#i'll probably do another one of these when it airs for future levels cause this was. very fun

[villadiodatis]

Fantasy High Junior Year: level 10

As psyched as I am for the jokes and character moments we'll get with FHJY, I am a mechanics nerd at heart, so! Here is a preview of what awaits the Bad Kids when they hit Level 10. This assumes no one multiclasses into a new class.

Adaine

Adaine's level up is relatively simple: as a level 10 Divination wizard, she gets an ability called The Third Eye. Once per long rest, she can use her action to gain darkvision (not useful, since she already has it as an elf), see into the Ethereal Plane, read any language, or see invisible creatures/objects within 10 feet. This lasts until she is incapacitated or takes a short/long rest.

She will also learn an additional cantrip and get another 5th level spell slot, and she can add two new wizard spells of level 1-5 to her spellbook.

Fabian

Fabian could hit level 7 in fighter or level 4 in bard. At level 7, Battlemaster Fighters get an additional maneuver and superiority die, plus a feature called Know Your Enemy, which allows him to determine if other creatures he interacts with outside of combat are his equal, superior, or inferior in terms of ability scores, AC, level, and HP.

If he takes another level in bard (remember, he dances now!), he'll get a new cantrip, another 2nd-level spell slot, a new 1st or 2nd level spell, and an ability score improvement or feat. There are a million directions he could go with an ASI or feat, so I won't speculate here.

Fig

Fig will be either level 9 in bard or level 2 in warlock. As a 9th-level bard, she gets an additional 4th level spell slot, her Song of Rest goes from a d6 to a d8, and the big one: she gets a 5th-level spell slot. There are a few options here, but some that I think Emily could be absolutely devastating with are Dominate Person, Geas, Mislead, Scrying, Seeming, or one that I've seen make a lot of trouble in other actual plays, Modify Memory.

If she takes another level in warlock, she gets an additional warlock (1st-level) spell slot, another 1st-level warlock spell, and two Eldritch Invocations. There are also some that would be incredible for Fig--some that do things like strengthen her Eldritch Blast, but particularly Mask of Many Faces, which lets her cast Disguise Self without using a spell slot, or Misty Visions, which lets her cast Silent Image without using a spell slot. Fig may be getting more comfortable being herself, but she's still gonna find a way to cause trouble.

Gorgug

Gorgug could hit level 9 in barbarian or level 2 in artificer. If he goes with barbarian, he gains Brutal Critical, which means he gets to roll an extra damage die (d12 with his Heavy Metal Axe) whenever he scores a critical hit. Additionally, his Rage Damage bonus increases to +3.

If he goes with artificer, things get more complicated, and very fun. Level 2 artificers get Infuse Item--basically, he can create magic items. He'll be able to pick 4 infusions off of the table, and can have 2 infused items at a time. Some options that catch my eye: Enhanced Arcane Focus, Enhanced Defense or Weapon, Homunculus Servant, or Replicate Magic Item, which would let him make items like a bag of holding or rope of climbing.

Kristen

In addition to a second 5th level spell slot and a new cantrip, Kristen Applebees will get access to an incredibly exciting feature that I would bet money on Ally using in an insane, perfect story moment: Divine Intervention. By rolling a d100 and getting your cleric level or lower (so 1-10 for Kristen, a 10% chance) (D20 has done this as hitting a 19 or 20 on a d20), Kristen can ask Cassandra to intervene on her behalf in a way that Brennan decides. If you've seen The Seven, you may remember Ostentatia's successful Divine Intervention, when Logren shattered the aspect of fire, put a vein of mithral under Elmville, and ended Charity Blythe's Greater Invisibility. I am very eager to see what happens with it.

Riz

Riz's next level is very simple, but brings a lot of options. At level 10, rogues get an ability score improvement or feat. There are a lot of useful feats for rogues, and ASIs are always helpful, so frankly I won't even begin to speculate.

And of course, they may go in an entirely new direction, whether with homebrew, multiclass, or something I haven't thought of! I'm so excited to see where this goes, and I can't wait to see where the players bring these characters.

[aylacavebear]

She Thought She was Normal

Story Summary: Maria really thought she was normal, for most of her life. It was normal for people to have natural talent, she would tell herself the older she got. Many things came easy for her, and that was probably how their rivalry began when she was five and he was seven and she met the Winchesters. Little did either of them know that it wouldn't stay like that forever, both having a far larger destiny than they could imagine.

Word Count: 2274

Please don't take my work. I'll post warnings for each chapter. May have future SMUT 18+!

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Hell, The Pit.

----------------------------------------- Chapter 33 - Hell

Maria woke sometime around two in the morning; one thought circling through her mind: I need to go. She sighed as she felt Dean sleeping peacefully, still holding her close.

Without much thought at all, she was standing next to the bed, dressed casually in jeans and a blue t-shirt, and one of Dean’s red flannels pulled over it, unbuttoned. I can do this, she told herself, letting out a shaky sigh as a note appeared on the night table for Dean. One more deep, shaky breath, and she flew to Hell.

The stench in the air was putrid, causing her to cover her nose and mouth with her arm. The corridor reminded her of something out of a dungeon as it was lined with cells, some pore soul on the other side of the bars of each. There was a dampness in the air that smelled of blood and sweat; some droplets could even be seen on the stone walls. She wanted to take a deep breath but couldn’t, the stench almost making her nauseous.

As she walked down the corridor, she could hear the souls of those behind the blackened iron bars mumbling things or saying they were innocent or even begging for more torture. That caused an idea to play through her mind that she’d bring up later. There were even moments where random cells seemed to glow with the flickers of hellfire, the heat spreading into the corridor. The oddest part was that she didn’t see a single demon or hellhound patrolling the corridors.

“They probably know I’m here,” she mumbled to herself.

She focused her thoughts on finding whoever was in charge of running Hell at the moment and let that feeling guide her through the maze of the dungeon. The amount of cells had dwindled as she turned another corner. These cells didn’t have bars; they had solid metal doors with a window that could be opened to look in on the prisoner. She could hear muffled screams, whimpers, and even sounds that didn’t sound of this world. At the end of the current corridor, there was a door. It reminded her of one of those heavy doors you’d find in a castle. The heat coming off of it was intense.

With sheer determination, she reached out and opened the door with ease, keeping the air around her cool. She knew Hell was hot, but experiencing that heat was on a level all its own. As she looked into the area on the other side of the door, she saw a vast open expanse, chains going in all directions, zigzagging across the vastness of the area. The red, orange, and black colors of hellfire could be seen in the distance, illuminating the expanse. Where the chains crossed others, she noticed that there was a human soul there, chained to it, their body only being held in various places by those chains over the expanse.

“The Pit…” she whispered, taking in the scene further.

A few demons could even be seen, torturing different souls. At those locations, there were small platforms that had more torture devices than she’d ever seen before. Some of the demons were in demonic form, which she found quite grotesque given the horns or wings, elongated arms and legs, claws, and some even had tails. Others looked like regular humans, and she figured that was only to make the torture worse for whatever human was on the chopping block, so to speak. Bone-chilling screams could be heard from several different directions, as well as demonic laughter that sounded almost happily sadistic. Maria was too far away to make out exactly what kind of torture devices any of the specific demons were using, and part of her didn’t want to know.

She had to focus, though, so she pulled her gaze from the horrendous scenes that were mingled along the chains, tilting her head upward, just inside the door. There was no floor here. The door had just opened up into The Pit. She wondered where the ring leader would be to watch over the proceedings, and her gaze found its way upward as she leaned further out of the door. A large glass window was several hundred feet above where she was, and she barely noticed the silhouette of someone standing on the other side of it.

Maria flew into the room where that large glass window was. To her surprise, the room was white, a complete contrast to everything she’d seen thus far. It reminded her of an office to one side, complete with a desk, computer, and filing cabinets with places for people or demons to sit. The weirdest part was that it reminded her of something you’d find on Earth in some corporate building, not in Hell. 

To the other side of the room was a couch, a coffee table, several reclining chairs, and what looked like a bar. Those, too, were white. Her brows scrunched in utter confusion at the scene. This was not what she had expected to find in Hell, of all places, let alone as a place a demon would consider comfortable for their office.

“I was wondering when you’d show up,” a male voice to her left said, pulling her from her thoughts and observations of the room.

His tone is somewhat nasally, or that was how it sounded to her. Maria also noticed that there was no foul odor in this particular room. She turned to face him, noticing his back was still to her as he looked out the window.

“And who are you?” Maria asked him, a bit curiously. She’d met plenty of demons over the years, but this felt very different, stronger than even Azazel was.

He turned to her, eyes turning white, “Alastair. Can’t say it’s nice to meet you.”

She felt a few goosebumps dance down her arms, seeing his eyes go white. Depending on how the demon ranked in hell was always shown with what color their eyes turned. White was at the top of the chain of command. He exuded a menacing yet commanding and powerful presence as he stood there calmly, silently studying her with his eyes. Maria found his facial features rugged, with sharp angles along his jawline. His hair was dark and mostly unkempt. Maria briefly wondered just how long he’d been in his position as she could almost see a touch of sadistic pleasure in his hard expression.

“I’m not here to fight. I’m here to talk. Where’s Lilith?” she asked, managing to stay centered despite Alastair’s commanding presence, letting her powers guide not only her words but also her feelings.

Alastair raised an eyebrow, finding her directness mildly amusing, “She’s busy.”

Maria rolled her eyes. Stubborn demon, she thought to herself, “I’m here to see her, or are you the one in charge of Hell?” she remarked, being a slight smartass, knowing her words alone could pull Lilith from whatever she was doing.

The sadistic yet amused laugh of his filled the space of that office, but it didn’t phase her, “I’m only in charge of The Pit. You’re in my domain now.”

She crossed her arms, still determined, “I could easily go interrupt her, or you could retrieve her. It’s up to you, though.” Maria knew that none of them could hurt her and even let her glow come out, just enough for him to see the purple hue of it. 

Any regular person or even an angel may have missed the millisecond that his jaw tensed or the way he took in a breath of displeasure, even the way his stance changed in the tiniest way. She didn’t smirk or flinch; she just watched him disappear from where he was. So far, so good, she thought to herself as she took a deep breath and relaxed again, walking over to the large window.

He had quite the vantage point from this location, being able to see the entirety of The Pit and the souls strung up along the chains. All of them were at different levels of torture. She could feel the ones who didn’t deserve to even be there, and her hand found its way over her heart, feeling for them and wanting to save them.

Maria wasn’t sure how much time had passed before she heard his voice behind her, “She’ll see you now.” That caused her to turn and look at Alastair. He didn’t look happy at all.

“Will you be taking me to her then?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Alastair took a deep, annoyed breath, “Yes.”

She held herself confidently as she walked over to him, keeping it as he placed his hand on her shoulder. Even he knew he couldn’t hurt her, and trying to do so would only end badly, for him. They appeared in what she assumed was some sort of throne room where Lilith conducted business. It had that castle throne room feel to it, although it looked more like an underground dungeon with the dim lighting, the stone pillars along the path to the throne, the low ceiling compared to one you’d find in a castle, and the hellhounds on either side of the throne where Lilith sat. She did not look happy either. Alastair dipped his head to Lilith and then disappeared, leaving the two women alone.

“What do you want?” Lilith demanded, thoroughly annoyed at her presence, causing the hellhounds to growl.

Maria held herself confidently as she glanced at either hellhound, both of which stopped growling at her and then laid down. “I’m here to talk,” she told her, then approached the throne, standing a few feet from it.

Lilith tilted her head slightly, “Fine. What are you here to talk about?” She decided that with how the hellhounds responded to just a look from this creature, she’d at least play nice, for now.

“Things have changed on Earth. I’m here to negotiate other changes that need to take place, in Hell,” Maria explained, not intimidated by her in the least.

Whether Lilith wanted to admit it or not, she knew she was right. She’d felt that feeling that made her skin crawl, peace, radiating off of this creature, and it was infiltrating Hell, “You’re the reason my demons and hellhounds can’t go to certain places on Earth, aren’t you?”

She could hear the annoyance in Lilith’s tone, “Yes, I am, and it will eventually encompass Earth. I’ll let you continue to run hell, but only for the souls that deserve it.” Maria could feel Lilith’s rage at her words but wasn’t going to back down on this one, “I don’t have a choice, do I?” Lilith asked her, pissed at this point.

“I want to do this diplomatically. I believe that even demons can be reasoned with,” she replied.

Lilith got up and began pacing a foot in front of her throne, and Maria noticed that she was chewing on her thumbnail, “What if I don’t agree?” Lilith asked, stopping and glaring at her.

“Then I’ll take the souls that are meant for heaven and kill whatever stands between me and that,” Maria answered her calmly.

The frustrated growl that came out of Lilith was not only somewhat intimidating but also loud. Maria figured half of hell had to have heard it, “There’s one more thing, Lilith. I want you to set up a reform program for any damned soul that wants to redeem itself so it, too, can find its way to heaven,” Maria explained to her.

Lilith’s rage emanated from her in waves, but Maria used her powers to keep it from hitting her. She knew she needed to stay focused. However, when almost a dozen demons poured into the throne room, Maria turned to them, raising an eyebrow. The demons stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Maria, practically bumping into each other just inside the throne room. Normally, she would have found the scene amusing, even chuckling, but not right now. As she turned to face Lilith again, she tilted her head just a bit, “What’s it going to be, Lilith?”

“Fine,” Lilith growled, knowing that she had no choice if she wanted to live. She had one purpose: to be the last seal to be broken for Lucifer’s rising. That was the only reason she was agreeing to this creature’s terms without a fight. Lilith also knew that somehow she’d have to find a way to break the first seal if that would ever happen now. The creature before her was something she’d never interacted with before.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” Maria told her with a triumphant smile.

There would be no more Crossroads deals and no more demons on Earth causing problems. Maria considered that a win, at least where that peace had spread. Without barely a thought, all the souls that were meant for heaven went there. Maria could feel it more than see it. And with that, she flew back to Dean’s room in the bunker.

With time slowing in Hell, barely any time had passed on Earth. It had only been a couple of hours that she’d been gone, and she sighed with relief, seeing Dean still sleeping peacefully. She watched him for a moment, a small smile playing along her lips before she was naked again and cuddled up next to him without disturbing him too much. He did readjust a bit, pulling her closer as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck. She made the note disappear before sleep found her again, nestled safely in the arms of the man she loved. 

----------------------------------------- Chapter 34 - An Unexpected Intrusion

Tag List: @deans-spinster-witch @kazsrm67

Link to the master list for this story.

[sweet-star-cookie]

heyo!! i'll probably be popping into your ask box every so often to ask questions for my fic so expect that for the next month or so haha :DD

do the zodiacs have a place where they all meet up? do they work as a complete unit, or do they work mostly by themselves? how do they view one another?

i'm also happy to announce the first chapter of my fic is up here! hope i did cassie justice :DDD

Hehe, I welcome this and future asks then :DDD And yaaaay thank you! I'll read and reblog it once I'm done here :D

Do the zodiacs have a place where they all meet up? Yep! Here's a loose sketch of it (I'm super behind on the background design so I'm sorry this is so messy right now lol)

I imagined it as a circular room with stone walls, pillars and archways, and a high domed ceiling. Everyone convenes in the center, usually standing on their respective sign on the zodiac to form a circle. They can get to this room by walking through the hallways leading to it or teleporting there via the zodiac on the floor, which is also a portal like the one Cassie finds on Earth, and the ones strewn about other areas of the Astral Plane (though not all of them are functioning properly at this point in the story). Using their light magic, anyone in the zodiac can light up the portal specifically to signal a meeting to the others via their respective portals. To do this, they light up their own sign on the portal first, and then move the magic in a circular motion to light up the others in tandem. Getting everyone to meet all at once can be tricky, though they get more used to doing it when more things start to go wrong later on.

Do they work as a complete unit, or do they work mostly by themselves? A bit of both! Since all 12 members of the zodiac are unified under the Solunar spirits, there is an inherent connection between them via that shared elemental power. As things get worse on the Astral Plane, they collectively agree to use this power to be protectors of the other constellations, as if they've been "chosen" by Solaris and Lunaris to do so. They have no explanation for why they have these elemental abilities otherwise. Their approaches to protecting others and their levels of success differs between them though. This causes a bit of tension between the members of the zodiac and some of the other constellations, as many don't like the implication that the zodiac is more "special" with this extra elemental power on top of their light magic, or some don't believe they are capable of protecting them, with or without it. It should be noted that other constellations are capable of wielding elemental magic to some degree (like Phoenix using both fire and light magic, for example) but it's generally not as powerful and/or cannot used in the same way as the zodiac's elemental magic. For reference, the elemental powers are split up like this: Lunaris (The Moon Spirit) has domain over the water and air signs Water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces Air - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius Solaris (The Sun Spirit) has domain over the fire and earth signs Fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius Earth - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn In times of crisis, all 12 of the zodiac are usually able to come together and fight alongside each other should the situation require it, though most threats do not until later on. They have smaller groups among themselves based on specific relationships as well, and these groupings will usually determine who they prioritize should one need saving or protecting in that moment. I'll go over the groups here: Aries, Taurus & Capricorn - As I mentioned before, Aries and Capricorn are brothers, but they don't exactly have the best relationship. They're opposites in pretty much every way and argue frequently, but it's very one-sided. With his short temper, Aries is easy to anger with just about anything, and Capricorn uses this to his advantage for his own amusement rather than having legitimate arguments.

Taurus is often caught in the middle of this, but is too jolly to be upset by it and thus is usually able to calm Aries down instead. In fact, she's one of the only ones who can. Though he has a hard time admitting it, Aries is envious of Taurus's positive attitude and her ability to connect with others so easily. She doesn't talk down or condescend to him, and isn't put off by his anger either, so she's one of the few people who actually sees the other sides to his personality.

Capricorn is usually a solo act, but he does hang around with the other two for his own reasons. Though he is fully capable of fighting on his own, he'd much rather outsource the combat to avoid getting his own hands dirty wherever possible, as if to make Aries and Taurus his bodyguards via circumstance. He almost always has some kind of ulterior motive, even if it's as simple as annoying his little brother whenever the opportunity arises. Cancer, Sagittarius, Leo & Gemini - Cancer and Sagittarius are considered the two powerhouses of the zodiac, both with a lot of battle experience and a great amount of magic at their disposal. They're also two of the oldest incarnations of their constellations, and this has naturally brought them together over time with repeated encounters and sparring matches. They have a lot of respect for each other, and though they aren't rivals in the traditional sense, they often push each other in that way to keep their skills sharp. Given their large and imposing statures, they often protect a lot of the smaller or weaker constellations, and both have soft spots for the ones under their care. Since Leo and the Gemini twins are children, they ended up looking after them and their companions (Leo Minor and Auriga respectively). Leo and Gemini are pretty much what you'd expect from small children; excitable, full of energy and prone to mischief. Their companions usually get roped into this as well, along with Hydra (Cancer's companion) and Centaurus (Sagittarius's companion). Any combination of this group can often be seen playing together or pulling pranks on other constellations. Though Cancer and Sagittarius are not a couple, they are essentially the adoptive parents to this group, and spend a lot of time keeping them out of trouble, whatever kind it may be! When not doing this, they're out keeping anything that crawls out of the Voidlands at bay, which can be easier said than done. Aquarius & Pisces - A power couple in more ways than one, and their fighting prowess is only strengthened further by their bond with each other. In addition to being an air sign, Aquarius's light magic manifests specifically as lightning. Aquarius is also the Water Bearer, meaning she can borrow water (but not create it herself) and use it in this way. Since water conducts electricity, this would be especially dangerous for both of them should their magic accidentally intersect while they're still wielding it. As such, they must be completely in sync in order to avoid hurting each other while in combat. You can usually tell if they're having a disagreement when their attacks are more poorly timed, are not as powerful, or if Pisces doesn't let Aquarius borrow her water magic.

Though Aquarius maintains her confident and sassy attitude most of the time, she quickly loses her composure when expressing her love for Pisces. She was a stuttering, blushing mess when they first met, and will still act this way when thinking about her. Pisces, on the other hand, maintains her bubbly and cutesy demeanour throughout, finding Aquarius's faltering to be adorable. Aquarius has a tendency to dote on her, but it comes from a place of love and admiration rather than being patronizing or belittling. They both love each other dearly. Virgo & Libra - Essentially co-workers by vocation, making up the closest thing the Astral Plane has to a judicial system along with their companions (Corvus and Lupus respectively) and Boötes the herdsman, who is basically a sheriff/deputy. Virgo often patrols the Astral Plane with Boötes or uses her extended sight to serve as a lookout, while Libra monitors the energy balances via her scales and alerts them to any changes. They are very professional about their jobs and carry themselves as such, but there is still a genuine friendship there that makes them more than just co-workers. Though brought together largely by intellect and a desire for justice in an otherwise lawless land, they share an emotional bond as well. This does start out a bit one-sided as Virgo maintains her air of stoicism in contrast to Libra's more outward anxiety, but Virgo's warmth and kindness does show through too. This friendship is tested more as the story progresses though, as Virgo knows that Libra is hiding something, but Libra refuses to confide in her. We also see more of what causes Virgo to lose her composure as things escalate. Scorpio - The outcast of the group, and thus does things completely on his own or with his companion Scutum (and later Cassie). Though not all members of the zodiac are actively hostile towards him, Scorpio has been hurt before, and thus doesn't bother with any further attempts at friendship. He sees it as a hindrance more than anything, and he'll actively ward off any attempts at getting closer to him, with either his steely glare or his weapons doing the talking for him.

