#i hate him so much he made me hate my second favorite team and dread

[robertsbarbie]

i truly mean it when i say that if joe burrow has no haters than i'm dead (even then i'll probably still be a hater) football is more than just throwing a ball and the attitude he has this season as a team leader is literally crazy. if the masses didn't want to fuck him (which?? as someone from the cincinnati area walk five blocks you'll find someone who looks just like him) they would realize that his behavior is unearthly bad sportsmanship like grow up!

[haibunnyy]

This might be a hot take but…

I loved S7 of vld and I don’t get all the hate for S8. I see it a lot on here that people hate the later seasons or flat out refuse to watch S7-S8 and while everyone’s entitled to their opinions, honestly I don’t get it and hope now with VLD being taken off Netflix people give it a chance before it’s gone.

!Spoilers below!

Disclaimer S7 IS my favorite season. From the travel home where we see just how far the paladins have come with their relationships with each other from goofy moments like the game show episode to E6 the journey within, when they’re going crazy stranded in space and fighting with each other. “you ran away. Maybe you should’ve just stayed away” ugh the angst love it.

Then the second half of the season had so many solid moments where the cast finally got what they wanted, going home, seeing their families, proving the people who doubted them wrong (specifically Keith with this one tbh) but it’s nothing like how they expected. I thought the fight for earth arc was one of the most serious and emotional arcs of the show. Everyone willing to die for their home planet, the almost self-sacrifice moments, part where Lance closes his eyes ready to die and Keith’s calling out to him…sold.

Don’t get me wrong it’s far from perfect, I hear the criticism. We get the dreaded bury your gays drop this season with Adam (maybe that’s why they decided to kill off Allura, had to even it out /j )

Moving into S8, arguably not at good as S7 by a long shot but I still think it’s worth the watch. And I know I’m gonna lose people here but oh well it’s me and my delusions against the world.

Persssonaalllyyy I see a lot of the hate for this season comes from Allura and Lance getting together. And okay don’t shoot me here but I’ve noticed a lot of hate for Allura in general stems from this season and I am a Allura defender to the end. I’m gonna be honest in the rewatch I could see it, why people ship klance (they’re my OTP I get it), the rumors about if there was one more season it’d be canon, or how the staff even shipped them or how someone left the team or got fired and that’s why it’s not canon. I get it truuuussttt me I get it. But that’s just not what we got and in the context of what we did get, I honestly thought Lance’s and Allura’s relationship, as short lived as it was, was cute.

We see 7 seasons of Lance flirting with Allura, flirting with all these girls claiming to be a romantic and you now what? He is! He’s a good boyfriend! As much as he changed throughout the show he’s still “loverboy Lance” nervous to make the perfect date for the girl he likes, talking to his friends about it cause he’s feeling insecure taking out a literal princess, taking Allura to meet his family, and as much as I ship klance over allurance (and would have preferred for the two of them to go out instead) their date was CUTE okay sue me.

As for Allura, I get it, she did not like Lance AT ALL in the beginning seasons. So where did this come from? Poor choices in the writing room most likely BUT in the canon Allura has been strong willed the entire show, leading along side the BP, becoming a paladin herself, giving up her father to protect others, loosing the castle of lions and truly one of the last pieces of Altea, she looses so much and even when she finds out there’s Alteans alive, they hate her and believe she’s the bad guy. She’s been this selfless warrior princess who’s had to be selfless for 7 seasons, I think when presented the opportunity to be selfish and happy, she would take it. Shes tired, all her paladins got to go home to their families, got to return to their home planet. Shes lonely af, happy for them ofc but that shit gotta be depressing.

And again as much as I prefer Klance and Allura/ Romelle, for the canon I thought it made a lot of senses that she’d go out with Lance after he asks. I definitely see it as a “fuck it, why not” from her and she gained feelings throughout their relationship. Which irl I don’t recommend but in my eyes it humanized Allura. She made a lot of selfish choices this season from taking creature from the void to, agreeing to go out with Lance. But again I don’t even think it was out of character of her. I think it was bound to happen, after everything she’s been through, being selfless and perfect all the time she finally cracks. Plus it was nice seeing Allura have her “I’m just a girl” moment. Going shopping with Romelle and Pidge, having girl talks, trying to impress Lance’s family. It made her more relatable.

Another selling point for this season were the fight seasons Honestly I loved all the fight scenes in this season, the animation really popped off today. My fav was between Zethrid and the paladins. But does does loose a point here for Zethrid and Ezor being hinted as a wlw but never explicitly stated so boo to that.

We also have a lot of fun and rewarding moments with the paladins as well, like the clear day episode. We get to see Shiro actually have fun for once. Only took 8 seasons but hey. The moments between Pidge and her family were very wholesome and rewarding considering how much Pidge went through to get her family back together. Lance with his family was also cute. His little rant about why his sister shouldn’t go out with Keith was funny. The infamous sunset scene with Keith and Lance, would I have gone batshit insane if it was a love confession between the two? Oh absolutely but oh well. Hunk and Keith’s friendship was nice to see considering where they started with Hunk being the timid one and Keith being an emo loser. TLDR it was nice to see those finale happy times where we really see how far everyone has come before the ending.

As for the ending, maybe I’m just not creative enough to see a different route. But Honerva being the finale villain was one of my favorite choices for this ending. She’s been there literally the entire time just fucking shit up for the universe. Her motive to be in a reality where she can be with her husband and child? 👏 having villains just be evil for the fuck of it is great and all. But it reminded me a lot of the scarlet witch from marvel and she’s my all time favorite character in he MCU so maybe that’s why I liked Honerva so much. Fuck the universe if your family is on the line, am I right? It made her a great villain in my eyes and the polar opposite of allura who had to give up her family and her home for the sake of the universe.

Which is why Allura sacrificing herself to save the universe? Lowkey saw it coming since around season 5 and to me made total sense. She tried to be normal, to live on earth or on the atlas, but she’s a reliac of the past and she knows it. It goes back to the point I made of this girl is tired af. A chance to save to universe and be reunited with her parents even if it’s death, she’d do it. Season 8 she tried deviating from the role forced upon her as the selfless sacrificial lamb but she was doomed from the start. I deadass cried when she died and honestly I’m fine with her death as well. Everyone did what they were destined to do; if the paladins were destined to save the universe, she was destined to die for it.

Now to the post credits and post canon

Here’s where I say the hate is valid and deserved. Points lost fr with having Shiro marry an extra. I get it, they wanted the diversity points of saying YES Shiro is in fact gay but they were only allowed so much wiggle room/if they put it at the very end nothing can go wrong right? so they settled for that. Do I see the damage it does towards queer representation in media? Now I do but at the time when my little gay self watched that I was shocked they’d even show that much and took the breadcrumb piece of rep and ran with it. I told myself, “meh shiro deserves to live the quiet married life after all the shit he’s been there.” But it def should have been Adam.

As for everyone else, the journey’s over. The lions are gone, I thought it made sense that everyone went their separate ways but still maintained a friendship. That’s growing up, that’s adulthood. When I watched that at 17 I was annoyed that they didn’t stay together as a friend group but now at 23, I totally get it. They are still friends, they just got their own things going on so they only reunite when they can. If that’s not adult friendships idk what is.

Keith traveling with the blade helping others, great! Hunk and Shay being cooks and doing diplomacy shit, awesome! Pidge living her best life with her parents building up earth, love it! Did I like that the one Latino character ended up being a stereotype and living on a farm? No I did not.

I interrupted as Lance staying on earth and grieving Allura’s death. Which I can see happening but Lance deserved his own happy ending. I see Lance becoming an MFE pilot or joining the Atlas crew with his sister, something where he continues to pilot cause it’s all he’s ever wanted to do but still carrying that grief with him.

To finish this yap session off, my final thoughts are I think a lot of S8 hate comes from Allurance and the post credits. I think the hate for Allurance and Allura is unfair and some of it stems (from what I’ve noticed) from this misogynist/fetishizing tendacy to shit on the female characters who come between mlm ships in fandoms. So again, I am an Allura defender through and through.

As mentioned earlier, hate for the post credits, makes total sense. But I’d like to bring up a point I see rarely discussed in this discourse. I am not excusing the queer bating that happened or the blatant racial stereotype we got for Lance’s ending but I truly believe Voltron is a product of the times and essential for the evolution of queer rep in western animation. I could do an entirely separate post on this but I’ll sum it up as best as I can here. Queer representation in main stream western media was still new and touchy. And mlm representation was even fewer. I think the backlash is valid and was necessary for dreamworks/Netflix and any other companies to learn their lesson that gay people in cartoons is OKAY and should be normalized. that’s why following I think Vld was one of the many factors in a shift for openly queer couples in animation that we see in shows like She-ra.

So it sucked that we never got klance yeah but I never once thought Klance was gonna be canon. I wished for it but I figured the best we could hope for is some hints like how they ended Legend of Korra.

So besides from the effects it had on western media, as a fan I’ll still take the ending and even recommend it to people as is because of the art that came after. The fanart, the edits, the post-canon and fix-it fics I love reading time and time again. None of that would exist without that controversial ending. I don’t think I’d still be such a diehard fan to this day if it had ended any differently. My appreciation for this show and obsession stems from how invested I was in the controversies, rumors and hype every season. Like the whole pride month post on twitter, dear god what a mess but hopefully a word of warning now for creators thinking of queer baiting fans again.

It’s not perfect, there were a lot of fucks up along the way and at times, downright problematic but I will still always recommend people watch VLD all the way through. But hey maybe that’s just my way of wishing I had more people to talk about the ending with ¯\_ツ_/¯

[bi-bard]

Olivia Rodrigo Songs That Would Describe a Relationship with Jason Todd - Jason Todd Imagine [HBO's Titans]

Title: Olivia Rodrigo Songs That Would Describe a Relationship with Jason Todd

Pairing: Jason Todd X Reader

Word Count: 3,616 words

Warning(s): attempted robbery, descriptions of trauma/effects of traumatic events, mention of sex

Summary: Three songs by Olivia Rodrigo that would describe a relationship with Jason Todd.

Author's Note: I decided to take a small break from the writing challenges to have a little bit of fun.

I was also going to use "get him back!" because I had an idea for it, but I think it would work better as its own imagine instead of being part of this. Let me know if that's something you'd like to see!

I also contemplated "favorite crime" but that didn't fit as well. Maybe for another character.

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1 step forward, 3 steps back

It's one step forward and three steps back I'm the love of your life until I make you mad It's always one step forward and three steps back Do you love me, want me, hate me? Boy, I don't understand

I tried to keep calm after Jason had been saved from Deathstroke.

I didn't want to sit and question him about it. It just felt wrong. I wanted him to feel safe enough to talk about it, but not forced.

It was a far more precarious line to walk than I originally thought that it would be.

I had seen too much of it to just ignore it. To not want to keep Jason from having to relive it.

I had only joined the Titans because I was good with technology. I had known Jason before then. He knew about my abilities. So, when he left Gotham, he asked me to go with him and got the team to give me a shot.

I hadn't been there when everything with Deathstroke went down, but I had watched it. I had used the street cams nearby to look for him. When I did, I couldn't do anything but watch as he almost fell to his death.

I couldn't save him then, but I could protect him now.

I walked into his room and found him staring out the window in his room. When I got closer to him, I saw his eyes flickering up and down. I felt my eyebrows furrow for a split second as I watched him.

"Jason," I said quietly. There was no response. I raised my voice a little bit, "Hey, hey... Jason."

He jumped a bit when I did that. He looked at me with wide eyes.

I forced a grin at him, trying to not seem nearly as worried as I was. "Hi."

"Hi," he muttered.

I stepped closer, reaching over to cup the back of his head. I ran my fingers through the hair on the nape of his neck. I leaned over and pressed a kiss to his shoulder.

"How are you feeling," I asked.

"Fine," he mumbled.

I slowly nodded. I didn't quite believe him, but I wasn't going to tell him that. "Are you hungry?"

"No," he replied.

"Thirsty?"

"No."

"Need anything at all?"

"(Y/n), stop-"

"Sorry," I muttered. I moved my arms so I could wrap them both around his torso and hug him. "Didn't mean to push."

"But you still always find a way to."

I forced a chuckle. "What?"

"Nothing."

I felt a sense of dread gathering in my stomach.

Jason and I weren't new to this kind of tense conversation. Especially after he made it back. It was why that line I was walking was so precarious; I never knew how he'd react to me just trying to support him.

"You can tell me, y'know... if something's bothering you."

"I don't need to talk about it," he said. I could hear the anger hiding away at the edge of his voice. As if he were actively fighting it.

"Sorry."

"You should be."

I nodded before going to step back. I stood next to him, watching the same view as him, yet feeling like I was a hundred miles away.

"You don't have to stand there," he spoke up after a few minutes. "I don't need a bodyguard."

"I'm just trying to spend time with you."

"We both know that's not true."

I looked down.

"I don't need you to save me, (Y/n)."

"Someone has to!"

It was a response that came out far faster than I meant for it to. I had been wanting to keep my mouth shut. But I couldn't. I just couldn't.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"You always are."

"What?"

"You keep doing this same fucking thing! You sit there and look at me like you pity me! You wouldn't have to fucking apologize if you just fucking listened to me!"

I didn't have a response for that. Logically, I knew that Jason was still in denial about how much everything had affected him. I just didn't know how to pull him out of that.

"You're fucking doing it again!"

I jumped at how loud his voice had gotten.

"Stop acting like I'm some kind of fucking hurt puppy!"

I took a step back as if it would make his voice any quieter. "I'm not trying-"

"Will you just get the fuck out," he asked.

I hesitated for a moment. I wanted to give him the chance to backtrack. It was a moment of suffocating tension.

And when I saw that his face wasn't changing from that angry look, I turned around and walked out of his room.

I tried to walk to my room as fast as I could. I didn't want to talk about any of this. I didn't want to explain why I was upset because it felt selfish for me to feel like this.

When I made it to my room, it felt like I could finally breathe. I took a deep breath before running my hands over my face. I was tired. Exhausted. I had been trying so hard to help and be kind and understanding... but it wasn't enough. How was I supposed to know when it was enough?

I spent God knows how long sitting in my bed. I was silent, lost entirely in thought.

I wasn't doing anything. I was staring out through my window. I don't remember much. It's all mostly confusion. Questions about what I had done wrong and if there was going to be a way to fix it. I just had to sit with all of this stuff and no way to fix any of it.

This is why I preferred computers. No answers could feel so covered cloudy or weird.

I jumped a bit when I heard my door open. My head snapped over to look.

Jason was standing in my doorway. I let out a sigh as my heart rate finally slowed down. He didn't move or speak. I wondered if he was waiting for me to say something. I didn't have anything to say. I was too worried about upsetting him again.

After a moment, he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. I offered him a somewhat forced grin as he did so. I wanted him to know that we were okay... even if we weren't.

He stood at the foot of my bed. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," I replied quietly. It wasn't, but I felt a need to grant him some grace. "I'm sorry too."

"You shouldn't need to be," he shook his head. "You were just trying to help."

The only sign that he gave me that made me believe that he understood my intentions and didn't see me as a complete asshole.

He didn't speak up again, but he also made no attempt to move at all. Not to walk away or come any closer. He just stood there.

"Come here," I said quietly, waving him over.

He listened, climbing onto my bed. He kind of flopped down onto it. He rested his head on my chest while his arms wrapped around my torso. I wrapped my arms around him. I let one of my hands slide through his hair, trying to help him relax for a little while.

I heard him whisper after a little while, "I love you..."

I closed my eyes, silently pleading with myself to just believe him. "Love you too."

bad idea, right?

Now I'm gettin' in the car, wreckin' all my plans I know I should stop, but I can't And I told my friends I was asleep But I never said where or in whose sheets

There were times when I was convinced that all of my bad choices could be blamed on Gotham's mere existence.

I was never as reckless in San Francisco as I was in Gotham. I never made so many excuses for myself. I never lied to the people around me so much.

I was a different person within Gotham's city limits.

But then again, that could just be something I say as a way to excuse the choices that were entirely my own.

I had never wanted to come back to the city anyway. Dick had sent me to help one of his friends- Barbara. She was smart enough with computers and technology; she didn't need me. She just needed a second set of eyes and hands that could help pull off what she was trying to do. And I was simply too tired to argue with Dick when he told me to go.

Walking into my old apartment was strange.

I had started staying there when I was a teenager. I hadn't been officially on the lease when I first found it. I was just a scared teenager who found a kind enough landlord with a run-down building.

It was still run-down, but it had enough tech to take down most of the big bads in the city. Except the computer in the Batcave. Bruce stopped me from doing that.

The only true problem with staying in my old apartment was that old "friends" knew where I was. And they knew that I was in town.

And some of them felt entitled to show up at my door with little to no warning.

Much like Jason, who found his way to my doorstep while I was on the phone with Rachel.

At first, it sounded like an animal thumping at the door. Slow, quiet. If I had known who it was, I would have assumed it was hesitance.

"Hold on, Rachel, something's outside," I muttered.

"Please don't blindly answer the door to a stranger."

"I'm not an idiot."

I moved my phone from my ear to lean in and look through my peephole. As soon as I saw who it was, I stepped back again.

"I... Rachel, I'm gonna call you back," I said quickly.

"What? Why," she asked. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, just have to take care of something," I replied. "Bye."

"Okay-"

I cut her off by suddenly hanging up the phone. After placing my phone on my desk, I unlocked the door as quickly as I could, but only opened it far enough so I could look through the crack in the door.

"Hey," Jason said casually as if this were an entirely normal thing for him to do.

Jason had moved back to Gotham after our final fight with Deathstroke. Bruce had taken him back in. As far as I knew, he was training again. Granted, I didn't know much about him now. I don't think that it was especially surprising that we hadn't ended on the best of terms... when he ran off with Rose.

But now, he was standing at my door like nothing had happened.

"Hi," I replied quietly.

"Can I come in," he asked. "I feel safer inside your security system than out of it."

I took a deep breath before going to open the door more. I don't know if it was because I knew that I wouldn't win any argument against him or if I actually wanted to see him. Not that I would ever admit if it were the latter.

"Thanks," he muttered. I shut and locked the door behind him. "When'd you get back to Gotham?"

"A few days ago," I explained, going to walk around him. I wanted there to be nothing between him and the door if I had to kick him out. "What are you doing here?"

"Wanted to see you... check on you," he shrugged. "Gotham's not a safe place."

"Well, thank you for the concern, but I can take care of myself," I replied.

"I know... I'm the one who taught you how."

"You didn't teach me everything."

"No... I think I did. And I remember us having quite a lot of fun doing it."

I scoffed. "Have a good night, Jason."

"You're so quick to kick me out," he said. "Why are you so scared of spending time with me?"

"I'm not scared, I'm annoyed."

"And why is that?" he smirked a bit as he stepped closer to me.

"Because you just showed up on my doorstep in the middle of the night."

"You used to like it when I did that."

"Different circumstances."

"Is that right?"

I didn't respond. I didn't want to entertain any of this. But I also didn't pull away, so maybe there was some part of me that did.

I let him step even closer to me. There wasn't much room between us anymore.

"What do you want, Jason," I asked.

"Guess."

"I'm a bit tired of guessing what you want or need from me," I replied. "Been trying to do that for a while."

"Well, then, I should make it up to you," he said, leaning forward. "For having to do that for so long."

I refused to be the one to close the distance. It felt too much like admitting defeat if I did that. I kept thinking of how long the other Titans had spent trying to make me feel just a little less shit about everything that happened between Jason and me.

But now, looking at Jason in the middle of my old place felt all too familiar. It was hard to remember all that had gone wrong when the happier memories were pushing their way to the front of my mind.

Any ounce of resolve I had been holding seemed to crumble apart the moment Jason's lips brushed mine.

I cracked, leaning forward and pressing my lips to his. If that was admitting defeat, then I was happily waving my white flag. My arms wrapped around his neck. His hands touched my sides and I felt him smirking against my lips. I was lucky that my eyes were shut, or I would have punched him right then and there. With my eyes shut, I was able to ignore the world around us- physical threats, bad memories, potentially disappointed friends... all of it.

It wasn't until Jason tried to guide me to my bed that I seemed to even somewhat snap back to reality.

"Wait, wait," I muttered, pulling away quickly.

Jason's eyebrows furrowed at me, but I didn't pay his confusion much mind as I walked away. I grabbed my phone and quickly typed out a quick message to Rachel, explaining that I was alright and was just heading to bed. Not a complete lie.

I placed it on my desk before going back over to him. "Didn't need her thinking I died."

Jason chuckled before grabbing my hand and dragging me over to him. I grinned as I went to kiss him again.

