#i could just get the camper dropped off wherever i need to be at

[sweet-milky-tea705]

I cant believe this is just what im doing now. Its so strange and yet so natural

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 136: Long Drive

Sorry friends. The second half of my week last week was really difficult and I went away for the weekend to recharge. Without further ado, here's the next ficlet. Thanks for your patience <3

---------

Harry loved the States for a lot of reasons; it was way easier to disappear here than in England; even if people knew his name, they were way less likely to recognize his face; you could basically pick any climate that you wanted and find a place that suited you; and lots of other weird things.

But mostly he loved road trips.

He loved the entire concept behind getting in a car and just driving. The road unfurling endlessly in front of him, windows down, radio turned up and blaring whatever struck his fancy. With Max in the car beside him, wagging his tail and sticking his head out of the window, Harry felt practically weightless.

"Alright, buddy," he told the pittie when he pulled over to grab some breakfast at a little diner, "You hang out in the back, yeah?" he asked, scratching behind his ears and pressing a kiss to the broad bridge of his nose. "Go on," he said, nudging him toward the back that Harry had magically enlarged and turned into a comfortable living space.

Muggles had campers and rvs but with a little bit of magic, the beaten up Subaru served him just fine.

He got out and hit the lock button, listening to the satisfying little beep as he headed toward the diner, catching up his curls and tying them into a loose messy bun on top of his head.

The diner was cute, all red and white checkered decorations and a counter with spinny stools. Harry sat down at one and grabbed a menu, perusing and trying to decide what to order when he heard the crash of something being dropped to the ground and breaking.

His head snapped up and he blinked, wondering if it had been too long since he'd gone to sleep because he had to be hallucinating. "Malfoy?" he spluttered.

(Read more below the cut)

But before the other man could respond there was a shout from the kitchen in the back, "Damn it! You clumsy, stupid ass!" the man shouted and Harry felt himself recoiling from the anger in his voice. "You'll be paying for that!"

"Yes, sir!" Malfoy shouted back, bending over and hastily sweeping up the pieces.

"Well don't mess around with that now!" he shouted. "You've got a customer, you worthless piece of-" his voice trailed off as he slammed a door in the back but Harry could fill in the rest.

"Malfoy?" he repeated as the man in question stepped over to him. "How on earth did you find me?" he asked.

"You found me, Potter," he snapped. "Not the other way around. Now what can I get you?"

"You actually work here?" Harry asked in befuddlement.

Malfoy gritted his teeth, "Obviously. Otherwise I wouldn't be wearing this stupid apron and I wouldn't be getting screamed at by the arsehole that owns this place. What can I get you?" he repeated.

"Umm," he said, glancing down at the menu, "I will definitely have a cup of coffee. And then maybe the first special on your board with scrambled eggs, bacon, and rye toast," he said. "And also grape jelly, if you have it."

"Got it," Malfoy replied, scribbling on the ticket. "Coming right up."

He spun on his heel and strutted off before Harry could say anything more and Harry just stared after him, wondering if he was dreaming.

Malfoy was back a few minutes later with a mug and a coffee pot, filling Harry's cup and sliding it over to him.

"Thanks," Harry said, reaching for the sugar. "What are you-"

"Look," Malfoy hissed, leaning over and keeping his voice low, "Please do not blow this for me. I know that you have no reason to help me but I really need this job, Potter."

Harry blinked and by the time he'd unstuck his tongue from the roof of his mouth, Malfoy was gone again.

It wasn't long before the other man emerged once more, carrying Harry's plate of breakfast. "Here you go," he said as he set it down and slid a couple of grape jelly packets toward him. "Enjoy. Do you need a warm up on your coffee?"

"Uhh," Harry replied, glancing at his half full cup, "Sure."

Malfoy nodded and grabbed the pot to refill his cup.

"When do you get off work?" Harry found himself asking.

The other man's brow furrowed, "Why?"

He shrugged as he slathered jelly onto his toast, "Thought it might be nice to catch up."

"To catch up?" Malfoy repeated. "Is that code for-"

"Hear about your life," Harry supplied.

Malfoy's eyes narrowed, "Fine. I get off at 10:00. If you pretend that you are just a customer passing through I'll give you fifteen minutes."

"Done," Harry replied easily. "So what touristy shite is there to do in this town until 10:00 am?"

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

After he finished breakfast, Harry ended up just taking Max for a walk and then to the dog park to chase a ball around him. He'd worked hard to train him the first few months after he'd found him abandoned, tied up to a dumpster and all but starving. And Max had learned quickly, mastering basic commands in no time which was for the best, since people took one look at him and decided he was scary.

He wasn't, he was a sweet boy who loved people and who loved to play but it didn't seem to make any difference. Still, once he was trained, Harry had started taking him to the park and he wouldn't let other people bully them out.

Around 9:30, they headed back to the diner and Harry settled Max into the back, making sure his water bowl was full before he climbed back out of the car and leaned against the hood, waiting.

Malfoy emerged a few minuted after 10:00, looking a bit disheveled in his black t-shirt and skinny jeans, and immediately lit up a cigarette before looking around and spotting Harry. His eyebrows rose like he was surprised to see him before he squared his shoulders and made his way toward him.

"Hey," Harry said, straightening up as Malfoy approached him.

Malfoy blew a stream of smoke out of his mouth, "Hey?" he asked. "Is that really what you have to say to me?" He shook his head, "Just get it over with Potter," he said. "If you want to gloat just fucking gloat so I can move on and go get my groceries."

"I don't want to gloat," Harry protested.

"What do you want, then?" he asked scathingly.

And that was the question, wasn't it? What did Harry want? "Why are you working here?" he asked.

Malfoy rolled his eyes as he exhaled another puff of smoke, "It's amazing where you end up when you're a convicted death eater whose wand is monitored," he replied. "Then add to that the fact that it didn't seem to matter where I got myself set up in muggle London, someone found me and within hours I'd lose whatever job I'd been working. So here I am, just trying to get by and who should appear but the savior himself," he said with a little mock bow. "I should just put my two weeks in here now, at least-"

"I'm not going to tell anyone you're here," Harry said quickly.

"Right," he huffed sarcastically.

"I'm not," he argued, "Because if I told them where you are, they'd know where I've been."

"You're running away too?" Malfoy asked, cigarette dangling loosely from his fingers as he stared at Harry in surprise.

"Obviously," Harry replied. "Come on," he said after a moment. "Your feet must be killing you. I'm sure that arsehole doesn't give you breaks," he added as he opened the hatch.

"You want me to climb into the trunk of your car?"

He rolled his eyes, "I know you think I'm an idiot," he said, "But I'm less of one than you think. Just," he crawled in and stood up, "come on."

After a moment Malofy followed him through but before anything else could happen Max bounded over and all but climbed onto Malfoy's lap.

"Max-" he started to scold before Malfoy started talking over him.

"Oh, hello you sweet baby," he said, pulling Max further onto his lap so he could pet him better and scratch his neck. They looked ridiculous, Max was almost as big as Malfoy, but there he sat anyway, "hello. Aren't you a lovie?" he asked. "Yes you are. You're a giant lovie," he said.

And in that moment, Harry's mind was made up. "Have you ever gone on a road trip?" he asked.

Malfoy looked up at him and Max licked a stripe up his cheek. He laughed and stroked his side, "What?" he asked.

"Have you ever gone on a road trip?" Harry repeated.

"What is that?"

"Like a really long drive," he said. "Where you just get in your car and drive and stop for food when you want to and sleep when you want to." He scratched the back of his neck, "Max and I are headed to California to see the giant redwoods."

"That sounds nice for the two of you," Malfoy replied, steadily patting Max.

"Come with us," Harry said.

The other man blinked. "Sorry?"

"Just," he shrugged, "What else do you have here?"

"A job-"

"That you hate."

"A flat-"

"That is probably smaller than this," he said gesturing to the space they were sitting in.

"What happens when you get sick of me?"

He shook his head, "Come on. Just come with us. If I kick you out I'll give you $5000. That should be enough to help you settle wherever you want, right?"

"Why?"

He stared at him for a moment. There were a thousand reasons that flitted through Harry's mind, a thousand things that he could say, but none of them made any sense. Not yet at least. "Why not?" he settled on.

Malfoy took a slow inhale and then nodded once. "Fine, but you're going to need to make a second bed and we have to stop for my stuff."

"Done," Harry replied, grinning and feeling the familiar feeling of freedom that he felt when he was gliding down the open road unfurling in his chest.

Finally, he was going on an adventure worth having.

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

Day 135: Off-Guard | Day 137: Symmetry

[2jaeh]

Misadventures | Mark Lee

Genre: Fluff, humor, happy ending

Slight nudity (underwear as bathing suits),

Shy!Mark, best friend! Jungwoo

You are partnered up on camp with two of the worst campers in the group - Mark Lee and Kim Jungwoo. Your only goal was to finish the scavenger hunt while Marks goal was to tell you how he really felt about you.

Jungwoo also has ulterior motives to help his best friend Ofcourse.

——————————————————————————-

“Do you have my cap ? I know you do give it back!”

“Why the hell would I have your cap Mark Lee ?”

“Jungwoo, don’t annoy me I swear I’ll-“

The two bickering boys were interrupted by their camp counselor opening their cabin door and shook his head in disappointment.

“Fighting again ?” The counselor asked as he kicked the clothes that had been lying all over the floor to the side.

Jungwoo smiled Angelically and shook his head as Mark scowled at him finally grabbing the desired cap from Jungwoos hands.

“Well you guys were late for the scavenger meeting and we have already sorted the teams” The counselor explained and handed them the scavenger list “you’re teaming up with y/n and I expect you to behave, you guys aren’t kids.”

“He started it” Mark groaned until he registered what the camp counselor had just said to him. “Did you just say o-our partner is y/n ?”

The camp counselor just chuckled and made his way out of the cabin.

Jungwoo peeped over Marks shoulder as he read through the scavenger list. This was what your university department decided on doing for your orientation. No small games in the lecture room or trust exercises on the soccer field, instead they dragged you all to the middle of the woods to sing around a campfire.

“How are we gonna do an hour long scavenger hunt with y/n when you can’t even say more than three words to her?” Jungwoo burst into a fit of laughter while Mark felt his throat dry up.

“I-I can talk to her” he finally spoke up and placed his baseball cap on his head, low enough for the brim to touch his spectacles.

Jungwoo threw his arm around his best friend as they exited the cabin.

“Well if you don’t make her a move on her today I will”

Before Mark could shove Jungwoo into the nearest bush he noticed you walking toward them looking quite uninterested in the task at hand.

“Hey” you simply said as you adjusted the backpack on your shoulder and shared glances with both of the boys.

“H-heyy what’s up” Mark said as he did an awkward wave he immediately regretted.

“Hey y/n would you like me to carry your bag ? It might tire you out as we walk” Jungwoo asked enthusiastically knowing very well Mark was shooting him a glare.

“Nah” you replied and handed your bag to Mark “Mark can carry it and Jungwoo you do the checklist.”

You handed him the notebook the camp counselor gave you earlier and took the scavenger list from Jungwoo.

“Closest thing on the list is a pinecone, there’s a bunch of them over at the lunch area”

Mark and Jungwoo both nodded and followed you over to the building while playfully shoving each other as usual.

You picked up the fresh pinecone and tossed it over to Mark. His reflexes acted quickly, proud of himself that he was able to keep it cool around you these days.

Mark had liked you since first year. He would try absolutely anything and everything to sit near you during lectures, try to join your group projects and even bought you a gift for your birthday - that he was too scared to give to you in the end.

“Pinecone down, next is a palm tree leaf - What? Why ?” You frowned and Mark couldn’t help but smile at your cute reaction.

“I saw palm trees at the little waterfall just up that path” Jungwoo pointed to the tiny trail that disappeared into the woods.

“A-are you sure ?” Mark quizzed and noticed that no students were in that direction.

“I’m sure ! Let’s go!” Jungwoo skipped over to the path as his blond hair bounced along to the rhythm.

The three of you walked along the path in silence except for the occasional humming that eminated from Jungwoo. Eventually you reached a clearing and a waterfall that cascaded slowly against the small mountain side and down to the pool of water.

“Jungwoo I don’t see palm trees here” you looked around while walking over to the pool.

“Yeah I lied about that”

“What??” Mark and You spoke in unison and shared a glance.

“What do you mean you lied ? Dude ?” Mark sighed and removed his cap.

“This whole scavenger thing is stupid why are we even doing this ? We’re engineering students! “ Jungwoo groaned and threw the notebook onto the slightly wet grass.

You threw your head back and closed your eyes in annoyance. All you wanted was this trip to be over and you had to get paired with a guy who never talks and one that never shuts up.

“I brought you guys here because this is where I hid during those math games and I got away with it!” Jungwoo placed his arms around both you and Mark,

“Let’s just forget this stupid scavenger hunt and have fun huh ?”

You and Mark watched as Jungwoo kicked off his shoes and ripped off his shirt eventually slipping out of his shorts and now just sporting a pair of black boxers.

Jungwoo threw up a peace sign and you watched as he proceeded to fling his body into the pool.

“He’s f*cking crazy....” Mark mumbled.

“If you can’t beat him join him right ?” You winked and Mark gulped as he watched you walk over to the edge of the pool and unbutton your jeans.

His eyes darted to the floor, to Jungwoo to wherever he could look that wouldn’t allow him to panic. But he couldn’t help but watch how you freely got undressed to your sports bra and matching underwear.

He felt his palms become sweaty and his cheeks heat up as you looked back at him.

“Are you not going to come in ?”

“Uhm y-yeah yeah” was all he could reply and watched as you jumped into the pool and resurfaced beautifully.

Mark fiddled with his glasses before finally mustering up the courage to drop the backpack and remove his shirt. He felt the cool breeze hit his skin and the faint laughter of you and Jungwoo immediately making him feel insecure again.

“Hurry up will you ?” Jungwoo groaned and splashed a bit of water on Mark.

“Hey! You’re gonna get my clothes wet man” Mark complained and took a step back.

“Mark we will close our eyes we won’t peak” he heard you giggle and watched as you covered your eyes.

Sighing he finally took off his jeans and breathed in deeply before jumping into the turquoise water.

When he finally surfaced he noticed that he was facing you and he immediately looked away and crossed his arms over his body shyly.

All you wanted to do was make him feel comfortable around you so you decided to splash him playfully to which he responded back.

The three of you went to war with water and Mark was finally brave enough to get closer to you, teaming up as you took on Jungwoo.

“ok ok time out I’m need to go the bathroom” Jungwoo yelled and threw his hands in the air.

“Well you better not do it in here” you raised an eyebrow.

“Y/n I’m not a savage okay and besides I want to grab my speaker from my cabin anyways, I’ll take the scavenger list just in case the feds catch me.”

Jungwoo shot the two of you a dashing smirk and quickly used his jersey to dry himself off and put on the rest of his clothes, making his way back down the path.

“What a psychopath” Mark shook his head.

“He’s your best friend” you chuckled, “that says a lot about you too.”

Mark shook his head shyly and pushed his wet hair out of his eyes.

“Why are you so shy of me Mark Lee ?” You smirked.

“Me ? Uh I’m uh not shy of you”

“Sure youre not” you playfully rolled your eyes and floated on your back around him.

Mark watched as you closed your eyes and smiled cutely as your body moved around him, swaying along with the small waves.

“Well because I’ve liked you for the longest time” Mark spoke quietly still watching you float “you’re always so carefree and busy that I felt I was way too out of your league you know.”

Your eyes fluttered open and you stood up to face Mark, close enough to hear him gulp at your sudden movement.

You caressed his cheek and kissed his lips softly, smiling into it as his body stood frozen at your touch. Pulling away you looked up at his bright, innocent eyes and felt his arms finally find the small of your back and bring you back into the kiss.

He moved his lips slowly against yours, allowing you to lead the kiss as you reached up to throw your arms around his neck and twirl his hair with your fingertips.

Despite his shyness you were surprised when he softly bit your lip and smirked into the kiss as your tongues danced with one another.

It finally happened. The shy boy you always noticed in class that you thought just wasn’t interested in you , actually felt the same way you did.

“I can’t believe I have a crush on Mark Lee” you chuckled.

“Hey it’s not that bad” Mark whined cutely as he moved your hair back into place.

“It is pretty bad actually” you heard a voice say from behind and looked up as Jungwoo pulled the most disgusted face as the two of you laughed.

[wingingitonwheels]

Exploring Differences

"By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out."

- Richard Dawkins.

Friday 8 April

I wonder what emotion I would feel in this adventure if I’d done north to south, working with rather than against the prevailing winds and following convention? Apparently, cycling two continents wasn’t enough of a challenge, and never mind the 1500 extra miles I’ve just given myself by setting out from Florida rather than San Diego. With approximately 7000km to cover and 51 days now to reach Vancouver, I need to cover an average of 137km every day. If I’d ridden from San Diego, that would have dropped to a measly 95km per day. If I’m honest, which of course I am, I’ll give it what I can, but the odds are stacked against me…I may have to cut or replan some of my excursions, which are Colorado Springs, Arches National Park, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and Bonneville Salt Flats, all bar Colorado Springs and Bonneville require a southern and western detour, so they might be axed, to be replaced with Yellowstone and/or possibly Yosemite…I hit 175km today, but I’d planned to hit 254km, only because I’d finally lined up my first Warmshowers accommodation…but the wind had other ideas, and a face full of full on all day, my will finally broke, and I would have slept on a park bench if I’d had to. It was looking that way as American Patagonia, disguised as Florida, far from being the state with a motel in every town, seemed void of support for the weary traveller. At the point I most needed it, the only place to be found looked like Bates Motel before it was renovated, with one patron who could have been Norman. It was worth continuing at least out of the town to escape the possibility of being invited in…

This area of Florida seems to be off the beaten track. Riding on for 10 miles into the unknown paid off. I found a campsite advertising camping and cabins, and feeling wind-battered, rolled in and spoke to Wendy, the most lovely manager of KOA. After much solution exploring and number calling, not only did she have nothing, the only option looked to be a ride 25 miles back to Clewiston. That wasn’t going to happen. Next thing I know, she solved it. A brand new air bed, hard standing for a caravan, a couple of blankets, towels and a pillow from her caravan and I was set to sleep under the stars. I would have been perfectly happy, as long as the bugs didn’t bite, but just as I’d set up camp, along came a very friendly Mya, who completely insisted I take up her offer of a spare bed in their incredible camper, the likes of I’ve never experienced. I genuinely took a lot of persuading, but here I am, set up, in my own room with their cat Tuna for company.

I met the rest of the family too:

Tuna

Osprey

Dinasaur

Camo

Buddy

Ivy

Bryan

Mya

Maryna

Sayla

Some of these are lizards, two are Bryan and Mya’s 12 and 9 year old beautiful daughters, two are cats and all are devine! I was invited to dinner too with Bryan’s parents who are also staying here, but declined due to the massive pizza I had not knowing when I’d next get my hands on food, and because I am tired, have an early start and it was going to be super boozy! Normally, that would be the clincher but given another day of strong headwinds tomorrow, my continuing cold and wind-drained, I did the sensible thing and am getting an early night. It’s a shame though as these guys live such an I unconventional life. Mya is a non/practicing singer/songwriter, and Bryan works in the marine industry. When they both lost their jobs in covid, they took to the road, parked up this huge camper, which is moved by a lorry to wherever they want to work or stay for a while, et voila! A happy and mobile family! They’re here for a while as Sayla is teaching locally and her girls are going to the same school. And how trusting to meet a complete stranger and immediately invite them into their home and then trust them as they go out to dinner! How lucky am I?

When Mya returned, we spent a good hour chatting, her two beautiful girls keen to chat and ask why on Earth I’d want to cycle so far, and show off their two cats to me.

