#hey if anybody wants to ask or debate with me about this...

[fuck-john-calvin]

sometimes I hear people talking about how shifty was cruel to her components, and the way the pieces of her were often terrified before being taken, and something about that doesn't sit right with me.

I always related to shifty because I have been many people in my life. And in a sense, every one of those people has died, been destroyed. But what does shifty say herself? I am speaking of something that cannot be done. To destroy is to remold and reshape. Those people aren't gone, per se, just moved out of the spotlight to make room for future evolution.

Sometimes it makes me sad how many of the old me's are gone now. I imagine speaking with them frequently, and yes, they are sad to have gone. Most wanted to keep going. But that's not how change works. If something is to begin, something else has to come to an end. We cannot enjoy the beauty of the prisoner and the beast and the thorn and the eye of the needle if we don't first say farewell to the stranger.

No one really wants to change. No one really wants to start again. But it's necessary. I cannot know what it is to be me without taking time to explore my facets left undiscovered. It doesn't mean that I no longer have room in my heart for the old ones, that I haven't loved the me's of the past, or contain none of them within me, just that I know that to live is to be changed. And each perspective of the Shifting Mound had been moved to the greatest extent to which it could change, and to continue on, a reset was necessary.

To view the Shifting Mound as being cruel to her selves is to ignore who she is as a whole in favor of the fragments that we like. The Shifting Mound was doing what was best for her to grow and to evolve as all beings do, and by extension, doing what was best for each individual princess. If someone were to get angry with me for becoming quite different than I was as a teenager, or a seven year old, then that would tell me that they didn't actually care for me, just the version of me that they liked.

It's time for the Shifting Mound to move on. Time for the Long Quiet to move on. It hurts, but it's what we need to truly get to explore and love ourselves, and we can't truly love the princess if we only love her for a piece of what she is, and try to limit her to the specific qualities we enjoy. It just isn't fair to any of them.

[lilacgaby]

day three

~2.3k

chapter select!

she woke up right before her alarm went off.

she saw messages on her phone, some addressed from mirko telling her to "hurry the hell

up or get left behind." some from a new group chat called 'OPERATION [NAME]', and a couple from bakugo.

whatever, she'd look them over later.

she took her time as she showered, got dressed in a civilian outfit, and soaked in the early morning sun from her balcony.

everyone else had heroes who'd stop by later to pick them up in the afternoon, so [name] was pretty much the only person up.

she was startled by a loud noise at the door. she was hanging around in the common room to pass some time, but since she was lost in though she let out an audible squeal at the sound.

she figured it was just mirko was banging on it to get her attention.

and it was.

she opened the door and stepped outside. mirko was dressed casually too, and she was carrying her own bag of belongings on her back.

"be more considerate! people are sleeping!"

"it's only six a.m [name], they have to be getting up at this hour anyways."

"whatever."

"anyways, we have a train to catch so let's go!" mirko then grabbed her hand and started their trek down to the station. they could've got a car,

but they both preferred to walk.

after a bit of walking and sitting in a comfortable silence, [name] decides to get some details on the mission.

"so mirko, what exactly is this mission about?"

"oh, it's just another couple of villains, except these ones are rumored to have connections to stain."

"stain? the hero killer? but isn't he--"

"dead, correct. but his influence was huge. apparently this group of villains have actually killed a hero already."

"what?!"

"yeah, and that's why we're going in. don't worry though, we'll have backup, or i guess partners, that you'll love."

"what do you mean?"

"you'll see."

"...

okay, where are we going anyways? you never take me on trains."

"oh, i didn't tell you? we're going to tokyo."

"tokyo? for what?"

"oh,

i decided to take on a mission with best jeanist's agency. i told you you'd love it!"

...

"i'm going to kill you."

ꔛ𖤐˒˒

as she sat on the train next to mirko, her finger hovered over the notification from bakugo.

she had to face him eventually, and they had to talk, but she couldn't help but feel deeply embarrassed.

technically they did kiss.

her face felt hot.

"hey, who're you texting? your boyfriend."

"i'm not texting anybody and i don't have a boyfriend. stop asking questions when you know i'll answer!"

"okay okay.

...

so what're you doing then?"

"i'm debating whether or not to text katsuki back."

mirko's smug face took over as she snickered.

"shut up!"

[name] shoved her headphones on, maybe if she didn't hear her she wouldn't have to answer the questions.

the temporary solution did work, but mirko grew agitated that she wasn't answering her so

she took her phone right out her hands.

"mirko! hand it back!" [name] stood up immediately, her heart rate rising almost instantly as mirko held it in her iron grip. the headphones fell out her ears and her music was now blasting in the train,

she'd be publically embarrassed if they didn't have the car all to themselves, but she still just wanted her phone back.

"give it back mirko! i swear--"

"stop ignoring me, im your mentor y'know!"

they chased each other around the train car, [name] just barely behind mirko.

after about a minute of struggle, she tried negotiating.

"okay, just give it back-"

"no way-"

"why? is it because you're scared of me texting back your blasty little crush?"

"that's exactly why so hand it bac--"

they were cut off by a husky, sleepy voice.

"the fuck are you talking about?"

[name] eyed her phone in horror, and mirko did in surprise, mirko immediately threw the phone at [name] and ran to the other side of the train car.

[name] fumbled with it in her grip, until finally shakily holding the phone with one hand.

she was stunned into silence. this had to be a joke.

"hello? flower freak? you there?"

it wasn't just a joke?!

"hello? [name]?"

"i'm here-- fuck. i- uh-- gotta go!"

"wai-"

she cut him off as she declined the call. she looked at the duration of the call.

no way.

it went on for two minutes.

he heard her fight for her life over his messages to her for two minutes.

while she didn't explicitly explain who her crush was, mirko did.

[name] turned over to eye mirko, who was now sitting in a corner pretending to be nonchalantly whistling.

whatever. [name] wearily thought as she sat back down on a seat, picking up her headphones that had fallen out during the confrontation. she put on some music and mindlessly started hoping to anyone that'd hear her out that bakugo didn't hear mirko's remark.

the rest of the train ride wasn't that bad. mirko finally, begrudgingly, apologized for taking it to far, and promised to take [name] out to eat after the mission was over.

they sat next to eachother, mirko promising not to use the truth quirk against her again because of the incident that just occurred.

[name] appreciated the sentiment, but it wouldnt undo the months of late night pondering she'd have of this moment.

she got over it for the moment being, after about another fifteen minutes they finally were let out in Tokyo.

it was really pretty there, compared to musutafu, it was really lively too.

mirko guided them to a very fancy hotel where they'd be staying in one of the very highest floors.

they dropped their stuff off and got ready in their hero outfits.

they took a break to eat lunch, [name] laying out on the terrace of the huge hotel as mirko devoured a large salad next to her. she didn't know mirko meant they'd literally have the floor to themselves, but she wasn't complaining.

it was time for them to head out.

"okay, you ready flora?"

"yes i am prepared.

...

as ready as ever i guess."

"don't be like that! he probably didn't even hear-"

"we were yelling into the phone. he definitely heard."

"okay, and so what? he probably likes you back!"

"no way. just let it go mirko, we have to walk like two miles."

"fine, if you say so."

the walk to best jeanist's agency was actually fun for [name]. she got to walk through all the tourist traps, look around while mirko signed autographs, and even take a couple photos on her phone.

oh yeah, her phone. she had now twenty-two notifications from bakugo since the ordeal, including missed calls, texts, and even voicemails.

she didn't even open them, she knew she'd have to talk to him face to face anyways. she felt a pit of dread settle in her stomach, but looked up at the agency greeting both her and mirko.

they walked in.

⋆ ₊ ☽ ·˚𓍲 *⋆

They were greeted by one of Jeanist's many assistants, who guided them to a meeting room where a briefing was already taking place.

"we're late mirko?"

"yes, it's not my fault though, i did it all for the fans."

"...if you say so."

they walked into the meeting, [name] felt familiar red eyes following her as she settled into a seat next to mirko.

"okay, everyone's here. let's continue." jeanist declared, seemingly unbothered at mirko's tardiness.

[name] took a moment to look over the room. there were a couple other sidekicks, but the only U-A interns were her and katsuki.

she suddenly remembered she had to focus.

on the screen was a couple of locations marked in red circles, depicting different areas where heros reported being attacked by the group.

a lower ranked hero: blast-off, a hero with a rocket quirk, was murdered by said group, and his corpse was found in various places.

brutal. [name] thought.

"these villains aren't confident enough to attack higher ranked heroes such as mirko and i, they are currently planning on targeting another low-ranked hero on their route: genie." jeanist explained.

"what they don't know is that you will be waiting for them to attack genie, and step in as they reveal themselves. not even genie knows." an assistant added.

"wait, so they're basically bait?" [name] questioned.

"in a sense." jeanist replied. "if they knew, they'd likely act aloof and alert the villains. it's a necessary step."

"so, we set out tomorrow?" mirko questioned.

"no, you and i will go out patrolling the town discreetly. tomorrow we will go out accompanied by our interns, with my sidekicks on standby.

i understand you won't want your intern walking back to your arranged rooms alone, so after they go through some training here my assistant will make arrangements to take them."

"i'll go with them." katsuki finally spoke.

"it's settled then. mirko, please stay behind as we prepare for our afternoon scouting. dynamight, take flora to practice. do not push yourselves, understood?"

"understood." [name] replied, while bakugo grunted in agreement.

"dismissed."

everyone went their separate ways. [name] was doing her best to act causally as she and katsuki walked side by side to the practice room.

"so, uh.. nice weather huh?"

"why have you been ignoring me?"

crap.

"what do you mean katsuki? you're acting so crazy right now."

"no, i'm not. you didn't even try to talk about what happened yesterday with me, and then you randomly fucking call me at six in the goddamn morning. and i overhear some argument between you and that bugs bunny wannabe, just for you to decline on me, dick move by the way.

so, what's your deal?

you've been acting off around me since sunday."

he let out a scoff, and jokingly said

"what, you got a crush on me or something?"

"yes."

"what?"

both their eyes widened as the words left her mouth. crap, the whole operation was done for!

"was that a joke?"

"no."

she quickly located the practice room that was just around the corner, and tried to speed walk away.

"are you being serious right now? [name]? [name] we're training together you can't get away!"

she stumbled into the training room.

her life was over, but she still had to train, unless she really wanted her life to be over when she fought those guys tomorrow.

katsuki lightly grabbed her shoulder and made her face him.

"[name] fucking talk to me! stop being so shitty and confusing! why won't you just tell me the truth?!"

"because i'm scared of rejection!"

"i'd never-- i wouldn't reject you. just tell me the truth."

she sighed heavily. she didn't really process his last words, but she decided to tell him.

about the quirk at least.

"okay, so, sunday right? i took a hit for mirko-"

"you're insane."

"let me finish! i took a hit from mirko and got hit by this quirk. it basically makes you tell the truth whenever anyone asks a question, and it lasts a week."

"why didn't you tell me?"

"i was scared."

"who knows?"

"mirko, denki, kirishima, mina, momo, jiro--"

"so everyone except me, huh? damn. and the thing about your 'problems'?"