Maybe this was a bad decision, but I couldn't find it in myself to care.

hope ur ok

And somehow, we fell out of touch Hope he took his bad deal and made a royal flush Don't know if I'll see you again someday But if you're out there, I hope that you're okay

After Scarecrow's attempt to destroy Gotham, I knew that there would be a big mess to clean up. Taking out one big bad created a bit of a vacuum and a lot of people could easily get hurt while others were clamoring to fill the void.

So, I decided to stay in town. I wasn't some amazing fighter or anything, but I had some benefit. I was good enough to help sort out the mess that the police force had, especially after the destruction of the supercomputer that Barbara had been using before.

I kept to myself for the most part. Making yourself known in Gotham was a quick way to end up dead and I didn't have the power or the means to keep myself out of harm's way.

It had been going well.

Until some idiots had spotted me heading back to my apartment after visiting Barbara. I had just been dropping something off to her that I didn't want to send virtually. Too important.

I don't think the thugs had anything to do with that. They were just looking for someone to fuck around with. They were just selfish low lives.

However, they walked closer to me as I went to go past them. I felt my heart speeding up a bit because I knew that there was still some distance between me and my apartment. I still tried to stay calm. It just wasn't working out very well.

No worry I felt then matched the pure panic that hit me when my arm was suddenly grabbed.

I yelled immediately, going to shove myself backward. I was ready to break my arm if it meant that I didn't get myself killed.

I knew logically that they weren't trying to kill me. That didn't change how I reacted. Gotham was too unpredictable to not be ready for that.

All I could hear was mixed yelling about money and my wallet and my watch. It was loud but there were too many voices yelling together for me to truly process any of it.

I tried to explain that I didn't have any money. I was only going to see Barbara. I knew better than to just carry around money in Gotham when I had no intention of using it.

The moment that the yelling stopped was more distinct than the moment that they started.

I just remember it all going from shouting and layered demands to yelling questions and confusion. I stumbled backward, going as close to the corner as I could. I was hoping that I could hide there until whatever had shown up got bored and left.

The silence came alarmingly fast and was enough to make my stomach churn. I closed my eyes, shielding my face as much as I could.

"(Y/n)."

The voice was robotic, but familiar enough for me to lift my head up. I saw Jason standing in front of me, Red Hood mask and all. My mouth fell open a bit as I recognized him.

I hadn't seen him in a long time. After Scarecrow had been stopped, Jason kind of disappeared. I already had cut contact with him after everything that happened between us before his death.

When I heard about his death, I sat with that guilt and regret for weeks. Months. I kept wishing that I had forgiven him or just talked to him. I hadn't wanted our last memory together to be him sneaking out of my place, trying to get out before I had woken up.

When he came back, I had to deal with a whole new kind of guilt. Guilt over wanting to see him and hold him again. I knew everything that he was doing, but I still couldn't shake how I felt about him. It made me feel like shit to sit there missing him and wanting to be with him while all of my friends were thinking of ways to beat him.

And then, I chose to stay in Gotham. I thought that I would get to see him more. But he vanished. I didn't know why. I just wanted to hope that it was him trying to live a life of peace... or at least one of a little less darkness.

And now, I'm here. Staring at him. Through a mask, yeah, but it was him.

"Let's get you home," he said, holding out his hand. I was disappointed that he made no motion to take off his mask, but I grabbed his hand anyway.

The trip back to my place was quiet. Well, quiet between us. We could still hear the chaos of the city around us. Sirens and screaming and such. But neither one of us spoke. From the walk to his bike to the ride to the building to the trip up the squeaky staircase.

It wasn't until we got to my door that it felt like it was safe enough to speak.

"Thank you," I said quietly.

"Don't mention it," he replied, voice still morphed by whatever technology was in his mask. I wanted to beg him to take it off, but I didn't. I didn't feel like I had the right to do that. "See you around."

I nodded before turning to the door so I could unlock it and open it. He turned around, going to walk back down the hall. There was that old guilt. The regret over things never said, never done. Things that were needed.

I stood with my key halfway in the lock for what felt like an eternity before I finally turned back and started following him.

"Jason!" I called, getting him to stop.

By the time he turned back around to face me, I was already in front of him. I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him into one of the tightest hugs that I had ever given.

"I've missed you," I muttered to him.

After a few moments of complete silence, I heard a faint sound that I couldn't quite recognize. And then, Jason's arms found their way around me. I grinned, closing my eyes and moving to place a small kiss against his shoulder.

I didn't speak. I just let him hold me. That was enough for me in that moment.

I heard something whispered in my ear, "I missed you too."

There was one thing that stuck out to me more than anything else. There was no filter over his voice.

If this was the start of something getting better, then I would be perfectly content with this moment completely.

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Some Original Characters

[rkrispyt]

I was curious if you still have hope for Portwell? I saw that some portwells still have hope. I personally lost all hope mainly bc r*na is so popular and I don't think that Tim won't make them endgame... It's sad that, nowadays, many ships happen bc of fanservice... You don't even have to look from a storytelling perspective to see where things are going, you just have to check what the fandom says and that's prob gonna happen... One thing that I don't get tho... If Tim really wanted for r*na to be canon since ep 1x5, why did he spend all s2 to make us not ship them? In the second half they didn't have any interactions. Gina was still annoyed with him in ep 2x11. Why didn't Tim plant some seeds for them in the second half of s2? Why is Gina most of the time the one who does sth in that relationship and when Ricky does sth, it's bc Gina asked? And the only time when he has initiative they ruin that (taking his role seriously for her (ep 3x4) and later they reveal that he didn't even read the whole script on the opening night day). I personally could never ship them. I saw potential in s1 but after that they were ruined. S3 just tried to hide the s2 mess under the carpet instead of cleaning it (Ricky still does the bare minimum for Gina and he wasn't held accountable for how he hurt her in s2, he should've apologised!!!). Idk but Gina deserves so much better... They'll prob make Ricky the best bf to her in the next seasons, but that won't change the way they got together (with Gina putting in most of the effort)... That means she is ok with the bare minimum as long as she is with Ricky which is really sad... She deserves so much more... Portwell deserved so much more... s2 Portwell would've def survived that summer... I hate fan service for ruining them...

I’m shocked to hear anyone still has hope for canon Portwell, ngl. I do not and can’t imagine ever having any ever again tbh. They not only effed them up pretty bad but the writers have lost me entirely. At this point I’d dread seeing what this team would do with them if they tried again.

To answer the rest of this ask, I will die on the hill that Gicky was not actually the plan or endgame or any of this nonsense backtracking Tim’s been doing. I can believe that when he put them together in season one it ended up intriguing him more than he had thought, but considering what they did with season two clearly it wasn’t enough for him to switch up the plan at that point to put them together or set up something in the future - quite the opposite soooooo tell me again how this was always the plan? Sure, Jan.

It’s so obvious to anyone paying the tiniest bit of attention that Olivia left, so they shifted everything to give Ricky another love interest that they thought could compete in any way with Rini and lose the least amount of viewers upon her departure. Gina was the only real option. They didn’t even do it WELL cause they cared more about doing it as quickly as possible.

I admit that during season three I don’t know if I would have claimed it was fan service, but after seeing that Tim had a version of that final scene where he jumped on that entirely unfounded and random Gicky theory about the chocolates, unfortunately, I have to agree with you.

I will never not be disappointed that this show that brought me such joy, was written so well, didn’t do all the garbage you would expect from this kind of show, and boasted about being proud that they were telling stories of good people being good to each other, has turned into such trash.

S2 Portwell will forever be one of my favorite ships, winning me over completely (as an anti and Gicky fan going into that season) because of how well they wrote it . Alas, another casualty of outside factors switching up the plan and terrible choices being made by those in charge as a result.

The Summer of Portwell was one for the books, but now, for that HEA fanfiction is where it’s at, friends!

[sadhorsegirl]

been more quiet on here for season 2 bc a) im drastically more employed this time around (rip) b) it felt like so much of my opinion of events in this season were going to hinge upon where everything landed in the finale.

tbh i also ended up being p critical of certain elements this season and didn't feel like spoiling anybody's fun while the show was still airing new episodes. a lot of my opinions of this season were shaped by the fact that i started reading the books. i am a firm believer in allowing for necessary changes when making an adaptation and allowing it to evolve into its own thing so it also felt kind of shitty to be like. she (the books) wouldn't say that!!!! lol

anyways lol i've decided to make a little list of things i enjoyed, things i thought were mid, and things i actively disliked this season

LIKED:

a) new mat! i thought his performance was really strong and just about everything they did with him this season made me appropriately sad. bonus points for making his dynamic with min reading like a frat boy and a begrudging grad student going on a bar crawl together as "repayment" for tutoring lol

b) elayne! again i thought ceara coveny did a really good job and i liked how she fit into relationships with the other characters.

c) nynaeve and the liandrin of it all! nynaeve's arc this season was one of the strongest this season imo, and i think using liandrin to discuss the culture of abuse present in the tower was smart.

d) egwene and madeleine madden!! emmy campaign begins now!!! episode 6 was one of my favorite episodes of the season in large part due to her performance. the damane arc is truly harrowing stuff and the entire creative team handled it pretty well

c) moiraine telling lan that he was always her better in the finale!!! insanely unfortunate that this is pretty much my only Moiraine Moment without major qualms this season!!!!!!!!!!!!

d) the forsaken! their business casual swag had me laughing every time. could not stop myself from shouting w at the tv screen when mogehdien showed up at the very end

e) the ef5 reuniting in the finale! im totally fine with how this changes the ending in the books. sure i missed the giant fire battle in the sky but i gained all the besties going squad mode+elayne not introducing herself with her royal title to rand lol

MID:

a) lan and moiraine bestie devastation battle - i didn't outright hate all of this from the start like some people have but i def think this ended up severely fumbled in terms of execution. one of my fav moments in the books so far has been their fight in the second one where she basically says the most upsetting shit possible to upset him to get him to admit that he has found a new connection that could lead to an actual life (aka nynaeve) and he calls her on it but still gets upset and proves her point anyway! would have preferred moiraine went even more jigsaw emotional torture trap this season tbh

b) nynaeve's accepted test - mostly liked, felt like they didn't quite hit the right tone of dread these tests achieve in the books. its not completely a "i dreamed up a family that isn't real and now i have to abandon them" thing for me and more about how they don't understand why you have to leave them and beg you to stay. feel like this could have been more emotionally powerful

c) verin - meera syal obviously a very talented actress and she did grow on me as the season went on but i feel like she was almost TOO charismatic in a way. wanted her to be a little colder/wryer? she could definitely be charming in the books but i always felt like a lot of her power socially came from getting people to underestimate her by acting like a distracted and disconnected weirdo only to go in for the kill. missed this a bit this season

DISLIKED:

a) literally pains me to say it but.....moiraine's arc this season really didn't hit for me...felt kind of unfocused....wished she had been even more brutal in her pursuit....liked the start of her washerwoman era but it didn't really end up liking much of what came after......poor execution of what could have been a really interesting exploration of both her backstory and the way she would have to change the way she operates without the one power.....etc etc

b) cairhien :( could and probably will make a whole separate post about this but the design principles at play here were Not It for me at all. rococo? rococo bro? also don't like the way its political elements and lore were communicated which leads me right to......

c) house damodred/laman. major book spoilers ahead but thought it was a complete misfire to hold off on explaining laman's whole deal and moiraine's connection to it presumably until next season to parallel it with the aiel. cairhien is inherently shaped by the aiel war and moiraine is made a far more compelling character when u learn about her relationship to it thru her family. i thought the switch in birth order was interesting but basically every other change or delay in her backstory was a flop for me. her whole connection to trying to undo the sins of her own family makes her drive to save the world way more interesting!!! was hoping the show would take the time to expand on her relationship with elayne not (at this point seemingly) erase it. are u telling me i don't get galad now? be serious?

d) moiraine and lan's suicide conversation in episode 7. felt awkward and nearly too direct without acknowledging the fact that moiraine's dedication to The Work above all else is in some ways defacto suicidal

c) episode 7

d) siuan :((((((((((((( i get that we didn't have sophie around as much as she needed to be this season bc of contracts to other shows and stuff but man did we mismanage the time we did get with her lads....will prob also make a separate post about this as well but i do want to say that while i think her and moiraine having a major split over what to do with rand could have been interesting i think the execution is really REALLY poor here. think that confrontation would have been more emotionally powerful if they were just appealing to each other and the fourth oath wasn't used. wish people had been gossiping about what she was up to off screen so we had more context for her actions this whole season generally. L's all the way around

e) episode 7. again.

f) thought it was fucked that when lan and moiraine reestablished the bond again neither of them even brought up how he has to share any heartbreak she has over siuan now. another miss for full emotional impact

g) episode 7. AGAIN.

[orderforbrian]

ouuugghhh this comic is OLD but it's still one of my favorites 💖 i made rough blocks when the liveshow came out because jon and martin's meet cute/ugly is SO in character and so wonderfully funny

[Start ID: A two page comic of Jon and Elias from the Magnus Archives with Martin as a side character. Jon is a Persian man with short, dark curly hair and rectangular glasses. There are streaks of grey in his hair and eyebrows. He is wearing a green jacket with a grey sweatervest, white dress shirt, and green tie. Elias is a tan white man with slicked back brown hair, there are streaks of grey in his hair. He is wearing an expensive looking blue suit jacket, vest, dress shirt, and tie. He is also wearing long gold earrings in the shape of a closed eye. Martin is a mixed Polish/Korean man with dark wavy hair and glasses, and a beauty mark on his left chin.

1st panel: Jon slams open the door to Elias' office, looking the picture of rage. He is gripping a piece of paper angrily in one hand. A thought bubble shows a meme image of Spongebob choking Mr. Krabs from the series Spongebob. Elias appears unfazed by the interruption and greets Jon, "Oh! Hello, Archivist. I was wondering when you would finally catch me at my desk, haha."

2nd panel: Off panel, Elias asks "How was your first day?". Jon pushes up his glasses, gripping the paper even tighter and responds, "Undoubtedly horrendous".

3rd panel: Elias gives him an apologetic smile with his hands folded in front of his chest. He says, "Oh dear, that dreadful? Apologies you had to endure such unanticipated distress. What exactly happened to cause this reaction?". There is an arrow pointing to Elias that says "As if he didn't spend relish in every chaotic second".

4th panel: Jon begins to list things off, pointing to each finger as he does. Elias responds intermittently to these.

"Well, to start, the Archives is an ungodly mess. It's going to take ages before it gets sorted out. Why you didn't fire Gertrude is beyond me."

"Mm."

"None of the statements are compatible with modern technology so we've had to resort to using archaic tape recorders."

"Oh."

"And-"

"Oh, there's more."

5th panel: Jon tightens his fists in rage, gradually yelling, "I spent a large portion of my already stressful workday chasing after a bloody dog that your library transfer let loose into the Archives!"

6th: Jon begins to rant, shaking one hand back and forth in frustration. "Why is he there? What qualifications does he have? And absolutely what right? He's from Library, why do we need Library in the Archive staff, much more why him specifically? I requested Tim and Sasha who are far more competent than that - that bumbling idiot! Mr. Bouchard, I'd hate to overstep my boundaries but I really must say this was an unwise decision-". Elias cuts him off, a dialogue bubble with a simplified person smiling. "Oh dear - Archivist..."

Next page

1st panel: Elias gives Jon another apologetic smile. "I sent someone from Library because the Archives desperately needs someone skilled in cataloging. And, evidently, he has a Masters in parapsychology so give him time to prove himself a necessary addition to your assistant team."

2nd panel: Jon appears disgruntled and crosses his arms, grumbling, "Mmn. Well, he has quite a lot to prove after today...Apologies for doubting your decision, but if he continues to hinder our progress I will make my objections very clear." Elias says off panel, "I believe that's a fair compromise. Well, apologies again. As always, I'm open to feedback."

3rd panel: Elias continues off panel. "I'm a bit surprised though...". Jon looks up with wide eyes, a bead of sweat on his face. "Huh?". Elias continues, "You didn't find him the least bit charming? I thought he was rather amused the day of his interview, haha."

4th panel: Jon pushes up his glasses, attempting to hide a blush, and says, "A-as of my current opinion, no. I did not find his ineptitude charming if you'd kindly, Mr. Bouchard."

5th panel: Elias says off panel with a simplified smiling face, "Well, I do hope you all get along soon enough...". Jon presses the paper in his hand to his chin, looking off to the side. He appears disgruntled and is blushing too. Thought bubbles of Martin surround him. One is Martin appearing flustered, his eyes appearing as swirls within his glasses. Another is Martin hovering over Jon, asking if he is okay. Another is Martin looking up with a hand to his chin, stating "I mean...yeah, probably!". The last is Martin holding his glasses and giving a flustered smile, saying "Haha, s-sorry!". Jon thinks to himself, "Hrmm...He might be cute, but he's a complete airhead! Ugh. Hopefully today was just a singular incident."

End ID.]

[alltheficsiwant]

Same Old Hawkins, Or Not | Part Two

PART TWO | Drama, Freaks and a... What?

Summary: Reader immersed herself to small town drama. She didn't expect that there are drama's that should have left unsaid. But what can she do? She's cousin with Steve Harrington. It's bound to happen.

Warnings: Brief mention of violence, drug use and alchoholism. Cursing and innuendos (Should it be a warning?).

Words: 9.2k+

Note: This is what I tell you when I got carried away but SUPRISE. Decided to post the second part because I felt the first part didn't give any Eddie at all but I think this is my longest part out of everything else. I fleshed it out more because I felt like everything is abrupt? Hope you like this guys!

Part One | Series Masterlist Cross posted in Ao3. Just search the series name. :)

As much as you dreaded the first day and predicted it to be shitty. It was quite tame, at least on a level that you think its tame. You did become an eye candy but not much. Thank God for being born in the town. People are more curious about how much you have changed since you and your father left.

You have grown taller that you are sure and you decided to never let your hair be cut above your shoulders. Despite how irritating it was to maintain. You hated the bob cut. It was your mom’s favorite haircut on you, you don't even remember why and because of that you just hated it. You don’t want any reminders about your mom. She clearly don't want anything to do with you, why not do the same right?

Despite Steve’s warnings of staying away from Billy Hargrove, he did come for you but you made sure that he would fuck off. ("What does a pretty little thing like you doing in this town?" -Silence- "You don't talk much?" "Oh. I'm taught not to talk to strangers," "Well, I'm Billy--" "Oh shoot, I'm also taught not to talk with assholes.") It was a spectacle to some as whispered ‘oohs and aahs’ were heard during the exchange. You knew you just created your worst enemy, at least at the moment.

Maybe being Billy Hargrove’s number one enemy isn’t good if you want a boring year but you’ll take it instead of being the object of his fixation. With him down, you managed to get through the day until Lunch. Clearly, Highschool is so lame for having designated seats for certain groups.

You had a fast run down of it thanks to Steve who brought you to the “popular” kids table. He even introduced people who lead the factions. There are the artsy kids, the band kids, the preppy kids, the athletes which are separated of course (���We have the soccer heads, tracks then the cheer team and us.” “The jocks?” “The basketball team, Squirt.” “It's the Jocks.” “We are not Jocks–” “If you want me to be specific, asshole, shit heads, playboys and then Jerks.” “May I remind you, you are sitting with us.” “No Steve, I'm sitting with you,”)

All throughout that introduction you just don’t see yourself fitting in to anyone at school, not until Steve introduced the last table. 

“You see that table near the end,” Steve mumbled to you as he pointed at it discreetly. You looked over as you scanned a series of people wearing the same shirts with different variations. Some wore it over flannels, others wore it as it is and then…. Your eyes landed on the one who is wearing it with a leather jacket and denim vest over that jacket. The familiar logo of DIO on the back of the vest he is wearing faced you. You just nodded at Steve as the man your eyes landed on was talking a bit animatedly earning a few laughs in the group.

“That is the Hellfire club–”

“The freaks,” Tommy who was apparently listened through your conversation butted in. Steve offered a sarcastic thanks before he glared at him. You just raised a brow at Tommy, irritated at the interruption and kept your face stoic. That made him shut his mouth as he was about to say more and turned away.

“The freaks?” You finally turned to Steve after staring Tommy down. You can’t help but be irritated by another stereotypical term. God, Steve really needs new friends. He is too involved in gossips and he is conforming a lot to the society's fucked up system. Steve cringed at your tone.

“Not exactly, it's just that they are a group who likes metal bands and D&D,” He told you and you straightened a bit about that with a raised brow.

“They play dungeons and dragons?” You mused as you looked over at them. This time you see that man with the leather jacket moved towards the head of the table where he sat back down. His face was covered by his curly black hair and you can’t help but want to take a peak. 

“Yes, it's supposed to be a devil’s game ,” Steve supplied using the air quotes action like you did when you both saw each other for the first time. This time you looked away from the man and looked over at Steve with a glare. Steve stared back and then blinked as you continue to stare.