I’m glad I didn’t go too far into my views on American politics and vaccines. Somehow we got on to the subjects, and it appeared we were on completely opposite sides of the fence. Mya considered herself to be a liberal Christian, who rallied for Trump, believed it was right to carry guns, so people could protect themselves from the government, and didn’t believe in the vaccine, her husband having been in hospital with blood clots in his lungs as a result of Covid the summer before. When someone has been so open and kind as to offer you a roof over your head, it felt the wrong thing to do to share my views on 2 out of three matters that were strictly US topics…

Wednesday 13 April

As I continued my journey north from this first close encounter, it was clear that I had entered the Bible Belt of North America. Having been brought up as a catholic with no choice in the matter. And attending a convent for 14 years, at my first opportunity, and perhaps before, I began to rebel against all things catholic and religion. To this day, I have no issues with anyone choosing to follow their faith, church or their version of God, as long as they don’t ram it down my throat or try to convert me. In this area of the USA, “God” was being marketed from what seemed like 50% of marketing space: huge billboards, outside places of worship, coffee shops. Anger rose in me when two billboards, as big as can be imagined shouted out: “Abortion makes God sad” and a short time later, “Want proof of God?” above a picture of a perfect smiling baby. I’m not violent, in fact, I’d go as far to say I’m a pacifist. But if I had seen the people responsible for these posters, I would have turned into a modern female Bruce Lee and taken them all down. If a woman is deciding about what to do about a pregnancy, it’s undoubtedly come from a difficult place. These people who post these posters claiming they have an inside line to “God” who told them it makes him sad can only be described as deluded and heartless. The numbers of people practicing their faith should be declining, which it is, with this kind of blatant messaging.

Ironically, prior to these experiences, the first person I met in the USA host was a Jehovah’s Witness. Joe, who rather than me being ultimately the most grateful, couldn’t thank me enough for staying with him. This, the man who could not have done more, personally shopped for me buying half of Publix, to make up for my terrible experience of getting to him 3 days late, which was not his problem at all!

Before coming to USA, I put some questions together for the people I meet, so I can learn a little about them. The questions are:

- [ ] 1. What makes you and your loved ones happy

- [ ] 2. What makes you angry or sad

- [ ] 3. What or whom is the biggest influence on you and why and how

- [ ] 4. What does community mean to you?

- [ ] Do you feel connected or not?

- [ ] How do you see your future?

- [ ] What would you do to improve your quality of life?

- [ ] What is your happiest memory ever?

- [ ] What would you like my lasting memory to be of you?

I got on so well with Joe, I wanted to know more about him and what made him tick. Other than Mark and his mum Sue, I have never met someone so selfless and wanting to share as Joe. Father to a daughter and 10 years on his own, it’s hard to understand why he hasn’t found someone. He seems to give his whole life to helping others. At the time I stayed, he’d given up his room to help a friend and her two children who needed an address so her children could go to school. He had another guy staying with his two dogs, and constantly cleaned up after them all. Add to this the tiny cockapoo puppy, Bear, he’d got his 12 year old daughter, his devotion to the church, and his security job from 7pm to 7am, he never had time for him. His answer to this: it feels better to give than to receive.

I won’t go through all of his answers systematically, but can tell you what I learnt. He’s the oldest of 7 children, his biggest influence was his mum, who passed away last year. He identifies his community as being his family, and feels very much connected, and when they’re together, this is when he’s happiest. He was given the title of “man of the house” by his father, who said this was his role, even when his father was present, and did this with pride. His mother taught him a rhyme to help get his younger siblings to bed on time. This is probably not word perfect but went something like: “it’s 9, you’re fed, now off to bed!” And it worked! In his community, policing was done not just by his parents but by any of his neighbours! If anyone did anything wrong, the authoritarian would take some branches from some shrub or trees, and symbolically “whip” the offender with them. It would stop there! The person who chastised the offender would then tell the parents and they’d do the same! So respect was built in throughout his community, and he liked it!

We continued through the questions in a bit of a hurry as Joe had bible studies. When we got got the last question, “what would you like my lasting memory to be of you?”, Joe paused momentarily, and then responded “to remember me as a genuine person”…he expanded on this a little after taking another pause, and closed his eyes, trying to hold back emotional tears. When I wrote these questions, I never imagined it would raise such deep feelings in any person I asked, and Joe’s emotion really touched me. What more could I do other than to give him a hug. How this man does not have a partner is beyond me. They would be so lucky to have found him. He absolutely will be remembered as genuine, with the most huge and engaging smile and eyes.

The irony of these two views on religion in just a few days. Here, you have Joe, who almost convinced me (as I wanted to show willing and return kindness and keep an open mind) nearly persuaded me to attend the online event for the passing of Jesus for his church on Friday. And from the love of apparently the same god, emotional blackmail by a different church, which simply confirmed why I believe and practice good, not God.

As the days progressed in Florida, whilst South America was about culture and landscapes, it started to feel like USA will be defined by people. By Monday, day 4 of heading north, my good old friend the wind had been solidly against me, my gears stopped working on day 2 and were resolved via a detour to Orlando.

Overall, this feels not just like another country, but another world. No chasing dogs, a cycle lane and smooth tarmac for the whole, the land of plenty where I have multiple choices for food, at 4 times the price of the highest price in South America and twice as expensive as the UK. When turning the pedals, I can finally relax again, a feeling I had long forgotten. I wasn’t aware for the most part in South America that I was constantly on guard, and now the prospect that there may be other “easy miles” ahead feels quite exciting!

Before I leave you, I must tell you about my incredible Warmshowers hosts living in Sebring.

I haven’t used Warmshowers before: it’s a charitable organisation that provides hosts for travelling cyclists who also host, across the world. You send them a message, find out if they can put you up, either in their beds or a pitch for a tent. Most offer food too, and it’s all done on a voluntary basis.

I’d researched potential hosts once I’d landed in Florida and ditched my flight to San Diego. Elaine and Bill looked like a likely option for my first night, but the wind was too strong and I didn’t make it. They kindly offered for me to stay the Saturday night, but my intention had been to ride further that day, as stopping in Sebring would leave me short of miles.

I did stop for lunch there and let them know I’d definitely not be staying with them, and a short while later, remounted my bike. Within 2 miles, I got a massive Di2 failure: nothing worked even when charging. The likely solutions were staying in Sebring for a number of days whilst it was diagnosed on Monday (it was Saturday afternoon which is the worst time to have an issue with a bike), and potentially lose more days after that waiting for parts, or to ride to Orlando Sunday in the hope of a more speedy resolution on Monday. I went with the latter, and with cap in hand, contacted my new Sebring friends to ask if it was still possible to stay. I was in luck and only 2 miles from them.

Bill Schroeder, originally from Pennsylvania, veteran, was involved in organising the first Trans Am Bike Races, has ridden everywhere, and been everywhere else. His type of ride was just 300 miles. No drama. He is an absolute larger than life character who drinks bourbon like water! Elaine Decker a petite lady with legs to die for (who explained why she gets Bill’s bourbon for him - as she can then water it down and he doesn’t know 😂), at 80, is still riding, only now has a recumbent, due to her heart issues and the possibility of being dizzy and falling off a normal bike. In the last 4 years, she’s cycled 20,000 miles on it, accompanied by Bill! I loved this couple, who immediately felt like friends. I was their 20th guest since 2015, and felt like their most “normal” from the stories and books they shared from their other guests. I was the first to visit since Covid, and they made me feel so welcome. Dare I say it for my readers who are religious, I was relieved that without prompting, it seemed we were all members of the church of the bike. 😄.

Reflecting on 800km in Florida: I was expecting flat and featureless, and that I’d be glad to put it behind me. But I left feeling I really loved the countryside in the north, where properties seemed to have so much space between them, even in the towns, both rich and poor. Yards and lush gardens rarely had fences like we do in the UK, and it was so green! Not too hot, and driving was better than UK on the whole, whilst the roads and surfaces were the best I’ve seen anywhere I’ve cycled and in the north, even undulating but no higher than 105m. The roadkill included a six foot alligator, an ant eater, many smaller gators, lizards and frogs, and a few raccoons, some of which were cleared up by black vultures in large gangs. Retail was extensive, with most of the road from Orlando to Ocala lined with retail parks. Compared with anywhere in South America, life seemed pretty easy. But the overriding memory will be the omnipresence of religion, for which I know I wouldn’t be able to live with for long, even if the sun shone every day!

Georgia for a day and then on to Alabama - a storm is brewing! 😱

[kookie-doughs]

Y/N L/N AND THE HALFBLOODS

Percy Jackson X Reader -Y/N L/N met Percy Jackson and everything was now ruined.

CHAPTER 7: FIRST DAY OF CAMP

Word of the bathroom incident spread immediately. Wherever we went, campers pointed at us and murmured something about toilet water. Or maybe they were just staring at Annabeth, who was still pretty much dripping wet. She showed me a few more places: the metal shop (where kids were forging their own swords), the arts-and-crafts room (where satyrs were sandblasting a giant marble statue of a goat-man), and the climbing wall, which actually consisted of two facing walls that shook violently, dropped boulders, sprayed lava, and clashed together if you didn't get to the top fast enough. Finally we returned to the canoeing lake, where the trail led back to the cabins. "I've got training to do," Annabeth said flatly. "Dinner's at seven-thirty. Just follow your cabin to the mess hall." "Annabeth, I'm sorry about the toilets." "Whatever." "It wasn't my fault." She looked at us skeptically, and I realized it might've been my fault. I may have made water shoot out of the bathroom fixtures and made the ground shake. I didn't understand how. "You need to talk to the Oracle, both of you." Annabeth said. "Who?" "Not who. What. The Oracle. I'll ask Chiron." Percy stared into the lake, I rested my head on his shoulder wishing somebody would give me a straight answer for once. I wasn't expecting anybody to be looking back at me from the bottom, so my heart skipped a beat when I noticed two teenage girls sitting cross-legged at the base of the pier, about twenty feet below. They wore blue jeans and shimmering green T-shirts, and their brown hair floated loose around their shoulders as minnows darted in and out. They smiled and waved as if I were a long-lost friend. I didn't know what else to do. I waved back. "Don't encourage them," Annabeth warned. "Naiads are terrible flirts." "Naiads," Percy repeated, feeling completely overwhelmed. "That's it. I want to go home now." Annabeth frowned. "Don't you get it, Percy? You are home. This is the only safe place on earth for kids like us." "You mean, mentally disturbed kids?" "I mean not human. Not totally human, anyway. Half-human." "Half-human and half-what?" "I think you know." "God," I said. "Half-god." Annabeth nodded. "Your father isn't dead, Percy. And one of your parent isn't your parent, Y/N. You are both a child of one of the Olympians. " "That's... crazy." "Is it? What's the most common thing gods did in the old stories? They ran around falling in love with humans and having kids with them. Do you think they've changed their habits in the last few millennia?" "But those are just— But if all the kids here are half-gods—" "Demigods," Annabeth said. "That's the official term. Or half-bloods." "Then who's your dad?" Her hands tightened around the pier railing. I got the feeling we'd just trespassed on a sensitive subject. "My dad is a professor at West Point," she said. "I haven't seen him since I was very small. He teaches American history." "He's human." "What? You assume it has to be a male god who finds a human female attractive? How sexist is that?" "Who's your mom, then?" "Cabin six." "Meaning?" Annabeth straightened. "Athena. Goddess of wisdom and battle." Okay, I thought. Why not? "And who's mine?" "You grew up with both a mother and a father. So only your Olympian parent knows." "And my dad?" "Undetermined," Annabeth said, "like I told you before. Nobody knows." "Except my mother. She knew." "Maybe not, Percy. Gods don't always reveal their identities." "My dad would have. He loved her." Annabeth gave me a cautious look. She didn't want to burst my bubble. "Maybe you're right. Maybe he'll send a sign. That's the only way to know for sure: your father has to send you a sign claiming you as his son. Sometimes it happens." "You mean sometimes it doesn't?" Annabeth ran her palm along the rail. "The gods are busy. They have a lot of kids and they don't always... Well, sometimes they don't care about us, Percy. They ignore us." I thought about some of the kids I'd seen in the Hermes cabin, teenagers who looked sullen and depressed, as if they were waiting for a call that would never come. But gods should behave better. Whoever my Olympian parent better suck up and claim me or I will show him. "So I'm stuck here," Percy said. "That's it? For the rest of my life?" "It depends," Annabeth said. "Some campers only stay the summer. If you're a child of Aphrodite or Demeter, you're probably not a real powerful force. The monsters might ignore you, so you can get by with a few months of summer training and live in the mortal world the rest of the year. But for some of us, it's too dangerous to leave. We're year-rounders. In the mortal world, we attract monsters. They sense us. They come to challenge us. Most of the time, they'll ignore us until we're old enough to cause trouble—about ten or eleven years old, but after that, most demigods either make their way here, or they get killed off. A few manage to survive in the outside world and become famous. Believe me, if I told you the names, you'd know them. Some don't even realize they're demigods. But very, very few are like that." "So monsters can't get in here?" Annabeth shook her head. "Not unless they're intentionally stocked in the woods or specially summoned by somebody on the inside." "Why would anybody want to summon a monster?" "Practice fights. Practical jokes." "Practical jokes?" "The point is, the borders are sealed to keep mortals and monsters out. From the outside, mortals look into the valley and see nothing unusual, just a strawberry farm." "So... you're a year-rounder?" Annabeth nodded. From under the collar of her T-shirt she pulled a leather necklace with five clay beads of different colors. It was just like Luke's, except Annabeth's also had a big gold ring strung on it, like a college ring. "I've been here since I was seven," she said. "Every August, on the last day of summer session, you get a bead for surviving another year. I've been here longer than most of the counselors, and they're all in college." "Why did you come so young?" She twisted the ring on her necklace. "None of your business." "Oh." I stood there for a minute in uncomfortable silence. "So... I could just walk out of here right now if I wanted to?" "It would be suicide, but you could, with Mr. D's or Chiron's permission." "I've never had anything weird going on. I had a perfectly normal life." "It's because you don't give much of a half-blood scent. Even Grover didn't knew you were one of us until you came here. Even now they still don't smell you." "I just... want to go somewhere... else." I could see that Percy was guilty. "They wouldn't give permission until the end of the summer session unless..." "Unless?" "You were granted a quest. But that hardly ever happens. The last time..."

