#i'd have to start really doing something about my voice before streaming in any substantial way though (lol)

[occasionaltouhou]

I feel like if you ever full timed as a streamer(somehow) you could make a really good bit out of having a tiny eiki around. stream mascot. eikicam as a reward. chat begging for the mercy of the tiny eiki to avoid your wrath™ and receiving none. it's a great gimmick honestly.

you know what you might be onto something

[peanut-butter-parkerxx]

EP.01

A girl i met in college - college!peter parker x OC

SYNOPSIS: the boy who had no one was lost; the girl who had everyone gave him hope.

PAIRING: Peter Parker x OC

GENRE: College AU || fluff || heartbreak || comfort ||

DISCLAIMER: THIS STORY TAKES PLACE AFTER NWH

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The GED exam went by in a blink of an eye. And, obviously, MIT had to accept him due to his substantial academic intelligence. And little did peter know, college was about to start soon...

Even though I'm a semester late, I'm grateful I finally graduated. I swung to my new 'place' because I couldn't go to my old one anymore. That rooftop brought back so many memories and flashbacks to the point where it wasn't serving as my 'place to let go' since all I've been doing was thinking of the past. It reminded me of them, It reminded me of her.  so I found - well, went back to -  another one. 

Which, ironically, had even more memories, but it was my home. My old apartment building. Turns out someone moved into that apartment. It stung me a bit but it's not my place anymore. I don't know who moved in yet, but I hope they do the place justice - and that they don't find any old broken web-shooters - that apartment was the closest thing that reminded me of May.

I landed with a soft thud as I looked around to check if there were people tonight. Guess not. I took off my mask and winced a little when the cold winter air hit my face for the first time tonight. 

'Wow it really is cold here' I whispered; I could see the fog-like air as I exhale. The chilly air made me shiver, but it was nice.  

I keep thinking about it all, trying to process how it all happened, and why. though someone told me she didn't risk her life for nothing, my mind didn't seem to think it. the amount of time and effort my aunt gave me to just let me live my double life was more than I could ever ask for. she was the most understanding, caring, perfect aunt anyone could have. and I'm forever grateful that she was with me through part of my journey. I know one day I'll be able to accept the fact that she's gone - gone for a good reason - I know someday I'll realize that I was worth sacrificing and living for, but not now.

Aunt May was gone. I had to live with it. but it sure does not seem that I'm taking it all too well since I still cry over the mere thought of what she has done for me. I couldn't help but let a sob escape my lips. my hands immediately covering my mouth so only the sound of muffled cries were heard. I could feel my throat close up. the throbbing pain of my wounds and bruises that filled my entire body from the last robbery was inescapable. tears started streaming my swelling eyes, causing a burning sensation since they were in contact with my blood-gushing cuts.

I was a mess. 

I cried and cried and cried till I couldn't breathe. closing my eyes, I tried to calm down. my nose, eyes, whole face turned cherry red from how hard I clenched my face, and chilly weather. 

like clockwork, I felt a tingle reach my spine. meaning, something's wrong. I was ready to wear my mask again and open the app where I hear most of the crimes  that happen in my city but it wasn't from that. a door closing was heard. my head immediately whipped behind me to see the intruder..but there was no one? 

then, the clinking of plates echoed the rooftop. my heartbeat quickened. have I been caught? did someone see me-? before I could think of what to do, I see a hand stretched out to the fire escape of the room below me. coincidentally, my old room. I flinch from the sound of someone saying,

"don't run! please! I ju- I heard you crying, and thought I'd offer you a slice of pizza I just baked" the sound was panicky at the beginning but later eased into a more gentle tone. "that's if you're still here, I guess-"

"I'm still here" I interrupted the what sounded like a young lady but made sure to make my voice a little deeper just for safety. 

"oh," clearly, she sounded surprised. "well, here" I could see her hand patting the plate on the fire escape "please, help yourself! and don't hold back on the criticism" her tone was playful, almost cheery which was very much appreciated. hopefully she took my 'thank you' as both for her kind gesture and time to check up on me. 

