#i think that's when Prev ran out of money or maybe had their second kid

[caterjunes]

i was taking off a lightswitch cover plate to paint and it was REAL hard to get one of the screws out. and then it came out at just a totally crazy angle, like 20° off of normal. so i was like. ok i will investigate what's making this happen. and. it looks like Prev Owners had basically attached the box to the stud (normal), wired & screwed the two switches to the box (normal), drywalled around it (normal, and then?? gone wild with joint compound or plaster??

and plastered the box INTO the drywall (NOT normal) leaving the switches basically cemented in place on the edges (i.e. not adjustable to fit the lightswitch cover plate, which is why it was so hard to get off). and worse yet leaving the electrical box with numerous large balls of dried plaster glops rattling around inside it or wedged against the switches!!

so i unscrewed & chipped out the switches & fished all the plaster balls out, and i scraped off the edges where they should be able to adjust slightly so there's not a perfectly-fitting depression in the plaster that they lock into. and then spent like 5 minutes wiggling them back & forth minutely until they fit the lightswitch cover properly 👍

[lnfours]

back to you [2] | p.p

summary: who knew that the boy on the 3rd floor would be so attractive? and such a gentleman?

warnings: !subtle spider-man: no way home spoilers! fluff, language, and a surprise at the end, just to fuck with your emotions

wc: a shocking 1.4k

masterlist  | prev  | next  | listen

peter shivered as he stood on the roof of the apartment building, watching as you carried your grocery bags. he smiled to himself, taking you in. he noticed that your hair had a new style, and he really liked it on you. he noticed the airpods in your ears, and the way you were smiling and laughing on the phone. 

“gwen, i don’t know what you’re even talking about.”

he could hear the other voice on the phone,”oh c’mon, y/n. don’t act like you’re not catching feelings for mr. too hot to handle in the apartment above yours.”

you sighed, opening the door,”i promise that if i was catching feelings, you’d be the first one to know about it.”

he watched as you entered the lobby of the apartment building. he quickly changed and ran down the steps that led to the roof. he found himself on the second floor, seeing you reach for your doorknob. 

“gwen, i gotta go put groceries away. i’ll call you back later.”

he watched as you fumbled for your phone, pressing the end call button. he cleared his throat and walked up to you.

“need some help?”

you jumped at the sound of his voice, it was like he knew you were just talking about him. you smiled softly as he gave you a shy smile. 

“um, yeah, that’d be great.” you’d say and he’d take a couple bags from your hands. you’d open the door and walk inside, letting him in front of you so you can close the door. 

he’d set the bags down on the counter, you doing the same as you let out a huff. groceries were heavy, and sometimes you wish you had the money for a car so that you could easily lug this stuff to your apartment from the grocery store.

“should buy a wagon, stick all the groceries in there and then boom, no more straining your muscles and speed walking down the street.” peter suggested.

 you looked at him, thinking to yourself, maybe that isn’t such a bad idea…

you both laughed it off anyway, him helping you put the food away. you decided on repaying him with dinner this time, beings you got dinner from him last time.

you decided to step it up a notch, your culinary skills working in overdrive as you made the pinterest recipe you saved for a sweet honey salmon. you liked it, and when you asked if he was down to try it, he agreed to it. so, why not get fancy on this friday evening?

you sipped from your glass of wine, you and peter holding a conversation about your common interests. 

“so, you’re an iron man fan?”

you’d nod,”he was one of my favorites from the original 6. it hurts to know he left his loved ones behind to save the rest of the world, like me, who blipped. i always looked at him as a hero, but now so more than ever.”

“yeah,” he’d shake his head at you and swallow thickly, sadly smiling as he thought about the memories he had of tony,”i think everyone just misses him. and the others. it’s been a while since we had any heroes to look up to.”

you shrugged, stirring the pan with the vegetables in it,”i mean, i like to think that spider-man has filled those shoes quite nicely. i mean, there’s fan pages, there’s costumes that kids beg their parents to buy, there’s off brand merchandise,”

peter chuckled.

 if only i was getting the money from all that stuff with my face on it.

“i like to think of him as our new hero of the city. someone everyone looks up to and respects because he keeps the hopes of the citizens high. ‘cause when things go wrong, he’s normally always there to fix it.”

he smiled, nodding with you,”and cheers to him,” he tipped his beer bottle towards your wine glass, you laughing as you made your glasses clink,”cheers.”

“cheers.”

you ended up eating and asking if he wanted to stay for your weekly ‘find a random movie on netflix and watch it’ evening. he agreed, having nothing else better to do. you ended laying your head on his shoulder, him putting his arm around you as he moved you closer to him. you smiled into his chest softly, taking in his smell.

he smelled homey, and a little bit like detergent and shampoo mixed together. you hadn’t noticed that you shifted your gaze from the tv to his face, taking in all his features as the tv screen lit them up. he felt your eyes on him, and he moved his head to look down at you. you smiled softly and blushed when his eyes met yours, catching you red-handed at being creepy.

except, he didn’t find it creepy. he found it cute when you got bashful and shy. he knew what you weren’t ready to admit to yourself. and he could hear your heart beating so fast that it sounded like it was going to explode from your chest.

“sorry,” you apologized. he moved a piece of hair from your cheek, shaking his head softly.

“nothing to be sorry about.” his finger lifted your chin up a little bit, forcing you to meet his brown orbs. you looked at his eyes, down to his lips and then back at his eyes. he smiled softly, inching closer to closing the gap between the two of you. 

he was so close you could feel his breath, but you didn’t mind it. you liked being close to him.

“i like you,” he smiled softly, scared to admit the truth because he wasn’t quite sure on how you felt about the whole situation,”and i wanna take you out on a date. like a proper date.”

you’d smile back at him,”i’d like that.”

“good, because i have a couple things in mind.”

you chuckled softly, moving to close the gap. your lips brushed up against his as he cupped your cheek with his hand.

“i really wanna kiss you.”

“then do it,” you’d challenge, a smile evident on your face. just as his lips were about to touch yours, there’s a knock on the door. he backed up a tad, looking at your face. you sighed, getting up from the couch before going to the door. you looked through the peephole, quietly cursing to yourself as you opened the door.