Her voice trailed off. I could tell from her tone that the last time hadn't gone well. "Back in the sick room," Percy said, "when you were feeding me that stuff—" "Ambrosia." "Yeah. You asked me something about the summer solstice." Annabeth's shoulders tensed. "So you do know something?" "Well... no. Back at my old school, I overheard Grover and Chiron talking about it. Grover mentioned the summer solstice. He said something like we didn't have much time, because of the deadline. What did that mean?" She clenched her fists. "I wish I knew. Chiron and the satyrs, they know, but they won't tell me. Something is wrong in Olympus, something pretty major. Last time I was there, everything seemed so normal." "You've been to Olympus?" "Some of us year-rounders—Luke and Clarisse and I and a few others—we took a field trip during winter solstice. That's when the gods have their big annual council." "But... how did you get there?" "The Long Island Railroad, of course. You get off at Penn Station. Empire State Building, special elevator to the six hundredth floor." She looked at us like she was sure I must know this already. "You are a New Yorker, right?" "Oh, sure." As far as I knew, there were only a hundred and two floors in the Empire State Building, but I decided not to point that out. "Right after we visited," Annabeth continued, "the weather got weird, as if the gods had started fighting. A couple of times since, I've overheard satyrs talking. The best I can figure out is that something important was stolen. And if it isn't returned by summer solstice, there's going to be trouble. When you came, I was hoping... I mean— Athena can get along with just about anybody, except for Ares. And of course she's got the rivalry with Poseidon. But, I mean, aside from that, I thought we could work together. I thought you might know something." I shook my head. I wished I could help her, but I felt too hungry and tired and mentally overloaded to ask any more questions. "I've got to get a quest," Annabeth muttered to herself. "I'm not too young. If they would just tell me the problem..." I could smell barbecue smoke coming from somewhere nearby. Annabeth must've heard my stomach growl. She told me to go on, she'd catch me later. I left her on the pier, tracing her finger across the rail as if drawing a battle plan. Back at cabin eleven, everybody was talking and horsing around, waiting for dinner. For the first time, I noticed that a lot of the campers had similar features: sharp noses, upturned eyebrows, mischievous smiles. They were the kind of kids that teachers would peg as troublemakers. Thankfully, nobody paid much attention to us as we walked in. Percy left me to settle at his spot while I sat at mine. Luke, came over. He had the Hermes family resemblance, too. It was marred by that scar on his right cheek, but his smile was intact. "I hope you settle in just fine," he said. "And here, I stole you some toiletries from the camp store." He had a very friendly and welcoming aura around him, I couldn't help but giggle, "Thanks." "No prob." Luke sat next to me. "Tough first day?" "I don't belong here," I said. "From what I've heard about other campers. I had a perfectly normal life. Nothing weird... I-I don't even believe in Gods..." "Yeah," he said. "That's how we all started. Once you start believing in them? It doesn't get any easier." The bitterness in his voice surprised me, because Luke seemed like a pretty easygoing guy. He looked like he could handle just about anything. "So your dad is Hermes?" I asked. He pulled a switchblade out of his back pocket, but he just scraped the mud off the sole of his sandal. "Yeah. Hermes." "The wing-footed messenger guy." "That's him. Messengers. Medicine. Travelers, merchants, thieves. Anybody who uses the roads. That's why you're here, enjoying cabin eleven's hospitality. Hermes isn't picky about who he sponsors." I figured Luke didn't mean to call me a nobody. He just had a lot on his mind. "You ever meet your dad?" I asked. "Once." I waited, thinking that if he wanted to tell me, he'd tell me. Apparently, he didn't. I wondered if the story had anything to do with how he got his scar. Luke looked up and managed a smile. "Don't worry about it, Y/N. The campers here, they're mostly good people. After all, we're extended family, right? We take care of each other." He seemed to understand how lost I felt, and I was grateful for that, because an older guy like him—even if he was a counselor—should've steered clear of an uncool middle-schooler like me. But Luke had welcomed me into the cabin. He'd even stolen me some toiletries, which was the nicest thing anybody had done for me all day keeping Percy's works. I decided to ask him my last big question, the one that had been bothering me all afternoon. "Clarisse, from Ares, was joking about me and Percy being 'Big Three' material. Then Annabeth... twice, she said I might be 'the one.' She said I should talk to the Oracle. What was that all about?" Luke folded his knife. "I hate prophecies." "What do you mean?" His face twitched around the scar. "Let's just say I messed things up for everybody else. The last two years, ever since my trip to the Garden of the Hesperides went sour, Chiron hasn't allowed any more quests. Annabeth's been dying to get out into the world. She pestered Chiron so much he finally told her he already knew her fate. He'd had a prophecy from the Oracle. He wouldn't tell her the whole thing, but he said Annabeth wasn't destined to go on a quest yet. She had to wait until... somebody special came to the camp." "Somebody special?" "Don't worry about it, kid," Luke said. "Annabeth wants to think every new camper who comes through here is the omen she's been waiting for." I didn't know why... but I grabbed his hand, he turned to me surprised. "I-I... Uhm, I want to get to know you better... I... I'm here if you want to talk. A-As a thank you for helping me since I got here! I-I..." He gave a warm smile and ruffled my hair. "Thank you. Now, come on, it's dinnertime." The moment he said it, a horn blew in the distance. Luke yelled, "Eleven, fall in!" The whole cabin, about twenty of us, filed into the commons yard. We lined up in order of seniority, so of course I was dead last with Percy. Campers came from the other cabins, too, except for the three empty cabins at the end, and cabin eight, which had looked normal in the daytime, but was now starting to glow silver as the sun went down. "Percy," "Hmm?" "Are you okay?" I was about to grip his sleeve when he moved away. "I'm sorry... I'll tell you after dinner." I looked at him sadly while he thought to himself. We marched up the hill to the mess hall pavilion. Satyrs joined us from the meadow. Naiads emerged from the canoeing lake. A few other girls came out of the woods— and when I say out of the woods, I mean straight out of the woods. I saw one girl, about nine or ten years old, melt from the side of a maple tree and come skipping up the hill. In all, there were maybe a hundred campers, a few dozen satyrs, and a dozen assorted wood nymphs and naiads. At the pavilion, torches blazed around the marble columns. A central fire burned in a bronze brazier the size of a bathtub. Each cabin had its own table, covered in white cloth trimmed in purple. Four of the tables were empty, but cabin eleven's was way overcrowded. I had to squeeze on to the edge of a bench with half my butt hanging off. I saw Grover sitting at table twelve with Mr. D, a few satyrs, and a couple of plump blond boys who looked just like Mr. D. Chiron stood to one side, the picnic table being way too small for a centaur. Annabeth sat at table six with a bunch of serious-looking athletic kids, all with her gray eyes and honey-blond hair. Clarisse sat behind me at Ares's table. She'd apparently gotten over being hosed down, because she was laughing and belching right alongside her friends. Finally, Chiron pounded his hoof against the marble floor of the pavilion, and everybody fell silent. He raised a glass. "To the gods!" Everybody else raised their glasses. "To the gods!" Wood nymphs came forward with platters of food: grapes, apples, strawberries, cheese, fresh bread, and yes, barbecue! Percy sat beside other kids of the Hermes cabin. My glass was empty, but Luke said, "Speak to it. Whatever you want—nonalcoholic, of course." I said, "(Favorite Drink; F/D)." The glass filled with sparkling caramel liquid. Then I had an idea. "F/C F/D." The drink turned a violent shade of F/C. I took a cautious sip. Perfect.. . . . . I drank a toast to my loved ones. They're not gone, I told myself. I felt like I was forgetting something. Like I know I will get too them all soon. "Here you go," Luke said, handing me a platter of smoked brisket. I loaded my plate and was about to take a big bite when I noticed everybody getting up, carrying their plates toward the fire in the center of the pavilion. I wondered if they were going for dessert or something. "Come on," Luke told me. As I got closer, I saw that everyone was taking a portion of their meal and dropping it into the fire, the ripest strawberry, the juiciest slice of beef, the warmest, most buttery roll. Luke murmured in my ear, "Burnt offerings for the gods. They like the smell." "You're kidding." His look warned me not to take this lightly, but I couldn't help wondering why an immortal, all-powerful being would like the smell of burning food. Luke approached the fire, bowed his head, and tossed in a cluster of fat red grapes. "Hermes." I was next. I wished I knew what god's name to say. Finally, I made a silent plea. Whoever you better claim me, or I will come for you and you won't like what I'll do. I scraped a big slice of brisket into the flames. When I caught a whiff of the smoke, I didn't gag. It smelled nothing like burning food. It smelled of hot chocolate and fresh-baked brownies, hamburgers on the grill and wildflowers, and a hundred other good things that shouldn't have gone well together, but did. I could almost believe the gods could live off that smoke. When everybody had returned to their seats and finished eating their meals, Chiron pounded his hoof again for our attention. Mr. D got up with a huge sigh. "Yes, I suppose I'd better say hello to all you brats. Well, hello. Our activities director, Chiron, says the next capture the flag is Friday. Cabin five presently holds the laurels." A bunch of ugly cheering rose from the Ares table. "Personally," Mr. D continued, "I couldn't care less, but congratulations. Also, I should tell you that we have a new campers today. Peter Johnson and (Wrong Name)." Chiron murmured something. "Er, Percy Jackson and Y/N L/N," Mr. D corrected. "That's right. Hurrah, and all that. Now run along to your silly campfire. Go on." Everybody cheered. We all headed down toward the amphitheater, where Apollo's cabin led a sing-along. We sang camp songs about the gods and ate s'mores and joked around, and the funny thing was, I didn't feel that anyone was staring at me anymore. I went up to Percy. "What's wrong?" He sighed. "I... I feel like everything... All of this," He signaled at everything, "happened because you met me. When you told Annabeth about your life and how nothing had been going wrong, while I had trouble following me every step... I couldn't help but feel guilty." I knew it... He felt at fault. Taking his hand I looked at him, "I chose to be with you at the beach. I wanted to follow you. I wanted to stay with you. Yeah, troubles came and I lost everything... I would rather have you with me through that. Please?" He rested his head on my shoulder, "Yeah..." Later in the evening, when the sparks from the campfire were curling into a starry sky, the conch horn blew again, and we all filed back to our cabins. It was late at night some were asleep, while some were screaming around. I stayed up looking out the window since Luke had warned me about going out. "Long day, how was it?" Luke greeted taking the spot beside me. "Almost had my face flushed down on smelly toilets, so real fun I guess." Luke rested his back against the window and looked at the two boys wrestling each other few feet away. "You know how you told me you wanted to get to know me more?" "Yeah... I mean it. You're the first person I met here. From what I heard you helped me after getting here." "So you feel obligated to get closer to me?" He raised a brow at me with a smirk. "No, I think you're interesting. I want us to be friends. I want to be a person you can trust." "Why?" "I... don't know. I guess I just want to. I mean yeah I also low-key kinda have a crush on you but oh well." I joked. Hearing his laugh I was relieved he was a cool guy. "I'll keep you in mind." "Really now? Okay dream of me I guess." "For a 12 year old you're a flirt." He shook his head with a smile. "It's my mom, she told me the best way to make friends is by flirting. If they're cool with you flirting they're perfect candidate for a friend, if they aren't, you'll have an awkward friendship." "I don't know about that." "I know right? Imagine teaching a 5 year old how to flirt." We laughed. We continued to chat about little things until it got quiet in the cabin. Most of them were now asleep. Percy slept as soon as he lied down, after all. "Good night." Luke smiled. "Yeah, good night." I didn't realize how exhausted I was until I collapsed on the bed. When I closed my eyes, I fell asleep instantly. That was my first day at Camp Half-Blood. I already felt like I belong. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all...

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I am in love with Luke I'm sorry Here's another chapter Another horirble caphetr UwU -kookie-doughs

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@gayer-than-the-gayest-gay @the-natureofme @booknerd-3000

[toffrox]

Voices (Part Two)

Summary: In the months preceding Lester & Meg's return to camp, Nico's nightmares begin to worsen. Nico goes to Percy for advice. *Spoilers for Tower of Nero*

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

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Nico

Nico lay staring at the ceiling of Cabin Thirteen.

The voices were absent today, although the memory of last night's dream still burned in his mind.

Alongside them were echoes of his conversation with Will. They had fought yesterday and they hadn't spoken since.

Nico had skipped dinner. And breakfast.

Perhaps if Jason were here he would have brought Nico some food. (He was awfully hungry).

But Jason was gone.

Nico cursed the tears that stung the corner of his eyes as he remembered again the moment he had felt Jason's…

But no, he shouldn't think about it. Couldn't think about it.

It would drive him crazy, he knew, if he obsessed over it. And he wasn't even sure if it was real… especially with all the other weird things Nico had been seeing and hearing lately.

Part of him knew already that this feeling was different. That it was real. Just like he knew Bob's voice calling out to him was real.

But he didn't want to think about that either. Didn't want to think about how upset he was making Will.

"You can't go down there alone again, Nico. You can't." Will had told him, his eyes sparkling with tears.

Nico had panicked at the idea of Will coming with him to Tartarus. But that had only made Will more upset.

"You really don't think I can do this, huh?" 

Nico groaned and rolled onto his side, curling into a ball in the corner of his bed.

All he wanted was to protect Will. For Will to be safe. To keep him and their relationship seperate from all the horrible things that already haunted everything else in his life.

He squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to stop the tears that still threatened to overtake him.

Instead the darkness just reminded him of his dream.

-

He dreamed he was at camp.

Except his dream self didn't know it was camp. He was lost.

He stumbled around the green, knocking on cabin doors. Each time he did the door would swing open to reveal groups of monsters instead of campers.

The Apollo cabin had been empty.

Someone was calling Nico's name. Someone Nico knew… or had known a long time ago.

Nico ran along the pier at the lake and around the edges of the woods, but he couldn't find his way… he wasn't even sure what he was looking for. Wherever he went, the voice calling out to him became more distant.

He had walked up to the Big House and wandered around the big, empty rooms, but no one was home. He'd climbed up to the attic thinking maybe he'd find something there. Instead he found himself face to face with Akhlys, who wept. She stared at him, like she stared at him every time he dreamed about her.

He knew what she was going to say before she said it, even though it had been months since she had spoken to him in his dreams. After he and Will had started dating she had started appearing in his dreams less frequently. When she did, she rarely spoke. She rarely even cried lately, though she was crying now. Crying and smiling.

"Child of Hades, what more could I do to you?"

Nico wrenched his eyes open again and sat up straight.

He blinked the remnants of tears out of his eyes, his heart still racing from the memory of the dream.

Then he stood up and reached for his shoes and bomber jacket.

He needed to talk to someone about this.

-

Nico appeared on the doorstep and pressed the buzzer before he could change his mind.

It wasn't the first time he'd stood outside Percy Jackson's place, his stomach churning with nervousness. But this time he wasn't nervous about the boy inside the apartment. All Nico could think about was his fight with Will and Will in Tartarus and whether he would be able to fix it.

"Hello?" came a woman's voice from the apartment speaker.

Nico had learned that it was better to shadow travel to the front door when visiting the Jacksons'. Apparently shadow travelling onto the window sill or directly into the living room was a little inappropriate.

"Hey Mrs Jackson. It's Nico."

Nico bounced on his heels impatiently.

"Nico! What a pleasant surprise! Come right up-" Mrs Jackson's voice was cut off by static and the door buzzed open.

When Nico arrived on the Jackson's floor he saw the door at the end of the corridor click open and Percy appeared in the doorway, grinning.

"Hey, man!" He said, stepping back to let Nico inside and closing the door behind him. "What brings you to the city?"

Nico swept his eyes around the apartment. The TV was blaring out from the living room. In the kitchen Nico could hear Estelle babbling away and Mrs Jackson cooing at her.

"I was hoping we could… talk." Nico said, uneasy.

Percy eyed him with concern.

"Of course." He nodded. "Let's go up to my room. I'll ask Mom if you can stay for lunch." As he spoke, he led Nico back into the kitchen.

"Oh, you don't need to- Hi Mrs Jackson." Nico cut himself off to raise his hand in greeting. Mrs Jackson beamed at him and stood up to wrap him in a hug. Behind her Percy bent over baby Estelle in her crib, wiggling his fingers at her.

"How have you been, dear?" Mrs Jackson asked, "Will you be joining us for lunch?"

"I-"

"Yes. We'll cook." Percy said before Nico could answer. "But we have to talk about camp stuff first. We'll be in my room if you need us."

And before Nico could argue Percy was rushing up the stairs to his bedroom, leaving Nico to shoot Mrs Jackson an apologetic glance before following him.

-

"So what's up?"

Percy was sitting cross legged on his bed, looking entirely unconcerned about the mess that was his room.

Nico leaned hesitantly against Percy's desk, brushing away piles of notes and worn textbooks. He started to worry that maybe he'd made a mistake coming here… Percy was in the middle of studying for finals. He didn't have time to talk to Nico about this.

Still, it felt too late to back out now.

"I…" Nico fumbled for words, unsure where to begin. "I've been having nightmares… about Tartarus." He said eventually.

Percy's concerned frown deepened at Nico's words.

"What kind of nightmares?"

"I…" Nico paused and took a slow, deep breath. Then he plowed through and told Percy everything: How he'd been having nightmares and flashbacks and waking dreams. How they had been getting worse, and more specific. How he had been hearing things, hearing voices. How one of those voices was Bob the Titan. And most importantly how Nico was convinced that all of these things meant that Nico would have to go back down to Tartarus again. To find Bob. To stop the voices.

Percy's face grew paler the more Nico spoke, until he looked almost as nauseous as Nico felt.

Again, Nico felt a stab of guilt for coming.

What was he thinking? Will was right when he'd said that Percy and Annabeth had enough to worry about as it was. Nico stared at his shoes in shame.

When Percy eventually spoke, his voice was hoarse.

"I'm so sorry, Nico."

Nico guessed that Percy was feeling guilty for having left Bob behind but that just made Nico's stomach flood with remorse all over again. Because that wasn't the real reason Nico had come to talk to Percy about all of this.

"Will wants to come with me." Nico forced himself to say it, though just the thought made his head spin with fear.

Percy was quiet but Nico could somehow tell he was looking at him.

"That's… good, right?" he said.

"No, it's not good!" Nico couldn't help but yell.

It was like all the emotion he'd been holding back this morning came rushing into him at once. He brought his hands up to cover his face and bent over, helpless. Paralysed at the idea of Will, his Will, being trapped down in Tartarus with him, so far away from the sunshine Nico always associated with him, so tangled up in everything Nico hated about his past.

"I can't- He can't-" Nico stammered out the words in a kind of panic, the memory of Will's face flushed with anger from their fight yesterday swimming before his eyes. "And now he's mad at me and I- I can't just… I can't do that do him. I can't let him come."

Nico dropped his hands in defeat and looked up at Percy once more.

Percy's eyes were big with concern and pity.

"I get it." he said softly. "It's ok to be scared."

Perhaps those words would have annoyed Nico once. But the truth was Nico knew Tartarus scared Percy just as badly as it scared him. He met Percy's eyes with determination.

"If I have to go back, I'll go back." said Nico. "But I can't let Will come with me. There's just no way. If something happened to him…" Nico closed his eyes.

"I get it." Percy said again.

"What do I do?" Nico croaked. Percy winced and shook his head.

"I don't know, man… Maybe if-"

"You could come with me instead." Nico blurted it out. He was desperate, pleading. He felt terrible even as he said it but he was willing to do anything, ask anything to avoid the thought of Will in danger.

Panic flashed in Percy's face. He swallowed, looking nauseous again.

"Nico, I can't go down there again." He shook his head, eyes wide and fearful. "I can't. Not even for Bob. I don't think I could…"

"Percy, please…" Nico begged. "It's Will. Can you honestly imagine Will Solace down there?"

Percy's guilty look changed then into something resembling annoyance. He almost rolled his eyes.

"Nico. Will is a badass. He's been through two wars." said Percy flatly.

"Yes, so he keeps saying." Nico huffed.

"Then why aren't you listening?"

"I am, Percy, but it's not the same you know that."

Nico was desperate again. Percy met his eyes and seemed to regain some kind of confidence in his sternness.

"Nico. Do you think Annabeth would listen for one second if I tried to tell her she wasn't powerful enough to do something?" he said.

"That's not what I'm saying." Nico sighed. "I know Will is powerful. I do. Obviously I think he's amazing."

"Then you have to trust that he'll be able to take care of himself." said Percy.

"How can he when he's always trying to take care of me first?"

"Well maybe you should let him."

Nico threw up his hands and tugged his hair, exasperated.

"I can't just ignore this, Percy!"

"No. Listen to me." Percy's tone turned serious. "I wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes down there without Annabeth. The only reason we've survived anything together these past few years is because we trust that we have each other's backs - no matter what."

"But -"

"Dude… if Will got given a dangerous quest and tried to do it without help, would you let him?" Percy raised his eyebrows at Nico. Nico scowled, angry at being interrupted and frustrated at the truth behind Percy's words.

"I… yeah, of course I would." Nico said, weakly. But he knew that wasn't true. "If that's what he said he wanted… I…" He trailed off, unable to convince himself.

Nico sighed again.

"Ok fine." he snapped. "But this is Tartarus, Percy. It's not the same. You know it's not."

Percy grimaced. "If… if you really do have to go back down there - and I'm still not convinced that this is actually a good idea - then don't you think Will is going to find a way to follow you whether you like it or not?"

Nico shook his head stubbornly.

"If I told Will I didn't want him there, he would listen. He wouldn't follow me." Again, he wasn't sure that that was true. But Will had always supported him before.

"Even if that were true," said Percy, "Do you think he'd be happier stuck back at camp waiting for you?"

Nico chewed his lip.

"Will is not going to be ok if you go down there without him." Percy went on. "He's already worried about you. You have to take care of him too, you know. You barely survived down there last time; things got so bad that being kidnapped by giants ended up being a good thing! You think Will is going to be just going about the infirmary without you not even worrying about it? You might not come back! Don't you realise you won't be able to do this on your own?"

"Of course I know that" Nico was miserable. "Thats why…" Nico's voice went quiet. "That's why I thought maybe if I asked you…"

Percy looked though Nico had just punched him in the stomach. Nico broke his gaze, ashamed.

Percy took a deep, shuddering breath. "Look, maybe I should tell you why exactly I can't go back there."

Nico glanced up to see Percy inspecting his fingernails, conflicted. Nico stared him down, waiting.

"When…" Percy's voice caught and he cleared his throat before pulling himself upright and pushing on. "When Annabeth and I were in Tartarus, we met Akhlys, the goddess of misery."

Nico's blood went cold, remembering his dream from last night.

"We… we fought her." Percy said. "But we were losing. And she… there was this poison. All around me. I realised, since it was made of water, kind of, I could control it."

Percy's eyes glazed over. He looked more frightened than Nico had ever seen him.

"I- I fought back and I almost… I almost killed her. I wanted to. I could feel that she was choking on her tears and the poison…"

Nico stared, wide-eyed.

He knew Percy was powerful; more powerful than anyone. But to kill a goddess…

"I scared Annabeth." Percy admitted, voice hushed. "If she hadn't stopped me…"

"Percy-" Nico began, although he wasn't sure what he intended to say. What could he say, after that? But Percy looked up and gave him a grim smile.

"Jason told me that stopping friends from using their powers in the wrong way is something friends have to do for each other." he said.

Oh Gods. Nico felt his stomach lurch as he realised. I haven't said anything about Jason.

He felt another brief wave of panic and guilt at not thinking of it earlier, but at the same time he couldn't bring himself to say anything when he didn't know for sure if what he'd felt was true.

What if this was like with Leo, and Nico was wrong? He couldn't do that Percy. And especially not now, after everything else Nico had just dumped on him.

"Anyway the reason I'm telling you all this." Percy said. "Is because I've been thinking about that fight a lot and- well, it's just that I don't think I could trust myself to go back to Tartarus and not… I don't think I could stop myself from becoming…"

"I get it." Nico said, echoing Percy's words from before.

And Nico did get it.

Honestly, Nico felt shocked. How many times had he replayed his own encounters with his darkest instincts; his fights and moments of weakness when he doubted whether or not he'd done the right thing or whether he'd gone too far.

He had always thought that as a Son of Hades he was the only demigod who felt conflicted about his own powers in this way. Who felt dangerous. Who questioned whether their powers were good or bad. Who looked at other demigods and saw fear reflected back at him in their eyes.

Nico felt all of a sudden that maybe he wasn't so alone after all.

He shifted on his feet and heard something crinkle under his toes.

He looked down to see a picture of Percy and Annabeth. They were sitting on the beach at Camp Half Blood. Percy had one arm thrown around Annabeth's neck and she was leaning into him, eyes alight with laughter. Percy was looking at her, his face turned to the side, away from the camera. His smile was bright and clear-sighted. A million miles away from the way Percy's face was twisted in confusion and worry right now.

Nico thought of Will, and the way Will smiled at him.

