#i think the idea behind it was ‘well you always need gas‚ you might as well pick up a bag of chips or a drink while you’re here’

[berf-a-smurf]

Aggressive marketing is indeed wasteful but a lil bit to get names out is good; how else do we know things exist? I mean I guess we search for what we want and need nowadays but an ad here or there for new competition with better prices kinda helps. Idk, I’m a huge fence rider so I don’t really know where I fall lol

honestly advertising is so fukcing wasteful not even just in the convincing you to buy shit you never actually wanted but like

how much electricity is wasted displaying ads that could've gone to keeping houses warm. How much paper is produced just to be turned into pamphlets and ads that will just be thrown away. how much internet bandwith is wasted just on the amount of ads that are on the internet nowadays. How many hours worth of labor went into producing ads that are going directly into my adblocker or my waste bin that could've been time spent doing literally ANYTHING useful?

[hopelesslydevoted2paige]

omg hii ! love your fics !!

can i req emily x youtuber!reader going on a road trip and reader is just like vlogging the whole way there

thanks! <3

OVERDRIVE || EMILY ENGSTLER

summary — you decide to vlog your road trip with emily

pairings: emily engstler x fem youtuber!reader

word count: 600

warnings: pure fluff

authors notes: hi anon! thank u soo much!! i love this idea so much i hope i did well 🫶

“Hey guys!” You waved to the camera you set up in between you and Emily. “Em say hi.”

She put on her seatbelt and waved shyly. “Hi guys.”

“Today, we’re gonna be going on a four to five hour roadtrip and we wanted to bring you guys along!” You said as Emily reversed out of her parking spot.

“Except someone might be sleeping the whole ride there.” She looked at you accusingly.

You scoff. “I promise I won’t!”

“You need to keep me entertained baby.” She grabs one of your hands and places it on top of the gear stick, leaving her hand on yours like she always does.

It was thirty minutes into the drive and you were slowly starting to run out of things to do.

“Should I do my makeup?” You remove your hand from hers and rummage through your bag.

“You don’t need makeup right now, you look pretty.” She reached for your hand again.

You look at the camera with an ‘is she serious’ face.

“It’s true! I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.” She stroked your hand gently.

Your cheeks flushed at her comment. “Should we stop at the gas station?”

She nods, turning slightly to enter the parking.

Once you guys parked, Emily leaned over to remove your seatbelt and kiss your forehead.

You both made your way to the convenience store, holding your camera while Emily had her arm around your shoulder.

“Okay so this is our first stop of the trip,” You spoke to the camera. “I might go crazy with the snacks.”

Emily chuckled. “My bank account might go crazy.”

“Who said you were paying?” You put your free arm on your hip sassily.

She groans. “I’m not going to argue about this again. I’ll pay.”

You ignore her and go straight to the chips aisle, getting all of your favorites.

You try holding up the chips in your arms for the camera to see. “Here’s what im gonna get,” You grab Emily’s favorite chips and candies. “and here’s what im getting for Em.” You smile while trying to balance all the things in your arms.

Emily finally spots you, shaking her head and laughing at the amount of things in your arms.

“Baby, let me help you.”

You sigh in relief once your arms are empty. You follow your girlfriend to the counter, pulling out your wallet.

“That’ll be 38 dollars.” The worker smiled warmly at the two of you.

“Here. Keep the change.” Emily placed her money on the counter and pushed your arm away before you could pay.

“Em-“

“Let me pay. I wanna spoil my girl.” She cut you off and grabbed the two paper bags full of snacks.

Once you sat in the car, you set your camera up and gave a short haul of what you got while Emily continued to drive.

“-and here.” You handed her the candy and chips you got for her. “These are for you.”

“Thanks baby.” She rubbed your hand as a way to thank you.

You guys continued to talk and play games for another hour before you slowly started to doze off and fall asleep, leaning against your window.

Emily pulled over and admired you for a few seconds before taking a picture of your sleeping figure.

She faced the camera with a grin on her face. “Alright I think we’re gonna end the video here. Thanks for watching and keeping us company.” She waved and stopped the video.

She turned back to you, tucking a piece of hair behind your ear and kissed your cheek softly.

“I love you.”

[steddiealltheway]

Gareth is sick and tired of Eddie refusing to admit that he has a crush on Steve Harrington.

At first, Gareth had just brushed it off when Eddie seemed so adamant about interrogating Steve and his involvement with his new lost sheep. He had done something similar when he meet Gareth's few middle school friends the year before. But Eddie seems to think that one meeting isn't enough and insists that's why he always needs to rush out to talk to Steve and invade his space when he picks up the kids from Hellfire.

Gareth sees right through it. Eddie had come out to him a while ago saying he was definitely some form of queer after Gareth caught him making out with a guy in the Hideout bathroom. And he was more than okay with it.

But he is not okay with the way Eddie refuses to tell him - his best friend - that he has a crush on Steve.

"Then why do you always go to Family Video during his shifts and not buy anything, huh? Plus, you know that you never call anyone 'big boy.' Yes, I heard that when you were flirting with him after our last Hellfire campaign."

Eddie just rolls his eyes and dramatically flings out his arms. "I'm making sure the kids are safe with him."

Gareth snorts in response to that bullshit, and Eddie gives him an unimpressed look.

"Well, I'm going to Family Video to get a movie for my mom, and I would appreciate-"

"Yeah, I'll give you a ride," Eddie interrupts, looking way too happy to offer.

Gareth sighs but doesn't push it. He really needs to ride, and if the only reason Eddie's offering is to give him an excuse to be there... Gareth will take it and hopefully not be expected to pitch in for gas.

A quick ride over later, Gareth is almost displeased to see Steve behind the counter, eyes lighting up when he sees Eddie. Those two are absolutely ridiculous, and if Eddie would pull his head out of his ass for once, then Gareth could finally tell him that Steve likes him too.

He lets them lean into each other and practically giggle over anything the other has to say until he finds his movie and goes to the counter. That's when he finally notices Robin Buckley there staring at the two with a mix of fondness and irritation. Gareth is sure that he has the same look on his face.

He shoots her a knowing look, and Robin's eyes widen in an expression of hopeless, those two. Gareth gestures between the two and rolls his eyes - absolutely.

Then, they both look at each other in realization. Gareth knows Robin is cool and a bit awkward from their interactions in band classes, but he didn't know that she was that cool. And that she definitely knows about whatever thing is between those two.

Robin levels him with the same look, staring him up and down before finally seeming to settle on that he's cool too and also knows. They both kind of nod at each other in agreement that certain things need to be unspoken, but they absolutely need to rant about the two idiots.

They both start talking at the same time.

"Oh my gosh, I thought it was just me-"

"You have no idea how long I've needed to talk to someo-"

They stop and laugh a bit, both looking toward the boys, but they don't even register the interaction especially since Steve is tucking a strand of hair behind Eddie's ear while Eddie stares at him with heart eyes. Love is gross.

Robin takes Gareth's tape and goes through the process of ringing him up. "It's like they both are oblivious to the other's feelings."

"They are! Eddie won't even admit his feelings to himself, and I've been pushing it," Gareth complains, pinching his nose. He thinks he might feel a tension headache starting to form from those two.

Robin thuds her fingers on the counter in thought then slides Gareth's tape back at him. "Eddie's the jealous type, right?"

Gareth nearly scoffs. Jealous can be a bit of an understatement when it comes to him. "Of course."

Robin gets a grin that kind of scares Gareth to the core. She leans over the counter and whispers, "Then, I need you to flirt with Steve."

His jaw absolutely drops. "No way. Eddie would murder me!"

"And why would he if he has no feelings for him?" Robin asks with a bit of a manic twinkle in her eye that reminds him of Eddie.

Shit, she's right. It's definitely a plan that will work and finally get Eddie to admit how he feels... but also could get Gareth killed and banned from ever talking to Eddie again.

He glances over at the two and notices the way Eddie is blushing and trying to hide behind his hair as Steve stares on proudly. Gareth sighs. "Okay, I'll confront him one more time, and if he doesn't admit it after this little show, then I'll go through with the plan."

Robin sticks her hand across the counter and Gareth shakes on it. "Eddie should come in around six tomorrow during our shift. Come back before then with your tape or something as an excuse and have at it with the dingus here. But, you'll probably only be able to chat with him because I haven't seen him flirt with someone in a while - not since your dingus showed up. That should be enough to set Eddie off though, right?"

"Absolutely."

Robin laughs and loudly says, "Pleasure doing business with you. We hope to see you back at Family Video soon."

This startles Steve and Eddie out of the trance they put each other in, and Gareth watches with full annoyance as Eddie goes all puppy dog eyes as he sadly says goodbye to Steve.

In the parking lot, Gareth says, "You absolutely-"

And Eddie is quick to interrupt him, "Don't have feelings for him!"

Oh yeah. The plan is on.

-:-:-:-:-:-

The next day with only a few minutes to spare before Eddie shows up, Gareth returns with his tape and a pulse that is way too high for his own good. When Robin sees him come through the door, she tells Steve that she's taking her break and shoots Gareth a thumbs up.

God, what has he gotten himself into?

He walks up to the counter and slides the tape across. "Hey, I need to return this."

Steve smiles at him politely but frowns when it doesn't ring up.

"I think Robin didn't ring it up for me yesterday. I don't remember paying," Gareth confesses. This is probably yet another part of Robin's genius plan to force them to have a longer interaction.

Steve looks him up and down for a moment then says, "Hey, I know you. You're Gareth. Eddie talks about you all the time, but I didn't know you knew Robin."

And woah, he did not expect Steve Harrington to know a single thing about him. Honestly, he's a bit flattered and even begins to blush a bit. "Yeah, we've had a few band classes together."

"That's cool. What do you play?" Steve presses on, leaning into the counter not in the flirtatious way he does with Eddie, but Gareth thinks as a means to make him more comfortable.

"Drums in the jazz band," he readily admits.

Steve's eyebrows furrow in thought. "I didn't know Hawkins even had a jazz band. I'll have to come see you play sometime."

"Yeah?" Gareth asks in disbelief and a bit of awe. It's Steve Harrington for Christ's sake. Of course, he's going to get a bit taken aback by the fact that he wants anything to do with him. He feels that damn blush again and barely registers the bell to the door ringing behind him.

"Yeah, man," Steve says with a smile. "Sounds cool as shit."

Someone clears their throat behind them and Gareth jumps a bit. He turns quickly to find Eddie fixing him with a look of hurt mixed with rage at the sight of Gareth leaning toward Steve with a damn blush on his face. He's not into him, but he can definitely admit that Steve just has some type of pull to him. But Eddie definitely does not see it that way.

"Gareth, can I talk to you outside?"

Gareth nods and doesn't utter a sound. Oh, he's going to kill him. He's about to die. He absolutely should not have gone through with this plan.

He wanders outside toward Eddie's van and lets Eddie talk first.

"What the fuck was that in there?" Eddie asks with anger in his tone but hurt in his eyes.

Gareth just shrugs in response and waits for Eddie to finally confess that he has feelings for Steve and he needs to back off.

Only, he doesn't. He just stands there staring at Gareth, and for some reason it pisses him off so he pushes. "Just thought that if you didn't have feelings for him then I could take a shot at him."

Eddie's mouth opens and closes until he finally huffs, "Great for you. You have a better chance anyways so good luck to you."

Eddie flips him off and starts heading to the driver's side of his van, but Gareth runs and gets there first. "What the hell do you mean by that?"

Eddie crosses his arms but keeps a scary tension in his shoulders. "I mean that you're not the town freak, so you can have at him!"

Gareth scoffs and digs a finger into his chest. "That's why you won't admit you have feelings for him! You don't think he likes you!"

Eddie's arms fling wide open. "Of course, he doesn't like me! But I'm not about to cry over some bullshit feelings that will never be returned, so let me just have whatever it is between me and him and not have to put this label on how it makes me feel because I don't want to fucking deal with it! Let me live in sweet ignorance!"

"And that's where you're wrong," someone who is not Gareth says.

"Christ!" both Eddie and Gareth say startling back.

Steve stands in front of them with his arms crossed, but he only stares at Eddie. "What was that about bullshit feelings? Because I don't know about you, but I definitely like you."

Eddie's face flushes a bit red as he steps closer to Steve, unable to stay out of his space whenever he's nearby. "My feelings for you aren't bullshit at all. They're just fucking scary as hell, man."

Steve laughs softly and steps into Eddie's space. "You don't think that I've been scared, too? I would've made a move on you weeks ago if you would've said something."

"Well, I'm saying something now," Eddie says with a big smile.

