#huge huge thank you to everyone who's followed along; all the love and support on this has been insane and i am so grateful <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[steddiehyperfixation]

don't you forget about me (part eight; final)

(part one)(part two)(part three)(part four)(part five)(part six)(part seven) (ao3 link)

It was an “if” if Eddie would actually be discharged today, but now, after some more poking and prodding, he's finally on his way home with prescriptions for pain meds and physical therapy. 

Wayne helps him up the three creaky, beautifully familiar stairs into the trailer, and Eddie collapses onto the old, beautifully familiar couch the second he gets inside. The weary groan he lets out is only slightly over-dramatized. “I feel like an 80 year old man,” he complains, entire body sore and aching to the bone already. “Now I know how you feel.”

“Oi, I ain't that old,” Wayne protests. When Eddie snorts derisively, Wayne rolls his eyes and chuckles. “Alright, fine, so we both got creaky knees now. You, at least, will be young and spry again in no time, though,” his uncle tells him. “Just get some rest, old man.” 

Eddie heaves a great big sigh, takes another breath to steel himself, and then does just the opposite of that. 

“What did I just say?” Wayne mutters as Eddie moves to stand again. 

“I said I’d call Steve,” Eddie says. Steve had to go to work, but he'd told Eddie that morning to call him if he ended up making it home today. “I’ll dip out of work and come hang out, help you settle in, if you want,” Steve had said. 

Wayne offers, “I can call him for you.” 

“No, no, I got it,” Eddie insists, words broken by a grunt as he hauls himself back to his feet. “I can make it to the phone, Wayne, I'm not a complete invalid.”

“Alright.” Wayne raises his hands in defeat and backs off. He’s never been one to hover. “You just shout if you need me.” 

Eddie limps - slowly, painfully, with difficulty - to the phone on the wall by the tiny dining table they never use, the surface littered instead with unopened mail and haphazard papers scribbled with notes and reminders and important phone numbers. He leans heavily against the table as he paws through the piles trying to find a note of Steve's number. Eddie finds it buried deep, probably long since memorized by now before his memory got erased, but there it is: a notepad paper with Steve's name scrawled on it and two phone numbers written underneath, home and work. 

“Bingo.” Eddie grabs the paper, takes the phone off the hook, and dials the work number. 

The phone rings a couple times, and then: “Family Video. How can I help you?” 

“Hey, Stevie.” Eddie smiles at the sound of his voice, as if he hadn't literally just heard it only a few hours ago. 

“Eddie!” Steve's bored customer service voice brightens. “Are you home? How are you feeling?” 

“Yeah, I’m home. I’m alright. I mean, I’m bone-fucking-tired and feel about a million years old, but it's really really good to be back,” Eddie says honestly. He adds, “I’m under strict orders to rest, though - gonna be bored out of my mind, so I could use the company if you were serious about ditching work for me.” 

“Of course I was serious,” replies Steve. “It's a slow day today anyways.” 

Eddie grins. “Get your sweet ass over here then.” 

A smile is evident in Steve's voice too. “I'll be there in ten.” 

Eddie hangs up, tries his best to wipe this stupid lovesick grin off his face. He stumbles his way down the hall to his room next, flicking on some music from the cassette player on his dresser and looking around. His room is just as beautifully familiar as the rest of the trailer, not much changed from the way he last remembers it. The same music and D&D shit clutter his surfaces, the same posters clutter his walls. His bed is unmade, clothes litter the floor, same as always.

The only differences: his beloved electric guitar no longer hangs on the wall by the mirror (he was told, devastatingly, that she hadn't survived her trip to the Upside Down), and there are photographs he doesn't recognize taped up around the corners of that mirror. Eddie staggers over to get a closer look, only to first be momentarily jumpscared by his own reflection. His face is pale, eyes sunken, and his hair frizzes out in a greasy, tangled mess around his head, unwashed and unbrushed for who knows how long. Gross, but whatever. He manages to ignore his sickly appearance and inspects the pictures he had apparently deemed important enough to stick to the edges of his mirror. 

There are photos of Eddie smiling with Hellfire and his band and the kids, in large groups and small groups, with old friends he remembers and newer ones he doesn't quite. But what catches his attention the most is a photobooth strip of him and Steve. The first picture shows the two of them grinning, arms slung around each other’s shoulders; the second, a silly face photo, Eddie sticking out his tongue and Steve crossing his eyes; the third, Eddie giving Steve devil horns while Steve laughs; and the fourth- 

Eddie plucks the strip off the mirror, stumbles, so taken aback he trips over his own lame feet until he plops down heavily onto his bed, and he stares. He stares at the last image in the row, which depicts - clear as day and undeniably real, immortalized in ink on photo paper - Steve kissing Eddie, tender hand on his cheek, both of them smiling against each other’s lips.

He stares and he stares and he stares. And the longer he stares the more he can almost feel it, taste it, see the events of that photo strip playing out in his mind’s eye like a waking dream. Like a memory. 

~ 

Steve pulls up to the trailer, the one with the metal music blaring from somewhere inside that announces to the whole park that Eddie Munson is back home. He smiles at the sound, gets out of his car and bounds toward it. 

It's Wayne who lets him in when Steve knocks on the door. “He's in his room,” the older man tells him as he steps aside to let Steve in. “Make sure he's stayin’ off his feet, will you? ‘Cause lord knows he won't listen to me.” 

“Yeah, I got it,” Steve says, and his tone and his smile say I got him. Wayne nods. 

Steve makes his way down the hall to Eddie’s room. He raps his knuckles against the door first, but he doubts that can even be heard over the music so he pushes it open without waiting for a response. “Hey, Ed-” Steve starts, only to falter when he sees Eddie sitting statue-still on the edge of his bed, eyes boring holes into a photo strip of the two of them together. “Oh.” 

Eddie blinks, expression unreadable as he looks up and over at Steve. “Why didn't you tell me?” 

“I-” Steve doesn't know what to say, what he should say. His veins buzz with a nauseating mix of hope and anxiety and it's making him feel a bit sick. He takes a deep breath, turns down the music so he can think. “I wanted to. I just- I thought it would freak you out. You didn't know me. I didn't want to force anything on you.” 

“So…we were together,” Eddie says slowly. “For how long?” 

“Since July.” Steve’s desperately searching Eddie’s face for something, anything, to clue him in to what Eddie’s thinking or feeling right now. “Are- are you freaked out? Because you look a little freaked out.” 

“I’m not freaked out,” Eddie says, and it's almost convincing. “I'm just…processing.” 

“Oh-kay…” Steve breathes out, leaning cautiously against the doorframe, still hovering by the exit just in case Eddie decides he doesn't want him there anymore once he's finished processing.

“I’ve, uh-” Eddie looks back down at the photo strip he holds in his hands and takes a breath. “I’ve been remembering some things, you know, little things - in dreams - about us. But I- I thought I just had a crush or something, because I thought if all of that was real, if we had really been that happy - that…in love - then you would've said something. You would've told me.” 

When Eddie's eyes meet his again, Steve realizes he'd misread his expression before. Eddie's not freaked, he's upset, hurt, not because of what he's learned but because it was kept from him. Of all the worst-case scenarios Steve's spiraling mind had come up with over the past couple weeks, he had not considered this one. So preoccupied with his own angst over being forgotten and fear of being unwanted, Steve hadn't thought to consider that him hiding the true nature of their past might make Eddie feel unwanted too. That's the last thing Steve wants; the ache of that trumps any other ache he feels. 

“Eddie, I’m sorry. I just- you didn't know me, and I panicked; I didn't think, or-or I thought too much, but I should've just told you.” Steve pushes off from the doorway and goes to sit beside Eddie, because he can't stand Eddie looking at him with those big doe eyes and not being close to him. He leaves a bit of space, barely holds himself back from taking hold of Eddie's hand. “Because it was real, all the things you've been remembering. It was real- it is real, and I’m so sorry I didn't tell you.” 

Eddie is uncharacteristically quiet for a moment. His gaze flicks him up and down and across his face, and then Eddie grabs him, hands dropping the photo strip to instead clutch at Steve's cheek and jaw as he pulls him in and kisses him. As their lips slide together, familiar, the both of them sigh into the kiss. Steve feels a bursting in his heart, so similar to the way it felt the very first time they’d done this: the giddiness of reciprocation, the intuition that this is right. 

When Eddie pulls back after a few long moments, something is changed, something returned. Steve watches Eddie’s eyes flutter open; and when they do, for the first time since he'd woken up in that hospital bed, Eddie sees him, knows him, loves him. 

“How could I ever have forgotten that?” Eddie says, almost whispered, running his thumb across Steve's cheekbone. “How could I ever have forgotten you?” 

Steve could cry. Tears made of relief and joy blur his vision, because Eddie is looking at him with all the tenderness he'd been missing these past weeks, the painful emptiness of before now filled. It's all back. His Eddie is back. Steve pitches forward and hugs him bodily. Eddie returns the embrace; Steve sinks into his arms and it feels like coming home. 

He closes his misty eyes, buries his face in the crook of Eddie's neck and the tangles of his hair, and he breathes him in, clinging onto him like Eddie might just disappear if Steve ever let go. Eddie holds him just as close, one arm wrapped firm around Steve's waist while his other hand cradles the back of Steve's head and strokes his hair. Steve soaks in every touch, feels every place where they are pressed against each other, so warm and safe and loving after so long without it. He is whole again in the arms of the man he loves.  

“I missed you,” Steve mutters, lips brushing against the skin of Eddie's neck as he speaks, muffled. 

“I know, Stevie,” Eddie murmurs, “my Stevie, I’m so sorry.” 

“S’okay. It wasn't your fault,” Steve mumbles, and he thinks maybe they both need to stop apologizing for this. 

Eddie must think the same, because he says, “And it wasn't yours either,” like he knows every twisted, guilty thought that's been haunting Steve lately and he absolves him of them. He tugs gently at Steve’s hair to get him to lift his head and look him in the eyes. “You know that, right?” 

“Yeah, I know,” Steve says quietly. Eddie reaches up to brush from his cheek a tear Steve didn't even know had fallen, and as he wipes it away he wipes away everything - all blame, all fear, all pain. Eddie had forgotten him, and it sucked, but now he remembers again, and none of that matters anymore. Steve hangs onto Eddie's wrist. “Just-” His voice rasps with emotion, making it rougher. “Don't you ever forget about me again.” 

It's not a promise that can be made with any certainty - anything can happen at any time, just as unexpectedly as it had this time - but Steve doesn't need certainty, he just needs to hear the words, and Eddie gives that to him. “I won't, darling,” he vows, with gentle reassurance. “Never again.”

“Good,” Steve sighs, turning his head into Eddie's hand to press a kiss to the palm. 

The last of his heavier emotions drain out of him then and now he can feel the joy of Eddie's return in its whole entirety. As he rolls his face out of Eddie's hand and settles his eyes on the beautiful boy in front of him, a grin begins to spread across Steve's face; Eddie's smile grows in tandem with his, like he's smiling just because Steve is. Steve says, giddy in full now, “You're back.” 

“Yeah,” Eddie says, lovely and bright, ducking to bump his forehead against Steve's. “I'm back.” 

Steve lets go of Eddie's wrist to tangle a hand in his hair, and he tilts his head up to kiss him again, just because he can, because he's making up for lost time. They draw each other in close once more, lips and bodies moving against each other, easy and natural. Steve could stay right here like this forever, never wants to stop holding him or stop kissing him. 

But a thought - a question - tickles at the base of Steve's skull, and when he does pull back he asks, hopeless romantic that he is, “Just in case - I mean, just so I know - what was it that brought your memory back? Was it like a…true love’s kiss breaking the spell sort of thing?” 

Eddie laughs, gives Steve another quick peck like he always does when Steve says something endearing. “Not quite, Prince Charming,” he responds with a grin so fond Steve thinks his heart might burst. “It was more like…the things I had remembered were just dreams to me, shallow and unreal, but kissing you was like an anchor, a reminder that allowed those dreams to sink in as proper memories and become real.” 

“So…basically it was true love’s kiss,” Steve says cheekily, just to hear Eddie’s laugh again, just to receive another affectionate press of Eddie's lips against his. 

“Yeah, sure,” Eddie concedes, smilingly, never one not to indulge whimsy, “we can call it that.” But then he amends, with a little less levity, “It wasn't exactly a magic cure-all, though. It didn't bring everything back, there are still gaps in my memory.” He looks at Steve with eyes like pools of melted chocolate, soft and endless. “But I remember that I love you; I remember that much.” 

And Steve tells him, “That's enough," and he pulls him in for another true love's kiss.

THE END. taglist: @romanticdestruction @daydreamsandcrashingwaves @paintsplatteredandimperfect @hallucinatedjosten @mugloversonly @estrellami-1 @alongcomesaspider @thatonebadideapanda @tell-me-a-secret-a-nice-one @dragonmama76 @wxrmland @nuggies4life @sirsnacksalot @myguiltyartpleasure @lolawonsstuff @marklee-blackmore @vinteraltus @sebastiansstanswhore @0happyeverafter0 @scarlet-malfoy @hotluncheddie @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx @emsgoodthinkin @alyelf @warlordess @stevesbipanic @lil-gremlin-things @rockandrolodex @badcaseofcasey @bat-outta-hel @fandomcartographer @manda-panda-monium @littlewildflowerkitten @giopandaonice @mightbeasleep @queenie-ofthe-void @krazyperson @worldofshea @marvel-ous-m @tartarusknight @a-little-unsteddie @xenon-demon @goodolefashionedloverboi @xxsky-shockxx @mc-i-r @bookbinderbitch @aspenshade88 @slowandsteddie @thedragonsaunt @daydreaming-mood @space-invading-pigeon @irregular-child @a-lovely-craziness (continued in replies)

[aces-and-angels]

artwork by raghad qanou follow: @rhq2744 verified ✔: no. 221 on el-shab-hussein/nabulsi's sheet

dear moots/lovely lurkers- please read 🖤

raghad has finally reached the very first milestone in her fundraiser! that's right gang, thanks to the continuous support of friends/strangers alike, raghad's family has raised a whopping ✨£5,095✨as promised, here is another beautiful original by miss raghad herself 🖤

for those who haven't gotten a chance to meet her yet, please allow raghad to introduce herself in her own words:

Hello everyone, I am Raghad Qanou, a second-year human medicine student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, or rather, I was like that, before I lost everything, literally everything... Before the 7th of October, me and my family [8 members] were living in our cute house in the Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza, after huge suffering to repair it and return to living in it after it was destroyed in the 2014 war on Gaza. My family and I were forced to leave our home and forcibly move under fire 7 times so far! All this to escape death and hold on to the last shred of hope for a decent life! excerpt from raghad's gfm campaign page (read full story here)

i first met raghad sometime in june after she messaged me here on tumblr. one of the first things she shared with me (besides her name lol) was this piece:

title: waiting for a ceasefire "only hope and art keep us alive here in gaza ...." -raghad qanou

since then, we've been able to chat a handful of times-- i told her how much i loved her artwork and she excitedly shared even more of her work with me

raghad is a talented artist- a loving sister- a diligent student- a wonderful daughter- and someone who deserves a chance to live a life worth living. her whole family does

they continue to suffer through horrific living conditions and rely on y'all to help carry their burden. to reveal yourself so vulnerably to the world is far from easy. so often, we are told to grit our teeth and push through whatever ails us in silence. but this is a type of pain that cannot and should not be felt alone. and it will take everyone to band together so we can begin to heal

raghad's campaign still has a long way to go. to help things move along, i am proposing another art reveal ✨

if we can get raghad to £15K- i will unveil another beautiful piece from her collection of artwork!

as of posting, raghad's family has raised £5,095 / £55,000.

for those able, please consider donating by clicking the link below + share this post so others may get the chance to help out too 🖤

tags for reach below cut (note: sorry gang, ik we're not really moots. if you're here- it's cause i pulled people from a post that promoted a gfm in the past. please let me know if you do not wish to be tagged in future posts. no hard feelings, truly 🖤)

@juneybug @kodigobacktosleep @apocalyptic-dancehall @imnotthepersonyouseek @toonirl 

@kingofthebookcase @kazehita @yonch @pinkdreamscape1 

@king-dail @caseys-soup-corner @shoogachi @killy @missusmousse 

@j0ckhead @whoopsiedaisy20 @squidie-tittie @dreamingamongthestars @trexpel 

@mischief16 @foulharbor @draginfyre16 @tangerinesteve @3amsnow 

@fruitpuddle @wallsong @selkiesmile @suzakus-canon-wife @turquoisewavesstitch

@loutrem @thatlethalsoul @visemes @orange-coloredsky @dweamdoodles

@just-a-girl-0001 @samrobotize @aunty-matter @gamelpar 

@roachie-paradise @queruloustea @ehjane @firebird963 @butchdykekondraki 

@dinofur @cthulhu-with-a-fez @purplenickel @ysngie @paper-mario-wiki

[slashercult]

pick an image to find out how your future spouse is with you

reminder that not all of the messages in this reading may apply to everyone. so with that i urge you to take what resonates and leave the rest. don't force anything if it does not fit. this reading is mainly just for fun. don't forget to follow or reblog if you want to see me do more readings like this.

pile one

this person is obsessed w you, like they are in LOVE love. & i dont mean in like a creepy "they are never going to leave you alone" type of obsessed, more like you are their favorite person ever and they love hanging out w you all the time. some drake lyrics were coming thru while doing this reading: "everybody has an addiction, mine happens to be you." i feel like very rarely will this person ever not get excited to just be in your presence during your whole marriage. like i can still picture them looking at you the same way they did on your wedding day even when you're both old n grey. they also happen to be a huge romantic so it makes a lot of sense. whenever they have good news they rush to tell you bc they want you to be the first person to share their happiness with. they're overall very sweet, i don't see them being the jealous type - i think they trust you enough to be scared of you going off with some other person. and you'll never even think about anyone else when you're with them because they treat you so well.

pile two

this person's love language is deff physical touch and it'll show when you're around them. they love hugging you and being intimate and doing all that sort of stuff. they honestly do not care where you both are because nothing is going to stop them from giving you forehead kisses or hugs. they love the way that you smell, it reminds them of walks in nature and pieces from their childhood. they love teasing you as well, they're very affectionate w you. they're incredibly supportive and also humble. i see you both being on a ton of trips, particularly road trips, but normal traveling is also coming through. i feel this person may not be as outspoken ab how much they love you, like they won't outright say "i think you're the most beautiful person i know" to you but don't worry bc they definitely think that you are. they have a very unique way of showing their love and i feel that you are someone who tends to pay more attention to details than others which makes you perfect for this person because while others may overlook or misinterpret them, you see them for who they are.

pile three

this person is super fun to be around, like they have the best energy ever. & i dont mean in a "they're always the life of the party" way, more like they make even the smallest moments feel special. i feel like whenever you're having a bad day, this person knows exactly how to cheer you up without even trying. they're the kind of person who surprises you with little thingamabobs and trinkets all the time just to see you smile. like they'll randomly bring you food that you like without you even asking them. they also happen to have a great sense of humor (that's kind of subtle but you like it) so you'll always be laughing a lot together. they’re overall very supportive of you, i don’t see them being the type to criticize your dreams. you'll always feel appreciated bc they will never take you for granted. though his laid-back and relaxed personality are behaviors you see often, you know your future spouse better than anyone. they're very inspiring and honestly i feel like you both will work on a project together bc you share similar dreams (i'm seeing some sort of art form, probably like writing or smth along those lines)

thanks for reading! if you enjoyed or resonated please heart and reblog so i can do more of these readings.