"a real bad lie from denki."

"so what you said earlie--"

"let's train. i don't want to answer any of that now. and, about what i said earlier..

can i talk to you about it after the mission?"

katsuki's face scrunched up. the emotion he was displaying was incoherent. disgust? anger? rejection?

but he understood her. he always seemed to. after a swift nod, he said

"fine. let's fucking fight though."

the tenseness between them disappeared, replaced by a competitive energy.

"you're on!"

they trained til' the sun went down. they were pretty even in quirk matches, but [name] definitely needed to practice her general strength.

still, in their last match she managed to pin him down.

"remember when we did this the first time?"

"shut up."

they agreed to stop for the day, and kept their wins in mind.

[name]- 8

katsuki-8

an even tie.

katsuki had opted to walk her home, so walk they did.

"if you're just gonna take a taxi back what was the point of walking me?"

"i just needed to talk to you, but we already talked it out earlier so it's fine i guess."

"oh. so, are you nervous for tomorrow?"

"nervous? why'd i be nervous? i'm destined to be number one, all these villains and missions and shit are just stepping stones to me."

"right, right. but they've killed like- pros. they hate heroes. and number one's like you."

"so?"

"so, they could be dangerous."

"i'll kill em' and i'll protect you, so don't worry."

she let a small smile escape her lips, why'd he always know what to say?

"thanks katsuki."

"yeah whatever. go inside loser, it's past my bedtime."

"okay, okay. text me when you get back."

"will you actually open it or leave me hanging like a dumbass?"

"i will, unless i fall asleep."

"fuck off. bye."

he got into a taxi back across town, she went into the hotel and felt butterflies settle in her stomach.

she knew the operation would take a complete one-eighy at the news from today, so to spare herself mostly, she texted that 'we should postpone the operation for today, i'm beat.'

everyone texted back their agreements, seems everyone was weak from the day.

she tucked into bed, and checked over her texts one last time.

katsuki had texted her.

allmightsolos01

yo

i got back to the agency

sleep well or whatever

read 10:37

flowered[name]

sleep well katsuki!

see you tomorroww

delivered

man this truth quirk stuff is so easy.

these last four days are just gonna be a blur.

prev | next!

taglist (comment to be added!): @cc1306 @reads-stuff-quietly @dazqa

[filmbyjy]

MINESTREAM

SYPNOSIS > Wanting to start a new stream series with his best friends, Jay had a bright idea of playing some simple Minecraft with them. Everything was normal, until he realises there is another person in the call with them. He quickly learns that it was ni-ki’s older sister, (name). Watch how streaming a simple game of Minecraft can dig up some interesting feelings between the main leads.

TWENTY-SIX – I’m a werewolf

MASTERLIST | PREVIOUS | NEXT

a/n: idk if anybody watches Chinese dramas but there was one scene from that drama that I referenced. something about how the guy can’t contain himself and he is a werewolf, leading them to- ehem you know🤠

WARNINGS: just slightly suggestive🤏🏼 not that much though.

jake and sunghoon were crazy. definitely drunk. there was no way in hell were they telling you to actually sleep in the same bed as jay. right? you looked down at your bed. you had to change the sheets because only god knows what actually happened on your bed between heeseung and yvet-

oh my god, speaking off. you had to speak to her about this. how could she just do that with heeseung on the bed, drunk. while you didn’t mind your two best friends for finally getting it on after years of chasing each other. but your bed. you wanted to cry in horror and terror, you didn’t walk in on them but it felt like it.

you shot a quick text and attached a picture of the panties on your bed to Yvette. she surprisingly answers quick and she calls you too.

“babe, that’s not my panties.”

“but jake and sunghoon saw you and heeseung.” there was a clear whine and pout to your voice.

“me and heeseung did talk upstairs but we didn’t do anything. does the panties at least look clean?”

“I don’t want to know.”

“were they just laid nicely on the bed?”

“uh, yeah.”

“then it’s definitely not used. I got them for you, there should a matching set of bra somewhere on your bed.”

“WHY WOULD YOU.”

“to tell you to fuck jay.”

“no! we’re just friends.”

“for now. anyways, since those panties fooled you into thinking something happened between me and heeseung on your bed, why don’t you go sleep in jay’s bed.” you could almost hear the tease laced with Yvette’s tone.

“how about no?”

“how about yes because I will come over to your house right now and lock you in jay’s room.”

“you don’t even know which one is his room!”

“I think it’s obvious which one is it. the multiple guitars on display?”

‘damn, should’ve thought about that factor.’ you thought.

“w-well…”

“no stuttering, get in there and pretend that I fucked heeseung on your bed right now then go and ask Jay if you could share a bed together. oh and wear those cute underwear set when you go to bed with jay.” Yvette teases.

you sighed, “whatever.” you end the call. you looked down at the set. shivers down your spine as you thought of the various scenarios that could happen.

very descriptive things that makes your heart race…

things even I as the writer cannot describe because we are keeping it kid friendly :)

no, I don’t think i should think about this.

your thoughts were quickly interrupted by a knock and when you turned around, jay pops his head by the door. “umm, hey.”

“hi.”

you could tell he was hesitant, almost shy to ask. “do you wanna…uh, sleep in my room?” he finally asks.

it went dead silent before he speaks up again, “you don’t have to if you don’t want-”

“umm, I’ll come over to your room in a minute. I just need to change into my pyjamas.”

jay hums and shuts your bedroom door. just as the door clicks, you felt your heart racing a million times worse. you breathed in and out and then grabbed your favourite pyjamas, a satin dark blue set. not a lingerie set, an actual long pants pyjama set.

after changing into it, you had looked into the mirror. you realise it was actually quite a tight fit. you had debated on actually wearing a singlet but just decided to not do it. you were bare. which, I shall not explain any further. you felt comfortable without anything under the pyjamas. you weren’t sure if this would do anything but whatever, this was your home too.

you had knocked on jay’s bedroom door. when you heard him say ‘come in’, you had peaked your head inside. jay had laid down a pillow and a thin mattress liner onto the ground.

“are you sleeping on the ground?”

“yeah, I wouldn’t want to make your uncomfortable.”

“you wouldn’t do that…” silence.

you could almost see the gears turning in jay’s head trying to figure something out that you weren’t quite sure. “u-umm, why don’t you take the other side. there is more than enough space for the both of us on the bed.” you quickly suggested.

“are you sure?” jay tilts his head.

“yeah, umm.” you had grabbed a bolster and placed it in the middle, creating a separation between the bed. “here. don’t cross the line.”

jay snorts, “okay, don’t worry. I won’t cross the line. I’m not a werewolf like jake who would pounce at you while you’re asleep.”

“he does that?”

“if he sleeps in the same bed with a pretty girl like you, then yeah.” jay teases. you could feel the heat grow on your face.

“let’s just go to sleep.” jay chuckles.

“alright.” the bed dips right beside you and it grows quiet. the only sound was the fan whirling on the ceiling.

a few minutes pass, you didn’t know how long but it felt long. the bed moves and the bolster was thrown aside. you were now facing jay, there was something unreadable written on his face.

“maybe, I am a wolf.” jay mutters. before you could even react, jay’s lips fell right on yours. your heart races quickly, his hands lowered down to hold onto your waist, seemingly pulling you closer towards him as the both of you laid in bed practically making out.

it almost felt like a dream…

“(name).”

god, where was that noise coming from and who was calling out for you?

“(name).” it was jay’s voice but he was kissing you, what’s going on. then, the room shakes. you were slowly waking up and the bright sunlight greets you.

you woke up and looked up at jay. he was dressed up since he probably had classes in the morning.

that was all a dream?

“you were umm, talking in your sleep.” jay explains. your face flushes with embarrassment as you realised that you may have just dreamed of jay kissing you. unfortunate part is, he may have heard your scandalous dream.

you raised up your hand and covered yourself with the covers. “d-don’t. I don’t want to know what I was mumbling, it’s embarrassing.”

jay snickers, “mmm, alright…” he pulls the cover off your face. “must be a nice dream, hmm? I was the main star wasn’t I?”

“shut up.” you looked down on the ground beside the bed and grabbed your comfy home slippers. “say something again and I’ll throw my bunny slippers at you.”

jay laughs. “okay okay! I’m joking, I won’t talk about it anymore. it’s between you and me.” you hummed. “alright, I have to go now. classes start soon and I have to wake those two hungover asses up.”

before jay leaves, he ruffles your hair and leaves a small peck on your forehead. you had no idea why but it still made your heart leap. the door shuts and you fall back onto jay’s bed.

you couldn’t believe it, it was all a dream…

and jay probably knew about your dream talk

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[specialagentlokitty]

Hannibal lector x teen!reader - I would notice

Is it possible to have a continuation of 'i would notice'? Bc that fic was scrumptious and I need to see reader happy and healthy with Hannibal 😭 - Anon💜

Part two:

You resumed your therapy on a non official basis, your parents weren’t billed for the sessions like usual, Hannibal would make the time to either go to your school, your home or occasionally to some cafe.

Hannibal had come to the agreement with you that he would meet you twice a week, and if you felt the thoughts getting the better of you then you would call him no matter the time of day.

He also insisted on checking your arms for any injuries and relied on you to tell him the truth about if you had inflicted any wounds elsewhere.

You were laid upside down on your couch while Hannibal read over the letter that you had given him.

“You refuse to go to your progression meeting? Think about college or university?” He asked.

“I don’t see the point, plus the letter insists on bringing my parent or parents with me and yeah considering they’re in a whole different country that might be a bit hard.”

He hummed a little bit, setting the letter down and he looked at you.

“Do sit up, all that blood rushing directly to your brain won’t do you any good.”

You sighed, swinging yourself back around so you were sitting up.

“Are you interested in perusing a higher education?”

“I haven’t really thought about it I guess…”

“You hadn’t thought about making it past your teenage years?”

You shook your head and he nodded in understanding.

“Well, we have some time, why don’t you take a moment to think about this. What do you want to do in your life?”

You went quiet as you thought about his question.

“I guess I want to help people somehow.”

“A doctor? A therapist?”

You shook your head.

“No. There jobs my parents want me to have, I don’t want them.”

“Well, perhaps you should consider going to this meeting, see what your options are based on your grades at the moment.”

“No thanks, I’ll pass.”

Hannibal sighed heavily.

“Will you attend this meeting if I were to ask nicely?” He asked.

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“I’ll be the only student there without a parent or guardian, that’s gonna make me the laughing stock of my whole grade.”

“Just consider it, I would like you to go there tomorrow, trust me.”

Hannibal checked his watch and stood up.

“I have an appointment soon, so I must be going but do consider staying for the meeting for me, see what options there are available for your future.”

You got up to see him out, but never gave him a response.

You were supposed to still be on summer break, but you found yourself wondering the school halls as you debated actually going to this meeting.

It was supposed to be the last one before senior year, anybody who hadn’t gone to any of the meetings were going to start getting pulled aside in following year.

The meeting would help clear up some doubts you were having on your future and you knew that, but you didn’t want to go alone, so you closed your locker.

You began making your way towards the exit, and last minute changed your course to step into the classroom where other students and parents were.

“Well, look who finally came. I was hoping you would.” Your teacher smiled.

