#i just gotta finish out this week urgh

[isekyaaa]

I tell myself I wanna make a Thoma x reader fic, when in reality, I wanna make a reader fic with side Thoma in a way that would utterly fail the Bedchel test.

[cerealmonster15]

Kalim and the Great Relationship Rescue [Twst] [Kalisil + Jamiazu]

Chapter: 3/? [Start ch1 here!]

[Ao3 Link]

Chapter Wordcount: 4,085

Chapter Summary: Kalim and Silver go to Cater for advice, take a walk, and go to their joint Alchemy lab class with all the other second years. Things get a little heated in the process.

[See ao3 for additional notes and tags!]

“I dunno, boys,” Cater said after a long sip of his tea to stall for thinking time, “That sounds like a real toughie… You sure you wanna get involved in something so…. Messy?”

Kalim’s large, earnest, pleading eyes said it all.

Cater sighed.

“Listen, babes… I get you wanna help your friends, but maybe this is one of those situations where you’ve gotta take a step back and really… See what’s going on, y’know?”

“But we can see!” Kalim insisted, nearly knocking over the teapot with his exaggerated hand waving.

Silver quickly stilled the wobbling pot with his hand. “How do you usually handle an argument with your boyfriend?”

Cater responded with several seconds of loud coughing as he struggled to not choke and die from accidentally inhaling his tea in surprise. “Ack- Urgh- Sorry!? My WHAT?”

“Your boyfriend.” Silver repeated so very helpfully. 

“Ohh, that’s right!” Kalim beamed at Cater. “You and Trey have been dating for a while, right? Do you two ever get into arguments?”

“Wh- Wh- No!” Cater sputtered out as his cheeks grew red.

“Oh. Well, that’s good,” Silver said. “I’m glad to hear that you two have a healthy relationship.”

“Yeah!” Kalim agreed cheerfully. “I don’t think I’ve ever really seen you fight at all, actually! But I guess that’s not really going to help us here-”

“Nooo,” Cater decided it was his turn to wave his hands around sporadically - narrowly missing the teapot himself. “Um, it’s like, super cute you think he and I are an item, but we’re totes just besties.”

“Really? But I thought-”

“Um, anyway!” Cater clasped his hands together and stood from the table. “This convo so isn’t about me. You said you wanted to help Jamil and Azul, right?”

“Oh, yeah!” Kalim nodded with vigor. He couldn’t afford to let himself get distracted from his main mission! …But, perhaps he and Cater could circle back to the Trey thing at a future Pop Music Club meeting, once he had Jamil’s relationship back on track. One relationship stabilization mission at a time!

“Right, right.” Cater, face still very flushed, began ushering Kalim and Silver back out the door now that their tea was basically finished. Finished enough, anyway. “Um, sometimes the best thing to do is to observe before taking action! Uhh, see where they’re at when they’re together, and go from there? Maybe it’d be easier for them to ease back into things with a couple of mutual buddies around to help bridge the gap and make it less awkward?”

Somewhere together…?

“Well, the second years do all have a joint alchemy class coming up this week,” Silver suggested. “Perhaps then we could-“

“Sounds perfect!” Cater said quickly. “Glad I could help! Now go get some, um, planning done!”

And with one swift motion, the door was shut, leaving Kalim and Silver alone again.

Kalim pursed his lips together, deep in thought. “...Okay! So now we just have to figure out how to-”

“Kalim,” Silver gently cut him off, “would you like to go take a walk in the botanical garden with me? I think we might think better if we got some fresh air.”

“Oh!” Kalim nodded enthusiastically and turned towards the direction of the garden. “That's a great idea, Silver. I love moving around when I get stuck on a problem- Let’s go!”

The school’s garden was nearly empty this time of day, as most of the students were off in classrooms. There were just a few Science Club students milling about, taking inventory of the plants and their health, as well as a familiar, slumbering beastman beneath the shadiest tree off in a quiet corner. Normally, Kalim and Silver would’ve liked to go say hi to their dear friend and schoolmate, but at this particular moment, they were simply too caught up in their mission to risk getting sidetracked! Sorry, Leona. Maybe next time. 

After a few minutes of the pair quietly walking through the garden and admiring the plants, Kalim spoke again.

“I’m really glad you’re helping me out, Silver… Normally when I’m worried about something, I talk to Jamil about it!” His cheery face shifted to a more melancholic expression as he spoke, his smile not quite reaching his eyes anymore. “So it's been really hard when the one thing I'm the most stressed out about EVER in my LIFE is something that I can’t talk to him about at all. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to sit with this all by myself!”

Silver nodded in understanding. “Don’t mention it. No one should ever have to be alone.” 

Kalim smiled sadly once more. “Yeah, I totally agree! And that’s exactly part of why this is so important.”

Silver tilted his head a whopping three degrees to the side. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… I have people like you or Jamil when I need to talk to someone, and that’s great! But, Jamil… Well…”

“...Jamil’s  closest confidant was Azul, I assume?” Silver asked after a moment of silence, to which Kalim nodded. 

“I think Azul is the only person Jamil has ever really felt comfortable talking to about the hard stuff,” Kaliim admitted. “Like, I wanna be there for him more than anything! But it’s not exactly… easy these days. Not like when we were kids.”

Sometimes, Kalim wondered if it was EVER truly ‘easy’ for Jamil to be Kalim’s friend. 

Silver offered another silent, solemn nod. Over time, Kalim had told him all about Jamil’s overblot incident, and Silver was always a good listener and supportive shoulder to Kalim’s distress in turn.

Silver bent down at a nearby bush and plucked a fallen flower from the base and gently, wordlessly tucked  it behind Kalim’s ear. “Do you want to partner up for the lab assignment this week?” He asked. “We can work together to keep an eye on Azul and Jamil’s behavior around each other.”

Kalim smiled a little brighter this time, lifting a hand to touch the flower, which still felt fresh. “Yeah, that sounds great! They used to pair up for all their assignments together, and Jamil’s classmates all say it’s really tense during labs now… But maybe with more of us friends around for the joint class, we can bridge the gaps, like Cater said!”

Surely, this plan - which wasn't really a plan, but more of a decision to attend class like normal - would work out just fine.

–

Kalim never really understood the phrase “You could cut the tension with a knife” until he arrived at Alchemy class that Friday. Like any other joint second year class, the same four students sat at the front: Riddle, Jade, Azul, and Jamil.  As class 2E and 2C’s highest achievers, it only made sense that they would naturally end up sitting together on a fairly regular basis, when joint classes permitted.

That being said, it was a noticeable change when Azul and Jamil stopped sitting next to each other, leaving Jade and Riddle to serve as buffers in between the front row. Kalim quickly scurried to sit between Silver and Ruggie a few rows back.

“Almost didn’t make it before the bell, huh Kalim?” Ruggie leaned over to whisper. “You didn’t come in with Jamil?”

“We had separate classes before this one,” Kalim whispered back. “I would’ve walked with Silver, but I had to run back to my room and get my textbook that I forgot to pack this morning!”

Normally, of course, Jamil was diligent at making sure Kalim had all his books together, and even spent time putting together reminder notes, just in case. He never slipped on his duties! Not unless there was a major problem that got in his way.

And, well…

“Quiet down, noisy puppies!” Professor Crewel called out to the class, his sharp voice and the loud smack of his teaching pointer against his desk silencing any further chatter from the students as he went over the day’s joint lab exercise instructions. Kalim tried his best to focus, but honestly, how was he supposed to think about anything the teacher said when he was so worried about his beloved friends? Surely he would have had complete, total, perfect focus on his schoolwork if it weren’t for the Jamil and Azul situation. 

Definitely.

Silver’s sleepy head bonking into Kalim’s shoulder pulled Kalim from that distracted train of thought just as Crewel dismissed the students to all pair off and go to their respective cauldrons to begin the assignment. 

Azul stood without a word and motioned for Jade to follow. Jamil made silent eye contact with Riddle, and the two of them walked off to another cauldron in the opposite direction. Kalim and Silver took the cauldron near Jamil and Riddle’s, and Ruggie scurried off to join Floyd over by the fellow fish boys. 

Kalim and Silver then realized neither of them caught the instructions, having been too busy worrying and falling asleep, respectively, to pay their full attention.

“...Um,” Kalim shuffled over closer to Jamil and Riddle’s cauldron. “Do you guys know what goes first?”

Jamil and Riddle exchanged another glance and sighed.

“We’re meant to follow the guidelines on the packet,” Riddle said, gesturing to the stack of papers at each station. “Each group has a different element to brew of the overall potion, and we have to communicate with the other stations to decipher who has which part of the potion and when to add it into our own concoction, as well as gather ingredients from the communal table up front.”

“Oh, um…” Kalim only really understood about half of what Riddle was talking about, but Silver gave him a firm nod of understanding, so they’d probably be fine. “Got it, thanks!”

…

“Wait,” Kalim said again, just as Riddle had turned away to start working with Jamil. “Um, so that means we all have to talk to each other, right?”

Riddle froze, hand hovering over the pair of safety gloves he was about to put on.

Jamil nodded. “Yes, so make sure you’re paying attention to who you’re getting which ingredients from.”

“R-right, thanks!” Kalim hurried back to his station nearby with Silver. He glanced across the room over at Azul, then at Jamil, then back to Silver. “...They’re gonna have to talk to each other!”

Silver nodded. “That is what we wanted, yes? For them to talk in a space among friends.”

“Right, but now that it’s actually happening… I’m not ready! I don’t think they’re ready!”

“Have faith, Kalim. If they’re really meant to resolve their problems, perhaps they will fall naturally back into step with each other.”

Kalim bit his lip, and decided he had no choice but to agree with Silver and hope things went along smoothly while they worked. Besides, it was class time, and Jamil and Azul were always serious students. They’d never let their personal problems get in the way of their grades!

“Can you move, please?” 

Jamil’s sharp tone cut like a knife, and Azul definitely took his time turning around to face him with an equally cold expression. 

Kalim froze in the middle of adding the ingredient he’d just retrieved from Floyd and Ruggie’s station. He looked over at the front of the room in a panic. They’d only started the lab five minutes ago, so there was no way the two were already fighting, surely!

“I’m so sorry I’m in your way yet again, Jamil.” Azul crossed his arms, holding Jamil’s icy glare. “But I’m every bit as much a student as you are. Jade and I have a right to get the supplies we need for the assignment, but my deepest apologies for taking up your precious space.”

Jamil’s glare intensified as he narrowed his eyes further. “Well, it seems to me that you’re wasting my time by purposefully looking so slowly through the ingredients. Take what you need and go.”

“Come, now,” Jade interjected from behind Azul, having swiftly picked up the items they needed and offered his politest of smiles to Jamil. “No need to argue. I’ve already gathered our ingredients, so we’ll be out of your way.”

“Please, Jade, don’t bend to his baseless complaints,” Azul huffed. “Besides, this isn’t your battle. I can handle it on my own.”

“Why are you making it sound so dramatic?” Jamil hissed. “A battle? I just asked you to move aside.”

“A bit more of a demand than an ask, I’d say…”  Azul muttered.

“Yeah, you would say that, wouldn’t you?”

“Jamil, let’s just get back to our station,” Riddle said as he appeared beside Jamil, making brief eye contact with Jade and attempting to tag-in and de-escalate the situation. “We can’t leave our concoction unattended.”

Azul clicked his tongue at the pair. “Getting distracted, are you? My, how terribly out of character for you both.”

Riddle, now fully caught in the crossfires, couldn’t help but immediately get riled up alongside Jamil. “Excuse me? Is your cauldron not also left alone across the room while you stand here and hurl passive-aggressive insults?”

Jamil nodded in satisfied agreement. “He’s too busy blaming other people to notice his own hypocrisy.”

“Oh, that is RICH coming from you!” Azul said, his voice growing louder and seeping out of his calm facade as he set down the jar he was holding a little too hard on the table.

Kalim and Silver glanced at each other, both pretty sure they heard the glass crack even from where they stood.

“You’re going to make a mess,” Jamil scolded. “Don’t be a child, Azul.”

“You’d know all about being childish, wouldn't you?” Azul shot back.  

Jamil took a step forward, his elbow bumping into another bottle on the table. “Can you just let me do my work?!”

Kalim also stepped forward. This was going very bad very fast, and he needed to stop them before they did something they regretted!

“Pups!” Came Crewel’s warning call from the front of the room. “Quiet your yapping and focus on your assignment!”

Kalim stepped back into place.

Jamil and Azul held each other’s glares. 

“You heard him,” Jamil said. “Get out of the way so I can do my work.”

“And I still have to do my work,” Azul argued, holding his ground. “I’m not going any-“

“HEY!” Floyd shouted from across the room. “Jade, Azul, your cauldron’s gone crazy mode.”

Jade turned around, an amused look on his face. “Oh? My, what an issue. I’ll take care of it,” he said, and casually strolled across the room towards the overflowing and spitting cauldron. 

Riddle gasped at the realization that his and Jamil’s cauldron was likely in a similar state from being left alone for the same amount of time, and turned to hurry back to give theirs a stir. 

“…You’re distracting me,” Jamil grumbled. 

“Is now really when you’re going to pay so much attention to me that you forget about your work?” Azul muttered back. 

“You just don’t understand what I-!” Jamil shut his eyes and exhaled, then spun around to call out to Riddle. “What’s our next ingredient?”

“...Toadflax,” Riddle responded, ever so hesitantly.

“Ah, isn’t that a funny coincidence?” Azul said, placing his hands on his hips with a smug grin aimed back at Jamil. “Jade and I happen to have the toadflax station.” Riddle shot Kaliim an apologetic look for not being able to aid in preventing such a catastrophic encounter. He’d intended to try and keep the interactions between their stations between him and Jade, but things hardly ever went as planned when dealing with anybody at this school, after all.

“I’m not sure I want to do business with someone so hard headed and petty,” Azul continued, “But I suppose if you apologized nicely for such unbecoming behavior, I might be willing to lend you what you need.”

“Are you out of your MIND?” Jamil shouted, voice rising yet again. “This isn’t one of your stupid, shady business deals; we’re literally doing a CLASS ASSIGNMENT.”

“Then I guess you’d better start that apology. In fact, I think there are a few other things you could be apologizing for-”

“Why don’t YOU apologize to ME? You’re the one who-!”

The shouting from both parties finally came to a close when not only Crewel stood up to go lecture them for being so disruptive, but at the same time, smoke started rising from the ingredients table.

Kalim squinted, trying to find the source of the problem. The glass jar that Azul put down seemed to be seeping out a liquid… And the bottle Jamil bumped into had fallen over, causing its contents to spill and ooze its way into the other, and the combined reaction was not pretty.

Well, it was kind of pretty. A bright, blue flame sprung up on the table, and was spreading very quickly to the rest of the ingredients.

“STUDENTS, OUT OF THE ROOM IMMEDIATELY!” Crewel shouted as he stood with his pen already aimed at the flaming disaster.

Kalim instinctively stepped forward and held his arms out, ready to cast Oasis Maker, or to pull his friends to safety, only to feel a tug on his arm as Silver instead pulled him towards the door.

“That’s not an ordinary fire,” Silver said, “so we don’t know that water would help, or if it would just make it bigger.

“O-oh, right- but, wait- Jamil!” Kalim turned to look over his shoulder in a frantic panic as several students pushed past them to get outside.

He was relieved to see that not only was Jamil already on the move, but had instinctively grabbed Azul by the arm and was ushering him out of the room in a similar fashion that Silver had done with Kalim just moments ago.

Seconds later, the students all stood outside, sheepishly glancing at each other as Professor Crewel strode outside, having extinguished the flames and disposed of the reactive substances. Lingering smoke coming out of the room behind him only accented the stern expression on his face, and just about every student avoided his gaze.

“It seems some of you whelps still haven’t learned proper discipline in the laboratory.” His scornful gaze scanned across the sea of anxious students, landing on a particular pair off to the side. “....Viper. Ashengrotto. You two will stay back and clean up the mess you made as punishment, and I don’t want to hear any whining about it. Do you understand?”

The two mumbled their affirmations and followed Crewel back into the classroom as the rest of the class was let out early, the lab having to be postponed to later that week

Ruggie skulked over to where Kalim and Silver stood, watching Jamil and Azul leave. “...So, those two are still a disaster, huh?” He whispered through half a snicker.

“Tell me about it,” Floyd added, approaching from the other side, Jade close behind. “I mean, Jade and I know Azul’s a mess, but it’s kinda crazy seein’ him lose his cool in the middle of class, heh.”

“How unfortunate for them,” Jade added, smiling nonetheless.

“Hmph,” Riddle crossed his arms from where he stood at the edge of the group, watching Jamil and Azul from a distance through the open classroom doorway, as the remaining traces smoke cleared out. “This can’t go on. Not only are they a hindrance to each other, but to the rest of us, as well. I was so caught up in their quarrel that I nearly neglected to focus on my own assignment, and that CANNOT happen again.”

“It’s nice to know that you are all worried about them, too,” Silver said to the group that had formed around them.

“Mm, I dunno if worried is how I’d put it, exactly…” Ruggie mumbled.

“We have to figure out a new plan!” Kalim said. “Silver and I have been trying to figure out how to help them, but it’s so hard… Cater said we could try getting them to talk when they’re with friends, but that literally blew up in their faces!”

“Cater?” Riddle raised an eyebrow. “He did mention you two dropped by for tea the other day, but I couldn’t get a word out of him on what you talked about.”

“Oh,” Kalim put a hand on Riddle’s shoulder. “We’ve got to help Cater with the Trey situation next. I’ll fill you in when this is all sorted!”

Riddle’s eyes blew wide open. “Excuse m- The WHAT situation?!”

“Hey, hey, as much as I’d love to stand around and gossip about our beloved third years,” Ruggie said, throwing an arm around Riddle’s shoulders and giving his head a pat, “I wanna get to lunch, so let’s stay on track. Jamil and Azul are makin’ their issues everyone’s problem, and they’re totally gonna burn the school down with their stubbornness if they don’t cool off soon.”

Riddle frowned and squirmed away from all the patronizing physical contact. “Ahem, well, perhaps there was still merit to what Cater told you two.”

“Ehh, I mean, they kinda already tried that, yeah?” Floyd took his turn to rest his chin atop Riddle’s head, much to Riddle’s frustration. “Like, they talked, people were around, ‘n they blew up, like Sea Otter just said.”

“Yes,” Jade agreed, “the situation looks quite grim.”

“Then why are you smiling…?” Riddle grumbled, escaping Floyd’s grasp and moving to stand next to Silver.

“That being said,” Jade continued. “Just what is the ‘goal’ here? Asking Azul to stop picking fights with Jamil is like asking it to snow underneath the Coral Sea. It simply won’t happen; Azul is far too proud.”

Ruggie nodded. “And Jamil doesn’t exactly look ready to say anything to Azul’s face that’s not a slew of insults.”

Kalim hung his head and sighed. “I know it was really bad today… But, I just… I don’t think we had the right atmosphere, y’know? Like… When I’m trying to focus on what we’re doing in class, my head gets all full and scrambled, and it’s hard for me to give my full attention to what’s going on. I think Jamil and Azul need a more relaxing place to talk and rediscover their feelings!”

Everyone grew quiet for a few short seconds as they considered Kalim’s words.

“...Are you saying you’re trying to get Azul and Jamil to DATE again?” Ruggie asked after about ten full seconds of silence passed.

Riddle, once again, looked shocked. “There’s absolutely NO mending that relationship! You were just in the same class we were, weren’t you? Their conversation quite literally went up in flames, and that was just a byproduct of them standing too close to each other! There’s no salvaging something like that. It’s better if they just part ways and learn to be civil if they absolutely have to be in the same room together.”

“Oh, but…!” Kalim furrowed his brows with a pout and fidgeted with his lab coat sleeves. “No, I really think- They just need to, uh…!”

The group stood quietly and watched Kalim, waiting for whatever plan he was desperately trying to come up with on the spot. Kalim felt himself growing frustrated under their stares- not frustrated at any of them, nor at Jamil or even Azul, but at himself. He felt his feelings on a large scale, and he knew what he was feeling in his heart! But putting those feelings into words… Sometimes, for Kalim, feelings felt bigger than words. The bigger the feelings, the harder they were to articulate to others… And sometimes, those were the most important feelings of all. He didn’t know how to convince the others around him, but that didn’t make him any less determined by what his heart was trying to tell him about his need to help his treasured friends.

Silver, as quiet as he had been since they left class, glanced down at Kalim’s hands. Fidgeting, moving, twirling… Nervous. 

And, perhaps if anyone else understood the feeling of struggling to find words, it would be Silver.

So, when words failed, there were always actions to take instead. Silver reached out and took one of Kalim’s twiddling hands and threaded their fingers together. Silver’s much more stable, calloused hand quelled the nervous energy in Kalim’s soft and jittery fingers.

Kalim looked up at Silver, surprised for a moment, but a warm, calming feeling washed over him as he met Silver’s steadfast gaze.  

Kalim smiled and gave Silver’s hand a thank-you squeeze, and then turned back to face the group. 

“Let’s plan a party!”

[datoneboardedguy]

Charmcaster x Male Reader Fanfiction (LEMON!)

(DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE BEN 10 IP OR ANY OF IT’S CHARACTERS!)

Third POV:

A few weeks after Charmcaster/Hope kicks out Darkstar she starts getting lonely again & gets an idea to use her magic to get a man from Earth at random to brainwash & seduce under her spell, she casts the spell to the magical arch door & it disappears to pick someone up.

M/R’s POV:

I’m clocking off of work just as the taller guy called Kevin I think? As he arrives to clock in for his shift he passive aggressively shoulder bumps me as we pass each other, I don’t usually pay much attention since I only ever see him in passing as I get off work. Along the way home I see plenty of students wandering around the neighbourhood coming & going, since I’m not paying attention I almost bumped into a red head student as she says “Whoa, watch out where you’re going.” I look forward & see she’s walking with a blonde girl in a wheelchair who I’d presume is her friend & say “Oh sorry, I wasn’t attention. Excuse me..” as I swiftly walked around the two & went on my merry way. I approached a back alleyway to take a quick shortcut to my street but as I reached the alleyway entrance a couple of teens came out from around the corner with a pair of Mr Smoothie drinks in hand & completely blindsided me, one was a Chinese girl in a pink hoodie & the other was dude in a green leather biker jacket & he spills his Smoothie’s all over my clothes & I say in frustration “AH SH$T!” Then my phone sparks & shorts out zapping my left hand making me drop it due to being soaked in smoothie liquid it then smashes into pieces upon impact with the footpath pavement ground. “MOTHERF%#KER!” The guy apologetically says “Sorry sorry for your clothes & your phone, I didn’t see you!”- “URGH JUST WATCH OUT WHERE YOU’RE GOING NEXT TIME!” I then hastily walk away to head home & get cleaned up & study.

Then as I’m about to get home a massive rift opens up right in front of me which turns into a huge stone arch double door, then a bunch of illuminated pink symbols appear on the top of the arch door before the door slowly starts to open up. Sucking me into the door like a vacuum i then fly through the door & I’m now suddenly falling through a pink void onto a floating stone pathway in the middle of nowhere. I look up at the door I feel through only then for the door to shuts & vanishes, then a castle appears right in front of me & the castle gate opens up revealing a smoking hot white haired woman around my wearing some kind of purple & black costume with a black tiara looking crown that kind of resembles a big black eyebrow for some reason you’d see straight out of D&D. Then she walks towards me with her seductive swaying hips while saying “Looks my man package has arrived, I’m Charmcaster. Welcome to my Realm, that’s right this is my realm..”- “What’s going on here? Where the heck am I & can I PLEASE go home now?!” “Oh my little bird, you’re not ever going home, because this is your home now!..” “Like hell it is!..” I then started running away from her trying to find a way out of here. “So you want to play hard to get huh? Very well. ..Run, run, run as fast as you can! But you’ll never escape me!”

After what seemed like hours of nonstop running in what seems like an endless void of pinkish nothingness I finally found a town on stone buildings but as I got closer to it I realised that it was completely abandoned, a ghost town. “Oh you gotta be fucking kidding me?!” Then I hear a voice behind me say “You can’t run from me sweetie, my realm as you can see ..is endless.” I turned around to face her as she proceeded to say “..& you’re never getting out.” She then starts casting her magic to try & snare me, run away before she finishes her spell into the abandoned ghost town. As I’m running through the empty streets I’m dodging nonstop attacks. Until I get cornered inside of a windowless stone building with a single door way in or out & she’s standing right in the middle of it. “There you are, now hold still sweetie.” She says as she tried to snare me again but I barely dodged it & now I’m literally backed up against a wall with nowhere else to go as she tries again to snare me she, succeeds in grabbing & tying my body up with her magic snare & is slowly pulling me towards her as she says seductively “Nice try handsome, but you can’t escape your destiny.” I’m now standing right in front of her as she proceeds to seductively whisper “Just give yourself into me..” then she puts both of her pink glowing hands to the sides of my face but not touching my face she then closes the distance between us & as our lips finally touch my mouth is immediately flooded with soo much energy my mind immediately goes numb with lust for Charmcaster & I now can’t stop wanting to rip her clothes off & just sexually devoure her slim well toned muscular body & I immediately get a throbbing hard erection, her hands touch my face suddenly Charmcaster warps us both into her supposed bedroom.