[its-ares]

— Love in full view

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐱 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐲.

The formula 1 Star gave a personal interview in his home in Monaco. He was interviewd by an old companion, Aart Classen, who wrote and accompanied Verstappen’s way since approximately over eight years. The Redbull driver didn‘t want to hide is relationship anymore, please follow along for a very raw insight to Max Verstappen.

By Aart Claasen

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

"Are you sure you want to do this Max? You know I don't care if people know we're together, I don't want to pressure you into anything you're not ready for," said Max's boyfriend of 3 years and looked not convinced. Max chuckled and kissed M/N to calm him down.

"Schat, I'm 100% sure. I don't want to hide any longer, this has been going on for too long. It's about time," Max calmed his partner and hugged him. The couple went into the living room, where Aart had already set everything up. Now or Never.

The interview went well and everyone was relaxed. Max told how he and M/N met and how they went from being friends to lovers. At some point the three of them started talking about Jos. "How did Jos react when you told him that you were gay and had a boyfriend?" asked Aart and Max stiffened for a moment. Aart noticed this. "We don't have to talk about him if you don't want to, Max. This is your story." Max shook his head and tried to collect himself. He took a deep breath and started to tell his story.

"I didn't tell him for a long time because I didn't know exactly how to tell him. I told my mother right at the beginning and she always supported me. I also think that she likes M/N more than me," said Max, making the others laugh. "She knew about my struggle to tell Jos. I avoided him for a while and then at some point he confronted me after the race and then it just burst out of me. The hide and seek game became more and more difficult for me and when he asked me more questions I just couldn't keep it to myself anymore," Max finished his monologue and glanced at you. Your smile calmed Max down.

"And what did Jos say then and how did he react?" Aart asked curiously and Max laughed humorlessly. "He was completely confused at first and thought I was joking. Let's just say he's slowly getting used to the idea," said Max and you decided to take a break. "I'm proud of you, baby," you whispered and Max kissed you softly.

After a short break, the interview continued. "Why did you decide to make your relationship public now?" asked Aart and you cautiously looked at Max. "That's actually the sad part of the story. M/N and I wanted to enjoy the break in peace and were in Hasselt. We were on the beach with my mother in the evening and just enjoyed the time. Unfortunately, there were also people there who don't like me and they took a photo when we kissed. We didn't even notice the people and a few weeks later I got a DM on Instagram with the pictures. One guy of the group wrote that he would publish the pictures. We talked about it for a long time and then I made the decision to make it public. We don't want to be blackmailed, I'm not ashamed of being gay, I just wanted some privacy," Max finished and felt a huge weight fall from his shoulders.

After several hours, the three of them ended the interview. "Thank you for your trust, Max. I'll type up the interview and send it to you in advance. I wish you all the best," Aart said, thanking him and saying goodbye.

"Come on, honey, it's been a long day. Let's order something to eat and relax before the spectacle starts," said M/N amusedly. Max laughed.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

liked by 284.063

maxverstappen1 I love you Schat 🧡 The article Love in full view is out now, go check it out. And a big thank you to aartclaasen

[kedsandtubesocks]

what the water gave us

Merman!Joel Miller x F!Reader

summary: the fairytales were half true, the merman you found is indeed handsome but oh so grouchy

warnings/tags: 18+ ONLY MDNI, merman/human relationship, unspecified age gap (reader’s age is not mentioned but Joel is older) instances of blood & injury, brief violence, Joel still being a terrifying force even as a merman, very light discussion of grief & loss of a loved one (Joel with Sarah & reader with their father) grumpy but soft!Joel, sharing food as a love language, use of nickname, protective!Joel, slightly possessive!Joel, f!oral receiving - along with spicy moments, mentions of mating & merfolk courting rituals

word count: 7.6k

a/n: here it is - the nice final surprise for our mermay mini series, this is for all of us who would kiss fuck the handsome merman lol! Thank you to @pr0ximamidnight for letting me scream about this & to @the-wild-wolves-around-you for always being the best support - and to you, if you’re reading this, thank you so much ♡

The sun hangs low against the sky, painting the world in a soft orange creamsicle shade. Sliding your shoes off, you sink into the soft sand and walk the shoreline.

You love your aunt and uncle dearly. But having such a large get together at their house to meet the neighbors and their friends just got too much. It’s why you politely excused yourself and ended up here.

The crash of the waves, the peaceful quiet of the thankfully vacant beach, it all settles you while you walk aimlessly getting lost in your thoughts.

Until a sharp deep growl pierces the air.

The noise sounds close, electrifies your skin, and makes you stop. That’s when you notice trickles of blood in the water.

Petrified your eyes follow the trails.

Then you come across a sight you can’t believe.

By the long stretch of rocks leading out from the shore into the sea, a man sits half up on the rocks.

Older, distinguished in the wrinkles around his face and beautiful grays in his curled hair, his skin however seems drained of color. There’s also a huge gash against his side as if he was impaled.

Even though he’s partially out of the water, you notice, the skin at his hips don’t lead to legs. Your eyes go wide.

Another snarl of a growl comes and you realize it’s this man. His face fiercely stares you down in menacing terror.

“You’re hurt!” You blurt out.

“Get the fuck outta here!” He howls, even has an accent of someone from this area.

“You’re bleeding out too fast!” You don’t even know medical conditions that well to know this isn’t good.

On your walk here you noticed a few beach towels left vacant on the shore.

You immediately turn around and bolt.

The man screams out a curse, yelling at you to stop, but you don’t. Thankfully you don’t have to search too far down the beach to spot one of the forgotten towels. Quickly grabbing it you then rush back.

The strange man is still on the rocks, but it’s obvious he tried sliding down them in an escape. However it opened his wound up more.

“Wait!” Now you cry out. “I know this isn’t much but this can stop the bleeding for now!”

You offer weakly that you could maybe try to get medical attention, but even weary his eyes go wide, and he snaps out a fast sharp no.

“Then you need to wrap this around the wound or press into it.” You offer the towel.

“Y’don’t think I know how to handle this, ya dumb human?” He snarls.

Human. So he isn’t human like you suspected.

“Your wound is getting worse.” You urge now, promising you won’t get others but have supplies that can help.

“Do what ya fuckin’ want.” He snarls.

Gingerly, you place the towel down on a rock then scramble out of the water and head back to your family’s beach home. Thankfully everyone has moved upstairs, allowing you to sneak in, grab a first aid kit, then leave.

You just hope the man hasn’t left or gotten worse.

The sky grows dimmer. The sun almost vanishes beyond the horizon. And thankfully, the man is still on the rocks.

Yet his eyes flutter in and out of consciousness.

Keeping the first aid kit as dry as you can above the waves, you rush into the water towards him.

He’s barely awake, might not even fully notice you’re beside him now. But quickly you unpack things fast on the nearby rocks and tend to the wound as best as you can. The man hisses a half growl at the padding you place to stop the bleeding. Then you use an embracing amount of large bandages over the wound.

The bleeding doesn’t seep through the wraps and it’s enough for now. You’re afraid of leaving him here, but you’re more worried about moving him. So taking the towel you grabbed, you delicately drape it over his body, keeping his face open.

He seems human enough from his upper body. This mystery man is also handsome, scarily so. But the sky is getting dark, and you need to get home. Gathering your things you return to the beach house.

“Hey, where’d ya go?! And what’s with the first aid kit?” Your mom says a bit surprised.

You explain with a half lie that you went walking on the beach and helped a guy who got cut.

“Well look at you! What a hero.” She grins warm and her words feel soft.

That night you barely get any sleep and think of the man on the rocks. Earlier, when you were panicking trying to tend to his wound, you didn’t have time to fully look into the ocean at his lower body. But you caught a glimpse.

You saw a partial marine like body, a sea creature like tail even among the cloud ocean water.

A merman, you had possibly helped a merman.

Now you just hope he makes it through the night.

Scrambling awake the next morning, you make an excuse of wanting to enjoy the beach bright and early, and head to the rocks.

Of course he’s gone.

You almost knew he wouldn’t be here. A piece of you did hope, faintly hoped, he would be. Even the towel is gone.

Out in the ocean a loud splash, like someone slapping against the water, arrives.

There floating in the waves, only seen from the chest up, is the mystery man. He’s okay. He’s here. He’s alive.

“You’re alright.” You exhale relieved.

This man glares at you fiercely. It highlights his weathered wrinkles but also intensifies his handsome features. There’s an intimidating and hardened nature radiating off this gorgeous creature.

“Why did ya save me?” He flat out asks, and you’re stunned.

That’s what he came here to ask you about?

Your face even scrunches up slightly confused, but you tell him the truth.

He was hurt. You had to try and do something.

The answer does soften his features. If anything his eyebrows furrow harder.

“Y’fuckin’ tell anyone about me?”

For possibly being a mythical being, this man does speak very human. You shake your head no, promising you didn’t and won’t ever tell anyone.

He scoffs, distrusting.

With sharp narrowed eyes, he gives you one final look before slipping back into the water.

You sit on the shoreline for what feels like hours, but he doesn’t return.

A bit dejected and quiet, you head home.

Later, trying to get your mind off everything, you decide to enjoy the time you’re here and head into the water.

The wind provides a nice breeze, and the sea swirls around you. Slowly you trek deeper into the ocean letting the water rise. Eventually you comfortably float and glance back towards the shoreline. Your mom lounges in her lawn chair with the recent book she just bought. The sky, beautifully soft this morning, now seems dimmer with all the clouds moving in.

A wave crashes over you from behind.

Powerful and large it drags you under. You were so focused on watching the beach you didn’t even see it coming.

Now you’re under the water, caught beneath the sea.

The saltwater stings your eyes as you try swimming against the current. But you’re a bit disoriented and even trying to just float back to the surface seems harder.

Suddenly warm solid hands are on your hips pulling you up. You’re guided up to the surface. Sweet air fills you and you cough through the stinging in your lungs. You’re kept above the water, held up.

You whip around trying to see who helped you, but there’s no one around.

Someone screams your name frantically. Your mom and your aunt on the edge of the water shout for you.

Weary from the waves you slowly swim, practically float, back to shore before your family scrambles to help you out. They rapidly ask if you’re okay, covering you with towels.

“We saw you go under and didn’t come up for so long.” Your mom explains still very worried.

“Did you guys see that shark?!” From behind by the beach house, your uncle calls out as he comes running.

“Wait, shark?” You blurt out.

Your uncle rapidly explains how he saw the fin poking out of the water around you.

“Could have been a dolphin.” Your aunt offers.

“No, definitely looked like a shark. Thank goodness you got outta the water.” Your uncle playfully ruffles the towel over your head.

A few bystanders sitting nearby ask how you’re doing and also comment how they swore they saw the ominous shark fin swimming around you.

A shark. It doesn’t make sense. You felt strong very human hands on you. You knew a guiding force saved you.

But then the thick cotton clouds above pop and the rain comes. After heading inside and deciding to rest for the day, your gaze stays watching the harsh waves. The storm and ocean move in tandem. You wonder about the man you met, if he’s safe in the water.

Maybe it’s all the talk of the supposed shark in the water, but before you end up fading into a nap, you swear you see a fin swimming in the current.

- 𖤓 -

“You gonna be okay with us heading to the museum?”

For the millionth time you reassure your mom you’ll be fine staying back and getting more rest. The rain from yesterday’s storm stayed, a quiet downpour thankfully not as strong. After everyone heads out, you see this as an opportunity to head out to the beach.

With the rain, the shoreline is vacant. So with your umbrella you head to the beach. The murky water under the dim sky seems more mysterious and your eyes scan the waves, maybe waiting for something to appear.

“Glutton for punishment or somethin’?” The familiar twanged voice.

Immediately you snap your gaze to the side. There in the water, closer to the edge of the shore, is your mystery man.

You blurt out how worried you were about the storm and about him. His eyebrows furrow.

“Ain’t nothin’ I can’t handle.” He answers muttering.

“And you,” he asks, nudging his handsome chin towards you. “Y’doin’ alright?”

Your heart jumps in your chest. He came to check up on you.

Nodding firmly, you thank him gratefully. You knew it had to be him who saved you in the water.

The man simply nods.

You swallow hard then blurt out if he’s seen a shark.

His face hardens confused. It’s actually adorable with how curiously his dark eyes shine.

“A shark?” He mumbles.

“Yeah, thought I saw a fin in the water.” You don’t want to tell him your uncle did as well.

“Wasn’t a shark.” He answers gruffly, almost a scoff.

You want to press more, ask if it was a dolphin instead when your stomach instead growls loud. Your eyes go wide embarrassed.

One of his eyebrows raises.

“Sorry, need to grab some lunch soon.” You sigh embarrassed.

“Then head inside, lil’ minnow. Go get somethin’ to eat.” He says firm.

Before you can reply he’s sinking back in the water. But as he swims away that’s when you catch it faintly -

A sleek fin towering out of the water.

The shark creature is him.

Also…you realized he just called you a little minnow and for some reason, you find it oddly affectionate.

The next morning a mess of crabs clutter the beach. Even the neighbors besides your family’s place head to the shore to admire.

“It’s like the sea wanted us to have a crab bake.” Your mom laughs.

“They normally don’t wash up on the beach in this many numbers, it’s odd.” One of the neighbors explains to your uncle.

While everyone eagerly moves to get the crabs, your eyes stay on the water hoping to spot a fin among the waves.

At night, once everyone is asleep, you quietly slip out and head to the beach. The patio lights from the beach homes cast a soft illumination. The crashing waves among the abyss beyond are strangely calming even with the darkness of sea and sky stretching out wide.

Patiently you sit at the edge of the water, not even knowing what you’re truly doing here.

“Persistent one, ain’t ya?”

His voice emerges from the darkness and your soul almost jumps out of your body. This time the mysterious man flutters up from the waves and is closer than before.

“Why were there so many crabs on the beach?” You ask quickly and curious.

“Don’t know. Crabs are fuckin’ weird little shits.” He replies bluntly with a hard grimace.

A part of you thinks he does know why.

“How’s your wound?” You ask.

Gingerly he lifts himself closer to the shoreline and then goes to rest halfway upon the beach allowing you a sight of his torso.

The area where the wound is healing up nicely and you even grin relieved.

But him being half out of the water onto the shore also allows you a better glimpse at his lower body.

Tail. He has a tail.

It’s sleek, a deep stormy gunmetal gray, that in this dim lighting almost seems like a lovely rich blue. Faintly you can even see the dorsal find at his lower back.

It’s beautiful.