Gareth really doesn't think he should be witnessing this.

Steve's eyes flicker down to Eddie's lips as he huskily says, "You sure are."

Yeah, Gareth has had enough of this shit. "Hey, guys?" Gareth says, interrupting them and ignoring Eddie's hell of a death glare. "Sorry to ruin your moment, but I'm still here. Plus, you're in a public parking lot."

Eddie still glares at him, but Steve nods. "Thanks, Gareth." He turns back to Eddie. "He's right, but luckily for you, I know of this really nice breakroom that has a door that locks. Plus, I was waiting for you to come so I could take my break."

Eddie's sour look drops from his face, and he practically starts buzzing with excitement. "Let's not waste another moment then."

Gareth is truly happy for them, but he doesn't think he ever wants to hear them interact again. But on their way back, Eddie stops and says something then runs back to Gareth and pulls him into a hug. "I love you, man. Thank you for dealing with me, but if I ever see you flirt at Steve again..."

Gareth pulls away from the hug and shoves Eddie's shoulders. "I wasn't flirting! I was talking to him to make you jealous and finally admit your feelings."

"Then what the hell was that blush!"

"He's like royalty! How else am I supposed to act when I find out he knows my name!"

Eddie takes a moment to really stare at Gareth then he gets a weird smile on his face. "You know, Steve knows this guy named Will..."

Gareth shoves Eddie again to cut him off. "Have fun making out with your boyfriend."

Eddie smiles widely then turns to run back to the store. Gareth smiles and watches as the two loudly laugh when they both try to squeeze through the doorway at the same time.

Then, Gareth looks around and realizes that by having his mom drop him off that he has no ride. He sighs and heads back to the store. Maybe he and Robin can celebrate, and she can tell him more about this Will while he waits...

[paperbackpanic]

GOOD DEEDS THE PASTAS DO

A/n: inspired by @milkycarnations post :) most are a "living together" type of good deeds bc I assume they're kinda of hermits because of the nature of their "job"

🪷 Eyeless Jack homeschool the child pastas, the pastas that are in highschool and the ones who didn't conclude the basic education level on the "right time" (idk how to explain it better). He might be a bit rusty with English and history but other than that he's the perfect teacher. His patience is not usually that high but when he's teaching he turns into a saint.

🪷 Jane will clean people's clothes without them asking, she'll even patch them if there's holes. She also makes people new clothes when she gets her hands on fabric, usually they're practical and simple (something like gym clothes, easy to run with) but super well made

🪷 Hoodie will take pictures of whoever asks him, and he'll go above and beyond for them. Think throwing himself on the ground to get a good shot, huge lights, all that. Heck he'll even make a physical photo album with edited photos if it's a person that he's able to communicate more often than just a stranger asking him for a favor.

🪷 Toby will return shopping carts that he encounter scattered around parking lots, and if they see a person not returning them he'll put the cart behind their car so they'll have to keep getting out of the car to push it way. He'll do it until the person loses their patience and return it. He'll also make sure that the person doesn't see that it's him putting the cart behind the car so the person has no idea why it's happening

🪷 Laughing Jack will put people's favorite candy and snacks in their rooms if he notices that they're feeling under the weather, sick or anything like that. He'll deny it but he does it pretty often. Also makes an effort to know the top 5 snacks because he knows that someone's favorite can be hard to come by.

🪷 Masky will fix people cars if he notices that's something wrong with it. Scratches? No problem he knows how to fix, sometimes even if there's no paint. Bumps? Fixed. Need to change the oil? No you don't, he already took care of it last week. He also checked the antifreeze, the water and the gas. If he's with the energy he'll clean it too.

🪷 Cody will make sure that there's no cross contamination in the food you consume if you have any allergies, both inside and when you go out to eat. Someone is cooking shrimp and you're allergic to shellfish? He's making that person disinfect every corner of the kitchen. Going out to eat? He'll make sure the cooks make your food correctly, if you have Celiac disease or something like that that's "harder to see" he'll order the same food as you to make sure they were prepared differently (like he'll order the same burger as you to look if it's made with different bread). Also he always has at least 2 EpiPen in his pockets.

🪷 BEN will always play with you when you ask him. Even let you win if he knows you're feeling bad that day. Videogames? Deal. Board games/card games? He's making at least 2 other people play with you too to make it more interesting. Children games like house? Hell yeah. Just not ask him to run around that much, like when playing tag or something, he will do it but he also will complain a lot about it.

🪷 Jeff will always speak for you in public places if you can't do it yourself. He'll also complain for you. Need to order something in a restaurant? He got it. Your burger came with pickles when you ask for no pickles? Bet he's already on the counter asking to switch the order. Your AACC device is out of battery? Write down what you want to say and he'll do it no hesitation.

🪷 Nina will always do your makeup, hair and nails. Her room is basically a saloon for when y'all go out and is super fun! Loud music blasting, chatter, dancing all that! She'll even make an effort to learn other alt makeup (she already knows emo/scene) if you're in some alternative subculture. Gyaru? She's getting those huge press on nails and fake tan. Goth? She already has white foundation and black lipstick. She'll spend a good amount of time learning techniques that she knows you like to use just to guarantee that you're feeling 100% hot.

[ribread03]

tummy problems

Content Warnings: mentions of throwing up, Talk of being/going to the hospital and or emergency room. Probably fluff to.

AN: This holds a place in my life due to the fact that I have a chronic illness that deals with my stomach #chronicilless so yeah. I think this is really cute and I hope this all make sense to other people.

lowkey got lazy at the end [the whole thing bc I'm in a block rn] but yeah, I just wanted to get something out, I have some good ideas in my head but request are always appreciated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Baby" I say whining slightly. I am currently curled up into a ball on mine and Matt's bed. Trying to fight off this god awful pain in my abdomen.

"What's up with my love?" Matt ask, concerned that you haven't taken any pain meds yet. You have refused to take any knowing that they wouldn't do anything for your pain. "What can I get for you?"

"Can you get me the heating pad and just come and cuddle?" You ask looking at him.

"Of course baby" Matt answers you, giving you a quick peck on the lips before leaving to go and grab what you asked for.

"Thank you" You speak softly. You know that you're not really "sick". You've been dealing with the same pain since the 4th grade and now you're almost 20 years old. You know that it will go away after a week or so, so you just push through the pain trying to make the best of it.

Matt comes back into the room and kneels down next to you to plug the heating pad in. "Here you go" He says with a soft smile. He walks over to his side of the bed and lays down next to you.

"I love you so much" You tell him. You've been friends with the triplets since your freshmen year of high school. They are the only people that have really stuck by your side through all of your medical experiences. Being truly grateful for them.

"I love you to y/n" He kisses you cheek. "Wanna watch a movie? It might help you distract your mind"

"Yeah" You grab the remote next to you and turn the TV on. Moving closer to Matt to snuggle into his warm body. Slowly you are finally falling asleep when all of the sudden you have this horrid pain wash over you causing you to move uncomfortably which Matt notices.

"y/n? babe, come on talk to me..." He pauses for a moment. "What can I do to help you?" He asks concern laced in his voice. "Pain med, food, water, a bath?"

Coming to your defeat you finally decide to take some pain meds "get me the ones my doctor gave me please, they will help the most." You speak so softly afraid if you talk too loudly you'll experience more pain.

"Of course my love." Matt says as he gets off of the bed and heads out into the hall to grab your meds.

Matt comes back into the room with the pain meds, but you are up and out of bed rushing towards the bathroom. As soon as you step foot into the bathroom everything that you ate in the last 12 hours comes out of you. You feel Matt behind you gently rubbing your back.

"sweetheart this is normal, do you want to go to the emergency room?" Matt ask. He knows that you hate it there knowing there isn't much they can do for you, but will go if you need more then what you have at home.

Whipping your mouth and standing up you nod your head yes. Walking back into the room you grab your phone, water, and a phone charger as well as a hoodie. "I didn't think it would be this bad." You say defeated.

"I know sweetie. It's okay tho I'm here." Matt says grabbing the sweatshirt from you and heading to the car.

Once in the car and on the way to the emergency room you start to relax a bit, knowing what's going to happen once there.

~~

(I'm skipping the whole time they are in the emergency room bc I think it would be boring)

~~

"Ready to go" Matt says yawning. We've been in the emergency room for 6 hours now.

"Mmh" I say as I cling onto him. "I'm ready to sleep to."

"Same here." We are walking back out to the car now hand in hand.

On the ride home we stop and grab a snack at the gas station. Once we are home I head straight for the bed room flopping onto the bed and opening my arms for Matt to come and lay with me. Matt climbs into bed and wraps his arms around me peppering my face with kisses.

"Thank you babe." You tell him, really great full he took you to the emergency room and got you some better pain medicine.

"Anytime, you know that all I want for you is to feel better." He speaks, still holding you and lightly kissing you.

"Still, thank you for everything and for sticking it out with me." You say, now kissing his face. Ending up falling asleep in that same position.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

an: hoped you guys liked this even if I feel like its a little poopy and short but oh well. BYE LOVE YOU!

[spinningwebsandtales]

Imagine Going To A Pumpkin Patch With All Might

Yagi "All Might" Toshinori X FemReader

Rating: G

Warnings: None it's all fluff

Word Count: 2.1k

(A/N:) I had a lot of fun writing this if y'all couldn't tell by the word count. XD Slowly but surely I'm breaking down the writer's block wall so keep being patient as I try to write all my Halloween ideas and not make them crappy! Until next time happy reading! ~Countess

The hallways of the college were decorated for Halloween and excitement could be felt through the whole building as students discussed plans and costumes. While Halloween was one of your favorite holidays you were not as excited this year as you didn't know if you were going to get to spend time with your boyfriend. Dating All-Might, Japan's most anticipated hero, had it's difficulties. Not just from the fact that he was an exchange student but he had become super popular, not just at school but the surrounding area. He had a heart to help anyone and everyone. It's one of the main reasons you liked him as well, but sometimes you wish that you both could spend more time together. You sighed and readjusted your books, when said books were scooped from your arms.

"You need to invest in a book bag," a deep voice spoke.

You laughed, "Why would a I purchase one when I have you around?"

"I guess that's one of the reasons why I am here," All Might agreed while wrapping your shoulders in one gigantic arm. "Thinking about anything in particular?"

"Just Halloween. It's coming up quickly and I honestly don't know what I want to do. It's looking like I'll be staying in and watching scary movies."

"You don't want to do something together?"

"It's not that I don't want to with you, but you are always so busy and need I remind you that you are pretty far behind in your studies," you elbowed him in the ribs.

"You and Dave keep reminding me about my school work," All Might grinned sheepishly.

"That's because failing grades are scary Toshi. It is Halloween but that's no excuse."

"Think the teachers will give me a break if I tell them I'm tardy all the time because I'm doing hero work," he sounded hopeful.

While you knew some teachers understood, you could think of at least two or three who more than likely sold their kind hearts for a strong cup of coffee.

"It's not looking good for you," you finally replied causing the giant of a man to groan.

"That's besides the point. We'll spend Halloween together no matter what happens," Toshinori straightened up lifting you up with one arm while the other still held your books. You laughed slapping at his arm.

"Even if someone needs the great All Might," you asked and he deflated. "I'm teasing. You wouldn't be you if you didn't drop everything to go help someone."

You brushed dust from his cherry blossom jacket and picked a few specks of debris from his golden hair.

"Want to go and do something together today," All Might set you back down.

"Let's make a deal. You do really good in your classes today and we'll go to the pumpkin patch once we're done. I've been wanting a couple pumpkins to carve and I heard they have all sorts of fun things to do and delicious treats. It's a little bit of a drive but I think it'll be really fun."

"Sounds like fun let's go. But we aren't driving I can get us there much faster!"

"I thought you couldn't fly," you glared thinking that he lied to you when you first met him.

All Might raised his hands in surrender, "I can't but I can jump really high and really far really fast."

"Do you want me to get whiplash?"

"You'll be safe I promise," he flexed and you couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay I trust you. It'll save me some money in gas anyway and I'll get a big bag that you can carry so we can bring everything we buy back to the dorms."

All Might walked with you until you both arrived at the door of your first class. He handed back your books and leaned down enough to where you could kiss his cheek and he returned one on your forehead.

"See you after school," you whispered already missing him as he turned around.

"It's a date," he waved his broad shoulders seeming to hold up the hallway alone. You worried one day those shoulders would carry too much of a load and break him down.