We now proceed to passionately deepen our make out session as she magically warps both of our clothes off of us, she then pushes onto her bed. I momentarily regain my senses but I can’t move as Charmcaster seductively crawls onto the bed & crawls on top of me as she seductively whispers into my left ear “You’re mine now M/R..” then she grabs my face & starts deeply passionately making out with me & my mind immediately goes back to blind lust & thirst for her & we started pulling each other close as she inserts my precum leaking member into her folds & we started aggressively making love & thrusting into each other like rapid animals as she’s moaning into my mouth as we’re making out & suddenly pushes my face into her breasts & on impulse I started sucking & devouring her rack making her loudly moan even more. I feel her hands gripping the hairs at the back of my head the more I’m sexually devouring her breasts, I then start to kiss & lick my way up to neck & up to her face to resume our make out session, she moans into it as she starts using her magic to cover my body in her mind controlling runes, every second she traces her fingertips along my body sends endless amounts of ecstasy filled shivers down my spine as she ironically speaks in tongues into our deep kisses & as she finishes tracing her magical fingers over my entire body I feel my climax approaching & I think I can somehow sense hers as well, with every thrust both of her & my moans start to eco louder inside my head & as we finally climax our collective moans filled the bedroom & all of the halls of her castle walls.

As we finally finished she grabbed my face & gave me one last deep passionate kiss as I feel it, her runes start glowing & my body started turning into stone. Her eyes opened up to reveal her beautiful glowing eyes & my eyes started glowing as well as i sink into her beautiful gaze & suddenly I’m no more.. & my master Charmcaster seductively says “Welcome to the family my new lovely thrall!..”

The End!..

[twst-the-night-away]

[ background by @bunnwich // card assets by @alchemivich & @100night // sweater texture by Vectonauta ]

Here's Violetta for @bunnwich's Yuletide event! She's making holiday treats for Heartslabyul with @twstinginthewind's Joker! Will she actually get to enjoy Yule this year? Find out in part 2 of their joint story!

Read part 1 here first!

There was a brief silence after Trey left the kitchen, leaving Joker and Violetta to fend for themselves making the sweet treats from the random assortment of ingredients he’d picked up. Violetta narrowed her eyes after him. There was something … off about how hastily he’d ended the conversation, wasn’t there? But there wasn’t anything that could be done about it. Another Yule, another job to do … With a heavy sigh, Violetta took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes.

“I suppose this Yule’s going to be the same as ever.” She put her glasses back on and went over to the sink to wash her hands. “Oh well.”

“It’s not so bad, I guess.” Joker finished tying on her apron, and tossed one over to Violetta once she was done washing up. “I just wish my Momma doing this with us. Kind of not used to doing this without her, ya know?”

Violetta drew her lips into a thin line. “Mmm. Mine keeps me pretty busy this time of year, too.” She unfolded the apron and tied it behind her neck. “At least it’s just for one party, for one day. Usually I’m well sick and tired of Yule by this point.”

Violetta started to open drawers, looking for the can opener. She’d need to get a move on this fudge if she was to make enough for the whole dorm.

“Thought I’d be able to get away with enjoying it for once,” she muttered.

“Hm? How many parties does your family usually have?” Joker looked over her shoulder, having finally found the mallet. “We’ve got, like. Just the one, but it’s pretty big, so we gotta prep for a bunch of days beforehand.”

“Well, it depends.” Having found the can opener, Violetta walked back over to where the ingredients were all spread out. She closed her eyes to think of all the hassle that Yule brought to the Piccola Inn, and a chill shook her for a moment.

“There are all the groups of friends who want to catch up for tea this time of year at the inn, and then lots of families who don’t want to bother with having Yule at their own house, or who are traveling and all want to meet up … Let’s see. Usually by this point, we’ll have had to cook and serve up a turkey dinner every night for about … two weeks in a row.”

Joker grimaced. “Eesh. That’s a whole lotta bird. Why would folks have their party away from home? Geez. I thought that was the point of all this.”

Violetta laughed a single, bitter laugh. “They don’t feel like cooking, or decorating, or cleaning up after themselves, that’s why. So we do it for them. I suppose when you have the money for it, you can let somebody else take on the troublesome parts.”

She took a bag of marshmallows and struggled with it for a moment before the plastic gave way, then began to measure them out into two-cup amounts. Joker had opened up the cookies and was loading them into a plastic bag.

“No one feels like cleaning or whatever. It just needs to get done. Urgh, I don’t understand folks.” Joker glanced over at Violetta, who realized just then that she’d set that measuring cup down a little too hard.

Violetta winced. Oh dear. Was she being a grouchy little geranium again? That was what Mamma Piccola always called it.

“You sound like you’re really angry over all this,” Joker said. She stopped and leaned against the counter, resting a hand on her hip as her brown eyes observed Violetta just a little too accurately for comfort. Violetta sighed. Time to walk it back, just enough to where it wouldn’t become a problem.

“Now, I don’t mind if they want to make their memories at the inn, but … well. It’s kind of tiring.” The marshmallows measured, Violetta moved on to the chocolate chips. “If I’m not helping serve the guests, I’m cooking, or baking, or remaking the rooms, or doing laundry, or cleaning …”

Joker pouted in sympathy. “Basically, all the things.” She swung the mallet down on the bag of cookies, shattering the contents with a crunch.

Violetta unwrapped a stick of butter and sliced off enough for the first batch, then popped open the evaporated milk. “And, well. There’s no understanding from Mamma, either.”

Oh no. Here it came. Whether Violetta wanted it to or not, she was going to spill. She sighed through her teeth and added the butter and milk to the pot, following them with sugar.

“She seems to enjoy it. She says it’s like having company, but … it really isn’t. They’re customers, not family or friends, and it’s not like we’re a part of their celebration. We’re just helping make it happen so that they can have a good Yule memory.”

Violetta turned on the flame underneath the pot, and watched as the butter slowly began to melt. The sudden guilt of having been that grouchy geranium came over her, and she straightened up. A smile was attempted, but no. Violetta wasn’t there yet.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to complain, I just -”

When Violetta turned around, Joker was reaching around her to turn the burner off.

“Joker -?!”

“Right. Put this on pause, Vi. You need this more than I do.”

“But why -”

“Two things. One, the thing I’m making needs to chill between steps and we can start yours after we do that. But. More importantly. You mentioned therapeutic violence?”

“Ah.” Violetta wilted a little, her cheeks flushing purple. “So you heard that.”

Joker flashed her signature wide grin. “I’ve gotten used to listening to you, miss Quiet.” With that, she handed over the mallet. “We need to DESTROY these cookies. Just obliterate them. And you can do the first honors.”

“Destroy them?!”

“I’m giving you a good Yule memory if it kills me. I think wanton destruction’s a good place to start.” Joker laughed. “Been hanging around with Floyd too much, I guess.”

Violetta looked down at the mallet in her hands. The wood was heavy, dented with spikes on one side. She sighed.

“All right, I’ll give it a try. Let’s see.”

She walked over to where the bag of half-crushed cookies was, steeled her nerves, and used every last bit of her pathetic upper body strength to give it the most ineffectual whack.

There was a silence, then Joker heaved a long sigh.

“Gonna be here all night, you tapping them to pieces like that … hang on. Lemme show you.”

Violetta stepped aside as Joker raised the rolling pin and let the bag have it. The show of force made her jump out of instinct.

“I see …” Violetta picked up the mallet again and steeled herself. She raised it high and let it fall, making a much better dent in the cookies. With a little laugh, Violetta kept going, feeling her tension start to melt away with every blow.

“You know, this is rather fun!”

“Maybe I do know.” Joker grinned wide. “We’re gonna have chocolates made from this, okay? Sort of an ersatz truffle. They’ll think we worked so hard…”

“Oh, I see!” With that, Violetta finished off turning the first bag of cookies into crumbs. “So that’s what you want the cream cheese for. I suppose you already figured out what I’m up to.”

“The same thing we got in trouble for making in our dorm room?” “Yes, but with a few extra steps.” Violetta set down the mallet and stretched her arms. “Though I’ll have to play with these odd flavors a bit to see what I can come up with. And as always, I’ll need your help when the tough stirring comes.”

“But of course!” Joker flexed a powerful arm. “I don’t mind the workout. I think I’ll take the mint and white chips off of your hands, so that’ll be a little less to worry about.”

Suddenly, her brown eyes lit up with inspiration.

“Hey, you think there’s food coloring around? I can add green dye, so these can match the Green One.”

“Ooh, and maybe you can make some red ones, too. The Green One needs his Trusty Reindeer, after all.”

““That’ll be sooooo cute! Yeah!!” Joker’s grin faded, and she looked back over at the boxes of cookies that Trey had brought in. “But we have like six bags of these to pulverize.”

Violetta nodded firmly. “All right … I’ll take the hammer, you take the pin. Shall we get cracking?”

“Darn right. Happy Yule!”

And now, your reward for reading:

VIOLETTA'S FUDGE RECIPE

(My grandmother taught me this recipe when I was in high school, and I've been using it for presents ever since, so I can vouch for it! - Daisy)

Joker and I make this with some very carefully applied fire & ice magic late at night in our dorm room, but it's probably best for you to use the stove.

Supplies: 

Measuring cups & spoons

Medium-size saucepan

Spatula or big spoon

I strongly recommend a non-stick pan and a silicone spatula, as they'll be easiest to clean afterwards.

1 1/2 cups sugar

2/3 cups evaporated milk

2 tbsp butter

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups mini marshmallows

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1/2 cups chopped nuts (optional)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Line a square pan with foil or parchment paper.

Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, & salt in a medium-size saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Keep boiling and stirring for 4 - 5 minutes, remove from heat.

Stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and nuts if you're using them. Stir vigorously for 1 minute, or until marshmallows are melted. This part's a bit of a workout, so I usually leave it to Joker.

Pour the mixture into the baking pan & cool until firm. I use an ice spell for this, but you'll probably need to put it in the refrigerator.

Remove from the pan and cut into squares.

Try different flavors of chocolate and extract to see what you can come up with!

[seitmai]

"I think I'm in love." "Excuse me?" Nat asked, nearly dropping her phone as soon as she was seated across from Bradley. "With whom? And if you say Vanessa, I’m going to flip this table over and scream. So choose your words wisely.”

Ahahah love Nat

“So nobody is catfishing you?” she asked, sounding almost disappointed. “I always wanted to know someone who got catfished.”

Relatable lol

And if she’s not an improvement over the last few you’ve been with, then I’m going to dump her for you.”

Oh and Nat for sure will do it lol

“Wow. So you are capable of attracting someone who isn’t devastatingly awful. Color me surprised,” Nat told him as she grinned.

God I love how she roasts him hahah

“Why are you like this?” he groaned, leaning back in his seat as the beers got dropped off. “No, we haven't done that yet.” “Damn,” she replied before downing half of her drink in one go. “Sounds like you’re in love or something.”

Their bickering is just so good hahah

“I can’t stay long,” he murmured, pulling away from you so you could take your drink from his hand. “I just knew I’d never make it until later in the week without kissing you.”

“I have excellent taste. Especially in coffee and men,” you managed to say with a laugh before his lips descended on yours again.

Me, reading this with my giant iced coffee and absolute no man or future prospects in sight: wow this is so me lmao

Violet gasped. “Did you and Lieutenant Bradshaw get married over the weekend?”

Not this weekend, but possibly next weekend by the looks of it lol

“Very pretty face. Are the wholesome vibes doing it for you or something?” He raised his eyebrow, too afraid to actually answer her question. “Actually, she looks kind of familiar,” Nat said, handing his phone back to him.

First: yes, the wholesome vibes doest it for him, we all know it lol

Second: where does Nat know Gorgeous from?! I can't wait till we find out!

“Just eat your burgers,” you told him, and once again, he didn’t feel self conscious when he finished the first one in about five bites. And he didn’t mind one bit when you ate some of his fries.

That's really love right there

“A completely spider-free movie,” you promised, and his hands drifted down your back and along your jeans until he had his hands completely full of your perfect looking rear end. “You know just how to get me going, Gorgeous,”

🤭🤭🤭

You kissed his mustache and pulled away only far enough to meet his eyes as you said, “I’ve been daydreaming about today for months. When Jayden asked me if I was going to do anything fun this weekend, Violet said she wouldn’t be surprised if I was going to get a kiss from Lieutenant Bradshaw.”

Hahahha, those kids are hilarious

"Say my name?" he asked, your body as close to his as you could possibly be. He realized he was begging.

You gotta love a begging man 😌

Suddenly his annoyance snapped into place as he heard a voice through his front door say, "I know you're home, Bradley. I want to talk to you."

Urgh Vanessa, you're sucha cock block!!

Yours Truly, Bradley Bradshaw Part 11 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: It's hard to go a day without seeing you, but it's impossible to go a day without talking to you. Bradley is trying not to seem too needy for you while you're thinking about making things official with him. Spending some time alone together on his couch might be the perfect opportunity to sort things out.

Warnings: Fluff, angst, language, mentions of smut and masturbation, Bradley hoping he hasn't fucked up

Length: 4800 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female teacher!Reader

Check out my masterlist for more! Yours Truly, Bradley Bradshaw masterlist

"I think I'm in love."

"Excuse me?" Nat asked, nearly dropping her phone as soon as she was seated across from Bradley. "With whom? And if you say Vanessa, I’m going to flip this table over and scream. So choose your words wisely.”

Bradley was trying his best not to laugh too loudly at the slightly unhinged look on his best friend’s face. “Come on, Nat. She emailed me about a cup. Of course it’s not Vanessa.”

He watched her face slowly transform from apprehensive to intrigued. “Are you talking about the teacher? From the elementary school? Bradley, you haven’t even met her yet! She could be catfishing you!”

Once again, he had to try his best to contain his laughter as the waiter came over to tell them about the specials, including the massive steak dinner for two. He was willing to share it with Nat if that’s what she wanted for their very belated birthdays celebration, but he was already thinking about how much he’d really enjoy sharing it with you. You’d pick out the side dishes that you wanted to try, and he’d be more than happy to finish everything you didn’t eat. He was kind of loving this routine that the two of you had after just two dates. He was kind of already obsessed with the way you randomly texted him and sent him photos throughout the day.

“Is that okay with you?” Nat asked, kicking him hard underneath the table as the waiter looked at him.

“Huh?”

She rolled her eyes. “Steak dinner for two. Medium rare. Two beers.”

“Sounds good,” he replied before she could do any further damage. When the waiter left them alone, he told her, “Yeah, I was talking about the teacher. What would you say if I told you we already went out on two dates?”

She raised one dark eyebrow at him. “How? It’s Sunday. You just got back on Friday morning.”

Bradley could tell his cheeks were probably growing pink as he said, “I went to her classroom as soon as I got home. We went out Friday night and again last night.”

“So nobody is catfishing you?” she asked, sounding almost disappointed. “I always wanted to know someone who got catfished.”

“Natasha,” he said with a laugh. “Nobody is doing anything untoward.”

“Does that mean you didn’t fuck her yet?”

“Why are you like this?” he groaned, leaning back in his seat as the beers got dropped off. “No, we haven't done that yet.”

“Damn,” she replied before downing half of her drink in one go. “Sounds like you’re in love or something.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you! She’s perfect for me. And somehow I think I’m perfect for her.” When he noticed her chewing on her lip, he asked, “What’s the problem?”

Nat shrugged. “You barely had any time to yourself after you dumped Vanessa. I don’t want to see you get your heart broken. And I don’t want you to rush into something too soon. And if she’s not an improvement over the last few you’ve been with, then I’m going to dump her for you.”

Bradley smiled across the table. “I appreciate your concern, but I think you’ll actually really like her.” He said your name softly as he thought about the last message you sent to him that said, I can’t wait for you to surprise me tomorrow morning. “She’s very funny. And she sends me messages to see how my day is going, not just to ask me where her overpriced cup is.”

“Wow. So you are capable of attracting someone who isn’t devastatingly awful. Color me surprised,” Nat told him as she grinned.

He was never exactly sure how she could always both irritate and amuse him at the same time. “Just eat your steak.”

—---------------------

You were up absurdly early on Monday morning. You fell asleep while talking to Bradley on the phone until nearly eleven o’clock. He mentioned that he and his best friend went out for a beer and steaks, and then he jumped right into asking you what you did all day. He also asked if you were wearing his sweatshirt. Knowing he was only a thirty minute drive away had you ready to suggest he just come back up to your place and find out for himself, but you bit your tongue.

“It’s the only thing I’m wearing,” is what you’d told him, and he treated you to the prettiest whine in his raspy voice. You were still thinking about how needy he sounded the next morning when you got out of bed to try to make yourself look as good as humanly possible for work. He hadn’t mentioned it again over the phone, but on Saturday night after dinner at Salvatore’s, he said he was going to bring you coffee before work. He made it a point to tell you about it in advance since you didn’t like being surprised.

After the amount of time you spent on your makeup, you were going to be devastated if he didn’t meet you in your school parking lot. Should you text him? Remind him of what he said two nights ago? You could barely keep your own schedule straight half the time, and he just got home from being deployed. You decided to just give him the benefit of the doubt, and you left your apartment without having made a single cup of coffee. If he didn’t follow through on his promise of a caffeine delivery, you’d call him and make sure he still wanted to see you on Wednesday night for burgers.

But you didn’t even need to worry about it, because when you pulled into your school parking lot, his blue Bronco was already there. And he was standing beside it with his arms crossed over his chest. And he was wearing his flight suit. You weren’t sure how it was possible, but that drab looking thing fit him like a glove, and you were starting to sweat as you parked while you thought about that cockpit photo he sent you months ago. The one with his big hand and his thick thighs. It was saved to your phone now, and it was in the regular rotation of photos you liked to look at.

Once you parked, he reached for your door handle, and a split second later, you had your arms wrapped around his neck and your lips on his while he laughed. “Well, this is a nice surprise,” you told him while he juggled the massive Starbucks cup in his hand and tried to pull you closer at the same time.

“This kind of warm welcome makes me feel like maybe you missed me yesterday,” he told you as his free hand wrapped around your waist and settled on your lower back. “Because I know I missed you, Gorgeous.”

The butterflies were on the loose now as you kissed him one more time and let your fingers brush slowly through his beautiful, wavy hair. His flight suit was rough and stiff, but it just added to how soft and sweet he always seemed to be for you. When you pulled your lips away from his, that crooked grin and those pretty brown eyes were aimed right for you. “Yeah, I missed you.” Your whispered admission had his gaze sliding down your face to your lips. “Two dates with you and I’m already always thinking about the next time I’ll get to see you again.”

Bradley looked contemplative, and you hoped you didn’t just sound too needy for your own good. He surprised you when he said, “My next deployment is going to be my hardest one yet.”

Your eyes went wide as you tightened your hold on him. “It’s not happening now, is it?” you asked, your voice sounding a little higher than usual as your heart began to thud. There was no way. He just got back. They couldn’t expect him to leave again so soon, could they?

“No. Baby, no,” he replied immediately. “It shouldn’t be happening for months. But my god, you’re going to make it miserable to leave again when the time comes.”

Three days ago, you had no idea what his touch felt like, but right now you were convinced you couldn’t live without it. “Good,” you whispered, and that crooked smile was back.

“I can’t stay long,” he murmured, pulling away from you so you could take your drink from his hand. “I just knew I’d never make it until later in the week without kissing you.”

Before you could respond, he was opening the passenger side door of his Bronco to reveal another massive bouquet of flowers, similar to the ones he gave you on Friday afternoon in front of your class. “You’re too much,” you said, but something told you he was just getting started. You briefly wondered if it was too soon to have a conversation about being exclusive with him, because he was absolutely running circles around every other guy you’d ever gone out with.

You accepted the flowers from him while you sipped your drink which tasted perfect. He probably had a traffic-filled drive back to North Island to contend with, and now you could see school buses pulling into the parking lot, but you didn’t want to say goodbye to him yet. When you offered your drink to him to try, he smiled and said, “I don’t know if I’m going to like it with all the flavored syrup in it and everything.”

You held it a little closer and said, “Well, I like sharing things with you, Bradley.”

He groaned softly as soon as you said his name, and then he took a sip from your cup. “That’s fucking delicious,” he muttered before taking a second one. “Damn.”

“I have excellent taste. Especially in coffee and men,” you managed to say with a laugh before his lips descended on yours again. And for several minutes, all you knew was your favorite coffee, the sweet floral scent of the bouquet, and Bradley Bradshaw’s mouth.

“I really need to go,” he eventually murmured, lips pressed to the side of your neck as he had you pinned against your car door. “Wednesday. Burgers. Text me when and where?”

“I will, Bradley,” you gasped, unable to stop yourself from rubbing gently against him. His immediate response was to press his hips a little harder against you.

He was making you ridiculous, and the deep rumble of his voice when he said, “Good,” had you on the verge of calling out of work for the day and suggesting he do the same. You wanted every inch of him all to yourself somewhere private. You were panting as his lips and mustache dipped down your neck to the top of your cleavage, and then he pulled away from you altogether, cheeks pink as his chest rose and fell.

“Tell me to go to work, Gorgeous.”

“But I really don’t want you to.”

“Fuck,” he whispered, tugging his fingers through his hair. “Text me when you can and call me tonight?”

You pressed your lips together. “Send me another cockpit photo?”

He barked out a laugh that left you smiling, and he leaned in to give you one last soft kiss. “Whatever you want, Baby.”

Without touching you again, he backed away and walked around his Bronco, and he waved to you as he pulled out of the parking lot. Well. Now you were horny and caffeinated, and you carried your flowers to your classroom with you, knowing you’d need to have the relationship conversation with him soon. You’d be an idiot not to.

When you heard your name, you looked up from where you were standing behind your desk in a Bradley induced trance. “You have more flowers?” Jayden asked. “Are they from Lieutenant Bradshaw?”

Violet gasped. “Did you and Lieutenant Bradshaw get married over the weekend?”

“Where’s your wedding ring?” Henry asked, and you could only laugh at the hopeful looks on your students’ faces.

“I promise Lieutenant Bradshaw and I did not get married over the weekend. But he did inform me that he’d love to come back and spend some more time with all of us soon,” you told them, giving your flowers one last look as you headed for the front of the room. “Who wants to skip English for now and work on some more aviation problems instead?”

They all agreed unanimously.

—------------------------

All Bradley could do to keep himself sane until Wednesday evening was fly his Super Hornet and talk to you. Emails, texts and phone calls. As often as possible. He considered driving back up to Costa Mesa on Tuesday, but he really didn’t want to come on too strong. You had your own life and your own schedule, and it wasn’t your fault that he sat on his couch on Tuesday night with a half hard cock while he thought about how good you smell. He was desperate to touch himself, but he was way more desperate for the real thing at this point. Perhaps if Friday evening went well, you and he could move from his couch to his bed. Maybe you’d want to sleep over. Maybe you would stay all weekend.

“God,” he groaned, running his palm along the front of his gym shorts. Had he ever thought about Vanessa this much when he wasn’t with her? He certainly never had a collection of flirtatious selfies of her saved on his phone. And he definitely never got this hard for her when she wasn’t touching him. 

Sleep. He just needed to go to sleep. He tossed and turned for a long time after he called you quickly to hear your voice and say good night. You thanked him again for the cockpit photo, and all he could hear over and over again in his head was the word cock in your pretty, playful voice. Wednesday felt like a chore after that. Nat asked him again to see a picture of you, and he had to find one that hadn't been sent from your bed. That was easier said than done, and it also meant he got to scroll through the folder where he’d begun to save all the images you sent to him.

Bradley scrolled past the photo of you on the beach at sunset and showed Nat one from your classroom instead. “She’s hot,” she mused. “Very pretty face. Are the wholesome vibes doing it for you or something?” He raised his eyebrow, too afraid to actually answer her question. “Actually, she looks kind of familiar,” Nat said, handing his phone back to him.

“Does she?”

He got called to his jet, and the conversation ended there. Just a handful of hours left until he could meet you at the In-N-Out location that was about halfway between your place and his. And then he could kiss you again. He could make it. Just the thought alone kept him going. But even in his excitement on the drive up there, his mind wasn’t ready for what he found when he arrived.

The weather was overcast and a little cool, and you were sitting at one of the picnic tables outside the restaurant wearing jeans and his sweatshirt that you never bothered to return to him. And that was fine, because he didn’t want it back if you were going to keep wearing it and teasing him with that smile.

Your gaze was on him as he parked his Bronco and hopped out in his well worn jeans and tropical print shirt. “Gorgeous.” You were up and heading his way with his name on your lips like he belonged to you, and then you were in his arms again. “I missed you.”