Instead of fighting corrupted spirits on the surface, Scorpio is instead tasked with venturing into the Voidlands, due to his Light magic being very limited in comparison to his abundance of Void magic. He does so more out of obligation than desire, however. At first, he was simply supposed to obtain any information he could about the nebulous void and the source of the corrupted spirits emerging from it (if any), until the discovery of Star Fragments, the remains of dead constellation spirits in glass-like pieces. They seem to be scattered all over the Astral Plane, but many are found in the Voidlands as well, meaning Scorpio must collect them from there. In addition to preserving the memory of these lost constellations, finding Ophiuchus's Star Fragments would prove that he is truly dead, making this a task of utmost importance, even if it's mostly busywork for Scorpio. How do they view one another? I did most of this already with the previous question, but I'll still add a few more extra points here. If you want me to describe a dynamic between specific characters or expand on anything already mentioned here, let me know!

Though there is no "leader" of the zodiac, there are a few that tend to take charge in group situations or are asked for advice more frequently. Cancer is good at delegating in high stress situations, particularly ones that involve some kind of combat or escape strategy, and she's able to command authority without coming off as arrogant or foolhardy. Libra and Virgo are often asked for advice more often due to their collective intelligence/wisdom, though Libra is more on the "book smarts" side while Virgo is more on the "street smarts" side.

Each of the zodiac has a differing view of Scorpio, most of which are negative or neutral. They are as follows: Aries - Hostile, though he's usually that way anyway. He doesn't agree with Scorpio's second chances and generally doesn't trust him. They don't interact very often, but it's not pleasant when they do. It takes a very long time for either of them to find any common ground. Taurus - Neutral, edging towards friendly. She's more sympathetic towards him in general, but that sympathy isn't easily expressed to him. If you were to ask her for a one sentence opinion on Scorpio, she'd say "I think he just really needs a hug." (she's right) Though she'd be willing to do this like she would for anyone else, she's not sure if she'd make it out alive. Despite her large size compared to him, Scorpio still scares her. Gemini & Leo - Neutral but wary, since Scorpio is outwardly intimidating and mysterious. Otherwise they have very little context for what happened to him outside of the bits and pieces they hear from the adults. They are curious about him, but not enough to risk anything. Cancer & Sagittarius - Neutral, but far more willing to help him overall. They both had a hand in crafting Scorpio's current set of armour and weapons, believing that he at least deserved a proper chance to defend himself in the Voidlands. While others fear that this decision only arms Scorpio with the ability to turn on them more effectively, the two are confident that their own power would be enough to stop him if necessary. Capricorn - Neutral, but more in the ambivalent sense. He's not too fussed by Scorpio's predicament either way, but he also loves drama. He pays enough attention in that regard. Pisces - Positive, but keeps her distance for his sake, as she was one of the many people directly harmed by his uncontrolled Void magic when he first arrived on the Astral Plane. Though she knew it was an accident and has forgiven him, she's aware that her presence serves as a reminder of the incident for him, and doesn't wish to cause him more pain. She does wish they could talk it out, though. Aquarius - Hostile, but more for the sake of Pisces than herself, outraged at the harm he caused her wife. Though it was from a place of love, she finds that her hostility is entirely on Pisces's behalf, and begins to change her tune after reflecting on that. She also softens a bit more when she sees his dedication to protecting Cassie despite the vast danger of the Voidlands, and comes to his aid later on. Libra - Hostile, probably the most out of all of them. She believes he is the source of the Voidlands themselves, as the various chasms leading into it appeared after he did. His Void magic seems to have a drastic effect on the energy balance as well, but neither of them know what to do about that yet. Though still with her own biases based on past experiences with him, she is at least able to focus on the facts presented and not jump to conclusions when further events occur. Virgo - Positive, in stark contrast to Libra. Ironically, this causes most decisions about Scorpio to balance out between them. Though she doesn't know any more about him than the other signs do, one of Virgo's strengths is being a good judge of character, and she could see the good in him despite it all. She doesn't have all the answers, but firmly believes in "innocent until proven guilty", and at least wants to give Scorpio his due process first.

[merci-bitch]

I’ll Never Love Again

Zelda Spellman x fem!reader

Warning(s): angsty af

Words: 2k

A/N: This is sad as fuck. I started crying myself lmao. I hope you like it, although I can’t make links. Idk how sadly. Feel free to request anything !

The sound; as if fingertips were pressing against the white keys of a piano filled the air. The sound fitting perfectly with the small raindrops falling from the sky. The sound gave of a peaceful solution. A peaceful moment. A moment that was broken into pieces.

"Y/N!"

Zelda Spellman.

You turned to look at her, her face boiling with anger. You'd left the dinner table only a moment ago. The evening started out like any other evening with your family. Sitting next to Zelda, your lover. The woman who owned your heart, the one you'd die for. Sitting across Ambrose, on your left was Hilda and on Zelda's right; Sabrina.

You couldn't explain what had happened. How you'd gotten in on the subject. It started out as a joke. Finding yourself amused at it, joking around of Zelda and Mambo Marie's relationship. How they'd gotten awfully close. You hadn't meant it, but then you saw the terror in Zelda's eyes. You knew something wasn't right. It wasn't because she didn't like the joke, of course she didn't, but she was hiding something from you. Something you just clarified. You couldn't believe it, so you left.

Zelda walked up to you. Stopping a few feet away, thinking over what to say. She had plenty to say, she just didn't know where to start. However, you came first.

"Wish I could, could have said goodbye. I would've said what I wanted to, maybe even cried a few."

Zelda's eyebrows knitted themselves in confusion as she watched you speak. Looking up at the sky again.

"If I knew that it would have been the last time. I would have broke my heart in two. Trying to stay without you."

Sighing softly. Eyes stinging. Body shaking, cold and wet. Anxious. You looked over at her. Wanting to drop to your knees, beg for her. Beg for her to never leave you, but you couldn't and wouldn't.

"I don't wanna feel another touch. Don't wanna start another fire. I don't wanna know another kiss. No other name falling off my lips."

Turning to face Zelda completely. Looking deeply into her crystal eyes. Her whole body was stiff, she didn't know how to respond to any of this.

"I don't wanna give my heart away, to another stranger. I couldn't let another day begin, or even let the sunlight in if I did. I'll never love again, Zelda."

Upon hearing those words, she shut down. The rain started to pour heavier, much harder.

"When we first meet all those years back. I never thought that I would fall for you. I never thought that I find myself, lying in your arms."

Zelda never meant to fall for you either, she despised you. Couldn't stand you. Everything you did annoyed her, yet; you became the love of her life.

"And I wanna pretend that it's not true, that you're gone, that we're gone. My world keeps turning, turning and turning and I'm not moving on."

Turning around, looking over the Spellman property, your home. The home you'd had for years, decades. Was it really home after all? Was it really where you would spend your days in the sun and storm?

"I don't wanna feel another touch, like you've done. I don't wanna start another fire, like you've done. I don't want another name falling off my lips, like you've called for Marie."

You didn't look at Zelda, but she heard the crack in your voice. The way your tone would break each time you mentioned what she'd done. There wasn't any use in trying to explain she hadn't. She hadn't meant to, but you wouldn't believe it. She wouldn't have if it was the other way around. Stubborn as she is, she doesn't know how to handle love.

You turned around as you started talking again. Nearly bursting into tears, keeping your tone harsh but near a breaking point.

"Look, I don't wanna know this feeling unless it's you and me. I don't wanna waste a moment of my life. I don't wanna give somebody else the better part of me. I'd rather wait for you all my life."

Zelda heard that strange thunder. That strange thunder passing by. She knew that no one was gonna come save her, if you wouldn't. No one would. She'd taken your love for granted. She'd taken everything for granted and gained in power. Marrying Faustus should have been her stop sign, but she keep going. Going higher and higher up in levels. Forgetting you on the way. Her lover, her person, her future. The one she'd given her heart to. Beneath the strange thunder. She was all that was causing the storm.

"I don't wanna feel another touch, or start another fire. I don't wanna know another kiss. Zelds, unless it's on your lips."

She felt eyes, eyes in the back of her head. She wanted to run, hide and cry. Her body was betraying her, she couldn't move a single finger. Her body was stuck, she wondered if Hilda had cast a spell for her to stay still, knowing her sister. She probably had, or it was just her.

"Say something. Anything."

She couldn't. What was she supposed to say? No one would hear her please, her apologies. No one would take her.

"I should have known, all of this."

Zelda cleared her throat. Finding it very dry.

"Known what."

It came out harsher then she'd intended.

"I won't ask it of you. I can't do that to you. You've taken my heart and thrown it away."

"I most certainly have not. I have it right next to mine."

"Then why take another in store? Why not just keep mine? If we were doing badly, why didn't you say anything. If you wanted me to leave, I would have done it without question if that's what you wanted."

Zelda felt herself boil, but for a different reason then anger. She was hurt, although she had no right to be hurt. But she was hurt, she was hurt by herself. She hurt you and everyone else she ever cared about. There's a reason she didn't date, she didn't have time. She never had. There's wasn't time for you, although there was at the same time. She always had time for you. She doesn't know where it went wrong.

"I don't want you to leave! Can't you understand that?!"

"You have a funny way of showing it. If you have this fire with Marie, then give it fuel."

Zelda moved forward. Grabbing your hand. Squeezing. Fighting back her own forbidden tears. She couldn't cry, she wasn't allowed to. Looking into your eyes. Losing herself, she always did. It was her space and freedom.

Your hand came up to her cheek, stroking it softly. Zelda's eyes fluttered closed for a moment. Feeling your touch gone as soon as it appeared. Stopping herself from seeking out your touch.

“I don’t wanna feel another touch, or start another fire.”

It pained her. Hearing your voice break. She knew this wouldn’t end well. It wouldn’t turn back to happy family. She couldn’t lose you, but she already did that moment. Cupping your cheeks in her hands, leaning her forehead against yours. She wanted to beg for your apology.

Zelda Phiona Spellman would never beg for anyone. She wouldn’t bow down for just anyone. But for you? She would, but she couldn’t ask for forgiveness. She knew If she did, you would forgive her but it wouldn’t return to the way it was before. Feeling her own cheeks become hot with tears, hearing your quiet sobs. She’d broken her own heart.

“I’ll never love again.”

-

“Zelda? Look who’s here to see you.”

Hilda said as softly as she could. Moving away from the bed, wrapping her arm around Sabrina. Letting you come through.

“Zelda? I’m right here, right beside you.”

Zelda opened her eyes slowly, it was hard. There you were. The love of her life. She never thought she would see your smile again. Your eyes, your everything. You grabbed her hand, giving it a soft squeeze and a kiss.

“You can go to sleep now, Zelds. I’ll be watching over you.”

Zelda trusted your words and did. Her heart ached for all those years she’d missed with you. You were here now, that was all that mattered. She would see you on the other side.

“I’ll never love again.”

[rogue-durin-16]

THE HEIR'S CURSE (Part II/?)

Request: I have this idea of the reader being a princess and having to marry fili cuz hes the heir and she likes him but she ends up falling for his brother? Maybe with some angst? You can choose the end 😆

Pairing: Fíli x Reader, eventually Kíli x Reader

Genre: angst w/ fluffy moments

Tags:

Requested by: @crispykittywitch

The heir's curse: ———

Permanent taglist: @queenofmankind @randomparanoid @karlthecat15722 @thebutchersdaughtersblog

Warnings:

A/N: this is a mess at so many levels but hey I did proofreading this time, so enjoy a not-so-badly written part <3

Part I

Rogue-durin-16 masterlist

"Princess Y/n and prince Fíli!" A thunderous voice announced as Fíli and I stepped into the enormous halls with all eyes on us.

"Don't stop until we reach the dining table." The golden haired dwarf subtly muttered, strolling through the crowd with my hand holding onto his forearm.

"I wasn't planning on it." I replied, presenting a smile to the dwarven kin of Erebor and occasionally bowing. "Honestly," once in our destination, we spotted Kíli, who joyfully waved at us, and sat down by his side, "I don't see how we'll be able to leave."

"I'll think about something." Right after he assured me that, I felt a tap on my shoulder and, given that Fíli spun his head, I figured his attention was requested too. "Ma'am."

"Mother." We said these words simultaneously.

"My dears, you forgot about the opening dance." Fíli and I shared an equally horrified look. "Given that you are the center of the celebration, the tradition requires you to—"

"We did not forget, ma'am." He spared her a polite smile before continuing, "but I'm in fact a terrible dancer and–"

"A liar, that's what you are." Though the blond one had his back facing his brother, I was sure Kíli could feel the murderous energy he triggered in his brother. "He's a great dancer," his brown eyes traveled from me to my mother and viceversa, his grin growing wider at my horrified look. "he's just shy sometimes," to take the tease to a whole other level, he nudged his brother's back way stronger than necessary. "right Fí?"

Before the older prince attempted to murder his own brother in front of his future mother-in-law, I jolted up and pulled his hand, dragging him to the improvised dancehall.

I spun around to stand face-to-face with him, which made my dress's skirt fly, drawing a beautiful fan around my legs before abruptly coming to a stop. "Tell me you're actually a good dancer." I begged in low voice.

"Well–" Before he could let out another word, the music started playing.

Oh boy, was he a good dancer.

I barely had to move by myself, he did all the work; spinning me, sweeping me off my feet, guiding my feet and leading me by my hands, and I was sure he was making it look finesse and effortless.

At some point the melody changed to something more lighthearted and less regal, and we started to actually have fun while we danced. We laughed, exaggerated the moves, made faces; we even intentionally bumped each other attempting to make the other lose their balance.

The latter resulted on me tripping and Fíli's arms steadying me against his chest with a smug smile that turned into a chuckle when I smacked his chest.

The party began to be enjoyable, and since I didn't know how long would that last, I was resolved to make the best of it.

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

FÍLI'S P. O. V.

I finally managed to get rid of the nosy dwarves that had been interrogating me for the last ten minutes and made my way to my intended, who I found sat across the hall, by the table which was basically deserted aside from a couple of blackout drunk dwarves.

Seeing them made me realize how long the party had gone on already —probably around half a day, maybe more.

"I'm so sorry." I halfheartedly apologized to a very tired-looking Y/n, who vaguely dismissed me with a shake of her head. "I really hoped I would have you out of here by now."

"It's alright." She gave me a small smile whilst getting up and grasped both my hands, taking a look around us. "Plus, it was expected that your uncle and my mother would have us stay for as long as possible."

"At least they could let us be together." I grumbled, looking over my shoulders to make sure no one attempted to disturb our brief break. "Since the dance I barely spent three minutes with you."

"Royal duties suck." She whispered under her breath, only loud enough for my ears to caught on it. "Do you think it's their way to stop us from fleeing the celebration?"

"Could be." Both of our eyes were directed to our previously mentioned relatives and arrangers of the union, who were now chatting. "It's a good strategy."

"I hate that it's actually working." letting go of one of her hands to stroke my mustache whilst trying to find a way to escape the party. "Where did your mind go now?" Just when I was about to reply, her eyes fixed on something behind me, or rather someone. "Oh shit."

I peeked over my shoulder to see Balin approaching us side by side with one of Y/n's direct relatives. "C'mon now..."

"I think the break is over." Her eyes didn't leave the now expected intruders, nor did mine.

"Y/n!" She put up her best smile once more and let go of my hand to walk towards them. "let me introduce you to my cousin Balin."

"I didn't have the chance to congratulate you, lass." I heard the old dwarf's words getting lost in the loud noise of the crowded halls as I walked away in search of Kíli.

KÍLI'S P. O. V.

I made a beeline to Y/n practically jogging and, in the blink of an eye, I had her hand in mine and was pulling her away from the people and out of the halls. I heard her little squeal of surprise followed by Balin yelling my name, but I didn't stop until we were far enough from the entrance to avoid the guests' eyes.

"Did you just steal me away?" She rhetorically inquired, looking at me quite puzzled as I checked no one came after us. "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that?"

"Fíli begged me to drag you out of the party."

"You took it to the T." She teased with her arms folded over her chest.

"It worked, didn't it?" She silently agreed and I beamed proudly. "I'm your hero, huh?"

Y/n snorted. "Am I not the one supposed to say that?"

"I did it so you didn't have to." I extended my arm in a way that was prompting Y/n to walk into another corridor. "I'm going to escort you to your chambers, to make sure you don't fall asleep on your way there."

She gave me an eye roll followed by a breathy laugh, and we began our late night trip to her room. I hadn't told her we were taking the long way, but I figured she would catch on that by herself since Fíli had given her a tour a day before.

We were halfway through, walking in silence after some chitchat and bickering, when I detected a restrained yawn through my side view. "In a scale of one to ten, how tired are you?" I questioned.

"A ten and a half maybe?" She half smiled and I couldn't help but chuckle. "Dwarven celebrations exhaust me."

"They exhaust anyone who's not drinking." I pointed out, having my eyes wander around, stopping on anything and everything in our walk, but on her . "Fíli is not a fan either, but he knows this one was necessary."

"Is it, though?" She inquired with her brows raised and her face slightly turned to stare at me.

"Well, I suppose it is. it's your welcoming to Erebor," I obliged myself to look at her, just for an instant, and then averting my gaze once more as I said my next words. "And it's also meant to celebrate that my brother would soon join you in marriage."

"Ugh, please," she leaned her head back, spitting a mix of a groan and a whine up to the air "do not remind me of that."

"Why?" I stopped dead in my tracks, and caused her to do so, too. "Are you displeased with my brother?"

"No!" her eyes widened as she vehemently shook her head no. "Not at all, he's caring, good at heart and fun to be around," she walked to the outer side of the terrace we had been walking through and rested her elbows on the edge. "but things feel rushed and... Rather forced."

"If it's because of the party," I followed her steps and installed myself besides her, "It doesn't mean much, feel no pressure." Now the tables had turned; my eyes observed her form and hers were focused on what was before us. "If you ever wish to break the arrangement, it will be done, Fíli would say so too."

Her lips pursed into a thin line "I always thought that when I married, it would be for love and not for my Kingdom." I then looked down wondering what should I say to her. "I may sound selfish but... That should be my sister's duty. She's the heiress, for better or worse, and I'm just—"

My mouth moved before I could think my words. "A younger sister who wasn't supposed to carry the weight of a union?"

Silence.

"At least he's handsome." we both shared a look before snorting at the comment. "I think I like him, but I don't love him, and I can't tell if I ever will." She opened her mouth like a fish out of water "Mahal, can you imagine how that'd be?"

I heard the fear in her last sentences, even if she hadn't explicitly stated that she dreaded the mere idea of not being able to love her husband-to-be.

"You'll come to love him." I tried to reassure her.

"You think so?"

"I know so."

"I hope you're right." Another yawn escaped her lips, making her eyes squint. "I'm really tired, so I will leave you now."

"Do you know how to reach your chambers?" She nodded and so did I, in response. "Sleep well, my lady."

"Don't call me that."

"Alright, my princess." she glared at me and a mischievous grin twitched the corners of my lips, my brows wiggling at her in a taunting manner.

"That didn't sound as smooth as you think." My gesture eased her gaze and triggered a small smile out of amusement. "You're so cheeky."

"That's what ladies love about me." A wink directed at Y/n accompanied my sentence, though my eyes soon drifted away from hers to lose in the vastness of the landscape once more.

What a pity that it wasn't as mesmerizing as the princess besides me.

"Thank you for the walk, Kíli." she got a grip on my forearm and planted a slow, careful, chaste kiss on my cheek.

Despite being merely a platonic gesture, I felt my heart speeding up.

My first instinct was to spin my head and try to capture her lips. Due to my quicktemper, I almost couldn't stop myself, but I succeeded just when our lips were mere inches apart.

Her grip tightened and her eyes went from my eyes, to my lips, and back.

"Goodnight, Kíli." she murmured under her breath, slowly loosening the grip and letting her hand fall down my arm, stopping to ghost over my fingers, but quickly retrieving.

I stood there alone for a moment, and I found myself lightly caressing the cheek Y/n had placed a kiss on with my fingertips.

My heart sped up again.

[baka-monarch]

Hi! Could you please do "I guess I'll just have to protect you then" with platonic g/t analogical?

Virgil wasn't one to break rules often. In fact, he had never gone against another's orders before. He had come from a royal family after all, so why would he have to? He got his answer though as he pulled his hood tightly over his head, sneaking out of the castle. He was determined to be out of the kingdom by sunrise. Now you may be wondering why a prince from a wealthy kingdom would be doing sneaking out at night, well recently a clan of giants had set up camp near their kingdom, they posed no threat, had no weapons, and were staying close to the woods. Though, that did not stop the king as he made plans to capture the giants and imprison them for crimes there was no proof of them committing. Virgil had tried to argue with his father, but all the king had to say was "They are giants, Virgil. They'll always be horrid beasts that attack when you least expect it, and we can not take that chance. You'll understand when you are older." With those words Virgil had been dismissed to his room, told not to worry about the matter any further.

Except Virgil did worry. That's why he was going to the giants camp to warn them, to try and get them to leave before his father came in the morning. Virgil was lucky that most of the palace guards were with the king to learn the plan at the moment, less he would not have made it as far as he had. As if that wasn't already lucky enough it seemed the whole kingdom was asleep giving him the opportunity to leave without being recognized. Once he was out of the village walls, he was filled with an exhilarating feeling of freedom. He looked out at the world beyond in wonder, amazed by how different it looked draped in darkness, how less stuffy it felt being out of a carriage, how fricken wonderful it was to not be bombarded by the smell of sweat coming off of guards! It was amazing! He wished he could be out longer than what was needed. But he had a mission. He took one more deep breath -holy shit the air smelt absolutely phenomenal- and made his way over to the camp.