“hey! i totally forgot about tonight! i’m so sorry!”

“it’s fine, really! i just wanted to make sure everything was alright.”

peter sat up straight, recognizing that voice instantly. he got up from the couch before looking at who you were talking to at the door. his heart dropped as he saw the girl in the doorway, smiling at you as you talked about work.

the girl smiled,”i see what you’ve been up to,” she eyed peter,”sorry if i interrupted anything.”

“no, no, you’re fine, you’re fine!” you smiled, looking back at peter,”peter, this is mj. mj this is peter, my upstairs neighbor.”

they shook hands as peter’s eyes stayed slightly wide,”nice to meet you.”

“nice to meet you, too.” he’d say, sounding nervous. you questioned him silently, before turning back to mj.

“i’ll meet you at the shop at like 4?”

“sounds good, i’ll see you then!” she smiled,”peter, it was nice meeting you.”

“yeah, you too.”

you closed the door after she walked away, looking at peter who looks like he’d seen a ghost.

“you okay?” you asked, putting a hand on his arm. he flinched, looking up at you. he nodded softly. 

“yeah, yeah, it’s just.. i went to the same high school as her. haven’t seen her in a while,” he started,”i thought she was at mit?”

“she was,” you nodded,”and then i think something happened that made her change her mind? i don’t know. she’s mentioned it before but i don’t remember what she said.”

peter nodded,”i hate to cut the movie night short, but i just remembered that i have to go do something for work, but we can talk later about that date?”

you nodded, sending him a small smile,”sure.”

he’d gather his stuff up before walking to the door with you,”goodnight, pete.”

“g’night, y/n.” he’d smile softly before walking towards the elevator to go to his own floor.

well, that was weird.

add yourself to my tagged list here

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[lunarliza]

Dirty Little Secret | Chapter 4: Ferry Tickets

fuckbuddy!JJ x kook!reader

series masterlist | prev. chapter | chapter one

You and JJ are fuck buddies- strictly physical. But what happens when you find yourself falling more and more for everyone’s favorite golden boy even though all he can see you as is a spoiled rich girl?

note: smut ... like right under here 

“Fuuuck me,” you whimpered, face pressed down to your floral pillowcase. 

“You like that don’t you?” JJ’s hand twisted your hair as the other smacked the side of your ass while he slid himself in and out of you from behind. 

Ted and your mom went into the city for a few days while Macy was off at her tennis lesson which left you with an big empty house for the morning. You had contemplated doing a sunrise yoga on the beach or riding your bike along the pier, but a surprise text from JJ had you cancelling all your self-care plans. 

Which is how you ended up in your current position- under him, back arched, and feeling his thick cock stretch you out. 

“Mm,” you whined, lifting your eyes to his hungry ones as you watched him take you. You felt the cold metal from his rings cling onto your sweaty skin when his hands moved to grip both sides of your hips. 

“Mm, play with me.” 

JJ’s hands snaked around to your wet clit where he gently rubbed you back and forth. It sent you over the edge as you moaned louder into the pillow you were clenching. 

He came into the condom and pulled out of you, collapsing onto your side in a fit of pants. His gold locks were disheveled on his face as his broad chest heaved up and down. You laid in your current position for a few moments, collecting yourself, before springing to the bathroom to get cleaned up. 

You expected him to be gone once you got out, but, much to your surprise, JJ was still submerged in your fluffy white comforter, underwear on, scrolling through his phone. Slightly taken aback, you flopped down next to him. 

You and JJ had this unspoken no cuddling or pillow talk rule, but you decided that, after three months of fooling around, you could at least engage in small talk. 

“Why’d you call me up so early?” you asked, hugging your knees. 

“I was at the store and saw your parents getting gas to leave town. Didn’t see you in the car so I thought you’d be home alone,” he smirked, still glued to his phone, “and I was right.”  

JJ paid a lot of attention to little things- more so than you thought. Here and there he’d bring up a small fact he remembered about you like how you’d braid your hair before swimming or how he saw you talking to someone he thought you didn’t like. It was odd, but you pushed it aside. 

Another thing that always fazed you about him was why he was so open to sleeping with you. You assumed it was him getting off on the satisfaction of fucking a Kook, but the hateful remarks he made the other day on the boat with Rafe confused you. 

“Since when did you start hanging out with Topper and Rafe?” he asked, tossing his phone to the side.

You didn’t expect that question from him. “I don’t. Jade just dragged me with her because she’s trying to get with Rafe.” 

JJ snorted. “Oh Jade... she has a nice rack. And she can do way better than him, he looks like a celery.” 

You giggled at his uncanny comparison. “Hey JJ.” 

He lifted his eyebrows, leaning over on his side. “It was you that day wasn’t it? The day you caught me smoking, you’re the one who fucked up Topper’s bike.” 

You had always wondered what on earth JJ was running from the day you two met. You almost forgot about it until Topper brought up his messed up bike on the boat. You remembered hearing him whine about it months ago during class, the Monday after, and mentally put the pieces together. 

“What’s it to ya?” JJ responded, growing peeved. 

You shrugged. “Just wondering. I just don’t get this war between you guys. It’s honestly ridiculous, like what good is throwing shit at each other or punching each other gonna do?” 

The light-haired boy groaned and sat up in annoyance. “Of course you wouldn’t get it. You’re a fucking Kook. You can do whatever the hell you want- buy whatever you want, hurt whoever you want- and get away with it. Nothing ever affects you because at the end of the day, you just come straight home to your gated neighborhood with not a spec on your back. You’ll never know what it’s like to not have everything you want!” 

You scoffed and crossed your arms, standing from the bed to get away from him. “Well guess what, prick? I actually do know what it’s like. I didn’t always have this stupid life!” 

You ran your hands through your hair and avoided his gaze. That was probably the first time you confessed that out loud to someone since you moved. You heard JJ shift a little on your bed as pure silence soon enveloped you both. 

Since he was already there, why not just let the entire cat out the bag?

“I use to live in a small town outside of Charlotte. My parents didn’t have a lot but they tried to give me and my sister everything they could. My dad would come home late sometimes- there were days when we wouldn’t even see him. My mom sold clothes, shoes, hats, anything she could make at home so we could eat.” You turned to face him. “And as much as it fucking sucked, I liked it better that way than now.” 

