#i have done three problems today that EACH TOOK AT LEAST AN HOUR

[digitaldiseas3]

my professor better cancel class and stay home tomorrow if he doesn’t want to catch these fucking hands

[sheepispink]

His medic, Your muse

pairings: leon s kennedy x medic!reader (im pretty sure it’s gender neutral)

summary: You’re a medic at the DSO, your first ever patient being Leon. However that was three years ago and you’ve since left for a better life, but Leon’s being doing worse, struggling to survive without you. So, as anyone does, he turns up injured at your doorstep, multiple times.

WC: 4.5k

A/n: i miss him so much, i miss leon so much i want to kiss him

resident evil masterlist

————————————————-

You’ve worked at the DSO for a while, though as one of the medics rather than an agent. The training was tough but you took it well, eventually getting your certification. However, you still have not treated a real patient yet, only assisting or handling miniscule problems. Today you had been told that a bunch of agents had just returned and one would be assigned to you. There wasn’t time to ask questions, even to determine his state, before he’s knocking at your little infirmary in the west wing. He had dealt with his fair share of medics in his training, and they hadn’t been particularly nice. In fact none of the others in the program were particularly friendly either; nearly everyone was tightlipped due to the fact this was supposed to be some top secret government program. When he was ushered towards the infirmary and you approached him, he was expecting a straight forward and relatively quiet checkup, or at best a few stammers seeing as you didn’t look too experienced. This was the least favourite part of his missions; newbie or not, he was sure he’d leave this only feeling more drained than before. “Kennedy, is it? Are there any really bad injuries I should be aware of?”

You do stutter a little, making his lips quirk upwards at his correct prediction. “My hand got stabbed, and I was injected with some.. virus thing, then healed. Anything else shouldnt be too bad.” He reminds himself not to get too hopeful over you— that might just be the only full sentence you say for the next three hours. “V-virus?” You squeak it out, having never heard of an agent getting a virus and then healing from said virus too. Though you were briefed about Umbrella a while back, you didnt realise they made antidotes too. Then again, they didn't want all their people to die out.

You ignore the way his lips rise again at your squeak, instead opening a new syringe and setting up some vials. “Okay, we’ll have to take some blood to test for any abnormalities. Are you scared of needles?”

He blinks at you, stares down at his rolled up sleeve, the needle in your hand and then back to you again, eyebrow raised. “What if I was?”

He wasn't, but he couldn’t fault you for asking; he’s met a lot of people in his life who’ve been afraid, even if they were special service agents or the like.

“Well there’s a different needle I can use, or I can make sure you don't know when I've done it.. or I can make sure you don't see it?” He raises a brow, and shakes his head, about to mumble something about him not being scared of needles. Though, before he can get a sound out, there’s a pinch in his arm and in seconds you have the vial filled up to the top. “Hold onto this.” He finds himself following your orders without hesitation, his hand holding down a small cotton ball you pressed against the incision whilst you grab a piece of medical tape to keep it down. “Perfect, just tell me if that carries on bleeding. Now pass me your hand and I'll rewrap the gauze there.”

He blinks, watching as you delicately take his hand, slowly unwrapping the bandages and watching him for any reaction of pain. It hurts, but it’s nothing he cant handle too badly. You’re slow and careful as you clean the wound, your thumb pressing gently into his uninjured skin in a soothing gesture each time he tenses. “There, all done.” A smile curves on your lips, satisfied by your neat bandages left on his hand. “Thanks..” He starts to sit up right, ready to leave when you speak up again, hands around a small clipboard.

”So, apart from noticeable injuries, what else have you had?” He hasn't expected you to care about anything other than open wounds, considering most nurses wouldn't but you’re watching him expectantly. “Got thrown around a lot, probably some big bruises and cuts—nothing too bad.” Your brows furrow though, and you gesture for him to show you them and so he does. For the next half hour, you carefully check over each mark and particularly large bruise, fingers gentle against his collarbone as you wipe down a cut there. ”Is this it now..?” He currently feels like a mummy from how much gauze and plasters litter his body.

”Injuries-wise, yes.” You chuckle at his impatience, looking up at him again after turning the page to a fresh one. “How are you feeling?”

”What?”

”Y’know, your mental state. Any unusual migraines, brain fog..voices?” He shakes his head slowly and you nod, scribbling down a short note. He hadn’t expected to stay here this long, nor for you to ask things like that, especially since he knew most of the DSO medics were worked to the bone. You take his short answer well, scooting your swivel chair over to the computer. “Alright… just keep applying ointment on those bruises..” You hum whilst tapping away at your keyboard, likely filling in a prescription for a proper jar of ointment for him.

This time he finally stands, grabbing his leather jacket and slipping it on. He does feel a little better— even he can't deny that fact. “You’ll have a debriefing soon right..?” He lets out a small huff in agreement, clearly not looking too happy about being forced back into the job once more and not trying to hide that in the slightest.

“Hmm.. how many hours of medical leave do you want? I can't do a whole day based on your injuries, but I can definitely get you some hours of rest.” He blinks at you—was that not technically lying? As a medic, you had the authority to request a temporary, permanent, or just even a few hours of discharge, but agents who have tried to request it were nearly always denied. After all, the DSO didn't care about their employees, only the work they got done.

”You look tired. It’d do good for your injuries.” You turn back to him, giving him a small shrug before gesturing to the empty medical beds around the small room. There was a curtain to shield each one off from the other, supposed to be used for emergencies or treatments. He thinks about it for a moment, wondering if you’re really being serious about all of this. As he stares back, all he can see is the genuine worry in your eyes and he reluctantly softens his harsh features, nodding. “Okay.. guess I can stay for a bit.”

He’s suddenly very grateful when you keep your gaze to your paperwork as he steps towards a bed in the far corner, draping his jacket on the small table and undoing the remaining gear on his person. His shirt now crumpled on the desk, he slips beneath the soft but thin covers of the bed. Never would he have ever thought he’d accept an offer like this before; when he sneaks a peek back at you, he only sees you tapping away quietly at your computer. It’s an environment he likes, quiet.. peaceful; he soon dozes off, slipping into a deep slumber.

————-

That was three years ago, and since then you’ve been one of the only medics he’s let tend to, and the only he’d speak with outside of the infirmary. Sometimes choosing the medic was out of his control, but the more you were assigned to him, the more he longed for that medic to always be you. He wasn’t the only one though; you were regularly praised by the agents for being one of the most attentive around. Since that day, he’s spent a lot more hours in your infirmary too, whether it was for checkups, small cuts or just a well-needed chat that’d occasionally turn into an excuse to nap. You were one of the few things keeping him sane after every mission, making sure he stayed healthy and well and prescribing him rest whenever you deemed it to be necessary— that was practically always though.

However, just when he started to consider indulging in your presence a little more, you had decided enough was enough. Despite your constant dedication, even you couldn't live through the constant stress of attending to every injured person and witnessing deaths of agents you used to see every day. And so, after saving up enough and finding a job that only required part time, you quit. You know the agents would survive without you; after all, you were just a small spark in the midst of the darkness of the company and it had been slowly snuffing out the light you had left.

For the first few months, Leon pushed past it, especially as more B.O.Ws showed up across the states. With each mission he only drained himself more and more, forced to walk past the empty infirmary with a longing tear in his heart. He couldn't help it; you cared about him more than he would even care about himself, and he cared for you more than his mind could comprehend. So he continued to deny himself, forcing himself through mission after mission until he was riding back on his motorcycle—the pain brutal as he drove through the empty streets. What good was there in calling for help? He’d only be shoved into more work by morning, another hangover, another splitting headache and another wish of everything ending altogether. A cycle he desperately had not wanted to repeat again.

”Uh.. um.. are you free?” He leans against a payphone, knowing it’s two am and feeling so, so bad for the tired yawn that echoed when you had eventually picked up. “What’s wrong Leon..? You don’t sound too good..” He couldn't speak; forced into silence just by your gentle voice speaking out his name. There was no more of that Kennedy nonsense, just him, Leon. “Can I come over..?”

Ten minutes later you opened the door to his weary face, an exhaustion that rung his hair flat and sunk his gaze to the floor. “Oh my—“ You gasp, noticing the stains of red on his shirt and grabbing his wrist without a second thought. Quickly, you have him settled on your couch, his shirt discarded as you tend to a gash near his side, fixing him as you always have. When you’re sure he’s fine, you give him a worried glance before grabbing him a thick duvet, water and painkillers. He sleeps soundly on your couch that night, no nightmares to lurk in the depths of his mind and nothing leaking out the ever present hole that once painted his heart.

After that day, it grew increasingly harder to avoid the urge. How would anyone deny something so perfect when they’ve already been delivered a taste? It was only a ‘once-in-a-few-months’ type of thing. You let him in, even if you haven't heard from him in six weeks and he’s practically bleeding out on your doorstep. That was also the problem— the issue of inconveniencing you. He always dropped in at the worst times, usually when you were all sleepy as you wiped down his gashes with the best concentration you can. What if you were only dealing with him for the sake of it? He couldn't deny the possibility of this being true— the fact of him taking advantage of your kindness. It tore him apart more than the ache that begged for you, pulling him in two directions with no middle ground to save him.

Until a mission comes around, a bad one— a really bad one. The B.O.W lays in the rubble, a sickly acid oozing from its weakened form and it’s clear these are its last breaths now. There’s a plank of metal through its chest, its eyes destroyed by grenades Leon’s hands had dealt. However, instead of relief, he only reciprocated the distress of the bioweapon. A particularly nasty wound had his head dizzy, barely stumbling his way to your porch and knocking weakly at your door. He can barely open his mouth to speak, his eyes weak as you gasp, stilling for a split second before immediately hoisting his arm over your shoulder and ushering him inside. Blood dripped on the hardwood floor as you led him through, this time not to your couch but to your bedroom. It would be easier this way, especially since it was so close to his abdomen and having him laying flat would be great. “I-it’s not that bad..” He can't help but feel bad when you rush around the room like this, grabbing all your first aid things as quickly as possible. Usually he’d come for a patch up— not to save him before he fainted from blood loss.

“It is!“ You squeak out, back at his side and gently pushing his chest down to lay properly on the bed. It’s a matter of seconds before you have his shirt cut open, working quickly to clean the bloody skin before slipping the thread through the needle. He winces painfully as it pokes his skin, his eyebrows scrunching all the while your breaths are hitched nervously.

“Y-you’re gonna kill me..” He complains, with a groan, hoping to lighten the mood even with the current situation— it’s not like he hasn’t tried to rile you up before. It’s his love language, he can't help his nature. Even so, he’s seen you handle worse before, even having wrapped an emergency tourniquet when you got caught up in an ambush. But this, seeing him tremble, scared you— enough for your hands to tremble as you wrap a firm bandage over him. You let out a long breath, eventually rolling your eyes at his remark. “Would you prefer to bleed out all over my favourite duvet?” He lets out a little chuckle as he pushes himself up with wheezed breaths to lean against the pillows you fluffed for him. “I think I already did that part.”

The air is quiet as you clean up his blood, your rag turning a murky red. He watches you from the bed, eyes a little more awake now that the pain has eased a bit. It’s warm, on your bed, your thick duvet draped comfortably over his battered body as you stiffly place his clothes into the washing machine along with yours that had gotten drenched in his crimson. “I wish i could help you.. it doesnt feel right forcing you to clean up after me like this.” He has to cough to clear his throat, voice a little rusty. You blink up at him though, shaking your head gently as you approach the bed with water. “Only you would complain about someone taking care of you when you need it.” It’s accompanied with a half hearted smile, your eyes holding relief for his safe state.

“Hey—I’m trying to be nice. If I could, I would help you.” He mumbles out, clearly noticing the way your hand lingered as you place the water bottle on the table beside where he lays, pulling away after a few moments. “I know Leon, i know.”

He watches you finally clear up everything, before settling at the foot of the bed with your little sketchpad again. He noticed you with it in the rare moments you had free time at the DSO, always focused on it as you scribbled down little things. Once you let him sneak a peek and it was usually landscapes you’d seen when you were on field, or ones that agents described. It was a hobby that started to die out until you quit, choosing to let that be your salvation than to be another happy thing to bury for the sake of work.

“You should get some sleep, you look tired..” You’ve been doing this every time he comes around now, always sitting somewhat near him with that black book in your hands. “Cant, i’m sketchin.” You hum out, shuffling around on the bed to face him as you continue. He raises a brow at that, confused but his hands move back to adjust the pillows behind him.

“You can sketch in the morning you know.”

“Then my subject will move, and it wont look the same.”