"and don't worry, I'm closing my eyes" for some reason I believed that. she sounded so genuine and truthful. I trusted her enough to click on my web-shooter and yank the plate to me, praying to god that it wont spill the pizza.  "what was that sound?" she must've heard the thwip of my web-shooters, 

"what sound?" I asked, with the most calmed, relaxed voice I could muster. 

"never mind" she replied, I could hear her munching on her slice of pizza which reminded me of the slice on my lap. looking down I noticed the pizza was..different?

"is that baby tomatoes shaped like cherries?" the slice had a baby tomato cut in half positioned to look like two pieces of cherries together with a what looks like a thin line of green peppers and a leaf of mint on top. admiring it made me feel 1000 times better, honestly. I couldn't help but let out a laugh from how adorable and more appealing it looked. 

"cherry tomatoes" the girl corrected me to which i laughed. "b-but yeah, hope you like it" she said, bashfully. I took a bite of it and exhaled deeply, enjoying the explosion that ensued in my mouth. not only was the steaming pizza - definitely fresh out of the oven - was perfect for the cold weather, but it tasted homemade, the mix of different spices, the tomato sauce, hell, even the mozzarella tasted differently. 

"I could never eat pizza the same" I said with my mouth full erupting a laugh on her end. manners was long gone, all I could concentrate on was the hot deliciousness melting in my mouth.

"I take that as a good sign?" 

"an extremely good sign" within seconds, the pizza slice was no more. it was simply gone, left for the rest of my digestive system to enjoy. 

"I just thought I'd add cherry tomatoes for topping as a literal cherry" she shrugged before taking another bite, i grinned at her statement.

"i mean, the opportunity was given, soo.." i joked, errupting a kaugh from her end. 

"yes, exactly" she replied. but i couldn't help but ask, 

"how did you learn to make that?"

"pinterest" it took me a second to process her reply before i doubled up in laughter.

"wh-what?" she chuckled.

"here i thought it was gonna be a meaningful secret grandma recipe, but no, pinterest" that made her laugh as well. 

"im honored you think my pizza is 'meaningful secret grandma recipe' worthy"and we couldn't stop. out of nowhere i hear a snort, making us both stop. the silence was painful and too much to bare it made us laugh even harder. and that's how the night went on. somehow it went from me crying to eating homemade pizza from a stranger to us now googling jokes to see who'd laugh the most. 

"BAHAHAHHA-" her laugh was contagious and very entertaining to say the least. the jokes weren't even that funny but I couldnt contain my laughter from how hard she was wheezing, it was hilarious. after a few minutes we both, somehow, calmed ourselves down. only our breathing was heard. 

"ughh" I clutched my stomach "I haven't laughed this hard in a while" I chuckled

"why not?"  I could feel the mood change, andnI didn't know how to reply. 

"I'm kind of, alone...right now." I looked down at the busy streets below me, dangling my legs to dust off the tiny snowflakes that rested gently on my thighs. 

"oh" she said once again. "well, did you plan to stay alone?" plan to stay alone? "I-I mean- how did you- when- I'm sorry" i heard her silently mutter something to herself. 

"no no its okay" i smiled, god what am doing? grinning like a kid in aa candy store? calm down, peter.

"not really," i sighed, answering her question. "I didn't get accepted to my dream college with my best friend and girlfriend last year? so, my girlfriend and I broke up and they moved there." silence. nothing but ticking silence.

"oh," I could see her hands fumbling, meaning she didn't know what to say and I knew I had to change the topic before I disclose anything further. 

"but I got accepted this year? I am a semester late but hopefully I could catch up. its just been hard" that somehow triggered something in her because she let out an agreed sound and asked, 

"I get it. life sometimes can act as your worst enemy," she started. "but the way I see it, is, in order to find your rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. how heavy, aggressive and stormy it might be." she sipped her drink before extending her arms to catch the tiny snowflakes. I've thought about what she said, she's right. but lately, I've been having continuous storms that I don't even know if I have a rainbow at the end of this dark, hollow, tunnel. 