“So what happened?” JJ peered up at you with sheer orbs and, for a moment, you forgot about his tactless, cold-blooded self. 

You sighed and pursed your lips. “My parents divorced because my dad kept having to leave and I moved homes for a few years. Then my mom met Ted and I was, unwillingly, initiated to this Kook life.” 

JJ lifted his eyebrows in shock. “You know most people see that as a like a Cinderella story.” 

“Well I see it like hell.” 

He let out a soft chuckle. 

“I know I should be more grateful of everything, but it’s just hard. And weird.” You’re back sitting beside him on the bed at this point. “Like, I’m just not use to this. I’ve never had a phone with internet until now and my mom keeps wanting me to pretend I’m some preppy fairy. And the kids here all suck. They have no personality other than their clothes and cars, and they don’t like me cause I don’t give a shit about that stuff. I really do hate it here. And I miss my dad. I haven’t seen him in years.” 

You plopped your head on the pillow and stared at your ceiling. It was nice to get all that off your chest, especially to JJ who’s been shoving his preconceived notions down your throat. 

“Well I almost feel sorry for you,” JJ said jokingly as you playfully shoved him. 

“But I get it, kinda. I don’t know. My mom passed away, so it’s just me and my dad. He’s,” he paused for a moment, “he has his quirks, you can say. We don’t get along too well, and he’s too busy working to really give me any real attention. It sucks.” 

“I’m sorry,” you comforted as he maneuvered so he was laying down next to you. You both rested side by side, fixated on your plain white ceiling. It was nice to finally talk to JJ without making a snide comment every two seconds. 

“Do you think it’ll get any better?” you asked, out of the blue. 

“You wanna know the truth?” You turned to your side, tucking your arm under your head, ready for his spiel. 

“I think we’re where we are for a reason. Do I wanna get the fuck outta here sometimes? Yeah. But I just know I’m meant to have this life and there’s not much I can do to get out. Just gotta take it day by day.” 

“C’mon, you never dreamed of going anywhere else in the world? Traveling?” you raised, a bit more enthusiastic than you intended to let on. 

JJ exhaled. “I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

The two of you laid in a comfortable silence for a while longer. There was, finally, an air of understanding between you.

“Why don’t you come to our side then?” JJ asked after a few minutes. “If you hate it here in Kookville so much, why don’t you try the other end for a change?” 

“I don’t know. My stepdad thinks The Cut is literally a death wish. He wouldn’t even let my mom go grocery shopping near there. It’s honestly kinda weird to me why he hates it so much.” 

“And he never told you why?” 

You shook your head and JJ retreated in thought. “I think he’s hiding something. Probably has a mistress over there to be honest.” 

You laughed and hit his stomach. “No! Him and my mom are literally attached by the hip! I don’t know... One day Macy went over to see a friend she met and he just flipped. Went over, took her away and everything. Maybe he’s just classist. I mean, he’s old money so I wouldn’t be surprised. But if he is then he wouldn’t have married my mom.” 

“Maybe...” JJ muttered. “I still think he’s hiding something. Could be drugs. You know I see Kook guys come over for coke sometimes. Then, on their lunch breaks, their dads come for the same thing. Father and son bonding if you ask me.” 

“Well, whatever it is, we can add this case to our mystery book,” you laughed. A real, heartfelt laugh. 

You and JJ spent the remainder of the morning talking about your lives, learning how wrong you each were about the other. He told you about the Pogues and how his friend Kiara, who you recognized from school, hangs out with them despite being wealthy herself. On the other hand, you continued to complain to him about all the stuck up nonsense your mother would make you do- to which he actively listened and pitched in his own amusing opinions. 

“What do you need etiquette lessons for? How hard is it to stick your pinky out when you drink?” 

The topic then switched to Topper and his crew. You settled on calling them the Veggie Tales which made you both erupt in laughter. “What was your first time like?” you asked bluntly. 

He threw you an odd look, but continued. “Tourist at a party. I was 15 and I think she was 17? I dunno, but she sure showed me the ropes that night.” He beamed up at the ceiling, thinking back to the time. 

“Aren’t all first times supposed to be really awkward and bad?” 

“Maybe. I don’t really remember it. Just her. She was fine as hell,” he had on his dreamy eyes. “What was your’s like?” 

You let out a sharp breath. You’d never told anyone about it until now. “Before I left the city I was dating this guy for a little while. He came from farmers, so we did it in his uncles barn.” 

“Aw, how romantic,” JJ commented before you smacked him with a decorative pillow. 

“Ow! What? I thought every girl’s dream was to do it with the chickens watching.” 

Your face knotted. “It was horses. And I still have nightmares to this day about the hay sticking at my ass.” 

The boy next to you snickered and went on to tease you about your story, cracking all the farm jokes his little blonde head could come up with. 

“I should get going soon,” JJ informed when you both settled down, “Thursdays I meet Kie at The Wreck to help out.” 

Your eyes jolted. “Thursday?!” 

You soared up from your bed and checked the time on your phone. “Fuck fuck fuck!” Your hands tangled up in your hair in stress. “My debutante lessons!”

“What the fuck is that?” 

“I have to go to Chapel Hill, my ferry leaves in 20 minutes,” you explained while hastily shoving heels into your canvas bag. Then it occurred to you that your parents took your car because theirs was in the shop. 

“Fuck! JJ did you drive here?” 

“Yeah, I parked my friend’s van by the gate,” he answered, still confused at the gibberish you spoke moments ago. 

“JJ I need you to take me to the dock right now! Please! I can’t miss this ferry.” 

“Alright, alright, hurry up then woman! The van only goes up to 110 on a good day.” JJ struggled to get his clothes back on and didn’t even notice his t-shirt on backwards.

You both sprinted out your house and to the front of the neighborhood, past the gate, and towards a clunky old Volkswagen that was parked on the side of the road. You hurried in as JJ fumbled with the keys before thrusting it in the ignition and speeding off towards the dock. 

“Fuck we’re not gonna make it!” you stressed, balling your sweaty palms, as your legs bounced on the torn up seat.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry! She’s old but just give her a minute,” JJ assured before he revved the engine and flew down the street. You were concerned at how he expertly steered the old clunker at 105 miles per hour but were too anxious about missing your trip to bring it up. 