“It’s not a devil’s game,” you deadpanned and Steve just looked at you confused. 

“You play?” Steve asked and you shrugged as you looked back at the table. Not quite done staring or rather admiring the leather clad man. 

“Yes I do, back in U-U– back where I came from,” You stuttered a bit, cursing yourself why can’t you say the name of the damn place. Steve, who was focused on the knowledge about his cousin, didn’t notice. Thank God for that. “And if you believe that it was a devil’s game. You have a cousin involved. Just so you know,” You told him. At that Steve rolled his eyes, hearing the mocking tone in your voice. Something he has to get used to.

“I’m not scared of you, Squirt.” Steve said and then you slowly looked back at him. You make sure your eyes are void of any emotion and slowly bring the corner of your lips up. Making sure Steve is staring at you as you deliver your most sinister smile. His eyes widened and then his hand covered your face to get it out of the view. “Stop that,” He exclaimed followed by your name as you tried to make him look. You dissolved into chuckles after that while Steve just looked at you in disbelief.

“By the way, you might recognize the leader of the group. Eddie Munson,” with the mention of the name, your brows raised up at the information. Eddie Munson? The kid with the buzz cut and cutest smile. Your brain supplied. You looked at Steve as he pointed over to the guy you were eyeing before and when your eyes landed on him. He was already staring back at you. 

Your eyes connected and both of you froze. Recognition settled on both your faces. You took him in as memories of the talent show you attended back at Middle School came to you. You remembered a kid with a buzz cut and doe eyes holding on to his guitar. Excited about performing while you are backstage just finished dancing with your team. 

“Nice routine, you looked very pretty up there.” That was the first time you remembered being called pretty since that ugly bob cut. You blushed at that and now that you remembered it you can’t help but feel the familiar heat crawling up your cheeks.

Now looking at him, he now sported a full head of hair as long as yours. His doe eyes are still the same. It has the same sparkle it has when he complimented you but clearly puberty must hit him, he looks good. He looks… fucking good. Oddly enough, he reminds you of Ozzy Osbourne who you had a chance to see in a concert back at Utah, which you sneaked in of course with a few “friends” back then.

“Yeah, I remember him,” you mumbled to Steve as you offered Eddie a smile. That broke him out of his frozen state as he tilted his head. Recognition swarming in those eyes before his eyes flickered beside you then back to you. He raised a brow before he offered his own, then taking a small bow as a greeting.

Steve was oblivious to the exchange as he tucked in with his sandwich. “Well, he’s not the same kid as before back in middle school. He is very different. He do things on the side—”

“Like what?” You asked abruptly about Steve’s gossip for the first time since he started to introduce everything in the highschool. He stopped mid chew as he looked at you surprised by your interest. He swallowed before answering.

“He sells weed among other things.” Steve said and you raised a brow at that. The image of the innocent boy coming back to you and then the image of the man now. He does look like some one who sells those things since that would be the exact image of a drug dealer the people think about. Gosh, its starting to sound like these people are living inside a fucking television. 

“So?” You looked at him confused. “Back where I came from, weed is a staple.” you told him as you remembered your “friends” selling blunts at 16 and they don't exactly look like that.

“You smoked before?” Steve can’t help but ask. You shook your head. You were never influenced by them, since your father smoke for the both of you already. Though if asked about drinking? That would be a different topic all together. 

“Nah, Papa smokes enough for the both of us,” You told him as you picked up your food and took a bite of it. “Going back to Eddie Munson, does he still live with his parents back in Daffodils?” You asked as you remembered that it was two streets over from where you formerly lived. Steve shook his head.

“Ummm, his mother is just like yours, left” Steve told you and you don’t know if you want to point out how much of a gossiper Steve was or question how the hell he knows this information. You decided not to bother. Though your heart ached a little at the knowledge of shared history with Eddie Munson out of all people. “Though his old man lives but is currently in Jail. He lives with his uncle now.That is all I know,” Steve told you. You looked back at their table as you heard a laugh. His laugh.

“And you say they are devil worshippers—”

“Others say not me, Squirt.” Steve corrected you and you just waved him away as your eyes remained on the group.

“There is nothing wrong with selling weed and playing fantasy games. It’s what they like. They shouldn’t be defined as freaks or devil worshippers,” You mumbled as you picked up your food. If there are people who are called that, those would be the ones you encountered back then. You can’t help but think, subconsciously rubbing your hand over your stomach as you did. Thank God that cut lip you had started to heal nicely and didn’t hurt anymore. You tried to bury it down and got ready to eat more when another voice, this time a shrilly one interrupted.

“I heard his club is not really a club but a cult. They always listened to that god awful metal music—””

“Well, you listen to Madonna and I’m not calling you a slut,” You interjected and that shut her up immediately. You looked towards Carrie? Or is it Cammy? not noticing that you had garnered attention. You kind of raised your voice a bit. You even caught the attention of the table where Eddie Munson resides. “Also, you guys gossip around and I’m not calling you loudmouths. So if I were you, stop with your bullshit and eat your lunch,”

You turned and saw Steve looking back down at you and then to the girl. He just looked at her with the ‘you asked for it’ expression. Clearly he had enough of his “friends” too. 

You stood up after that and picked up your food tray. Having enough of your conversation with your cousin being interrupted. You decided to make the move today.

“I’m imposing the same warning with Billy with him,” Steve offered before you can leave. You stopped and looked back at him.

“I’m imposing the same warning with Billy with him,” Steve offered and just looked at him.

“I did say I want boring Hawkins but I suppose I should find some interest if I want to survive the year,” You told him. “Id’ rather spend time with the so called freaks than with stock up people who can’t leave other people’s businesses.” You emphasized as you glanced at Tommy and the girl. Gosh you did forget her name when Steve introduced you to them. 

You didn’t wait for his response as you moved towards where Eddie Munson is. The chatter suddenly quieted down as you reached them. All eyes are on you as you offer a smile.

“Hey, you don’t mind if I join you guys?” You asked them. Your eyes try to find familiar faces and you did as you saw Gareth and Jeff. Two people you also knew back then who offered small smiles. You remember them, they were the quiet kids back at middle school. You also shared a few classes with them. Then your eyes settle on Eddie who is looking at you with an unreadable face.

“Why should we grant you access?” Eddie spoke up after a beat of staring. He was mid-bite on his own food and he continued as he spoke. You shrugged.

“Maybe I want to join your club,” You told them. “Besides, I’m the new girl. Isn't it kind of mandatory to take in new Sheep?”

“Not really new,’ Gareth offered as he mentioned your name. You just shrugged again and looked at Eddie. He was looking over at you. His eyes suddenly unreadable before he tilted his head to the side. He looked over at where you were seated previously.

“You are a Harrington though. Aren’t they supposed to be born from greatness and not associate with the freaks?” Eddie said and you snorted at that.

“You are talking to the wrong one,” You supplied before you laid your tray of food to the table. You leaned down a bit to meet his stare head on. “Besides, my level 12 gloom stalker ranger elf needs a new party. My Lyn is itching for a new fight,” 

WIth that information, a gasp was heard from the group and they started to whisper at each other. You smirked as you crossed your arms on your chest and you can’t help but be elated as Eddie eyed your movement. Then slowly he stood up and then walked towards you until he stood beside you.

You two stared at each other. The cafeteria oddly became a bit quiet. Watching the exchange between the not-so-new girl and the freak. Then slowly Eddie smiled and bowed down.

“Welcome to Hellfire m’lady,” 

You smirked. You might want the same old hawkins but having a bit of fun isn’t bad right?

Well, you had your old boring hawkins with a side of fun. For at least a few weeks, you settled in quite nicely when you started to hang out with the Hellfire Club and it's not bad that their leader is a pure eye candy for you. 

Despite Steve’s warning (“I just told you to stay away from him!” “You and I both know that telling me what not to do would just make me want to do it!” “You had no problem with Billy?!” “He’s a playboy and an asshole. Eddie is different!”), you did get close to Eddie. Though at first it was through the club then the deal breaker for the both of you to cross the threshold for being acquaintances to friends came in a few days after your first day of school and hanging out with the Hellfire club.

You decide to ride out a bit since Harold and Miriam are out again for a business trip and Steve is quite busy with Nancy or whatever the hell is going on between them. (“Your relationship sounds rocky to me, Jerk.” “It's just a phase. All couples have that.” “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”) You are in one of those funky days, wherein your mind keeps on drifting towards what happened back there.

That unfortunate night that made you hightail for Hawkins as soon as you can. It was a good thing the bruises have healed and it's only the scars underneath your shirt that is the evidence of the shit show. Though it's hard not to show the side effects it gave you. How skittish you are and how easily you jumped at unknown sounds. You are even having trouble saying the name of the goddamn place. You are struggling not to let it show when you are inside the house. It helps that it's always almost empty except for Steve’s presence but even then, the house felt stifling.

The only thing that calms you now is the rush of the ride. The wind spattering against your skin as you revved up your bike. The one thing you had in Utah that wasn’t filled with bad memories.

Your mind started to drift towards the first time you got the bike. It was a present to yourself after you got your driver’s license. You saved up enough to buy it. Your dad helped at least, one of the good things he did back then but the bike is all on you. It was the fruit of having part time jobs and taking up as many summer jobs as you can for two years. 

You never felt that kind of happiness, not since that talent’s show in middle school wherein you snagged a runner up and encountered one of the most interesting kids you know in Hawkins. So when the shit show happened, the bike was one of the main things you secured. It actually saved your life.

Though you had to use some of the money your father left you to change the upholstery of the seat. It was soaked in blood and you had to make sure that it was scrubbed clean before you used it to drive all the way to Hawkins. The memory of your wounds made you wince and reach for your stomach.

Shit. I’m just going in circles with this. You thought as your mind absentmindedly started to go back to the memories you try to forget. You shook your head and tried to look at where you drove off to. After a minute, you realize you are no longer on the main road but instead on a trail. You slowed down just enough for you to hear your surroundings instead of the roar of your motorbike.

Then you hear the splashes of water and as you take a final turn on the trail, you hit the brakes to see that you have arrived at Lover’s Lake. At least the part where the public is allowed to be. 

You looked around before you shrugged and turned the bike towards what looks to be a parking lot. You ride your motorbike and parked it horizontally so the front wasn’t facing the lake but the sides of it. 

You removed your gloves and next your helmet. You can’t help but notice the scratches on it and you dusted it off before you placed it on the handle bars.Then you lifted your thigh to sit on the bike facing the lake. You adjusted your skirt as the wind blew by making you pull your leather jacket around your body. You observed and marveled at how much the lovers' lake changed a bit. You remembered this wasn’t really a public park before, it was a clearing just like where you are parked and no benches around it. You remembered riding your bikes with Steve here and playing with the water or climbing the trees. Now almost a decade has passed and it's apparently a new attraction now.

You reach out for the can of beer you manage to sneak in from Steve’s hidden stash which he showed you one night when Harold and Miriam are asleep. (“You just became my favorite cousin Steve.” “I’m your only cousin Squirt,”) You pulled it out from the compartment behind your bike that is where you stashed your helmet but instead decided to use it as an ice box. 

You were just about to pop it open when you heard a rustling. You straightened immediately and jumped down the bike. Your right hand clenched over the cold beer, ready to use it as a weapon. You scanned the area and remained quiet. 

You heard it again and this time it's right in front of the bushes you are parked at. You hold the can tighter ready to throw it towards whatever is coming at you. You strained your eyes a bit to see but nothing still pops out. Your breathing started to grow heavy and your hearts started to race.

You inhaled sharply as it rustled again and held your breath as the bushes moved hastily. This time as if it's threatening to come out. It did not register to you that it was accompanied by grumbles and curses you were too focused on protecting yourself. You just threw the damn beer at it.

“Fucking hell– woah!” It took you a few blinks before you realized that the beer can was caught by someone and that someone is staring right back at you. Familiar brown doe eyes that you try not to stare at for the past few weeks since you returned to Hawkins centered your vision.

“Jesus Christ Eddie!” You exclaimed as you breathed out in relief. Eddie offered a sheepish smile as he waved with a hand that was not holding the beer can you threw.

“Hi, didn’t mean to scare you,” He mumbled as you just rolled your eyes at him. He then looked down at the beer can and raised both of his brows. “Where did you get this?” He asked, trying to divert the topic but you are too caught up with him appearing out of nowhere.

“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be at Gareth's?” You can’t help but ask. Eddie raised a brow at that and when he did. You realized that it wasn’t really common knowledge that on Wednesday nights Eddie goes to Gareth’s house to practice and write songs for their band Corroded Coffin. Unless you have interest in the metal head and listened closely whenever he talks with someone in the group that isn’t you. Didn't you just advocate at your very first day about minding your own business?  Well shit.

“Are you aware of my schedule sweetheart?” He asked and you cleared your throat as you turned towards the ice box and retrieved another can. Not wanting to show the effect of that damn pet name. He started calling you after the first campaign you joined in. 

“Just overheard since you don’t know how to talk quietly.” You pointed out and Eddie mockingly looked offended before he chuckled. “Anyway, what the fuck are you doing behind the bushes?” You asked irritated as you finally popped the can open. You finally took a sip of it as you waited for him to answer. “You doing that is just doing justice to what they tell about you,”

Eddie in the process, motioned if he can have the beer and you just nodded. He carefully popped it open, knowing that it was shaken from the throw. It fizzled a lot and overflowed but he managed as he hastily took a drink of it.

“I have to make a deal,” He started as he moved towards you after drinking the beer. “It was in a private area near here. Had to cancel the practice.” He continued to tell you as you turned around and leaned on your bike instead. “During that, I heard a loud grunt of machinery. Had to check out who the hell would be coming here on a Wednesday night.”

You snickered at that. “You just want gossip.” You mused and this time it was Eddie who snickered as he finally stood beside you. You patted your bike indicating for him to freely lean on it which he did. “You snoop around for couples who are not supposed to be here.”

“Maybe, maybe not. It's a dealer’s occupational hazard you can say. We live for the drama,” 

This time you laughed and took another sip of the beer. “I think its just, you live for the drama Eddie,” 

“That is true,” He agreed with a nod as he took another sip of the beer. “Well, my alibi is taken care of. What are you doing here and how the hell did you manage to get some six-pack?”

You carefully took another sip of the beer as you tried to form a reason on why you are really out there. You can’t say you are trying to forget something, it would just cause a lot of more questions. You are not yet ready to tell it to anyone. Instead you have gone on the teasing route.

“Maybe I am trying to snoop out some gossip too,” You offered and Eddie snorted at that.

“You? Oh please, if I was talking to Harrington, I would believe that,”

You turned to him with a raised brow. “I am Harrington” you told him as if he was missing the point and Eddie shook his head as he turned to look at you.

“I know that, but you are not really like the Harrington. You are different from him,”

You raised a brow as you glanced at him before you turned your gaze back to the lake. “How do you say so? The last time we saw each other was in middle school and I just got here,”

Eddie was quiet for a while after the question and you can’t help but turn to look at him. He was already looking back at you but with a thoughtful gaze. 

“The girl I knew back then might be different from now but you are always different to me,” Eddie offered quietly. You felt your back straightened a bit as the atmosphere changed into something. “You might be a spitfire now after the tearing down you brought Billy Hargrove on your first day of school and the way you just brought down Tommy and Carol—”

“Oh, that was her name. I thought it was Cammy or Carrie,” You mused loudly and Eddie snorted at that.

“--But sometimes I see the girl I knew back in middle school. The one who never really cares about others lives as long as they stay out of yours. You never really meddle and you respect others' space. Just like you did mine a minute ago. You didn’t even ask anything about the deal I made which is my conclusion makes you different,”

“It's none of my business anyway Eddie,” You told him as you took a sip. “Besides, back at where I came from, it’s totally normal.”

“Really?” He asked as he finally leaned back again to the bike facing the lake.

“Yeah, I do hang around with dealers, they are my friends there,” You shared as you looked at him. “Though before you ask if I smoke or not. I don’t. I hate it. I was only there for the booze and D&D,” You added and Eddie nodded. You let the silence enveloped the two of you after that. Not wanting to say anything at all after that. 

You rolled Eddie’s words inside your head as to preoccupy you not to spill out the real reason you were there. Until it stopped as if a record scratch can be heard as you turned towards him.

“Wait, you still remember me back in middle school?” You asked surprised as Eddie nodded while he took a sip of his beer.

“Yes, how could I forget? You stole my runner up,” He quipped and you looked at him dumbfounded by that statement.

“I did not!” you started to protest as you pointed at him with one of the fingers still holding the can. “I won that fair and square jackass,”

Eddie laughed at your expression as he lifted his hands in an act of surrender. 

“I was joking, I knew that you were really great,” He told you as you leaned back on the bike and took a sip of your beer. “Besides, who would not forget the only person who looked good with a bob cut,”

“I actually did not recognize you until Steve pointed it out. All I remember about you is the buzzcut.” You offered to him ignoring the compliment and laughed as he clutched his heart dramatically as if hurt. 

“Ouch, that wasn’t a good thing to be remembered by,”

“I also remember you rocking it out at the talent show. It's a shame they didn't appreciate metal back then,” You just said to him and he smiled at that.

“They might not like it but I think someday their kids would,” He mumbled and you nodded in agreement. “You listened to them?”

“I dabble,” You told him. “You might have recommendations for me?” You asked and Eddie nodded. 

“I have some, remind me to give them to you the next time we see each other.” Eddie said and you hummed. Silence enveloped the both of you as the two of you took leisurely sips of the beer.

“So, you got the rundown of the School’s hierarchy by the King himself,” 

You snorted at that. “Apparently, he was dethroned– yup, you heard that right it was his words by the way— by Billy Hargrove,”

Eddie recoiled a bit at the mention of the name. You raised a brow at the expression. “Why did you make a face like that?”

“I might have a gossip or two about him,” He mumbled and your eyes widened at that. A smirk appeared on your face as you turned to Eddie. He saw that and he couldn't help but laugh. “You are one for gossip now?”

“Well, you are the one who thinks I'm not all for it. I do mind my business but if it's from someone I hate. I don’t mind having a fuel of my own against him,” You told him and he can’t help but laugh at that. “Now tell me,” you demanded as you waited eagerly.

Eddie looked over at you taking his time to examine your face. Though when you noticed you felt the heat creeping up to your face before you cleared your throat and wiggled your brows at him. He laughed before he took the final sip of his beer and crushed it in his hand. “Maybe next time,”

You groaned. “Oh come on! You can’t just leave me like that,” 

Eddie chuckled as he fished out what looked to be keys from his front pocket. “I already stayed long enough. I was supposed to do some grocery shopping for me and Wayne,” he told you as he started to walk backwards slowly. “Besides, it's a good conversation starter for next time.”

“For next time?’ You told him as you followed him with your eyes.

“Yes, next time you need a friend to talk to. Get you out of your head,” He said as he stopped walking. You stared at him a bit stunned as he looked at you with a soft smile. “I already saw you before I made my appearance. I know the look you have. I have that too, when you face crazy on a daily basis. You sometimes need to get yourself out of your head.”

You just stared at him stunned at how much he was able to read you despite the hard work you put on putting a strong front. Then his words are processed and you can’t help but tilt your head at him.

“Friend?” You mumbled and Eddie nodded as he offered a little bit of a confused expression but with a smile.

“Aren’t we?” He asked and you just blinked before chuckling. You nodded your head.

“Yeah we are,” you confirmed and Eddie bowed dramatically.

“Well then, my friend, I shall keep going.” He said and you nodded. He waved one last time as he turned back around. Probably walked back to his van but you can’t help but call out his name as you watched him.

He stopped and turned back to you. You stared back at him before you offered a small smile.

“Thank you, for not asking too much,” You told him and he nodded. 

“No problem sweetheart,”

Despite the threshold being walked over, you can’t help but feel a lot more than friendly feelings when the metal head is involved. It wasn’t really forgotten that you had a little crush on him back at middle school that no one knows about. You were that good at hiding things.

You relish the high of being friends and at least having people to be with in Hawkins but still it's the same Old Hawkins. Though Hawkins isn’t really the same without any small town drama that is apparently what Eddie thrives on and oddly Steve too.