Class always seemed like it went by really fast but since you had plans that you were excited for, the day dragged along and you were beginning to get antsy. Impatiently you were the first out of the door and headed straight to your dorm to find a bag for All Might to carry the pumpkins back. You eventually had to borrow one but you found a smaller backpack for yourself so he wasn't the only one being treated like a pack mule. Racing through the halls and exiting out into the courtyard there stood the larger than life hero in training. He was doing squats and jumping in place, warming up for the journey.

"You made it," he grinned widely and you couldn't help but smile big in return.

"I did and I found a bag," you held up said bag. "It should be big enough for you to wear and have plenty of room for a couple of pumpkins. I also brought a bag for myself because it wouldn't be fair to you."

All Might scoffed, "Who's the boyfriend here?"

"Obviously not you," you retorted and he laughed loudly.

Shrugging on the bag he opened his arms waiting for you to come close. An autumn breeze brushed past you causing you to shiver.

"Hold on I need to go grab a hoodie."

Before you could race off All Might slipped off the bag and removed his plus ultra jacket before holding it out towards you. You started to protest but he plopped it onto your shoulders and waited for you to place your arms in the sleeves. Once you did he nodded in satisfaction and put the backpack back on. He waited again with his arms stretched wide and this time you stepped close. He scooped you up carefully, cradling you close to his warm chest. He gave you a gentle squeeze and brushed hair from your face before he braced his legs and jumped into the sky. You screamed taking handfuls of his shirt in your hands and clung to him tightly. Your hair whipping around in the wind, it felt like you both were floating before he started plummeting back to the earth. You screamed again, causing him to laugh. You could have punched him if you could release the death grip you had on his poor shirt.

"You didn't say this would be that scary," you screeched. "We keep falling and I'm pretty sure we just left my stomach on the ground back there!"

"It's fun! Open your eyes!"

"Absolutely not I may lose those too!"

"You won't I promise. I have everything in control okay."

You eased your eyes open but you didn't ease your grip. Holding on tightly you gazed at the sky you both were soaring through. The ground seemed so far away but the view was amazing. Birds passed by, squawking in annoyance at the man in their skies but you finally let loose laughing and screaming every time you both would fall back down towards the ground. True to his word All Might was in complete control. He never crashed down and he made it to the pumpkin patch gate in record time.

Placing you back onto solid ground, he held your arm until the jelly in your legs solidified. The elation and fear had you so wobbly it took a long time for your nerves and adrenaline to calm. Laughter came from children and adults of all ages inside the fenced in area. When you were finally ready All Might took your hand, lacing your fingers together and lead the way.

"I've never been to something like this before," he said while taking in all the sights.

"Never," you seemed surprised.

"Japan guy here. I came from a big city," he replied.

"Sorry I forgot," you flushed in embarrassment.

"It's okay. What do you want to do first?"

"Let's pick out pumpkins last, cause there's so much to do and with it being your first time let's explore everything," you pulled him towards a petting zoo.

With goats, bunnies, pigs, and animals of all shapes and sizes All Might got to pet all sorts of little animals. The rabbits were both your favorites as their ears reminded you both of All Might's hairstyle. A goat tried to eat his jacket he was letting you wear. But when a volunteer brought you both handfuls of food, the goat forgot about eating your clothing. After the petting zoo you saw a few games everyone was playing. All Might won first place in the strength game and fortunately asked for the smaller prize since you both would have to carry it back to the college. Next you spotted a corn maze and you both bet on who would make it out first. You were in the lead for the longest time until All Might jumped into the air and landed at the end startling a bunch of parents and children. It took thirty more minutes until you made your way out to see him standing there with a couple bottles of water and a smug grin.

"You totally cheated," you accused.

"I reworked the rules," he replied holding out a water bottle to you.

"Cheater cheater pumpkin eater," you taunted and he pulled the bottle away. "Okay okay I'm sorry!"

All Might chuckled giving you back the water bottle and kissed your cheek gently. His stomach rumbled and you decided it was time to get some delicious treats. It was starting to get late and it would take some time to make it back and the college did have a curfew for the students. Sipping on hot apple cider and munching on kettle corn you and All Might finally made it to the pumpkin patch. Orange gourds as far as the eye could see and you wanted the two most perfect pumpkins.

"Divide and conquer," you asked tossing your empty cup into the trash can.

All Might shook his head, "I rather us enjoy this together. We already made the corn maze into a game. We won't get to stay much longer."

"Hand in hand then."

He nodded. The sun was starting to wane as you both looked amongst the rows for the best pumpkins. All Might spotted one first and with a nod of approval from you he plucked it up and placed it into the bag on his back. Not much longer after him finding one, you were able to find one. Perfectly round and orange it would become a perfect jack-o-lantern. All Might took it from you once you picked it up from the ground and placed it in the bag with the other pumpkin. He didn't let you get far before taking your hand again. Making your way to the entrance you paid for the pumpkins and said goodbye to the volunteer.

All Might scooped you back up and instantly was back in the air. You weren't as scared this time, though you still clung to him tightly. The weightlessness feeling and the warmth of All Might was comforting. You gazed across the horizon as the sun set further. The sky transforming into an orange and lavender sky, you could smell the new season in the air. All Might gave you a light squeeze as he heard you sigh. You didn't want the day to end and as he landed on the campus lawn you wanted to go back in time immediately. You gave him back his jacket and turned to go back to the front doors when All Might spun you back around. He kissed you deeply there on the front lawn. His cheeks wind kissed and your hair tussled into knots it was perfect. You didn't know what had happened to him, to bring All Might to America but you were thankful he was there every day. You held on tightly, not wanting the kiss to end but eventually you had to pull away. He brushed a tangled lock away and gazed at you lovingly.

"I'll see you tomorrow," you asked.

"Tomorrow," he replied before kissing you again. "And the next day and after that and after that and forever after," he laughed still giving you gentle kisses.

"I'll hold you to that," you warned teasingly.

"Please do."

When you closed your dorm room door, you melted. Halloween had become one of your favorite holidays once again and you wanted to spend every single one of them with All Might.

[sturniololuv08]

On The First Day Of Nickmas...

Day 1 of Juno's 12 Days Of Nickmas

"Are you sure they are okay with gay people?" Jared asked. He was standing in the airport lobby, rethinking his actions. He agreed fairly quickly to be his best friend's plus one to their Friendmas but shortly after, he started to feel a slight panic building. He already took the six-hour flight. He stood holding his bag in his hands and stared at the pellucid door where he saw Matt and Chris talking to a short woman, a tall, lanky man, and a medium-sized younger guy. He was frozen in his thoughts.

"I'm gay." Nick chuckled and squeezed his friend's shoulder.

"But like I'm gay gay."

"So am I..." Nick rolled his eyes. Jared's gaze finally snapped back to look into the bright blue twinkling at him. "No reason to be worried." Nick and Jared have been best friends for a while, but being across the country meant Jared hadn't had a proper meeting with anyone besides Matt, and Chris. Jared sighed and clutched his bag even tighter, which didn't seem possible. They walked through the doors and started hearing the chattering of all the excitement.

"Nicky." Their mother dropped her attention from the other two and immediately came over. Nick got latched onto quickly, but he didn't mind. He wasn't one for physical touch, but his mother was always calming and welcoming. "Oh, and you must be Jared!" Jared smiled, seeing her rosy face welcoming him. He started to stick out a hand, but she grabbed it and pulled him forward. "I'm sorry, but I'm a hugger, sweetheart." She chuckled. Jared's six foot and two inches towered over her, but he lightly rested an arm around her so she didn't think he was rejecting her hug.

"Dad." Nick's head nodded for him to come over.

"I heard your flight was good. We haven't figured out the bed situation just yet, but Justin said he would stop by Costco and pick up a few air mattresses later if needed." Jared listened to Nick's father speak.

"Okay, sounds good. This is Jared." Nick skipped a label, unsure of the best wording to attach to him.

"Hi, son. I'm Jimmy. It's good to have you here with us this year." He took the handshake offered.

"Thank you for having me, sir." Jared was being formal.

"Alright, everybody in the van!" Jimmy swung his hand above his head in circles to corral the reunited troupe. Everyone started moving around in organized chaos. Jared again stood planted, unsure of where he fits into the puzzle unfolding around him.

"I got it. You can just get in the car." Jared jumped out of his skin with the unexpected touch. He looked to see Matt grabbing his bag from him without waiting for permission.

"Where do I sit?" Jared slightly croaked out.

"Climb to the far back. I'll sit back there with you." Matt took being home as a chance to relax when he wasn't driving. Jared mouthed thank you and stood behind Chris, who was waiting to climb in. As soon as Chris was in a chair, Jared beelined straight for the back seat. He stared at the open door and waited to see Matt coming to sit with him.

"Hey, I'm coming back." Nick moved around in the middle aisle of the car to be next to Jared. The one person Jared hadn't met yet was climbing in and sitting in Nick's old chosen spot. Before everyone was even fully seated and buckled, Jimmy had his foot on the gas.

"Madi's flight came in last night, so she'll be so excited to see you," Mary Lou said.

"Is Makayla there?" Chris asked.

"Yes, she and Alahna are keeping an eye on the pies." She turned back around to look at the road.

"Oh no. Trusting those two?" Matt laughed. "Let me guess, Nate is cooking the turkey."

"Right? Might as well just pick up McDonald's now." Chris agreed. Nick chuckled at their jokes about their friends. Nick didn't know it, but the sound of his familiar laugh comforted Jared. Jared wasn't sure why he was so nervous to meet Nick's Boston social circle. They had the same friends in LA, so hanging out was easy. He knew his jokes were funny. He knew his ideas were a good suggestion. And he knew his presence was welcomed. None of that knowledge was confirmed now with all of these unfamiliar faces. The van was in the driveway shortly, and the same chaos ensued, only this time undoing itself.

"Bags in the room, please." Mary Lou hollered to everyone.

"I can help you." Again, Jared's bag was being stripped from his possession. He surrendered it to the triplet with blue eyes on the same spectrum as Nick's.

"Thanks, Chris." Jared loved Chris and Matt. Meeting them was easy back in LA. They were quick to treat him like a brother and never once alienated him. The commotion from inside and outside collided as soon as the front door opened.

"Chris!" "Matt!" "Where is Nick?" "Justin, you made it." Everyone started talking to everyone, and Jared again found himself frozen with uncertainty. He wanted to allow his friends to spend time with their families without any interruption. "Who is this?" His attention snapped back to the moment.

"Everybody, this is my best friend Jared." Nick proudly introduced him to the group.

"Hello." Jared cleared his throat before speaking.

"Hi. We are so glad you came. I'm Alahna. This is Makayla and Nate. And I'm sure you know Madi already." Alahna pointed out the difference so Jared could understand who was who.

"It's really cold here," Jared said, brutally honest. Everyone laughed, and the mindless chatter started up again.

"Dinner is ready. Everyone grab a plate." Jared realized that the chaos, though it happened often, was always rhythmic and heartwarming. Accidentally bumping into someone or almost spilling food was welcomed and always met with a smile from the other person. There were a few happy sorries, and excuse me's heard among the rest of random conversation.

"Here, I know it can be a lot, but that's kind of why I like it," Nick said, handing Jared an empty, heavy-duty plate.

"It's cozy." Of course, Jared had his own family traditions and get-togethers, but they were usually a little more relaxed and organized. Everyone had a part to play, and they played it well. His family was quirky, much like the one he was watching in front of him.

"Don't be shy, Jared. You don't want to miss out." Jimmy said, squeezing around his planted body. Nick lightly nudged him forward, and he started moving into the commotion. The food was scattered all over the kitchen countertops and stove. Every once in a while, the oven door would open and slam shut, making someone jump. The giggles were present every time. Nick was loading up his plate with everything he considered a staple for the holiday season. Jared followed Nick's actions but grabbed half-sized portions compared to the triplet. Jared noticed that all the counter space was covered in shiny little tins, so he wondered where anyone was supposed to sit to enjoy the lavish meal.

"Where do we sit?" He whispered down to Nick's shoulder.

"Oh, we usually all pile into the living room. Dad, Matt, and Chris usually put on a hockey game, and we all just sit and talk about things. Ya know, family shit." Nick chuckled. "Come on." He cocked his head to the direction he was heading. He led them both into the cramped living room. Everyone was already engaged in conversation and stuffing their mouths full of food.

"Jared can sit here, Nick." Chris got out of his assigned spot and surrendered it to Jared. The brothers were always together, so their usual spot on the floor next to the tree was saved for them.