He finally pulled up to the side of the dock. You sighed in relief, seeing people still boarding.

“Aaand here we are! With 3 minutes to spare,” JJ announced, flipping his blonde locks, proud of his Speed Racer work. 

“Thank you for the ride JJ,” you said as you exited the van, “and the heart attack.” 

“Hey, you got here in once peace didn’t you? So I don’t wanna hear it!” 

You giggled and shut the door, heading towards the herd of people while you dug in your bag for your ferry ticket. 

“Have fun at your degenerate lessons!” JJ called out the window at you before speeding away. 

You shook your head with a goofy grin before getting on. 

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

chapter five

tags: @starkeybaby​ @obxlife​ @everydayimfangirling​ @iamaunicorn4704​ @tangledinsparkles​ @poguesrforlife​ @thx-quxxn​ @obxmxybxnk​ @rororo06​ @poguesforlife​ @ilymarkchan​ @outrbanks​ @hazelgirl355 @hsunflower @cinnamon-roll-seth​ @alotbnouf @tembo-ndoto​

[ellewritesathing]

So Close - S.S. XXV

Summary: The universe has a funny way of putting the things you want right in front of you, but just out of reach. Stiles and Y/N have been best friends ever since Scott brought him home, but when Stiles realizes that he might want to be something other than best friends, she leaves to go to some fancy private school up North. Now that she’s back though … maybe he’s got a shot? A Teen Wolf AU in which the reader has always been so close to Stiles and yet so far.

Masterlist Prev. | Part 25

Word-count: 4.2k+

A/N: the dummies are together. the angst is heightened. we’re thriving after that short break guys

The one thing you loved about your friends was that you all had different ways of dealing with problems. The one thing you hated about your friends was that their way of dealing with problems was stupid. 

Derek pulled Malia out of school to help him track down Satomi’s pack, which - although it made sense - was mostly hurtful. You got that they were family and she needed the wolf training, but you used to be the one Derek came to when he needed help. You were the only part of his pack that was still in Beacon Hills, and you understood that things were changing and the group dynamic was different … but still. It bummed you out.

Stiles and Lydia ditched school completely to confront Parrish and visit Meredith in Eichen House. They chose to tell him that he’s on a supernatural hit-list while he was at work, which seemed ridiculous. On top of that, the last time Stiles talked to Meredith, he almost lost it, and the last time Lydia talked to Meredith, Meredith actually did lose it.

Scott had been acting weird since Violet was arrested, and he insisted that there was nothing useful in Garrett’s locker but that didn’t keep him from being shady whenever you asked about it. 

And you couldn’t find Liam anywhere. He was supposed to go for a run with Mason and then meet up with you before school started, but school was almost over now and you still couldn’t find him.

“Sorry, guys. Liam skipped my class. Maybe he’s sick,” Coach said before downing a bottle of cold medicine. “Like me.”

“Liam didn’t look sick on our run,” Mason said as he turned to you and Scott. 

“He’s not getting back to any of my texts,” Scott said. 

“Or mine,” you mumbled. 

Mason started walking away as the bell rang but Scott caught his shoulder and gave him the patented big brother smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll find him,” he promised. “But text me if you see him?” 

“Yeah, alright,” Mason said.

You sighed and looked at your brother. “Okay, so we both agree that he’s been taken, right?” you asked. 

He didn’t get a chance to answer before his phone started vibrating. “Maybe not,” he said before answering the incoming call from Liam. “Liam? … Where is he? … I’ll give you the money.” 

“What money?” you whispered, tapping his arm furiously as he continued ignoring you. 

Scott gave you a look before returning his attention to the call. “What do you want?” After a few seconds, he put his phone back in his pocket and gave you a very worried look. 

“Well? What do they want?” you asked, folding your arms over your chest. 

“Garrett’s got Liam,” he said. “And if I don’t give him his money back and break out Violet, he’s gonna kill him.” 

---

Another terrible plan: Scott meets Garrett where they park the school busses and you take Kira and start searching for Liam. He could literally be anywhere in the city, but Scott wouldn’t listen to you and you needed to find him before anything bad happened to him. 

“You do realize that we’ve been going in a circle for the past hour, right?” Kira asked, nervousness evident in her voice. 

“What? No, we haven’t,” you said as you stopped and looked around. That was the old oak that you passed five minutes into the hike. “Oh, crap.” 

“Yeah, we’ve passed that tree with the weird trunk like three times already,” Kira said. “Are you sure you know how to do this?” 

“I- I thought I did.” You ran a hand through your hair and sighed. “Okay, new plan. The woods are huge but there’s not a lot of good hiding places. There’s the old distillery, lookout point, a few caves, and … and a well, I think. We hit those first and then try along the river. Sound good?” 

She nodded and gave you an encouraging smile before you started trudging forward again.

It took you a few more hours to get through some of the different locations, but then Kira frowned and stopped walking. “Did you feel that?” she asked. 

“Feel what?” you asked, looking down to see if any of the ground had shifted underneath you. 

“I don’t know! It was like … I think it came from that direction,” she said and pointed East. 

“The only thing in that direction is the well,” you said. “Can you keep going that way without me? If it’s Liam, you can get to him before I can.” 

She gave you an unsure nod before dashing off towards the well. You followed her as closely as you could, hoping against all your instincts that Liam was still alright. When you got the well, it was still boarded up and there was some old chain lying next to it. Kira was bent over the edge talking to someone. 

“-she’ll be here any second, just hold on, okay?” she said. 

“Liam?” you called down the well. He looked ready to cry when you saw him. “Okay, buddy, there’s some old chain here from when they got water out of there, if I drop it down do you think you can hold on?” 

“You guys are gonna pull me up?” he asked. 

“We’re gonna try,” you said with a small smile. You threw down one end of the chain. “Wrap it around your waist, okay? Kira and I are gonna pull you up but it would help if you could try climbing up the sides.” 

“What do you think I’ve been doing all day?” he yelled up at you. 

He tugged on the chain after he had it around himself and you and Kira exchanged a look before taking heavy breaths and starting to pull.

“Jesus Christ, what does this kid eat for breakfast?” you breathed. 