When his stomach promptly growled because of his proximity to dinner, you laughed and started to lead him inside. “Missed you, too,” you told him as you patted his muscular abs. “Do you need two burgers or three?”

He glared down at you playfully. “Just two and some fries and a shake. I’m not a complete disaster.” When he pulled out his wallet, you snatched it out of his hand before he knew what happened. Then you ordered for yourself and for him, glancing his way to make sure you ordered what he wanted before pulling your credit card from your pocket to pay.

“You didn’t have to do that,” he murmured, feeling a little bad that he cost you almost forty dollars because he ate so much.

“I told you at Salvatore’s that the burgers are on me,” you replied, casually slipping his wallet back into his pocket. Your fingers skimmed along his jeans zipper before you pulled your hand away, and the needy look in your eyes was absolutely intentional.

“So, Friday night,” he said, voice raspy as he reached for you, sliding his hand around your waist. His mind was flooded with absolute filth as you tucked your body against his while the food was being prepared. He needed to buy groceries. He also needed to buy condoms. He really needed to jerk off. “Maybe you should bring whatever you need for a sleepover?”

“I was planning on it,” you replied easily. “I’ll leave work, stop home to grab my overnight bag, and then I’ll drive to your place for the night.”

Bradley could already picture you wearing one of his undershirts while you lounged around his place on Saturday morning. He could cook you breakfast after keeping you in bed as long as possible. “How do you like your eggs? Scrambled? Sunny side up? Over-easy?”

You were too busy burying your laughter against his chest as the order number was called. Being around you was the simplest thing he’d ever done. There were no jitters beyond the constant excitement he felt. Sometimes he could hardly believe he met you while he was deployed thousands of miles away from you. “Just eat your burgers,” you told him, and once again, he didn’t feel self conscious when he finished the first one in about five bites. And he didn’t mind one bit when you ate some of his fries.

When it was time to tell you goodbye, you didn’t hesitate before wrapping your arms around his neck. You kissed along his scars like they didn’t bother you at all. Eventually your fingers toyed with the button on his jeans. “Start thinking about which movie you want to watch… or not watch,” he whispered next to your ear, and he was rewarded with the soft sound you made before you said his name. 

“A completely spider-free movie,” you promised, and his hands drifted down your back and along your jeans until he had his hands completely full of your perfect looking rear end.

“You know just how to get me going, Gorgeous,” he murmured, and your smile grew until you were laughing softly. Once again, you and he were on the verge of being indecent in public, and he had to take a step away from you before his excitement was too obvious to everyone else in the parking lot.

Your bottom lip was tucked between your teeth, and you were looking up at him with wide eyes. “I know what you’re doing right now, but on Friday, I’m not going to want you to stop.”

Bradley’s blood thrummed with need, and a grunt escaped him as he leaned one hand on your car for support. Technically speaking, Friday would be date number four, even though he’d known your touch for less than a week. Taking it slower than this was simply not an option, especially not when you told him something like that. “I’m not pumping the brakes anymore,” he whispered, swallowing hard as you grinned at him. “Do you have any idea what you do to me, Baby?”

Your eyes fluttered closed, and you pressed your lips together. “You’re doing it to me, too.”

Bradley reached for your door handle and said, “Send me something cute when you get home.”

“I will,” you replied softly before kissing him hard and parting his lips with yours in one last, filthy kiss. “See you on Friday.”

He was still standing there, slowly counting to fifty, trying to get himself under control as you pulled your car out of the parking lot.

—-----------------------

Bradley had a full refrigerator, a brand new box of condoms, and a perfectly clean house, now he just needed you. Everyone had been riding his ass all week at work, but he barely noticed. On Wednesday night after In-N-Out, you sent him a picture of you in the bathtub, your arm strategically draped across your tits. He asked for something cute, and you practically sent him nudes. But then you followed it up with one of you snuggled up in bed with a book. Scrolling through all of your pictures whenever he had a break at work got him through the week with a smile on his face and a bounce in his step, and he was the first one out of the locker room on Friday afternoon. 

He was shameless. He’d been thinking about tonight since he first asked you how you’d feel if he wanted to cancel dinner plans with you and just hang out at his place instead. You always made him feel like you were more interested in him than a potential dinner reservation. He zipped home to wait for you like an excited puppy just dying for attention. Going a day without seeing you felt too long. His plan was to order takeout, but after he fixed his hair and made sure his tee shirt and jeans looked okay, he started to skim the delivery options at his favorite pizza place instead. He was sure that as soon as you got here, he wasn’t going to want either of you to leave again anytime soon.

Bradley played around on his phone while he waited. One look at his calendar told him that he really had nothing pressing except for work over the next few weeks, and he wondered if you’d let him ‘surprise’ you with coffee before work on occasion. When he heard a knock on his door, he was up from the couch with his hand on the doorknob faster than it should have been if he was trying to play it cool, but he was past that now with you. When he pulled open his front door, you were standing there in his sweatshirt and a pair of black leggings with a tote bag on one shoulder, and as soon as you looked at him, you were in his arms.

“Hey, Gorgeous,” he whispered as your smiling lips met his. He had to kick the door closed as you started trying your best to push him further into the room while kissing him. All he could think about was how nice it would feel to have a girlfriend who greeted him this way all the time. To have you at his house as much as possible. To have you excited to just spend time with him.

You kissed his mustache and pulled away only far enough to meet his eyes as you said, “I’ve been daydreaming about today for months. When Jayden asked me if I was going to do anything fun this weekend, Violet said she wouldn’t be surprised if I was going to get a kiss from Lieutenant Bradshaw.”

He kissed you and murmured, “Kid really knows her stuff.” You continued to push him toward the couch as he said, “I hope you don’t mind, but there’s been a small change of plans.”

“Oh?” you asked, only looking mildly concerned as he wrapped his arms around you a little tighter.

“Yeah. I’m absolutely unwilling to leave to go pick up takeout right now, so we’re getting something delivered.” He let you push his chest until he dropped down onto his couch, legs splayed with you standing above him, hands on your hips.

“More time alone with you? Sounds good to me,” you murmured as you nodded down at him. “And you were absolutely right. You’re too big for your couch. Looks like we’re going to have to get cozy together. ”

You dropped your tote bag to the floor as Bradley reached for you with a smile. "Why don't you come here and show me in an abundance of detail just how cozy we can get." His hands wrapped around the backs of your thighs, and you bit your lip. He wasn't going to stop himself tonight. As long as you wanted to mess around, he was absolutely into it. If you wanted to sleep together, he was ready to welcome you into his bed with open arms. He knew what he wanted now. He wanted you in his life.

As you took a step closer, he kissed your thigh through your leggings and then looked up at your face. "I brought a copy of my favorite movie with me," you whispered. "I can't wait to not even watch it tonight."

Bradley groaned softly as you eased yourself down onto his lap so you were straddling him with a little smirk on your face. He let his hands settle on your hips as he rasped, "This is very nice and cozy." Then you took his chin in your hand, gently kissed his scars, and pressed your lips to his as you scooted up so you were snug against his body. "Say my name?" he asked, your body as close to his as you could possibly be.

He realized he was begging. He also realized you'd been in his house for about five minutes, and he didn't even show you around at all, but your soft, sweet moan took all logical thought out of his head. "Bradley."

His arms were around your waist, and he was fighting with himself to slow this down just a tiny bit. Draw it out. Make it last all night. But you were his Gorgeous girl. The one he'd been falling slowly but surely in love with for months. And you had your hands up inside his shirt while you told him how much you wanted him. How you'd been thinking about him longer than you knew what he looked like. How you wanted to spend all your free time with him.

"Gorgeous," he murmured against your lips while you dragged your fingers down to the top of his jeans. Goosebumps ran down his neck and along his arms, and he couldn't remember anyone else ever making him feel this good before. You were still smiling as he kissed down the front of your neck to the top of his sweatshirt which looked way better on you than on him. He couldn't decide what he wanted to do first. You had him so flustered, he said, "I just want to make you mine."

When he heard loud knocking on his front door, you released your hold on him with a surprised laugh. "Did you already order the food?" you asked placing your hands on his where they rested on your thighs.

"No," he whispered, barely able to comprehend anything except how much sense the two of you made together. But he hadn't ordered food yet, and he didn't know who would possibly be knocking on his door, but he decided he would send them packing immediately so he could be alone with you again.

You shifted your weight on his lap, and he chased your lips for another kiss as you said, "Whoever it is needs to get lost."

"I'll take care of it," he groaned, standing a little awkwardly with his erection pressing against the fly of his jeans. "Sit tight, Baby." He leaned down to kiss you once more before straightening and walking backwards toward his door where there was more knocking. You were all curled up against the couch cushions now, eyes glued on his every movement as he watched your teeth sink into your lip again. "Jesus, you're perfect," he murmured, causing you to bury your face in your hands as you laughed.

Suddenly his annoyance snapped into place as he heard a voice through his front door say, "I know you're home, Bradley. I want to talk to you."

He knew that voice. He'd gone many months without hearing it, but he did know it. The sinking feeling in his stomach left him reeling as he yanked open his front door about a foot to reveal the one person he thought he'd never have to see again. Especially not when he was finally about to spend the whole night at home with you all to himself before asking you to be his girlfriend.

"Fuck," he groaned, his face heating up with embarrassment as all of the desire started to recede from his body. "What do you want?"

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

Bradley, I need you to get back on that couch immediately. Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars. Couch, now. Thanks @beyondthesefourwalls

@hotch-meeeeeuppppp

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[worldwright]

Good evening !

I'm feeling restless the more days in this week pass, like fuck

tomorrow's my dog's birthday so im gonna see her, she's gonna be 5 :3 also tomorrow is my last physical therapy seance, so that's good

i was thinking about getting back to college and socializing with people, here it's going to bars together -especially the thursdays' nights, which i couldn't do back at my parents', but i can't drink alcohol (i miss that fucker so much) but i know me very well, no one to watch over me for not buying a beer or whatever

so that means no socializing with people im going to almost every classes with. which is one of the reasons i did my first attempt. (it was that that broke the camel's back)

i don't think it's worth the risk of a trip to the hospital just to get to know people. But.

urgh

i hope you had a great time yesterday with your friends !

Have a wonderful morning my friend !

ouch that's a tough one.... could you get alcohol-free drinks at the bars, or maybe bring your own stuff, or is it just that it would be too tempting?

I'm making myself do math today by letting myself eat a gummy worm every time I finish one of the review segments lol. and then I'll let myself listen to the new malevolent episode once I've finished the official exam. we shall see if this system actually works

I was planning on going over to my friends place yesterday, but my brain suddenly decided that I was not allowed to leave the apartment :/ I made muffins tho so that's ok

I only have one muffin tin, so I made mini-donut-shaped muffins too

planning a picnic for me&my bestie's joint birthday party :33333 my partner is leaving on a family vacation later this week so we gotta hang out as much as possible

ok now im just procrastinating going back to math. hope you have a wonderful evening, friend!!

[kafkaoftherubble]

呀哈哈！正式离婚了！！！离婚了！！！！

再见，你这个lanjiao project! 他妈的不要再有续集了！滚出去！你娘都不要你，为啥我会要你呢？！

Now that it's gone and I have only one project currently to occupy my time, I can finally gain purchase on the things I actually wanna do. Gotta plan again!

Still haven't finalized my New Year resolutions. Bit tardy, sure, but it ain't the Lunar New Year yet! Ha! Time to use THAT as an excuse!

------

I gotta proofread Lyishere's grant proposal! Gotta make sure it sounds persuasive to the Singaporean government! I really hope things will work out in her favor. She's been questioned enough about her "employment status" last year since she finished her PhD, and of course, the good old "so you spent all your time studying to this level only to not have a job?!" and "Are you lazy? Can you please be productive?" tracts from good old Older Generation Asians. Ugh. I get that parents are eager to make returns on their investment, but let her take a break, man.

It's actually related to neuroscience, you guys! This is why she needed our help to proofread her grant, inter alia, because I'm more familiar with the field than she is, whose expertise is in operating biotech machines.

She did mention that if it went through and her fellowship is a go, and she gets to hire her own research assistant... guess who might get to do that? Haha! It's such a nice prospect, innit? Did we get in, Future Lyns? Who was the lucky one who got to witness that moment? It's alright if it didn't happen—my help comes with no strings attached, like always—but it's also really swell if it does. We've always dreamed of being a part of academia. Maybe this could be the path back in? Maybe?

-------

Crow dropped me a legal report on a case one Davinder Singh had worked on before. Who's that? Well, apparently, he's the HIM in the Singaporean law circle! We got to this point because I asked Crow about this corruption case, which somehow made it to my attention. So I'm gonna read that report too! Or as best as I can as a complete noob shit, hahaha! Only then she can talk about why Singh is HIM and I'll at least get it.

I actually also wanna read other stuff she dropped on my lap the last time. The legal debates and all; those concern ethics. Ugh. If only I'm not slow...

-------

Speaking of reading, I have my own books I gotta read! I haven't been studying my own materials for two weeks! Urgh, I must slot the time for them. My memory might wane if I wait any longer. Stupid limitation of adult brains! Why can't I be like a child, with neurons just branching out without pruning? Hmm. I'm sure there's a biological advantage to this.

And I have put a pause on my podcast listening for more than a week! We've been busy. New episodes had come out and I haven't vetted them before placing interested episodes in Listen While Doing Chores (Not Songs). That shit is more-than-a-week late for new arrivals and updates.

Let's restart the podcast listening with science. I have decided to re-listen—because my memories have faded—to episode 34, "Paul Bloom on Empathy, Rationality, Morality, and Cruelty" from Sean Carroll's Mindscape. I picked this for its pertinence. Specifically, it complements what I'm currently reading from the fiction side...

Paul Bloom is one of the most well-known psychologists in the camp opposing the lionization of empathy. If I recall correctly, he believes that empathy is actually what enables humans' propensity for cruelty. He champions "reasoned compassion" instead.

A lot of the people in his camp wave the flag of compassion, huh? Makes sense; the two are not the same. But those who disagree with Bloom think that compassion is very much dependent on empathy, or at least, it's driven by it most of all.

I don't know where I stand as of now. Both camps—and everyone in between—are intriguing. His ideas are seductive, but it's way too easy to see why I would say that. I lack affective empathy, and yet I fancy myself a pretty stand-up person. That is itself grounds for bias. Of course I'd want someone to validate me. Which is why I shouldn't so easily nod to it.

When we wanna learn about someone who isn't within our actual social vicinity, like a famous thinker, we always look at their critics first. Detractors, skeptics, dissenters. That way, I'll get to formulate a Roadmap of Curiosity, with points of intrigue and objections and questions and skepticism. It makes me a more lucid recipient of information, methinks. Open-minded enough to listen, but not so much that my brain falls out. Less possibility of being dragged by the arbitrary constraints of a narrative, innit?

So I've read some of the criticisms against Bloom's ideas, and I think they hold water too. I will do it again before engaging in that podcast, though Sean already adequately posed as a challenger the last time I listened. Sean is really one of my favorites! A theoretical physicist who's nonetheless a generalist drawing different ideas together, and not afraid to hold his guests' feet to the fire. I really like seeing such a high-profile and intellectually honest generalist. It's someone to look up to.

----

Speaking of reading!

One of our resolutions this year is to "finish five books." Well, here's something Lyndises of the weeks before did not account for:

We did not specify the qualification of fiction in this situation.

I mean, well—it's not like we predicted ourselves reading fiction this much this year. We've always just read nonfiction, and would always choose this by default. And nonfiction is either a huge ass tome, or it's so packed with information that we take a crawling speed to complete it. That's why it's only 5 books.

But I got a feeling that the first "book" I'm gonna finish this year is gonna be a piece of fiction. There's no way a nonfiction will be first. No way. I read this one almost every single day (except today, because After God happened. OOPS!).

Should we qualify a manga like Ajin to be a "book?"

I mean, it's not a bad fiction by any stretch. Hell, I honestly love it! So much! It's not like I turn my brain off when I read it; quite the contrary!

How is 睿芒 so consistently good at recommending stuff? 果然操千曲而后晓声，观千剑而后识器。佩服嘛！不过也没很意外，毕竟我也觉得他真的挺多令人欣赏的地方。

So to exclude it on the account that it's a manga is just a weak argument. It's as if being fiction makes it less worthy, which I disagree with. And yet, to compare easy reading—like a manga—to books like Behave and The Lies that Bind: Rethinking Identity is also unreasonable. One side is clearly a knowledge juggernaut. The other... is a thrilling romp.

I propose we reduce the value of fiction! Instead of making it a whole number (1), let's make it ⅛. Complete 8, and we get 1 count!

If there's any objection, let the next Lyn decide!

-----

Well, there is more fiction stuff to be slotted in.

I should find ways to squeeze in that Totally-Not-Romantic-Trust Manga. I really hope there isn't any eldritch kissing anymore. And it's not that stuffed with romance. I get so bored of those things so easily. I still can't believe I got sucked into engaging with romance in general. Fucking Apothecary Diaries, I swear.

I am hella interested in that Bibliomania thing. I don't know what it's about at all and I don't wanna look it up. It sounds like something to read blind!

I should also! Find ways to stream videos on Discord!

And then I'll ask Crow for her scheduling! So we can watch Mononoke together! Ahhhhh, so excited!!!

I hope I can watch it in the living room. But Mom is always nearby, in the dining room, watching her shows in OLD PEOPLE VOLUME. She complained about me talking to Fionn (I'm glad she's grown so accustomed to this, because this has been happening since childhood, that she never seemed to wonder what was wrong with me enough to make me stop. She just thinks I'm talking to myself), and nowadays complains about my game being too loud, or the sound of me pouring tea, or the sound of my controller. Bruh, yours is in OLD PEOPLE VOLUME! I can hear every fucking scene, fucking ambient sounds, and fucking!

Anyway, even if I watch this with 二韵 The Headphones, I'm still gonna talk and talk and talk to Crow. And based on our textual conversations alone I'm confident to predict that our interaction is gonna be Lyishere Style. That means, like when I'm with Lyi, we become more and more excited and louder and louder and noisier and noisier and cackle more and more and become more and more unhinged aaaaaand Mom will beat me up.

Nah. She can't pull that sort of thing off. She's grown old. She's grown tired. Her knees are weak. Her knees are weak points. But I don't think I'll resort to that, so maybe stop glaring at me, Fionn.

I think I'll inform her about it. I'll tell her it's the same Singaporean friend who sent me a cool-ass New Year card and one day might go to Kuantan. The same one she said would be "fine" to lodge in our house before I even asked. Well, that was what I kinda wanted to happen in the future, so good to know. Crow got so much tea I cannot wait to hear her going full-blown tai-tai!

Uh. Where was I? Oh yea. Livestreaming stuff on Discord. Mononoke isn't gonna be the only one this year. There's also Higurashi, which is slated to happen after we finish Ajin. Once I know how shit works because of Mononoke, Future Lyn wouldn't have to worry about the basics of live-streaming anymore.

Instead, she has to worry about something else! I should ask 睿芒 if it's safe to be shown in the living room. Just in case Mom decides to walk past to see what I'm looking at.

Remember the last time when that Lyn watched Devilman Crybaby in the living room? Shortly after Dad died? With his altar and picture aligned enough to look at the TV showing people in the club doing drugged-out violent sex and sexy violence? I don't think we should make a repeat of that. She traumatized our sisters accidentally with that back then, ha! And now Bugsy is always so worried about our "Horror Horror..."

Alternatively, I could just watch it in my room. It's not as big as the TV screen, but it's my room. My favorite place in the entire universe. Second place is Ayutthaya, obviously.

Anyway, it's not gonna happen yet. Let future Lyns worry. Mononoke first!

Shit! I have a birthday gift to compile! It's for the Ricecooker. Damn, I have to do it before February hits! I gotta remember to do that soon!

-------

Hey, guys?

Ya know. There's a reason one of the first Lyns who started this Tumblr thing decided not to private posts like these. It's because we are leaving this for Future Lyns who might not know the password to this account or just wanna ghost-read it.

We also know that this means non-Lyndis can also read posts like these. But we kinda always hope that the sheer length and banality will turn most people away. I mean, we assume that no one would be interested enough to wade through all of this. We are seriously not that interesting.

But what if there are people who stay to read it all?

I don't think the probability is high, but it's not zero.

If I'm being frank? I don't mind it that much. The possibility is always at the back of my head, so all of us had only written stuff after vetting our thoughts and decided that they were okay to be here.

And yet, I kinda wish it's not everyone. As in, not everyone reads it, and certainly not everyone finishes it. If they finish it, I'll start to wonder why. What's so gripping about our stupid log entries?

Some posts are way more fun to read! Like reports on events! I really liked reading about our Coldplay experience and our CF stuff. I would love it if my friends read those! It's so fun!

But entries like these are kinda... huh. I don't know. Again, I am not gonna stop any curious cat from reading these at all, but I really assume no one would. Honestly, what's remotely interesting anyway?

Oh, why this sudden tangent? Nothing. I just thought of the possibility that this could be happening and wonder how I think about it.

Well, I guess this is my thoughts on the matter.

Should I ask whoever reads this myopia-inducing banal-ass ramble to let me know they have been reading it? Of COURSE I'm curious if such a person exists. I think it's a very low chance, but it will be so funny if they exist anyway. I will be so excited to know why they even read them, or if it's fun, or what they think of me now.

At the same time, do I really wanna know? That knowledge would stifle my illusionary, but useful, freedom to babble things for our future versions. I will probably suddenly feel so self-conscious I don't wanna write certain degrees of thoughts anymore. Wouldn't that bereft Future Lyns posts of meaning and worth?

Or... this could all just be nothing. Again, do I even have evidence, beyond circumstantial ones, that there have been people reading these things? Even if I do, it's evidence for that specific post and not all posts of this nature. And what am I gonna do? Prosecute them? Hahaha!

Nah. I think I'll thank them. I mean, imagine being interesting to one person. It feels unreal. It's like when you're a ghost and yet somehow, someone saw you.

[cryptidshuffle]

not really a vent but i am complaining about life shit under the readmore lol

i feel so weird mentally rn and its making me feel like shit urgh. ive felt like shit pretty consistently since i moved back home so like. all year pretty much. like i used to be able to distract myself with school but after i graduated its like shit what do i do now. i really just had no purpose for a while. to the point where i didnt work and now have like no money and more credit card debt than im comfortable with having.

the whole point of me going back to work at d isney is bc i really didnt know what else to do with myself. ive felt bad ever since i left there. the only reason i didnt stay was bc i wanted to finish my degree and i did. idk if i actually liked workng there that much or if i just liked being on my own for the first time. but regardless being at my parents house feels suffocating after having that independence. so regardless ive justified going back to dw as like. the reasonable thing for me right now and i am excited to be going back. merch ive been told is way easier than quick service and my location seems like itll be fun (not to dox myself too hard but its at my personal favorite park... lol i lucked out) and i have friends from my first college program that still live and work down there! i even met up with a few recently and it felt good and i didnt feel lonely and weird.

anyways uh. i had a point with this im sure

im moving down there like. soon. little less than 2 weeks. and i dont feel prepared ive spent the last several days doing jack shit staying up late sleeping in later. barely crawling out of bed to eat a snack and dinner and then crawling back to bed.

i feel like theres so much i need to get done before then in terms of packing and what not and things i wanna do before then and it doesnt help that my moms planning one last big family weekend trip the weekend bc my brother will be home from college so shes gonna be weird about everyone all together for a week before everyone leaves again. i hrgrhrhgrgr

not to mention i have to share a room and didnt have time to try snd link with a roommate. what if i get paired with some freak. what if i get paired by someone who decided im some freak. i literally wont know until i get there urgh. the last roommates i had we barely talked but at least i knew one was also nonbinary and also we all had separate rooms. its different when u gotta share. urgh

and its 3am!fuck my life

[chocodollxren]

Hello may I order prompt 8 with Leona, a drabble please. Thank you. Take care of yourself and enjoy your day:D

-> 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 ,, 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙪𝙥 ,, 𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩” ! ꒱·˚ ,, #O7.O1.22🍵 ˖˚˳⊹ 'ּ໋݊◵

prompt: 8. “could you please help me? i just don’t understand this assignment.” + leona kingscholar.

no tws, gn!reader, established relationship.

sighing, you shoved your face into your pillow, nuzzling into it. your mind was in agony after spending hours studying, but you still understood nothing. an assignment for ancient magic was due tomorrow you’ve had a week to work on, but at this point you’d only lessen your knowledge on the subject than increased it somehow. the more you learned about ancient magic, the more it felt like you had no idea about what was happening.

tossing and turning and making a mess of your boyfriend’s bed, he eventually wakes up and stares at you, ruining his nap. “stop moving, herbivore. i’m trying to sleep,” he yawned, only for you to glare at him. “and i’m trying to study.” you retorted, playfully glaring at him.

rolling his eyes, he tried to go back to sleep, only to be women up every five minutes by your frustration as you studied. “urgh! forget it.” you groaned, aggressively slamming your book shut and getting off the bed, only to find Leona’s arm gripping and forcing you back down, your back to his chest as he now sat up, annoyed by all the fuss you were making

“where do you think you’re going, herbivore?” he questioned, arms wrapping around your waist as he rested himself against you, nearly squishing you while still looking at you, clearly still half-asleep. frustrated, you tried to wiggle free, only to find yourself being held tighter, and leona smirking as you failed to overpower him. “didn’t know you hated me that much.”