Nico never felt dangerous around Will. Will was never scared of him. Had never been scared of him. Even when Nico felt he was at his worst.

Suddenly Nico realised what Percy was trying to tell him. He understood.

"You're right, Percy."

Percy's head jerked towards him in surprise. He gave Nico a lopsided smile.

Nico pushed away from the desk and stood up properly.

He would have to talk to Will when he got back to camp. Would have to talk to him about what came next and apologise for making him so upset.

But for now, he had to rest and get some food in him.

He returned Percy's smile, determined to make up for having shown up with such bad news and asking him to relive Tartarus again. Percy grinned then. He stood up and made to head back down to the kitchen, motioning for Nico to join.

"Come on," he said. "I think we deserve some lunch."

[unidentifiedflyingfks]

Methy topic today, it’s Spun! I have a couple personal reasons for liking this movie so much, for one I love Brittany Murphy (8 Mile, King of the Hill) and also a fascination with drug dealer stories.

The viewer is first introduced to Ross, played by Jason Schwartzman, ‘he has a car’ and also an addiction to methanphetamine. Which he makes clear is the only reason he’s there, pulled up in front of a rundown house. Inside he is met by his dealer and head of then household Spider Mike. Spider is a shirtless, paranoid man that prefers to inject his meth and is idolized by neighborhood kids that steal petty items to trade to Spider for meth. Well, maybe just one kid, played by Josh Peck—yeah, he’s very young in this and literally named Fatboy.

Spider’s girlfriend Cookie, played by Mena Suvari, with rotten teeth and constipation, also lives in the house. She is temperamental and apt to boil over at any moment, as evidenced in the first scene when she lockers herself in their room and spray paints ‘loser’ on the wall after a fight. Teenage methhead Frisbee sits on the floor fixated on a repetitive video game. Seemingly the most levelheaded person in the house is Nikki played by my girl Brittany Murphy. She starts small talk with Ross and finds that his girlfriend, no, not girlfriend, sex buddy April also works at the strip club with Nikki. Ross makes sure to clear up that his actual girlfriend is working in the city.

As it turns out, Spider Mike can’t find his stash so Nikki offers Ross a hookup through her boyfriend, an older glam-cowboy cooking meth out of a motel room known only as ‘The Cook’ and played by Mickey Rourke (Rourke and Murphy would work together again three years later on Sin City). The couple takes note of Ross’s car, an apparent commodity, and indebts Ross to him for later use.

The first time he calls Ross is when Nikki’s dog gets sick because of the fumes in the motel room and she needs transportation to the vet. Ross and Nikki bond over this experience, despite The Cook’s on and off aggression towards Ross. Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins makes a cameo as the doctor.

Oh yeah, and the whole time he’s gone he’s left April handcuffed to his bed after a night of kinky sex. In his delirium he tapes her mouth and eyes shut with duct tape, blasts the radio, and leaves her. He returns briefly after the trip to the vet at which time she begs him to untie her and he refuses, retapes her, and tells her he will be back. He doesn’t think about her for days. Luckily she is saved by a suspicious neighbor who hears muffled noises. The leather garbed lesbian neighbor, played by Debbie Harry front woman of Blondie, bursts through the door and frees her, possibly blossoming into a new relationship for April.

Ross is called back to the hotel by The Cook after a fight with Nikki over a prostitute he ordered for them to share. On his orders, Ross takes her to ‘wherever she wants to go.’ While Ross and Nikki cruise around town together, it goes down at Spider Mike’s house. The also meth-fueled police assisted by Frisbee who is wearing a wire raid his home and arrest everyone. Frisbee is shot no lethally in the balls by Spider Mike. At the same time the lab in the motel explodes, with The Cook barely making it out in time. Police are hot on his trail while he attempts to hide in a porn shop. Another rock star, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, makes a cameo as porn store clerk.

When Ross or other characters get their fix throughout the movie frame time speeds up or becomes choppy and sequenced. The characters lose touch with reality and the audience is brought in on their deteachment, but with the reality of the horror that the characters are either unable or unwilling to see. Also ALL the characters in this movie are on meth, except for Ross’s ex girlfriend Amy and a couple minor very characters. That includes the convenience store attendants, one of which is pregnant, Fatboy, and the police officers that interrogate Frisbee—who do lines in their squad car before the raid. This makes Ross’s ex effectively the only voice of reason.

Ross and Nikki get very high, taking multiple hits while driving down the interstate then pour their feeling and delusions out to each other. It’s revealed that Nikki has a son, shocking and ironic since she’s paid so much attention to her little dog, but never mentioned a child. He was taken from her because of her addiction. It’s indicated that Nikki’s mother also has some kind of issue, hinting at a rough life for Nikki with problems either inherited or brought on by trama that has spanned generations. Ross has ruined the relationship with the girl he loves and, as far as he knows, left another girl captive in his room.

They both conclude that they aren’t hooked and could quit at any time.

Ross eventually drops her off at the bus station where she plans to make her way to Vegas. They share a kiss and it seems that in a different life, or place, they could have been together. But, probably never to meet again Ross waves her off then returns to run an errand with The Cook who is already planning to rebuild his lab.

Together the men drive to the city. The Cook doesn’t offer him much of a choice, but Ross does reluctantly agrees to go because it will give him a chance to see Amy, who he still calls his girlfriend. This is when he has the encounter with her, the only sober person in this whole movie, and if there is a heart to this film I imagine this is where it’s meant to lie. Twitchy and greasy haired, Ross meets Amy who walks up like this mythical being in a sleeveless dress. She knows instantly that he’s high, dismisses him as ‘spun’ and leaves. He does not see her again.

Meanwhile The Cook has been with high-falootin’ gay meth dealers who set him up with ingredients to start a new lab. With the new supplies, Ross and The Cook travel again this time into the country. On the way we’re treated to a grim monologue about The Cooks mom killing puppies she couldn’t care for. I realize it’s supposed to be some sad insight into his past and make him more sympathetic or whatever, but I didn’t feel it.

The movie ends as Ross sleeps in the car while The Cook works in a camper. The camper is ignited as he explodes another meth lab, this time reaching his heavily foreshadowed demise.

Pretty dark on paper. Pretty dark on screen too, but it keeps a comical feel through most of the screen time. Cookie struggling to take a poop while Spider jacks off in the other room to a sex phone line, the dog turns green, and an incident involving the tv show Cops to name a few. Crude humor, but it suits the gritty ultrasharp world of the film. In the end, it doesn’t look good for Ross or Nikki or any of the others, but it’s not over like it is for The Cook. It serves as a reminder that at least they didn’t get blown up. Thus leaving hope for these deeply flawed, but sympathetic characters.

Well there it is. Take from it what you want.

Remember that Josh Peck once played a kid named Fatboy who steals VCRs and does meth.

I give it 3.5/5 FFs

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt 97

97

Keith never wanted to move again. Lance was preheat for a week, Coran having him stay with Keith to help keep his hormones and emotions stable, while Matt and Rieva were staying with Matt’s parents, Blue at Shiro’s. A new group chat was made between the four of them, plus Shiro, so Matt could keep them updated and see if the pair needed anything. What Keith needed was to be left alone with Lance. They’d spent three days at the hotel, Keith knew Shiro extended their stay, but he’d thought one extra day, not two. Lance tried to downplay his symptoms and tried even harder to be normal about the situation. Keith had to give a full report over what had happened on his end of things went the stakeout went south. Shiro had not been a happy camper. Keith forced through a whole heap of tests to prove he was fine, like he’d told them a hundred times. So when he finally escaped Platt to Lance’s house, he never wanted to leave.

And then Lance’s heat came.

Oh dear lord, had Lance’s heat come. The house would need a thorough scrubbing from top to bottom. It lasted four days, five if you included the fact it rolled into the morning of the fifth day. They’d “accidentally” discovered Lance really, really, liked it when he used the pocket pussy on him during sex. Blindfolds and restraints weren’t their thing. Keith thought maybe, but seeing Lance like that made him feel weird not in a sexy way, and the butt plug seemed to help Lance sleep better between the waves of need. The fifth day had been pretty brutal despite Lance’s heat tapering off. His boyfriend spent most of the early afternoon making love to the toilet bowl, while Keith “snoozed” against his back.

Coran had given them emergency contraceptives, but neither of them wanted to go without a condom, despite what their fevered minds told them before, during, and after. It was completely whack that their bodies got mad at them for being in a happy relationship that didn’t need a baby to prove it. Lance’s waves were more intense then when he’d smelt Sendak for the first time, but they’d made it through. Lance swallowing down one of the yellow pills on the fourth night when they noticed things definitely starting to calm. Keith had the suspicion that Lance’s vomiting was a side effect from that, and the stress of having so much sex that his dick felt broken.

Cuddling up together on the sofa later on the fifth day, Lance fell asleep sipping on one of his blood bags before his energy finally ran out and his boyfriend turned into a bat. Keith would have too if he could have, because even trying to walk had him shuffling. Lance’s body had wanted sex, his mind wanted a baby, but Lance himself wanted him to be okay. The moment his heat would simmer down, Lance would be asking if he was okay. His boyfriend too fucking sweet... and his arse too fucking good. They’d flirted with fire the first time, Lance’s legs locked around his waist, barely giving him space to pull out in time. Keith would like to say that was the only time, but when you wake up very hard and very in your boyfriend, you thanked whoever was out there for contraceptives as you wondered if you’d done this the first time around... as well as being amazed you could get in there when your boyfriend’s butt was already preoccupied.

Lance had spent two days as a bat, cuddling Keith wherever he went as he stayed clinging to Keith’s shirt. He’d had to go shopping for coffee pods and lactose free milk, Lance tucked up inside his jacket where he squeaked to make his wants known. They made a pretty good team, though one or two members of Garrison’s general public might now believe Keith was crazy from the amount of time he’d spent “talking to himself” in the supermarket. Keith didn’t care. He wasn’t dating them, nor was he friends with them, so he wasn’t going to let their opinion of him get to him.

Keith was in the bath with Lance when his boyfriend finally turned back. After a ridiculously long day. He’d brought a container up so his boyfriend could float without drowning. Lance had seemed sceptical, but after nearly losing him hiding too much body wash and filling the sink with bubbles, this seemed safer to both of them. Keeping their friends under control had seemed like less work than trying to clean up the bathroom after Lance accidentally flooded it with his sudden transformation. They’d worked out a system. Lance couldn’t push the buttons on the phone, so Keith asked him how he wanted to reply... kind of getting into being both of them, but not enjoying it when he’d make his boyfriend flap his wings and squeak his protest over something Keith said for himself.

He’d also gotten himself into trouble for calling himself an idiot when accidentally broken a plate and cremated his toast. Lance had bitten him for it. When Pidge and Hunk had learned Lance was not only home but also a bat, they’d invited themselves over. Pidge was the only one game to try give Lance flying lessons. His boyfriend couldn’t fly straight if his life depended on it. He’d flap his wings, get a few feet, even a couple of metres before gravity would remind him of its existence. Both their friends were disappointed when he and Lance came down humanish.

Still exhausted from the medication and his heat, Lance collapsed on the sofa, Pidge wrapping her arms around him and cuddling Lance tight. With Hunk on the other side, the bear of a man rested against Lance, arm around Lance and hand resting near Pidge’s knee. Neither of them knew what’d happened, they simply wanted to comfort their friend... while Keith fought down the need to protect Lance. He felt as if he really would have shot someone had they tried to come near Lance sooner. Had they come during Lance’s heat, he wouldn’t have lifted a finger to help them if Lance had torn their throat out. They could say what they liked about him, or try to pick a fight, but when they went for Lance, he wouldn’t stand for it. Like Lance wouldn’t stand for the same happening to him, or their friends.

With a sleepy Lance, and Keith not providing of their “romantic week away”, Hunk headed to the kitchen to make popcorn as they decided on a movie night. Lance mumbling about some movie starting with “G” that they had to watch together. Pidge pulling Lance’s hair for it and Lance pretending to snap at her finger with his fangs. Hearing something from the kitchen, Lance called out that he should invite Shay tomorrow for a family dinner. Pidge taking teasing Lance over having forgotten everyone thanks to his vacation. Cuddling the gremlin tighter, Pidge sighed dramatically, pretending to make a deal out of it, when Keith could see she was happy being back with Lance. Things were good.

This all led to Keith not wanting to get up and human the next day. He’d had his coffee, Lance bringing up breakfast in bed, to draw out their alone time together before the house swarmed upon by Shiro, Matt, Rieva, Curtis, Hunk, Shay, and Pidge. After having Lance alone to himself again, he wished he hadn’t mentioned Lance was bat, so they could have spent some more time together being boyfriend’s and not adults. Cuddled up after breakfast, Keith nearly jumped when Lance’s voice broke the comfortable silence between them

“I may have done something”

“Mmm?”

Lance moved to lay across him, looking him the face with a semi worried expression. Now Keith was getting nervous

“I... um... okay. So I know you’re like me and birthday’s are a bit of an issue... but I am... might have made plans for yours seeing ours are like three months apart, well, a little less”

Keith groaned. Yeah. Now he got why Lance didn’t want to talk about his

“Babe...”

“Do you remember when you said you liked hiking?”

Keith didn’t have a single clue where this was going. He liked hiking, but Lance didn’t seem so keen on it

“Yeah”

“And do you remember how you haven’t had much time to work on your photography?”

“Mhmm?”

“I may have organised for us to go camping for your birthday”

Keith blinked half a dozen times at his boyfriend. Camping for his birthday?

“What?”

“Not “camping�� camping. But like a three night stay over the weekend... All of us too, but there’s like 3 seperate cabins and a small communal kitchen area. We’ll have a cabin, Matt and Rieva will have a cabin, and then the others will share the main one”

He’d done what? When? Since when had Lance had the time to sneak this in on him?!

“You did what?”

Lance winced. Keith too shocked to feel guilty at the harshness in his tone

“I’m sorry. It seemed like a really good idea at the time. It’s like a three hour drive from here and then a hike up to the cabins...”

“How? What... hang on... we haven’t even talked about my birthday”

“I know. I should have asked. I got carried away trying to think of what I could do for you on your birthday. I know Shiro’s been working pretty much nonstop and I thought maybe it’d be nice to be away and I should have asked but when I saw the photos I got excited and kind of maybe booked it on the spot”

Lance dropped his head to Keith’s chest, his boyfriend kind of seemed less than happy now he’d told him

“Hold up. I didn’t even want to do anything for my birthday”

“I know. We don’t have to make a big huge deal... I just thought... I thought maybe we could be there to show you that we care... and you know, hang out as a group somewhere other than here... and I thought it’d be a nice place for you to take photos”

Lance seemed really happy with the coffee table album Keith made up. It lived on the living room mantle between the bobble heads Shiro gifted Lance. But there was another problem to this whole plan

“What about work?”

“Coran okayed it because you have to work Halloween security and because, you know, you had to work my birthday too...”

Keith could see Coran being easily swayed when it came to Lance. It was kind of hard not to be

“You should have asked”

Lance sighed, rubbing his cheek against Keith’s chest

“I know. I know... I’m stupid and impulsive. Plus the next few months I usually get swamped with work. The holidays are hard for a lot of families. Sometimes I’m even working on Christmas Day and there’s been too many times I’ve had to request welfare checks”

Keith had had to work Christmas days too... all the Christmas crowds tended to bring out the less desirables, preying on people getting their Christmas gifts...

“But you don’t even like camping. Can you even go camping? What about the blood?”

Lifting his head back up, his boyfriend’s chin dug lightly into his chest

“Thanks to this super modern invention that science has gifted us with, there’s this super magical thing called ice. You see, you put stuff in ice and it stays cool”

His boyfriend was a dick. Ice was hardly a new invention

“What about the sun? How do you hide the blood?”

Lance shrugged a shoulder

“I cover up, and I’m the only one who drinks red wine. Pick a dark bottle, wash it out, then pack it”

That was... impressive. With the blood being red, you wouldn’t think it blood at the first glance of a wine bottle.

Reaching out, Keith ruffled Lance’s hair

“You’ve kind of... really smart”

“It’s not a perfect system... I mean, I only came up with it because Pidge wanted to hunt things like Mothman...”

“Mothman is real”

Until he proved otherwise, Mothman was real. Lance patted Keith’s chest

“Of course he is, dear. Anyway, I’ve got the information on my laptop”

“I still don’t know when you had the time”

“At the hotel on my phone. You keep saying you’re not great at this boyfriend thing, but it was really nice at the hotel. I thought about maybe going to the coast for a week, but you’ve got work, and Rieva’s got work, and so do Shay, Shiro, Curtis, and Hunk at his parent’s garage... so I thought a weekend would be better. Head down Friday around lunch, then back either Sunday night or early Monday morning”

“I suppose next you’re going to tell me you’ve gotten me a present”

“Yep. Only because you told me what you wanted”

“When did I do that?”

“Pretty much within the first month of meeting you. And if you’re worried, everyone else has chipped in to cover their part of the rental costs for the weekend. I covered yours because you’re the birthday boy”

Keith hadn’t thought about that bit. Lance could afford to treat them all, but knowing Keith would be uncomfortable with that had let everyone else contribute

“It’s not too much is it?”

“Nah, it’s off season at the moment with things cooling down. Apparently people don’t want to risk hiking when you could get soaked”

Pfft. He and Shiro had hiked in the rain before. It wasn’t terribly awful, but it wasn’t always great

“Whimps”

“We can take Kosmo too. He’ll have to be on lead up there and around the camp site. They used to trap there before humans over hunted the deer population. Matt and Rieva should be fine to run around the forest as long as Shay doesn’t see them”

Not as well as everyone else. Did Shay like him?

“I barely know Shay”

“Dude, you totally know her enough. She’s like Hunk’s soulmate”

Hunk was soft and gentle... Sometime’s Shay could be as ruthless as Pidge in chat

“She’s a lot like Pidge”

Lance rolled his eyes at him

“Who’s Hunk’s platonic soulmate. Shay is super shy until you get to know her. Then she’s as ruthless as Mami”

“Have you called Mami yet?”

“Nope. Wanted to do it with you. We should probably get up”

“If she was closer we could have brought her to dinner”

Lance brightened right up. His boyfriend always seemed kind of amazed that Keith thought of Miriam as much as he. Kissing his cheek, Lance pulled away, Keith knowing he was about to be forced up and to human

“That’s a great idea... I’m gonna call Mami and see if she can stay the night”

With Lance now super excited and wearing his “determined face”, Keith bit down talking Lance out of it. For her own safety, and the safety of her sanity, Mami really was better staying in Platt. All their friends were weirdos.

[flowesona]

Sleepaway - Part I

Yandere Jungkook x reader

Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V

When a simple girl reaches into the heart of a the new boy, the rest of the campers find themselves in a bloody situation.

“Who is he?” Two girls were perched on a wooden camping bench, their hands curled around a mug of warm milk as they observed the campers dotted around the campfire. They had yet to notice any interesting newcomers, with the exception of the new guy who had piqued their interest.

“He’s definitely new. Popular, it seems too.” (Y/N) observed the girls milling around the young man like moths.

“Are you jealous?” Yeri smirked, nudging her friend with her elbow. Her companion shook her head, still glowering at the crowd.

“Let’s just leave him alone.” (Y/N) discarded her metal mug, walking off in the direction of the dorms with Yeri attached to her arm. She completely missed how the new guy’s gaze fell on her for a brief moment with some unreadable emotion.

🕯

The campfire had nearly died out hours ago, yet plenty of the youths still hung around. They’d been called for lights out about half an hour ago, but many of them ignored their seniors in favour of remaining outside to socialise with each other.

“Jungkook-oppa! Where are you going?” One particularly whiny teenager was hanging onto the campers arm, nestling it into her chest as if he were her teddy bear. He suppressed the desire to sigh irritably, choosing instead to give her a charming grin.