Between the three of you, you managed to get him up to the edge of the well. As soon as his shoulders were high enough, he was able to pull himself over the edge. But then he slipped. You and Kira dug your heels into the ground but the momentum was too much. Scott got there just in time to keep him from falling in again. 

“You’re okay, Liam,” he said before pulling him into a hug. “You’re okay.” 

You dropped the chain and rushed forward, taking his face in your hands as you started looking at him. “Okay, I think you’re okay,” you said. “But we need to get you to Deaton. What did Garrett-” 

“I’m fine,” he said. “But he stabbed with something and it really hurts.” 

“Wolfsbane,” you, Scott, and Kira all said at the same time. 

“We need to go,” Scott said. 

The four of you got to Deaton in record time, and he was able to make the incision before Liam’s symptoms got worse. It was still one of the longest days of your life, and you were relieved to finally get home and shower. 

The visions were getting better as more time passed, but that didn’t mean that your dreams were free of them and you still got at least one every week in the shower. And today was your lucky day; Vision You had fangs and claws and she attacked Liam. 

Pushing the thoughts out of your mind, you took deep breaths as you used a towel to dry your hair on your way to Scott’s room. “Hey, that was pretty crazy today with Garrette,” you started. Your words fell short when you saw him and Stiles sitting on the floor with a pile of cash between them. “And it gets crazier, apparently. What is going on?”

“Close the door,” Scott said quickly. 

You did and then you sat down on the floor, opposite the bed. There was so much money right in front of you and your mom spent her Sunday nights right downstairs, going over bills in the dark trying to figure out what could wait another week to be paid. 

“I found it in Garrett’s locker,” Scott explained. “It’s the money from the jobs he and Violet did.” 

“So this is Derek’s money?” you asked. 

“Technically,” Stiles said.

You nodded slowly. “Okay, okay. And what’s this?” You held up an old cassette tape with the words ‘play me’ written on it. “I’m guessing it’s not another breakup mix.” 

“We haven’t played it yet,” Scott said, either not noticing your attempt at humor or choosing not to acknowledge it. 

He got up to find his old tape player and you sat with Stiles, bouncing your leg and biting your lip. 

“Hey, it’s okay,” Stiles said softly, putting a hand over the hand you had resting on your restless knee. 

You smiled at him but it didn’t do anything to ease your nerves. “Did you find out anything with Meredith today?” 

“Uh, yeah, I guess you could say that,” Stiles said before straightening up and taking a breath. “She killed herself after we left.” 

“Oh my god, Stiles-” you moved to face him better. Tightening your grip on his hand, you asked, “Are you okay? That’s-” 

“Found it,” Scott said, a little too cheerfully for your taste. 

You pulled away from Stiles slightly as Scott put the tape in and pressed play. 

After entering the IP address, you will be connected, through a Darknet portal, to an untraceable bank. Once logged in, enter your account number to receive wire transfers. The IP address will deactivate with each transfer. You will be assigned a new IP address if you choose to continue down the list. Remember: visual confirmation is always required for payment.  

Stiles shut off the tape. “Have either of you ever made a wire transfer?” 

“Never had enough money,” Scott said as you shook your head. 

“So you didn’t understand a word of that either?” Stiles asked. 

“I don’t understand any of this,” Scott said. They both looked so tired. “Why would someone use all this money just to kill us?” 

“Someone wants you dead, dude,” Stiles said. “Badly.” 

“Okay, but doesn’t someone always want us dead?” you asked. Scott shrugged lightly. “I’m not the only one thinking that this is … extreme. Am I?” 

Neither of them said answered and after a few seconds, Scott started scooping up the money and put it back in the bag. 

“Woah, woah, what are you doing?” Stiles asked. 

“It’s late, and we’ve got the PSATs in the morning,” Scott said. 

“No, I- I meant the money,” Stiles said. “Five hundred thousand dollars. You know how much money that is?”

“That’s five hundred thousand dollars?” you asked. They’d left that part out when they explained what they were doing. “That could pay all our bills, for both our families. Our debt ...”

“Yeah, it’s half a million dollars,” Stiles said, sounding more than a little snippy. “What are you going to do, Scott? Just slide it under your mattress?”

“I have to talk to Derek,” Scott said. “The money’s his.” 

“You mean his and Peter’s,” Stiles said. You bit your lip and Scott asked what he meant. “What does that mean? It means maybe we should proceed with caution.” 

“You don’t think we should tell Derek?” Scott asked. 

“I think he means that we just don’t tell Peter,” you said. “Right?”

“I don’t know. I just-” Stiles got to his feet and sighed, rubbing his face as he turned away from you. “No, of course, we have to tell Derek. I’m just saying … Just saying some of that money’s Peter’s, right? The homicidal killer. Do we really want to give half a million dollars to him?”

“So you guys are saying we should give Derek his money back … but not Peter?” Scott asked. 

“Hey, I haven’t said anything,” you said. 

“And I didn’t say that,” Stiles said. 

“Stiles …” Scott said, “What are you saying?” 

Someone was stomping up the stairs and Scott shoved the duffel bag under his bed and jumped to his feet. Stiles pulled you up as he did, and you were still in a weird half-hugging embrace when Malia pushed open Scott’s door. 

“We found Satomi’s pack. Derek and I,” she said. She was wet from the rain outside. “But they’re dead.” 

“All of them?” Scott asked. 

“All the ones we found,” Malia said. 

“Wait, where’s Derek?” you asked, untangling yourself from Stiles slightly. 

“Braeden was there when we found the pack but she was shot,” Malia explained. “Derek took her to the hospital.”

“Okay, so he’s okay,” you said with a deep breath. “Is there anything we can do?” 

“Well, considering they’re all dead, unless anyone here knows how to make funeral arrangements, I don’t think so,” Stiles said. He was still on edge about the money and you couldn’t blame him.

“So you guys should get some sleep before your test,” you sighed, looking down. 

“Okay, come on, Malia. I’ll drive you home,” Stiles said. He stepped forward and pressed a kiss to your temple and you grabbed his hand. 

“Uh, where do you think the two of you are going?” you asked. 

“You literally just told us to go home,” Stiles said. 

