#hopefully I’ll be able to talk to her so she knows the circumstances

[lesbianstarlightglimmer]

Today is going sooo well. Love it. Great.

[sigma-alpha-writer-chad]

Grow Up, Would You? [Josh Washington]

“I don’t know if you’ve changed any since middle school but I really hope you’ve learned the difference between pranking somebody and just being a fucking bully.���

You can also find this story on Ao3!

Chapter One / Chapter Two / Chapter Three

[CHAPTER TWO]

CW: Marijuanna use

“Chris, I’m not so sure about this,” I mumble, crossing my arms as I follow my cousin down the forest trail. “Things are just going to get super awkward.”

“Then just… don’t talk to him. Can’t be that hard, right?” Chris responds. I can tell that he knows as well as I do that Josh himself would do whatever it takes to get under my skin in any given circumstance.

“It’s his house,” I retort.

“It’s Hannah’s get together,” he replies. “She knows how you guys are, hopefully she’ll get him off your ass.” I say nothing. "Just..." Chris stops walking and turns around to look me in the eyes.

"What?"

"Just please try to get along?" He asks. His expression is serious and pleading. I sigh, heavily. Why wasn't he on my side? Why can't Josh try to get along with me?

"Sure, Chris," I relent. "I'll... do my best." Chris smiles at me appreciatively and continues down the trail. I hate this. I don't want to be walked over, I don't want to be the doormat or the verbal punching bag for whoever was in a bad mood that day - especially Josh's. But I didn't want to ruin everybody else's good mood, either. If no one else sees a problem, why am I so upset?

The autumn trees towered above us, providing shelter from the warm sun – although some warmth would be appreciated as the temperatures dropped lower by the day. I’d only been to the Washington house before for some rager of a graduation party, when the sky was dark. With the sun, however, the gorgeous forest could make me almost forget I was on a death march to the lair of my enemy.

Chris and I finally make it to the porch of the Washington home. He turns to me, as if to say “after you!” I hold my arms tighter to my body and shake my head. So, after a roll of the eyes, he knocks. There’s a muffled call from the other side to let us know someone was coming to let us in. Just my luck, Joshua opens the door.

“What are you, Chris, a vampire? Gotta be invited in, now?” Josh jokes, a wide grin on his face.

“I’m with Jordan,” Chris says, as if clarifying. Josh looks over Chris’s shoulder to see me. I swear I see his smile widen, and I can only think that can’t be good.

“You can leave her outside, Chris, no worries,” Josh snickers as he steps aside, holding open the door for Chris and I. As I walk past, I nod and offer a gentle thanks. “You’re welcome, pet.” Immediately, Chris sighs as if he knows whats coming. He knows I want to say something – but the guilt I feel in my chest for ruining every good mood keeps me from speaking. Instead, I just give him a hurt, frustrated look.

Josh seems surprised. Next to the shock, though, is a flash of an emotion I can’t quite catch. It’s Josh, however. So I didn’t much care. I walked into the living room, where everyone else was waiting. Hannah stands up and hurries to greet me, walking straight past Chris to pull me into a hug.

“Ahh, thank you for coming! I’m glad you could make it!”

“Oh, uhm, thank you!” I pause. “For inviting me, I mean. You have a lovely home.” I give an awkward bow, staring wide-eyed at the floor. You’re so fucking weird, what are you doing?! I scold myself. I know they’re thinking it, too, but I once again push the negative thoughts away.

“We’re gonna head down to the basement,” Hannah says, smiling as if I hadn’t just made the most awkward air possible. “Do you smoke?” I’m taken by surprise. Chris, Josh, and everyone else walks past Hannah and I and towards the stairs.

“Smoke?” I repeat. “What, like, weed?” Hannah giggles.

“Yes, like, weed,” she says.

“Yeah, sometimes. Not often, though.”

“Great! We have weed.”

“Sounds… good.” A part of me is relieved. Maybe with something in my system I’ll be able to relax for once. Especially around Josh. I feel a burning anger in my chest at just the thought of him. Hannah takes my hand firmly and begins to lead me to the stairs the others had gone down. I make a mental note that the twins both really seem to like holding hands. Not that I minded. It just wasn’t that common for someone to take your hand in theirs when showing you around their house.

We get to the basement, and it’s noticeably colder. And massive. My eyebrows raise as I look around the room. There’s a huge TV mounted on the wall, a large circular wooden table in the middle of the room on a round, purple rug. Around the table for seating were two L couches, and on the couches were Hannah’s friends. Not everyone, though.

Matt, Sam, and Jess were missing, leaving just Ashley, Mike, and his girlfriend Emily, who was casually sitting on his lap. Next to Mike and Emily, Chris unsurprisingly had sat next to Ashley, leaving the other couch to Hannah, Beth, Joshua and I. For a moment I wondered if this could be some kind of set up. Hannah quickly left my side to sit next to Beth on the furthest end of the couch. On the other side was, of course, Joshua, rolling a joint. And, of course, the only open seat was next to him.

And he knew it.

I didn’t want to be rude or, again, make things awkward. And so, I sat next to Joshua Washington. It’s here, watching him focused on something that I suddenly realize how tired he looks. The underside of his eyes were dark, as if he hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep in days.

“Like what you see?” Josh smiles, eyebrows raised. I frown in response.

“No.” I immediately regret this as the vibe is instantly brought down by my rude answer. “I mean, like, not NO, but I just mean I didn’t -”

“Calm down, girl, I’m just… just JOSHING ya,” he laughs. I roll my eyes but I can’t help the small smile that hints at my face. Josh’s head snapped to his sisters, mouth wide open in a smile as if he can’t believe I was capable of anything but a straight face or a frown. “I made her smile!” He whisper yells. I hate it, but it makes it harder to keep the smile down. Somehow I manage not to fully grin.

“Alright, you first, Mike,” Josh says, handing the dark haired boy the joint. Mike takes a long drag and shotguns it to Emily. My lip twitches, threatening to make an obvious sneer at the strong PDA.

“Ohh, spicey,” I hear Josh laugh. “Chris and Ashley next.” Ashley and Chris immediately chime in in a chorus of no’s. Chris takes the joint and takes a hit. I notice his hands are shaking. The idea of his lips so close to Ashley’s is more than it appears he can take. I can hear Josh continue to laugh to himself as Ashley is handed the joint.

“So, what’s the plan for the winter this year?” Beth says, her face shining with excitement. “Are you guys coming?” Mike and Emily look away from each other, their teasing and giggling cut short by Beth’s question. Despite the unhappy look on Emily’s face, she answers. Ashley passes the joint to Hannah.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, hon,” she smiles, but it looks forced and sarcastic, even. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion as to why she’s here – and why does she keep getting invited? Mike nods next to her, a smile on his handsome face. He seems much more laid back and agreeable than his girlfriend, who I notice is looking me up and down. “Do you have a problem or something, weird girl?” I’m taken aback at the sudden confrontation and I sit up straight. My heart begins to pound. Hannah passes the joint to Beth.

“No, I don’t. I was just -”

“Staring at me like some sort of creep? Yeah, I saw. I saw you look at my man, too. What’s up? You want him?”

“What? No, I -”

“You can’t have him. So eyes off, bitch.” I clench my jaw, hard. I swear I almost cracked a tooth.

"Emily -" Mike starts, his eyebrows furrowed in frustration and embarrassment. He shoots me a worried, apologetic look.

"No, it's fine," I say, staring Emily directly in the eyes. As I expected, she takes it as a challenge. "I looked at you, yeah. When you're sucking face like that it's hard to ignore." Beth passes the joint to Josh.

"Well, keep looking." Emily hisses, throwing her arms around Mike and holding his neck tightly. I wonder if he can breathe. I clear my throat and look up at Chris. His eyes are already a bit droopier, but through his mild high he still looks back at me with a sort of pity and embarrassment that I just can't stand.

Josh hands me the joint.

"Go on, take a big drag, babydoll," Josh grins at me. I frown at him. He did nothing wrong, but I still can't help but feel like he's making fun of me in some way. Still, I ignore the nickname. I know he's just trying to get under my skin, yet I can feel the tips of my ears heat up in embarrassment. I side-eye Josh as I put the blunt in between my lips. He's staring at me as if he's studying me, his ever present smile missing from his face, eyes half closed. He couldn't be high that quickly, could he?

As he suggested, I take a long drag, adding a bit of 'coolness' by French inhaling.

"Oh, so cool, I've never seen that before," Emily says sarcastically. I ignore her as I pass the weed back to Mike. Mike doesn't look at me as he takes it, instead glaring at Emily. I can tell he's embarrassed by her cruelty.

I don't hate Mike. He's never been my favorite person in the world, but he's never done anything to me or that I've seen that could make me dislike him other than his habit of... Well, women. However, I could tell that despite her attitude Mike saw something beneath that and really did care about Emily. He was handsome, I could never deny that. Thick, dark hair and brown eyes, a chiseled jaw and a decent body to match. The more time I spent near him the more I understood that he really wasn't a stereotypical 'high school hot guy.' Mr. Class President. He locks eyes with me and gives me an awkward smile. I can sense an apology in his expression. I want to return a look, but I quicky shift my gaze before Emily catches on to the telepathic conversation.

As we continue the rotation, the conversation of their winter plans continues on. I listen, but I don't contribute due to my lack of invitation. I look around me, and everyone looks happy and content. I can feel my own high start to creep up under my eyes, and I can't help but smile to myself. It was pleasant. Even though these were people I didn't yet consider friends outside of Chris, Beth, and Hannah, I didn't feel completely out of place in this moment. I felt content for the first time in a long time.

An hour passes.

"Hey, I'm sorry, where's your bathroom?" I ask. I start to think I might be greening out and I needed a moment to myself. Josh turns to me, a dopey grin on his face.

"The bathroom?" He asks. I smile back at him.

"Yeah, the bathroom."

"What for?" Josh scoots closer as if to hear me better.

"I'm getting anxious, I think," I admit. This surprises me. Why would I tell Josh I'm anxious? So he can make it worse? Instead of poking fun at me and telling everyone to look, his smile fades slightly and his eyebrows twitch in what looks like concern.

"Anxious? Are you ok?"

"I'm greening," I say, widening my eyes for a moment to exaggerate. Josh takes my hand.

"I will escort you to the bathroom," he says, standing up. "It's kind of a maze, this house." He's smiling at me. Even under the influence I can't help but search for any sign of malicious intent. My anxiety spikes further. What does he have planned?

"Can't you just tell me how to get there?" I ask, though I stand with him anyway.

"Yeah, but you'll get lost."

"Joshua Washington," Hannah starts, her tone that of a parent warning their child. "You better not upset her or I swear..."

"Yeah!" Beth chimes in.

"Awe, guys, give me a chance! Give me a chance..." He trails off, beginning to lead me to the stairs, still holding my hand. When we're further away, I inform him that my hand was still in his. "Oh, can I just keep holding it? Your hands are just so soft." I say nothing. How do I respond to that? Is this some sort of joke?

"Your hands are calloused," is all I can muster.

"Oh, man, is that bad?"

"No."

We stand in front of a door. I assume it's the bathroom but I can't think clearly. Josh just stares at me. I ask him if this is the bathroom. He says nothing. He's expressionless.

"You seem anxious around me, do I make you anxious?"

"Is this the bathroom?" I ask. Silence. My heart is pounding. What is he trying to do? Embarrass me? He's staring into my very being. Of course he makes me anxious.

"...yeah." He steps aside, opening the door for me. He suddenly seems sober. I feel a pang of guilt as I walk past him and into the bathroom. Why? I stare at myself in the mirror, studying my own features. I'm not wearing any makeup, but I kind of wish I did. Maybe some mascara, or something. My cheeks and the tips of my ears were a light red, my flustered state obvious. As I observe myself, my mind wanders to the people out there, in the basement. Chris seems to really enjoy their company. Outside of Emily and Josh, I do too. Yet I still can't help but question it all.

Did they see me as a charity case? They never invited me to anything before, no texts after I'd moved. The friendship or my classmates was utterly and completely out of nowhere. Why did Beth and Hannah invite me? My pupils are dilated. I look tired. My eyes water. Will I be invited again? I think I hope so.

A knock on the door makes me jump.

"Are you ok in there?"

"It's been like, 10 seconds."

"It's been like, 10 minutes, J." Had it really been that long? There was no way. J? I find myself wondering where such a familiar sounding nickname came from.

"Are you timing me?" I ask.

"No," he answers. "I'm not." A beat of silence.

"Have you been waiting for me this whole time?" Josh doesn't answer. After a moment of silence, he knocks again.

"Are you ok in there?" I roll my eyes and sigh in frustration, opening the door and stepping out. Well, trying to. Josh is standing directly in the opening and I bump into him, hard, but he doesn't stumble. He grabs both my shoulders as if to hold me still, keep me from falling over. I only notice now he's taller than me by a few inches, my eyes in line with his mouth.

"Yeah," I say, frozen in place. He's touching me

Why is he touching me? Why? His grip loosens, noticing how tense I am.

"You were just in there for a while, and," he paused, taking a step back. "I dunno, sometimes people cry at get togethers or whatever." I chew on my lower lip. I had almost cried. "It would've been a major bummer, or whatever."

"Do I look like I was crying?"

"Yes." I'm taken aback, lifting my hands to my face. Sure enough, my cheeks are wet with what can only be tears.

"How would - how would you know?" Now it's his turn to be embarrassed. He takes another step back from me as he looks at the wall to my left, shifting his weight. Is he nervous?

"...I've seen you cry a lot."

"Oh. Right." The silence is deafening. "Let's go back downstairs." I wipe my face dry with the sleeves of my sweater. "Thanks for showing me where the bathroom is." I try to change the subject. He says nothing, only offering me a nod this time. He doesn't take my hand.

"Next time you're on your own." He huffs, turning on his heel and walking quickly away from me and back towards the basement. I'm taken aback by the sudden shift in attitude but I bite my tongue. I promised Chris I would do my best to get along with Josh, and I intended to keep it. But damn was it difficult.

Back into the basement, Josh is already sat and smoking. I furrow my eyebrows. Did he have to be high to tolerate my presence? I shake the thought from my head and take my place next to him. He shifts, scooting slightly further away from me. My chest fills with a deep, rumbling anger, and I grip the sides of the couch tightly. I didn't do anything to him.

"You'll be coming, right, Jordan?" Beth asks. I snap out of my thoughts and lean forward to see her over her brother, who stiffens.

"What? Coming to what?" I ask. Beth smiles and rolls her eyes playfully. I can hear Emily snicker and Mike sigh at her in mild frustration, saying her name as if in a warning - again. Chris is watching Josh, his eyes seemingly scanning for something.

"Our parents own a lodge up on a mountain," Hannah answers for Beth. "In the winter we all spend a few days up there. No parents, if you were wondering."

"And you're invited," Beth butts in. "It would be rude of us to talk about it so much in front of you if we didn't plan on taking you along." I'm passed the blunt, but I don't hit it this time. I'm high enough.

"Uh, well, I don't know," I start, chewing at my bottom lip. I glance at Josh, who is staring at me intensely. The sudden eye contact kind of freaks me out. I look at Chris, who shrugs at me, his expression wide eyed and clueless. Emily rolls her eyes, and the twins look at me expectantly. "I... I don't think I would be any fun." My heart pounds. I don't want to spend time trapped on a mountain for days near Joshua Washington. I would expect to wake up one morning with my mattress somehow moved outside as a "joke."

"What? Why?"

"I'm just not a partier." I gulp. I look again at Chris. I can't tell what he's thinking. Does he want me to come? Does he think I'll ruin it for him? For everyone?

I think I would.

"Jordan, please. Just think about it?" Hannah pleads, standing up from her place on the couch to crouch down in front of me like a parent talking to their child. I can feel Josh's gaze boring into me, telling me I'd better not dare to say yes. My eyes snap to his, my head unmoving.

If you come to the lodge I will make your life hell.

The anger in me bubbles and burns to the point of pain, my jaw clenching. I can't help but think about how many times I'd missed out on something because Joshua Washington would be there or even nearby. How many tears have I shed over this asshole? And now what? Now he thought he could control me?

"Jordan?" Hannah repeats. I know she can see the staring battle between Josh and I.

"You know what, Hannah?" I start. Something in Josh's expression changes. The warning is still there, but now there's something else. Shock? Admiration?

"Yeah?" Hannah starts to smile, though there's a hint of nervousness to it. I wonder if regret ever creeped into her head.

Fear?

I don't know. But I know I'm done with agreeing to be put down and pushed around for the comfort of others. If Joshua Washington wanted a battle he sure as hell would get one, though this time there was no winning for him. I'm not laying down anymore. I turn my head so I'm fully facing him. His expression shifts further towards surprise and realization that something was different.

"I'll be there."

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

Whoo!! Sorry for the wait! Thank you for your patience.

Taglist: @sc4rrc @mattymxmo @cellyx33 @jenepleurepasbaby

[homestuckreplay]

here's what happens when you read too many rage comics

(page 848-861)

While John and Dave are busy in combat, we get to go exploring with Rose and Jade! There’s some back and forth between them, but I’ll take them one at a time.