Now he’s fully staring at you, the implications of your words not lost on him and he almost shoots to sit up straight if not for the fact of the pain running through his body. “You’ve been drawing me.. every time i come round?”

“Yeah, gotta take note of all your injuries for later.”

He gives you a look, as if calling you out on your lame excuse right then and there. “So you cant just i dont know, write it down? Take a photo?”

This time you roll your eyes up at him and come to sit a little nearer on the bed rather than near his feet. “Well then i couldn’t do this, could i?”

You turn the page around, showing him the sketched version of him who now wears an exaggerated frown as he stares out. You’ve got a knack for drawing him, the way his hair falls slightly over his eyes and even the bridge if his nose— it’s impressive. “I do not frown like that.” You let out a laugh, giggling at his reaction as you turn the sketchbook around again and carry on, all the while his mind is still stuck on the fact that you’ve been drawing him over and over.

“Guess i’m a pretty good reference then, if you’re always drawing me?” He tilts his head towards you and you snicker again, waving him off. “Dont get cocky, you’re alright.”

“Cocky? I bet i’m the only thing you draw. C’mon, rate me out of ten, theres no way i get lower than 9.”

He watches you shuffle closer to him, leaving your sketchbook to the side as you sit right by him on the bed. You begin to narrow your eyes at him, scrutinising his appearance and he’s half tempted to cower beneath your judgement. “You get.. 1 point for your hair, it’s a nice colour, but it is a little messy.” He immediately frowns at you and sits up just a little straighter than before. “I’m an agent, not a model. And I just got a drop kicked by a bioweapon. Cut me some slack.” He huffs out but you only shrug again, eyes moving towards his face instead as you cross your legs. “Hey, you asked for a rating. It’s super duper important in art you know?”

”That’s a load of crap and you know it.”

“Well, you get another point for your eyes; They’re a nice shade of blue. Also another for your nose, it curves nicely.” He raises a brow, wondering how he’s racking up so many points so quickly and he cocks his head. “You flatter me, i’ll be at ten by the time you get to my hands.” He winks cheekily, a proud grin stretching his lips wide. “Not so fast, i never said it was out of ten— 25 is the limit.”

You continue your little game, Leon scoffing as you don’t give him any points for his ‘very strong biceps’ as he says; you can only shrug, just wanting to rile him up till he pouts again. He lets you rate his body though, smirking in a cocky way as you even go as far to compliment his hands but even more so at his muscled torso— he knows you cant resist. “So how many points are we at?” He hums, enjoying the way you’ve slowly gravitated closer to him as you ramble and mumble about his features, something that's probably considered nerdy but plenty cute to watch. “I think having strong calves leaves you at… 22. That’s pretty good.”

Your lips pull wide, grinning at him and expecting him to be just as happy but instead he only gives you a short huff, crossing his arms over his chest. “Only 22? I’m not taking anything less than 24, there must be some redeeming qualities.” You roll your eyes up at him, though keeping a good eye on his torso incase of any tear of the stitches.

“Okay fine, you can get one for your biceps. Happy?”

“Nope.”

You groan, sit up straight and ogle him, eyeing him like you’re the hawk and he’s the prey, squirming beneath you uncomfortably. “Fine. You get one more.”

“Oh? I knew it.”

“You have a very huggable waist.” You giggle, snickering as you playfully plant your hands on his hips, watching something flicker through his eyes before they grow just as mischievous. “Oh? Wanna test that out?” It was a joke, or maybe it wasn't, but you didn't mind and he sure as hell didn't either. It’s stupid, and messy, the way he pulls you in for a hug and your arms are as tight as they can be around him, cheek squished against his chest.

“I was right.”

That laugh of yours is enough to make him crumble, make him want to spill every thought inside his head. The nights he wishes he was enough of a man for you, the nights he wishes he had the courage to be the one to comfort you when you quit your job, or even the day he heard someone else soothe you when you cried over another patient.

He snaps out of his thoughts, and returns the hug, his fingers lightly tickling your sides to make you squirm and scramble back, giggling all the way. “Sooo, that’s gotta be like 25 now right?”

“Nope still 24.” He groans again, and if he’s being honest he is exhausted right now, but he’d let himself bleed out tonight if it meant seeing you laugh like that again. He’s sick of sitting back and waiting for this, waiting for you to see through him, waiting for every time he’s injured to look for excuses. “How can i get the last point?” Blue eyes lock onto your face, the wrinkle of your nose and the furrow of your brows as you think, tapping your chin playfully. He knows you’re tired too, the weight in your eyes is visible but not as bad as the lack of spark in your last month at the DSO. “You have to earn it.”

Is this his chance? He could tell you all his redeeming qualities. Like how he could hold you with one hand, how his skills were unmatched to others, the feats he’s achieved. Or he could explain his care for you: how he’d protect you from any horror that came your way, how he’d kill anything that came near to harming you, how he’d quell any worry that neared your head– that he’d die for you.

You’re still sitting before him, looking at him with curious eyes as he leans forward, crossing the small distance left between the two of you. His hand reaches up, swallowing the curve of your warm cheeks as he stares at you, properly. Your noses would brush if he went any closer, he could just kiss you right now and he’d have you in the palm of his hand– even more so than he does right now. He wants you, and he wants you to want him.

“I love you,” The words slip out, intentional yet reckless all the same, a promise made that he’s not sure he can keep but he knows he’ll rather die trying than to never feel it. “And.. i’ll do anything you ask of me to prove it to you.”

It’s like slow motion the way your pupils dilate, swirling with an emotion he’s never witnessed in you before and he takes it as a good sign, his thumb gently brushing the skin below your lips. He looks at you, a silent question in his eyes, waiting for a sign of rejection, acceptance or even hesitation. You nod quietly, your hands are awkward, not knowing where to place themselves and it makes him chuckle, loving the way you falter when it comes to him. He leans in, lips pressing against your nose first just to watch the way you blink, a wide grin widening on your face in surprise before he leans in properly, hand tightening around your cheek.

“Do I get the last point now?” He asks, still enamoured by how you’re breathless, more so in shock of his confession than the short lived kiss, though that was captivating all the same. Your hand copies his motion, cupping his cheek as you lean in more fervently, capturing his lips in yours. When you finally break away you’re gasping for air, arms slung around his neck as you stare at his eyes, a pretty shade of blue. “Yeah, you’re a 25 out of 25, Leon. I wouldn't expect anything less from you.”

The reciprocation of the kiss is enough for his heart to go crazy in your palms; his cheeks lift as he grins wider and pulls you in for a proper hug, a soft kiss to your forehead for good measure. “Does this mean i cani come by without the injuries now? Just for the sake of it?”

“You always could, Leon.” You hug him back just as tight, giggling as he squirms at your eyelashes flittering against his neck. Eventually you settle him to lay down properly, with you curled around his being. His arm is weakly around your shoulders, head sunk into the pillows as he lets out a long sigh. You can only listen to the quiet thump of a content heart, your hand tracing shapes on his chest as you tenderly watch his wound, worrying about it tearing.

“Sorry for scaring you.” He murmurs quietly and you can only shake your head tiredly, craning your head up to meet his eyes again. “You’re stuck here for the next three days. Doctors orders.”

He chuckles at that, even more so as your hand reaches upwards, rubbing his jaw gently before scratching at his scalp. He returns the action, rubbing your shoulder gently as your face presses against his muscles. “Alright, alright. I can't deny that now can i?”

Bonus:

It’s his third day here, but also a Friday too. He’s still not fully healed of course, the wound still a little worrying but nothing your heart cant handle. Especially when he’s carefully looked after in your hands—- literally. The morning sun peeks through the gaps in the curtains, making you rise although not fully, still half awake as you glance over. He’s got an arm behind his head, lips parted as he drools a little, and he looks so, so relaxed. The strain of his muscles have slackened, his face looking softer, younger even, as he breathes gently. Most of all, his hand is loose around your back, fingers poking into your waist.

You cant resist, leaning upwards to his sleepy face and pressing a gentle kiss to the curve of his cheek. It’s the first time he’s ever been caught off guard, his brows twitching in confusion and he lets out another small huff, head turning in your direction as if to seek you out. It’s adorable really, and you mourn all the years you two havent been together, havent experienced this before. It’s okay, because you have the rest of eternity for the two of you— doctors orders.

[a-super-cutie]

Persistence. Obsession. Persistently obsessed.

(Part 1 of 8) SFW chapter, MDNI, 18+ series

cecil stedman x female!superhero!reader

wc: 1,345

series synopsis: You and Cecil have started seeing each other but your jobs (mostly his) keep interrupting date after date. He clearly thinks this won't work for you, but how many times do you have to tell him how utterly head over heels you are for him?? Well, if telling won't work, maybe showing him will.

Masterlist ~~~ Next Part

Today was a day to celebrate. It’s been exactly three months since you and Cecil Stedman begun dating. If you could believe he’d even agreed on a first date in the first place.

You looked out your bedroom window, down at the bustling city below, and sighed. All those people, walking side by side, hand in hand, talking and laughing to their heart’s content and where was your boyfriend? At work. 

Work work work all day every day and you couldn’t even fault him for never seeing you. He’d set you up in this nice apartment (top floor), had all your food delivered right to your door weekly (if not daily when you ran out of your favorite items), and spent all his waking hours saving the world (or in saving-the-world related meetings with world leaders). 

Cecil Stedman was a busy man. And an important man. And most importantly, YOUR MAN. So why have you only seen him a total of five times in three months? Well, not counting all the times you’d seen him after beating up bad guys or in superhero meetings where you both had to pretend you couldn’t care less for each other.

“You can’t tell anyone we’re seeing each other… You know that right?”

“Yes, Cecil. I figured.”

“That doesn’t bother you? WON’T bother you? In the future?”

“NO!” You’d reassured him over and over you wouldn’t regret keeping your relationship a secret. “This is absolutely fine with me. Whatever you want.”

But he’d only sighed at that. “It’s not about what I want. We’re coworkers in a way… We need to remain professional. And I can’t be accused of having favorites and least of all have my actions questioned when it comes to you… You’re a conflict of interest now.”

You’d nodded. “Yes. I understand. Work comes first.”

“Exactly.”

His office turned quiet as you’d both sat with his answer to your most sudden of questions. Yes. He’d agreed to a date. But only a single date.

But that had been three months ago and it had gone great! You made him laugh - once - and he’d asked you out himself! Willingly! And that one had been even better! He’d smiled more, laughed twice at your dumb jokes, and asked for another. By the end of the third you’d given him a ‘tour’ of your dingy place - which ended with breakfast the morning after - and a day and a place was set for your fourth the day after that.

He’d surprised you with a “nicer” - you’d pieced together he meant safer - apartment, and you rolled your eyes at that considering your powers and the missions he’d personally sent you on. He helped you move a few boxes and you both left the rest up to the moving crew while he showed you around the neighborhood. 

He’d been just as nervous about surprising you with a new place as he’d been on your first date - in ways only someone who observed him closely could tell: scratching his neck, avoiding eye contact when it wasn’t socially necessary, and over-explaining the logistics of his actions with big words that flowed naturally. 

You’d hugged him and thanked him which took him by surprise and brought on one of the fakest throat-clearing coughs you’d ever heard and seen…but he’d patted your back and lead your around the block explaining the pros of living in these parts. It was as if you hadn’t spent half of the last date naked and cuddled in each other’s arms at night (you think, you fell asleep and stayed asleep soon after the 'deed' was done).

The end of that fourth date hadn’t ended in an impromptu 'house tour' because he’d been called away to a problem you weren’t needed with. It wasn’t until weeks later that you’d met up with him. Honestly, he’d seemed very surprised to see you in his office with food, even if you had specifically made a non-urgent totally reschedule-able appointment - you’d written that in the ‘detailed reason’ portion of the form - that he definitely knew about. 

"I figured since you’ve been too busy the last two months, I’d just schedule an appointment… That’s ok, right?”

He’d given you a small, weak smile and nodded his head. “Y-yeah. That works great… I-is that food for us?”

You’d nodded. “Yeah. Lunch for lucky date number five.” You’d taken a seat on the other side of the smooth desk and winced when the paper bags left a grease stain on the shiny surface.

He’d chuckled. “Is that what number we’re on?”

You both ate in silence. There wasn’t much to talk about this time. You’d wanted him to talk since he rarely did - not about his own life, anyways - but if you didn’t start the ball rolling he didn’t seem to have anything to say other that asking you questions about your personal life.

You answered the questions about yourself simply and short. You wanted to hear about him, not relive your own life - though he was a really good listener. You’d started to feel guilty about how you were acting when he’d spoken up finally.