You gave a small smile back, walking over.

“Hey Daniels, I was wondering if maybe I could just get a few leaflets and go.”

He nodded, picking up a few leaflets and some other things.

“Take it I can’t encourage you to stay?” He asked.

“Nah, plus it looks like you’ve got a pretty full room anyways.”

He chuckled a little.

“All last minute, just like you. But you’ve still got time to decide so don’t panic about it.”

“I won’t, thanks.”

You stuffed them into your bag and swung it over your shoulder, turning to head to the door and you nearly collided with someone walking through.

“I hope I’m not late, there was a great deal of traffic on the way here.”

You took a few steps back.

“Doctor lector?”

He smiled as he saw you, taking his scarf off.

“You came, although I assume I caught you just as you were leaving?”

You nodded.

“Well, since we’re both here why don’t we take a seat?”

You sat at the back of the classroom with him, setting all the leaflets you had gotten on the table.

“Have you thought about how far you want to travel?” Hannibal asked.

“I don’t really want to go too far, I want to stay somewhere semi familiar.”

“Alright, in that case we’ll take these ones away.”

He took a few of the leaflets away, and picked up one of the others, talking you though it and comparing all of the colleges and universities for you.

“Well, you are interested in animals, perhaps something in that industry?”

You gasped, lightly hitting the table a few times in excitement.

“Zookeeper!! Or.. or.. or ranch owner!” You whisper yelled.

Hannibal chuckled a little, smiling softly at you, and he set a couple of leaflets down in the table for you.

“Well, you still have your senior year ahead of you, but perhaps we can think of visiting a few of these universities, see what they have to offer for you.”

“Aren’t you like real busy or something?”

“I do have spare time, if need be I can make the time.”

You nodded a little bit, looking through one of the leaflets, showing him one of the pictures.

“This one has monkeys, and it’s near a zoo I could do work experience.”

“Well then, I think we should arrange a visit to this university and see all they have to offer, don’t you?”

You quickly nodded your head.

“How do we do that?”

“I’ll handle all of that no need to worry at all.”

You smiled a little at him, and you pulled another bit of paper from your bag, handing it over to him.

“What’s this?”

“Well, we get to decorate our parking spots, this is what I wanna do with mine.”

“This will take you all day.”

“Yup!”

You beamed at Hannibal and he handed the paper back to you, gesturing to the front of the room so you could pay attention.

When the meeting was over, Hannibal dropped you off back home.

“Shall I meet you here tomorrow?” Hannibal asked.

“Nah, it’s okay. I’ll see you next week doctor Lector, and I uh.. thank you for coming to the meeting.”

He smiled at you, making his way back to his car.

You wanted to get an early start on decorating your parking space, and you placed a sheet down that you could sit while you did it.

It was still early in the day, there weren’t many students there, but all of them were doing the same thing as you, getting an early start.

You were sitting with headphones on while you worked, but you did notice a shadow over you, so you tilted your head up.

“Doctor lector!”

You smiled, pushing your headphones down and you moved over so he could sit next to you.

“I happened to find myself with the day free, so I thought I would come check on your progress.”

“I’ve got to wait for the top to dry, so I’m working on the background for now.”

Hannibal nodded his head, and he looked at the paints that you were using.

“You’ve changed your idea a little bit.”

“Yeah, I thought a forest scene would be a lot nicer you know?”

He hummed a little bit, handing you a green paint, taking the one you already had next to you.

“Try this one, it would capture the essence of the pine trees, make them look more alive.”

“I didn’t think of that.”

You changed the shade of green you were using, and Hannibal took a paintbrush to help you, following the outline that you had made.

“Do you paint or something doctor lector?”

“I believe everybody should divulge into the arts in some way another, it can help clear one’s mind, find them peace.”

You nodded your head.

“You seemed to be rather adepts at painting.”

“My parents made me take art classes as a kid, I guess I just really enjoyed it because I kept painting. I lost interest a while back, but I thought maybe I should pick it up again.”

“Why was that?”

“You.”

“Me?”

Hannibal looked at you slightly confused and you smiled a little at him.

“Yeah, you taught me it was important to keep my interests, especially if I want to clear my mind. Painting really helps.”

“And visiting the pet store?”

“They have really cute puppies?” You grinned a little.

Hannibal chuckled, and he smiled at you, turning his attention back to the painting.

“I am glad to see that you’re becoming much happier, have you considered getting a pet? For company that is, that way you are not alone.”

“I was thinking about it, but I don’t know, I don’t wanna buy one you know?”

“Have you thought about adopting one? I have a friend who has done the same, I could ask him to come with us if you’d like?”

“Yeah! Oh my god I want to find a really adorable dog!”

Hannibal chuckled again.

“Well, considered it settled then. I shall get into contact with Will, I’ll arrange a date and a time, we will go to a few rescues until you find a perfect dog.”

You and Hannibal carried on working on your parking spot, he showed you how to blend the colours to look more natural, and he did the more intricate details for you.

When you were finished you put your hand into the paint tin, and you pulled it out, grinning at him.

“What are you planning?” He mused.

You stamped your hand on the bottom of your parking space, and wrote you name underneath, then wiped your hand on your jeans.

“(Y/N), don’t do that come now, you’ll never get that out.”

Hannibal handed you a cloth, and you used that instead, just grinning at him.

He stood up, and looked at your forest themed parking spot, trees, birds, blue skies, sunlight through the trees, a stag in the middle of them all, and an owl sitting on the branch.

“Why an owl?” You asked.

“Well, because they protest wisdom, a thing I believe you have a lot off.”

“Haha very funny.”

“It’s true, you’re a smart person (Y/N), with a lot of wonderful ideas for this world, and I for one look forward to seeing you grow into a wonderful adult.”

You smiled at him.

Hannibal gestured to paint.

“May I?”

You nodded and he brushed some paint on to his hand, and he printed his hand print next to yours, signing his name underneath.

He cleaned his hand on a cloth, and he stood next to you.

“Now this is truly a work of art.” He said.

“Can we go look at dogs now?”

“Well, everywhere is closed to the public, however Will has agreed for you to come to his home and meet his dogs, would you be alright with that?”

You quickly nodded your head and rushed to pack everything away.

“Careful now, we don’t want to ruin your hard work, you spent all day on that.”

“Right! Right! Carefully.”

Hannibal helped you out everything into your car.

“Go home and change, I’ll be there shortly to come get you.”

You beamed brightly from ear to ear and he smiled at you, opening your car door so you could get in.

You drove back home to wash the pain off and change into some fresh clothes, and you were practically bouncing with happiness as you waited for Hannibal to come back.

The moment you saw his car you were running down the driveway, and he chuckled, getting out of his car to open the passenger door for you.

“Does Will have a lot of dogs? Can we get them treats?”

You carried on rambling questions for him, and he just smiled, finally seeing you with a spark of life, a spark of happiness

[equallyshaw]

come back to me. | matthew knies.

•

Warnings: light swearing, sad stuff, slightly acknowledges toxic and abusive parent. harassment and bullying.

Word count: 2.2k

italicized is russian.

——

amelia watched from across the across the dinner table, that was a mixture of players and their partners. it was american thanksgiving and the two had been invited to auston's place to celebrate the holiday with the other american's on he team, and a few canadians joined as well. matthew was laughing at whatever mitch had said, as amelia was in her own world; as she had been the entire evening. the two had fought on their way over about something stupid that pissed matthew off. with matthew going a little too hard at the girl who had just uprooted herself over the thanksgiving break to be with him. throughout the evening, she minded her business talking in bit's to some of the other wags, while matthew was having a great time relieving some stress.

it was around 11 now and she was quite tired, the flight getting to her and all she wanted to do was go to bed. she began her dissent towards matthew, and auston smiled widely as she walked up to the two of them. "hey...hope the food was decent. not much of a cook but tried my very best." auston said and she smiled, "it was really good! don't sell yourself to short." she said easing his anxiety. he nodded, and then excused himself to get himself another drink. "hey..do you know when you want to leave?" she questioned and matthew shrugged. "well id like to get going soon, I've had a long 24 hours." she said hoping he'd take them home. "you can take my keys, and go back. I'm gonna hang with the boys." he said pulling out his keys and pushing it into his hands without meeting her eye. she nodded, swallowing back tears. "alright." she said raspy, fighting back tears. she set her cup down in front of him, turned around and headed towards the door to retrieve her coat.

she exited into the night, without daring to say goodbye to anybody. she was embarrassed and pissed off. she quickly sped off back to his apartment on the other side of the city, debating if she should stay and try to fight it out with him or leave. she was sick of the constant cycle the two had had since senior year back in arizona. they were up when they were up, and then low when they got low. she was sick of him being immature and not taking responsibility for his actions or comments. after replaying the fight from that evening, she knew that she had to go home.

matthew got dropped off two hours later, to an empty house. "amelia?!" he asked jogging down the hallway. he saw that her suitcase was gone and the keys left on his dresser. he cursed himself, pulling out his phone. it went straight to voicemail, and so he began texting her. apologizing for that night and apologizing that he did not go home with her. apologizing for not talking through everything, and she read them all. but she never responded.

•

it just so happened that the leafs were in town at cristmas time, and amelia was hoping that she would not run into him since the two lived down the block from one another. and had since they were in preschool. it was around 9 am on the 24th when she heard laughing and voices talking loudly downstairs, and she sighed knowing it was probably the knies here for the annual christmas eve breakfast the families had had for years. she pulled her comforter over her head, trying to block it all out. she did not hear the knocks from the hallway, her mom letting her know the knies were there. and that one in particular wanted to speak to her privately. "amelia ann!" her mom said pulling back her comforter a bit, and amelia fought. she fought until she saw matthew step in. she sighed and sat up defeatedly. "ill leave you two." her mom said slipping out and amelia sighed throwing her hair up in a messy bun. "yes, matthew?" she quipped looking at him, really looking at him more than she had had in months. he sighed sitting down on her bed in front of her, "i was an idiot-" she cut him off, "damn right you were. you made me look like an ass leaving without you matthew! you fucking embarrassed me in front of people i barely know, do you know how that made me feel, huh? huh!?" she said getting heated, and he took it all in. his eyes filling with tears, as he looked at her. "this- this keeps happening matt, we're good and then we fight and its like the whole world is ending. its exhausting and i don't want to to keep doing this shit. we don't even talk anymore...and when we do it becomes a problem! its like were scared and apprehensive to, and im sick of it. we never learn, and were never going to are we?" she rambled feeling a few tears fall down her olive skin, cheeks. matthew sniffled, wiping his tears away.

he sighed, "but i dont want to let you go mia. i don't want too. youve been my best friend practically our whole lives, my constant person through everything and most important my first love who i want to be my final love." he said pausing to wipe his eyes. watching him do so, broke her heart, and grabbed ahold of his hand, both their lips quivering. "i - i can't be with somebody that i don't love..i don't love this version of you matty, i don't like this version that hurts me with words and sly comments thinking ill just take it. others might, but not me. i wont take what my mom took for so long. I'm not being a doormat or a punching bag and i know it isn't intentional matt, i know but it still hurts nonetheless." she said placing her other hand on his cheek, tears fully streaming from both. he remembers. he remembers her rocky childhood, her dad always going after her mom physically and psychologically, it was hard for the girl understandably. so many sleepovers took place at the knies, at the drop of a hat. and he knew that she promised herself years ago she'd never be in a relationship like that. before they got together, she vowed to herself and when they got together, matthew promised and vowed to never turn into her father. and he wasn't but she had grown nervous recently.