“I’m going to bed. I want to sleep.” The girl pouted but let go of him. Jungkook stood up, brushing the dirt off his backside as he went over his plan in his head.

‘Finally. The chance to fuck those two bitches up.’

His mind was purely set on the two girls he’d seen whispering maliciously about him earlier as he walked to the dorms. How satisfying it would be to make an example out of one of them, to mangle their pretty faces with his knife, no one able to hear their pathetic whimpers.

It was the reason he’d signed up to the pathetic summer camp. He could make friends wherever he went, he could get any girl he wanted if he tried. But he didn’t desire companionship. He was now craving a different type of pleasure.

To snatch someone’s pathetic, sad life away from them, to leave them begging for mercy for all the things they had done against him. Such a vision made him feel euphoric beyond all belief, in an almost arousing way.

He looked down at the crumpled piece of paper he’d pulled out of his pocket, listing all of the room arrangements. Luckily, he’d managed to pilfer the girl’s sheet from one of his admirers, and it was with ease he found the names (Y/N) and Yeri, apparently the names of the two girls as he was told by one of the girls slobbering over him.

Their room was nearly black when he arrived, save for the moonlight streaming through the cracks in the curtains. He cursed at the door’s creak as it opened but luckily neither of the dormitory’s occupants stirred. 

Jungkook’s grip on the knife was readjusted. He willed himself towards the left bed with trembling steps, the anticipation of finally carrying out his dark fantasy manifesting in physical anxiety.

But as soon as he arrived he noticed that he was missing something. Some cloth, to muffle her screams as he ripped her apart.

As quietly as possible he opened the drawer next to the bed, sifting through the neat piles of clothes until he found the perfect assistant. A pair of lacy panties, obviously an amorous gift from a lover or a scandalous secret from her parents.

Shaking such thoughts out of his head Jungkook stood up, the lace now gripped between his fingers. With one shaking hand he reached out to (Y/N)’s body, straddling her torso before going to  ease open her mouth with gentle fingers. Yet it was at that moment that he saw a beam of moonlight illuminate her face, and something overcame him.

There was a haunting beauty to her resting face. The gentle fluttering of her eyelashes, the slight purse of her lips, the glow of a sweat built up from a humid summer’s night.

It was too much for Jungkook to handle. He felt as if icy water had been poured over him, being unable to do as he intended.

No, it wasn’t the time for him to kill her. Not when he was feeling so conflicted. He couldn’t take pleasure in killing her when she was too perfect in that moment.

As gently as possible he clambered off the bed, being extra cautious to be quiet as he left the dormitory. He didn’t even notice how he was still clutching onto her undergarments, a mocking symbol of his failure.

🕯

The bright light of morning was not enough to wake up the sleepy (Y/N), leading an exasperated Yeri to slap her friend.

“What the hell?” (Y/N) murmured as she woke up, eyebrows furrowed in confusion at her she had sudden awakening.

“Breakfast.” Yeri said simply, shoving some clothes in her friend’s direction. (Y/N) rubbed her eyes sleepily but nodded at Yeri gratefully.

The dining hall was packed with chattering teens and the clattering of cutlery echoed off the walls. (Y/N) and Yeri were barely able to navigate their way to collect a simple breakfast and find a small corner to sit and eat.

“What’s scheduled for today?” (Y/N) asked, pushing her fork around her food absentmindedly.

“Canoeing. Seems like fun.” Her companion answered, consulting the planner they’d received upon arrival that she’d somehow managed to hold onto.

“Just you wait, I’m going to-”

“Is this seat taken?” (Y/N)’s playful threat was interrupted by the scraping of a chair and the new boy plopping himself down next to the pair, eyes twinkling.

“I guess it is now.” She replied snarkily. He seemed undeterred, stabbing a fork into the lukewarm breakfast.

“I haven’t introduced myself to you yet.” He took a second to swallow before offering his hand to (Y/N). “Jeon Jungkook.”

“(Y/N).” She answered simply. “And my partner in crime here is Yeri.”

“Nice to meet you.” He offered his hand to the other woman but she stared him down.

The rest of their meal was spent in a slightly uncomfortable silence; as much as the two girls wanted to continue their banter they didn’t appreciate the third party, no matter how charming he was.

“Can I join you for the activities this morning? I’d rather spend time with you over some silly girl slobbering over me.” Jungkook’s boldness directed at (Y/N) shocked her for a second, but he was quickly rejected.

“Sorry, we’re going to be partners.” Yeri glared at him, and for a brief window of time that she was staring him down she saw an equivocal amount of malice, but that quickly vanished in place of a warm smile.

“That’s okay.” With that he stood up, picking up his plate. “I’ll see you later.”

It was easy to miss the cold look he gave Yeri before leaving.

🕯

“Easy does it.” (Y/N) mumbled as he took hold of one side of the boat. “You ready?”

“Yeah.” Yeri eagerly reached for the other side to balance the canoe so they could carry it. However, their plan fell flat when a loud crash was heard from outside. The noise shocked (Y/N) enough to drop the canoe onto her foot.

“Fuck! Shit, shit, this really hurts.” Immediately her friend rolled the boat off her (Y/N)’s foot but it was too late. The skin was turning pink and swelling.

Yeri immediately rushed to her friend’s side, hooking the injured girl’s arm around her shoulders and supporting her weight to help her limp out of the storage cabin.

“Mr Lee! (Y/N) is injured and she needs help!” She called out to the instructor, who looked away from his conversation with one of the coordinators.

They laid her onto the ground, whimpering in pain as he felt around the tender area gently. The commotion caught the attention of a certain brown-haired boy, who left the crowd he was stuck in to investigate.

“She needs to go to the on-site doctor.” He heard the instructor say, and instantly his interest was peaked.

“I’ll take her.” Jungkook offered before Yeri even had the chance to open her mouth, eyes wide in fake earnestness.

“Oh! Are you sure Jungkook?” The instructor asked, slightly intimidated by his confidence.

“Yeah. You need to teach the rest of the class. I don’t mind sitting out.” One of his fangirls let out a squeal about how kindhearted he was, but (Y/N) just sighed irritably, groaning as she felt a new throb of pain blossom in her foot.

Jungkook lifted the injured girl onto his back, making sure she was well supported.

“Don’t try any funny business.” Yeri warned, missing the dark look on his face as he walked away, with his compromised victim now in tow.

[elementroar]

Some observations of Star #4

So, this is the second last issue of the series, and I am not certain which way this will go (Star going to be a new superhero, somehow neutral, actually a villain, who knows). I also have no idea how much the Black Order is actually involved, though honestly they have been given quite a bit more screentime than expect as is.

I’m kinda optimistic. I AM hoping Kelly gives them some kind of future, or some kind of more elaborate motive to go about their lives at this point. Black Swan even lampshades about how they’re fighting over an Infinity Stone. Again. Even Corvus seems pretty tired, of fighting for a stone. It’s interesting, it’s a little

Anyway, spoilers ahead, after the cut, on my thoughts mostly around the Black Order, though I’m curious about how Ripley Ryan aka Star is going to figure in the group’s future or not.

1. The Black Order is just maybe tired? It seems like they’re suddenly more aware of how they’re kinda going in circles with the status quo about Infinity Stones. Like, Corvus seems to go for the Reality Stone on principle, but Black Swan is tired, Ebony Maw prolly wants to take advantage of a power struggle if need be, Black Dwarf is quiet and realizes Black Swan’s head is not really in the game either, and Proxima is prolly the only one really gungho with Corvus on principle herself.

I like that they feel sorta like real individual characters somewhat, as I mentioned before. Especially Black Swan at least, who honestly ended up with the group more out of having a thematic name than actually a proper connection to be honest post-Secret Wars.

2. Corvus sent Ebony Maw as bait to get his glaive back. Brilliant, lol. It’s moments like this . Kelly fitting in that Corvus is a tactical strategist, doesn’t like Maw, 2 birds 1 stone ha ha.

3. Kelly in general has so far done wonders for Black Swan, and even for Black Dwarf. Corvus has his moments and kudos to the art giving him actual expressions of...not being a happy camper but making do with the situation. Buuuut, Proxima so far has very little expansion of her character. Except that I liked her human-guise, that was interesting. So far...she gushes over Corvus. We know this. She got de-speared at one point, and I honestly was disappointed that she didn’t punch someone up for it.

Like Corvus’ glaive disappears for a while, and for him it’s basically half his name and his main actual power disappearing. I thought that this was a setup about him dying and not being able to resurrect, but he played it calm, and got it back pretty fast. Meanwhile Proxima is still kinda freaking out over her spear disappearing, and she used to be able to drop down from orbit onto a planet without any suit or anything.

Lady, you literally beat up Luke Cage barehanded, you don’t really need the spear, that is kinda overkill. Corvus literally depends on it to survive most of the stuff that Proxima shrugs off.

Here’s hoping a little better showing for Proxima in the next issue, even just a little bit.

4. So it ends with Star, Captain Marvel, and Corvus teleporting, at least it seems to. What is interesting to me, is that Corvus is going to be isolated from his group, wherever he ends up in with the other two. Which I wonder if Black Swan wanted this to happen, I suspect that she wanted Star to be able to completely escape and then the Black Order gives up on chasing her, but now Corvus is wherever they are.

The situation in the next issue, may be Captain Marvel and Corvus making their case for Star to go on ‘their side’. And I’m very curious both of what Corvus can promise, what he expects from Star, and whether he wants something specific to do with that Reality Stone.

Like I feel the big reveal in the end is partially what Corvus actually wants the Reality Stone for. In the second issue, he just shutsdown the argument and says to the group “We’re the Black Order, we go after Infinity Stones, that’s what we do.”

But maybe when away from the group, and facing the other two, would he reveal exactly why he wants the Reality Stone and his plan. Because at no point did he ever say ‘get the stone, and we rule the universe’. I HOPE it’s not gonna end with Corvus wanting another boss, is what I hope. Cause Black Swan is so tired of that shit too, and I have this feeling that Corvus himself is tired as well but he’s hiding it so that the rest of the group has an objective.

I have my own theory about a specific wish he could have but it shakes up quite a bit of the Black Order dynamic (but it’s kinda due that, honestly), and maybe Kelly might do it. Depends. The group has become something like a Team Rocket (even Captain Marvel says the last she heard of them, they went through a black hole, and then they got better and found themselves on earth somehow).

We’ll see. I have hopes!

[loveforpreserumsteve]

Not Without You (Canon Divergence Stucky Fix-It-Fic)

Six:

Just as Steve instructed, he was ready to leave by seven. To his surprise, so were Scott and Cassie. Even if Cassie was openly yawning and her hair was thrown up in a messy bun as she stood there still in her plaid pajama pants. And Scott didn't seem much better in his sleep rumpled shirt and his short brown hair sticking up in different directions.

But they had a long day ahead of them. Really, they had a long trip ahead of them. With Steve, it had been easier. Faster. He was able to travel longer with fewer stops. He could drive through a night if he needed to. With the serum, he could go longer without food and could still function at a higher than average level.

To be honest, Steve wasn't sure how to travel with non-enhanced individuals. It had been a while since he had to take into account normal human functions. About four and a half years, to be more exact. And even then, Natasha was more efficient than normal. Sometimes she acted more enhanced than Steve, himself.

"Do you think we can stop somewhere to get coffee?" Scott quietly asked, his voice raspy in his drowsiness.

"Coffee," Cassie confirmed, tapping the tip of her nose with her finger as one did during a game of charades. She clarified, "I need coffee."

While Steve made sure that the motorcycle was secure and the camper was correctly compacted, Scott asked Cassie, "You drink coffee?"

"I mean..." the teen trailed off, letting that be answer enough.

Once he was satisfied that the camper wouldn't be lost from the van, Steve headed towards the front and informed, "There's a diner about 30 miles from here that has good coffee."

"Anything closer?" Cassie yawned.

Steve smirked, "Sure, but it's not as good."

"I'll be picky later," Cassie reasoned, climbing into the van.

Turning his attention to Scott, Steve asked, "That alright with you?"

"Perfectly fine," Scott assured, climbing into the passenger seat next to Cassie.

Climbing in behind the wheel, Steve took the keys from Scott and started the engine. Instantly, a poppy song with a young woman singing started playing.

We're happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time It's miserable and magical, oh yeah Tonight's the night when we forget about the deadlines It's time Uh-oh

Brows furrowed, Steve looked over at Scott. Happily, the man bobbed his head while he sang along, "'I don't know about you, But I'm feeling twenty-two. Everything will be alright, if you keep me next to you.'"

Glancing at Cassie, she mutely shrugged. Although the small smile on her face had Steve leaving the radio on as he pulled out of the field. Cautiously driving down the street and hoping that the trip back would be just as uneventful as it was there.

Although, if Steve was a betting man, he'd put money on it. As devastating as what Thanos did was, crime had significantly gone down. It was one of the main reasons why the world didn't need the Avengers anymore. Why Steve didn’t feel as guilty about leaving the compound. Of going on this solo mission. Sure, he felt bad about leaving Natasha all by herself at the compound to carry the light load alone, but he knew that if Natasha really needed him, she'd call.

So, Steve strummed his fingers to the beat of the song. It might not have been what Steve had expected. But, as Steve was constantly learning, life didn't go as expected. At least this start was better than the one Steve had taken the first time around. Even if he wasn't used to the choice of music that his passengers seemed to know every word to.

Admittedly, it was the most normal that Steve had felt in a long time.

Playfully, Cassie nudged her elbow into his ribs to gain his attention. Briefly looking away from the deserted country road, Steve glanced her way. With raised brows and a pointed look, she stiffly shimmied her shoulders. Clearly, she wanted Steve to join in.

However, Steve wasn't the type to dance. Even the serum didn't give him rhythm, and the only person that had ever gotten Steve to dance was Bucky. And since he wasn't here, Steve wasn't going to give in.

"Do you ever loosen up?" Cassie quizzically looked at Steve, subtly bobbing her head to the new song playing.

Luckily, Steve didn't have to answer because the diner came into view. Whether time sped by because he was preoccupied or because he was going ten over the speed limit, Steve was just glad that he had a distraction.

Cutting the engine and quickly climbing out of the van, Steve headed for the diner before Scott and Cassie had even opened the passenger door. Pushing open the heavy glass door, Steve was greeted by an older woman with graying red hair in a blue uniform while she stood at the counter, restocking straws.

"Sit wherever you like, sweetie," she kindly smiled, "I'll be with you in just a minute."

"Thanks," Steve nodded in acknowledgement as he entered further into the diner and chose a booth near the back where he could watch the door.

Cassie and Scott joined him in the diner soon enough, with Cassie leading the way over to the booth. As she slid into the seat across from Steve, she teased, "Is avoidance one of your super powers?"

"Cassandra," Scott reprimanded as he took a seat beside her. With wide eyes, he looked over at Steve and apologized, "I am so sorry."

Chuckling to himself at the teen's dig, Steve shook his head, "It's okay." A smirk tugging at his lips, he playfully admitted, "Yes. It's my most powerful super power."

Her grin grew at that, and even Scott seemed to approve of the camaraderie building between them. It made Steve ease in his seat as well. Especially when the waitress came over to them.

"What can I start you off to drink with?" She questioned, pulling out her pen and pad of paper.

"Coffee," the trio answered in unison, causing the woman to arch her brows.

Putting the pad back in her apron, she said, "Easy enough. I'll be right back with that."

As they waited, Cassie fiddled around on her cellphone, Scott let out a long yawn, and Steve glanced around at the diner's empty interior. When his eyes landed on the small racks of postcards, he quietly excused himself from the table and headed for them. A lot of them were simple beach shots, or of city landmarks. All the while, Steve wanted one with a little more personality.

"Do Avengers always give away their location by sending postcards to each other?" Cassie asked, causing Steve to jump and drop the postcard he was examining.

"Don't do that," Steve warned, holding his chest while he attempted to catch his breath.

Cassie held her hands up in surrender and apologized. Well, half-apologized, "Sorry, I thought you'd have super-sonic hearing."

Picking the postcard up off the floor, he accepted it, "It's okay. I just wasn't paying attention."

"Because of the postcards?" Cassie clarified, quirking a brow.

Steve's cheeks heated and he stammered, "I-I, I was just, uh, just trying to find a... good one."

Slightly narrowing her eyes, Cassie must've seen something in Steve in that moment because she didn't sass. Instead, she eased in her stance -- a calculated decision to appear nonthreatening -- and redirected her attention to the spinning rack. Carefully looking over them before choosing one.

"How about this one?" She asked, handing it over to Steve.

Holding the cheesy postcard in hand, his lips tugged up and he nodded, "This one is great."

"Cool," Cassie smiled, turning to head back to the booth. She glanced over her shoulder to see if Steve was following, and he held up a finger to let her know he needed a minute.

Using one of the pens near the cash register, he quickly scrawled another message.