●●●

When he arrived at the giants camp it was much darker, he guessed it was around midnight at this point. Before entering he took a moment to marvel at the sheer size of the camp. It was huge. Virgil had never seen a giant, but based on the tent alone they must be taller than the castle itself! Virgil reminded himself to breath and swallowed his fear before he crawled under the opening to gain entrance. Once he was inside it almost seemed larger than what he had witnessed from before. Inside there was a whole study with a desk and book shelves, a sleeping area that held an actual bed, and a small area meant for cooking. It was phenomenal, especially to see things he was so accustomed to at such a large scale. Then there was the giant. It seemed there was only one, and they were currently writing at their study writing something...

"Hey!" Virgil called out, hoping to get their attention. He was disappointed as they stayed focused on their desk, Virgil had been hoping to not have to get any closer than he already was, but as he shouted the same thing again and again it became increasingly obvious that he was going to have to approach. Once more did Virgil calm his nerves as he advanced closer.

"HEY!" He tried shouting again as he came close to the foot of their chair. The giant, once again, paid him no mind. Virgil huffed. Was he really that quite or was this giant deaf? Virgil glanced around and soon found a ladder that had been carved into the side of the desk. Virgil didn't question why the giant had this -probably some acquaintances that were smaller- as he began to ascend the ladder. As Virgil started to see the top of the desk he realized that this giant probably knew some form of magic as they were studying a variety of vegetation that usually resided in the woods, but was now surrounding the giant at the desk as they observed them.

Virgil collapsed when he did finally reach the top of the desk, and took a moment to catch his breath. Before he started yelling again he stood and brushed himself off to look at least a little presentable. "HEY!!!!" Virgil yelled at the top of his lungs as finally the giant noticed him. At his shout the giant had jumped and their head had snapped over to Virgil's form making the prince shiver.

"Oh." The giant seemed to calm as he spoke in a monotone voice. "It's you." Their words confused Virgil, did they know he was the prince? Had they known he was coming? But how?

"Uhm, yeah." Virgil shrugged awkwardly. "I am Prince Virgil." He greeted the giant as he would anyone and bowed. "I have come to warn you-"

"Of your father's plans to capture me?" The giant cut him off and caused Virgil to flinch at his words. "I know." The giant shrugged.

"But-how..?" Virgil spoke without thinking.

"It is well known of this kingdom's negative views on the nonhuman species of the world." The giant figited with their giants as they spoke. "Although, I knew specifically of your father's intentions due to the alchemy I practice." Ah, so they're an alchemist. Virgil thought as he remembered his many lessons on their customs and philosophy.

"If you knew what could happen, then why did you come here?" Virgil couldn't help his curiosity, not many alchemists come to their kingdom, especially ones so...inhuman.

"For you." The giant look straight into Virgil's eyes as they spoke, somehow even with their different sizes.

"Wh-what?" Virgil spat out lamely at a loss for words. Instead of answering the giant reached down a large hand. "W-WAIT!" Virgil shouted, but was ignored as he was plucked off his feet. Virgil squirmed against the giant digits that were holding him captive. "You can't-you can't just take me! I'm a prince, did you even think-"

"I guess I'll just have to protect you then." The giant cut him off without a care as they held him at eye level.

"Pro-protect me!?" Virgil deadpanned. "That's not what I meant!" Virgil laughed nervously, a common habit of his. "You're basically kidnapping me! Don't you think alot of people are going to come after you?" Virgil explained.

"Oh without a doubt." The giant shrugged.

"Doesn't that bother you!?" Virgil argued.

"Does it not bother you that I am taking you?" The giant looked at him indifferently. "You keep arguing for my safety, are y6nkt worried for yourself?" Virgil blanced at his words.

"W-well I-I uhm..." Virgil didn't know what to say.

"Exactly." The giant deadpanned. "My name is Logan, your highness, and I am an esteemed alchemist from my clan. Recently I had a perception of what was to come. It showed you fulfilling what may have been a prophecy." The giant-Logan spoke calmly, as if they hadn't just dropped some very important information onto the prince. "I am meant to accompany you on your journey, to which is why I have came here to ask you if you would be willing to travel with me and begin an apprenticeship that will be useful to you in the future."

"I-I.... what prophecy?" Virgil queried.

"That is for you to discover if you wish to accompany me." Logan stated as he finally set the prince down on the floor of his camp.

"But-but what about the kingdom, my dad-" Virgil went to argue but was cut off by Logan holding up a finger.

"I am not forcing you to come with me, it is your choice and your choice alone your majesty, it will have dangers, difficult choices, and times of great sorrow. You would not see your father or kingdom for a long time." At those words, Logan could see something click on Virgil's face. "It would be a very difficult adventure to embark on." Logan looked down at the small human, still amazed that they were the one Earth had chosen for what was ahead. "Go home and enjoy it while you think over my offer. If you decide to join me, please return in the morning, if not you may stay in your castle with the servants, guards, and your father." Logan paused. "I believe you will make the right decision." With that Logan turned back to his studies, leaving Virgil standing there dumbfounded.

A prophecy.

What was he to do?

[topherfoxtrot]

Resilience

Here's the third part of my thunderbolts au. Emil Blonsky scaped his long imprisonment but he didn't went after the Hulk. Where did he go? The answer is bellow the cut. There's an original character here too. I'm not kin of OCs but I didn't find any character who would fit the role I wanted. Said oc will only be a part of this episode so consider it a special guest appearance. I've realized I've been writing more and more with each installment. Sorry about that, I'm getting more comfortable with the whole precess and I like to challenge myself. Continuing the trend, this chapter has a widely different vibe from the previous ones. As usual if you enjoyed please like, share or comment something.

Episode one

Episode two

Emil woke up from a nightmare. It was a fight. From as long as he could remember all Emil did was fight. Now even when he's not awake he's still fighting. He sat on the bed breathing heavily. Wait, where am I? He thought.

"You must be confused." A female voice was heard nearby.

Emil looked around looking for it. The cabin was small. The bedroom, the living room and the kitchen were all occupying the same space. There were two doors, one of them was probably for the bathroom. The woman was sitting at the kitchen table. She dressed a knitted sweater and rabbit slippers.

"My name is Charlie Reznik." She pointed at the soup, "Are you hungry?"

"Where am I?"

"Alaska. Three hours driving from Barrow."

Emil sat on the bed. He was naked. He covered himself with the blankets not for modesty but because they were warm.

"You weren't using any clothes when I found you and you don't seem like the kind of person who would wear my clothes. I hope the blankets kept you warm."

"Found me?"

"Yeah. You were screaming a lot. And throwing trees around." Charlie chuckled, "Eventually you got tired and just fell asleep right where you were. I was thinking about calling the police or something but when you started to shrink I decided to bring you here."

Suddenly Emil looked at himself realizing he did indeed shrink. He didn't look like that anymore. Still, the bones in his hands and abdomen were more prominent than they should be. He took his hands to his back to feel his spine was also prominent. That made him think of the super soldier serum, of the Hulk and of the prison he just scaped.

"I need to contact someone." Emil got up only to fall on the ground.

"Are you okay?" Charlie approached him with caution.

"I think I'll have the soap first actually." Emil muttered realizing how weak his body was.

***

The soup made with vegetables reminded Emil of his childhood in Russia. He had almost no recollection of those few years before he moved to England. He mostly remembered the cold and his mother's soap.

"I need to ask you but.. it's gonna sound weird." Emil was at the table tangled with the blankets, "What year is this?"

Charlie looked him in the eyes to decide if he was being serious or not. Emil didn't flinch so nor did Charlie, "It's 2023."

Emil pressed his lips and started to breath heavily. He was sleeping this whole time. They kept him asleep without ever giving him a chance to explain himself. No consent and no agency.

"No one has heard anything about you since 2008 Mr Blonsky and now you show up in the middle of the forest not knowing the year?" Charlie seemed genuinely curious.

"You know me?"

"I didn't recognize you at first. There isn't much footage from big you. But the sketch from witnesses matched pretty well. They call you the Abomination."

"Abomination?" Emil suddenly smashed the wooden table with enough strength to crack it. Charlie quickly moved her left hard to somewhere under the table. They locked eyes. For the first time Charlie didn't seem warm and inviting but rather fierce and absolutely ready to react. Emil closed his eyes a bit before recomposing himself.

"I'm sorry."

"I also think the name is impolite." Charlie brought her hand back, "But no one knew anything about you except you were military assigned to find Bruce Banner. I had to make some phone calls and turns out my guess was right! You are indeed in the accords database. Quite high level threat.

"What accords?"

"Alright." Charlie put her hair behind her ears, "I need you to be honest with me Mr Blonsky. What's the last thing you remember?"

So he said. He fought the hulk on Harlem, fell unconscious and woke up in Alaska. Charlie brought a computer from a big bag under the bed and put it on the table in a way that both of them could see it.

"The world changed a lot since 2008 Mr Blonsky. Put on your seatbelts."

Charlie then gave him a contemporary history class the best way she could while showing videos and pictures whenever she felt necessary. She talked about the avengers assembling in 2012 to stop an alien invasion caused by a norse god. She talked about the genocidal robot destroying a whole country in 2015. She talked about Wanda Maximoff killing those people back in 2016. She talked about the Sokovia accords and how that made the avengers disassemble. She talked about Wakanda opening up to the rest of the world. She talked about the avengers coming together again to fight yet another alien invasion. She talked about the snap and the chaotic years that followed. She talked about the blip and the even more chaotic year that followed it. Emil listened to everything in silence. It was a lot but he was smart.

"They put me to sleep for fifteen years." He whispered.

"I'm so sorry about that. It's unfair."

Emil had finished his soup but he stayed exactly where he was. Thinking about everything.

"I became strong. I became as strong as I could and still... they defeated me with bed time."

"You're being unfair."

"How come?"

"I don't think strength is really what you think it is."

"How would you know?"

Emil looked at Charlie's small stature with unconscious disdain. She picked on that and wore her fierce eyes again.

"With all due the respect Mr Blonsky..." It was possibly to hear the rage under her words, "You have no idea how strong I am. Thanos snapped my whole family! I wasn't even at home when it happened. Do you have any idea how much strength I needed to gather to simply get up every morning? I may not have big muscles like you -in fact no one does Mr Blonsky - but guess what? You could not have went through what I did. I'm sure of it!"

Emil got up aggressively and so did Charlie.

"You're really pulling the trauma card?"

"Wanna compete?"

"I think I do." He showed his teeth.

Charlie walked across the cabin stepping heavely. She sat on the bed. "Enlighten me."

The challenge got Emil off guard. He hesitated.

"I don't need to tell you anything."

"Of course you don't. If you tell me how traumatized you are, I'll tell you how traumatized I am. Then you will have to admit that none of it gives you permission to do the shitty things you did!"

The cabin merged in silence. Outside there was nothing but the cold wind running through the trees.

"I know your type." Charlie continued, a little calmer now, "Though childhood huh? No perspective of a future so you joined the military. Felt good to explode some heads didn't it? It felt powerful."

Emil remained in silence. He still looked mad, but remained in silence. Charlie went to the kitchen and grabbed a photograph from one of the drawers. She gave it to Emil.

"You're military." Emil studied the photo of Charlie and other soldiers smiling inside a tent.

"Used to be. Came back in 2019. The welcoming party wasn't exactly a party as you can imagine. My house was empty. As I said both my parents and my little brother got snapped. That's when I found this cabin."

"It's not yours?"

"Nah. I don't know who it belongs to actually. It was a cold night and I was just driving aimless. I don't know why exactly. Everything just seemed so meaningless back then. I felt weak."

Emil put the photograph on the table and they both locked eyes again. Not with anger this time though.

"It's cold but it's isolated enough. I could cry and scream as much as I wanted without anyone knowing. And did I need to scream! Scream at Thanos, scream at my parents, scream at myself. A part of me wish it could've been me, y'know? Trust me I would give my life for theirs in the blink of an eye! Yet, here I was."

Charlie sat at the table again. The temperature of the cabin went from 20°C to 40°C and then to 20°C again. Emil felt sorry about the table but most importantly he felt sorry for making Charlie mad.

"There's no much to say." He started, "Though childhood. No perspective. Joined the military. After everything I've seen, being strong is honestly the only option. It's survival."

"I get it. I really do. But strength is not on your muscles."

"Don't come with this heartfelt bullshit."

"It's not." Charlie chuckled, "Trust me I won't fall for that bullshit either. It's something else."

She got up and grabbed an old book from the shelf near the bed.

"All those things were already here when I got here for the first time. There was water, gas, energy, the bed, the blankets. It's like whoever lived here had just left. I've known this place for couple more than three years now. No one is ever here except me, yet the feeling never goes away."

The old book was covered with leather.

"Self help book?" Emil asked.

"In a way." Charlie tilted her head, "This book is about the universe. But not like a scientific encyclopedia. This book is about the whole universe, about the energy that comes from different parts of the multiverse and how to harvest and manipulate them. Essencially, magic!"

"Alright it's a self help book. Magic is not real."

"I was honestly hoping you would say that." Charlie smiled, "Check this out!"

Charlie put her hands in front of her and took a deep breath in order to focus. She moved her hands vertically and a orange string appeared from thin air. Charlie's hands drew a circle in the air and the string curved itself in a circumference. Charlie closed her hands as if grabbing something and with another gesture polygonal forms started to draw themselves in the magic circle. Charlie snapped her fingers with both hands and the whole thing started to spin like a magical ferris wheel.

"You discovered magic!" Emil whispered.

"Of course I didn't! People have been studying that for a long time. I just happened to find a weird book." The magical strings disappeared as Charlie stopped focusing so much on them, "You know when you are depressed so you set a simple goal just to give yourself a little achievement?"

"No, actually. But that's seems like solid advice."

"It is!" Charlie chuckled, "Anyways I read this whole book in like two days and I didn't understand shit. But I was super interested and started to dig the internet and beyond for anything related to all the weird concepts I found. I read the book more two of three times after that. Each time I learned something different and gained a new perspective over myself and the universe around me."

"So it is a self help book!" Emil laughed.

"As I said, it is but in a weird way. I mean look around. There's aliens and gods and the multiverse. When you think of all of it don't your problems seem way smaller?"

"I'm not sure."

"Here's how it's gonna be. I go to Barrow buy you some clothes and you think about everything I just said." She grabbed a jacket and wore boots, "But you have to pay me back alright? Otherwise I'm gonna hunt you and I'll find you. Remember: I know magic!"

"Okay, that's fair!"

Charlie grabbed a ring with slot for two fingers in a kitchen drawer. "That was one of the things I found here. Magic becomes weirdly intuitive once you learn some basics."

She made that focused face again and started to draw circles in the air with her right hand. The air in the middle of the cabin heated up and started to sparkle. An orange circle (much like the one she conjured with the hand gestures) appeared but in the middle of it was possible to see an alley.

"What is this?" Emil was shocked.

"Fast travel!" Charlie winked before passing through. The portal was gone as soon as she was gone and Emil found himself alone in the cabin.

***

There was a small mirror in the bathroom. Alone, he could check his own body for the first time. His face looked pretty much the same, he hadn't aged one day in the past fifteen years. Besides his hands and shoulders and spine, his elbows were also abnormally prominent. Was he the Abomination after all?

The power felt good, he remembered. Felt god-like. But the cost was too high. Emil became too dangerous and lost control over his own life for more than a decade. He wanted to blame Ross and Banner but would it be even fair? Emil was the one who accepted to take the serum in the first place. He actually pointed a gun at that scientist. He begged to become as strong as the Hulk is.

Emil left the house still covered in blankets. The cold snow made his feet burn but no enough to bother him. He was strong after all. Or maybe he enjoyed the pain in a sick way of reinforcing his own superiority belief. An orange portal opened nearby after a while.

"Aren't you feeling cold?" Charlie asked coming with a bag of clothes.

"A little."

"Come. See if any of those fit you. They're from the local thrift shop by the way."

"I've wore worse."

Charlie bought a simple jeans, two shirts, a flannel and boots. Really simple stuff just to protect Emil from the cold. It fit well.

"Thank you." He said.

"You're in debt, Mr Blonsky. Don't you forget that."

"You know magic." He chuckled, "I can't allow myself to have you as an enemy Ms Reznik."

They both laughed. Charlie sat at the table and started to type something on the computer.

"The feds are all over town." Charlie commented, "They're looking for you."

"Listen," he said, "I need to ask you a favor but first can I go for a walk?

***

Emil took a deep breath before jumping as high as he could. He could not see above the tall trees so he jumped again but grabbed one of the trees this time. Even with his bare hards, the wood bowed to his will. He kept climbing until he got to the highest part of the tree. From up there he could see the whole forest, including the trees he threw around the day before.

He jumped to the ground again. The snow splattered around him. His hands and knees started to bleed but he didn't care because he would break soon enough. He felt powerful and smiled without realizing it. Not a happy smile, bur rather a challenging one. Hey jumped a little before running in the direction of the destruction he caused. He started slow (more like jogging actually) but quickly escalated to marathon running and super human running. The cold wind cut his face like knifes but he didn't care. He just kept going faster.

When he finally reached the glade he jumped again. Even higher this time. When he landed his feet felt bigger. Breathing heavily he looked at his own hands and realized they were indeed getting bigger and muscled. Without wasting any breath he took off all his clothes and started running again. The cold started to bother him less and less as his body grew in size.

He started to scream so he could liberate his anger. He jumped high and landed with his fists causing the ground to crack bellow him. Emil grabbed a fallen tree and threw it to the air. He picked big boulders and threw them around at will. In the middle of the chaos he also started laughing. He was strong. He could destroy anything he wanted. He was as strong as he could be.

When Emil finally felt satisfied with his own display of power, he grabbed the trees and rearranged them back into the ground as best as he could. He picked the boulders and put them back where they were. So when the glade resembled the glade it once was, Emil sat on the ground next to his new clothes.

He started to think about everything Charlie said. Yes, he was big and could destroy everything is his way. But there were gods and aliens and robots and uncontable planets and entities across the universe. He was big and strong but he was also small and weak.

His strength though wasn't on his muscles but on his ability to survive. He survived his childhood, he survived the military and he survived the Hulk. Just like Charlie survived the snap and the aftermath. Like Charlie found new meaning in magic so could Emil find new paths to follow.

"I'm big and I'm small. I'm strong and I'm weak. I'm still here." Emil whispered to himself.

His body started to shrink calmly. Once he achieved regular size he wore his clothes and walked towards the cabin. Charlie smiled when he entered.

"Had fun?" She heard the screams obviously.

"Yeah actually. Thanks for everything."

"No problem. Remember, you're still in debt! So what favor do you need?"

"I need a portal but I also need an address. I believe you can find the person I'm looking for in the Sokovia accords database."

"Hm alright. What's the name?"

"Ava Starr."

[whumplikeyoumeanit]

red

A/N: requested by @dropofmagic. I might write more of this in the future—it was pretty fun, and I kinda want to see where it goes. 

Warnings: injuries, captivity, violence

Summary: Harry Potter is missing, and Draco Malfoy is assigned a new Auror mission in France—little do they know it will bring them closer together than ever. 

Words: 3k

Harry didn't have his glasses on when they came for him.

He stopped to wipe away the rain from his lenses (a Muggle habit, he knew) when the first curse struck him in the middle of his spine. There wasn't enough time to fight back before he heard "Stupefy!" and everything went dark. He can still hear the way his glasses shattered when they hit the pavement, as well as the dread that sunk in as they fell.

Now, it's a blur. He's only been missing for a week (he keeps track by tying knots in his shoelace), and still he knows nothing. It's difficult to determine what his captors truly want, mostly because they speak French and Harry's blind as a bat. He's picked up a few French phrases just by knowing Bill and Fleur, but it's not enough to help him. They might as well be speaking Gobbledygook.

They haven't threatened or demanded ransom yet��the only thing they do is beat him until his head rings like a collection of church bells. His leg is broken from yesterday's beating, and he can't see it well enough to know how bad it is. All he knows is that it hurts like hell every time he moves. He's sure he's covered in bruises—each beating leaves him whimpering like a child, but he couldn't see the bruises if he tried. Aunt Petunia used to say he was legally blind (which, he found out later, was not another Dursley insult but actually the truth).

Merlin, he misses his glasses.

Escaping? Well, he's tried that, too, but without his wand, a mode of communicating, a way to see his exit, he's fucked. He's tried attacking the guards and unlocking the door but it's all impossible. It's been a week—seven days—and all he can do is bleed.

_______________________________

It's been two weeks since Harry Potter went missing, and Draco can't stop thinking about it. "Get your head out of the clouds, Malfoy," snaps his superior officer from beside him.

He blinks at her. "Sorry, Officier Boucher."

"Don't be sorry," she says, and he sits up straighter. "Pay attention. You're up next. And fix your face—you look like your mother just died. You should be happy—this is your first solo assignment, Officier. You're truly a part of Le Bureau des Aurors now, eh?"

"Oui," he says back, but his heart's not in it. His arms and legs feel heavy, weighed down by something he can't quite explain.

He knows she's frowning, but before he can compose himself, she taps her clipboard against his arm. "Don't worry, d'accord? You've been training for months. You have nothing to be nervous about."