He’s beautiful. Lovely sun and age spots pepper his skin. His bare chest is broad and seems strong. This man from the sea is burly, solid, and aged, a force of the water that speaks of his power that’s weathered the tides

You don’t even realize you’ve said something, much less called him beautiful, until your mystery man responds.

“Y’think I’m beautiful?” He sounds terribly confused.

“Weirdest god damn human I ever met, lil’ minnow.” He adds muttering.

“I have a name.” You huff back, gently teasing.

“Yeah?”

Your lips twitch at his reply, and you give him your name. This beautiful merman stays quiet.

“And you? What’s your name?” You ask cautiously but hopeful.

No reply comes. You’re worried you’ve pressed your luck.

“Joel.”

Until he answers, and you discover this merman’s name is so lovely.

“Don’t normally see ya around here.” Joel comments.

You perk up asking if he lives nearby.

“More or less.” A cryptic answer.

You explain that you’re here for the summer. After finishing up for the semester you and your mom decided to take a break out here.

“Younger than I fuckin’ though.” Joel says harsh under his breath, and annoyance bristles in you.

“Probably not as young as you think.” You argue back, even explaining you’re just starting grad school so the break was needed.

Joel scoffs, not looking convinced.

“Maybe you’re just an old barnacle.” You fire back, teasing.

Surprisingly, this man from the water snorts amused. The sound is precious. You want to ask him more, learn more about him, but a tratorious yawn escapes you.

“Head to sleep, lil’ minnow.” Joel mumbles.

“Not tried.” You huff, but another yawn betrays you.

“Mhm.” Joel hums, and you think you see a twinkle of amusement in his deep eyes.

There’s so much you want to say, maybe even ask when you’ll see him again. But rising up off the sand, you hear a splash in the waves.

The spot where Joel rested is now empty. A wistful ache settles into your chest.

However the next morning though, an impressive mess of clams and oysters are on the beach. A bright bubble of a laugh almost escapes you.

When the night rolls in, you again sneak back down to the beach. This time you bring some of the leftover sushi from dinner.

You don’t wait for long before Joel swims onto the shoreline.

You greet him with a warm grin. His focus however is on the container on your lap. His handsome scrunched up face seems grumpier.

“What’s that?” He rumbles.

“It’s just fish and rice.” You explain opening the container. “Thought we could share.”

“It’s sushi.” He flat out says and your eyes go wide. He knows what sushi is and you even admit your surprise.

“Yes I know what sushi is.” He replies a bit crabbier. “Don’t live in a fuckin’ damn cave.”

“Where do you live?” You ask now.

“Somewhere.” He replies flatly not answering, so you don’t push it.

Instead you return to the meal before you.

“Since it’s fish, thought you might enjoy it.” You offer.

“You…brought me food?” His voice sounds steeled, cautious. You realize how suspicious it sounds and how hesitant he would be.

“It’s fine, I promise.” You reassure and even prove it by chomping down on one of the California rolls. Trying to ease the tension you ramble about the different types of sushi you like and those you don’t care for too much.

You realize now you must sound ridiculous. You’re about to clamp your mouth shut when very cautiously, slowly, Joel reaches over and grabs one.

It’s like feeding a stray cat and not wanting to scare it. You can’t help but turn to stare and see his reaction. He plops it in his mouth and cutely chews thoughtfully.

“Well?” You ask a bit hopeful.

Joel simply shrugs, almost bored, not even speaking on the taste or if he likes it.

But you do notice he reaches for another one.

In the quiet night, you and Joel simply sit enjoying this space together. You try to ask more about him and about his world. But the dry unamused look he gives his answer.

Joel instead is the one asking questions about where you live, what are you studying for, and one question that knocks you out surprised.

“Y’dont got a mate.” It’s more of a statement than a question, but you still almost choke on a sushi roll.

Stammering, you ask him what made him say that.

“Don’t have the mark humans wear that they’re taken.” Joel comments then moves to point to his ring finger where a wedding band would sit.

“Some couples don’t wear bands.” You argue back.

“Oh? Ya one of ‘em then?” He challenges.

Deflated, you mutter out a low no.

“Why?” Joel asks direct.

“Why what?”

“Why don’t ya have a mate?” He questions serious and his thick voice crawls over your skin.

You shrug, not knowing how to fully answer. Instead you half heartedly tell him you haven’t found anyone yet.

“Don’t sound like a good enough reason.” Joel replies.

Now you’re annoyed, even feel your face scrunch up at his casual tone.

“Why do you even care?” Your question comes out a bit sharper than expected.

Joel shrugs. “Just don’t make sense why a young thing like you is alone.”

Immediately you fire back that you’re not alone. You have friends and family that love you.

Now you stare at Joel hard and fully annoyed. His dark eyes scan your face while he stays composed, unable for you to read.

Your phone chimes with a text notification breaking the moment. You decide to call it a night. Joel is quiet when you move to leave.

The air hangs thick and tense. Internally, you try reasoning that you’re literally talking to a mythical being. This merman was bound to have a strange view of human customs.

You simply tell him good night and walk back.

Before you head inside, you turn around to the shore unable to stop yourself.

Joel very visibly is still in waves. His upper half floats among the obsidian sea with his dark eyes hyper focused on you. However once you spot him, let your eyes lock into his, the merman sinks into the water.

That night you dream of a man from the waves so handsome and real in your arms, but it feels as dangerous as a storm.

The following morning, instead of creatures fit for a seafood restaurant waiting, the most lovely shell sits on the sand.

“Oh that’s pretty.” Your mom even coos. It is.

Cherished and still in awe, you place the shell on your dresser.

Later that night you return to the beach again. This time time with a bag of chips.

Joel arrives hastily.

“The shell is lovely.” You tell him.

“Don’t know what you’re talkin’ ‘bout.” He answers simply, but his gaze stays eyeing the chip bag. Your heart warms even at his grumpy reply.

Opening the bag, Joel wrinkles his nose.

“Smells salty as hell.” He sneers.

“Says someone who lives in saltwater.” You snort munching on one of the chips.

“That’s sayin’ something if I say that shit is salty.” Joel huffs.

“They’re delicious.” You clarify holding out a chip to him. Joel’s face scrunches up even more, you laugh.

“What’s with all the sudden human food?”

You shrug. “Just a nice late night snack, thought we could share that’s all. Let you maybe just try more human food.”

With a cautious hard frown, Joel leans forward to the chips in your fingers and moves to bite it. In the process though his lips slide over your fingers.

His mouth is hot, wet. You even feel the brush of his tongue against your fingertips and try not reacting.

Joel makes a face as he chews, maybe not aware of what he just did. Your heart however rages fast and you ask if he liked it.

Now Joel’s eyes flicker to yours. You notice him swallow, notice how thick and bare his neck is and how you want to kiss it already.

He shrugs. You’re learning that’s a very common Joel answer and can’t push for more.

“Your mother. She seems nice.” He suddenly says.

You’re surprised he noticed her earlier out here. She’s been enjoying reading while you stayed inside enjoying a nice nap.

“Yeah, she’s pretty great.” You admit with a soft smile.

“Just you and her?” He presses and you agree happily.

“Where’s your father?”

You didn’t know you’d be discussing this with him. But you explain gently that your dad passed away when you were younger.

“Oh.” Joel’s voice pops a bit. “I… I apologize.”

You reassure him you’re alright. You were young, a child then, and appreciate his sympathy.

“Besides my mom always told me if I ever missed him, I just had to look up.” You tell Joel.

“What?” He asks and you turn your gaze up to the sky.

The stars are faintly out but so sweetly twinkling in the dark.

“My mom said my dad sits with the stars now, watching down and always shining bright to remind me he’s always with me, even when I can't see him.”

The words still warm you to this day.

Joel stays silent.

“And you? What’s your family like?” You ask returning your eyes back to earth, back to this son of the sea.

Joel continues to stay quiet. His focus now falls to the sand where you sit. You should’ve known he wouldn’t respond to something so personal.

“Got a brother, but he doesn’t live too close. He’s gotta pod of his own now.”

He has a brother. And they call their families pod. This information warms you, feels precious and rare.

“I had a pup.” Joel admits.

He had a child.

“Lost her many years ago.” He mutters soft.

Your heart shatters deep in your chest.

“Joel, I’m so incredibly sorry.” You tell him earnestly and sympathetic.

You gently ask him what her name was.

“Sarah.” A lovely name.

You glance back up at the sky. You don’t know anything about merfolk culture, how they honor those who have passed. But you can at least honor her the way you know how.

“Sarah is definitely up there too among the stars, watching over you.” You say reassuring.

The stars seem to twinkle back.

Again, Joel stays silent. You’re worried you might have stepped too far.

“Thank you.”

But in the soft breeze of the night, you almost miss his kind soft whisper of a reply back.

You and Joel sit in a soft silence for the rest of the night.

Waking up the next morning, from the view of your bedroom window, another shell sits on the beach.

This goes on for a little over a week. You sneak down to talk with Joel, even teach him how to play tic tac toe in the sand and discover he’s a sore loser.

Then beautiful trinkets arrive on the beach the following mornings.

Some were dazzling sea glass pieces you want to find a way to make into a necklace. Once he even left you a weather and a very old waterlogged broken compass.

You cherish it all.

But then one night, Joel doesn’t show. You wait, and wait. But no appearance of your merman. And no new seashell or trinket sits on the beach the morning after.

Again you head down to the beach at night. Still no sign of Joel.

You try not to get wrapped up in worry. But soon a week passes.

Now you’re worried, fully wondering what could have happened. You don’t even know where he lives to say you can simply go check on him. You feel a bit helpless, frustrated.

At the week’s end, your aunt wants to take you and your mom to a nice dinner in town. That night enjoying the nice meal, your eyes still drift to the view of the sea. Watching the soft waves, the dreamy sea, you simply hope Joel is okay.

When you get back, you head straight to bed and wonder if you’ll see your merman again.

In the morning, you almost don’t look out the window, like you’re trying to slowly detach yourself. But you do.

On the beach sits a new shell.

You practically fly out of the house and down to the shore.

Later that night, Joel this time rests on the edge of the water - waiting for you.

He’s never looked more beautiful in the moonlight.

You exhale relieved, welcoming him back. Joel’s eyes seem endless as he stares at you nodding

“Sorry, had some things I had to sort out.” He explains, even apologizes. You don’t even want to press why or get upset that he simply vanished.

He’s here and he’s alright. That’s what matters.

“I know it might be too personal, and you can tell me no,” you begin weakly. “But where do you live around here?”

You rationally explain it’s simply to see and make sure he’s alright. You even vow to keep it a secret.

“Worried about an old ass barnacle like me, lil’ minnow?” Teasing, he’s faintly teasing.

But you do worry about him. Even tell him that. Joel doesn’t reply for a moment.

“Tomorrow, come ‘ere early. And I’ll show ya.” His voice is as steady as a river.

You barely get any sleep that night. Before the sun even reaches over the horizon, with the sky faintly showing signs of waking up, you head down to the shore.

Joel already waits for you. He’s ethereal in the morning light. The soft cotton candy sky paints him in a delicate glow.

You walk along the shore while he stays in the ocean and you follow his lead. The guide of his fin from the waves would look menacing, the sign of a terrifying shark in the water. Yet you follow it without hesitation. Thankfully the pace is easy and you enjoy the fact that you simply have him by your side in his own way.

Slowly you walk further away from the familiar beach homes and down towards a more secluded part of the coastline. The houses begin to dwindle. Those still standing houses seem older in their style, rickety and abandoned.

Compared to your family’s beach home that sits further back on the land, these homes sit right above the water.

Weathered from their location, they seem like ghosts watching you. Eventually Joel leads you to a home that’s collapsed.

Halfway in the water, halfway in the sand, it is a cluster of debris and scattered remnants of a home

You watch Joel swim into it from the sea.

So this is where he stays. You find a small alcove to duck under and then step in. Surprisingly, the beach house had collapsed into a father cozy like alcove.

The echoes of the ocean softly swirl all around. When you glance out the opening, it gives a clear sight to the sea where Joel must freely swim in and out hidden by the cover of this remnant.

He’s made a home out of these hollow bones. He emerges out of the water, and his freshly slicked back hair has always made his face seem sharper. But here in the soft atmosphere he seems even more dreamy.

You earnestly thank him for showing this to you and even admire its coziness.

“Y’like it?” His voice is gruff as you continue taking in the space. Yet you feel eyes on you the entire time.

“I do.” You admit truthfully.

That’s when you spot the towel you gave him. It’s crinkled up in a ball, still covered in some dried blood. But he kept it. That reality gets logged in your throat.

You go to sit down on the sand and slide off the bag you brought. You didn’t know how long the trip was going to take and trying to add to the lie you told your family about going to search for sand dollars, you added the bag.

Now it proved handy as you pull out the box of assorted fruits you packed.

Feels like it’s been so long since Joel and you have done this.

Handing him an orange slice, he bites down on the whole thing not even letting you finish explaining not to eat the peel. You shriek a bit panicked, but he mumbles about you worrying too much.

“Well, someone’s gotta worry for you.” You huff back.

In this seemingly short yet expansive time you’ve known him it’s like you’ve become completely bonded to this strange man.

In very common Joel fashion, he settles into silence. Playfully taking an orange slice, you put it in your mouth then smile at Joel.

He snorts a faint type of laugh and it’s everything.

This time you also notice how close he rests on the sand next to you now, closer than he’s ever been before.

“Y’know…” Joel begins soft. “Never got to thank ya for savin’ me.”

His tender low rumble almost mixes in with the crash of the tide. You think of the blood stained towel still here.

“It’s okay. And you’re welcome. Plus I think we’re even now at this point.” You gently tease.

A deep hum comes.

“Ain’t like any human I’ve ever met.” He says even lower than before.

Something indescribable claws in you, and you glance at him. Joel is undeniably gorgeous, the most beautiful being you’ve ever seen.

His usual slicked back curls are starting to dry, highlighting their light fluff, and you ache to brush back some of his strands. However his intense gaze bores unflinchingly into yours. It’s like his eyes spark a fire in your chest burning everything in its wake.

Before anything can be said, Joel suddenly snaps up sharply glaring out to the sea.

“Need to get ya home, lil minnow. Gonna storm soon.”

The sky looked so clear on your walk here. Even now it doesn’t seem like a storm approaches. But you trust Joel. The minute you reach the beach house, thunder rolls in the distance.

Later, in the shower, your mind drifts to Joel. Your thoughts have been with him so much. But now they cross into a more sticky territory.

Joel resting beside you earlier was the first time you had ever seen him fully out of the water. Your eyes snuck as many glances as you could trying to commit the sight to memory.

You knew his golden skin bled into the color of his tail. But his tail, now that you fully saw it, was magnificent. Strong, sleek and sturdy, it speaks of how much power he holds as a son of the sea. Yet you can’t stop wondering where his reproductive organs were.

You knew he had a daughter but you also don’t know if maybe he adopted her. You didn’t want to ask about merfolk procreating, but your mind swirls with thoughts of it. Thoughts of something slippery slick, simply Joel’s, slithering in between your legs clouds your imagination and your throat goes dry.

You’re so caught up in those thoughts, you don’t even head down to the ocean that night.

Instead you dream of merman and the taste of saltwater on your lips.

-𖤓-

The beach is crowded today. You should’ve known the weekend would bring in more crowds. The amount of people must have deterred Joel away from leaving a gift.

You admit you were a little heartbroken when you didn’t see anything on the beach this morning, but you understood.

Now you sit peacefully in the water and search for more shells in the sand to add to your growing collection.

Eventually a soft beach ball gently bumps onto you.

“Sorry!” The splashes come, and off to the side are a pack of three frat boy like guys.

“Kinda got away from us.” One of them says bashfully.

“It’s okay.” You reassure.

“I like your swimsuit.” The guys smiles, and you thank him.

“You wanna come hang with us? You look lonely.” One of them asks then takes a swig of his beer.

Politely you decline, but thank them for the offer.

“Aww,” another says, swimming a bit closer. “C’mon. Gotta be better than just sitting here doing nothing.”

“I’m fine.” You kindly try to stay composed, but you already don’t care for how persistent they are.

“Man just leave her, she looks like a fuckin’ prude anyway.” One of them laughs, and your gut feels uneasy.

Fucking pieces of shit.

You don't even reply, not knowing what else they can do. Skin feeling tight, you want to get out of the water now, and hope they leave soon.

They snicker and laugh with each other, talking amongst themselves. It makes your skin crawl even more. Now you really decide to leave.

Suddenly a horrified scream comes.

It’s male, pierces through the air with pure agony.

You whip your gaze around and find blood spilling into the water. One of the guys that was just speaking to you is the one screaming, holding his leg swearing something attacked him. Another one of the guys then collapses into the sea as he screams. More blood colors the waves.

“There was something in the fucking god damn water!” One of them yells.

Off to the distance someone yells ‘shark!’ and terror fills you fast. The panicked commotion arrives. You frantically scan around.

The fin barely moves above the waves, but you catch a glimpse before it dips below the water.

From the shore, your mother screams your name begging you to get out. You return to land but are determined to find Joel.

“I’m gonna take a walk, clear my head.” You tell your mom.