Jade :D

While leaving her house, Jade gets contacted by the world’s lamest troll. carcinoGeneticist’s whole deal, messaging Jade, is to talk in all caps, call her ‘stupid’ and an ‘idiot’, and accuse her of fucking everything up. There’s no targeted insults, no creativity, no clever and subtle manipulation, no hiding the existence of the trolling. I give carcinoGeneticist a 2/10 trollscore because at least they were able to get around Jade’s blocklist, but this is a sad and lackluster beginning to trolls in the narrative, if indeed they come back. Hopefully twinArmageddons has something more interesting to say.

Jade continues to be different to the other kids. Her grandfather’s list of interests is as long as his profession as a ‘world renowned explorer-naturalist-treasure hunter-archaeologist-scientist-adventurer-big game hunter-billionaire extraordinaire’ (p.790). His love of big game trophies, suits of armor and decrepit mummies all make sense here, as those are things he’s personally hunted and stolen on expeditions, but his ‘plundering’ of beauty parlors (p.855) is as unexpected as the idea of a business clown. Dad, Mom and Bro are all weird in that they’re extremely focused on a couple specific things, Grandpa is weird because he’s into loads of things all at once. There’s also strangely colored lights coming from the other floors of Jade’s house, hinting at more weird stuff Grandpa’s up to.

It’s Jade quoting from the past, but this is technically the second line of dialog in Homestuck (the first being Dave’s ‘Stop!’ on p.354):

"Jade, study hard and keep your rifle at the ready. When adventure summons, I know you will rise to the task and take your rightful place among the DAUGHTERS OF ECLECTICA." (p.855)

This better not be another spooky grandparent prophecy, because Act 3 already has more than enough of those. But speaking of Jade-John parallels, the big game trophy blocking Jade’s transportalizer (p.857) looks oddly familiar side by side with John’s desktop (p.24). Are we to understand that Jade’s grandfather killed the Firefox of this universe?

Rose <3

I’m so into Rose’s story right now because she’s the first kid who’s had a chance to explore a new place. John, Dave and Jade are all still ‘homestuck’, but Rose has escaped to this whole mysterious lab. And that’s after already getting the coolest house, with its waterfall, observatory, cat mausoleum, and 20-foot tall granite statue of a mighty wizard. Page 850 gives such a great sense of scale with tiny Rose comprehending the horrors and wonders of the space.

The lab’s ‘HUBGRID’ (p.850) is a big green chessboard, 8x8 squares each with 12x12 locked, glowing atomic devices for a total of 9,216 hubs, divided into four segments, with aisles and a transportalizer at the center. Comparing these side by side, it’s the exact same pattern as the ones in Jade’s house, and there’s also one of these hubs visible in the lower corner of Jade’s room powering one of those devices. Could the lab transportalizer go to Jade’s island? Or to a different SkaiaNet lab, as this one is described through coordinates (p.860)? Jade’s grandpa has a laboratory (p.780), so these could be one and the same, and Rose and Jade playing with the same gadgets feels relevant while the story is cutting back and forth between them.

Earlier, Rose connected to lab wifi network SN_LAB0413, which unlike the other SN_LAB wifi options was ‘mysteriously and quite conveniently UNSECURED, requiring no password’ (p.239). Today, a kiosk shows the command ‘> unlock SN_LAB0413’. I think Act 3’s theme might be showing how planned all these circumstances were that previously felt like coincidence, although that still doesn’t answer who exactly planned all this, or where they got their knowledge from.

> Rose: Place velvet pillow on strange platform. Be the mad scientist.

[lilacxquartz]

hey,can u plz share ur personal thought on gojo, Kenny,yuki and Megumi?

hahaah, personal thoughts. let’s see, let’s see. i’m so sorry for the upcoming yapping but. 😮‍💨 spoilers up ahead—HOWEVER BE WARNED IT IS A NOVEL OH MY GOD I AM SO SORRY.

at the risk of having my gojo card revoked, i actually started off not really liking him too much because of the initial personality he let on. honestly props to gege for fleshing out his personality over the manga, because he quickly became one of my favourites.

i loved him as the concept of expected perfectionism from circumstances you can’t control. the idea of having to grow up perfect because you were had for a purpose is something i think unfortunately a lot of us can relate to even if we aren’t destined to be the strongest. (at the risk of doxxing myself, one of my parents is from a ‘we expect great things from you or else’ type culture/country that isn’t so common in the west) so seeing a character that actually does crumble in the representation is rare, to say the least.

the fact that he still tries to ensure that his students can have a semblance of a childhood despite their youth being fleeting to perhaps heal his inner child is something i won’t forget about his character and for that, despite his debut, will make him an eternal favourite among many in my heart.

ah kenjakuuuu. now that’s a difficult one because of the complexity of their character as well as the sheer depth due to how old they are. like because of them, the entire jjk plot line was able to take place and yet they’re not talked about as often. i feel like in some ways, gege made the perfect villain. i loved how unsettling they were when they talked and how it was always just like a slip away from being nonsensical. their unsettling smile that is built from centuries of just… existing, the things that they have to likely know. god. i dunno, it’s kind of attractive? even if they are a brain be damned, the cruelty and methodical aspect of their character just draws me in so bad.

i can’t help but want to always know more about them and i feel like i can forever explore their character for that reason because there’s so much potential to go with. i do understand why people hate on their character though because they are so evil lmao but that’s just evidence of them being the perfect villain, y know?

yuki, hmm. admittedly, i don’t really know a lot of her character because she was never a focus with writing for me. i have a very much later on upcoming yandere piece with her that i’ll study, but i think she’s honestly kind of realistic of a character, all things considered. she haunts the narrative by being a memory with the words she said to geto and for reminding choso that it’s okay to choose humanity which i liked about her involvement which is a pretty interesting scope of how the right words at the wrong time can be perceived to be harmful (what with her being blamed for geto’s dark side/decisions).

like, i don’t have a very in depth opinion of her but i like the way she was involved in the story. if there was more to her background, then it might have been different.

and finally megumi, poor megumi. :( i do feeeeeel like the general fanon conspiracy that claims that megumi shares a parallel with geto is at least true, because he does. my opinion of him is that i think to the younger fan base, that he’s relatable in a tragic way which makes him a well written character as well. i like him because he reminds me of being closed off and refusing to acknowledge vulnerability back when i was a teenager and while i thankfully didn’t have a cursed spirit inhabiting me and pushing my soul down, i think a lot watching/reading can relate to the limbo state his character was in. i think he deserved better from the start, which hopefully with how the ending goes, will never be challenged again.

SO SORRY FOR THIS NOVEL OH MY GOD

[prettyiwa]

12 November 2018 | 09:45 (PST)

(previous) | (next)

Iwaizumi Hajime x F!Reader

Oikawa’s ringtone can be heard in the kitchen where Iwaizumi had left his phone. It’s been two months since you left and a week since you called. The apartment is empty without you, even if all of your belongings are here, promising your return.

For what it’s worth, Oikawa’s been surprisingly helpful, carefully listening to both sides, understanding that it’s a case of frayed nerves, miscommunication, and shitty circumstances. So Iwaizumi wastes no time answering the phone.

“Iwa-chan! How’s California?”

“The same as it was two days ago. Kinda shitty and on fire.”

“Tsk. Always such a downer. Are you sure that it isn’t the absence of—”

“Her absence is exactly why it’s shitty and you know that.”

“Hm. I suppose I do,” Oikawa muses lightly. “Are you still on track to graduate just before summer?”

“Yeah. Spoke to my advisors this past week. I could graduate in two months, if I wanted, but…” if he does, then he’ll be leaving California. Leaving you. You’re nearly done with med school, almost ready to return to Japan.

He has no intention of returning alone. He’ll fight tooth and nail for you, for this relationship. Even if you two are… in a tough place right now, he’s not going anywhere.

“Ah. Well. She misses you. She’s wrapped her pillow with one of your old Godzilla shirts.”

He snorts at the image, at the knowledge that it was you who had taken his shirt, that he hadn’t lost it at the laundromat. “That… sounds about right, I guess. How—how is she?”

“What? She hasn’t called you?” Oikawa asks, sounding surprised. Overwhelmingly surprised.

“No? She called me last Tuesday and I haven’t really heard from her since.”

“That’s—maybe she picked up extra shifts at the clinic? I could ask when I see her tomorrow.”

“You’re gonna see her tomorrow?”

“We were gonna watch a recording of the Adlers-Black Jackal’s game. I wanna watch Ushiwaka and Kageyama lose to Shōyō! Do you want me to tell her to give you a call?”

Iwaizumi hesitates, wanting to talk to you more than anything—actually, no, he wants to hold you more than anything—but he wants it only if you’re doing it because you want to.

“Nah. It’s okay. I’ll, ah, I’ll shoot her a text. Hopefully, we’ll be able to talk today or tomorrow. Hey, listen—”

“Iwa-chan. She’ll come around,” Oikawa states, catching onto Iwaizumi’s discomfort. “It was nice chatting with you, but practice is about to start.”

“Yeah, man. Talk to you later.”

Iwaizumi sinks into the couch, letting his mind wander over what the future holds. With his program coming to an end, will he be able to find work with the V. League? When you return, will you two be able to reconcile properly? Will you want to be a part of his future?

Before he can spend too much time dwelling on the infinite possibilities that lay ahead, he receives a text from you.

Hey. I miss you. A lot. There’s so much I want to tell you but I know you’re probably busy. Please give me a call if your schedule permits? I have two days off, starting tomorrow. I’ll be watching a recording of the Schweiden-MSBY game with Crappykawa tomorrow, but that can be paused... I miss you. I hope you’re well.

over the course of 24 hours masterlist | haikyuu!! masterlist

[countrymusiclover]

58 - Family Certainty Does Change

Part 59

Family is More than Blood

@melvia-ito @vavafaure1994 @kmc1989 @tallrock35

“Are we going somewhere?” Klaus came inside our bedroom inside the mansion seeing me close a suitcase with some clothes for about a week.  I decided the school was currently safe and that gave me time to think through what had happened between me and my twin brother. 

Shaking my head I picked up my phone showing him the screen with an airplane ticket to New Orleans appearing on it. “I’m going to Orleans to face my brother and apologize.” 

“You’re brother who cussed you out because he had to fall in love with a hybrid werewolf then thought he could face someone more powerful than an Original once he became a heretic.  In the end somehow pissed at you because that bloke can't have children anymore. Forgive me for asking but why would you try to make up with him?” 

Putting a hand on my hip I sent him a slight glare. “Remind me again what you did when you had a fight with one of your siblings. Oh right you dagger them. Unfortunately I can't do that so an actual apology is the way to go for me.” 

“Rae, that's not what I meant.  My point was "are you sure he'll want to see you?” 

My hybrid husband had a point in his question.  For 5 years my brother hadn’t talked to me.  For 5 years his daughter had ran back here so she could attend school with her friends which I knew had to only make him more angry with me, but he hasn't returned to force Andrea back home either. “My mother used to say never to go to sleep angry.  I have to try and make things right between me and my brother.  I don't want an entire century to pass by and we're still not 

speaking to each other.” 

“I'll call Caroline and tell her we're taking a little trip.  Our kids are getting old enough now that they should be able to handle things here for a few days.” Klaus took out his phone going to the vampire blonde leaving me to finish the packing I needed to do. 

The trip from the airport and into a rented car making the drive into the city to visit Cami first before I went to go comfort my brother and possibly see my second daughter who takes care of my grandchild that I haven’t seen for a while.  Walking into the bar the familiar blonde was running around taking different orders from people seeing us rushing around the bar island to greet us. “Raelyn! Klaus! I didn’t know you two were coming into town.” 

“Yeah I felt it was time to travel back to Orleans for a little bit.  And this time it’s under somewhat happier circumstances.” I hugged the vampire blonde who belonged to my former sire line. 

She wrapped her arms around me in a warm embrace. “I saw your brother walking in the Quarter a few days ago.  I tried to talk with him but he just walked the other way. Has something happened between you two?” 

“We had a fight five years ago that kinda broke us apart for some time.  I’m here to hopefully fix that between us.” 

Klaus picked a glass of whiskey that a different bartender had brought him where the three of us sat down at a nearby table to continue our current conversation. “If this was a fight between me and my siblings I would have daggered them for cussing me out the way Jacob did to my wife.” 

“I guess he should be thankful that they only work on an Original.” Cami nervously chuckles. 

Bringing my glass of bourbon to my lips I took a long drink. “Anyway the fight was about him not being able to have more kids like Nik and I magically can.  When I had black magic in my grasp he asked me to use it on him but I refused.  Next thing I knew he left Virginia and came here with Alina and her family.” 

“Well I hope everything goes good for you.” She smiled before we saw more people entering the bar wanting drinks. 

Raising myself to my feet I slipped her a twenty dollar bill leaving her with my husband vamping away once I wasn’t around too many people who would see me use my supernatural powers. “Thanks for the luck, Cami.  I’ll see you two later.  I’m going to find my brother - J! Jacob! Jacob - gah!” I called out into the area standing outside their old hunting cabin that they still owned living in the bayou rather than in the busy city.  I kept calling his name until pain shot through my head causing me to drop to one knee. 

“What the hell are you doing here, Rae?” My twin brother's voice came out of the front door of the cabin with his left hand raised in the air where I knew he was using magic. 

Holding the side of my head I struggled to get my words out too focused on the massive headache. “Jacob, I’m here to talk - not to fight you.  Ahh! Ventuce.” Moving my hand from my head I launched a spell at my brother knocking him onto his back giving me the chance to scramble to my feet.   Jacob vamped behind me and wrapped one arm around my neck holding my back against his front about to snap my neck until I used another spell doing a flip causing him to get thrown onto his back and my freehand pressing down on his chest. “Demeter.  Do you give up yet, J.  I’m better at defense magic than you are.” 

He bared his teeth at me kicking me in the leg launching me onto my back like I had done to him. “Metar - I’ve been practicing, sister.” 

“Uhh! Jacob , I am not going to fight you.  I came here to apologize for not trying to find a way to help you have more children.” 

He glared at me shaking his head no. “You’re just saying what I want to hear.  Tenebris lapsus.” 

“Enough of this - imperium monstrum, immobilus!” He had managed to pop both my knees where I bent them back into place.  Until he tried to vamp away but I froze him in a boundary spell trapping him. 

He struggles to move watching me slowly walk up to the edge of the force field. “Rae, go away. I don’t want to see you.” 

“What if I told you I might have a way to give you and Hayley another child?” 

My brother made a confused face reminding me that I used to be a witch who only used light magic until I met my husband and faced his mother. “You said the only way was through dark magic.  You’re telling me you’d go through that risk for me.” 

“You’re my brother.  I can’t not have you in my life, especially now that we are both immortal and stuck with each other forever.  So do you want to hear my reckless plan or not?” I snapped back at him until I heard footsteps coming out onto the wooden porch causing me to turn my head in that direction. 

The figure that stepped out onto the porch was Alina, holding another baby boy in her arms.  The infant 

had dark black hair like Jackson but my daughter Alina’s eyes.  “Mom, what are you doing here?” She simply stood there with Xavier standing behind her leg. 

“Momma, who is she?” Xavier asked and my heart nearly broke realizing she hadn’t talked about me to her firstborn son.  Maybe I should have just stayed back at the Salvatore School. 

[outofangband]

I’m still sick and so am even less able to articulate what I want but here are some random Morwen thoughts (I wrote the post Nírnaeth part like last week so that’s why it’s somewhat more coherent but yeah hopefully when I am no longer sick I can make some more posts that are actually coherent)

I think Morwen has a visceral hatred of being sick. She hates feeling vulnerable in any way and hates having to rely on others.

Certainly I think before the Nírnaeth she is more able and willing to accept support from her loved ones under some circumstances but illness brings with it a vulnerability that can sharpen her edges and lead her to push others away rather than accept their care. I think she is a very difficult patient. She doesn’t like to admit that she is ill or even weary and she certainly doesn’t like to acknowledge the implications of this.

I just think this is an area where the intersections of her pride and trauma manifest particularly intensely.

Post Nírnaeth of course there is the added anxiety of being even less able to access materials to treat illness or injury. This is something I think about both with regards to anyone in the household becoming I’ll or injured but also with regards to Niënor’s birth (reminder to self to revise my post on that). There are herbs Morwen can grow or gather but going further from the house is dangerous and even more so as time goes on.

Aerin would help as she can (I’ve talked before about her and Morwen both trading herbs and mixtures for various purposes, it’s one of the only things that Morwen can concretely help with) but supplies are extremely limited, her time at the house is limited and Morwen would never ask her for help in the actual treatment, out of pride and refusing to add to Aerin’s burdens. (Also just…Aerin trying to help in the aftermath of Niënor’s birth trying not to think about how she will be expected to go through this for someone she hates. It never ends up happening like that, for reasons I’ve gone into but that doesn’t change the growing dread she feels then)

She’s only aware of Morwen being ill on one occasion where a visit happened to correspond but it bothers her after. She too is acutely aware of Morwen’s increased vulnerability and can only hope that absolutely no one else is.