“Listen…”

Oh oh.

“This can’t be what you wanted…”

You’d started to shake your head but he had continued before you could even think about talking.

“I’m not the ‘boyfriend’ type, as you’ve probably realized…”

“I really don’t mi-”

“You had to schedule a date with me, for god’s sake.” He’d pushed aside his burger and sighed. “Look. I wanted this to work. I thought I could make this - with you - work.” He'd sighed again and looked further down at his area, completely avoiding you and your breaking heart. “I’m sorry. My work - my LIFE - just doesn’t allow for this type of…”

Cecil's eyes had finally glanced back at you and widened when you were no longer sitting across from him. He’d turned to look up at you as you’d made your way around his desk.

Your fingers had found his chin and pulled it up as you leaned over. His lips had parted and you’d kissed him hard. Passionately. Desperately. You had licked the ketchup stain from the corner of his mouth and looked at him with eyes that made his breath hitch.

“I’ll have you any way you are. ‘Boyfriend material’ or not.” You’d smiled at his stunned face. He looked at you with a million questions in his eyes. With doubt. With insecurity you’d only just noticed. “I’d rather kiss these lips once in a blue moon than never at all.”

To top off your bold move you’d kissed his scarred cheek and retreated, waiting for his response.

He had let out a shaky breath and blushed. BLUSHED! “Ah…” he chuckled. “Kind of hard to rebuttal that.” He’d smiled wide when you giggled at that.

“Good. That was the whole point.” You’d taken your seat across from him again and picked up your burger.

He’d done the same. “But - “

You’d sighed and sat your burger down. “I’ll kiss you again. That’s a threat.”

“Ha. But seriously… We WOULD only see each other once in a blue moon… I mean I rarely get any time to myself. And you obviously want to keep this thing going despite my constant unavailability… But if… If you ever wanted to call things off I’ll understand. Just send me a memo.” He’d smiled like he was being funny. A real comedian as he sat in his fancy chair in his nice office in a big spacious room telling the woman he clearly liked she could dump him in a memo whenever she felt like.

Your heart had broken as the corners of his smile trembled and his eyes darted between your eyes in search of something he needed.

You smiled casually. “Will do, right after the memo about pigs flying.”

That last date was weeks ago. 

“But I have a plan!” you told your plants. “Cecil and I will go on a nice three day - “ you crossed your fingers, “- vacation. Simple. So simple. Easy.”

You swore a leaf wilted just then.

______________________________________________________________

Masterlist ~~~ Next Part

a/n: hope you enjoyed my first fic for Cecil Stedman :)

[missmielyhoran]

Little Helpers

Harry needs a bit of help, and who's better than his two little gremlins...

90sRockstar!Harry × Reader

A/N- Happens wayyyyyyy long in the future, like at least 10 years after they meet. Harry and reader are in their mid 30s

Only Angel Masterlist // Masterlist

*****

It was your birthday.

And Harry was struggling.

You've been out in New York for last week or so for work while he has been staying home with kids.

To say they're pain in the ass is an understatement, but he made his bed (or hot tub), so he had to lay in it.

Harry was the "fun" parent, to say the least, cause he can't say no, and those gremlins even tho they're only four years old are way too good at getting things their way.

Meanwhile, you knew how to shut down something you knew they didn't need. Like the large Nerf gun, Harry got them in secret and then had to listen to you yell at him while those two giggled from the stairs in timeout.

But that wasn't the problem right now.

The problem was that the house was mess, the kitchen was mess, it was your birthday and he doesn't know how to cook, clean all at the same time while taking care of kids who are already running around in backyard.

It was times like these he was amazed by how his mother, and even you did everything so efficiently. Never once did he saw a thing out of place when you stayed with kids, and he had to go out.

(Maybe cause you made the kids clean up after themselves while he sees one look of their puppy eyes and melts)

He took a deep breath in and called for the kids, "Jack! Soph! come back inside" He yelled, which caught the twins' attention. Their little head snapped towards him, and soon enough, they were running in giggling still in their pjs.

Harry shook his head and walked back inside and saw them talking to themselves. They were literally each others best friends, always attached to the hip, partners in crime, and he hoped they're like this when they grow up.

"Kids, kids and kids!" He announced dramatically. Twins giggled again, "There is only two of us, dada. Why are you saying kids three times?" They looked at each other and laughed again at Harry's trying to be mad face.

"Hey smartasses listen to me." He flicked their head lightly, "It's your maa's birthday today"

The twins' eyes went wide, and then Soph jumped, screaming "birthday" making Harry laugh. "That means we will get cake?" Jack asked his dad.

"You will if you help me" Harry shrugged, "Whoever helps me out the most will get the bigger piece!" Harry said.

Twins looked at each other again and then their dad and nodded their head quickly, "I will help you" Jack said, "Me too" Soph said in tow.

"Well then, let's start with this room. Pick up all your toys and everything else and put them where they should be." He said, walking towards the kitchen sink. It was an open plan, so he could still see the kids while cleaning up the kitchen.

He looked at the clock, and it was still 4 hours left to your arrival. He could do it.

He hopes he can do it.

*****

Harry was surprised and amused when he looked up and saw two heaving toddlers sitting on the ground.

"Well done babies, you did such a great job" He said, squatting down to their level and kissing both of their heads.

"We know" They said together. Harry laughed at that cause even if the kids looked like him, their personality was yours. Sassy, witty and smart for their age.

"We put everything in different boxes so you could see who did more work, and my box is the most filled" Jackson said cockily and Soph rolled her eyes.

"I'm just going to steal more from dad's plate" she said without any care as much as Harry would like to think otherwise it was true. He lost his right to have his own food when he become father and he's okay with it (to certain level). Harry still very much amused with their banter over cake slice, goes to the kitchen, and fetches both of them their water bottles along with a bowl of fruits.

"Why don't you two drink some water and eat all those fruits and then come help me bake the cake?" Harry asked them immediately, getting nods as an answer from hungry babies.

He took out all the ingredients while the kids ate and arranged them, so it was easier for kids to "help" him.

Soon enough, they were all done with their snacks and were standing on the large wooden stool beside Harry, watching him make the cake. Both of them have large chefs hat on and custom matching aprons Harry got for all of them for when they would cook together on Sunday mornings.

He was in the middle of cracking egg when Sophie started to fuss, "Dada I want to do it too!" She said, pouting.

Harry brought the bowl in front of her and stood behind her holding her hand, which had egg in it, and then cracked it open and put it in the bowl. Sophie giggled, finding amusement in cracking eggs, which made Jack feel left out so Harry did the same with him too.

The kids helped him as much as they could, with bringing him stuff, and finally, the cake was in oven.

Jack and Soph sat in front of the oven watching the cake like hawk cause in their words, "we want it to be perfect like maa makes it". Harry cleaned the rest of the kitchen.

"C'mon babies bath time." He announced which much to kids displeasure meant they had to move away from the oven. Harry literally had to drag them upstairs with Soph in his left arm and Jack in right.

"You two are getting heavy for me to pick you up and roam around" he said, groaning at the feeling of back ache rising.

"No, you're just getting old, dada." The twins laughed. Harry rolled his eyes at them and flicked their heads.

"In the bath. Your maa will have my head if you two are dirty" He said, starting the warm bath of them.

*****

There have been times Harry felt proud of himself, and right now, as he watches the clean house, clean kids, and a not burned cake, he feels proud of himself.

Kids were watching TV in the living room when they heard the car pull up in the driveway, and everyone was set on their mission.

Harry quickly lit up all the candles. Meanwhile, kids stood in the position near the door with paper confetti in their hands to throw at you.

Meanwhile, you feel exhausted as you get out of the car. The fashion week of this year was hectic. You were so busy you didn't even remember it was your birthday until you opened he door.

Colorful confetti flew on your face as you heard "happy birthday" in unison. Your kids stood near the door with the biggest smile on their faces with your husband behind them with cake in his hand.

"Omg, thank you so much my little munchkin" you said, sitting down on your knees and pulling twins into tight hugs. All exhaustion and stress were lost as you saw your favorite people.

"Hey, I'm also here." You heard Harry whine, making three of you laugh.

"C'mon maa, we want cake!" Jack said, first making you laugh. You kissed both of their cheeks and stood up, walking towards your husband.

You pecked his lips and smiled, "Thank you, baby." you said with a warm smile matching his. "My absolute pleasure angel" He said, kissing you again.

"Those gremlins helped me, or I was ready to have a panic attack this morning," he said, chuckling.

You brought the cake to the kitchen, Harry stood beside you his arms around your waist, and kids stood on the stool on your other side.

"Maa make a wish!" Soph said. You nodded and wished for your family to stay just like this forever and blew the candles. Jack and Soph clapped while Harry leaned down and kissed your cheeks.

Cake slices were cut and put in plate for all four of you and as you and Harry stood in the kitchen with your head on his shoulder watching your kids banter over who's slice is bigger you never felt more content.

This is all you ever wanted.

*****

I think they're my favorite couple after Harry and Autumn.

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[derww]

DAY 9: TRIO

Zam knows he is done the moment he touches his hair and feels something firm. He checks by leaning over the nearest puddle of water, and it's barely noticeable, but even now you can already see the small black horns. He easily guesses that later they will start to twist. At that point, he was speaking with Subz every day for two weeks straight. Only two weeks.

It's not like there was even anything special. He got up in the morning, took half of the battle kit, and went to spawn and placed the dirt for twelve hours in a row. And Subz was just there, i guess. They were working together, swapped shulkers with each other from time to time, and gave comms about the amount of dirt in the chest and which parts they had finished. Sure, sometimes they spoke – often it was just Zam asking and Subz answering tho – but it shouldn't have affected so much. He felt alone enough to get attached to not even his ally if they were ready to kill Leviathan. And Subz was. Best fucking choice ever.

Subz was kind to him. He forgiven him, reassured him, helped him. He was easy to love and care. Someone is doing things that have to be done just because no one else would. It was... so generous and strange for the Lifesteal, but so understandable from ItzSubz_, the man who got his best friend by giving out hearts and taking one really strange guy and his cat-maid as a refugee.

The horns grow by almost a centimeter in three days. They thicken at the base and are now noticeable even under the hair. It would be funny if I were poisoned by a corruption instead, he thinks idly. I've always wanted to get chronic pain as a bonus to friendship.

Always all-knowing Planet giggles at him and says that he is a weakling. Bacon mumbles that there is always something wrong with him. Subz says nothing. He just nods, gives him a dirt shulker, asks how he is, says where hes going today, and goes to work.

"Is there something you deeply regret?", Zam asks after his first shulker of dirt ends. "Of course",  Subz answers, "it's inevitable". "How are you dealing with this?" – "I know I can't change anything that already happened and can only be better further in the line," – "But what if its something so bad you can't even accept that you did it?" – "To move on. Its not like there is any more choices".

It's not like he is wrong. But he is – atleast in some way. Zam doesnt say that. He still thinks about the dupe war sometimes. Sometimes he thinks that he could stop all of it if he was smarter. Sometimes he thinks that Spoke would do something destructive anyway, and he never was able to actually outplay him.

"Are you scared?" Subz suddenly asks. Zam pauses for a minute, just staring at the communicator. "Not anymore," he lies, "I was, but it's better now." "That's nice. You are on the right way.".

They're working until late tonight. Even when Subz finally gives up, having not slept for at least a day, Zam stays, and Subz hands over the remaining dirt to him before disappearing into the night. He works until he has no blocks left. And then he just stares at the sky, sitting on the hill he just made. Stars are beautiful tonight. And the moon lacks only a crescent to become full-fledged.

It's... peaceful. This is what he wanted, making The Sanctuary his new home. It's unfortunate that it only brought more problems in the end. Back then, he really only wanted a quiet life alone.

He sleeps in the New Silvington today. It's still blown up, but it's warm and quite down there. This time, memories with Walter soothe him. It's like he had a home again.

When he wakes up, his horns are half of the original length. And Zam feels so, so stupid.

He gets only a few quiet days until Mapicc and Ro show up, and he messages Subz because he has no choice.

Subz comes and covers his back. It's a good thing. By the time Zam enters the Eclipse, the similarity between them is already absolutely obvious. 

– Do you gave yourself this shit? – Subz just asks him one day.

– Kinda, yeah, – he agrees.

– Okay, if you like them. – Subz shrugs and instantly distracts from the topic. Zam stares at him for almost another minute.

He sees Vitalasy the first time after joining only after two weeks of being there, and Vi looks busy and tired, but he's still smiling, and he hugs Subz and, later – Zam. His hands are soft and warm. He feels himself very, very weak.