“There’s a shark in the water! Just stay inside for the day.” She urges.

Promising you won’t get in the water you even reassure her you’ll have your phone on hand. With an apprehensive sigh, she nods.

You practically fly down the coastline.

Even in the middle of the day, no one pays you a second glance. Thankfully further down the beach the commotion trickles down until it’s just you and the sea. Approaching the decayed and vacant homes, this time they feel like guards keeping you safe.

Immediately you slide into Joel’s alcove. You’re not sure it was him, but something inside just whispers it was.

You discover a sight.

Joel sits halfway out of the water and snaps his face up to you. His eyes are what you notice first. Even with how dark they are, his pupils are now slits, reptilian like. Then when he spots you, they expand and dilate as his face crumbles.

He mutters out your name.

You spot his hands - now instead claws with faint traces of blood staining them.

Before you is an apex predator, a true hunter of the waters. And he’s glorious.

The blood seems to confirm it was him in the water. He attacked those guys.

“Go home!” He barks, a fierce growl.

“Did they hurt you?” You ask softly, approaching him with hesitant steps.

He repeats his words, roaring at you to leave, but you don’t. Even with how fierce and terrifying his voice rages, you move, almost possessed, to kneel on the sand beside him.

“Are you hurt?” You repeat again gently.

He pauses before barking out a quick no.

“You were in the water?” You question low.

“I…” you’ve never heard Joel hesitate like this. Your eyes stay on his claws.

A moment passes.

“Always try to swim nearby when y’get in the water.” Joel admits, like he doesn’t even register yet that he's speaking.

Your heart gets tangled in your throat.

“Normally I stay far away and deep enough, but those fucking boys… the things they said.” He snarls disgusted and vicious.

He attacked them because of you. That reality rearranges your soul.

You now gingerly reach down to the water and gingerly grab his hand. Reflectively he almost draws away.

“What’re y’doing?” He mutters sharp.

“There’s still blood.” You whisper back then start pouring water over his hands, cleaning him.

The emotions surging in you feel too deep and strong to describe, but they consume you. You rinse his hands, being cautious of the sharp edges, watching the water fade away the crimson more and more.

It’s quiet in the alcove. Just you, him, and the soft sound of the waves. When his hands are free of blood, you gather one in your grasp. His talons are sharp. He’s dangerous, and you adore him. You gently draw it up to your face.

He doesn’t stop you. You even worry this might be too much, possibly overstepping. But this feeling in your chest is so raw you can’t stop.

You lean into Joel’s palm and gently kiss the center of it as your eyes close.

“Thank you.” You speak, barely recognizing your soft voice.

Suddenly you’re jostled. Your eyes snap open petrified thinking he’s shoving you away. Only to find he’s instead swiftly pulling you closer.

You’re only allowed to process that in a blink before his lips crash into yours. You inhale sharp but eagerly scramble to grab onto him now.

He tastes like the sea, of something deep and ancient but beautifully Joel, and your mouth opens up to him wide and greedy.

You can tell he hasn’t kissed recently, or maybe kissing other merfolk is different, but he’s messy. Teeth clink and crash, but it’s fierce, truly him.

Like the surge of a wave Joel moves against you unleashed, and you draw him closer now moving to rest back against the sand.

Joel shifts moving over your body with a clumsy but earnest ease as he continues kissing you fervently.

Your hands run up his broad and strong shoulders while his hands, claws no more, now map your body out.

“So god damn soft.” He says hoarse and deep against your lips. Then Joel burrows his face against your neck and inhales.

“Smell s’good.” His voice trails off while his lips begin kissing and nipping against your skin.

Your body reacts, rising up to grind against him.

“Joel.” You whisper out his name and he growls. The vibrations of it rumble against your skin rattling your bones.

“Wanna mate ya.” He mutters low, as if smoke leaks into his voice. “Wanna make y’mine.”

“Please please please.” You beg him dizzy and clawing at him.

Joel licks at your skin, and your eyes close in bliss.

He’s a force, dizzying and consuming like the sea itself, and you happily fall under his current. Your swimsuit top is discarded and Joel makes quick work diving down your body to your bottoms.

Without warning he shoves his face into between your legs, flat against your pussy and inhales deep. The most powerful groan rattles the air and you whine.

“Wanna taste, want more.” He mutters possessed, clawing at your bottoms that you shimmy out of.

Now you squirm a bit self aware, very hyper aware, of how intently Joel pokes and strokes around your folds with eyes focused.

You even shift your legs hoping to close them when he growls.

“Don’t hide. S’mine.” The possessive nature leaking out of his voice makes you drip.

That first lick he takes against you, you almost come especially when he groans debauched.

“Taste so fuckin’ good, knew y’d taste so fuckin’ good.” Joel mumbles.

What he lacks in his full knowledge of your body, he makes up for that in how fervently he lets his tongue explore and dive into you. It drives you mad, and your hips trash trying to press into him more.

When you come, he moans loud.

Lips wet with your essence Joel crawls up your body in a daze kissing you as much as he can.

Now he grinds down into you and you feel a very new sensation, a hard bump against your core.

Joel draws back and you now fully see the new raised area against his front torso. His hand palms it, the same way a human would, and he hisses. You ache to touch him.

“Wanna make you feel good too.” You mutter.

Joel blinks back at you, still hazy in his dark eyes. But he leans down and bumps his head against yours soft.

“Starlight, y’sure you want this?” You sure you want me, is what you hear.

You nod and kiss him soft on the lips.

A part of you wanted to be afraid, to not face the growing desire for this creature of a man. But when Joel and you become one, it feels as if the world becomes whole. Like this is what it’s always meant to be, you and him.

Your legs sliding against his tail, his teeth biting into your neck with an aching promise wanting to break the skin, you discover a crescendo of passion like no other, a crashing of the land and sea.

He is yours, just as much as you as his.

Now curled against him on the sand, your merman keeps you in his arms tracing his fingers against your shoulder. Every inch of you feels sore but in a delicious way. You enjoy resting against his sturdy frame.

“You’re still so warm.” Joel mutters a bit in awe.

“And you feel nice and cool.” You smile wiggling closer to him even while being practically glued to his side.

“Can I ask…” you begin hesitantly, and he hums a rumble of a noise that sounds like he’s giving you the okay.

You ask him why he suddenly vanished for that week.

Joel sighs, dreary and deep.

“Didn’t wanna face how… close I was gettin’ to you.” The reveal makes your heart flutter.

Softly you rub against his solid chest then lean to kiss it.

“Glad you came back.” You tell him, and he simply nods.

However even in this soft afterglow, a small doubt trickles now in.

“Joel.”

“Hm?” He sounds as if he’s falling asleep against you.

“Is this… Are you sure this is okay?” You ask delicately.

Joel snorts.

“Yeah, s’okay.” He reassures you. “Been practically courting ya this entire time anyway.”

He says it almost casually, like if it’s an afterthought. Your mind however skips over itself.

You bolt up to look down at your merman still lounging on the sand. His face scrunches up pouting at the loss of your body next to his.

“Wait? Courting?!” Your voice shrills.

Joel rolls his eyes and tugs at your arm trying to get you back into his embrace.

“What do you mean courting?!” You continue sqwuaking.

“You sound like a seagull.” He deadpans. You swat at his shoulder urging him to please explain.

You even stare at him determined. An adorable almost bitterly bashful expression colors Joel’s handsome face. Those deep eyes of his dart away from your stern gaze.

“S’nothin’. Been takin’ care of you same way you’ve been takin’ care of me, that’s all.” He replies gruffly still seeming embarrassed.

Suddenly it all clicks.

A few semesters back you took an ecology course for a science credit. You faintly remember a lecture about how different species mating behaviors. Your professor even made a comparison of a man winning a game of billiards against another guy to establish himself as a strong opponent.

In essence, sometimes mating rituals were about proving you were a strong provider and protector.

Joel had been doing this all along. The way he protected you on the beach, the various seafood critters left on the beach, the way you also fed him, along with the beautiful seashells and trinkets he left -

It had all been his own way of showing his affection and intentions.

Your merman opens his mouth to say something, but you pounce on him quickly. You kiss him pouring in all your devotion you can, and Joel welcomes you greedily.

Eventually a text from your mom comes asking if you’re alright and it gently bursts the bubble you’ve been happily sheltered in. Begrudgingly you kiss Joel many times goodbye. He of course swims by your side the entire walk home.

Later that evening, you sneak back out to the shoreline and kiss your handsome myth of man so many times under the moon's watchful eye.

“So you’re mine?” You ask quietly among the crash of the waves.

Joel nods firm and steady. “Just like you’re mine.”

You float in a dreamy bliss and wish more than ever you don’t have to leave him for the night.

“Don’t worry, lil’ minnow.” He reassures you with one last soft kiss. “I’ll be in the water.”

It’s a promise, a vow, as true and beautifully ancient as the sea.

[big0oof]

•VENT POST•

I guess I want to say thank you for everyone who has followed me especially all the new comers. I really appreciate y’all sm.💕💕 it’s been a chaotic year, especially this year with my family and relationship issues. I want to thank especially my bestie @defiledbypigeon and my trio, my music and of course Overwatch, Mauga along with Roadhog for keeping me fucking sane. Thank y’all for all the support it really helps during shitty times like these. Love y’all 💕💕💕

(P.S. @1800rio STARTED FOLLOWING ME? I’m so fucking honored!!! I’m a huge fan of yours 💕💕💕ty tysm 🥹🥹🥹)

[carleycore]

Dad!Oikawa Dad!Osamu

Dad!Bokuto who is always the most excited person at his kids' events, whether it's a school play, a sports game, or a simple art exhibition. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he cheers loudly for his children, making them feel like superstars.

Dad!Bokuto who is always up for playing games with his kids. From roughhousing in the backyard to building elaborate pillow forts in the living room, he makes sure every playtime is an adventure.

Dad!Bokuto loves to cook with his kids, even if he's not the best chef. They often create messy, unconventional dishes together, which sometimes turn out surprisingly good and other times end in hilarious disasters.

Dad!Bokuto who makes bedtime stories an epic event, complete with voices, sound effects, and wild gestures. His kids are always on the edge of their seats, even if it’s a story they've heard many times before.

Dad!Bokuto Just like he does with his teammates, Bokuto encourages his kids to be confident and proud of themselves. He's their biggest supporter, always reminding them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Dad!Bokuto who despite his boisterous exterior, Bokuto is very in tune with his kids' emotions. He’s always there to lend a listening ear, give advice, or just offer a comforting hug when they need it. Whenever he's able to help them without calling Akaashi or Kuroo for advice, he treats himself to ice cream.

Dad!Bokuto (retired) As a former volleyball star, Bokuto loves to coach his kids' sports teams. He's patient and motivating, teaching them the importance of teamwork, practice, and having fun.

Dad!Bokuto who goes all out for holidays, decorating the house from top to bottom, planning fun activities, and making sure every celebration is memorable. He especially loves Halloween and Christmas, turning the house into a festive wonderland.

Dad!Bokuto who always goes on family outings that are never boring. He loves taking his kids on spontaneous adventures, like hiking trips, visits to amusement parks, or even just a surprise day at the beach.

Dad!Bokuto who uses everyday situations to teach his kids important life lessons. Whether it's about perseverance, kindness, or honesty, he always finds a way to impart wisdom in a fun and relatable manner. You try not to laugh when he tried to use a metaphor like teach a man to fish in the complete wrong situation.

Dad!Bokuto who enjoys doing arts and crafts with his kids, often making homemade gifts for friends and family. His creativity knows no bounds, and the house is filled with their colorful projects.

Dad!Bokuto who incorporates fitness into family fun. They have family workout sessions where they do silly exercises, dance-offs, or even yoga, making sure everyone stays active and healthy together.

Dad!Bokuto would have a whole volleyball team of his own if it didn't take such a toll on your body

Dad!Bokuto who loves his family more than anything and everything in the world and may or may not cry along with his little ones when he has to go out of town for volleyball (he does)

Wait cuz i kinda love making long versions of this... who do you guys want next

(huge huge HUGE thank you to, @4unnyr0se for teaching me how to do the ombre color thing, my blog is so much better thanks to her so go follow and show her some love!!!!)

[therealplaguedoctor]

Logan Sargeant x famous.boxer!reader(fem)

Flordia Girl

(Part one of three, completed)

Summary: Y/n is a famous boxer! She's a known influencer and boxer, but she's taking a break from boxing professionally. She hangs out in Miami (where she lives) for a bit so she could attend the gp! After the race she leaves up to her extend families farm up north in the wild west! (I resisted the urge to put a cowboy emoji). But the west wasn't the only thing that was wild, someone happened to be wild over her... will he make a move? Read more to find out!!

Warnings: fluff, mutral pining, cursing, author doesn't know shit bout anything, southern(as in cowboy) spelling, author is American so bare with her, and improper name tags for like the entire grid lol

Genre: kinda smau,

Fc: Random people on pintrest

A/n: Hey so this is my first proper fic on here!! So uhh good luck!! And sorry that it's a bit poorly written!! ALSO I'm sorry how the summary is written I kinda rushed it oops-

Here's a little table of some people relation and name because I needed it while writing:

Andy- yn brother

Kylie- yn sister

Paige- yn friend

Thomas- yn brother-in-law (via Kylie)

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Y.n just posted!

Liked by ynbrother and others

Tagged: ynbrother, ynsister, ynfriend

Y.n Hey everyone I know yall have been waiting for me to talk about it. Yes it is true I am not boxing this year. I love boxing but right now I have different projects that I'm working on that need my attention.

As well as my family, I'm spending more time with them. I WILL be boxing next year. And as for everyone speculating about my health and such: I am a okay. There is no medical reason for this break.

As for people who may ask about the project, just know that it will be revealed soon enough. But in the mean time I will relax with my family!

User1: OMG THANK YOU I WAS WAITING FOR THIS POST

User4: take all the time you need!! Family is important

User5: WHWTS THE PROJECT

User6: she said she'll say later in the post..

Ynbrother: imagine being a boxer

Y.n: imagine being famous for being my brother

logansargeant: family is very important!!

User7: LOGAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE???

User8: Logan has been a fan of y/n since her rookie days!!

User7: WHAT????

View more

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logansargeant just posted!

Liked by y.n and others

logansargeant Good bye China and hello American! Can't wait to race my home grand prix!! This will be fun!

User9: YOU GOT THIS LOGAN 🦅🦅🦅

User10: LETS GO LOGAN 🦅🦅🦅

WilliamsRacing: Lets go win it!

User11: stop prioritizing Alex then...

User12:🦅🦅🦅

Y.n: You got this next one trust!

User13: MY 2 WORLDS COLLIDE?? Y/N WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE???

User14: y/n has been a HUGE fan of f1 since forever!! She recently became a Logan fan but she's always supported mclaren!!

User13: tysm!! I can't believe this...

User15:🦅🦅🦅

User16:🦅🦅🦅

View more

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I finally was able to sleep in for one day waking up at 10am I checked my phone:

I immediately go and text my best friend:

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Y.n just posted a story!

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After posting my insta story I walked through the paddock gates. There was many people along the sides some people recognized me cameras quickly shuttered taking picks of me.

Even though I'm used to this attention it never gets any less exciting. After a snapping a few pictures with fans I said a quick good bye and went to the mclaren hospitality following the instructions that I was told.

It was a Thursday meaning it was media day there was hustle and bustle EVREYWHERE. I meet with a girl in the mclaren hospitality lounge.

"Hello your y/n right?" a girl questioned me

"Yes that's me" I smiled

"Great! It's so nice to meet you!" She beamed "my names is Sarah, I'm actually the social media admin for mclaren!"

"So you're the one who invited me?"

"I am the one who sent the invite, but actually it was one of our drivers who wanted to invite you" she chuckled

"Really?" I asked "can I ask who?"

"It was Oscar, he said something about someone oweing him later" she said

I nodded "Oh okay" I wondered what Oscar meant by someone oweing him.

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I walked around the paddock meeting some fans of mine. Which was a little surprising how many people that were there who knew me. I quickly posted on my insta:

Liked by mclaren and others

Tagged: mclaren, Oscar piastri

Y.n That's right guys I've been invited to the paddock by MCLAREN this is unreal. I live f1 and to be here right now is truly amazing! Also a little outfit check for media day!

Also I may or may not have been invited to do some interviews with the drivers later... BUT ANYWAYS- I am thankful that I am here and trust I will get yall content of the drivers I'm an f1 girly at heart 🫶🫶🫶

User17: YES GET US THAT F1 CONTENT

Mclaren: Thanks for excepting the invitation!!

Y.n: NO thank you for inviting me this is a dream come true 🫶🫶🫶

Mclaren: 🧡

User18: Admin interacting with y/n heals me 🥹

User19: PLEASE MEET LOGAN YALL WOULD GET ALONG SO WELL

User20: I HOPE OSCAR INTRODUCES THEM

Liked by OscarPiastri

User20: HELP OSCAR LIKED THAT COMMENT

WilliamsRacing: You should stop by our garage 😉

Liked by y.n

View more

____________ ☆ ____________

After posting I walked back to the mclaren hospitality meeting Sarah.