“if i hated you, we wouldn’t be dating,” you scoffed, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. as his grip loosened, you got back up and looked at your book nearly falling off the edge of the bed, glaring at it as though it were your enemy. “you’re still doing that assignment?” he yawned, looking at the cover of the book and then to you.

picking it up, you take a seat next to him. “unlike you i want to be able to graduate. though i can definitely see why you’ve failed so many times with assignments like this.” you pulled opened to the page you were working, determined to actually finish it this time before you do anything else. it only took a moment before you got distracted by snickering, though.

staring up at leona, you raised a brow at what was so funny about your frustration. “you’re really stuck on something this easy?” he asked, making you let out a surprised huh? what on earth did he just tell you? this certainly was not easy, in fact, it was extremely difficult even some of your classmates are still stuck on it!

looking over what you’d written, he laughed even harder. “the whole thing’s wrong, herbivore,” it seems your troubles were the greatest source of entertainment to your boyfriend. “then show me how!” you huff back, clicking your tongue at him. leona pondered for a moment, but decided to tease you.

“I don’t think i want to help such a rude herbivore.” sighing, you decided to suck it up. wrapping your arms around his neck, “my dear amazing boyfriend.” you smiled, making eye contact with him, “could you please help me? i just don’t understand this assignment.” leaning in, you brought your lips up to his and gave him a sweet and short kiss, pulling away.

“just one kiss?” he asked as you put your textbook between the two of you, sticking your tongue out at him. “if you want another kiss, you gotta help me first.” you’d never seen him act so professional within a matter of seconds, helping you understand the material in a way that made it easy to memorize, him getting a kiss each time you managed to understand a question as a thank you.

much to your surprise, the very next week you got your results back and scored one of the highest scores you’d ever gotten in that class. your boyfriend was lazy, and never aimed for success, but sure was smart when he wanted to be! he was now going to do your ancient magic homework whenever the opportunity came up.

✎ ˎˊ- "chocodollxren" [choco - doll - rhen] ˖˚˳⊹ 'ּ໋݊◵ dn repost.

here you go!! thank you to everyone for their patience. <33 I ALSO LEARNED HOW TO GRADIENT TEXT AND CHANGE MY TEXT TO ANY COLOR AND WILL TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS PRIVILEGE IN THE FUTURE. already been experimenting on my personal blog with it and can’t wait to just go crazy.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

More than just a game

Warnings: dark elements including noncon and rape, oral, fingering, doxxing, stalking, and other explicit content. 

This is dark!Jake Jensen and explicit. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: You find a new gaming buddy but he sees you as more than that.

Note: So this is my first Jake Jensen fic and it was lots of fun so let me know what you think and hope you enjoy. :D

Thank you. Love you guys!

As always, if you can, please leave some feedback, like and reblog <3

Special shout-out to @navybrat817​ for helping me with this idea

After too many nights scrolling through subreddits and searching for something to keep you distracted, you decided to bite the hook. Several other redditors agreed to hop on Minecraft and it had been a while since you logged in. You missed the almost relaxing ritual of mining and building.

You joined the chat, quick to hit the little microphone emblem as you listened to the voices in your headset. You learned long ago to keep your mic muted on the servers, especially with strangers. The last time you dared to speak up as a woman in a game chat, your DMs had become so overwhelmed you deleted and started a new account on Discord and changed your ID on Steam.

You were all given your tasks as players called out coordinates and you kept to chopping up the side of a mountain. You mostly worked alone, chatting through text instead of voice chat. As you placed a crafting table in your little mine, another player, JJ-Smooth, popped up and dropped some iron for you. 

He stayed close but you didn’t mind. A lot of players tried to work together the deeper they got and you were used to it. As you uncovered some lava, he dumped water before you could get burned and helped you hack up the obsidian. 

He thanked you on the voice chat but you knew any courtesy in return would earn you the attention of the entire server. So you dropped some gold for him and went on your way.

“I hear a zombie,” he warned.

You turned to hack up the undead before it could get you, only to be shot by a skeleton hidden on the next level. Another appeared and you died before you could hide, the bony villain killed by your ally as you watched your possession scatter over the death screen.

“Hey, I got your stuff,” he said as you loaded back up, “I’ll find you.”

You typed quickly in the chat, ‘sorry, mic busted, give me your coordinates and I’ll come to you.’

You waited as ‘JJ-Smooth is typing…’ appeared at the bottom and finally he sent the numbers. You hopped over the blocky hills and through the forests until you found the mine again. He was just outside and handed over all your tools and ration. He headed back into the mine and you followed him. This time, you began your own path in the opposite direction.

Before you knew it, you’d lost track of time. You sat back as you realised it was only you and JJ on the server. The silence should have tipped you off earlier. He was the host and you felt super awkward for staying so long. You typed that you were logging off for the night and thanked him. 

You hit the keyboard with your knuckle and yawned as you opened the screen, 

“God, it’s late,” you muttered.

“Hello?” he said.

Your eyes rounded as you looked at the mic symbol and the lack of red line made you cringe. You’d hit an extra button without noticing.

“Um, hi, sorry, I just--”

“Mic busted, huh?” he asked.

“No, I--” you didn’t know what to say, “anyways, I should--”

“So, you’re a chick? Is that why you mute?”

“Uh, well, it’s just… easier, sorry, I--” even if you weren’t trying to hide from gamer dudes, you weren’t the best at conversation.

“A gamer girl, nice,” he said and you sighed, “sorry, that sounded weird, didn’t it?”

“Mhmm,” you touched your bottom lip as you cupped your chin, “it’s late, I have to work tomorrow.”

“You comin’ back?” he asked, almost hopeful.

“I don’t know--”

“I won’t tell anyone,” he said abruptly, “promise, lips sealed.”

“I really don’t know if I can do this too much, I usually work early mornings so… yeah,” you said.

“I get it but you know you’re always welcome, hope you don’t mind if I send you an invite now and then. No pressure,” he offered.

“Uh, sure,” you shrugged, “okay, yeah, good night.”

You left the chat quickly and pulled off your headset. Shit.

‘I’m Jake by the way,’ a pm popped up, ‘gg.’

You typed back, ‘gg, it was fun’ and quickly logged out. You sat back and rubbed your eyes. Well, he didn’t seem like a total creep, maybe just a bit awkward but so were you. You shut down for the night and stretched out as you switched off the lamp. You were going to pay for your session in the morning.

🎮

A few nights later you got an invite to the server. You debated it but as it was Friday, you decided to make good use of the PC you’d saved up forever to build. You spawned in the middle of nowhere and built a bed before you found the half-finished settlement. You joined the chat but you must have been early as you were the only one there.

You headed back to the same mine, some work done since the first night, and laid your torches as you ventured into the depths. You jumped in your seat as a voice broke your peace.

“I don’t think anyone else is gonna join,” JJ-Smooth, or Jensen said, “you think maybe you’ll unmute?”

You stopped your mining and stared at the screen. You hovered over the mic button and re-read his name, he was the only other one there. You clicked and gave a strained smile to the screen.

“So, um, what’s the goal tonight?” you asked.

“Get some materials and go back to the settlement, keep building, oh, maybe we could try a portal, you ever gone to the nether?” he said but before you could reply he kept on, “shit, I shouldn’t assume, you seem like an experienced player.”

“Yeah, a few times, but I’m more a casual miner,” you went back to harvesting stone and ore.

“Ah,” he said, and it was silent for a moment, “so, you work again in the morning?”

“Not tomorrow,” you said as you focused on the game, “daycare isn’t open on the weekends.”

“A daycare, huh? That sounds fun, I love kids… not in a weird way but you know, I… urgh, I have a niece,” he said with a nervous chuckle, “nah, that’s cool though, sounds more fun than my gig.”

“Oh?” you turned and kept your axe moving.

“IT. You know, some people would be like ‘hey Jensen, why do you spend all your free time staring at a screen when that’s what you do at work?’” he scoffed, “well, who says I’m not mining there too.”

You wrinkled your forehead and gave a small laugh. He was rambling and it was kinda odd. You were happy for once not to be the strange one.

“But anyway,” he said, “I found lots of diamond over here. If we get some lapis lazuli we can build an enchanting table and get some sick armour.”

“Awesome,” you pressed your fingertips to your lip as you leaned on your elbow, “should try to head back before dark…”

“Hard to tell down here. How about you mine and I’ll keep an eye out for monsters?” he offered.

“Sure,” you agreed as he came onto your screen, “that works.”

🎮

Another week went by and you ventured back into the server a few times but not for very long as late nights did not mix with young children. The next weekend, you joined again on Saturday night and like the last few times it was just you and Jensen. You wondered why no one else was joining when the subreddit was so popular but you didn’t worry about it for long.

You mostly played in silence, Jensen did most of the talking and it was never about anything more than the game or his niece’s last soccer game. That night when you left the game, he kept typing on Discord.

‘I like playing with you,’ his message blipped up.

‘Same, thx.’

‘Really, you’re awesome.’

‘Thx :) Tired, gotta sleep.’

‘Sweet dreams.’

‘Night.’

You changed your status to offline and dragged yourself to bed. You opened your phone as you laid in the dark and went to the subreddit, you scrolled through the builds and screenshots of other people’s catastrophes. 

You came to Jensen’s last invite post from that night but all the comments complained that the world code was incorrect. Hmm, you should tell him next time.

You blackened your cell and plopped it on your night table. You rolled over and buried your face in the pillow, the light still etched into your vision. You fell asleep quickly and woke the next day to another invite from Jensen.

‘How about some Fortnite? If you’re into it?’

‘Srry, can’t, my mom’s expecting me for lunch.’

‘2 bad, maybe later.’

‘Maybe’.

You got ready to go see your mother for your usual Sunday afternoon visit and it went by like any other. When she asked you what you’d been up to, you didn’t mention the gaming, she was never a fan of it. When you got back home, Jensen was messaging you again. You didn’t open the notification and settled in to catch up on some streaming before another week of work.

Monday hit you like a train and you were glad you hadn’t spent the night mining again. If you had, you doubted you’d even be able to open your eyes. You got to the daycare centre and welcomed in the kids. You got them set up for the morning snack then cleaned up as Sandy took them over to the reading circle.

You wiped the tables and then did some painting before you went out for some play time in the yard. As you watched several of the children on the swings, you glanced around. There was a man across the street. You squinted through the chain link as he seemed to be watching but assured yourself it was nothing as he quickly headed for the corner and disappeared.

Inside, the kids were due for quiet time, some napped and those who didn’t, stared at the ceiling and yawned. You could have joined them but knew that wouldn’t be acceptable. The end of the day came and you helped the kids pack up their paintings and their sweaters. You waited in the yard with them as the parents showed up and handed them off one by one.

You waved to Danika as she clung to her mother and your eye was once more drawn beyond the chain link. The same faded grey jacket, the same glasses, and the hat with the frayed brim. It was a better look at the man. Was he looking at you? Why on earth was he hanging around outside a daycare?

“Sandy,” you turned and lowered your voice as she neared, “see that man?”

She peeked over and shrugged, “which one? The guy crossing the street?”

You looked up again and like before, he was walking away casually as if he hadn’t just been staring through the fence. You shook your head and huffed. “Sorry, never mind.”

“Ah, don’t worry about it,” she waved her fingers, “come on, let’s clean up.”

With the kids all sorted out, you went back in and tidied up the last of their mess. You and Sandy were friendly but like with any, you weren’t very talkative. You never really knew what to say but you were never unkind.

You pulled on your jacket and checked your purse for your phone and wallet. You checked the time and turned off the lights. You bid Sandy goodbye as she headed for her SUV and you took your usual route down the sidewalk towards your bus stop. 

You stopped short as the man was there. You were paranoid, he must just be waiting for the same route. You approached and he turned to watch you as you sat on the bench. He smiled and the dread sank deep in your chest. 

His rectangular glasses gave light to his blue eyes and a goatee trimmed his jaw. He was tall and well-built, you could tell even under his comic book tee. He was going to talk to you, another weirdo in the city.

“Hey,” his voice was chillingly familiar, “how was your day?”

You stared at him and blinked cluelessly. You looked around, it was only the two of you. You opened your mouth but you had to be wrong. He said your name and you winced.

“Jensen?” you breathed as you stood and squeezed the strap of your bag, “why? How--?”

“You weren’t answering me, I was worried,” he said, “just making sure you’re okay.”

“What the-- I don’t understand how--” He stepped closer and you backed up against the bench. “Don’t, I’ll scream.”

“Scream? Why? I’m just-- You know me, it’s me, Jensen.”

“You doxxed me?” you snapped, “what the hell?”

“No, I didn’t-- I’m just checking on you--”

“I don’t know you,” you said as your heart began to race, “so please, leave me alone,” you edged away from him, “and don’t message me again.”

You sprinted across the street and as you came up on the curb, you looked back at him. He watched you but didn’t follow. You could tell from there he wasn’t happy but the brim of his cap shadowed most of his face so you couldn’t guess if it was hurt or anger. You quickly spun away and continued down the next street to the nearest stop.

You couldn’t believe he’d just shown up like that. You couldn’t believe he would think that was okay. You couldn’t believe he’d think that much about you.

🎮

You blocked Jensen on Discord and left his world on Minecraft. That night you were shaky and nervous, afraid that he would show up at your apartment. Did he know where you lived? He must if he could figure out where you worked.

You didn’t open Steam that night. You paced your small apartment, jumping at every noise. Sleep didn’t come easily but in shallow spurts that left you even more tired. You watched over your shoulder as you walked to your stop and boarded with one eye on the door.

Work was little better as you found yourself distracted in the room full of toddlers. Sandy asked if you were okay as you kneaded play-do violently. You shook yourself out of your paranoia and assured her you were only short on sleep, not a complete lie.

You took out your phone when you stepped out for a small break. Your mom had called but you would have to get back to her when you had two hours to waste. There was another notification, that one from Discord, a friend request from JJ-NoRematch. It wasn’t hard to guess who it was and you declined it right away.

There were several others from Jensen, too. He followed your Insta, blocked; he followed your mostly empty twitter, blocked; and he even commented on your LinkedIn like a weird. You closed your phone and took a breath before you headed back into the kids, their voices rising in their excitement to go outside.

In the yard, you had another look around, expecting to see him there on the other side of the fence. You were slightly relieved when he wasn’t but still on edge. You joined a game of tag then watched several of the kids line up for the slide. You lost yourself in your job as you told yourself he must have gotten the hint, at least not to bother you irl.

Just like the day before, and every day, you left work and headed for your stop. He wasn’t there either and you sat down and phoned your mom, hanging up as the bus pulled up with a promise to call her again when you were home. At home, you felt almost normal again and checked your notifications; no more follows, no more requests, nothing.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday passed in a similar fashion. Each saw your anxieties less than the day before. You even resolved to open Steam and start a new world for yourself. You spent hours mining and almost fell asleep in your chair. When you nearly tipped over, you decided it was time for bed.

You slept better than you had all week and woke up before noon. You wanted to log right back on but you had life to deal with; groceries, cleaning, and of course, making that call to your mother you’d delayed the night before. After all that, you felt accomplished and you decided to treat yourself to take out, a rare divulgence.

You called the local Chinese eatery and waited eagerly for your feast as you turned on a new episode of your current binge. You played on your phone until the battery was low and had enough juice to buzz up the delivery man. You dug for your wallet as you went to the door and unlocked it without looking up.

“How much--” you asked as you opened the door.

Your eyes met a familiar pair, two blue gems behind a pair of narrow glasses. Jensen wore the same cap and held the paper bag of take-out with a smile. You grabbed the door and tried to swing it shut but he was too quick as he slapped a large hand against the peeling paint.

“It’s on me,” he said, “I love spare ribs.”

“What the--” you gasped as you pushed on the door helplessly, “please go away.”

“You’re not answering me,” he said as he stepped closer and forced you back as his body brushed against yours, “you blocked me and I can’t even get a hey, Jensen, how are you?”

“I don’t want you here,” you tried to shove him and he shouldered you away easily, “get out!”

He slammed the door and you flinched. He put the bag down on the corner table and reached back to twist the lock without a look. His eyes roved around your entryway and further into your apartment. He smiled as they stilled and focused on you.

“This place is cute… like you,” he said and you heard a slight hesitation in his voice.

You swallowed and backed away from him. You spun on your heel and ran for your couch. You reached over the back to your phone and unlocked it as the battery icon flashed. You had just enough juice to make the call. You dialed as you turned back to him.

“I’m calling the police so you b-better l-leave,” you warned as your voice and hands shook, “I me--”

He was quick and before you could pull away, he swiped your cell out of your hand. He scoffed and tossed it across the room. It hit the wall and landed screen down on the hardwood. You bit down and pressed yourself to the couch. You stared at him and kicked yourself forward as you tried to slip past him. He caught you and wrestled you back into the front room.

“Why are you doing this?” he asked calmly as you struggled in his grasp, “I’ve been nothing but nice to you.”

“N-no, you’re-- you-- let me go,” you stammered as he angled you around the couch. He pushed you down so you bounced on the cushion. You tried to push yourself up and he pointed his finger in your face and wagged it. 

“No, you stay,” he growled and wiped his other hand on his jeans. He was nervous, even if he was angry.

“Please, why-- what do you want?” you grasped the cushion and hovered at the edge of the couch.

He sighed and sat in the chair. He took his hat off and set it on the table as he ran his fingers through his short hair. 

“Good question,” he said as his jaw squared and his eyes turned to pinpoints, “better one, why did you block me?”

“Are you serious? You-- you--” you struggled to get your words out, your voice even more splintered by your fear, “you doxxed me, you came to-- to my work-- and…”

“I thought we were getting along. I thought you liked me,” he said with a frown, “I really did, you sure acted like it and-- I only wanted to make sure you were safe.”

“But why wouldn’t I be? I--” you shivered and crossed your arms as you withered beneath his gaze, “Jensen, this was only supposed to be online.”

He scoffed and stomped his boot on the floor. He shook his head as he looked to the ceiling and his anger bulged along his temple. He tilted his head and looked at you again.

“You know, for years, I have been a nice guy, I am a nice guy,” he pushed his shoulders to his ears as he threw his hand out, “I’m so patient and caring and you girls, you don’t even give me a second look.”

“Jensen--”

“No, really, I mean look at you, you’re no supermodel and yet it’s the same thing, ‘let’s just be friends’,” he spat, “but I watch guys all the time treat women like shit and they don’t have any trouble at all, they got them hanging off of them and I’m a creep for giving them a compliment or opening the door--”

“I don’t… know you,” you eked out, “you have to understand--”

“I don’t understand,” he stood abruptly, “I’m done trying to understand.”

He pulled his jacket open and slid it down his arms. You watched him sling it over the chair and as he turned back to you, you stood. He caught your shoulders and held you in place. His strength was plain in his grip as he squeezed then slowly moved his hands to cradle your face.

“I just wanna be nice,” he said as he leaned in. You tried to pull away but he moved a hand around the back of your head and forced your lips against his. He poked his tongue inside your mouth roughly as you tried to shove him away. Finally, he parted, his hands still firmly around your head, “wasn’t that nice?”

“Please,” you begged as he ran his thumb over your bottom lip.

His eyes searched your face as you stared back at him in terror. He sighed and dropped his hands back to your shoulders. He pushed you down to the sofa harshly and backed away.

“Fine, I won’t be nice,” he snarled as he took his glasses off and folded them carefully. He put them on the table beside his cap and twined his fingers together, loudly cracking his knuckles.

You blinked at him as your eyes grew glossy. You brought your legs up under you and pressed yourself to the back of the couch. You grasped the upholstery and turned as you launched yourself over to the other side. You stumbled as you landed on your feet and ran for the door.

You were yanked back as he snaked his arms around you and took you off your feet. You kicked out and screamed but it was cut off by his palm as he kept one arm around your middle. You scratched at his hand as he dragged you back to the couch. He pushed you face down onto the cushions and planted his knee in the middle of your back, slipping his hand away as he put enough weight on you to keep your voice suffocated.

“Listen, I know I look like some IT nerd but I’m a lot more than that, now don’t make me hurt you,” he played with your hair as he smiled down at you, “you try that again and I will shut you up and if someone hears you, I can take care of them too.”

You sniffed as tears pricked in your eyes and nodded frantically as it felt as if he would snap your spine. He pushed off of you and you stayed as you were, paralysed with fear. He sat and unlaced his boots one at a time. He looked up as he set them neatly beside the foot of the chair and he bent to catch your eye.

“Well?” he pointed at you and traced the line of your body in the air, “let’s go.”

You stared at him dumbly and he stood to pull his tee over his head. His torso was sculpted perfectly and his chest trimmed with hair that trailed all the way down to his pants. He stepped forward and tugged at the back of your shirt.

“You want me to do it for you, baby?” he purred, “I can help you.”

You swatted him away and sat up. You bent your legs to your chest and hugged them. “Please, I’m scared, just leave me alone--”

His hand rested on his belt and exhaled again. His fingers moved swiftly to unloop the striped belt and unbutton his jeans. He pushed them down, nearly tripping as he stepped out of them. He stood in his boxers, tented with his impatient excitement, and gripped his hips.

“It’s okay, baby, I know you’re shy, I am too,” he neared and you winced as he grabbed your wrist. He tugged on your arm and you resisted until he bent your hand back painfully and you cried out. He tickled your jaw as he looked you in the eye and tutted, “it doesn’t have to be like this, alright?”

You went limp and let him pull your arms apart. Your legs slipped down and your feet dangled above the floor. He got to his knees and pushed between yours. He slowly rolled up the hem of your shirt and bent to kiss your stomach as he bared the flesh. You trembled as he forced your arms up and swooped the fabric over your head. It fluttered through the air and to the floor as he cupped your tits through your bright pink bra.

“Is this so bad?” he asked as he nuzzled your chest and pushed your tits up. 

He glided the straps down your arm and slid your bra lower so that you popped out. He nibbled at your flesh and traced your nipples with his tongue. You sat rigid and let him explore your body, too terrified to move a muscle. He reached around you and struggled with the hooks, frustrated he snapped the clasps and the band came free.

He continued to play with your chest, his fingers crawling up and down your stomach and sides. There was a genuine curiosity to his touch and it sent a chill through you. His fingertips pressed to the top of your pants and he pulled at them as his lips travelled down to your hip.

He tugged on your pants and jerked your entire body. He tore them lower as he pushed you up and you lifted yourself to let him peel away the layer. He added them to the floor and toyed with the elastic of your panties. The little bow in the front drew his attention as he pushed your legs wider and ran his nose along the cotton.

He hummed and rubbed his fingers down your crotch, pushing the fabric to your folds as he teased you through them. You inhaled sharply at the tingle it inspired and he pressed firmer against you, flicking his fingers along your bud as he noticed how it made you squirm.

He gently pulled aside the cotton and you felt his hot breath against you. You pushed on his head before he could delve into you. “Please, don’t--”

“Shhhh,” he threw your hand away from his head and bent over you, “just relax.”

He dragged his tongue along your cunt and lingered around your clit. You clenched as it sent a thrill through you and he moved his lips against you, suckling at you bud as your breaths grew raspy. You pushed yourself against the back of the couch and dug your nails into the cushion.

He slid a finger along your cunt and circled your entrance. He rubbed up and down as he kept his tongue swirling over your clit and you swallowed back as gasp as he poked inside. He felt around and added another finger, stretching you as he carefully pushed them in and out of you in time with his mouth.

He lapped you up and you closed your eyes, desperate to resist the coil winding within you. Your legs tensed against the couch and you tilted your pelvis without thinking. He sped up, the noise of his mouth and your slickness filled the silence. You let out a puff and moaned as you slapped the couch. The waves rolled over your flesh and you came into his mouth with a pathetic mewl.

He stilled his fingers as he lazily teased you with his tongue. He pulled his fingers out and sat back, the heat between your legs cooling in his absence as he licked up your juices. He watched you as he sucked his fingers and stood. Your head lolled and you edged forward on the couch. You tried to stand but he caught you and flung you back.

“We’re not done, baby,” he winked at you as he grasped the top of his boxers, “go on, lay down.”

You murmured your refusal and once more tried to get up. You slipped onto the floor and shakily crawled away as he dropped his boxers to his ankle. He grabbed you before you could get around the side and lifted you easily. He turned you and shoved you down onto your back as he lifted a leg over you.

He straddled you and again his hands roved over your body. You smacked at his fingers weakly but he easily ignored you. He kept one hand moving along your curves as he stroked himself with the other. He groaned and shook as he stroked his dick. Your eyes followed his hand and you gulped, he was thick.