Vi stays with them in the base under the snow for a week. He helps them fight, brings golden apples, and cooks them sweet cakes. He accepts Zam into the team with an ease – smiles to him, covers his back, tells personal stories, and falls asleep on his shoulder, feeling safe next to him. Vi leaves shortly after, having just too big of a plan and too much of a work.

The next day, Zam already has fox ears.  

[twisted-wonderland-shenanigans]

Hey so I just found your account and omg?? it's literally so amazing 😭✋

Anyways-I was just looking through a bunch of the twist monster au headcannons/stories, and I thought of a scenario that could be done!

Basically the cast reacting to gender neutral or female reader/yuu acting stuff out in their book they are reading like poses, dialogue, just genuine reactions to the text itself

ex. Throwing the book across the room and them being genuinely concerned that something happened bc reader is just staring off into space or cursing but what actually happened was either a character died/did something embarrassing/the mc and love interest finally kiss

Anyways that's all I had in mind hope you have a good day/night! <3

Omg thank you! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the content! QvQ

Ah, books. Such a wonderful creation humans made to fill us with raw, pure emotion or shattering our hearts and souls into a million tiny pieces—only for us to read it again and again! Don’t you just love those moments as a reader? UvU

Except for cliffhangers. Readers have a love/hate relationship with it, writers adore cliffhangers! ÒvÓ

So, what happens if we take a bookreader!Yuu (they/them) and throw them into Twisted Monsterland where even the history books read like a world guide/omnibus to a game or TV series? Oh, and I took a bit of inspiration from a Disney princess comic and a Bill Watterson “Calvin and Hobbes” comic for two of these scenarios. 😂

/-----------/

“Jeez, you sure you’ve got enough books, Yuu?”

“The librarian wouldn’t let me check out more than ten at a time,” Yuu replied, their backpack and arms filled with thick books. “Wish I could’ve gotten ten more at least, but this’ll do for now.”

“Are you sure you can even read all those before next semester?” Deuce asked in concern. “Those look pretty…dense.”

“Oh, I’ll be done in a week. Maybe a week and a half if we get a lot of homework.”

“Funya?! You gotta be kidding me!” Grim said. “Can humans read that fast?”

“Not everyone. Some people are slow readers, but that’s okay since they enjoy it at their own pace while I enjoy it at mine. Only problem for me is choosing which one of these I want to read first!”

/Later that night/

“Yuu? It’s time to eat!” Grim called out. Silence greeted him as he stared at Yuu, who was sitting on the couch with their face practically buried in a book. Frowning, the chimera padded over to the couch and repeated, “Yuu! I’m hungry!”

Still the human didn’t seem to respond, their shoulders hunching as they turned the page.

“Yuu? Yuu!” Huffing, Grim crossed his arms as he glared up at them. “You’ve been reading for the past three hours! How much longer are you gonna read that book?”

“What’s going on, pal?” one of the ghosts asked as the trio appeared.

Gesturing his paws at Yuu, he said, “They’ve been reading ever since we got back from the library today, and now they’re not reactin’ to me. It’s dinner time and they haven’t made any food yet!”

Before anyone could even think of what to say, a loud, shrill squeal filled the dorm.

“Eeeeeee!!!” Yuu squealed, a huge grin on their face as they flopped to the side and kicked their legs like a nervous rabbit while holding the book against their chest. “Omg it happened, it happened!!”

“Mrah!? What?! What happened?!” Grim yelled, wings flared out defensively while his fur bristled. “Why are you yelling!”

“My new OTP!! They finally kissed!!” Yuu said, their eyes wide as they rocked from side to side. “They kissed!! Yes!! Yesyesyesyesyessssss!!!”

“OTP? What’s an OTP??” one of the other ghosts asked.

“It’s what we like to call the ‘one true pairing’ in a story,” Yuu explained, a positively giddy expression on their face with eyes shining brighter than the stars as they struck a dramatic pose. “It’s two characters who vibe with each other on a level that you just can’t help but want them to be together—and the author brought these two together!! Yeeeeeeeee, I’m so happy!!”

“And loud,” Grim grumbled, paws clamped over his ears. “Why are you standing like that?”

“It’s how the main character professed their love for the other!”

“…are all humans as weird as you?”

“Trust me, there are people out there that are way crazier in their excitement than I am right now.”

“Really?!”

“Oh yeah. Don’t even get me started on the fanfics people write.”

“Fan…fics?”

“Oh, you sweet summer child…”

/Two days later/

“Heeeey, lil’ Shrimpy~!”

“Mm…”

“Eh…? Hey, Shrimp…why are you ignorin’ us? It’s not very nice.”

“Now, now, Floyd. One mustn’t interrupt a reader when they’re indulging in such a riveting story.”

“Shh,” Yuu muttered, their brow furrowed as they hunched closer to the book. “I’m at the best part!”

Floyd frowned as he laid his head on his arms, the basilisk slumping against the table. “Man, this is lame,” he said. “You promised to come play basketball with me today!”

“Once I finish this part, we can go do whatever you want, okay, Floyd?”

Jade hummed in amusement as he said, “A rather daring proposition you just offered, Yuu.”

“We have to do a buncha reading for class anyway,” Floyd said with a bored expression. “And Crabby and Mackerel said you finished two other books already, so what’s the point of thi-”

“AAAAIIIIIEEEEE!!?!?” Yuu shrieked, leaping out of their chair as Jade and Floyd recoiled in shock. Before the twins could react, Yuu had ducked back into their chair and pressed the book even closer to their face than before.

“…lemmie see that,” Floyd said, leaning over the table to grab it.

“No, no! It’s fine, go do something else!” Yuu said all too quickly, sinking even lower and turning away from Floyd’s reaching claws. “I think I heard Riddle in the hallway.”

“Lemmie see it!”

“No! You can’t read it!” Yuu cried out, bolting away from the table holding the book tight to their chest.

“Get back here, Shrimpy!”

“Noooo!!”

“Oh my,” Jade uttered, eyes wide for a moment before he chuckled. “Perhaps I should look into this book when they’ve finished it.”

/The next day/

“Oh no…oooh noooooo, I hate this so much!”

“Then why are you reading it?” Jamil asked, the naga curled around them. “If you don’t like it, just take it back to the library.”

“I can’t! It’s soooooo good!” Yuu said, practically throwing themselves backwards onto Jamil’s snake half with the book pressed against their face.

“Eh? But wait, you just said you hated it,” Kalim said in confusion.

“I hate it, but I love it so much,” Yuu told them with a whine, their head now touching the floor on the other side of Jamil’s snake body yet still draped over him like a cat. “This book will ruin your heart and shatter your soul into a million pieces!...you should read it too!”

“Given how dramatic you’re being, it might not be wise,” Jamil said with a sigh.

“Read it!”

“It’s okay, Yuu. We can read together! It’ll be more fun that way!”

“Kalim, no. You still need to study for the next potions exam.”

“Augh, I need someone to talk about this story with so we can lament in solidarity!”

“…have you been taking lessons from Rook lately?”

/Three days later/

“Um…is Yuu okay? They’re looking a little…tense.”

It had been several days since Yuu borrowed a stack of books, and already they had gone through nearly half of their hoard. Between classes and on breaks or after finishing tests, it wasn’t hard for students to notice the lone human with their nose between the pages of one book after the other. Even the researchers had taken note of Yuu’s behavior in between tests, making note of their expressions and how their body changes with each scene depicting their emotions. It was noteworthy how they reacted when a character in the story did something “cringeworthy and stupid” (as Yuu would explain when asked), it looked as though the human had swallowed a lemon.

At the moment they were sitting in Heartslabyul, yet another book in their arms as they sat on one side of the lounge. Cater had taken progression snapshots of Yuu’s body slowly curling into itself, eyes steadily growing wider and wider to the point it looked as though they’d bolt away in panic.

“They’re fine,” Grim told Trey as he munched on a snack. “They’ve been like this since they got all those books. That’s the pose they had last time when their Ohteevee smooched or somethin’.”

“Oh, you mean ‘OTP’, Grimmy,” Cater corrected with a smile. “That’s so cute! Our human has an OTP already~!”

“I’ve heard of hitting the books, but this is ridiculous,” Ace commented with a sigh. “They’ve been reading so long that I forgot what half their face looks li-”

“GRAAAAH!!!!”

SLAM! Fwump!!

“Gyah!?” the boys yelped, everyone staring at Yuu as they sat on the couch with a dark scowl.

“Yo, what the heck? Why’d you throw the book like that?” Ace asked, pointing at the large tome on the other side of the couch now.

“Um…Yuu?” Deuce began when they didn’t respond. “Are…you okay?”

“……I’m mad,” came the response, Yuu’s expression growing more annoyed as they stared off into space.

“About what?” Riddle asked in surprise.

Yuu’s gaze turned to the discarded book, their expression as though they had been betrayed by a trusted friend as they said, “Because my favorite character died, and I refuse to read how the book ends when there’s literally two freaking pages left! That’s not enough space to bring them back in a satisfying way!!”

“Y…you’ve gotta be kidding me,” Ace grumbled with a sigh. “That big of a reaction just because a fictional character was killed off?”

“You weren’t there to see the struggles they went through! I saw them change from an annoying bully into a fully developed and vulnerable character who wanted to take charge of their life—and the author killed them off!” Jumping to their feet, Yuu marched towards Ace and Deuce’s room where they’d left their stuff and said, “Where’s my notebook? I need to fix this!”

“What are you gonna do?” Grim called out.

“Write a fanfic, because my scrunkly deserves to be happy!”

“Huh? Scrunkly??”

/Final day/

“Oh, Great Seven…what happened in your book this time?” Vil asked with a sigh.

Yuu sniffled as they tried to dry their tears, though it was difficult as more continued to flow down their cheeks. “I…I just finished my last book,” they said, their voice cracking a little with emotion as Grim pat their arm reassuringly.

“All ten books in a week?” Vil said in surprise. “That’s…impressive. Even so, why are you so upset? Was the story that horrible?”

“No…it…it…it was too good!” Yuu cried out, clutching the book so tight that their knuckles turned white as the tears flowed freely now.

“Ah…such pure, raw human emotion,” Rook crooned. “To express it so freely without fear…beaute!”

“Was the book really that good?” Epel asked.

“Yes!” Yuu wailed. “Now that it’s over, I…I don’t know what to do with myself now…”

Peering at the title, Vil gave a thoughtful hum and said, “Oh, that story. I hear there is supposed to be a spin-off book series. The first one should have released just the other day.”

“Really?!”

“Mrrr…now you’ve done it,” Grim grumbled with a sigh. “Here we go again.”

[copperbadge]

[ID: Three images; top left, the entryway to my kitchen, with half-scraped tape on the floor, a paint scraper nearby, and lots of dirt. Polk supervised me but I didn't get to take a picture of her doing it, so top right is an old picture of her in her Supervising Spot, next to her favorite sign that reads CHICKEN WAFFLES. Bottom, the kitchen welcome mat, an orange and black patterned mat, is back in place where the half-scraped tape was previously.]

Today is a good object lesson in why NaClYoHo uses media as timer!

I made a list of things I wanted to do this morning; I save big/gross jobs for the weekend, so today's list was to clean under the kitchen "welcome mat", scrub the kitchen floor, go through the house spackling small holes (picture hanging mistakes, etc), and dust the various blinds in anticipation of (possibly) pulling them up and hanging curtains in their place at a later date.

What I got done: cleaning under the welcome mat.

When I installed my rugs I put down double-sided tape, which proved to be a mistake; it's super difficult to get the tape up once it's down. But once you've pulled a rug off it, it becomes an immediate filth trap, so I had to do it. I sprayed with dilute vinegar, then goo gone, then an initial scrape before pulling the goo gone up with Grease Lightning, then repeat...

The real problem was that it's uncomfortable to kneel on the floor even with a pad, but if I crouch or bend, when I straighten I get a head rush so bad I almost pass out (thanks Adderall). I legit stood up twice and then immediately sat down in case I lost consciousness. So it took me an hour and a half to scrape and clean an area roughly a meter square. I got through an entire hour-long episode of The Worst Idea Of All Time and almost all 24 minutes of The Allusionist episode on Complex PTSD.

Now, if I had spent this whole time going "Oh shit, I've got so much else on the list to do today!" I would have freaked out at both how long it was taking and how much effort it was. But I knew that once I crossed that "the podcast has ended" line, that was all the work I had to do today. The rest of it can be moved to another day. So I did an hour and a half of fairly intensive physical cleaning, and now I'm done until tomorrow. (Even if I did also steam-mop the kitchen, since I had the steamer out anyway, and then took out the kitty litter trash on my way out the door.)