"Hey Sarah" I greeted

"Oh hey! We're setting up an interview right now" she smiled "it's gonna be posted on the mclaren YouTube channel. Do you mind joining it?"

"Of course not!" I smiled "I don't get the opportunity to do much interviews and I actually enjoy them I don't mind" I smiled

She nodded "okay!" She said "then it will be you, Lando, and Oscar!"

____________ ☆ ____________

I sat in the chair I was directed towards. I was sat on the far right, Lando on the far left and Oscar between us.

"Okay so we pulled a bunch of questions from the fans and sorted through them!" Sarah said off screen "and we were able to get quite a few" she smiled "okay to start: Lando, will you ever try fish"

"No" he responded immediately

I started cracking up "not even a bite?" I asked

"Never" Lando said "I'm sticking with what I like" Oscar just shook his head and Sarah moved onto the next question:

"Now Oscar who is you best friend on the grid?"

Oscar thought for a moment before answering: "Logan definitely, me and him have known eachother forever"

Sarah nodded "okay now y/n: how long have been a fan of formula 1?"

I sighed while thinking "well I've technically been watching since I was born cause my dad loved it" I said "but I've been a fan of mclaren for only a few years"

Sarah smiled and nodded turning back to Lando: "now Lando: what's your favorite football team?"

"Easy: Bristol City" Lando smiled

"Ah you mean soccer?" I said

"Leave it to the American to ruin the question!" He laughed

"Hey! Fun fact it was originally called soccer we kept calling it that and yall are the ones who changed it!"

Oscar was just laughing at the argument before Sarah started again:

"Okay okay, Oscar: what is your opinion on the dynamic between you and Lando?"

"I feel that me and him work well together. While we do have our moments" Oscar chuckled "we do push eachother to do our very best. Lando is very supportive of me with anything I need help with I am greatful for him" Oscar smiled

Sarah then asked me "y/n who is your celebrity crush?"

I started laughing "we go from Oscar's sappy answer to that" I crack up "Oh my god-" I grab my chest "give me a minute" I said as I catch my breath.

"Okay okay celeb crush?" I think for a moment "Oh god I don't think I could say" I laughed "I'd die if he sees this, and I know he'd watch this" I chuckled

Lando then spoke up "come on y/n" he smiled "tell us!"

I shook my head "only if it's censored in the video"

Both the boys look up at Sarah. She was intrigued by my answer and nodded "just cover the mic and say it."

I nodded and cover the mic, I looked back over and said-

Both Lando and Oscar fell out of there chairs basically chanting "no way!"

I uncover my mic as I laughed.

Sarah now also laughing said "okay thank you boys and y/n we'll end it here" the cameras cut "the video should be out later tonight"

____________ ☆ ____________

Part two

[wandabear]

WISH YOU WERE HERE - WANDA MAXIMOFF X FEMALE READER

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Summary: 17 years ago, a New Jersey high school girls’ soccer team travels to Seattle for a national tournament. While flying over Canada, their plane crashes deep in the wilderness, and the surviving team members are left stranded for nineteen months. Based on Yellowjackets

Jules is portrayed by Adelaide Kane. Here.

Author's Notes: A little advice? Please, listen to 'Lighting crashes' when you start 'NOW'.

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Warnings: death, angst, fluff. This is the finale.

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CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SEVEN FINALE

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ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤCHAPTER EIGHT

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BEFORE

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The following months were as hard as they expected. Surviving became harder and painful, especially for their spirits. The girls could barely move in that cabin that was surrounded by snow.

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Despite the care of his sister and friends, Pietro's pneumonia ended his life after fighting for weeks.

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Desolation was all Wanda knew for a long time, but thanks to the support of Y/N and the girls, she was able to move on as the months went by. Guilt choked her for a long time until she realized it was beyond what she could do. The death of her twin brother hurt Wanda in the depths of her heart. Soon they will die too.

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But the one who didn't seem to find peace was Y/N; inside her, the guilt grew more and more. Pietro died to save her, and now she was there. Leading a group of hopeless girls trying to survive another day, and in the only way they could.

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Finally the snow disappears, allowing them to bloom with spring, revitalizing their spirits. Of course, that didn't mean they were going to be saved, they had all lost that hope a long time ago. They were just a bunch of girls when before they were a huge team.

But when they least expected it, one day, a small plane flew over that lake, noticing the signals they sent. They all screamed and made as much noise as possible to be seen until Y/N fired the flare with a look full of hope.

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They will return home.

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“The investigation into the cause of the accident remains preliminary.” One of the journalists commented live along with many more outside the New Jersey airport room. “The crash site was over 600 miles north.”

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But before the journalist could continue, the doors opened and some hooded girls left there to go to the truck parked outside. The policemen tried to shield them from the journalists who charged at them like wild beasts thirsty for blood. 

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“Here they come!” One of the reporters yelled. “Let's go!”

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The reporters were clamoring for answers, the camera's shutters clicking every second; the despair on the faces of those girls. Wanda's green eyes widened, completely terrified. Taking care of her, Y/N and Natasha took and tried to get their friends out of that place.

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“Can you tell us anything?” One of them was trying to get the mic closer to Jules, but Natasha just pushed him. “Natasha, what happened?!”

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“Y/N, Who survived?!”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “How did you survive the cold?” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “Wanda! Where’s your brother?!”

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“How'd you survive for so long?”

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“What happened to the rest?”

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“Tell us something... anything!”

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All those questions haunted them all the way to the police station. Some cried with happiness while others were simply anxious to see their families again.

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The first to arrive were Wanda's parents, who hugged the brunette with so much love and support. Between tears and various affectionate words, they celebrated her return but also mourned the loss of Pietro. Oleg said that they could talk about it later, that the important thing now was to go home.

Everyone's parents came for them, including Natasha and Alexei, the big man ran up and hugged Nat and Yelena like a huge protective bear.

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Everyone was again surrounded by their loved ones, except Y/N and Jules who called home several times but no one came. Auntie Claire never left the house alone unless she was working.

The black-haired girl hung up the public phone and walked towards Y/N in that police station.

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“I tried it like six times.” Jules sighed and sat down next to Y/N, who was looking worriedly towards the door. Why was her aunt taking so long?

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“Me too, I called Claire and mom's house but got nothing.” Y/N sighed and slumped back in the seat. She looked around, noticing how Nat and her parents were approaching them.

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“Hello, girls. We were thinking… Do you want us to take you home?” Alexei offered with a warm look. Melina nodded quickly, delighted with the idea. They always adored those two, they were an odd couple but really good people.

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“Umh… we're actually hoping that-” Jules tried to say but then swallowed hard. “Actually, I would like to know… my mother is not answering the phone. Did mom say that she would come later or something?”

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At that moment, the Maximoffs, who were also nearby, approached standing on one side of the Romanoff’s.

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“Everything's okay?” Oleg asked curiously, noticing how the girls were getting more and more nervous.

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“Mr. Maximoff… My aunt isn't answering the phone. Do you know if she will come?” Y/N stood up, looking at the man with concern.  “I was thinking maybe you knew because you’re neighbors.”

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“Oh, sweetie.” Mrs. Maximoff said with sadness, as did Natasha's parents. “Has no one told you?”

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“You don't know yet?” Melina murmured worriedly.

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“Tell us what?” Jules asked, raising an eyebrow, fearing the worst. “Please, tell us what?”

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“Oh, girls.” Melina placed a hand on both of their shoulders and sighed.  “I think you'd better come with us, okay?”

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“I would like to stay, I don't want my mom to come and not see us here. She will freak out.” Jules said quickly, taking a step back. Of course, she could tell that they had some bad news to give them and she was completely refusing to receive it.

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“Mama... What's wrong?” Natasha frowned, standing next to them.

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“Sweetie…” Melina started and then looked around the other parents, getting their approval. They deserved to understand why Claire hadn't arrived.  They deserved the truth, maybe not in that way, but the girls didn't seem to accept leaving without an answer.  “Claire had a heart attack some time ago.”

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“She died.” Iryna took courage when saying those words, feeling a deep sadness when she saw how tears formed in the eyes of those girls. “She had a heart attack when the plane crash happened. I’m so sorry.”

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Shaking her head, tears running down her cheeks, Y/N was not willing to hear that. Of course she wasn't going to accept it.

She wasn’t going to accept the death of the person who cared for her all her fucking life, after having seen suffering and death in the Canadian taiga.

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“That's not true, she wouldn't leave us.” Y/N narrowed her eyes, taking a more defensive position due to the pain. Like a wounded animal.

Y/N just hugged Jules, who just started crying uncontrollably.

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 Feeling enormously sorry for them, their friends tried to comfort them and the adults just decided to give them the necessary space for it.

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“You can come with us if you want.” Alexei offered them, hugging Y/N and Jules for some time. Claire and Melina had always been good friends, that's how she met Nat.

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“I- I don’t know.” Jules stammered through tears, she couldn't even speak. “I just want to know what happened. I just want my mom, I wanna go home-”

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“Please, at least for tonight. Come with us, okay?” Melina asked both of them, taking their hands.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“You know that you count on us for whatever you need.” Iryna, Wanda's mother, offered with immense tenderness. Wanda nodded quickly.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

After a moment, Jules nodded and took a step forward, realizing that her mother wasn't coming. Her mom passed away a long time ago and she just wanted to know why.

But unlike Jules, Y/N couldn't just leave it like that. The pain inside began to consume her, the rage and the anger that she felt against this world so difficult and destructive. How is it possible? After suffering so much. This was messed up.

Y/N clenched her fists tightly.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Y/N?” Wanda noticed the tension in her girlfriend and approached her, taking Y/N’s fist in her hands. She didn't care that her parents saw it, Wanda loved that girl with all her heart. “Please, come with us.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Green eyes looked at Y/N's, and even though that connection was still there, something was broken in Y/N. And she knew something was off.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I just-” Unable to speak of what she felt or accept it, Y/N swallowed and moved away from her, letting go of the brunette's hand. “I have to get out of here.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N took a few steps back, ready to escape.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I’m coming with you.” Wanda followed her steps but Y/N got in the way, shaking her head.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“No.” She said quickly, noticing the disappointment in her girlfriend's eyes. And yet, despite that, Y/N decided to swallow hard and move on. “Stay with your family.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

She couldn't deal with all of this right now, she needed to find some way to escape. “Just… stay.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N walked away leaving the sokovian behind. Leaving the police station, not knowing where to go, she just started walking without a destination. Not knowing that that moment would be a terrible break in her life, and in the lives of those who loved her.

NOW

ㅤㅤ

Lightning Crashes

ㅤㅤㅤ

The hospital doors opened, letting in a desperate woman looking for answers. Her eyes showed the uncertainty and desolation she felt. The place was full of injured people, apparently there was a pretty serious accident nearby. Wanda came after her, trying to keep up.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Excuse me? Excuse me!” y/n approached the receptionist, who seemed to be quite busy with all the cases coming in.  “I’m looking for Julia Y/L/N. She works here, she's a doctor.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Excuse me, right now I can't-” The receptionist muttered trying to help many people at once, Y/N was about to lose her mind when a familiar voice made them turn around.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Y/N? Come with me.” When she turned around, Y/N sighed, finally seeing a familiar face. Christine, one of Jules's coworkers in the hospital, took her arm and led them to another room.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N quickened the step, noticing the woman's hurry. “Christine, what's going on? They called me saying I should come-”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I know.” Christine stopped when they got out of the operating room.  Wanda frowned, this was not a delivery room. It was the damn operating room.  “We don’t have time so… Look, I shouldn't be telling you this, but I feel like I have to because she's my co-worker and a  good friend, and I owe her so much.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Christine swallowed hard, trying to be strong. In a job like this, she had often been the bearer of bad news but she had never had a case so close to her.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“As you can see, there was a chain reaction crash, we have many injured.” The redhead took a cap and disposable scrub and handed it to her. “Jules and Natasha were there, a van crashed into their car when they were coming here because her water broke two hours ago.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda covered her mouth, terrified. But full of innocence, Y/N nodded and looked around her. “Okay, where are they?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Y/N…” Wanda reached out to take her hand.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Christine cleared her throat, trying to be professional and not shed a tear. “Natasha... she died instantly.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Her face paled. Wanda just tried to sit in the nearest chair, feeling horrible dizziness.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“What? No.” Shocked, it’s all Y/N could say. Tears filled her eyes. “No, that’s not possible. She's fine. She's going to be fine!”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I know you're in shock right now and it hurts, but I need you to pay attention to what I'm going to tell you.” Christine put a hand on her shoulder. “Julia is injured, a piece of metal went through her shoulder, and she needs you to be present at the birth.” She sighed. “She doesn't want general anesthesia, so... please put this on and come with me.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

But Y/N just stood there, not knowing what to do. Her face pale, the ringing in the ears again.  “I- I don’t know how to do it.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“You're the only family she has right now. She needs you, she doesn't know that Natasha died.” Christine persisted, hoping Y/N would do it.  “She’s having the baby, you must give her strength to stay with us. Okay?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda approached and hugged her for a moment, showing her that she was not alone.  “You can handle this, detka.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N just nodded quickly, like an innocent child without understanding anything that was happening around her. She put on those clothes and entered the room with Christine.

Swallowing, Y/N blinked as the lights from the operating room blinded her for a second. Several doctors were around Jules, who was already in labor.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“You're dilated enough now, this baby is coming right now.” One of the doctors said.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I know, I can fucking feel it!” Jules grunted and narrowed her eyes, the pain was too much. Sweat and tears poured down her face, a bit bruised, but nothing serious for now.

Seeing Jules like that, Y/N left that state of shock to walk towards her and take her hand.  “Hey, sis… are you ready to bring the little bee into this world?” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Jules smiled a bit exhausted, squeezing Y/N’s hand gently.  “Hey you… I'm ready to kill Strange when I get out of here.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Now, push!”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Push, Jules.” Y/N looked at her and nodded, giving her all the strength she needed. Jules took a deep breath, then pushed hard, squeezing her sister's hand. The pain is exponentially intolerable.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh my god!”  She screamed.  Her jaw tensed as did every muscle in her body.  ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“It's going great, it's almost ready... Now it’s going to be harder, but we need it, okay? Push!”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N stayed by her side every moment, smiling, crying, saying the most beautiful words of support.

Felt her hand about to break many times but she didn't care, feeling the pain as an ally to endure the moment.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“You’re so brave, you know? This is really beautiful, Jules.” Y/N smiled tenderly and whispered in her ear. “You're doing great, I'm so proud of you. You’re going to be such a good mom.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

The raven-haired girl nodded and took a deep breath, knowing she had to push again, but before reason came to her.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

You're going to be such a good mom.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Y/N?” Eyes brimming with tears, Jules turned to look her in the eye. “Where's Natasha?”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N didn't know what to say, just swallowed and cradled Jules's hand in hers, she didn't know anything. No one told her anything so that her condition wouldn't worsen, but how could Y/N hide something like that from her sister?

The heartbreaking silence caught them again like a wild beast. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Y/N… Please tell me, where is Nat?” Jules pleaded with a shaky voice. This time, tears of sadness began to fall down her face.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N sniffled. “She… Natasha did not survive the crash. I'm sorry.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Jules brown eyes only expressed deep, heartbreaking sadness.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“No… God, no… She can't be dead, I still feel her here.” Jules begged and placed a hand on her chest; they both began to cry together before the loss. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

The loss of a best friend and of a soulmate. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“PUSH!” The doctor's requests became more and more insistent, they were the last pushes.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

In a scream of pure pain, physical and especially emotional, the woman screamed, pushing harder than ever. Screamed because of the helplessness she felt, she screamed because of the injustice, she screamed because of her broken heart.

A heart that was beating wildly.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “I'm here with you, okay? You will never be alone. I love you.” Y/N reminded her over and over again, closing her eyes and giving Jules all the support in the world in that last push.

And after that, a hopeful cry made them both look at the doctor, who soon handed the little baby over to the nurse. After wrapping it in a blanket, Christine walked over to show the baby to them.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“It's a beautiful girl.” Christine said tenderly seeing how Jules smiled completely in love, excited, destroyed. That beautiful, reddish baby who moved her hands desperately seeking connection.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Look at her… You’re a mom now.” Y/N smiled and kissed her sister's forehead, watching her niece with enormous tenderness.  “Baby bumblebee is a girl, look at her.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“She’s beautiful… kinda looking like a red potato tho.”  Jules laughed and leaned down to kiss her little girl's forehead gently. Jules closed her brown eyes for a moment, holding the baby against her chest so she could say some last words to her. That was it, all she needed.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

In soft whispers, she said the most beautiful things and the most beautiful promises that Y/N could have heard. And Y/N knew at that moment that this baby would never suffer the same that she suffered with her own mother.

Looking at that tiny adorably newborn, who now had their hearts forever.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Y/N…” Jules barely whispered, feeling her muscles begin to lose strength. That was the sad cue to give the little one to Y/N to hold. “You have to take care of her…”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Sure I will. With you, with Wanda and Yelena... We will all do it together.” Y/N held the little girl in her arms and nodded. She didn't even know how to hold a baby, but she tried.  It was such a small thing in her hands, how was it possible?