He moved his knees back and pushed them up beneath your thighs as he kept a hand planted on your chest. He ripped your panties down your legs and untangled them from your feet. 

He held you down as he ran his tip along your cunt, wetting himself with your coerced arousal. You groaned and grabbed the arm of the couch above you. You tried to pull away from him.

He pushed against your entrance and you looked at him in shock. You couldn’t stop him. His eyes were set between your legs as he inhaled and slowly eased into you. He gasped as he got his tip inside you and his muscles tensed. He bit his lip as he dove further in and you gasped as he filled you inch by inch.

“Shitttt,” he moaned as he reached his limit and you whined at how full you were, “oh, baby.”

His hand slid from your chest and he gripped your hips as he pulled back and thrust. You exclaimed and he did it again, slowly as he watched himself impale you over and over. You curled your fingers against the couch arm and your feet arch as you pressed your thighs around him. He lifted your pelvis high as he angled his dick even deeper.

“You feel so good,” he rasped, “oh, baby, you’re so good. Ahh-hh-hh,” his voice fizzled as your walls clenched him and you closed your eyes as you felt the heat building. 

He moved his hand along your thigh and stretched it over your pelvis, pushing his thumb to your clit as he kept his pace. He purred as you writhed helplessly against him and you panted through the rising ecstasy.

“Please, please, please…” you chanted, unsure if you were begging him to stop or for more.

He moaned as he sped up and you sucked your lip under your teeth as you neared your peak. You quivered as your orgasm crashed into you and you let out a strangled cry. He snarled and planted his hands beside your head as he leaned over you, his hot breath tickled your face as he pounded into you.

Your legs bent around him as his pelvis rubbed against you and the friction drove you to another climax. You held onto the arm of the couch as he fucked your harder and harder. He kissed you and nibbled at your lip as he groaned and hooked an arm under to hold you close.

“You’re gonna make me cum, baby,” he said against your cheek and you turned your head away from, “ah, here I--”

He spasmed and slammed into you. He took several long thrusts and stilled. He grunted and drew heavy breaths as he rested his weight over you. He grabbed your head and turned your head up as he pressed his forehead to yours. You kept your eyes closed as the flames slowly dwindled.

“Was that so bad?” he stroked your cheek and trailed his finger down to poke between your lips, “No, it’s what you wanted, isn’t it, baby?” he wiggled his hips and you hissed, “yeah, you want me.”

[whosemorales]

Peter Meets Rhodey

"Mr Stark, can you pass me the wrench?"

Not looking up from his desk Tony grabbed the wrench and leaned to the right where Peter's voice came from holding it out.

"Thanks," Peter mumbled grabbing the wrench and returning to his work, the room falling into a comfortable silence.

This is how it always worked. Peter would come over to spend the weekend at the tower and they would spend most of their time in the lab, it was awkward at first Peter mostly just sat there fiddling with screws, but now they had fallen into a kind of routine.

Spending time in the lab always helped Peter let off steam, it was just like going out as Spiderman. Although he wasn't fighting criminals, the only criminal thing in the lab was Mr Starks horrible taste in music.

("Kid this is a classic!"

Peter raised his eyebrows and gave him a sceptical look. "I didn't know classics sounded like two vultures fighting over a carcass."

Mr Starks mouth gaped. "You have no taste."

"Says the one who likes to listen to vultures."

"They're not-"

"Mr Stark it's OK. Whatever helps you sleep at night, whatever keeps you... calm." Peter smirked patting him on the back and turning back to his work.)

A beeping sound dragged Peter's mind back to the present and he heard the lab door open. There were only two other people that knew the code to get in. But Pepper was away on a business meeting so that means...

Whipping his head around, Peter's eyes met the one and only Colonel Rhodes. He'd heard countless stories about his and Mr Starks days in MIT and every story after, including what happened in Berlin. But Peter had never met him. (Because Peter hadn't known the extent to Rhodey's injuries)

Mr Rhodes held sort of the same look as Peter, although his was more confusion and shock, whilst Peter's was more surprise and awe.

Mr Stark had yet to notice Mr Rhodes presence his attention to engrossed in the upgrades he was working on.

Mr Rhodes cleared his throat. "Uh, Tones?"

Mr Starks head whipped around at the sound of his best friends voice.

"Rhodey?" Mr stark walked over and clapped him on the back giving him a quick hug. "How ya been  buddy, what are you doing here?"

Rhodey moved his head to the side slightly and looked over Tony's shoulder to Peter, who was still sitting there and watching them both.

Rhodey turned his head back to Tony. "Uh I was free and thought I'd stop by for the weekend, can I speak to you outside?" He said quickly.

Mr Stark frowned slightly. "OK," He turned around to face Peter. "Kid don't blow up the lab while I'm gone."

"I'll try not to Mr Stark, no promises though," Peter smirked and turned back to his work.

Tony shook his head and left the room with Rhodey. When Rhodey was sure to door was closed he rounded on Tony who didn't look the least bit phased.

"OK, who the hell is that?"

"It's the kid." Tony shrugged.

"What kid Tony? Is he just some random 14 year you found on the streets?!"

"I'm 15," Peter called not looking up from his desk.

A look of disbelief crossed Rodney's features. "Can he hear us?"

"No that would be creepy," Tony smirked.

"So that's the spider-kid?" Rhodey sighed.

"Spider-Man," Peter calls out again.

Tony smiled and turned to look at Peter who hadn't even moved his head from his desk.

"Pete, but out for a sec I gotta talk to Honeybear privately."

"Sure thing, Mr Stark."

Tony turned back to Rhodey and gave him a nod, telling him that Peter wasn't listening anymore.

"What the hell is he doing here Tony?!"

"He's helping me out in the lab."

"OK, 1. Your both on different desks and it looks like he's in his own little world working on whatever he's working on," Rhodey waved his hand. "And 2. I thought you said you wanted to keep your distance, this," he pointed to Peter. "This is not keeping your distance, this is the opposite!"

"Calm down, Rhodey," he sighed. "Look, the kids grown on me and honestly he makes me feel like a million bucks, which is saying something, I like having him around, he's a good kid. Trust me you'll love him, and he's staying for the weekend so you'll be able to get to know him better."

"OK." Rhodey nodded, Tony smiled and they both turned to go back to the lab. But just as Rhodey took a step his legs buckled from underneath him.

Tony was able to catch him before he hit the floor and helped him sit on one of the chairs outside the lab.

"You OK?" Tony frowned.

Rhodey grunted. "Yeah, yeah, it's just hard trying to get used to this shit, keep forgetting that my legs don't work, the braces help but sometimes this happens."

A guilty look passed over Tony's face, one that Rhodey understood straight away.

"Cut it out," He said sternly. "Tones, I've told you that it's not your fault, stop blaming yourself. It was my choice to fight and it was my fault for what happened. OK?"

Tony sighed but nodded. "OK. Need help?" he questioned standing up and holding out his hand.

"Nah, I'll walk it off." Rhodey joked.

"Yep sure," Tony smirked reaching down he heaved Rhodey up. "You good?"

Taking a few steps forward Rhodey nodded.

"Are your bags all set?" Tony asked as he reopened the door to the lab, Rhodey following closely behind.

"Yeah Happy helped me bring them up."

Peter turned to look at them curiously. "Bags?"

"That's right, Underoos. Honeybears staying the weekend, so you'll have two whole days to annoy him to death." Tony smirked.

"I'm not annoying," Peter pouted.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night kid." Tony winked, throwing Peter's words right back at him, whilst patting his back.

Peter shrugged him off with a laugh.

"Are we going upstairs?" Peter asked noticing how Tony hadn't sat back down yet.

"Sure are bambino." Tony ruffled Peter's hair. "Grab your stuff, have you finished your homework?" he asked as he watched Peter sling his backpack over his shoulder.

"Um, I have a little bit in math, but I finished the rest on the way here."

"OK," Tony nodded. "Well, when we get back up to the penthouse you need to finish the rest before dinner."

Peter nodded as they all walked to the elevator. "What are we having?"

"How does Chinese sound?" Tony asked slinging his arm around Peter's shoulders.

"Sounds good." Peter smiled at Tony.

When the elevator doors opened they all filed in and Tony asked FRIDAY to take them to the penthouse and to order their normal Chinese meal along with whatever Rhodey wanted.

As the elevator went up Rhodey couldn't help but be completely speechless. This was a whole new side to Tony, a side he had never seen before, he was acting like... like a dad?

It was weird, not a bad weird a good weird. He was good at it, it suited him. Whatever this kid had done, he had managed to break down all of Tony's walls. Which literally sounded impossible, so impossible that the kid didn't even know he'd done it.

The elevator doors opened and the first thing Rhodey noticed was the difference. It wasn't huge but it was noticeable.

There were history books spread out on the kitchen bench, mugs with both Iron Man and Spider-Man situated on the coffee table, Iron Man and Spider-Man plushies sprawled on the couch and what looked like certificates and photos hanging on the fridge and walls. Even the atmosphere was different, it felt more like home.

Wow, the kid had definitely left his mark.

"Is my room still in the same spot?" Rhodey asked picking up some of his bags.

"Yep, down the hall, to the left and first door on your right," Tony instructed.

Rhodey nodded and reached to pick up the rest of his bags but Peter beat him to it.

"Oh, I can help you with those," he smiled at Rhodey but seeing the shocked look on his face Peter's smile faltered. "Or not."

"No no," Rhodey held out his hand. "It's fine I was just uh, surprised that's all." The bright smile returned to Peter's face and he headed for the hallway.

"After you do that, straight back in here to finish off your homework!" Tony called after him.

"I know, I know," Peter grumbled back.

When they reached Rhodey's room Peter opened the door and walked in, placing Rhodeys bags at the foot of his bed.

"Thank you, Peter." Rhodey smiled putting his bags beside the ones Peter grabbed.

"No problem, Mr Rhodeys. Oh, and my room is the next one down so if you need help with anything you know where I am."

"Well, I'll be sure to call out. And please just call me Rhodey, everyone else does."

"OK."

Peter smiled and they both made their way back out into the living room. When they got there they both saw Tony sitting on the couch and flicking through the channels.

Peter flopped down onto the couch beside Tony whilst Rhodey sat on his other side."So what are we watching?" Peter asked.

Tony raised his eyebrows at the kid.

"What?" Peter questioned innocently.

"Homework," was all Tony said.

"Urgh! Can I do it after dinner, please!" Peter begged.

"Nope, you know the rules kid, homework gets done before dinner, May would kill us both if it wasn't done, and you know what that means."

"No more visits," they both answered.

Peter sighed and got up from the couch, grumbling as he headed to his room to get his homework, which he dropped off after helping Rhodey.

"Nice pillows," Rhodey smirked.

"Yeah, I know. The kid picked them up a couple of weeks ago, claiming that, 'it would make the boring couch you have look nice'."

"That's not what I said!" came Peter's voice from the hallway.

Rhodey chuckled as Peter came out with his homework, sitting down on the couch closest to the coffee table.

"What I said was, 'it would make that boring old couch you have look better." he smiled innocently opening up his books.

"Kid there is literally no difference."

"Yes, there is. If you're going to make me look bad, at least try and do it properly."

"I would never try and make you look bad, I respect you too much for that," Tony smirked reaching his foot over to nudge Peter's knee.

"Yuh-huh," Peter nodded already engrossed in his homework. -- 10 minutes later, Peter let out a long sigh, dropping his pencil on his book he leaned back and closed his eyes.

"I'm done," he grumbled.

Rhodey looked over at the kid and frowned. "Too hard?" he asked thinking Peter was having trouble.

Tony scoffed at his question.

"No I mean like, I'm done, I'm finished," Peter answered not moving from his position.

"To easy?" Tony asked already knowing the answer.

"Yep, it's always the same and it's always too easy. You'd think that by now they would have realized that this stuff is too easy."

"Kid could be an MIT graduate by now."

"So you're that smart huh?" Rhodey looked over at Peter whose cheeks were reddening.

"No I'm not, Mr Stark likes to exaggerate."

"While you're not wrong," Tony smirked. "But I'm being serious, he's even smarter than me most times."

Peter lifted his head to look at the man. "No Mr Stark, that's because most of the time you haven't slept for at least three days so you overlook the simple things," Peter waved him off.

"Boss?" FRIDAY's voice rang through the room. "The Chinese has just arrived."

"Thanks, hun," Tony called back, sitting up he got off the couch and headed to the elevator. "I'll be back."

When the elevator doors closed it was quiet for a minute before Peter turned to Rhodey. "So how's therapy been going?"

Rhodey thought for a moment. "It's hard, but I'm getting there, sometimes I fall but... I suppose I should just be grateful that I can walk. Most people get stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of their life, so I should count myself lucky."

Peter nodded a thoughtful look on his face.

"How did you get your powers? And what are they?" Rhodey asked.

"Well-"

"Dinners ready!" Tony's voice made Peter jump slightly.

Turning to the elevator they saw Tony, arms full of food. Jumping up Peter grabbed some of the food out of the man's arms and set it down on the dining table. "Thanks, Bambi," Tony smiled placing the rest of the food on the table.

Grabbing his food Tony sat at the head of the table whilst Rhodey sat on his left and Peter on his right.

"So as I was saying," Peter continued mouth full of food.

"Wait what are we talking about?"

"I want to know how Peter got his powers and what they are exactly," Rhodey answered for him.

Tony's was quiet for a moment. "How... how did you get your powers?"

"You don't know!" Rhodey gaped.

"Well we kind of skipped that part," Peter shrugged. "Anyway my class went on a field trip to Oscorp and it was my job to take pictures for the school paper. While I was taking the pictures we noticed that one of the spiders were missing. The tour guide didn't seem too phased so we all just kind of brushed it off. I was trying to get a shot of the whole class together- when I felt a sharp pain in my hand like someone was stabbing me. I quickly flicked whatever it was off and when I looked on the ground I saw what I thought must have been the missing spider, it didn't even look normal it was like blue with a red zigzag going down its back. I didn't tell anyone in the group and-"

"Wait, wait. So you've just been bitten by a potentially deadly spider, but you didn't tell anyone because?" Mr Stark raised an eyebrow.

"Well, I-" Peter paused. "I don't know why I didn't tell anyone, but I know I regretted that decision later that night."

"Well, then please tell me that you at least told May."

Peter shook his head sheepishly.

"Jesus kid," Tony buried his face in his hands and let out a long breath before sitting back up. "Continue."

"When I got home I was planning on telling someone but I had forgotten it was their 30th anniversary, May left a note on the fridge telling me that her and Ben would be back later that night, and I didn't want to call them because I knew how hard they had both worked and they deserved it.

"I remember going into my room because my head was killing me, I laid down on my bed but I must have fallen asleep because I remember waking up to this burning sensation all over my body, it felt like I was being burned alive and my headache was even worse now. I remember trying to get up to go to the shower but every step I took felt like I was stepping on knives, when I finally got to the shower I quickly turned the taps on cold, but it didn't help, I'm pretty sure it made it worse because it felt like my skin was being ripped apart, I turned the shower off and tried to make my way into the kitchen where the phone was, but I must have slipped because the last thing I remember from that night was calling for help, I knew no one was coming but I still tried and a little while later I blacked out from the pain."

Tony and Rhodey were both looking at Peter with wide eyes.

Rhodey coughed. "That is not what I expected."

"What did you expect?" Peter asked shoving another mouthful of rice into his mouth.

"Not that."

"Continue kid," Tony nodded.

"Well-," Peter swallowed. "I woke up to May's voice she came into the bathroom looking for me and found me passed out on the ground. Her and Ben helped me off the ground and over to my bed, she kept asking me if I was alright, and the thing was I was fine like, all the pain was gone and I felt normal-ish again. But when I was getting ready for school that morning, I realized that I was very far from normal, things kept getting stuck to my hand, I was suddenly strong enough to rip off the door handle by just pulling it, I didn't need my glasses anymore and I suddenly had a six-pack-"

"Hold up, so you woke up and you just had a six-pack?" Rhodey frowned.

"Yep." Peter nodded. "And muscley arms."

"Wait Bambi, you needed glasses? Why was I never told this?"

"Well it's not really that important Mr Stark, plus I don't even need them anymore."

"I need pictures."

"Nope," Peter shook his head, taking a sip of his water. "Not happening."

"And your powers?" Rhodey cut in.

"Oh yeah. Um, super strength and speed, heightened senses, I can stick to any surface and I have this thing I call my Spidey sense, basically it can warn me of a threat before it happens."

"Wow," Rhodey marvelled. "Wait how long ago was this?"

"Um, 3 years ago so when I was 12," Peter answered unphased.

Tony choked on his drink and Rhodey's eyes bulged.

"WHAT! Kid what the hell," Tony yelled shocked.

"What?" Peter asked innocently, eyes growing wide.

"That's so young!"

"Well yeah, but I only ever did small things like muggings or robberies."

"Oh yeah, small things," Rhodey nodded sarcastically.

"Well there's nothing you can do about it now, so there's no point stressing about it," Peter shrugged.

"Jesus Bambi, you see all these grey hairs," Tony pointed to his head. "They're all from you!"

Peter laughed at Tony's dramatics. And that's how the rest of dinner went, sharing stories back and forth. Most stories Peter had already heard, but it was good to hear them from a different perspective, it made them all the more hilarious.

"Alright kiddo," Tony ruffled Peter's hair as the kid yawned. "I think it's time for bed."

Peter pouted. "But Mr Staaaaaaark I'm not even tired!" he whined following his statement with a yawn.

"Yeah, all the yawning is kind of giving off a different message Bambi."

"Please Tony."

"Oh no, don't even try it, Pete, I know what you're doing and it's not gonna work. Nice try tho."

Peter let out a defeated smile following it up with another yawn.

"Come on Peter," Rhodey smiled. "Or you're gonna fall asleep right here."

"OK," Peter grumbled turning towards his room. "Goodnight Mr Stark, goodnight Rhodey."

"Goodnight Pete."

"Goodnight Peter," they both called out as he disappeared down the hallway.

Rhodey looked at Tony with raised eyebrows.

"What?" Tony frowned looking at the man.

"Aren't you going to tuck him in and kiss him goodnight?"

"I'm not his dad."

"Could've fooled me," Rhodey smirked earning a shove in the side.

They both talked for a while longer before bidding each other goodnight and heading to their respective rooms.

-----

"Peter!" Peter spun around to face the voice, his eyes immediately meeting Tony's.

But he looked different. But different how? Peter wasn't sure.

"Why would you do it?" The older man questioned.

"D-do what?"

Tony shook his head, a disappointed look in his eyes. "I always knew you were worthless." he spat harshly.

"What? No Mr Stark." Peter reached out only for the man to disappear and the scene to change.

Now Peter was on his knees his hands dripping with blood and a person's body lying in front of him. Uncle Ben!

Quickly Peter put his hands over the wound trying to stop the blood flow as best he could.

"Uncle Ben! Uncle Ben! Please! It's going to be OK! You're going to be OK, you just have to hold on OK? Please don't close your eyes stay awake please!" Peter begged his hands now soaked in his uncle's blood.

A sudden hand grasped Peter's wrist. Whipping his head up Peter's eyes meets his uncles.

"This is your fault," he spat, blood trickling down his cheek. "I'm dead because of you because you were weak! Did you really believe that you would be able to save people when you couldn't even save your own uncle?"

"I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen!" Peter cried tears polling over his eyes staining his face.

"Yes, you did!" Uncle Ben suddenly reached up for Peter's throat his hands dripping with his own blood.)

"No!" Peter sat up quickly in his bed, his sheets were wrapped around him and he was covered in beads of sweat.

"Peter, your heart race and breathing has increased significantly, would you like me to alert Mr Stark?" FRIDAY asked.

Peter coughed wiping the tears from his cheeks. "No, I'm fine FRIDAY, thank you though."

The sound of glass breaking quickly drew Peter's attention. Untangling his legs from the sheets Peter's feet made contact with the nice cold floor as he made his way to the kitchen.

His eyes widened at what he saw. "Rhodey!" he quickly raced over to help the older man off the floor. "Are you OK? What happened?"

"Yeah, I'm OK kid. I just tripped, it happens sometimes, still not used to the braces," he grunted leaning on Peter slightly. "It's hard trying to get used to having no feeling in your legs."

"Did you cut yourself?" Peter asked looking at the broken cup on the ground.

"No, I'm fine."

"Do you need any help getting back to your room?" Rhodey shook his head. "I have to clean up this mess first." He gestured to the glass.

"No, it's fine, I was coming to get a drink anyway so I'll clean it up."

"I can't ask you to do that Peter."

"You didn't, I offered. Now go back to bed, you look like a dead man walking," Peter smirked.

"You are definitely Tony's kid." was the last thing Peter heard Rhodey say before he disappeared down the hallway.

Grabbing the dustpan and broom Peter swept up the pieces and soaked up the water with a cloth. When he was don't he got himself a drink of water and sat down. He knew he wouldn't be getting back to bed anytime soon. His mind wandered over to Rhodey, he couldn't imagine never being able to walk again, having to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. A crazy idea suddenly popped into his head. It was absolutely insane, but it might just work. Jumping up from his stool Peter raced over to the elevator.

"FRIDAY can you take me to the lab?"

"Shouldn't you be going back to bed?" FRIDAY responded.

"Trust me this is way more important than sleep."

When Peter reached the lab he was thankful that Tony wasn't in there. Walking over to his desk he cleared all his previous work out of the way.

"FRIDAY bring up all the medical records regarding Rhodey's injury, including all Dr Curt Conners research on cross-species genetics."

----

2 hours, 5 cups of coffee and a lot of research later Peter was still working.

"FRIDAY, take away 12% of components A and C and then up component B to a sum of 0.2 and run it again," Peter instructed.

"Trial 59 unsuccessful."

"What am I missing?" Peter groaned.

"Peter, if I may?" FRIDAY asked.

"Yeah go ahead FRI."

"I would try adding a different component. Something that counteracts the negativity between A and B but something that can also reprogram all the components to work collectively," she suggested.

"Actually that could work, it's kind of like venom! OK FRIDAY bring up the effects of Fire Ant venom."

----

"Trail 95 unsuccessful."

Peter sighed. "Well, at least we know that sea snake venom doesn't work... Maybe - maybe if we try some of my blood. I mean it's radioactive but the venom is still in my blood and so is my healing factor. OK FRIDAY get a sample of my blood and run it through the other components."

Walking over to his desk Peter picked up his coffee and took a big gulp of it.

"Trail 96 successful!"

"WHAT!" Peter choked on his drink.

"All components in the formula have reacted positively to the addition of your blood. Now that all components are working collectively there is a 100% chance of success." Even FRIDAY sounded happy.

"Shit!" Peter laughed sitting down in his chair.

"Congratulations Peter! You have successfully created a cure for Mr Rhodes."

"No," Peter shook his head seriously. "I've created a formula, now I just have to pray to the Gods it works."

----

"Urgh, what time is it?" Tony groaned squinting his eyes angrily at the ceiling.

"It is currently 9:30 am," FRIDAY replied.

"Why the hell are you waking me up so early?"

"Mrs Potts has asked me to wake you up early whenever Peter is around so that he doesn't feel lonely."

Tony sighed. "Yep, that sounds like her." he nodded flipping the blankets off and getting dressed before making his way into the kitchen.

As he got closer to the kitchen an amazing smell hit his nose, quickening his pace slightly he rounded the corner to see Rhodey at the stove cooking, with a plate of pancakes beside him.

"Oooh, whatcha making?" Tony asked walking straight over to the coffee machine.

"Pancakes, bacon and eggs." the man answered.

"Is Peter awake?" Tony leaned his back on the bench.

"He wasn't up when I got up, so I just assumed he was still asleep."

Tony nodded. "FRI can you please wake up Peter and tell him that breakfast is ready."

"Peter is currently awake and has been since 12:00 last night."

"He's what? Where is he now?"

"Peter is just now stepping into the elevator," FRIDAY answered.

Pushing off the bench Tony walked over to the entrance of the elevator, arms crossed.

"Why didn't you tell him to go back to sleep?" Tony asked the AI angrily.

"Peter said what he was working on was more important than sleep."

"More important than sleep my ass," Tony muttered.

"What was he working on?" Rhodey questioned.

But just as the last word left his mouth the elevator doors opened, revealing a very sleep deprived Peter. He went to enter the kitchen until he saw the look on Tony's face that made him stumble to a stop.

"And why exactly has FRIDAY told me that you've been awake since 12 last night?"

"Damn, FRIDAY snitched on me? I thought we were friends FRIDAY." Peter grumbled.

"Why didn't you go back to sleep."

Peter's gaze just fell to his shoes. "Didn't feel like it."

"You had a nightmare," Tony concluded.

Looking up Peter nodded, Tonys anger disappeared and he let out a soft breath pulling Peter into a warm hug.

"Why didn't you come wake me up, Bambi?"