Anyway, the area under the mat is now clean, free of any possible weevils, and lightly sprayed with Super 77 art adhesive to keep the rug in place, and hopefully that will at least be less of an issue to pull up in the future. We'll probably find out when I, like a fool returning to his folly, attempt this again next year.

Disposable nitrile gloves used total: brought it up to four today! (I used three -- one on each hand, and tore the one on my right hand so had to replace it.)

Trips to the hardware store: Holding steady at 2. I will need to make my first run to the Container Store soon however, I think.

[where-dreamers-go]

"Things Happen" Dick Grayson x Reader

(A/N: Happy birthday to me. 90s Robin all happy!

Reader is a fan of Robin and has been having bad luck all day. What else could happen on their birthday?!

Also: Happy birthday @ivorydragoness44

Warnings: A little angst. Use of (Y/N). I did not take this seriously; I snickered writing the ending.

Word Count: 1,086 words)

~~~

Gotham City stood proudly with skyscrapers, large statues, and bright lights.

Yeah, you would rather be inside at this time of night.

But you were determined. On a mission to finish the day on a high note. At least a little more positive anyway. It was your birthday after all.

Just get home. That’s all, you thought as you walked along the sidewalk. Gripping a bag tight to your chest, you hoped the tiny cake would make it.

The hours that had long since passed suggested otherwise.

I can do this.

It was only walking. Nothing like what had happened earlier in the day.

Your birthday had started with you running your knuckles into the wall after leaving the bathroom, you had run your big toe into the coffee table, you had saved a cup from plummeting to the floor and hit the same knuckles as that morning, a folder full of papers met the floor later on as each slid in opposite directions, and then it was your cake.

That was almost your breaking point, but as least you had shrugged the other minor inconveniences off.

Things happen, you thought, trying to remain positive.

Not too long ago, maybe an hour, you had finished decorating your birthday cake. It was your favorite flavor and deliciously homemade. Beautiful in your eyes. Until the moment it somersaulted onto the kitchen floor. All of it. It was enough to make you sit by it and mourn its loss.

Whether it was gravity, physics, or something else—it was having a grand time with your birthday.

Should had wished for a calm day, you thought. No party. No surprises. Just a calm day. Got two out of three.

At least you were the only witness. Then again, that did mean you were alone.

But it’s all good. I have cake.

VROOOOM

SPLASH

A car sped down the road.

You blinked as water soaked in and dripped off of you. You only stood there. Done. Completely finished.

You inhaled.

“AAHHHGGH!"

You huffed and walked on.

Stupid car. I can’t even go an hour without something—stupid—happening? Come on!

Shoes stomping, you continued onward.

Stupid. Stupid. Flippin’ WET! This cake better be dr—

thump

“Hey.”

“AYY!" You jumped to the edge of the side walk.

“Whoa.” A masked man rose his hands up. “I’m sorry. I heard you yelling and thought you might be in trouble.”

“Ohmygod.”

Standing before you wasn’t any masked man. He was Robin. A hero of Gotham City.

“Are you in trouble?” Robin asked with a growing smirk. Eyes scanned you up and down.

“Bad day.” You managed to answer. Your frustrations hidden by a layer of surprise and excitement.

“Sorry about that.”

“Me too.”

Wiping water droplets off of the small bag, you shrugged.

“So, um—thank you….for checking on me.” You smiled. “I really appreciate.” Then you added, “Especially today.”

“No problem.” Robin took a step closer, eyeing the bag in your grasp. “What’s special about today?”

Taking your gaze away from the tight-suit-wearing hero, you focused on the semi-dry paper bag. Lifting it up briefly, you showed him the small bakery logo on it.

“It’s my birthday,” you muttered unenthusiastically.

The news registered in his eyes quickly. If it was pity he had for you, he hid it well. He kept a smile on his lips.

“Happy birthday…”

“(Y/N).”

“Happy birthday (Y/N),” Robin said. “May I walk you home?”

Your eyes widened. “Oh. It’s okay. Really. I’m fine—“

Reaching for your arm, Robin quickly pulled you away from the end of the sidewalk as another car sped by.

SPLASH

Well then.

“Thank you.”

From the close proximity, his grin appeared bright. Playful even. He released your arm.

“Okay, uh. It’s not far to my place.” You relented. “At this rate I’ll drop this cake too.”

“Too?”

“It’s been a day.”

With his gloved hand, he gestured for you to lead the way.

Please let him be good luck. He’s Robin. And he’s walking. Me. Home.

Leading the way forward, you kept your thoughts on Robin instead of which way your luck could turn.

He kept the conversation light, but you did eventually tell him about the woes of your day. The man was itching to know. He was shocked all that happened to one person in one day.

You on the other hand were still trying to wrap your brain around the fact that you were walking with Robin. Goodness, you were definitely a fan. A grateful one. One who thought he was so cool and unexpectedly more handsome in person.

The walk to your apartment was uneventful in terms of anything negative happening. All in all, it was good. Safe.

And the cake is fine, you thought happily as you made it to your front door.

“This is it.” You announced. “Thank you again.”

“No problem.” Robin smiled then asked, “Do you have your keys?”

“Yeah, I…have them,” you answered while fishing them out of your pocket. “See? Everything’s still fine.”

Unlocking the door successfully, you opened it.

“Ta da.” You kept it open with the toe of your shoe.

The corner of his lips upturned.

“Now all you need is a gift.”

“What?” You questioned, shocked. “Robin, you already walked me home. And you didn’t have to.”

That’s a gift of its own.

“It’s your birthday.” Robin stepped forward, eyelids becoming heavy-lidded. “I’d like to give you something.”

You swallowed.

“If it’s alright?”

“Um. Sure.” You tilted your head, curious. “Yeah.”

“How about a kiss for your birthday?”

“I…yeah.” You were a bit at a loss for words.

Robin stepped even closer.

Was your mind short-circuiting? Did you hear him correctly?

In a swift motion of his arm, Robin pulled you in by the waist and laid a passionate kiss on your lips.

For those few wonderful, fleeting moments, you were in the arms of a charming hero. The world was quiet. Your birthday was saved. You were even living the dream of almost every person in his fan club.

Parting away slowly felt like waking from a long, vivid dream.

“Happy birthday.” He whispered knowingly. Smirking, he pulled lightly on the bracelet on your wrist.

OH.

Without another word uttered nor kiss shared, Robin left with a wink and his cape billowing behind him.

Wow. And he apparently noticed the handmade Robin bead bracelet my friend sent me.

You walked into your apartment and shut the door.

“Robin kissed me!"

(If you love my writings and want to support me, I have a Ko-Fi where you can buy me a coffee. I would be eternally grateful.

~~~

PART TWO

~~~

coffee

Best wishes and happy reading.)

~~~~~

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[siilverwiitch]

Chapter 1: I am the problem

Fandom: 文豪ストレイドッグス | Bungou Stray Dogs

Characters: Dazai Osamu, Kunikida Doppo, & (mentioned Nakahara Chuuya)

Language: English

Words: 1,208

AO3 Link

Next

Opening his eyes, Dazai noticed the morning sunlight streaming in through the window. Despite the warm rays resting on his skin, he felt cold. Sitting up, he let his futon pool around his waist.

“I see God has made me live another day and I’m about to make it Kunikida’s problem.”

Chuckling to himself, he avoided eye contact with the mirror as he went about his morning routine. The final part of his morning involved wrapping his arms, torso, neck, and legs. Every time he did this, he ignored the little voice in the back of his mind that unhelpfully reminded him that it was easier with the help of a certain red-haired chibi. Pushing that thought back, curb-stomping its face, putting three rounds into its chest, and then throwing it into the river of his subconscious, he finished up the last bandage.

Time to start another day.

Today was just like any other day at the agency. Work was as unstimulating as ever, and Kunikida was as entertaining to annoy. Today alone he had called Dazai a ‘waste of bandages’ eight times, twice in the same sentence. Dazai was honestly impressed.

"Dazai, I swear if you don't stop being a pain and actually start writing the report that was due two hours ago, I will force you to stay behind until you actually finish!" 

Kunikida's face was now less than an inch from his own, and was so red Dazai could practically feel the heat of his anger coming off in waves.

"Why, Kunikida-kun, if you get any angrier your blood vessels might explode, and that would be a very painful death," Dazai replied in his usual playful tone, earning an exasperated sigh. 

Kunikida stood up and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Just get it finished, alright?"

Deciding that he had probably pushed Kunikida's buttons enough for one day, Dazai turned towards his laptop, staring at the screen and the small icon that lay ignored on the taskbar. Guess I should stop pretending I've not done anything, he thought. Sitting at the desk, he opened the icon and began checking the contents. I really need to remember that not everyone takes my playful jabs as well as... Anyway, he realised this fact more and more each time Kunikida seemed less and less pleased with his antics unlike... no, stop it... I'm not going there. I'm not giving that pipsqueak any room in my thoughts.

I can't. It's still too soon.

He hated when his mind did this to him, reminding him that one dumbass decision he made destroyed any chance he may have been able to have... Although blowing up his car may have been the final straw for the pipsqueak—at least it wasn’t his bike. He thought he would have hunted him down and ended him years ago if he had destroyed that.

Looking up from his laptop, Dazai realised the office was busy today and yet he still felt as lonely as he always had since leaving. He needed some air.

Dazai stood up from his desk, his movements languid and deliberate. The office buzzed with activity, voices overlapping in a cacophony that felt distant to him. He weaved through the bustling room, heading for the exit, his mind replaying fragments of past memories he wished he could forget.

Stepping outside, he took a deep breath of the fresh air, the cool breeze providing a brief respite from the turmoil within. The streets of Yokohama stretched out before him, alive with the rhythm of the city. He walked aimlessly, his thoughts a chaotic mix of regret and longing.

He found himself at the edge of the harbour, the water lapping gently against the docks. The horizon was painted with the soft hues of dawn, a promise of a new day. Dazai leaned against the railing, staring out at the sea, his mind drifting back to happier times. He remembered the camaraderie, the laughter, and the warmth of friendships that had once been his anchor.

But those days were gone, shattered by his own reckless decisions. He couldn't help but think of the red-haired chibi, Chuuya, and the bond they once shared. A bond forged in the crucible of battles and struggles, now reduced to a painful memory. Blowing up Chuuya's car had been the final act of defiance, a misguided attempt to sever ties he didn't know how to maintain.

Dazai sighed, his breath misting in the cool morning air. He couldn't change the past, couldn't undo the mistakes he had made. But he could try to make amends, to find a way to bridge the chasm he had created. 

As he stood there, lost in thought, he heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching. Turning slightly, he saw Kunikida walking towards him, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. 

"Dazai, what are you doing out here?" Kunikida asked, his tone softer than usual. "You should be inside, working on that report."

Dazai gave a half-hearted smile, shrugging. "Just needed some fresh air, Kunikida-kun. The office can get a bit stifling, you know?"

Kunikida crossed his arms, studying Dazai with a critical eye. "You can't keep running away whenever things get tough. We all have our burdens to bear."

Dazai's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "I know, Kunikida. Believe me, I know. It's just... some burdens are heavier than others."

Kunikida's gaze softened slightly, and he sighed. "We all make mistakes, Dazai. But we have to face them, learn from them, and move forward. You can't keep punishing yourself forever."

Dazai looked out at the water, the weight of Kunikida's words settling over him. He knew he was right. He couldn't keep running from his past, from the guilt and the pain. He had to confront it, to find a way to heal and move forward.

"You're right," Dazai said quietly. "I can't keep running. I need to face what I've done and find a way to make things right."

Kunikida nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "And you don't have to do it alone. We're a team, Dazai. We're here for each other."

Dazai felt a flicker of warmth in his chest, a reminder that he wasn't as alone as he sometimes felt. He had people who cared about him, who were willing to stand by him despite his flaws and mistakes.

"Thanks, Kunikida," Dazai said, his voice sincere. "I appreciate it."

Kunikida clapped a hand on Dazai's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Come on, let's get back to the office. There's work to be done."

As they walked back together, Dazai felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but for the first time in a long while, he felt like he had the strength to face it. With his friends by his side, he could confront his past and work towards a better future.

And maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to heal the wounds he had caused and rebuild the bonds he had broken. It was a daunting task, but one he was willing to undertake. For himself, for his friends, and for the chance at redemption he so desperately sought.