It's not the new assignment he's worried about.

The Capitaine gives him an assignment up north—residents had been reporting sightings of low-level neo-Death Eater activity, as well as a possible abduction, so it's his job to head over there and shut it down before it can get out of hand. He can handle it—he's not worried about a few morons in black hoods—he's worried about Harry. They weren't friends, per say, never have been, but they have a connection, and something twists inside of him at the thought that he's missing. There are a lot of people out for Harry Potter's head, even after all of the good he's done, and Draco doesn't know what he would do if something…

He doesn't want to think about it.

Draco takes the train at Paris Montparnasse to Lezardrieux, where his new assignment was last spotted. He loves the train—the way he can blend in so easily with the Muggles, the way he can sit in peace with only the rumble of wheels against tracks beneath him. Besides, it gives him plenty of time to think. On his way, he researches his assignment—he took everything the Archives des Aurors had on them back in Place de Furstemberg where their headquarters were located. They don't have a lot on them, only on people who they've captured like them.. Neo-Death Eaters can't stand alone—they're too cowardly, he thinks bitterly—so they tend to congregate in large groups, refusing to voice their opinions in public now.

It's a five-hour train ride, and Draco can't research the whole time. He tilts his head against the window and tries to sleep. He's disguised as a Muggle, anyway, as the Death Eaters have planted themselves in a Muggle-heavy area to avoid detection, disguised by an enchantment that makes others see Muggle clothing instead of his Auror uniform.

The train drops him off a few miles from his destination, but he doesn't mind. It's too conspicuous to Apparate straight to it—with wizards like this, they've probably put up detection charms to sense any magical person coming for them. He explores the town—it's a small town, a mostly elderly population. Everyone keeps to themselves, fishing and shopping and staying in their homes, which is what makes his job so difficult—almost every house seems uninhabited, but he's not authorized to enter magical or Muggle homes without an explicit reason. Currently, he has nothing.

How is he supposed to find these bastards?

_______________________________

Harry hasn't had his glasses for three weeks now, and he's stopped trying to see anything. It's useless now, as the room they keep him in is so dark that he's barely able to see anything other than moving blobs anyway. There are twenty-one knots in his shoelaces; he grazes over each one with his fingers, counting. It's one thing he can do in this hellish room of nothing.

He's learned the routine. There's no daylight in this room, but he knows that when the light under the locked door flicks on for the first time after he wakes, it's mealtime. It takes around twenty seconds for one of his captors to stagger down the stairs—the heavy-footed one, usually—and unlock the door. He gets another minute to eat the sandwich they give him, drink the water bottle, and hand his garbage back to them before they get angry. Then he waits a few hours, until the light flicks on again, and they beat him until they seem satisfied and leave again. Then he tries to sleep, and it starts all over again.

He's tried, a few times, to lunge for the wand he knows they must carry, but he misses every time. Aunt Petunia was right—he truly is blind.

She used to take his glasses away when she was angry with him. Only good boys get glasses, she'd snap, holding out her hand. Give them to me, Potter. Now, or I'll take your pillow, too.

Please, he'd beg, don't take them, please, I'll go under the stairs, I'll be quiet, I'll be good, please—

She'd give him that glare, and he would start to cry, taking his glasses off. Don't be a baby—this is your own fault! If you hadn't botched Dudley's dinner then I wouldn't be taking them at all! Harry would cry and cry and cry. Without his glasses, the world was a blurry whale waiting to swallow him whole.

He feels like he's back at the Dursley's now, locked under the stairs, with only his shoelaces and his thoughts to keep him company. No pillow, no glasses, no freedom. At least dust doesn't rain from the ceiling. Was it his fault, maybe, that he got himself into this mess? He should've checked behind him when he'd stopped to clean his glasses, should've just let the rain drip down them, should've stayed a few more minutes at the Ministry before going home.

He wonders if anyone is even looking for him.

The lights under the door flick on, and Harry flinches so hard that his hand leaves his shoelace to brace himself so he doesn't fall. It's the heavy-footed one—Gérald, he thinks—and the man mumbles in French as he comes down the steps. Harry's heart slams against his ribs so hard that he can feel it in his head, pounding and pounding, as the footsteps come closer. He knows what time it is. "Please!" he cries out, just as the door opens, and naked fear runs down his spine. "P-please don't—just tell me—tell me what you want, please, I'll—" Gérald kicks him this time, his boot slamming into Harry's already abused ribs; he gasps for air, curling around his stomach and trying to crawl away.

Click. Flash.

Then it continues. Harry can feel the next kick coming— "Stop, stop! Please!" And this time it strikes him in the face, pain blinding him as it surges up his broken nose, rebreaking the bone where it had already begun to heal wrong. "What—do you—" He can't even draw a full breath before another kick crashes into him, and wetness runs down his face. He curls up as small as he can.

Click. Flash.

He hopes the smaller he is, the less pain he will feel, and he's so scared now, so goddamn scared, 'cause it hurts so much that this doesn't even feel like his body anymore— He can sense the man take out his wand, can feel Dark magic flood the air, and his fear multiplies into terror so violent that for a second he thinks he might piss himself. "N-no!"

Click. Flash.

Then the curses hit.

_______________________________

It's been four weeks since Harry Potter went missing, and Draco's still assigned undercover to this lonely little French town, unable to contact anyone in case the neo-Death Eaters overhear and flee. He misses him like he misses Hogwarts uniforms—every time he sees him, he knows exactly how the world works and what it means to him. They'd started talking after the Battle of Hogwarts was over, in September, when all of the students were invited back to a half-built school for free to spend a year safe and worry-free. Dead professors were replaced by worried parents, janitors and assistants replaced by shell-shocked survivors, orphaned students given permanent residence inside the castle.

As both Ravenclaw and Gryffindor Tower were wrecked in the battle, houses moved together—Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, Gryffindor and Slytherin. He and Harry shared a dormitory with the incoming seventh years, Gryffindor and Slytherin alike. "Thank you," Draco said first, as they were unpacking their things. They hadn't spoken since he'd tossed him a wand during the battle.

Harry kept his head down and took a moment to answer. "For what?" he said finally.

"You know. Saving the world."

He shrugged and kept unpacking. "I wasn't alone, Draco."

They weren't friends. Not at all. But they became hesitant acquaintances—sharing a dormitory will do that to you. Harry stopped calling him Malfoy; he stopped calling him Potter. When Harry woke up screaming from his nightmares, Draco pushed a glass of water to him and waited for him to fall back asleep. When Draco received a Howler from his parents warning him never to come home, Harry was there to set it on fire.

As he walked to one of their classes—Reconstruction, the professors called it, but it was really just a course on how to rebuild after everything they'd lost—a few of the Hufflepuff girls approached him. They were young, maybe fourth years, and one of them was crying. "How could they let you in here," she cried, and her friend's pigtails shook, "after everything you've done?" Draco simply ducked his head and tried to keep walking, but they persisted.

"You're one of them!" spat another. Draco cleared his throat as if to say something, but nothing came out. His fists closed. He knew what he was, he knew what he'd done, but… His chest felt tight. He hated to be reminded of it.

"Can you let him through?" said someone new, and when Draco turned to look, it was Harry. He looked tired, as he always did these days, but irritated. "He's just trying to get to class."

The girls shared glances, as thought to argue with him, but no one wanted to debate with Harry Potter. They dispersed with a chorus of muttered jeers, one rubbing the back of the crying girl, and Harry touched the back of his elbow. "C'mon," he said, as though nothing had happened. "Let's go." As the crowds dissipated and the sunlight filtered in through the graying corridors, he said something so quiet that Draco had to strain to hear him. "They used to do that to me, too."

They weren't friends. Never. But they were there for each other as only survivors could be.

Now, Draco walks out of the small marketplace, dipping in between the Muggles as they busy themselves with their shopping, he tries not to think about Harry. The Ministry of Magic must be doing something to help its missing savior—besides, it isn't his problem. He has his new assignment now, and it's not his responsibility to—

He takes a step back. It's a minute detail, but it's there—blood spotting through the gloved hands of a man buying sandwiches a few feet away from him. "Merci," says the man to the cashier, and as he heads for the door with his paper bag, Draco follows him, casting a minor disillusionment charm on himself as he goes to make sure he goes undetected. He's not dressed like a wizard, but Draco's trained to spot the little things—the way the pocket of his jeans has the faded shape of a wand, the way he takes short glimpses at every person who comes near him, the way a hint of disgust weaves into his expression when a Muggle woman bumps into him. He must be one of them.

The man leads him back to a house at the edge of Lézardrieux; along the way, he notices the blood on his gloves and shoves his hand into his pocket with his shoulders hunched. It's one of the smaller homes: a red-brick gone brown with time in desperate need of some repair. He opens the door and slips inside like he's got something to hide—Draco wonders whose blood is on his hands. A Muggle, perhaps? A witch who disagreed with their cruel ways?

Draco sneaks inside without a problem, countering their protective enchantments and slipping inside. He can sense the Dark magic as soon as he enters (after years of being drenched in it, it's not difficult), and his disillusionment charm melts right off of him. It's everywhere—that, combined with the Death Eater masks strung up by the doorway, is enough to convict anyone. Doing a nonverbal revealing charm, he finds four people in the house: two upstairs, one in the room across from him, and one in the basement. He catches the first by surprise with a Body-Bind curse and casts another Levitation Charm so that his body doesn't hit the floor. He doesn't bother to brief his victim—he just stuns him and moves upstairs to finish them off. They're not difficult to fight—a couple minutes of dueling and they're on the ground, too.

Now, he moves into the basement, where the fourth figure is located. Possible abduction, the Capitaine told him before. He sets down the stairs. "Whoever's down there," he shouts in French, "come out now!" With no response, he unlocks the door with a quick swish of his wand. Ready to fight, he jabs his wand into the darkness and lights its tip.

There's a scream.

Before him is a young man with scraggly black hair and green eyes squinting at the bright light. He looks wild, worn ragged by weeks in captivity, and his pupils shrink to pinpricks at the light. His leg is twisted beneath him and his stubbled face is a mess of blood and tears. Bruises purple over his swollen skin. His shirt is half-torn off of his body, and he retreats into the fetal position, taking huge, rasping breaths as he tries to shield himself from Draco.

He knows that scream.

"Harry?"

The man only holds himself tighter, hands locked behind his head as though to protect himself from another strike. "Please, please…"

Draco doesn't have time for disbelief; drops to his knees beside his friend. The Bureau des Aurors taught him to assist the victims in the field, but not...this. he conjures a blanket and drapes it over him. "Harry, it's me—it's me, Draco." Crouching by him, he touches his shoulder, trying to jolt him back to reality. Harry lets out another small scream. "I'm here to rescue you—look at me, hey, look at me. I'm not gonna hurt you. It's me." Still touching Harry's arm, he grabs the two-way radio from his belt and speaks directly into it in French. "Bureau, I've got three aggressors and one victim down—gonna need medical assistance here—no option for Apparating. Quick."

When he puts the radio down, he gets to work, healing the injuries that he can, trying to get him lucid again. "It's Draco, it's me, c'mon Harry, stay with me..." He casts bandaging charms and is starting on the broken knee when he sees Harry half-sitting up, dazed eyes drifting into empty space. "M-Malfoy?"

Draco smiles, and touches both his shoulders, holding him upright as he sways, a little out of it. "Yeah, of course it's me, I thought we were done with the last name shit—now you gotta let me check you out—"

Before he can finish, Harry sags against him, throwing his arms around his neck, and he's crying. Crying. He can barely get a word out through his tears, but he says this: "Is this—are you really—really here?"

Draco hugs him back gingerly, not wanting to hurt him more, and something expands in his chest. "Yeah, it's me," he assures him, as the hug gets tighter.

"They—they're gonna—they—"

"No," he interrupts, "they're not. You're safe now, Harry. Promise."

Harry sobs into his shoulder, trembling hands clutching at his uniform, fingers moving over the cloth as if trying to determine if this is a dream. "Thank you," he chokes out. "Thank you."

Draco holds him tighter.

[thesagedahlia]

💔Vanessa Hudgens & Austin Butler💔

This was a request that I should have hopped on when I had the chance, because I PROBABLY could have prepped y'all for this. I'll be honest, I wasn't drawn to it right away because I felt a proposal in the air for them & I figured "oh, they're doing great, there may not be that much to report on 🥴😵"...boy, was I wrong. Little did I know, 'proposal in the air' meant literally. I did come across an interview that Vanessa had with People TV back on the 23rd of May, just last year. She was briefly asked about if she & Austin were going to be walking down the aisle, before insisting to move on (which kinda struck me as 'she prolly sick of that question, she prolly ask it too much her damn self'). But her response was as follows; "As a woman, y'know, I'm not the person to be like 'hEy, EyE'm DoInG tHiS', it's all about the man (making the gesture). When it comes to that, it's like, it's in the guy's court, y'know?", & as the interviewers asked "so, if he takes the lead, you'll be there to follow?", to which she replied, "I mean, I've been her for 7 years, I don't think I'm going anywhere." (.....oh, you went somewhere sis 🤭). But as the interviewer wanted to know if she's been pressing the issue, she proceeded to shoo the topic away, as it was getting "too personal". 🤔🤔 didn't think much of it, UNTIL I thought about putting myself in her shoes...why would EYE stick around for 7-9 years & NOT even have the topic discussed? Most importantly, since it clearly WAS discussed, what sort of hold up would you be willing to sit through to be "strung along"? That's when it hit me...somebody didn't want to get married...& from the interview that I saw...I had to guess it wasn't Vanessa 🕵🏾‍♀️🕵🏾‍♀️

**DISCLAIMER**

I am not declaring, nor am I insinuating, that anything I say in my predictions are true accounts of any of the parties involved. This reading is for entertainment purposes only, & should only taken as such. All in good fun, folks 🤷🏾‍♀️🧿

💔What caused the breakup❓💔

I'm picking up on a fear of a new cycle or transition within their commitment, & it feels like it is coming from Austin. I'm feeling he wasn't totally ready to be locked down in that way (I'm feeling marriage), & Vanessa felt she had to walk away. She began to make it clear what she wanted from him out of the relationship, & Austin doesn't seem to be in a place where he knows what he want. He seemed to be moving very slow in actually proposing to Vanessa, & she wasn't in the position to be holding out for him any longer. Austin was very much back & forth on his decision to propose & get married. He was becoming clouded & confused by the bigger picture, & he wasn't thinking or looking deeply into making the gesture. He basically self-sabotaged his sure deal with Vanessa, because he was reluctant to open up to the opportunity. I'm getting that his intuition is clouded. Im also getting a lot of inner conflict on his part, whereas Vanessa was very adamant & vocal on what she wanted out of the relationship. I'm feeling very strongly that Vanessa wanted marriage, & he was of course very aware of this. Though marriage was to be the next step for them, I feel like she intuitively knew she was going to be single for a while. This was a disruption in their relationship, but it doesn't feel permanent; they feel like they've spent past lives together. I feel divine guidance in the connection, where they may be able to work things through & get back together. It feels like eventually they will return to each other. This break up feels like it needed to happen so they can each take time out figure out what will truly make them happy.

💔Vanessa's current feelings toward Austin❓💔

She feels like their relationship was due to take on a deeper level of commitment, & I feel like she was emotionally prepared for it, but she ended up waiting some time for him to take the lead & make them move. It feels like she has been holding out for Austin to propose. She began to see herself as single, since there wasn't an official declaration of engagement. Her patience in waiting & investing in their 9 year long relationship began to wear on her emotional, & she came to realize that he may be stringing her along just to keep the balance in their relationship (not purposely, but not quick to propose). I feel like even family members of hers had their opinions; the typical 'when are you getting married already?' or 'it's taking him awfully long to propose it's been what, 9 years now?'. She may also feel like his busy schedule has distracted him or delayed the process.

💔Austin's current feelings toward Vanessa❓💔

He acknowledges that he was devastated when she left, but he also felt he was working & providing for the relationship, & that he felt a family & marriage couldn't happen unless he was fully capable to do it financially. He also felt that they were able to succeed & grow until then, & he was ready to build a legacy with her. He didn't feel he had enough to offer her financially as he was comfortable, but he also wasn't in the right amount of emotional stability to make the loving gesture to propose; he was focused on the finances of it all. So ultimately, he didn't feel ready for marriage. He wasn't prepare to be open to taking the lead to propose, & I feel like he needs to come into some clarity regarding something that he feels like is keeping him from being open & comfortable to propose, & it feels like a lack of emotional comfortability. He was detached emotionally, which led to her departure; he in turn need to work on that if he ever expects to win her back (he better have that ring in hand❗)

💔What lies in the future for this connection❓💔

As I said before, Vanessa has stopped waiting for Austin to make the move she has been anticipating. Austin knows damn well what he has to do if you wants to get Vanessa back, because as of right now, she's single, & I wouldn't be surprised if she's mingling. He seems to be well aware of where Vanessa stand with him & what she will need from him in the relationship, & he seems to be needing to listen to his intuition when it comes to the relationship. He seems to be trapped in fear at this time, & he may be using his work as a distraction. He seems very stubborn and unwilling to compromise, even though he is deeply saddened by this loss. The ball is in his court, but he is fumbling. Austin will need to begin to take the relationship seriously & honor his commitments with Vanessa, & that will be sacrificing his comforts and facing what he truly fears when it comes to marriage. It's safe to say he is holding back at this time, & Vanessa is moving on. She is hopeful for her own endeavors, & she is entering a new phase in her life. She is also having patience that she will have a family someday with someone who will be emotionally committal, even if that isn't Austin. She plans to continue standing her ground when it comes to her love life, because she has a deep seated passion to get married & settle down. If they come back together, it may take some time & effort before they become anything serious again, but as of right now they aren't speaking with one another.

[katedrakeohd]

One Handsome Devil (TRR)

Masterlist

Chapter 50 : Part 2

_Recovery_

Kate opens her eyes to a world of grey, feeling groggy and disoriented. The oxygen mask hissed as she breathed, the rubber bands that hooked it behind her ears pinched her skin. As her eyes focused she realized she was in a hospital room. The soft beep of her heart monitor filtered in as her other senses came awake. Lifting her right hand she sees the IV tube in the back of her hand and the electronic sensor clamped to her finger. When she tried to move her other arm it wouldn't budge. Oh my God, what's happening? Why does my shoulder ache so much?

The monitor attached to her finger starts to beep rapidly, registering her growing panic and the thumping of her heart. Her warm breath clouds the mask as she gulps at the cool air filling her lungs, her tears sting her eyes and her cheeks.

She hears the hurried footsteps of someone approaching and then the curtain surrounding her bed is ripped aside. The kind sympathetic face of a young female intern swims into view.

"Easy there Miss Darling, everything is going to be ok." She says, soothingly.

Adjusting the bed and pillows so Kate can sit up, she gently pulls the mask off her face and then dabs at her face with the corner of the bedsheet.

Kate gives her a weak smile of gratitude as she looks up at her nametag.  "Th-..thankyou...Dr. Maloney." she whispers.

Kate's head was full of questions, Where am I? Where is Drake?  Is he Ok?  What happened to me in the accident?

"Where am I?" She asks as she looks at the sling on her left shoulder and the cast on her arm.

Dr. Maloney smiles, "You're at Portavira General Hospital."

Kate frowns, looking around for anyone familiar, suddenly feeling very alone. "Portavira?" where the hell is that?  "I'm not in the Capital?"

The intern shakes her head, picking up her chart. "You were brought here by helicopter."

Kate has a vague memory of being strapped to a stretcher and being lifted. Then the airsick woozy feeling of being moved around randomly like a bad amusement ride.

Sliding her hand over her belly, it feels bloated and there are bandages that scrape against her hospital gown.

"What..what were my injuries?" Kate asks nervously, scared of the answer.

The doctor reads her chart out loud, bypassing the medical jargon and putting things in words Kate would understand, "Uh let's see, a dislocated shoulder, a fracture to the forearm, and a minor tearing of the uterine wall from blunt trauma. You were bleeding out pretty badly, but with a minor surgery they were able to stitch you up and stop the bleeding."

Kate gasps, "A tearing of my what?" 

Terrifying thoughts of future infertility and miscarriage race through her mind, causing a deep feeling of dread. She and Drake had just talked about how much they wanted children.

Dr. Maloney looked up from the chart, noticing that Kate has gotten a little paler, and her eyes were wide with worry. "Don't worry, the womb is very resilient. It takes a beating from the inside for several months while it holds onto a fetus. You'll heal just fine and be able to try for another baby in a few weeks."

Kate grips the sheet over her belly, scoffing with denial, "Another baby? I wasn't pregnant."

Sure I was late, but that was nothing new. But then again the last time I was late I didn't have a boyfriend. Oh my God no..

"According to your bloodwork and a urine sample there was a slight elevation in your hormone levels, and the presence of HCG. But there was only a trace amount so we can't be totally sure at this point. I'm sorry to alarm you. The nature of your bleeding prompted us to assume a miscarriage, and we tested for signs of pregnancy in your bloodwork. Were you and your husband trying to conceive?"

Kate shakes her head trying to swallow, her throat was dry from the oxygen she had been administered. "Can..can I get a drink of water please?" She whispers.

The doctor lays the clipboard on the foot of the bed, "Oh sure, sorry about that. I know this is a lot to take in all at once."

Dr. Maloney pours her a cup of water from a nearby pitcher. Kate accepts it, her hand shaking slightly as she sips. "Thanks."