"Are you sure, Chris?" Jared smiled softly. He felt a sense of relief because Chris and Matt were around him. He was older than all of them but still resonated on certain things. Chris and Matt were familiar and comfortable. Madi was from LA, but Jared hadn't had much of a chance to get to know her separately.  Chris went and stood over by the other guy who was at the airport, to whom he hadn't been introduced to yet. Everyone asked Jared questions, and he answered honestly and politely. They all seemed to enjoy having him around, which relaxed him.

"Oh, kids, I almost forgot I got you each a premature Christmas gift. They are in your rooms." Mary Lou wanted them to be aware. Clean-up was a breeze, with everyone pitching in.

"Is everyone staying the night tonight? How many beds do I need to get?" The shorter man asked.

"I have to go home my parents are taking me and my brother shopping tomorrow." Alahna politely rejected the offer.

"Nate is staying 'cause we are playing hockey tomorrow," Matt said for his friend.

"Yeah, but we can cuddle." Nate nudged him. They both ran up to his room. Mary Lou looked around at all the other faces.

"Obviously, Jared will be with Nick." Jimmy smiled softly, trying to help divide the house.

"I can sleep on the couch." Madi was trying to be helpful.

"Don't be silly, dear. You can have the spare bedroom, and Justin can sleep on the couch." Mary softly brushed her shoulders.

"Yeah, totally." The guy from the airport revealed himself to be Justin.

"Mikayla, can sleep in my room with me." Chris offered up.

"It's so lovely having such a full house. I just love this." Mary Lou smiled looking at everyone in the face. Jared felt his heart pitter-patter from the joy he felt growing from watching everyone work together.

"So, no air mattresses?" The man Jared noted as Justin asked.

"I think we got it all covered." Jimmy clapped his hands, and Jared looked at Nick for their next move.

"Let's get ready for bed. We have a busy day tomorrow." Nick grabbed Jared's wrist to guide him where he needed to go. Once they were in his room, Nick shut the door. All the commotion from downstairs and down the hall was silenced immediately. Jared let out a very long sigh. "Are you doing okay?" Nick chuckled.

"That's... A lot." Jared sat on the bed and felt a weight lift from his shoulders. They both perked up, hearing a crunching sound from behind Jared. He grabbed two wrapped presents.

"Oh, the presents." Nick took both packages. "And this one is actually yours." He gave one back.

"Really?" Jared looked at the package inquisitively.

"Looks like you are already a part of the family." Nick laughed, opening his paper-covered box.

"Really?" Jared repeated himself. He felt bad receiving a gift and having not brought any.

"You'll get used to it," Jared watched Nick hold up a pajama set with little snowmen all over the pants. The long-sleeve shirt said 'Abdominal Snowman' and had a picture of a single snowman with abs. Nick immediately started getting changed into the pajama set.

"I don't know If I ever will." Jared took in another big breath. He opened his box to see another matching pajama set. His pants had little elf shoes and hats all over, and the shirt said 'Express Your Elf.' He wasn't overwhelmed easily but all the anxiety of wanting to be liked mixed with a crowded room of seven other people was enough to overwhelm him. Nick climbed into bed and opened the blanket for Jared to crawl in. He obliged. They were relatively close to one another.

"Don't worry about it. Tomorrow, it's just you and I." Nick smiled looking deep into Jared's green eyes. Nick had made some special plans for just the two of them and he couldn't wait to surprise his best friend.

Trust me when I say it gets better! This is just early family Christmas at their parent's house in Boston!

Taglist: @trevorsgodmother @strnilolover @chrissbug333 @kirby0strombolli @thenickgirl (Even though youve already read it lmao)

Dividers: @issysh3ll

(For funsies comment what you think Nick's fun plans are for tomorrow)

[base0h]

Hiii :D

Wanna req some modern au Kid, Mihawk and Shanks with a s/o who always manages to zone out at the worst time possible, (like they're driving and stopped at a red light, not realizing that what seemed a moment later the light turned green and everyone is beeping at them or they're being late, smth distracts them and they literally just freeze in place lost in the most off topic thoughts ever) hcs or scenario, all's good with me gosh I zone out way too much

Gosh sorry for the long ask and since I'm here I just might remind you to go drink some water and take care of yourself, cuz we need ya and your hilarious writings here, to brighten up our days yk? ( ˙꒳​˙ )

love ya <3

a/n - ERROR HOW HAVE I BEEN LAUGHING FOR A SOLID TEN MINUTES AT THIS ASK SUEBDHBDHDBD 😭😭😭😭 awww I’m so glad that I can brighten up your guys’ days that really brightens mine 🥺💜💜

Warnings ⚠️ - cracky, g/n reader, modern au, shanks doesn’t have an arm (let’s just say it got bitten off by a shark because he thought drinking beer while surfing was a brilliant idea)

- watch him ban you from driving 💀

- last time you decided to drive to a coffee shop was the last straw for the poor man

- “Y/n please keep your eyes on the road.”

- *minute passes, now it’s a green light*

- he’s looking at a newspaper while people behind you guys are honking

- you had taken sight of a beautiful monarch butterfly, cruising around just outside your window

- you didn’t even realize the light had turned green

- Mihawk was about to get out of the car and go punch some people for honking but then he realized the light had been green for minutes, and you two were holding up the biggest line of cars he’d ever seen

- “Y/n! It’s green-!”

- He undid his seatbelt and climbed into the seat with you, hitting his head on the ceiling while simultaneously giving himself a bad back

- he pressed the gas while you stared at the butterfly, and you snapped out of it when you realized the car was moving, and Mihawk’s huge ass was right in front of your face

- “Mihawk what are you doing-“

- he sighed and kept driving forward until the light from before turned red right as he started going

- Cars from the right were about to crash into you too when you started screaming at him to go faster

- “MIHAWK GO GO GO GO GO-!”

- “THIS DAMN CAR WONT GO ANY FASTER! GET ON MY LEFT SIDE!”

- he was saying that to protect you, so that he would take most of the damage if you both were hit

- Luckily, you two made it to the next intersection just before getting hit, and there was a long silence in the car on the way home

- “… you’re banned from driving.”

- “BUT-“ “I don’t want to hear it.”

- “thank you for protecting me, don’t pretend like you didn’t do that 😏”

- “😐😑😐”

- he ignored you for about an hour after that (he wasn’t mad, just terrified)

- shanks is a horrible driver himself, so he gets it! He’s usually drunk while driving anyways!

- zoning out is totally fine because usually he’ll just stare at you and think about how beautiful/handsome you are 🥰

- today you both were driving to a movie, you had gotten a nice cup of coffee just before as well :)

- shanks was staring at his phone, struggling to figure out where the fuck he put the tickets

- you saw the most awesome skateboarder who was doing tricks along the sidewalk, and you managed to turn sharp left, almost straight into the sidewalk

- shanks immediately grabbed the wheel with his arm and swerved back, but the absolute boiling hot coffee cup was slipping through your grip

- poor shanks saw that and was starting to panic

- “Baby i only got ONE ARM-“

- the hot coffee spilled all over his lap and this idiot started screaming at the top of his lungs

- “BABE MY BALLS ARE GOING TO MELT WHAT THE FUCK WHY IS IT SO HOT?”

- bigass man baby woke you up and you started driving normally again, apologizing to your almost crying boyfriend for zoning out

- “My dick hurts.”

- “Please don’t ever say that again.”

- “BUT IT’S TRUE?? IT HURTS LIKE- HELL!”

- “also what were you looking at out there?”

- “some cool skateboarding guy.”

- excuse me-??

- “A guy?..”.

- “THATS WHY YOU BURNED MY COCK OFF BABE?! AM I NOT PRETTY ENOUGH?!”

- he started shaking your arm and you were literally about to crash, “SHANKS STOP IM GOING TO CRASH!”

- pls he’s a terrible driver just because of the fact that he will literally scream and flip someone off for not using their turn signal

- I imagine him to obey every single driving law except for the one “don’t be a fucking asshole”

- he oftentimes will ask for your help when he’s building stuff, like asking for tools and such

- “babe hand me the wrench.”

- “hammer.”

- “nails.”

- “water.”

- that’s basically what your job is. 💀

- he was welding today, and needed your help to place something at just the right time so he wouldn’t either burn your apartment down or burn his arm off

- “Babe, need it now.”

- you were tuned out completely, and of course at the absolute perfect time 🙂

- “babe.”

- he waved his other hand in front of your face to try and get your attention but that didn’t seem to work

- “Y/N L/N HELLO?!”

- kaboom

- smoke filled the room as you coughed and grabbed the thing you were supposed to hand him

- “Kidd you need this thingy yet??”

- …

- your audacity.

- his sllooooooooow turn of his head

- his face was stained with black smoke, a nail shooting out of his work and hitting him in the forehead as he stared down at you with the most dead expression

- you were dead. so dead.

a/n - not me being a little cheeky shit and giggling at my own writing 💀

[a-libra-writes]

Do you have any more headcanons for our darling Rocky? Romantic, general or whatever. I think that whenever he sees his s/o he has stars in his eyes and that he loves boasting about them to all of Lackadaisy (much to their annoyance; Victor is that close from throwing him out the window).

Who is your favourite character btw?

This is kind of a part 3 to my previous Rocky Romantic HCs, with these focusing more on domestic living together and family stuff! Femme and masc options included.

When Rocky starts living with you, it's an adjustment. He hasn't had a permanent home-home in nearly 10 years. There's so many things he forgot about, and things he missed dearly but tried very hard not to dwell on. And he gets to see so many new things about you - you'll catch him staring more than once as you go about your routines, from shuffling through the morning to winding down in the evening. All the things you keep on your shelves, everything smelling like you, noting all your interesting habits! It's your private world he's been invited into and he's a little obsessed. The place wouldn't need to be anything fancy, either - even in an apartment, he takes in everything like it's s gift.

(You'll find all sorts of cute notes scattered about where you'll surely find them, even if it's weeks later. Drawings, poems, love notes, song lyrics - all sorts of sweet, sappy things like that. Then there's the BIG obvious ones he leaves right on your nightstand or mirror.)

Rocky wants to be useful, of course, he always does, but his domestic skills are ...well. There's room for improvement. Cleaning and keeping up with himself is one of those things he needs to pay more attention to, and while he wants to help with the cooking, uh. Maybe hold off on that until you're sure he won't get distracted in the middle of boiling water. Also, when he does cook breakfast, there's usually a huge mess left behind ... But it's the thought that counts! He'll figure out pretty much any chore you assign him, anyway. And at this point you know how much Rocky wants to please you.

When he first moved in, there was an initial period where you two slept separately. It was only proper, especially if you're femme, buuut that went out the window within a week or two. Rocky wouldn't be the one to bring it up, but he wouldn't complain a bit if you just let him stay in your bed instead of going back to the couch or guest room. (And I mean, he looks so comfy and he loves snuggling ... are you really gonna kick him out?)

Even if you both fall asleep on opposite sides of the bed, eventually the grey tabby will migrate over to you. The clinginess doesn't stop just because he's asleep! And he either sleeps like the dead, or bolts up at the slightest noise. Most mornings Rocky is up at the near crack of dawn, antsy and ready to get on with whatever idea is rattling around in his head. Snuggling might incline him to sleep in just a little longer - or maybe he'll just soak up the comfy bed, sunny morning and loved one next to him. It's a very quiet and still peace that takes some getting used to.

If you're femme - happy as he is to go on about how wonderful you are to others, he doesn't breathe a word of it to his aunt. He might actually be skinned alive if Nina catches a whiff of him "living in sin".

If you're masc, y'alls domestic life is probably closer to a "bachelor pad" than some suburban bliss, but it's still homey in it's own way. It's far more likely you're both sharing an apartment or row house close to the Little Daisy. Your laundry tends to get mixed up (which Rocky doesn't mind at all, even if you're much bigger than him), there's lots of late-night attempte to cook on the terrifyingly worn out gas stove and opening the window at night to let in a cool breeze and the sounds of the city. Other tenants don't may you two any mind, assuming you're family or two workers trying to save money by boarding together.

(Bonus points if y'all live in the same apartment block as Zib and his band, as if he doesn't have to deal with the nauseating lovebirds enough)

Being in a safe, stable place with a loved one can stir up some buried memories. You've probably seen Rocky despair dramatically already, but the actual crying is new. He's a noisy cryer, it's difficult for him to hide it. He'd even apologize if it woke you up, but Rocky is surprisingly comfortable with crying on you and being held, though there been a few times where he's initially resisted, feeling like he ought to hide these emotions instead. It's been so long since he had this kind of comfort, but there's still shame when he feels the tears came from out of "nowhere". Oh, there's a lot repressed there ...