You were quite shocked at how much you knew whatever was going around in Hawkins for the few weeks of your stay. You just got back and you already knew what happened inside the Whedon’s house (“I tell you Squirt, Jerry Whedon is cheating on his wife.” “How the hell can you even tell that Steve?” “Jerry just screams cheating, everytime he comes home late.” “You are spying on them Steve? Don’t you have anything better to do?”) when you have Steve Harrington, King of Hawkins as a cousin and Eddie “The Freak” Munson as a friend. (“Did you know that there is a girl who apparently haunts the woods. It was the talk of the town the same time when Will Byers disappeared.” “A girl, around these woods?” “Yes, surprisingly she was described walking around with a dress and a buzz cut.” “Just like you did back in middle school?” “you know what? Gareth is still a virgin.” “i know that already, Eds”)

The two people that had started to worm their way under your skin are just full of them and it helps you forget what you are trying to forget. Steve unknowingly becomes your rock as you try to recover from the “Shit Show”. You don’t know but you were thankful for him for that to the point when Harold and Miriam are out. You decided to treat him to a dinner spread. You pulled out your cookbook and made the only thing you know how to make. Lasagna which Steve devoured the minute it was given to him.

“Not going to rain on your parade, Squirt but what is this for?” Steve asked after he chowed down two servings and looked to be reaching for his third while you were just trying to finish your first serving. You looked at him, shocked that he picked up that you have another intention of serving the lasagna. Steve must have seen your expression as he looked at you slightly offended. “I might be a Jerk and quite dense. I do have a brain underneath all this hair.” He mumbled.

You can’t help but snort at that. “Good thing you have a brain underneath that. It's a waste of genes if nothing is underneath that.”

“Hey! You are trying to divert the topic by insulting me. What’s going on?” He asked and you sighed as you looked up at him as you took a sip of the iced tea he made. Steve looked over at you with raised brows and when he noticed your hesitation to share. His expression softened. “You okay? You know you can talk to me right?”

“Yes, I'm okay Steve. I am just—” you stopped as you moved the last bit of the lasagna around your plate. “Grateful, to you. Despite your protest in the first day—”

“---I’m sorry about that okay—”

“--- I know as I was saying, I was just grateful to you. You have been someone constant here in Hawkins for me. I was half expecting you to ignore me after that spectacle in the cafeteria but you didn’t. So, thank you.”

Steve looked at you for a while before he offered a smile.

“It’s nothing Squirt. You are my one and only cousin. Also, you kind of made this house less lonely.” He said and the both of you are quiet for a while before you scrunch your nose.

“It's kind of unsettling to talk about feelings with you,” You told him and Steve rolled his eyes.

“I don’t even know if that was an insult or not but thank you for the Lasagna.” Steve mumbled and you just offered a smirk at him. You two ate for a while before he spoke again. “But if you want to talk about feelings or just about anything to me. You can, you know that right?” He said and looked at you pointedly.

You sighed. “Yes mom”

Then there is Eddie, despite being portrayed as oblivious and too loud enough not to notice the lives of everyone around him. He is quite in tuned to the people he said he considered close friends. You were happy that despite the short time that you both spent with each other after being away for so long. He considered you one of his friends. Well, you might want to be more than friends with him at times but nah. You are fucked up as it is now. You don’t want to add up in his fucked up life — his words not yours.

He becomes your constant person too. The Wednesday meetings at the lover’s lake became your thing with him. He even goes there without a deal knowing you would be there nursing some beer. Sometimes he would bring his own drink. He offered you a smoke but you didn't do that and refused. Though you don’t stop him from taking some.

“Ohh, spitfire! Nice to meet you here,” Eddie said as he walked over to you after he slammed the Van’s door closed. He waved the six pack on his hand while you waved the take out burgers from the diner. 

“As if you don’t know I am already here,” you mused and Eddie just shrugged. He motioned for you and you walked towards the back of his Van. He opened it to reveal a cozy set up. It was carpeted and the seats are up. In the middle are blankets and pillows. You raised a brow at that.

“This is cozy, do you usually do this with other people?” You asked. Slightly unnerved by the idea he does this with other girls. Not that you should be unnerved or you don’t know… jealous? You were just friends, after all. When you turned to look at Eddie he was looking at you with a smile at his face and his cheeks, reddened?

“Not really, this is newly installed. Thought I could have the Van a makeover,” He told you and you raised a brow at him. He climbed in and settled down on it. He removed his shoes while he looked back at you. “Aren’t you coming?” 

You smiled and sat on the edge of the door. “Just need to remove these combat boots,” you told him and Eddie smiled. You heard him shuffled around and then the sound of Black Sabbath’s song was played on low. When you finally removed it, you climbed up as you gave him the food while you settled the boots near the opened doors. You settled beside him as you dusted your jeans off.

Eddie wordlessly opened a bottle for you and you opened a container for him. The two of you exchanged silent thanks and the two dug in without another word. The Van is facing the lake and the two are cozy. 

“Are any of your thoughts bothering you today?” Eddie asked as he took his second beer. You were on your third already. You looked over at him before you gave a small smile.

“On a daily basis, it's just quieter today,” You told him as you looked back out. “Maybe these Wednesday outings helps,”

Eddie hummed. “If you are ready to share those thoughts, you know you can tell me?” He said and that made you look back at him. A feeling of dejavu ran over you as you swore you heard Steve say the same words. The difference is, the feeling it gave you. While Steve offered acceptance, to Eddie it felt like he was offering shelter. Somewhere you are protected and safe. Security. Something you struggled with ever since Utah.

“You sound like Steve,” you told him, trying to tamper your feelings. Eddie scrunched his nose at that.

“Out of all the people you compare me with, it's your cousin? It's like saying I'm like your brother,” Eddie told you, the indignation and disbelief clear in his voice and that made you laugh.

“You don’t want me to be my brother?” you mused as you laughed.

“No,” that abruptly stopped your laugh as you looked at him. The conviction and the finality of that word made something in your stomach flip. Eddie is looking at you with something unreadable in his eyes before it turns playful. “Not a brother, more like your sexy friend,”

That made you roll your eyes at him. “Sexy? Really? Oh gosh Eddie Munson. If they could hear how cocky you are, they would think twice about calling you a freak. You should be called a jerk instead.”

“Why do you think I have that nickname sweetheart? Me being the freak is not just about what I like to do but also what I do behind closed doors,”

You gasped and couldn't help but throw a napkin at him. The image of Eddie in bed, doing things to a partner or specifically you is not something you don’t need right now. Gosh, it would just fuel the fantasies you have at night. Eddie laughed at your reddening face.

“Gosh, that is such a perverted thing to say.” You huffed out as Eddie finally stopped laughing and you ran out of things to throw at him.

“At least it made you not think too much,” Eddie offered and you just shook your head as you finished off your beer. You stretched a bit after that as Eddie finally opened the last beer. You winced a bit as you felt a slight pain over your stomach. A brief flash of what happened to you making you wince. Eddie noticed it too apparently.

“Hey you okay?” You looked at him as you rubbed your stomach. 

“Oh, I’m just too full,” you lied and Eddie stared at you before he nodded. You rubbed it trying to quell it.

“If you say so, anyway, I do have a new gossip,” Eddie mumbled and you looked over at him waiting to tell you who it was about. “Its about Billy Hargrove guess who he tried to seduce this time?”

“Who?” 

“Jerry Whedon’s wife,”

“Oh fuck! No way?!” 

With that effectively drowned out your thoughts as he regaled you again with the gossip he managed to get from other people.

Though, the things you try to bury, loom over you. You swore everytime Steve or Eddie spill out gossip or even just tell you about their day or previous experience. They know you are spiraling inside your head again. Steve being ever the nosy one asked a lot of questions until you jokingly insult him and successfully diverts the topic he would stop. Eddie would not ask unless you permitted him to ask you. Which you appreciate from the metal head. If he is not laying out gossip about Billy Hargrove or any other person that you might find interested in Hawkins. He even shares some stories about Wayne, his band or some of his campaign ideas. (“Aren’t you supposed to keep some of it a secret from me? I play in your campaigns Eds,” “I can make exceptions just for you sweetheart.”)

You successfully immersed yourself in drama and other things, at least enough not to get involved but of course. It's inevitable for drama to finally come to you when you are related to Steve Harrington.

On the day of the said party, Steve and Nancy had a fall out. Fortunately, you were there to drive the two of you home. You weren’t keen on taking your bike and decided to ride with Steve. Being the great cousin that you are, you let him rant about him and Nancy. Finally getting the details of what the hell is going on with them.

Apparently, there is a third party and something happened a few months back before you came that he is not allowed to talk about. You did not bother to ask, too occupied with driving since it has been long since you drove a car. You have been driving around with your motorbike since you are sixteen.

Finally, when the both of you reached the house and he was still in the middle of the rant.

“---So I left her there at the bathroom—” You stopped the car abruptly making Steve stop mid rant and nearly flew towards the dashboard. Steve exclaimed your name in the process as he settled back. You turned towards him in a huff.

“You left her? Drunk? Are you fucking kidding me right now, Steve?”

“Yes I did leave her there– ouch! What was that for?”

“You left her there! I think even if you are angry and you claim to love the girl. At least you could have fucking taken her home, Steven!” You exclaimed and this time Steve cursed. You rolled your eyes at him before stepping out of the car. Steve stared at you confused as you rolled your eyes at him. “Drive you asshole!”

He hastily moved towards the Driver seat and sped up after that, though the next day he informed you that someone took her home already then he was off to another rant. This time a guy named Jonathan, popped out of nowhere and it sounded familiar because the next thing you know. It has been two days since it happened and you had enough.

“---I don’t even know anymore—”

“Oh for the love of all that is holy, SHUT UP!” You exclaimed and Steve immediately went silent. You took a deep breath before you turned towards him. You pointed a finger at his chest.

“Do you love Nancy?” 

“Yes,” he said without any hesitation.

“Then you haul your ass up and go there to her now. Apologize for leaving her behind and TALK,” You told him as Steve stared at you. When he didn’t move, you rolled your eyes before you clutched the lapels of his jacket and hauled his app. Surprising him with your strength as you took the keys to his car.

“Where are we going?!” 

“I’ll make sure you go to Nancy, Jerk and before that we have to buy her some flowers. Then you will grovel your ass,” You stopped right in front of his car and you turned towards him. “Are we clear?”

Steve stared at you before he nodded.

“Okay, yes, okay.” You just threw him the key while you opened the door and sat inside it. The two of you made quick work with the flowers. (“Is this—” “No.” “how about—” “That’s for a funeral, Jerk. Just settle for the roses,”)

As the two of you stopped right in front of the house, you failed to notice a bike thrown on the ground and a young boy with a cap calling out to someone in the house.

“Now, you take this—” You shoved the rose to his chest, “-- and grovel your ass off.”

Steve didn’t talk as he nodded and walked, fixing his hair. You watched amused as he muttered to himself but was stopped short by a young kid with what looks to be a walkie talkie on his hip.

You didn’t hear some of what they were talking about but the young kid was asking him about something as he walked towards the car. 

“--- you still have that bat?” The kid asked and Steve looked at him shocked. 

“Ugh, yes?”

“Then let’s go! It's an emergency— wait, who are you?” The kid stopped short as he saw you on the passenger seat. You raised a brow at him.

“Who are you?” You asked him back.

“That is why I tell you it's not the time Dustin. She’s my cousin—”

“Well, we will explain everything to her on the way.” Dustin, the kid shooed him and went towards the back door and slid in. Steve just stared dumbfounded and that seemed to irritate the kid. “What are you standing there, come on! This is a matter of life and death!”

That spurred Steve on as he hastily went back to the driver’s seat while you stared confused.

“What the hell is going–”

“We are trying to find what could possibly be a baby demogorgon,” Your eyes widened at that.

“Excuse me, what now?” You asked as you turned to look at the boy. Trying to process if you heard him right.

“A demogorgon, it's a D&D–”

“Yeah, I know what a demogorgon is. The prince of demons, I fought against it too many times in the campaigns I’m in, it's sickening,” you told him and Dustin seemed to be shocked about that. He turned to Steve then to you.

“Are you sure you are related to him?” He asked and Steve rolled his eyes before the two of you got into any discussion Steve interrupted.

“Are you really going to tell her something that we promised not to tell?” You looked even more confused and taken aback at the information overload you are receiving.

“We have to, she’s here and we do not have time to hide things when a demogorgon baby is out there!”

“She’s my cousin! I don’t want her involved in any of this! She already came out from something bad back at her—”

“Wait a fucking minute!” You exclaimed. “Can someone please explain to me what the hell is going on and where we are going anyway!”

That seemed to recenter them as Steve sighed and looked over at Dustin at the rearview mirror. The kid ignored him and turned to you.

“First, we need supplies. Buckets, fresh meat and weapons.” Then he turned to you with a serious expression. “You might not believe what is going to come out of my mouth but it's the truth,” He started as he chanced a glance at Steve who in turn glanced at you. 

You just watched them completely confused and bewildered but you saw the hesitation to share. Maybe they were right, you might not believe whatever is going to be said because for god's sake. The Demogorgon only exists in fantasy; it's impossible to exist in the real world.

It was supposed to be imagination for fuck sakes and this is Hawkins! Same old boring Hawkins or apparently is not fucking boring anymore.

“It's okay after what you are going to hear, you might not believe us and you want nothing to do with it but we swear it's the truth.” Dustin continued as he watched you.

You sighed as you just looked over at the both of them. Same fucking old boring Hawkins huh. Fuck it. “Try me then,”

“You asked for it,” Steve said and Dustin launched into the most bewildering story you could ever hear. About a girl named Eleven, their friend Will missing and a lab in Hawkins that is eerily familiar with the lab your father worked at in Utah. The mindflayer and now the demogorgon which was not exactly the prince of demon but a fucking contender which apparently, your cousin Steve together with Nancy and the boy he mentioned before Jonathan killed a few months back.

You sat there shell shocked at the revelation but the odd thing is, you fucking believed them because despite it was a kid who was telling the story. It was Steve’s face that gave it away. Now you recognize the face he makes when you always tell that it was the same old Hawkins, that whatever he is going through with Nancy can be fixed easily and why he goes into a tangent everytime they fight.

Silence filled the car as they reached the butcher shop and when you finally gathered your thoughts you spoke.

“Fuck, Same Old Hawkins they say, apparently its not so boring anymore.” you mumbled as you turned towards them. The two of you looked a bit confused at your statement. You sighed. “Fuck, I wanted to not believe you but part of me believes it.”

Then you turned towards Dustin, “Are you sure it's that demogorgon’s baby that you named Dart and nurtured into almost adulthood?” You asked him.

“Maybe it's just a lizard?” Steve offered and Dustin just looked at the both of you with irritation.

“Yes I'm sure because his face opened up and he ate my cat.” Dustin offered and Steve raised his brows at that while you just stared at him. When Dustin noticed that he added. “When it opens its face it becomes their mouth that could eat,”

“Well, fuck.” you said as you leaned back on your seat.

“Truly utterly fuck,” Steve glared at Dustin who just shrugged. 

“In my defense, the guy was cute at first and I didn’t know!”

Knowing it's a lost cause to lecture Dustin, Steve turned towards you. “You sure you okay? You can walk out. I could drop you off at the house.”

“And what? Sit in the house and wait for someone to tell me that you are dead in some ditch?” You mused as you leaned back against the seats with a scoff. You have nowhere to go even if you hightailed it out of there. You thought. You can’t go anywhere and this is a better swap than the shit show.  “I can’t walk out Steve. Not when one of the family members I left is in danger. I might as well keep your head in between your shoulders or anything intact. We still need the Harrington name to spread out.”

“I should be insulted with that last but I’m not,” Steve sighed as Dustin snorted. “Just so you know, I managed to kill an adult demodog with a bat,”

“Ugh, not really, I remember it was Nancy who killed it based on their stories,”  Dustin interjected.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” You told him as he rolled his eyes at you. “Besides, if you say these creatures don't seem to be killed easily. I might have something that would help.” You said as you remembered one of your katanas that is also another thing you invested with has been shipped safely. It's a shame it came a day late to Utah. It could have been useful for the shit show. It's now hiding underneath your bed. 

“You have something better than a bat with nails?” Steve asked, confused and you smirked.

“Yes,” you mused and Steve was about to ask for more when Dustin interrupted.

“I think we are spending too much time here, we need to go!”

“Okay! I’ll just get the raw meat and we will go by my house to get some pails,” Steve turned towards Dustin who smiled dreamily at you. Steve reached out and flicked his hat. “You better have a plan when I get back,Henderson.”

“Just go!” He exclaimed and he moved towards the Butcher grumbling. Dustin then turned towards you.

“Are you really sure you are related to him?” He asked one more time and this time you can’t help but laugh. Laugh not just at his question but at the absurdity of the situation. You were supposed to be there for a year but now it seems like you are in it for more. It's not bad having fun when you get involved with being friends with Eddie or hearing about gossip but being involved in a government and catastrophe level type of shit. 

Well, this is giving Utah a run for its money. To be continued.

[sapphosthoughtsandwritings]

if it’s not too much to ask please please please could you write more avengers x teen!reader? I adore the one with fear of the dark and was wondering if you could do something similar? Like either the avengers comforting the reader or just something with lots of hugs and cuddles? Thank you!! <3

Stage Fright - Avengers x anxious!teen!Reader

Summary: When your presentation for class goes terribly wrong, your team mates come to rescue you and take you home.

Warnings: depictions of anxiety, panic attack, a few cuss words

Type: angst, ends with fluff

Word Count: ~2.5k

A/N: MY FIRST REQUEST, very exciting!! I am so so glad you liked my work, and I hope you enjoy this one as well!! <3 I also have quite a few more ideas for teen!Reader fics, so this definitely won't be the last piece like this!

(Y/l/n) = your last name

(f/d) = favorite drink

You’d been dreading this day for weeks now. Clutching the straps of your backpack, you let out a deep sigh, walking up to the doors of your school. You didn’t like school to begin with, but the building seemed much more intimidating today. Making your way through the halls, you were grateful that you got to school early, you hated pushing through crowds of people.

“Hey, hey (Y/n)!”, a voice called from down the hall. You recognized it almost immediately. “Hi Peter, what’s up?”. You were happy to see him, maybe talking out your nervousness would help. “Oh, you know, just the same old stuff. Sure am tired though”. “Well, if you don’t sleep then you will be tired”. “Like you’re one to talk (Y/l/n)”. You only rolled your eyes and stuck out your tongue at him, evoking a chuckle from him. “How about you? How are you doing?”. “Ugh, not great. I have to present that project today. Not particularly looking forward to it”, you huffed, looking down to the ground as your anxiety increased at the thought of presenting alone. “Hey, I’m sure you’ll do great. Most people don’t pay attention to presentations anyways”, he assured you. You popped your knuckles, still feeling just as nervous. You knew he was right, but that didn’t stop the fear surging through you. “Yeah, I know. I just don’t want to do it. Maybe if I wait long enough, there won’t be any class time left for me to present”, that was your hope, and your only plan to get out of this without panicking in front of the whole class. “Maybe, well regardless, I hope it goes well”, he offered you a sincere smile. “Yeah, I hope so too”. “Well, I should probably head to class, see you at lunch!”. “Right back at ya, Parker”, you waved gently to him as he disappeared down a hallway.

You made your way to your first class, deciding to read a bit before class started. Nothing you did eased the gnawing anxiety in the back of your mind though. Your first two classes were easy enough, but it was hard to focus, your mind racing with intrusive thoughts. ‘What if my voice gives out? What happens if I start crying in front of everyone? God, the whole school will hear about it. Everyone will stare at me, whisper about me every time I pass by them. I can’t do this, I just can’t’. By your third class, you’d bitten your nails down to blood, your lips suffering the same fate, cracked and split open. You almost considered skipping, but you’d worked hard on this project, you couldn’t let that go to waste. So, taking your seat in the back of the class, you tried breathing techniques, anything to help calm your senses. Your leg bounced so much, you swore the floor would give out under your foot.

The teacher turned out the lights, letting people present their projects voluntarily. You calmed the tiniest bit. If someone randomly kept volunteering to present, the class time was sure to run out before you even got the chance to stand up. Throughout the class, you were on edge, chanting silent prayers in your head. You weren’t very fortunate though, as everyone presented quickly, making it apparent that you were going to have to present no matter what. “Alright, who hasn’t gone up yet?”, your teacher called out, looking at her grading sheet. ‘Oh my god, please don’t see my name. Please tell me I don’t exist. Let me just disappear. I can’t do this’. “Oh! (Y/n) still hasn’t presented, come on over and I’ll pull up your project”, your teacher chirped.

Your heart pounded painfully hard in your chest, slowly standing up on jelly legs, keeping your gaze down as you walked to the whiteboard. You couldn’t possibly do this. You were going to die. Every mission you’d ever gone on seemed so miniscule in this moment, as you looked out to your peers. It was too dark to see most of their faces, which only made your situation worse. Your teacher pulled up the project on the projector, gesturing to you to start presenting, as she clicked her pen, ready to write down every mistake you made.