[pbandjesse]

Today did not feel as horrible. I was able to not think about it as much and while it was still in the forefront of my mind I spent more time looking into actionable things and trying to learn what was the most important thing to focus on as we prepare for whatever the future holds. So it was a little easier to not cry all the time.

It also helps that I slept better. I was just so exhausted that it wasn't even really a problem to fall asleep. And I woke up this morning I was a little overheated but I was doing okay. My stomach hurts but I definitely felt more movement that I could possibly attribute to baby. Unclear still. It is so hard to tell. But I was at least in better spirits.

I was nervous about the field trip. I'm always nervous about the field trip. But I got to camp after James walked me to the car with my bag with my change of clothes for the museum. And it was fine. I listened to a podcast. There wasn't much traffic. It was a Nice morning.

I didn't go early like I had yesterday but there wasn't a lot of setup to do so it wasn't a huge deal. I got everything ready and then drove over to the lodge weeded for parents. But they weren't coming. For a really long time.

I don't know why schools go rogue. And just decide to make their own schedules and tell people whatever information they want. Like I get that this field trip has been done for a very long time at some of these teachers have been coming for forever. But we sent them a whole Google folder with all of the information and the schedule and all this and then they don't communicate. Because even though I told them to be there an hour before the children they told the parents to be there half an hour. So of course they didn't start showing up till 9:30. And so from 9:00 to 9:20 I talked to my dad on the phone. Which was really nice. It was nice to hear from him and hear about some of the progress he is attempting to make. And he also told me that my mom is doing pretty good and I am very proud of her for all her hard work in trying to get her health straight. But these parents did not come in a timely manner

which then makes walking them to each site and explaining all the materials super difficult because I have to kind of rush. And then I find out that the teacher had given them last year schedule where it was four groups instead of five. So then I didn't have parents for all the sites so I had to split up two of the parents It ended up being fine. And the mom that took over tools was great and so it was not a problem. But I was just very frustrated that this teacher just gave all different kinds of information to these groups.

And because they came a little late I was still showing three stations their stuff when I heard the bus. So I had to call Elizabeth and be like please go catch the bus and get them inside and I'll be over there soon. And it ended up being fine but I was like 10 minutes after they had already sat down wandering in. I like ran across the field. And I don't run. And in my state I also do not run extra hard. So I was mostly power walking but still.

And as always the group was wonderful so they made up for all their nonsense. The teacher was able to pivot to five groups pretty quickly and separate out some kids and there was only minimal meltdown when they found out they were different numbers and they were expecting. And I did my intro and then they were off.

And then as soon as they were out into the world one of the teachers approached me and is like oh and we need to leave at 1:30. A full half an hour earlier than is what's on my schedule. So I had to quickly do a whole bunch of math to figure out how to make all the programs smaller. Which led to some 20 minute programs and some 25 minute programs. And then I had to run around to every single site to write all of the new schedule times on the parents schedules. And of course I messed them up a little bit. But it was fine. And I was a little out of breath but I was doing okay. Even though I was sweating.

I ended up sitting on the same downed tree that I've been sitting on for the last couple field trips. It's kind of central and I can see almost all of the stations and if anyone needs something they know where I am. And I just worked on my knitting and it was a good time. I would get two squares done while at camp and then later in the day three more while I was at the museum. A very productive day.

I would walk around to the sites and check on the groups and the parents were doing great so I didn't need to step in or worry too much. I checked on the two teachers as well and everyone seemed really happy. And the kids seem to be having a very good time. A couple of them said this was the best field trip and that always makes me feel good. And it was a beautiful day. Still very concerning for November. But a beautiful day nonetheless.

And honestly them being done at 1:30 worked out because then I could leave at 2:30 like I wanted to to get to the museum and not be horrendously late. I had planned on getting there at 3:30 with Jesse and it was going to work out. Excellent.

at the end of the field trip I did a quick closing and then got them on the bus so that they were on their way at 1:30. And they mostly cleaned up. They were really interested in the artifacts I had laid out on the table that I sometimes have time to get to but I didn't today. So they were excited to touch the mink pelt that I have. Which I just always tell them is a weasel. And once they were gone I texted Sarah and she said she would be over soon to help me clean up.

I cleaned the bathrooms and started put the chairs away when she came over and we got all the tables cleaned and put away and I started sweeping and then we finished that together. And I had to go and check all the sites before I left and figure out where the last two walkies were. And thankfully I found them. I always get very stressed when I don't have all seven of my walkies that I started with at the end of the day. But we found it and I stopped in the office to plug those in and chat with Heather and Alexi for a moment made sure that I knew what was expected for the next field trip with Elizabeth. There's only one more field trip this month and it's not until the 21st so I have all next week to do nothing and that's probably for the best. I have other stuff going on.

When I got in the car I had two Capri Suns and an applesauce and was checking the GPS and it was going to take me approximately 50 minutes to get to the museum. Traffic and everything. But it was fine. It would still put me there at like 3:25. So I start driving and it's a perfectly fine drive and I'm enjoying my podcast and it's beautiful day

And then I am about 10 minutes from the museum. Right at the end of 83. Exit 3. Which is closed. When I all of a sudden hear the sound. Because I had run over a huge bolt of some kind. And I had a flat tire immediately. And it was really scary. I have never gotten a flat tire on the highway by myself before. I've gotten a flat with James when we were driving to Philly that one time. But I have never been alone and I have never been on the highway. So I pulled into exit 3 because it's closed right now so there's a bunch of cones and I thought would make me visible. And I tried not to panic. I tried to be as calm as possible.

I called James three times and they did not pick up and I was very upset and so I texted them real quick in case they were in a meeting and they could just look down. And then I called Jesse. Because I was supposed to be there in like 20 minutes so I needed to let him know but also he was in the building and could go find James.

And that ended up being a very smart way to approach this because they were able to find James very quickly and James called me right away and then sent me the AAA information. I was getting a little freaked out in the car because every time someone drove past me the car shook because people drive way too fast on 83. And eventually I was able to pull up just a little bit more and it didn't happen so often. But I still hated being under the bridge on the highway. It was scary.

The AAA lady was really nice though. And she put me down as a priority because I was on an interstate and they had someone out to me within a half an hour. Which the last time we called AAA when we were at the apartment it took almost two and a half hours for them to catch to us because it was on our street but I really appreciated how quickly she got someone and they send you a little link where you can watch the truck driver on the map so you know where they are and it gives you a ETA. So that made me feel a little more comfortable just knowing that someone was in fact coming.

I did eventually get out of the car so I can move everything from the trunk for the market into the back seat so that we could get to the spare easier. And that did make everything a lot faster when the very nice man came to change the tire. His name was Harry. And he was very kind.

It was entirely too loud on the highway for us to like chat but he told me he could see the nail but then when we took the tire off it had like edges so we're pretty sure it's a bolt but it's pretty gnarly. And he has to buy was close to home and I said yes but I'm actually going to work and I would go slow because the spare has a 45 mile per hour limit. I thanked him for being so nice and quick and that I had been so scared because this is my first time with this happening. And then he said I was all good and to get the tire fixed ASAP.

I texted James to let them know that I was done and I would be at the museum soon. And I got over there by 4:30. It was not as late as I had feared when this had all started.

And Jesse of course was super chill and cool. James walked with me up to the education office so that I could use the nice single stall bathroom to get changed and clean up a little bit. And I felt a lot better once I did that. And then it was just checking with the caters and the event organizers and it would be a really lovely evening.

James left and I talked to Blue and Jesse. Blue is the security guard we have right now because apparently there was more security guard drama because one got fired and then another one quit because they were made to feel uncomfortable by someone. And Blue used to be our security guard but is now a supervisor and he's a really nice guy but he has to work 16-hour days if he comes to our museum because they have him at another site earlier in the day. I hope they have a new replacement soon because we have to have a good security guard.

And it was a really nice night. Everyone was really nice and it was an event for economics and like housing and everyone was just super kind and just so happy to be there after how depressed we all were yesterday it felt like an actionable evening.

And because everything was super chill I was mostly able to just stay at the desk and it and eat my sandwich that I brought with me and I had some of the hors d'oeuvres. But mostly I just played around on TikTok and knit and chatted.

I would make some rounds and make sure that everything was what the organizer was hoping for and nobody needed anything. I really like feeling like I'm very confident in my job and I think that I am getting to that point in this role and that's really nice. And then people look at me and ask me questions and I can tell them the answer and feel confident in that answer.

at the end of the night as people were leaving I was knitting and people came over and asked me about it and was able to show them the project and then like 10 people were around the desk asking me questions about my art and I got to show them my stickers and talk about my other projects and just all the good stuff that's going on and it was just nice to share some positive stuff and feel like things were okay and the people around us were good.

We cleaned up and got everything reset and me and blue walk down the building. I got some hugs from the catering staff which was super cute and then it was time to go home. And that's where I am now.

I am very ready to rest. Me and James are discussing how we will get the tire fixed tomorrow. Hopefully it doesn't take absolutely forever. Sometimes it's really rough dealing with the dealership.

But now it is time for rest. I hope you are all feeling a little stronger. A little like you are ready for tomorrow. I love you all. Goodnight!!

[lollipencil]

In The Pale Moonlight: Part 4

Ok, I can't really think of any great full scenes right now for this one, so we're bouncing around the timeline this time around. @harleyification, let's do some introductions! Enjoy and be gentle

---

(Commissioner Gordon (Marc)) A faint drizzle dotted the figure on the GCPD rooftop. Commissioner Gordon stood next to the lit Bat-Signal, looking up at the shape it cast into the ever-present clouds. Sometimes, he swore he could see that light in his dreams.

The familar sound of an ever so slight rustle was his cue. "Batman, Poison Ivy's been acting up again near Ace Chemicals," Commissoner Gordon began as he turned to face his friend, "She's been-"

The Commissioner stared. Blinked as if to dispel what he saw. Standing next to Batman, carefully watching Robin as he cartwheeled about the rooftop, was a caped mummy only a head taller than Robin himself. "Commissioner?" Batman asked, as if he couldn't tell what the problem was. "Is that another kid?" Gordon hissed, pointing at the trick or treater. "This is Moon Knight," Batman introduced, "He and his brothers will be assisting us from now on." "There's more of them?!"

---

(Damian Wayne (Steven))

Damian was polishing one of his knifes when a knock came on his bedroom door. Silently he slipt the knife up his sleeve, ready to deploy at a moment's notice, and opened the door. One of Father's "children" was standing there, thankfully not Drake. Damian had not interacted much with this one, Spector he'd heard his name was. Although, curiosly, they had personally been introduced as "the Triplets".

"Hello Damian," he greeted, his accent and expression far different than before, "Do you have anything planned for today?" "Why do you ask?" Damian kept his guard up. "There's a travelling exhibit at the Gotham Museum of Antiquities," Spector elaborated, "It's on ancient weapons. I'm going, and thought I'd extend an invitation."

"Tt, Mother taught me of many cultures' weaponry." "Yeah, but have you ever held any of them?" Damian paused. Idly, his eyes drifted to the bracelet Spector was wearing.

Father had indicated to pay attention to it. It was light grey and white at their first meeting. It was blue and black now. "Tell you what," Spector continued, "If you promise not to verbally or physically attack anyone, and to not steal the weapons, I'll take you with me. If you're good, I'll pay for a few things from the gift shop."

There was something going on with Spector, and Father had clearly intended in Damian working it out himself. To prove his skills. Plus, he'd always wanted to hold a khopesh. "I concede to these terms."

---

(Zatanna Zatara (Everyone))

Out of everything Zatanna Zatara was expected at midnight, the Batman knocking on her hotel window was fairly low down on the list. She had been in Gotham a mere three hours. "And how can I help you?" she greeted with a smile anyway. The Bat seemed intimidated by Zatanna's peppiness. "Moon Knight and his brothers have been hit by a spell," he muttered.

The drive to the Batcave was...something. At least, the dim lights were easy to adjust to. "Ok," Zatanna clapped her hands, "So, where are they?" "Right this way," an elderly gentleman in a domino mask held a curtain open for her.

Slipping in, she quickly had to hold back a coo. There, curled around each other and mewling loudly, were three cats. The white one hissed at Zatanna's entrance, while the dark and light brown and white cat next to him chided him, and went back to grooming his brother's. The grey and black striped one simpily stared at her. "Oh, this is an easy fix," Zatanna waved to herself, "emoceb namuh niaga."

Between blinks, it took effect. But not in the way Zatanna expected. "That sucked," moaned the single human sitting before her, "Need anything else?" "I've done it wrong," Zatanna slowly admitted, "Let me just fix it-" "Nope, nothing to fix here," Moon Knight popped up to his feet, british accent replacing american, "Thank you so much, we're off to bed."

