#i am really hoping i can pay it forward a little once i get better benefits even if it's not much

[cinnasaur]

augh my phone was just cut off and i'm freaking out a little cuz i have no money left til friday, plus i still need syringes for my hormones and i owe my doctor $40 and i'm hungry ):

i was approved for disability but it looks like i won't be actually getting anything from it til at least the end of September, and i just don't know what to do in the meantime...

if i could please ask for help just a bit longer, i hopefully won't have to keep asking so much soon.

i am setting a new goal of $200 to cover this stuff, but for now i just need $40 to get phone service back and then however much anyone might be able to spare to help me get food.

reblogs would help a lot too! thank you so much again for your patience and support, it means the world to me

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Tell me, tell me, tell me

Warnings: non/dubcon and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: Loki

Summary: your husband doesn't handle change well and falls into old habits.

This is one of my birthday drabbles. Of course, little lies had a lot of votes and has earned it's own little add on. Thanks again for your input :) Enjoy.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

A birthday drabble for Little Lies 

You sit up and smile as the man exits Loki’s office. He looks content but your husband looks less than as he appears in the doorway. He crosses his arms and watches the candidate leave. You’ve gone through this routine at least two dozen times this week. 

“How was it?” You ask. 

He hums flatly and stares after the man’s departure. 

“His resume was great. What’s wrong?” 

Loki pouts and looks at you. He stands straight and crosses his arms. “He’s not you.” 

“Oh, I know. I’m so talented at keeping your agenda,” you retort dryly. “You can’t keep doing this. You have to hire someone.” 

“Don’t you understand?” He strides forward and stops just on the other side of your desk. His hands drop to his hips. “You’re asking me to replace you. That’s impossible.” 

“Ha, when did you get so sentimental?” You ignore him for the email on your screen. 

“Since the day you broke your leg, actually.” 

“Shut up,” you snip without looking up. 

“Truly. As worried as I might’ve been, I do miss those crutches. You were... manageable then.” 

You shake your head. “Well, you never are, but I’m hoping you can find an assistant that can do a somewhat decent job of it.”

He huffs and slithers around the desk. He sits on the corner, crowding you. “It won’t matter. I’ll be a mess without you, darling.” 

“I screened him. What was wrong with Peter?” You challenge, leaning back in your chair to face him. 

“Little upstart. I don’t need him flirting with my clients,” he harrumphs. 

“As if you don’t.” 

“On my honour,” he puts his hand to his chest, “I’ve changed my ways. You know it. I gave my vows.” 

“Uh huh.” You tut and check the time. “Well, who else? Jacqueline was good. She has a great CV and she’s very warm and welcoming.” 

“But I adore the way you snarl at me. It makes me...” Loki trails off and touches his belt. 

“You’re looking for an assistant,” you remind him. 

“Yes, but I will be losing my wife.” 

“That’s dramatic. It’s not like you can’t come see me. I can come back too between terms.” 

“School. You’re leaving me for school,” he mopes and shakes his head. 

“I’m trying to better myself, Lo. I don’t want to be your secretary my whole life.” 

“Personal Assistant,” he corrects. “Prized Asset.” 

“Ugh, you are so--” you put your hand up in exasperation. “This isn’t about the job. You’ll just call the temp agency, huh? So, you don’t have to pay benefits.” 

He shrugs guiltily as he examines the wall behind you. 

“What is this really about?” You insist. 

“Nothing.” 

“Tell me.” 

“I swear, I’ll miss you--” 

“Yeah, yeah, and I’ll miss you too. Blah blah blah,” you flutter your fingers at him and push yourself to your feet. You go to him and he looks at you with those sparkling green eyes. You put your hands on his shoulders and he instinctively frames your hips. “What is bothering you so much?” 

He stares at you then looks down. His lips thin and he tilts his head one way then the other. His gaze flicks back up to you. A grin creases his face and he laughs, “it’s foolish. Stupid! I shouldn’t worry.” 

“Loki,” you warn. 

He sighs. He peeks over at the door and his mouth slants. “You’re going to meet a lot of young men. Like that Peter.” 

You narrow your eyes and frown. Then you smile and scoff. You grab his chin and make him look at you, “you’re worried I’m going to meet some young gun and ditch my old man?” 

“Old? I wouldn’t use that word,” he winces. 

“You really think I would run off with some young hunk? With big burly shoulders and a nice chest...” Your let your tone drift into a dreamy drone. “Oh and thick hair and stamina like no one’s business...” 

“Hey!” He pokes your side and you cackle. 

“Loki, I’m not going to do anything like that. I’ll be far too busy studying and I’m too old for all that. Those twenty-year olds don’t want me. Now, hire a replacement so I can deal with all this nonsense.” You caress his cheek and give a smile. 

“You underestimate those twenty-year old cads. I once was one and I would've pounced on you at once.” 

“Oh really. Because you’re like forty and took years.” 

“Eh, let’s not toss around numbers here.” He sniffs. “I’m just saying that you are a beautiful woman, obviously. I married you. And those young ones, well, they like the allure of an older woman.” 

“Alright, alright,” you pat his shoulder. “Let it go.” You exhale and look him in the face. He stares back at you and squeezes your hips. “I’ll miss you.” 

His cheeks dust with pink and he smirks, “I'll miss you too, darling.” 

“You better.” 

His eyes fog and slowly crawl down. You squirm as he stands, crowding you, and his hands grazes along your sides. He walks his fingertips up and down and grips your waist again. He spins you suddenly, pinning you against the desk. 

“Let me be your young gun, eh? Show you this old man’s still got it.” He purrs. 

“Lo,” you rub his chest. 

“I can’t have you running off not thinking of me and how I’d put any of them to shame.” He winks and leans in, brushing the tip of his nose against yours. “Mm, Mrs. Laufeyson, is that what you want? A sweet young thing. I’ve not lost my touch, believe me.” 

“Lo,” you put your hand over one of his. 

“I feel you trembling, darling.” 

“Not here,” you tug on his hand. 

“Anywhere.” He urges you back until you hit the desk.  

He leans in until you’re forced to brace the desk. You strain backward and he reaches around to swipe the desk clear. Your monitor and laptop teeter dangerously near the edge as the rest of your things scatter. You gasp. 

“Loki!” 

“I’ll buy new ones,” he lifts you at once and puts you on the desk. 

“You can’t--” 

“I am.” 

He puts his hand under your chin and forces your head up. His thumb rubs along your cheekbones as he marvels down at you. He exhales and tickles your nose with his. You scrunch up your face and he presses a kiss to your lips. 

You push against his chest as his tongue glides along your lips. You murmur and try to resist. You never can. His hand brushes up and down your side then hooks up to your neck. He holds your head between his hands as he invades your mouth. He consumes you as he shifts and pushes between your knees. 

You clutch his lapel and part from his lips with a gulp. “Loki--” 

“Let me remind you who you married, darling. It was no old man,” he yanks his tie free as he clings to the front of your blouse, bunching it as he keeps you snagged. He tosses the silk and draws you back to him. 

You giggle, cheeks vibrant with heat, and shake your head. “Oh, I know who I married.” 

“And you will keep it in mind with those young lads.”  

He pinches a button, tediously undoing it with a single hand. He snarls and withdraws briefly to tear open his shirts. Buttons scatter as he snarls and steps up once more. He cradles your head in his hands and enshrines you in another fervent kiss, this one has you breathless. 

You put your hands on your chest, feeling the way his muscle tenses with need. He shudders as you drag your touch down to his stomach and the firm muscle clenches. He growls into you and bends you until your back is against the desk. He pins you there as he runs his hand down the length of your figure. 

He hooks his thumb beneath the hem of your dress and pushes the skirt up. You wriggle and feel blindly along his belt. He twitches as you latch onto his buckle. He hums and parts from your mouth, gasping against your cheek. 

His belt clinks open at your blind tugging and you pick open his fly. He growls and nips your ear lobe, laying a trail of kisses across your jaw and down your neck. He pants slacken and you push them down with his briefs. He springs free and wiggles his hips so his belt slides lower. 

He pulls your rear over the edge and flutters his fingers along your thigh. You curl your other leg around him as he tickles the front of your panties. He presses your clit through the thin fabric. You draw his mouth back to yours hungrily.  

Your tongues meet in a flurry of need and dread. You need each other right then and dread the separation to come. You’ve been outrunning that fact. That distance will not be easy, even so much as you’ve longed for it. 

He rubs you through your panties until he can feel you seeping through. He traces the trim of the lingerie and peels them away from your cunt. The satin bunches against your thigh as he flips your skirt up and moves closer. 

You know each other by touch. He finds you without hesitation. He slides into you in a single lunge and you drone in delight. Your turn your head as his wet lips smear over your cheek. He groans as your walls squeeze him. 

“Darling,” he drawls. 

You puff and arch your back, hooking your legs so that your heels press into the back of his thighs. You tilt your hips, goading him on as he takes his long, patient strokes. That pace he keeps when he means to torture. 

You snarl and grab his chin. You force his head up, “I thought you said you weren’t going to fuck me like an old man.” 

His eyes flicker and his lips curve into a devious smirk. He slams his hips against you and you cry out. Your nails dig into his jaw and you laugh through your teeth. He does it again, jolting the desk with you, and you quiver around him. 

“Oh, yes,” you grit. “You can do it, old man.” 

“Old. Man.” He chuffs out and rams into your again. 

You chuckle only to be met with another blunt rut. Your voice fizzles to a squeal.  

He traces along the top of your dress and drags the sleeve down your shoulder. He follows the cut of the bodice and uncovers your bra beneath. He quickly pulls the strap down and flips the cup inside out. He fondles you at once.  

His hips pump into you, harder and harder. His thumb flicks over your nipple, swirling around to tease. He hunches and dips down to take the bud between his teeth. He snarls and bucks faster. You hug him between your thighs and wrap an around his head. 

His other hand snakes down between your bodies. He pushes against your clit, the motion of his pelvis moving his fingers against you. The friction melds into the pressure inside. Your eyes roll back as you cling to his shoulder, your other hand on his lower back, beckoning him deeper. 

His harried grunts punctuate your soft moans, the slap of flesh and constant clink of his buckle adding to the twisted melody of your fucking. You roll your hips up into his. Just a little more. 

Your thighs shake and the swell in your core threatens to boil over. Your voice begins to crest and suddenly, he stops. You groan and clamp onto his side. You try to pull him down as he lifts himself. He keeps only his tip inside of you.  

Your eyes snap open as he flings his tussled hair back and looks you in the face. Your brows furrow. 

“Old man?” He challenges. 

“Lo...” you breathe, “please.” 

“No, no, that is what you said. So, allow me to prove you wrong.” He snickers and nips at your lower lip. “I can keep up, can you?” 

He dips into you slowly and you whine. Your head lolls and your lashes flutter. You bare your teeth at him and hiss. “I hate you.” 

“How can you hate this, darling?” He rears back and thrusts again. “Mm, I feel the way you’re clinging to me.” 

“Just--” You flare your nose and turn your head straight. “Do it. Old man.” 

His irises spark and he snaps his hips. You yipe and he twirls his fingertips against your clit. You shudder at the sensation. 

“Oh ho, darling, do you want to cum?” 

“Loki--” 

“Tell me you want to cum.” 

“Lo--” 

“Beg me.” He commands and pulls his fingers away. The coolness left in the shadow of his touch makes you squirm. “I did vow to serve you, darling, but I cannot if you do not say what you want.” 

Frustration, desperation, call it what you will. You whimper and reach for his hand. You guide it back to your clit and growl, “make me cum.” 

It’s his turn to shiver. He twists his hand away from yours to grab your fingers and pushes them to your bud. You gasp as he uses them to rub you instead. As he does, his hips fall into tempo. 

He fucks you so the desk scrapes the floor and his thighs hits the sharp edge. He raises himself as he spreads a hand across your stomach and watches himself delves into you, over and over. He guides your fingers in a frantic rhythm and the tension clusters beneath your own touch. 

You spasm and cry out, legs locked around his as you trap him inside you. 

“Oh, yes, make me cum, Loki, make me--” you descend into a stream of gibberish as you contort on the desk. You bite your knuckles to silence yourself, heaving wildly as your lungs burn and your skin tingles. 

“Um...” a knock sounds at the door and Loki halts mid-thrust. You share a startled look then slowly glance over at the open door. Shit. The last interviewee, Peter, stands dumbfounded as he peers in from the hall. “I, uh, forgot my phone in your office.” 

“Well,” Loki clears his throat and looks down at you with a sinister gleam. “Go and get it. Can’t you see I’m busy?” 

[sweetiebarnes]

Twisted Pairing: Step Dad!Lloyd Hansen x Step Daughter!Reader

Word Count: 600+

Warnings: stepcest, voyeurism, female masturbation, nudity, implied future anal, minor daddy kink, dubcon/noncon if you squint, reader is early twenties, age gap.

Request: Lloyd Hansen, Step Dad, “What’s the matter? You’re acting like you’ve never seen a naked man before.”, and anal. Requested by: anonymous

A/N: I'm sorry I've been so slow with writing these. January has proven to be much more difficult than I had anticipated. I promise the stories are coming, and I am looking forward to doing your requests. This isn't my best work, but I still had fun writing it. It has not been beta read, so any mistakes are my own. As always my work is intended for adult audiences so 18+ only! Minors DNI. Pay attention to all tags and warnings. You are responsible for your own media consumption.