(On that note as I talked about on my formal post about Aerin and complex trauma, post Nírnaeth Hithlum is a distinctly unsafe place for her to be sick as well)

Anyways I know this isn’t particularly fascinating or anything, it’s just something I think about a lot especially when I’m sick myself.

[tragicromanceisland]

What Happens in Wonderland, Remains

Character x female reader

Chapter Seventeen

Grim had been sticking with Malleus for the past few years. Mainly because he offered a hefty sum of premium tuna. In fact, Malleus had already supplied him with some. He hadn’t eaten so good in his entire life! Or well, that is as long as Lilia wasn’t cooking.

The first time he had Lilia’s cooking, he almost vomited. Lilia, of course, laughed at him.

“Grim, I didn’t know you were so picky.”

“I’m not! This isn’t even edible. Who the heck throws in a whole clove of garlic without crushin’ it first? I’m pretty sure you don’t just throw eggs in stuff either when ya bake it!” He ranted.

Malleus couldn’t agree with Grim more, though he respected Lilia far too much to voice it.

“Grim you’re being far to disrespectful to Lilia.” Sebek scolded.

Grim was honestly tired of arguing with the stubborn halfling.

“Miya! I’m just gonna go to my room.”

“Wait, don’t you wish to hear some news?”

Grim arched a brow as he crossed his arms. “What sorta news is it?”

“It seems (y/n) is back in this world.” Malleus mused.

“Whaat!? And you’re just now telling me Mr. Malleus?”

Malleus placed a gloved hand to his chin as he met the eyes of the hopefully pet of his precious child of man.

“Yes, I suppose I could have informed you sooner.”

“Where is my human henchman?”

“Where indeed.” Malleus smirked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Grim’s ear flattened he didn’t like the look on Malleus’ face. That meant one of two things: one he knew, and he didn’t want to say. Or he had leads on where you were, and he was about to find out himself.

“Do you plan to go see (y/n) now?” Lilia questioned; eyes filled with curiosity.

“It’s late master, how is it you’ll be able to sufficient pin point the human’s location?”

Silver was barely keeping up with conversation as he kept nodding off at the table.

“I already have an idea where she is right now. Perhaps she is even aware I’ll be coming for her soon.”

Grim smirked. “Alright, how soon are we talking until I see my human companion?”

Malleus closed his eyes in thought. “Perhaps, within a few hours. I’ve been trying to bide my time patiently. Though it seems, I’ve run out of patience.”

You had just managed to calm your thoughts, your eyelids heavy. You could have sworn you saw tiny orbs of yellow green in your room. Your eyes were too heavy to keep open.

Malleus?

Your last thought before you surrendered to your fatigue.

Malleus gazed upon your countenance; he was just as smitten as he was back then. Probably even more so, as his feelings for you had only had time to grow and turn into something much more than before. He brushed his palm over your cheek as his eyes fell to your lips.

“Hmm…how is it, you’ve ensnared me so (y/n)?” His hand moved to pick up a small band of your hair as he pressed his lips to the tresses.

Leona’s ears twitched.

He didn’t want to wake up, but he heard something.

Blinking open his eyes, he peered over at the clock it was now 5 minutes after midnight. He furrowed his brows as he sat up. Quick to stand on his feet, having a bad feeling about what this meant.

He left his room in a calmly manner, though his heart was thundering, afraid of what he may or may not see.

Hastily open your door. His heart sank at the sight before him, a rage bubbling within him, replacing the anxiousness he had felt moments before. The threatening growl that emitted from him only made the one holding you captive in his arms smirk.

“Kingscholar, how unfortunate for you. It seems…” His eyes fell upon your sweet sleeping face before flickering back to Leona’s rage filled gaze. “I’m not as patient as I once believed. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

Before Leona could even throw a punch at him, Malleus disappeared in an instant. Leona, frustrated with the circumstances, placed both hands on his forehead. He paced a few times, his arms dropping back to his side as he clenched his fists. He would get you back. He had to think about this. He was so pissed off that he blamed himself. You had disappeared under his roof, and he failed to protect you. He thought he knew this was going to happen.

He wasn’t an idiot. He couldn’t beat Malleus in normal situations. He laid on the guest bed, it was still warm, and the pillow smelled like your scented soaps. He would have to prepare to retrieve you from Malleus. He had no doubt he was going to have those minions of his try and keep him from you.

Malleus, you’ll regret messin’ with what’s mine.

The reason Leona hadn’t made a move on you – even though he wished to – was not to become too attached to you. If you didn’t choose him, he would be able to cope better. However, he didn’t expect to already feel this much for you.

~

Malleus arrived back within his castle. Lilia was the first one to greet him.

“Oh my…Malleus, you finally did it. Stealing the sleeping princess, I see.”

Malleus hummed. “Stealing, more like rescuing from a beast.”

Lilia smirked. “Ah, I knew you wouldn’t give up on the young lady. She has grown much more appealing since that time.”

Malleus narrowed his eyes. “She was always appealing.”

“Right, right. My apologies. So…what are you going to do with the lady now that you have captured her?”

Malleus wondered why Lilia was so curious as to what he would do. Then again, he shifted his eyes in thought as he carried you up the stairs.

“Lilia, isn’t it obvious? I shall make her my Queen.”

“My Liege!” Sebek interrupted as he huffed, finally reaching Lilia and Malleus.

Malleus gave Sebek a menacing glare. Sebek flinched.

“My apologies, my lord. I was so happy to hear you had returned and to see the human.”

“Silence, before I shut you up with magic.”

Lilia glimpsed at Malleus with curiosity. He knew Malleus had long awaited the day in which he could reunite with you. He had known a little about the incident at NRC. Though he didn’t know the full story until after you had returned. Who knew that you would come back, and just in time. It seems Maleficent was becoming rather impatient with him.

Sebek followed silently behind Malleus until he halted in front of his bed chambers.

“Leave us.”

“My liege, are you sure this is a good idea?” Sebek questioned.

“Now, now this is Malleus’ decision shall he wish to do what you’re thinking, then it’s up to him. He is a healthy adult, so let’s be on our way.” Lilia explained as he dragged Sebek away.

Malleus couldn’t help but feel his heart begin to beat fasting at the idea. He cleared his thoughts; he wasn’t that aggressive. Well…he couldn’t say that entirely. He could be when he wished.

Inside his bedroom, he closed the door with magic and laid you on his bed. He sat down beside you as you shifted into a more comfortable position. He was amazed you had slept through his and Sebek’s squabbling.

He reached out his hand, brushing over your hair. It took everything in him not to take you away at the gala, and yet Kingscholar had done exactly that. Though he supposed looking back on it now, it was good it was him in the limelight and not the king of Briar Valley. Still, he was a little bitter about it.

He observed your sleeping state. The way your chest gently rose and fell. The relaxed state of your facial features. His eyes scanned you from head to toe. You had turned into a beautiful woman. He felt such a strong urge to kiss you, but would that make you hate him if he did? It was best for him to wait, though he was struggling to do even that.

He exhaled as he turned his attention to the wall in his room. He fully expected the second prince of Sunset Savanna to come take you back. By the time Leona should arrive, he should already have you right where he wished to have you. He had always been able to sway you toward him. Though he supposed that was part of the charm of a fae. He leaned down, your lips soft as the petals of a flower.

When he pulled away, his eyes enlarged as your gaze pierced through him.

“(Y/n)…”

“Malleus?”

Malleus responded with a sly grin, and you knew this could be a dream, but it didn’t seem as if it was. The warmth from the bed you had been sleeping in at Leona’s was gone, and now you were met with cool blankets in a dimly lit green glow.

“It’s been so long (y/n). I truly tried to be patient with you. Though, I’m not sure if I can wait much longer.”

You knit your brows together. “Malleus…are you trying to seduce me upon kidnapping me?”

He chuckled as he lowered his eyelids. “Is that what you wish for me to do? Seduce you?”

He reached out his hand and carded his fingers through your hair. You felt your face warm.

“That’s cheating.”

He smirked as he pushed his leg between yours, hoovering above you on his bed.

“Explain, how my touching you is cheating exactly?”

Your heart was thundered. You couldn’t believe you were in such a precarious situation. You could allow this to continue, or you could stop it. To be honest, you had been awake since Malleus and Sebek began arguing. You had only been feigning to sleep, and that was until Malleus kissed you. You had been so surprised that you opened your eyes.

“Because you make me want to kiss you.”

“Is that such a bad thing?”

Your gaze held his.

Five years ago, even six. This action, this smoldering look, would have made you become a puddle on the floor. Having been with Vil, spending time with Leona, and now being underneath Malleus like this. You knew this feeling. The question was, did you give Malleus the chance to discover what you knew or play along until you knew you wouldn’t be able to anymore?

Malleus could tell you were thinking of something. He leaned in close, his lips barely brushing against the shell of your ear.

“Tell me what’s on your mind right this moment.”

You shivered from the warmth of his breath against your skin.

“You.”

You watched the surprise in his eyes before his features turned devilish.

“Then you have to know I’ve been thinking about you.”

His lips pressed beneath your ear before, he placed a series of tender kisses down the column of your neck to your collarbone. You couldn’t deny that you felt some of the emotion behind his gentle smooches. You were sure he would love nothing more than to lavish you with affection and receive it in return. However, you also knew it was late. You were almost sure you had made up your mind on whom you were going to choose. Though, you needed to rest more to gather your thoughts properly. Right now, Malleus was only provoking you into staying up for the time being.

“Malleus, let’s sleep first. Then tomorrow, we can do whatever you wish.”

He pulled away and met your gaze. You placed your palm onto his cheek. His reactions were so cute every time you managed to surprise him.

“Whatever?” He questioned as he sat on his bed once more beside you.

You sat up on your elbows. “Yes, whatever.”

He placed a hand on his chin before glimpsing over at you. “You may come to regret saying whatever.”

You only smiled in return. Regardless of what he decided, that would be tomorrow’s problem. Well…later today. However, right now, you just wished to sleep.

“Then, are you okay with me staying beside you while we sleep?”

“I don’t mind.”

At this point, you didn’t. You had made up your mind the moment you gazed into Malleus’s eyes. It's funny how it’s all it took to realize who you wanted to be with. Malleus gave you a soft smile before using magic to change into his night clothes.

The last thought on your mind turned into yet another dream of your possible future.

[em-writes-stuff]

sickness

day two of @whumpcember

734 words

warnings: talking about dying

~

Recording of a letter found for Prince Robert, folded in a book on the Old Kings. Writer is not known, but the name starts with an E. From the little writing on the Prince, my guess is Edward “Echo” Song, the child of a baker, who’s suspected of helping Robert’s brother, Timothy, escape an execution. If it’s not Edward, I don’t know who it would be. 

The letter appears to be 240-250 years old, given the events written about, and the wear on the paper, and is in pristine condition, considering. Some splotches smear the ink, but it’s still readable. 

Let’s get started: 

Robbie, 

   I doubt you thought you’d ever hear from me again. I figure it’s safe enough, with the news of the ban being lifted and your sister taking over the kingdom. Sorry to hear of the king’s death, I know it’s not how you wanted it to happen. 

   I’ve been thinking of writing you this letter for a while, but I’ve been writing others and gotten a case of nostalgia, so I figured it was time. I’m dying. Not using magic the first half of my life drained a lot of my life from me, and I’m getting weaker by the day. Hopefully I’m able to make it through the winter so I can harvest the garlic I planted earlier. If not, it’ll be stuck in the ground.

   I don’t want you to try and track this, not that you would want to, but the only way you’d be getting this is if I died, so I guess that’s happened now. If you did track it, you’d find that I lived a full life, well, as full as it could have been given my circumstances, with two partners I picked up along the way. They’ve done all they can for me and now it’s time I do what’s best for them. So please don’t find them, they’re hurting enough. 

   I have arranged for some mutual friends of ours to make it to the ball together, they should make it the night of and leave two mornings after. I know their presence will cause quite a stir, but I’ve had them vow not to try anything with the riches of your kingdom, bla, bla, bla. Don’t try anything with them, they’re married now. Anyway, I hope you all have fun, eat some desserts for me.  

   I heard about the wife, congratulations. It’s a big deal, I never thought you’d find someone to put up with you. Jokes aside, I’m happy for you. I’ll drink to your happiness next time I get a chance. 

   Spence is safe, I just talked with him a few weeks ago. He lives in a small cottage in a tightly-knit community with a big dog and the other friend who left Terilace with us. She’s not there often, taking more to the travellers life than anything. But, she has a place to hang her gloves when needed, and she’s grateful to it. 

   As always, I wish you the best with the rest of your life, and hope you don’t get too caught up in the nostalgia of our time together. It would be best for you to throw this letter out, reputations and all. But, if you want to keep it tucked away in something, go ahead. 

   With all the love in the world, 

     E

~

Well. 

I can only assume the “mutual friends” referenced are infamous raiders, Kaya Bloostone and Archibald Blair. If I’m right, it seems Prince Robert was tangled up in a lot more than I’ve read about. 

Just as I said, this is most likely written by Edward, I might check with Ezran, seen as he’s the only person still alive to have met him. Damn immortals. They just love to have too much knowledge and hog the head fucking librarian position. 

The letter will go into a new book, tucked in Prince Robert’s section, under the “mysteries of his time” section, and the recording will will be saved, again, according to Ezran’s stupid fucking system. 

Whatever. 

There will likely be more to read on Edward, especially due to the familiarity in the letter, I can only hope it’s more like this, and not anything I’ll have to hide from the entire fucking kingdom. I don’t want to do another one of those. Too much paperwork that’ll never see the light of day. 

Signing off.

[chxckens]

some life updates... this is a big chunky post, just for those who care abt what’s happening w me. i feel like a dvd player

i had a difficult conversation with my mother yesterday where i was able to explain how difficult working has been for me with my health conditions and how i’ve been struggling to keep things like stable income for rent and health insurance because of it. like, i’m on long-term disability leave from work right now but i’m not even sure that i’ll be able to return to working full-time in the same capacity because of my health. and it isn’t a matter of finding a better job or a more flexible job- no employer likes that i keep growing tumors and getting cancer. like, that’s not a particularly good trait for an employee. legally they can’t fire me for it but i feel terrible not being a reliable employee because of it, it makes me feel like shit (even though my self-worth shouldn’t be derived from how Good a worker i am. i know this.)

my mom was taken aback somehow by how deeply it has been affecting me (of course it has. i’m always stressed.) and she actually literally said, “i think that we- that i- have been holding you to impossible standards considering your circumstances.” and that meant a lot. she said, “no, you don’t have to be financially independent right now, fuck it. i have money, move back home for now and let’s just make life comfortable for you.” i can’t explain how surreal it was to hear all that from her because she’s always been the one pushing me to Be Normal (work full-time, live independently, etc.) but i think i got through to her yesterday about how impossible this all feels.

it’s just, like- at this point i have had three separate cancers and i am only 28 years old. i will likely have more cancers down the road because of my genetic disorder. the three cancers isn’t even counting the benign brain tumor i had last december, that was a fucking freebie. nothing about the life i’m living is normal and it was killing me trying to work forty hours a week and keep house and take care of myself on top of all the medical misery.

so like....

i’m not HAPPY about having to live with my mom again ‘cause we don’t cohabitate super well (i love my mother dearly! but i would say this to her face and she would agree- we are both hermits and like having our own space) but there’s a wing of her condo that she’s fixing up that has its own entrance/exit so i can have like. a mini apartment in her condo. hopefully we can figure out enough systems that’ll make it manageable

it is a fucking miserable bummer to have to constantly curb my mother’s plans. she bought some land out in michigan and has plans to build a house out there and she’s been so excited about it and talking about it constantly and i’ve seen the land too, it’s lovely. but now she says she might sell it so she can take care of me. and that’s fucking wretched it makes me want to cry again to think about. but she reassures me, says that the money is better spent closer to home right now. on me. i don’t want her to sell the plot, i told her i’d move out there with her but she thinks it’s too far away from any major medical center for me to live there. because i have my perpetual ball and chain wherever i move- i have to be near a hospital. a cancer center, preferably.

but i can’t complain because it’s huge that she’d be willing to help me survive without working like i have been. and she’ll help me pay for health insurance that isn’t employer-sponsored so i don’t, like, die... that’s huge for me... definitely don’t want to die....

it does make me nauseous, of course, in a survivor’s guilt type of way- i am hyperaware of the fact that the only reason i have this option is because i come from a family with money and that my mother is offering it. i am fully aware of the fact that i would have died several times over if not for the fact that my mother happens to be sitting on enough money to care for me when i’ve been sick and out of work. having grown up with that wealth, it wasn’t until i got cancer for the first time that i was truly radicalized, politically. the system is horrific and even with my immense privilege it is still impossible to navigate when you’re sick/disabled. none of you need me to tell you this, but it is on my mind a lot, especially when it feels like i’m getting handouts like this

so, y’know, there’s a lot of guilt/shame here. and i’m trying to remind myself that this isn’t “giving up” it’s “finding a way to live that doesn’t feel like torture.” i think this is the only decision i can make right now?

i’ll start packing up my stuff and get rid of a bunch of it so that i can fit in my mom’s space. that’s prolly the first step here. the rest, we’ll figure out, i guess? i still feel queasy and like crying about this to be honest. being on my period probably isn’t helping LMAO

[mountttmase]

HIYAA

Missed uuuuu🤭🤭

When Mason moved to Manchester you knew things would be different. You just hadn't realised how different. I ALREADY DON'T LIKE HIM

‘Are you alright?’ You heard a soft voice say, looking up to see a concerned looking guy and under normal circumstances you might have been a bit worried about being alone in the dark with some random man but his presence settled you. You couldn’t make out what he looked like exactly but you could tell he was young and his voice sent an excited shiver down your spine. HI MASEEE

‘Here, have mine. It’s a fresh bottle and it’s unopened I promise’ he laughed, handing it to you and you took it with a smile. ‘I um- I don’t live too far from here, I could take you back there or drop you home’ he offered and you couldn’t help but warm to him immediately. CUTIE PIEE😭😭😭

‘You can come back for me’ AHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAH THAT'S ME

‘I’ll be as quick as I can. Don’t talk to any strangers while I’m gone’ he winked, making you laugh at his little joke but you sat tight and waited for him to get back. Putting all your trust in a man you’d just met and you weren’t even sure was telling you the truth about coming back. SILLY BOY😂

‘Thanks for this’ you smiled sweetly at him and if you didn’t know any better you thought he might have been blushing before he turned the light off again and started to drive away. HE ALREADY LIKES HER

‘That’s okay. When you went for an extra lap I thought I better keep an eye on you just in case, I know you normally just stick to two’ he explained but then the realisation of what he’d said hit him. ‘And I know that’s probably made me sound like a right weirdo. I’m not stalking you or anything I promise’ he rambled but all you could do was laugh, finding his awkwardness endearing. OMG ITS NOT THE FIRST TIME HE SEES HERRR

‘Please don’t think I’m crazy but I’ve been sort of keeping an eye on you since you first started. I know you’re fine and you can probably hold your own but you never know who’s lurking in the dark’ HE IS CUTE, ISN'T HE???