“No, I said to get some sleep,” you corrected slowly. “We’ll drag my mattresses in here and sleep in Scott’s room for the night.” 

“Uh, I’m not so sure that’s a good idea,” Scott said. 

“Yeah, I don’t have any of my stuff,” Malia said. 

“You’ll leave early tomorrow and pick it up,” you said. “Guys, I know … I know it sounds crazy, but there are people trying to kill us. And I- I can’t lose anyone else. And maybe it’s the rain making me paranoid but-”

“Okay, why don’t I go shower and you guys get the beds or whatever?” Stiles suggested. “We can talk after.” 

You gave him a small smile and a nod and, before you knew it, you were dragging in your mattresses and laying them on either side of Scott’s bed. Stiles didn’t take an especially long shower so he helped get blankets while Malia showered. Then the two of you headed to the kitchen because you realized that you went almost the whole day without eating. Maybe that’s why you were so jittery right now.

You sat on the counter with your legs crossed while Stiles put together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for you (‘it’ll fix whatever’s going with you, just trust me’). Watching him carefully as he worked in the dim lighting, you twisted the necklace he’d given you in your hand. That party felt like it was years ago now. 

“Here,” he said, quietly interrupting your thoughts as he handed you the plate. 

“You take such good care of me,” you smiled, letting the plate rest in your lap as you lifted the sandwich up to take a bite. 

“Yeah, well, someone has to,” Stiles said with a smile. He looked so tired as he leaned on the counter across from you. You were so focused on taking in all the same details on his face, you almost didn’t see how they connected to make a small grin as he looked at you. 

“What?” you asked, straightening up. You set what was left of the sandwich down and touched your face “Is there something on my face?” 

“No, well- Yeah, but that’s not why I’m smiling,” he laughed under his breath as he spoke. He took a few steps closer and lifted his hand to the side of your face, using his thumb to wipe your cheek. 

“So why are you smiling?” you said softly. It felt like your regular voice was too loud for this moment. 

“Why are you whispering?” Stiles whispered. 

You tilted your head to the side. “I asked you first.” The two of you looked at one another for a while before laughing. You moved the plate and shifted closer to him, arms gently resting on his shoulders and fingers lightly laced into his hair. “Hey, are you okay?” 

“Yeah, why?” he asked. His hands had fallen to your lower back, and you could tell he was doing his best to be still. 

“Because someone that you knew just committed suicide,” you said as gently as you could. You moved carefully to tuck some of his hair behind his ear. “And you had to go back to Eichen House for the first time after … it must have been hard.” 

“Uh, yeah,” he said, looking down. “Yeah, it was. Harder on Lydia though. The only other banshee she’s ever met and not only was she crazy but she killed herself? That’s rough.” 

He was deflecting but you knew better than to push. He’d talk when he was ready. 

So instead, you mustered up a supportive smile and said, “Then I guess it’s a good thing that she had you there with her.” He mumbled some agreement and you kissed his cheek before pushing him back slightly so you could slide off the counter. “Come on, let’s get some sleep.” 

That night, you and Malia slept on Scott’s bed, and Stiles slept on the mattress closest to you. You let your hand drift over the edge of the bed and pretended not to notice when his hand reached up to meet yours. 

--- 

“So you’re hanging out with Liam today?” Scott asked, just before it was time for them to leave. 

“Yeah, he canceled on me though so I think I’m just gonna catch up on homework. You know, since you guys decided today was the day to be good students,” you said, dramatically rolling your eyes. “Hey, you guys stay safe out there today, okay?” 

“Always,” he said with a smile before he yelled for the others to hurry up. 

“I would have been done fifteen minutes ago if Stiles would’ve hurried up in the bathroom!” Malia yelled as she stomped down the stairs, Stiles right on her heels. 

“I’ll have you know that I happen to take a reasonable amount of time in the bathroom,” he said. “You held us up with all your complaining. We get it: you’re not a morning person.” 

“Neither are you, sunshine,” you said, stifling a laugh as you pulled him into a side hug and kissed his cheek. He mumbled something underneath his breath and you turned his head to look at you. “Good luck. Be careful, alright?” 

“It’s not like I’m on the deadpool,” Stiles said. “The worst I’ve got to worry about is the math portion.” 

“Yeah,” you said softly. You looked at him for a second before pulling away. “Okay, you guys get out of here before you miss the exam.” 

You were alone for a few hours after they left. It gave you time to eat something and pull your room straight again. You sighed, still having a few hours before they’d be done with their test. Liam was with Mason today (probably), and Lydia was still trying to find answers in her grandmother’s study. Even though you offered to go with, she said that it was something she had to do alone. 

You weren’t used to having alone time anymore. 

Looking at your desk, you saw the mountains of homework that were piling up. Now was as good a time as any to get them done. 

Somewhere between finishing your reading assignments and procrastinating your chemistry booklets, you checked the time on your phone. The PSAT should have ended by now, but you didn’t have any updates from any of your friends. 

Pushing the increasing anxiety down, you called your mom. 

“Hey, Mom, I know I’m not supposed to call you at work but I was wondering if you’d heard anything from Scott yet,” you said when she answered, praying she couldn’t hear the worry in your voice. All you needed right now was to be a problem child. 

“Uh, sweetheart, I don’t know how to tell you this-” you heard her sigh and your heart lurched. “There’s been an outbreak at the school and it’s been quarantined.” 

“Quarantined?” you echoed, moving all of your papers aside and getting to your feet. “An outbreak of what?” 

“We don’t know yet,” she said. “Listen, hun, I’ve really gotta go. I’m helping Deaton figure this out, but I want you to know that I love you.” 

You shoved your feet into shoes and ran down the stairs while she spoke. “Yeah, I love you too,” you said quietly before grabbing Scott’s keys on the counter. 

You still hated the bike, but you had to admit that driving so recklessly and freely calmed your nerves slightly. After basically dumping the bike in an attempt to park it, you rushed over to where the police were. Noah could explain. 

Except, instead of Noah, the first person you found was your dad. 

“Dad!” you yelled when a deputy didn’t want to let you through. He came over and the deputy let go of your arm. “Dad, what the hell is happening? Mom said the high school’s been quarantined.” 