Letting out a jittery breath, you clasped your sweaty hands together and began talking. You were shaking so badly, it was like an earthquake had erupted inside of your body. You could feel the tears threatening to spill past your eyes, leaving a hard pain in your throat. Your chest hurt, and your breathing was becoming more erratic. But you had to finish, you had to get this over with. Just as you were on one of the last slides, a voice called from somewhere in the class, “Hey, pipsqueak! Speak up, would ya? We can’t hear you back here!”. The comment elicited a few snickers, which your teacher hushed quietly, but the damage was already done. The room was suddenly shrinking around you, as your chest tightened even further. You bit your lip, trying your best to compose yourself, attempting to push down your anxiety, but it only pushed back up more violently. “(Y/n)? You still have a few slides left”, your teacher said, but you didn’t hear her. Instead, your fight or flight instincts took over, and you raced out of the classroom, tears now breaking free, streaming down your face. You headed to the nearest bathroom, locking yourself in a stall, your whole world crumbling beneath you.

Leaning against the door, you slid down, breath caught in your throat, fighting to get out, but to no avail. Instinctively, you brought your knees up to your chest, clutching at the seams of your pants, letting out choked sobs and broken coughs. There was only one thing you could think of that might help you, and that was your teammates. You pulled your phone out of your pocket, continuing to shake violently, as you clicked the emergency contacts, thumb pressed to the first person, which just so happened to be Bucky. You lifted the phone to your ear, barely hearing the ring, despite your call volume being all the way up.

Bucky saw your name pop up on his phone, panic surging through him. You never called, it made you too anxious. He answered instantly, “(Y/n)? (Y/n), sweetheart, are you okay?”. His sudden panic mixed with your name caused both Steve and Sam to stand by him, all of them mentally preparing for an emergency. You wanted to reply, but all that came out was a squeak, as your fist collided with the tiled floor, your oxygen levels becoming more scarce by the second. Bucky put his phone on speaker, letting all three of them talk to you. “(Y/n), doll, you gotta breathe okay? Through your nose, count on your fingers”, Bucky stated, trying to keep his voice steady for you. “Yep, deep breaths (Y/n), you’ve got this. You’re gonna be okay”, Steve reassured you. After about 10 minutes of the three of them gently coaxing you out of your panic attack, you calmed slightly, leaving you crying quietly.

“We’re almost back at the compound, we’ll come and pick you up in about 20 minutes, okay?”, Steve said, giving no room for protests, although at this point you weren’t going to object. You wanted to go home. “Okay, I guess I should get back to class then”, you murmured, realizing that you’d probably been gone for over 15 minutes now. It was weird no one came to look for you, but you weren’t complaining. “If you aren’t ready to go back kid, that’s fine. We can stay on the call as long as you need”, Sam mentioned, his voice sounded beyond concerned. You had a bad habit of not taking care of yourself, especially in times of crisis. “No, I’ll be fine, gotta go back to get my stuff anyways”, you were dreading going back. The whole class would be focused on you for sure, not to mention the faux sympathy from your teacher, something that would surely cause another flood of tears. You just wanted to go unnoticed, for everyone to ignore your presence. “Alright, if you’re sure”. “I’m sure, I’ll see you guys soon”, you weren’t sure, but you had to convince them, you knew too well that they’d cause a scene at the school if things got worse. “Okay, stay safe sweetheart, we’ll be there as soon as possible”, Steve stated, before Bucky reluctantly hung up the phone.

Letting out a deep sigh, you pushed yourself up, groaning slightly as you forced your stiff body to move. You stepped out of the stall, silently thanking the universe for not letting anyone walk in during your breakdown. You looked to one of the mirrors, finding a disheveled figure staring back at you. You grabbed a paper towel, dampening it in the sink, and gently washing the dried tears off your face. You fixed your clothing and washed your hands, before making the godawful trip back to class. There was only 5 minutes left for the class, but that was more than enough time for shit to go wrong. You stood outside the door for a minute, taking a moment to compose yourself.

Turning the handle slowly, you eased your way past the door, the lights now on. Just as you expected, all eyes turned on you, but most turned away quickly, looking back to their friend or their phone. That lifted your nervousness a bit, as you started to head back to your desk, but your teacher had other plans, as she cleared her throat, motioning for you to go and talk to her. You cussed quietly to yourself, could this day get any worse? You dragged your feet over to her desk, biting your now scabbed lip. “So, your project was very good, therefore, I’m going to give you a 90, but I have to dock 10 points for your presentation”, she spoke quietly and sternly. Your face grew hot with her words, tears swelling in your eyes again. She was taking points off for something that you couldn’t control? It pissed you off to say the least. You only looked away from her desk, nodding slightly, knowing better than to open your mouth. “Alright then, you can go and pack up your things”. You walked quickly back to your desk, putting the few things you had taken out back into your backpack, before the bell rang for lunch. Dashing out of the class, you headed straight for the front of the school, more than ready for the day to be over. You’d email your 4th period teacher later on what work you missed out on. On your way, you made sure to text Peter, letting him know everything that happened, and that you wouldn’t be there for lunch.

You only had to wait for a few minutes, as Sam walked through the doors, spotting you quickly and walking over to you. “You alright kid?”. “Yeah, I’ll be fine, jus’ want this day to be done already”. He nodded, following you to the front office, signing everything to excuse you for the day. He kept a close eye on you the whole time, a protective hand placed on your shoulder. Stepping out of the building, he led you to the car where Bucky and Steve awaited. You got into the back seat, Sam sitting in the seat next to you.

“Hey doll, you feeling alright?”, Bucky quizzed, angling his body to look at you. “Yeah, ‘m glad you guys offered to pick me up though. Don’t really think I could’ve lasted another class”, you fidgeted with your hands, you knew your nerves wouldn’t calm for a while, but at least it was manageable now. “We’re always here for you, kid, no matter what”, Sam assured you, patting your shoulder softly. “Mhm, you can always come to us, even if we’re on a mission. Our job can always wait, your well being is more important than anything”, Steve added, looking briefly to you in the rearview mirror. “Thank you for that, you guys are the best”, you smiled bashfully. “No need to thank us, jus’ doing what’s right”, Bucky stated. “So, whatcha feel like doing when we get back?”, Sam asked. You thought for a moment, doing anything social sounded horrible at the moment, and the weighted blanket in your room was calling your name. “How ‘bout a pizza and movie night?”, you inquired, knowing they’d all like the idea, hell the whole team would probably join in. “Sounds good to me”, Steve mused, he always liked time for the team to bond. “Me too”. “Me as well, I’m starving dude”, Sam quipped, causing all of you to chuckle.

It didn’t take long to get back to the tower, all of you heading inside, you going to your room to set your stuff down and to change into something more comfy. After changing, you grabbed your weighted blanket, wrapping it around you, heading back down to the common room. Word must’ve spread fast, cause the whole team was gathered there, everyone sitting in a designated spot, except for Tony, who was currently ordering pizza over the phone. “Hey, there they are, rough day at school?”, Natasha asked, giving you a warm smile. “Yeah, not the greatest”, you huffed out a small laugh. “Well, in that case, you get to choose the first movie draga”, Pietro looked up at you from his spot on the floor. You hummed in response, before placing your decision on one of your favorite comfort movies. Clint started to look it up on the various streaming services, finding it almost instantly. “This one, right?”. You nodded happily, making your way over to sit between Steve and Wanda. “Hey, kiddo, you want a drink? And I’m guessing you want some extra garlic breadsticks too, right?”, Tony asked, holding his phone away from his mouth slightly. “Uhh, I’ll have a (f/d), and duh, of course I want garlic breadsticks”. “Yeah, what type of question is that?”, Pietro chimed in. Tony scoffed at him, rolling his eyes, but continued placing the order.

Wanda opened her arms next to you, allowing you to curl into her side as her arms wrapped softly around you. You stretched your legs out, Steve placed them on his lap, gently rubbing his thumb over your calf. Your nerves were finally winding down, as Clint pressed play on the movie. Wanda kept an arm wrapped around your back, her other hand resting gently on the side of your head, making sure to keep you close. The pizza arrived shortly after the movie had started, and you grabbed as much food as you wanted. You deserved it after the day you had. After the first movie finished, and the team voted on a new movie to watch, you felt yourself begin to drift off. You couldn’t have imagined a more perfect setting, comfort and warmth surrounding you. You didn’t make it far into the second movie before you fell asleep, listening to the sound of Wanda’s heart beating, the events from earlier that day flooding away, leaving you to sleep peacefully, knowing that you were safe and sound.

[wheelsup]

a friendly bet

category: fluff/humor, spencer x reader warnings: briefly jealous Spencer word count: 1.34k A/N: this blurb was requested by loml @rigatonireid! the prompts are: "you're absolutely dreadful" + "you're my favorite know-it-all"

Spencer Reid really does know it all. His intelligence might be the most attractive thing about him — tied with his face, his hair, his height, his kind eyes.... Maybe Spencer Reid is just overall attractive and you love everything about him, inside and out.

So yes, you’re completely biased on the topic of your boyfriend, but you are aware not everyone shares this fondness of his brain.

He can’t really help that he corrects people all the time — his impulse just takes the steering wheel and makes his mouth move before he can consider if it’s appropriate to comment. The rest of the team is familiar with the quirk, but even they still take offense from time to time.

And the strangers you meet on cases are even less receptive to it. Local law enforcement tends to think that the FBI only shows up to throw their weight around their city, and Reid’s little know-it-all interjections only increase the tension.

It makes it that much harder to get along with them, which isn’t always something your team can afford when the stakes are high. So, you decided to make him a friendly bet that he couldn’t go one whole day without correcting someone on an instance it wasn’t truly necessary.

“I thought you liked my rambling?” Spencer’s bottom lip curled into a pout that you quickly smoothed away with your thumbs.

“I do! I just… think it might make things easier if you hold back a little. Some of the guys here are getting their feelings hurt.” You laughed and stroked his cheek, coaxing a smile out of him. Your proposition wasn’t a criticism of him. It was of everyone else.

“There’s no way I correct people that much,” Spencer scoffed and rolled his eyes, playfully pushing your face away from him like you were being ridiculous.

“Then take the bet and we’ll find out.”

And sorry to say, there was a way.

Not an hour into the day, the vein on Spencer’s forehead was at danger of bursting through his skin. It only came out when he was angry or deep in focus, and you really couldn’t pick which of the two were causing it now. (It was a bit of both.)

This morning, you were trailing about thirty feet behind everyone when coming into the station and Spencer, being the good boyfriend he is, held the door open for you the extra ten seconds. The receptionist at the front desk subsequently chewed him out about ‘letting all of the cold air come into the office’.

That was Spencer’s first test of the day.

Surely, every person in the world knows that’s not how thermodynamics work. Not even close. And if she didn’t know that, that was definitely cause for concern. So really, this felt like a necessary time for Spencer to speak up. For her sake.

But he saw the way your eyebrow quirked up and he knew it was a challenge. It was too easy of a win for you. So he decided to bite his tongue and apologize for the inconvenience.

His second test rose from an argument between Morgan and Prentiss. The barista Hotch picked up drinks from messed up the team’s order and they discovered they were short one coffee. Both threw empty threats at the other and insisted they needed the drink more, but it had come to a stalemate.

“Emily, I worked late last night.”

“What happened to ladies first?” She slid the cup to herself, and Morgan snatched it right back.

“I’m not seeing any lady here!”

Before Emily tossed her chair at Morgan’s head, Hotch suggested they just flip a coin to make it totally fair.

Spencer’s brain was screaming inside: The odds of a coin toss are actually 51/49! Trials have shown that a coin favors landing on the side that was facing up when it was thrown, so really, whoever picks that side has a better chance!

It isn’t so much a correction as it is a fun fact. A harmless little fun fact, surely people would like to hear it! He should share it, they’ll love it.

But you remembered Spencer telling you about this once before, and your eyes are narrowing on him with a smug expression.

‘Come on. Tell them’ your face seems to say. He knows it’s bait, and he doesn’t bite. Thirty-seven minutes into the day. He can do it.

And to your surprise, he did last. For a while. (A while being an hour and twenty-four minutes.)

After the morning briefing, Spencer saw some young male deputy follow you into the conference room. Where you were working. Alone. Why the hell did he need to speak to you alone?

He’s tall with cover-boy good looks (much like Spencer himself), but the thing that Spencer hated most about him was the way he’d been looking at you all week. It’s a nicer word than Spencer would use — he’d say it was more like staring. Watching. Creeping.

Yeah, that’s the one. He’s a creep and Spencer’s very suspicious of him.

So, he did what anyone would do and hid behind a tall potted plant near the window to peek into the room through the blinds. (It’s very inconspicuous, they should use him to go undercover sometime.)

“Can I help you with something?” You gave a polite, tight-lipped smile.

“Yeah, I was just, uh—” he forced a laugh and rubbed his neck in some lame attempt to be charming that made Spencer roll his eyes. “I was wondering if you could fill me in on the investigation.”

He placed a couple of files onto the table next to you and rested a hand on the back of your chair.

You blinked uncomfortably between his sudden proximity and the flirtatious expression adorning his face. “Oh, uh, did you miss the briefing?”

He shook his head no. He was there, he was just making an excuse to come talk to you.

“Could you talk me through it again? I guess I’ve got the memory of a goldfish.” He flashed a smile and leaned his elbow on the table, effectively boxing you in with his whole body.

Before you could tell him to kindly fuck off, you got distracted by the sound of rustling leaves. Then four seconds later, Spencer burst in through the door.

“Actually!” he huffed, a little out of breath, “Goldfish have a long-term memory ranging from three to five months.” Once he catches it, he crosses his arms over his chest and straightens out his spine to make himself bigger. “So you should be able to figure it out on your own. Unless your brain is smaller than a goldfish’s, of course.”

You have to clamp a hand over your mouth to keep from laughing at the deputy’s beet-red face. Spencer scrambled to pick up the files and shoved them back into the deputy’s arms as he “gently” ushered him out the door.

“That was cute of you.” You left a soft kiss on that protruding forehead vein that was finally beginning to go away. “You lost, by the way.”

.

“There’s no way you’re making me do this.” Spencer stood in front of your bathroom mirror with the grimmest expression on his face.

“Sorry, cutie, but you lost,” you teased, preening his hair into place.

A few weeks ago you saw an old picture of Spencer with his hair slicked back, and it’s all you’ve been thinking about ever since. You thought it made him look model-level good and begged him to do it again, but he was of a different opinion. Now, he had no choice in the matter.

“I can’t go to work like this, I’ll look like a joke. There has to be something else!”

“This is the only thing I want.”

He sighed, shoulders sinking as his whole body deflated. “You’re absolutely dreadful.”

You planted a sloppy, exaggerated kiss on his furrowed brows and continued combing the gel into his hair. “And you are my favorite know-it-all.”

-

visual aid (tumblr wouldn't let me insert it ugh)

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taglist: @ellesgreenaway @suburban--gothic @sturmmhond @ssa-sarahsunshine @mercy-burning @reidspurple @mediocre-writer @honeyboysteezy @blondefrnk @andreasworlsboring101 @ssa-m-187 @calm-and-doctor @drayshadow @s1utformgg @reidgifs @no-alarms-no-surprises-silence @you-sunshine @altsvu @reidtheprettyboy @goose-eats-god @sonnydoesrandomshit

broken tags: @iamonlyhereforcriminalmindsthings

[dreamkidddream]

So far of reading your writing, I really love it! :)) May I request Kunikida, Dazai and Ranpo having an younger member of the agency being a sort of subordinate of them but acts a lot like a younger sibling to them? She's just really pure hearted and soft and really looks up to them so she likes helping them out a lot. Just some fluff because my boys deserve all love and affection

Awww thank you so much for the compliment!! This request is so cute, and yes, all the boys deserve all the love and affection that is possible cause they go through too much 😭 Anon requested this as platonic, and reader is gender neutral. Also, I wasn’t too sure what the age should be, so I went with Kyoka’s age, which is 14. Hope you enjoy!

TW: Mentions of suicide in Dazai’s part, but nothing too heavy or specific is mentioned. It does get kinda sad though, but it has a happy ending. Also, slight spoiler for season 2/Dark Era Arc, but nothing too major

Young ADA Member Acting like a Younger Sibling to: Kunikida, Dazai, and Ranpo

Kunikida

Okay, so when you first started at the office, people (specifically Naomi and Junichiro) were nervous when you got paired up with Kunikida. And Kunikida isn’t a bad man by any means, but he can be very, very, very strict

And how well do rules stick with kids/younger people? Exactly. It just sounded like a bomb waiting to explode

And you look so soft and so sweet! What if he made you cry?!

Which Naomi threatened to draw blood if he did

Even Kunikida himself was nervous. This was not written in his notebook to be a glorified babysitter!

But the President insisted, putting faith into you that you’ll be a great addition to the team and that he can lead you on the right path and not into trouble like some people he won’t mention (Dazai)

That was all that he needed to hear, and he took those words very serious. He won’t let the President down, and he wasn’t going to let you down either. You guys were gonna give it your all, whether you were ready to or not

But, to everyone’s surprise (really his) you both adapted well. You treated him with respect, said yes sir, no sir, tidied up both of your desks (which were right next to each other), you even tried to abide by his stern schedule without any complaints

You were a great help on missions too, you didn’t recklessly throw yourself into danger, and you made sure to look out for citizens to keep them safe and out of danger

And that wasn’t it, oh no

You made sure to bring him snacks (atleast the ones that he said were ideal), made sure that he was keeping hydrated and not tensed up all the time (working in this office will do that to you), and to make his workload as light as possible

After seeing him go off on Dazai for the 1000th time and getting wound up over a case that wasn’t getting any leads, you saw how stressed and frustrated he was getting. Mumbling to himself about how could he “replace the President if he couldn’t do this right”So you tapped on your shoulder, with one goal in mind: To comfort him

When you tapped his shoulder, he turned and yelled, “WHAT NOW?!”, right into your face

Time stood still as everyone froze, shocked. Even Kunikida himself after he saw it was you.

He felt immediately guilty, about to apologize for losing his cool when you began speaking

“Mr. Kunikida, please don’t stress too much. It’s not good for your heart! And don’t let this one thing stop you! You’re a great leader, and someone that I look up to. I wouldn’t be where I was at now without you! So please don’t doubt yourself, because we don’t, especially me! You’re my role model, Mr. Kunikida. Please, don’t ever forget that.”

After that, it was like a flip switched in him

“(Y/N), come here and walk very slowly.”

You did so with no hesitation, but you were curious

“Your shoe is untied. Here, let me tie it for you. It wouldn’t be ideal if you get injured because of a lousy shoelace. It wouldn’t be ideal if you got injured at all.”

“(Y/N), we have lunch scheduled at exactly 12:15. They’re also serving your favorite today, so we can’t be late, understand?”

“Yes sir!”, you said with a smile

“(Y/N), let’s go. It’s getting dark and if you still want to see that dreaded light show, we have to leave in 20 seconds to make it! I don’t want to see you sad or hear you complain if we miss it.”

“Coming sir! Just finishing up some work for tomorrow-“

“I already have it written in my notebook on when it will be done, so we can go.”

“Here you go Mr. Kunikida, I already typed up and printed out the reports for later on!”

“Thanks kid. And you don’t have to keep calling me Mister okay? Kunikida is fine.”

Dead silent in the office

KUNIKIDA is letting someone way younger than him just call him KUNIKIDA? Not MR.KUNIKIDA???

Everyone is, realistically, shook

But as time went on, they understood why

He came to look after you as his own

The entire ADA would have never thought the day would come (it wasn’t even in the notebook!) where he would care for a kid like his little sibling but here it was, right in front of their faces

But they weren’t complaining at all. You seemed to make his day a little brighter, and he wasn’t as uptight as much (but don’t be mistaken he was still Kunikida, just at an 8 instead of a whole 10)

After that mini pep talk that fateful day, he made it his duty to be a good role model for you. To always set a good example, both in and out the office.

He wouldn’t fail you, and he would be damned if he let anything happen to you

You’re a good kid, and you only deserve the best. And he was gonna be the best role model (and brother) for you

Dazai

Aw man, he was..conflicted to say the least

Listen, it’s not like he hates kids or teens, but it’s just extra responsibilities to watch over them. And he already slacks off enough to begin with, so is this really a good idea sticking a 14 year-old with him?

And lowkey, the way that he treated Akutagawa is still heavy on his mind, and he doesn’t want a repeat

But the President made it so, and Kunikida was ready to attack if he even thought about denying the order. Plus, it could be like another Atsushi around (another person to pass work off too) so that was a win!

And another person to annoy Kunikida too

You looked so pure and innocent. Are you sure that you’re in the right place? 

He genuinely thought you were a lost kid when you came up to him the first time lmao

Geez, you even sound sweet too! How has this world not damage or corrupt you yet?

“Hi Mr. Dazai! It’s nice to meet you. I hope that we can make a great team, and that I’m here to help if you need anything!”

“Nice to meet you too. And now that you mention it, these reports have been giving me a hard time...”