Writing Event Masterlist (still in the works)

From the first time Lloyd saw you he knew he needed to have you. That’s the thing about Lloyd Hansen, he always gets what he wants. He’d only married your mother because of the connections she provided. With her he’d be able to spread his business out throughout the country. What he hadn’t expected was the delicious present she had been hiding. 

Tonight your mother was out with friends from college. Lloyd knew this was the perfect opportunity to get what he’d been craving. You. He could picture you up in your bedroom reading one of your countless books. It was cute how you always seemed to find ways to avoid him. Whether you wanted to admit it or not, he knew you felt something too. There was a magnetic pull between the two of you, and tonight would be the night he finally gets what he’s needed.

Lloyd makes his way up the stairs and stops outside your bedroom door. He’d expected to hear nothing, but instead he could hear what sounded like quiet whimpers. His eyes flutter shut as he leans in closer hoping to be able to hear you better. “Oh… Oh fuck, Lloyd.” There was no denying what he heard that time. You were in there touching what belonged to him. Without giving it a second thought, Lloyd quickly began to undress himself. This hadn’t been how he planned to do this, but when the opportunity presents itself how could he say no?

Once undressed, Lloyd opens your door. It takes you a moment to realize he’s standing there, and boy was he thankful for that. For that meant he was able to get a full spread eagle view of your soaked cunt. He watched as your finger meticulously rubbed your clit. The little moans that left your mouth were like music to his ears. It was when he let out a small grunt of approval that your eyes finally opened. 

The look of embarrassment washed over your face. But that look quickly turned into confusion and horror when you spotted that he was naked. Your eyes traveled down to his hard cock which was now between his large hand. Lloyd’s smirk grew when he saw that your eyes appeared to be glued on him. “What’s the matter? You’re acting like you’ve never seen a naked man before.” His eyes never once leave yours as he slowly strides across your bedroom. “Oh come on, sunshine. We both know what you were just doing — who you were thinking about. Come on, be a good girl, show me.” 

The more he talked, the more your body seemed to tremble from nerves. “I - I don’t know what you’re talking about, Lloyd.” He rolls his eyes at your attempt to play dumb. He wasn’t going to allow you to continue your charade of being so called innocent. “You really want to play that game? Fine, show me. Prove to me that you’re not soaked right now. Because you and I both know that your little pussy is dripping for me. Dripping for your step-daddy.” His words cause a small to leave your lips.

Maybe just this once you can give into your desires. Maybe just this once you can be bad. 

Lloyd could hear a semblance of a plea when he watched you lay back on your bed. Your legs spread wide, inviting him to come give you both what you need. But Lloyd lets out a small tut and shakes his head. “Sorry, sunshine. That pussy isn’t what I’m interested in right now. I’d rather fuck your untouched hole. Turn around now.”

[footiehoefics]

Chose to be friends, meant to be lovers

gif: @bracedes

Hi guys! I've been working on this fic for a little while. It is the longest I've ever done but I always say the longer the better (lol). Let me know any feedback you have and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it! :) 7.0k words, TW none, Angst/Fluff, tags: @nightlockcornucopia

Y/N

“You know…Mason will probably be there tonight.” your friend said, smirking at you. To be honest you were not paying much attention to whatever she was saying, too concentrated on applying mascara. 

“Y/n did you hear me?” Aliyah said, waving her wand in front of your face. “Stop, you will ruin my makeup” you said giggling. “Sorry, yes I heard you.” You replied, closing the mascara tube and placing it where it belonged. You noticed Aliyah was still staring at you. 

“Can I help you?” you asked confused as to why she was still staring at you. Although you know why she was staring at you. “I said Mason will probably be there.” she said again. “Yea he probably will be so?” you said trying to sound unbothered. 

“Sooo…are you like gonna try and shoot your shot finally?” she said, leaning towards you smiling and waiting for your reaction. You rolled your eyes at her statement. “Will you stop with that please?” you said standing up. “Oh come on Y/n I know you better than anyone I know you’ve been falling for him HARD lately.” She was not wrong, you hated that she was not wrong. 

You tried to distract yourself by searching for an outfit in your closet. “Am I wrong?” Aliyah said, again bringing you back to earth. “Aliyah, please,” you said, more annoyed. She was not wrong; however, you know that the possibility of Mason having feelings for you was near 0. 

You had met Mason through a mutual friend at a party. It turned out you had a lot of friends in common and you started seeing him more often at parties or dinners. Of course, when you met him you knew who he was. You could not avoid the big murals for him around London. That and also, you could not avoid his radiant personality. He was charming, always with a smile on his face, and chatted to everyone. He was just a nice human being, very funny and of course, very dreamy. He was probably the most beautiful man you had ever met. 

At first, you and he were not close. Not because he didn’t try to talk to you. You were very shy. Social interactions, the majority of the time, make you feel awkward. Meeting someone new was hell for you, it was hard for you to just have a natural conversation without feeling self-conscious.  He became really good friends with your friend group, hence why you got more comfortable around him as time went by. You loved the way he would include you in conversations, try and get your opinion at times where you were not really talking. 

Fast forward a year later, you and him talked almost on a daily basis. You two were close but you always refrained yourself a little bit. You had noticed how he was always touchy with everyone, he loved to have his arm around someone while talking, hugging everyone. You knew if that man showed you even the slightest bit of affection, you would crumble. You already liked him physically and his personality. All of that combined with his love language would make you fall harder than you already have. 

It's not that he would never hug you or touch you, but you always told yourself “he does this with everyone, it does not mean anything with you.” Sometimes you did pull away and felt bad after the fact because he would look upset. 

“Y/n! I’m your best friend, why won’t you just admit it to me?” Aliyah asked with a pout. “Because there is nothing to admit, okay? We are friends and that is all we’ll ever be.” You closed your closet door and headed to the bathroom to get changed. 

Once inside, you shut the door, and rested against it, closing your eyes. You didn’t think it was that obvious you liked him. You really thought you were hiding it very well. You didn’t like when people tried to figure out if you like someone or tease you about it. It made you uncomfortable and it also made you act differently towards the person you have feelings for. 

You got dressed and looked at yourself in the mirror. You liked what you saw, and hoped Mason did too. Were you trying to look good for him? Yes. Would he say something about it? Maybe, but he probably would say the same thing about another friend. 

Once you stepped out, Aliyah looked at you smirking. “I think Mr. Mount will like it” she said, wiggling her eyebrows making you laugh. “See you're laughing!” she exclaimed. “I’m laughing because you are so annoying and weird.” You said in between laughs. “Yea right y/n.” 

You stopped again to look in the mirror hanging behind the bedroom door. “Y/n, you look great. I promise. And I mean it, Mason will like it.” Aliyah assured you hugging you from behind. “I love you.” You said smiling at her. “Well, I love you more. Ready then?” “Yes, I’m ready.” Both of you grabbed your purses and headed out to the car. 

Once you arrived at the party, two of your friends were already waiting for you at the door with drinks. “C’mon drink up, you guys have to catch up!” your friend Harry exclaimed. “Oh Jesus” you murmured to yourself, dreading the sting this shot of alcohol would cause.  You grabbed the shot glass, placed it in your mouth and threw your head back to drink it as fast as possible. 

Aliyah wiped her mouth and yelped at the flavor of the tequila. “Okay then, this will be your confidence boost to go talk to him.” She whispered in your ear making you giggle. 

Honestly, alcohol sometimes did that to you. It made you more social but in the mornings, you would end up regretting it. 

You walked inside and the place was packed. It was a house party, although right now it did not look remotely close to a house. You could not spot a single piece of furniture since it was so packed. 

“Oh God, finding everyone here will be hell.” Aliya stated, almost shouting because of the loud music, at you. 

Once you got through the swarm of people, you managed to reach the door that led to the back yard. When you stepped outside, you took in a big breath. It felt like there was no oxygen inside the house from the amount of people in there. 

Lucky you, Ben, Kai, Sophia, and all your other friends were outside drinking and hanging out. “Wow you guys made it through no man’s land” Ben said as he spotted you, Aliyah, Harry, and your other friend Nicolas. You all laughed at his comment. 

You all got settled in the outdoor furniture and started talking, laughing, and drinking. You didn’t spot Mason anywhere, not even when you were walking inside the house. You started looking around, trying to spot him but nothing. After 30 minutes, you decided to go inside to get another drink, well that’s what you told your friend. In reality you wanted to see if you could spot Mason. 

Squished between all those people, you could barely see anything. It started getting hot for you, you felt sweat on your forehead and your neck. You didn’t know if it was someone else's sweat or yours at this point. 

You couldn’t get past everyone to go back outside so you decided to head towards the bathroom. You wanted to tidy up, go back out and go around the house to the backyard. 

Once you reached the bathroom door, you opened it and saw your worst nightmare. Mason. With a girl. Kissing.

“Oh shit, um I’m so sorry!” you panicked and slammed the door closed. You stayed there frozen in your spot for a little bit. You were trying to get that image out of your head, but you couldn’t. Mason was against the sink, his arms firm on the sink. The girl had her arms wrapped around his neck and her lips on his. 

You couldn’t tell who the girl was. I mean how could you, you saw a microsecond of it and shut the door. And the microsecond you saw was her face mushed into his. 

You snapped out of your thoughts when you heard the doorknob of the bathroom moving indicating someone was opening the door. You moved away from the door and panicked, not knowing if staying waiting for him and her to come out was better than just running and pretending you never saw anything. 

Mason opened the door and saw the look of panic and shock in your face. He was about to say something when the girl stepped out behind him. 

You couldn’t believe it. You knew Mason was a lady’s guy, everyone knew that. You knew he would hook up with people, it hurt but what could you do? You were just his friend. You knew the type of girls he would hook up with, but you never thought he would go so low as to hook up with her. Alice. 

Alice was the only person in Mason’s friend group that never liked you and she made it clear by showing no interest in you. She would never talk to you, every time you said anything in a group conversation, she would roll her eyes. Aliyah always said it was because Mason was always with you at gatherings, and she felt jealous, part of you thought the same thing but why? You and Mason were just friends. 

You would always tell Mason how Alice never tried with you. He would always say you should try and talk to her to figure out why, but you never did. Well, you intended to but once you wanted to start the conversation, she shut you down. She made you feel like an idiot and said a lot of hurtful things. 

Of course, you told Mason, and he was furious. You told him not to do anything about it. Although not doing anything about it did not mean going out with her. 

It hurt regardless of who the girl was, but the fact that it was Alice hurt even more. He knew how shitty she made you feel. He knew and had witnessed her being crap to you. Yet here he was making out with her. 

“Sorry the bathroom was unlocked so I just opened it, I should’ve knocked.” Your voice was shaky, you felt like the waterfall of tears was threatening to fall. “Yea you should have.” Alice said, annoyed. You looked at her, then at Mason. Mason was red in the face and looked worried. 

You couldn’t bear the sight of them so you started heading towards the front door. 

“Hey Y/n, wait up!” you heard Mason from behind, but you were not in the mood to have that conversation right now. 

You felt him grab your arm once you got to the front door. “Y/n please listen-“

“Mason don’t, sorry I interrupted your time with her.”

“Y/n I’m so sorry, I know it looks bad-“

“You think?” you asked sarcastically, interrupting him again. 

He looked around, opened the door and pulled you outside with him. 

“Listen, I’m sorry, I was trying to take her to the kitchen because-“

“Mason please, stop. I don’t care what you two were going to do. You know, more than anyone, how shit of a person she is, especially with me, and you go and make out with her?” You didn’t mean to raise your voice, but you were hurt. You know you had no right to be mad at him for making out with someone but, your feelings were taking over your brain. 

“Okay, yes I understand, I know how she is, I promise kissing her was not what I wanted to happen, but why are you getting so mad?” he asked, taken back at your rage. 

“I mean, regardless of who it was, I don’t understand why you are so mad, you’re not my girlfriend.”  he said, making your face drop. 

Ouch. 

“Yea I’m not Mason but I’m your friend, right? And that is a slap in the face. What would you do if you found me making out with Nicolas?” you asked. 

Nicolas was one of your friends that didn’t vibe with Mason at all. You tried to brush it off but sometimes it was too visible. Mason had told you he didn’t like him, and vice versa with Nicolas. You tried to ignore them on that matter and just encourage them to talk to each other to settle their differences.

“That is different Y/n…” Mason replied. 

“Is it though?” you asked, raising your eyebrow.  

You didn’t want to keep harping on the subject. Yes you were not his girlfriend, but you wish you were. Now most definitely you would never be. 

You felt dumb and pathetic. You spent almost 2 hours getting ready to look beautiful and for him to maybe say something only for this to happen.  

You walked away from him to the main gate. You wanted to leave, not only because you saw what you saw but you knew emotions were getting the best of you and tears were filling your eyes. You didn’t want to make a scene at a party. 

You heard footsteps following you, and when you turned around you figured you would see Mason but it was Nicolas. 