"well, I hope you're doing okay now." her comment made me smile. 

"after your pizza, never been better." 

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[shadowslinkercowboy]

I'd like a ficlet based on 'An accidental adventure', please~ =D

Spider swears virulently under his breath as he ducks a buster shot, before twisting away from a vicious slash that would have bisected him, and risked a glance behind him for the public teleport hub he'd noted on his arrival.

Irregular Hunters are sure some ungrateful bastards, and X and Zero are the most ungrateful of all. At least the kid seems to have some sense, still hanging back where he'd been dropped when Spider had hauled his ass out of trouble. Again.

Of course, considering that whole Redips shitstorm, Spider logically can't blame the Hunters for their reactions.

But Spider isn't feeling very logical at the moment.

Hissing another curse, he spins away from another shot, the plasma passing close enough he can feel the heat scorch the outermost layer of paint on his armor. He dances back a few steps as Zero charges him, trying to get enough clear space so he can make a dash for the teleport hub, when he sees Axl's pistols raising.

Swearing viciously, the bounty hunter raises an arm, cards fanned in his hand, to defend himself from the newest attack.

Sees the kid's brief conspiratorial grin before he fires.

Spider only has enough time to yelp as the teleport hub at his back is struck and it explodes, before the world fades to white.

That ceiling is depressingly, alarmingly familiar. He sees it so often in his nightmares, he almost expects to wake up at any moment.

Spider stares up at it, almost feeling his vision starting to tunnel and darken, wavering like he's underwater. Are sounds really starting to echo in his ears, or is his head just ringing that loudly? He can almost swear he hears the ghost of heavy footsteps approaching, sees that hated face leaning over him with a sick grin...

He jerks up with a gasp, lurching to his feet as he tears free of the memories. Locking his joints against the overwhelming urge to run- run anywhere or nowhere as long as it was away from here- he takes a long, slow breath to calm himself.

He staggers a moment later, as a powerful wave of vertigo assaults him, curses streaming from his mouth in a vitriolic hiss.

Fuck, that wild teleport screwed with his synchronization! Well, isn't that just the fucking cherry on top of a shit sundae.

Regaining his balance- though he's sure he's swaying like a punch-drunk monkey- he lifts a hand to run his fingers through his hair and...wait. He frowns, looks around, then grunts and bends down to retrieve his hat- nearly stumbling onto his face in the process- and plants it firmly back on his head.

Now to get out of this empty room too full of nightmares.

Staggering forward, he passes through the door, ignoring the sensor-ghosts of hands grabbing frantically at him, of explosive heat and searing pain, and slowly makes his way down the tunnel outside.

Gimialla mine isn't a pleasant location on the best of days. It's even worse when one's synchro is off, leaving one staggering and exhausted, fighting vertigo with nearly every step.

Spider sags against a wall, frame heaving with his panting, too exhausted to muster up even a weak curse. He's going to get Axl back for this, even if the kid had been trying to help him. An explosive card or two, right in the face...

...okay, maybe just a swirly or something. The old man would have his head if he did anything more drastic to the kid.

Groaning quietly, the bounty hunter straightens the best he can to continue his trek through the tunnels, destination set firmly in mind. If he can just reach it before his systems shut down into stasis...!

It isn't much longer- or it could have been hours longer, even his internal chronometer is screwed up- before he sees the teleport hub.

Letting out a quiet cry of relief, he stumbles toward it, collapsing to his knees beside it. He grits his teeth as his vision swims, head feeling like a balloon filled with too much helium, before he's finally able to check the teleporter's coordinates. They're (still?) set to the Resistance's base, and he grunts, jabbing a finger at the control panel, until it finally cooperates.

Slowly, painfully slowly, he enters the coordinates he wants, then he hauls himself upright, staggers onto the hub, and closes his eyes as the teleportation takes hold.

Spider nearly collapses once he is substantial enough, almost missing the startled gasp from somewhere nearby. His vision is swimming alarmingly, and he lands on his face as he tries to stumble off the teleport hub. His head keeps trying to float away, making the room spin, and he has to fight against the very strong urge to purge his tanks.