Not gonna lie, he did take advantage of your help. You offered, so why not? He thought you were gonna get sick of it soon and start complaining, but nope

You took his reports and did it with no hesitation every time. And you always handed it to him with a bright smile. On top of that, you always cleaned up his area and behind him, you did any leftover work that he ignored forgot to do so that he wouldn’t get yelled at, and tried to bring him small snacks and even packed a whole lunch for him when you noticed that he didn’t eat a lot

He even started to feel pretty bad and he was getting disapproving looks from his fellow detectives (even Kenji, and he never frowns)

So he started to take back and *GASP* actually do his work?!

But you stopped him, and told him that he should, “Take it easy! You work hard enough as it is saving the city. It’s no problem doing these reports, and I want to help you in any way I can, Mr. Dazai.”

“(Y/N), don’t worry, I can do them. And remember it’s just Dazai, calling me Mister makes me feel old like Kunikida-”

“I HEARD THAT!” 

And it seemed like you really cared for his wellbeing, especially when you had to accompany him on missions

Well, it just so happen that while you were going with Atsushi to find Dazai to start a mission, you both found him

Hanging upside down, sinking to the bottom of the lake

You rushed into the water immediately, pulling him out and onto the ground while Atsushi was just standing there in disbelief

Atsushi is so done with his shit

“Dazai, can you hear me?! Dazai?! Atsushi, I gotta give him CPR I don’t think he’s-”

“(Y/N) don’t worry he’s okay! This isn’t his first time he’s done this, and probably not the last.”

“W-what do you mean?”

Oh

Oh

You didn’t know about Dazai’s suicide methods? Did he not tell you or talk about it in front of you? Atsushi would have been somewhat proud of him if this whole situation didn’t happen, but here we are

“Geez, guess this method isn’t for me. It seems like someone is bound to always inter- hm, (Y/N)? What are doing out of the office? What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

You hugged his chest tightly, not caring that he was practically soaked down to the bone

“Please stop, Dazai! Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to leave everyone?! Why are you trying to leave ME?!”

That got his attention

“Your life is important, Dazai, too important to try and end it on your own terms! You’re special to me, I look up to you. You’re smart, funny, and you help everyone out in your own special way. If you weren’t here anymore, everyone would be so lost...I would be so lost..,I-I-I wouldn’t know what to do-”

“(Y/N)-”

You looked up, eyes red and puffy with tears rolling down your cheeks, but filled with determination

“I promise you that I will make sure you know how much you matter to everyone. I swear on my life that I will.”

Okay, so you know how you were helpful/adorable before? On a scale of 1-10, you were definitely at an 11. But Dazai felt like you were at a 20

At first, he thought that you weren’t being genuine. You were just a young kid who didn’t know any better and was just trying to do your job, in sickeningly, oversweet way. I mean, who would really care about him with his horrid past? He was convinced that you were just naïve, and that the world would swallow you whole when it gets the chance. And it made him feel pity for you

But you proved him wrong

You weren’t just some ignorant child. You were in this agency working alongside him for a reason. And you reminded him of that everyday when he saw you working, handling the cases, taking actions on missions, all the while being kindhearted through and through 

You especially went out of way for him, and it was both a warm and scary feeling. People that he ended up caring for shared an undeserving fate, and he blamed himself for it constantly. So he tried to keep his distance, for your safety. You still had a life to live, and he didn’t want to ruin that for you.

But it was kinda hard to when you work together, and with you constantly being under his wing trying to show him the good in life and the difference that he made, he couldn’t help but admit it

You proved him wrong, and not a lot of people can say that. 

You went out of your way to make sure that everyone was okay, mentally and physically. He didn’t want to admit it, but you made the office (and his life) a little bit more bearable when you were around. You’re a good kid. And it was so fun to rope you and sometimes Atsushi into his schemes lmao y’all can be so gullible sometimes

Unfortunately, he still planned to leave this world, but he tried not to talk about it in front of or around you, and his number of attempts did dwindle, so that was a good thing

“Hey (Y/N), let’s grab something to eat, I would be a terrible person if I let my dear little baby assistant go hungry.”

“Dazai, if you’re hungry, you can just say that. I don’t mind finishing this later. It’s good to eat when you need to, and your health is #1 priority!”

He couldn’t take back his past and the way he abused Akutagawa, but he could certainly make sure that he doesn’t make the same mistakes

And that would start with being a decent role model for you. He won’t exactly be a “model citizen”, but he will always do the right thing. He’s turned over a new leaf by turning to the light, and while his methods aren’t always legal, he won’t stray from it again

And he won’t let you stray either

Ranpo

He was not a happy camper at all, let me tell you

Hello, do you know who he is?? He’s the greatest detective in the world! Why would the President think he need a sidekick?! He saw you working under him as an insult. Were they trying to say that he wasn’t good enough on his own?!

You weren’t exactly welcome with open arms, but that was okay! You were a complete stranger to him, but you were hoping that would change overtime

And Fukuzawa offered to praise him if he took you in so he stopped pouting momentarily

“Hi Mr. Ranpo! I’ve heard great things about you, and I hope that we can get along!”

“Well, of course you’ve heard great things about me, I’m the greatest detective in the world! It would be a crime if you didn’t hear about me.”

It was a rocky start between you guys to say the least. Not only was he lazy with the work he already had (I mean, it was too easy for him), but you were always willing to complete it (which you did, when you realized that maybe he was too tired or had other important things to worry about)

Who are you trying to fool, this man was just being lazy 

But you either didn’t realize it or you just purposely ignored it to get it done for the sake of the agency. Bless your pure heart for putting up with that poutyface 

Despite that, you handled everything with positivity and pride. When discussing cases (even though he would solve it in under a minute), you already had the reports ready to go, took notes for him, and you even tidied up his desk (which really consisted of his snack pile)

And you were starting to grow on him. You were like his mini cheerleader/#1 fan. His ego was going through the roof

On missions, it was a piece of cake for him, duh! With his ability, Super Deduction, it was always easy. And you were in the background, in awe with everything going on. He wanted to say he was surprised, but he would be lying. It would be a downright lie if you said you weren’t impressed with his ability and with him in general.

You repeatedly praised him, and he always gave you the same response: 

“World’s greatest detective, remember?”

The one thing that would cause him to see you in a new light, was when he got lost. You remembered Kunikida mentioning that he wasn’t the best at navigating the train system

He really said that Ranpo didn’t even know how to read the schedule, and that someone had to always walk with him to make sure he was going to the right places. 

He just wanted to go back to the office to his beloved snacks, when this happened. He wasn’t stupid by any means, but it was a waste to use his ability on something trivial as this-

“Mr. Ranpo! Wait for me!”

Just as he knew, you were running late meeting him

“Hey (Y/N) what took you so long?! My beloved snacks are calling for me back at the agency, and I need to answer-”

“Don’t worry, I packed you some!”

“Yeah, I already knew that since that’s the reason you’re late. And before you ask, you look out of breath, the receipt is still crumpled in your hand, and I see some crumbs from something you already ate on your clothes.”

Huh. Was it that obvious? You guess so...

Or maybe Ranpo really is the world’s greatest detective!

“I know, I know. I’m the best, no need to tell-”‘

“Mr. Ranpo, you deserve all the praise that you get. You’re someone I want to be like when I get older.”

“Hm?”, there you go praising him again, but you were crying

“I feel like people don’t take you seriously like they should, Just because you don't fight like the others doesn’t mean that you’re not a valuable asset to the group! And I wish people saw you like how I do! You’re my inspiration to do my best everyday. And I know that I can’t be the best detective, but I want to be as strong and intelligent and brave just like you so I can save people and be a motivating hero like you!”

He’s silent, and your words are sinking in. You’re wiping away your tears, the start of an apology on the tip of your tongue, when he suddenly put his hand on top of your head

He’s staring right at you, glasses on and green eyes open for you to see

“You’re already on your way there (Y/N). That I know. And I’m never wrong with my deductions, let alone when using my ability.”

The flood gates have OPENED 

You know that he doesn’t technically have an ability, but that doesn’t stop you from accepting his words and finding them as the truth. If Ranpo said it, he meant it. He was the world’s greatest detective, and you didn’t have any doubt in him

“Now let’s go, it’s going to start raining and I don’t want us to be hungry and drenched. Plus, Kunikida is totally freaking out and thinking that we’re both lost and in some criminal’s hideout right now.”

After that fateful day, the dynamic shifted between you two. Instead of you just doing the work, he pushed it off on someone else so he could explain to you about the different cases he had to solve, and other detective matters

Really he was just bragging and having you both slack off, but it didn’t matter you guys were still having fun

It even got to a point where he shared some snacks with you from his sacred snack pile

BOY WAS THAT THE TALK OF THE OFFICE 

All in all, while he knew that you couldn’t be the greatest detective (that was his title after all), he would help you get to your goal regardless. Not that you would need a lot of extra help, he was watching over you after all, and you already have a good head on your shoulders along with the heart of a hero

Every Sherlock needs a Watson, and he deducted that it wasn’t too bad having you by his side

[allmyspideys]

Westview pt 1 (b.b x reader)

Summary: Requested by anon; What if Bucky x reader was in Westview like Wanda

Warnings: confusion, a touch of angst, mostly fluff and establishment plot

A/N: this is part one! Sorry this took me so long, i've been taking my exams and what not, but now my classes are done, so hopefully the other parts will move faster!

Flashing images of fighting, death, and the sadness of your team as they stand together. Your team... your friends. You see your friends standing together at a celebration, all looking so happy to be there. But then their faces contort to people you don't recognize but are still your friends. You look to the side and see the bright hair of Wanda. Oh your sweet Wanda! But she's screaming in agony and you know you can't help her. It hurts so badly to see your friend in pain and you can't help that it physically hurts your heart, but when you look back, she isn't hurting anymore, and neither are you. Wanda's screaming of excitement and joy for her new house. You're so happy to see your best friend happy too, when you feel fingers interlace with yours. Somehow you just know who it is, but you look down and see Bucky's metal fingers and look up to see his smiling face, warming and pacifying you. For a moment you close your eyes to savor the moment and when you open them-

-you were in your bedroom? You were so confused, because on one hand you didn't recognize the room at all and didn't remember getting there, but also you knew that it was your room in your house. The feelings of dread and sadness still swirled in your heart from seeing friends so sad. Your brain was trying to put things together but repeatedly coming up empty, so confusion grew, as did the feeling of anxiety and uneasiness. Until an arm landed across your chest and held you tightly to a warm, broad one.

"You alright?" a deep raspy voice asked, whispering into your ear.

You didn't know why, but all the tension in your body immediately left and you let out a small sigh of relief. You flipped around in the strong arms holding you to cup your love's face. You ran your fingers over the light scruff and lightly pecked the tip of his nose.

"Yeah Buck," you whispered back. He tightened his arms around you and wiggled into your warmth. All the feelings from your dream were replaced with happiness and love.

"Then go back to sleep, love," he said with a light kiss. Within seconds you were breathing deeply again.

The strange feelings from your dream still swirled in your head as you stood in the kitchen frantically searching for a zucchini bread recipe. You were still in your nightgown, something Bucky would comment on for sure.

Why would Bucky care what I was wearing? You quickly thought, but then again, the strange feelings from your dream came back.

“How’s the hunt for a zucchini bread recipe?” Bucky called to you, shaking you out of your own head.

“Woah, you’re not dressed yet,” he asked, confirming your thoughts, “Wanda will be over any minute for that recipe!”

You just chuckled and shook your head.

“No one cares anymore Buck, you’re such an old man,” you joked, leaning against the strong chest that was pressed against your back, the clean scent of cedar and sage enveloping your scenes. You could have gone back to sleep standing in your kitchen, it was so comfortable to have Bucky’s body wrap around yours. He held you tight; he wasn’t ready to go to work that day.

Bucky spun you around to face him, “Yes, but I’m your old man”.

His smile could light up all the stars in the night sky. You had seen it many times, but every time your heart stopped for a second to look at someone that shone brighter than the sun. Part of you hoped that it blinded everyone else and only you could see it, but the world needed some of that light, so you were okay to share.

But you were the only one who saw it because only you could make Bucky smile like that. You were the spark that lit his fire. You were the reason he shined at all.

You placed a light peck on the tip of his nose. “No,” you said, your voice teasingly sweet, “you’re not my old man yet”.

You began to walk away, flashing Bucky your empty finger. “You’re merely my steady,” you turned back to him to give a little wink, before going to change.

As you put on your clothes, that feeling from your dreams creeped in again. It was strange; you were wildly comfortable in your clothing and appearance, but also, it was not recognizable. Something felt off, but as Bucky called to you, the feeling was immediately replaced with one of happiness and love.

“Oh my dear steady,” Bucky called to you and you rolled your eyes. Bucky always knew how to make you smile, “Wanda is here”.

Immediately, flashes of the dream you had flooded your mind. Vision was hurt and you couldn’t imagine the pain that Wanda was feeling, but as you descended the stairs and saw her, all those thoughts were replaced with ones of joy for her new home with Vision.

“Wanda!” you greeted her with a large smile and open arms.

Wanda was your absolute best friend. Every hug you had with her was like coming home at the end of a long day and taking your shoes off. You trusted her with your whole being and simply seeing her made you feel like you were shining.

You looked around the room at your little family. The man you loved with all your soul, and for some reason loved you even more, your best friend, with her bright smiles and wildly comfortable shoulders, and finally Vision, who always made you laugh and loved your best friend just as much as you did.

"Hi Vis," you gave him a little wave. Every day Vision would "drop off" Wanda before going to work with Bucky. It was so cute watching the two of them walk out the door in their suits.

Bucky gave you a quick peck. "Have you seen my briefcase, Darling?" he asked before heading off to find it himself. You quickly glanced at Wanda, who was already rolling her eyes and laughing.

"It's on the table, old man," you called to him. You already had your lips pursed and ready for Bucky to come back to you and give you a proper kiss before leaving. It was your every day thing.

Bucky wrapped his arms around your waist and you wrapped yours around his neck, lightly lacing your fingers into his hair. His lips were soft and steady against yours, as he dipped you low to the ground. Bucky only started to bring you back up when he felt you smile against him. You only separated when Wanda coughed behind you. A small giggle escaped when you locked eyes with Bucky and saw the glee in him too.

Bucky turned around to give you one last wink before closing the door behind him to go to work with Vision.

"And you're not married yet?" Wanda turned to you immediately, taking off her shoes and laying on your couch.

"Not yet," you said, joining her, "but he can't even feed himself without my help, so one day."

You both fell into a fit of laughter. Life felt so simple; it was good.

"Every day Vis thinks that he's dropping me off, but really," Wanda walked to the kitchen and started making coffee, "I'm making sure that he gets out the door or else he'd never go to work on time."

She handed you a cup, while you looked through the fridge for the last thing to make a perfect morning: coffee liquor.

"What would they do without us," you sighed dramatically. Wanda locked eyes with you for a second before crumbling into a laughing mess again.

That's how your days went. Bucky "woke you up" with a kiss, you and Wanda ensured your men got to work on time, then you laughed together telling stories or catching up on the neighborhood drama. Sometimes you went to the women's club for a weekly meeting, where of course, everyone asked when you and Bucky were getting married. It was simple, sometimes a little boring, but simple.

But when Bucky came home, that’s when things got more interesting. As you were making dinner, you felt the warmth of Bucky’s chest long before his arms ever snaked their way around your waist. He placed gentle kisses on your neck while whispering all the sweet things in your ear.

“I missed you,” he whispered.

It was a particularly long day and Bucky had to come home late. He hated coming home late because it simply meant more time away from you, so he stopped by the grocery to pick up a bouquet of flowers to give his favorite girl. Bucky nuzzled into your neck some more before giving you a kiss on your temple and presenting you the flowers.

“Buck!” you gasped, “These are so beautiful!”

“Not as beautiful as you,” he chided back, grabbing your hand and spinning you around. Bucky started softly humming and held you to his chest while slowly dancing.

That was your favorite thing about Bucky, he always knew how to make you feel so loved. He brought you flowers and whispered all the loving things tenderly. The way he looked at you with his bright blue eyes made you feel more loved and appreciated than anyone else. The warmth of Bucky’s real hand versus the cool touch of his metal one never alarmed you; it made you really happy to feel Bucky’s metal arm wrap around your waist while his fingers interlaced with yours.

Your days may not always have excited you, but Bucky Barnes was always there to excite and love you. And you’d always be there to love him back.

[yandere-sins]

Hi!! I loved your recent Sakusa work sm! It was so good and intense and you did a great job!! I was wondering, if the requests & prompts are still open can you do board games & diary for either Sakusa or Atsumu! I’m fine with either one <3

Sorry, I am just too much into both to separate them! Enjoy some good ol’ manipulated double-teaming!

Board games - “Don’t say such means things.. it breaks my heart to put you back in those locks.” 

Diary - “My pet should hold no secrets from their owner and vice versa.”

»»———————— ♡ ————————««     

It was a hard pill to swallow, but you had to admit that you were growing desperate.

For more than a week now, you had been in the clutches of these two maniacs, had to live through ups and downs with them and alone. Yet, there still didn’t seem to be any signs of an end to this nightmarish episode you were going through. Slowly but surely, this meant you were desperate for change. For something - anything! - to happen, just so all of this would finally end.

You found yourself desperate for the comfort of a bed, the privacy of your own toilet, the warmth of a sweater. Sometimes your mouth remembered your favorite dishes, and your heart remembered the feeling of hugging someone dear to you. And, every time you found yourself craving the same as you had before your life went downhill, all you were faced with were two psychos using your needs for their own gain.

At least, that’s what you thought about this situation.

“Come on! It’s good!” Atsumu tried to make the spoon of soup palatable for you, as he had for the last two days. He did his best, but his best wasn’t good enough for you. Lips pressed together into a thin line, you kept avoiding the spoon, going as far as to dodge and move out of the way of his reach. You’d rather fall to the floor than sit on this couch and eat the damn soup, you decided. Were you not too afraid of the other ghost in this apartment, you would have tried making a run for the hallway and the front door, but they were too unpredictable.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this to me,” you sobbed, the frown on your face holding back the tears you felt burning in your eyes ever since you woke up in this place. “We’ve been friends since our childhood! But I guess I didn’t mean anything to you.”

Finally slipping out of his grip, you fell to your knees, the cold, hard parquet being as unwelcoming as you felt. Atsumu’s disgruntled deep breath was absolutely unjustified how you found. After all, he wasn’t the one being held captive against his will. Of all the people, you were the only one allowed to showcase your discontent like that.

Next to you, Atsumu set down the bowl of soup on the coffee table, a strong, firm grip reaching down to the rope binding your wrists behind your back. Anything was better than letting him do as he pleased. Kicking, screaming, and biting if necessary! But by now, you two were playing a meager game of who was stronger, the lack of sustainable food and rest being one reason why you didn’t always have the upper hand in these situations; thus, he pulled you up on the couch again easily.

“Don’t say such mean things... you mean everything to me, [Name].”

This assurance was least helpful to the constant anxiety raging through you. Before all this, you had trusted Atsumu with everything. You’d been the best friend one could have, got along well with his family. It had been bold of you to assume that he was capable of anything beyond complaining to and nagging you, but you always hoped that he’d one day come to understand the feelings you harbored for him.

But not like this. You didn’t want to be loved by him like this.

“Be nice, or I’ll have to put you back in those metal locks. It would break my heart, and you don’t like them either, do ya?”

You shivered just from thinking about the chains clasping around your wrists and ankles, cold and tight. You hated them, just as much as the cage you had been stuck in for the first few nights. Everything kept you in place. You couldn’t even turn if you wanted. It was followed by constant pain, and having someone treat you like a caged animal rather than a human while you were in there, was only the cherry on top.

Compared to that, just hanging out in the living room with ropes around your wrists was freedom. “No,” you whispered, the fight not having disappeared from your voice, and you were relieved to still have it in you. “See?” Atsumu sighed, pulling you back on the couch and between his legs, arms wrapping around you and keeping you pressed up against him. “It’ll be fine,” he mumbled, kissing the back of your head.

“Just don’t upset him.”

“Upset who?” another voice echoed through the room as if on cue. Instinctively your eyes followed the sound to the kitchen. Through the connecting door to the hallway, Sakusa entered, newspaper in hand and seemingly reading an article on it. “Nobody,” Atsumu was quick to avert, but you had felt the slight flinch he made when his partner spoke up.

“Did they eat?” Sakusa asked, unbothered by the angry glare you sent him and Atsumu’s lie, setting down both paper and coffee mug on the kitchen counter before shifting his attention to you. Three long steps were all he needed to approach the couch from behind, fingers flitting up your throat and to your jaw as he grazed you with a short glance before eyeing the bowl on the table.