“Right now, we don’t know exactly what’s happened,” Rafael tried to explain. “Doctors have already been inside to get blood samples and other Hazmats are going in about half an hour to check for deadly contaminants.” 

“Okay, but Scott’s in there,” you said. “Shouldn’t you be in there too?” 

“Trust me, I’m working on it,” he said with a sigh. “Why aren’t you in there? Isn’t it a big test day?” 

“Yeah, for juniors. I’m a sophomore,” you said slowly. 

“Right, of course,” he said. He sounded tired. Everyone sounded tired. “I’ve never been so relieved that you’re not in the same grade as Scott.” 

Really? You’d never been more frustrated. 

Putting on a fake smile, you made up some lie about stepping aside to call your mom and let her know that you were safe. You took a few steps away from the group and called Derek. It rang and rang but he picked up in the end. 

“Hey, do you know anything about what’s happening?” you asked in a low voice. “I need to get in there but-”

“Yeah, you do,” he said. “We’ve got an idea on how to fix this but you need to figure out a way into the school, alright? There’s an entrance to the vault from the basement. Inside there’s a jar of reishi mushrooms. They need to take it.” 

“I thought werewolves couldn’t get sick. This is affecting them too?” you asked as you scanned the building for an entry point. 

“Yes,” Derek answered. “Your mom sent your dad in but I don’t know if he’s going to find them in time. Can you do this?” 

“Of course,” you said, pushing your doubts down. “I can get in through the locker room. The lock’ll be easy to get past and it connects right onto the school. In and out in less than half an hour.” 

“Hey, be careful,” Derek warned. “We don’t know what else is in there besides the toxin, or if it’ll affect you.” 

“Watch out, Derek. It’s starting to sound like you care,” you teased. You promised to be careful and then hung up. 

Shoving your phone in your pocket, you headed around to the side of the school with the locker room. You wormed your way there without attracting attention and picked the lock. Closing the door behind you, you moved as quickly and quietly as you could through the school. Following Derek’s instructions, you found the vault in no time.

What you didn’t expect to find was Stiles lying against the opening of the vault, face was covered in blood, but you did. 

You rushed to his side and cupped his face, trying to see if he was responsive. He was cold. “Stiles? Stiles, are you okay?” you asked, almost too panicked to realize that he was looking at you with one of the most confused expressions you’d ever seen. 

“Am I dead?” he asked, voice hoarse. You shook your head and that only made him more confused, “Y/N, how did you find me?” 

“I’ll always find you,” you said with an anxious smile. “Stiles, who’s blood is this?”

“It’s the- uh, it’s not mine,” he said. 

“Okay, okay,” you said, trying to take a deep breath. “Are the others okay? Derek said the antidote was in the vault.”

“Yeah, I tried telling them but I don’t know how long ago that was,” he said, voice fading slightly. “I haven’t heard anything in a while.” 

Nodding, you leaned closer and pressed a kiss to his forehead before standing up. “Scott?” you yelled, banging your fist against the wall. “Scotty, if you can hear me, can you give me a sign?” Nothing. It felt like your heart was breaking. “Please?”

A few seconds later, the wall started sliding to the side and Scott collapsed out of the vault opening. Stiles grabbed his shoulder and pulled him into a hug, and you collapsed down next to them and did the same. 

They were alive. They were okay. 

“You guys are never taking a standardized test again, okay?” you choked out, holding onto the back of their heads. 

The two of them said something that you wouldn’t remember five minutes later and you gathered yourselves up to check on Kira and Malia. 

You could barely tell either of them had been inches away from death half an hour ago. Kira seemed completely fine as Scott helped her to her feet, but Malia looked upset. Stiles was already there, but you went to check on her anyway. She didn’t respond, only pressing a piece of paper into your hand before walking out. 

“Malia Hale,” you read her name softly as you looked at the list. “Four million dollars.”

[charactersadvocatechimata]

Law of Life: Redheads Are Absolute 7

“Do you have all your books?”

“Yup.”

“Lunch?”

“Yup.”

Tony nods and brushes a hand through his hair. “Right. Everything will be fine. My babies will be fine. The school is top notch, and the Maria Stark Foundation donates a good chunk of change. Push comes to shove I’ll throw some money around to get my way. Yeah. A completely controlled environment is ideal.”

Clint smiles up at Tony’s oiled, stained face.

“Yeah. Just remember not to blemish the Stark family name, and you will be all right.”

“Howard.” Tony bites out.

“What? The little pipsqueaks are Stark now. They have a familial responsibility to the name. You know this Antony, don’t be naive that they can escape the burden simply because they are children.” Howard waves a hand imperiously at Clint and Natalie. The two ‘gremlins’ in question exchange a look. Nat does not enjoy the new nickname.

“Well, that’s where you are wrong. I registered them as Clint Barton Wolf and Natalie Barnes Wolf. Pepper even got the school to sign a nondisclosure form regarding their connection to Stark International.”

“Impressive.”

“You bet. I’m not letting the public anywhere near my babies unless they say otherwise.”

Howard snorts contemptuously and rolls his eyes. “If the Fates allow it,” the older Stark mumbles before leaving the room.

“We could just not be spent to school,” Clint pleads.

“Education is important. You know this Corncob.”

“School sucks.”

“No argument here. But this school has some the most diverse programs. Sure it’s one of those snobby Alpha schools-” Tony stops waving his hands and turns to Nat. “Mimmo I informed the school you are an Alpha and Clint is your Beta. I’d figure your natural disposition and confusing scent, no one will question your orientation.”

“Понял.” (Understood.)

The genius smiles. “You’ll be in the same class so if you have any problems, Clint, Nat will put a stop to it. Further, if there is ever a moment you need to come home because you are having a bad day just call me on your cell phone.”

“I’m having a bad day.”

Tony huffs, but he’s still smiling and even ruffles Clint’s hair. “Are you having a bad day or are you scared for your first day of school?”

“Scared for my first day of school.”

“That’s what I thought.” Tony laughs. “Everything will be fine Corncob.”

Clint’s shoulders slump, and he heaves a sigh. He feels a hand brush the back of his head and a tap on his forehead. Clint glances into Ma’s whiskey eyes and vaguely remembers another set of paternal eyes once upon a time.