‘No, I like to watch you jog. There’s a difference’ he told you pointedly and you couldn't stop the wide grin that made its way onto your lips. MASON TONY MOUNTTT

‘Yeah I could tell’ he snorted, causing you to look at him with your mouth agape in shock but his little squeaky giggles made your heart thud. ‘I’m kidding I swear’ AHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAH YOU LITTLE PIECEEEE

‘But look how far you’ve come since then’ he reassured you, a kind smile on his face. ‘Left me in the dust tonight I could barely keep up’ OHHHHHE IS SOOO SUPPORTIVE

‘Well, y/n, if you ever need a running partner let me know. I know where you live now’🤭🤭🤭🤭

‘I hope you do’ he winked. Was this boy flirting with you? You thought. It only then hitting you that he’d been trying for the whole journey. YES HE IS FLIRTING

He was nowhere to be seen though and after taking a little longer to pack up than usual you got ready to go home a little disappointed. That was until you heard your name being called in the distance and suddenly a glistening Mason was stopping in front of you. HERE HE ISSSS🤭🤭🤭

‘Hey’ he laughed, straightening up so he didn’t look so tired but you could see it had been a long run for him. Small beads of sweat trickling down his flushed skin but his shy smile made your tummy feel warm. ‘I’ve been looking for you’ he admitted shyly and no matter how hard you tried to hold your smile on you couldn’t. THEY WERE LOOKING FOR EACH OTHER 🫠🫠

SHE IS AT HIS, AND HE WANTS TO TALK TO HER

‘Do you um, do you play for Chelsea?’ You asked, seemingly dumbfounded but you noticed how pink his cheeks got. Not really answering the question, just nodding his head over to the sofa so you could sit with him. OPSSS

He sat you down and explained that he did in fact play for Chelsea, that he was injured and that he was going through some rehab and would hopefully be better soon but unfortunately he wouldn’t be able to run with you anymore and you felt your heart sink. PH BABY BOY, I WANT TO HUG HIM

‘I was thinking maybe I could still come and cheer you on though? Or we could hang out here sometimes’ HE IS IN LOVEEEE

‘Oh um, well yeah. I like hanging out with you’ he shrugged, trying to play it off but his confession made your cheeks hurt. ‘I like hanging out with you too’ you whispered, watching his eyes crinkle at the edges and thinking you’d never seen anything better. Your tummy warming at the interaction between the pair of you and it was only then it hit you what a big fat crush you had on this boy. CAN YOU HEAR MY SCREAMS???

He would pick you up after your jogs and take you back to his. Having dinner ready for the pair of you as you learnt even more about each other and you loved everything you were finding out about him. He was kind, humble and a little goofy but also smart in his own way and every time he flashed you that toothy grin you wanted to shout from the rooftops about how much you fancied him. I NEED A MASON IN MY LIFE

‘You alright, Mase?’ You whispered, your question making the corners of his lips turn up slightly before he nodded. Shuffling up in his seat more so he could wrap his arm around your shoulders and bring you into his side, almost like you’d snapped him out of his mood by just checking in on him. OHHHH, BABY 🥺🥺🥺

It was a soft kiss, more like he was testing to see your reaction but when he pulled back and your eyes met his again, he was leaning back in to kiss you properly and you felt yourself melt into him as you cupped his jaw and kissed him back just as sweetly. OMG FINALLY

He was perfect and everyday your feelings grew for him even more. He was polite and kind and always wanted to touch you in some way which made your heart sing. Finding him was like finding your missing half so when you received a text from him asking if you could pop over to his after work you did so gladly. Not thinking anything of it until he opened the door to reveal him looking the saddest you think you’d ever seen him look. OHHHH I LOVE THEM

Before you could speak he flung himself at you, holding you as tightly as he could before you walked him inside. Taking him into the kitchen where he proceeded to break down in your arms, telling you his injury wasn’t healing, that he needed surgery and that he was scared. Scared he’d never get back to where he was and that the surgery could ruin everything but in your hold he seemed to calm down ever so slightly. OMG😭😭😭😭😭 MY BABY IS SAD

‘Sorry, you didn’t need to see me like that’ he sniffed, eyes looking up into your as you caressed his cheek and you wanted to tell him it was fine but he beat you to it. ‘Truth is, I’ve been holding it in all day. You’re the only person I’ve really wanted to talk to about it’ he whispered, his face soft as he looked back at you and all you wanted was to kiss him. ‘I feel like you’re the only person I can be myself around’ I WOULD HAVE FAINTED AFTER THAT

‘That’s understandable but they know what they’re doing. And when it’s all over I’ll be here for you yeah? Whatever you need whether that’s company or you need me to cook or clean or anything. You won’t be on your own’ you told him, trying to be as reassuring as you could and from the way he held you a little tighter you hoped it had worked. OHHHH SHE IS LOVELY

You stuck to your word, coming over when he needed you to and helping him out around the house however he seemingly forgot to tell you his family were still there and you had to meet his parents all sweaty after a run. They didn’t seem to care though and were just as sweet to you as Mason was. He’s eyes sparkling with joy and he watched you get along with them. OPSSS, FAMILY MEETING

‘I don’t wanna be without you’ you told him carefully. Putting your heart on the line so you could at least tell yourself you gave it everything, even if he wasn’t willing to do the same. You told yourself if this was the end then you would be okay, these things happen sometimes. OH BABY GIRL

‘I don’t want to be without you either’ he whispered, kissing your forehead gently. ‘I know it’ll be hard but I want us to try to make it work. Even if we just try long distance for now’’ GOOD JOB BABE

‘I know it’s early but I see a future with you. I wouldn’t bother suggesting it if I didn’t think it would be worth it in the end. I really think we can do this’ I'M EMOTIONAL

‘I didn’t think I could feel more for you if I tried but everyday I think I love you a little bit more’ he confessed and you felt your heart threatening to beat out of your chest. HE LOVES HER🥺🥺🥺

‘I love you’‘I love you, too’ you replied instantly. Your jaw aching from how much you were smiling. This conversation could have gone many different ways and even though this is the outcome you wanted you never thought it could have happened. That Mason of all people would want you in his life but you were so thankful that he was willing to try with you. I HAVE ELEPHANTS IN MY BELLYYYY

He was still living in a hotel the first time you went to see him. You ordered room service and sat in between his legs as he showed you a selection of houses he was going to choose from. Telling you he wanted your opinion first as it was a joint decision and thankfully your favourite was his too. THEY CHOSE THE HOME TOGETHER

When the pair of you were apart, you got yourselves into a routine. Texting whenever you could, daily calls or FaceTimes even if it was just to say goodnight and always letting the other know you were thinking of them when you had time. BABIES

Mason’s time seemed to be ever decreasing though but you expected it. New team, new friends, new environment. It was bound to be exhausting and you knew he wanted to fit in so you tried to look past the unreplied message and missed calls as he was so apologetic when you did finally get to speak to him. But as the instances grew the apologies stopped and you just accepted that this would be your life for now. OH MASON....😒

It had been a long week, and it wasn't even over yet. Finishing work half an hour early so you could jump on a train up to Manchester to meet Mason in hopes for a quiet night in but your hopes were dashed about two minutes in the car. MOUNT I'LL PUNCH YOU

‘We’ve got dinner with Rashy and his new girl tonight’ he smiled, squeezing your knee gently. ‘You've got time to get changed and stuff but you’ll have to be quick’ MASON....😒

So you did your best, getting changed and sorting your face out before heading out to some fancy restaurant you didn’t know the name of. Rashys date seemed nice and as much as you tried to look like you were involved and interested you knew you were being quiet. Mostly due to tiredness but also due to the fact you wanted a quiet night in and as usual he’d made you plans that you couldn’t back out of. OH MY BABY GIRL😭🫂

You wanted to say something but it was like each time you tried you couldn’t get the words out. Not sure how to make Mason understand you needed some down time with him and that as much as you loved his friends and family, you didn’t travel all this way every week to feel further away from him than ever. Not only that, the fact he didn’t seem to mind that the pair of you never spent any quality time together made you feel sad as you clearly weren’t on the same page about everything. OH BABY GIRL, JUST TALK TO YOUR STUPID BOYFRIEND

The straw that broke the camels back came around a month or so later. You were already pissed off with him as he’d gone out to a club in the week with some of his single friends and had left you on read until early afternoon the next day. The only reason you knew he was there in the first place was because you saw him in the back of a story someone posted, surrounded by girls, but you trusted him enough to know nothing had happened and when he told you it just slipped his mind as he was with so many people you weren’t sure if you were happy or sad about his excuse. HE DID NOT, NO WAY😒😒😒😒

This weekend was make or break for you. One last chance for him to prove he could put you first but he'd already ruined it the first night. Claiming to pop out for five minutes so he could help Bruno move something but he still wasn’t back 3 hours later. You’d taken yourself off to bed in the end, pretending you were asleep when he eventually got home and cuddled up next to you, biting your lip so hard you thought you might have drawn blood just to keep the tears at bay. I HONESTLY WOULDN'T HAVE GONE...

‘I need to go pick up Rashy, will you be ready by the time I get back?’ He asked but he picked up on your confused face right away. ‘Luke’s brothers friends gallery opening is today, I said we’d go’ I WOULD PUNCH HIMMMM

You were exhausted and in no mood to be around anyone, even Mason at this point so you didn’t move. Just stayed in bed and tried to think of something you could say to get you out of it. Not realising your hour was up until you heard the front door open downstairs. YES GOOD JOB

‘C’mere’ he whispered, pulling you into his body and you held him like it was the last time. In your mind it might be as your future was decided on what his next actions would be but you were surprised when he took your hand and led you downstairs and into the living room so he could get you comfortable on the sofa and wrap a blanket around you. OH MY BABY GIRL😭😭 I FEEL SO BAD FOR HER

‘Okay well Rashys outside. I won’t be too late I promise and just call me whenever you need me’ he whispered and you felt your blood turn cold. NO WAY HE IS GOING.....

You didn’t speak, not having anything to say to him anymore so you just snuggled into the cushion and let him press a kiss to your temple before getting up to grab his jacket. IF SHE DOESN'T GO BACK HOME IMMEDIATELY....

You felt like a prop and you’d had enough so after a cry and feeling sorry for yourself for a little while, you dragged yourself upstairs so you could go pack your bag and go home. You were no rush as you knew Mason would be out for a while but the longer you stayed the more you felt the walls closing in on you. YES, GOOD JOB GIRL, I'M PROUD OF YOU

Mason had only just made it to the gallery, saying a quick hello to a few of his friends before he was reaching for his phone. Wondering if he should call you to check in but in the end he decided against it. Not wanting to smother you and also thinking you were probably taking a nap but his mind was plagued with thoughts of you. WELL MASE A BIT TOO LATE...

‘You alright mate?’ Mason heard from behind him, turning to see Luke joining him with a pat to his shoulder. ‘Where’s y/n?’ HI LUKE, BE OUR WISE MAN

‘No offence mate, but if she’s sick then why are you here?’ Luke laughed, looking at Mason like he’d lost his mind but all Mason could do was scrunch his brows at the older boy. I LOVE YOU

‘Mate, I love you, you know I do but I see you every day basically. As do most of us here. But y/n? She doesn’t get to see you half as much and the one time she needs you you’ve left her on her own?’ LUKE YOURE OUR SAVIOUR

Luke was right, you needed him and he’d left you alone in his house. Sure you visited all the time but it wasn’t full of your home comforts just yet. Anytime Mason was unwell or sad the only thing he wanted was for you to wrap your arms around him and make him feel better but he’d done the opposite and left you to fend for yourself. FINALLY MOUNT FINALLY, THANK YOU

Mason made a stop on the way home, running into Sainsbury’s on the way to pick you up some supplies for you before quietly opening the door. Thinking you might be asleep on the sofa where he’d left you but as he quietly crept in he noticed the blanket you’d been wrapped up in was folded and placed over the back of the sofa, the cushions were sat up neatly and the tea he made you sat on the table untouched. MASON MOUNT I HOPE FOR YOU YOU'LL HAVE A GOOD PLAN OF APOLOGISING

There you stood, eyes red and face blotchy as you zipped up your overnight bag and he felt like he’d been punched in the gut. BABY GIRL

‘You’re sick, I thought you might want me here instead’ He told you, his voice quiet and unsure but you didn’t want to be having this conversation right now. A BIT TOO LATE...

‘What? No, please don't go, talk to me’ he pleaded, taking a step towards you but you shuffled back like you didn’t want to be anywhere near him. MASON...YOU'RE LATE

‘Cause I didn’t know what else to do to make you want to spend a bit of time with me! And even that didn’t work’ you told him, laughing ever so slightly as you placed your bag down on the floor to make your way out but he was blocking the exit and didn’t look like he was going to move for you. OH MY LITTLE GIRL😭

‘Are you breaking up with me?’ He asked, disbelief infused into his tone but you didn’t want to talk to him. You needed to get out. MAYBE....

‘Talk to me, please’ he begged, walking towards you but you stayed rooted to the spot. ‘You wanna tell me how awful I’ve been and scream at me then fine but I don’t want you to go’ he whimpered, falling to his knees in front of you so he could wrap his arms around you and bury his face into your body. ‘I don’t even understand what’s happening, please talk to me’ WELL MASON, YOU SHOULD BE UNDERSTANDING....

All you wanted to do was run your hands through his hair and tell him things were fine even though they weren’t. You were mad and upset with him but you still cared and seeing him so heartbroken made you feel sick but you couldn’t let it get to you. Instead covering your face as you began to sob into your hands and Mason was quick to get up and pull you into his chest. NO Y/N BE STRONG PLEASE

‘Whatever it is, I’ll fix it. I’ll make it right I promise but you have to tell me’ he whispered. ‘No matter how hard it is okay?’ YEAH MOUNT....