“Hey hey where are you going?” he asked. Tears had already fallen and you looked hurt. 

“Hey, I’m um-“ you tried to get the words out but you choked on a sob. 

“It’s okay, I’m here.” Nicolas said, grabbing you by the waist and pulling you into a hug. 

You hugged him back. You didn’t care if it was him, you were hurt. 

You heard footsteps approaching and you figured it was maybe Aliyah, but you were surprised to see Mason again. 

“Nicolas, can I talk to her alone please.” Mason said sternly. 

Nicolas looked at you, then at him, and back at you. He put two and two together, realizing he was the person who hurt you. 

“What the fuck did you Mason?” Nicolas asked angrily. 

“It’s none of your fucking business, okay? I need to talk to Y/n, alone, so please fuck off.” Mason replied stone cold. 

You didn’t want this to get more heated so you intervened. 

“Stop, okay? I’m fine, I’ll just go home-“

“I’ll drop you off” Nicolas interrupted you, still not glancing away from Mason. 

“I think it’s better if I do, we need to talk-“ Mason tried to say. 

“I’m getting an uber so stop, both of you. I’m ordering it right now.” You said pulling out your phone not wanting to entertain any more bullshit. 

“I’ll wait here with you for the uber.” Mason stated 

“Me too.” Nicolas said, turning to you.

You rolled your eyes at how childish they were being. You waited about 10 minutes for your uber. 10 awkward minutes of silence. Once you finally saw a car approaching the house, you were grateful. 

You didn’t hug either of them goodbye, you just got in and left. 

Mason

Mason did not want to be at the party. He was ready to call it an early night, maybe ring you and ask if you wanted to go to his to watch a movie and order food. 

He was not in the mood to drink, party and definitely not in the mood to take care of drunk friends. He had a rough week filled with physios and meetings. 

However, Woody ended up convincing him. How? By stating you were going. Mason had developed feelings for you, this had been going on for a while, now that you two were much closer. 

He loved everything about you, but he couldn’t help but notice you sometimes pushed him away a bit. He didn’t know why, he had never given you a reason to. He tried to brush it off, but now that you two always talked and would always hang out, he wanted nothing more than to be more touchy with you and you resisted it sometimes. He knew you didn’t feel the same way, and it hurt him. 

Once at the party, Mason started scanning the sea of people to see if he could spot you. He couldn’t find you anywhere, so he went outside where all his friends were and asked Sophia if she had seen you. 

“No she’s not here yet, I think she and Aliyah were on their way.” She responded smiling. 

Mason thanked her and went back inside. He spotted Woody with some girls, of course. Once Woody saw Mason, he approached him smiling. “Mate I need your help.” Woody pleaded. “What do you want?” “I met this girl, she’s the one in the blue navy dress, see?” Mason moved his head a bit to see who she was. “Yea I see, what do you want me to do?” Mason asked, confused. “I need you to take Alice somewhere else, I want to be alone with her but she came with Alice so they are attached to the hip.” Mason rolled his eyes. “Mason c’mon, I’m not asking you to do anything with her I know you are waiting for your princess.” Woody said, teasing Mason, making him smile. “I’ll take her to the kitchen so she can talk to other people but if she comes back, it’s not my fault.”  Mason stated, moving towards Alice. 

Alice was always very flirty with Mason, and a lot of his friends knew that she had feelings for him. He didn’t want her to get the wrong impression. 

“Hey Alice, why don’t we go to the kitchen and get a drink?” Mason asked, immediately regretting it. She was visibly drunk, and he had just offered to give her even more alcohol. “Masey, hey of course!” she slurred. 

Alice grabbed his hand and dragged him to the kitchen where all the mixers and bottles were. She poured a drink for her and him with way too much alcohol. Mason was trying to get her to talk to everyone, but she was being very touchy with him. Grabbing his hand, rubbing the back of his neck when they were talking to someone else. He wished it was you doing that, not her. 

Shit. If you saw him right now with Alice all touchy and handsy, he knew you would get mad. He knew you despised her, and she despised you. 

Alice pulled him out of his thoughts. “Mason, can we go to the bathroom?” Hell no he thought. “Um, what do you need? Are you going to be sick?” he asked nervously. “Yea” she said, almost hanging from him. Mason sighed and agreed. He was almost carrying her to the bathroom. He didn’t want her to be sick in front of everyone. He didn’t like her, but he had to be a good person. 

Once inside the bathroom, Mason closed the door without locking it. 

“Okay, do you want me to hold your hair or do you have like a pony tail so your hair doesn’t get dirty?” he asked, and once he turned around he saw Alice just smirking at him. 

“Mase, seriously?” she said, almost laughing. 

Mason gulped. He didn’t want to be in this situation right now. 

“You know something I’ve always wanted to ask you?”

Mason looked nervous and confused. 

“Do you find me attractive?” she asked, batting her eyelashes at him and getting closer. 

“I mean, every girl is beautiful.” He said. 

Alice was very pretty, Mason knew that. But he never saw her as something else. Especially now that he had feelings for you. 

Alice got closer to him, and he backed away but stopped once he reached the sink. His hands were firm on the sink not wanting to do anything that might look like something else to her. 

“Mase c’mon, aren’t you like a lady’s man?” she asked, smirking. She was now closer, her hand around his neck.

He didn’t know what to do. He could perfectly smell the mix of perfume and alcohol. 

Without hesitation she leaned in and kissed him. He was taken back and didn’t stop it. He was frozen but the kiss didn’t last long. 

Someone came in and swung the bathroom door open. Mason pulled away quickly, trying to compose himself. Why did he just let her do that? Alice just pulled away laughing. 

Mason rolled his eyes at her. He grabbed the doorknob to open the door. 

Once he opened the door, he saw you. He didn’t know it had been you who had walked in just now. He was as shocked as you were. 

“Sorry the bathroom was unlocked so I just opened it, I should’ve knocked.” you said with a shaky voice. 

Mason felt horrible. He knew what he did was wrong. He wasn’t thinking about how you would feel at that moment, but to be fair he couldn’t think about anything. His mind froze. 

Alice stepped out of the bathroom a second later. “Yea you should have” Alice said, pulling out her lip-gloss from her purse and reapplying it. 

Mason saw you walking away from the scene and shouted at you to wait up. He wanted to explain everything. You wouldn’t stop walking and once he saw you reach the front door, he grabbed your arm to stop you. 

“Y/n please listen-“ he tried to say

“Mason don’t, sorry I interrupted your time with her.”

“Y/n I’m so sorry, I know it looks bad-“

“You think?” she interrupted him again . 

He looked around, opened the door and pulled you outside with him. 

“Listen, I’m sorry, I was trying to take her to the kitchen because-“

“Mason please, stop. I don’t care what you two were going to do. You know, more than anyone, how shit of a person she is, especially with me, and you go and make out with her?” you said, raising your voice. 

Mason knew what he did was bad, but he didn’t think you get this pissed off and emotional about it. Part of him hoped it was because there were some feelings involved but he didn’t know. 

“Okay, yes I understand, I know how she is, I promise kissing her was not what I wanted to happen, but why are you getting so mad?” he asked, taken back at your rage. 

“I mean, regardless of who it was, I don’t understand why you are so mad, you’re not my girlfriend.”  he said, making your face drop. 

He regretted saying it instantly. He didn’t mean for it to sound bitchy. He just wanted to get to the bottom of it. He wanted to know what you felt. Did you have feelings for him the same way he did with you?

“Yea I’m not Mason but I’m your friend, right? And that is a slap in the face. What would you do if you found me making out with Nicolas?” you asked. 

Mason hated him. Why? He knew and he could tell he had feelings for you. He also hated the fact that he had more confidence with you. Ever since Mason met him, they didn’t like each other but it was more of an unspoken thing. 

“That is different Y/n…” Mason replied. 

“Is it though?” you asked, raising your eyebrow at Mason. 

Y/N

Once you thanked your uber, you got out of the car and rushed to your front door. The whole drive back to your place your sobs were almost coming out of your mouth. 

You don’t know who you were madder at, him or yourself. 

Why on earth did you think he could feel the same way you did about him? Why? You were just friends. He was him. He was way out of your league. Why were you dumb enough to think you could end up with someone like him? 

All these thoughts plagued your mind while you were taking your makeup off. Removing the makeup revealed the redness on your face from crying. 

You washed your face to try and compose yourself, but all you could think about was that horrible image of Mason kissing her. 

He was right, you weren’t his girlfriend so why were you so mad? Alice is a good reason, but you were more jealous than mad. But how the hell would you tell him “Oh yea I’m mad because it’s not me you’re kissing, it’s her.”

After doing your skin care, you decided to just go to bed and try to get some sleep. At the end of the day, you could not let this ruin your life. It’s just a boy, that’s what you told yourself the whole night “it’s just a boy”, the problem was he was the perfect one. 

The next day, you were thankful you left early from the party. You were not in the mood to deal with a hangover. 

You did your normal morning routine, but also went in and checked on Aliyah. You knocked on her door, no answer. You knocked again, nothing. 

You opened the door and saw a sight you never thought you would see. Aliyah and a guy in her bed. Thankfully, they were covered, and nothing was out in the air. You giggled to yourself and closed the door. 

It was a free day so you decided to clean up a bit around the apartment and make yourself a yummy breakfast. After an hour had passed, Aliyah and the guy came out of their room. Her cheeks were bright pink and you could tell the guy felt awkward, scratching the back of neck. 

You couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. “Oh, shut up y/n” Aliya said, rolling her eyes. You laughed more and introduced yourself to the guy whose name was Andrew. “Well, it is nice to meet you, I cleaned up a bit around because I knew we had a guest over.” You said trying to tease Aliyah and making her laugh. 

They said their goodbyes and both of you sat down on the living room sofa. “Good night then?” you asked, taking a sip of your tea and raising your eyebrows. “Amazing” Aliyah responded, making you chuckle. 

“What about you? Nicolas said you left kind of early, what happened?” It all came back to you; all of the events from the night before. You had done a pretty good job at hiding it and not thinking much about it but now that Aliyah asked you couldn’t hide it anymore. 

You opened your mouth to say something but were quickly cut off with tears pouring out of your eyes. “Oh honey! What happened?” Aliyah asked now concerned and pulled you in a hug. You hugged her back tightly, just wanting to cry the emotions out. 

Once you had cried for a bit, you pulled away and tried to articulate everything. 

You told Aliyah everything. How she had always been right in saying you had feelings for him, how you dressed up yesterday for him, how you saw him kissing Alice, what he said to you afterwards and how mad you were at yourself for being so pathetic. 

“Hey stop it! You are not pathetic! You are allowed to feel sort of betrayed by him. And, you are allowed to have feelings for him and try to impress him. There is nothing wrong with that.” She said comforting you, rubbing your arm. 

“Babe, why didn’t you tell me when it happened? I would’ve come home with you and talked about it.” “No, no, I just wanted to be alone. Nicolas found me crying and I didn’t tell him either but he knew it had something to do with Mason and was mad.” You said remembering Nicolas had waited for you to get in the uber as well. 

“I mean duh, of course he would be mad. He has feelings for you.” Aliyah said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “What?” you asked, confused. “What?” “You just said he has feelings for me?” Aliya rolled her eyes at your question. “You are so naïve sometimes, oh my God.” “Aliyah, he has never said anything.” “I mean he doesn’t have to, it’s obvious. Also, why do you think he doesn’t really vibe with Mason?” Everything Aliyah was saying started making sense. “I guess it could be true…?” 

Both of you spent the day on the sofa catching up on a series you started watching the week prior. You were both caught up on it, but the doorbell made you both look at each other. “Did you order anything?” you asked, thinking maybe she had ordered some food and it was the food delivery guy. Aliyah stood up to open up and replied with a no. 

Once she opened the front door, you both saw Nicolas standing there with some flowers. 

“Hello you!” Aliya said, hugging him. “How was your night?” he said, raising his eyebrows, he clearly knew what Aliya had been up to. “Well, obviously better than yours.” She said laughing. 

Nicolas stepped in the apartment and saw you curled up in the sofa, making his heart melt. “Hey Nic” you said smiling, standing up to greet him. He smiled and hugged you. “Whose are these for?” you asked confused. “Well, um they are for you.” He said shyly. You could see Aliya had that “I told you” look on her face. 

“I’m going to go take a shower and leave you guys” Aliyah stated rushing back upstairs to her room to give you both privacy. 

“Oh wow, why?” you asked, smiling a little. “Well, I wanted you to feel better after last night.” You started blushing. “Thank you, you didn’t have to.” You took the flowers and placed them on the kitchen counter. “I’m going to add water and put them in a vase, thank you.” “No worries.” 

You offered him some tea, he accepted and both of you sat in the living room talking. 

You liked Nicolas, he had been your friend since your first year of college. But you never saw him as something else. Honestly, maybe you should. However, you didn’t want it to turn into something just because you want to get over Mason. You respected him enough to not do that to him. Once you chatted for about an hour, you thanked him again for the flowers and said your goodbyes.  

You cleared up the tea mugs and were about to go upstairs until the doorbell rang again. 

You opened the door, and this was a sight you were not expecting to see. Mason. With flowers in his hand and a card. 