"i love you my love." she whispered placing one last peck on matthew's lips, before he stood up and walked out. she fell back onto her bed and sobbed. she lost her first love and best friend in one moment. it was going to be a long christmas break.

•

it was now the beginning of june and amelia was spending time on her mom and step dad's lake house, finally through her junior year of college and she was quite happy with the way it had finished. once her and matthew had broken up, she refocused on her studies and focused on her friends around her at school, something she had been lacking at the beginning of the school year. she was laying out on the boat they had. around march she began seeing a guy, she thought merely was a fling. though it had turned in to so much more, and it had meant a lot to the both of them that they took the weekend to spend out on the lake. amelia sat up, looking over at anthony and smiled who caught her staring. she leaned over and pecked him, moved a few inches up to look at him. she pushed back his long front locks, and kissed him again. he was completely different than matthew, in the best ways. though every once in a while, she thought about where here and matthew's relationship could have been but quickly dismissed those thoughts. she moved back onto her back, before deciding it was time to jump in. anthony skipped a song on the shuffle, and it was 'i wanna dance with somebody.' and she felt her body go numb. that was her and Matthews song, the uptempo version by whitney houston and a slower cover that was found. she skipped the song and wannabe by the spice girls came up, and she stood up giggling. she took off her sun hat and looked back at anthony who had sat up, and as she turned around she caught sight of a familiar boat that she knew all to well. she knew it was his parents, and she knew it was him on the boat. she quickly jumped off the boat, anthony followed suit behind her. he came up behind her and pulled her into his chest, and she rested her head on his shoulder briefly before heading back to the boat as her phone dinged. she hoisted herself up, and took a glance down at her phone. she sighed seeing it was from matthew. she deleted it and helped anthony up into the boat. "hey, im not feeling very well." she said wrapping herself in a towel, and Anthony nodded. "lets get back to the house." he said kissing her temple and taking the two back to the house.

it was about 30 minutes later when anthony left and she made her way back to the boat, to talk to matthew. he was in the same area as before, and she got over as quickly as she could. matthew could see the girl speed over, as soon as saw her figure making her way out. "can i help you matthew, or do i need to go find somebody to help you?" she screamed at him as soon as she came up next to him. he only chuckled, "why do you feel inclined to comment on my relationship, huh?" she screamed at him. "so what if I'm out here on my parents boat with him, its not illegal y'know!" she screamed at him again and he just took it all in. "you find this amusing, don't ya?" she said crossing her arms in front of her, "but its understandable. i broke up with you, i broke your heart and you're still upset about." she said without thinking. she saw the change in his mood, and stepped back. nervously. "obviously mia, obviously I'm still upset! how can you throw away three years in mere weeks?" he questioned standing up now. "you didn't even give me a chance to grieve mia! you didn't give me a chance to process everything before you went on and started posting it!" he screamed at her, and she looked down and sighed. he shook her head, "i had to move on matty, i had too! if i showed people that i had moved on, maybe then they wouldn't find the need every second to harass and bully me through dms matt! i had to show the world i moved on, even if i wasn't completely. all the while knowing it would hurt you, i had to. i just had to." she said biting the inside of her cheek. matt was taken back by her comments, were people still dming her hate?

"im sorry that i broke your heart, i really am...but you gave me the opportunity to do so matty- so many." she said with her chin hitting her chest as she began to cry. matthew's heart broke, before he climbed over the boats to her. once she felt his arms wrap around her, she began to sob. "you hurt me matt, i had to leave. i had to protect myself." she whispered and he nodded, chin hitting her head. "i know baby, i know." he whispered back, feeling his own tears begin to form. "i still love you so much mia, i never stopped and truthfully never will." he now sobbed and that warmed her heart, because she felt the same. she looked up at him, and the two stared at one another - taking in each others presence. "come back to me mia, come back." he said softly, and she nodded. it was if the question, "really" was written over his face and she nodded again. he smiled widely before pulling her in for a kiss. tasting one another's lips as if they'd never kissed before. ones that held history and so much pain and yet, so much love. they moved in synch, their arms wrapping around one another. the pulled apart after a minute and breathed heavily.

"i love you." he hummed as he wrapped his arms around her waist, looking at the mountains that lined the lake, now as the sun was setting. "i love you too, my love." she whispered back before leaning back to kiss him. the two boated back to their respective docks before matthew walked over towards her parent's house. "took you long enough." the two heard as soon as they walked in. both sets of their parents sat at the dining room table eating dinner. "oh." mia said shocked, while matthew blushed. "nice little show yall put on." his dad said, "the neighbors were invested." her dad added and the mia turned to put her face in his chest. "sit down and eat, foods getting cold." his mom said and the two made their way over.

——

ahh hope you all enjoyed! pls like and reblog if you did--- id appreaice it 🫶🏻

Random tags: @cuttergauthier @slafgoalskybaby @hockeylvr59 @hockeyboysarehot

[promptcontainmentzone]

FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS SENTENCE STARTERS. warnings for: guns, violence, death, murder.

What in the goddamn…?

Let's keep this in the groove, hey? Smooth moves, like smooth little babies...

Baby, the odds may look long, but that's just because we ain't done rigging them. I won't toss the dice until we are.

Look, I ain't a harbor for illusions. I ain't expecting to get out of this shin-dig alive.

Can you spell detention? I'll tell you how I spell it: DEATHtention.

You are in the LIBRARY. Be quiet here and filled with SHHHHH.

I am lord of this institution. Where once, long ago, I was a student here. Now, I am its OMNIPOTENT GOD-PRINCIPAL.

______, you're about to have your FAVORITE treat - a VISITOR. Won't that be nice? DON'T eat the visitor, boy. Don't. Please.

What YOU ask is of NULL importance! _____ besieges us, there are more important things to worry about than DATA and FACTS!

ENOUGH! Stop filling my precious brain cell units with irrelevant data!

And… I wonder why it didn't hit me before, until I saw that memory in your hands.

How gracious of you. A mannerly killing.

Can't have brains moving around of their own volition.

In short: Brains, a heart, and courage... spine. I think there was a story once where a band of murderous thugs sought these things.

The ghosts aren't real? That changes everything.

Baby, this little reunion of ours? Chalk me up as a no-show.

I'm familiar with the care and handling of explosives.

How hard can it be? Just light them and throw.

I'd love to debate you on this, but there's no time.

No way. I'm not going to torch myself for your amusement.

It would be pretty funny, wouldn't it? Oh, don't look at me that way. I'm sure you'll be fine.

_____ is dead - what a mess you've made!

There will be no repeat of the trouble we had last time, I trust?

Even now? On the brink of battle?

You'll need a disguise, then. Or overwhelming firepower. Whatever works.

You must be, like… a brain in a jar!

Frontal assaults on casinos? Not good for business.

You have an interest in this even if you're too stupid to know it. If you have an interest in breathing, you have an interest in this.

They have no idea what other cards I'm holding. It's a strong hand, believe me - I dealt it to myself.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It'd be like them to keep paperwork.

I don't have friends here.

We'll kill more with two of us.

You only trust strangers?

Besides. I was on break when it happened.

I want you to find something out for me. I don't know if there's anything to find, but I need someone to try.

Gonna be hard covering you when I can't move my legs.

Goddamn it! Don't sneak up on me like that. What do you want?

Let me aim that for you next time.

You're hiding something. Spit it out. You owe me.

You got no right asking me that. Drop it.

It's just something I'm not ready to discuss. With you or anybody.

That part of my life is over now. So is this discussion.

Must've been one hell of a miscommunication.

Yeah, well. That's how they wrote it up in the report.

Life has a way of punishing you for the mistakes you make. Big enough mistake, punishment can take a while.

You're like a switchblade stuck on flick.

Shhhh… we're hunting shitheads.

All this planning won't matter much when the bullets fly, anyway.

No sense trying to hold the past between your fingers when it's nothing but dirt.

That fucking monument outside?

Started? Took to it like a fish to water... well, if you know what a fish is.

What the hell is a fish?

They're like birds, except they stay underwater.

Anyway, I've seen pictures. One guy even had one above his bar in Redding, except it was made of Pre-War plastic.

Greetings, _____. The disappointment you are about to experience delights me.

Can I order room service?

Am I punching too much? I get carried away.

You mean like this melee weapon right here in my hand at this very second?

Are you talking to me, or a future _____ who is not already doing that?

He always does what he feels is right. Usually that's a great quality.

Sure, I left them. But that didn't mean I'd ever be free of them.

We always make enemies, never allies.

Hold on. I see something I want to punch.

But at least I got the chance to try. At least I know for sure that there was nothing I could do.

Wow, _____ is looking for you, huh? What do you think he wants? Bowling partner?

But… you don't have a "this is good news" expression on your face.

Well, welcome, then. I'm _____. I live in a hole in the ground.

Well that shouldn't be a problem for me. I can't afford anything like that.

I've heard they shoot lasers from their eyes.

I just kind of drift from place to place.

I'll be honest. You're the first person I've run across out here that looks like she can really handle herself.

Aw, you really know how to make a girl feel like a stray cat.

He was dead when I got there.

This better not be about the meaning of life.

Damn, son, you look like ten miles of bad road.

Are you following me?

I saved your life so I kinda feel responsible for you is all.

I'll let that slide seeing how you gotta mind full of vengeance for that no-good polecat and all.

Yup, but this is getting a might embarrassing - people are going to start to talk.

That's a puzzle, all right. I'm sure it's nothing.

What in tarnation was you thinkin'?

I'll thank you not to touch my plunder.

Meaner than a rattlesnake, ain't ya?

To the Bone Orchard you go!

Seems they made like a ghost.

Won't help you none to lay low.

The Boss is pretty clear on this. I can't let you in unless you're by your lonesome.

You did a super job wrapping things up! And I'm not just saying that because I have to!

Here's a print-out with some additional information!

What? Did you expect me to applaud your efforts to support a deranged warlord?

That wig is going to haunt my nightmares. Seriously.

That one… had a little kick to it. The poisonous kind of kick.

Ahh, that feels better. I might not die for a while yet.

Am I dead? Is this Heaven? Oh. Hi _____. Guess not.

Will the medical wonders of the post-apocalyptic world never cease?

Back to the tomb, I suppose. If you need me, et cetera.

Strange how dead bodies appear wherever you go.

As the old saying goes, two's company, but three's a small army. Okay, I'm paraphrasing a bit, but you get the idea.

Wait, wait, wait a second. What's going on? Am I playing Vergil to your Dante?

I've woken up worse places. Not many, though.

That's sounding dangerously close to a plan, _____.

Alrighty then, I'll just head out. Alone. By myself. Into the dangerous wastes.

If I buy it out there, I want twelve mariachi bands playing at my funeral. A medal might be nice, too.