[rumorchastain]

[ JOSHUA BASSETT. CIS MALE. HE/HIM. ] [ RUMOR CHASTAIN ] is a [ NINETEEN ] year old [ FIRST AID ] at camp reviere. [ HE ] makes me think of [ READING A BOOK IN A FIELD OF WHEAT, A LONE HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY IN FLAMES, AND SMOKING ALONE IN YOUR CAR ].their favorite horror movie is [ THE WICKER MAN ] and they remind me of [ BEN MEARS ]. [ filene. 19. pst. she/her. ]

yes it’s me again with another character, this is my bb rumor aka probably my favorite muse of all time so i had to bring him and i’ll save you from reading my whole mess about myself and plotting again (find that on sookies intro or else) so here’s my bb rumor !! ALSO SORRY IF THIS IS A MESS I KINDA RUSHED IT 

full bio is linked here

his pinterest is here

trigger warnings: mentions of death/disappearance, bullying, and brief mention of alcohol and drugs

rumor chastain was an accident in his family - but that doesn’t mean he was unwanted. his parents, delilah and benjamin, were more than happy to have another child after their daughter verity (who was around ten when rumor was born).

the chastain family lived on a farm in the countryside, far from the nearest town and no neighbors in sight. just the four of them and their lovely house, along with all the animals rumor affectionately named and cared for. being the baby of the family his parents ensured he took that role, never giving him any big responsibilities on the farm and rather letting him roam about as he pleased. he was a happy child, and he loved his life. he did his chores early in the morning so he could run out and see the sunrise, spend the rest of his day running up and down the hills picking flowers and finding figures in the clouds. he’d stay out there until the sunset, counting every new star in the sky until there were too many, and only coming home once his mother called him down for dinner.

when he was old enough for school he was homeschooled along his sister verity, who taught him his abcs and how to read while teaching herself geometry. they were isolated in their country home, but rumor didn’t mind, he had everything he needed. his family was his best friends, and their property seemed like the whole wide world to him. he loved that farm more than anything, he couldn’t imagine a life better than the one he lived now.

nothing good can last forever, and the worst part is that rumor doesn’t even know why. he just remembers waking up in the middle of the night to his sister shaking him awaking, rushing her words as she picked him up and took him to the cop car waiting for them in their front yard. she held him close as they drove into town and to the police station, and continued to hold him as he cried in her arms asking why they were there and what was wrong. they were there until sunrise when his aunt finally made it, taking verity and rumor with the news they’d be living with her now and that they’d never see that farm again

going from his quaint life in the country to a town, even a small one, was shocking to rumor. his usual routine now interrupted by an actual school, no more running around rather he was expected to sit in a desk all day with very few reprieves. at home he was always confident, outgoing, always had something to say. here he was terrified to speak, never being around other kids or knowing how to act around them. he sat in the back with his head down, dutifully taking notes on his own. it wasn’t until lunch when one student gave him a chance that the boy he always was came out. all the students crowded around him to meet the new kid, and he was so excited to talk to all of them. tell them about himself, the farm, the stories he made up and games he’d play. his happiness was quickly crushed as he was responded to with laughter. to his peers he was a freak, a weirdo with an equally weird name. that was the first time rumor chastain learned to change himself, hide certain parts to fit in. it was only a matter of time before hiding simply became erasing those parts of himself, unable to get back that full shine he once had.

his sister had dropped out of high school and gotten multiple jobs instead, saving her money in the short time they lived with their aunt. the minute she got enough money she bought them a little trailer barely able to fit the two of them and they left. it wasn’t because of anything their aunt did, they love her dearly and thank her for everything she did to help them, but they just weren’t meant for a life like that. rumor wasn’t at least, because as much as he loved to learn he hated the constraint of the classroom. he knew how smart he was, too smart for the pace most classes took. verity and rumor were always on the road, always moving, his sister finding odd jobs wherever she could. most of the time he was self taught, only going to actual schools when they stayed in one place longer than most. even then he barely went, preferring to be on his own and go at his own pace.

once he was old enough to get a job he did, wanting to do anything to help his sister out after everything she had done and given up for him. it was the least he could do, and he only hoped that one day he could do more. he graduated high school early and took some time off to keep working and be with his sister. he wanted more than anything to go to college but he was scared of leaving, crippled by the drastic change he went through as a child (and learned not to ask about) that left him terrified of any other form of change.

over the summers they’d go back to visit their aunt and spend their summers at camp reverie, it was his sisters summer job and with her working there they’d allow rumor to be a camper. while he usually kept to himself due to his shyness he loved being there, it was the only time he really felt like a kid even if most of the other kids scared him. when he got old enough he applied to work there as well, this being his first year being at camp not as a camper but as an employee.

personality & headcanons:

the thing two most important things i didn’t mention about rumor above are 1. his love for poetry and desire to be a poet and 2. how much of a hopeless romantic he is

rumor always loved literature but poetry owned his heart. ever since he was a kid and his mother would read him poets to go to sleep he tried to write some of his own, developing his own style over the years and finding a passion for it. he’d often visit bookstores and read whole collections of poetry while there, knowing he couldn’t afford to buy them so he memorized them instead. because of this he’s that guy who quotes poetry randomly.

rumor loves love. his entire life has been looking for love, creating this idealized version of his soulmate in his mind. love is truly the driving factor in his life, and he’d do anything for those he loves (romantically and platonically) almost to a fault or dangerous point. when it comes to romantic love he is the type to go all in, full romeo and juliet kind of guy. he wants a love to overwhelm and take over his entire life, but he puts too much pressure on this idealized love that is virtually impossible to obtain.

despite all he has gone through and how he isn’t nearly as happy and bright as he was as a child, he still tries to hold onto that happiness and optimism he once had. he sometimes struggles to do so, but he tries his hardest to keep his dreams alive and keep a smile on his face.

one of his biggest vices is that he smokes cigarettes. he’s minorly addicted and picked it up when he was around 15, and it’s become a kind of nervous tick for him to immediately start smoking once anything makes him anxious. despite this he doesn’t really drink, that’s reserved for when he’s especially sad and wants to get drunk on his own. 

he’s just really sweet okay, he’s not the biggest social butterfly but he is social enough to have friends and he’s legit nice to everyone. it’s hard to find a mean bone in his body. he’s a bit of a wallflower though since he legit has never really had a friend outside of his sister and has never gone to a party or anything like that so this is all new to him.

wc’s:

some people he’s possibly known from camp in the past years hes gone, whether it’s good or bad connections !!

someone to corrupt him (though for him that’s so tame), he’s never been to a party or been in a setting like this with the opportunity to get black out drunk or smoke with other people around his age so i’d love someone who kinda guides him through that

through that i’d love him to kinda get corrupted and become a lil stoner and have a lil stoner crew 

[i-growl-growl-growl]

OK! So, could you do yandere NCT's (or just Dreamies if you don't want to do the whole group) reaction to their s/o caving in to them? Like their s/o will still flinch from time to time but will do what they say without being as frightened/hesitate anymore? Hopefully, that made sense!

Hell yes! Since I don’t see that many requests for NCT DREAM, I will make this post their reactions and a little it’s really long sorry  scenario to spice things up a bit and to further explain their thoughts. For the scenarios, it was mainly NCT DREAM caving into their s/o and becoming more loving/trusting with them. If you also want the other members, don’t hesitate to request for more (if the reactions box is open)!

It is quite long so I put a ‘keep reading’ button. I believe it shows up on desktop, but I’m not sure about mobile.

- Celeste

Mark

mark is and will always be a dreamie, fight me

It was never easy for you to adjust to the new, restrained lifestyle with your so-called “boyfriend” when you moved in together. Mark, while sweet and endearing on the outside, had proven to be extremely difficult to like after what he had done to you.

Your job? Forgotten. Your family? Haven’t contacted them in months. Your home? Anywhere Mark went was now your little residence. Speaking of which, the clock in your cozy living room was about to strike 6 at the dot. Mark got off of work at six but it always took him quite a while to drive to your shared apartment  since he worked over an hour away. 

There was still a solid hour, if not, even more time until you had to face your apparent lover. You were terribly upset at how your perfect life fell apart in just a few months. Mark had told you about the rules he set for you about a week after the move together and the feeling of uncertainty wouldn’t leave your mind. Eventually, your gut was right and you were indeed stuck here, literally.

However, if you were being completely honest, you were surprised with how easy-going Mark was when you started to follow his silly rules and when you showed tiny bits of affection sprinkled in here and there. And if you were being really honest, you were starting to like it. Of course, not the fact that you couldn’t go outside at all without Mark by your side, holding your hand the entire time. But the little grin Mark would show you when you asked him how his day was.

Lost in thought, the hour went by quickly and you snapped out of it when you heard the doorknob turn and the keys jangle. A familiar sound, but why were you wanting to walk up and just give Mark a big bear hug? When was the last time the two of you properly kissed? Those memories felt like ages ago, and unfortunately, they indeed were.

Mark walked in the apartment and noticed you standing near the doorway, just staring back at him. He lifted up the plastic bag in his hand and smiled, “I brought take-out!”

He expected you to ignore him and grab the bag in a hurry, which was understandable. Mark may be a tad bit crazy for you but he knew he wasn’t normal, unlike most yanderes. But when he saw you hesitantly take the bag, he knew something was up.

When you gently grasped the bag, you looked up at him and gave him a shy kiss. His face turned bright red and he wanted to crawl up in a ball and die. In a good way. 

Deep inside, Mark would do a victory dance and he’d be screaming cries of joy. He never thought that you would forgive him for taking away your freedom. But maybe, just maybe, you had it in you to love him again the way you did before. 

Renjun

He was the town’s bad boy. With his hair slicked back with huge amounts of hair gel, he reminded everyone of an American 1960′s greaser. He was always seen with a baseball bat in one hand and a skateboard in another, Renjun had made quite a name for himself, especially at school. But what truly made him the baddest of them all, was that he had you by his side.

You…were honestly not really anyone significant like Renjun, your boyfriend. You weren’t a nerd, a geek, a cheerleader, a popular girl. You were just…a nobody. Of course, people liked you for the most part, it wasn’t like you were lonely. 

Okay, maybe that last part was a lie. But Renjun was special. He had learned to look past what others said about you and was kind enough to approach you and asked you out on a date to a local diner. He seemed friendly enough so you would probably take care of you like those cliche movies where there was a bad boy and a good girl in which the boy would be cold to everyone else but the girl and love her to death.

Right? Wrong. He did quite literally, love you to death. So much that when a pervert catcalled you out on the streets, Renjun grabbed his switchblade and told you to close your eyes. Let’s just say that the man would never be able to catcall you again. Or speak for that matter.

But it was overwhelming for you to have to balance a part-time job to support your family, school, and your possessive boyfriend all at once. Especially since only God knew how many people Renjun probably killed to “protect” you, even if it wasn’t needed. So when you tried to distance yourself away from Renjun, he was furious.

The farther you went and the longer you left him, the more protective Renjun would be. The once soft and gentle touches became bruising and painful grips that left red marks on your wrist. 

You stopped. Unlike those helpless girls on television and in the books, you knew that you had to be independent and break away from this toxic relationship. But who said you could get away so easily? Renjun lost his cool and told you right then and there when you confessed to him that you wanted to break up that he didn’t kill 12 people for nothing.

In the end, you stayed. Not like you had a choice anyway. Renjun threatened to put your family’s life in danger and you knew better than to mess with him. However, your relationship completely fell apart after that fight and the two of you were never the same around each other.

So imagine the shock on Renjun’s face when you agreed to finally go on a date with him to the diner where he had asked you out months earlier. And even more so, the fact that you even dressed up nicely for him was another wonderful surprise for him. Perhaps you had forgiven his immaturity in the past and wanted to continue to love him?

It was a lot to hope for, but when you reached out with a napkin to wipe the leftover milkshake on Renjun’s lips, he felt his heart flutter once again. A boy can dream, can’t he? And his dream was for the two of you to fall in love all over again.

Jeno

You met him at the summer camp you had volunteered at as a counselor. Lee Jeno, the very name that defined perfection to you. He was a shy and quiet boy, but man, the moment he introduced himself in that circle of campers, his arms glimmered in the bright lighting and you fell in love.

That was a year and a half ago. To save time about your sappy love story, Jeno finally gathered the guts and the courage to confess his little crush on you and you, being the stupid fool you were, accepted. You walked home with him and held his large hand as it turned out he didn’t live too far from you. 

But as the days turned to weeks which then turned to months, the cute walks home suddenly became more and more suspicious. Why on earth did Jeno grip onto your wrist so tight? And why wasn’t he trusting you to be mature enough to walk home on your own? His soon-to-be discovered yandere tendencies were suffocating you!

When you saw the camera hiding in the front pocket of your backpack, you had a huge fight with Jeno about invading your privacy. You had had enough of his stalking and simply the fact that he thought he had the authority to snoop around in your personal things.

Your relationship was never the same after the fight. You should’ve broken up a long time ago and ended things there. It was the same thing repeated by your friends and in your own mind. Let him go!

So when Valentine’s Day rolled around, Jeno wasn’t at all expecting you to give him a card and a hug. The card was store-bought (you were still a bit upset!) and while to normal couples, this would seem thoughtless and something cruel to only give a quick hug, it meant the world to Jeno.

Jeno was ecstatic to see how you were softening up to him. His little soul would be trying to do whatever he could to get you to break down your walls even more and trust him again. Doing things from taking over your chores, bringing your favorite food and dessert, even giving tiny handwritten notes wherever you go.

 But the sad thing is, he still couldn’t drop his yandere personality…

Haechan

When you first fell in love with Haechan, he was belting high notes from the musical Heathers. He was singing a classic, the song Candy Store. It was ironic to you that such a talented singer wasn’t up on the stage performing, but backstage with…the costume crew?

That’s right. Haechan was sewing and mending the costumes side by side with you. He was helping you put on the wigs of the arrogant cast members and completed their makeup as the cast gossiped and complained about everything.

At least you got to know him better. And eventually on the day of the school’s musical’s opening night, he asked you out on a simple date to the nearby ice cream store down the corner. What seemed even better in that moment was when Haechan asked you to be his girlfriend.

When you found out that Haechan was going to go to the same college as you and planned to stay at an apartment a couple blocks away, he had asked you to move in with him. You agreed, unaware of the trap he was planning all along for you.

It was only when Haechan brought you into your shared bedroom and you saw the life-sized cage in the corner did you realize your huge mistake. However, it was too late. Haechan had already turned around and locked you inside the room. Not to mention, the doorknob’s lock opened from the outside. And there you were, trapped and isolated in the cramped, stuffy room, all alone.

The two of you went to a performing arts college; you specializing in stage makeup and costuming while Haechan decided to pursue his dreams to sing and dance. But there was no hope of you ever chasing your dreams to become a professional makeup artist with Haechan ditching you in the cage with a piece of bread and water. You were soon expelled after never showing up for the whole semester, your dreams quickly crushed.

Although you promised yourself to never forgive Haechan, you found yourself slowly trusting him and loving him all over again. Perhaps it was the newfound respect and the kindness he was starting to show you/ Or maybe how caring he was becoming, contrasting to the usual tough persona he used to display before you became his “prisoner.”

Whatever it was, the two of you knew it. And you bet Haechan was giddy with joy when you leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. He was happy, in fact so elated that he let you out of the cage for the first time in six months and helped you stand on your own two feet.

As you wobbled about, trying to work your leg muscles to cooperate with your mind’s intentions of walking and moving around, relishing in the tiny freedom you were finally given, Haechan smiled to himself. His efforts of trying to be just  teeny bit nicer to you weren’t wasted, and he made a mental note to himself to keep going; he absolutely loved making you smile.

Jaemin

Jaemin was brought up in a normal family, with a normal house and a normal school. But when he met you at the student council meeting for the first time, he knew that you absolutely had to be his. His normal life drastically changed, living the wild side of him that no one knew he ever had.

With your elegant movements and your little smile, down to the adorable shoes you were wearing, Jaemin instantly fell in love. He felt awkward and cowardly standing next to you as the two of you stood on the podium in front of the whole school. He was the president of student council and you were by his side, his vice president, guiding the school to attempt to make better decisions in their everyday lives.

His charms eventually won you over and you agreed to be his girlfriend. Jaemin was ecstatic to finally be able to call you his darling. But when he found out that one afternoon as he waited by the cafe you were talking at with some friends on how you truly thought of his yandere personality, he was greatly angered.

He soon came to the false conclusion that your friends and family were influencing your thoughts on your ‘oh so perfect’ relationship. After all, what if they were jealous that Jaemin got to have you all to himself and wanted to take you away from him? The two of you were what the school considered #goals for relationships; the legitimate definition of an Insta-perfect couple! Of course! That was it!

It really wasn’t. When you confessed to Jaemin eight months after he asked you out that you wanted to break up, he immediately picked you up and plopped you into his room. And when I say that, he actually ran three blocks down the busy streets with you clinging for dear life on his back and to his “normal” house.

Things had definitely changed since you admitted that you wanted to leave the relationship. Jaemin stopped showing his usual affection and locked you up in his room, in which he purposely cleaned out to prevent any attempts of escape. Deep inside, he was just insecure and possessive; Jaemin wanted nothing more than to give you a giant bear-hug. He felt so lonely with his mom leaving the family and his dad going on long business trips with no one to care for or love him.

So when he thought you were sleeping and no one could hear him or you in the empty house, he began to cry silently. Just imagine the pure shock on his face when you leaned in and gave him a stiff hug and gently patted his back. While in that moment he’d be comforted, as he looked back later on, Jaemin would be so happy and most of all grateful that you gave him the solace he desperately needed.

Jaemin gradually realized that what he needed was someone to lean on and someone who could handle a fiery spirit like him. Maybe that someone was you. And maybe you were finally willing to give him another chance and love him the way he wanted you to…

Chenle

Unlike the other people at the dinner party, you were the only one who didn’t fit in. Your gawky movements and your posture clearly showed that you weren’t meant for a high-class lifestyle and this kind of sophisticated party. To the normal eye, you seemed to be a wannabe and a person who was unfit to be even breathing the same air of these officials, businessmen, and politicians. Of course, that wasn’t the case for Chenle. 

He was simply tired of boring and snobbish folks who didn’t bother to look at the world around them and were trapped in their own bubble. You on the other hand, discreetly paved the way for others and had dignity.

It wasn’t in your walk or the way you looked. In fact, it was the complete opposite. You were well-spoken and despite how out-of-place you seemed at that first dinner party, many were proven wrong by the following parties that you indeed, were a brilliant and capable young lady.

From then on, Chenle felt that he had to be given the heavy responsibility of protecting a treasure like you. Not because you were weak, but such a gem like you would be easily stolen without a guard. Or a couple hundred. And of course, you were sick of how bothersome Chenle was being with the bodyguards. You knew for yourself that while it was thoughtful of him, you barely knew Chenle and could take care of yourself just fine.

You iced Chenle out quickly, much to his dismay. He didn’t understand why you were so upset with him; he was protecting you from the dangers of the world after all! Such a precious girl like you shouldn’t be touched with filthy hands! 

Months went on but you soon realized how adorable and sweet Chenle was, despite his possessive demeanor. You finally caved in and walked in with your head held up high and plopped a cup of coffee on Chenle’s desk.

Chenle wasn’t just happy, he was jubilant. He felt a rush of excitement when you set down the burning hot latte and was so glad to see you give into his affections of love. But rather than look deeper into your true feelings for him, Chenle was even more determined to finally call you his. Next mission?

Be your boyfriend.

Jisung

Jisung was the teen next door who loved skateboarding and a great adventure. At least that’s what your friends told you. Not to mention, he looked great all the time with his great sense of style. His Instagram was full of pictures of his skating buddies and him doing mind-blowing tricks.

But you didn’t look at his appearance or how he treated other people. In fact, you hated Jisung’s guts. You wished he could just disappear from the face of the earth. When you expressed this to your own friends though, they laughed it off and continued to gossip about how cute Renjun and his girlfriend were.

You would burn with anger whenever you saw Jisung. However, your only explanation wasn’t considered valid to anybody you tried to talk to. Perhaps it was the innocent good-boy vibe everyone received from him. Or maybe the way his nose would scrunch up when he smiled. Whatever it was that people liked about him, you didn’t.

Your reason were the “love” letters placed in your locker, Jisung professing his undying obsession with you. As much as you loved secret admirers, Jisung was on the full-on creepy level. The not-so-good secret admirer, if you get my drift. Your clothes would occasionally go missing and once you saw your blouse drying on Jisung’s balcony railing. Sometimes you would find photos of you on his Instagram spam account when you weren’t looking. But worst of all, the rumors he would spread that he indeed was your boyfriend and all the boys should stay far away from you.

So it puzzled you when this whole act stopped. Jisung disappeared off the face of the earth like you wanted. To be precise, he was gone for one year, five months, and eight days. You swore to yourself that you weren’t counting.

As you walked into your classroom one morning, you see a familiar face standing by the head teacher, shyly waving at you. Jisung had completely changed. His voice had gotten deeper, his eyes more darker, he definitely grew taller, and his blonde hair fell into soft tufts on his forehead. 

And to top it all off, Jisung was nicer! You eventually fell for his new charms and his cute bunny smile with his blue braces lining his teeth. About six months later, you confessed your newfound love for him and he accepted with a grin.

Jisung was happy to see that you were finally warming up to him and caving in. He was even more content to see his hard work of changing his entire persona to fit your ideal guy worked. His plan of making you fall in love with him the same way he did with you was in full swing! But what made the blood rush to his heart and excited him the most…

Was to show the new room he made just for you. 

This took a while to make as I needed to gather some more inspiration and I didn’t have that much time this week so I apologize about that. I hope you liked this and have a wonderful day!

- Celeste

[mona-stay]

Prompt  Peters true feeling come out when y/n is attacked by a Crimea Pairing  Peter x reader Warnings slightly angst with fluffy ending. Story

You, Scott and stiles had been friends for as long as you could remember. As kids sheriff Stilinski would call you the golden-trio. You'd never be apart, getting into mischief wherever you went. When Scott was bitten you'd been there to help Scott though it with Stiles and just like stiles had been dragged into the new world of the supernatural. When you turned 18 things started to change for you. Scott and stiles were there for you like you had been for them in the past. They tried helping you, work out what was happening, they had gotten deaton to take a look at you and had Lydia and Allison searching the beastire for answers to what you were.