Picking up her chart again, Dr Maloney looks over her information. "You're a mystery  'Kate Darling, 25'  We have a lot of gaps to fill in. When you arrived we only had your name and age."

Kate takes another sip of water. "I was wondering how you knew my name. I don't remember telling anyone."

"I'm not sure who identified you, that's just what they were calling you when you were wheeled in."

Pulling over a chair, Dr. Maloney clicks her pen and then sits down with her chart. "Ok let's fill in the blanks. Your birthdate?"

"December 17th, 1992." Kate says, guessing that the fresh faced intern was around the same age based on the slight turning up of the corners of her mouth.

"Your address?"

Kate gnaws on her lip, "That's a good question, because I really don't know. I live at the Royal Palace with King Nicholas."

Dr. Maloney chuckles, "Yeah right. Seriously where do you live?"

"I'm not kidding. I live at the Royal Palace with the King and I'm engaged to his best friend." Kate insists, knowing that her story sounded crazy to the average person.

"Okaaay, we'll leave that space blank for now." The doctor says, raising her eyebrows and shaking her head. Seriously how hard did this girl hit her head?

"Who do I list as your next of kin?"

"Umm, well my parents live in the U.S. and Brazil so there's no point in listing them. I should probably say King Nicholas, where he's technically responsible for me being in the country, but there's no way I'm allowed to give out his personal phone number. If I told you any other name than my fiance he'd probably be mad, so list Drake Walker as my next of kin."

The Doctor scribbles his name on the form. "And his phone number?"

"He doesn't have a home phone, just a cell, is that Ok?"

The Doctor nods, waiting.

Kate rhymes off Drake's phone number. Damn I wish I could talk to him, tell him I'm Ok. Looking around the unfamiliar recovery room again, Kate feels incredibly lonely. She could really use a familiar face or voice right now.

"Before we can admit you we need to contact Mr. Walker to let him know where you are. As your next of kin he should know your condition as well."

Kate gives the doctor a grateful smile, "Is there any way I can talk to him? I don't have my phone with me."

Dr. Maloney nods, "Your condition is pretty stable. I'll go get you a wheel chair, and then I'll take you out to the nurse's station to call..." she looks down at the paper again to find his name.

"Drake." Kate replies, smiling.

"Yes, thanks." Dr. Maloney gets up from the chair. "Be right back."

Kate settles back against her pillows, looking down at her arm in its cast and sling, she smooths the blanket over her bandaged sore belly. Did we really have a baby in there? It's only been a few days, probably not. I was just late that's all. I hope the surgery doesn't leave a big scar.

She sees the Doctor coming back with the wheel chair. "Ok Miss Daisy, your chariot awaits."

Dr. Maloney drops the side of her hospital bed, disconnecting her pulse monitor from her finger and switching off the machine when the alarm goes off. Placing an arm around her back, and scooping her arm under her knees she carefully helps Kate turn to sit up on the side of the bed. "You're stronger than you look, Dr. Maloney." Kate laughs.

"I've had plenty of practice. Compared to moving a full grown man, you're light as a feather." She says, blushing at the compliment.

Kate eyes the smooth vinyl seat of the wheelchair and then looks down at her bare legs. "I'm guessing my fancy chariot doesn't have heated leather seat cushions."

Pulling the thermal blanket off the bed, Dr. Maloney folds it in half on the diagonal and lays it across the seat and back of the wheelchair. "That should help. Once you're aboard we can wrap the extra blanket around you like a shawl to keep you covered and preserve a little dignity."

"Awww, thanks Doc, that'll be perfect." Kate says with a grateful sigh of relief.

Once Kate is bundled up in her wheelchair, she wheels her IV pole along while Dr. Maloney pushes the chair. "What's your first name Doctor? If you don't mind me asking? You've been so nice to me I'd feel better if I could refer to you by your first name."

"Denise." She says, navigating Kate out to the nurses station.

Kate cuddles her blanket around herself as Denise talks to the nurse behind the counter. After they update her file in the computer the nurse picks up the receiver on the phone.

Tags:

@jovialyouthmusic @debramcg1106 @fluffy-marshmallow-heart @sirbeepsalot @mfackenthal @kate-mckenzie @crookedslimecreatorpasta @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @ladyangel70 @drakesensworld @saraglsg @furryperfectionlover @simmerbychoices @samcpossum @innerpostmentality @wannabemc2 @wickedgypsymoon @livvy-barnes @aworldoffandoms @flawlessdiaa @choicesstanblog @simplyaiden-blog @emceesynonymroll @hollygirl1269 @unclezalman @pedudley @agent-bossypants @dcbbw @furiousherringoperatortoad @omnomnom47 @augustandvanessa @drakewalkerisreal @jlpplays1 @firekracker77 @nikkis1983 @be-still-my-aching-heart @kimmiedoo5 @nomadics-stuff @notoriouscs @carabeth @griselda1121 @livschoices @indiacater @emichelle @laniquelovewrites @walkerisbae

[rainywritingsx]

Torn • BNHA x OC • Chapter 2

Whoooo chapter 2 is done! I'm sorry that the story is moving a bit slow, the fun stuff will happen, please have patience ^_^. If you like this chapter, please leave a like or reblog and if you have any feedback feel free to comment or send it in my inbox if you’re shy, I don’t mind at all as long as you’re being respectful ^^. I think that’s it for now, have fun reading!

xxx rainbow

you can find chapter 1 here

words: 2252

warnings: none

"Welcome at UA High! Feel free to take a look in every class and ask any questions you may have to our teachers. There's no such thing as a dumb question, so don't worry!" The principal, whose name I thought was Nezu, said, his voice filled with excitement. As the pace of my heartbeat quickened, I entered the building. It was huge! There were so many windows and the colours were also lovely.

I gasped quietly upon seeing a few students from class 1-A. If I remembered their names right from watching the sports festival (secretly of course since I'd get killed if my family saw me watching it), they were Uraraka Ochaco and Iida Tenya. Both were standing near one of the classes. A sweet smile grew on Uraraka's face when her gaze fell on me. I was almost surprised at the fact that she smiled at me, but then I remembered that heroes of course didn't know who I was. My parents did everything they could to hide my identity to the 'good people'.

"Welcome! My name is Uraraka, nice to meet you!" She said sweetly, her hair bouncing slightly, matching her cheerful mood. I smiled and greeted her back.

"Nice to meet you too! You can just call me Janie. I would like to say that you were awesome at the sports festival. I know you lost the match but you still did a wonderful job! That Bakugou guy was just really strong, but don't worry." She smiled even brighter when I said this. I could've sworn this girl was the actual sun.

"Thank you! I'll do better next time!" She said, her voice filled with determination. I nodded before turning to her friend, smiling at him politely.

"You were also wonderful at the sports festival. Your quirk is so fascinating! And your whole family is absolutely wonderful, I really respect you all." Iida nodded proudly and saluted me.

"It is my duty to keep up the pride of the Iida family. I'm glad that I'm doing a good job. I'll continue to do my best!" I giggled and nodded. I liked this guy, he was pretty cool.

"So, do you have any questions about UA?" I shook my head.

"Uhm, I don't think so. I don't think I'll attend UA anyway..." I trailed off. Uraraka frowned and tilted her head in confusion.

"Why? It's so cool here! As long as you do your best I'm sure you'd be able to get in." She said, trying to encourage me.

"Ah no... it's Uhm.. my quirk isn't really that special, you know.... a-and I'm not from here." I said before I could even think about it. I mean... it was true in a way. My mom's side of the family was Korean/Japanese and my dad's side of the family was Turkish. I didn't really speak Turkish that well but my Korean was alright.

Uraraka gasped softly as I said this. "You're not from here? That's so cool! And I'm sure your quirk is fine! There's this kid in our class named Mineta. His quirk is uh... let's just say it's quite interesting. But he still managed to get in!" I smiled softly, my heart feeling touched that she tried so hard to encourage me. If only I could actually attend this school...

"I'm sure our other friends think so too! I mean the more the merrier right? That's exactly why this whole thing is organised. Right Iida?"

"That is indeed correct. UA high is in need of more worthy students for a safer future. Definitely with All Might's retirement it is necessary." It was only now that I noticed that Iida was standing in an almost military manner. This guy was very self-disciplined... I mean I guess I could understand that. If my family consisted of such great heroes I'd do my best to keep their reputation that way as well.

UA really seemed like an awesome school... I'd be able to learn so much there and so many well-known heroes worked here as teachers, it was almost like a dream.

But I couldn't do that. My parents wouldn't approve of it and I wouldn't even get accepted anyway.

Why did I think about this so much?

"You can always decide not to go if they let you in. "Please just try the entrance exam, I promise you won't regret it." Uraraka said sweetly as she handed me a flyer with more information. "I really hope to see you again soon." I smiled politely and nodded, saying that I hoped for the same. I doubted it though...

I ended up looking at some other places, gasping softly when I saw Bakugou Katsuki, the guy who won the Sports Festival. Despite his.... anger issues, I still thought he was pretty cool. He was definitely smart, from what I had seen and obviously UA didn't let random people in their school, let alone their best class.

Exactly why I wouldn't be accepted.

I wouldn't consider myself on the level of class 1-A to be honest. Yes I had some physical skills. However, my quirk had its limits. I couldn't make water out of thin air, I actually needed it physically in order to use it. I'd never know at what kind of place  the entrance exam would be held so I'd be at a disadvantage there. Therefore I'd need to completely rely on my physical abilities. I also wasn't trained enough to control other fluids as of right now. I could control water and things like drinks, soup etc, but anything else was still too difficult for me.

And second, how would I even be able to keep this a secret from my parents? The villain school and hero school did have classes at different times considering the fact that those two despised each other but I'd have to find an excuse to be away at those times. And I was a horrible liar. A little white lie was fine but lying about where I always went... I wasn't sure if I could do that.

I stopped walking when the smell of food entered my nose. It smelled heavenly, oh my.... I wished the food at my school had this lovely aroma. I could just get something small like a cupcake and then leave, right? No biggie. The lunch room sure wouldn't be that far anyway, that would be convenient. I smiled when I noticed some signs, showing where people could get some food. That was nice, I'd probably get lost without them.

When I entered the cafeteria the same happy mood that I felt in the other parts of the school was here, except it was more lively. Children were having some meals with their parents, excitedly talking about what they had seen here today, students were helping with the food and some teachers were conversing with parents who had questions regarding the school.

My eyes slowly wandered off to the amazing foods that were placed here. It was an open buffet, a bit small but it all looked great. If only I could stay longer and have an actual meal... I'll just get a cute cupcake instead and eat it on the way home, that was nice too.

The cupcakes were adorable, they all had different colours and the frosting was as white as snow. It had cute sprinkles on it and in the middle was the UA logo. It looked too pretty to eat but at the same time it really made me want to eat so many of them. Of course I wouldn't do that though, I had some self-control.

I grabbed a pink cupcake and then turned around to leave. However, my feet stopped upon hearing someone gasping. Before I could even think about what was going on I was controlling boiling hot tomato soup, keeping it in the air. I looked at the situation and my eyes widened when I saw a little girl, eyes squeezed shut as her hands rested on her short black hair, ready to have it all over her.

"Melody!" A woman's voice, who I assumed was her mother's, called before she ran over to her daughter. She stopped when she noticed me, holding the liquid in the air. I carefully made sure to let it go back into the big pan that it was in earlier. I'd lie if I said that doing that wasn't nerve wracking. If I wasn't concentrating enough it would still hurt the girl and the mother as well.

"Thank you so much." The woman spoke, her voice shaky as she smiled at me thankfully. I blushed and was about to say it was all good when more voices spoke up, praising me for what I did. I gasped and looked around, realising more people had seen this, even some UA teachers.

"I-it's fine! I-my body moved before I could think... I'm glad your daughter is okay, though." I said and looked over at the little girl, who was looking up at me with her adorable brown doe eyes. I crouched down so I was at the same height as her before speaking gently.

"Make sure to be careful next time alright? You really could've gotten hurt." The little girl smiled at me and nodded.

"Woah, so cool! Did you guys see what she did?" I looked up and noticed a blond haired guy talking to some people, including Uraraka and Iida. Many of them seemed to reply enthusiastically as well, except for who I thought was Bakugou. He just scoffed and looked away, making me chuckle softly. Uraraka looked over at me and seemed to recognise me

"Oh it's you from earlier!" She said before walking up to me. "Janie, right?" I smiled and nodded.

"What you did was so heroic! That's another reason you should come here." She said as she excitedly bounced up and down, making me laugh softly.

"That's sweet of you to say, but-"

"Uraraka is right!" Iida said, making me stop talking. "What you did was truly heroic. It shows more than any exam can. You have the heart of hero. None of us went there to help at this moment but you." I mean that sounded nice and all, but was it really true? Maybe it was just a reflex. Sure I was different than my family, but to say I was a hero...

"I know you want to come here, I can see it in your eyes." Uraraka said, causing me to gulp. I really was an open book, huh?

"Just please think about it. You have a week to sign in for the exam, and even after that you can say you don't want to join the class. I'm sure you can do it!" This girl was just too lovely to say no to...

"Alright... I'll think about it. I really need to go now, though." She squealed and nodded.

"That's great! Hopefully I'll see you soon again then!" I nodded and said goodbye to both, before turning to leave the school. Suddenly I walked into something big and buff, making me release an "oof" sound as I stumbled backwards. Luckily, I managed to find my balance again so I didn't fall on my butt. That would've been embarrassing..

"Oh, my apologies, young lady! I didn't mean to startle you!" My eyes widened when I realised who that voice belonged to.

Holy crap.

It was none other than All Might himself.

"What you did there was truly heroic. Not many people do things like that in such a short timespan, let alone children who aren't even planning on becoming a hero. I'm surprised you aren't a student here already!" I blushed and looked down, playing with the purple ends of my hair.

"I mean... it-it just happened, I didn't even realise I was doing it honestly... I don't think it was that heroic, sir."

"Well, don't you know that that's how many great heroes start? Their bodies act before they even have time to think." That was true... I had heard many stories like that from many famous pro heroes. Some stories like that were even from the villain side, except the events didn't take a good turn..

"And there's no need to call me sir, feel comfortable with me! I'm All Might after all." I smiled and nodded, feeling more at ease now. I didn't know what it was but... it was like he had this fatherly aura around him. I was sure he'd make a great father if he didn't have a family of his own yet.

"Thank you so much for the kind words All Might. I truly appreciate it. However, I should really go now, I'm very sorry." He laughed loudly and nodded.

"Of course! No need to apologise for that, I understand! Your parents must be worried but I'm sure they'll be proud once they hear your wonderful story!!" I wish they did... but it was a nice idea to think about. At least All Might was genuinely proud of what I did.

"Thank you so much s-I mean All Might. Have a nice day!"

"Goodbye! Hopefully I'll see you at the entrance exams!"

After all, I might consider actually doing it... trying won't hurt anyone right? Perhaps I wouldn't even be let in.

I still had time to think about it anyway, which was nice. We'd see what would happen after this.

[punkscowardschampions]