I'm not exactly a mercenary, but taking out scumbags of this magnitude wouldn't cause me to lose any sleep.

Why don't you make like Odysseus and get lost?

For as lack of adornment is said to become some women, so will this place, without your presence, bring delight.

I've run out of witty ways to tell you to leave, so why don't you just go?

[riordanness]

delicate - [l.valdez]

1.6K wordcount

warnings: mentions of nightmares,, super old writing so proceed with cringe warning

requested: no

a/n: i wrote this in quarantine, early 2021. i lowkey predicted the future w this fic bc i was obsessed w the colour maroon at the time and made y/n wear a maroon coloured taylor swift shirt… never guessing that she would release a song called maroon?? so yeah, fun fact <3

I sat bolt upright in bed, my head pounding. It took me what seemed like forever to calm down, even thought it was likely to have only been a handful of moments. I forced myself to steady my breath, and realise I was safe. My hands were tightly clutched around my sheets, and that helped to ground my thoughts a little.

I looked around my familiar cabin and took a deep breath. My fairy lights shined softly on the walls, making me feel cozy and warm. I had specifically requested fairy lights. They'd always been so reassuring and calming to me, what for I had no clue. But Leo had been all to ready to equip me with fairy lights in my cabin, so I was glad I had asked him for them. They always helped with the nightmares.

I carefully slipped out from under the covers and put on my sneakers. I fumbled through my chest drawer and pulled out a black zip-up jacket I had stolen from Leo, and yanked that on too. I had black leggings and a maroon Taylor Swift T-shirt on, so I felt warm enough to go outside, where the freezing Greek air would surely be uncomfortable.

I needed to clear my head, and get some fresh air, and talk to someone. All that would happen on deck, where there was bound to be at least one crew member on duty. Besides, Leo never went to bed, it seemed. He would most certainly be up there, and I needed to see my best friend right now.

I tiptoed past the other demigods' cabin doors, trying not to wake anyone up. I had no wish to anger anybody who slept with a sword constantly by their side.

I crept upstairs and came out onto the deck, the moon covering the world with a ghostly layer of magical light. I loved the moon. If Artemis, the moon goddess, wasn't a maiden goddess and actually had demigod kids, I'd've given anything to be her daughter. She was definitely one of the best Greek goddesses.

As I'd suspected, Leo was still awake, even though it was probably at least three in the morning by now. He stood with his back to me, tinkering with something on the ships' control board. I stood there for a few seconds, biting my lip and staring at his figure in the dim light, debating whether to bother him or not. In the end, I decided to walk over.

"Hey," I said quietly over Leo's shoulder.

He flinched, looking up at me with startled dark eyes. "Jeez, carinó, don't scare a man like that!”

My eyes widened in sudden alarm. "I'm sorry!"

Leo managed to crack a smile for me. "No, it's fine. Hey."

He turned back to the controls. "I'm just turning off the sonar and switching to radar. We're going airborne soon. Percy's gone downstairs, and it's Jason's turn to watch."

I nodded. "Okay." I knew what he was doing. I didn't dare one but for that kind of information, it was useless to me and I usually forgot it in about four seconds. Leo did it because he knew I adored listening to his voice. His accent was so calming to me, just like fairy lights and Taylor Swift songs were.

I loved him so much for doing that for me. I was so lucky to have this boy in my life.

There was silence for a few minutes. That was the way it usually was with Leo and I. We were comfortable with whatever. If we wanted to talk, we did talk, about everything and anything. But if one of us felt like being quiet, that worked too. It was just nice to be with each other, together.

We didn't have to be talking to enjoy each other's company, and I loved that about him too.

"I had a nightmare..." I said at last, drawing out the words, as if me saying them slower would make it harder for Leo to understand them.

Leo's eyes immediately snapped to meet mine. "You did?" His voice flooded with concern. "Are you okay? Was it that same one, or different? Was it a vision, or —?"

I laughed lightly. "Calm down... I..." My smile dropped as I reflected on my nightmare. "It was..."

I shuddered. "Um, it was bad. I just... I just wanted to be around someone. I didn't want to be alone in my cabin."

Leo nodded. He reached for my hand and squeezed it gently. His touch sent a tingle up my spine. Leo didn't really do touching; I think he was wary around it with his fire powers, so it was nice, but a little strange, to hold his hand.

"Come on," Leo said. "I'm done here. Festus will guard until Jason gets his lazy butt out of bed. I want to show you something."

I managed a smile. "Okay, Repair Boy."

"Hey, don't call me that!"

"Why not?" I reasoned. "You call me carinó, and I don't even know what that means."

Leo's eyes glittered with mirth, as if he was sharing an inside joke with himself. "Well... fine then."

He led me by the hand downstairs. We passed a bleary-eyed Jason on the steps, who nodded mutely at us and kept going. Hopefully he wakes up enough to fight off any monsters who decides our ship looked tasty.

Leo led me past the cabin doors, careful to walk quietly. When he started down the second level of steps, I raised my eyebrows.

"I've never been down here," I whispered.

"I know," he whispered back. A nervous, but excited shiver ran down my back.

Leo pushed open the first door on the left. Inside, an intricate engine (at least I think it was an engine) took up most of the room. Pipes and cords ran absolutely everywhere, winding around and around each other.

Random work tools rolled along the floor every time the ship listed sideways, spanners and hammers and screws going everywhere. The engine hummed softly, filling the air with a pleasant kind of feeling. I instantly understood why Leo liked this place. I know he often spent a lot of time in here, and I could now see why. It was exactly his sort of room.

"Wow, Leo," I said. "You built all this? You're amazing."

Leo blushed. "Thanks, carinó."

I glanced at him with a smile, and he looked confused. "What?"

"Nothing," I said slowly. "I'm just really glad you're my best friend." I gave his hand a squeeze.

Leo looked away. "Uh, great, well..."

"You wanted to show me something?" I prompted.

"Oh yeah!" He pulled me along as he walked to a cabinet against one wall. He opened one of the drawers, dug through it, closes it, opened another one, and smiled triumphantly.

"Close your eyes, carinó," he told me.

I did so immediately. After all, I trusted Leo completely. Okay, maybe not with shaving foam or my wallet, but for anything else? Of course.

Leo suddenly laced his fingers through mine. "Open them," he said, his voice low and kinda gravelly.

I slowly opened my eyes. Leo held out his palm.

On it, a beautiful necklace lay. A beautiful, incredibly intricate flower was made out of see-through gold, hung on a thin gold chain.

I gasped softly. "Oh, Leo..." I didn't know what to say. "It's... it's beautiful. Oh, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

"It's not the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Leo muttered. "I mean, uh, thanks. I made it for you."

I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him. "It's amazing. You're amazing. Thank you."

Leo pulled away, laughing a little. "Okay, okay. Here. Want me to put it on for you?"

I nodded. He carefully stepped behind me and fastened the clasp around my neck. The necklace laid on my chest, and I gazed at it for a moment, before smiling up at Leo.

"Thank you so much, Leo," I said. "It's the best thing I've ever received in my life."

"Really?" Leo seemed surprised. "Well, let's see how many times I can break that record."

Before I knew what was happening, Leo stepped forward, cupped his hand around my cheek and gently pressed his mouth to mine. He only kissed me for a second, moved backwards, red as a beet, and opened his mouth, stammering, "Oh, I just... did that. I— I'm sorry —"

I smiled dryly. "Don't you dare be sorry." I stood on tiptoe and kissed him again, longer this time.

I felt like I was on fire. I wasn't, and neither was Leo (thankfully), but my entire body was hot all over. I don't know how long we would've stayed there, but someone decided enough was enough.

"Hey, Leo, are you — holy Hera!" Jason stumbled into the doorframe. "Uh..."

Leo and I broke apart. His face was a red as mine felt. "Oh! Hi Jason." Leo grinned. "What's up?"

Jason pursed his lips. "I... uh, I forgot. What the Hades are you two doing?"

"Making out," Leo replied.

"Leo!" I exclaimed. "I wouldn’t put it that way! That’s so… crude sounding.”

"Oh. Okay. We weren’t doing that then," Leo agreed. "What's wrong, J-man?"

Jason looked confused. "Um, well... we're nearly to Athens. None of us can work out your controls, Leo, so you need to come and uh, work your magic."

Leo nodded. "We'll be right there."

Jason disappeared up the hall. Leo and I glanced at each other.

"So?" Leo asked, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"So... what?" I asked back.

"Did I break my record?" He grinned cheekily. "Of the best things you've ever received?"

I blushed. "I guess so. Yeah. Yeah you did, Repair Boy."

"Good," Leo said, grabbing my hand again and pulling me towards the deck. "Now, let's go save the world, together."

[rayssyscourse]

question/disscussion

hey everyone! this is something I've been thinking about for a while, so if anybody has input that would be awesome so I can eliminate the confusion I have.

this is about the word "system". for a long time I was under the impression that "system" is exclusively a traumagenic or OSDDID term, and thus that non-traumagenics shouldn't use it. I figure(d) that there's a lot of other terms out there, the most common of which being "plural", that were more general terms for non traumagenic systems as well as traumagenic ones.

but it occurred to me recently that I don't really have any basis for that. I must have heard it from somewhere, but unlike the rest of my syscourse opinions I don't have a solid source/evidence to point to.

so what I'm asking is, does this actually make any sense?? or did I just kinda randomly make it up one day lmao?? if anybody has sources or evidence that would be great as well.

and if it turns out I'm wrong about this and "system" isn't a traumagenic only term, does anyone have propositions on how we can more effectively distinguish traumagenic and non traumagenic systems' terms?

I have other posts about this but if you're not familiar with this blog, my main criticism is not the existence of endos but the fact that their community is so intertwined with ours, which has negative effects on us (and them, at least to some extent, I think). so if system isn't the right word, I'd be interested if we as communities could better distinguish exactly what terms mean what, and who they apply to.

that's not to say I want to, like, separate everyone with specific label boxes, but I think it's important for us to have distinguishing terms for those of us whom it's important to, in the interest of having better defined communities and spaces for both traumagenic and non-traumagenic plurals.

I am fully willing to be proven wrong or debated with on this, because like I said I'm not sure if I'm actually right here, so please feel free to correct me if I got anything wrong!

have a lovely day, everyone <3

[eris-snow]

Deku's birthday series Q n A!

This will most likely be my last post pertaining to the Deku's birthday series for awhile. I'm sorry it came out late! 😭

There are some behind-the-scenes screenshots over on my Instagram if anyone wants to see, so go visit my post after you’re done reading this! https://www.instagram.com/eris.snow/

---

Katsuki, slamming the door open: ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

Now, I have no idea what you’re—

Katsuki: NO! YOU HAVE EVERY IDEA WHAT YOU’RE DOING. HOW DARE YOU, LEAVE ME WITH THE NERD AND HIS FUCK-ASS MEMORIES. FREAKING. FUCK. YOU!

Come on, it can’t be that bad—

Katsuki: JUST SUCK FACE WITH HIM ALREADY

No.

Katsuki: I will kill you and make it look like an accident, come here you—

---

Hey I’ve always wanted to do one of these.