You both just stood there for a moment without saying anything, frankly you didn’t know what to say. He broke the silence, “Can I come in?” he asked. 

You stepped out of the way so he could come in. Once you both reached the living room and kitchen area you immediately regretted letting him in. The flowers Nicolas brought you were still on the kitchen counter in full display. 

Mason stopped in his tracks, taken back. His mind had a million thoughts going through his head. Were they yours or Aliyah’s? If they were yours, who gave them to you? 

“Did someone beat me to it?” he said, chuckling a bit, trying to cut the tension. He was hoping you would answer they were not yours, but his face dropped when you answered. “Um, kind of” you said, chuckling nervously. “Oh, I thought they might have been Aliyah's.” he said, whispering the last part to himself. 

“Can I ask, whose are they from?” Mason asked, dreading the answer. “Nicolas.” You spoke. 

This made Mason’s blood boil. Why would Nicolas bring you flowers? What did he want from you? Mason placed the flowers and the card on the kitchen counter. 

“Why did he bring you flowers?” he asked, annoyed. This now annoyed you. You didn’t owe him any explanation, especially after last night. 

“Why do you care?” you snapped. Mason looked at you with rage. “Just, because” he replied, trying to keep his voice calm. 

“Oh, well you’re not my boyfriend so why are you so mad?” you asked, satisfied with giving him a bit of his own medicine. 

All this tension had even made both of you forget his flowers and the reasoning behind it. Mason’s face dropped, and it gave you a weird feeling in your tummy. You didn’t want to hurt him, but after last night and how he was being right now he deserved it. 

“You know what, I came here to apologize and explain what happened last night but honestly fucking forget it.” He said scratching the back of neck frustrated with the whole situation. He didn’t say anything else and just left. 

You don’t know why you wanted to cry. You knew you hurt him with that comment, but he hurt you too. 

You went upstairs and instead of going straight to your bed, you knocked on Aliyah’s door. “Come in!” you heard from the other side of the door. 

You stepped in the room with tears in your eyes. “What the fuck happened? I thought it was a good thing what Nicolas did?” She pulled you in a hug yet again trying to comfort you. 

“Fuck, I feel so lame I’m crying over a boy.” You said sniffing and pulling away from her. You wiped the tears from your face. “Mason came by after Nicolas left.” “What!? What did he say?”

“Not much, he brought me flowers and a card as well, he saw the flowers Nicolas bought for me and got annoyed, started asking who gave them to me and I said Nic and he got even more annoyed, and then I said the same comment he told me yesterday, got mad and left.” You said, grabbing a Kleenex that Aliyah handed to you. 

“Babe this is like a rom com,” Aliyah said, chuckling to herself. “you’re like in a love triangle who would’ve thought.” She said teasingly trying to cheer you up. “C’mon Aliyah.” “Y/n I’m serious! Why else would Mason be mad that Nic got you flowers? They despise each other because they both have feelings for you. Damn, how are you so smart yet so naive?” she asked herself. 

You thought about it for a second, it made sense but at the same time why would Mason have feelings for you. 

“Wait, did you read the card?” Aliyah said, interrupting your thoughts. 

“No, it’s downstairs.” You said. Aliyah jumped out of bed and ran downstairs to go and get the card. She came back panting from running up the stairs. “Okay well then, read it, maybe it will give you more clarity.” She said handing the card to you. 

You opened the card and saw Mason’s handwriting.

“I don’t even know how to start a letter, so don’t laugh at me. 

I’m so sorry about last night. I would never do something to hurt you like I did last night. Your feelings are more important to me than her or anybody else. I’m sorry for getting defensive last night, you had every right to be mad and I shouldn’t have said what I said, it was low of me. 

You’re my friend and I owe you this apology. Sometimes I wish we were more than that. I wish it had been you I was kissing. I wish you would feel the same way. But if that is not the case then, being your friend and being by your side is enough.

Love,

Mase”

“What does it say?” Aliyah said, curious as to why it left you speechless. 

“He…he has feelings for me” you said in disbelief, almost tearing up again, not looking up. 

“y/n! I told you! I fucking told you! Wow I’m like a genius at reading people” Aliyah was proud of herself. 

You tilt your head up to look at her, with tears brimming your eyes. 

“No, no, no. We are not doing this again. You are not going to cry. You are going to get ready, go to his place and talk to him and tell him you feel the same way.” 

“But-“ you tried to say. 

“Nope, I don’t care, c’mon get up.” Aliyah said pulling your hand so you would get up her bed. 

“But I said something hurtful-“ 

“And he did too, okay? You both did, and you will work It out. Try and work it out.” 

That was exactly what you needed to hear. You left her bedroom to go get ready and drive to Mason’s place. 

Once you put on a hoodie, shoes and got your purse and keys you were heading to Meson’s house. The drive to his house was a bit long, making you start overthinking everything. Maybe this seemed like a good idea 20 minutes ago, but now? What if he’s hurt and you can’t make him forgive you?

You arrived at his house and the nerves started getting bad and settling in your tummy.

You knocked on the door, waiting for him to open up. You heard footsteps approaching the door. There he was, in joggers and a hoodie, with a confused look on his face. 

“What are you doing here?” he asked. 

You hold up the card, again tears forming in your eyes. 

Mason glanced at the card, and then back at you. 

You reached out for him, and he smiled. He grabbed you by the waist and pulled you into a hug. You both stayed there hugging for what felt like forever. You were crying, again. “Fuck, this like the 3rd time I’m crying today.” You said sniffing, making Mason giggle. 

He pulled away, letting you into his house. 

He grabbed your hand and took you to the living room. Both of you sat down and turned slightly so you could look at each other. 

“I’m sorry Mase-“

“Don’t, you don’t have to apologize.  I kind of deserved that either way.” He said cutting you off. 

“Doesn’t mean I’m still not sorry about it.” You said wiping the remaining tears on your cheeks. 

“Why didn’t you tell me you had feelings for me, Mase?” you asked. 

“I feared being rejected by you. I didn’t want to risk losing our friendship. I was scared that if by some miracle you did feel the same way, my lifestyle would be too much, and it wouldn’t work. I was scared by a lot of things. I also, I feel like you sometimes pushed me away a bit. And as for last night, I was trying to be a good wingman to Woody and it backfired so hard. I just froze when she started getting closer to me.” He said not looking at you, almost as if he was ashamed about it. 

“I forgive you.” You said, grabbing his hand. 

“Mase, I always had feelings for you. I pushed you away because I knew if I didn’t, I would just be falling more and more for you. I was also scared of you rejecting me. You know, you are who you are and have this amazing life and everyone loves you, and I’m just me. I didn’t think you would ever feel the same way about me.” You said choking up. 

“We really need to communicate better, fucking hell.” He said, making you both giggle. 

He placed a hand on your cheek, caressing it with his thumb. 

“How can I not fall for you?” he said whispering. 

Your heart melted and just leaned your head against his palm making him smile. “I’m too awkward to even admit all of this to you.” You said smiling. He chuckled. 

He started leaning in more and more, your noses bumping into each other. You finally closed the gap between you both and kissed him. 

You had always imagined this moment. Ever since you met him, and so did he. 

Your lips were moving in sync and it was the best feeling in the world. You didn’t want it to end. You both pulled away and rested your forehead together. 

“You know I wish you would see yourself the way I see you.” He said whispering. 

“Mase…” you said, almost tearing up again. 

“Don’t bring the water falls again,” he said giggling. 

You both embraced each other the whole night. Explaining everything that had happened the night before and that same morning. 

“I don’t want to ruin the moment.” You said looking up at him. 

“Oh uh…” Mason replied, looking down at you. 

“I should talk to Nicolas Mase. I owe it to him.” You said afraid of what he would think. 

Mason thought about it for a second. As much as he didn’t like him, he knew you were right. On the positive side Nicolas would know it was him you wanted and not Nicolas. 

“Can I ask you something?” Mason said not looking at you. 

“Yes of course.” “Did you ever had feelings for him?”, you chuckled at Mason’s jealousness. “No Mase, never.” You got up a bit to be face to face, and gave him a little kiss to assure him you never did. 

“I promise, I just need him to know how I feel about you and to say sorry if he thought there was something else between him and I.” 

“I know, I trust you.” He said, looking at you now. 

“But that can wait,” he got up from the sofa, and reached his hand out for you. 

“Stay here today, with me?”  he asked, giving you puppy eyes. 

“Okay you said smiling.” 

Both of you got ready for bed, he had given you one of his t-shirts and boxers for you to sleep in. 

Before falling asleep and getting into bed with him, you gave a quick text to Aliyah.

You both got under the covers and cuddled each other. The night was filled with kisses, Mason whispering sweet things, and you blushing. This was heaven for both of you, and what you had craved for so long. 

[thewertsearch]

AA: is it coming back yet TA: is WHAT c0ming back, wh0 ARE y0u? TA: wh0a h0ld 0n. TA: why am i talking like y0u suddenly?

Blankness isn't always a bad thing.

Unlike Aradia's ghostly depression, Sollux's emptiness will come as something of a relief, because it means his head is finally free of voices.

What's up, Jade? I guess you are the most likely human to be sleeping at any given time.

Feferi's Horrorterror alliance is really starting to pay dividends. Now that Jade's joined the party, the humans can finally consult with the living Aradia, who's regained her will to help. She's been dropping hints about what she knows for a long time, and she has to be ready to spill by now.

In short: It's time to hear from the only troll who actually knows what's going on.

TA: h0ly shit, i can't see! AA: yes thats what being blind means TA: w0w, awes0me! way t0 be awes0mely sympathetic t00 my terrible new pr0blem, aa. AA: sollux will you shut up and stop being so tragic for once AA: you knew this was going to happen! your prophecies of personal doom were practically all you ever talked about AA: i think you were looking forward to this honestly [Robo] AA: shes right TA: i can't believe this, it's alm0st as if i'm getting… TA: D0UBLE TEAMED.

These two are playing off each other extremely well.

You can really see the cute couple that they'd have made in life - and perhaps in death, too, since Sollux is destined to die again. Either way, he and Aradia will be seeing a lot of each other.

TA: that didn't feel right at all, i think i might have t0 retire the wh0le bifurcati0n gimmick, puns and all. TA: actually that is kind 0f a relief, maybe y0u're right, i'm feeling better ab0ut this already.

Those visions were really fucking with his head, I think, moreso than he ever let on. Getting KOed by a Hope laser might have been the best thing that ever happened to him.

So, uh.... I guess, thank you, Eridan?

AA: great! AA: you should be able to relax now that youve been released from the curse of your vision twofold just like you said youd be AA: you are now merely doomed!

TA: i'm g0ing t0 die again, aren't i.

AA: see you soon ;)

[Robo] AA: being d00med isnt that bad [Robo] AA: i spent m0st 0f my life that way remember […] [Robo] AA: actually i guess i dont have to keep talking like im doomed anymore do i

You deserve to cheer up a little, so I'm glad you're also letting go of the 'doomed' schtick.

This afterlife seems like a pretty sweet deal, especially for a Time Player. You retain your personhood, you can reunite with your co-Players, and for the first time since the meteors hit, you're not on the clock.

Side note - if the Aradiabots were using the zeroes because they were timeline-doomed, why was Alpha Aradia using it? Did she just feel inescapably doomed? I guess that tracks.

[zippidi-dooda]

"Hey, Todoroki, there's this coffee shop nearby I've been wanting to go to. Come with me?"

The dual haired boy looked up from his phone.

You leaned over him, hands propping yourself up against the back of the couch. You had dressed out of your sweats and baggy shirt into an outfit more suitable for an outing.

"Seems like you'd go even if I said no." He said sitting up.

"Of course. You think I need you to have fun?"

He hummed then looked back down at his phone. "Then have fun."

"Todoroki." You deadpanned.

When he didn't respond, you sighed and jumped over the couch to sit next to him. "C'mon dude, you know I'm just joking. I need you there for emotional support, I can't place my order myself. Who do you think I am?"

He slumped into the armrest, lifting a slippered foot onto your lap, keeping his eyes connected to his screen. "Then you should go alone. Learn how to do things yourself for once."

You glared at him then pushed leg off you.

"You're so rude. C'mon, please, Todoroki? I promise to get you a drink too. You just ... you'll be physically paying for it. But it'll be my money, swear."

He checked the time for a moment before standing up, headed for his room to change. "Fine. But you come with me to my family dinner next week."

You recoiled at the thought of the tensely awkward situation that would be a Todoroki family dinner.

He made it obvious enough how broken his family's relations were, but pile that on top of you stuck for hours in the same room as the father who greatly disapproved of your friendship with his propitious son?

An absolute nightmare to ensue.

"Yeesh, I think I'd be better off going on my own."

The boy glared at you.

"Fine, fine. Your family's lovely. Now hurry up."

***

Your walk to the shop was pleasant, both you and Todoroki chatting about prospects of the future and commenting on random things that caught your eye.

And as soon as you entered the building, the small bell above the door drawing attention towards you newcomers, eyes couldn't seem to draw away from you.

Well, not you but Todoroki.

The barista taking your order especially seemed to have trouble focusing.