‘Apart from an hour or so in the mornings and the same in the evenings, when was the last time we did something just the two of us? The last time we got dinner together just us two? Or stayed in and did nothing?’ You asked and it’s like you could see him trying to recall a time. ‘Everytime I come and visit it’s like we always have to be around other people and I’m not saying I don’t want us to see anyone else but I come here to see you, you know? To spend time with you and it just hurts feeling like you don’t want to spend time with me alone’ MY LITTLE BABY GIRL

‘But I do just want you to myself sometimes. And it hurt a little bit thinking you didn’t want me. I travel all the way here for us to be together for you to want to spend our time doing things with other people. And maybe I sound silly-’ YOU'RE NOT SILLY AT ALL

‘But you should be my priority. You are my priority I promise and I swear I’ll make sure I prove it to you now. Like I should have done this whole time’ he croaked. Tears spilling from his eyes he shut them tightly. ‘Please don’t leave me bubs. You’re my everything, I’ll be nothing without you’ GOOD MORNINGGGG

‘Can we get into bed?’ He asked, sounding almost shy but you nodded, standing up gently and reaching for your bag so you could pull your pjs out but he cottoned on to what you were doing. Instead pulling the top from his body and handing it to you and you took it with a small smile. MMM, I THINK ILL FORGIVE HIM

‘I’m fine, Mase. I’m sorry if I worried you by saying I was sick but I’m alright’ DON'T YOU APOLOGISEEEE

‘Don’t be sorry, I’m the sorry one. The fact that you even had to say all that in the first place makes me feel awful’ he sighed, squeezing your side as you offered him a sympathetic smile. ‘But we’ve got the rest of the night to ourselves now and we can do whatever you want yeah? And all of tomorrow. Even if you wanna just stay in bed the whole time I’ll do it’ HE FINALLY WOKE UP

‘We’re okay then yeah?’ He asked hopefully, and you nodded into his skin. Feeling his whole body relax at your answer before he pulled you in even tighter. ‘I really am sorry. I think I just got a bit lazy and needed a kick up the bum but consider me well and truly kicked’ PERFECT😌

‘Thank fuck’ he laughed, kissing your cheek. ‘I’m starved, left before the food came out earlier’ he winked and you rolled your eyes at him before he tickled your sides playfully. ‘I’ll go make us something’ I WANT FOOD TOO

‘I thought you were ill, I was making sure I’d have everything you need’ OHHHH🥺

This was what you missed. Quality time together where you had nowhere to be and no one to answer to. Where Mason could be Mason and you could be you. Half naked dancing in his kitchen at 7:30pm without a care in the world. YAYYYY, FINALLY

‘I love the sound of my name coming out of your mouth. I love the way it feels when you hold me, just like this. You make me feel safe and loved and whole. And I love that you take me just as I am, no matter what. Sometimes I think I was made to love you and the fact that I could of lost you tonight kills me’ I GASPEDDD

‘Thank you. And I promise I’ll never make you feel like that again. Hand on heart, you’re my priority and I’ll prove it to you everyday’ MM, YOU'RE FORGIVEN

‘I don’t care’ he told you, attaching his lips back to yours but you could feel the smirk on his lips. ‘I’ll burn this whole house down if it comes to it, I don’t wanna stop kissing you’ NAUGHTY

LOZZZZ

OMGGGGG

I MISSED THOSEEEE

THAT WAS PERFECT

I LOVED HOW THEY MET, BUT THAT COULD NEVER BE ME, ME AND RUNNING ARE ENEMIES 😂

I LOVED HER, CAUSE SHE WAS SOOO LOVELY AND EVEN IF SHE WAS HURT SHE STILL WENT AT HIS

AND I'M HAPPY SHE GET READY TO GO, CAUSE IT WAS THE MOMENT TO LEAVE.

AND I LOVED HOW HE APOLOGISED AND MADE IT UP TO HER🥹

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS WITH US, THATS THE PERFECT END FOR A SUNDAY EVENING 🩷🩷🩷

HI LOVE

Mason was a silly billy in this one but it’s not because he didn’t love her he’s just a people pleaser

BUT THANK YOU I love reading these after like reliving the whole fic again it’s so much fun 🩷

[thelibrarylesstrektraveled]

Nightingale Chapter Six - Welcome to the Neighborhood

Summary: Jensen Ackles seemed to have it all. A hit television series fifteen years running, a budding music career and a stunning wife. To the casual observer, his life was perfect. But it was a façade. No more real than the supernatural world created on a soundstage.

That day on the lake had started with uncertainty, but when he pulled you from the water everything became clear. The truth was, he’d been the one drowning.

Pairing: Jensen Ackles x Reader, Jensen x Reader, Jensen x You

Characters: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Genevieve Padalecki, Misha Collins, Reader

Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Hospitals, Drowning, Fluff, Angst, Smut, unprotected sex

Chapter Six: Welcome to the Neighborhood

Word Count: 5394

Author’s Notes: This is a complete work of fiction about a real life person. The circumstances are totally made up and are in no way a commentary on the fantastic Jensen Ackles or his family.

This is also a unique reader insert story as I have given the reader a physical description including hair color, eye color and body type. Hopefully you can still lose yourself in the utter fantasy where Jensen is the hero and you are ripe for rescuing!

Masterlist

Nightingale Masterlist

It had been three days since Jensen sent you on that shopping trip and he hadn’t seen you since. Not in person, anyway. There was evidence that you were still in the apartment, dishes he used for breakfast were always put away clean by the time he got home at night. He heard your shower running one morning and he noticed the laundry was still being done. Life on set kept him busy, but he was still able to text back and forth with you. You always responded. Your answers were pleasant, but brief.

He was certain something was wrong, but he couldn’t for the life of him figure out what it was. He had his suspicions that something had happened on the day you went to the department store. His bank sent him a text alert when the final charge went through, and it was far less than he expected it to be. Clif told him you’d been fine on the ride home, maybe a little tired. It didn’t make any sense and it was driving him crazy. Which meant he was driving everyone else crazy, especially Jared.

“Something is wrong.”

Jared didn’t look up from his phone, he’d heard the same thing from his co-star for days. “We’ve got a few minutes, why don’t you give her a call?”

“Nah, I want to talk in person. Its just our schedules don’t seem to match up.”

“She’s recovering from a concussion,” Jared pointed out. “She doesn’t have a schedule.”

“She’s got a sleep schedule. You know how hard it is with us, we work all kind of weird hours.” Jensen picked at the edges of his paper coffee cup, a nervous habit. “I never paid it much attention before, you know Dee was never around for filming. I’m sure its nothing, it just feels like she’s avoiding me.”

The mention of the ex-wife broke through Jared’s annoyance. Jensen looked like a dejected puppy and Jared had a soft spot for puppies. “Look, I’ve got a later call time tomorrow. Why don’t we switch some things around, I’ll shoot my stuff first?”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. I’m probably making a bigger deal out of it than it is. It just feels weird because we spent so much time together before work started back up.”

Jared’s eyes narrowed in speculation as a sudden thought struck, “You’re avoiding her.”

Jensen scoffed and tossed his cup in the garbage, “What did I just say?”

“Nuh huh, I don’t buy it. You are direct to a fault, if you wanted to talk to her, you would. You’re waiting for her to come to you, why?”

“Because I don’t want to push,” Jensen finally admitted. “Obviously, I’ve done something or misread things. I don’t want to make it worse.”

“Talking is not going to make it worse. And if you did do something to piss her off, apologize.” Jared waggled his eyebrows, “Turn on that Winchester charm, I’m sure she’ll forgive you.”

“You’re an idiot,” Jensen deadpanned.

“We’re switching call times,” Jared retorted. “I can’t take another day of unrequited drama.”

He was in the kitchen when you waltzed in at 7:30 with a duffle bag over your shoulder. The buds were blasting in your ears, so you didn’t hear him say good morning to you three times. When you finally glanced up and saw a figure holding a cup of coffee you let out a scream so loud, they probably heard it in the lobby.

Jensen immediately set down the cup and held up a hand in surrender, “Whoa, easy… hey, it’s just me!”

You rubbed a hand over your racing heart, “Christ on a cracker!”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he apologized, while silently chiding himself.

You laughed, knowing you must have looked ridiculous. “No, it’s okay. I thought you were already at work.”

“Yeah, I’ve got a later call time today, so I can have a lazy morning.” He said, taking up his coffee again. “Which means I’ve got time to make a real breakfast, pancakes and everything. You game?”

He gave you a dazzling smile and you nearly melted. No one had a right to look that good first thing in the morning. Perhaps it was not seeing him for days that made it so much more apparent. Already showered and shaved, but still in his track pants and t-shirt. He looked much like he did during the week he spent taking care of you. Suddenly, all you wanted to do was curl up with him on the couch. Spend the day wrapped up in his arms, warm and safe from the uncertainties that kept you up at night.

My GOD he smells good! I wonder if he’s as good at kissing in real life as he is on t.v.? He must be, look at his mouth… and his hands.

“Oh no. No thank you, I’ve got a class at the club.”

“Oh,” he tried to keep the disappointment from his voice. “The health club downstairs?”

You looked down at your running suit that encased your body in navy blue and pink lycra. “Yeah, I’ve been itching to go to the gym. I think I used to quite a bit before the accident. My body’s been missing it.”

Judging by the way that suit hugged your curves, Jensen doubted your body was missing anything. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Actually, I’m taking one of the classes for seniors. I talked with one of the physical therapists down there and he helped me find something low impact.” You laughed a little, “I’m the youngest person by like forty years. Mrs. Hudson keeps trying to set me up with her grandson.”

“Mrs. Hudson?”

“She lives on the fifth floor, has a toy poodle named Mitzi and she is a huge Supernatural fan. Like, obsessed.”

“You don’t say,” he smiled a bit. “She want an autograph?”

“Yeah, but not yours.” You grinned, “Misha’s.”

He rolled his eyes, “Typical.”

“She also offered me a hundred bucks for a sneak peak at the plot for this season. I told her I’d think about it.”

“If she goes up to two hundred let me know, we can split it and go somewhere nice.”

You both laughed softly then fell into an awkward silence.

“Y/N, is everything okay?”

Your reply was quick. “Yeah, everything’s fine.”

“I know with my schedule and everything, we haven’t had much time to talk. It just seems like there’s something bothering you.”

When you finally looked up with your big, blue eyes, he knew he was right. He saw the uncertainty in your gaze, and it worried him. There was something you weren’t saying. What could he have done to lose your trust?

“Sweetheart, tell me. Is it me? Did I do something or say something to upset you?”

“No, no.” You sighed. The last thing you wanted was to worry him or anyone else. But Jensen was a persistent man, once he caught wind of something, he wouldn’t just let it go. It never occurred to you that he’d blame himself.

“Did something happen on that shopping trip? Did they not have what you needed?”

“No! They were all great, really. Thank you again, it was lovely.”

He gave a slight shake of his head, there was that slightly cool politeness. Rigid and formal. Not like you at all. “I kinda expected you to spend a little more, I mean… are you sure it was okay?”

“I got all the essentials, Jay. I didn’t need anything extravagant.”

“It was supposed to be fun; you know. A treat. Extravagant is part of the package.”

You didn’t reply to that. You knew he would only feel badly if you told him how that trip made you feel dirty. That you were worried that your presence in his life was being misinterpreted by pretty much everyone. That you were worried that deep down, that you were just not worthy of someone like him. Not as you are. Broken.

Jensen knew he couldn’t force you to confide in him. It wasn’t fair to push you just to satisfy his own doubts. “I don’t want you to be late to your class so, maybe I’ll see you later, okay?”

He was letting you off the hook. Giving you a chance to make a hasty escape. If you had a brain in your head, you’d take it. But you couldn’t just ignore the poorly masked hurt in his eyes. Somehow, he got it into his head that this was his fault, and you couldn’t just let him sit with that.

“You haven’t done anything wrong, Jay. You’ve been amazing. I just feel like I should be doing something. I want to contribute.”

“All you need to focus on is recovering. Don’t worry about the money thing, I know people get a little weird about it, but it’s not a big deal.”

“That’s not what I mean.” You crossed your arms over your stomach as you leaned against the counter. “I feel this pull to be active, to help people. I don’t know what I used to do for a living or even what I’m good at. I just know I have to try. There must be something I can do to be useful in the world.”

“Y/N, you’ve got a heart the size of Texas. I’m not surprised that you want to help people. And you should follow that feeling, but you gotta walk before you run.”

You gave a small smile, “Why do you think I’m in geriatric aerobics? I still get tired and my stamina is crap. I’m trying to build up my strength. Maybe I’ll stumble upon a forgotten talent.”

“I’m sure you will.” Jensen studied you for a moment, there was still a bit of tension in your posture. Your beautiful eyes were still a little guarded. He was certain there was more to it but decided to drop it for now.

“You should get going, don’t want to be late for class.”

“Yeah,” you picked up the forgotten gym bag and headed for the door. “Hey, um… do you think you’ll have a late night tonight?”

“Actually, I’ve got a light schedule. I’ll probably get out of there at a decent time.”

“Well, maybe we could have supper,” you suggested, chewing on your lower lip. “I saw a Tupperware in the back of the freezer that said Five Alarm.”

Jensen let out low whistle, “Oh, I don’t know Y/N. That’s Grandma Ackles award winning, Five Alarm Chili, it would burn the pants off a little lady like you.”

You scoffed, “If you can take it, I can take it.”

“I’m a Texan. I was born breaking horses and breathing fire.” He laid it on thick, exaggerating his accent. When he added a wink, you turned red.

“Shut up,” you laughed, shaking your head. The man was too cute, and he knew it.

“Alright, alright. I’ll start the crockpot and get the Pepto on standby.”

There was such softness in his green gaze as it flickered over your face. This wasn’t the first time a moment like this stretched out between the two of you. He said so much with those eyes of his, you swore you could feel the caress of them on your soul. Yet, he held back, closing his hands into loose fists at his sides. The warmth in his eyes turned uncertain and in that moment all you wanted to do was reassure him.

Your doubts quieted just long enough for your instincts called the shots. You stepped forward and wrapped him in a tight hug.

Jensen immediately reciprocated, his strong arms coming around you, holding you close. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. This felt right. You felt right. Every time he had you in his arms, he felt something settle in his heart. You felt like home, it was that simple.

“You should get going,” he breathed, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “You don’t want to worry Mrs. Hudson.”

You felt tingly. Warm and fuzzy, all the way down to the soles of your shoes. No wonder Dean Winchester was so popular, the man portraying him was everything a woman could possibly want. Kind, strong, handsome, and funny. Hard working and generous. You had a long way to go if you were going to be worthy of a man like that. Better get started.

“Yeah, you’re right. See you for dinner?”

“It’s a date.”

You were still floating when you stepped into the elevator. You were no closer to answering the million questions you had about yourself, but you felt more centered. More sure of yourself and your path forward. Jensen always managed to help ground you and settle the doubts buzzing in your brain. That was just part of his magic.

The elevator paused after just a couple of floors, stopping to pick up another passenger. The doors slid open to reveal a small child. A little boy with shiny, black hair and a Buzz Lightyear doll clutched in his arms.

“Hey there,” you smiled, looking around for the adult who must be close by. “Are you lost?”

He didn’t say anything, but his big, brown eyes welled with tears as he hugged his doll even tighter.

You stepped out of the elevator and crouched down to his level. Poor little guy’s terrified.

“Is your mom around? Or your dad?” Getting no answer and seeing no worried parent around you tried another approach. “Do you live on this floor?”

This time he shrugged.

“A lot of these hallways look alike, huh? I get a little lost myself… say, do you know that big, fancy fountain downstairs? The one with the lights and the fish?”

His brown eyes grew wide, and he nodded. Jackpot, kids love those koi fish.

“Well, there is a really nice lady at the desk right by that fountain. She knows everyone in this building and knows where we all live. I bet if we ask her really nice, she will help us out.” You stood and held your hand out to him, “What do you say?”

Keeping Buzz in one arm, he grabbed your hand tightly and rode down to the lobby by your side.

His name was Christopher, and his frantic mother was already at the reception desk. The squirming toddler on her hip squealed and reached out when she saw you walking towards them.

“Mama!” Christopher tugged out of your hand and ran as fast as his little legs could carry him across the lobby.

“Christopher!” The mother dropped to her knees, scooping him up along with his sister. From the muffled, relieved scolding, you pieced together that he’d been playing hide and seek with his sibling and got a little too creative.

“You scared me to death!”

“I’m sorry Mama,” he cried into her shoulder.

You picked up the discarded doll and gave the frazzled mother a smile, “There’s no harm done. We just took a little elevator ride. I’m Y/N, by the way.”

“Maddy,” she replied. She allowed her children to slide to the floor but kept a hold of their hands. “Thank you so much… I swear these two will be the death of me!”

You looked a little more closely at the pair, they were like a matched set. Same height, same facial features, eye color, hair. One boy and one girl. “Twins?”

“Christopher and Casey. When they turned four, they figured out how to bypass the Netflix password and open any locked door. I think they’re bent on world domination.”

You laughed and noticed the tiny paint splatters in Maddy’s clothes and across her face. She wore old overalls with ripped knees, rolled up at the ankle and a faded bandana keeping her hair up. Her bare feet were paint splattered too, she obviously just ran out of her apartment in a hurry.

Middle of a project. Hyper, bored kids. Single mom?

“Would you like some help?”

Turns out you were right. Madison “Maddy” Montgomery was a single mother of five-year-old twins. Christopher and Casey. Her ex, Jake, was a military man who valued his career more than his wife and kids. He still kept in touch, but really had no interest in raising a family. A year ago, she moved to Vancouver to be closer to her sister and have a fresh start.

“So, what happened to your face? You owe money to the mob?”

“Boating accident,” you replied, loading your roller with paint. “I zigged when I should have zagged.”

Maddy rolled out a heavy drop cloth over the hardwood floors of her dining room. “Rookie mistake. So, what do you do when you’re not wrangling wayward toddlers?”

“Well, today I do this.”

“No kids of your own, huh? What do you do for a living?”

“Ah, well, I’m not really sure.”

“Identity crisis?” Maddy guessed.