And there's the whole ... getting a concussion and nearly dying bit. Initially Rocky is unaware of long-term effects of the concussion, and later willfully ignores them as long as he can. Sudden bright lights and loud noise cause twinges of pain that can snowball into a full blown migraine, something he's never had to deal with. And the first time he banged his head on a doorframe? Bam, flat on his ass. Rocky woke up resting on your lap, your frantic face hovering above him. He was only out for a few seconds but uh, still scary. Something he should be aware of and more careful about because he's sooo good at being careful...

(Small silver lining is you fuss and take care of him during the migraines but Rocky haaaates having to be still in bed. Good luck keeping him there!)

Regardless of gender, there's some potential friction with your family. You adore Rocky and are perfectly happy with him, but well, to your family ... If they're middle or upper class, associating with a destitute musician with bizarre behaviors was not in the plan for you (god forbid anyone finds out about the bootlegging and arson). No matter how well he cleans up, or is on his "best behavior", you could risk getting cut out from the family entirely. Note if you're masc, your relationship could simply be brushed aside as that "friend" of your's they don't approve of. A woman will be judged far more harshly, especially if you and Rocky are living together without being married. You can kiss any inheirtance or family support goodbye.

(Of course, being from a poorer family or not having one at all mitigates much of this drama.)

The fact you're willing to defy your family for him and defend him gets Rocky emotional all over again. It's probably not possible for him to be any more devoted to you, but now feelings of guilt will bubble up. On darker days he'll worry he's ruining someone's family relationships (again) and it'd be best if he just left.

Actually getting married to Rocky would amp that family drama even further, no matter how happy you are about it. It'd probably end up being one of those thrown-together elopements where you're both giddy and a little anxious and driving out to who-knows-where to find a priest who won't ask questions. There's no ring, but - hey, maybe a family heirloom was found. Maybe a friend lends a dress that's almost white, and you repurposed a fancy tablecloth for a veil, and Rocky is wearing a borrowed suit of Freckle's, and the bouquet is flowers you two found alongside the road.

It's slapped together and messy but also exciting and y'all are so happy in spite of everything. Rocky's grinning so much you think his face might get stuck; this isn't something he ever imagined for himself, but now that you're here, he just wants to love and be with you forever. Expect a few years. Maybe a lot. There could even be a little 'reception' at the Lackadaisy, with lots of dancing and music and everyone having to witness how blindlingly sappy you two are (as if they weren't painfully aware).

(Baby & family stuff here!)

So. If you're AFAB, the reality is you and Rocky will have one ... or several ... scares, unless you're very diligent. Look, his pull-out game is shit because he just gets so caught up in the affection and being with you. Hell, that may be what led to the elopement in the first place, spurred on by a healthy dose of Catholic guilt and maaaaybe a family member's shotgun.

Just like the whole 'Finding the Most Wonderful Love of His Life' thing, Rocky didn't think children were anywhere in his future. If any thoughts were given to it, he might assume he'd been a poor parent, because isn't he a screw-up with anything else? What example did Rocky have, anyway - a dad who basically abandoned his family when they needed him most? He does his worrying and anxiety spiralling in private, but it'd be easy for anyone to pick up on it. Of course he thinks you'll do wonderfully, but the chaotic tabby has little hope for himself.

(If you also have no idea what you're doing, congrats! It's utter chaos. And you think anyone at Lackadaisy knows what to do? Also nope! Godspeed!!)

But the thing is, Rocky is quite good with the kitten once they start crawling and exploring. He has the energy level to keep up with them, and he naturally encourages the kiddo to explore and play more. The tot being noisy or fussy or agitated doesn't faze him much; Rocky quickly picks up when they just want attention and playtime or if something is actually upsetting them. I think he'd also sing and play music to soothe them, like his mom used to do when he was restless.

(Also the three of you going out for a picnic or playing in the park and he's just! So happy!! He really had his own tiny family that loves him. He doesn't care if the kitten claws up his back when they're startled or eat grass and immediately vomit or drop their toy into the park fountain. That's his baby!)

Also, at least one (but realistically most) of his kiddos would also have ADHD. Obviously in this time period there's no recognition or diagnosis, but it's easy to notice if his kid has similar 'odd' behaviors and mannerisms. Anywhere from the hyperactivity, to fidgeting and chattering, to sudden focus on things that interest them. I think anytime his child seems to act like him, even if it's considered "misbehavior", he just melts and can't find it in himself to scold them. Rocky would generally be the forgiving, fun and permissive parent, much as his own mother was. He'd also worry about being too absent; normally no one cared when he was gone for days (or weeks ...), but now there's a little one who can't even handle him being gone for an evening. No Rocky you can't strap the kitten to your back and take them everywhere....

Notably if the kitten was neuroatypical in a different way, or disabled - either deaf, or they struggle to walk, etc, Rocky picks up on this quickly. He'd be good about thinking up accommodations or ways for them to get about the world easier, and patient, so very patient. Making up hand signs? Jury rigging a mobility aid? Recognizing when a place might be too overwhelming for the kid? Figuring out exactly which textures are upsetting for them? It may shock people how observant he is about these things - and, given the time period, he could be seen as too "indulgent". Okay he's definitely an overly indulgent parent in other ways, but in this case, Rocky is quite fixated. He's very familiar what it's like being on the outside and disregarded.

He absolutely wants to teach his kiddo music, and likes singing to them and rattling off poetry when it comes to him. The household is full of music and art in general, especially if you're artistically inclined yourself. He'll gather all sorts of unusual books to read to them (even if they're too young for it, his voice is nice to listen to). He's the parent who keeps literally anything his kid makes him and gets happy and emotional all over again when he sees it. He's also the parent who can't deny his kiddo when they've had a bad dream or are afraid of the dark ... so either he falls asleep on the couch with them, or he carries them back to y'all's bedroom.

It goes without saying that Rocky's going to continue his criminal activities. If anything, he's been spurred on even more in order to support you and the kitten, especially if this is after 1929; the kids would be growing up during the worst of the Great Depression. This could either be a point of contention between you and Rocky, if you aren't doubling down on the crime yourself.

(Personally I HC that, if he had a family to provide for, he'd 100% stay involved with crime even after Prohibition and/or the Lackadaisy is gone. What other choices are there?)

Note if you're masc and had a kiddo from a previous relationship, a lot of these HCs still apply! Rocky would still find himself bonding with them and being delighted by how much they seem to care for him. He likes noticing the mannerisms that are just like your's, and how their faces mimic your own expressions. They'd refer to him as "uncle Rocky" but sometimes they'll slip and say "papa". Which totally doesn't make him want to cry or anything.

[fallingblueroses]

The next part of the clone story.

***

Cesar didn't really think much about staying in Geoff's hospital room with Daryl until a nurse came in to get Geoff's vital signs. She nodded politely at them before stepping toward Geoff's bed, then quickly glanced back toward Daryl.

Daryl smiled at her. "He's my brother."

"Oh." She looked at the monitor above Geoff's bed and wrote something down on her clipboard. "Are you twins?"

"Yeah, we are. I'm Daryl."

"Nice to meet you," she said as she finished writing and left.

Cesar frowned as a thought came to him. "What are we going to do if Geoff's parents come in? Or anyone else who knows Geoff for that matter?

Daryl shrugged. "I guess you'll have to distract them while I hide."

"Hide where?"

"I don't know." Daryl looked around the small room. "I could always leave and come back."

Cesar frowned. "They'll kill me if I let you get away." An idea occurred to him. "But we can go back to my place."

Daryl looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah! Who knows when they'll find the others, so we might as well kill some time. We can eat pizza and ice cream and watch Netflix."

Daryl smiled. "Can I pick the movie?"

"Sure." Cesar grinned, then kissed Geoff's forehead. "Be back soon." He turned to Daryl. "Come on. Let's go."

Daryl grinned back at him. "Right behind you."

***

Layne tapped his fingers against the steering wheel as they waited at a red light. "We can't drive around forever. Where should we go?"

"I'm thinking," Frieda sighed.

"Well, think harder. We have to find Jeff before someone I know sees us and tells Cyndi I'm driving around with a pretty woman."

"They'll probably just think I'm Host." She paused and shot Layne a look. "...You think I'm pretty?"

The light turned and he drove on, not looking at her. "Objectively."

"Oh. Of course." Layne could hear her disappointment as she turned to look out the window. At the next red light, Frieda leaned over and kissed Layne's cheek.

He nearly jumped through the car roof. "Wha--what was that?"

"Just an objectively friendly little kiss."

"Well don't do that!" Layne rubbed his face. "Whatever you're thinking, you need to remember that I'm married and you...you're Geoff." The light changed and he drove on, carefully avoiding looking at Frieda. "You should just sit there and think about where to find Jeff. Clone Jeff."

Frieda giggled, then grew serious..."Is there like a walk-in spa around?"

Layne's eyes widened. "Probably. You think he went to get a facial or something?"

Frieda shrugged. "He's always complaining about how he has to take care of everything. Maybe he went to get pampered for a while."

"Worth a shot." Layne pulled over into a gas station lot and began to look up spas on his phone. He groaned as he saw how many results there were. This is going to be a long afternoon.

***

After Kathy called Eli to tell him that she was bringing Goff and Jeoph to the hospital, Eli headed back to the hospital himself to check on things. His feeling that it might not have been the best idea to leave Cesar to watch over Daryl was justified when he walked in Geoff's room to find them gone.

He huffed as he pulled his phone from his jacket and called Cesar. The younger man sounded entirely too cheerful when he answered. "Hey Eli! 'Sup?"

Oh great, he's hyper. "Where are you two?" Eli demanded.

"My house. We're eating junk and watching rubbish." Daryl howled with laughter in the background.

"What are you watching?"

"Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot," Cesar said.

Eli literally felt his brain short-circuit at that. "On purpose?" He shook his head hard. "Cesar. Listen. Kathy's on her way back with Goff and Jeoph. You've got to bring Daryl back."

"But Eli. I promised him we'd watch Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead and Howard the Duck."

Eli looked toward the ceiling and prayed for strength. "Tell Daryl if he comes back, I'll make sure Geoff watches them. He'll see them then, right?"

Cesar relayed the message. Daryl said something, then Cesar spoke to Eli. "He says throw in Mars Attacks and Spaceballs and you have a deal."

Geoff's going to kill me. He sighed. "Deal."

"On our way!" Cesar hung up.

Eli collapsed in the chair and looked at Geoff. "No wonder you're crazy." He looked toward the ceiling and heaved a deep sigh. "I'll bet nothing like this ever happens to Pentatonix."

[review-anon]

Mai! Talk about Mai!

She's best girl so of course I will talk about her.

Under the cut we go!

Mai is in all honestly the single most genre savvy character I have ever seen in a Danganronpa title; both canon and fangan. She knows and avoids all the common pitfalls that most characters fall into; don't make enemies as that paints a target, be suspicious but keep a open mind, allows people to make their statements so everyone's opinions are on the table etc. Its like she's read a guide on "how to survive a killing game" because most of what Mai does, is what fans have legitimately suggested to do in order to make sure you don't get targeted and killed.

It also helps she's one of the most physically imposing characters in the cast, meaning the amount of people who want to mess with her are almost none as nobody wants to mess with a bounty hunter. There's also the fact she doesn't sugercoat how dirty her job is; she freely admits to taking lives, but since they were villians she doesn't regret it one bit, and knows how to use weapons such knives and guns. I am curious what made her want to become a bounty hunter as not many people enter that job willingly so maybe something happened to her in the past that made her realise normal justice is bad and she needs to take matters into her own hands?

Her no nonsense yet still empathatic personality means a lot of the situations which could have spiralled out of control in most normal games, don't because Mai has a clear head, injects sense and logic into the matter and this makes the situation defuse peacefully. The Yanagi situation is a capital example of that because in most games, this would be the prelude to a murder but becasue Mai has a sensible idea to make sure Yanagi is given a chance to atone but under a supervised environment, and thus nothing bad happens and heck Yanagi is given chances to redeem himself, rather then be written off as someone who's shown their true colours.

As well as Kamimura, due to the fact she's taken lives, Mai is someone who doesn't mind touching and inspecting dead bodies for any useful information. That and her knowledge on weapons means that if said weapon is used, she can tell if it was done lethally or non lethally at a glance.

I've already mentioned her interactions with Yanagi before but I do applaud on how patient she is with him. I think at first she thinks he was a casanova bastard but once she learns the context behind why he cheated on his girlfriend, she realises that Yanagi is too pure for his own good and cannot handle how rough the world and thus decides to look out for him, because she knows he's far too naive to cope with the harsh reality.