"Excuse me, we're ready to order now." Todoroki repeated, failing to notice how star struck the girl was looking at him.

"... ah, uh, hi, welcome. I'm Mei. What can I do for you?"

As the boy continued to relay your order and pay, missing the subtle hints the barista threw his way, you watched quietly with a smirk on your face.

Todoroki then gave his name and you chose a seat near the window, sitting across from each other.

You leaned across the table, propping your chin up on your hand, giving him a look.

"Well the atmosphere isn't terrible, so let's hope the coffee is up to standards." He looked at you. "... what?"

"Oh, nothing," you looked away nonchalantly, raising your hand to eye your nails. "Just wondering what it's like being the pretty friend."

He raised a brow. "Are you ... insulting me?"

You sighed, leaning forward again but spoke without the teasing tone. "No. Seriously Todoroki, you're hot. And literally everyone can see it. Why do you think everyone stares everywhere you go?"

He shrugged, folding his hands on the table. "Well of course I'm hot. It's part of my quirk. As for the stares, I'd assume it's cause we go to UA. Most everyone knows us by now."

"... I can't with you sometimes. Anyway, whaddya wanna do after this? I'm fine just walkin' around a little. We can go to the park and just chill there until we have to go back."

"Well, there's an arcade a couple blocks down I've heard Ochaco mention before. It sounded fun."

You brightened up, pointing at Todoroki. "Ah, that's a great idea! Haven't been to one in a while. And now that I think of it, I've never been to one with you. Are ya gonna show me up? Show me your gamer side?"

He looked down at the table in thought. "I don't think I've ever been to one. I never had time to go. So I don't really know what it is."

You patted his hand with a sympathetic smile, his life had been crazy from the get go. As great as he was, you didn't want to imagine being in his shoes.

"Well you're gonna regret ever going with me. I will obliterate you in every game, trust."

He smiled with a brow raised, "you really think you can beat me when you can't even beat me at simple games?"

You frowned, smaking his hand, "Hey. I'll have more experience with these games. And I'm pretty good if I do say so myself."

"You also said that when we played tic-tac-toe. And look who's at 10-0 right now? Not you."

You glared at his smug smile for moment. "I hate you."

"Shouto?" A barista shouted up front.

Todoroki stood, heading over to get your drinks. "You should think of something you're good at so you can finally beat me at something one of these days."

"I think I messed up picking you as my friend. Can I get a refund?"

He shook his head with a small chuckle before leaving.

When he came back, drinks in hand, you happily took your cup from him.

You took a sip, letting out a satisfied "ahhh ...."

"Todoroki, lemme have a sip of yours."

He nodded, sliding his cup over. "Can I try yours?"

"Ew, no, I don't want your cooties." You said passing him your cup anyways.

"... cooties?"

You savored the taste of the cool drink he'd picked and looked down at the container.

It was dewy from the ice inside, chilling your hands as you held it. And just underneath your thumb you could make out a phone number scribbled shakily in black marker.

You adjusted your hold to get a better look.

The number held the name of the barista who took your order beside a little message saying "call me" beside a heart.

You grinned devilishly, pointing at it and turing the cup around so Todoroki could see.

"Ooooh~ I think someone has a crush!"

He shook his head. "No, I didn't get crushed ice."

"No, not, ugh," you groaned handing him his cup back. "I meant Mei. She's flirting with you, she thinks you're cute."

"Mei? Is that-"

"No, the lady who took our order and gave you her number. She wants to go out with you."

He looked over at the girl who was busy talking to other customers.

He turned back to you, passing back your drink. "No, I don't think that was meant for me."

"Really. The lady who didn't even notice me when you walked up meant to give that to someone else? Who then, who? Enlighten me."

He sipped his drink with a shrug.

You sighed and took a sip of your drink as well. "I'd imagine you'd make for an annoying boyfriend. Probably shouldn't call her. She'll be crushed, but, hey, it'll save her a lot of trouble."

"What do you mean imagine? I am your boyfriend."

"No, not like that. Not a friend who is a boy, but a boyfriend. You know the kind that takes their girlfriend out a lot and they smooch and stuff?"

He thought about it for a moment. "Well, we do go out a lot but we don't smooch. Should I start smooching you?"

"... just drink your iced skinny carmel macchiatto with extra carmel."

"Actually it's just an iced coffee."

"I know, Todoroki."

"It tastes good."

"I know."

[bigtreefest]

Chapter 3: Save Me The Trouble

From: Bigger Houses Series

Pairing: Mountain Ranger! Ari x Reader

Summary: People need to be more careful and watch where they’re going. You could run into a handsome stranger and get asked on a date!

Word Count: 1,821

Content/Warnings: oblivious walking (once again), like one swear, internal self-doubting monologues that hopefully still indicate a healing process, female reader, it’s pretty much fluff

Author’s Note: I’m so grateful for all that have been reading. I hope you enjoy this new part, a cute little bridge. Likes, comments, reblogs, and asks are sooooo welcome and appreciated!!

Dividers by @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

Here is the song this is based off of loosely, good song, listen if you please.

< Prev | Series Masterlist | Next >

You were finally settling into your new job and your new life in town. Your schedule was all figured out, and to get to know the area a little better, each day, you had started going somewhere different over lunch, driving down the mountain and into the quaint little town.

After a hectic morning, coffee seemed like just the thing to lift your spirits, so you set up your navigation to a little mom and pop shop on Main Street, cruising there with the windows down to soak up the sun and the breeze. Town was beautiful and surprisingly empty today, so it caught you by surprise when you were pulling into the parking lot and saw a khaki smear coming out of your blind spot. You stood on the brakes as soon as the tall figure took a step in front of your vehicle. A man in…were those…ranger shorts and a hat?….slammed his hands down on the hood of your car. It was him again.

You leaned your head out through the window. “You trying to make a habit of me almost hitting you? I thought you were a bear….again. Seriously, you’d think I’m out here trying to take out the nation’s wildlife if it wasn’t you walking out in front of my car every time.”

He let out a sigh as he hung his head in relief, his heart still beating fast at the near-death experience, and made his way over to your window. As you pulled yourself back in the car, he rested his elbows at the bottom of your window and leaned forward.

“I really am sorry. I’m not sure why that keeps happening. My head was kinda in the clouds.” He grimaced slightly and let out an awkward laugh.

You wanted so badly to be angry with him, but his genuine response, paired with his eyes that reflected the sky had you melting. “I-I’m not sure if I accept your apology yet.” You said then bit your lip, caught up between your slight frustration with the stranger, yet your want to believe anything he said. “You’re gonna make a reputation for me around here as ‘that girl who almost flattened the mountain ranger…twice.’”

He let out a genuine laugh. “I promise your secret’s safe with me and it won’t happen again. And I’m sure I can think of a couple people who wouldn’t be too bothered by that.”

You let out a giggle at his joke, it wasn’t too often people who looked like that had a good sense of humor to pair. The two of you sat there awkwardly for a second before you spoke up. “Well I, uh, kinda need to park, I’m on my lunch hour and was planning on getting a bite to eat.”

“Oh yeah, of course.” He pulled away from your window, walking a few paces behind the vehicle as you pulled into a spot. “You know, there’s a nice little coffee shop around the corner. I’d love to make up that whole ‘not paying attention’ thing to you. Lunch on me?”

You pulled your keys out of the ignition, stepping out and looking up at his towering form. Maybe he really was a bear. “I suppose, as long as this isn’t your way of secretly trying to lure me as bait for the mountain lions as a revenge plan.”

“Ah, no, that’s only on Tuesdays.” He shrugged.

“Today…is Tuesday….” You looked at him with mild concern as he smirked at you.

“Well, I guess you’re just gonna have to trust me. I’m Ari.” He held out his hand and you introduced yourself. He nodded at you and his eyes sparkled when your hand met his. His hand was callused, but warm and comforting, almost embracing yours. “Alright, let’s get to it, you said you’ve only got an hour?”

You nodded as his hand made its way to the small of your back and he guided you along the sidewalk into the shop.

You laughed as you sat there stirring your second drink: the free refill the shop offered if you sat and stuck around. Ari had just finished telling you about the time his pants had snagged on a tree when he was miles away from any sort of refuge or spare clothing, leaving his cheeks in the breeze until he could run the two miles back to the cabin to change. Your face began to grow red, you could feel it. You knew you’d never be able to get the thought of his ass in those ranger shorts out of your head, or better yet, out of those ranger shorts.

He spoke through his own hearty laughter. “Yeah, learned that one the hard way. From then on, I vowed to always keep at least two sets of backup clothing in the truck, and in my duffel if I’ve got to respond to a call.”

You laughed and stirred your drink again before taking another sip, while something stirred deep in Ari’s core. He was staring at you so intently and hung onto every word you said. Part of you wished he’d keep those pretty blue eyes to himself, while another part of you wanted to lean closer and fall into them.

Over the period of your conversation, the two of you had somehow shifted closer to each other. Everything was just flowing so well.

“I can relate to that too easily. It was probably three months into me getting my SUV I’ve got parked out there and I was visiting my mom. On the drive over, it was sunny with clear skies, so I had the windows down and sunroof open when I parked it in her driveway.”

Ari giggled. The gruff tree of a man in front of you giggled and you couldn’t help your gaze that dropped to his pink lips. “I can already see where this is going.”

You snapped yourself back, laughing distractedly. “Oh yeah, as soon as I got in there and convinced myself I had definitely closed the sunroof, the sky opened up. When I left after dinner, I was greeted by soaked seats and full cup holders.”

Ari’s jaw dropped. “Yeah, yeah, that’s not even the best part. Besides the fact that I had to sit in a soaked seat on the way home, when I took the first big turn on the drive, water started leaking out of the overhead lights. You know the ones up by the rear view mirror? I don’t even know how it got in there!”

Ari was snorting at your story. Your genuine nature charmed him and he appreciated how you were able to laugh with him over silly mistakes. He noticed how long it had been since he’d taken this much joy in human interaction, heck, he realized it’s been so long since he’s really interacted with another person, period. The bartender and the other rangers didn’t count. Ari’s eyes continued to roam your features as you passionately told your story, a reminiscent smile on your face. A lace of humor that could retrospectively cover the embarrassing moment.

“Ever since then, I’ve carried at least three towels in the trunk. And also a change of clothes, just like you. It took all night for me to dry out the seats my garage. Had to open all the doors and run a box fan.”

Ari laughed and shook his head. “Well, cheers to learning from mistakes and always being prepared.”

You nodded, eyebrows raised in agreement, as you raised your coffee cup to meet his. “Amen to that. I knew you were a ranger for a reason. And I’ve been told I was a boy scout in another life.”

The two of you sipped your drinks and laughed together. You were surprised how a conversation as mundane as this could be so entertaining. Seriously, who took up twenty minutes just to note how prepared they were by keeping spares of everything possible on their person?

Wait. Twenty minutes on that one subject? And you’d discussed several before? What time was it!?

You checked your watch and your eyes got wide. You’d been sitting here with Ari for two hours. “Oh my gosh. I didn’t even realize how much time has passed! I really have to go and get back to my actual life. I should’ve been gone an hour ago!”

You frantically started gathering your things.

Ari stood from his chair, causing it to skid against the floor, watching you pack up and unsure what to do. “Wait, can I see you again sometime?”

“That’d be great but I don’t have time to exchange numbers.” You debated chugging the rest of your coffee, opting for the smarter decision of just carrying it back with you.

“There’s a bar two blocks down from here. Share a drink with me Friday night?”

“Perfect.” You threw over your shoulder as you rushed out the door and back down the sidewalk.

You didn’t have it in your to tell a guy like him ‘no’ to a request as simple as that. Ari looked like the kind of guy who would just love and leave, but his behavior said otherwise. Through your entire time together, he only ever indicated that he cared about you. His eyes never left yours, he asked you questions about the stories you told him. But was it too good to be true? Maybe you should just save yourself the trouble you thought as you got back into your car.

No. You’d played with fire like this before, but this time, for some reason, you didn’t fear you’d get burned.

Ari flopped back down in his chair after you left. He should probably get back to the ranger station soon, but he needed time to gather his thoughts.

He was finally relearning himself, and he had no plans on adding someone else back into the equation. Was it too soon?

He wanted to let you in, let you uproot his life from the inside. But he didn’t think it’d be wrecked. It would be rebuilt, regrown like the flower buds on the trees in spring. Everything about you seemed to shine so bright, like the rays from the sun he loved to watch filter through the leaves and hit the forest floor. Even through the clouds, his and your own that you both seemed to carry, something was glowing and warming up, he could feel them dissipating.

This feeling, the whole day and time with you, it felt like a movie he’s seen, but he didn’t believe it could be true. For a second, a tinge of doubt crept into Ari’s mind. What if it didn’t work out? What if this put him back where he started? Alone in that bar drinking doubles. He was quick to push it away, though. That heartache belonged to somebody else. Someone he never wanted to know again.

Next >

Series Taglist:

@patzammit

@hawkeyes-queen

[fangirlwriting-stories]

Immediate Aftermath

Summary: No One Knows AU Part 26, Danny starts to deal with all of the things he's learned and everything that's just happened.

...