Nobody stopped him as he darted straight to the elevator. "Miss Zatara," the gentleman intercepted before she could follow them, "While I understand your concern, I can assure you that their condition is back to their usual." "...oh."

[dream-beyond-the-dawn]

Coffee and meetings (Aph Russia omo)

This was requested by anon so...here ya go. If you're reading this, I hope you like it. I'm not proud of it because it's definitely not my best work. Truth be told I haven't really been in the Hetalia fandom since I was like 14 lol almost 10 years ago. But I tried lol.

Meeting after meeting after meeting. That's all Ivan had done ever since the time he woke up that morning. He took another sip of what had to be at least his third coffee that morning while glancing at his watch from the break room. He still had 15 minutes to finish his coffee.

He relaxed back in his office chair. He probably could be spending his break doing something more productive- considering he was about to attend a meeting lead by the notorious talker- Alfred Jones. But all he wanted to do now was sip on his coffee in the break room with no one there to bother him.

At least it was his last meeting of the day. And it was only an ally meeting so that meant less people.

Ivan finished his cup of coffee, deciding he should probably go to the bathroom before the meeting started. They were notorious for lasting anywhere from thirty minutes to a couple hours. He didn't usually even have anything to say. Ivan preferred to listen and not speak up much. That and he knew a lot of people found him intimidating, something that didn't bother him.

He turned the corner to the bathrooms only to see they were both cautioned off. Then he remembered someone mentioning in passing that the building was being partly remodeled. He was pretty familiar with this place by now and he knew that they only had one bathroom.

Maybe drinking three cups of coffee wasn't a good idea. But he shrugged it off and headed to the meeting anyway. He'd never particularly had a small bladder anyway so he would be fine.

He sat by himself on the very end, far from anyone. He wasn't sure what the meeting was about but he didn't really care.

"We have a lot of ground to cover today." Alfred started out, sounding as enthusiastic as ever. "We're going to be discussing national security. Does anyone want to start?"

Ivan tuned out most of what was being said. Ludwig started the conversation which wasn't exactly shocking.

So far all the meeting has consisted of was a projector playing a video of what each country was doing in an attempt to lower crime. Some of them admittedly weren't bad ideas but there was something distracting him.

The coffee that he drank was starting to fill his bladder. It wasn't bad yet but if the meeting lasted as long as predicted then a potential problem was in the making. And only 30 minutes had passed too.

Ivan leaned back in his chair and tried to get comfortable while each person took turns on their speech after their segment of the slideshow ended. He knew his turn was coming up which made him nervous. Public speaking had never been his thing. It wasn't necessary that he was shy- he just didn't particularly enjoy any attention drawn to himself.

Which is why he had to be even more careful with anyone catching on to his predicament.

"Ivan what about you?"

He stiffened. What were they even talking about? He was so focused on his bladder that he wasn't paying a bit of attention to what anyone was even saying.

"Forgive me, I am just a bit jet lagged, da. I'll sit this one out." He said it with a smile but knew it came off as forced.

There were times when everyone being various levels of scared of him paid off. This was one of them.

He got a few somewhat annoyed glances from the others who likely didn't want to speak up either but he didn't care. The sooner this was over the better.

Something he'd learned how to do throughout all the years of having to attend meetings, he had learned to tune them almost out by distracting himself.

Sometimes he would tell himself stories and sometimes he would reminisce on the past.

Right now he was finding it hard to do anything other than think about how badly he needed to use the bathroom.

He glanced at the clock. The meeting hadn't even made it past two hours. He was glad his sister, Katyusha wasn't there. She definitely would have noticed and likely said something. His other sister- well he didn't want to talk about her.

Another hour passed and Ivan was now starting to sweat. He was so focused on anything other than his bladder that he didn't notice Feliciano address him out of concern.

"Are you okay? You don't look too good."

Shit. Now they were all paying attention to him. They all knew. They had to.

The stress of his situation made a single drop escape Ivan, who was trying not to panic. He let this go on for too long.

"Are you okay dude? You look like you're about to puke." Alfred paused the slideshow that was playing. "do you need to step outside?"

Ivan stood up, barely managing to keep a relaxed posture and exited the room without word. He was too desperate to worry about how embarrassed he would definitely be about that later.

When he turned down the hall away from the room, he stopped and grabbed himself, crossing his legs. He bit the inside of his cheek so hard it started to bleed. 'I can do this.'

After being hunched over for a few seconds he was finally able to gain some control. His bladder throbbed in pain, begging for release.

Ivan tried to make it to the exit building- if he could just go outside he could-

"Dammit!" He was hit by a wave of desperation so strong that even holding himself wasn't doing anything to help him hold it back all that did was make him realize how wet his pants were.

Ivan took one more agonizing step towards the door and that was the breaking point. He stared down in shame as his light colored pants turned dark as they became saturated with piss.

The feeling of relief was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. He couldn't hold back the small sounds of pleasure he made.

It took about three entire minutes before he was done. Now be was left with cooling wet pants. Ivan took his coat off and wrapped it around his waist which made it hard to see what had just happened.

He looked up when he heard the sound of a door shutting followed by footsteps. He quickly hid behind a door to one of the other rooms so no one would see him.

"Where did Ivan go?" Arthur asked sounding impassive.

"He didn't look like he felt good. I bet he went home." Alfred responded back.

So they must've been leaving together. That meant he would either have to sneak out after them or wait until everyone else left.

"He's not supposed to be doing that."

"Did you wanna be the one to stop him? C'mon the dude is nuts sometimes. I don't want him to beat me with his magical pipe of pain."

That was all he heard before they left. By now his pants were extremely uncomfortable but he noticed a small clothing store across the street. It would certainly beat driving back to his hotel with wet pants.

He waited a few minutes before leaving the building and heading straight for the clothing store. He wasn't sure where everyone else was but he didn't want to stick around and find out.

[prettylittlelyres]

Violins and Violets - 4th July 2023 (update)

Hello, friends! I'm so pleased with what I've written today! I've made lots of progress on Chapter 3 of Violins and Violets, with three writing sessions: 750 words at lunchtime, 250 during downtime, and another 250 after work. 1250 words total (and that's rounded down to the nearest 250 each time, so I have no idea how much I've actually written, but it's a lot!), So it's time to share a celebratory excerpt, because I haven't done that in a long time. I'm having lots of fun adding scenes to the beginning of the book. Käthe and Johann now meet in Chapter Two -(and you might think they're heading for a romance, but you'd be wrong!) and there's a lot more build-up to Käthe's departure from Salzburg.

I've managed to write at least 250 words every day in July, and I know we're only four days in, but I'd already had to take time off by this point in June, so I'm pleased. It's a real struggle to write every day, especially when things get difficult in other aspects of life. Unfortunately, writing is creative outlet, because it occupies my mind as well as my hands! I can crochet very quickly, and I'm so used to it that I don't have to think when I work on a blanket. That's great if I want to have a conversation while I crochet, or when I'm too tired to talk but still want to do some craft... but makes crochet absolutely useless as a distraction! It doesn't seem to occupy the more complicated parts of my brain at all. Writing does, but I have to be in the right frame of mind to be able do it!

I was sad and sleepy for most of June, and had a lot of crochet to do, so my writing wasn't a priority. I ended up with just under 6,000 words written for the whole month, but I'm trying not to feel bad.

I took the month to let myself rest and relax, and came back to my writing habit when I was ready. Already, I'm feeling a lot better. We're four days into July and I've written over half what I managed to write in the entirety of June. I'm hoping to write more. I had a great start to the year, averaging over 1000 words every day in both January and February, and I'd like to get closer to that.

In an ideal world, I would write thousands of words every day, but it's just not practical alongside a full-time job and other hobbies. If I could stay awake 24 hours a day without perishing, there would be no problem. Alas, I live in a body, so sleep is required and my waking hours are limited.

Speaking of sleep, I must have at least a little now, or I will feel hideous in the morning. Good night, dear friends! Happy writing... or happy resting.

[stressedlawsecretary]

Today's Focus

11.02.23 - Sooooo. I fell off my bed yesterday and badly screwed up my ankle so I am working from home until at least Monday by now! Not gonna lie not feeling very motivated to do anything but sit here with my leg elevated and screw around on social media.

Work - Well. I pretty much caught up with work so it's just whatever comes in that I can do by email/phone. I could redact some more of that one document project but that's about it. Thank God.

Background Noise - I start the day with 74 on my Watch Later; I did watch five (5) of my Watch Later yesterday. I also did like...six & a half of the seven goal hours on the DVR: two regular Jeopardy episodes, an episode each of CBS Sunday Morning and 60 Minutes, and two of the three planned Steve Wilkos Show episodes. I really am feeling lazy and will just do random DVR stuff today while nursing this injury. I got a bunch of game shows and primetime dramas that can fill my time.

Study - I did manage to read the four Power Player biographies I wanted to, and I hit the goal of three Afghan File articles. I have no planned study today though; I don't think I could focus enough to read chapters of books again. I might do some more articles on the Afghan Files but that would be it.

Extras - You know at least I got my chores done yesterday before my injury. It's trash day but I bet my hunny will be helpful; I took half the stuff out yesterday anyway that was the chore I had forgot about. The injury is preventing me from taking a proper shower or anything though and I don't know how to figure that problem out yet.

[katsukikitten]

Clip That - Katsuki's Route

Chapter One - Marlboro Red

Another loud thump pulls Bakugou from his sleep with a deep inhale and a long, exasperated growl. He had finally fallen asleep and with his phone reading eight am he'd only gotten three hours.

Which was never enough for the hot headed man, needing upwards of eight to be a decent human being. All his life Bakugou was teased for going to bed early and still being slow to rise but no one realized how long it took him to fall asleep. How hard the insomnia hit as his mind replayed memories in his head to analyze like clear film on what he could have done better.

So he was about to make this everybody's problem.

He doesn't understand why the fuck there is so much noise happening so early. Normally he and Kirishima would be up and at the gym while Kaminari slept until eleven or noon, depending on when Kirishima woke him up. So why the hell could Katsuki hear Pikachu's laugh echoing around the house.

He digs his heel into his eye, doing nothing for the deep bags under deadly bromine. Snarling his lip as he thinks a cigarette and maybe a coffee sound godly right now. Slapping on some deodorant, a clean shirt and boxers before sliding into his black jeans. Patting at his hoodie from last night, greedily grabbing for the red and white cardboard box. Flipping up the top and when he finds nothing but flecks of tobacco and not a single rolled stick he crushes it with a hiss. Tearing his room apart in search of that stupid fruity vape Denks had gotten him hooked on, hoping that at least a hit of that nicotine would placate him until he could get the kind that clotted his lungs much more obviously.

Despite his frantic searching, Bakugou really could quit any time he wanted. His nationals and championship trophies in MMA said as much when he had quit cold turkey for two years. Kirishima convinced Bakugou to train with him at 16 and the pair spent the better part of their youth fenced in a cage, climbing to the top quickly. Ripe age of 18 and Bakugou had been heavily decorated, it wasn't until he became a world champ at the cusp of his 20th birthday that he was satisfied. When the reporters asked why he was retiring at such a young age, the ash blonde with a split lip, the scar still visible today, gave a wolfish grin.

"I just want a fuckin cigarette."

And God damn it he was going to have one now. Giving up on his vape he leaves his room, the one across from his, the door open and a few pink storage boxes stacked up. Bakugou snarls his lip, did Denki finally allow his chat to decorate one of the two guest rooms like he said?

It didn't matter what that dumb ass friend of his did, it was Denki's house. Bakugou knew how hard Kaminari worked at being a successful streamer. Dominating casual and competitive games but never going on to join an esports team because to Kaminari, talking to chat was everything. Bakugou didn't get it but he never questioned it either, to each their fuckin own.

He just remembers the electric blonde asking if they wanted to live with him, since Kirishima, although still fighting, was heading more in the direction of health and training streams. And Bakugou was and always will be Kirishima's plus one. Not that Kaminari didn't want Bakugou here, he was excited, even if the ash blonde didn't know what he wanted to conquer next Denki thought he smelled opportunity. The professional steamer knowing all he had to do was give Bakugou a little nudge in the form of a few well placed videos and make him build a PC.

Although Bakugou will never admit how well Kaminari played him, at least never aloud.

Bakugou's bedroom is to the left of the stairs, across from the upstairs guest bedroom, having chosen this room because it was furthest from those two block heads across the balcony and he has his own bathroom. Well unless their were guests over.