You kept your attention on applying paint evenly. Part of you wanted to just gloss over the details of your life, keep the conversation light. After all, it was a pretty strange set of circumstances. Instead, you decided to take a leap of faith and be honest.

“Sort of. Amnesia.”

Maddy paused mid-way through taping off the woodwork. “Whoa, seriously?”

Before you knew it, the whole story came tumbling out. It was such a relief to share it with someone. The aerobics group only knew cursory details about your injuries and physical limitations. Jensen and Jared knew and were great, of course. But this was the first time you actually told someone about it. A perfect stranger, until an hour ago.

“Wow. Y/N, that’s… that’s intense. So, you have no idea who you are. Where you’re from, you’re family. Nothing?”

“No. Not really, just my first name and a couple of random memories.”

“That’s…. wow. That must be terrifying.”

“Sometimes,” you admitted. “Mostly, its frustrating. Thank God for Jensen, he helps keep me from spiraling out of control.”

A look of wide-eyed recognition crossed Maddy’s face. “Wait, Jensen Ackles? Your dashing hero is the super hottie in the penthouse?”

You stole a look over shoulder, “Yes?”

Maddy laughed then, “Girl!”

“Do you know him?” you asked casually.

“Not like you do, obviously,” Maddy teased. “I’ve met him in passing a couple of times, he helped me carry in groceries. Super sweet guy and gorgeous. My sister watches that show of his religiously.”

“Yeah, I’ve gotten into it recently myself.”

“You don’t say?”

“Shut up,” you grinned, unable to stop yourself.

“I heard he was back on the market, finally got rid of that ball and chain.”

“He was married?”

“You weren’t kidding about that amnesia, huh?” Maddy took a slender paint brush and started on the edging work. “I only ran into her the once. One of those tight faced, model types, you know. Kinda bitchy, dismissive. I was relived to hear he divorced, a guy like that deserves better.”

Your mind was ticking away. Jensen had never mentioned a wife. Ex or otherwise. With your concussion, you steered clear of computers. Plus, something about looking up information about your friend on the internet seemed sleezy. Mean. Deceitful, even. And Jensen was that, he was your friend. No matter where things went with him, first and most importantly, he was your friend.

“Yeah, he deserves better.”

You spent the rest of the afternoon with Maddy and the kids. By the end of the day the dining room had received two coats of paint and the kids were successfully fed and down for a nap. Casey fussed a bit, but eventually settled. Maddy said both kids had been down with the flu a couple of weeks ago, but Casey hadn’t been able to shake it completely yet.

“It’s par for the parenting course,” the young mother explained. “The doctor says its because of her allergies. Always worse this time of year. Her father was the same way.”

“Poor kiddo,” you murmured. Something tickled at the back of your mind. You couldn’t quite shake it nor bring it to the surface. God, was that ever frustrating! Your only choice was to leave it be until it decided to let you remember it. Pushing yourself would only bring on a migraine.

You exchanged numbers with Maddy as she saw you to the door and promised to help her tackle the kitchen when the time came. That 70’s style linoleum had to go!

You were happier, lighter as you headed back to the apartment. You felt more normal than you had since waking up in the hospital. Today’s activities hadn’t been what you expected, but they were exactly what you needed. You could feel tentative hope blooming that perhaps you weren’t broken after all. There was a part of you that survived the accident after all. You still had the ability to make friends.

A part of you worried that although he said otherwise, Jensen was only interested in spending time with you because he felt guilty. But the afternoon with Maddy and her kids bolstered your confidence and worked to quiet those doubts.

There was a spring in your step by the time you got home. The smell of Grandma Ackles chili had your mouth watering the minute you opened the door. No wonder it was award winning. Your phone buzzed with a text from Jensen saying he’d be home in an hour. That left you just enough time to shower and change out of your rumpled clothes before dinner.

“Looks like someone’s in a good mood,” Jensen said, shrugging out of his leather jacket and tossing it on a one of the bar stools.

There was music flowing from the sound system and the kitchen table was set for two. You were wearing an outfit he had never seen before. A simple, soft sweater in light blue and a dark, denim skirt that hit mid-thigh. Those incredible legs of yours were encased in thermal tights that several of the ladies on set favored. You turned to him with a smile, your long hair was unbound and swung freely around your shoulders as you moved.

“I am in a good mood, had a good day.”

“Yeah?” he asked, as you handed him a beer.

You opened a bottle of water for yourself, “Yeah. It was a great day.”

And so the evening went. Lovely, normal, warm, homey. The two of you exchanged stories of how you spent your days. Jensen was thrilled to hear you’d made a new friend. He could see the difference in your posture, you were hopeful. And your laugh was back.

Sitting there with you, having dinner at the end of the day, fulfilled a fantasy that he’d kept buried deep down. It was so simple; most people took it for granted. It was the feeling of family. He was close to his family growing up, and still was in a lot of ways. But he wanted one of his own. A best friend to go through life with, a partner. Danneel was supposed to be that for him. It looked like it on the surface, but it never felt like it. Never felt like this.

Y/N listened intently as he told her mundane details of his day on set. It wasn’t nearly as exciting as it could be. No fight scenes, no big speeches. Pretty boring from his perspective. His ex-wife certainly would have thought so, but not you. You were fascinated. Maybe it was because you didn’t come from a Hollywood background like Danneel did. You thought it was the most magical thing you’d ever heard. It reminded Jensen of his first trip to a television set. He thought it was magical too. He’d forgotten that until now, and it felt good to be reminded of it. To be reminded of why he fell in love with the film industry to begin with.

The two of you had loaded the dishwasher and moved to the living room to unwind when the doorbell rang, followed by frantic knocking.

Jensen got to his feet and signaled for you to stay put when you went to follow him. It was late and no one ever came to the door without at least texting first. There was a flash of Dean in him at that moment, protective.

He looked through the peephole, then unlocked and opened the door. “Can I help you?”

From your place on the couch, you could hear familiar voices and you were quickly at his side, “Maddy? What’s wrong?”

Your new friend was frantic. Christopher was beside her, hiding behind her legs, while his sister wailed in her mother’s arms. “Y/N, hey I’m sorry to bother you. It’s Casey, her fever spiked, and I don’t know what’s going on.”

“Do you need to go to the E.R.? We’ll give you a ride,” Jensen offered, concern written all over his face.

“No, my sister is on her way. I’m know its short notice, but would you watch Chrissy?” Maddy asked, shifting Casey on her hip. “I have no idea how long this is going to take; I could be there all night and that’s torture on a five-year-old.”

“Yeah, of course,” you were already grabbing your shoes to head up to Maddy’s apartment.

“He can stay with us,” Jensen said without hesitation. “We’ve got it covered, no problem.”

The relief on Maddy’s face was instantaneous. “Really?! Oh, God, thank you so much! I owe you.”

“You don’t owe us anything,” you assured her and held out a hand to Christopher who threw himself into your arms. “Keep us posted, okay?”

“I will, thank you again!”

Jensen closed the door as Maddy disappeared down the hall and you stood with the toddler clinging to you.

“So…. Nintendo?” he suggested.

If you weren’t already completely charmed by Jensen Ackles before, you certainly were now. The man loved kids and it was adorable. He quickly won over the little boy with chocolate milk and his collection of remote-control cars. You had a suspicion that they weren’t meant for rough play, but Jensen didn’t seem to care. In fact, he was having a ball! He set up the living room and foyer as an elaborate racetrack and the three of you stood on the couch in your stocking feet while cars zipped around the floor. The floor, which was lava, of course.

After an hour or so, they moved on to the world of video games, which was housed in Jensen’s bedroom. You let the two of them hash it out, since your head was beginning to ache. Video games had that effect on concussions, so you sat back on the bed and watched with great amusement as Christopher beat Jensen at Mario cart.

After a few minutes, the bright colors and movement made the headache bad enough that you decided to go grab a couple of pain pills. You swung your legs over the side of the bed and a sharp, stabbing pain shot through your skull.

“Oh!” Your hand went to your temple, then it was gone. As suddenly as it had started, the pain left and in its place was a memory. The thought that had been tugging at you all afternoon finally broke through.

You didn’t notice Jensen was by your side until he touched your shoulder. “Y/N? You okay?”

“Yeah,” you breathed as you processed the new information that had just shaken loose. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just remembered something. I’ll be right back.”

You pulled your phone from your pocket and went out into the hallway, leaving Jensen to keep an eye on your houseguest.

“Y/N?” Maddy answered, her voice slightly muffled by background noise from the hospital. “Is everything okay? Is Christopher alright?”

“He’s fine, I just thought of something. Have you seen the doctor yet?”

“They just took us back to one of the exam rooms now. This place is packed!”

“Okay listen, I noticed something about Casey earlier today, but it didn’t click with me until now. There is a dark ring around the iris of her eye, it’s called a Kayser-Fleischer ring. It’s caused by a buildup of copper deposits.”

Maddy was looking her child over on the other end of the line, after a moment she responded. “Yeah. Yeah, I see it.”

“Tell the doctor to check for Wilson’s disease. It’s a liver disorder. It’s rare, but treatable.”

“Wilson’s disease, got it. How are you so sure about this?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted, wishing you’d gotten more than just a flash of a magazine article to go on. “I don’t know. Call it instinct.”

Jensen looked up when you slipped back into the bedroom, “Everything alright?”

You returned to your spot on the bed and Christopher came up to cuddle beside you. You ran your hand over his hair in soothing gesture as your turned over the new information in your mind. You were relived and excited that something useful had broken through. Hopefully, it would help. You remembered that article word for word, if caught early on and monitored closely, people could live quite easily with it. Your gut said that would be the case for Casey.

“I was just checking in with Maddy. They’re fine, just waiting for the doctor.”

He nodded and looked down at the child who was snuggled into your side. Obviously, he had chosen his place to hunker down for the night and Jensen was more than okay with sharing his space. “Good. How about we wind down with a movie?”

“Toy Story,” Christopher piped up.

“Excellent choice,” you agreed.

A couple of hours later, the credits were rolling and the three of you were cuddled together in the center of the massive, king-sized bed. The kid conked out early on and you followed not long after. Jensen didn’t realize he had nodded off himself until the sound of your phone vibrating against the side table jolted him awake. He extracted himself from the cocoon of blankets and pillows and reached over you to grab the phone. You were a heavy sleeper and never even moved when he answered in a hushed tone.

“Maddy?”

“Jensen, hi. Sorry, I know its late.”

“No, it’s okay. Y/N and Chrissy are asleep, but I’m up. How’s Casey?”

“Better,” the young mother breathed, relief clear in her voice. “We’re on our way home now. Y/N was right. I still have to bring Casey back for tests in a few days just to be sure but, Y/N was on the money. The doctor didn’t even want to check, thought I was out of my mind. Thank god she saw it, I never even noticed!”

“Yeah,” Jensen murmured, looking down at your peaceful face. “Thank god.”

“Seriously though, how did she know about that disease? The doctor in the E.R. wasn’t even familiar with it.”

“I don’t know… she’s full of surprises. Listen, Chrissy is pretty comfortable here and you’ve had a hell of a night. Why don’t we keep him over-night and bring him home in the morning?”

“Oh my god, are you sure? I don’t want to put you out.”

“It’s no problem, he’s a great kid.”

“It’s official, you are my new favorite neighbor! Thank you, Jensen. Seriously, you’ve been great. And tell Y/N thanks, I’m so grateful I met her today!”

Jensen smiled as he hung up the phone and put it back on the charger. He settled back down into the bed and pulled the covers over the three of you. God, he’d had fun with you and the kid tonight. Until you came into his life, he was never around long enough to get to know any of his neighbors. It felt incredibly good to be a part of the community, even in this small way and he had you to thank for it. Maddy had it right. Grateful was exactly how he felt as he drifted off to sleep. Grateful he’d met you. Grateful you’d stuck around. Grateful you were curled up beside him, even with a child sandwiched in the middle.

The mystery of who you were was slowly unfolding as more fragments of your memories came through. And he was grateful to be at your side, witnessing the slow reveal of the most beautiful woman he’d ever met.

[its-your-mind]

JLA Meeting

WW: okay. any last additions or adjustments to our plans for a potential attack from the moon?

Kyle: *mumbling* still don’t know why I can’t just make a moon cheese factory to—

Dr. Fate: Something is here.

Flash: here here? like. On the Watchtower??

Batman, pulling up security feeds, all of which are clear: What kind of something.

Dr. Fate: Something… unspeakably powerful. I can feel it, sending vibrations along the strings of time like a spider testing its web. I have not encountered a being with this sort of power beyond those known as the Chaos Lords. Prepare yourselves. I do not know what sort of creature we are about to—

Unknown yellow… Bat…child? teenager?? coming sheepishly into the room as though that door isn’t locked with personal biometrics and codes that change before and after every meeting: hey B uhh sorry to interrupt but Red said that “unless the world is literally ending right now via technoaliens he’ll want this info ASAP” sooo uhh… hope you’re cool I borrowed the zeta! haha… uhh anyway so. I saw a lotta activity ‘round Arkham — couldn’t tell for sure if it was last night or tonight — but there were for sure lotsa clown masks. Got me worried. Uhhh… that’s all I got. Sorry to interrupt, Miss Wonder Woman, Mr. Superman. Sorry if B doesn’t finish his shi— uhh stuff cuz’a me. Real cool to kinda meet all of you! You’re all like, so cool. Keep kickin’ butt, don’t let the bodysnatchers bite. Uhhh… Imma head back out now. Bye

Duke: *fingerguns*

Duke: *fucking disappears*

Batman:

JLA:

Batman:

JLA:

Batman: I trust that you all will be able to finish this without me.

Oliver: are we not gonna talk about the—

Dr. Fate: Batman, why does a member of your team brush fingers along the threads of fate and time. What sort of—

WW: I thought we had an understanding, Bruce. I’m disappointed.

Batman: …

WW: When you acquire a new child, we wish to be introduced! How else are we to grow to care for them? I have gifts of welcome to bestow—

Superman: Hold on.

Batman:

Superman: That young person, who is clearly a member of your team and is active in Gotham City, is a meta.

Batman, moving out the door just a bit too fast to seem calm: I need to get home to confer with my team to prepare for whatever the Joker is planning. If you have any questions for me, contact the Batcave.

Superman: BRUCE I THOUGHT HEROES WITH POWERS WEREN’T ALLOWED IN YOUR CITY, BRUCE. WHAT HAPPENED TO “NO METAS IN GOTHAM,” BRUCE

-

meanwhile, in the Batcave:

Tim: so how’d it go? he comin?

Duke: I think so? I told him. Had to interrupt a JLA meeting, but hopefully that was fine? I rambled so much though holy shit I’ve never met Wonder Woman in person before she’s so fuckin dope

Tim: Yeah, we’ve all been there. If you want to watch Jason’s actual face turn the same color as his helmet ask him how his first time meeting her went. But. Hold on. Wait. B hasn’t introduced you to the JLA yet?

Duke: no? is that a thing that’s supposed to happen?

Tim, doing some quick mental math: Was the door closed when you got there?

Duke: yeah, but it was a coded lock. just used Ghost Vision. no big.

Tim, suddenly grinning manically: ah hahaha he’s gonna be getting angry texts for the next MONTH we just got him in so much shit. Listen to me. Look at me. Do not under any circumstances let him actually introduce you to ANY of them. Stall as much as you can. Just Say No to official superhero meetings. The awesome ones will find you anyway and they’ll get competitive over who can be the best superaunt or whatever and they’ll be more fun if they think Batman’s hiding you from them. AND ALSO they won’t stop pestering him until he does it and he’ll just get more and more stressed and it’ll be so fucking funny please Duke do this for me, your big brother. I’ll owe you like five favors and I’ll get Kon to fly you wherever you want for as long as you can hold out. Do you like pastries? We will fly you to fucking Paris for the best croissants of your life if you do this thing for me.

Duke, panicking: wait what?? You. Bruce. Paris? What???

Batman, coming out of the Zeta at speed: Tim. A word?

Tim, already on his bike and motoring out of the cave: Ope, sorry B-man, got a date with Kon tonight, can’t stay to chat. there’s an algorithm running on the Batcomputer to ID possible Joker shit call me if the city starts burning down byeeeee

Duke:

Bruce:

Duke: so anyway about these clowns…

I think Duke Thomas should get to give off eldritch horror vibes to all JL-associated magic users. As a treat.

[little-blog-of-mine]

What a week it’s been. God damn.

I had a friend on Saturday cancel plans and postpone it to Sunday. Then she either forgot about them or forgot she had other plans and didn’t tell me about it so I waited for hours for something that would not be happening. It hurt.

Then on Monday my boyfriend of about 6 months broke up with me. He said that he would have had to give up and leave his whole family behind. Something he said he was once willing to do but things have changed and he’s in a different position in life than he was when we met and first became lovers. I get it, things happen, and honestly he made the right decision, I probably would have made the same one. But it hurt. Less than a week before we were talking about the future, potentially our future, he told me that I raised him out of the worst depression he was ever in, how he’s so lucky to have me; now it’s become ash in my hands. I had to comfort him because he was sad he had to do it.

I sobbed on a table in my college lounge for at least 10 minutes.