---

Question: Is there going to be a part 3? Deku birthday series

Ans: Yes, there’s going to be a part 3, and it will be the last part of this Izuku trilogy of Deku’s birthday series! (Because I’m unwilling to milk this more than necessary)

Question: Why the ending? (Aka, why did you write another cliffhanger ending that’s so unsatisfactory) -Revelation

Ans:

The answer to that is that I felt it was a little unfair to have Izuku have Starlight handed to him on a silver platter. Frankly, I want to see him work for Starlight, because she’s worth it, and we haven’t really seen that. Also, angst.

Question: What can we expect in the next part?

Ans:

Definitely more flashbacks from Izuku’s point of view. Also, it will be a happy ending, confirmed. I think it’ll be a little irritating to see things go nowhere if I make a part 4. I really don’t like dragging things out longer than necessary, but the next part should be more Izuku-centric. Plus, there are a bunch of scenes I wanna write that are now unlocked because Izuku remembers, so stay tuned for that!

Question: How did you come up with the story’s narrative? -Secret

Ans:

Honestly, I have no idea. As I was writing the first two chapters, I was bouncing ideas off with one of my loved ones, and it just clicked. I did a little reshuffling, and then ironed out a cohesive storyline. Secret came at like a odd spot of, should I write a birthday series for him, because I did it for bakugou. On Tumblr, it was a lot more popular than I thought it would ever be, and Secret struck a gold mine with my AO3 audience.

Question: Do you relate to Starlight (Y/n)?

Answer: In some ways, yes. Sometimes, you’re afraid to let go of pain when that’s all you’ve ever known, and I wanted to show that. After all, Izuku and Y/n are teenagers. They have no idea what they’re doing, just working with bits and pieces. Kinda like how sometimes, we have no idea what we’re doing at whatever age we’re at. Also Starlight’s internal debate of whether to accept the offer of removing one of her feelings, and dissociating herself. Sometimes, cutting of feelings seem better, especially when you need to steel yourself. But no one should ever cut their feelings of entirely.

Question: What’s next in terms of your content?

Answer:

Er, a lot. First, I need to finish Anachronism and Juxtaposition, because I’ve been delaying doing that. And request, oh, gosh I’m so sorry to anybody who put in a request recently. But, I’ve still got lots of ideas I want to put out! Thank you for supporting me, and I hope that you’ll enjoy my other series! If you have any suggestions on what my long fic should be about, you can ask me on Tumblr or Dm me on Instagram at eris.snow!

Question: What’s next for Deku’s birthday series?

Answer:

Err, I really want to do an audio adaptation of this (Something like a CD drama), because I’ve had offers from really nice people to turn my story into something like an audiobook. I don’t think that’ll be really good for my work, so I kinda want to turn my story into a script and pull strings together to make it into a CD drama, ASMR roleplay, honestly idk what to call it.

Still working it out though! If you want updates or to ask for more questions about that, you can find me at eris.snow on Instagram and tumblr (I post more on Tumblr, like the freak I am). Looking for VAs interested to voice these people, so if anyone wants look forward to a post coming out somewhere in November ish that will release more details!

It’s going to be my first time doing something like that, so if anyone has any pointers, please tell me, I need all the help I can get 😭

PS: This is only tentative. I’ve expressed interest in doing it, but nothing is set in stone yet! However, if there are people interested in this idea, then I’ll definitely take it into consideration whether or not this will, or will not happen!

---

That’s all I want to address. Hope this clears things up for everyone!

[attemptingwriter]

Pretty Boy

Walter O'Brien x transmasc Reader

Warnings: fluff, trans reader, Toby being Toby (y/f/I) is "your first initial", ooc-ish Walter

(there's not enough Scorpion fanfics out there so here)

Toby was silently shuffling the items on Walter's desk, trying to play a seemingly harmless prank, when Walter's phone buzzed. Toby glanced at the device, debating on taking a quick look. Curiosity won him over and he grabbed the phone, leaning back in Walter's chair.

(Y/F/I): On my way, pretty boy! Can't wait to see you 😊

Toby blinked, reading the text message over and over. Walter had a mystery person texting him. Not only was this person texting him, they were calling him 'pretty boy'.

Toby grinned as he called his friends over. "Hey, Happy, Sly, get over here!"

The two friends stopped what they were doing and walked over to Walter's desk. Happy had her arms crossed over her chest as she walked over.

"What's going on, Toby?" Sylvester asked.

Toby waved Walter's phone in front of him. "Our dear Walter has a girlfriend!"

"No way." Happy shook her head. "You've seen his relationships in the past. There is no way Walter is dating anybody."

"I have to agree with Happy. Walter's made no indication that he is seeing anyone. He's been focused on all our cases and with helping Paige." Sylvester added.

Toby smiled and opened Walter's phone, showing his friends the text. "Well then, what's this?"

Happy and Sylvester leaned forward, shocked that their friend could possibly being hiding something like this from them.

"What are you guys doing?"

Toby, Happy, and Sylvester quickly turned to face Paige, having the decency to look a little guilty. Sylvester more than the others.

"Walters got a girlfriend!" Toby exclaimed.

"No, I do not. And I would appreciate it if you left my things alone." Walter said as he walked down the stairs.

He made his way over to his friends and team and held his hand out for his phone. Toby handed it over reluctantly, shaking his head.

"If you don't have a girlfriend, then who's texting you?" Happy asked.

"Yeah and why do they call you 'pretty boy'?" Toby added.

Walter looked down at his phone, quickly sending a reply. "I have a partner. Who you'll be meeting in a few minutes."

With that, Walter turned and walked back upstairs, wanting to finish the problem he was focused on before his team distracted him.

"Partner?" Happy questioned. His friends shrugged and moved back to their separate activities.

"Wait! Why 'pretty boy'?" Toby called after him.

"You really should leave Walter's stuff alone, Toby." Paige mentioned. "If he wanted to tell you about them, he would've. And it sounds like he was planning on it."

"Wait, do you know who his partner is?"

Before Paige could answer, the door opened to reveal a guy in a jean jacket with a bunch of pride and music patches, chains hanging from his belt loops and dyed hair. He looked over to see Toby and Paige staring at him and smiled.

"Hi! You must be Walter's friends, right?"

The two nodded, too shocked to say anything.

"I'm (Y/N), it's nice to meet you," he said, walking over.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Paige and this is Toby." Paige smiled back, ready to make a new friend.

"Walter's told me a lot about you guys. It's nice to put names to faces. Where is Walter by the way?"

"Upstairs." Paige answered.

(Y/N) thanked her and made his way upstairs.

Paige turned back to Toby. "He seems nice."

"I don't really know what I was expecting, but I can for sure say that he was not it."

(Y/N) smiled when he saw his boyfriend standing in front of the white board, a math problem way too difficult for him to figure out written on it.

"So is this what you do all day, pretty boy?" (Y/N) asked, making his presence known.

Walter turned at the interruption, a small smile lighting up his face. "Actually, we do more than this such as helping out Homeland, saving lives, building new technologies."

(Y/N) let out a laugh and made his way into his boyfriend's arms. "So I met Toby and Paige downstairs. They seem nice."

"Paige is, but Toby can be quite a handful." Walter wrapped his arms around his partner, knowing that the close proximity brought him comfort. And he'd be lying if he said it didn't bring him comfort too.

"What about Sylvester and Happy? I haven't met them yet."

"Happy is extremely sarcastic and blunt while Sylvester is caring but a germaphobe which can be difficult at times."

"Well, I wanna meet them. Can we go?"

Walter nodded and let him go. (Y/N) grinned, leaning up on his tiptoes to press a kiss to Walter's cheek.

Walter took (Y/N)'s hand and led him back downstairs.

Happy and Sylvester had reconvened with Toby and Paige and were talking together. Happy looked over her shoulder and hit Sylvester in the arm. He turned and stared as Walter and (Y/N) came down the stairs.

"Guys, this is my partner, (Y/N). (Y/N), this is Happy and Sylvester. You've met Paige and Toby."

"It's really nice to meet you guys. Walter's said some pretty great things about you."

Happy and Sylvester could only stare as he smiled at them. They were not expecting someone so completely opposite of Walter to be dating him.

"It's nice to meet you, too. I wish I could say we've heard great things but we had no idea about you until now." Sylvester replied.

(Y/N) laughed it off. "I understand. Walter is a very private person. It took me months to finally convince him to let me meet you guys."

"Will you be over more now that you have?" Paige asked.

(Y/N) looked over at his boyfriend, smiling. "Definitely."

Walter smiled down at his partner and quickly pressed a kiss to his forehead.

[vendetta-if]

It's an unpopular opinion that i feel some might flame me for, but i love Yvette lol

I didn't have any opinion of Yvette, i just thought "hey, if it were me, i wouldn't care about her at all".

After i read debates about her character, i formed an opinion of my own: i personally feel she's in a losing game no matter what she chooses to do (having a child would've ended her career, but she probably felt guilty aborting the child Victor cares so much about), but then again, she placed herself in that position, where it could've easily been prevented (not dating?? Or like, not being greedy for fame?? A lot of things).

In the end, i love her for some strange reason. Maybe because i understand why she did the things she's done, i don't resent her for her actions—why care when they don't care either? But once she asked for a second chance, i couldn't say no. I just had to help her, like, oh boy.

I'm also saying this in the context of my MC, i think he'd feel the same way. Just a strange love for someone that wants to be in your life again. It's not pity, hatred, or indifference, just a kinda, empty love?? I can't describe it as anything else but that. Not sure if it's a real thing either

I'm so sorry for the extremely long read lol, i actually have a lot more to say, but i think it's too long. Anyways, i really love your work, so please stay motivated and hydrated, author! Thank you so much!

Aww ☺️ Thank you for the kind words and don’t be sorry about the long read; I enjoy reading your thoughts about Yvette! 😄

I love how you acknowledge that Yvette’s situation is indeed a lose-lose situation and that it was her, herself, that put herself into this complicated situation.

Ideally, she shouldn’t have started a relationship with Viktor if she really cared more about her fame and career at that time because she knew those two affect the other negatively. Even if she didn’t get pregnant, she would have kept stringing Viktor along for years, keeping their relationship a secret all the time, which, I think sooner or later, would lead to another clash with him.

He would ask her to choose either him or her career. He’s patient and he really loves Yvette, but he can’t really do this forever. Not really being able to freely go out with each other in public without some kind of disguise, seeing Yvette saying that she’s single and not seeing anybody in the TVs and Internet, him not being able to tell anyone (although he would totally still tell his family and Cara).

In the end, Yvette’s weakness is that she wants everything; she wants to eat the cake and have it too. Even after Viktor died, she wanted to kinda be in MC’s life while also still keeping up her image as this hot, single superhero and still didn’t want to take a hit to her career for MC. Which was why Luka gave her the ultimatum, to force her to finally choose one.

Alas, that’s just the nature of most human, I think. We really want to have the best of both worlds if possible, and sometimes, in an effort to pursue that, we ended up losing both or getting the worst of both instead 😅 So, I can see why some readers can understand her and her actions. And it’s totally okay.

[astrronomemes]

TROLLS WORLD TOUR: STARTERS

a collection of quotes, phrases, and sayings from the 2020 Dreamworks Animation film, Trolls: World Tour. change & alter as needed.