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Jules swallowed and blinked rapidly, reaching out to take Y/N's arm. Her breathing seemed somewhat agitated, quite abnormal.  “Y/N, look at me, promise me you'll take care of her.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“I promise. I swear.” Y/N nodded, not quite understanding what it meant.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Smiling sadly but lovingly, Jules raised her hand to caress her sister's face.  “You know I love you with all my heart, right? There’s no better person than you to do this… I'll be forever grateful.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Do what? What are you talking about?” Y/N frowned.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

“Tell my little girl that we love her, okay? Always remind her of that. Her moms will always take care of her.” The woman sighed, her eyes closing but she fought with all her might to stay awake for a few more seconds. Please, God, just a few more seconds.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Shaking her head, Y/N approached her sister.  “You will tell her, okay? Just stay awake.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

A screeching beep made Y/N jump, the little girl in her arms began to cry.  ㅤㅤㅤ

“Jules, what's going on?” She tried to keep Jules awake, but the paleness on her face worried her even more. “CHRISTINE, WHAT’S WRONG?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She's losing a lot of blood!” Christine hurried over so she could see what was happening. Sure enough, blood loss from childbirth was to blame.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I'm feeling a little tired.” Jules muttered tiredly.  “Remember you promised.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Please, don’t… don’t do this.” Y/N took her hand and began to cry, begging her to stay by her side. “Please, she needs you. I need you… You are all I have left. You're the only family I have left!” Y/N pleaded, sobbing.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I love you, Y/N/N. I'll always be with you.” She smiled at her one last time, finally allowing herself to rest.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Crying inconsolably, Y/N felt fear, anguish and desolation destroying her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She’s coding!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

One of the nurses came over to take the baby away, telling Y/N  that they should take her out now.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Where are they taking the baby? No, tell me! where is she going?” Y/N screamed in despair.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N put their hands to their head, completely overwhelmed by everything that is happening around her. The sounds, the screams, the crying.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, no, no.” Y/N repeated over and over again, moving closer to Jules to try to wake her up, cup her face and talk to her.

One of the nurses reached out to pull Y/N away from her, but the woman struggled to hold on to her sister's body. It took three nurses to get her away from Jules, allowing them to start the defibrillator.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“One, two.” Christine ordered before placing the paddles on Julia's chest. “One, two.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N screamed inconsolably, seeing how they tried to save her sister's life but after several attempts, they only found that her heartbeat was no longer heard.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Come on, Julia! Stay with us!” Christine asked, trying many more times.

ㅤㅤㅤ But after a few minutes, they stopped. She was gone.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Fuck!” The doctor tossed the paddles aside, completely heartbroken.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Lightning crashes, a new mother dies.

ㅤㅤㅤ

But the one who was heartbroken was Y/N, watching her sister's body, taking slow steps towards her. But far from seeing that tender look, that adorable smile, she found just a pale and abandoned body.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Jules?”  Y/N whimpered like a little girl, reaching out to take her hand. “Jules, no, please. Don’t leave me, please.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

She allowed herself to stay by Jules' side for a while, venting all her pain.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Time of death?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“04:30 AM”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Feeling like it was all a huge sadistic joke on the fucking universe. Auntie Claire was gone, but she still had Jules. A beautiful part of her aunt had remained in her.

Now Jules was gone, and all that remained of her was this little girl.

Completely numb, she left that room with a lost look. What had to be done now? Where to go? Y/N walked slowly down the hall, until Wanda finally saw her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Detka? What is it?” The sokovian asked desperately. Those red eyes showed that she had been crying for a long time over the loss of Natasha. “Is Jules okay? Are they both okay?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Still looking blank, Y/N murmured: “She died.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What? No!” Wanda shook her head, she couldn't believe all this.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She died after giving birth.” Y/N swallowed. “I'm so sorry.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Oh my god.” Wanda burst into tears, holding on to the wall for a moment. “a-and the baby?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It’s a girl. She’s at the baby nursery now.” Finally coming out of her shock at seeing Wanda suffer like that, she went over to hug her. So tightly, allowing both of them to cry together.  “What the hell is going on?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The hours passed, Y/N looked down, seeing her black coffee that she was holding in her hands. Wanda was on the phone with Yelena and Natasha's parents to explain the situation to them. Of course it was one of the most difficult moments of her life.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“They’re going to fly from Ohio, going to the airport now.”  Wanda sighed, walking over and putting her phone in her pocket. “Yelena was really pissed off, but I heard that Alexei was devastated. Melina too.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Gently, she took her girlfriend's arm and rested her head on Y/N’s shoulder.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I'm sorry you have to go through all this.” Y/N murmured, drinking that coffee that didn't even seem to save her this time.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You don't have to be sorry, they were my friends too. Our friends, our sisters.” Wanda sighed. “I love you, and I will always be by your side. I'll support you in everything.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N tilted her head to see Wanda and confirmed once more that this woman was the love of her life. That she had always been by her side, and she always would be.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It's all so unfair, you know? How is it possible?” Y/N swallowed hard so she wouldn't sob again. “How is it possible that we survived so much to end up like this?! Is this karma for what we did?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“No, detka. Of course not.” Wanda cooed, hugging her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

A few minutes later, one of the nurses came out of the door and invited them inside. After agreeing to sign some papers and follow some steps, they approached the nursery ward, looking through that huge window at the adorable babies in their cribs.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N looked for the little girl somewhat worried, what if she wasn't there? Fear washed over her until she was finally able to recognize her, not far from them.

Wanda smiled as soon as she saw her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She’s a beautiful baby.” The nurse smiled, showing them the test results. Everything was okay, the baby girl was healthy. “What's the little girl's name?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

That question clearly affected Y/N deeply, she justtried not to get emotional again. Those eyes were tired from crying.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“They wanted to keep it as a surprise.” Wanda answered for her girlfriend, squeezing her arm in support.  “They didn't get to tell us.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The nurse nodded sadly and was about to leave until Y/N spoke.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Natalia.” Y/N whispered. “Because… because their names were  Natasha and Julia… and… i-if you mix the names… I think Natalia sums it up pretty well.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The nurse nodded, wrote down that name so she could put it on the bracelet that the baby would wear for the rest of the night. Natalia Romanoff Y/L/N.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Is it stupid?” Y/N whispered to Wanda, who just shook her head. “Do you think they would like it?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It’s a beautiful name, detka.” The brunette kissed her cheek. “Do you know what it means?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N just shook her head, trying not to pout.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“It means ‘natale domini’, christmas day. A sweet name like Natalia will always remind her how loved she is, they'll love it.” Wanda hugged Y/N's, both watching that adorable baby. The nurse took Natalia in her arms and brought her closer so they could see her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Oh, she was adorable even yawning.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I don't know how to do this.” Y/N confessed quietly, completely terrified but ready to face that huge monster called fear.

ㅤㅤㅤ

And by her side, Y/N had the most important woman in the world. Wanda looked at her with those green eyes full of love, swearing her loyalty forever. “I will help you, detka, everything will be fine. You can do this.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Desperate and tired, Y/N moved from one side to the other holding that baby of barely eight weeks. She spent nights without being able to sleep well, completely in despair.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Please, Natalia. Stop crying.” Y/N begged, squeezing her eyes shut to keep from exploding. Little Natalia had been crying for a long time and nothing seemed to calm her down. Y/N was holding a bottle with the infant formula that the doctor recommended.

Y/N gently left the baby in the crib next to her favorite bear, but nothing happened. Natalia kept screaming even more, as if she was daring her lungs to explode.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You don't want to eat, your diaper is clean! What the hell do you want?!” Y/N yelled so tiredly, but after a few seconds she started crying next to the baby. “What do you want from me?! I miss and need them too!” Y/N sobbed.They both shared that moment of pain.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Auntie Claire was gone. Jules was gone. Natasha was gone.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Now there was only that little baby left, that adorable little thing next to her and it wasn’t her fault for coming into a desolate world.

She was all Y/N had left of the people she loved the most. How not to be patient with that little bee? It wasn't her fault, and it wasn't Y/N's either.

She allowed herself to cry for a moment and then wiped away her tears, taking Natalia in her arms again. “Now it's just the two of us, okay? They screwed us like that, we have to deal with it.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N sighed.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Okay, let’s try something new…” Y/N walked to the window, looking around with the baby in her arms. She got a nice apartment some months ago. “Your grandma Claire used to sing this… she was such a fan, and your mama loved it too.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I hear your voice. It's like an angel sighin'. I have no choice, I hear your voice… feels like flying. I close my eyes, Oh God, I think I'm fallin'...” She sang softly, like a lullaby. “Like a child, you whisper softly to me. You're in control, just like a child now I'm dancing.” 

ㅤㅤㅤ

Incredibly, the little girl began to calm down little by little. That heartbreaking cry now turned into A curious look, those little hands trying to catch Y/N's face.

Y/N smiled seeing this great progress, encouraging herself to move a little like a little dance. “It's like a dream… No end and no beginning. You're here with me, Natalia, it's like a dream… cause when you call my name, it's like a little prayer.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone. I hear you call my name and it feels like home.” Natalia moved her hands excitedly, watching every movement of Y/N's lips, even gurgling.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“That’s it. You liked it, didn't you?” Finally achieving the first bond with the baby, Y/N let out a small laugh of happiness between tears. “I love you, Natalia… I will take care of you forever, even if I have to give my life for you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

She kissed Nat’s forehead and continued rocking her for a while, noticing that now the girl was no longer trying to let go. She just relaxed in those soft arms, beginning to fall asleep until someone knocked on the door.

Y/N walked towards the door, meeting a worried Wanda on the other side.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I read your message, I came as soon as the twins left with Vision.” The brunette approached to kiss her then watched little Nat gurgling.  “Everything's okay? What is it?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“That’s from the past, now we are at peace.” Y/N smiled and took the bottle to see if Natalia wanted to try it. After a few seconds, the little girl accepted.  “She was crying and I didn't understand what she wanted.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I'm proud, Y/N.” Wanda smiled tenderly. She took off her jacket and walked Y/N to her bedroom.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Can you stay with me?” Y/N begged with cute eyes and an adorable pout. “With us?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Biting her lower lip, watching the love of her life rocking that baby slowly, Wanda just nodded, feeling a strange sensation of familiarity and peace inside her.  “Of course, my love.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Fifteen minutes later, they were both lying on the bed, watching as Natalia drank her bottle happily cuddling between them. ㅤㅤㅤ

"We've been waiting for you, now you are here. More perfect than I imagined, our house is now a nest. No matter where you go, sunlight shines on you.’

ㅤㅤㅤ

Surprising Y/N with her beautiful voice, Wanda smiled seeing that Natalia closed her cute eyes and relaxed with that lullaby, letting go of the bottle.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“That was beautiful.” Y/N whispered, lost in the beauty of her beloved.ㅤㅤ Wanda smiled tenderly. “You are.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda gently leaned in to give her a short kiss, trying not to disturb the little girl.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“So… How about we get a boat?” Y/N joked. Vision deposited the money into her bank account the day before, so everything was fine between them for now.  “Mmm… no… College fund, right?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda bit her lips, trying not to laugh.  “Yes, college fund… And pay our bills.”

ㅤㅤㅤ “And put a down payment on a boat.” Y/N teased again, settling between the huge pillows. Wanda did the same, taking Y/N’s hand.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We’re not getting a boat.” The sokovian whispered, closing her eyes a bit tired.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“But they're fun.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“They're expensive.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You’re right.” Y/N grimaced and closed her eyes as well, feeling the exhaustion in her body overcome her little by little. 

ㅤㅤㅤ

“College fund, pay our bills and some nice vacation on a beach.” Wanda smiled tenderly when she saw how Natalia was completely sleepy.  “There's gotta be some fun in our lives.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I like that.” Y/N smiled sleepily. “I love you…”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Watching that adorable moment in front of her, Wanda knew that the answer to the question she was asking herself for a long time had already been answered.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I love you too, detka.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

But maybe it was time to go further. And although Y/N didn't know it, Wanda was ready to offer her to move in together. Why not?

“Okay, Natalia. Hold on tight.” Y/N said to the little girl as she adjusted the baby carrier on her chest. Little Natalia smiled tenderly and moved her little legs excited for her.  “We're going on our first adventure.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

When little Natalia turned five months old, Wanda and Y/N found a nice place to live together. Of course the twins were delighted with the idea, because having a little sister for them was something really important.

Wanda explained to them the importance of taking care of Natalia and making her their family. But the twins didn't need explanations, they loved the little redhead already.

ㅤㅤㅤ

And slowly, Y/N learned to be a responsible parent.

ㅤㅤㅤ

She learned that loss didn’t mean having to destroy everything around her, and making Wanda happy and giving Natalia a better life was all she wanted.

Y/N learned how to deal with diapers as well as crying at night, or also with paranoia and fear of losing the little girl.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Sometimes she stayed watching her for a long time, thinking about how much she resembled to them. Natalia hated being around too many people and cheeky like Natasha, but she also was so warm like Jules.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Do you think she will like it?” Y/N asked the twins with some concern, showing them a small velvet box. A beautiful ring was waiting to be delivered to Wanda that night.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Little Natalia observed the ring with curiosity wanting to grab it so badly, with just a year she didn’t understand anything they said, but she could say things like: ‘Mamma' and 'mommy’.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She will love it!” Billy grinned and Tommy nodded. They were both quite excited, and that made Y/N's heart beat faster. The twins have always been a great support.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Nodding, Y/N knew she had to take the biggest and most important step of her life.

And she did it, because the wedding was the most beautiful moment of their lives.

Wanda's tears of happiness and Y/N's huge happy smile showed it in the pictures. ㅤㅤㅤ

And of course she missed Natasha and Jules a lot, but Y/N knew that wherever they were, they would be happy for them.

Y/N and Yelena formed a much stronger bond, completely unconditional in the absence of their sisters. Both were clear that the important thing was also to give Natalia a beautiful family.

EIGHT YEARS LATER

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Natalia, your aunt Yelena is here!” Y/N's voice made the adorable redhead startle and leave her room, but not before grabbing her backpack.

Y/N and the blonde walked to the kitchen, where Wanda was baking some cookies.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You better take care of her.” Y/N pointed at the blonde and sat down at the table to enjoy some cocoa and cookies. “If you're going to take her fishing in Alexei’s boat, don't let her fall. She's learning to swim.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“She will master it soon.” Yelena arched an amused brow and stole one of the cookies, taking a bite. Of course, Y/N's serious look made her add,  “I'm just kidding with you, Y/N Y/L/N. We'll just visit my parents and fish in the boat for a little while. Talk about stuff… that’s it.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We know.” Y/N kissed Yelena’s cheek, just to annoy her even more. “I just like to annoy you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Ugh.” The blonde teased, wiping her cheek.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Here's something to eat, in case you don’t wanna buy something.”  Wanda smiled when she saw them and took two lunch boxes and a box of fresh cookies.   “Chicken paprikash, mac and cheese, your favorite I know, and cookies.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Wanda Maximoff, you are a sweetheart.” Yelena sighed exaggeratedly and leaned in to kiss her cheek, this time trying to annoy Y/N.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N just giggled and tossed her a small chocolate chip.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Okay, it's time. I'll call you as soon as we get there, okay?” Yelena said goodbye to both and walked towards the door.  “Let’s go, Natalia!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Coming!”  An adorable eight-year-old girl ran down the stairs. She was a redhead, like Natasha and her eyes were light brown like Jules. Natalia was fierce, kinda sarcastic and brave, but also adorable, smart and kind.

ㅤㅤㅤ

The little girl approached Y/N, hugging her mother tight. “I’ll miss you, mom.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Smiling tenderly -and fighting not to turn into an overprotective bear- Y/N hugged her daughter for a moment. “Take good care of your aunt, okay? She’s crazy. Send some hugs to mama Melina and Alexei. Tell them we miss them.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yes, mom!” Natalia smiled toothly. “I'm going with Auntie Yelena, I love you both!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

The little girl kissed Y/N's cheek and then ran to hug Wanda's waist, who kissed the little girl's forehead.  “Be careful, okay? We love you, baby.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yes, mama!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Take care, kiddo!” Y/N got up to see how the girl ran towards the porch, meeting the blonde one. “Don't forget to call us, okay?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N remained watching the place, until Wanda hugged her from behind, snuggling up against her.

There was her little girl, ready to start a new adventure.

ㅤㅤㅤ

It didn't take long for them to decide to have another baby together. Wanda tried an IUI to become mothers and after one attempt, they miraculously managed to conceive a beautiful and healthy baby.

Y/N was quite nervous, fear and memories of her sister in the hospital haunted her, but little by little, Wanda made her understand that everything would be okay.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Nine months later, they both welcomed an adorable baby girl they named Luna Maximoff-Y/L/N.

The children were delighted, even though Natalia felt a bit insecure, when the tiny redhead saw her new sister she swore to take care of her forever. Forming an inseparable bond.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Smiling, seeing how Wanda held her little newborn daughter, singing a tender sokovian lullaby, Y/N knew that although life was sometimes hard, it also had happy and memorable moments.