It’s while they’re flying home that everything crashes on Danny’s shoulders at once, and he knows Jazz can tell.

“Okay,” she says.  “Blame me.  Say you found me having lost track of time at the library.  Let’s go sit down.”

Danny doesn’t even have it in him to fight her, so he flies up to the roof of a nearby building and sets them both down.

Jazz reaches out and pulls him into a hug.

“You don’t have to forgive them, you know,” she says.

Danny pulls back to look at her.  “I do forgive them.”

Jazz laughs a little bit.  “I figured.”

“I just… fuck,” Danny says, dropping his head into his hands.  “I didn’t think they’d do that.”

“I know.”

“I didn’t think Vlad would do that.”

“I know.”

“Should I have seen this coming?”

“I don’t know.”

“Fuck,” Danny groans, leaning back on his hands.

Jazz leans back next to him and pulls him back in for another hug, and this time Danny stays there and rests his head in her shoulder.

“Jazz,” he says, hoping they can both ignore the slight shake in his voice.  “Why did they do that?”

“I don’t know,” Jazz whispers.  “You’re gonna have to ask them for that part.”

“I know a little bit,” Danny says, pulling back and looking up at the sky, where the sun is starting to set.  “Vlad made it look like I wanted to hurt them by telling them that Plasmius worked for me.  That’s what Sam said.  But she was also having an entire breakdown when she told me, I don’t…” he trails off.

“You already said you want to talk to them again, and I’m sure they won’t object,” Jazz says.  “And if they do, I’ll object to them.”

Danny snorts.  “No, you’re staying away from them until I know you won’t kill them,” he says.

“That’s gonna be a while.”

Danny laughs a little again, but his smile fades after a second.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asks, turning to face Jazz.  “You are the one who got kidnapped out of nowhere.  And you didn’t know what was happening like I did when I went there.”

Jazz takes a shaky breath, and runs her hands along her legs.  “I’ll be okay,” she says.  “Just a little shaken.”

“You sure?” Danny asks.

Jazz nods.

“Will you find me if you need to talk?” he says, catching Jazz’s eye to make sure she knows he’s serious.

She smiles at him, and nods.  Danny opens his arms for a hug, and they both lean forward and hold each other tightly for a moment.

They both pull back, but he can tell neither of them wants to leave yet.  And they’ll have more to talk about, but neither of them seem to want to do that for a while either.  So instead, they both sit there in silence for longer than they probably should.

But they are going to have to deal with their parents eventually, so after a while, Danny stands up.  “Let’s go home.”

“Danny,” Jazz says, standing with him.  “I really am so sorry this happened to you.”

Danny gives Jazz the best smile he can manage, which isn’t a very good one right now.  “Thanks, Jazz,” he says anyway.

…

It’s clear when they get home that their parents notice something happened.  Of course they do, they’ve been gone too long and neither of them exactly look their best.

Danny’s not sure how he expects them to react to it, but he knows they’ll do something.  They’ve been getting better about actually paying attention to what’s going on in his and Jazz’s lives.  Really nice most of the time.  Super unhelpful right now.

They both sit down at the table for the spaghetti that’s long gone cold, and don’t make a move towards eating it.

“So,” Mom says, crossing her arms.  “You want to tell me where you two have been, and what you were doing?  Where are your crutches, Danny?”

Danny opens his mouth to give some version of Jazz’s library excuse, but it gets stuck on the way out, as he finds himself not wanting to lie to them.  At least, not all the way.  So, he reaches out and takes Jazz’s hand, then takes a deep breath.

“I don’t need the crutches,” he says.  “My leg is healed.”

His parents eyebrows shoot up in disbelief, so Danny rushes on before they can question that one much.

“And Tucker and Sam got caught up in a ghost attack,” he says.  “With this Wisconsin ghost.  And it’s… we’ve been having a fight lately.  I wanted to show them I was still going to be there to help.  That’s what Sam was here for.”

The fact that none of that was technically a lie felt weird.  He had left out some crucial context, though, which feels a little more normal.

“Sam and Tucker got caught up in a ghost fight?” Mom asks.  “Are they okay?”

Danny exchanges a look with Jazz, not sure what to say.  “They were manipulated by this half ghost who’s also your old college buddy” doesn’t sound like the best idea.  “They’ve been hunting me” will also come with a lot of follow up questions.  Heck, “no,” will come with at least some follow up questions.

“They’re…” Danny starts, and trails off.  “I don’t know.”  That’s the best he’s got.

His parents both exchange a glance, then turn back to him.

“Sweetie, how long have you three been fighting?” Mom asks.  “Why haven’t you said anything?”

Well, Danny doesn’t know what to say to that, either.  He’s finding himself way too tired of lying to them to do it.  But he’s still not ready to tell them the truth.

Jazz reaches out and squeezes his hand under the table.

“Can I…” Danny says hesitantly.  “Can I tell you later?”

Mom blinks, looking confused.  “What?”

“I… there’s something I haven’t told you guys,” Danny says, looking down at the table.  “And I’m still not ready to tell you.”

“Danno, what do you mean?” Dad asks, sitting forward.

“Exactly that,” Danny says, looking down at his hands.  “I just… I need a little time.  Okay?”

He can feel his parents looking at him, but he doesn’t raise his gaze.

“Danny,” Mom says.  “Are you safe?”

“I am now,” Danny says.  Mostly.

That doesn’t seem to help, as he looks up to see panic in his parents eyes.

“Really!” he says, holding up his hands.  “I’m okay!  I promise.  I’ve been going through a lot, but I’m okay now.  I’m just not really ready to talk about it with you guys.”

“Will you tell us if you need our help?” Mom asks, giving him a concerned look.

Danny thinks it over, and nods.

Mom takes a deep breath, clearly still not happy.  But after a second, she looks at Dad, and then the two of them turn to face Danny.

“Okay,” Dad says.  “But we really don’t like this, son.”

“I know,” Danny says, but he doesn’t say anything else.

There’s a long stretch of silence, and then Mom sighs.  “I’ll reheat the spaghetti,” she says, and picks up both Danny and Jazz’s plates.

“I’ll get some drinks,” Dad says.

Danny turns to Jazz as they both start doing that.  Jazz gives him a smile and wraps her arm around his shoulders, giving him a quick side hug.

“Good job,” she says.

Danny smiles back at her.  “Thanks.”

The dinner is tense and uncomfortable, but they know he’s keeping something from them, and they’re not making him tell them, and those are the important parts.  And for the first time since the accident, Danny goes to bed knowing that someday, they’ll be okay.

…

Danny makes the executive decision that he’s skipping school the next day, because he’s earned it, goddammit.

Jazz doesn’t argue with him, and tells their parents that he’s sick, who according to her didn’t look like they really believed her but let it slide anyway.

So Danny gets up after Mom and Dad head down to the lab, makes himself some frozen waffles, and then heads back upstairs, planning to spend the day plopped in a bean bag in front of his video game console playing Doomed.

Before he can boot it up, however, he hears a knock on his window, and he glances over to find Valerie hovering there in her suit.

He climbs up and heads over, pulling the window open.

“Hey,” he says.  “Are you sure your suit is safe?”

“Oh yeah,” Valerie says.  “I had Tucker go over it and find all the spy cameras last night,” Valerie says.  “He still has the diagrams he grabbed, he says it wasn’t hard.  No one can see me anymore.”

Danny nods.  “Okay,” he says.  “Good.”

“Can I come in?” Valerie asks.  “I know we’re taking a break right now.  I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

Danny nods again, and steps back to let Valerie come inside.  She lands gently on his floor and retracts her suit.

“I think I’m alright,” Danny says as she turns around.  “Or I’m gonna be, at least.  I’ll just, you know, need a bit.”

Valerie nods.  “Okay,” she says.

“A lot more makes sense now,” Danny says.

“Yeah, I’d imagine,” Valerie says.  A second passes, and she suddenly holds up her hands, a look of alarm on her face.  “I swear I didn’t know, if you were wondering.”

“Oh.”  Danny shakes his head.  “I wasn’t.”

“I did wonder why Vlad suddenly liked them so much more than me,” Valerie says.  “But I didn’t know who they were.  And I don’t know why he went after them, either.”

“I believe you,” Danny says quietly.

Valerie looks back at him, obviously concerned.  “You’re really okay?”

Danny smiles a little.  “Yeah,” he says.  “It’s easier now that I know what actually happened.  And… I’m doing a lot better than I was, I think.  I’ll be okay.”

Valerie nods, though Danny can’t tell if it’s at what he said or if it’s more to herself.  “You know you can talk to me if you need to?” she asks.  “I mean, you don’t have to, obviously, just, if you want to.”

“I will,” Danny says with a smile.  “Thanks.”

“Good,” Valerie says.  They’re both quiet for a minute, and then Valerie speaks again.

“I have an offer for you.”

“An offer?”

“Yeah.  I can handle the ghosts for a week.”

Danny blinks.  “You can handle them?”

“Yeah.  I’ve wanted to pay you back for a while anyway, for picking up the slack when I took a break.  Take the week, work things out with everyone.  I’ve got it for a little bit.”

Danny hesitates.  “I don’t know.”

“If I need your help I’ll come get you,” Valerie says, with a tone that means she absolutely doesn’t think she’ll need his help.

Danny laughs a little.  “Okay,” he says.  “Thanks Val.”

Valerie smiles back at him, and for a moment they just look at each other, until Valerie shakes herself.

“Well, that’s all,” she says, pulling her suit back on.  “Just wanted to check on you.”  She starts to head over for the window.

“Hey,” Danny says before she flies out of it.

Valerie turns to face him again.  “Yeah?”

“Take your mask off.”

Valerie does, looking a little confused until Danny walks over and gives her a short, chaste kiss.

“I’ll be seeing you,” he says, pulling back.  “And I’m really looking forward to fighting ghosts with you.”

Valerie gives him a warm smile, and another quick kiss back.  “You better hope you can keep up, Fenton,” she says.  Then she gives a wave and flies out the window and off.

Danny smiles after her as she goes.

And then, as soon as she’s out of sight, he transforms and flies out after her, but in the opposite direction.

He didn’t want to mention it while she was there.  But Valerie made him realize something.  If she doesn’t have the slightest idea why Vlad went after Sam and Tucker specifically, that means he didn’t bother to bullshit an excuse.  And while he seems to have done that with Sam and Tucker, since Sam’s whole panicked speech included something about Vlad saying Phantom was trying to kill them, she didn’t seem to know the real reason either.

And Danny wants to know the real reason.

And he can only think of one person who can tell him that.

[bi-bard]

Misdiagnosis - James Wilson Imagine (House M.D)

Title: Misdiagnosis

Pairing: James Wilson X Reader

Word Count: 1,108 words

Warning(s): none that I'm aware of

Summary: [Season 4, Episode 9] After discovering he had misdiagnosed a patient, Wilson is left in a spiral of thoughts. (Y/n) tries to pull him out of it.

Author's Note: A while ago, I had a House MD OC. I deleted it because I wasn't happy with it. The planning was shaky, and I didn't really like the OC's storyline. So, I went back, I replanned it, and now we have a better House MD OC that I am much happier with. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

FIND MORE OF THIS OC BY CLICKING HERE

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

It wasn't common that Greg voiced his concerns to me.

Even when he did, he was never clear about them. He acted like he didn't care and was just making jokes about other people's misery. I could usually see through it.

So, when he came in joking about how James was going to be sued by a patient because the patient was going to live, I understood what he was saying.

"And why did you tell that patient that they had a solid case," I asked, folding my hands together and resting my chin on them.

He dramatically scoffed. "You think it's me?"

"You have very weird ways of intervening when you think someone is being stupid," I shrugged. "Plus, no lawyer would actually tell him that he had an actual case because he was going to live."

House sighed and plopped onto the chair on the other side of my desk.

"Now, why did you do that?"

"Because Wilson was being an idiot," he explained.

"More detail, please."

"He was going to pay that man because he gave that man good news."

"And now, you're here because you want me to go get him to agree with you?"

"Use your psychologist babble."

"You can't only acknowledge my job when you need me to do something."

"I can if I'm asking you to help our friend avoid becoming self-destructive."

"Self-destructive?"

"You won't know for sure unless you talk to him."

Greg pushed himself out of the chair and walked out of my office. I let out a huff and shook my head. He knew exactly how to get under my skin. Asshole.

I found myself outside James's office a little while later. I sighed before knocking on the door. He pulled the door open.

"How did one of you learn to knock and the other one sometimes climbs across to my balcony," James asked.

I just shrugged. He motioned for me to walk in. I took a moment to look out at the balcony once I had.

"You could put tinfoil along the top," I said. James had his eyebrows furrowed when I looked at him. "Like when you have a cat that keeps jumping onto your counter. You put tinfoil along the top and something about the noise spooks them."

"Are you comparing your brother to a cat?"

"It's probably the nicest thing I've compared him to."

James laughed and shook his head, going to walk back to his desk.

"Were you really going to pay a patient for giving him good news," I asked.

He paused, looking at me for a moment before speaking, "House sent you here?"

"He said you were becoming self-destructive," I replied. "Not that I really believe him, but I was very curious-"

"It was 6,000 dollars-"

"Why?" my eyes went wide.

