dark hair, sharp and cunning eyes, and even after the change, her skin maintains a slightly golden tint of someone who spent their life in the sun.

He is Jesper, who mentions nothing of where he came from or what he was before he arrived to hover at the fringes of the Romanian court. He has a reputation in the court, with the ladies and the men both, and Alis is entirely aware and slightly amused by that. She catches his eye more than once, but is illusive like a quicksilver, unbent and unbowed.

Until she isn’t.

It’s been a good hunt, blood soaked through their clothes to their skin that they lick off each other in their frenzy, and she learns exactly how he developed such a reputation. He learns exactly what he was looking for as he finds himself skin to skin with the spirited girl that has always seen him coming before he could catch her. But he has her now, and he’s not letting go.

She doesn’t seem to mind. They become a common sight, as a pair, their hands constantly entangled. They are not at court to curry favour or power or anything more than their next meal, but their relationship is magnetic, and more than one jealous or yearning gaze falls upon them as he presses hot kisses to her neck as he ties a choker of sapphires or diamonds around her pale throat.

The Volturi attack a century or so later, and they stand with the Romanians, their leaders and their friends. He remembers thinking they cannot possibly fail; they are the side of the kings, of the angels. He remembers admiring her as they lined up; the way she had pinned her hair with the silver clasp he’d given her, the way her dress fit her and the smirk on her lips that promised something to look forward to in their personal victory celebrations.

They don’t survive. In the chaos of the battle, it is hard to say how they each fell - the Volturi take no prisoners anyway, so a quick death in battle is preferable to an execution. But they fall and they are burnt, and their ashes mingle in the purple-grey smoke that fills the field.

When Lord Aro finds a silver hair clasp discarded on the battlefield, still clinging to a clump of dark hair, he pockets it and later presents it to Sulpicia, polished to shine and on a bed of velvet. It is a curious and beautiful piece, the shape of a raven’s wing, and it quickly joins the Volturi’s treasury without a single thought given to its origins.

—

In whatever counts as the afterlife for souls and spirits, they reunite. It will take more than one life to work out their powers, the boundaries, of this resting place - how to shape it to their preferences, how to give themselves form. For now, it is just a long horizon of contrasting light, and they are little more than sentient energy, mingling and expressing regret and pain at the demise of the other, of relief of being reunited, of contentedness being once again with the other.

Time is not something that exists on this plane, and soon they learn how to change what is around them; a swathe of sandy beach that meets perfectly clear water, expansive grassy plains that fit between quiet, looming forests that are quiet and cool. They are no more fixed than any other aspect of this space, but it remains unexpectedly consistent.

Sometimes, there is a house. It’s immediate form never changes, but the outside facade does, as the lifetimes pass them by. Somethings a log cabin, other times an English cottage, or a farmhouse, or a bamboo hut. It is their every-changing, ever-evolving desires, a nod to their shared past and their hopes for the future. It is their reward, their sanctuary.  

They learn how to shape themselves as well. She fluctuates a little more than him, but she is always small, always naturally dark-haired, always cunning but sweet. He is always tall and always blonde and too charming for his own good, and sometimes not he is she, blonde and tall and could charm birds from the trees. It doesn’t matter either way; the small one greets them just the same, with enthusiasm and passion and sweet sadness at their demise but always joy at their return.

And that is where they are together until the next life.

—

The next life is simpler; a part of a nomadic tribe. She is married, in their customs, to him when she is little more than a child and he just barely a man. And despite how they were raised, he is kind and gentle to her and has no interest in her as a wife before she becomes a woman.

It is a hard year, a bad year, as they travel the mountains and ridges, the snow sharp against their faces. Few of the tribe have born children that year, and less still have lived through the winter; when food is so scarce, the dying are calmly let go so that the rest might survive. There is an undercurrent of resentment when he hoists his child-bride onto his back so that she might make the climb; that he, young and strong and likely to live long and hardy, gives his share of food and water to the bony waif he is bound to.

But she lives through that year, and the next. She lives enough years that they are both ready for her to become a wife, and everyone who scorned her frailness, her smallness, the waste of a strong husband on such a girl, is shocked when she conceives and carries his child so easily. First a son, then two daughters, all born close enough together that the old women of the tribe mutter.

The tribe becomes stronger, settles in one place for longer and longer periods of time - where food and water are plentiful and they are safe from predators and other threats.

She dies during her fourth pregnancy, slipping away in an ocean of blood no one could have prevented. Her eyes are wild and frightened, and he promises that he’ll watch over their children and see them safe, and weeps openly over her body and that of his second son.