Going down the curved steps with ease but stopping halfway when he sees Denki, Kirishima and you standing in the foyer.

You smile widely at the men, giving them your gratitude although Bakugou can tell that you're a little uncomfortable. Not because you were going to be living in a house full of men but most likely from your new and overly helpful roommates. The men holding pink and black bags while you were only allowed to carry some ugly cat stuffed animal that you could just fit your arms around.

"Thanks guys, really but I promise I'm not fragile."

"Oh we know." Kirishima beams, holding your fifty pound duffle filled with your gaming equipment, "It's rude not to help."

"Besides this is nothing to Eiji, you saw how he took that mattress up by himself!" Denki claps Kirishima on his sculpted back harshly but the man doesn't even flinch. He just puffs his chest out in pride, long red hair with his dark roots showing falls into his face. You give another polite although clipped smile. They were really too kind and you were entirely grateful the only issue was you just had an incurable case of hyper independence so any time you received any sort of help, it made your skin crawl.

Before you can try to pry at least one bag from the men turned pack mule a dark voice cuts through the air.

"Fuck is she doin here?"

Kaminari visibly stiffens as Kirishima pouts.

"Come on man, don't be like that. We agreed to have another gamer roommate. She plays a lot of casual games!" Kaminari is excited again by the end of his sentence, the possibilities and your potential made him feel as if electricity was dancing in his veins.

"Yea when I agreed to that shit I thought it was gonna be Zero from Deku's team." Bakugou growls, really wishing he had a smoke to place between his lips.

"That's your team too ya know." Kirishima adds and Bakugou scoffs.

"I didn't agree to some discordkitten ." He spits your username like venom, the disgust worming its way under your skin and further poisoning your heart. Your lip snarls, crossing your arms since he obviously knew you, or at least of you if he knew your twitch tag.

"Ya know I wouldn't expect someone as boring as you to get it." You glare up at him, a cruel smile on your lips, "What's it like to be so one dimensional, Katsuki? I just can't even imagine how dull you truly are or maybe the word I'm looking for is daft? Since you don't even get a joke that's so simple to understand."

"Don't fuckin use my first name." He snarls, bromine eyes burning into your skin.

"I'm just making it clear that it's you I'm speaking to. Ya know since you have a little trouble with nuance."

"At least I don't have to be a fake bitch for views. Ya act all cute when you're the furthest thing from it." Bakugou's eyes dull as he glares, exhaustion and the gnawing hunger for nicotine pulling at his limbs, forcing him down the stairs.

"Guys guys!" Denki stands between the two of you, literally. Making gestures with his hands as he starts to sweat, "Come on, Katsuki, be civil."

"Suck my dick." He says, bumping his shoulder against Denki and then Kirishima, who gives a stern glare. He grabs his keys and makes his way towards his black coupe, no doubt needing to drive now instead of walking to the closest gas station.

"Ah I know he's an asshole but underneath all that he's a really nice guy. You just gotta get to know him." Kirishima reassures you and you try to keep the heat out of your gaze when you look up at him. He's smiling so wide his eyes are closed and you're wondering just how the fuck two of the kindest, most respectable guys ended up housing with a man so toxic he got banned from gaming platforms almost weekly, not that that ever stopped him.

"Let's set your things down and we'll give you a tour and the house rules." Denki climbs up the stairs two at a time and Kirishima follows only after you. Climbing the steps in your dark leggings and oversized black cardigan you wore for comfort. You were already a bit nervous, knowing people would think you were using Kaminari, stringing him along to better propel your own success. When really all you wanted to do was enjoy what you did for a living.

Denki was the one who reached out to you, having accidently found your page. Finding himself unable to click away as if he felt he was gaming with an old friend he hadn't seen in a while. String lights gave the shot of you a warm and cozy glow. Legs tucked under you as you sat on your floor on a faux sheepskin in an Eevee onesie, all the eeveelutions sitting dutifully at your side as they supervised your game play.

Curiosity always second nature to Denki, he wonders if Eevee was your favorite and why you liked her so much. He donates $10.00 just to find out and to this day he still hasn't forgotten how your face lit up. How your smile made one creep onto his own face, voice laced with excitement as you answers.

"Gengar and Eevee are my favorites. I love Eevee so much because she can be whatever she wants to be! She just has to trust herself!"

After that he watched your entire four hour stream before he dms you to chat. Some long discord call, half a year of friendship and a three hour flight later you find yourself standing in the middle of your new bedroom. It felt so surreal, like a dream and well it was a dream to live each day as you pleased. Playing games and chatting with people without much worry or care in the world.

A dream of stability you never allowed yourself to have. At least not more than a blip in your consciousness before you passed out just to rise early for a job you loathed.

Not to mention the generosity Denki had, giving you the first three months free until you got on your feet. You refused the offer time and time again until he finally said you'd take his offer and could pay him back by doing the house budget.

Only then did you finally agree.

"We can get paint tonight before you're all set up, whatever color you want." Denki smiles, gently setting your stuff down onto the bed that sat in the middle of the room on a plain platform frame, "Kirishima and I are the fastest painters in the west."

"But our lines aren't as clean." Kirishima laughs as you look around the room.

Denki makes quick work of showing you upstairs. Your room was, unfortunately, across the hall from Bakugou's, next to the ash blonde's room the two of you forced to share a decent sized bathroom that gave some semblance of separation as the door only opened up to the hall. Unlike on the other end of the house where Denki and Kirishima's bedrooms were connected by a jack and jill bathroom. The largest room just in front of the winding stairs is the laundry and storage room that Kirishima turned into a partial home gym.

He leads you back into the foyer, when facing the stairs to your left was supposed to be the living room that Denki turned full arcade. So many pinball machines and arcade boxes that one or two made their way into the foyer. Almost blocking the half bath and the view into the family room.

Hell, he even had an air hockey table in the center of his homemade arcade. To your right was the dining room, simple enough but it was obvious it was mostly unused as he stepped into the nook of the kitchen. Sizable round table that could seat six sat just before the long island with a waterfall countertop. A few barstools under the edge of it. Large pantry and door to the garage to your right and to your left you could see into the family room. It wasn't small by any means. Holding a huge sectional couch, giant TV mounted on the wall and with a door that leads to the gorgeous patio and pool.

Holy shit this man was fuckin loaded

It's all you can think as he guides your through the house, truly a lap in luxury. And although it was essentially a frat house, it was kept clean and well maintained. Few decorations aside from neon lights in the shape of Denki's waifus.

"Oh and this is the master bedroom. I wanted it to be fair so I leave this for guests." Denki grabs the back of his neck, it was true. He did want the home to feel fair and that he wasn't some ass hole land lord.

But he also couldn't admit to himself that he didn't deserve such a nice room, at least not yet.

It was large enough to fit a king sized bed and still have a small seating area. The en suite was the kind you dreamed about. Huge soaking tub, large shower and a walk in closet bigger than your old bedroom across the country.

"Your house really is lovely." You comment, marveling over the family room again. The view to the pool and mountain side is your favorite thing so far.

"Well it's your house now too! So make yourself at home. Oh just some quick things." He hands you the house rules to go over yourself later while he chats, "Bakugou does the cooking so be sure to tell him what you like to eat. He makes a big list that I go grocery shopping for with the supervision of Kirishima, maybe you could tag along this weekend so you can get some snacks. Groceries and necessities come out of the house account so go nuts. And trying to get your groceries on your own is a no."

He gives you a stern look at least stern for Denki before rattling on about a few important rules.

"Any questions?"

"No, honestly I'm just glad to be here." You admit and both of them smile wide as they say in unison.

"Welcome home!"

[mysticaldeanvoidhorse]

A Chance at Love

Part 7

Jensen x Reader

Summary:

Having been legal guardian to your niece for almost a year, you land a job on the set of Supernatural.  You become good friends with Jared, doing his makeup everyday but when Jensen gets back from a small break, are you able to stick to your oath to keep your heart closed?

tag list: @streets-in-paradise ​ @nancymcl @lyarr24 ​ @hobby27 ​  @tristanrosspada-ackles @muhahaha303 @eonnyx @maggiegirl17​ @stoneyggirl2​

tag list open :)

Masterlist

page breakers curtesy of @firefly-graphics​

     Monday came and the day went by quickly.  There were a lot of scenes to get through and there wasn't much time to chat with anyone.  You did the makeup for the extras and Carol focused on the actors who would appear on screen the most since she was senior makeup artist.  This suited you fine, you were still learning the ropes.  Before you knew it, it was time to pick up Morgan, but you still had a lot to get done.  You began to panic.

“What is it?”  Carol asked you, seeing you begin to pace.

“I have to pick up Morgan but I have to finish at least three more extras’ makeup”  You told her.  “What am I going to do?”

“First of all, stop panicking. There is a simple solution.”  She tried to calm you down.

“What is that?”  You asked her.

“I will go pick her up and you finish.”

“No I can’t ask you to do that.”

“Pfft you aren’t asking, I offered. I will bring her back here, and by then you will be done and if not I can keep her entertained.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course!  It isn’t a problem really.”

“Well take my car at least, it has her car seat and I can’t ask you to burn your own gas for this.”  She rolled her eyes taking your keys.

“I owe you thank you so much.”

“All you owe me is a cup of coffee tomorrow and we can chat.”

“But we get free coffee here.”

“Exactly.”  And she winked at you and left.  You would have to think of some way to pay this wonderful woman back.

     An hour or so later, you were just finishing when you heard Jared and Jensen walking by.

“Hi Y/N”  Jared called.

“Hi guys!  Done for the day?”  You asked them.

“Just running some lines together then we will be done.”  Jared told you.

“This guy needs extra help”  Jensen teased him.  You both laughed.

“Oh right, if anyone needs help it’s you.”  Jared retorted.

“Mommy!”  You heard from behind you.

“Hi baby!”  You leaned down to pick her up.

“Carol picked me up today!  I looked for you but she said you had to work.”

“She is right, I had to finish some things, but now I am done so you have all my attention”  You kissed her cheek to which she giggled.

“Can you say hi to these nice men?  This is Jared and this is Jensen”  You told her, indicating the right men.

“Hi, I am Morgan, are you my mommy’s friends?”  She asked, her big eyes staring at them.  They chuckled.

“Yes we are, it is nice to meet you.”  Jared said.

“I have friends at school. But they are girls, boys are icky”  She stuck her tongue out causing everyone to laugh but you.

“Morgan, we don’t stick our tongues out you know that.”  You scolded.

“Oh it’s alright, some boys are icky, but we are nice.”  Jensen smiled at her. She smiled at him and you realized there was no age limit on his charm. All women loved him. 

“Are you nice?”  She asked him.

“I sure am, and to prove it I have a cookie with your name on it.  If your mom says it's okay?”  He said looking to you.  The snack table was nearby.

“Yes it is, but only one.”  You told her after she looked at you with pleading eyes.

“Yay!”  She squealed, causing Jensen to laugh.  You put her down and he took her hand to get a cookie.

“He is great with kids”  Carol mused, giving you a look.

“Sure seems that way.”  You ignored the look.

“Hey I will see you ladies later, I need to go over these so I can go home, I have a date tonight.

“Tell Gen hi for me”  Carol said.

“Will do, bye!”  He waved and walked away.

Jensen and Morgan came back, each with a cookie in one hand, and her other hand in his.

“I have a cookie!” She beamed at you.

“Yes you do, did you say thank you?”

“Thank you Jensen.”  She looked up at him.

“You are more than welcome.”  He smiled at her.

“Can you come play sometime? Auntie doesn’t have friends over.”  She asked Jensen.

“Oh I don’t know, maybe some time but you should make sure it’s okay with your mom first.”  He was giving you a look.

“Auntie?”  He asked you.

“Um yeah, it’s complicated, um-” You didn’t have time to explain before you were interrupted.

“Excuse me”  Morgan said.

“What is it, love?”  You asked her.

“I need to GO”  She emphasized the word, and crossed her legs bouncing.  

“Okay baby, hang on.”  You picked her up.

“I have to go, I will see you later”  Jensen directed at everyone, but looked at you.

“Bye Jensen”  You told him with a smile.  “And thank you”  You pointed to Morgan.

“Anytime”  He gave you a genuine smile then walked off.

“Looks like he is good with kids and likes Morgan a lot,”  Carol mused.

“It seems that way.”  You stared at the man walking away, looking just as good going as coming.

“That’s a good quality to have in a man.”  Carol said

“What are you talking about?”  You quickly turned to her.

“I think you know,”  She said pointedly.

“Mommy I still have to go”  With that you said bye and thank you to Carol and quickly walked to the nearest bathroom.