The next day, Tuesday, the same friend from Monday hung out with me to finish a show together that we started, (Three Body Problem, very good btw, liked the book as well) and after that she said she’d take care of some hygiene and come back to play a video game together. I myself took a shower and worked on some college stuff. She texted she’d be back in about 20 minutes so I hurried up and skipped some stuff that I wanted to do. I waited an hour and 20 minutes and she didn’t come, 5 minutes after I said she could have just told me that she changed her mind she gave me an apology and said her phone died and she had to help her parents and siblings and she totally would have texted me to let me know that she was gonna be late. I said life gets in the way sometimes and to not worry about it, she’s not being a bad friend, circumstances out of control happened.

She said that I’m allowed to be frustrated that she stood me up 3 different times in less than a week, especially because of what I’ve been going through. I wish I could be frustrated. I’m just tired. I kind of expect it from her honestly but I don’t want to tell her that. I just say that I know I’ll forgive her eventually so I just skip being frustrated because with the bigger picture of life it’s not a big deal. I cried myself to sleep, I woke up to go to work that night and called out, I was just so tired.

Wednesday, today, she said that she was free till her 4pm. I was and am unfortunately busy for the rest of the week with school and other responsibilities so I’d have to try some other time. I got a tattoo today because I was told you can’t drink for at least a week after and I needed a reason to not drink. I’m not an alcoholic, at least I don’t think I am. I do my best to only drink sometimes and almost never twice in a week, maybe only once or twice a month, but i really want to drink, really really really want to. And when you want to drink like that, is when you absolutely should not drink. So now I wait out that timer to be able to drink and hopefully by the time it’s over I won’t want to, or at least won’t want to as much. Maybe I’ll find an hour when I’ll be free and hang out with a friend. I hope so. Nobody talks about how isolating it is to go to college and work full time.

[squoxle]

No Guidance ~ Wonbin ff

🎧pairing: Wonbin!best-friend's-brother x Reader!afab | 🎧wc: 5.9k | 🎧summary: Even though your best friend, Minji, told you that her older brother Wonbin was "Off Limits," that didn't stop you from getting what you wanted. But now that you've done the deed, can you keep your dirty little secret safe? Or will all hell break loose? |🎧cw: slow burn, angst, fluff, crack, smut (mostly kissing, grinding, and fingering), mentions of protected sex, shower sex

Part 1 << ⭐️ >>Part 3

You woke up early the next morning to the sound of the comforter rustling. You were barely able to grasp the fact that you not only woke up next to your best friend’s brother but that you also had sex with him last night.

Was this what you wanted? Yes. But not under these circumstances. “Mmm fuck,” Wonbin groaned as he rolled over to check his phone that was buzzing likecrazy under his pillow. Before you could say anything he had already balled up a pair of clothes and rushed off to the bathroom.

All you could do now is pray that he kept his damn mouth shut...

It was a little after 6:15 am when Wonbin started moving around. As badly as you wanted to talk to him about it, he had already jumped in and out of the shower and left with nothing but a leather jacket, a black beanie, and—of course—his iconic silver headphones. The last thing you heard were the sound of his keys jangling and the front door slamming.

Instead of staying in his bedroom, you thought it would be a better idea to go sit on the couch in the living room. The greatest perk being that it’ll hopefully divert any negative attention. You had to keep a level head. If you were acting suspicious, you looked suspicious.

Unable to fight back sleep, you ended up dozing off again. You woke up a couple hours later to the sound of hushed laughter that was coming from—not to your surprise—Minji and her boyfriend.

“You should probably stop watching me and watch the food instead,” he chuckled from afar.

“Aish! I know what I’m doing,” she spat.

“Really? Because the stack of burnt pancakes you catapulted into the bin say otherwise.”

“Those were test pancakes. No one ever eats them anyway.”

“Especially not when they’re burnt to a crisp,” he smirked.

“Psh, you know nothing about cooking. This is a woman’s job anyway.”

“Oh? So you can make sexist jokes but I can’t?”

“Yup, because you’re a man and I’m a woman. Therefore, as the object of most criticism, I cannot be sexist.”

“Okay, just because you say ‘therefore’ doesn’t mean you’re—nothing…nevermind.”

“No, tell me. It doesn’t mean I’m what?”

“It doesn’t mean that you’re smart,” he smiled nervously. “Wait, what’s that smell?” He asked as the faint scent of smoke thickened.

“Oh shit,” she sighed, the sound of sizzling oil crackling as she ran water on the pan. “This is all your fault,” she chuckled, cornering himself against the countertop.

“How is this my fault? You burned them,” he smiled.

“You distracted me,” she said poking his nose.

“I told you to focus.”

“No you didn’t,” she replied quickly.

“Yes I did. I said stop watching me and watch your food,” he chuckled as Minji threw her head back, remembering that he had in fact told her to pay attention.

“Hmph, whatever. I’m a baker anyways. Not the Pancake House version of SpongeBob,” she shrugged before returning back to the sink.

“I’ll cook the rest of the pancakes,” Sungchan said as he walked over to clean the pan before placing it back on the burner.

Minji washed her hands before walking around the counter to see that you were awake.

“Hey! Good morning. Sorry about last night. We ended up falling asleep,” she said, rubbing your shoulder.

“Ehh it’s alright. So did I,” you reassured her.

“Damn, my brother must’ve been pretty bad if you had to sleep in here,” she said, looking at you snuggled under the white blanket you had wrapped around you.

“Heh, he wasn’t too bad,” you replied. You saw this as a way out and you were not passing it up. If she thought you slept on the sofa, then that’s exactly what you did…as far as she knows.

“I’m guessing he left already too huh?”

“Yeah, he did. Where’d he go anyway?”

“Work, I’d assume. He’s the one paying for this place. I just take care of the little bills like internet and stuff.”

“Breakfast is served,” Sungchan beamed as he walked over to the couch carrying a tray with a bottle of syrup, two forks, three extra plate, three cups of milk (one chocolate for Minji), and one big stack of pancakes.

“Omg finally!” Minji exclaimed. “I was starving to death over here.”

You all took turns grabbing your serving of hot, fluffy pancakes. What shocked you the most though was how Sungchan at his pancakes. Now you understood why there were only two forks.

He folded the pancake like a taco, holding the sweet, sticky syrup inside.

“I know what you’re thinking ‘what the fuck is wrong with that guy?’ Short answer. He’s crazy,” Minji said as she bit into a forkful of pancakes. “It’s even worse when he does it in public,” she rolled her eyes.

“I don’t do it all the time,” he smiled. “And for the record, you’re the crazy one,” he chuckled as Minji flashed him a dirty look.

After breakfast, Sungchan cleaned the dishes before heading out.

“Sorry for crashing your girl’s night again,” he apologized to you both before walking up to Minji and hugging her from behind. “I love you, Mimi. I’ll call you tonight okay,” he kissed her cheek.

“Hmm, okayyyy. I love you too. And thank you for making breakfast for us,” she smiled.

“Well, one day, you’re gonna be doing it for the rest of your life.”

“What are you talking about ‘one day’?” She asked, turning around.

“When we’re married, duh. After college of course.”

“Oh right,” she chuckled nervously. “I keep forgetting about that,” she smiled before rubbing her head.

“Alright well I gotta go now,” he kissed her forehead. “Bye!”

“Bye,” you both said in unison. You didn't really talk much whenever Sungchan was over, not because you were nervous, but because you didn't really know what to say. They we already an entertaining pair

You planned to hang around for the rest of the day, there wasn't much else to do anyway, but mainly because you were waiting for Wonbin to come back home. Of course, Minji didn't mind, she loved your company. Plus she considered this a redemption for last night.

"Chocolate chip this time," she smiled as she placed the freshly baked cookies on the table. "We don't have to worry about dinner either. Wonie said he's bringing home pizza," she said before grabbing a cookie and taking a bite.

"What time is he coming home?" you asked.

"Should be sometime after 5. He doesn't have to work overnight today," she replied as she picked up the tv remote. "Music videos, cooking videos, ASMR, or our show?" she mumbled scrolling through the options.

"Let's just continue our show," you suggested.

"I agree. Let's do that. Otherwise, I'll be scrolling the entire time."

"Umm, where does Wonbin work anyway?"

"Hmm, you sure are asking a lot of questions about my brother...you're thinking the unspeakable are you?"

"What??"

"Are you trying to get closer to him?"

"No! No! I was just curious, that's all," you said trying to save yourself. She wasn't wrong. You were asking a lot of questions. Luckily you didn't ask every single one out loud.

"You know I think of you as a sister. So seeing you with my older brother is EXTREMELY disturbing. Borderline incest--"

"Oh come on, that's ridiculous."

"Look, I love you, but you really can't date him okay. I know I told you all of that crazy stuff before, so now I'll tell you the real reason I said he sucks."

"And why's that?"

"As far as I know, my brother has been in several relationships. And they all ended for the same reason. My brother likes new and exciting things, but the second they start getting old, he's bored."

"Okay, that's good to know, but I'm not interested in him," you lied.

"____, I know you like him. That's why I'm telling you this. No girl has been able to keep my brother's attention for longer than 2 months. I don't wanna see you get your heart broken."

"I won't."

"Please, just leave him alone okay. I don't care about those strangers, but I care about you. You're my best friend."

"Okay," you sighed. "I will leave him alone."

"Thank you," Minji said before hugging you. "Now, let's watch our show."

You and Minji resumed your teenage soap opera while you waited for Wonbin to bring home pizza. Lunch was substituted by a cup of iced coffee with a scoop of ice cream of course.

Though you tried your best to focus on the show, Wonbin plagued your thoughts. Everytime you saw Minji pull out her phone, your heart nearly pounded out of your chest.

Did he tell her?

Does she know I’m lying?

She’ll hate me if she finds out what we did…

*knock knock knock*

Is he home already?

“Don’t worry about that, it’s probably a package or something,” Minji said as your eyes darted to the door.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m waiting on something for my older brother,” she said before turning back to press play. “My other older brother, Seonghwa. It’s a gift for some ceremony he's being honored at. I can't really remember what for.”

“Oh—“

*knock knock knock*

“Open the door Minnie! I’m freezing my dick off out here,” you heard Wonbin shout from the other side of the door.

“Shit,” she cursed under her breath. “Coming!” She yelled as she walked over to unlock the door.

“I didn’t expect him to be home so early,” you said as she double checked by looking through the window.

“Yeah…neither did I,” she huffed before lugging the door open. “Where’s the pizza,” she asked as Wonbin came in empty handed.

“I left my wallet in my room, which also had my key in it. Hence, the reason for me knocking. So I ordered the pizza over the phone and I’ll pay for it when the guy gets here,” he said taking off his beanie and shaking his head.

“Eww. Don’t do that you fucking dog. I don’t want your fleas,” she said, leaning back to avoid the imaginary bugs jumping from Wonbin’s head.

“Relax. If any of us has something contagious it would be you,” he smirked as he stepped out of his shoes. “Anyways, the pizza should be here in about 20 minutes. If I’m not out by then, knock on the door and I’ll tell you where the money is.”

“Hmm…okay,” Minji shrugged as Wonbin walked off to his room.

For the most part, the rest of the night went normal. But after dinner you knew you needed to talk to Wonbin…alone. So, when Minji went to the bathroom you moved quickly and didn’t waste a second beating around the bush.

“Did you tell your sister we had sex?”

“What?”

“I said, did you tell your sister we had sex?”

“No, why? Would you like me to tell her?”

“No, you can’t tell her anything about that. She’ll be so fucking pissed that she’d probably never talk to me again.”

“Relax, I didn’t plan on telling her anyway. My sex life is none of her business. But, now that you mention it...maybe I should tell her," he teased. But the look on your face said everything he needed to know. You were really scared about losing your friend.

"I'm back bitches. Miss me?" Before you or Wonbin could say another word, Minji came bouncing in the kitchen. "What's going on in here," she raised her eyebrow, sensing the tense atmosphere.

"Nothing, I was just leaving," you said as you gave her a little side hug.

"Wait? What? Why," she sighed.

"It's getting late and I got some things I need to work on at home."

"Hmm, okayyy," she hummed.

"Goodnight, Minji," you smiled, blowing her a kiss that she dramatically acted out catching before clasping her hands together and holding them to her chest.

"Actually, I'm gonna head out for a bit too," Wonbin added as you headed through the door.

"Ahhh! Are you kidding me? Now I'm gonna be all alone?" Minji whined.

"Call your boyfriend," Wonbin chimed as the two of you walked out together. "Bye! Love you," He said before closing the door right as she spat out the most genuine 'fuck you' you'd ever heard.

He followed you to his car which was parked near the bottom of the staircase. "Do you need a ride?"

"No, I'm gonna wait for a friend," you said before pulling out your phone.

"You sure? I don't mind bringing you home."

To be completely honest, it didn't take much convincing to get you into his car. Most of the ride was quiet aside from the mellow tone music that played in the background.

"Didn't you have somewhere to go?" you asked as you pulled up to your house.

"No, I just lied so I could get out of the house with you. After all, we're supposed to be a secret," he smirked.

Did he just say we?

"Heh, right," you chuckled.

"I was only teasing earlier," he said as he parked in your driveway. "I want this too," he smiled.

No fucking way was this actually happening right now.

He leaned over to kiss you on the cheek. "Goodnight, babe," he smiled.

"G-goodnight," you stuttered as you climbed out of the car.

Is he really as bad as Minji says he is? Or is she just saying that to scare you away.

"Hey," you heard him shout as you closed the door.

"What?"

"How am I gonna call you without your number?" he smirked before leaning over the seat to pass you his phone through the window. You typed it in before handing it back to him.

He smiled and rolled the window back up as you walked to your door, but he waited until you were inside to drive away.

After spending all that time away from home, you needed to wash up before you went to bed. So you took a quick 15-minute shower while you thought about Wonbin.

Were you guys official now? Or was this just a friends with benefits type thing? You didn’t know for sure.

“I’ll just ask him sometime tomorrow,” you muttered to yourself as you climbed in bed.

*Ring Ring*

Your phone rang from under your pillow. It was a series of numbers that you didn't recognize. But you answered it anyway.

“Who could be calling at this hour?” You thought to yourself before speaking.

"Hello?"

"I couldn't go to sleep without saying I love you," what surprised you more than hearing Wonbin's voice was what he said to you.

"I love you too," you smiled.

"Hmm, I wish I could see that pretty smile of yours," he whispered.

"Huh? How'd you know I'm smiling," you lightly chuckled.

"Because I'm hiding in your closet."

"What?"

"I'm joking. But I can hear it in your voice. I just wish you were falling asleep next to me tonight," he hummed.

"Yeah, me too."

"Well, I'm gonna let you go to sleep now."

"Okay, goodnight Wonbin."

"Goodnight."

You hadn't slept this good in a long time. However, the constant buzzing of your phone woke you up earlier than you wanted. You pulled your phone out from under your pillow to see that Minji was calling.

"Umm, hello?" you grumbled.

"Wake up girlie! We're going on a date," Minji chimed.

"A date? What date? With who?"

"Sungchan and one of his friends. He's really sweet and I think you'll like him a lot more than my asshat of a brother, Wonbin,” the disgust in her voice when she said his name was almost to perfect to be a joke.

"Ugh...what time is it?" You groaned.

"Time for you to get your ass up. Duh! We're going out for lunch."

You pulled the phone away from your ear to see that it was 20 minutes from 10 and apparently your idea of early was a lot later than most people.

"Sungchan and I are coming to pick you up in an hour."

"What--"

"Hurry up and get pretty!"

"Minji--"

"Mwah! Bye!"

"Wait--"

"Love you!"

"Ah--" the sound of the call ending confirmed your attendance on this mandatory blind date.

An hour later at 11 o’clock, Minji and Sungchan pulled up to your house. Minji actually called you 10 minutes ahead to make sure you were ready on time.

*HONK HONK*

You nearly forgot to lock the door as you saw Minji lean across the seat to blow the horn. You hadn't seen her this excited about going somewhere since that one time you and a few other friends snuck into a college party...courtesy of her boyfriend.

"Get in loser! We're going shopping," she smiled as you rolled your eyes at her cheesy acting. "What? I always wanted to say that. We are going to the mall though," she continued as you climbed in the backseat. "I hope you're excited," she turned around, watching you buckle your seatbelt.

"Hey, don't get her hopes up," Sungchan said as he rolled backward down your driveway. "He's a great guy and everything, but you might be putting him higher than he really is."

"Hmm, you might be right. But he's definitely better than my older brother. That's for sure," she said before readjusting herself in the seat.

To be honest with yourself, you were excited to meet this guy. But after last night you didn't know if you could fully commit. Still, you made a promise to yourself that you would try. If not for yourself, at least for Minji. You knew she'd be a lot more welcoming to whoever this guy was than her brother.

When you guys finally made it to the mall, Sungchan pulled out his phone to call his friend as soon as you guys walked it.

"I'm not really sure where he is. So, I'd rather just call him and ask than take a guess and end up walking around for an hour," he said as the phone rang. "Hey, man. Yeah, we just made it here. We're looking for you. Hmm, okay. Alright, bye," Sungchan said before ending the call. "He's near the food court," he said as he tucked his phone away.