“Done with work?” Atsumu asked, pressing you possessively closer to him, but it wasn’t like he could upset Sakusa with his doings, even if it was his intention. “Taxes, Atsumu, but yes. They didn’t eat?”

At that, Atsumu finally had to admit defeat, sighing and averting his eyes to some point in the room but far away from you or his partner. Sakusa let out the same sound, though quieter and with a shook of his head before rounding the couch and grabbing the bowl himself. “Why won’t you eat?” he asked, directing his questions to you now. “You should be thankful for the food you are given.”

“I don’t want it,” you replied, as confident as you could. The truth was that whenever your eyes met, you felt as if any strength you had was pulled from you. It may have been due to the fact you had argued and pleaded with this man for the first few days of your kidnapping, but out of the two, Sakusa was the one that scared you more than your childhood friend who had no backbone, joining forces with this madman.

Letting the soup slide over and from the spoon a few times, Sakusa eventually took a small sip of it, his thoughts hidden well behind the indifference in his expression. “There’s no reason for you to not eat it. It’s completely fine.”

“I don’t want it since it’s you giving it to me.”

Silence raked through the room while Atsumu shuffled behind your back, pressing you closer again. For a moment, you thought this time, it might be to protect you, rather for his own pleasure, and you were quick to realize why. “Are you an idiot?” was Sakusa’s short yet meaningful reply to your defiance, his face scrunching up into disbelieve. “Other people would be happy to have this kind of luxury of being fed.”

“Omi...” Atsumu tried to settle the rising dispute, but a raised hand from his teammate was enough to shut him up uncomfortably. “I’m not other people,” you spoke up for yourself, trying to stay calm and not let him agitate you. “After all, I have to be locked up with you two crazy bastards.”

This time, the silence felt like an eternity. As if it was slowly but surely cutting through your body as if you were butter. Perhaps, you had been too comfortable simply refusing and struggling against them for the last two days, so your mind had already started to forget about the horror you were living in.

“So that’s what you think about us,” was all that Sakusa hissed back at you, his eyes drilling into your psyche like nails. Behind you, Atsumu opened his mouth again, perhaps to set you straight, but no word ever left him, Sakusa being faster than him. “No, it’s fine. A pet should hold no secrets from their owner and vice versa.”

You didn’t expect him to be the first one to avert his eyes, Sakusa’s gaze wandering back to the door in the back of the living room, the very same one you had woken up in before. The one that was filled with ‘your’ kennel and restraints and an unbelievable amount of deprecation. “So I will be very honest with you too.”

Next thing you knew, Sakusa was up again, having reached for your hands still locked between yours and Atsumu’s body. This time, when you fell to the floor, it was anything but controlled, your ass being the first to hit the resistance of the ground, and you gasped in pain as your shoulder slammed into the coffee table. There wasn’t enough time to grasp how your body hurt at that moment, the back of your shirt being tugged at, the fabric pressing into your throat at the front as you were dragged over the floor gasping for air.

“You will be thankful for what we do for you in the future. You don’t have any choice. Until then, you’ll stay in your cage and think about your behavior. Don’t even think about making a ruckus, or you won’t live to see what I will do to you, do you understand?”

Instantly, the dread of feeling the cold, uncomfortable bars against your body made your heart drop in your chest. You couldn’t even get used to the darkness in the boarded-up room without sunlight from the windows when you already heard the lock fall into place.

“No! NO!” you cried out, forgetting all about his warning and slamming yourself towards the only source of light coming from the open door to the living room. “Don’t leave me here again! Please!”

It was pathetic. Using big words just seconds prior to this, and yet, here you were pleading with him to spare you the agony of this place. But despite not wanting to be here, in this apartment, you had a special dislike of being confined in this cold, tiny space all by yourself. You’d rather hang out on the couch, unproductively watching TV with Atsumu all weekend long than having to listen to the clicking of the clock as the only companion you had in this room. You, actually begging to not be left here, was just proof of how desperate you were, scared of the anxiety and degradation you had experienced last time.

“You’ll have enough time to think about your behavior here,” Sakusa sighed, annoyed by your screams. “Learn your place.”

“I do! I know... I just...”

“You know nothing.”

“Omi...” you suddenly heard from the door. Unsure, gripping onto his own arm, Atsumu stood there, the light revealing a conflicted expression playing on his face. “That’s just... It’s too much, man,” he mumbled, and Sakusa let out another deep sigh.

“I told you it wouldn’t be easy, Atsumu. You can still get out if you don’t think you can do it, but don’t pull me down with you. I won’t tell anyone about your involvement if that worries you.”

Standing up, Sakusa seemed to glide out of the shadow, approaching Atsumu who’s gaze shifted from you to his partner in crime. “I’ll take good care of them,” Sakusa promised, though his voice was so indifferent, you had trouble believing that he meant it. “No...” Atsumu eventually spoke up after a moment of contemplation. “I love them just as much- No, I love them more than you. I can’t leave now.”

“Then you understand that this is necessary, right?”

For the first time, as you looked into Atsumu’s eyes, you felt the hints of pity come over you, your old friend looking like a beaten dog next to Sakusa. You barely could believe that Atsumu listened to the manipulative words of someone who should have no rule over your both lives. Someone who didn’t hide how toxic he was at all, but it seemed like Atsumu ate out of his hand as Sakusa held it out to him.

One hand patting Atsumu’s shoulder, Sakusa turned around to you, his scolding, suppressing gaze making you lose all hope of escaping this. He reached for the doorknob, and the only thing you could do was try to reach out, fingers curling into the bars of the kennel, your voice cracking as you called out, “Atsu--”

But you were cut off by the darkness now filling the room, seeping into your throat through your open mouth as you wanted to call out to your childhood friend to save you. Because he loved you, he said so himself. His reason to be here was you, so he was as good as anyone to protect you from this hell you found yourself in. You were desperate enough to even believe in him after everything Atsumu did to you.

Only, what you hadn’t realized so far, was that he had been manipulated into this, as Sakusa was now trying to do to you.

And perhaps, that meant there was no saving for either of you.

[bakugotsundere]

Hating Him - Bakugou Katsuki (1)

bakugo x (black) fem reader

( still can read if you’re not)

sorry if it bothers you, i just felt that my black readers weren’t feeling black as they were reading y/n stories cause i for sure wasn’t.

Warning: none

Summary: Bakugo and you have hated each other ever since you met, being on the same track team and having the same friend group didn’t make things any better. you 2 have to act like you like each other for the benefit of the friend group until one day you and him are forced to have movie night with the others and you both have had enough of each other’s shit.

in this chapter: you get invited to the movie night and bump into bakugo

The morning smell of outside filled your lungs as you stepped out your house. It was exactly 5:30 in the morning. The streets were not busy and there was barely any noise, just faint sounds of dogs barking and truck drivers in a distance. It was the perfect time to go for your daily run. The chilly air made you happy, it gave you more of a challenge. you zipped your nike training jacket up. It fit you tight, tugging at every curve of yours. The sky was a foggy blue, a few clouds started coming in, along with the sum.

You walked down the steps of your house, stretching your legs when you got to the sidewalk. You looked ahead and yawned as you walked onto the street. Your neighborhood was fairly nice to say the least. Everybody minded their business, especially since your house had been secluded. After your grandmother died, she left one of her houses she owned to you, making it easy for you since you dreaded the idea of having to share a dorm with someone, let alone having to get an apartment.

you placed your airpods in your ears and played Apparently by J.Cole. J.Cole had been your favorite rapper since you were 12 years old, you missed the days where your 12 year old self would dance around your room to his music, now you’re grown and responsibilities are becoming more than just making sure your chores were done. You stretched one last time before taking off.

...

Once you were done, sweat dripped from your face. your breathing was heavy and the cold water bottle in your hand had been long awaited. The sun was now out. The birds chirping got louder and the old lady from across the street was sitting in her chair with her small cat in her lap, you quenched your thirst, swallowing every last drop of water. “Good morning Y/n” She chirped. You wiped your mouth with your wrist smiling, turning towards her, “Goodmorning Ms. Rodriguez.” you reply as you waved.

You finally go back inside your house, feeling at ease. you take off your black vapor max at the door and go to your kitchen, grabbing a nutrigrain bar, you ate it before going upstairs to get ready for your classes. you took your curly hair out of its messy bun. the roots of your hair were finally breathing and it felt good. you scratched your scalp in satisfaction. you looked in the mirror, loving your features and your brown/caramel skin. you never felt the need to put yourself in the 3 categories because to you there was no need to, everybody in the community was black so why separate it into groups.

you placed the shea butter your mother made for you on your face. you took off your semi-sweaty clothes throwing them into your dirty clothes hamper and looked at yourself in the mirror. your body was perfect to most but you didn’t see what everyone saw. your thighs were too thick for your liking, especially since you did track. your breast were too big to you, they sometimes got in the way while working out. you had a 4 pack from the working out, everybody told you that you had an hour glass body but you hated it. if this what a hour glass body was, you hated it.

you took off your panties, replacing your old ones with Tommy Hilfiger ones. You grabbed a pair of black nike sweatpants that fit your thighs perfectly. You took off your bra, letting your breast breath and put on another sports bra, putting on a white t-shirt fresh out the pack. you ran chap stuck along your plump lips, they were more than plump actually if you like them so it didn’t matter. you picked out the roots of your hair leaving it’s on it’s curly state. you had dyed your hair a ginger color, which made you look like sza a little. your fro was like hers too, very big and curly.

You wrapped your apple watch around your wrist and put on some whit nike socks, along with your white air force ones. Your phone started dinging and it was the gc, you had been in with your friend group.

Mina :) > goodmorning whores. Time for class before you become drop outs.

Denki ⚡️> good morning Mina ;)

Midoriya🥬> Goodmorning everybody, i have a big test in Mr. Aizawa’s today so i have to get to studying, talk to you guys later.

Kirishima> Mornin. It’s beautiful out today, isn’t it and i’m not a whore mina.

You> yea, kirishima i’m pretty sure you got caught with cami in the janitors closet.

Iida> Mine was too, you guys need to stop texting and get to class.

You> sure, see you on the track field lida. this gc is getting deader by the day and it’s embarrassing to watch.

(seen by kirishima, Mina, and Bakugou)

lida> typing...

You shut off your phone with a smile, knowing that got him heated. You didn’t even care for his response. you loved messing with lida, it was funny, you sprayed a little vanilla perfume on your body and you were off to a place you dreaded.

...

You were now in the library studying with Mina. Mina was like your best friend, you told her everything and she told you everything. “Have you seen that picture of trey songz you know what?” she asked and your eyes went wide, in shock that she was talking about this in the library. “yes, but i can’t go crazy over it, he made the shit so corny. the whole post he made afterwards had me cringing at my phone so hard. i was like “boy what the fuck” he too old for that shit.” you told her and she giggled.

“I’m having a movie night with the rest of the group this saturday, you have to come. you never come to things with us anymore. Ever since bakugou started hanging out with us, you’ve been avoiding us. i’ve noticed some type of tension between you 2, i hope it isn’t sexual?” she stated and your stomach churned at the thought of that stuck up dummy.

“No, i just like staying to myself, that’s all. i think i’ll come Saturday as long as it’s not going to be a lot of people you know how busy i am with track and stuff.” you stated in reality you hated being around bakugo. especially since he always felt to make rude remarks towards you when everyone wasn’t around. He was normally mean to everyone, but you got it the worse since you had the shortest running time on the team. When track practice would come around you and him would argue with each other every second. you hated being yelled at or talked to badly and your mother sure didn’t raise a bitch so you talked to him just as reckless as he did to you and he hated every second of it since you were the first to ever test him. your personalities didn’t mix well at all.

“it’s only gonna be, denki, bakugo, kirishima, todoroki, asui, uruaka and deku but that’s if bakugo doesn’t mind.”

“yea, i’ll think about it.” you said softly.

...

you were now at practice and the death stares you received from bakugo made you just wanna slap the fuck out of him. His eyes followed you as you warmed up. You could see him start to come towards you and you sighed. His tall figure stood in front of you, blocking the sun, his body shaded you. “You draw too much attention.” He stated as the boys that were on the team stared at you. You were the only girl on the track team so you learned to get used to it. “I know, why are you telling me this?” you asked and he gritted his teeth, “All of those boys are practically eye raping you.” he states, taking in your appearance and you sighed, “I don’t know what to fucking say. these are the only sizes in shirts they have and if my curves happen to show then so be it. it’s not like the whole thing is out.”

Sweat dripped from the side of his head, he had on a white tank top and some nike shorts with some white vapor max. a towel hung over his broad shoulders. your eyes scanned his body, you never thought bakugo was ugly, he was perfect when it came to looks. He was very tall with a slim, muscular build, and a fair skin tone. He had short, spiky, ash-blond hair that looked soft. His eyes were a sharp and bright red in color that showed his hostility. his looks fit his personality though, very cocky.

“Why do you care?” You asked and his cheeks turned a bright pink and anger came upon him, this line made him mad, “I don’t.” he replied angrily. “Well then stop telling me things i already know. All you do is bother me.” you told and his lips curved into a smirk, “Your existence bothers me, imagine how I feel.”

You rolled your eyes, pushing past him aggressively. He can be so fucking annoying. Imaging having to be on the same team as someone you hate. It’s really irritating, especially when the person is somebody as arrogant as he is. He needs to be humbled.

...

You and Bakugou were the only 2 left after practice, your coach was mad at the both of you because of what happened last week with the sub coach. Bakugou had been bothering you that day and you snapped and then you two decided to have a race on your own which didn’t turn out so well since bakugou got mad that you won in the end.

So now you and him were being forced to do “after practice workouts” with each other. You were now lying on the ground of the track floor, exhausted. Bakugou was right next to you, your chest rose up and down, your breathing heavy and your legs worn out. You looked over at him, and he looked over at you. “This wouldn’t have happened if you just wouldn’t hate me so much and accept that i’m faster than you.” you stated and his red eyes stared at your light brown ones. “Can’t blame this all on me. You hate me as well and you don’t know when to shut up. You don’t have to respond to everything i say but you do.” He said and you placed your hands at your stomach, “I’m not about to let you walk all over me like you do everyone else. Your ego is too big and i’m doing nothing but lowering it.”

“Is that what you think?” he asked and you sighed softly looking him in his eyes trying to search for anything but anger but there was no other emotion but that, his pupils did dilate once he noticed how hard you were staring into his eyes though, “It’s not what i think, it’s what i know.” you said. “i don’t understand why you are always so angry all the time. I don’t even know how you have the friends that you have. obviously that means they see past it but i refuse to. i can’t. sorry but that’s just how i am.” you stated sitting up, he sat up with you staring at you, “i don’t understand how you have friends, you are very competitive and just avoid me then. We can always hate each other from a distance.” he stated and you smiled shaking your head as you stood up.

“Can’t do that when we have the same friends and are on the same team and i’m only competitive when it comes to track. So i’ll just hate you regardless and plus you always keep your enemies close. It doesn’t matter though, i’m still faster.” you added on that last part trying to make him mad and you could hear him start to yell as you walked off and a smile came upon your lips.

There’s no way you could ever be friends with him so why even bother trying. Something about him makes your blood boil.

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

IOTA Reviews: Guiltrip

So, my week has been hell. In addition to working night and day on final essays for my classes, I've been really busy at work lately, and the second COVID vaccine shot really took a lot out of me this week. And that's not even getting into the bureaucratic nonsense that comes with applying for the MTEL which is slowly making me wonder if I actually want to teach in the first place.

But, despite all that, there was a single light of hope this week that almost made it all worth it.

STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, BABY!

OH MY GOD, THIS SHOW IS AMAZING! I ALWAYS LOVED THE CLONE-CENTRIC EPISODES OF THE CLONE WARS, AND NOW WE GET AN ENTIRE SHOW ABOUT AN ELITE TEAM OF THEM? KICKASS! AND IT TAKES PLACE AFTER ORDER 66 WITH GRAND MOFF TARKIN AS THE MAIN VILLAIN? SWEET MOTHER OF GEORGE LUCAS, I CAN'T WAIT! I DON'T EVEN CARE THAT THEY TRADED IN THE COOL SNIPER CLONE FOR SOME LITTLE GIRL CLONE, I ALREADY WANT TO SEE MORE THAN THE TWO EPISODES WE GOT SO FAR! GOD, I LOVE THIS SHOW!

Oh yeah, there was also a new episode of Miraculous Ladybug that aired on the same day too, I guess. It was pretty good. Hell of a lot better than the past three episodes I've sat through.

Let's get into the fifth (chronologically the eleventh) episode of Miraculous Ladybug's fourth season: Guiltrip

We start off in the middle of class where we see Marinette looking at Adrien lovingly.

Because the writers are still trying to push the Love Square on us as if they were trying to sell us some death sticks. And yes, expect a few Star Wars jokes in this review. This episode did premiere on May 4th after all.

Rose suddenly gets a headache, and asks to go to the nurse, saying that “Miss Dora” is back. While walking there with Marinette, she explains that it's a code name she gives when her head hurts and can tell Miss Bustier without letting everyone know. She probably felt a name like “Maya Grain” would just give it away.

At lunch, Juleka gets a text that really upsets her, so Marinette tries to cheer her up. Keyword being “tries”.

Okay, yes, this is referencing the previous scene, where Rose refers to a certain snack at the nurse's office she eats to recover her health whenever “Miss Dora” visits called “Mr. Coffee”, but it's just bad timing. I get Marinette has a habit of not reading the room, but why did she have to use the term “Miss Dora” when she knows what it's being used for? Sure, she doesn't know that Juleka knows, but did she really have to say “Miss Dora”? She couldn't have used any other name instead? It's like making a chemotherapy joke when you just found out someone close to you has cancer. Even putting the context aside, what is this joke's punchline supposed to be? That “Miss Dora” will visit Juleka if she eats her lunch? Even by the humor standards of this show, the joke fails spectacularly.

Marinette bumps into Adrien, and although she stutters a little with a little exaggerated body movement, she does manage to take things seriously so she can have an actual conversation with Adrien about Juleka, who wants to be alone. She explains that the text she got was from Rose, who was sent to the hospital because of her sickness, and the entire class finds out because Marinette texted everyone to come to check on Juleka.

Goddamn it, Marinette. I usually defend you for getting screwed over by the writing, but you really aren't on your A game today.

Juleka explains that Rose got this sickness when she was little, which naturally worried everyone else. To make things worse, Juleka also says Rose made her swear to not tell anyone about her to worry her. Everyone else swears to not let Rose know that they know, and the act of support is actually enough to drive away an Akuma targeted at Juleka.

Unfortunately, nobody ever said anything about being overly affectionate to Rose, so everyone in the class tries to do things for Rose like carry her bags, giving her a pillow to sit on in school, helping her take notes, letting her cut in line at lunch, and giving her apples.

All of this makes Juleka remorsefully tell Rose that she told everyone else, which worries her because she hates all the special treatment, so she goes to tell them all about her illness. While they seem to accept her, the next time she sneezes, they overreact like, uh... how can I make this joke in a tasteful way?

Rose says she's had enough with all the treatment, which makes Juleka feel guilty. In the bathroom, she gets akumatized into Reflekta (yet again) with a Sentimonster named Guiltrip. And then Reflekta immediately gets sucked into the Sentimonster, which will cause it to go out of control. Nice job, Shadowmoth.

While it might not look like much, this is easily my favorite Sentimonster by far. Granted, that's not saying much, given all we've gotten so far for Sentimonsters is bootleg Mothra, sentient candy, a robotic doll, a frog with a body count, yet another evil doppelganger, and an eye, but my point still stands. Rather than actually confront the heroes, it's basically a portal to another world where it can trap people in bubbles that represent their regrets and despair, and turn them into copies of Reflekta.

It's a really strong metaphor which reminds me of the villains from Kamen Rider Wizard, who tried to drive their victims to despair in order to turn them into monsters. Ironically, that show's main villain is also some asshole in white who was risking countless lives just to save someone close to him. In general, the area inside of Guiltrip is visually stunning, and easily the highlight of the episode. It's just so surreal, and it really sets the tone the episode's going for.

Ladybug and Cat Noir arrive on the scene, and also get sucked into the portal, seeing some of the victims before they also start to fall into despair. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but this is one of the few times where Angstdrien Depreste is thematically appropriate. Cat Noir points out that if they had simply defeated Shadowmoth by now, none of this would be happening, which is a good point. He even attempts to kill himself using his Cataclysm, but unlike RWBY, they don't try to glorify it.

This also leads to Rose managing to fight off Guiltrip's powers with her optimistic personality (so I guess you could say she's A New Hope for the heroes), inspiring Ladybug to compliment Cat Noir. While I'd normally be pissed that this is yet another way to boost his ego, it does fit in with the episode's theme of positive thinking. Well, with the exception of one line where she points out what her time as Ladybug would be like without Cat Noir...