"I... I gave him six months to live," he explained. "He needed the money after he sold his house. He had a trip to Venice planned! I... I wanted to help him."

"This is about the false positive patient?"

"Yes!"

I sighed. "Okay..."

"Don't psychoanalyze me."

"Your guilt surrounding your patients is unhealthy-"

"(Y/n)!"

"Listen to me," I stepped forward and leaned on the desk. "I can't say why, but I think you're feeling unnecessary guilt around events that aren't your fault."

"I gave that man the wrong diagnosis-"

"Because of a false positive," I replied. "At the end of the day, medicine is a field with very little control. I think your guilt is an attempt to control what you can't."

He didn't respond to that.

"I should know... I deal with the human psyche," I shrugged. "Even more variables than the physical body."

He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Wrong diagnoses happen," I continued. "Sometimes they're completely out of our control. And sometimes they work out for the better, sometimes they don't. This last patient was one of the good outcomes, no matter how that man sees it. You cannot control the actions of another person when they believe that they are facing the end of their life or how they choose to handle learning that they aren't. You are not responsible for that. You are responsible for giving that man the correct diagnosis. That's it."

James continued looking at me for a moment before sighing and responding, "I see why Cuddy hired you."

"She does better with two voices of reason than one."

He grinned at me. I pushed myself back, so I was standing up straight again.

"So, do I still have to worry about you becoming self-destructive," I asked.

He scoffed. "I'm not the self-destructive one in your life."

"Yeah, but you're more willing to let people help you," I replied.

I opened my arms and waved him over. He raised an eyebrow at me. I just waved him over again.

He walked over and let me pull him into a hug.

"You're doing a good job, James," I muttered. "I promise."

"Thanks," he mumbled before stepping back and grinning at me. "You have no idea how much hearing that means to me."

I don't think I could've formed a good response to that statement. I don't know if there was one. Saying something like "you're welcome" risked the chance of looking egotistical. Trying to shrug it off could've looked ungrateful. No response felt like it was good enough.

I didn't have to worry about that for long.

I barely had a moment to overthink my response before James leaned over and pressed his lips to mine.

I leaned back a few seconds later out of complete shock.

"I... I'm sorry," he said immediately. "I... I don't know why I did that-"

"It's okay," I stopped him. I started walking toward the door. "Really, it's fine. Just fine. I just... I have a lot of work to do. This was meant to be a quick visit. I'll... I'll see you later."

"(Y/n)-"

"I'll see you later," I repeated before leaving and closing the door behind me.

I looked around, feeling like everyone knew what happened or could easily figure it out by looking at me. I shook my head. Spotlight effect. I knew that.

"Shit," I muttered to myself before running my hands over my face and starting to walk back to my office.

It wasn't that the kiss was bad. It was the exact opposite. It was perfect. That was the problem.

It felt like years of friendship were teetering very delicately on a rope and whatever happened in James's office tried to push it off. And I couldn't tell if I would've been upset but that idea or not.

And that terrified me.

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

Navigation Guide

What I Write For

Some Original Characters

[ladyvialana]

Very much enjoyed the first season of The Dead Boy Detectives.

It was fun, with great characters, interesting storylines, good pacing, and a fantastic ability to balance light-hearted storytelling with some pretty fucked up content at times.

Episode 1 was a little clunky and exposition heavy, but it's only really in that first episode (unlike fucking Wednesday!) and it's pretty easy to look past once they get into the main story. The rest of the episodes are much smoother.

Character interactions are great and all of the characters feel rounded with an actual backstory that influences their interactions and distinct personalities and traits that affect their actions. They're not just plot devices or vehicles for narrative.

Before going into any more detail, I'll just say I really enjoyed it. It's probably not as sophisticated or polished writing or style-wise as The Sandman, but it's still a really good spin off. I'd almost put it in the same vein, tone-wise, as The Umbrella Academy, though perhaps not as irreverent. Much better than similar Netflix teen supernatural dramas like Wednesday or Sabrina (and probably more mature and sophisticated, storytelling-wise than those shows).

I really enjoyed it, am looking forward to/hoping for a second season, and will definitely be watching again.

*

More detailed spoilers under the cut for those interested in my opinions about a few specific storylines/characters/episodes:

*

SPOILERS:

I am honestly surprised we don't have more people hitting on Charles. He is genuinely charming and charismatic as well as kind of open and sincere. Like, Edwin's a standoffish Edwardian public school boy with weird interests and zero people skills. I adore him. But he has negative charisma, especially compared to Charles' eyeliner and grin. Like, why is everyone chasing after Edwin? It's a role reversal I can definitely get behind, but no one is trying to get up into Charles' personal space aside from Crystal? Really??? And even she probably wouldn't have gone for it if he hadn't made it obvious he was interested in her first. Like, I really do get what the writers were trying to go with here, but it's one of those choices that kind of stretch narrative believability a little.

In saying all of that, I'm kind of a sucker for queer pining arcs that could go either way. So the not-so-subtle reveal of Edwin's feelings was both beautiful and painful in the best ways.

Episode 7 was a highlight for me. I'd been waiting for the pay-off from Edwin's backstory and the hellfire sword hanging over his head. But the flashback to Charles' death was probably my favourite scene in the series. Everything about that episode was fantastic, from the tension to the individual mini character arcs in the episodes (Nico coming in clutch with her reading comprehension skills! Crystal finally kicking David's ass!), to the beautiful release of the confession in Hell. I loved all of the insight we got into all of the main characters, knowing the truth of the kind of people they are. Knowing that, yeah, these are all good people who would do anything to help, and who love fiercely. But also, that doing what you can for the people you love sometimes involves meat cleavers and Molotov cocktails.

[signedeclipse]

yayyy finally your request is open! may I request a prompt like, you wanna confess to them on valentine's day but accidentally already confessed to them, or you can watch this vid (https://www.tiktok.com/@punkgal_/video/7204905468186152197) with gyutaro and muzan, but you can add extra character if you want, and can it be in kimetsu academy au please? you can make muzan become our senior or same age friend! I really like your signed with love work, you write it so well and accurate with their character😭 thank you in advance!!!

Gyutaro

Gyutaro is not one to celebrate holidays which is why you pulled together a plan to ask him instead

The only trouble was how unpredictable he could be, and after almost three attempts gone wrong you were starting to realize having a large scale setup for it was pointless

The first time you had wrapped yourself like a present in his room, but, he stayed out late and by the time he got to you he thought you were being held hostage by someone

The second time you made a sign with lights and flower petals but he ended up grounded for a week for bullying first years

And the most recent attempt was something akin to today, except no candles this time because he accidentally caught his hair on fire when playing with the candles

So now you were searching through every hallway to find him and get him to meet up with you properly so you could ask

When you did, he was outside the school at his parking spot, polishing his motorcycle even after everyone had already gone home

"Gyu-kun! I have been looking everywhere for you!"

He only grunts in response and shrugs his shoulders

"When you are done come to my place so i can finally ask you to be my valentine! You are so hard headed sometimes...!" You were already stomping away down the sidewalk

Leaving the poor red-faced boy behind

Once he gets his motorcycle on he'll be chasing down the street to catch up to you and accept your confession

Muzan

The senior student was always punctual, working off of a strict schedule

So it was easy to predict the best time to stop him

As his self-proclaimed best friend, you knew him better than anyone else which was still very little

Between every class, he would pull out a book and read exactly twenty pages

But depending on the length and size of the font, the time it took varied

Luckily for you, you noticed this book was not typical novel size and had a larger font, which would give you a minute to cut in before the teacher showed up!

Of course you can't judge his punctuality when you could pay attention to such small details with ease

"Muzan-kun, are you available at 5 o'clock tonight to meet outside the school library?"

The second his book had been put down on the desk you asked sharply, having taken the seat next to him

"5:15 and I will be."

The boy only stared forwards at the chalkboard, but you knew he cared what he had to say by the fact he was holding onto the side of the next with a grip so hard his knuckles were going white

"I will be asking you to be my valentine, see you then!"

Right then the teacher walked in and you moved to sit across the class from him

He would lower his head so some of his hair falls in front of his eyes and use a hand to cover his mouth

Not because he's bored of the teacher talking, but because he wants to hide his shifty eyes and red cheeks

Of course you would confess like that, you were so stupid- and now he had to arrange to get some of your favourite flowers by next week

Authors Note - Thank you so much for those kind words! I am really happy my SIgned with Love series was enjoyed <3 Funnily enough I saw a tiktok once of that audio with Shinobu! I hope I captured what you were hoping for!

[momolady]

Your Support & the Future of My Patreon

Hello everyone! This is going to be a little bit of a heart to heart with all of you, I hope that's okay.

To start with, I just have to say, I never been more grateful for a group of people in my life. Having all of you here, past and present readers, has been one of the greatest and most rewarding experiences of my life. I've been living my dream for six years now, and I am brought to tears by all your love and support. 

If I could live and feed off your comments, kindness, and every word read, I'd be the richest person in the world. 

Unfortunately, as much as I want to, that's not how the world works. And doubled unfortunately, I know the world is affecting all of us. Inflation is crazy, the holidays are happening, everything around us is in utter chaos. As such, i 100% expected to see a dip in the support on this page. I did not expect how bad it would get. Three months about, I was around 300 supporters and the amount coming in was enough to where I could take care of myself and this page without issue. Unfortunately, Patreon's change in payout methods has resulted in me losing over fifty subscribers that I cannot seem to get back.

Let me just say, i do not blame a single one of you. If anything, I blame myself more. I know this past year has no been my best. Health issues, burn out, and several other factors have made my writing and this page suffer, and for that I apologize deeply to all of you. I am working to get better, I can tell I am doing better. I enjoy writing so much better, as most of my commissioners recently can tell you I've been going slow but I have been writing more exuberantly when I do. I've been going over word count of my own accord because I'm finding joy in my craft again. I'm working with people to edit and finish Ozren, and hopefully once that is published I will see an increase and return in supporters. But for now, my subscriber count has fallen so low, there will be changes that will take effect in 2024.

I am still figuring out those changes, and it will mainly affect mail outs. I cannot afford postage regularly, and I have to shop sales for stickers and prints. I also want to be able to pay artists what they are worth, so less art is being produced. So mail outs may become a far and few between thing. I will be able to do ebooks more regularly now that I know I can add them to posts. Posts scheduling may have to change as I may have to take up another job since patreon support has taken a dip and commissions have slowed to a trickle. Once again, this is no one's fault except maybe my own an the way the world is. I understand that I would rather have food than words, trust me! I am uncertain here about all this, but the new year will help give me clarity. 

Until then, December is going to have lots of cool new stories, including a special Christmas story like always. This one will be my take on Hallmark movies with orcs and childhood friends in the mix. I'm really looking forward to the future despite all this, and I still want to create stories that inspire and comfort all of you. 

I cannot thank you enough, and I will never be able to fully show my gratitude to all of you, past, present, and future. Thank you, my god, you're all amazing, wonderful, beautiful people. I could not ask for a better more loving community around me.

With all my love, Momo/Haley

[jewwyfeesh]

The Detective's Banquet 1

Writer: Mitsuki

Character(s): Shino Hajime, Mashiro Tomoya, Hidaka Hokuto, Sakuma Ritsu, Isara Mao, Hasumi Keito, Sakuma Rei, Kazehaya Tatsumi, HiMERU, Shiina Niki

Translated by: jewwyfeesh

Hokuto: Analysis result: no signs of life have been detected.

Season: Autumn Location: Luxury Hotel Room

[A dark and stormy night, in a certain hotel room…]

Tomoya: How did it end up like this…

At first, it was meant to be a one-off banquet with inference and logical reasoning as its main theme, but… suddenly, there was a real case to be solved.

Due to the unexpected rainstorm, the once comfy holiday spot became an island isolated from the outside world. Everyone’s stuck here, unable to leave.

We were like beasts trapped in a cage – despite looking for clues all over the place, wracking our brains trying to reason it out, we still couldn’t find the killer hidden amongst us.

As time went by, I had an ominous premonition. That’s why I’m here, recording, narrating my side of the story as truthfully as I can.

Afterwards, I’ll hide the memory card away. If something unexpected were to happen to me, I hope that there would be someone who’ll find the clues I’ve left behind, and bring the truth to light.

I remember that—

……?!

W-who…? Who’s there!

???: It seems like you didn’t close your door fully, ‘High School Student Detective’.

Location: Dead End Cafe

[The afternoon before, in the holiday resort’s main cafe area]

Rei: Dearest detectives, welcome to this island, an island far away from any hustle and bustle. I have prepared a banquet to welcome you seven, and of course, in this feast of inference… mysteries do run aplenty.

While we are to temporarily stay within the boundaries of the hotel due to the sudden storm, I assure you that the service here is the best of the best.

As the owner of this island, as well as the organizer of the banquet… Without further ado, kindly allow me to introduce the detectives that have gathered here today.

First of all, we have my little brother, Ritsu. The media has bestowed upon him the title of ‘Vampire Detective’, but I sincerely doubt those reports that shower him with praise have sufficiently showcased Ritsu’s unparalleled intellect and cuteness—

Ritsu: Haha, anija really loves to joke, doesn’t he? There are other skilled detectives here as well, and I don’t intend on making a fool of myself in front of the real experts. Please pay him no mind, and enjoy the banquet.