"It wasn't that important," Peter mumbled into Tony's shirt.

"Pete," Tony pulled out of the hug and rested his hands on Peter's shoulders kneeling slightly. "If it was enough to make you not want to go back to sleep then it was important. OK?" Peter nodded.

Tony frowned. "What's that on your cheek?" bringing his thumb to his mouth he licked it before rubbing it over the dirt on Peter's face.

Peter immediately lept back. "Ew! Tonyyyy! Urgh!" Peter whined pawing at his cheek with his sleeve trying to wipe it off.

Tony laughed at Peter's dramatics and walked back into the kitchen to pour himself some coffee.

"OK breakfast is ready," Rhodey announced placing the last bit of bacon on the plate.

"What are we having?" Peter asked walking over to the fridge to grab the orange juice.

"Pancakes, bacon and eggs."

"Pancakes?" Peter chirped bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"Yep," Tony answered taking a seat at the table with his coffee in hand.

"Yes!" Peter pumped his fist into the air. "I'll grab the plates."

Quickly Peter grabbed the plates out of the draw and some cutlery, placing them in the middle of the table for Tony and Rhodey to grab. Rhodey came over with the food placing it in reach of everyone while Peter sat on Tony's right and Rhodey on his left.

"So Pete," Tony reached forward and grabbed some pancakes and bacon. "What kept you occupied in the lab all night."

"That is classified." Peter smiled shovelling a bit of everything onto his plate.

"Oh, so we're keeping secrets now?" Tony raised his eyebrows.

"Well kind of," Peter shrugged. "I guess I'll tell you if it actually works."

"Well, then good luck, Pete," Rhodey smiled.

"Thank's Rhodey."

"This is ridiculous! How come he's Rhodey after one day, but I'm still Mr Stark unless it benefits you to call me Tony."

"It's because Rhodey's cooler," Peter teased reaching his hand across the table to high five Rhodey.

-----

After breakfast, Peter went straight back into the lab. The day dragged on and after the 10th fail and a lot of wasted material, Peter was about ready to give up.

"Everything is right except my blood!" Peter groaned lying his head on the cool glass of his desk.

"Maybe if you try a bigger sample?" FRIDAY suggested.

"No," Peter shook his head. "If the sample of blood is too big then it overpowers the other elements but if the sample is too small then the negativity from the other components makes the formula extremely deadly and it explodes. Like we found out during trial 5," Peter looked over at said beaker which had a crack down the side due to the explosion. It wasn't too big but it scared the hell out of Peter.

"Ok this is my last try before I go and get some food," Peter sighed, sitting up he pulled his finger in front of himself and pricked it slightly with a small pin.

Pricking his finger Peter waited for a small drop of blood to form before dropping it into the beaker.

Expectantly Peter waited for the formula to turn clear, which was a sign that it was the right amount and that it had worked.

But staring into the beaker Peter's hopes shattered, it was still grey.

Groaning Peter got up, his chair scrapping in the tiles. "I need a break."

Getting into the elevator Peter asked FRIDAY to take him to the Penthouse. When the doors opened Peter sluggishly walked into the kitchen, making himself a quick sandwich and grabbing a juice box from the fridge, he walked into the living room where Tony and Rhodey were watching TV.

"Hey Bambi," Tony smiled. "Why the sour face?"

"It's not working," Peter whined, plopping down on the couch and putting his food and drink on the coffee table. "I have everything right except for one component, and without that one component the formula doesn't work."

"What's the formula?" Rhodey questioned.

"Well it doesn't matter now, it doesn't work anyway," Peter grumbled taking a bite out of his sandwich.

"If-"

"Peter!" FRIDAY'S voice cut Tony off. "The beaker seems to be changing."

"What?" Peter quickly stood up.

"The formula seems to be undergoing some kind of change.

Peter quickly leapt over the arm of the chair and races toward the elevator. Tony and Rhodey shared a look before quickly following the boy.

When they reached the lab Peter didn't wait for them to catch up, as quick as he could he raced over to his desk and picked up the beaker.

It was clear. It worked!

"It worked!" Peter whispered to himself.

Tony and Rhodey reached the desk. "What worked?" Tony frowned.

"The formula! I did it! Oh my God! I did it!" Peter yelled excitedly.

"Kid! What? Did what?" Tony was lost.

Peter turned to face them both. "I-... Well, I-, I guess-," Peter stuttered.

"Peter has succeeded in successfully creating a formula that will allow Mr Rhodes to walk."

The room fell into complete silence.

"W-what?" Tony's eyes were frantic.

"Well last night, after I helped Rhodey off the ground and cleaned up the glass that broke on his fall, I had an idea and well, I wanted to see if it would work before I gave anyone hope. FRIDAY said that it's 100% safe as long as I got the formula right and I have. So that means-"

"That I can walk again," Rhodey whispered. He wasn't looking at either of them but Peter could see the tears welling in his eyes.

Peter didn't even have time to blink before he was being enveloped in a bone-crushing hug, Rhodey's shoulders shook as he cried. Rhodey wasn't usually the emotional kind, but he just found out he'll be able to walk again. Something he never thought would be possible without braces. And now this kid, this complete angle had created a way for it to be possible.

Rhodey let go of Peter and looked at Tony dead in the eye. "If you ever get rid of this kid I swear, you and I will no longer be friends."

"Trust me, he's not going anywhere," Tony walked forward and wrapped Peter in a hug.

"FRIDAY call Helen and see how fast she can get here."

-----

Rhodey had been asleep for 3 hours. Dr Cho had run every test possible to make sure it was safe, and when she was finally ready she started the operation.

Said operation only took half an hour but Dr Cho had given him a rather large dosage. Now they were just waiting for the moment of truth.

"Do you think it's going to work?" Peter asked. Both he and Tony were sitting beside Rhodey's sleeping figure.

"I hope so Pete."

"Me too, or this was a waste of bloody time," Rhodey joked.

"Jesus Christ!" Tony huffed out a breath. "A little warning would be nice."

Rhodey smiled but Peter could see the fear pooling in his eyes.

"Did it work?" Rhodey wasn't looking at either of them.

"We don't know, we were waiting for you to wake up to find out," Tony answered.

Getting up he pulled back Rhodey's blanket enough to show his feet. "Try and move them."

Peter watched with a hopeful gaze. Rhodey screwed up his face in concentration, everyone's eyes were on his feet, waiting for even the slightest movement. When nothing happened Peter's gaze dropped to his lap.

It didn't work. He had given Rhodey's a very high chance that he could walk again. And it didn't work.

"Rhodey I am so so sorry," Peter could even look at the man, meaning that he didn't see the wide smile on his face.

"It's OK Pete, but I am going to have to kick you out of the tower now."

Tony burst out laughing. "Wow, that was bad."

Peter looked up and frowned. Why were they laughing, it didn't work. A sudden movement caught Peter's attention

Did Rhodey's toes just wiggle?

Peter's eyes widened. "It worked?"

"It worked," Rhodey nodded.

"Oh thank God! Phew!" Peter pretended to wipe sweat off his forehead. "That was stressful."

"Obviously it will take a few more months of therapy to get used to having feeling in your legs again, but other than that your vitals look fine." Dr Cho's voice echoed in the lab.

"So I can go?" Rhodey asked.

"Well, I have no reason to keep you here."

Sitting up as best he could Rhodey tried to get off the bed.

"Woah Woah Woah. Not so fast HoneyBear."

Walking over to the bed Peter and Tony both helped Rhodey off the bed and into an awaiting wheelchair.

"FRIDAY take us to the penthouse please," Tony asked once they were all inside the elevator.

Peter frowned at Tony. "Did you just say please?"

"As a matter of fact, I did." He smirked.

Peter turned to Rhodey. "You heard that to right? I didn't imagine that."

Rhodey laughed. "Nope, I heard it too."

"He may be coming down with a fever," FRIDAY'S voice sounded. "Check his temperature."

Peter's hand flew to his mouth as he tried to muffle his laughed, Rhodey didn't even bother.

Tony just shook his head a look of disbelief on his face. "In my own house." but he couldn't deny the smile that was creeping onto his lips.

When the elevator opened Tony just walked out leaving Peter and Rhodey behind.

"Mr Stark!" Peter quickly grabbed the handles of the wheelchair and rolled Rhodey out, stopping beside Tony.

Tony spared them a small glance before crossing his arms and turning away with a huff.

"Jesus you're dramatic," Rhodey rolled his eyes.

Peter knew exactly how to get him to forgive them. 'Watch this' he mouthed at Rhodey.

"Mr Stark?" Peter asked in an innocent voice. Tony ignored him.

"Mr Stark?" he tried again, Tony still ignored him.

Peter shook his head with a smirk and shrugged. Moving forward he quickly wrapped Tony in a tight hug. This was Tony's third weakness, the first was Peter's puppy dog eyes.

Tony opened his eyes and looked at the kid hugging him. "Nope," he turned his head away.

Peter hugged him tighter. Tony bit his lip and tapped his foot on the ground trying not to hug his kid.

"We're sorry," Peter mumbled looking at Tony with his puppy dog eyes.

Tony let out a breath before wrapped his arms around his kid. "I suppose I can forgive you." bringing his hand up Tony ruffled Peter's hair making him immediately jump back.

"No Mr Stark! I finally had it perfect." Peter groaned trying to pat it back down.

"Who wants to watch a movie?" Rhodey asked.

"Me!" Peter and Tony yelled at the same time.

"Actual 5-year-Olds." Rhodey rolled his eyes.

---------

Later that night they were all sitting on the couch watching Empire Strikes Back. Peter had begged Tony till the point of no return, and he eventually gave in asking FRIDAY to turn it on.

They had gotten popcorn and drinks, a small celebration commencing. The big celebration would be when Rhodey could walk again and boy was it going to be a show stopper.

There were currently 30 minutes left of the film when Tony felt a small nudge in his side. Looking to where Peter sat, he saw the kid had fallen asleep on his shoulder and was snuggling into his side slightly. Tony let a smile spread across his face, and not a fake smile he would put on for the press, a real smile, one that was only for the people he loved, his family.

Putting his arm around his kid he pulled him closer and leaned back into the couch to make sure Pete was comfy. He had well earned his sleep. Tony didn't know what he'd done to deserve such an amazing kid but whatever it was he was grateful, so bloody grateful. He meant the world to Tony and God have mercy on the poor souls who try to take him away, cause God knows Tony won't.

Leaning down he planted a small kiss on top of Peter's head, before turning back to the movie.

Rhodey watched Tony, but it wasn't in confusion anymore it was understanding, he knew exactly why Tony loved the kid, even after only a few hours Peter had grown on him.

"It suits you," Rhodey smiled at Tony.

"What?"

"This whole dad thing."

Tony looked down at Peter sleeping form and he felt an overwhelming rush of love and pride, this was his kid in every way but blood.

Rhodey chuckled. "He's one hell of a kid."

"Yeah, he is." he pulled Peter closer one last time before turning back to the TV.

Rhodey was right. He was one hell of a kid. He was Tony Starks kid.

[alwaysahiccupandastrid]

His Dark Materials - Season 2 Episode 5 (rambles)

I only realized last week, there’s only 7 episodes this series because the eighth would have been the Asriel centric one. So only two left now after tonight! :(

Also I finished the book during the last week so I am so READY

Ahh gotta love that London traffic!

I don’t know why but the Golden Monkey wearing a seatbelt SENT ME

Mrs Coulter is watching the mother and baby :(

Boreal saying that our world is barbaric and our world is corrupt is so accurate tbh I’m not even mad

Will literally just threw the knife into the wall omfg watch it!

Red PAN-da is becoming a permanent fixture in this show apparently

Lyra’s hair was so pretty this episode? Her costume too obviously but her hair had me in awe

The theme music to this show gives me literal chills

Boreal is evil but his house is A-fucking-plus

Okay but how does Ruth Wilson always look so gorgeous and fluid in this show?!?

Her faking nearly dropping one of Boreal’s precious collection pieces and him panicking 😅

Mrs Coulter’s little “hmm” and smile... we love a Queen

“Why are we whispering?” “I don’t know” - LMFAO

“Will, you left the window open” - LMAO and also please don’t do that, that’s like one of the BIG rules about the knife!

“He’s getting good at this” “he is” - we love a supportive feral wild girl and her dæmon

Mrs Coulter looking bored as fuck as Boreal plays his music is such a damn mood

“You’d like it here too” - Umm NO STOP PLEASE SHE DOESNT WANT IT

“Carlo, can you make that stop?” - OMG 🤣

“You’re far too conspicuous like that” - but she’s not??? She just looks like a posh well dressed woman, maybe that’s not common in this world but she looks fine??

Boreal picking out clothes he’s obviously got just for her is... eww. Just ewww.

Her reaction to the jeans/clothes though XD

“Would you mind?” - YEAH BOREAL STOP CREEPING AND FUCK OFF PLEASE

“Maybe it’s time we issue a firm denial of the tear in the sky” BRO IT’S LITERALLY HUGE AND RIGHT THERE YOU CAN’T PRETEND IT AIN’T

Oh shit the Magisterium know about that witches going to the new world + the massacre

MacPhail literally imprisoned Father Graves and for WHAT?! I think the power’s getting to him (which I know it the point but still!)

MRS COULTER SHUT THE DOOR ON HER DÆMON I’M-

Okay so I know it’s been implied/said that Mrs Coulter can go far away from the monkey already, and that they maybe have been through some kind of process that’s made that a thing, but like DAMN.

“I’m sure you’ve encountered witches in your travels” - if I hadn’t already read the books, I would be asking if she IS a witch tbh like omg

This is probably one of the few times I’ll say this but... I feel so sorry for the monkey?? Just him watching her as she leaves from the window... like that’s so sad. I get why she couldn’t exactly walk around with a monkey but urgh

“I apologize if she was a nuisance” “She wasn’t a nuisance!” - Oof you tell her, Mary

“You must be so proud.” “... I am.” - OOF

Mary showing that she’s better fit to be a parent to Lyra than Lyra’s real mother tbh

Damn Marisa disappeared FAST

Mary really googled Mrs Coulter I’m-

“You must play the serpent” “hornbeam” “save the girl and the boy” - IT’S HAPPENING IM GOING TO CRY IM SO EXCITED

The computer turning completely off and the room going dark before going red OH MY GOD

“Oh shut it, Pan” - LMAO

OH NO OH NO ANGELICA FOUND TULLIO AND SHE IS PISSED D:

A+ acting from Bella Ramsay by the way

“We WILL get you” - OH SHIT

The fact that Will feels guilty over fighting and inadvertently getting Tullio attacked by spectres because he has the knife :’(

It’s so sweet to see Lyra and Pan comforting him though

“I’m not judging” - Mary’s sister says while totally judging her for reading the Holy Bible. She probably thinks she’s about to rejoin the convent!

I find the relationship between Marisa and the monkey so interesting?? I’m so intrigued by it

“Do they drink in this world?” “That, they do well.” - LMFAO ACCURATE THOUGH

“I found her arrogant, like many women in this world.” - umm, FUCK you, Boreal you misogynistic sexist piece of shit

So Mrs Coulter was denied a doctorate despite being the best in her class because she’s a woman, and they would only have published her papers if they were by a man. I’m starting to see why she got upset when she met Mary, who’s got her own office and a doctorate and is head of the department/project

“Who I could have been in this world” - oh shIT

The way she started talking about how she felt after the whole affair/baby ordeal, followed by “we’re not talking about Asriel, we’re talking about ME” - FUCK. I love Ruth Wilson’s portrayal, I love it

“You’ve spent your time trading trinkets” - lmfao you tell him ma’am

“Were you hoping to add me to your little collection?” “I was hoping this would be a life for you here” - oh god I hate it, fuck right off Carlo

“If you got me, you wouldn’t even begin to know what to do with me” - oh SHIT :O

Lyra turning up to distract them so Will could have the chance to cut a window and steal the Alethiometer had me on the edge of my seat

Let’s be real right now, the whole last 15 minutes? THE MOST TENSE AND INCREDIBLE PIECE OF TELEVISION ASDFGHJKL

Mrs Coulter’s face when she saw Lyra at the door :’(

Also she nearly saw Will and I was sitting there praying she wouldn’t find him, I was so worried even though I’ve literally just reread the book

So um THE FUCKING MONKEY BASTARD JUMPSCARED ME AND I AUDIBLY YELLED SO LOUDLY HOLY HECK

The way that Lyra saw her mum and immediately tried to run away though, she just keeps trying to yeet herself away from her parents and I honestly don’t blame her at all

Boreal was being truly extra in the way he dropped his snake dæmon out of his sleeve like that whilst advancing on Will

“Why would I trust you?” TRUTH

Coulter saying for Lyra to stay away from Will and getting super teary eyed makes me think she’s worried Lyra will suffer like she did? Like she’s worried that Lyra will suffer at the hands of men and be in the same situation she was I think? And that’s so sad but nuanced

“I am NOTHING like you.”

So Lyra did this little head move like Marisa did in 1x02, when she made the monkey attack Pan to subdue Lyra - AND THEN PAN ATTACKED THE MONKEY JUST LIKE THAT, LITERALLY EXACTLY THE SAME, AND MRS COULTER FALLING TO THE FLOOR AND CLUTCHING THE SOFA LIKE LYRA DID?? AND LYRA WATCHING WITH THIS COLD LOOK ON HER FACE?!

SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE A COMPARISON GIFSET BECAUSE IM CRYING

I love Will getting mad at Boreal taunting him over his mum, and immediately starting to punch him

HE SMASHED THAT COLLECTION PIECE ON BOREAL’S HEAD FUCK YEAH WILL 👏🏻

That was a DAMN close escape, holy fuck, but she’s got the Alethiometer back!

“The man who hurt you, I wanted to kill him” - same Lyra

I was so emotional when she was talking about how Marisa used her dæmon to hurt her and Pan, and Will saying that he’s never worried about his mum hurting him... the comparison is so sad

“I hope I’m not like either of my parents” - I mean I don’t blame her tbh

SHE CONSIDERED MA COSTA AND LEE SCORESBY TO BE BETTER PARENT FIGURES TO BE LIKE I’M CRYING

So Mrs Coulter is definitely planning some shit, like she didn’t seem that concerned when Boreal was talking about the Spectres, and like obviously I know what happens but I’ve always been intrigued as to why the Spectres listen to her instead of just attacking her. Also is it something to do with her dæmon? Like if they ARE separated in some way, maybe the Spectres don’t feed on her because it’s Dust or something? (Idk if that makes any sense)

“Deceive the guardian... okay... okay...” honestly same XD

Mary pretending to be Mrs Coulter to get past the guard is such a brilliant idea, like she just ran with it immediately, we have to stan a Queen who keeps a calm head

SHE WENT THROUGH THE WINDOW AND INTO THE CITY AAAAHHHH

The angels said they’d protect her, right? So she doesn’t need to fear the Spectres I’m assuming (I need to assume or I’ll worry)

The promo for next week was literally half what we saw THIS week and half Lee/John Parry footage I’m assuming is next week... ?

The fact there’s only two episodes left makes me so sad :( I have no idea what I’ll do waiting for the final series - and I’m assuming it’ll be delayed maybe because of Covid. Plus I’m hoping we get the extra episode NEXT series, the one that was Asriel-centred and supposed to be in this one but wasn’t filmed because of Coronavirus, so fingers crossed! 🤞

[weyheyjxlya]

Ｋｅｋｋｏｎ　バ花メ

*•.¸♡ pairing: kita shinsuke x reader *•.¸♡ genre: fluff | farmer!kita au *•.¸♡ a/n: made one out of simp nights hahaha father my children kita listen to the music linked in the lyrics while reading this hehe :3 forgot to tell u guys that kekkon is “marriage” in japanese (quite unsure HAHAHA)

“cause it's you that I dream of the one who gives me love you’re the one I always believed in you are the one who answers my question you’re my inspiration and it's you you’re the one I’m thinking of”

"How bout you marry into this family Y/N?" Kita's grandmother suggested as the two of you are making dinner while waiting for Kita and others finish up their business at the farm "You like it here dear, right?" added by your grandmother who's helping with cutting vegetables. As the word "marry" got its way onto you. Without hesitation, you run. You ran from the thought that you'll be leaving city life. You ran from the thought that you'll be leaving that kingly routine that you've had and will now have a sophisticated routine for your daily life. And you ran from the thought that you'll be marrying your childhood friend, Kita Shinsuke

"Ouch" you squealed as you stumbled upon a rock that you haven't noticed since you've been running for your whole life from Kita who's been playing tag with you for a while now.

~~ Kita Shinsuke. That composed kid that you've met over the time that your grandmother brought you to her best friend's home for a visit. It's the Kita household. Everything's so sophisticated. Right from its ornaments, furniture, etc. Everything's seemed so refined that it wrapped warmth around your heart. It's welcoming and you like it. This visit of yours from the city, you love it very dearly. But there's one thing that you just can't put your hands on. He's emotionless but he goes by the principles. He's not like a normal kid because he's so knowledgeable about cleaning, courtesy, and physical conditioning. As a kid, you thought that this kid is not in the right age. "He must've been older, I think" "He just shrunk back into a child's body but he's older" "This kid is a robot." You've always thought to yourself when you first met him. But when you got bored, you snuck out of the house to check its garden to see if there's something to pass the time with. To your surprise, the robot kid was there. Smiling upon the butterflies that have been flying around the garden. The scenery is picturesque. The subtle sun rays hitting his face like art. Right at that moment, you've had your first crush as a child. Suddenly, without you noticing, your body moved its own and is now holding this boy's face because you've been admiring it since. Now the boy's face is back to its original state. Stoic. Urgh, you've ruined it. But to neutralize the moment you spontaneously asked this kid to play tag with you. And to your surprise, he agreed. 

~~ "Oh did someone got injured?" Kita's grandmother asked "Yes and grandma, could you please hand me the first aid kit?" Kita instinctively asked. He's calm but you can see his worry and a timid trembling of his hands while dressing your wounds. He really is still a child. He did not shrink. He's not a robot, he can feel things. "You're really such a klutz Y/N." teased by your grandmother which you just rolled your eyes with then starts putting back your gaze to this boy who's still dressing your wounds. "But you gotta say goodbye now to your first love, Shinsuke. We'll be leaving in 30 minutes." your grandma teased again as you felt heat upon your ears out of embarrassment and disbelief that your grandmother knows. Girl's instincts it is. "It's done now. P-please take care of it afterward and regularly change y-yer wounds dressing." mini Kita said while stuttering. His head is now directed to the floor. While looking further to the sudden change. You saw his cheeks down to his ears. It's flushed red. But as a kid, you don't know what that is. Leaving the Kita household is sad but it surely left a whole mark in your heart. Its warmth and welcoming presence and that boy, Kita Shinsuke. Hopefully, as a kid, you wished that you could go back there and marry him.

14 years passed. Due to stress in the city and it got noticed by your grandmother. She asked you to come with her for a week to help her best friend back in Hyogo for some harvest. "Ahh, farming. I got an opportunity to be farming," you've thought to yourself sweetly. You've got yourself a breather. So without hesitation, you giddily agreed to your grandmother. Going back to Hyogo, Kita fetched you both at the station. Kita assisted you throughout the vacation. He had been helpful ever since. When you're in distress with something, he'll come up saving and helping you get by. He hasn't changed a little. He's still the same as the boy that you've liked 14 years ago. But one thing changed, he's a man now. With muscular shoulders, a height that's way taller than you, with a refined face that you awe so much. This man, he really is a refined one compared to guys in the city and you fell in love with him over again. This vacation wouldn't be this perfect if it wasn't for him.

"So your grandma’s staying over and you’re leaving tomorrow, right dear? May I ask, do you like it here Y/N-san?" his grandmother asked "Yes, obaa-chan!! Very much!! The kindness from people, unity, and food. Oh so great!" you've answered enthusiastically. "How bout you marry into this family Y/N? Live with Shinsuke." Kita's grandmother suggested as the two of you are making dinner while waiting for Kita and others finish up their business at the farm "You like it here dear, right?" added by your grandmother who's helping with cutting vegetables. "Please consider it Y/N-san. We'd love you staying here. Even the community loves you." "But how about Shinsuke-kun?" your grandmother asked "Just say these things to him and you'll get the answer," his grandmother giggled "Take your time considering this offer Y/N-san," she added calmly You haven't uttered a word as the word "marry" sunk its way onto you.   Without hesitation, you run out of the house. You ran from the thought that you'll be leaving city life. You ran from the thought that you'll be leaving that kingly routine that you've had and will now have a sophisticated routine for your daily life. And you ran from the thought that you'll be marrying your childhood friend, Kita Shinsuke. You wished you could've said yes properly just like in the movies. But the responsibilities back in the city. You have fallen in love with this place. Now that you've received the news that the community also loves you, you've fallen head over heels now. But the thing is how? "Can I fit into this town?"

"Can I also be a refined individual in this town?"

"Can I get used to this life that's away from the city?"