As much as I love Mai to surivive, given how BS this game has been, I do suspect she might bite the dust as a victim and as for how, I don't know but maybe a really scummy motive was used. Then again seeing how she's fought off sleep deprivation and aderelinine gas, I don't know what the masterminds could throw at her.

Of course I always assume my favs die so when they do live I get very happy. Its the ultimate way to not feel disappointed, a character either dies or they live. simple as.

[tapperhet-em]

7

“You doing okay back there, Princess?” Lorcan looked in the rear view to check on Meeri. He would have preferred to have her riding shotgun, but there were too many eyes out for that. In the backseat with Melba was the safest. She kept right behind him when she was sitting up, and so far that had gone well. When they had stopped for gas, she’d put Lorcan’s jacket over her head and a wadded up blanket over her legs. Even he had a hard time telling she was there. They were making good time and she was safe, and that was all he cared about.

“Yeah, just getting tired again. Do you mind if I take another nap?” The constant up and down of her adrenaline levels had a huge part to do with how she was feeling, she was sure. It seemed like every time that they thought that they could relax, something would alert Lorcan that there were more soldiers around. Thankfully, no one looked too closely in the jeep with Melba losing her mind next to him.

“Sweetheart, do whatever you need to. I’ve got this. If I need help staying awake, I’ll wake you up. Okay.” Again he looked in the rear view mirror. Lorcan was actually worried about her. Physically she was fine but he knew mentally she'd had a day none of them could imagine. Then there had been the damn trip to the Jeep. “But hey, M?”

“Hmm? What?” Her chin once more was resting on his seat back so she could talk low to him, since she was tired.

“We’re good, right? Right?” It had been bugging him since they went through the outer gate at the city. He hated how he’d had to get her to the Jeep. Guilt had been eating at him. You didn’t treat friends like that, and she was more than just a friend.

“Lo,” affection filled her voice as one arm came to wrap around his upper chest, high enough not to interfere with his steering. “Of course we are. Stop over thinking.” She hugged him lightly. “If you’re worried about earlier, if you hadn’t done what you did, I wouldn’t be here with you. You got me out of the city alive. You and Melba.” Meeri leaned forward to press a kiss to his cheek. “You know you’re not bad for a big brother.” For a few minutes she laid her head on his shoulder over the back of the seat.

“Yeah, well you know me. I can’t stop chewing on something till I’m sure.” One of his hands left the steering wheel to hold hers and bring it up so he could kiss the back. “You’re pretty cool for a little sister too. Don’t tell the others I said that, they’ll think I’m going soft.” That earned him a soft laugh, which made him smile. The group really were like family in many ways. Maybe that’s why Meeri’s father had never liked the guys, and had turned on her in the end.

The former King had been a stickler for protocol and gender conformity, so his tomboy daughter running around with four paiges as a child had not set well. As she'd aged it had set even less well when she would have one of them as her escort to royal balls and galas. Her never having shown interest in any of the Princes paraded through also probably didn’t help, especially coupled with the fact someone would have to be blind not to see Einar was in love with her. Lorcan wasn’t for sure where the King and the rest of her family ran off to, but he knew that neither he nor the other three were going to let anything happen to her from here on out, so her other family might as well be actually dead; they'd been replaced anyway.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Lo. I couldn't hear anything over Melba snoring back here." Meeri laughed softly and offered thanks to the goddess that she had "her boys". Next to Einar, Lorcan had always been the one she was closest to and then Elio. Things were complicated with Thieran, but that didn't mean she loved him less.

"Better her than me. Although, you do realize that you are going to be trapped in a cabin with four of us, right? Might want to ask the others to get you ear plugs." Lorcan bit his bottom lip as she made a squeak. He had been kidding but now it was too funny to tell her.

"Oh, you're kidding. Right?" She tried to pull her hand back but he wouldn't let go. "Lo, you're kidding." She pulled again and heard him start to laugh. "Ass!!" Now Meeri joined him. "Complete ass."

"Part of my charm. Why else do you think the women love me? The uniform?" He was laughing and squeezed her hand. "Okay, it is probably the uniform, but my sense of humor is second."

"Goddess knows it's not looks." Meeri bit her lip as she saw his fake outrage in the rear view mirror.

"Meeri! I save your life and you put a dagger in the heart like that." He couldn't even muster enough sarcasm to stop laughing, which he didn't mind since after the day they'd had it felt good. "I mean, I knew I wasn't your favorite, but damn woman! That, that was just painful."

"Do you need me to kiss your wounded ego to make it better." She couldn't stop laughing. This felt like old times with Lorcan, they teased each other mercilessly.

"You kiss anything other than my cheek and you'll probably have to dig one of Einar’s bullets out of me. I love ya, but I don't love anyone enough to get shot." They both laughed, and both knew it was a lie. He'd die for any of them. They all were like that.

"I knew it! The only loyal one is Melba! GIRL POWER!!" Meeri was now laughing so hard she was crying. The emotions of the day having given way to giggle fits and slight delirium.

"You just love me for my dog." Lorcan now fake pouted.

"Well, it's been a good run, Lo, but I guess you figured me out. It's Melba, it's always been Melba." She was starting to wheeze when laughing.

"You know how to gut a man, M. Geez!" Lorcan laughed and shook his head.

"Side to side, not up and down, otherwise gravity won't complete the evisceration." Meeri nodded then caught Lorcan staring at her slack jawed in the rear view mirror. "What?"

"Remind me to tell Elio that some things from field training really don't have to be shared. Also, the fact you remembered that so easily is impressive. I'm now scared of you with sharp objects, but it's impressive." He laughed. She really had spent too many years around the four soldiers, they had completely rubbed off on her. Lorcan loved it.

"It was Tieran." Meeri laughed. "It came up when talking about dissecting a corpse for an autopsy. So, it wasn't THAT bad.

"You still remembered it off the top of your head without missing a beat, M. You are officially one of us now. Sorry, Princess, we can't let you go. You're stuck with us." Lorcan just grinned. Goddess be damned, he loved her.

"Other than needing ear plugs to sleep, I'm perfectly fine with that." Her head was once again on his shoulder as exhaustion was overcoming humor.

"Hey, we all have faults. Ours just happen to all be snoring and devastating good looks. Einar and I got some charm going on too. Just a little." He chuckled and kissed her hand again. "Lay down, sis, and ger some sleep. I'll watch over you. We shouldn't have any problems between here and the cabin. No one knows we're going there."

"Okay." Meeri kissed his cheek. "Night, Lo."

"Sweet dreams, M." Lorcan watched her lay down then focussed on the road ahead fully again. As he drove, he offered prayers of thanks to the goddess that all five of them had made it out of the city alive and would soon be safe in hiding.

[mandy4ever69420]

anemoneway 4.10

debbie is so fucking good. and so debbie. literally all the time forever. 'all i do is look for my family i should get you all ankle bracelets' [to fionas po] '[carl]'s really shy :)' 'i use [the shiv the PO found] for knitting :)' <-immensely based and careful and well executed lies. shes so s10 coded here

carl and bonnie are devastating always and forever. also whoever this little baby actress is is amazing. the way that she's having a ball on this bitch but also very clearly panicking while stealing snacks and chocolate milk w carl.

early in the episode mickey says of mandy's abuser 'its our house why the fuck should she have to leave' . very true observation also 100% related to his need to run away from his house to be away from svetlana constantly. notable how he only ever gets worked up when it's someone else in danger. svetlana was never really abusive but i think there was a pretty good point being made here w mickeys plot about him never being too tough to face that level of manipulation and control. wrt 'i promise you your kids going to be an orphan / hey no domestic abuse take it outside like everyone else' probably supposed to be reminiscent of darvo.

svetlana implicitly taking mickey's side in an argument with kevin about cash is fantasic. her only line in that scene is 'kelly girls' but you can see her angled defensively at kevin when he's heckling mickey for money. also another reason it makes me insane when people will frame mickey pimping in general as 'unethical' bitch are you fucking stupid

really enjoy how kevin was afraid enough of mickey / mickey was direct enough that the fear he experienced at the THOUGHT of mickey showing up was enough to fuck his relationship over in a horrifying traumatic way wrt: grabbing a gun and accidentally firing it in the house. quoth sameen shaw 'we imply [violence]. we may not have to use it'

its so much easier to be amused by sheila when im not trying so hard to like her

fiona's taking a van randomly across state lines was basically untraceable i wonder how far she wouldve gottten if she wasnt half in the door n being a careful committed family person. also this being her main association with 'running away' kind of makes me think her advice to ian in s7 might not have been about jimmy at all but about this. i mean we know mickey would never leave ian at a gas station but he did leave his former cell mate / other friend when he became a liability.

they show up at the police station presumably in hopes that turning herself in will reduce the severity of punishment but im not sure that's true. youre basically just making the cops jobs easier. im not saying its a good idea to just keep dodging but debbie did set up a pretty good lie for you guys with 'i think shes looking for a job or something, im not sure when i saw her last'

lips leap into parentification in the void fiona left behind when she got full up sick to bastard death of her own parentification and had a meltdown into prison is an interesting possibly unintentional foreshadow of lip's breakdown and debbies eventual inevitable role as the 'sue hurry up lts go more muffins what do you WANT' of the household. debbie's dedication to being a parent on purpose and how much older everyone is when she grabs the reigns might cut off the potential of this to be a permanent loop. also interesting how its never ian because ian is always looking outside of the house for places to be a person instead of getting overinvolved in everyones shit.

on the debbie WINS of the day was how she acted about mike's brother robbie. at his apartment. she's so my world

[masterwords]

no better place (ch 4)

Summary:

“I knew a new puppy was a bad idea.”

- or -

The time Hotch broke his foot stepping over a brand new puppy and spent the entire holiday season laid up. (Part of The Chicago Times universe.)

Words: 3.3k

Pairing: Hotch/Morgan

Warnings: broken foot and associated pain...hotch is in lots of pain

**

The lights in the hardware store were dim, aisles looming over them tall and metal and foreboding. Everything smelled vaguely like oil and wood. Derek knew his way around the store better than most of the employees and he walked with a purpose while Penelope practically jogged along behind him to keep up. At least she’d worn her sensible airplane shoes.

“What are you looking for?”

“Not looking…” he said dismissively, a man on a mission. He was like a bloodhound, turning corners and skipping aisles to avoid people who were in his way. It gave Garcia the impression he was lost, but when he found what he needed he didn’t look relieved in the slightest. He’d known all along. She glanced back the way they’d come and puzzled over it, wondering if she’d ever find her way back out of that maze if he weren’t there. These stores had a way of shifting on you, bending lines and curves when you weren’t paying attention.

“Ohhhh…” she whispered, watching him pull four handlebar kits from the shelf. She knew then, these were for the bathroom, these were so Hotch could be on his own. It made her feel a little sick to think about the practical side of these sorts of things, and even sicker when she realized that if anything happened to her...well there was no way her cats could do anything like this for her. Hotch had Derek to keep him safe when he needed it, and she was sure if the roles were reversed Hotch would be doing the same. “He’s going to hate this.”

“He doesn’t have a choice.”

No, that was true. He didn’t have a choice. His foot was broken whether he liked it or not, and no matter how minor it sounded to break such tiny bones...it was not minor in the least. Not at any age, but especially at their age.

“What else do you need?”

He was already moving toward the showers, they would have to put a removable shower head on temporarily. He wasn’t a fan, had always thought they were tacky, but his mother and Savannah both insisted that if Hotch was going to have any semblance of autonomy over the next half a year, he’d need it. Besides, it was removable. They could remove it as soon as they wanted. After that it was a basket of little bits and bobbles, nails and screws and things from his ongoing garage list for projects. While he was here, he might as well restock. Who knew when he’d find time to be away again.

“Where do you want to tackle your list?” he asked as he wheeled his cart full of hardware out to his truck. He didn’t often drive the truck in the city, it was an old rust bucket with a full size bed and a gas guzzling problem. He loved the clunky old girl but she wasn’t made for the city – however, today, he needed it. They were going to fill the bed with projects.

“Take me to your favorite grocery store,” she said adamantly. “The place you guys get everything you like. I want to stock the cupboards with all of your favorite things. Both of you. And then we need to tackle the list your mother gave me...it’s a doozy. How many people will be there?”

“I told you not to get involved in this…”

“How many people?”

“Probably fifty at least. The way it works is...the family comes over, but all the apartments open up their doors and everyone in my mom’s building wanders through. It’s like one big Thanksgiving feast in that dump she calls home.”

“I don’t think it’s a dump.”

“You’ve only been there once, woman. It’s a damn dump. Can you keep a secret?”