Buster & Rio

Buster: [okay so like he sends whatever prom proposal idea I come up with which can't be a miscommunication cos it'll be like come to prom lol even if just in a letter or whatever we'll see. Boy you better pray Indie or Drew don't see that you extra bitch] Rio: I just got your present Buster: I'll buy you a plane ticket now then, yeah? Rio: You can't Rio: I really wanna go with you but it's a no go getting any more time off work Rio: and it's footie, it's proper hectic lately Buster: Just call in sick for a few days Rio: I've not got sick either, I used it all in that one go Rio: I'm sorry, it's shitty Buster: Fuck's sake Buster: Alright Rio: 🙁 Rio: Wish I could, it'd be fun Rio: so American Buster: Yeah, I wish you could too Buster: I'm gonna have to ask an American now Buster: What do you reckon, the girl who's at the top of her game now or the hot older girl who used to be where she is but now she's at college & back for the weekend, like? Rio: Any older girl who's gonna go to a high school prom that ain't her own reeks of tragedy Rio: you don't wanna relive the glory days, like Buster: Head Cheerleader & principal's daughter it is then Buster: That's easy enough Buster: Cheers babe Rio: May as well live the cliche as hard as you can Buster: Exactly Rio: Enjoy Buster: I already enjoyed her when I first got there Rio: Shut up Buster: At least I know she takes a good picture Buster: Last thing I need is to spend the entire night teaching her anything Rio: Right Buster: They take the asking so seriously, it's ridiculous Buster: I'm gonna have to get her a present now as well Rio: Can probably get this back to you in time Buster: You're alright Buster: It needs to be big & public Buster: That's how they do everything Rio: Fun Buster: That ain't the word Rio: Like I'm gonna feel bad for you? Buster: Like I said, I've done everything I wanted with her already, so you should Rio: Well I don't Rio: ask someone else then Buster: She's the one everyone's asking, it ain't a choice Buster: Besides, there's no cheerleaders left who I haven't also done the same with anyway Rio: You either want that or you want the other Rio: not a problem, either Buster: I never said it was a problem Buster: Just thinking aloud Rio: You said you want sympathy Rio: and I already told you to shut up Rio: so clearly Buster: Nah, I said I deserve it, not the same thing Buster: It's your fault so it's the least you could do Rio: Ha Rio: Now you're really being stupid, huh Buster: You're the one who turned me down, babe Buster: Don't get much stupider than that, like Rio: So that's what this is Rio: show me what I'm missing, like? Rio: I didn't turn YOU down, I have to work, Jesus Buster: What this is, is that you could make it happen if you really wanted to Buster: You don't have to work, not at that job at least, you're doing more than fine with your other one Rio: Yes I do Rio: because I can't tell people about the other job, can I Buster: Well, I can't bring you to my school prom back home, can I? Rio: I know that Buster: Act like it then Buster: Jesus, I just wanted to do one normal thing Rio: Me too Rio: I said I wanted to come Buster: Not enough to actually come though Buster: So forget it Rio: It's called responsibilities Rio: regardless of what I want or don't Rio: there's shit I have to do, don't act like you don't know Buster: Don't talk to me like I don't understand what the word means Buster: I have responsibilities of my own Buster: But I also understand how to prioritise, and yet again, it appears you can't Rio: You don't know Rio: having a job is different Buster: Yeah, it's more people relying on you so you can fulfil the need you have to be needed, above all Rio: You're gonna attack me now, yeah? Buster: If you're gonna act like you couldn't get fired from this job & get another before your parents or whoever else noticed Buster: Don't bullshit me that anyone's sitting you down & going through your finances Rio: You aren't from this world sometimes Rio: if I get fired, it follows me Rio: if I get a rep as unreliable, I can't just get whatever job I want Rio: you want it to be that simple but it ain't Buster: Quit then Buster: You can spin that however you like Rio: I can't just quit my job on your say so Buster: It's what you want, you said so Buster: Unless that's bullshit, obviously Rio: It isn't Rio: that's not a reasonable exchange Rio: there's lots of shit we're bound to want to do Rio: again, I can't just quit things for all of them Buster: If I wanna do something, I do it & when I say we can do anything, I mean it Buster: It's not just words to me Rio: Don't even Buster: You're either on the same level or you're not Rio: Not even close Rio: you've got no clue Buster: If getting one includes you telling me how hard your life is compared to mine again, I'd rather not Rio: You've put enough words into my mouth for one conversation, tah Rio: like I said, you'll get it when you've got a job Buster: Like I already as good as said just then, fuck you Buster: You've been patronising enough for one convo Rio: Well you've been unreasonable and plain rude Buster: Don't fucking tell me I'm unreasonable when all I do is wait around for you to fit me in between all your responsibilities which no, of course I don't have a clue about despite hearing about them all the time Buster: You're actually unbelievable Rio: How dare I talk to you Rio: about my life Rio: if that's what you wanted you should know how to do it by now Buster: No, how dare you act like I don't know or care about your life Buster: Whilst also belittling mine, but whatever that's a whole other convo we probably won't have 'cause I clearly don't wanna talk ever Rio: It's what you said Rio: you're getting mad like I'm plucking this out of thin air when all I'm doing is repeating your words back to you Buster: No, I'm getting mad 'cause you're treating me like a spoilt little bitch Buster: I don't have a job 'cause I study all the hours it's possible to without burning out so I can get the grades I need for the future I want Buster: That's my responsibility Buster: You're not the only one with things to do Rio: I know all that Rio: and I never said I was Rio: because I'm not the one out here telling you to quit all that to do something that I want you to do Rio: because it comes down to the fact that you don't think my shit is worthy enough Rio: that it's not really important so I can drop it all whenever Buster: Don't be stupid Buster: You should drop it 'cause it's not even close to what you want & we both know that Buster: Your job isn't worthy, it's a fucking front Buster: & If you don't start living for yourself instead of every fucker else you're gonna have bigger regrets than not going to prom with me Rio: It's a stepping stone Rio: you don't want to study, you have to Buster: I'm working towards something, you're putting an obstacle in your own way Rio: No, I'm not Buster: Whatever Rio: Exactly Buster: If by exactly you mean, we're done talking about this, then yeah Rio: No, I mean exactly, you don't value what I do Rio: but there's no need to go over it, agreed, you've made yourself clear Buster: Christ sake Buster: My entire point is I value you more than this bullshit you're choosing to prioritise over what you actually want Buster: I didn't realise being selfish once would be the death of you or the end of the fucking world as we know it, like Rio: I already did that Rio: I came to see you Buster: So what, never again? Buster: Cheers for clarifying that Rio: I'm just saying Rio: I've been selfish Rio: plenty Buster: 10 days don't come close to years Rio: How am I explaining that one then Buster: The fact you feel like you have to explain everything is literally the only thing I don't understand Rio: I do Rio: I can't just go Buster: Why not? Buster: Why can't you just ever say you're doing something for yourself, 'cause you want to Rio: Because it's not fair Rio: I'm sure Indie would love to just leave and all but she can't Buster: She's a kid, it's different Buster: When she's old enough I bet she won't look back Rio: Probably but she doesn't have anyone to look after Buster: Neither do you Rio: Well that ain't true Buster: Come on Buster: You know what I mean Rio: I do, but it's not true Buster: The truth is, you've taken on something you shouldn't have had to Buster: & Yeah sometimes I'm mad about it Buster: How are you not? Rio: What's the point? Buster: It's your life Buster: There's literally no other point than that Rio: if being mad changed anything, I'd have done it already Buster: It can Rio: Not with this Buster: 'Cause its gone on too long Buster: Let people help you Rio: Who Rio: who has the time but me Buster: This family is big enough that they could all chip in Rio: Of course they do Rio: I told you Rio: no one can handle her like me Buster: So tell her to calm the fuck down Rio: 😂 Rio: really Buster: Okay no, that wasn't serious Rio: Yeah, you're really being silly now Buster: Yeah well Buster: I just miss you Buster: Sorry, like Rio: I miss you too Rio: even if you were a total prick Buster: Baby Buster: I am sorry Rio: Okay Buster: It's not but I wanna make it Buster: Tell me how I can make it up to you Rio: It doesn't matter Rio: you were just disappointed, yeah Buster: It still matters Rio: I'll get over it Rio: you will too right Buster: You're so frustrating Buster: But yeah Rio: Why am I frustrating Buster: 'Cause you'll argue with me forever but when I wanna fix it you shut up so fast Rio: 'Cos you can't Rio: I still can't come Rio: so Buster: That doesn't mean I can't make you feel better now Buster: What else do you want? Rio: Take back the mean things you said Buster: Alright Rio: Say it then Buster: I take back all the cunty shit I said Rio: Okay Rio: thank you Rio: I didn't mean to be patronizing and whatever else you said so I take that back too Buster: Don't Buster: I thought I'd grown the fuck up over here but I guess not Rio: Come on Rio: you have Buster: You come on Rio: It's just an argument Rio: people always say the worst shit for affect Buster: I know how arguing works Buster: Be a shit lawyer if not Rio: Exactly Rio: you just wanted to win Buster: Yeah Buster: Of course Rio: I really did wanna come Buster: I know Rio: You'll still have a good time Buster: Obviously Buster: Capable of that anywhere at any time Buster: There's graffiti in the girls changing room that attests to what a good time I am, like Rio: 🙄 Rio: Why do you always do that Buster: What? Rio: Tell me about shit you know I don't want to hear Rio: I don't do that to you Buster: What can I say? Force of habit Rio: No Rio: you're a dick Rio: you aren't the only person to ever get laid, you know Buster: Good, 'cause without the competition me & my friends would have nothing to talk about Rio: Well I'm not one of your friends Rio: and you probably don't wanna compare notes Buster: Calm down Rio: No Rio: it's fucking annoying Buster: It's not a big deal Rio: Then stop doing it Rio: easy Buster: Don't tell me what to do Rio: Then don't talk to me Rio: if that's all you've got to say Buster: Fine Buster: I've got loads of shit to do Rio: Alright then Buster: [let's do a time skip lol] Buster: You're right & I'm wrong Buster: Talk to me again Rio: I'm sure but Rio: what about, exactly Buster: Like you said, I'm a dick Buster: I shouldn't have taken it out on you that I have to leave soon Rio: You wanna stay Buster: I don't wanna go back to London Rio: Is it better there Buster: It's different Rio: Yeah Rio: probably 'cos no one knows you Rio: that's always nice Buster: It's not real, none of it feels like it matters Buster: Who I am, what I do Buster: But then there's you & you are & you do Rio: It does matter, you do Rio: there's just Rio: loads of bullshit too Rio: doesn't mean you are Buster: You don't understand, I don't have to try at anything, it's all just easy & cliche Buster: Like a holiday Buster: But shit's still getting done Rio: You're bored Buster: Only boring people get bored Rio: That's bollocks Rio: like, put it on a poster nonsense Rio: You want a challenge, is what I'm saying Buster: That's 'cause I've seen it on a poster here Buster: I obviously don't, do I, 'cause back home is a challenge & I don't wanna be there Buster: It doesn't make sense Rio: A challenge you can still conquer, like Rio: some things are just shit and they always will be Rio: You know you've done everything there and it still is Buster: How do you always get what I mean Buster: I'm chatting shit & you still know Rio: Work in a pub, don't I Rio: nah, you know why Buster: I miss you so fucking much, Rio Rio: I miss you Rio: I'm sorry I'm not there Buster: Yeah, you are wrong about that Buster: I ain't having a good time Rio: Baby Rio: there'll be a good after-party, yeah Buster: & Someone did spike the punch til then so Rio: Of course Rio: did you get to go with that girl then? Buster: Of course Buster: You're the only girl who says no to me Rio: Mhmm 😏 Buster: Why I like you Rio: No it's not Buster: You know when it's a good idea & when it isn't Rio: Well, I'm not an idiot Buster: This girl is Rio: Yeah but that's irrelevant to why you asked her isn't it Buster: But it's bound to be relevant to why she agreed Rio: Are you admitting you're anything but a catch? Buster: Shut up Buster: I mean, she knows I don't do repeats Rio: You asked her to prom Rio: she obviously thinks she's special Buster: Like I said, she's an idiot Rio: Bit harsh Buster: Why are we talking about her? Rio: I don't know Rio: what do you want to talk about Buster: You Rio: What about me Buster: Tell me how you are Rio: You wanna know actually or you want me to make you feel better Buster: Don't lie to me Rio: It was a long shift Rio: and like I said, I've missed you Buster: I'm here now Buster: What can I do? Rio: I don't know Rio: because I want to ask something I know I can't Rio: I feel like an idiot Buster: There's nothing you can't ask me Rio: I can't tell you what to do Rio: and that's right Rio: but I really don't want you to sleep with anyone else Rio: tonight Rio: it should've been me and it just makes me feel Rio: sick Buster: I haven't been with anyone else since I kicked that girl out Buster: I only want you, you know that Rio: Really Buster: I told you that I was over it then, that I wanted to be different Buster: Was gonna be Rio: Yeah Rio: I remember Rio: it's not like I didn't believe you or anything Rio: it's just a long time Buster: & I'm a slut, yeah, it's alright you can say it Rio: I would've been nicer about it Rio: it's a habit, after a point Buster: It is & I broke it Rio: I'm impressed Rio: but more genuine than that sounds Buster: 😏 Buster: I'm genuinely impressive, again, you can say it Rio: Alright, maybe I'll say that one Rio: again, nicer, if you're lucky Buster: I feel lucky so go ahead Buster: Make my night Rio: Buster Rio: you're incredible Buster: I can't wait to make you say that to me again Buster: Like you really mean it Rio: I do mean it Rio: but I could always mean it more Buster: I know you could Rio: Have you posted? Rio: I wanna see what you look like but I didn't wanna look Buster: [sends her loads of selfies because you don't need to see his date that's not a mood] Rio: You're so handsome Rio: fuck sake Rio: 😍 Buster: Show me what you're wearing then Rio: nothing like a prom dress Buster: Still Buster: I wanna see you Rio: [selfies in whatever look she was rocking for work] Buster: You went to work like that? Rio: Yeah? Buster: No wonder it's busy Buster: You look so fucking good, I'd get on a plane just to be there & order a drink Buster: Jesus Rio: You're so Rio: nice ain't the word Buster: You're so Buster: Hot ain't the word Rio: You're making me feel weak again Buster: You better lie down then, babe Rio: You better lie me down, boy Buster: I'll lie you on this table Rio: Then what Buster: Then we'll show my date & everyone else here who I'm really with Rio: Shit Rio: why am I not there Buster: 'Cause you're a good person Buster: Who cares about more important shit than high school dances Buster: & Like you said, who goes to a prom at a school that ain't theirs Rio: that don't mean that I don't care about you Rio: or it's a stupid thing to care about Buster: I don't care about it, I only cared about going together Buster: I used to want to do the whole asking you out on a date thing when we were kids Rio: I care about that too, you know Rio: If we could just be normal Rio: we'd be good together Buster: We are good together Rio: Yeah Rio: but we'd be allowed Buster: Nobody can or is gonna stop me Buster: You're mine Rio: I am Rio: nothing's changed that Buster: Nothing will Rio: No Buster: I'm gonna come & see you as soon as I get back Buster: Nance can be my excuse Rio: You will probably have to speak to her to make that believeable Rio: but if you can handle that Buster: Nah, I'll say that's what I'm going there to do face to face, if my parents bother to ask me, I don't actually have to Rio: The longer you leave that, the less you'll know what to say, like Rio: but I wanna see you Rio: so do come, regardless Buster: There's nothing for me & her to say to each other Buster: I'm showing up for you Rio: or so much you don't know where to start Buster: Stop Rio: Okay Rio: we don't need to talk about that Buster: Like I said, there's nothing to talk about Buster: What's done is done Rio: Okay Rio: then come see me Buster: I intend to Rio: Good Rio: and everyone else will be at school so we'll have all the time for us Buster: Before I have to be again too anyway Rio: Yeah Rio: we can make the most Buster: I'll prop up the bar & double your tips Rio: You already got me a gift I didn't earn Buster: Are you admitting you're anything but a catch 'cause I wouldn't? Rio: I'm just saying Rio: you don't have to spoil me Buster: I haven't yet Buster: You'll know when I do Rio: Baby Buster: Did you like your presents, you never said? Rio: A lot Rio: you know Rio: you have good taste Buster: You have a good body Buster: It makes it easy Rio: 😚 Rio: Don't go to the gym as much as you but I try Buster: This summer you won't need to Buster: You're welcome in advance Rio: I'm not thanking you in advance Rio: gotta earn it Buster: You'll thank me whenever I want, I ain't forgotten how to make you Rio: 😳 Buster: Well, I made it through the chaperoned bullshit. Now the night really starts Buster: My date's mum was here, imagine mine agreeing to that 😂 Rio: And her dad, presumably Rio: that's wholesome Buster: I was tempted to fuck her purely for the audience but Rio: 🙄 Buster: You would too if you were this bored Rio: I wouldn't tell you about it Rio: how many times, boy 😏 Buster: Behave, I've already broken one habit for you Rio: I know what you're doing Rio: it's never been subtle, like Buster: What do you reckon I'm doing? Buster: Other than making my way to the after party, like Rio: You want me to be jealous Buster: No, I just want you Buster: It's been ages since you were here Rio: You struggling? Rio: Poor baby Buster: I don't struggle Rio: Nah? Buster: Did you forget who you're chatting to? Rio: I struggle Rio: loads Buster: Yeah? Rio: Every day Buster: How do you overcome it? Rio: I'll show you some time Buster: Why not now? Rio: 'cos your nights about to start Buster: It can start with you Rio: I don't think so Rio: I end things Buster: Prove it Buster: End me Rio: Fine Rio: [putting the outfit on to take it off vibes, a photoshoot] Buster: Oh Buster: Fuck Rio: May as well, yeah? Rio: not gonna let it go to waste Buster: You say that but if I was there, I'd ruin it Rio: That's never a waste Rio: I wanna be ruined too Buster: Fine but say thank you for whatever you want me to take off Buster: Manners are important to you, I know Rio: You're important to me Rio: and I wanna make you happy Rio: but these shoes Rio: I wanna keep them on Rio: so thank you for the dress Buster: I know why but you're still gonna have to stretch up for me, baby Rio: I'd rather bend down for you but if that's what you wanna see Buster: You can do both, we have time Rio: I can do so much more than that Buster: I'm well aware of what you're capable of Rio: [dress on the floor pic] Buster: I thought it couldn't look better than it did on you Rio: You should see the lingerie Buster: Show me Rio: Manners are important to me Buster: You don't need to thank me first we can just pull 'em to the side, it's alright Rio: Daddy Buster: Baby Rio: I've got the other present you bought me here too Rio: this is how you want me, or should I take the bra off? Buster: See, I told you the night's just starting Buster: Take it off, I want you to be comfortable Rio: then thank you for the bra Rio: and maybe Rio: but end it with me too Rio: okay Buster: Of course Buster: I wanna end every night with you Rio: I'm not getting you hard for any other bitch Buster: It's for you Rio: [Pic] Rio: I'm for you Rio: and I'm ready Buster: If you could hear the noise I just made, ready wouldn't be the word Rio: I'll get you to recreate it for me later Rio: where are you, are you there yet? Buster: Yeah, just got here Buster: I'm just taking a moment in the car alone before I go in Buster: Thanks to you Rio: I'm not gonna say sorry for wanting you for myself Rio: even just for a second Buster: Don't ever be sorry Buster: I'm yours for as long as you want Rio: Forever Rio: but you should have some fun tonight Rio: only fair Buster: I am Buster: More than fun Rio: I wanna have fun too Rio: tell me I can Buster: Do it Buster: I want you to have as much fun as you can Rio: Would you start slow Rio: or can I go hard already Buster: I couldn't go slow right now if I wanted to Rio: Thank God Rio: me either Rio: but I'm still trying to be 😇 Buster: You're so good Rio: Oh God Rio: You feel so good Buster: But I'm being so bad Buster: Anyone could come looking for me any second Rio: I think you wanna be caught Rio: almost as much as you want me right now Buster: I don't have a problem with anyone knowing how much I want you right now Rio: If how loud I'm being is anything to go by Rio: me either Buster: Where are you? Rio: I sorted out the balcony Rio: it's a nice night Buster: Have you said my name yet? Rio: I will Rio: I have to stop myself the rest of the time Rio: just in case anyone hears Rio: but should be safe and I really miss it Buster: That's the best thing about being here, I can say your name as often as I want Rio: You can't just say that and, fuck Rio: why couldn't either of us have a common name Rio: thanks, parents Buster: I just did & I am saying it 'cause I can't stop Buster: I don't know how I will when I have to but at least we can thank my parents for never being home Buster: That'll make it easier Rio: And you can come here, when they're both out Rio: it's not totally disgusting now, promise Buster: I'd come over even if it was Buster: I'd go anywhere for you Rio: See, you've definitely changed Rio: definitely would've called it ghetto or something not that long ago Buster: I can't spend all this time with you & not learn any manners Buster: I'm too smart Rio: 😂 Rio: You're too cute, is what you are Buster: You're too perfect is what you are Buster: It's no wonder I've fallen for you Rio: Buster Buster: Rio Rio: How drunk are you, babe? Buster: What kind of question is that? Rio: I'm just wondering how spiked the punch was Buster: I didn't spike it with brandy, like Buster: I'm fine Rio: Okay Rio: just checking Buster: You don't need to worry about me Buster: Just be here with me Rio: I'm here Rio: I'm totally yours Buster: Good Rio: I can't get over how good you look tonight Buster: [sends more pics] Rio: You're going to send me over the edge Buster: [even more pics] Buster: Go over for me Rio: How do you do this to me Rio: how can you have me like this from so far away Buster: 'Cause I love you Rio: Shit Buster: Don't you love me? Rio: No, it isn't that Buster: Tell me then Buster: Say you do Rio: We've never said this before Rio: you know Buster: Do you need to hear it again? Buster: I'm in love with you Rio: I love you Rio: please don't just be saying this Buster: Please just listen to me Rio: It was just unexpected Rio: but I'm listening, okay Buster: You think it's not unexpected for me? Rio: I don't know what I think really but no Rio: of course Buster: What you think is I'm off my face & chatting shit, yeah? Rio: No Rio: didn't say that Buster: You didn't have to Rio: I didn't say it so don't act like I did Buster: I told you how I feel so don't act like I don't mean it Rio: I'm not Buster: Okay Rio: Believe me that I believe you, yeah Buster: I want to, so yeah Rio: I'm not that bitch Buster: I know who you are Rio: Don't make it sound so threatening Buster: 😂 Rio: Well, it's a good thing the neighbours already hate this household Buster: We can always make 'em hate you more Rio: Yeah? Buster: Yeah Rio: How's the party? Buster: Standard Rio: Shame Rio: want the full teen drama cliches of some girl saving her v and then having a prom night baby Buster: Apparently fucking on prom night is myth Buster: So this lot all reckon Buster: Maybe they're just sluts like me though Rio: Rude Rio: could've left my illusions unshattered Buster: Behave, you're already living the dream Rio: 😏 Rio: American nightmare more appealing than actual problems though, obviously Buster: If you were here what cliche would you want? Rio: Entire football team, obviously Rio: #slaglife Buster: Don't Rio: Just a joke Buster: I hate it on so many levels Rio: I won't put it in my routine, like Rio: I don't know though, I