"We'll get back to the party in a minute. Let me just take care of this real quick."

"That's not music. Do you want to hear some real music?"

"You're harshing the vibe we worked very hard to build to!"

"Hey, uh, [name], there's something I've been meaning to ask you—I mean, I guess it's something I want to... tell you? But! Listen! You can feel free to respond to it! With an answer! If—If you wanted."

"That could have been better. Let's try that again."

"It's just junk mail. You don't need to worry about it."

"I was hoping to protect you from this, [name]."

"I'm not a little kid anymore, [name]."

"You're assuming the worst about someone you haven't even met!"

"There's no time to debate this. Let's go."

"[Name] is gonna love your new look!"

"This is a terrible idea that will most likely blow up in your face. ...And I guess I'm coming with you."

"Who knew world domination could be so much fun?"

"All right, in a short four hundred and fifty-six pages, I'm gonna know how to fly this thing."

"I'm not saying we have to use them. I'm saying it's better to be prepared in case we need them."

"I promise that I will protect you. No matter what."

"Friendship takes time, and years of mutual care and respect! You don't just become best friends!"

"Oh, hey, I'm tired now. Hating things takes a lot of energy."

"There is no 'I quit' in 'team'!"

"Okay, [name], you can say I told you so. I know you want to."

"Am I not cute anymore?!"

"Oh, [name], you're alive! For a minute there, I thought you'd kicked the bucket!"

"Why are you helping us? What's in it for you?"

"You don't trust anybody, [name]."

"I thought we were friends, [name]! I'm starting to think you don't even know what that means!"

"How are you supposed to save the world if you can't even keep us safe?!"

"Was that a dad joke? It was lame."

"History is just going to keep repeating itself until we make everyone realize that we're all the same."

"Denying our differences is denying the truth of who we are."

"We had a fight. He's gone."

"I thought I heard a yodel."

"I will never stop fighting until I make things right!"

"All right, you're feisty. I respect that. Strong woman to strong woman, am I right?"

"I shouldn't have left her. She wouldn't have left me."

"You don't have to be embarrassed. I get it."

"You know, other than your terrible taste in music — and clothing, and general lifestyle — you and me are the same, [name]."

"Who's ready to get rippin' tattoos everywhere but our faces in case we still need office jobs!"

"It's all right, [name]. Just let everyone be what they want to be. Including you."

"You were brave enough to believe things can change. Braver than me."

"You have to be able to listen to other voices, even when they don't agree with you."

[specialagentlokitty]

Daryl x reader - take on the world together

Part three:

You weren’t stupid, you knew you were being watching, and you knew that you were being watched by Daryl, he wasn’t exactly trying to hide it.

But being new to the group you didn’t want to cause any issues with anybody, so you didn’t say anything about it. But you did keep an eye on him in return.

Spencer liked to spend his time outside in the sun, so you would be outside as well, and being mostly in charge or runs or keeping an eye on things Daryl was there too.

And today was no different, he was messing with a car, whether he was trying to take it apart of fix it you weren’t too sure.

“Hey (Y/N)?”

You turned to Maggie who was holding some maps.

“Are you any good at reading maps? Because we’ve been trying to make sense of this and we just can’t. Spencer mentioned something about you and knowing a lot of stuff.”

You nodded taking the maps from her and you sat on the floor.

“What’re you looking for exactly?”

“Anywhere that could carry baby food, any kind of supplies really. You walked here, we thought maybe you had passed a few things.”

“Yeah, do you have a pen or something?”

She checked her pockets and handed you a pen.

You circled the prison, then you began circling a few places around it, asking her where they had been so far.

While you were doing that, Spencer was kicking a can about.

He kicked it a little too hard and he went to follow it, then he stopped when he realised how far he was from you, and that his can had over near Daryl and the car.

Daryl stopped what he was doing, and he looked by his foot at the empty can then at the boy who was trying to hide behind a barrel.

“You gon’ come get it?” Daryl asked.

Spencer shook his head, hiding himself a little more.

“Suit yourself.”

Daryl went back to what he was doing, and Spencer watched him with a mixture of curiosity and fear.

When he was sure Daryl wasn’t looking he began to creep closer, remembering when you had taught him about being quiet.

He was at the side of the car now, and he crouched down, peaking around the car he saw the can and he went to grab it.

Daryl placed his foot on hit, and Spencer gasped quietly, hiding around the side of the car.

He quietly ran around the back of the car to the other side, and he crouched down again.

Daryl looked to the other side, seeing Spencer there and he didn’t say anything.

He set the wrench down and he waited, a few moments after he did a small hand reached up to take it.

Spencer sat on the floor, inspecting it to try and figure out what it was, what it it was used for.

Daryl picked up the can quietly, placing it on top of the car, and he leant over the engine.

“Am I gonna get that back from you?” He asked.

Spencer quickly got up, running to the back of the car.

“What is it..?”

“It’s a wrench, helps me take things apart, or fix ‘em.”

Spencer peaked around the car, and Daryl was doing the same thing.

“You scared of me kid?”

Spencer didn’t say anything.

“I ain’t gon’ be pissed if you are.”

Spencer nodded his head slightly, and Daryl gave a half shrug.

“I scare a lotta people, just got that kinda look about me. You gonna give that back yet? I’ll give you the can you was playing with.”

He held out the can, offering a trade.

Spencer debated this for a moment before he carefully padded closer, taking the cab back and he gave the wrench back to Daryl.

“That woman your mom?”

Spencer shook his head.

“Sister?”

Again he shook his head.

“You just with her?”

He nodded this time.

“She keeps me safe…”

Daryl glanced over at you, then he went back to working on the car.

Spencer ran back around it, to the side where you could see him and he set his can down, trying to push over a wooden box.

After realising he couldn’t move it he huffed and quietly made his way over to Daryl.

“Ain’t she gon’ be pissed if she sees you here?”

“Not if I’m safe.”

Daryl glanced down at the boy, and he pulled out the engine of the car, setting it down on the floor.

Spencer found this more interested and crouched next to it, trying to push it but it was too heavy for him.

Daryl carried on working on the car, and Spencer decided to use the engine as a stood to stand on though unbalanced and he looked inside the front of the car.

“Why’s it so empty?”

“‘Cause I took the engine out dummy.”

“That’s not nice, (Y/N) says we shouldn’t call people names.”

“Well I ain’t no kid, and I don’t follow no dumb rules neither.”

Spencer looked up at him.

“Do you have friends?”

“Yeah, got a few I guess.”

Spencer nodded his head and climbed back down.

He picked up his can again and began kicking it about, loosing interest in whatever it was that the man was doing.

You looked up at Spencer and smiled, turning back to Maggie.

“I hope these help, if you can’t find them let me know.”

“I will, thank you.”

She took everything and made her way back inside, and you caught the can as Spencer kicked it at you.

He grinned sheepishly and ran over, sitting down in front of you.

“Sorry.”

“That’s alright bud. Are you having fun?”

He nodded and looked back at Daryl.

“He’s not so scary.”

“That so?”

He nodded again.

“He’s rude though, and says bad words.”

You laughed softly.

“Yeah, adults sometimes say bad words.”

“Carl says bad words, he’s not a grown up.”

“No, but he’s older than you.”

He pouted a little but got back up to carry on playing his game, kicking the cam back over to Daryl.

“Kick it this away again and amma take it kid.”

Daryl kicked it back over, unknowingly starting a game with the boy, she Spencer kicked it back.

Daryl set the screwdriver down and turned to look at Spencer.

“I ain’t playin’ no games.”

He kicked it back over and Spencer grinned, kicking it back, jumping up and down happily.

“Seriously? Ain’t you you listening?”

You got up, walking over and you picked up the can, tossing it over to Spencer who laughed a little, going back to kicking it around.

“He’s a kid, you kick it back and it’s immediately a game.” You said.

He turned back to the car.

“Then how the fuck am I meant to get out the game?”

“Don’t kick it back, or you keep kicking it till he gets bored.”

“Man, that shits a waste of time, I got better things to be doin’.”

You rolled your eyes.

“Then don’t join the game Daryl.”

He glanced at you, then picked up the rag next to him to clean his hands, and he leant against the car.

“The west side was cleared the other night.”

“Maybe they left, not hearing much noise wouldn’t be interesting.”

He shook his head.

“Nah, that many walkers just wonderin’ off? Ain’t no way. Found some bodies in the forest when I went hunting.”

“Someone passing by maybe.”

He hummed a little bit.

“You being outside on the same night?”

You turned around.

“I stayed inside all night.”

“Don’t you fuckin’ lie to my face, I saw you, I wanna know what you were doing out there.”

“You got proof I was out there?”

“Not yet, but I find some, if you put anybody in this prison at risk, I’ll kill you myself.”

You narrowed your eyes a little bit, wrapping your hand around the hilt of your knife.

“You, or anyone here hurts that boy, so much as pulls a hair of his head, I’ll kill you all without hesitation. You hear me?”

Daryl and you stared each other down.

“I mean it, you do whatever you want to me. Beat me, hell even kill me if you can, but you leave Spencer alone, he stays out of this. I just want somewhere safe for him, where he can be fed, and sleep without fear.”

“That why you killed all them walkers?”

You clenched your jaw but said nothing to him, you simply just turned around and walked back over to Spencer.

You knelt down, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t try play games with him anymore, alright? Leave him alone…”

Spencer nodded his head and you smiled, ruffling his hair.

“Good, now let’s go see if Carol or Maggie can do something about your hair, you’re not gonna be able to see anything soon.”

He laughed a little and took your hand so he could drag you back inside.

Daryl watched you leave, he knew it was you, because nobody else was outside that night aside from you.

But he checked the fence, he checked the gates, there was no sign of you being able to get out without any help.

He wanted to know how you did it, how you cleared so many walkers on your own, disposed of their bodies and got in and out undetected.

You didn’t seem to care all that much about other people, but you cared about that boy you were travelling with.

There was something wrong about you, and he had never been wrong about that, he had never been wrong about somebody so far, and he was sure he wasn’t wrong about you

[bagog]

N7 Month, 2023 - Day 14: Shore

The sound of waves, and in the distance, the heat of the tropical zone colliding with the temperate band of the planet, stoking up a colossal lightning storm too far away to hear. Just the waves, then.

“Hey,” Kaidan’s voice was soft, but jarring compared to the noise of the surf lapping in against Shepard’s shoes. His best shoes were soaked and sinking into the sand. Kaidan looked down and had to notice, noticed the way that the hem of Shepard’s slacks was soaked, the dark patch siphoning up the cotton almost to his knee. He didn’t say anything about it. “Debated giving you some time to yourself, but then I figured maybe you could use some company.”

The sun passed behind a cloud, and a warm breeze stirred the tropical leaves. It was a picturesque evening on Virmire.

“Thanks,” Shepard said stiffly. “Just wanted to clear my head before everything starts.” He let Kaidan guide him a few paces back from the edge of the water, and he turned to look back where they had walked from.