This was more than a happy place. This was a family.

And she deserved it.

ㅤㅤㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤ

And time passed, year after year, full of happiness.

Of course there were some complex moments, not everything in life is happy moments but always, there were always more beautiful than ugly moments in the lives of those women.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Wanda and Y/N had a beautiful marriage for almost forty years. They saw their twins grow up and become good, kind and respectful men.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natalia became an incredible, respectable, successful and loving woman. Of course she was a little rebellious at times like Natasha, but she also had responsible moments like Jules. She met an adorable girl on a trip and fell madly in love.

Wanda and Y/N always reminded her that Nat and Jules were her real mothers and they always came to the cemetery to leave some flowers.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Luna was an adorable girl, she was like Wanda. Even with her brown hair and beautiful green eyes, Y/N told Luna that she was her little 'firecracker' because she had her adventurous spirit.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N lived the most beautiful years to the fullest, even when Wanda passed away two years before her, Y/N knew that together they had lived a beautiful life. And death, like loss, no longer affected her the same way.

That night, Y/N passed away sleeping and letting herself fall asleep, leaving in absolute peace.

ㅤㅤㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤ

Opening her eyes slowly, Y/N felt like someone was poking her over and over again inviting her to wake up. “Hey, you.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

A male voice made her eyes widen.  “Wake up, lazy ass!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N got up quickly from the ground, looking moved at the boy in front of her. Pietro looked exactly as he was before the plane accident; his wild hair, those green eyes sparkled.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Finally!” He smiled. She looked around her, it was a nice quiet place, like a warm spring afternoon. Though she had no idea where she was.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Without waiting any longer, Y/N hugged him tightly, closing her eyes. Saying over and over again how sorry she was, and how much she owed him. How thankful she was.

Year after year, the guilt over Pietro's death washed over her and she was finally letting it go.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Everything is okay, captain, all that is behind us.”  Pietro hugged the girl and smiled tenderly.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Well, I'm getting a bit jealous over here, and you?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“A bit, yes.” This time it was Natasha, giving Jules a little nudge at her side. They looked exactly as she remembered them, so beautiful. 

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Nat?” With tears in her eyes, Y/N wasted no time in running to them and hugging them. “Jules!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“What? Did you think you'd never see us again?” Jules teased, hugging her tightly. “Thank you for everything you did for our little girl.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We are proud to see the woman she has become thanks to you and Wanda.” Natasha smiled and ruffled Y/N's hair.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“That little girl stole my heart from the first moment, I'm glad you are happy.” Y/N sniffled.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We are really happy.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“I'm sorry you couldn't have-” Y/N tried to say but her friends just shook their heads.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We were always there with you.” Jules smiled and put her hand on Y/N’s shoulder.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Closing her eyes for a second, Y/N got lost in that touch that felt so real to her. Wasn't she dreaming?

Suddenly her eyes widened, looking around her with excitement. “Wanda… where is she?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Natasha smiled. “First you must be sure of what you will choose.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N frowned.  “What do you mean?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Do you want to stay or do you want to come with us?” This time Jules spoke, all of them began to walk down that path between the trees.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“You must leave all longing behind, you must first accept it.” Pietro nodded.  Of course he was referring to her family, who were still alive.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N thought for a moment. Her children would be fine, they were old enough to move on their own. It was her time to move on too.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“They'll be fine.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

With a smile, the three looked at each other and then stepped aside.

Behind them, Wanda was looking at her with a huge smile and a hopeful look.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Detka!”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Without further ado, they hugged each other again, stronger than ever. Their souls finally found each other, entwining once more. “Wands… I missed you, so bad.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N kissed her lips over and over again, desperate for having missed her so much.

Wanda smiled between kisses.  “I missed you too.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

They held each other for a moment until Y/N felt how they were surrounded. Not only her friends, but also other people.

One of them made her let go of Wanda’s arms. Y/N felt that the time -if it existed there- stopped completely.

It had been a long time since she saw that girl.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Hey.” Sharon waved, smirking slightly. Sharon, Helen, Carol, Kate and all the girls who died in that place were around her. This time not like a horrible and haunting nightmare, no. This time it was a welcome.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N blinked and waking up from the reverie, she violently approached her to stop in front of Sharon. She did nothing but feel her tears fall.   “I'm sorry about everything. I didn't mean it to end like that, I'm so sorry. I spent all these years thinking about that, I didn't want you to die. I'm so sorry, Sharon.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

She finally cried, letting go of the guilt. Y/N carried Sharon's death for a long time.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Can you forgive me?” Y/N asked Sharon, taking her hand, but the blonde squeezed her hand as a clear answer.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Only if you can forgive us too.” Sharon nodded and just hugged her. “I never hated you, we were young and stupid. We made a lot of mistakes in a place that wasn't for us, but all that is behind us. This place is to rest... all those pains left behind.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

All of them hugged Y/N tightly, welcoming her to a whole new place. Where pain, revenge, violence was left behind.

One by one the whole team approached to join that hug. Like the first time, like that first time after winning the match. If only that plane accident hadn't happened, oh that team would have been unstoppable.

ㅤㅤㅤ

BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ!

ㅤㅤㅤ

They all cheered, happy, free.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Okay, move on from here.” Yelena growled. “We must move on, I'm sick of seeing you all even in the fucking heaven.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N turned to look at her, confused. “This is heaven?”

ㅤㅤㅤ

“Yeah, we don’t know? It's more like… a place made up of many heavens? Individual ones? Each of us can rest and lose ourselves in the moments we decide to remember.” Wanda explained, narrowing her eyes, some of the girls nodded. “We don’t need to understand, just… be here. Unless you are a very evil person, we don't know what happens there.” ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ

“But if you're not evil... everyone gets a piece of paradise.” Jules smiled widely.

ㅤㅤㅤ

“We can visit others, but only soulmates can share the same place.” Natasha kissed her wife's cheek, hugging her.

ㅤㅤㅤ

 “Ready to meet ours?” Wanda smiled and took the hand of the love of her life.

ㅤㅤㅤ

Y/N inhaled deeply and then nodded. Finally smiling, ready to rest. “Yeah.”

ㅤㅤㅤ

Yup, this is the end. 🐝 I hope I didn't disappoint you. And it was good for you. I know it has not much to do with the tv show -more than the plane crash and some stuff- and I'm happy with that. Maybe there are some one shots later, explaining some moments. Pietro's death and everything...   So, thank you very much for reading me, it is always a delight to know that you are here with me. 🐝

the cutest and lovely BEES tags ✨ @kaiidth-wandika @yourfavunsub @pawiie @fanboy7794 @sunsol-22 @scarlettbitchx @arcturusseer @imnotasuperhero @chtte @lesbians-in-outer-space @starry-night17 @cristin-rjd @kenlymar @chtte @marvelogic @druggedduck @aliherreraaa @widowwaddles @gingiesworld @canyonyodeler smromanoff @romanoffomixam✨

[tellmegoodbye]

Hello, I hope August is treating you all well so far.

For the next couple of weeks, we're going to have a special edition of music monday. In coordination with @lonestar-s5countdown we are going to be doing themed music mondays every week of the event!

This week's themes are Found Family and Paul & Marjan. If you don't have any songs for these themes, you can still participate in the tag as normal. I will still be adding to the playlists as usual.

Make sure to check out the countdown blog and all of the other fun activities they have going on! And thank you @lemonlyman-dotcom for reaching out to me about setting this up!

Flares - The Script

But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes? Did you, did you? Did you see the sparks filled with hope? You are not alone 'Cause someone's out there, sending out flares Someone's out there, sending out flares

This is the ultimate found family song to me! It makes me think about where everyone on the 126 was before the pilot, and how they didn't know that they were all about to meet these amazing people who would become family.

Anthem - Yonaka

They say we won't get far, but who the hell are they to judge? When they don't know a thing about where we've come from No, they don't know about us

And when they think there's nothin' left They'll try to put you in a box to fit in with the rest But what they don't know is that we answer to no one 'Cause we're an army now and you can't take us down We're the new gang in town

Well, I heard it on the radio That we could be somebody now And we could rule the world And I seen it in the videos People just like you and me Are takin' back control

This song makes me thing about how these characters all have their own unique life stories and backgrounds, and how they proudly embrace it all. The 126 + Grace & Carlos showed up, said "this is who we are, and we're not going anywhere" and I think that's beautiful.

Also, the lyrics in the chorus specifically made me think of how Marjan probably inspires so many young people by having such a huge public following.

Raise Your Horns - Halestorm

Burn every fear, every doubt like a funeral fire Scream every anthem and follow your reckless desires Take back the crown that hangs at the gate Ready your march, steady your aim For the heart is a soldier that never loses its way

Forgive every fear that convinced you to put out your light Show every flaw, every scar that this world made you hide From who you are

Raise your horns, raise 'em high Let 'em soar, let 'em fly

So this song echoes a lot of the same sentiment Anthem does, but this one also specifically makes me think about each individual healing journey each character has had, and how they all learned to love themselves a little more along the way with each other's support.

Tags!

@strandnreyes @heartstringsduet @bonheur-cafe @herefortarlos @lemonlyman-dotcom

@goodways @paperstorm @guardian-angle22 @reeeallygood @butchreyes

@ironheartwriter @emsprovisions @sapphic--kiwi @firstprince-history-huh @goldenskykaysani

@theghostofashton @alrightbuckaroo @nancys-braids @captain-gillian @reyesstrand

@freneticfloetry @carlos-tk @literateowl @eclectic-sassycoweyes @toomanycupsoftea

+ open tag

[goldfades]

ev’s 100 celly! 🍁🍂

closed!!!!!

𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑥 𝑧𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑏𝑟𝑦𝑎𝑛 (𝑎𝑙𝑏𝑢𝑚)

─ hello everyone & welcome to my 100 my follower celly! this is my first celebration on tumblr and i am SO hyped for it! it came with the perfect time too, zach bryan's album came out like two weeks ago AND it's finally evermore season, so i decided to do a evermore and zach bryan themed celebration!! (yaya)

─ but before we get into the events, i just wanted to give a HUGE thanks to all my followers but really anyone who likes/reblogs my works. it warms my heart to see everyone support me, it's such a lovely feeling and i love you all so much. on the same note, i wanna thank all my kind moots for giving me such a warm welcome to the fandom! they're all so freaking funny and SOOOO talented, i love them all & can't wait to bond with you all more <3

─ finally, this event is going through september 2 through september 10! some of the fics may come out a bit later but any ask-related stuff sent after the 10th will be deleted so my inbox doesn't get too crowded!!!

now!!!!!! finally, to the events!!!

-> the first are ask-related events!

🏒 send this and a player and i'll give a few "headcanons" (lmao) about them!

🍁 send this and a player and i'll give tell you what taylor swift song that i associate with them + a small blurb going along with the song!

🎸 send this and a player and i'll give you what zach bryan song that i associate with them + a small blurb going along with the song!

🧊 send this and a player in and i'll write a angsty short blurb!

🍵 send this and a player in and i'll write a fluffy short blurb!

☕️ send this and a player in and i'll write a smutty short blurb!

🫧 send this in and i'll write a blurb for a random player!

-> now, here are the fics that i'll be posting for the event!

✦ willow | trevor zegras

✦ gold rush | jack hughes

✦ cowboy like me | quinn hughes

✧ summertime's close | jamie drysdale

✧ holly roller | nico hischier

✧ tourniquet | joe burrow

i'm tagging some moots so that they can help boost this post 🩵

@fiapartridge @arcvil1e @dylancozens24 @lovinbarzal @sc0tters @hockeyswiftie @jamiedryssnail @nopuckyou @hhughes @starsandhughes @bedsyandco @fratboyzegras @babydollmarauders @nicohischierz @rowansrowdy43 @lvrzegras @drysdalesv @puckingfabulous @wbkz3gras @hischiershoe @heartsforhischier @jamiedrizzdale @dylan-duke @hearts4hughes @andreburakozy @hughesmedicine

[accio-victuuri]

THE STORY OF THE 85 LOGO 🏍️

Since Yibo was spotted on the race track, the conversation around the logo is picking up again. This has been discussed so many times before & in bits and pieces but I want to give it a go and make my own version of it’s history. It’s a mix of the logo itself as well as the cpn speculation surrounding it’s origin. I’m not gonna talk about other related designer zz candies, this is only for the logo.

I used this video by R背靠大树好乘凉W as a guide on the timeline but i did my own fact checking and added a lot more points especially with Parts II-IV of this post.

I. THE ORIGIN

11/10/2018, Yamaha Racing Team weibo account posts the first look of the 85 logo. At this point, everyone already knew who this is supposed to be. It’s also cute how the time it was posted had the timestamp “28” which is Ai Bo, another clue.

“ driver number 85 is coming soon! “

1/19/2019, The same account officially shared that Yibo will be joining the MLT YAMAHA team for 2019 and Tracer 85 was born. Yibo also reposted this and replied with :

Happy New Year to all! ! ! ! ! racing career has begun! ! ! ! ☺️☺️☺️Please call me driver Wang Yibo! ! ! ! ～～～～～

1/29/2019, the draft for Yibo’s Tracer 85 racing suit was released by the weibo account. It prominently features “85”.

Now a key player in this whole designing mystery is DAINESE a company that describes themselves as: Dedicated to producing the most effective safety solutions in every arena where athletes continually push the human body and mind to surpass their prior achievements. From our motorcycle racing origins to alpine skiing, mountain biking, competitive sailing and outer space. So they posted about the racing suit itself as well as the helmet. Again, both things featured the 85 logo, along with other symbols that is an entirely different cpn on it’s own.

It’s so obvious that a professional company will make this for WYB. Even if we CPN that the logo was made by XZ, or even a rough sketch of it and passed on to Yibo, down to this company’s team to refine. There is just no way that XZ will write his name down as the owner of it, if we didn’t have that BTS video of their conversation about it then we won’t have a confirmation. Even if we have that video, there is still the probability that XZ didn’t follow through.

Then someone asked the company itself about the origin of the logo and they said WYB brought it himself.

The logo of No. 85 is not designed by us, it is brought by Yibo himself

Thank you for your support

If you look at the original post for the racing suit, the comments are all wf being so prissy about who designed it. I know that this post is supposedly about the 85 logo but the suit is a huge part of that. Also I think it’s about time to clear up the fact that cpfs are not trying to discredit anyone who made WYB’s gear. Why can’t we just be happy that he has a cool moto suit with the 85 on it? We are. We really are. It’s just that analyzing the elements within it is something that CPFs love to do. Not even for the relationship part of it but just to understand him better. The thing is, I don’t look at it and think only about how “handsome” yibo is. I also wanna know what it means. The details. This is something that represents him as a racer so I will naturally be curious about what’s on it. Not to say that so/os are shallow or anything, It’s just that we are two different kinds of fans. Our brains don’t work the same way. That’s fine. I wish people will one day accept that we all approach fandom in different ways. If you don’t like something— then ignore it.

So the conclusion here is, 85 was not an idea/logo made by the company DAINESE. Yes, they produced the gear and finalized everything. They were hired by YAMAHA to do so. However the one who drew that logo on a piece of paper is unknown.

Our best guess is Xiao Zhan. 🫶🏼

II. IMPORTANCE OF 85 TO YIBO

85 represents Yibo’s birthday, August 5. But it’s really became his “identity” when Tracer 85 was born. Even if he wasn’t racing, this number became a recurring theme & design with his endorsements. For example when he did a collab with Miniso, the goods had 85 on them.

He has moved to the “Panther” more recently but 85 and 0805 is still very much a Yibo’s thing. There are even endorsements that have 85 on the price they sell his items for ( example is Richora ).

So using 85 is not a spur of the moment thing and goes beyond his racing career.

III. OTHER SIGHTINGS ( of the logo )

Aside from the race track, the most important way the logo was incorporated was through merchandise. Whether it’s the custom phone case that only Yibo has —

or the infamous 85 cap which was repped by yinzheng. the sus part here is yibo commenting, only acknowledging the post but then yz had to reply back with : lemons grow on lemon trees, under the lemon tree there’s me. which means he is jealous and then yibo had to reply back with a series of emojis that makes things more suspicious.

sure, yinzheng can mean that he is jealous of the merch. that yibo has his own now and that the whole tracer 85 now goes beyond being a racer. but the cpf explanation to this is that he is jealous that wyb has someone that made this amazing logo for him too. it's really so cool to have your own designer at home.

a fan favorite would be this cap, released by Day Day Up in their WYB goods line back in 2020. What’s interesting is, the number of pieces available for it’s initial presale was 1005. LOL. 1005 is October 5, of course, XZ’s birthday. I think the number of pieces for a presale though not entirely up to yibo, may still be influenced by him. It could easily be 8500 pieces just to be meta but no. Why 1005? Is it a nod to the guy who made the 85 design? Plus if this logo was owned by Yamaha or Dainese, then why was it allowed to be used commercial by a completely different entity. Our answer is that it’s Yibo.