can't imagine myself there Buster: You were though Rio: Yeah but properly Rio: I couldn't even do normal school and no one expects you to give a shit, really Rio: the idea of a pep rally and me is just Buster: You could but you didn't want to, firstly Buster: Secondly, I'm not properly here Rio: More properly than I could Rio: or most people, like Buster: The only place I properly am is with you Buster: That's the me that's closest to whatever the fuck I wanna be Rio: Good Rio: 'cos I like him Rio: and being with you Buster: I'm a headfuck, I know, but you're so important Rio: Who isn't Rio: I get you better than I get anyone else Buster: It's the only thing that's ever scared me, like actually Rio: Me knowing you? Buster: Yeah Rio: I didn't mean to Rio: but being scared doesn't have to be a bad thing Rio: you know Buster: It does. It is Rio: Why? Buster: It gets in the way of shit Buster: We'd have been here sooner if I wasn't Rio: Yeah but we might not have been ready Rio: you couldn't kiss, for starters Buster: Fuck off Rio: Couldn't resist but I actually mean it though Rio: we might've messed it all up Rio: who knows Buster: We already did that, loads of times Rio: but beyond repair Buster: There's no such thing Buster: Unless one of us died tragically young Rio: Well that's morbid Rio: you aren't killing me off to fuel your story, thanks Buster: The point is, there's always chances & choices Rio: Yeah, so we missed some then Rio: there's plenty more if we want them Buster: I want all of them Buster: Everything with you Rio: then they're yours Rio: ours Buster: I really fucking love you Rio: I love you Buster Rio: it's crazy saying that Rio: even if it's just typing Buster: Tell me I can come back now, there's only 3 days of school left here Rio 1. Can you afford to? 2. How much trouble will you be in with your school/parents? Buster: It's the perfect idea 'cause everyone here will think I've gone back home & everyone back home will think I'm still here like I'm supposed to be Buster: We can be together until I actually have to be back Rio: Okay, it does sound like it so what's the catch Rio: we don't get to just be together Buster: If anyone sees me in Dublin I'll be in loads of shit but just keep me out of sight Rio: Easily done Rio: Come back Buster: It's a week, we can do that, yeah? Buster: Nobody'll find out Rio: We've done longer Rio: I'll get a hotel for you this time Rio: I'd say stay 'cos Indie wouldn't tell but there's only 2 rooms so not gonna work Buster: & There's no way I could be quiet when I miss you this much Rio: Good point Rio: I forgot about that, she's out most the time I'm in but you know Rio: hotel, definitely Buster: I'm gonna go pack my shit up then Buster: That'll take a while Rio: another good point Rio: can we do this? Buster: We can do anything, babe Rio: Yeah Rio: I want you with me so bad Buster: I wanna be with you more than anything Buster: Just give me a few hours to pack & then I'll head to the airport before this party's even got good never mind finished Buster: They'll be going til morning & I'll be on my way by then Rio: I'm not gonna forget this, you know Rio: I'm gonna spoil you Buster: I'm not gonna stop you Rio: Priorities Rio: I'm gonna try harder Rio: okay Buster: I'll hold you to it, once I'm done holding you, like Rio: Do Rio: on both counts Buster: You're cute Buster: Really cute Rio: Cute like you wanna friendzone me now or cute like you wanna come here and fuck my brains out for a whole week Buster: There you go again asking a question that you know the answer to Buster: Cute like I'm doing lines so I can pack faster so I can get there ASAP Rio: There you go acting like you don't know I like to hear you Rio: remember you are gonna have to get through airport security in a bit, like 😂 Buster: It'll still be hours Buster: It's fine Rio: Good Rio: that's a cockblock too far Buster: I wouldn't let that happen Buster: I'm too determined to break another hotel bed Rio: 😏 Rio: We gotta Rio: be letting ourselves down otherwise Buster: & I promised not to let you down again ever, didn't I? Rio: I get it, you know what you're saying Rio: no need to show off Buster: There's every need 'cause you're so into how impressive I am Rio: You don't need to try, babe Buster: 'Course I don't but with you I like trying new things Rio: 😍🤤 Rio: be more perfect, honestly Buster: I'll try Buster: See, I told you Rio: You're such an adorable baby Buster: Right now I'm a jealous one, there's a couple making out literally next to where I'm standing waiting for my cab Buster: I want you like that Rio: Get a room, lads Rio: so soon Buster: I'd pull you so much closer than they are Rio: Obviously Rio: we're better Rio: and hotter Buster: This would be such a good wall to have you up against Buster: The light would basically display every inch of you Rio: Just to you or the whole party Buster: Just to me Rio: Always down for a private show Buster: That's why you're my favourite Rio: Fucking better be Rio: cheek Buster: You are, baby Rio: I'm your only baby, right Buster: Yeah Buster: I've only ever called other girls by their names Rio: Good Rio: you can always say my name too though Rio: well, when we can Buster: I'll say it for you all week Buster: As much as you want Rio: Oh you'll be saying my name, trust me Rio: make sure of that Buster: I've never said anyone's name as much as I wanna say yours Buster: Or how Rio: No girl has ever fucked you like me Buster: True Buster: I don't need to tell you what to do, I just like to Rio: you like how much I like it Buster: Yeah Rio: what else do you like Rio: how much can we fit into a week Buster: How much do you have to work & how long are your breaks when you do? Rio: it's getting really quiet in the weeks, it's actually annoying, sometimes they don't need me at all 'til fridays Rio: so if I do work much before the weekend, it'll likely be dead enough I can fit loads of 'breaks' in Buster: Nobody I know is a regular are they? I'll just get shit done from there for however long your shift is Rio: highly doubt it Rio: too sketchy a crowd Buster: Sketchy like I need to beat the shit out of them? Rio: Daddy, first of all Rio: but nah, I can handle them Rio: just not really your people Rio: plus everyone is easy over 35, even the after-work crowd Buster: I'll save it for your ex when I pay him a visit then, more worthwhile anyways Rio: Ugh, forget about him Rio: I'm not sharing Buster: You won't have to, it won't take long Buster: You'll be busy making me a drink for when I get back Rio: Stop making it hot, I don't want you to see him ever Rio: he's so Rio: it's embarrassing Buster: I don't want him to see you again ever or talk to you or think about you Buster: That's more important Rio: That'd be nice Rio: he might show up Buster: Let me make sure you're safe, okay? Buster: Please Rio: Okay Buster: Are you sure? I want your actual permission Rio: If he shows up, yeah Rio: I don't want you to go find him Rio: he'll just think I care Rio: he's fucked like that, and I don't care Buster: Okay Buster: I promise then Rio: I care about you so much Buster: Good 'cause other than my future, which you're a part of anyway, you're the only thing I care about Rio: I am Buster: Is that a question or are you agreeing with me that you're the only thing worth giving a shit toward? Rio: I was asking Rio: but that's the best thing you've ever said to me Buster: It shouldn't be a surprise to you, I only bother about things that matter & you matter more than anyone I've ever met Rio: Buster Buster: Rio Rio: I just want you home Buster: Soon, my baby Rio: Are you trying to make me wake everyone up? Rio: oh my god Buster: No, but if you do they'll be the only ones mad about it Rio: I feel like such a mess without you Rio: everything is better when you're here Buster: You're not though Buster: You're holding everything together Buster: Including me sometimes Buster: But that's a secret, 'cause McKenna's don't fall apart Rio: It's all our secret, baby Rio: no one knows Buster: I'm gonna enjoy leaving so many bruises on you this week that everyone can see, all the same 😈 Rio: I want it to be as obvious as we can get away with Rio: that's what makes it so hot Rio: they'll know I'm someones, just not who's Buster: & I'll know you're mine Buster: We have to record everything for when I leave Buster: Take so many pics too, like Rio: Exactly, and I'll feel that I'm yours Rio: we can use the new camera I got Rio: almost like being there Buster: It's only a month but in Chelsea that'll feel like 7 Buster: & I get so horny now that I'm just yours, your sympathy is optional though 'cause I'm not sorry that I am Rio: being horny is better than being bored Rio: or disappointed Rio: I always have time to play with you Rio: and I also always have at least 2 days off a week, standard, so Rio: even if they're weekdays, I could still come see you Buster: I'd rather not be fucked by you than go with any of them again, you know that Rio: you want me to love you more 😍 Buster: Yes Buster: I want you to love me more than you're ever loved any of the others Buster: & I wanna love you more than any of them did Rio: That's already happened Buster: Well, then I wanna keep it like that Buster: Keep you Rio: Please Buster: Don't say that, this cab is stuck in traffic & I need you so bad it actually hurts Rio: but I wanna be yours forever, daddy Buster: Fuck Rio: tell me how to be your girl forever Buster: Come & sit on my lap right now Rio: I like how you feel underneath me Buster: You'd love this Buster: How close I already am 'cause of you Rio: Do I even have time to get you out of your pants Rio: or is all it's gonna take me grinding my wet pussy on you like this Buster: I wish you could hear the answer I just gave you Buster: The driver definitely did Rio: Lucky Rio: I hope you're not sick of people telling you how sexy your accent is Rio: I thought it first Buster: Sick of them but never you Rio: Good, 'cos whilst I'm on your lap, you should tell me how much you've missed me Buster: Do you want me to whisper it in your ear or let this cabby know as well? Rio: Hmm Rio: he can know our secret, long as you tell him what a good girl I am too Rio: might not catch it in the mirror Buster: Of course Buster: I'll tell him you're an angel Rio: I won't tell him how 😈 you're being but he might guess Buster: He will Buster: So will all the other cars stalled in this traffic Rio: Now I need to be there Rio: traffic is only fun if you've got me there to give you road head Buster: Please be here Buster: I'm so Buster: Desperate for you Rio: I can feel it Rio: I could make you cum, get you hard and make you cum again before this car moved Rio: I know it Buster: Baby Rio: Yes, daddy? Buster: Do it Buster: Don't tease me, it's not nice Rio: You're right Rio: make me sorry later Rio: I've got important work to do right now Buster: Be sorry, don't make me have to make you Buster: Again, not very polite Rio: I don't know where my manners have gone Rio: it's gonna work in your favour when I meet you at the airport and we recreate this properly in the ride back though Rio: good girls do not behave like that, that's for sure Buster: Mine does Rio: Oh Rio: I fucking love you Buster: You can't say that to me right now Buster: I just Rio: You want me to make you cum Rio: I know how that is getting you Buster: I'm so loud he's gonna throw me out Buster: Jesus Rio: You look so beautiful when you cum Rio: I'll never forget the first time I saw, I couldn't take my eyes off you Buster: How could I feel anything but beautiful if I'm inside you Rio: I'm gonna make sure you feel like that always Buster: Forever, yeah? 'Cause you're always gonna love me too Rio: I've loved your forever Rio: and I'm not gonna stop Buster: Don't Buster: Oh my god Buster: Don't stop ever Rio: Never Rio: I need you, I want you, for everything, for always Buster: I've never felt like before & I never will again Buster: It's only yours Buster: For you, the happiest I've ever been Rio: Then you have to stay Rio: be mine, be happy Buster: I am Rio: You deserve this Rio: and more Rio: everything Buster: Give it to me, nobody else can Rio: You can have everything I have Rio: you know that Rio: I mean it, I'm yours Buster: Rio Rio: Buster Buster: You've made me such a mess Rio: Literal like IOU a clean-up and the fine or metaphorical Buster: Literally, like I haven't cum so much since you were here Buster: In the other sense, it's the opposite, obviously Rio: [adorable smug face selfie] Rio: can't have you changing your mind 'cos packing is the worst, like Buster: [a 😳 & we know why selfie back] Buster: I won't change my mind Buster: I love you Rio: See Rio: so fucking beautiful Buster: You are, yeah, keep telling yourself though Rio: You're silly Buster: [silly selfie cos he is] Rio: 😍 Rio: Mine Buster: Cab's moving again Buster: If we needed any more proof you're a goddess Rio: 🙌 Rio: Don't worry, I like you, so I'll only use my powers for good Buster: If you wanna be bad sometimes, I won't be that upset about it Rio: Keep that in mind Rio: do have a week, after-all Buster: 😈 Rio: You're really coming Buster: I really am Buster: So soon Rio: It's so weird Rio: how it feels like it's been forever this time Buster: I miss you too, babe Rio: You do now Buster: Behave, I did anyway Rio: Promise Buster: I swear to you Buster: On whatever you want me to Rio: swear on me Rio: 'cos I'm so important, like Buster: Alright, I do Rio: I believe you Buster: Good, 'cause I mean it Buster: & It's believable how important you are Rio: to you Rio: that's all I care about Buster: To everyone, but especially to me Buster: You are mine Rio: That never stops feeling good Rio: when you say that Buster: Tell me if it ever does, yeah? Rio: 'Course Rio: but it won't Buster: Time to pack Buster: Just gonna make coffee & risk the heart attack, like Rio: 😒 Don't play and don't die, thanks Buster: I'm a god too, don't forget. Immortal essentially Rio: Do you have to test that theory out when I'm not there to perform CPR though 😏 Buster: 😇 Promise Rio: Yeah that I'm only believing when I see it Rio: soz Buster: Well, you won't have to wait very long to see me so Rio: I know Rio: it's been way too long since I touched you Buster: I could've just touched you & I'd still want to Buster: Again & again, you know Buster: I can't get enough of all the ways you react to me Rio: I know the feeling Rio: it's all like new with you Rio: most lads are total carbon copies in bed Rio: even when you're good Rio: like sticking to a script, you know Buster: It's no different with girls, they've all watched the same porn, had the same chats with their friends, read the same advice Rio: Yeah Rio: been the thirdwheel to that mess too Rio: it's so boring Buster: I was frustrated in every sense of the word before you Rio: I know Rio: not that you ain't worth risking it all but it was lucky it was pretty obvious Buster: To you 'cause you were looking for it Rio: Hmm Rio: I'm not sure about that Buster: I am Rio: I'm fine taking knowing when people need to get laid as a special skill, like Buster: It's a decent skill to have Rio: I'd say it helps with the job but just take that as given, really Rio: no playing hard to get with it Buster: I mean, you could Buster: Some people are really into that Rio: I can Rio: they can't Rio: that's the beauty of it Buster: You're the beauty of it, but point taken Buster: The point I was trying to make is that me & you are the same Rio: Yeah? Buster: You weren't any happier than I was before this, you just care more about hiding that than I do Rio: True Rio: I don't know when it happened Rio: do you Rio: being, I don't have the word Rio: not happy but that doesn't equal sad, exactly Buster: It's never one thing you can pinpoint, I don't think Buster: Like, oh my brother died or oh we moved from Cambs or whatever, that's a cop out Rio: Yeah Rio: it's everything Rio: it all adds up and you're left with whatever at the end Buster: Exactly Buster: I also love that you brought it around to maths Rio: 😂 Barely Buster: Shh it's hot how smart you are Rio: Such a nerd Buster: You're a nerd & like I said, I'm into it Buster: It's such a wasted opportunity that we never got to study together Rio: That's a cliche I could've got behind Rio: I'll just help you Buster: Put your massage skills to good use, babe Rio: That went from wanting me for my brain real quick, you fake 😉 Rio: not that mad Buster: Smart as you are, I don't reckon I trust you to write all the essays I get assigned about problematic dead white men, like Rio: 'Bout the only way I wanna blow your professors' minds, I'm sure 🤢 Buster: Don't make me think about you blowing any of my professors Rio: Not a mood Rio: 100% I could find them on seeking arrangements though Buster: Definitely Buster: Not all, loads of them 100% prefer boys but a fair few Rio: 😒 typical Rio: such a boy's club Buster: We only have 2 teachers that aren't & they are both really old Buster: Not a mood either, if I wanted to live that cliche Rio: I think that's lowkey illegal Rio: I'm calling HR Buster: They only started letting female pupils in when they were forced, I don't reckon they care Rio: It's so archaic Rio: sure wherever you end up working will be the same though Rio: they give you the 'if you're gonna sexually harrass the one woman lawyer, be subtle about it or she'll sue' seminars anyway Buster: Yeah 'cause if I can't bend my colleagues over a desk what will I possibly find to do all day, actual work? Buster: Christ no Rio: Good coke, I reckon Rio: it's a living Buster: That goes without saying Buster: I already don't sleep & I ain't even got a job yet Rio: You will when you're here Buster: I'll just watch you, like that creepy stereotype Rio: It's not creepy Rio: just inadvisable Buster: Is that an admittance of guilt, babe? Rio: I don't know what you're talking about Rio: can't prove anything Buster: I bet you stroked my hair & everything Rio: I hate you so much Buster: You love me so much Rio: Shut up, you're mean Buster: Come on Rio: What Buster: You know there's not a single second I don't wanna look at you Buster: You just said it first Rio: Yeah Rio: 1-1 then Buster: Oh you're keeping score now, yeah? Rio: Maybe Rio: but I've not worked out what's a win and what's a loss so Buster: More maths, I approve Buster: There are no losses though, we both just keep winning Rio: Perv 😏 Rio: that sounds good to me though Rio: deal Buster: How do you wanna seal that deal, baby? Rio: We should go out Rio: there's loads of places we can go that no one we know should be Buster: Alright then Rio: Not soon as you arrive, obviously Rio: priorities Buster: Dressed to impress in my tuxe, like 👑 Rio: Impress ain't the word Rio: 😍 Buster: We just got married & we need free champagne immediately Buster: It's a good scam Rio: Do you think we look old enough Buster: If they let us in, they'd have to believe we are Rio: Fair Rio: Free champagne is always a yes so why not Buster: What do you have that's white? Rio: Rude to imply I ain't 😇 enough Rio: sure I can cobble something together Buster: If I'm implying anything it's that I need pics of every option before we decide Rio: um it's bad luck Rio: don't you know anything Buster: We don't have bad luck Buster: But fine, you can surprise me Rio: Trust my judgment Rio: also trust I ain't gonna let you upstage me like that Buster: I trust you utterly Rio: Fuck me Buster: I'm in the midst of packing but if you say please Rio: I'll be good then Rio: but that got me Buster: You already know I trust you, I've told you before Rio: I'm not gonna let you down then Rio: I can't Buster: You never have Rio: Well Buster: Trust yourself as much as I trust you Rio: Let's just say I won't again Rio: yeah Buster: Yeah Rio: Clean slate Buster: Another one or a continuation of the one we agreed to the night I stopped fucking uninteresting American girls? Rio: if that one had a clause about all previous sins as well, should work fine Rio: not fucked any of your friends since or similar, obviously Buster: Me either, obviously Buster: If any of them flew over to the US that's a coincidence, like Rio: Idiot 🙄 Buster: Be nice to me Rio: I'm always nice Buster: Come & help me pack Rio: You'd have to do a lot to make doing that flight x2 in a go appealing Buster: It's not my fault that I need you on this case to make it shut & to make you cum Rio: okay I'm coming Buster: It really doesn't wanna close, we're really gonna have to force it, babe Rio: You know I can take it Rio: go as hard as you can, don't hold back Buster: I'll break this zip before I break you Rio: Come on baby Rio: I believe in you Buster: Say it again Rio: You can do it Rio: I believe in you Buster: You better 'cause I have another one to do after this Rio: I didn't imagine you'd packed light, babe Buster: I've been here for months Rio: I know Rio: not saying I could do better Buster: You could 'cause you could wear anything & look hot as fuck Buster: You just are Rio: so are you Rio: you just like to dress up, you don't need to Buster: All these clothes on my floor are reminding me of you Buster: It's so distracting Rio: You've gotta focus, babe Rio: how can I come see you when you're back in school if you can't concentrate, even when I'm being my most distracting Buster: You know better than to underestimate me Rio: I'm just saying Rio: you've not seen distracting yet Buster: I've seen you, everything you do distracts me, but I'm still here doing what needs to get done Buster: It's just that right now I feel like that includes you Rio: You know that includes me Rio: I was just trying to be good Buster: I wanna make you feel as good as you're trying to be Rio: Please Buster: Get on the floor with me Rio: Okay Rio: [selfie evidence] Buster: You're such a good girl Buster: Don't deny yourself anything Buster: You deserve everything you want, any time Rio: Including you Buster: So how do you want me? Rio: It's wrong me being on the floor and NOT on my knees Rio: you can hit it so deep from behind Buster: Hurry up then Rio: [pic] Rio: Your turn Buster: [video cos has to be more extra obvs] Rio: You're so hard Rio: how long have you been thinking about me Buster: I'm always thinking about you Rio: I get it, I'm always ready for you too Rio: but I'm over ready right now Buster: My poor baby Buster: This is why you need to tell me & stop trying to be such an angel all the time Rio: I know you're so busy sorting everything out to come see me but I need you now Rio: I'm clingy Buster: I'm never gonna be too busy for you, I don't care what else I'm doing, you come first for me Buster: I'm gonna go so slow to prove it to you, really let you feel it Rio: Oh shit, daddy Rio: Please play with me whilst you fuck me, I need you everywhere Buster: I'll use my tongue first until you're sure we're not in any rush 'cause you obviously need to be reminded how special you are Rio: You know I'm gonna cum all over your face Rio: I'm too close Buster: I want it, I love the taste of you Rio: I swear I can feel your tongue Rio: don't stop talking baby Buster: You're so wet, everyone's gonna hear us Buster: Say my name for them so they know how much you love me Rio: we've been going for hours, there isn't anyone left on this street who doesn't know your name Rio: or how good you are Buster: If there are, they'll know after this Buster: 'Cause you can feel my fingers too, can't you? & my lips. I'm giving you everything that you need Rio: Yes, you're everything Rio: you know just how I like it Buster: I swear I can hear you showing me exactly how much you like it Rio: I'm beingso loud it's a problem Rio: I can't stop Buster: Be louder Rio: Fingerfuck me harder Rio: please please please Buster: Since you asked that politely Buster: Is that better, baby? Rio: I'm gonna have to move after this Rio: fucking hell this is so good, Buster Buster: You're not allowed to move Buster: This is what you said you wanted, remember? Rio: Yes, pin me down Rio: let them hear it Rio: see Buster: I'll flip you over if I want to, but not yet Rio: You're in control, baby Rio: I'm out of it so you've gotta Buster: You're totally losing yours but it's okay Rio: You like me like this Rio: messy baby Buster: I love you every way there is Rio: You love me Buster: I fucking love you, Rio Rio: I love you so much Rio: no one's ever loved anyone this much or this hard Buster: I know Buster: There's no one else like me Buster: Or you, that's why you're mine now Rio: Forever Buster: Longer than that Rio: Keep me Rio: I'll only ever be yours Buster: I'll keep you safe & keep you with me Buster: Keep you happy Buster: Keep on loving you Rio: You're the best daddy in the whole world Buster: Cum for me then Rio: It's going to be so much Rio: I feel so full Rio: use how wet I am Rio: I need my other hole filled too Buster: Whatever my baby wants Rio: I'm in love with you Rio: damn Buster: Be in love with me, that's all I want Rio: Then you've got it Buster: Fuck, you're just so perfect Rio: You make me really happy Buster: Good Buster: You deserve that more than anything else Rio: I can't believe this is happening Rio: still Buster: Believe it Buster: You are a dream come true but it's not that Rio: It is crazy though Rio: not that long ago we 'hated' each other Buster: But I never actually hated you Buster: I've felt like this for so long Rio: I don't know how I ever acted like I hated you Rio: not that I was amazing at it but you know Rio: we tried for too long Buster: You've probably forgotten 'cause it was so long ago but you got your dad to drive me home & you stayed. I don't remember much more than that 'cause I was properly wasted as per for a fam function but you gave a shit about me, I knew that then & it was just so Buster: I don't know, I'd never felt it Buster: My parents weren't leaving out glasses of water for me to wake up to, like Buster: It should've just always been like that Rio: No, I remember Rio: you were just so Rio: I don't know, like a kid again, you know Rio: you needed someone to Buster: We were kids, even if you did have that boyfriend you invited Rio: Don't remind me Rio: guess we were kids, still Rio: there always seems like a before and an after somehow Buster: I just think that maybe I could have been in love with you then, if I let myself Buster: Left out so much bullshit Rio: It's a lot to let in though Rio: we both know the risks, actually risks Buster: Yeah Rio: Who knows Rio: if we could handle that on top of everything else we had to Buster: I can obviously handle anything, how dare you Buster: But seriously, it was & is a lot Buster: I knew that as a actual kid being dared to kiss you Rio: 'Course, babe Rio: Pandora's box, yeah Rio: or whatever Buster: I was never a bad kisser or a little cunt, I just had to slam it shut Buster: End of story Buster: 😂 Rio: 😏 Stick to it Rio: who's here to disagree but me and I'm not dying to start up the old argument Buster: I really must have worn you out if you don't wanna fight Rio: The neighbours are glad to hear it Rio: or stop hearing it, like Buster: Fine by me, I can't let you lose your voice before I get there Rio: I don't think I'd have known what to do if you were nice to me anyway Rio: you think I'm bad now, like Buster: Baby Rio: Not just you Buster: I'm just gonna have to extra nice to you from now on then, yeah? Buster: Easy Rio: Hm? Buster: We've got so much time to make up Buster: So much bullshit to make better Rio: But plenty of time to do it in Rio: right Buster: Longer than forever is what I reckon I said Rio: Is that permission to hold you to EVERYTHING you say when we're fucking then? 