Abruptly he realizes someone is beside him, speaking to him, and he turns his head to try to focus on whoever it is. He registers a blurry wash of cream-white and pink, and smiles vaguely as he recognizes Nana.

"Hey," he rasps, voice bleeding static. Too much static. He clears his throat and tries speaking again. "Need a favor. Call Sig?"

He doesn't hear her response, vision tunneling and darkening for real this time, and his systems send him into an emergency shutdown.

"-ider?...Spider? Hey."

Spider grunts as his shoulder is gently prodded, eyes reluctantly peeling themselves open to try to focus on the blur of black and white leaning over him. "Hn?" He blinks once, twice, and the blur resolves itself into Signas. "What took you so long, Sig?"

The Hunter High Commander smiles. "I could ask you the same, shadow slinker."

Spider chuckles wryly for the nickname as he stretches, pleased to note his synchro is nearly back to normal. He isn't on the floor anymore, either; Nana must have either moved him to a recharge berth, or gotten someone to help her. "This shadow slinker here's gonna have a few words about your two wonder-boys," he retorts as he relaxes again, lacing his fingers together and resting his hands on his stomach.

"What on Earth did you think would happen, showing up like you did?" Signas chuckles, one corner of his mouth quirking up further in a subtle teasing smirk.

"A little less shootin' and slicin', for one thing. Especially after I rescued the kid."

"Um...excuse me?"

Both Spider and Signas turn their heads at the same time to see a bewildered Nana watching them.

Signas straightens as he turns to face her. "It's a long story. Suffice to say, this is the real Spider."

She blinks. "The real...? But they said he died when Ancientus..."

"I did," Spider replies, smile vanishing. "That's apparently when Redips decided to play body snatcher." His mouth twists in a frown, mildly displeased once again that he won't be able to get revenge on the fucker. He'll have to settle for the fact his brother got it for him, even if Axl did it unknowingly.

"Then how...?"

The Hunter High Commander glances at Spider, one eyebrow raising slightly in a silent question.

Spider shrugs. "The eternal meddler meddled. Apparently my old man didn't want me to go quietly into that dark night."

"Your...? Oh." Nana's eyes widens. "Oh! Then you ended up back in the mine...?"

"X and Zero apparently didn't take too kindly to my showin' up draggin' Axl by the scruff, and while they were tryin' to make sushi outta me, the kid decided the best way to save me was to shoot my teleporter and trigger a random teleport that threw me into that damn mine. Screwed up my synchro somthin' fierce in the process."

The system operator smiles faintly. "I can imagine. You gave me quite a fright when you stumbled in like you did. I thought I was seeing a ghost for a moment."

Signas casts a smirk at Spider. "No, merely a cat who's used up one of its nine lives."

"Oh, don't start, or I'll punch you in the fuckin' nose, y'damned bastard!" the bounty hunter snarls, waving a fist in the air and knowing how ineffective- and ridiculous- the threat will be in his current position.

Nana covers her mouth to stifle a giggle. "I guess you'll both be leaving then?" she asks, knowing that with Aile gone, there is nothing holding Spider to Gigantis.

Spider hums quietly, scratching his jaw as he gazes up at the ceiling. Signas is silent, watching him, waiting.

"...no," the bounty hunter finally decides. "I know at least a few of the Troubleshooters escaped the Rebellion's grasp, and if I can get them back together...well, Aile'd want me to help put things right here."

Signas smiles, inclining his head almost imperceptibly in an approving nod. "Perhaps they'll even promote you to Chief R's position."

"Oh hell no, not a chance in fuckin’ hell, I'd rather kiss Crystal Horn!"

Signas throws his head back and laughs at the irate bounty hunter, turning to leave. "I'll keep that in mind when they do," he tosses over his shoulder, grinning at Spider's frustrated "RAUGH!" behind him as the bounty hunter waves his fists over his head, looking like an angry toddler.