Rei: I’m sure everyone’s heard of this person — possessing superb reasoning ability and the ability to solve a case without stepping foot on scene… we have the aptly named ‘Armchair Detective’!

HiMERU: Thank you for the invitation, Sakuma-san. HiMERU is very happy for this opportunity to engage the other detectives in discussions of reason.

Tatsumi: I didn’t expect to see you here, HiMERU-san; I really do look forward to working on solving these with you ♪

HiMERU: Likewise. HiMERU wasn’t expecting to bump into you here either.

Tatsumi: Aah, I almost forgot to introduce myself to you all. I’m Kazehaya Tatsumi, a pastor from a nearby church. I happened to have helped solve a few cases while working. As such, I was referred to as the ‘Clergyman Detective’.

Mao: Both an idol and a detective, I am Trickstar’s Isara Mao ☆

Despite being called the ‘Idol Detective’, I only helped to investigate a case before a concert, which allowed the event to proceed as planned… it’s not really something worth boasting about…

Hajime: I’m the ‘Part-time Detective’ Shino Hajime. If you need anything, please feel free to approach me ♪

Tomoya: Erm… I’m the ‘High School Student Detective’, Mashiro Tomoya… Nothing special about me.

(Why are all the acting roles I get so plain… At the very least, I would’ve liked a higher rank or title of some sort… something like ‘Super High Schxxl Detective’, maybe. That does sound way cooler.)

(Ah, Hokuto-senpai’s about to do his introduction! I better pay attention.)

Hokuto: Hidaka Hokuto. ‘Bionic Detective’. Serial Number 3A1217.

Tomoya: (I nearly forgot that Hokuto-senpai’s character is an android who uses arithmetic calculations to emulate personalities… It does sound very difficult to pull off, but Hokuto-senpai definitely won’t have a problem!)

Rei: Now that everyone has gotten to a little more about the companions you’ll be embarking on this analytical journey with… Before we kick start the competition of brains and observational skills, let us first enjoy a pleasant banquet ♪

As wine will inhibit the brain’s precision and function, kindly allow me to use this cup of blood red tomato juice to prevent that—

……?!

Ritsu: Anija?!

H-how could this happen? W-why did he suddenly collapse?

Hokuto: An anomaly has been detected. Automatically running the body scan—

Analysis result: no signs of life have been detected.

Commencing further testing—

Analysis result: fingernails are pink, complexion is cherry red, and there’s a smell of bitter almonds near the lips. Cause of death tentatively determined to be cyanide poisoning.

Ritsu: Wh-what…?! No, no! I don’t believe it…

Mao: ……

Hajime: Ritsu Onii-chan… Wait no, ‘Vampire Detective’-san, please restrain your grief…

HiMERU: That’s right. HiMERU reckons that the most important thing right now is to ascertain the identity of the killer. According to what Sakuma-san said earlier on… due to the raging thunderstorm, everyone is to stay within the boundaries of this hotel for their own safety. That’s to say—

Tatsumi: That person may very well be hiding amongst us.

HiMERU: ……Yes.

Tomoya: (Whatever happened was really unexpected, yet everyone’s quick on their feet to react! I need to keep up!)

If he was poisoned after consuming the tomato juice, that means that the poison must’ve come from either the juice or the cup, right?

​​Mao: Indeed, these methods of poisoning are more convenient than others. May I ask who has previously handled these items?

Niki: I was the one in charge of the food and drink for this banquet, but I wouldn’t think of poisoning such holy food!

Keito: The cutlery was prepared by me. Sakuma-san and I grew up together, close like brothers[1]. I have no motive to kill him.

Ritsu: I was the one who handed him that glass of tomato juice… if I had known earlier…

Hokuto: Analysis complete. Lethal doses of toxins were not found in the juice nor the vessel.

Tomoya: —EH?!

Translator's notes: [1] 情同手足 - an idiom that directly translates to "as close as one's hands and feet", which means like brothers / with a brotherly love for each other

Chapter 2 →

[softsky-daily]

8/17/2024

I wonder where that little rainbow reflection came from.

Positive thing: I got some boba with a friend, and another friend cheered me up (🍓💜).

Conversation Table went well too, but I ended up talking a lot and feeling like I didn't actually help out so much. I'm having trouble keeping them talking in Japanese, since they default to English so readily, and I instinctively switch over too when they do that.

I wonder how the semester is going to go. I don't think I can find an internship in time, which is really unfortunate, but there isn't much I can do on short notice. I wish things didn't go so fast. There never seems to be time to stop - just go, go, go. I know it's okay to slow down but it's so hard to hold onto that belief when the world doesn't seem to agree. In the end I feel like I always get told I do things too late. Should've paced myself better, should've done that thing earlier. I remember asking a professor for help once and she said I should've asked earlier too. But how was I supposed to know? And now my application for Fulbright probably won't get done in time either. Everything just ends up feeling like my fault. I know it's just how things are and it's not a reflection of me, but it still sucks that I can't seem to get things done as I'd like to. Everything just stacks up forever and rest is like a luxury I can't have. When I take it, all the things keep piling up some more. But I need rest to stay alive. It feels like a sick game.

Let's see. Things to look forward to. The PMD book I ordered should be here by Monday which is nice. I'm having a fancy work brunch on Monday too (boss is paying - yay). Even if internship applications aren't working out I'm glad I'm not at the original one I was at anymore at least. And I might be doing some career counseling practice for one of my classes, which I've been excited for.

I hope one day I can sleep without any worries in the world. I hope a day comes where I look forward to getting out of bed. I know it's the burnout talking but I am just running on fumes and autopilot and it's not an existence I would wish on anybody.

Tomorrow's a new day. Maybe I'll get a matcha somewhere.

[nientedenada]

Scouts-Many-Marshes for the character ask thing! I am looking for some inspiration considering that he will have a big role in my wip.

First impression: A friendly face in Windhelm!

Impression now: One of the most interesting guys in Windhelm. He has things to say, ranging from his usual cheerful disposition and openness to all people, to his pretty caustic remarks about Ulfric Stormcloak's death. (I hope in his next life, he's reborn as an Argonian forced to live in a slum because of some bigoted Nord dictator. I'm joking, of course, but I'm a lot happier seeing the Empire running things in Windhelm.") He also seizes the opportunity to get better wages for the Argonians, via the Dragonborn, and hints that they've been taking some of the unloaded goods to make up for the unfair pay. He's a quick thinker. His good nature doesn't mean he's fine with being treated badly.

Favorite moment: My favourite Scouts-Many-Marshes moment actually never happens in the vanilla game. Since he never comes inside the city, he doesn't meet and talk with Ambarys Rendar at the corner club. Which is sad because their conversations are there in the files and they're marvelous. One line showing off his dark sense of humour. Ambarys Rendar:"Look around you. Don't you know what their little war is about? They want all non-Nords out of Skyrim. That means you and me." Scouts-Many-Marshes:"Oh, I doubt that very much. Who would load their ships, then?"

Idea for a story: Ulfric Stormcloak for some reason is tagged as his friend in the game files. I wrote a post about this and the resulting story idea: The Mysterious Friendship of Scouts-Many-Marshes and Ulfric Stormcloak (I'd also like to see him take on Suvaris Atheron who is a horrible supervisor who denies Argonian workers their rations.)

Unpopular opinion: I don't know if this is unpopular or just unusual. I don't imagine the law banning Argonians from the city is quite as straight-forward as it sounds. On a practical level, having dock workers and porters who can't enter the city is possible, but I think it'd make more sense if the law is that they can't enter except on work. They definitely can't stay there. Is this partly so I can still have Scouts-Many-Marshes dropping by the Corner Club to chat with Ambarys after he's brought up stuff to the city? Yes.

Favorite relationship - Hanging out with Ambarys Rendar, tolerating that grump.

Favorite headcanon - He really was friends with Ulfric Stormcloak once. See story idea.

[pepsi-maxwell]

more cmjf soulmate au. may post these on ao3 eventually as some kind of 5+1 of punk saying something to eviscerate max and one time he makes it all better BUT UNTIL THEN.

under a cut for length, homophobia tangentially mentioned in the opening paragraph

---

Punk is thankful his words are few enough that he can hide them under the wrist tape. Hard enough looking the way he does without people seeing the distinctly male name on his wrist and making judgements.

Though he's gotta admit, having a name makes things a lot easier. Means he can rule out anyone who doesn't introduce themselves with their name. And what a name it is, too.

Maxwell.

Of course, when none of the few Maxwells he meets introduce themselves in a way that fits, and as the years go on, he wonders if he's ever going to find him.

By the time he hits 40, he's all but given up. He knows it happens, sometimes. People die without ever meeting their soulmates. Sometimes it's not requited. Sometimes, their soulmates die without ever meeting them. It's fine. It doesn't matter. Maybe it's just a matter of mistiming.

But then he hears word about a new wrestling promotion. An upstart, challenging an order he fundamentally disagrees with.

He knows a few of the people involved, has worked with them before. Others he knows in name only. Some of them, he doesn't know at all, but then, he's been gone for seven years. Plenty of time for new stars to shine.

And it's only when he hears one of those new unknowns speak that he starts to really pay attention.

"My name is Maxwell Jacob Friedman. And I am better than you."

It's like touching a live wire.

And he thinks, surely it can't be. Looks the guy up. Finds a documentary on him, thirty minutes long, and who the hell is this kid that he has a documentary on him—

("Here's a picture of me with one of my faves, CM Punk.")

—and. The way that he walks. The way that he talks, the things he says, the pictures on his wall, like some kind of fucked up mirror image, and he thinks, no, there's no fucking way—

But how can it not be?

The name. Everything about him, this cultivated persona based off of him—

And he gets to thinking.

---

It'll be over a year before they come face to face. Punk makes his return to wrestling. Watches Max the same way he'd watched in the months before his arrival, and it's only backstage, watching Max yet again in his post-Full Gear victory speech, listening to Max quote him, in that ring, on that microphone, and the way he'd singled out Darby after Punk had beaten him in his big return match... it's like a call to action, tugging him forward.

He has to know. He can't stop himself from walking out, walking down the ramp, can't take his eyes off the man in the green suit, the man making an indulgent show of confusion upon seeing him. Punk wonders if Max is as hungry for this confrontation as he is.

Wonders if he feels the significance too, wonders what's written on his body, because he honestly doesn't know what he's going to say if it's true, if this man is his soulmate. He feels like it needs to be something special. Something memorable.

He steps under the rope into the ring. Pays no mind to the two perpetual shadows in Max's wake. He can't quite keep the smile off his face, both for the fact that for once, this obnoxious little asshole has been stunned into silence, and because this feels like it's building to something momentous. Feels like he's about to get an answer to a question he's been asking himself for over two decades, and he knows he shouldn't get his hopes up, has done that enough times to be jaded about it now, but...

Something about this feels different. Feels important.

He folds his arms across his chest. Stares Max down as they step in close to one another. Close enough that he can almost smell the minty gum Max has in his mouth.

His eyes are laser-focused on him even as Max looks around, makes a show of it, as if he's asking the audience who the fuck would have the audacity, but Punk knows better. Can see the nerves on his face, this close. The way his free hand flexes on nothing.

And he lifts the microphone up to his lips, and the words he says aren't written on Punk's wrist, but then, they're being spoken to the audience, not to him, and—

"Hey," he says, all charm and grace, and Punk's heart skips a beat in his chest as Max holds a hand out for him to shake, like Punk hasn't seen exactly what happens to the men who shake his hand. "Maxwell."

Punk’s wrist burns. His wrist burns, and he grins, and he turns around and walks away in silence, feeling the weight of Maxwell's gaze heavy on his back, and it's only later he realises he never said anything in return, but it doesn't matter, because he has his answer. It's written into his skin.

-

A week later, Max watches Punk take the mic.

His heart's racing, all adrenaline. The thrill of standing across the ring from CM Punk, almost making up for the debacle that had been last week. Punk interrupting him, refusing to shake his hand, laughing and then walking out, walking away from him, and who gave him the right—

He lifts the mic up to his mouth, lips parting, ready to speak, and the words that come out cut Max to the core.

"I am so disappointed in you."

It feels like time holds still. He barely notices the searing on his wrist. Certainly doesn't hear the crowd. Feels like there's a whole minute where he can't breathe, because he finally has his answer.

CM Punk is his soulmate.

His soulmate is CM Punk.

This... this man, this pathetic shadow of his former self... the sheer fucking loathing he feels for him is immeasurable. This man who left, who left him, who dared to say he was disappointed in Max—

Punk continues talking, and it takes everything he has to play along, react the way that he should react to what Punk’s saying about his rotten little ego. To not rush over there and grab him by the collar of that fucking hoodie—

And then the realisation.

The reminder that he'd spoken to Punk seven days ago. That up close, he'd seen his reaction, seen Punk's arm stiffen and twitch, as though he'd been in pain, as though it had—

Burned.

Just like Max's wrist had burned moments ago.

This was planned.