"Can I be a good mother of the house?"

"Can I be a good and perfect person to stand by Kita's side for life's eternity?" Anxious and insecure. You've become paranoid about the things that have been worrying you thinking that it's a lot to take in one sitting. So you just ran until you stumbled upon a rock and fell. "Ouch, what a good timing rock!" you've exclaimed and soon, you've heard steps nearing you. As you looked up, you saw Kita, running towards you and held your hands to help you get up from your little accident. "Are you fine Y/N-san? Are you hurt? What are you doing outside? Did something happen? Why are you crying? You're leaving tomorrow and you're like this?" Kita asked as he wiped your tears from your cheeks as you aren't able to because your hands are dirty. Without noticing, you pulled him to your embrace. Tightly but bearable for him. He's quite shocked by your sudden movement but he reciprocated. He also wrapped your frame with his arms and is now gently patting your back as you cry your tears out. "Everything's gonna be fine in your case," he mumbled in your hair. His presence calmed your very soul down. All your worries have subsided down within his hold. This man deserves the world. "Ha, this is somewhat like a deja vu." you chuckled as you peeled yourself off of him. "You picked me up again as soon as I fell and treated me until I'm better," you added shyly Your heart fluttered as you hear his mini chuckle in response to what you've said. "No matter what goes on, near or far, just remember I'll always be here for ya Y/N-san. I will do my best to help yer with the best that I can." he calmly said with a beautiful grin spread around his face that made you in awe again. "Thank you Kita-san. Let's go back, shall we? They might be worried by now," you've said "Okay, come on let me help you" he offered as you walk back to their house with the night's still young and a tranquil atmosphere lingering between the both of you like it's some safe space for you.

"Are you sure you've got everything with you? I can fetch it up for you." Kita exclaimed "Nope, everything's here," you answered as Kita nodded with your sure response. "Please consider what I've said Y/N-san. I hope for your wonderful response when you return to fetch your grandmother." his grandmother mumbled "Yes obaa-chan," you've answered collectively "May I ask what is that?" Kita asked. "That's our secret Shinsuke-kun," his grandmother giggled "Hmm, something was strange last night Okay, so we'll see you in like three weeks then?" Kita asked "Yes Kita-san, see you," you replied as you gently bowed down to show your gratitude to their family. "Shinsuke would be fine Y/N-san" he cooed You chuckled as you give your thanks to them more and bid farewell as you turn your back as the train stood still in front of you. Fifteen minutes went by and you've realized that you've been better. You can never compare to anything that you've experienced in this place. The place that's like a scenery out of art. The wind that takes your worries away with them. Your time with the community that's so well spent. The time that you've spent with Shinsuke was like the world's best gift for you. And Shinsuke? you've realized that he's like God's tailored gift for you. Kita Shinsuke. You love him and you can't imagine a future without him. Even though he deserves the best in the world, you're now willing to do your best to give it to him. A wonderful life, a wonderful child, a wonderful wife and family that may be imperfect but will do its best, and a wonderful future that no one can ever imagine. You're now willing to do it. You now want to stay here and have this wonderful life and to marry Shinsuke. Luckily the next train stop was like a minute away. Without any wasted moment, you hurriedly got on to the train that’s going back to where you came from and contacted Kita to fetch you and you have something to say.

"So what made you come back Y/N-san?" Kita asked while catching up his breath as he hurried his way back to you. "I've realized something." you've declared with your eyes shimmering like daylight stars "Your grandmother asked me to stay here and live with you Kita-san." "What?" he answered with an indescribable expression that you can't decipher because he's most frequently expressionless. This is kinda new to you and it even pushed your eagerness to know more. "Yes, what you've heard is right and I want to marry you Kita-san. Wait no, I want to stay by your side and build a family in this lovely town with you Shinsuke. I love you, will you marry me?" Nervousness crept its way when Kita just nodded and just directly looked down the floor for quite a while but it exhilarated its way when you've heard sniffles from Kita. He's crying? this is odd Suddenly, you've almost died from shock when Kita pulled you into a hug as he completely embraces you and is now kissing the crown of your head. So he's happy, I'm so glad. "Y/N-san, thank you. I'm so glad. Receiving these words from my first love is like the best gift that the Gods have given me. This is indescribable. Thank you Y/N. I love you too and marry me. No take-backs, okay?" Shinsuke surprisingly exclaimed Locking his eyes onto yours, he pulled you by the waist and he gently cupped your cheeks as he went to kiss you slowly as time stopped itself for the both of you. This is the gift that you can never share with anybody. This is perfect. "I can't wait to marry you Shinsuke," you've said as both of you pulled back but with your foreheads sticking together "Me too Y/N, I love you." Kita cooed lovingly as he grabbed your things to help you travel back to their house to deliver this wonderful news to your grandmothers.

*•.¸♡ taglist ♡¸.•*  @maviiiiic​ @keiyoomi​ luv u peeps omg <3

[freyjasamael]

Musicals and the Avengers (Avengers x Stark!Reader) (Teen!Reader)

Summary: After the death of your mom, Tony Stark has taken you into his arms. He doesn´t have a clue about your upcoming musical, in which you play a leading role. Maybe it hits too close to home.

A/N: So this is my very first fanfiction. I had this idea and just decided to write it. And I was happy with the outcome, so I thought why not share it? Please leave criticism! I hope you enjoy it! 

Word count: 3.8 K

-

Tony Stark isn’t a family man. No one tried to deny this. But he certainly tries very hard. 

You didn’t know Tony long. Hell, you didn’t even know he was your father till 6 months ago! No one knew. Your mom died back then. It all felt like a weird nightmare. Shocked couldn’t describe your state after you found out. You were like a zombie. The only answers you gave were a bold “yes” or “no”. 

You first thought that you would go to an orphanage but after some research from some officers they found out that your father was your next guardian. You never met him.

-

The loud riff of an AC/DC song could be heard all over the lab. If you were to walk around you wouldn’t even hear your footsteps. You probably wouldn’t even hear an explosion over the noise. But suddenly it was just some harsh notes in the background as it went almost quiet. 

“FRIDAY what did I tell you about turning my music down?”

“Sir, you have an incoming call from the NYPD. It seemed urgent enough to turn your music down." 

The loud click of the wrench Tony was holding accompanied the sight that was leaving his mouth. With frowning sleep-deprived eyes he looked at the ceiling. "Okay put them through" 

"Mr. Stark?" 

"This better be important officer? Detective?" 

”-Officer Hernandez Sir.“ 

"Yeah right be quick." 

"You are the next guardian of Y/F/N Y/M/N Y/L/N. Her mom died and she entered your information as the father of the kid. I suggest you come and ugh- take your kid?" 

"mY WHAT NOW? FRIDAY check that please” Confusion couldn’t describe Tony´s face. 

“Sir, the information provided is real”

-

With your eyes cast down, you walk through the halls of hell. School. 

“Hey Y/N you have Biology next right?” Peter looks as tired as you feel. He was behind a history essay and had to pull an all-nighter. 

“Yeah why are you asking? You are in the same biology class?” A visibly confused look washes over your face. 

“Well about that-” He suddenly scratches the back of his neck. He always does that when he wants to ask a favor. 

“You can copy my homework-" 

"Oh really thanks Y/N! You are an ANGEL!” His mood shifts instantly. You are used to it. Peter is your only friend to whom you feel comfortable talking and just because he copy´s your homework sometimes doesn’t mean he´s a bad friend. Everyone has their problems. 

He knows that you always have your homework done. Tony was very strict about school. It is annoying -yes- but after you moved in with Tony it also gave you a feeling of stability after the incident with your mom. He kept you busy -and still does-. 

“No problem Peter. You probably would have done your homework if it weren’t for the history essay.” A quiet chuckle escaped your mouth. “But you know you could have asked Mr. Rogers or Mr. Barnes, I mean… They liv-" 

"They lived in that time yeah I know okay? But I wanted to finish the death star with ned and I just couldn’t wait okay?" 

"Are you saying that Lego is more important than school?” MJ appears out of thin air behind Peter. Like always Peter shrieks like a girl but then shuts up very quickly. 

“JEEZ- MJ what did I say about sneaking up on me?” Peter is clutching his heart with a slightly panicked but amused expression. 

“What? you don’t have your diapers on?” Now both you and MJ laughed full on. 

“Ha ha just because I wanted to try something ONE TIME!” MJ is still laughing as Peter tries to explain himself. 

“We should probably get going right, Peter?” Peter shoots you a glare which doesn’t last long because he instantly warms up again. 

“Okay you lead the way Mrs. Deetz” He bowed and made room for you to walk. 

“Really funny. Just because I have a leading role doesn’t mean I´m automatically arrogant Peter… Anyway, bye MJ see you later!" 

"See ya!” With a now neutral face, MJ turned around and started walking to her class. 

“Uhm Y/N I know I shouldn’t care but, uhmmm when are you… you know?” And here it comes. Peter asks you about this since you got the leading role. 

“Going to tell Tony that I´m playing in the school musical? Nuh-uh Peter not gonna happen.” Peter suddenly looks at you with a pitiful expression. 

You know that he just wants to help. But you don’t want Tony to find out. You know that he´s going to be disappointed because you lied to him. All Tony knows is that you stay longer at school because you are in the robotic´s club. 

And you don’t want him to know that you’ve been lying to him. He probably wouldn’t have approved of your club activities if you said that you wanted to join the theater club. Well, you don’t know Tony that long anyway. So you weren’t sure what his reaction would be. 

You try to keep a low profile at the tower and around the others. It’s not like you don’t like the other avengers. But it seems weird. It doesn’t feel right either. Since the beginning, you always had your doubts about why they were so nice to you. Why would they want to befriend a teenage girl? You kept your distance. Sometimes you asked homework questions, which they were always happy to answer, but you never had a long-lasting conversation that wasn’t about homework. 

Tony always tried to talk to you. He was annoying sometimes. But you don’t want to blame him for that. He tries his best, which is certainly not very helpful but he tries. One day he bought you a brand new custom made Mercedes. It was a nice gesture but he didn’t even know that you didn´t have a driver’s license. 

After you’ve crushed his bubble he -of course- sent you away to get your driver’s license. You have to admit it though, the test drives with Sam and Bucky had been very amusing. If you ignored the fact that you almost crashed the car while they were arguing who of them should instruct you. 

After that, you went to practice your driving with Steve. He was much calmer. Which also calmed you. The practice drive was also very soothing because Steve told you stories about his old life. You were probably not focused on the road but it helped you relax. 

You suddenly snapped out of your thoughts and look at Peter. “No. And it stays that way. Just stop Parker okay” The sudden shift in your mood isn’t unnoticed by Peter, so he just goes quiet and sits down.

-

After a long day of rehearsals, you just want to go to sleep. Especially because it was Monday. Monday sucks. 

Urgh I still have homework Your mood is suddenly more on edge because you still have to do your homework. You just want to go to sleep. 

The school musical is next week and you have to be in perfect form for it, as you don’t want to disappoint your teachers. You still have to come up with an excuse as to why you are going to be home late on the weekend. The school has 3 shows planned on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But you have a plan. 

“How was school?” Steve asks you with a friendly smile as you pass him in the hallway. 

Your steps fasten but you grumble out a quiet “okay” before closing your door loudly. 

Sam, who was now also standing in the hallway just chuckled “She doesn’t seem very happy" 

"When does she?” Steve´s mood suddenly shifts. He would never understand why you just don’t want to talk to any of them. But he does understand that you need your time, especially after the incident with your mom. 

The day you came to the tower you were very pissed. He remembers that day very clearly (for a man of his age).

 Your eyes were all red and puffy. But there was something that was crushing his heart. The way you looked at everyone, even if it was just for a split second. It was dumb, but you reminded him of Bucky. Not in a nostalgic way but in a pitiful way. 

“Man you just gotta give her Time. She opens up when she wants to. If we push her she just pushes us away further.” Sam is quite enthusiastic at that point. But it doesn’t surprise Steve. Sam helped him too. 

“I know… I know.” Steve goes into the kitchen/common room with Sam on his tails. 

The kitchen is a sight to behold. It has beautiful Italian marble counters with modern white cupboards. It looks modern and sleek. The Oven is something completely different. For Steve, it looks like Alien technology. He is lucky that he could even figure out the coffee machine. (Which took a couple of weeks) 

Clint is standing at the coffee machine with his pot (Yes he has a whole pot. Because he always said that the mugs in the kitchen were ´like espresso cups´ to him.) while Wanda is sitting at one of the barstools opposite of him with her phone in one hand. 

“All I´m saying is that Nat wouldn’t even question it." 

"What’s going on here? Are you onto something Clint?” Sam is always one for pranks. 

“Nooo why?” Clint raises his brows as he takes a sip from his Pot. Steve just gives him a questioning look in return. 

“Anyway, what’s for dinner?” Steve is always hungry. As is Bucky. Supersoldiers just don’t seem to get full enough. 

The sound of talking could be heard from the kitchen. Tony and Bruce are talking about some science stuff again. 

“Anyway, I´m hungry what about you guys?” Tony is clapping in his hands as he turns to the rest of the Avengers like a teacher would turn to his class. 

“I don´t know I wondered the same actually.” Wanda is now engrossed in her phone as she responds. A thought crosses Tony’s mind because you can actually see when he has an idea. 

“Okay, how bout´ chinese? If that´s healthy enough for capsicle of course.” Tony doesn’t shy away to roll his eyes. 

“If you keep rolling your eyes they will get stuck, Tony. I don´t mind chinese.” The sentence was faster out of Steve’s mouth than he anticipated. He just hopes Tony doesn’t leave another sarcastic remark. But Tony never grows tired of making fun of his age. Tony opens his mouth slowly while looking at Steve. 

Here we go, Steve, thinks. 

“Chinese it is then! FRIDAY the usual order please." 

"Oh wow, I really thought you were gonna say something different to Steve” Sam snorts in amusement. Tonys’ eyes get a glimmer. 

“Nah I guess I´m too hungry to make fun of Mr. Rappin´-with-Cap” Tony is quick with his remark. 

Clint is quick to move over the sink as he spits out the coffee he was just taking a sip of. The common room was hollering with laughter. Sam was clutching his stomach as Steve just rolls his eyes. 

“iF yOU kEeP ROlLinG yoUr EyeS tHeY WiLL gEt StUCk” Tony always has to top it off. Steve was used to his banter, especially because Tony isn’t the nicest if he doesn’t sleep 

“Yeah yeah whatever makes you happy Tony”

-

Dinner is always awkward. Since you´ve come here they always tried to talk to you. Whether it was about school or friends you weren’t really talkative. 

After two weeks they eventually stopped. They talk about missions and funny stories. Sometimes they would still ask you stuff, just so you wouldn’t feel like an outcast. 

You never said anything on your own, so when you asked something they all went quiet and looked at each other as if they just saw a ghost. 

“So uhm Tony I wanted to ask you if I could go to a sleepover this weekend? It would be from Friday evening to Monday. I´ll take my school stuff with me so that I can go straight to school.” Your quiet voice cut through the conversation. Every set of eyes were set on Tony. 

His fork is still halfway in his mouth. He slowly sets it down and looks at you with a questioning look. He can be strict but you never asked him something like that. He is quite perplexed before he just slides in his relaxed demeanor. 

“Uh sure if you have your homework all done.” He ignores the sharp glares from his teammates. 

Oh Fuck You thought. If you have to finish your homework you would be sitting till 9 PM. You always finish your homework at around 9 PM. 

“Come on Tony she never asked for something before be more chill” Natasha was being the cool aunt as always. You like her even more now. She just looks at you and gives you a quick wink. 

Thank God someone with common sense The table seemed to grow out of its frozen spell. Now everyone was eating like before. 

“Yeah Tony let the girl go out. School sucks anyways” Sam is now happily supporting you. 

Tony looks a little sad but quickly changes into his strict persona 

“Nuh-Uh no homework done no sleepover Y/N.” You just look at him for a second and then get up. 

You mutter a quick “Fine” before disappearing into the hallway. The whole table just looks at Tony as he eats. 

“What?" 

"Really, Tony? She asks for one thing and then you are still being like this?” Steve just shakes his head. 

Bucky nods and says “Even my ma´ let me go to friends. Even though I was failing English.”

 Sam is quietly laughing and just pushes out “When was that 1930?” before he can’t hold himself from laughing. Tony chuckles along. 

“Ugh shut up birdbrain” Bucky grumbles under his breath. Natasha just looks at Tony with a fierce stare. 

“Okay, okay she can go to the sleepover.” He just stands up and starts walking to your room. “Why must I live with assassins?”

-

As you are working on your homework you hear a knock at your door. You can think of who is on the other side of the door. Either Natasha or Steve to cheer you up. They always try to make you feel better when Tony had another strict parent moment. 

“Come in” Without looking up from your homework you hear the door open and close. Normally they would try to talk to you, and then give up after 5 minutes. 

“You can go to the sleepover even if you haven’t done your homework” The voice of Tony surprised you. So you slowly start to turn around to face him. Confusion is written all over your face. 

“I´m sorry that uhm… I´m so strict… Yeah… I guess that’s it." 

Wait he actually apologizes? What is happening? It seems that your face grew even more confused because now he is grinning. He slowly starts to walk towards your door. 

Am I supposed to say something? I mean it can’t hurt, right? A small "thank you” can be heard as he is halfway through the door. He just smiles and closes the door. 

Wow okay, I guess he isn’t too bad… And you return to finish the last page of your English homework for today.

-

Thursday. You actually like Thursday the most. It´s your most relaxed day of the week. But today you don’t like Thursday. 

Everyone is panicking and no one is relaxed. Of course, they are stressed, tomorrow is the first day of the show. You are surprisingly relaxed even though you never sang in front of an audience. The rehearsals were again taking all day. You normally come to the Tower around 6 to 7 PM. But right now it was 7 PM and you won’t finish up until 10 PM. You take your phone out and text Peter that rehearsal takes longer. He was always at the tower on Thursday. He had to keep the ´intern´ play up and real. Peter always had your back. But Peter had a plan.

The dining table was stocked with all types of superheroes sitting at it. The stew is being brought in by Vision. There are eyes ogling it. 

“Has anyone seen Y/N?” Vision asks as he puts down the stew.

 A couple of no´s can be heard around the table. Vision looks around and his eyes set on Peter who is visibly uncomfortable while looking at his phone. 

“Peter?” He asks the boy. 

“Huh?” Not even acknowledging Vision’s first questions he looks engrossed in his phone. 

“Have you seen Y/N today, Peter?�� Vision is asking him again, louder this time. Now he has Peter´s attention because he hurriedly puts away his phone and looks around the table. 

“Uh her robotic´s club takes longer she said it´ll be around 10 PM until she comes home." 

"What?” A frowning Tony now looks at him “Why would a robotic´s club take till´ 10 PM?!" 

Peter´s eyes widen and he starts to panic. "I- Mr. Stark I don’t know I- I´m just- She just- Urgh" 

"Peter calm down, why are you so nervous?” Clint is now paying attention. 

“I- I´m not nervous Mr. Eye- Mr. Clint I- Okay… Uhmmm….” Peter is thinking. Hard. Everyone could see that he wants to say something. 

Sam is getting impatient. He just wants to eat "Just spit it out juice boy" The whole table is now looking at him. 

“I- Okay I can’t say much.” Tony´s brows shoot upwards. “Okay then tell us what you can" 

"You should see this for yourself I don’t want to be a snitch. Just come to the school tomorrow at 8 PM. Please don´t ask.” Peter calms down but they know that he won´t give any more information. 

“Okay, I guess we can do that. Right folks?” Tony just looked around at the table. 

They all look confused but eventually, Wanda said “It´s like a team excursion” Sam and Bucky both groan at the same time. Steve just shoots them a glare 

“Yeah but I hope some people can get their shit together." 

The whole table shouts "Language!” without skipping a beat. 

“So can we eat now?” Sam has his hands on the stew already.

-

You look at yourself in the mirror. The makeup is on point and the costume is looking good. The black dress and black wig let you look gothy and emo. Your heart rate goes up as you hear your teacher shout “5 MINUTES GUYS!" 

You try a calming method that Bruce once taught you. It always helps, no matter how stressed you are. 

Why wouldn’t it work? He literally turns into a green angry thing if he doesn’t calm down. Breathe Y/N just breathe. It´s gonna be okay. 

On the other side of the curtain, the Avengers sit in their chairs. All visibly confused under their ´disguises´. Peter sits next to Tony. Tony just looks confused at him. 

"I swear its gonna make sense.” Peter seemed nervous. 

But why? Tony thought. 

The principal is at the microphone “Good evening everyone. Thank you for coming to our yearly school musical show. This musical was put together by talented our theater club and the members of our school band. I proudly present ´Beetlejuice: The Musical´" 

 Everyone was visibly confused. 

Steve, who sat next to Tony, just turned and said "So this still is about Y/N right?” Tony just looked at Steve and shrugged as the first notes of the Show are starting. 

The scene of a casket and black-dressed people are moving. The kid who plays the pastor speaks. 

 “In times like these, we have no words. We have only each other. 

Today we come together to mourn the passing of Emily Deetz; 

devoted wife of Charles, beloved mother to Lydia. Scripture tells 

us, “Sorrow not, for we do not walk alone.”

 Wait Tony is looking closely at one of the black-dressed people on the stage. 

“You’re invisible when you’re sad" 

If you have good ears you can even hear some of the gasps of the Avengers. You don’t have good ears. 

"Clocks tick and phones still ring 

The world carries on like mad 

But nobody sees a thing” 

For the first time ever, Tony was genuinely surprised. His daughter could sing? And so good too? Why had you never talked about your show? 

“Whispering behind their hands" 

Tony is proud. So proud. 

"Lost for kind words to say 

Nobody understands 

And everyone goes away" 

And it hits him. He listens. And he is proud to listen.

Grownups wanna fix things 

When they can’t it only fills them with shame" 

Has he done something wrong? 

"So they just look away 

Is it being greedy to need somebody to see me 

And say my name?" 

Oh, Fuck He thought

It’s going good You thought after the prologue. You hadn’t even acknowledged the audience. Now your part is coming up again. 

"Hey Mom, dead Mom”

 It´s going great Y/N just keep going. You can do this. 

“Dead Mom 

I’m tired of tryin’ to iron out my creases 

I’m a bunch of broken pieces 

It was you who made me whole 

Every day Dad’s starin’ at me 

Like all, "Hurry up, get happy 

Move along 

Forget about your mom" 

You suddenly sense all eyes on you. It´s coming down like you were shot. But you keep going. But you keep yourself together for the rest of the solo. 

"Whatever it takes to make him say your name 

Dead Mom" 

Now you look around the audience. Nothing too weird. 

Wait a damn minute You think you saw someone, but you quickly brush it off as you go off the stage. 

While you were starting to sing your duet with Beetlejuice the Avengers are in trance by your voice. No one heard you sing before. They are absolutely smitten by your performance. 

"You’re so smart 

A stand-up bro" 

But they can see that your face falls for a second. You calmly scan their row and look at all of them while still singing. You continue your performance. 

"Teach dad a lesson 

He’s gonna freak when we possess him" 

You were grinning a little as your favorite part comes up. But you quickly go back into character. The part comes and you look at Tony. He looks surprised, which doesn’t affect your calmness. 

"So, he wants the perfect daughter 

I’ll lead that lamb to slaughter" 

A fire goes off in your eyes as you sing the lyrics while directly staring at Tony. He just gulps as you end the song. 

Steve just looks at Tony and straight-up says "Good luck pal." 

Maybe I´m too harsh… 

As you go up the stage again you promise yourself not to be so hard on Tony. 

At least he tries. You think

----

Thank you so much for reading! Please leave criticism or any comments!

[recurring-polynya]

In WDKALY, literally no one - sans Orihime - was surprised about RenRuki announcing their engagement. I would love to read a fic where they think they're being subtle and sneaky about their PDA around Soul Society but in reality, they were... not.

This one was a lot of fun. 😈

🩹 🩹 🩹

Hanatarou checked his patient list, and sighed. He liked Lieutenant Abarai perfectly well as a friend, but as a patient, he was awful. On one hand, at least he bothered even coming to the Fourth, unlike most alumni of the Eleventh. On the other, Hanatarou wasn’t sure why the man even bothered, since he always tried to leave again, immediately, and never followed his care instructions, unless--

“Lieutenant Abarai, may I come in?” he called.

“It’s your damn hospital,” Abarai’s gruff voice called back.

“We don’t like to surprise our patients, especially the ones who have concussions,” Hanatarou explained cheerfully, stepping around the divider. “Oh, Rukia’s here!” That ought to make this go a lot easier.

“My brother asked me to stop in and see how this dingus was doing,” Rukia excused. “I was just going.”

“Please stay,” Hanatarou begged. “You’re the only one who can get him to take his pain medicine.”

Abarai made an offended face. “Now, see here--” he blustered.

“Really?” Rukia hooted. “This mother hen?”

“Is he?” Hanatarou asked mildly.