You were something. You didn't have claws like Scott and you didn't find dead bodies like Lydia. You had visions, you could see things, like attacks or murders that were about to happen or just as they were happening. You'd helped Scott and stiles in the past when the alpha pack came to town you'd had a vision of Issac hurt, a vision of Cora and Boyd attacking Derek in the school basement and even a vision of Lydia being strangled by her teacher. 

Since this started happening Scott and Stiles had become overprotective about you. Especially when a certain old foe took a keen interest too. When your powers started to develop Peter had offered to help you learn to control them. He'd offered to keep watch when you started sleep walking into the middle of murder scene again. He had even shown up on occasions just because he could, teasing you with the lines "I just wanted to see you or is it really all that bad having a handsome wolf show up unannounced" All the sudden interest had stiles suspicious. Even Scott started to suspect something when Peter would always be around if you was or how he'd always offer to go with you if you had to go or do anything dangerous. 

You however didn't mind Peter, he didn't scare you and you certainly wasn't ready to let Peter or any of your friends see any fear or weakness in you. Being human and female you always felt you had to prove yourself during supernatural events. Also you had a small crush on the former alpha since Lydia had brought him back to life so spending time figuring out what you were with him made you happy.

Your powers had been going crazy lately especially after the deadpool had started. With all the premeditated deaths you spent most days trying to figure out the difference between reality and visions. Even though it had been put to an end it didn't stop the visions coming thick and fast of other attacks happening. It was like the deadpool unlocked them or something like that, During and since your powers seamed stronger and clearer. Today was no different, all day you had been seeing an attack in the woods. Trying to shut it out, you carried on with your day by going shopping. 

During the drive you started getting headaches, flashes of the woods. Seeing clips from somebody else's eyes. You could feel their panic, your heartbeat rose, just like the victims was. It had been getting stronger as the day went by. You'd had enough visions in the past few months to know when you started feeling the emotions of the person or the event was getting closer. You knew it wouldn't be long before this person would be killed.

Turning your car around you headed for the woods to try and help, calling Stiles on the way to tell him to get Scott and the others. Stiles didn't answer nor did Scott. Your next option was Isaac, thankfully he answered and agreed to meet you. Once at the edge of the woods you parked your car going to find out who and  what the vision about. You waited a few minutes for Isaac but couldn't shake the feeling something was happening and you needed to stop it and couldn't wait any longer and went off without Isaac knowing he'd catch up sooner or later.

As you ran in the woods the headaches got worse, you struggled to focus on where you were going. Different flashes of trees compared to the real ones in front of you made it harder for you to figure out where to go. Soon you stumbled into a clearing, one from your vision. Their was a small campfire and tent. "hello" you called out in a whisper, getting now answer you went to the tent to call again only to find it empty and trashed. 

A scream from deep in the tree line made you run from the tent. You couldn't tell if the rapid beating of your heart was really your's or more effects from the visions. You couldn't breath, seeing blares of a hellish looking monster. Deeper into the woods you heard more screaming, only louder. Knowing you were close you shouted back "I'm coming where are you?" trying to look around for somebody.

Looking behind you, you tripped over the body of young man. He looked like he was in his 20s and his chest and throat had been ripped open. You screamed scuttling away on your hands and bum, away from the body. It had somehow become all very real, you realised that you were alone in the woods with the creacher and no one to help.

You could hear snarling and growing, where you sat you couldn't tell if it was coming from the left or right. You slowly stood up trying to make little noise or any quick movements. The sound of a twig snapping make you look left, a pair of glowing snake like eyes were looking at you through the shrubs. You had seen eyes like this before, it was the same eyes Jackson had when he was a kaninma.

You started to run to the right, leaving the dead camper behind. Your chest tightened as you started to realise your vision wasn't the death of the camper but of your own attack. Everything you ran past was exactly the same as your vision. The sound of the kanima chasing you was terrifying, you knew one swipe of its claws would have you defenceless.

Just like your vision you hid behind a tree trying to catch your breath as your legs burned from the power and speed from running. You couldn't hear the monster anymore, so you crept around the tree trunk to see if the cost was clear. You couldn't see anything so took the chance to run, you had only taken ten steps when the kanima caught you.

The girl who attacked you wasn't just a kanima but also part werewolf. It was like nothing you'd seen before. You could hardly breath from were she's clawed your chest, you could taste the blood in your mouth as you coughed it up from lungs. Getting light headed from hitting your head on a rock, the tree tops started to blur and fade. You couldn't move or get help. Left in the woods paralized knowing you were about to die.

Isaac ran up to your empty car calling out your name. He saw the footprints leading into the woods, knowing they had to be yours he quickly followed them, calling you an idiot for going alone and not waiting. With the help of both Derek and Chris, Isaac had become a decent little tracker. Chris had taught him how to read the land, prints, breaks in branch's or plants. Derek had taught him how to use his other senses like smell and hearing to track.

It didn't take him long to find the camp. Looking around there was clear sign of a struggle and the strong secant of fear. He started to look for prints to lead him to you or the person you were trying to save. Fast walking through the woods Isaac's own fear grow when he started to smell blood. Looking around he found the source of the blood, the dead camper. Isaac could also smell your secant in the air too, he knew you had been here and couldn't be far. Calling out your name again Isaac had the worst gut feeling. Taking out his phone he dialled your number hoping you were on your way back to the car. In the distance the sound of your ringtone could be heard. Running to the sound of the phone, Issac found you, with chrimia stood over you. He growled getting its attention, bearing his claws and fangs at the monstrous girl. She fled terrified at the sight of the werewolf, like she'd never seen one before. 

Isaac didn't chase after her, he ran straight to you. The cut to your head was deep and so were the claw marks across your arms and chest. He picked you up taking away part of your pain, as he ran to the loft he kept trying to call your name and shake your body to wake you. Breathing a sigh of relief when he saw your eyes start to open, he kept talking to you saying everything okay and he was getting you help, just to stay awake.

Peter was sat reading his book when Isaac burst though the door. He was about to scold the young wolf for the noise, until he seen who Isaac was holding. He dropped the book horrified, blood soaked your hair and a large part of your face. Peter was off the couch and taking you out of Isaacs arms in a blink of an eye. "y/n look at me your at the loft, your safe now" he said in a soft tone. "what the hell happened" Derek asked walking into the room. Isaac was still shaking as he watched Peter lay you on the bed. "what happened?" Derek asked again this time with little less patience in his voice.

"y/n called me, she'd had another vision of a monster in the woods attacking a camper. I went to meet her but she'd gone off ahead. I followed her trail and found the camper dead and a kanima chrima stood over y/n about to kill her too" Isaac explained.

Peter looked over your injuries "here she's got a small scratch with kanima venom" he said pointing it out to the others. Derek and Isaac called Scott and the others as they planned to find the chrima and put a stop to its killing. "shouldn't one of us stay here to take care of y/n?" Isaac asked. Derek nodded in your direction, Isaac looked seeing Peter carefully sit you up while holding a bowl of warm water to starting to patch you up. In the rush of everything he didn't even see Peter get the water or a first aid kit. "I think Peters got that covered, now let's go" Derek said pulling Isaac out the loft.

"do you really think Peter is the best person to care for her" Isaac asked worried. Just like Scott and Stiles he didn't trust Peter. "I think she'll be fine with Peter. He's" Derek paused thinking of the right words. "different with her. He's somehow softer, it's like he tries to be better in front of her. Holds back his temper." he added. "if it was anyone else, I'd say he likes her" he joked meaning Peter couldn't like someone like that.

Issac nodded he had noticed a difference in Peter when you were around. How when you were around Peter would be more agreeable or how he'd offer to help the pack in something dangerous, especially if y/n was going too. However Isaac didnt have the time to worry about Peter, Scott and Stiles pulled up along with added information that the monster that attacked y/n was a girl from their school called Tracy. Who now needed to be saved not killed, if Peter was there saving wouldn't be on his to do list.

Peter however sat doing the only thing right now he considered important, tending to you. He assessed the wounds finding the worst ones and cleaning them first. He started with the gash on your head, carefully moving your hair out the way to see it properly. It wasn't bad and could be held together with butterfly stitches but he knew you'd have one hell of a headache when you woke.

Once he'd finished he placed an ice pack on your head hoping to take down the swelling, he started to wipe the dried blood from your face. He ran his knuckles over your cheek, watching you sleep. He knew if anyone heard him, he'd sound like a stalker but he loved watching you sleep. It made him feel peaceful and at ease when he was having a bad day.

You started to wake, feeling sore and unable to move. Panic raced though your mind as your tried to move your limbs. The only thing you could do was scream. Quickly Peter came into you veiw "hey, hey, hey calm down your safe" he said. You tried again to move but couldn't. Peter gently put his arms around you lifting you into a sitting position. "kanima venom, you'll be able to move as soon as it wears off" he said with a smile. "now that your awake, this might hurt a little" he said picking up a cotton wool ball coated in antiseptic. You hissed at the stinging but Peter continued to clean up your wounds, with a small smile.

"what are you smiling about?" you asked irradiated by his smirk and occasional laugh out his nose. Peter looked at you with questioning eyes, confused to the statement. "you, your smiling as your" you hissed again this time a lot loader. "cleaning. Do you like inflicting pain? Oh wait it's you so I guess that was a rhetorical question" you say wishing you could move.

Peter laughed again. "no I don't like inflicting pain, well not to you anyway. I'm laughing that my big brave strong human is wincing at a little antiseptic" he teased. "I've watched you take on werewolfs, I've seen you beaten hardly able to stand and not once complain in any form of pain. You've always been stronger than most of the pack. Yet a little bit of cotton wool seems to be your weakness" he finished looking at you with a playful grin. 

You laughed back at him, he had a point. Every time you'd gotten hurt in the past you'd made a point of not letting it show. "it's like a paper cut, stings like a bitch" you joked keeping up the strong independent woman vibe you always had.

Peter chuckled and moved onto stitching up the wound. Out the corner of his eyes, he saw you with tears running down your face. Feeling bad for hurting you he moved his free hand and let his fingertips touch your arm. As his veins started to go black, he noticed the pain wasn't physical but something else. "Is being in the same room as me really all that bad, yano you don't have to cry about it" he joked. He saw your small half smile. Any other time Peters joke would have made you giggle and possibly even go red at the thrilling reminder you and the dangerous hale were alone.

"that was a joke y/n, I know you can't move but a laugh or smile would be good" he said trying to lighten the mood again. You didn't feel like laughing you felt like crying, wanting to hid away alone. Turning your head away from Peter you sighed trying to move your fingertips. "well it's going to be a long hour or so if your not going to speak to me. And here I thought we were at least friends" he smirked. 

Looking at him confused, with a questioning snarl. "what didn't you know that's how long it usually take to wear off on a human anyway" Peter said with an evil but still light tone. That's when it happened, you couldn't stop the tears flowing thick and fast. Peter rushed over knowing these wasn't pain related tears. Taking the handkerchief out his pocket, he started to dry your eyes and face. The worried look on his face was almost heartbreaking. 

"please y/n, I know somethings up with you. If I'm going to be honest I've seen it over the last few weeks. I mean what I say I'm here if you ever need help, essentially controlling your power." he said in a gentle but firm way. You gave him your best half smile" it's not my powers, I'm fine.I'm just being silly" you say back.

He shook his head "you do know I can tell when your lying. I'm never going to force you do tell me anything you don't want to but please don't lie to me y/n, I know your not fine" he said sounding slightly hurt and annoyed, over pronouncing the word fine. This made you feel worse than you already did, Peter had been nothing but kind to you since Isaac dropped you here and you couldn't even be honest back.

Peter got up and heads to the spiral staircase that leads to his room. Sighing hard you call out "wait your right. I'm sorry I shouldn't of lied but I just feel so weak and admitting it out loud means it's real" you say trailing your sentence into a whisper.  You watched as Peter stopped and turned around to face you. Closing your eyes, you didn't want to see him looking at you with pity or smugly because he was and always more powerful than you.

You felt your pulse quicken as he sighed and the sound of his footsteps coming closer. "believe me, your anything but weak" he said. You opened your eyes to look at at him but it was hard to see him fully with still not being able to move. "I might not have your hearing but that doesn't mean can lie to me" you sadly say back.

Peter put his hand on your shoulder, moving so he could look you in the eyes head on. His eyes searched yours for answers, reading you in a way only a werewolf can.  You tired to adverse your gaze to anything but his eyes. "y/n look at me, I sore I'd never lie to you." he said annoyed you'd actually think he'd lie about this.  You looked at him, feeling the tears form again. Peter must have noticed too, moving his hand down your arm to your hand. "You really believe that don't you?" he asked but it was more a statement than a question.

You wished you could nod or move in some form of way so you didn't have to speak but once you opened your mouth you couldn't stop the words from flowing. "how can you say I'm not. I'm human, almost every time some monster comes to this town I get hurt, half the time I'm lucky in not dead. I have this power I can't control, I should have known who or what I'm seeing but instead I'm stuck in the middle of a horror story." your voice was now shaking. Your face now flooded with tears you couldn't wipe. Peter sat silent letting you get your emotions and fears out.

"I wake up in a panic that somehow I failed and everyone died. I try to act strong, be like you or Scott even Stiles is smarter then me. I don't know if I can do it anymore. I don't think I can be strong enough to help, instead I just get in the way. Every time I look in the mirror all I see is a scared little girl. Just look at me now, attacked by a creature after I was too late to save the camper and now temporarily paralized, stuck here making you look after like a weak little child who's crying like a baby because she can't move when you probably have better things to do" you finish.

Peter came closer and wiped your face, "come on stop these tears. Firstly I'm not here because I'm being made to be. I'm here because I care about you y/n. When I saw Isaac carrying you in, I thought you were dead! It felt like my worst fears come true" there was strain to his voice as he spoke. Like he feeling the emotions he felt then or just the thought of you dead.

Before you could question his rare glimpse of feelings Peter cleared his throat "secondly I can see how you feel that way. Especially when your surrounded by werewolves but let me tell you what I see when I look at you. I see a smart beautiful human girl who knows the danger of my world and faces it head on anyway. I see the girl who saved me from the alpha twins with a flare gun, if it hadn't been for you I would have died in that hospital. I see the strongest  most real member of this pack when I look at you" he said, making you blush.

You smiled and slowly blinking your eyes in a way of saying okay. He put his arms around you, pulling you close to his chest "It's okay to feel down, like there is no way out, but remember your not weak y/n" Peter said gently kissing the top of your head so light you second guessed yourself if he'd actually done it. For the first time you had been glad you couldn't move. Laying on Peters chest, with his arm around you like this had been a dream.

You laid there for a while, slowly getting feeling back in your fingertips. You started smiling to yourself. Peter could feel the movements of your face against his chest and the light shake your chest as you silently giggled. Even your sent scent had changed to a more pleasant joyful one. He smiled knowing you seemed happier but courosaty got the better of him. "what got you smiling like a cat" he joked sitting you both up but so he could still hold his arm around you taking full advantage of the situation.

You had already cried so really there wasn't much else you could do or say to embarrass yourself much more. "something you said, I might be thinking to much of it but you said you care about me" you admitted not even hiding the smile on your face. "I know you probably only meant it in a pack like way, you care about me as part of the pack but it was still nice to hear" you added. Peter rolled his eyes and shook his head "you were right you are thicker than Stiles because even now your still oblivious to how I feel about you aren't you?" This time his statement sounded like a question. You frowned, never noticing anything differently about how Peter had treated you now or in the past. "Didn't you ever notice how much I wanted to be around you how every time some creature came to this town I wanted to be close to you for protection. I don't do that for just anybody" he added. 

You thought about and he was right, he had always been there offering to help, saving your ass more times than you'd saved his. But with the rest of the pack you only believed he was interested in your power more than you. You had believed it even more when Scott and Stiles repeatedly told you over and over Peter only wanted to use you, not to trust him. "I thought you were only close to me for my power, well that's what everyone thinks actually" you timidly say back.

Peter laughed "yes, Everyone thought I was close to you for your power and and maybe at first it was. I was interested in the power you had but then I met you. So I let them carrying on believe that was all it was because I wanted to avoid them knowing the truth. And that's I've always felt something for you. I've always wanted to protect you, keep you happy and see your beautiful smile every day." he said. Bringing his hand to your cheek, he watched your eyes and face carefully for signs you wanted him to stop. Never wanting to up you in a place you felt uncomfortable." the truth is y/n, I think somewhere along the way I started to fall for you" he said, like it was the first time he'd said it aloud.

Using all the strength you had, you moved forward enough so your lips could touch his. Peter was surprised at first pulling back, but when you looked back at him smiling, the sound of both your heartbeats racing. He moved closer and kissed you again, this time with passion and feeling like it was his on and only chance.

The sound of the door made you jump and pull away from Peter. As you looked up Scott and Stiles where n the door way, walking down the stairs with Derek and Isaac behind. Stiles gave you a puzzled look "what's going on, y/n you okay?" he asked, clearly unsure what he'd just briefly seen. You panicked thinking what had Stiles seen and what they would say if they knew you had just been kissing Peter.

"I tried to move but the kanima venom hasn't fully worn off yet, Peter was helping me sit back up" you quickly lied. Stiles seemed to buy it, however the look from Derek made you think he knew that was a lie. Peter looked hurt, but went along with it anyway. "she's stubborn, I should have left her stuck" he answered, his tone a lot harsher and colder than normal.

Derek changed the subject by asking how you were feeling now and told you the chrima was actually Tracey a girl from your school. They found her in the wood but lost her when dread docters showed up, kicking their asses. "Lydia and allison are looking up her address now. When they call where gonna find her" Scott promised. By this point Peter had vanished, you wasn't sure why but it made you feel sad he just left.

Soon enough Scott, Stiles and Isaac left to try and find Tracey. Derek had gone to speak to argent to find out if he knew anything about the metal monsters. You hoped Peter would come back down after the loft emptied but he hadn't. Leaving you sit alone with your thoughts going crazy over that confession and kiss. You hadn't ever imagined he'd say something like that to you. Feeling irritated you got up heading to his room. The cuts and slashes from your fight earlier today, started to hurt especially when going up the spiral staircase.

Peter sat in his room feeling angry and humiliated. He'd opened up his heart to you and then when everyone came in you lied about the kiss you'd shared. He couldn't believe he thought you felt the same way, he sat thinking of all the signs he thought meant that. Like how you'd blush when he'd give a compliment or how he'd caught you more than once looking at him at a pack meeting. How your heart beat would change when he purposely got closer than he needed to be.

Or the biggest sign, when you and Lydia had come to the loft to pick put a few things for Derek, and didn't know Peter was upstairs. He heard your voice teasing Lydia about her crush on Aiden. "oh you mean the same way you have a crush on Peter, I've seen the way you are around him" Lydia teased back. He heard you deny it but he also heard the skips in your heart beat to, a clear sign you were lying to her. Now he thought how could he have gotten it all so wrong. He could hear your limped footsteps downstairs but chose to ignore them. He didn't know how to face you now, it felt like you had more or less pushed him away and rejected him. When he heard a small band and you cry out in pain, he was off his bed and at your side in seconds. You were sprawled across 3 steps near the top of the stairs, face twisted in pain and the small smell of blood filled Peters nose. "what the hell happened" he said picking you up and carrying you to his room.

"my side was sore and I slipped. I think I might have popped my stitches" you answer. Peter laid you down gently, carefully lifting your top to see the wound he'd stitched up earlier. It wasn't bad but with the movement you'd had caused it to bleed again. He re-bandaged you up, being nothing but tender, like he was earlier. How the silence in the room was uncomfortable for both of you. When Peter finished you broke the silence with a small thank you and a big smile. He couldn't stay too mad at you and sighed "anything for you but what were you doing at the top of the stairs?" he asked, thinking about how he found you and he'd let his own petty feeling stop him from being their when you needed him.