It’s curious that the cap received this special treatment, because out of all the merch sold in that line, it is the one that had the 85 logo in it’s original form. The rest had their own iteration of 85 but the cap is the closest to the “logo”. This is why a lot of fans, and CPFs specifically wanted to get it.

My favorite memory from when this line came out was the loud speculation about the logo and it’s connection to XZ. There were even talks of 🍤 buying something cause if XZ is the designer, then it’s also a XZ merch. This is the same year when 🍤 was going around SDC3 filming cause XZ was supposedly there. So yeah. This cannot be confirmed and no shrimp will ever admit but it was definitely a rumor going around that time. Looking back, that CPN was beneficial ( in a way ) to shrimps because it casts XZ in a good light. They know XZ’s capability so they can sort of agree to it. Not that we need so/o fans validating our opinions/speculations, but it’s a possible explanation to their reaction. Compared to motos who were angry with the association and insulted XZ. Implying that he isn’t capable, they can say that cause they don’t know XZ.

IV. Connection to Xiao Zhan “the designer” and candies

Turtles pointing to XZ as the designer is not only rooted in CPN, but the fact that making logos was his previous job. Even before the leaked video, it made sense to the community because after all, this is what XZ is good at. He’d done it for years in school and as a professional. There were photos of his previous work that leaked and he also talked about logo-making when he visited the bilibili office. Where he shared how frustrating it was to work with clients. More recently, in one his vlogs, we could see him explaining his thoughts on a visual logo for XZ Studio.

( video is about xz the designer, mostly talking about it during xfire / xnine days )

So his capability, closeness & familiarity with WYB at the time of the logo’s conception is key. CPFs are very familiar with how XZ makes art and logos for himself so to us it’s a rational speculation to think XZ had some influence on this.

There is another talk about Yuehua being the one who made it. They do have people who can make those right? However it was pointed out that with how they make logos for their other artists, it’s unlikely. They did claim the rights to the Panther, but the identity of the artist was left blank on the application. No one ever did claim ownership of this Logo or the Panther in public. Why wouldn’t they? It’s free promotion.

CPN Clues:

• 85 read as 28. Ai Bo + the Z.

• The Z is really my favorite clue 🥺🥺🥺🥺

• How it looks very similar to the M skateboarding logo. Which can also look like a 85.

• Some other explanation on what the 85 could mean. It’s XZ’s style to have hidden meanings aside from what you actually see.

• The minimalist design that screams XZ.

The 85 logo talk and cpn have really been in full swing when EVISU released those photos and I hope BXGs ( especially big accounts on the bird app and beyond ) will rein it in with the Xiao Zhan association. We already know how hostile the environment is so it’s best to not use his full name. It’s actually a common CPF way of doing things, not using their full names in our posts. As excited as we all were, the whole point was that tracer 85 is back, not the CPN. I know it’s tricky to find a balance with how our brains are wired, but you will learn. It should always be them as individuals first.

85 logo and all other “designer GG” is one of those CPN that is very popular and widely circulated in the bxg community — and with good reason. However, it is in no way to take away 85 from Yibo. It’s him. It is his brand and it will always be his.

This is one in a couple of “yizhan mysteries” out there that keeps the BXG flame alive 🔥. These (alleged) silent collaboration/s between them are so great because it shows how well they work together as a team.

-END.

[jigujellee]

i have finally made the decision to quit writing.

honestly, i knew this wouldn't be a permanent thing for me but i never thought i'd come this far. i started back in 2019 when i just used tumblr to dump all my drafts, but along the way, i have made some really fun memories and even reached a milestone of 1k+ followers which i never thought i'd achieve. i've also met some of the greatest people on here. i am beyond thankful for each and everyone of you, esp to those who i remain close with even outside of tumblr.

with school and work, i found very little time to write, and i also just don't have the motivation to anymore. even with the many drafts and the plans i have rotting in my notion, i just can't seem to sit down and work on them. i keep telling myself i'll come back to them one day but it just doesn't happen and i honestly don't think it will happen any time soon. to those waiting for sequels to different stories and/or for their requests to be fulfilled, i'm deeply sorry that i'm leaving you guys on cliffhangers. i guess you'll just never know if y/n ends up with yunjin or hanni in love the way you lie.

a huge part of me wanted to deactivate this account but with all the inboxes and seeing that people still come across my blog and its contents, i decided to leave it up. if anything, i'm probably also still gonna be on here to quietly lurk on everybody lmao

thank you all for supporting this blog. it's truly been such an interesting (lmao) and great experience fr, and to all the friends i've made on here, you all have a very special place in hell my heart <3 please take care of yourselves, stay hydrated, and remember that you are always loved :) til next time!

sincerely,

jigu

[piastrixpole]

Prologue

pairing: logan sargeant x fem!oc (daisy shaw)

genre: written

based on the 2023 season

series masterlist / next

Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Daisy Shaw

by spencer conway

☆

From the moment she welcomes me into her charming but surprisingly humble home in Newcastle, England I understand why there is such a hype growing around Daisy Shaw. The trailblazing driver is set to embark on her sophomore season in the world's most prestigious racing series. With her steely gaze and quiet confidence, she exudes a sense of determination that belies her years, a testament to the resilience and tenacity that have brought her to this moment.

Shaw has left the kettle brewing and within seconds she's offering me tea and biscuits. We settle onto her couch, the cosy warmth of her living room providing a stark contrast to the adrenaline fuelled environment she usually inhabits. The room is adorned with all sorts of trinkets and mementos, each one telling a story of its own. From vintage racing memorabilia to quirky knick-knacks collected on her travels it's made clear to me that this space is well-loved and lived in.

As we settle into our conversation, Daisy's passion for racing becomes palpable, her eyes alight with the thrill of the upcoming season and the challenges that lie ahead. But beneath the surface, there's a quiet intensity – a fire burning within her that fuels her ambition and propels her forward in pursuit of her dreams.

"Daisy, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. You've become an inspiration to countless young girls around the world who dream of following in your footsteps. How does it feel to know that you're breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation of female drivers?"

What surprises me the most is her almost embarrassed reaction to being labelled an inspiration. "It's truly humbling to hear that I'm making an impact, however small it may be. Growing up, I didn't see many women in motorsport, so to be able to inspire young girls to pursue their passions – whether it's racing or any other male-dominated field – means the world to me. At the end of the day though I'm here because I want to win just like every other driver in this sport."

"Following on from that Daisy you've often spoken about the importance of talent and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in Formula One. Can you tell us about your journey and the challenges you've faced along the way?"

"My journey hasn't been easy, that's for sure. I've faced my fair share of setbacks and doubts, but I've always believed in my abilities and refused to let anyone else define my worth. It's taken years of hard work and sacrifice to get to where I am today. The main issue I encountered was getting sponsors to take me seriously, a problem which my fellow male drivers definitely didn't experience to the same extent. Nobody wanted to risk taking me on in case it all backfired terribly on them until I met Jenson. But every hurdle and every setback has only made me stronger and more determined to succeed."

My curiosity peaks at her casual mention of the former world champion and when I inquire further into their relationship Daisy's expression lights up, a warm smile spreading across her face.

She recalls her first meeting with Button with a fondness, eyes sparkling with gratitude as she informs me "he's been a huge influence on my career from the very beginning. I first met Jenson at a karting championship several years ago now, around the time when I was struggling to secure the sponsors and funding to get into formula 4. I still don't quite understand why he chose me out of everyone there but he saw something in me - raw talent he says, and that was enough to get him to fight for me to get my foot in the door."

As Daisy speaks it further highlights just how much of an impact Jenson has had on her career. Beyond financial support in the early days which Daisy informs me she is still trying to pay him back for, he has served as a mentor, confidant and a source of inspiration who has guided her through the ups and downs of the racing world with wisdom and encouragement.

"He really has been there for me every step of the way," Daisy continues, her voice tinged with emotion "he's taught me the ins and outs of the sport in a way that's truly invaluable."

My attention then shifts to the numerous photographs capturing moments frozen in time dotted along the walls that I missed on my way in. Among them I notice various pictures of Daisy along with her sisters, their smiles illuminated by the soft glow of the camera flash. When she realises where my gaze has shifted to, Daisy beams perhaps even brighter than when I brought up Jenson.

Shaw is the youngest of four sisters and her tone is laced with nostalgia as she recounts her upbringing alongside them, specifically her twin sister Holly. Daisy regards her with a special affection, describing their bond as unbreakable and their connection deeper than words could ever express.

"It's funny," Daisy muses, her gaze drifting to a photo of her and Holly at a karting track, "we've always been each other's biggest supporters, on and off the track. Holly's been my rock through it all, cheering me on from the sidelines and pushing me to be the best version of myself. And I'm the same with her for sure," Daisy admits with a proud grin "Holly's an incredibly talented songwriter but she's mainly known here in the UK. She's amazing honestly."

The Shaw sisters might be pursuing different dreams but at the end of the day they are still each other's biggest supporters and as Daisy tells me, Holly's success is her success and vice versa. They're in this together, every step of the way.

"And am I right in saying that you are also musically gifted Daisy?"

"That's right," Daisy confirms with a smile, her eyes alight with fond memories. "I'm definitely nowhere near as gifted as Holly but there have been a few occasions where she has invited me to join her onstage for a song or two when our travels cross over. It's always such a special experience, being able to share that moment with her and her fans. There's a magic to performing live that's unlike anything else."

As the conversation continues, I find myself pondering the paths that Daisy and Holly have chosen in life. While Daisy's career in Formula One may seem worlds apart from Holly's journey in the music industry, there's a common thread that binds them together—their unwavering passion for their respective crafts and their deep-seated love for each other.

I find myself wondering if Daisy had ever considered also pursuing music instead of racing. So I pose that question to her.

Her expression is contemplative as she considers my question carefully "music has always been a big part of my life," she begins, voice soft but resolute "and I have immense respect for what Holly does as a musician. But for me, racing has always been my true passion. I fully believe its what I was born to do - from the moment I stepped onto a karting track as a child I knew it was where I belonged."

There's a glimpse of that unspoken determination and self-confidence again in Daisy's words, a steadfast conviction that speaks volumes about her dedication to her chosen path.

"Looking ahead to the upcoming season, what are your hopes and dreams for your career in Formula One?"

"So my ultimate goal like most drivers would say is to become a world champion, to stand on the top step of the podium and know that all the sacrifices and struggles were worth it. But more than that, I want to continue pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo in this sport. I want to prove that women belong in Formula One and that we're just as capable as our male counterparts. And without sounding too arrogant I'd love to be one of the most celebrated drivers in the sport. Last season I had a solid performance and while I did exceed expectations I want to knock that out of the water this year."

Then comes the question of her new teammate. Following Porsche's decision to drop Henry Downing after just one year where the experienced driver was outperformed by his rookie teammate Shaw, they have signed Daniel Ricciardo. "Daisy this season, you'll be partnering with Daniel, one of the most charismatic and accomplished drivers on the grid. How do you feel about having him as your teammate, and what do you hope to learn from him?

"I definitely think its an interesting pairing. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside someone as talented and experienced as Daniel. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team, and I have no doubt that I'll learn a lot from him. But more than that. We may have our differences, but at the end of the day, we share the same goal – to win races and championships for Porsche. And I believe that together, we can achieve great things.

As our conversation draws to a close, I'm struck by Daisy's unwavering determination and her unyielding belief in herself and her abilities. In her, I see not just a talented driver, but a trailblazer – a woman who refuses to be confined by the limitations imposed by society and who is determined to leave her mark on the world, one lap at a time. This Daisy that I've met is such a stark contrast to the cold image that seems to get frequently pushed by the media in response to her speaking out against blatant sexism she is faced with in the sport. The real Daisy Shaw is a girl who values fierce competition, the rush of adrenaline that comes with racing and yet remains grounded in the love and support of her tight knit family.

[furufuro]

Hi everyone! Here are some photos 💚💙💜. If you guys aren't into these types of post, no worries I have two more posts lined up for today. I'd just like to thank everyone for your support. Like I said in my original comeback post, it's been a long road and you guys are still here. I meant it when I said this project has the best people following it. Not only have I been inspired by your encouragement and steadfastness, but by your content and creativity, and also by the kindness and patience you all have shown me. Mentions below (I'm not sure what's going on with Tumblr some aren't being highlighted)

To my foundation, @nilxis, @soetningsmedel, and the 239 lovely individuals that follow me (old and new) thank you.

To the people who stay in my comments encouraging and motivating me @bbcopperdaisy, @nornities, and @victoriasimsblog thank you.

To the people who are kind enough to put a spotlight on my posts, by frequently reblogging @nectar-cellar, @samkat10423, and @yourpicasso25 thank you. To the people I have seen frequently in my corner liking my posts @100simcats, @aspl1tl1f3, @cassiessims, @canariawing, @exarchicsims, @its-time-o-clock, @oawus, @rachel-homeanddesign-sims, @rascailleruth, @ravenbreezesims, @simswithoutacause (thank you for the huge like-spree), and @theodoraaveline, thank you. To the crazy talented creators I admire and draw inspiration from (who somehow miraculously follow little ole me) @crowkeeperthesimmer, @dhalsims, @danjaley, @descendantdragfi, @eisfee, @grim-dreamer-cc, @murfeelee, @nornities, @obscurus-noctem, @omedapixel, @rachel-homeanddesign-sims, @solori, and @venusprincess-ts3 thank you. And to people who I've interacted with along the way who are just creative/kind people, and who've made my time here on Tumblr special @17masso, @greatdaysimmer, @looseal, @papermint-airplane, @plumbobsaretotallyawesome, @ratztom, @suesimming, and @thebleedingwoodland thank you. I am blessed enough that I can say that a lot of you fall into many of these categories of support. To anyone I missed (I'm sure I've missed a few 🥲), THANK YOU 💐!! And to those who like my posts at all, whether or not you hit “like,” thank you. Thank you for letting me be a part of this community. I feel truly blessed to be here. Without your support, I wouldn't be doing this. Thank you, and nasame again 🙇🏿‍♀️.

[promptisgiftexchange]

We have reached the conclusion of the 2024 Promptis Gift Exchange and I want to thank each and every one of you. Whether you were a participant, or simply along for the ride to read the wonderful stories and view the exceptional artwork, thank you for helping to make this gift exchange the joyful event that it was. 

To all of our talented participants, you have gone above and beyond and have contributed so much incredible Promptis content for your gift recipients, and for this exchange. Thank you for all of your hard work and for being a part of this event. You are what made it so special and I’m so happy for you to finally be able to share your work with the community as yourselves.

At this time, all of our wonderful creators are now free to post your stories/artwork under your own name anywhere else that you desire. You may also choose to update the posting date of your Ao3 post at this point so that your contribution appears as a new work under your own name.

If anyone is aware of any stories that were written in response to art from our exchange or more artwork that was created in response to any other stories in the exchange, please let me know by sending me a link or by pinging me at @promptis-gift.bsky.social on Bluesky, @promptis_gift on Twitter, or @promptisgiftexchange on Tumblr so I can give it a boost. Likewise, if any of you have plans to write or draw anything as a response to the gift you received, I would love to be made aware of them once they are completed so I can promote it as well.

I would also like to give a special shout out and thank you to @ffxv_zine_news on Twitter. Your retweeting and support of the Promptis Gift Exchange (especially considering the fact that I wasn’t tagging your account while I was promoting individual works over the course of the last two months) did not go unnoticed. Thank you for your support and promotion of the individual stories and pieces of artwork that our participants worked so hard on, and for all of the wonderful things that you do everyday for our FFXV community as a whole.

Another huge and heartfelt thank you goes out to our wonderful Pinch-hitters: Firechocobro, InNovaFertAnimus, and QueenHomeSlice, as well as yet another enormous thanks to Charmms and SalamanderSocks for their willingness and ability to switch posting dates with participants who ran into unexpected problems. You guys are the best and I appreciate everything you’ve done! 

Once again, thank you to everyone who has been a part of the 2024 Promptis Gift Exchange. This year has been our largest exchange to date and I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have had such an amazingly successful fourth round. It has been a fantastic two months, filled with tons of excitement, and amazing Promptis fanworks! All of that is thanks to all of you! 

I hope to see you all again next year for our fifth round. Please continue to follow us for more information that will come out later this year on the 2025 Promptis Gift Exchange. In the meantime, if you are not already a member of the Promptis Discord Server I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us for year round Promptis fun. Anyone who loves Promptis is welcome to join us. It's a great place to chat with nice people about Promptis, share fanworks that you love, and we also have fun in-server events like a Monthly Challenge. I have included the invitation link to the server below.

Promptis Server- https://discord.gg/Xfw4jQWQ28

Masterlist and Creator Reveals

Without further ado, here are the reveals for the Promptis Gift Exchange 2024. You can find the reveals detailed in the following places: 

Google Docs- (organized by the type of fanwork) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fb2FN4HVNODkTkybFpyV1fwXQ6GpYsCvf_EcfFgJEig/edit?usp=sharing

You can also, as always, locate the entire collection on Ao3- https://archiveofourown.org/collections/Promptis_Gift_Exchange_2024/profile