The two of you followed him to meet his mysterious dark-haired friend. On the way over, you asked a few questions to get an idea of who he was. Apparently, he was just a few months older than Sungchan. Almost the same height, is interested in acting, and--according to Minji--has super big eyes.

He honestly didn't seem bad, so you tried to keep an open mind.

"Eunsoek, this is ____," Sungchan said, introducing you to his friend.

Yup, he definitely had really big eyes like Minji said. And even though you just met him, you could tell that he was a decent person. On this little mall double date, you learned that he was in school to be an actor, but his hobbies included almost anything artistically creative you could think of. He showed you a few sketches he was working on and swore that one day you had to try his cooking.

Sungchan even chimed in, saying that he almost cooked better than his mom. You almost completely forgot about Wonbin whenever Eunsoek smiled at you. He was just so sweet and charming. He also bought you a slushie from this place that you couldn't remember the name of to save your life.

After the date he offered to give you a ride home, which you declined ONLY because you guys just met today. But you promised that next time he could as long as it wasn't too late. When Minji and Sungchan finally dropped you off at home...there was only one thing on your mind.

You had to decide who you were going to fully commit to. Wonbin or Eunsoek.

Pro: Minji will accept and support your relationship with Eunsoek.

Con: You didn't know about his dating history.

Pro: Minji will hate you for dating her brother and you'll probably never be happy because of it.

Con: You did know Wonbin's dating history and it didn't sound very good.

Pro: Eunsoek is super sweet and charming, and you could really see yourself being happy with him, but...

Con: You wanted Wonbin.

You had to ask Wonbin one question that would determine your next move. "What are we?" you asked when he called you sometime before 11pm.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I want to know if you plan on ever being in a relationship with me. Like officially," your heart pounded in your chest as you awaited a response.

"I mean, yeah. Obviously, but it's kinda hard with my sister being against it and all."

"Hmm, yeah. You're right," you sighed. Maybe it was best to focus on Eusoek.

"But, I wouldn't mind sneaking around."

Or maybe not.

For the next two weeks, you and Wonbin would exchange lingering looks at each other whenever you met. Making out whenever Minji left the room, but it seemed like the hot excitement was dying quicker than you expected. You had to do something and fast. You didn't want to lose him. So when Minji asked if you wanted to hang out, you told her you were busy and convinced her to go on a date with Sungchan.

As soon as she left, you made your way over there as soon as possible.

*Knock Knock Knock*

You knocked on the door as Wonbin opened up. "What are you doing here?" he asked, eyes widening in surprise as you walked in. "My sister isn't here right now," he said scanning your body.

"I know. I came over to see you," you smiled softly as his lips formed into a smirk.

"I'm not even gonna ask how you got here," he said before pulling you in for a kiss.

"Don't worry," you started as his lips cut you off. "I caught an Uber," Wonbin pulled back, holding both of your hands before leading you to his room. A place oh too familiar to you by now. This was the first time you'd been in his bed since that night and god did you miss it.

He climbed onto the bed, bracing his back against the headboard as you straddled him. He placed his warm, delicate hands under your shirt, gripping your waist as he met your lips in hot, messy kisses.

You could feel how bad he wanted you as he thrust his hips against you. "God, you're so fucking sexy," he groaned as you slowly began grinding against his growing hard-on. "You're making me wanna tie you to this bed and fuck you so hard that you beg me to stop," he said as he moved his hands down to your hips, encouraging them to move faster, his soft moans filled your ears as he moved down to kiss your neck.

He pulled away to look at you with those lustful doe eyes as he pulled your shirt off, throwing it across the room, landing by the closet door, exposing your violet underwire bra. Without hesitation, he unhooked your bra, dropping it to the floor, and revealing your bare tits. He pulled your tit into his mouth and began eagerly leaving marks and trails of saliva all over you.

You moaned at the sensation of his intense sucking. You watched as he looked at you with drunken eyes as he begged for more. He stuck two fingers into your mouth and watched as your lips wrapped around them. He slowly dragged them out before shoving them down into your panties, gliding them between your sticky folds.

He massaged your clit before pulling his fingers out to suck your wetness. "Mmm, you taste so fucking good," he said before sliding back in to finger you. The sounds of your pussy making sloppy sounds as he bit his lower lip. You squirmed as he finger fucked you, your body being fully supported by his arm wrapped securely around your figure. You moaned as he pressed in harder.

"Fuck," he spat as you came close to orgasming, yanking his fingers out.

"Wha--"

"Shhh," he said shoving a finger against your lips, cutting you off. "I think my sister just came in," he whispered as the both of you listened quietly.

"Wonbin?" you heard Minji call out as she knocked on the door. "What's all that noise? Do you have a girl over?"

"Shit," he bit his lip as he lifted you off of his body. "No! I'm watching midget porn," he yelled as Minji cringed behind the door. "You gotta hide. Now," he said as he walked you over to the closet, shoving you against the rack filled with clothes. You barely squeezed in before Minji opened the door

"The fuck happened to you?" Minji asked as she met Wonbin at the door with his hair a mess and sweat sticking his bangs to his forehead.

"Umm--" he stammered before he was cut off by Minji pushing her way through.

"I don't even wanna know. Let's just agree that you really enjoy midget porn," she grinned as she walked to his bed. At this point, you could see her black hair swaying as she moved around. "I thought you said you didn't have a girl over," she spat as she picked up your bra from the floor.

"Uhh. It's mine," he lied.

"Right," she scoffed. "You couldn't fit this if you wanted to," she rolled her eyes. "Where is she?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," he lied again.

"Mhm. Is she hiding under the bed?" she asked as she bent down to look underneath his bed. Ironically, that was the first place you were gonna hide.

Wonbin remained silent until Minji said, "Oh, then she must be hiding in the closet," she grinned mischievously as she ran over to the closet. Your heart never thumped so hard against your chest in your life. She yanked at the door, nearly pulling it completely open, before Wonbin slammed it shut.

"What did you come in here for?" he asked standing in front of the door, sounding pretty pissed off.

"I left my charger in here yesterday and I need it now," she smiled placing her hands on her hips.

"Then get it and get the hell out," he spat as she walked over to pull it out of the wall.

"I thought you were on a date," he said as she headed out of his room.

"I was, but he had to go take care of something. He'll probably swing by later tho. Oh, and ____ too. He's bringing over some food for her to try. Anyways, I'll be in the living room. Have fun with your little minx," she snickered as she left.

"How am I supposed to get out of here now?" you asked as he opened the closet door. You put your clothes back on as you watched Wonbin pace around the room.

"I don't know...You'll probably have to sneak out through the window," he whispered as he looked around his room for something the use.

You started helping him by searching around his room. “Maybe we could use your bedsheets,” you suggested, hoping that he’d agree with your idea.

“Yeah, that should work,” he said before reaching over to grab the sheets off of his bed. He began tying them together as you struggled to open the window.

*RING RING, RING RING*

“Shhhh!” Wonbin said as the sound from your phone was louder than you expected.

“Sorry,” you winced. You frantically silenced the ringtone as your phone nearly bounced out of your hands.

“Who is it?” He asked in a hushed tone.

You managed to get a grip on the slick device before looking to see who was calling.

“Minji,” you gasped showing him your phone. “I have to answer it,” you wined.

“No you don’t.”

“If I don’t she’ll think something is up,” you said as you clicked the green button.

Wonbin lugged the knotted sheet out of the window as you climbed on the sill. “Hey,” you nervously chimed.

“Hey girl. What are you up to right now? Did you finish whatever it was that you were doing?”

“Umm…not exactly. But what are you doing?”

“Eating popcorn chicken while I listen to my brother wrestle trying to sneak some girl out. See, I told you he’s a hop around.”

“Oh wow. That’s crazy,” you said breathlessly climbing down the makeshift rope.

“Wait, where are you? I hear a lot of wind.”

"Oh, umm...my window is open. I'm trying to--ugh--clean my room," you grunted as you fell to the ground.

"Hmm...It's pretty cold outside to just have your window open like that," she mumbled as she chewed.

"Ehh it's alright, I'm super hot anyways," you said looking up to see Wonbin aggressively pointing to the stairs. "What?" you whispered, waving your hands around.

"GO. TO. THE. CAR," he whisper-yelled.

"Did you say something?" Minji asked as she faintly heard the whispering.

"Umm, no," you answered quickly. "If anything, that was probably my neighbors or something. My window's open. Remember?" you said as you climbed over the bushes that sat outside of the complex.

"Hold on, I'm gonna go scare my brother again," Minji chuckled as you heard her get up before running to his room and pushing the door open. She saw Wonbin standing near the window, desperately pulling the sheets up as she laughed before running to the window, catching a small glimpse at your figure as you ran away.

"How many times do I have to tell you to GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE?!" you heard Wonbin shout as he pulled his sister away from the window before slamming it shut.

He pushed her out of the room before grabbing his keys and walking to the door. You were busy catching your breath as Minji entertained herself.

*BEEP BEEP*

"Hmm...that's strange," Minji said softly.

"What is?"

"I heard the car horn coming from your end of the phone too."

"Oh, that's because I have you on speaker," you lied. You had never lied to your friend so much before in your life.

"Oh, okay--"

"Well, I gotta go now. I'm almost finished. I'll call you after I'm done okay."

"Okay, but wait."

"What?"

"Me and Sungchan are coming to pick you up later."

"I know," you said out of instinct before hitting yourself on the head for nearly exposing yourself.

Fuck...

"You know? How?"

"No, uhh I'm just guessing because you seem to want to hang out tonight."

Nice save, dumbass.

"Oh...umm...okay. Well, see ya."

"Bye," you chimed before ending the call.

Minji still felt suspicious about this situation. Something just didn't seem right. You were lying about something. But what could it be?

Later that night Minji and Sungchan came to pick you up. The ride was dry and stale. You felt like a child in the backseat watching your parents have a conversation that you weren't supposed to hear. The two went back and forth whispering until Sungchan finally said, "Just let it go alright."

Whatever they were talking about must've upset Minji. She didn't say another word until you made it to the apartment. Minji opened the door as Sungchan placed the bags of food-packed containers on the countertop.

"So what's in the bag?" you said trying to break the silence.

"Oh Eunsoek couldn't wait for you to try his cooking, so he made dinner for us," Sungchan said as he looked over to Minji who was wearing a smug expression. "I'll put it on the plates for everyone, let me just go ask Wonbin if he wants any," he said before giving Minji a look that probably meant 'get your act together' or 'stop being silly.' But why?

Sungchan came back a few seconds later with Wonbin. You immediately put your head down, afraid that looking at him would put your thoughts all over your face.

"The food looks good," Wonbin said as Sungchan gave everyone a plate with rice, veggies, and chicken. There were also some sauces on the table to eat with it. "It smells good too," he smiled. "Who made it?"

"Eunsoek, one of my friends. He and ____ are probably gonna end up dating or something. He just can't stop talking about her," Sungchan's words caused Wonbin's smile to crinkle at the ends as he thought about what he said.

"Yeah, he wants to take her out on a date again soon," Minji added looking at you and Wonbin.

"Well, you can tell him I said thanks. I'm gonna head out for a bit," he said before getting up to wrap his plate up and placing it in the fridge.

You bit your lip to stop yourself from calling out his name. You wanted him more than anything...

"Ugh...thank god he's finally gone," Minji sighed.

"I don't know if you're upset about Wonbin having another girl over, but you shouldn't be. Like Mimi told you, this is the way he's always been," Sungchan said trying to comfort you.

"Exactly, and Eunsoek actually wants to be with you," Minji added.

You tried your best to look happy as you ate Eunsoek's surprisingly good food. But you couldn't shake Wonbin. Was he hurt? Did he hate the fact that another guy was interested in you? Was he jealous?

*zzt zzt*

Your phone buzzed as you saw a notification from Wonbin pop up.

[ 4 unread messages : Wonbunny ]…

ur keeping secrets now huh?

what r u doing? trying to make me jealous?

i wonder how much ur other boyfriend would like to see me fucking ur brains out

maybe we should make a video...tonight

Delivered 9:57pm

You quickly replied to his messages, trying your best to keep the smile off of your face.

i'll try to get out of here after we finish dinner

i'll text u after they drop me off

Sent 9:58pm

It wasn't long before Wonbin replied back saying a simple,

k

To no one's surprise, the two of you had sex as soon as he entered your house. This was the first time he had been there but he made sure to fuck you on every surface.

You felt like he was draining the life out of you while he fucked you till he was satisfied. Especially when he came all inside of you. This time he remembered to wear a condom, but you could still feel the warmth as he filled you up. He had scratches all over his back from you.

He ended up falling asleep in bed with you, but not without whispering, "You're mine" in your ear as you fell asleep.

It almost felt like endless honeymoon fucking when he woke up the next morning eager for a round two. Then lazy fucking in the shower, before you got a text from Minji saying that you were going on a movie date tonight.

Wonbin seemed to be taking a lot of interest in you, but are his feelings genuine. Or is he just fighting for the thrill that comes with being with you? He told you to keep seeing Eunsoek as a cover, but Wonbin would always be your number one. The cycle of emotional manipulation in this chaotic love triangle is insane.

❀ Thank you all so much for reading! Make sure to check out other works on my masterlist!

❀ 𝚃𝚊𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝: @chlorinecake @hoyeonheeseung @addictedtohobi @chaenqen @nikisdubblchococake @mrswolfhard3 @hynjinnn1 @melobin @laylasbunbunny @urfavberry

[firstkeptdaughter]

“Letting someone see you that vulnerable, it’s a scary thing.”

There she is. Oriana. She still has the same eyes as she did nineteen years ago when Miranda held her in her arms, a frail, small infant back then. Looking into the young woman’s face is almost like staring into a mirror; they’re identical. Genetically. But Oriana looks different, regardless, with an expression in those otherwise identical eyes of someone who hasn’t seen the kind of things that Miranda has. Fortunately.

Miranda made sure of that, those nineteen years ago, by saving her sister from her father. It’s a decision she will never come to second guess.

Miranda instinctively smiles as she looks at her sister. And just, like Oriana did as a baby, she returns that smile in an instant. Her adoptive parents are with her, loving parents that Miranda carefully chose because Oriana only deserved the best. She’s done it. She’s given Oriana everything that she could never have. A normal family, a normal life, friends.

Then, she turns to leave. The movement feels as if one of two magnets attracted to each other were pushed back with such force to prevent them from touching. It took every bit of strength she had in her to leave Oriana. Memories of the moment when she, a sixteen-year-old girl, had to leave Oriana behind, come to the surface. It had been the most heart-wrenching decision of her life.

“It’s for the best”, Miranda asserted. “Oriana has a normal life. I’ll just complicate that for her. The less she knows about me, the better.”

She cannot hide that insecurity in her voice. Miranda wants to sound pragmatic, but she can’t. The desire to get to know the sister she had been watching over from a distance for nineteen years is palpable in her voice. Shouldn’t she? Miranda couldn’t imagine the happiness from even just one conversation with Oriana, but how selfish would it be? Once she became part of Oriana’s life, there was no return.

But, if she stayed, she would hurt Oriana sooner or later, wouldn’t she? She wasn’t like her sister. Miranda had a reputation for being ruthless and cold and in a way, it was true. As much as she loathed Henry, Miranda saw parts of him inside her. And she couldn’t let Henry near Oriana. That extended to the parts within her.

Yet, for some reason, her squadmate manages to convince her to talk to Oriana. With a few mere words. Normally, it takes a chain of well-funded arguments to convince Miranda of something, and even that could prove futile. But when Kaidan argues that Oriana should know she has a sister out there who loves her, Miranda merely nods. “You’re right”, she speaks, softly, her voice not resembling her usual tone one shred. It’s strangely tender.

It’s only when she returns, she notices that her cheeks are wet with tears. Had Kaidan noticed? Hopefully not. She wasn’t comfortable crying around people. It’s the reason why she has avoided looking into Kaidan’s face since laying eyes on Oriana.

“We’re done here”, Miranda declares, back in her usual professional, authoritative tone. As if she didn’t just go through one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. “Oriana is safe. My father won’t be able to track her down anymore.” She assured, with her back still turned towards her squadmate. With a subtle movement, she wipes away the tears from her face with the sleeve of her catsuit. Then she takes a deep breath and turns to Kaidan.

She’s about to tell him they should head back to the ship, but then Kaidan speaks up.

“Letting someone see you that vulnerable, it’s a scary thing.”

Damnit. She wants to huff, or roll her eyes, but she can’t. The lieutenant and his tendency to say such profound things in the rare moment where it has the capability to affect Miranda.

In any other circumstances, she would’ve shot back with a witty remark. Something along the lines of her not being vulnerable. But in those very circumstances right now Miranda isn’t able to come up with anything like that.

“I guess so..”, she hesitantly agrees, crossing her arms in defensiveness. “I’m not good with ‘vulnerable’. Typically I can solve my problems through more scientific approaches - or with a simple bullet.” She quipped wryly.