“Just remember that your Father is stalking you like the creepy ninja security blanket of an Alpha that he is.” Tony sighs fondly.

There is a soft thump from the shadows causing both Tony and Clint to smirk.

“Мне тоже.” (Me, too.)

“Of course, Mimmo.” Tony shifts over to Nat and thumps his head against hers.

“Are the Grand Young Masters, ready to leave Young Master?”

“I think so Jarvis.”

Clint sighs heading towards the car ready to get this day over with already. People could be so people like. And tiring. He didn’t need anyone telling him how much of a freak he was, it was his style after all. But people could focus on the dumbest shit. Just saying pleasantries could be tiring and nothing like shooting arrows. Most people couldn’t even understand how awesome arrows were in the first place, not even Ma or Nat. Of course, they make up for it by making him arrows (Tony) or participating in target practice (Nat).

A smaller hand grips his own and Clint shift his gaze down to Natalie. She gave one of her rare smiles. At least he had Nat.

(Mobile Users beware there is more.)

@@@

Useless. Every single one. Teacher is especially useless.

There is an introduction.

She speaks Russian.

He signs.

The others gape.

Mother has requested only this. Only this.

No escape.

The others watch them. Even during lessons.

Some gawk as he flicks paperclips into the trash can.

She’s been making indents in her hand.

This is not a world ruled by Death.

Yet the fear remains.

A soft touch on her hand. She clenches it tight.

“Are you okay?” he signs.

She smirks. She signs, “define okay.”

“Well my usually no internal bleeding probably doesn’t work anymore,” he signs.

She shakes her head no.

He’s smiling.

He smiled even in the Red Room.

Black and blue. He smiled.

Was the smile carved into his skull?

“Are you okay?” she signs.

“Tired,” he signs back.

She pats his cheek.

The others are still staring.

She clutches his hand. It’s real. It has to be.  

@@@

“Stalker Dad. Can you come out?”

Natalie has a bunch of his shirt fabric gripped tight in her hands and Clint can relate. He keeps trying to count his heartbeats, keep his mind of the multiple entry points, all the various spots for hidden weapons, how open his back is to the kids behind him and the lack of defensible positions. It’s only been two periods, but already there is a sharp stabbing pain above his eyes.

The Winter Soldier of Myth and Legend, who he calls fucking Dad now, reforms from the shadows. The former weapon intense gaze sweeps across the (barely) hidden alcove, and already Clint can feel some of the tightness in his chest residing. “Bad day?” Winter kneels down.

“No. Or maybe. I don’t know. I could use a hug.” Clint stretches out his arms and makes a small grabby motion with his hands like he used to. Winter stiffens, and Clint can feel Nat stiffen behind him as well. “You were normal once Buckaroo, you can give me a hug. No one cares.” The boy knows the former weapon doesn’t like that particular nickname, but he doesn’t care. All he wants is a little bit of comfort.

“Um, sure.” Winter slowly reaches for Clint. Taking every moment between heartbeats to check their surrounds. Finally, one flesh and one metal arm wrap around the boy, and Clint heaves a sigh of relief then drops his head against Winter’s neck. The Alpha is still tense but relaxing bit by bit.

Clint feels his new Father’s heart vibrations traveling along his head. At some point Winter slips onto the grass, pulling Clint onto one side of his lap and making room for Nat to wiggle her way into the embrace. They are both a little awkward but Nat’s humming some soft lullaby and Dad is making a small circular motion with his fingers; it’s indeed comforting.

@@@

“You were gone for an entire year. I mourned you, my Prince.” Some kids shouts and signs. Rather smoothly, too. Clint stands blinking at the strange masked child, but he can feel Nat freeze at his side, probably reaching for a hidden blade.

“Wade!”

“Peter!” Clint blinks again and takes a step outside the classroom.

“You should leave them alone. They probably don’t want to be bothered for now.” An another kid with large framed glasses steps forward from behind the weirdo. Where does the school manage to find such wackos?

“Peter. I had a dream.”

“Was this during first period or second?”

“Fourth, actually. More importantly Petey. My dream.” The masked stranger continues to sign as he talks rather smoothly too. “Where I fought the great powers of brainwashing lead by a sexy cat with my two sidekicks, and he was one of my sidekicks.”

“Wade.”

“Yes, Petey?”

“How could you mourn his loss, if you were asleep the entire time the new students were gone?” Peter pushes his glasses against his nose and Nat makes another tug at Clint’s shirt. Yet Wade doesn’t answer the smaller boy right away instead he signs Peter’s words.

“Love, magic, rainbows and chemical-x.”

“Of course, silly me.”

“I’m not your sidekick.” Clint finally manages to voice.

“Too good to be my sidekick,” Wade whines while pressing his hand to his chest. Only to signs his words again ending with the same gesture.

“Nah, I’m her sidekick.” Clint gestures back at Natalie.

“You spoke? Awesome. What else can you do?” Wade asks.

“I like archery.” Nat makes a sharp tug at Clint’s shirt, and when he glances down, she makes another sharp gesture with her hand. “Nat likes knives.”

“Yeah, pointy things are awesome. I keep my katanas in my locker because the teacher was nervous of the stabbing things.”

“Sad.” Nat pipes up, and Clint grins.

“You get me, scary child.” Wade nods seriously.

“Wade.” Peter sighs from the now bouncing Wade.

“It’s a compliment. Jessica always perks up when I call her the scariest thing since Discord made every-pony forget their true selves. Now she’s got competition.”

“You bet. Nat is the scariest thing since running out of pizza bites.”

“My. That is a might power. We ran out of pizza bites last Saturday, and Logan refused to buy more. I thought I would perish.”

“Oh no. What did you do?”

“We had some frozen chimichangas. So I persisted.”

Clint sniggers. “Good thing. Who's Logan?”

“My kind of not-Dad guardian person.”

“I’ve got one of those. And sort of Mom-not-mom, too.”

“Petey, too.”

“Wade means my Uncle Ben and Aunt May.”

“Cool.”

“Well, then. Scary Nat and Sidekick Clint would you like to throw pointy things with Petey and me?”

Clint shifts his eyes over to Nat and cocks a brow the way he's seen Tony do. She nods.

“Sure. Sounds fun.”

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