“No,” she said honestly, but she smiled sweetly at him anyway. “But you can tell me anything you want.”

He thought it over for a long silent spell, realizing that he hadn’t even turned on the radio. The speakers in his old rust bucket didn’t work great but he hated driving in silence. Having Garcia with him wasn’t silence, though. And no, she wasn’t a good person to tell, but he had to say something to someone...he’d been sitting on it for months now.

“My mom’s building is going up for sale next month. They’ve been talking to me about buying it and fixing it up...it’d be a shitty investment, though. No way I could renovate and raise the rent for anyone there, they’re family. I grew up there. Everyone’s lived there for decades now. It’d be a money pit.”

“Okay, so it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind…”

“No, but see I haven’t. Because if it sells to someone else who has any idea what the potential is there, they’re gonna fix it up and raise the rent and all those people are out on their asses. This neighborhood is on its way to gentrification.”

“So you buy it and just leave it?”

“I can’t do that. They got roaches and broken plumbing, stuff is so out of date...the health department’s been looking the other way a long time on that place. I’d have to improve it.”

“This sounds like something you should be talking to Hotch about…”

“I was going to bring it up...I had a meeting with them the other day and things got really intense and I was going to talk to him about it but then he broke his foot and he’s so out of it now, he’s so stressed out and exhausted...I can’t do that to him.”

“But he’s your husband. And he’s crazy smart, and crazy rich…maybe he’d think it was a good idea. You bought that house that Haley grew up in, that’s been a good investment.”

“That was for Jack. It’s different. This...well you’ll see. The building should probably be condemned.”

“And your mom lives there?”

“They haven’t raised the rent in twenty years, mama. Of course she does. And she loves everyone she lives with. It’s comfortable. She shared that apartment with my dad, a lot of cops and their wives lived there. Now it’s just a bunch of cop’s widows. She can’t leave.”

Penelope looked at the grocery store ahead of them and sighed. He was in a bad place.

“Talk to Hotch. He’ll know what to do.”

The conversation came to a halt there, and Derek didn’t feel any better for it. He thought letting it out would help, would release some of the pressure, but it really only made it feel more real. And more damning.

“I’m gonna call Jess, you head on in. I’ll be right behind you.”

He watched Penelope walk quickly toward the store, in awe of how she’d never been to the place in her life and she looked so confident and sure of herself when she entered. Like she lived there. He missed her terribly.

“Jess?” he asked when she picked up her phone. She huffed and he heard the sound of dishes clattering, then silence.

“Yeah. Sorry, washing dishes. I’ve been cooking all morning.”

“Why? Aaron can’t be that hungry.”

“He’s not. I got him to eat a banana and a piece of toast about a half hour ago, he’s having some coffee now. We’re going to watch a movie in a few minutes, I just thought I’d get dinner all ready for you guys so you don’t have to worry about it.”

Jess wasn’t exactly the best cook in the world, and she had a way of trashing a kitchen when she did cook, but dinner was definitely her stronger suit. She did the hell out of grandma meals, casseroles and soups, comfort food. She and Fran had a lot in common.

“How’s he doing?”

Jess waited a minute and lowered her voice. “Not good. He’s grouchy. Tread lightly.”

“I’ll tread however the fuck I want in my house.” He smiled and was glad to hear her laugh a little. It sounded like her morning had been hard.

“Your funeral.” He heard her walking and knew what came next. There was a muffled sound, shuffling, clicking, and her faint voice saying something to Hotch.

“Derek?” Hotch’s voice sounded ragged and raw. The sound of someone who hadn’t slept and was fighting off some pretty intense pain.

“Hey, yeah. I’m at the grocery store with Penny, we’ll be heading back soon. You want anything?” He could count on one hand the number of times Hotch had asked for anything ever. His usual answer was no thank you, or nothing he could think of. Even if it wasn’t true, that was just how he worked. This time he was silent, like he was giving it some thought and Derek thought he might actually get an answer out of him. But no.

“I’m okay,” he said finally. Derek sighed.

“How about some ice cream? Cookies? A whole cake you can put on your lap and eat with a fork?”

That got Hotch laughing a little and it eased Derek’s mind some. At least he could still pull a laugh.

“I could go for some Rocky Road.”

“All the ice creams in the world and you pick the worst one…” He didn’t mean it, not really. He liked it okay. He just preferred butter pecan or mint chip, and usually Hotch did too. Rocky Road was his I’m feeling like complete shit indulgence, it was like a confession without saying a word. Derek always went for strawberry when he was feeling like garbage. They each had their own ice cream tells.

“You don’t have to get it.”

“No, I’ll get you your damn rocky road. We’ll be home soon. I love you, you know that?”

“I know,” Hotch said quietly, back to sounding miserable. It had been a brief respite. “I love you too.”

Derek found Garcia half way through the store, her cart already full to the brim. He’d brought a second one, knowing how big the list his mother had given her was.

“My knight in shining armor!” she exclaimed when she saw him coming with his mostly empty cart.

“Rocky Road?” she asked, indicating the two tubs of ice cream she’d never seen him eat before. He shrugged.

“Aaron has peculiar taste when he’s not well,” he admitted. “I guess his taste buds die.”

“You don’t like it?”

He sighed. “No, it’s fine. I guess.”

They finished their shopping quickly, Garcia’s list was well organized and then it just came time for Derek to start dumping in the things he knew would be comfort foods for Hotch. Things he could get on his own – bananas and apples, almond butter, bread with seeds, and he splurged on a few boxes of lemon poppyseed muffins to throw in the freezer. Those were a calorie mess and he’d been so good to avoid things like that since deciding that dad bod wasn’t ever going to be his bod, but Hotch sometimes craved them and would sneak them on his way to work. Not because he couldn’t eat them at home, he just didn’t like to do it in front of Derek when he knew it had been hard to kick it.

“You will not buy all this,” Derek said, trying to push her out of the way when she pulled out her wallet. “Woman…”

“It is my treat. I don’t get to spoil you guys like I used to, and now I have two weeks to smush it all in...you will let me buy all of this, and you will let me spoil you. I get so little time.”

“I’d listen to her…” the cashier said and Derek shot her a glare that would kill anyone lesser, but not her. She’d known Derek since he was in diapers.

“Mimi,” he warned. “Don’t you dare take her side.”

“I will always side with a smart woman who puts you in your place, Derek Morgan.”

“You better watch out if you plan to drop by ma’s for grub on Turkey Day, ya hear…”

Mimi leaned toward Penelope when she handed her the receipt and smiled. “All talk.”

“Don’t I know it.”

The drive home was full of friendly bickering about the receipt, and Penelope wanting to know if there was anyone in this area that he didn’t know. He’d known everyone in the hardware store, and he’d known everyone in the grocery store. Somehow she’d expected this, but seeing it in action was impressive.

“You should buy that building,” she said as they pulled up in front of his house and waited for the garage door to open. “You love this neighborhood and the people in it.”

“And if it ruined me?”

“Hotch is rich. It won’t ruin you.”

“Okay, babygirl, he’s not like Bill Gates rich. It could ruin us.”

“Sure. It could. But I don’t think it would.”

Jessica met them outside and helped them haul in their groceries by the arm full, loading up the whole kitchen with their spoils. He wasn’t sure where they’d keep it all. They had a spare freezer in the garage and one in the basement, but this was too much. Way too much. Derek made a beeline for Hotch as soon as the door was closed while Jess and Penelope hugged and then began sorting through the bags and bags of food. They practically shooed him away when he even tried to offer. “Go sit with him. He’s mean today,” Jessica had said, so he went dutifully to handle the mean one.

When he got to the couch, he could see it. Naturally, he would flop down beside Hotch and lean against him heavily but he looked prickly as a cactus and Derek thought for sure if he even so much as moved the couch Hotch might tear his head off.

“This seat taken?” he asked cautiously, waiting for Hotch to look away from the television and up at him. He could see it in his eyes. That second day was always a bad one, and he looked wrecked before lunch time.

“No,” he said quietly. Derek made sure to sit at the end, a careful distance away so he didn’t make Hotch move, but that turned out to be the wrong thing to do when Hotch looked at him with a wounded look.

“I’m not going to bite,” he whispered and Derek let out a short, irritated sigh.

“I know. I just didn’t want to hurt you.”

“You can’t make it worse.”

He could and he knew it, but he slowly scooted closer to Hotch until their shoulders were touching. Until he could smell the faint scent of sweat and dry shampoo, he hadn’t showered that morning but Jessica would have taken her dry shampoo to his hair and rubbed it all around to make him feel better about not showering.

“You being mean to that woman in there?”

“She’s being unreasonable.”

“How so?”

“She won’t let me get up and do anything.”

“And she’s right. You need to sit your ass down and stay.”

“Derek,” Hotch whined, sinking into the couch. “Sitting hurts. It feels better when I move around. I need to do something.”

Derek could understand that, and if they were alone he might let Hotch get up and do something. He firmly believed that moving helped you heal, and Hotch needed to move. But he wasn’t about to fight with either of the women in that kitchen who were adamant that he sit and rest.

“I’ll bust you out of jail later,” Derek whispered. “Just be nice for now. Please.”

“I’m always nice.”

“Like hell you are.”

Once the ladies were done in the kitchen, Penelope came rushing out into the living room to finally say hi to Hotch.

“Sir!” she exclaimed, coming around the table and standing near him but not too close. It took everything in her to not bend over and hug him, but he didn’t look like he wanted to be touched. He didn’t look like he wanted to be awake at all.

“I haven’t been your boss for years, Penelope. You can just call me Aaron.”

She stared at him wide-eyed from behind her purple rimmed glasses and blinked hard a few times. She didn’t think she’d ever called him by his name. Not once. Hotch maybe, definitely Hotch, but Aaron? No. And it felt invasive and strange to her, especially when he was sitting there with that scowl on his face. Still, he’d asked her to call him something and now she felt that she couldn’t turn him down. Maybe she could just get by without anything for a while.

“Can I get you anything? Something to drink or eat? Some ice cream?”

He let out a small breath and shifted uncomfortably, his lips set in a grim line when his leg moved against the pillow propping it up. She and Derek exchanged glances of concern and waited for him to answer, but it was only silence. He let his head fall back into the couch cushion and held completely still, his shoulders stiff and coiled, and Derek waved his hand at her when she opened her mouth to speak again. He shook his head and waved her off, knowing that this could take a few minutes...it looked bad. He didn’t say anything for a long time, just watched as Hotch rode out a wave of pain and finally started to relax after far too long.

“You been taking your meds?”

“Yes,” Hotch whispered through barely parted lips.

“Time for more ice!” Jessica came running into the room with two of the gel packs and Derek heard Hotch groan miserably. “Oh, stop. Come on. It’s not that bad.”

“May I?” Derek asked, holding his hand out to take the ice from her. She relinquished the packs reluctantly and watched him gently place one over the top of his foot and then stare at the knee. He knew he had to get it back there but the last time his leg had moved, he was paralyzed by the pain...that was still a little too fresh, he’d just come back from it and now Derek had to do it to him again.

“Just do it,” Hotch said through gritted teeth, reclining his head again and closing his eyes. He balled his fists up in the blanket and gripped tight as Derek moved his leg just enough to get the ice pack behind his knee and then put it all back into place.

“Okay?”

“Okay,” Hotch replied. He didn’t open his eyes for a long time, and Derek tried his best not to make a big deal of it. Hotch hated all of the attention. Penelope and Jessica made their way back to the kitchen to start lunch and Derek picked up the remote, trying to find something to watch that would distract Hotch from the pain. He didn’t feel very confident, the man wasn’t a big TV person in the first place but there wasn’t anything else he could do. Not yet.

“How about Indiana Jones?” Derek asked, nudging him gently, trying to pry him out of the pain hole he was digging himself. “You always like to pick this one apart.”

“Watch whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want? Them’s dangerous words…” Derek warned and Hotch cracked one eye open, turning his head toward Derek.

“Within reason.”

“Oh, now you got rules...now you wanna have a say…”

After only a little bickering, they settled on Rocky. A classic. Hotch didn’t care much for it, but it faded easily into the background and with Derek beside him quietly talking along with everything and humming the songs, he found himself falling asleep and hoping to stay that way for a long...long time.