He dies after his second daughter is married to a neighbouring tribe, to a boy who looks at her like she is a miracle, and he knows his job is done. The death is quiet, in the still of the night, in the shelter that he once shared with her. As he passes from the world, he remembers the nights when it was him and her amongst the furs, and then their children pressed between them, and then the  firm bulge of the child who would ultimately kill her. He holds no resentment for the cause of her death, just a faint and worn sadness, and as he drifts away, he is certain he can hear her laughing.

—

He is a soldier, to protect his family, for a cause he finds entirely repulsive. But he mouths the words and holds the gun, and does not recognise her when he is ordered to shoot. Why would he? They’ve never met. She dies in the mud, and it doesn’t matter anyway, because they end up naming him a traitor and he dies in prison heavy with regrets.

In their sanctuary, they reunite in silence, with sad eyes and gentle embraces. Whatever powers above govern creation, they still send the souls and soulmates to earth, to be swallowed up and spat back out by human machinations, human fears and flaws and greed.

It is simply the way of things.

—

She is a barefoot thief in the streets of Paris, dangerously fast, and subtle of hand. She tells no one her story, or at least, no one her truth. Ragged and smirking, people mistake her for a child, and so there is little trouble to be had - if she’s caught at all.

She runs into him, lounging in an alleyway, tricking lords and ladies out of coins wiht sleight of hand, and is delighted with their potential. She’s old enough to be charmed by sharp green eyes and a lazy grin, and young enough to contemplate the sheer levels of chaos they can cause.

They live like kings those next few years, pinching pearls and purses, watches and rubies, and living in an icy dormer room wearing stolen rings to convince others of things they’ll get around to eventually. It’s really not much - a narrow bed with wafer thin blankets and a shared pillow; water that runs cold and brown into a bucket; pigeons that nest in the rafters and shit all over their clothing.

Doesn’t seem to matter, though, when she welcomes his kiss and sleepily encourages him when he rolls on top of her during the late night hours, frost forming on the weave and weft of their clothes. When their work is good, he brings her flowers from the seller on the corner, and she tucks her pockets full of cakes for them to share, and really, neither could imagine a finer life than together in their little tower.

But time marches on, and soon they recognise that the tricks that have gotten them this far in life aren’t going to be overlooked forever. There are less nobles on the street, less coin and jewellery to be fleeced, and so they decide to leave for the country - he’s not afraid of dirty work, and she’s not afraid of anything.

The journey will be long, and she steals a book for him on their way - he’s determined to teach her to read. It’s a neat little Bible with a smart green cover with the name ‘C-a-r-l-i-s-l-e C-u-l-l-e-n’ written in neat script on the front page.

They settle in a village, where she becomes a laundress, then a seamstress, and he finds work with horses. They marry in the village parish, where the kind priest is happy to absolve them of the sin of living as man and wife before their vows, and keep their secret. They exchange stolen rings for ones of brass, from a jar the priest keeps for that purpose.

There’s a tiny two-room cottage they occupy; those early years of hunger and neglect have left their mark on them both, and so there are no children in this life. But there is an endless parade of animals that he brings home tucked under his jacket; wounded or lost or discarded, and she finds that she doesn’t so much mind waking up to a blind duck on their bed or a sickly fox on the pillow next to her, when he is always so pleased with their progress, with their improving health. He saves more than he loses, and he takes pride in that. Some are set free and returned to the wild, but others linger until they are something of a spectacle in town - the house with all the animals.

They live a long life, a good one, and it ends peacefully. They are buried side by side in the village cemetery, with wooden crosses that bare their names, and prayers muttered in their honour.

But one Carlisle Cullen never gets his Bible back.

—

The good lives give them less time together in the in-between, if such a thing could be accurately measured. They wade, knee-deep into that perfect ocean that stretches out to their infinite horizon, hand-in-hand, and then they both feel it; that fizzing, tingling feeling as whatever oversees them pulls them back; back into bodies and minds, back into lives and places, and they once again have to go through the push and pull of finding the other and crossing their fingers it’ll happen sooner rather than later.

As he becomes nothing again, he holds her smile tight in his mind with a prayer that this will be the time, this will be the life, that he’ll recognise her for who she is to him as soon as he sees her.

She hopes its a long life, a good one, with his hand in hers always.

—

He’s reborn in Texas in 1863 and dies nineteen years later, only to rise again.

She’s born in Mississippi in 1901 and dies nineteen years later, only to rise again.