A hundred paces away, the beach met the far edge of a sizable crater. The crater itself had become a new shallow bay along the shoreline, and the forest had begun to reclaim the sandy walls that tumbled into the water below. Hovering over the beach was a shimmer in the air: a salarian stealth drop ship, chameleon with the color of the sky. It barely made a sound as it floated three meters off the sand.

Six salarians had stepped down out of the air, each of them in their planet’s equivalent of formal wear.

“We would be legends!” Kirrahe had said, “But the records are sealed.”

And so they were, even once the Reaper War had ended and a newer, friendlier Council had been established. There was no record of Saran’s cloning base on Virmire, or of the teams that had destroyed it. To be a covert operative meant no one could call you ‘hero’, but more so it meant nobody could see you mourn your dead.

And so, as was special tactics’ custom, 6 years after the mission, the surviving members of Mannovai and Jaeto teams had returned to Virmire to pay their respects to the members of Aeghor team, who did not survive.

“I asked about building a little cairn for her or something,” Kaidan said softly into Shepard’s ear, letting their shoulders bump. “You know just something small, couple rocks or something. They told me even that is too much… evidence, or whatever. Apparently, according to custom, they’re not even going to leave their footprints in the sand.”

“Ah I see,” Shepard let the corner of his mouth curl just a little. “So I’m making it harder by walking off alone down the beach, huh?”

“I think they see the need for isolation as a pretty human quirk,” Kaidan took Shepard’s arm and turned them towards the salarians who had gathered. Major Kirrahe was just emerging from the drop ship. “I don’t think anybody’s going to complain today.”

“I’m not sure where we’re supposed to be standing. I know there’s some ceremonial significance.” Shepard whispered as they walked closer.

“I got it, just stand next to me.” He reached down and squeezed Shepard’s hand.

“…can’t even leave her a cross made out of sticks, or?” Shepard whispered at last. He only received another hand squeeze from Kaidan.

Kirrahe began the ceremony without fanfare or preamble a few moments later. It was a rousing speech Shepard couldn’t pay attention to. He’d have to ask Kaidan to give him the notes on it later. Kirrahe stood with the backdrop of the crater. You really couldn’t tell a facility had been here. If it weren’t for the conspicuous roundness of the bay itself, it’d be easy to believe it was natural with how much the jungle had claimed it in the past 6 years.

“Ito Modrin, Aeghor Team.” Kirrahe intoned. The salarians chanted a brief syllable, something between a shush and a shout. Kaidan and Shepard joined with them as the names rolled on. A dozen or more.

“Voran Loenerz, Jaeto Team.”

It was beautiful, as far as final resting places went. He’d left his first soldier behind here. Somewhere else in the galaxy, he’d left others floating in space above an icy alien world. At least he’d been allowed to erect a monument there.

“Ridenza Clao, Jaeto Team Leader.”

The invitation had been a surprise. And it had loosened something that had been lodged inside him. About Ash, about Alchera, about everything. He wasn’t sure if the ceremony today was the beginning or the ending of something inside him, something that had been more comfortable stuck, irritating but out of mind.

“Williams Ashley, Aeghor Team Leader.”

The company chanted, and then there was a moment of silence. Only the sound of the waves, and of alien birds. Then, as if they all understood it was over, the members of the salarian team turned and began to board the drop ship once again. A few exchanged terse pleasantries with Shepard and Kaidan before they boarded, but even Kirrahe only said a few words before boarding the drop pod:

“Please take a moment if you need.”

Kaidan and Shepard stood alone on the beach.

“Tell me what you’ve been thinking about?” Kaidan took Shepard’s hand again.

“I’ll tell you everything when we get back, if you tell me Kirrahe’s speech.” Kaidan laughed, but turned Shepard to face him.

“I’m glad you were here with me today. And… I’m glad I was here with you.” He leaned forward and softly kissed Shepard, putting his arms around him.

They listened to the sound of the waves for another moment, then they cleared their footprints and boarded the ship—flew away.

[tricksterfiction]

Day 8 - Scrawny (Free day!)

Two hearts with accurate devotions

A young silver eyed Qaor'a stared an equally young Sen down, their rivalry up until now had been bubbling. Competing against each other in practicum results, volunteer hours, and all the ways students measure themselves against the others.

Nobody else was interested in getting between them but now, now it was coming to the surface.

It was the evening of the Conjurer's Guild social, where students were introduced to their future peers and other members of the prominent guilds in Gridania.

Sen had a couple classmates at her elbows, chatting pleasantly about their upcoming studies, suture techniques. They all wore their best robes, Sen was in a dark hunter green robe - her mentor had convinced her father to make for her. It had some lovely embroidery of cloves on the inside of her collar. Despite the more formal fashion she liked it, she had some say in what she wanted to wear for once. Her redwood cane was on her back.

Her horn ticked up at the sound of her name being dropped, her lips pursed scanning for eyes on her.

"You think that scrawny little good for nothing lizard, has a chance at doing better than me?" Qaor'a practically cackled, a flip of his bangs, "Sure she got lucky being plucked from obscurity and blessed by tolerance of the Elementals to work among us."

Sen's fists clenched zeroing in on the foul mouthed catte, her irritation plain as day. Her friends looked over and tried to console her.

"Don't listen to him, he's just got something to prove-" One would begin, and the other chiming in, "The Elementals won't tolerate his ego- Hey!"

She made a beeline for him.

"Someone ought to spare her the time and send her back where- Ohhhh, Miss Urabe, good evening." Qaor'a smiled a slimy smile, "How do you do?"

Qaor'a and his two hyur friends looked at her with obvious bemusement.

She had spent a grand total of two seconds thinking of her retort and it was all she needed, sticking a finger in Qaor'a's face, "You'll tolerate my cane up your ass as much as the Elementals supposedly tolerate me, asshole." This was a first any of them heard her say one cross word, the trio blinked at her.

"I am as well as your mom was last night after I was done fucking her, thanks for asking." They were stunned, "I can and will be better than you, Qaor'a. Nobody's a better study, a better healer nor better suited for being closer to the Elementals than me." She turned that finger and thumbed his nose, "Good luck convincing anybody of what you heard me say."

It took the keeper to process looking to his friends, then a deep purple blush of anger he threw back more insults about her being a foreigner, she swung back with low blows about his appearance. They went on, the hyur boys drifted away when they showed no sign of stopping. Their voices remained at a reasonable level, most of the adults present thought they were just having a spirited debate.

Sen and Qaor'a eventually only stopped when their mouths were locked, tongues darting and swiping, and poor decisions guided their awkward inexperienced hands.

[mysdrymmumbles]

Okay, so I think the shadowlands should have been in a different order, but I'm like, a little stumped on which.

Like, okay, below the cut is me thinking it through, so you can ignore it if you want, or pitch in your thoughts :0

Okay, so with the anima drought, I doubt the attendants would be willing to just open a gateway for anybody because they can't afford it, and they're especially not going to do so for one feeling of the Maw.

I feel like they would have contained the Maw Walker a bit more than just letting them run around the city and meet the Arbiter.

So they contain the Maw Walker instead, and cleanse them, to make sure that Maw essence is not a part of them.

Then, when they realize they are not, the attendants are willing to talk. But again, there is an anima shortage, and they cannot just open any path.

So instead, they flag down a bearer.

The Maw Walker can be like, "Yeah, that looks about right."

And the bearer, albeit miffed at being pulled from their sacred duty, can do the memory thing to take a look at wtf is going on, and be rightfully horrified.

It can be Bearer Thedrin.

If you know, you know.

And the Maw Walker's like, So, can you take me to your realm, and Bearer Thedrin is like, "Um, no, lol. That's a whole can of worms that I'm not opening. I'll relay a message tho."

So Bearer Thedrin goes off to see about warning the Archon, and the Maw Walker is like, "so what now?"

There's a bit of a debate about what to do, and Bolvar uses his connection to the helm shard the Maw Walker carries to make his own damn portal, and everyone is very u p s e t

There are mortals (plural) in the Eternal City. Not cool.

And the attendants know that Azeroth is a problem child world. All the afterlives know this. You never want direct contact with the problem child worlds.

Because you get get things like mortals crawling all over your lovely undead city.

One of the brokers, Ve'rayn can step in and be like, "Hey, I have an idea. What if you went to Revendreth?"

And Ve'rayn is just like, suuuuper helpful with negotations, and when the Maw Walker asks, Ve'rayn is like, "Oh, maybe you could answer a question for me. Did you see any of my kind in the Maw?" And when the Maw Walker says no, Ve'rayn is disappointed, but hopes they can still be helpful to one another.

Instead of going through the official gate, because that would cost anima, and the brokers would LOVE for the attendents to owe them, Ve'rayn takes the Maw Walker through one of their portals.

They approach the Fearstalker, who is in the middle of a hunt, and miffed that it has been interrupted. She's never seen a living mortal before, however, and thinks that's pretty neat and that her brother, were he here would love it.

She doesn't let them far into the realm, though, because there is an...incident going on and there is no need to bother the Sire.

The Maw Walker is there for anima? They can have some. The Fearstalker gives them enough to open a Path or two, warning them that if they come back to Revendreth, it should be through proper channels, no back doors.

The Sire will not be pleased to have living mortals coming and going in his realm.

So they go back through the Broker portal to Oribos, and report that the drought affects Revendreth, as much as Oribos.

Troubling news.

The Maw Walker asks if the Ascended have said anything, but there's no update there.

Another Bearer, Kin-tara, has been sorting through Bolvar's memories, getting more deets, and suggests rallying Maldraxxus, if this is truly as bad as things appear.

The attendants are hesitant about that, though Bolvar and the Maw Walker aren't sure why.

They explain that even if they could rally the army of the Shadowlands, that there's still the matter of having to send them into the Maw or the Realm of the Living to defend the tear, neither of which are acceptable options.

It is suggested, by ever helpful Ve'rayn, that perhaps Bastion or Ardenweald would be good to go to, as they are both more closely linked with the realm of the living.

Kin-tara says she'll take a message to the Archon and that, really, it's okay. There's no need for mortals in Bastion. She can see about having the Polemarch come talk to them here, in Oribos. The Polemarch is the Voice of the Archon, so who better to talk to? Just be patient.

So the Maw Walker ends up opening the path to Ardenweald and heading there to see if there's a way to enable the forces of Maldraxxus to come to Azeroth's aid or...well if there are any other otpions.

Ardenweald happens mostly the same, with the Winter Queen being busy culling souls to save others and all that. Ysera is saved. They explain that Ardenweald is connected to the Emerald Dream because it is a realm that is neither living nor dead, but what could have been.

The Winter Queen tries to contact the Primus about if his children can behave well enough to come through her groves--spoiler, she doubts it--but can't reach him.

As she's telling the Maw Walker that she'll send her with a message to Maldraxxus because wtf, how dare he not pick up when she skypes him, she gets a call.

It is not the Primus.

It is Sire Denathrius.

He's aware that there has been a mortal trespassing and is curious to meet them in person, as coming to his realm and not greeting him was...quite rude.

The Winter Queen sends the Maw Walker back to Oribos to go to Revendreth.

The attendants are not happy to have to open another Path, but you can't argue with an eternal one, so.

Open the way to Revendreth they do.

Imma take a break with this and have lunch.