“You mean you’ve never seen him fussing over…” Rukia trailed off, “his subordinates?” she finished quickly.

Hanatarou scratched his head. “I suppose there was the time you brought Rikichi in with that cut on his hand.”

“I had told him to rub some dirt on it,” Renji muttered, “and the dummy mashed a bunch of gravel into it. I felt bad so I dragged him over here. Man, that kid can bawl.”

“Who doesn’t know how to rub dirt on a wound?” Rukia scoffed.

“The Fourth does not encourage ‘rubbing dirt’ on wounds,” Hanatarou disclaimed patiently. “Speaking of which, you have a concussion, Lieutenant Abarai. I stopped the internal bleeding, but you need to take one of these pills every eight hours for the next 48. You must get some rest. You can stay here at the Fourth, or, if you have someone who can come stay with you and check in with your every few hours to make sure you don’t slip into a coma, you may go home.”

Renji swung his legs over the side of his bed. “I will go home.”

“Who is going to check on you?” Hanatarou asked, his pen poised over his clipboard. “I will need their contact information.” His eyes slid over to Rukia.

Rukia held up her hands defensively. “Whoa! I’m only here because my brother wanted to know if his adjutant had succumbed to his wounds or not, I’m not--”

“You do realize that Captain Kuchiki is the one who gave him the concussion, right?” Hanatarou pointed out. “He brought Renji in.”

“Why did you let me go on like that?” Rukia hissed, jabbing Renji in the ribs with an elbow.

“Write down Rikichi,” Renji announced. “You know his number.”

Hanatarou raised one eyebrow. “I am going to check in on you, you know. Do you want me to call Rikichi in eight hours?”

Renji’s eyes slid over to the side. “Call Rukia,” he mumbled. “But write down Rikichi.”

📁 📁 📁

Sentarou carefully made his way down the hall, trying really, really hard not to spill the huge stack of papers in his arms. At some point, there had been a tiny hope in his heart that Captain Kyouraku’s promotion might mean a slight reduction in the level of bureaucracy, but his fantasies had failed to account for Lieutenant Ise accompanying him to the First. Poor Lieutenant Kuchiki was handling both the captain’s and vice-captain’s paperwork, she was probably exhausted.

Usually, Rukia kept her door open, but it was closed at the moment. Sentarou wondered if she was taking a nap (not that he would blame her), so he knocked softly on the doorframe. There was a scuffle and a thump, and then an “Er, yes?”

“Lieutenant, it’s 3rd Seat Kotsubaki! Got some paperwork for you! Is now a good time?”

“Ahh… just a sec...”

There was more scuffling, the creak of the window that always stuck a bit in its frame, and a louder thump. Rukia suddenly threw the shoji open, looking a bit wild-eyed, with a too-big grin on her face. “Wow! That’s a lot of paperwork,” she managed, her smile turning stiff.

“Here, I’ll bring it right in,” Sentarou said, and Rukia scampered back toward her desk, and kicked something under it.

Sentarou started laying the paperwork out in piles. “Some of these forms are new. Apparently, Lieutenant Ise is getting creative.”

“Urgh,” Rukia groaned.

“Here are the templates for the big damage assessments we’re supposed to turn in next month,” Sentarou said, taking a smaller pile off the top, and setting it aside. “Here is a clearance application you need to fill out, so you can be included in captains’ briefings. Here are the change of address forms that we need to pass out to anyone who is in temporary housing.”

Rukia ran her fingers through her hair and made a horrified face. Her hair was pretty mussed up on one side, she’d probably been doing that all morning. Sentarou couldn’t imagine all the bullshit she must be putting up with these days.

“Ha ha, that’s the face I made, too,” Sentarou laughed. “Let me know which of these you want me to take care of.”

“Well, you can pass out the housing forms, but these are really my responsibility.”

“You just seem pretty overwhelmed, that’s all. You’re only one person,” Sentarou pointed out reasonably. “And you don’t need to fake it in front of me, you know. You’re hardly the only captain who takes naps in their office.”

“Nap…?” Rukia looked confused for a moment, then slapped herself in the forehead. “Oh, gosh, yes, you caught me!”

Sentarou chuckled, and pulled the next chunk of papers off the stack. “Resumes for transfer applicants. There are more than I expected… probably people hoping to make seats, I suppose.” He was running out of space on Rukia’s desk, and he had to take a few steps over to find an empty spot. He stepped on something soft and bent down to pick it up. “You must have dropped your...” he said, examining the thing in his hand. “...Bandana? Is that what this is?”

Rukia snatched it out of his hand and without looking at it, tossed it out the window. “Don’t know how that got in here, never seen it before in my life.”

A hand shot up and grabbed the bandana out of the air before disappearing again.

Sentarou gave Rukia a very judgemental look. “I was only going to say it looked an awful lot like the one Lieutenant Abarai wears. You know. Your friend. Who leaves crap lying around you office all the time.”

“Oh. Maybe,” Rukia shrugged.

“I do not!” a voice wafted in from outside.

☕ ☕ ☕

“You headed back?” Momo asked Renji as they were leaving the Lieutenants’ meeting. “We need to talk about that joint exercise our squads doing next week.”

“Oh, right, I forgot about that,” Renji replied absently, which was a little odd, since he had dropped off a three inch binder full of “some ideas I had” the day before. “Are you busy this afternoon? If I can come over this afternoon, I’ll bring you a coffee.”

Momo frowned. The new Living World coffee place Renji was into was all the way down by the Thirteenth. Also, he had a cup of coffee sitting right in front of him. “I mean, we’re walking back,” she pressed. “Can’t we just talk about it now?”

“I gotta talk to Rukia about some, um, Kuchiki stuff,” Renji jerked a thumb at Rukia, who was sitting next to him.

Rukia took a sip of Renji’s coffee and regarded Momo with half-lidded eyes. “Yeah,” she said when she had finished “Kuchiki stuff.”

“I want a caramel latte and a scone,” Momo jabbed a finger at Renji.

His face brightened immediately. “Deal! See you then!” Momo regarded him with narrowed eyes, before calling, “Hey, Izuru, Shuuhei, wait up!”

She was halfway back to the Fifth when she realized she had forgotten her notebook, and had to dash frantically back to the First. As she shoved open the shoji to the meeting room, Rukia very abruptly thumped her elbow down on the table, shoving her hair out of her face with her other hand. Renji’s chair fell over backwards.

“Are you two still here?” Momo asked, picking up her notebook.

“Very complicated Kuchiki stuff,” Renji called from the floor.

“Very complicated,” Rukia concurred.

🌸 🌸 🌸

“You wished to see me, Brother?” Rukia appeared in the doorway of Byakuya’s office at the manor.

“Good morning, Rukia. You are looking very lovely.”

Rukia smiled and cast her eyes down. Byakuya knew very well she was on her way to a festival downtown. She did look lovely in her brightly colored kimono and jeweled hairpins, but it was more than that. There was a certain… energy… about Rukia lately. Much like himself, Rukia’s default facial expression had once been a sort of unamused glower. Lately, though, she often wore a faraway smile, as though she were remembering an amusing story someone had told her at some earlier occasion. She was more talkative, more cheerful, but it was underlaid with a sort of serenity, a sense that all was right with the Soul Society.

“Thank you, Brother,” she replied, her cheeks flushing a very becoming pink.

“As you know, the manor is very large, especially for only two residents,” Byakuya started off, gazing out the doorway toward the gardens. “There are many odd corners of it, closed off hallways, etc. I am sure you have… poked around from time to time.”

Rukia’s cheeks flushed a darker pink. “I… er…”

Byakuya waved a hand. “As you are perfectly welcome to! This is your home. They are only packed away to avoid the need for cleaning and to preserve the furniture.”

“Oh,” Rukia replied, looking a little confused as to why he would be bringing this up.

“I did, however, want to mention, in particular, the lower engawa that permits access to the sunken garden. It is quite difficult to reach. The main access had to be blocked when the wine cellar was remodeled a few decades ago. There are still ways to get there, of course. It is attached to an old guest room, and the servant’s passages can still be accessed through the root cellar in the kitchens.”

“Hmm!” Rukia nodded.

“One could also theoretically… jump down from the balcony directly above it, which is an unused pottery studio that belonged to my grandmother.” Byakuya rubbed his chin, recalling the way one had to sort of swing a little before one dropped down, otherwise, one might land directly in his grandmother’s prize roses, which had rather notable thorns.

“Seems quite a bother,” Rukia observed airily.

“It is a rather nice spot,” Byakuya pointed out. “The way it is situated under the house gives quite a bit of privacy. It is nearly invisible if one does not know where to look for it. The flowers in the sunken garden are very fragrant, and in fine weather, it permits lovely breezes. There is… a downside, though.”

Rukia stared at Byakuya. Byakuya let his gaze return to his sister.

“A peculiarity of the manor’s construction causes any noise from that engawa to be funnelled-- perhaps even amplified-- up… here,” he waved his hand vaguely around the study.

Rukia’s face was darkening from a delicate shade of pink to a ripe crimson.

“So any, say...conversations... one might have there are… not as private as one might think.”

“I… see,” Rukia squeaked.

Byakuya felt a strong twinge of sympathy for his sister. He knew he did not need to continue, but for the first time in his life, he felt the desire to engage in a bit of sibling solidarity. “Rukia,” he said.

“Yes, Brother?”

“The reason I know this, Rukia…. is because this used to be our grandfather’s study.”

Rukia’s countenance abruptly turned from red to white as all the blood drained from her face. She looked rather like a daikon.

Byakuya took a deep breath, and looked out at the garden once again. “You have probably noticed that the tea house in the garden is fairly modern. It was built for my mother, in fact, who found the old one to be difficult to get to. The previous one was built before the hedge maze grew into its current glory. It’s still back there, you know, and in fairly good repair. A great deal of morning glory has grown up around it, and it is rather small and drafty, but it’s very charming. He tapped his finger on his chin. “There is some storage, you know, if one wished to keep, say a blanket, or a bottle or two of sake…”

“How interesting!” Rukia cut him off, her voice a full octave above its usual pitch.

Byakuya leaned back. “Your sister was very fond of that tea house. She said it was ‘quaint.’”

Rukia’s mouth opened and then closed again, without a single word falling out.

Byakuya wondered if he should mention the loose floorboard or the family of raccoons that had once taken up residence under it. He decided not to. Rukia was certainly capable of handling a few raccoons.

“You have plans for today?”

“Er, ah, yes!”

“You do not want to be late. I have said what I wished to say. Have a nice time.”

“Yes, Brother! Thank...you… Brother!”

Byakuya nodded and smiled pleasantly. “Tell my vice-captain I sent my regards.”

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 34: A Fine Line Between Simple and Complicated

Saturday evening. Ann was wandering around Central Street. Ryuji had messaged her earlier about “Making it up” to her, but she didn’t know what that meant entirely. Still, Ryuji seemed earnest in his attempt, so the least she could do was make an appearance.

“Hey!” Ryuji called out. Ann turned around to spot him. “Over here!” Ann walked up to him. “So, are you ready?”

Ann was confused. “Ready for what?” she asked.

“For me to make it up to you,” Ryuji answered.

Ann stared at him. “What does that mean?!” she shouted.

“Urgh! Sorry…” Ryuji said. “I’m gonna buy you dinner, and we can just, you know, talk…”

“Oh” Ann said. “Sure, I guess…”

“Great!” Ryuji said. “Follow me.” Ryuji walked into a beef bowl shop. Ann followed. They took a seat next to each other, and placed their order. While they were waiting, Ryuji turned to Ann and asked “Well, what do you think?”

Ann seemed confused. “It’s a beef bowl place…”

“Huh” Ryuji said.

“What?” Ann asked.

Ryuji thought for a moment. “No, I guess that makes sense.”

“What?!” Ann asked again.

Ryuji sighed. “Nothin’. It's just… I dunno, I thought you’d be a little more excited. But really, you only get that way about desserts.”

“Oh. Yeah” Ann said. There was a bit of silence as their food got delivered. “Thanks,” Ann said, not looking up at who was serving them. They started eating. Ann then stopped and looked at Ryuji. “What’s all this about?”

“Huh?” Ryuji said, looking back at her, food in his mouth. He swallows what he has and answers “I just thought this would be nice. Just the two of us, you know. Plus, I needed my make it up to you for that comment I made last week.”

“I get that…” Ann said.

“So what’s the problem?” Ryuji asked.

Ann stared at him. “I’m just… not sure…”

“‘bout what?” Ryuji asked.

Ann remained silent for a bit. “Well… You’ve been acting a little weird.”

“How so?” Ryuji continued.

Ann looked at him. “You keep saying the right things, but you also say the wrong things. It’s tripping me up.”

“Oh” Ryuji said. “S-sorry…” He looked down.

Ann saw him saddened. “No, it’s fine,” she said. “It’s not really your fault. It’s just who you are.”

Ryuji looked up. “I get it! All I need to do is change myself!”

“NO!” Ann shouted. “No, you’re amazing just the way you are. You don’t need to change. At least not drastically.”

“Oh” Ryuji said.

“It’s just, sometimes, when I want you to be serious, you kind of change the topic, or make a joke” Ann said. “And while that is fine sometimes, I want to know what’s going on in your head, you know? We were inseparable in middle school. But now, it sometimes feels like you don’t want to try and get that back…”

Ryuji looked forlorn at Ann. He took her by the hand. “Hey” he said. “Is this about me deflecting from the painting request from Yusuke?”

“Huh?” Ann said, surprised and blushing.

Ryuji sighed. “It’s just that… things were getting serious. I don’t mind opening up to you because we’ve known each other for so long. But, for a moment, I forgot everyone else was there. And that scared me.” Ann was shocked.

Ryuji continued. “It feels easier to bare my soul like that to people I’ve known for a while, and can trust wholeheartedly. It’s not that I don’t trust everyone, but like… I don’t know. I don’t think they’d do anything to hurt me, but I’ve been burned too many times before to open up to people like that right away.”

Ryuji looked at Ann. “I can do that with you because I’ve known you for a while. And despite everything that happened with Kamoshida, I can still put that trust in you. So, I’m sorry if I’m a little awkward, or a bit hesitant. But I want you to know that the middle school kid you connected with is still there.”

Ann smiled. “Ryuji…”

“So, should I not be here then?” they heard Ren ask.

Ryuji and Ann were alarmed. They looked up to see that Ren was serving them. “Ren?!” they both shouted in unison.

“Hi” Ren greeted them.

“You’re working here too?!” Ann asked.

Ren nodded. “Though it is a bit demanding.”

“How much did you hear?” Ryuji asked.

“Bits and pieces” Ren answered. “I was busy with the other customers.”

“Oh. I see…” Ryuji said

“But I will say, I totally understand what you said about being burned before,” Ren added, sitting down next to them, setting a beef bowl down in front of her. “It took a lot of courage for me to admit that I was a lesbian to you guys. Too many times, that has been a barrier for people liking me. That, and I guess my general attitude.”

“I see…” Ryuji said.

“So go at your own pace Ryuji,” Ren said. “We’ll understand.” She started eating her beef bowl.

“Woah! Aren’t you on duty?” Ryuji inquired.

“Huh?” Ren said, mouth full of beef. “Nuh-uh.” She finished her mouthful. “I just got done. Someone else just started working.”

“I see…” Ann said.

“Do the two of you wanna be alone right now?” Ren asked. “Cause I could move.”

Ryuji smiled. “It’s fine. I think all of the really embarrassing stuff was said already. Unless you want it to be the two of us Ann?”

Ann shook her head. “It’s fine.”

“Sweet,” Ren said. They finished eating their beef bowls, while also just chatting about different things. After they finished, they paid the other server and got up to go. “You go on ahead,” Ren said. “I gotta get my stuff from the back.”

Ann nodded. “Alright, seeya!”

“And thanks again!” Ryuji added. The two of them left.

Ren waved goodbye to them. She then headed back to pick up her things and go. One of those things grew a little impatient. “What took you so long?” Morgana asked.

Ren answered “Just some friendly conversation.”

Morgana pouted. “I wished I could have joined in.”

Ren smiled. “I’ll get you some tuna once we get out of here to make it up to ya.” Morgana perked up. Ren changed back into her usual clothes and headed out.

The next day, she got a message from Jose.

Jose: Hey.

Jose: I know things have been hectic lately with everything going on with Madarame.

Jose: But I was wondering something.

Jose: Would today be a good day to help me study humans?

Jose: I understand if you want to prioritize Madarame first.

Jose: But I want to get to work as soon as possible.

Ren: It’s fine.

Ren: I can come and help you today.

Jose: Really?

Ren: Yeah.

Ren: If I keep prioritizing Phantom Thief stuff, I’ll get too pressured too fast, and that won’t do anyone any good.

Jose: I see.

Jose: Meet me by Kosei.

Ren: Do you have a plan?

Jose: Sort of.

Ren: Well, I guess I’ll just have to go with it.

Ren: See ya soon.

Jose: See you there.

Ren put her phone in her bag and headed off. She made her way to Kosei and saw Jose standing by the gate. “Hey there Madame!”

Ren was confused. “Madame?”

Jose nodded. “I learned that that is a polite way of greeting someone.”

Ren chuckled. “We’re friends, so you don’t need to do that. You can just call me by my name.”

“Oh. OK. Hey Ren” Jose said.

Ren was still chuckling. “Hey Jose. So, what’s your ‘sort of’ plan?”

“Well,” Jose said, fishing through his pocket, “I have these tickets from the theater department to go see a production they’re putting on. I thought seeing a live performance would help me figure out humans better, but…”

Ren was curious. “But what?”

Jose sighed. “Most people who got them were talking about bringing a date, and I’m not entirely sure what that is. Would we be going on a date if I asked you to come along with me?”

Ren was surprised. She looked at Jose. “Um, before I answer that, how much about humans do you already know?”

Jose looked up. “Well, I know functions,” he explained. “I know how people do things. I’m just not aware of why.”

“I see,” Ren said. “So, do you know what a date actually is?”

“Well, based on what I know, a date is when two people hang out together and do something,” Jose said. “But I’m not entirely sure why…”

Ren smiled. “A date is something that happens between two people who are interested in each other romantically.” Jose was a little surprised. “So, I guess the question is, are you interested in me romantically?”

Jose thought about it. “I’m sort of aware about things like love and romance, but I don’t think I fully understand it.”

Ren chuckled. “Don’t worry. Nobody really does. It’s quite complicated.”

“Well, I know the basic idea of it,” Jose said. “But I don’t think I have those sorts of feelings for anyone.”

“And that’s fine,” Ren said. “You seem a bit young, so you might not have those feelings yet. Or ever. And that’s fine too.”

Jose looked up at her. “But isn’t the usual process of romance to find someone to marry and have children with?”

“Well, that’s certainly a very common end result” Ren answered. “But it doesn’t have to be. We’re Phantom Thieves after all. If we just accepted everything society has given us, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing.”

Jose thought about it. “I guess you’re right. Those shadows told me that humans were destined for chaos and despair, while you guys told me that wasn’t true.” Jose nodded. “So, I just have to fight for what I believe in.”

“That’s the spirit!” Ren said.

“So, I’m guessing if you were to come with me, it wouldn’t be a date,” Jose explained. Ren shook her head. “I see. Would people think it was?”

Ren was shocked, but not entirely surprised by the question. “Well, I don’t think so. There’s a very apparent age gap between the two of us.”

“Yeah, but in magazines you see like 50 year old business moguls going out with 20-something models, right?” Jose asked.

Ren was shocked again, and this time she was entirely surprised. “That’s… different…”

“So, it would be a ‘no’ then for people thinking we were dating?” Jose asked. Ren nodded. “Alright. But would you like to go together anyways?”

Ren smiled and said “Sure.”

“Great! It’s the least I could do after borrowing that cloak from them” Jose said. “Follow me.” Jose led Ren into Kosei’s theater, Jose presented the two tickets to the ticket taker and they let him and Ren inside.

The theater department was putting on a production of Cinderella. Ren really enjoyed the play, but couldn’t stop blushing as she remembered the dream she had about Sumire a little while ago. Once they were finished, the entire auditorium gave them a standing ovation. Ren looked at Jose, and she could tell that he did like it, but was confused about this part.

Once they left the theater, Ren turned to Jose and asked “How did you enjoy the play?”

Jose had to think for a moment. “Well, I really liked the story. And I liked the way the performers acted it out. But I’m still wondering something…”

“What is it?” Ren asked.

“Why is it that people tell these stories in the first place?” Jose wondered. “Not just on the stage, but through movies, books, games…”

“Well, you enjoyed it, right?” Ren inquired. Jose Looked at her and nodded. “That’s why.”

Jose was surprised. “So, people do things for their own amusement? I see. To be honest, a lot of other creatures do those kinds of things as well. I just thought that humans might have had a bigger reason.”

“What makes you say that?” Ren asked.

“Well, the person that put me up to studying humans in the first place believes that humanity will serve a greater purpose” Jose told her.

“Huh. Well, that seems like a bit of a tall order…” Ren said, nervously. “But maybe it’s not that humans are inherently better than other species. It’s just that we learned how to use these instincts to make something better.”

“Huh. So, it’s a form of magic” Jose said.

“Well, not in the literal sense” Ren explained. “But if you want to think of it like that, then sure.”

Jose went back to thinking. “I’ve been learning in class as well. Whenever I’m arranging flowers, they all start as individual flowers. But by the end, they become an intricate, delicate art piece that inspires many emotions from it. You’re saying humans are like that?”

“Well, they can be,” Ren said. “Unless they’re like Madarame.”

“Right,” Jose said. He grew determined. “I want to fight for the best of humanity. To see it become more than the sum of its parts.” He faced Ren. “And you’ll be there to help, right?”

Ren giggled. “Of course.”

“Great! I can’t wait to get started!” Jose shouted.

I am thou... Thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow...

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Aeon Persona I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power

Aeon-Jose: Rank 1

Jose settled down a little. “By the way. That Cinderella character seems a little familiar…”

Ren lightly chuckled. “Another name for Cinderella is Cendrillon.”

“Oh. Like Sumire’s Persona” Jose replied. “That makes sense. She reminded me a lot of Sumire”

“Yeah,” Ren said, blushing, thinking about her dream again.

Jose nodded. “Thanks for coming along.”

“No problem,” Ren said. “Seeya later!” Ren started walking out.

“Bye!” Jose waved back. Ren smiled and left.

Ren took another shift at the beef bowl place later that evening. It was a little busier than yesterday, but Ren managed. Once her shift was over, she again made herself a beef bowl and sat down to begin eating.

“My, they were working you hard tonight” said a friendly voice. Ren turned towards it to find the street orator she had noticed on Central Street from time to time. “Were you the only one working?”

“Uh, yeah” Ren answered. “It’s kind of how they do things around here.”

“Well, they should fix that,” the man said. “A young lady such as yourself shouldn’t have to do all of that by yourself.”

Ren took a bite of her beef bowl. “I can manage,” she told him.

“Ah, my apologies,” the man said. “I didn’t mean to underestimate you. I just think that anyone your age should have better working conditions.”

“I see…” Ren said. She sighed. “I’m sorry.” The man was slightly taken aback. “You were just looking out for me. I’m not great at talking with people I don’t know too well without complicating things for myself…”

The man smiled. “It’s alright. We’re all prone to making mistakes from time to time.”

Ren smiled and looked at him. “You know, I really like your speeches whenever I get the chance to hear them.”

The man rubbed the back of his head. “Why thank you. It’s not every day I get to hear that.” Ren continued eating. “Say, why don’t you come help me out sometime?” Ren looked up. “You’re an earnest girl, and you’re hardworking. Plus, you seem to have a fair amount of confidence in you. I could use someone like that helping me out.”

Ren swallowed another bite. “What’s in it for me?”

“Ah ha ha ha ha ha!” the man laughed. “Well, of course I would compensate you. But you might also learn a thing or two from me.” Ren was curious. “You told me yourself you weren’t great at talking to people you’re unfamiliar with. As a politician, it’s my job to do just that. Maybe by observing, you can learn something.”

Ren smiled. “I’d like that.”

“Well then, it’s a deal” the man said. “If you could just give me your information, I can contact you on nights I need you.”

Ren got out her phone. She began setting up his contact info, when something occurred to her. “Oh yeah. What’s your name?”

“Ah ha ha!” the man laughed again. “I completely forgot about that. My name is Toranosuke Yoshida.”

“Ren Amamiya” she replied.

After they exchanged information, Yoshida looked at her and said “Thank you for the beef bowl, by the way. I look forward to meeting with you.” Ren smiled.

Yoshida took out his wallet and handed her some cash. Ren was confused. “Um, I thought you already paid for your meal.”

“I did,” Yoshida said. “This is for your meal.”

Ren looked at the cash. She looked back at Yoshida. “Thanks.” Yoshida simply nodded and walked out of the restaurant. Ren finished her bowl, paid, and headed back to get her things. Once she had everything, she headed back to Leblanc for the night.