BEING A SUPERHERO IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE FUN. Yes, there are certain benefits to being a superhero, but it is not a fun game you play when lives are on the line. Why are the writers so dedicated to validate Cat Noir's beliefs that being a hero is just a fun extracurricular activity? Has there ever been a superhero who shares a similar mentality and isn't treated like a complete jackass?

So Ladybug and Cat Noir break free of the bubbles, and after summoning her Lucky Charm, a pickaxe, Ladybug realizes she needs more positivity to break free from Guiltrip. As such, she pulls out the Pig Miraculous and gives it to Rose, who transforms into Pigella. Funny how she forgot her little headache condition when she bangs her head like a death metal singer while transforming.

The design is... wait, she's not wearing a skin-tight jumpsuit? She's actually wearing something different?

Yeah, I really like the Pigella design. There's a good mix of pink and white, and the skirt really brings the whole thing together. It really reflects Rose's optimistic and bubbly personality.

So the three heroes find Reflekta, who has been consumed by tons of bubbles. Pigella uses her superpower, Gift, to show Reflekta what her heart wants the most right now. So it's basically a more specific version of the Fox Miraculous? In fact, what do pigs have to do with optimism?

Whatever reason, it works, which helps Reflekta to break free of Guiltrip's influence, letting Ladybug de-evilize her. But because we need to have a fight scene in this episode, the Reflekta clones start to attack the heroes, but Ladybug uses the pickaxe to climb out of Guiltrip and purify the Amok.

So Rose hands the Pig Miraculous back to Ladybug, and the episode ends with everyone treating Rose normally in class, realizing she isn't as delicate as she thinks she is.

So yeah, I really like this episode. Aside from a few stupid things Marinette said this episode, I honestly don't have a lot of problems with the episode here.

I also really like the lesson this episode is going for. It doesn't shame Rose for rejecting the help, and it doesn't shame the class for being to overprotective of Rose either. It tries to find a middle ground, which is an important lesson to learn, not just for dealing with a loved one who has an illness, but for disabled people and other kinds of situations where someone has a disadvantage. Even as much as I ragged on Marinette for the text, it's clear that she isn't the only one to blame. In fact, nobody really gets blamed for anything this episode. It's more of a misunderstanding, and both sides find a balance on how to treat Rose.

It's overall a really good episode, and the second best one so far this season. And you know what? This episode taught me the importance of staying positive, so with that in mind, maybe I shouldn't be dreading “Queen Banana” when it comes out this week.

Wait, what? It got pushed back two weeks? Oh, THANK GOD! Now I feel like dancing. And I know exactly what song to dance to...

[little-mad]

A Seat at the Table Pt. 2 (Final)

~ Part 1 ~

After Gavin’s initial outburst had passed, breakfast went on smoothly and uneventfully, much to Rael’s relief. He was unprepared to address Gavin’s inquiries about why they couldn’t eat in the dining hall, because to be frank, Rael didn’t really have an answer.

Logically, Rael knew none of the soldiers would dare make a move against someone explicitly under the Emperor’s protection--and yet he couldn’t shake the feeling of paranoia that clouded his mind every time he pictured other alteons around the human. Maybe they wouldn’t attack Gavin, but what if they said something cruel? Something even Gavin wouldn’t be able to shake?

Simply being in this realm was dangerous for Gavin, therefore Rael needed to take as many steps as possible to minimize the risk. Honestly, he didn’t understand why the human had any desire to dine among the alteon soldiers; it wasn’t as though his previous experience with one had left a particularly great impression. Of course, Gavin did have a knack of surprising Rael. There was much more to the tiny man than he’d initially expected.

“Patrols are much more interesting than boring guard duty,” Gavin remarked from where he sat on Rael’s shoulder.

Seeing as constantly having his hands occupied with carrying a human was more than a little impractical, the two of them had needed to determine an alternative. Rael’s first idea of using a belt pouch hadn’t gone over very well with Gavin, and so they had ended up settling on the shoulder.

At first, Rael had been tentative about placing the human so high up. A fall from such a height would no doubt be deadly for someone of Gavin’s size. Gavin had come up with the solution of tucking himself under one of the leather straps of Rael’s armor, that way he had something holding him down as well as something to grip onto.

While Rael had agreed to the set-up, he still couldn’t help but send frequent uneasy glances at the human. It was difficult not to feel the need to be constantly vigilant when he was with Gavin. The little guy was just so fragile. The slightest misstep or wrong move could prove disastrous to him.

“Are you taking the same route as the last time?” Gavin inquired, his voice so near to Rael’s ear that he didn’t even need to raise it at all.

Rael shook his head, careful not to disturb Gavin’s position. “No, this time we’re patrolling the grounds,” he explained. As beautiful as the palace interior was, it could feel a bit stuffy after a while, especially with so many nobles and other important figures milling about and scrutinizing everyone around them. Since he had Gavin now, that particular aspect of the indoors was even less appealing.

“Great, I could use the fresh air,” Gavin commented just as Rael stepped out into the early morning sunlight.

-

Same as it had been the past couple days, Rael’s job proved fairly uneventful. A dull occupation was not something Gavin was used to. It was hard to get bored when you were a thief. Even intel gathering stakeouts often came with a healthy dose of intrigue. However, he had to be grateful for the mundane nature of Rael’s patrol, because things getting exciting also meant things getting dangerous.

A couple hours into the patrol and Gavin was convinced this one would be as uneventful as the rest. He had taken to resting his tired eyes, without Rael’s knowledge of course, when suddenly he felt his trusty giant steed’s walking come to an abrupt stop.

“Hey, what the--” No sooner had Gavin’s eyes opened that his vision was filled with a pair of giant hands reaching towards him. He instantly recoiled, though sitting on a shoulder, he had nowhere to retreat to.

Long fingers wrapped themselves around Gavin’s body, and with seemingly no effort whatsoever, they broke his iron-like grip on the leather strap and lifted him free.

Immediately, Gavin’s mind went to Kaydin, the thug who had tried to abduct him in the woods. However, there was something familiar about the hands surrounding his body; their grasp was firm but gentle, as though they intended to protect rather than harm.

When everything came to a halt and the hands were no longer in motion, Gavin was finally able to make some sense of the situation. He was being held in the relaxed fist of one hand, while the other one was cupped under the bottom so that his feet touched the palm. This left only the upper half of Gavin’s chest and above sticking out the top.

Gavin’s first move was to glance behind himself to find out just who had so abruptly snagged him from his perch. A wave of relief washed over him as he realized the perpetrator was none other than Rael...shortly followed by a wave of irritation at the sudden relocation.

“Woah, you seem a little defensive, Rael.” An instant feeling of dread began to steal over Gavin. He knew that voice, he’d had nightmares about that voice.

Slowly he turned back around. As expected, there stood Ashryn: Gavin’s least favorite alteon--which was impressive considering there existed an alteon who’d tried to kidnap and sell him on the blackmarket.

“I have been tasked with protecting our human guest, so it is my job to be defensive,” Gavin heard Rael state icily. There was no hint of the polite courtesy that had been present during he and Ashryn’s last interaction--something that Gavin was definitely pleased about.

“Ah, that’s right,” Ashryn remarked, seemingly unfazed by Rael’s less than friendly disposition. “A shame you got saddled with such an unfavorable task.”

If blood physically had the ability to boil, Gavin was sure his would be bubbling like crazy at this point. He had to literally bite down on his own tongue to prevent a vulgar string of insults from flying out of his mouth. Ashryn clearly had a unique knack for triggering the latent rage that lay within Gavin, but he wouldn’t let himself fall for the same trap twice. Getting angry was exactly the kind of reaction Ashryn was looking for.

“I’m honored to have been granted this assignment actually.” Gavin’s fury was temporarily forgotten at Rael’s unexpected words. “The Emperor specifically entrusted it to me after all.”

Glancing over his shoulder, Gavin caught sight of Rael’s hardened expression as he unwaveringly met Ashryn’s gaze. The guy was notoriously difficult for Gavin to get a read on, but he could swear he saw not even a shred of fear or uncertainty in those striking teal eyes of his.

Turning back forward, Gavin could tell the smug smile on Ashryn’s face had taken on a tight quality. He had a feeling the asshole wasn’t particularly used to being stood up to.

“Oh, well I was concerned it may have been more of a punishment than anything,” Ashryn stated. The naive innocence in his tone was nauseatingly artificial.

“I’m not sure you understand just how important it is to the Emperor that our relationship with humans remain positive,” Rael countered smoothly, as though he’d practiced this very conversation in his head countless times.

Ashryn’s smile began to falter, distinct irritation now flashing in his eyes. “You seem quite sure you know the Emperor’s intentions,” he commented coldly.

“Evidently better than you do,” came Rael’s quick reply, and Gavin nearly let slip a bark of laughter. He’d proven it before, but this was just further proof that Rael was clearly quite skilled with his words. If he’d grown up on earth, Gavin had no doubt the guy would’ve been one of those insufferable smart-asses on the debate team in high school.

The smile had completely gone from Ashryn’s face now and had been replaced with a dark scowl. The sight was so satisfying to Gavin that he couldn’t help a smile of his own from tugging at his lips. However, the joy was quickly shot through with a bolt of fear as the green-eyed giant’s gaze suddenly landed on him.

Gavin was quickly reminded of his situation. Ashryn was more than just some jerk, he was a giant jerk, and that giant jerk was currently giving Gavin the absolute dirtiest look of all time.

As though he had taken notice of the hateful glare too, at that moment Rael ever-so-slightly tightened his hold on Gavin’s body. There also came a bout of steady movement as Rael brought his hands closer to his body and farther away from Ashryn.

“I’m afraid I have no more time to waste on you and your pet,” the brown-haired giant spat, finally lifting his gaze from Gavin. “Enjoy your babysitting.” With that, Ashryn turned sharply on his heel and strode off down the cobble path that led back towards the palace.

“Stupid, pointy-eared, pretensious, oversized--” Gavin nearly drew blood with how hard he was biting on his tongue to prevent his thoughts from becoming verbal. Sure it would be satisfying in the moment, but it was obvious that Rael’s well crafted rebuttals were far more effective against Ashryn than Gavin’s disorganized assortment of crude insults.

Gavin was drawn out of his mental fuming when the hands holding him lurched into motion once again. Long fingers shifted around him until Rael’s thumb was pressed gently against his chest while the index finger did the same to his back. With an easy, fluid movement, Rael managed to twist Gavin’s body around so that he was now facing towards the giant rather than away.

Maybe if the circumstances were different Gavin would be irked by the gentle manhandling, but there was no way he could be annoyed with Rael after the way he’d just handled Ashryn.

“I’m sorry you had to see him again,” Rael said as he gazed down at the human in his hands. There was nothing but sincerity in his voice, and Gavin didn’t doubt for a second that the guy meant what he said.

“Don’t sweat it,” Gavin replied with a wave of his hand. “There was obviously nothing to worry about since I’ve got my knight in shining armor and all,” he added with a smirk.

Rael’s dark eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “My armor doesn’t shine,” he stated. “And I’d certainly not call myself a knight.”

Gavin gave a snort. The cultural divide between humans and alteons had once again made itself known. “It’s a figure of speech, dummy,” he told Rael as he flicked the giant’s hand.

“I don’t know how I’m meant to keep up with all your bizarre human sayings,” Rael grumbled as he moved Gavin back into position on his shoulder.

Gavin chuckled, and then there was a moment of silence as Rael set back off on his patrol. The quiet was comfortable. There was no air of awkwardness or a sense that one of them should be saying something. But then, after a few more moments, Rael suddenly broke the silence. “If you want to eat in the dining hall, we can,” he said simply.

Completely caught off guard, Gavin froze. He stared at the side of Rael’s face with wide eyes, but the alteon remained looking forward. “A-are you sure?” Gavin found himself stammering. He had no idea where Rael’s sudden change of heart had come from, and while Gavin was glad for it, he didn’t want to have guilted the man into the decision.

Smiling softly, Rael nodded. “Of course. I can handle any idiot foolish enough to think they can mess with you,” he responded smoothly.

Gavin broke into a grin. It seemed he would get his seat at the big kid table after all. All thanks to his trusty not-knight in not-shining armor.

[airashisakura]

For @ssskmonth Prompt used: Favorite food

Present

A/N: Major spoilers warnings for those who don’t follow Boruto Manga. After chapter 55 events.

Part 1

Part 2

FFN | AO3

Sarada scrunched her nose in irritation. The rice porridge she had been trying to cook didn’t taste right. Frustrated, she dropped the ladle on the granite slab. A few minutes before she had tasted it, and it lacked salt. She was so sure that she had sprinkled in the right amount, and now she couldn’t understand how that could ruin the taste.

I never have trouble with this recipe! She cried in frustration. And why is it happening TODAY of all days?

It was a simple recipe that she knew how to cook. Perhaps it was things around her that distracted her.

She twisted the knob of the burner with much more force than required, turning off the stove. She dropped the lid over the pot forcefully and cringed at the sharp metallic sound.

The start of the day had been good for her. Like every year, this birthday also started with the sight of her mother grinning widely. It was a bit too early, however.

Her mother had given her a squishing hug as she wished her birthday, and like every year, she giggled and returned her mother’s embrace. Everything around her could change, but maybe this routine never would.

Perhaps it could. She was no longer a child who hid behind her mother when she was afraid to face something. She had been on her fair share of missions and was beginning to grasp the essence of shinobi life. She was a kunoichi now, and she had confronted the death of her comrades. She had accepted this ugly truth, but watching her father recuperate had made things worse for her. Sitting beside her unconscious father in the hospital had almost given her a taste of what it felt like to lose someone close.

Trying not to concentrate on her thoughts, she padded towards the refrigerator. She tried to occupy her mind with how to fix the porridge. One thing she could do to balance the salt was to add more rice to porridge. She sighed in relief when she spotted a bowl of rice in one of the cabinets.

She turned on the stove again, adding the rice and water to adjust its consistency and let it boil.

She tapped her fingers on the granite slab, eyeing the bubbling water. With nothing to do at the moment, her mind wandered off to her teammate.

She reached for other ingredients and measured in each carefully. While she was stirring the porridge, she realised that with her team on suspension from missions, she hadn’t seen Boruto lately. Boruto seemed to be doing fine, but she had realised she was wrong when Shikadai pointed out that of all people, Boruto was the one who’d been affected most by the incident.

Maybe I’ll call him up, Sarada thought while she cracked eggs into a bowl.

However, she felt like he had been ignoring her, and decided not to call him while she gathered the chopsticks and started beating the eggs.

She had mixed feelings regarding Boruto. Although she understood it wasn’t Boruto’s fault at all, every time she saw her father’s injuries, she couldn’t control the anger that surfaced. She tried to shake off the feeling as she poured the beaten eggs into the porridge. She didn’t want to blame Boruto for what had happened.

After closing the lid on the pot again, she buried her face into her palms, leaning against the counter. She really hated this cycle — understanding Boruto’s helplessness and then ending up holding a grudge against him. No matter how hard she didn’t want to think about it, the thought of what havoc he might cause when he lost control of his body again dreaded her. She knew Boruto was now a potential threat. What if she had to do something in future herself?

She was too confused to think straight. With a sigh, she removed the lid to see if it was done. Satisfied with the consistency, she sprinkled in some spring onion and reached for a bowl to pour some for her father.

Sarada knocked lightly on the door, announcing her presence to her father. Although it had been routine for a few days, she waited till her father responded. A small smile adorned her face when she heard him ask her to come in.

She realized she rarely had any time with Sasuke like this. They usually trained together or ate dinner when he came back from his mission. She never had felt his day-to-day presence as such.

She pushed the door open. She tried to suppress her excitement, but she didn’t have to work hard when she saw her father reading a scroll.

“Didn’t mama tell you not to strain your eye?” Sarada asked him, pretending to be offended.

She kept the tray on the bed-side table and heard the scroll falling on the bed with a light thud.

Sarada fidgeted on her foot sheepishly, waiting for her father to wish her a happy birthday. She looked around the room, trying not to be obvious. The silence stretched, and it became a bit uncomfortable, so she asked him.

“How are you feeling today?”

"Better," Sasuke nodded, his voice as reserved as always.

Sarada adjusted her glasses, and scrutinized her father's face. He didn't look any better than he had the previous days. Although her mother assured her there was nothing to worry about, she sensed that her father wasn’t doing well.

She wasn't quite sure if her father was sad or if he really was better. Sometimes she was really amazed by how her mother managed to read behind her father’s stoic mask.

His long absence from her life made her sad because she knew Uchiha Sasuke only in two ways — one when he was happy and proud of her, and the other when he was indifferent and unattached with his surroundings. She didn’t know much about her father, and maybe her father didn’t know much about her.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, patting his hand on the side beside him and gesturing for her to sit.

Sarada plopped on the bed beside him; and replied, “Boruto.”

He listened with a rapt attention as Sarada recounted her concerns and could only wonder when his little Sarada, who hardly could make coherent sentences when he had left for his mission, had grown up. He had missed so many years and so many things, he realized.

Sarada frowned when she asked him, “Papa, do you think anything is going to happen to Boruto?”

Sasuke knew what she was talking about, but didn’t interrupt her.

“Since he is a potential danger now,” she explained.

Sasuke sighed, closing his eyes, partly in relief and partly agitated. “Don’t worry about that. This isn’t the old Konoha. The present council doesn’t take any harsh measures.”

Sarada gave him a perplexed look, and Sasuke realised what he had said. However, he didn't falter, and waited for her next question.

“What about old Konoha?”

“A lot,” he paused and thought about whether to complete his sentence.

“About the old system.”

About that unforgivable system that ran on blood and filthy tricks.

“About the old councilors.”

About those insensitive bureaucrats who didn’t think twice before ordering a thirteen-year-old to butcher his own clan and family.

“And about our clan.”

About the family I once had.

Sarada was thrown off by his sudden straightforwardness. He had always measured the amount of information he fed her and had always dismissed her when she pried much about the clan and the doujutsu. She couldn’t help but feel a little awkward, and she didn’t know how to react until she noticed.

“The food,” she squeaked. Sarada touched the bowl and wailed, “Oh no! It turned cold.”

It reminded him of Sakura, and he smirked before he said, “Ah, but I can eat.”

“You sure? I can go and reheat if you say so,” Sarada said as she set a low table on the bed and placed the bowl there.

Sasuke nodded, and murmured, “Itadakimasu.”

He took a spoonful of porridge, and asked her, “Did you cook this?”

Sarada nodded eagerly. “Mama had to leave early for the hospital today, but it isn’t like mama’s, though,” she pouted. “I messed up while adding salt.”

“No, it’s fine,” Sasuke lied. The porridge was too watery with a lot of rice, and it tasted disbalanced.

He wondered again when his daughter had grown up so much. Although he knew they were shinobi and they were supposed to, he couldn’t shake off the image of the tiny girl born to them years ago, and the shiny big black orbs that had stared at him when he had held her in his arm for the first time.

Sasuke took a few more bites of food and decided to break the silence, “What do you want for your birthday?”

“Eh?” Sarada blushed, although she tried hard not to overreact.

So Papa remembered.

She grinned harder and nodded her head, saying, “Nothing. You being at home is more than enough for me.”

But when the words slipped, she realised perhaps her reply wasn’t apt. Some unfortunate events making him stay home wasn’t what she wanted.

“I didn’t mean that way,” she reprimanded herself. “This is the first time you’re home on my birthday and...”

She didn’t know how to explain further, looking at the ground.

As far as she could remember in her childhood, Sasuke had never been home for her birthdays except a few years during which she didn’t have a clear memory.

Sasuke again took a spoonful of porridge and said, “Aah,” and smiled lightly and added, “maybe training?”

“You know mama won’t be a bit happy about this?” Sarada deadpanned.

Sasuke scoffed and after a second, both were laughing.

It was the first time she had seen her father so unguarded. She had made many memories, spent precious time with her father, and learned a lot, but this Sasuke was an entirely new one to her. For that moment, she stopped blaming all the wrong things that had happened to her, to her father, and to her family and cherished the moment. Seeing him so casual, she decided to say something she had been thinking about.

“I’m sorry. I had always resented you because you couldn’t live with us. I wondered why you had to go on a mission for so long.”

Sasuke was a little taken aback at the moment. Years of sacrifice had created a large mass of guilt inside him. However, Sakura always supported him, but he knew he owed an apology from Sarada for his absence. He wasn’t sure how. Words weren't his way, and he was too overwhelmed to say anything after what her daughter said.

Sarada smiled widely, and added, “Thank you for protecting us, Papa”.

“Aah.”

(Since chapter 55 was released in March, I assumed it to be around Sarada's birthday)

Part 3