[stillresolved]

💕!!??! almost missed this 🥺 mx ferre, what if we... put (more of) our goons in (more) situations 🥺

@mythvoiced / send 💕 and I will tell you some muses…

ahhhh lenlen, the other person on here who enables me with 283948230 plots and dynamics...time for us to add like 8293048293 more 💕💕💕

okay so this was at the top of my list since you said?? That you were planning on bringing EUNJAE into our wonderful thg verse 🥺🥺🥺…and so the first person I actually though of throwing at them was ANNIE….I dunno?? I guess I just have a feeling that Annie would like eunjae for their personality- like they’re rough in mannerisms and a tad messy, both of which Annie doesn’t mind bc she’s used to being around ppl like that ( ie. Ga-ram & ara ) and also…I think she actually prefers…I think being treated completely like a piece of glass will begin to drive her up the wall :’D also my interpretation of annie is suspicious of most men/male-aligning individuals….so eunjae already checks all her boxes there <3

another dynamic I had been thinking about when you changed their fc :’D granted I’m not too sure how well these two would work out since SABRIEL isn’t the best at reading between the lines and ANNIE often operates in shades of grey but it would!! Be fun to see how they interact with one another especially at least for me throwing Annie at someone who is peppy and yet still for most part?? has good intentions?? even if sabriel can’t completely empathize with what Annie is going thru, I do think Annie would appreciate their good intentions at the very least :’D

DOE is a revolutionist (and a hacker, I could have sworn I read that somewhere but if not ignore me jfksljfsl :’D) and so is NELL, do I need to say anything more? granted they are on the same side when it comes to #revolution…but that doesn’t mean they agree to the degree which they should go for it. Doe is all for changing the system, where as team checkmate is more focused on….taking out one and only one enemy and looking out for their community. Perhaps interacting with someone like doe could radicalize her? also if doe is a hacker, nell can always have…a rival :)

okay HEAR ME OUT, I know that we do have EUNJAE and Patrick in verse one but WHAT ABOUT?? Eunjae and MYUNGDAE in verse two bc if Patrick is the competent if not a tad distant parent ( aka he had to adjust to fatherhood ngl ), then myungdae is…well think of say, jeo*ng jin*man from a shop of ki*llers, :’D aka parent that’s there, he just looks ( okay always looks ) a tad exhausted?? Out of it even? But he’s doing his best for four year old Yuri (Elise) even if he doesn’t quite feel his emotions fjskldfjs this is all to say since I’m seeing that lynnie is throwing Dante at them we might as well…bring the rest of the crime world to eunjae’s doorstep JFKLSDJFLD <3

If AERI knows of hyun, then she’s also gotta know…hyun’s sister, MIYOUNG 🤩🤩🤩 granted, Aeri might be a tad testy with miyoung since well, it’s not like miyoung could exactly be there for hyun when they were younger and is that really any different from the way bel and sera treated Aeri as condescendingly inferior :’DD ….but I also do like the idea of LGBTQ+ icons being friends with one another / media pals with one another….that and if hyun is hanging out with bel behind Aeri’s back, Aeri might as well…do the same 😂😂😂

you know who MARÍA reminds me of? Yeah that’s right, our favorite pink hair menace Nimona 🤩🤩🤩 they’re both little gremlins ( but very lovable) who wanna start shit. The revolutionary kind of shit…so this being said….WHAT IF?? Instead of Nimona being the cause of BALLISTER’S shift in mind, it could be maría instead?? We could even do it in their modern verse since I believe María does have one and is a werewolf there 🤔🤔🤔

so I know we already have a lot for them, PATRICK and MARÍA and I am a sucker for hurt/comfort with these two, but perhaps?? Later when the revolution is in full swing and should hyuk be kidnapped by the Capitol, a thread there? Aka Patrick cycles between being 💯 focused on the revolution efforts and being two steps away from a mental breakdown bc literally hyuk is his rock and his peace so take away that and uh….not good things happen. This is all to say, it could be interesting to see a scenario where perhaps maría for once is the stabler one ( however much Patrick will try to still be a pillar of stability for her tho 🥲 )

[yzeltia]

(@driftward) I still owe you so many asks, let's add more to the pile. 🦚Wingman/ Dress-up /Complementing One Another, U'rahn and Erick or Thancred; 🦩 One Upping Each Other / Standing Up For/ Embarrassing Them for Jannie and your choice; 🦉 You’re Up Late/ I Know More Than You / Helping Out for Y'zel and Y'mhitra or Y'shtola; and 🦢 Attending a Wedding / Discovering Something New About You/ Being Mischievous Together for your choice

🦚 Dress Up/Wingmen ft. Character and dialogue by @erickgage (Thank you<3)

"So so. My big bros in Azeyma. I have some big news," U'rahn purred, looking between Erick and Thancred as they sat slightly turned away from one another, arms crossed.

U'rahn looked on excitedly, tail whipping about behind him despite the sour energy radiating off them. I am. By your standards, a full fledged Nuhn of my tribe. Even though I was always before."

"U'rahn. That is not news. That is being a braggart. A gentleman doesn't just go announcing their conquests like some common rogue," Erick scolded.

"A youthful enthusiasm is to be expected and is fine as one keeps the finer details to themselves. I suppose one might forget the excitement of such things after chemically altering their hair so many times."

"Ah. Hey Hey! That's not the news I was referring to! It's something I'm gonna need my two bestest bros for! You see…now that I'm a Nuhn and open season for the ladies, I wanna make sure Nyx knows they're my primary. The one I wanna be with forever."

The two Hyur both gave a brief glance to the other before looking up to the ceiling then down to their feet. 

"You sure that's a good idea? Nyx, does not strike me as the marrying type," Thancred warned.

"I hate, and I do mean hate, to agree with the rogue, but that just does not seem to be something Nyx would go for," Erick added.

U'rahn's ears perked then drooped with his tail, "You don't think she'd go for it just 'cause it's a new experience and something that she'd know I enjoy?"

Thancred rubbed his chin a moment, making a show of scratching the stubble to irritate Erick next to him."Well, if it is a new experience then there's a chance…"

"Don't let him spoil this moment for you. If you think she'll go for it, full steam ahead," Erick interrupted.

"Were you not just agreeing with me a moment ago?"

"That doesn't sound like me."

U'rahn looked between them again as they shared a glare. "Ah. So then there is hope! Which leads me to my next thing! I gotta get some new duds. I've nearly worn out Pop's old suit so I need something new and you're both pretty stylin'. I figured you could help."

Erick stood up, “If it’s fashion you need, I don’t know why you invited him. He only looks as good as he does because of the kid he adopted having more sense than him. I, on the other hand, know all the trends and the best designers in the business. I daresay I am among the most fashionable men in the realm.”

"Now there's no need to get jealous of my glow up. He clearly wants someone with edge to have some input so he doesn't end up in some stuffy grandsire suit."

Erick shook his head then pinched the bridge of his nose. 

"Closet, now," he ordered, taking the lead toward the GA wardrobe muttering to himself about Tia and rogues.

Arriving, he put U'rahn on the stand in front of the vanity before storming into the aisles and returning with a suit on a hanger and a box.

"You can't go wrong with the classic look. Black suit, crisp white shirt, black tie, and a pair of Louiboutioux's with navy socks."

Thancred shook his head and scoffed U'rahn had Erick position the garments in front of him to get an idea of how it'd look. The blond caught it. "What? You think you can do better?"

"It's not Rahn at all. Nyx clearly fancies him for how he stands out and you're making him look like just another lad in a suit. If I may," he asked, though going into the rows of clothing regardless.

"Oh sure. Help yourself to the company's wares. Do you even know where you're going," Erick called out.

"Thanks mate but my lady love has me already quite familiar with these halls!"

Returning, Thancred held up a red jacket to U'rahn, "Your signature color, black pants, white shirt, and a red to black chevron ombre tie."

"That will certainly be an enriching look for Nyx. Though a diamond ring would be preferable to a circus one."

"Hey hey! That's a good idea for a date," U'rahn broke through, "Should I propose the-"

"No," the Hyur said in unison before withdrawing their selections.

"Aw, okay then. Well. I like the black jacket, but I also like the tie a lot too. Can I wear them together?"

"I suppose so," Thancred sighed.

"If you must. They don't clash at least," Erick grumbled, "Now then. Have you given any thought to who your best man will be?"

"Pops," U'rahn answered quickly, "But I want Bro Thancred and Bro Erick up there with me too!"

"If I'm free," Erick grunted, "I'll at least send a gift."

"I'll be there friend," Thancred answered with a nod.

"Well, if we're going to be rude and not wait for the formal invitation, I'll not only be there, but I’ll outshine your scruffy self in the process!"

"You two arrre the best," U'rahn purred, slinging his arms around both of their shoulders, "Ah. You know. Nyx is very chill and won't worry about you two being inspired by the event. If you wanna ask your-"

"I've got a meeting with Dark Autumn right now. Excuse me."

"I need to go check on Vauban's recovery and make sure Y'shtola has made time to stretch her legs."

Both men quickly left in opposite directions, hands over their red faces as U'rahn blinked then turned to hold up the clothes against himself again.

🦩

Jannie flushed as Violet led her through a lingerie store. “Please, I am unsure why you insisted I accompany you.”

“Accompany me? We’re here for you!”

“Me? There must be some mistake.”

“Not likely. You and Arty will eventually find under all those layers of suppression, and when that happens; well Plain Jannie, you need something far more alluring than your plain white smalls.”

Jannie stiffened a bit, palm going over her face. “You… I can’t with you…”

“Listen, I know you’ve got your Halonic nun vibe, and it’s cute, but trust me. Having a complete outfit will make you feel confident when the time comes. Not to mention having him wanting to eat out-”

“VIOLET, PLEASE.”

“...of your hand,” Violet chuckled, noting her friend’s red tinged ears.

Jannie went silent for a moment, staring at her friend before in a very small voice asked “Perhaps they have something in blue?”

🦉

Y'zel sighed as he curled his knees into his chest, tail brushed aside gently by the Gridanian winds. Upon the other balcony of GA headquarters, he nursed a cup of coffee, quiet gaze out toward the shallows. A delicate hand on his ear, he jumped slightly then turned to look up at his cousin Shtola before she grimaced.

"You really can't hear," she scolded.

"No, I can."

"Not without your Echo."

Y'zel clicked his tongue and and sharply turned his head, "If you've come to scold me-"

"No. I just came to stretch my legs and get some air," the Archon said, helping herself to Y'zel's kettle of coffee, "You're up awfully late. You've weaned yourself from Zoissette's side long enough to have returned to a proper schedule. Does your husband not miss you? Or your researcher?"

"I don't recall needing my sleeping habits policed. As for Leon and Claudien, I am sure they've hardly noticed my absence."

"Avoiding them so they don't realize you've -"

"Dear cousin, I do not believe you should be the one to lecture on matters involving avoidance."

“Your flirtation with danger seems to have made you braver, or have sapped your senses along with your pigrment.”

“My fangs are just as capable as being as sharp as yours, Cousin.”

“They are indeed.”

🦢

Natsu hummed as she crossed her arms as she watched Fuyu’li wander about the Golden Saucer, asking for information on how they might participate. A curious thing was happening. Among the well suited vendors, he seemed to show a clear bias of who he’d approach. Anyone near his height or smaller he easily inquired with…yet, she couldn’t help but notice his ears fold and cheeks tinge any time a taller man chanced to answer his question instead.

“Ah. They gave me two sets of tokens for the both of us for lower than the gil exchange would be worth. They did not take too kindly to my inquiries as to why they’d operate at a loss aside from…aside from…Natsu, is there a particular reason you are grinning at me,” the Garlean Miqo’te asked, whipping his tail about.

“Do you think you might do me a favor and ask that Elezen gentleman over there for directions to the Event Square?”

Fuyu’li looked then stiffened, “I believe there is a map that we can-”

“It would be simpler to just inquire, would it not?”

“Yes, I suppose but he looks preoccupied. Perhaps I could-”

“Fuyu’li. You fancy taller men don’t you?”

The Miqo’te’s ears shot up, “I have no idea what bearing that has to do with anything young miss but I assure you I-I have no such inclinations. You see, my neck is easily sore from having to lift my head. I am also used to not looking up directly at my superiors for too long. And and…”

Natsu laughed then gently gave the other a nudge. “It’s okay. No need to work yourself up. A simple observation. If it makes you feel better I do too.”

“Almost everyone is taller than you, that’s hardly a surprising statement and hardly an exchange of friendly information equal to my embarrassing tell.”

Natsu laughed then gave the other a playful push before trotting off ahead of him, “Well then Mr. Scientist. You’ll just have to put your powers of observation to use!”

Fuyu’li’s tail whipped up as he watched the girl head down the corridor toward some games. “G-Get back here you! I regret ever agreeing to be your travel companion! Do you hear me!? Natsu! Don’t leave me behind!”