You started to feel embarrassed again, all the confidence you had to tell him you felt the same back had gone. "erm, well I wanted to talk to you" you mutter out, trying to mentally think of what you wanted to say next. Peter smirked he loved that look you had on your face. A mix of deer caught in headlight and lost puppy.  "well I wanted to talk about before and what happened" you say looking down not being able to look him in the eye.

Peter shoulders dropped, in his head he assumed that you were already regretting the kiss. "it's okay we can forget it happened if you want" he said turning his back. You didn't have to be a werewolf to sense his disappointment, his body language alone said that. You were puzzled and a little hurt he said, you didn't want to forget it. 

"what if I don't want to forget" you muttered, forgetting he could hear you. He turned to look at you, unsure if you'd said it or if he'd imagined it. He remembered about your actions earlier "you looked like you wanted to forget it before when your pack walked in!" he said still feeling hurt more than anything hiding behind his evil veil he wears.

You stopped to think seeing his point, "I'm sorry I did that, lied. But I confused you had just kissed me as they walked in I didn't know what else to say" you told him hoping he'd understand. When he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose you thought he didn't believe you. You wanted to show him you cared about him too. while trying to get up the pain shot though your side making you wince. Peter was at your side before you had chance to full get off the bed." you need to relax before you burst your stitches again" he said, gently laying you back. Peters hand lingered on your arm, your reached over putting your hand over his. 

"so what about do you want to forget all about it?" your voice uneasy as you asked the question. He looked at you shaking his head no, "Even if I grow old and start to loss my memories, I'll never forget that kiss" he answered with a smirk. "well that's good because I like you too Peter I always did but you can be unapproachable some times" you giggled leaning in to gently kiss the corner of his mouth.

He looked at you smirking, before kissing you. He rested his forehead on yours "I meant what I said, I really do care about you y/n and if you let me, I will show you how much I like you" he said, letting his nose lightly brush against yours. You nodded hoping at the same time you could do the same. Peter smirked "let's start by me taking you out on a date, once you've started to heal. Until the I can do this" he said leaning in to kiss you.

For the best part of an hour you both sat cuddled up, kissing and talking nonsense about how long it took for you both to say you had feelings for the other. You promised him you wouldn't push him away again or make him feel like, starting with telling Scott and Stiles and the rest of the pack about your new found relationship with the big bad wolf. But for now you sat happy in the arms of Peter hale.

Derek and Isaac came back after they had found Tracy at the police station. No one fully knew what had happened to her, malia had told them about crazy metal men but no one seemed to believe her. Iassc looked around the loft for you, to tell you the news Tracy was dead, When Derek shushed him. Iassc went to the top of the stairs to Peters door and to see what had Derek smiling. Laid in bed was you and Peter both fast asleep, you had your head on Peters chest and his arms around your body. "well it's about time he told her. It was getting annoying watching him act like a puppy around her" Derek muttered.

Isaac wasn't sure what to think although he did have to admit the pair looked cute together. He'd suspected y/n liked Peter more than she'd said but this wasn't what he expected to see. "do you think he'll hurt her" Isaac asked worried about his friend. Derek shook his head no, "I don't think Peter would hurt her, not deliberately anyway, he really does care about her. I also think she will be good for him too, no more evil uncle Peter" Derek joked before pulling the young wolf away. He shut the door over careful not to wake either of you. "God help him when Stiles finds out" Isaac said walking away.

Peter opened his eyes with a smile having not really been asleep just enjoying the moment with you. Laughing to himself. He didn't know if it was the sound or his movement that woke you up. "why are you giggling" you said sleepy and trying to sit up with the least amount of pain you could. "listening in to Derek and Isaac" he answered.

You playfully slap his chest "you know that's rude" you say. Peter raised his eyebrows  "well isn't it rude to talk about people you think are asleep" he counteracts. You wasn't sure if he was talking about himself or you. "why what were they saying" you asked know wanting to know now what Peter had heard. 

"oh Isaac showing his concern over us, Derek reassuring him and thinking you'll keep me good. But the thing I was laugh most at was Isaac wishing us luck when Stiles finds out about us" he said laughing at the end.

He was right, telling Scott and stiles could go one of two ways, they accept it or they don't. Either way they won't be happy. He must have seen the look on your face "hey we can focus on telling your bonehead best friends tomorrow and if they don't like, then they'll just have to learn to deal with it. I'm not letting you go so easily, seeing as I've only just got you" he teased before kissing you passionately. You laid in his arms to go back asleep, thinking Peter was right as long as you were happy the rest of your friends should and would be happy for you.

[toutorii]

Broken Pieces Chapter 3

Warnings: Mild language. Small mention of abuse. Unedited writing. 

Broken Pieces Masterlist

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Once we escorted Percy to where Chiron and Mr. D were, I had to go help someone in the infirmary.

"Good luck kiddo," I whispered to Percy. The poor thing looked terrified. I walked to the infirmary, only to be greeted by Luke Callestan.

"The hell did you do this time, Luke?" I asked.

"I fell off of a pegasus." He answered sheepishly.

I shook my head and treated his wounds.

"So, hows the new kid?" He asked while I checked out his purple wrist.

I shrugged, "He's in shock, denial, scared like hell. Pretty normal after finding out your mom died."

Luke nodded wordlessly. We sat in comfortable silence while I wrapped my hands gently around his wrist, a glowing light peeked from the cracks of my fingers. I let go of Luke, while he moved it around to test it out.

"Are you sure you aren't a child of Apollo?" Luke asked.

"Luke, two men can't biologically have a child. Do I need to give you some sex ed?"

"Gods no! It's just, you're a talented musician, and you have healing powers, who else has that?"

"Um, a lot of minor gods?"

"Oh," yeah, oh. See, at camp, if you are the child of a major god, you have a low chance of getting claimed. And it's an even lower chance if you're the child of a minor god. Cause there isn't even a cabin for Hades, much less than any of the other gods that don't have a throne on Olympus.

"Why do we even make our lives revolve around them?" I looked at him with a questioning glance, prompting him to go further.

"I mean, look at you, you've been at camp how many years? You've come back from two quests alive, and you've been nothing but faithful to the gods. And what do you get? Being crammed into the Hermes cabin, having to deal with new campers, and having no clue who your godly parent is."

I just sat there, taking in what he was saying. I never really thought I had a bad life. I mean, my stepmom was awful, she used to hit on my dad and me all the time. And I found camp when I was 5, so I could escape her for summer. And the only reason he married her was to hide my scent from monsters. So when I found camp, he divorced her and kicked her out of our small apartment a year later. So I don't really remember her much. Then when I was seven, he met Fineas Laurel, a really good guy that became a really good family friend. About a year later, they started dating. They got married when I was 12, and adopted my precious little sister, Sofia, a year later. So my family life is great, and the two quests I went on weren't traumatizing or anything. I mean, the four people I went with, hated me and only had me come along because I had healing abilities. And on the first one, they tried to sacrifice me to save their own asses. The second one I blocked out of my memory, cause it was so bad. But I have no clue why exactly it was so bad. And being crammed in the Hermes cabin, well I don't really know a life in camp that I wasn't crammed in that incredibly small cabin. I guess to an outsider my life isn't that great, but in reality, I'm one of the lucky ones.

"ellooo. Phoebe? Earth to Phoebe" Luke's voice snapped me out of my trance.

"My life isn't bad, Luke. And what complications I've had, I don't blame on the gods. Even they don't have control over everything. The only thing is, why are you trying to turn me against the gods?"

"I just think the whole thing is stupid." I couldn't disagree with him there.

"Well, I'm gonna check up on the kid. He's playing Pinochle with Mr.D."

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As I walked on the porch of the big house, I saw Mr. D fill his goblet with wine. Percy's jaw dropped. I almost laughed. But the poor thing must've been so confused.

"Mr.D, your restrictions," I warned casually, looking at the ongoing game. Mr.D looked up at me before saying,

"Dear me." He looked at the sky and yelled, "Old habits! Sorry!"

Thunder boomed.

Mr. D waved his hand again, and the wineglass changed into a fresh can of Diet Coke. He sighed unhappily, popped the top of the soda, and went back to his card game.

Chiron turned to Percy. "Mr. D offended his father a while back, took a fancy to a wood nymph who had been declared off-limits."

"A wood nymph," he repeated, still staring at the Diet Coke can like it was from outer space. It was almost comical.

"Yes," Mr. D confessed. "Father loves to punish me. The first time, Prohibition. Ghastly! Absolutely horrid ten years! The second time-well, she really was pretty, and I couldn't stay away-the second time, he sent me here. Half-Blood Hill. Summer camp for brats like you. 'Be a better influence,' he told me. 'Work with youths rather than tearing them down.' Ha.' Absolutely unfair."

Then he looked at me, saying, "Who are you, my mother, Penelope?"

"I have no comment to that sir."

"Wait- I thought your name was Phoebe?" Percy asked. I smiled nodding.

"He has a problem with names."

"No, I don't Patricia. I'm fantastic with names. You just have a weird one, Percy."

Percy's head shot up, filled with confusion.

"Sir, my name isn't Patricia or Percy."

"Well, what is it?"

"Phoebe."

"Bah, Perry is a better name. Isn't there a pony named Perry the Pony or something."

"Perry the Platypus, sir."

"See, Polly is a better name for you instead of Patty."

"W-wait" Percy butted in, stammering, "y-y-your father is..."

"Di immortales, Chiron," Mr. D said. "I thought you taught this boy the basics. My father is Zeus, of course."

I just shook my head. Watching Percy wrack his brain to figure out who the hell Mr.D would be.

"You're Dionysus," He finally said. "The god of wine."

Mr. D rolled his eyes. "What do they say, these days, Grover? Do the children say, 'Well, duh!'?" "Y-yes, Mr. D."

"Then, well, duh! Percy Jackson. Did you think I was Aphrodite, perhaps?"

"You're a god."

"Yes, child."

Ah yes, the epitome of conversation.

"A god. You."

Mr.D just started at the child, probably sending a silent threat of, "If you test me, you get turned into a dolphin."

"Would you like to test me, child?" he said quietly.

"No. No, sir."

The poor kid looked terrified.

Mr.D turned back to his card game. "I believe I win." "Not quite, Mr. D," Chiron said. He set down a straight, tallied the points, and said, "The game goes to me."

"Ooh, good hand Chiron," I said, congratulating the man.

Mr.D looked at me like he was gonna vaporize me, then looked at Chiron, before he gave up, sighing through his nose, already used to losing to the centaur.

"I'm tired," Mr. D said. "I believe I'll take a nap before the sing-along tonight. But first, Grover, we need to talk, again, about your less-than-perfect performance on this assignment."

Grover's face beaded with sweat. "Y-yes, sir."

Mr. D turned to Percy. "Cabin eleven, Percy Jackson. And mind your manners." He walked into the Big house, Grover following miserably. I felt bad for the satyr, he just had the worst luck sometimes.

"Will Grover be okay?" He asked Chiron and me.

I nodded, "Old Mr.D isn't really mad. He just hates his job."

Chiron continued saying, "He's been ... ah, grounded, I guess you would say, and he can't stand waiting another century before he's allowed to go back to Olympus."

"Mount Olympus," Percy said. "You're telling me there really is a palace there?"

"Well now, there's Mount Olympus in Greece. And then there's the home of the gods, the convergence point of their powers, which did indeed used to be on Mount Olympus. It's still called Mount Olympus, out of respect to the old ways, but the palace moves, Kiddo, just as the gods do." I explained to him.

"You mean the Greek gods are here? Like ... in America?"

"Well, certainly. The gods move with the heart of the West." Chiron answered.

"The what?"

Chiron furthered explained. "Come now, Percy. What you call 'Western civilization.' Do you think it's just an abstract concept? No, it's a living force. A collective consciousness that has burned bright for thousands of years. The gods are part of it. You might even say they are the source of it, or at least, they are tied so tightly to it that they couldn't possibly fade, not unless all of Western civilization were obliterated. The fire started in Greece. Then, as you well know-or as I hope you know, since you passed my course-the heart of the fire moved to Rome, and so did the gods. Oh, different names, perhaps-Jupiter for Zeus, Venus for Aphrodite, and so on-but the same forces, the same gods."

"And then they died."

I snorted. Chiron silenced me with a look before continuing, "Died? No. Did the West die? The gods simply moved, to Germany, to France, to Spain, for a while. Wherever the flame was brightest, the gods were there. They spent several centuries in England. All you need to do is look at the architecture. People do not forget the gods. Every place they've ruled, for the last three thousand years, you can see them in paintings, in statues, on the most important buildings. And yes, Percy, of course, they are now in your United States. Look at your symbol, the eagle of Zeus. Look at the statue of Prometheus in Rockefeller Center, the Greek facades of your government buildings in Washington. I defy you to find any American city where the Olympians are not prominently displayed in multiple places. Like it or not and believe me, plenty of people weren't very fond of Rome, either America is now the heart of the flame. It is the great power of the West. And so Olympus is here. And we are here."

"Who are you, Chiron? Phoebe? Who ... who am I?"

I gazed at him with sympathy, being thrown into the world of gods is a lot for anyone.

"Who are you?" Chiron mused. "Well, that's the question we all want answered, isn't it? But for now, we should get you a bunk in cabin eleven. There will be new friends to meet. And plenty of time for lessons tomorrow. Besides, there will be s' mores at the campfire tonight, and I simply adore chocolate."

"Bleh," I said under my breath.

"I still can't fathom how you don't like chocolate, Phoebe."

I shrugged. Chiron rose from his wheelchair. Turning into the half-man, half stallion I grew up with. Percy looked like he was about to combust. I laughed slightly at the bewildered expression on the child.

"What a relief," the centaur said. "I'd been cooped up in there so long, my fetlocks had fallen asleep. Now, come, Percy Jackson. Let's meet the other campers."

I helped him up saying, "So uh, it's a lot isn't it?"

"uhhuh"

"Don't worry kiddo, the first time I met Mr.D, I accidentally thought he filled his goblet for me, so I took a sip of it. I quickly found out it was weird tasting fruit juice. I still don't think he's forgiven me."

Percy looked at me with an open-mouthed expression that said, "Huh?", "How?", and "What the hell" at the same time.

I chuckled, "I was five, and I didn't know any better."

He just nodded, his mouth still hung open, so I said in a British accent, "Now, now Percy, close your mouth, we are not codfish."

His face filled with relief, probably because something finally made sense to him. "Mary Poppins?"

"Of course."

With that, we followed Chiron, who was waiting for us to follow.

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A/N: Wow she updated! :0 Anyways, I hope you like this chapter. Just so you know, I don't own any of the characters or plot, except for Phoebe, Her dad, Fineas, and Sofia. But I will try to update more frequently. And just to let you know, I will be doing the entirety of the Lightning Thief. And I'm going to try and do the rest of the series. Cause I have a plan, but at the same time not really. I mean, I know how I'm going to end The Last Olympian. But its the in-between I'm worried about. But I hope you enjoy it!

[slashiest-slasher]

Hey, a headcanon for slashers reactions to finding out their s/o has a chronic pain disorder? (I have Fibromyalgia so I'm curious to see what you come up with) 😊

I don’t have a diagnosed chronic pain disorder, but my body aches most of time because im so malnourished and treat my body bad so ( ̵˃﹏˂̵ ) BIG MOOD MY DUDE 

Freddy Kruger

If there’s any of the killers that understand chronic pain, it’s gonna be Freddy. He’s practically in the same boat as you. He’s got aches deep in his bones, and his skin constantly burns and every shift of the wind feels like he’s being reignited every time.

But, Freddy is however not the man you want for comfort. It’s not exactly in his forte. Since he’s, ya know, some kind of dream demon ghost he doesn’t exactly have a stash of pain meds laying around. “Yeah kid, I get ya.” He’ll likely just lay down next to you, finally being quiet, until the worst of your pain subsides.

He tries his damnest to pull you into his dream world. Where his wishes are the will of the world. There you don’t feel your pain. Calls it his little retreat from the world, and he wants to keep you there forever but you’re one of the few people who he actually respects, so he lets you go. But his little retreat is there any time you want to relax.

Jason Voorhees

Jason doesn’t quite understand at first why you’re so slow doing things, or sometimes your breath hitches and you have to pause. He thinks, maybe, that he hurt you some how, bruised you or dropped you. Each night, he runs his hands across your body, gently pressing to find the point of the pain. You don’t make much of it at first, just him reassuring himself.

And then. The “incident” happened. It’s not much to you, just a larger flare of pain than normal in your chest, sharp enough to catch you off guard and knock the breath out of you. All you needed was to kneel on the ground to catch your breath, wait for the worst of the pain to pass. But Jason was /not/ letting that happened. 

He thought that, somehow, he hurt you again, this time bad. He had those big puppy dog eyes, and you had to hold his hands and explain to him that your body just hurt. No rhyme or reason, it just ached and sometimes the pain got bad and you had to wait for it to pass.

From then on, Jason was so much more gentle with you. No matter how much you insisted you were fine, and he didn’t need to be so careful around you, he continued. Almost scared that he was going to make your pain. He even raided campers cars for painkillers. The wrong kind, and too strong for you, but it was the thought that mattered. Over time, he learned that he didn’t need to constantly worry about you, but there was always a softness to the way that he touched you.

Michael Myers

Michael is somewhat on the fence about chronic pain. On the one hand, his pain, what he feels doesn't slow him down. On the other, his body constantly aches and hurts from years of battering and neglect, one can only get stabbed, shot, crash cars, and fall long distances before the wear and tear starts to show. 

When he's at home, with you, it's more apparent than when he's out on a hunt. He moves less, and slower when he does. You know the signs of someone in pain, and it's quite apparent. You ask him if he's hurting, and when he doesn't respond, you tell him it's okay if he does, because you hurt too. Nearly all the time. He was never really aware about your chronic pain, you never showed any signs of it, but then again you HAVE been dealing with it for nearly your entire life. 

Your relationship after that becomes more... symbiotic to say the least. You get heating pads for Michael when he gets home, draw warm baths, and have otc medicine for when it becomes to much, and he, in return, brings home medicine for you. The exact prescription and strength you need, but always a different name on the bottle. One day you even returned home to have a brand new mattress topper, an expensive one that you didn't really want to know where it came from.

Leatherface

Unlike a lot of the slashers, Bubba is quite familiar with the trappings of chronic pain. It came with living in rural Texas. People worked hard until their bodies couldn't keep up. Arthritis, bad backs, phantom pains, you name it, Bubba's seen it from who ever is passing through. You're no different, and even though you never told him outright about your chronic pain, but he could always tell. Drayton was somewhat the same, a bad back still suffering from old injuries that would go out whenever it damn well pleased. Never spoke about it either.

He get Drayton to give you the easier jobs around the house, cleaning up or helping with the cooking. That part always grossed you out, but as a farm hand you couldn't argue much about the jobs you were allotted. 

It took quite a bit of complaining, but Drayton eventually gave in to letting you handle collecting lumber, fixing up cars and maintaining the generators, and other more physically intensive jobs around the house and gas station. When you were at the house, Bubba would always linger around wherever you were, though you never did quite need his help.

Then things started getting more, let say 'romantic' between you and Bubba. The more he would find out about you and your chronic pain, the more worried he got. The various pill bottles around your room, heating pads and ice packs, sleeping pills for the times when your aches wouldn't let you sleep. It worried Bubba to no end and he always fussed over you. 

Part of you wanted to tell him that you're a big grown adult and you can take care of yourself, but another part liked the attention. You had to sit him down one day and tell him the gist of things: You've been dealing with this for a hell of a long time, and it has never stopped you from doing your job. That cooled him off a little, and he somewhat understood. Never stopped him from doing all the heavy lifting around the house though.