They meet in 1948, and if he knew any better, he’d tease her about keeping him waiting for thirty-seven years, six months, and three weeks. But it will be a while more before they both remember things like that, so he can’t. Instead, he falls completely and utterly in love with her, in a way that echoes right back through to that very first meeting in Dacia.

He wonders if its possible to miss someone he’d never met before, when he takes her hand. She wonders if he’s going to disappear, to startle and panic about the future that lies before them and leave her behind.

He kisses her like a starving man, and she almost immediately drags him - a willing supplicant - into her bed because it doesn’t matter what life they’re living, she’s never been particularly subtle. He knows exactly what to do to make her scream indecently, and she puts her mouth to every single one of his scars, and he wishes he could weep - with relief and guilt and a million other things that are knotted up inside his head.

And she will untangle each and every single one with enough time.

They unknowingly draw from each of the lives that have come before - they are nomadic for more than two years, criss-crossing across the country. He is no less fixated on animals - as a human, it was the training of them; as a vampire, they are his salvation. Their hands are always entangled, their gazes always on the other.

This time, they find a family, and some quiet, subconscious little corner of her mind decides she likes that they aren’t alone this time. There’s a small joy in the memory of a ‘family’, and a warm feeling - one that she doesn’t know originated from a long-ago life where they were the ones welcoming new children into their heart and home, one she doesn’t quite recognise. But families are shaped so many different ways, and the Cullens are just another way to fit together, and so they stay.

It’s a good life, an untroubled life - at least until Edward gets tangled up with a human girl and the cursed Volturi. Somewhere, the great puppet master jerks the strings and decides that if history is so desperate to repeat itself, well, it might as well put on a show.

They escape the Volturi once (a flight to Italy to save an idiot brother), and twice (Renesmee shall live, Joham shall die, and Aro leaves without any new amusements and deeply, infinitely disappointed in his beloved Carlisle).

Third time’s a charm.

—

Aro’s great error shall go down in history as underestimating the damage he has done assembling his collection, the rage and resentment that boils like an undercurrent in the vampire world. He is not a beloved leader, but a feared one.

In truth, which will be lost to both time and the fact that the powers above don’t keep written or oral histories as humans comprehend them, his undoing is two things: the fact that in all things there must be balance.

And an ancient silver hair clasp shaped like a raven’s wing, that his Sulpicia wears in her hair as they arrive at the battlefield, cloaked and over-confident.

The battle is ugly and fatal and messy and all those things wars usually are, and there is no certainty in their victory, not with the wolves involved, with the shifters and the cryptids that have crawled out of every shadow and space to be done with Aro and Caius forever.

(Stefan and Vladimir are naive if they think they will fill the vacuum left behind in Aro’s wake; Jasper takes them both out quietly on the battlefield, when neither of them can call out the betrayal or identify their killer. Sometimes ugly things need to be done, and he’s not above getting his hands dirty.)

The battleground is smokey and even her supernatural eyes struggle to see through the gloam; her dead heart heavy as she looks for him. Voices call for help; for missing limbs, for injuries, for protection and she ignores each and every one.

She doesn’t know why she stops at the sight of a silver hair clasp, ancient and lost in the mud. Or why she reaches for her own hair, cut short.

Or why she picks it up and unlocks something inside her own mind. It is not an explosion of information, a supernova of memory. It is simply an intense awareness of who she is and who she was and who she will be. It is a confidence in her stride as she moves through the battlefield with a sense of self she has not known since before her home was known as ‘Romania’.

Jasper is bent and twisted, Rosalie limp on the ground, and those vicious, hideous twins hold them captive, like fish twitching on the line. Their deaths are not imminent, because who could take down the little vipers and stop their little game?

Jane’s head is off her body, and Alec’s too, before Jasper has shaken off the pain, expecting Peter or Maria or Emmett to have gotten a lucky shot and dismembered Aro’s little favourites.

Instead, it is his mud-streaked wife with a strange look in her eyes and emotions skittering over her skin like static. A battlefield is no place for a lover’s reunion, but she still bestows a kiss on his kneeling form (so ready for his own execution) that is so positively lascivious that it takes him a minute to remember himself.

And then he remembers himself.

The scales have been rebalanced, and the fight is won by a toss of a coin that finds Aro, Caius, and Marcus on their knees in the mud, waiting for their own trial. The oldest of the gathered line up - Carlisle, Amun, Maria, the Chinese coven - to pass their judgement, but the memories that press on both of them demand their pound of flesh, and Edward eyes them both uneasily.

Instead of violence, of sliding down a slope that turns them back into the monsters of old, into the truest of nightmares, Alice crouches in front of Aro with her wide dark gold eyes, and pulls the hair clasp from her pocket.

Aro’s rage is cold, at the few strands of Sulpicia’s hair that are still trapped in the metal, and if he could, he’d shred her to pieces in that moment, gift be damn. But she smiles sweetly, and strokes the etched feathers.

“Did you know?” she asks quietly, only loud enough for the fallen Volturi kings to hear, and Edward who hovers in case this spirals into a cataclysm, “When he gave me this, I mean?”

Aro stares at her, straining to touch her and understand, but his guard holds him tight and all he can do is sneer at her.

“The night before you brought your army,” Alice plucks the strawberry-blonde hairs from the fixture and tosses them into the mud. “He pinned this in my hair and we danced; we thought we’d win. And I suppose we did.”

Aro gapes at her, Caius is spitting curses, and Marcus is just pleading for his peaceful death - and how many lifetimes has he lived without Didyme, has he wanted to return to that in-between space?

She sees the scar on Esme’s face and finds it hard to care.

Edward is backing away in horror from whatever he sees in her mind, and Jasper is helping her stand, returning to their place amongst the very confused witnesses - what could the diminutive vampire say to the Lords of Volterra that would inspire such a response. The three are summarily executed without ceremony, and they are scattered over the fire without reverence.

Alice tosses the hair clasp in, too. It is better to be burnt to nothing, to be forgotten and buried by dirt and ash. It is too close to becoming a cursed object, one that will follow them, if they place too much belief and trust and hope into it. It has witnessed two downfalls, and it will never witness another.

He holds her tight in the aftermath, as they count their dead and make their plans. Edward is already whispering warnings into Carlisle’s ear, of the shape their thoughts and memories take. But they are family, and that comes before everything else.

(It’s not exactly their fault that Edward is a shiny new soul, and it’s going to take him a few lifetimes to understand what he’s seeing and hearing. Harder especially for him, with his gift so strong so early in the cycle. But everything happens for a reason.)

Despite the curiosity wafting off everyone, they say nothing and they go… well, not home, but to the closest residence, the headquarters of this war. A sprawling property with enough beds for the wounded, the wolves, and the lovers.

That’s where she makes good on her unspoken promises from eons again, of their private victory celebration. She sits astride him, her hips rolling hard against his, drawing out his groans and growls as he grips her thighs almost tight enough to crack. Their gazes are locked the entire time, her tongue skimming over her lips, as she lets her emotions tell him everything that she wants and everything she plans to take.

He remembers fucking her in the dirt in Dacia; his mouth between her legs as she hollered obscenities in a Paris attic; and the urgent, passionate loving-making of a marriage finally consummated.

She remembers bloody emeralds looped around her throat and resting between her breasts as she gets down on her knees and takes him into her mouth, his fingers tangled in her hair; the delicious weight of him on top of her, their sweat mingling and cooling in the frozen night as their flimsy bed creaked against the wall; and his soft encouragement in her ear as he grasps her around the waist, their hands resting together on the gentle swell of her stomach.

It is times like this that their talents are burdens and gifts both because it is so much, so very much, and in all that passion and true love, there is also loss and regret.

But they have each other, and they will weather this new storm together.

—

They are hardly the only couple to spend the night tumbling together, but they must be the loudest, because when they reappear the next morning with darkened eyes and clean clothes, Jacob and Emmett are looking at Jasper with a new and very specific kind of respect, and if she flips both of them off behind Esme’s back, no one has any proof.

They don’t talk about what they’ve learnt, because it probably wouldn’t mean anything to anyone else. It doesn’t make sense, doesn’t matter, until the mantle of it settles upon you. And then it is everything.

Instead, they hunt. They have won the battle, won the war, and whilst rebuilding will take time, they can take this small moment to feast with their family and relish freedom from fear.

She truly doesn’t know what comes next. He truly doesn’t know if it will be good or bad. They will live this life for as long as it lasts, long may it last, surrounded by the people they love and trust.

And then they will die.

And then they will live again. Maybe they will live another ten lives, maybe another one hundred. Maybe one day they will cross paths with their family again, or they will choose to have children again. Maybe they will be long lives full of joy and laughter, maybe they will burn out fast and hard, but full of feeling.

But the thing they are now both and utterly certain of, above all else, is that they will walk each step hand-in-hand.

It is simply the way of things.