😏 Buster: It's when I'm the most honest Rio: I believe it Rio: drunk you is probably a close 2nd, but you also chat a lot of shit then so Buster: It's why loads of girls hate me & equally loads of 'em desperately want me to call 'em again Buster: Well, I'm running on coke, coffee & champagne, not necessarily in that order so let's assume I'm the most truthful I've ever been then Buster: Not to mention whatever was in that fucking punch, like Rio: Veritaserum Rio: I should ask you about all your deep, dark secrets now then, yeah? Buster: Yeah Rio: Hmm Rio: let me think Buster: Sure, I'll finish packing Rio: How rude Rio: I'm not that slow Buster: Not what I meant Buster: But you'd be stupid to blurt out a bullshit question when you can ask me anything Rio: That's the problem Rio: too wide a net Rio: too many potential minefields Buster: Take your time then Rio: Nah, fuck it Rio: if I'm to the point, you can only get so mad Rio: Why do you only do it with the same girl once Rio: what's that all about Buster: Isn't it obvious? Buster: I leave them wanting more & only have to remember their name for however long they last Rio: Don't you ever want to go over it again though Rio: they can't all be that bad Buster: Why would I? I was impressive & they were whatever adjective they were Rio: Hmm Rio: I guess I see it Buster: You said it yourself, even when it's good it's not that good Rio: Yeah, it's just different from how I went about it, for lots of reasons, obvs Buster: You care about people, I don't Rio: Nah Rio: not even Rio: you stick with the same person, you can damage control how bad it is Rio: train them a bit Buster: Fuck that Buster: I can train a girl in one night if I need to Buster: If I stuck with her I'd have to lie, hold her hand & tell her how pretty she is, all that shit Rio: Nah Rio: what's the point in that then Rio: don't get to enjoy the fruits of your labour Rio: and you can be a shit boyfriend, I was hardly #1 girlfriend Buster: There's an obvious point to fucking, firstly & secondly, I don't do anything to be shit at it Rio: so it's an ego thing Rio: okay Buster: Have we met? Buster: Everything I do is an ego thing Rio: That's really sweet Buster: What? Rio: That your ego can deal with the fuckboy thing but you can't deal with being a shitty boyfriend Rio: weirdly chivalrous or something Buster: I'm not a fuckboy is everyone knows what's gonna happen Buster: We all go into it with our eyes open Buster: *if Rio: Nah Rio: girls lie about that sort of thing Rio: show they're cool and down Rio: you're definitely a fuckboy Buster: My friends lie that there's a future beyond the fuck, that they'll be the girl's boyfriend that's fuckboy behavior Buster: Not what I did Rio: It's definitely worse Rio: but it'll be all the same when you don't text back Rio: I know how girls chat Buster: Whatever you say, babe Rio: 😂 What, you don't believe me? Buster: I don't care, more like Buster: I don't do it anymore regardless Rio: Okay Buster: I'm sure plenty of girls have noticed my absence from the party & are understandably devastated but not my concern Buster: Priorities, like Rio: Don't be grumpy Rio: I said it was cute Buster: I ain't & you're cute Rio: Teeny tiny bit? Buster: You're much cuter than that Rio: 🤓 Rio: you Buster: You didn't ask me how many, I might be grumpy then Rio: Why? Buster: It's not nicely rounded Buster: That annoys me Buster: Obviously 'cause you'd judge me Rio: 'Scuse you Rio: why am I such a judgmental bitch now Buster: It's just a high number, that's all I'm saying Rio: If you're fine with it Rio: all that matters ain't it Buster: I don't know how I feel about it Rio: That's pretty standard too, I reckon Buster: It's like okay there's a record of exactly how many nights I felt lonely since the first time I thought fucking would fix that Buster: How were there that many? Why? Rio: It's fucked Rio: but you ain't alone in being alone, you know Buster: 'Course not Rio: Not that that makes it any better Rio: but everyone's at it Buster: Yeah Rio: It's an epidemic Rio: 'least you don't cash in on it Buster: Not gonna cash in on my failure Buster: If I'm so great & my ego's so big, my own company should be enough for me Buster: More than Rio: No one likes themselves that much Rio: 'cept really smug buddhists or something Buster: You're funny Rio: It's been said Buster: I don't know, it's just weak Buster: To need things from people you don't know, never mind care about Rio: Listen, you can pay for it if having it transactional makes it more comfortable Rio: you're a human, you need things, simple as Rio: you'd be dead boring if you were one of those AA types who has to abstain from EVERYTHING to feel 'free' Buster: What are you angling for me to buy you, babe? Rio: Fuck off Buster: I can't, I love you Rio: It's not a get out of jail free card, you know Buster: I'm not planning to need one Rio: 😏 Rio: Bold of you to assume I'm not really grumpy already Buster: If you are, it's 'cause you're tired Buster: That's easily fixable Rio: 😑 boy Buster: Take a nap, baby Rio: You're gonna wanna reconsider Buster: Am I? Rio: Mhm Buster: Tell me why Rio: Because I'm not in the mood to be told what to do now Buster: It's only a suggestion, you said it was a long shift & loads has happened since then Buster: I'm going to the airport, so why not Rio: I'm perfectly capable of working out when I need to sleep Rio: tah Buster: Calm down Rio: Ha Rio: Okay yeah, let's stop here Buster: You don't need to have an attitude about this, so yeah, stop Rio: You're the one who said it Buster: I'm literally being helpful, what the fuck Rio: You really don't get it Rio: forget about it Rio: see you later Buster: Nah, explain it to me Rio: You literally said you were gonna buy me Rio: that's not funny Buster: I didn't mean it Buster: Come on Rio: Still Buster: Still, you know it's not like that Rio: Well, like I said Rio: I don't wanna joke about it Buster: Okay, I'm sorry Rio: Alright Buster: Is it? Buster: 'Cause I can't leave until it is Rio: Of course Rio: don't not come Rio: you've packed Buster: That shouldn't be the reason to come or not Rio: Come on Rio: I still want you to come Rio: I'm not that mad Buster: But you are mad, so talk to me Rio: I was, you said sorry Rio: that's all that needs doing, like Buster: Are you sure? Rio: Promise Rio: it's not your fault it's a sensitive subject, like Rio: I knew you were joking Buster: Why is it though? Don't you like doing what you do? Rio: It's complicated Rio: some bits Buster: Do you mean, it's complicated but I like it or I fucking hate that it's complicated & I wish it was different Rio: It's the porn industry, we all know it's sketch Rio: it's just fucked I can even do it Rio: you know Buster: You can stop, if you want Buster: At any point Rio: I know Rio: I might have to Rio: Ryan found out Rio: I don't do anything that actually is porn, really Rio: but I could still get in trouble, I reckon, if he tells everyone Buster: Well, don't ever stop doing anything 'cause of that cunt Buster: I'll just kill him Rio: It's just talking Rio: you've seen Buster: I know & I know you're good at it Buster: So like I said, it's not up to him when you stop Buster: Or if Rio: Thanks Buster: I ain't killed him yet Buster: Don't thank me Rio: Remember you promsied Buster: That was before I knew he could fuck up your job though Rio: He won't do it Rio: I'm sure of it Buster: He won't if I shut his mouth for him Buster: When you get your jaw wired you can't talk properly for ages, you know Rio: Babe Buster: I'm just saying, it happened to a boxer I've fought, not 'cause of me that time but it really fucked him up Buster: Think about letting it happen Rio: You really would get in trouble then Rio: no Buster: I wouldn't f that's why it's a no, I ain't that stupid Rio: I don't wanna be giving him this much thought right now Rio: any Rio: you're coming Buster: Okay but just remember I'm not there as far as anyone but you knows so it'd be a good time to beat the shit out of him if you change your mind Rio: You want me to be jealous of him now? Rio: Weird but go off Buster: Shut up Buster: I wasn't even that jealous of him when you were with him Buster: & I'm jealous of like, anyone who looks at you, ever has or will Rio: 😂 Rio: well you wanna spend all this time with him Rio: jussayin Buster: I keep telling you it wouldn't take long, I don't know why you're doubting me Rio: Take it as a compliment Buster: You've literally seen me fight & that's when there are rules Buster: How is it a compliment? Rio: Wow, your ego really isn't that big Rio: if it was you'd know what I was getting at straight away Rio: so humble, babe Buster: That's the most hurtful thing you've ever said to me Buster: I know what you were saying you wanna be with me 24/7 but now I'm actually broken hearted like Rio: I was saying you literally fucked me for hours tonight so I doubt your definition of not taking long but you just want an excuse to run off into the sunset now Rio: see how it is Buster: Size matters, babe, I'm so upset Buster: Also there's no comparison when you're important & he isn't Rio: Baby Rio: I'm sorry Rio: it's so so big Rio: 😏 Buster: Who am I that I can't even be fake mad at you for longer than a second? Rio: I can call you soft if you want Rio: get you going again to save face Buster: You better fucking not Rio: 😘 Buster: & You better actually kiss & make up with me when I get there if you're gonna keep taking the piss Rio: Hi, have we met? Rio: that's our specialty Buster: If we haven't met we should, 'cause you're really fucking beautiful, like Rio: 😳 Buster: I'm beyond ready to spend a week with you Rio: Me too Rio: thank fuck London is not this far away Buster: I just got in the shower to look less like I rolled up straight from a party & all I can think about is how much I want you in here too Buster: At this rate I'm never gonna leave Buster: Fuck's sake Rio: 🤤 Rio: I do need to shower too, to be fair Rio: you made me a mess so Buster: We made each other a mess Buster: Get in then Rio: Alright Buster: Tell me to be quick Rio: You've got to Rio: plane to catch Rio: focus, baby Buster: Start counting for me, if it gets too high, make sure I'm out Rio: Shameless ploy to get me to speak maths at you Rio: but alright Buster: 😏 Buster: No more than 10 minutes, okay? Rio: Got it Rio: Bet I can beat you Buster: What do you wanna bet? Rio: What do you want/ Buster: If I beat you, you have to let me pay for the hotel & vice versa Rio: You're on Buster: Alright Rio: No cheating Rio: do it properly Rio: play fair Buster: 😇 Buster: Trust me Rio: I do Buster: Good Rio: Don't distract me Buster: I wouldn't dare, babe Rio: 😇 Buster: 😏 Rio: [who's gonna win] Buster: [ooh good point maybe we should let her win cos of all the money he's already spent lol] Rio: [save him girl lol] Rio: Clean 😋 Buster: Seriously? Rio: [proof pics] Rio: 🥇🙌 Buster: Fuck's sake Rio: Don't be a sore loser, baby Buster: I hate you Rio: No you don't Buster: No, I don't Rio: In fact, you love me SO much, it's a real hindrance, right? Rio: 😏 Buster: You said it Rio: Not sorry Buster: Book us a hotel then Buster: I've got a plane to catch Rio: 😍 Rio: On it Buster: I do love you so much,  but it's not an obstacle in any way, it's so far from it Buster: Just to let you know, like Rio: You're so nice Rio: and cute Buster: Shh Rio: but Buster: Don't distract me Rio: You already lost though Buster: I've already put on a show for one taxi driver though Rio: Now who's being distracting 🤤 Buster: It ain't my fault I want you again Rio: Like you ever stopped Rio: come on Buster: Exactly Buster: I've told you before, it's constant Rio: I know it is Rio: we're in it together Buster: Just as well 'cause it probably is classed as an actual addiction how badly I need you Rio: Yeah but 'long as you don't get cut off Rio: and I've got no plans to Rio: it's basically fine, yeah Buster: There's a load worse things I could be doing Buster: Have done Rio: Cheers 😂 Buster: You know what I mean Rio: This fam, they'd probably be more alright with the smack, honestly Buster: Don't Rio: It's alright Rio: they aren't finding out Buster: Not this week at least Rio: Hell no Rio: I am not ready for another family function yet Buster: Me either Rio: You're gonna need to tone down how distracting you are Rio: but don't ever Buster: Says you Buster: The most distracting girl I've ever met Rio: Only 'cos you're looking Buster: Only 'cause you're existing Buster: So fucking flawlessly Buster: In my line of sight Rio: Baby Rio: Please Buster: Please what? Rio: Please don't be so nice Rio: I can't love you any more Buster: I'm just being honest, I keep telling you Rio: I know Rio: I'm annoying, aren't I Buster: No, you're not Rio: Like you said, it's just constant Buster: Yeah Buster: I'm not mad about it Rio: Good Rio: I can come see you then Rio: when you're home Buster: 'Course Buster: As often as you can Rio: Yeah Rio: in comparison it'll be so easy Rio: it's cheap, plenty of reasons to be there Buster: I'll expect you every week then, yeah? Rio: Why not Rio: just tell me when you really need to focus Buster: I really need to focus on you as much as possible Rio: Obviously Rio: good 🍀 charm Buster: & You already said you'd help me do my homework Rio: We're study buddies Rio: believable, yeah? Rio: won't even need a hotel 😂 Buster: It should be, you're smart enough to keep up Rio: 🤞 my 'rents never got hold of yours to tell 'em I'm a dropout Buster: Fingers crossed my sister ain't told 'em, more like Buster: She can't read but at least she's still in school, right, mum & dad? Rio: If she's using me as a cautionary tale/could be worse benchmark, we'll be having words Rio: even if you did throw me a party Buster: Well, she can't use me at the moment, I haven't fucked up for ages as far as any of them know Rio: 👑 again Rio: how does it feel Buster: Standard, obviously Rio: really Buster: It's my normal Rio: Yeah Rio: I should sleep whilst you're travelling but I don't wanna 😞 Buster: Wait for me to get on this plane & I'll fall asleep with you Rio: That's a better idea Buster: It came from me, I only have the best ideas Buster: We've been over that Rio: I'll allow it Rio: too sleepy to protest 😉 Buster: Poor baby Buster: Come here & I'll rub your back Buster: You'll feel so much better Rio: You gotta Rio: and cuddle me Buster: I gotta rock you to sleep, yeah? Okay Rio: Will you Rio: for real Buster: Of course Rio: I've been thinking about that time Rio: when you were gone and I came back with you Rio: it was nice, for me Rio: I know you were in a state but Buster: It was nice for me too Buster: Even though I wasn't sure which parts were memories & which were just me dreaming Rio: I'll let you know Buster: Did you actually tuck me in or do I need to act like I'm embarrassed I dreamt that? Rio: As much as I love making you blush Rio: I did, obviously Buster: I should've been sure of that, you're such a mum Rio: You needed it! Rio: and you loved it, don't lie Buster: I didn't say it's a bad thing Buster: You're really caring & comforting, like Buster: As I already said, it was nice Rio: Someone had to Buster: Nobody had to, but you wanted to & I wanted you to Rio: Yeah Rio: okay Rio: you were really cuddly, I didn't expect that Buster: Why not? Rio: It isn't the impression you put out Rio: especially back then Buster: Yeah, but I wanted to be close to you, even back then Rio: I know that now Buster: & From what I recall, I was having a rather shit night Buster: Before any of that Rio: You didn't wanna be there Rio: was a given Buster: I didn't want your boyfriend to be there Rio: Poor boy Rio: didn't stick around long after I ditched him to look after you Buster: I'm not sorry Rio: Obviously Rio: I think he's about to have a kid so dodged a bullet really Buster: He must've improved 'cause he could barely kiss you Rio: 😂 Rio: all get there in the end, babe Buster: Don't take the piss out of me, I was 9 Buster: What was his excuse years later? Rio: It wasn't that many years later and I don't know Rio: maybe no one ever dared him to kiss his cousin Buster: It was enough years to get a clue Rio: You're funny Buster: I'm not joking, I still can't unsee that shit Buster: The worst Rio: Now you're just being hyperbolic Rio: I barely remember so you can't be traumatized Buster: You've repressed it, clearly Buster: Who wouldn't? Rio: 😏 Shut up Rio: he was a cute kid, you're rude Buster: You're gonna have to try harder than that to shut me up, babe Buster: 'Cause nah Buster: You can't go from repression to rose tinted like that Rio: If I'm not allowed to know your number you ain't allowed to judge my past choices either alright Rio: only fair Buster: I never said I wouldn't tell you Buster: You can know it if you want Rio: Do you even know it Rio: sounded harsher than I meant Rio: like genuinely Buster: I've done my best to keep count Rio: I don't need to know Rio: it's all the same to me Buster: You don't need to or you don't want to? Rio: Need Rio: it's probably less than I reckon in my head Rio: but I mean, 1 or 100, the feeling's the same Rio: to me anyway Buster: At least tell me what your imagined number for me is Rio: When did you lose your virginity again Buster: Right after you Rio: So that's like Rio: nearly 2 years Rio: If I gave you every friday and saturday, that's 104, so take into account life shit getting in the way, the fact there's only a finite amount of girls even in Chelsea, round you down to like Rio: 50-75 mark Buster: So many things to comment on, firstly & most importantly, that you're such a hot nerd Buster: Secondly, I'm offended you only gave me two nights, like this is a part time job, 'cause who am I? Buster: Thirdly, it's surprising that you didn't factor the US into the equation more Buster: Not to mention that you didn't consider more than one girl a night ever Rio: You're a nerd, the only thing you do on weeknight's is your homework Rio: you can't change my mind Rio: and I can add a small percentage on for America but still Buster: I don't need to, you know what I do on my study breaks Rio: You're gross Buster: I'm just saying, give me most nights & you'd be closer to the truth Rio: Nah Buster: You don't believe me? Buster: Alright Rio: It just probably seems more than it is Buster: Nah, it just is more than that Buster: You've met my parents you know I'm alone more often than not Rio: Don't mean other kids are, like Buster: I wasn't keeping anyone past their curfew, if they had one Buster: We're done, they leave. End of story Rio: Whatever Buster: They're finally letting us on this plane, thank fuck Rio: That's good Rio: just the however many hours in a tin can then Buster: I'll sleep through most of it now the coke & coffee have worn off though Rio: Well timed Buster: Like I planned it, yeah? Buster: I only did just enough of both Rio: Yes, you're very smart 🙄 Buster: I am actually Buster: Where's this attitude come back from? Rio: You asked Rio: I didn't Buster: What are you talking about? Rio: You wanted to know what I thought your number was, I told you I didn't need to know Buster: & You don't know Buster: So what's your problem? Rio: Don't act dumb Buster: Earlier you said you weren't a judgey bitch & literally just now you said, 1-100 it didn't matter Buster: So, I repeat, what's the problem, or more accurately what's the truth, like Rio: Fuck off Buster: What so if it's over a 100 it does matter? Buster: Good to know Rio: Just go get on the plane Rio: I'm going to bed Buster: How about I don't Rio: Don't be ridiculous Buster: How is that any more ridiculous than this? Rio: Because you're packed and there Rio: that's just illogical Buster: Give me a better reason Rio: Because when you get here we'll both be over it Buster: By sleeping, that's more illogical as a concept Buster: Talk to me or don't Rio: You ain't heard about time Rio: heals all wounds, like Rio: I'm just tired, it's so past late here Buster: I've heard about not going to bed angry Rio: Buster Buster: You've got the length of this queue of people, is that really what you wanna say? Rio: I don't have to apologize Buster: I didn't ask you to Buster: I'm just trying to work out if you're waiting on one from me Buster: Or what the fuck else you want me to do or say about this Buster: Tell me how you feel, what you're thinking Rio: I don't want you to do anything but stop talking about it Rio: it doesn't have to be any harder than that Buster: It's not gonna go away 'cause I don't bring it up again Buster: If growing up in this fam has taught you anything, it should be that Rio: Maybe not Buster: We can do better than that Buster: Just say it Rio: What Buster: Whatever it is that upsets you about all this shit in my past Rio: Everything Rio: Like you said there's nothing to be done about it so I don't see why we need to talk or think about it Buster: 'Cause I don't wanna hurt you ever Rio: You aren't Buster: That's bullshit though Rio: Oh my God Rio: no it isn't Buster: Yeah it is, this is gonna come between us if we don't sort it out Buster: That's what happens when you don't talk about things Rio: It isn't Rio: past tense and it wasn't about me Rio: it was just a shit time for both of us and I don't like dwelling on it Rio: what's wrong with that Buster: It was about you, not solely, obviously but how I felt & feel about you was relevant Rio: that makes it worse Buster: Can't you see I don't wanna go back to London & fall into all those trappings that you reckon are so past tense Rio: I know, why do you think I'm upset Rio: not just for myself actually Rio: thanks Buster: It's such a headfuck Buster: I love you & that's a good one but the rest is like Rio: it doesn't fix the rest Rio: yeah Buster: What if I only changed 'cause my surroundings did Buster: You can't love who I have to be in Chelsea, you shouldn't Rio: Well let's not act like you were a saint/didn't do the majority of it there apparently so Rio: take that as a positive or a negative, probably not the reason Buster: This has been the weirdest night, like Rio: Has it Buster: Don't you reckon? Rio: I don't know Buster: Prom feels like a week ago or some shit by now Rio: Tell me about it Rio: I've been up for God knows how long Rio: you want to stay there Buster: I want you Buster: & For you to still want me Buster: But more than even that I want you to go to bed so I can feel less shitty about that at least Rio: I'm just sad Buster: I know Buster: I'm sorry Rio: For you Rio: and me Rio: but not because of you Rio: alright Buster: Yeah Buster: But better things are happening Rio: Yeah Buster: We're not who we were & we're not going back Rio: I don't want to Rio: it might be unavoidable Rio: like you said Buster: Fuck that Buster: We can do this Buster: Go get some sleep & I'll be there Buster: That's step 1 Rio: Okay Rio: Typically don't feel it now but bet we've got some sleeping tablets Rio: what kind of dealer like Buster: A shit one, which he is Rio: We shall see Buster: Rio Rio: Yeah? Buster: I don't know, just Buster: Don't be sad Rio: Sure Rio: weird night, yeah Buster: I didn't mean to fuck everything up but I do intend to make it past tense, for real Buster: Like a more distant memory than the night you tucked me in Rio: You haven't Rio: it just is fucked Rio: not us Rio: but everything else, pretty much Buster: I'll get to work on fixing everything else once this week of just us is over then Rio: Just like that Buster: Just like that, babe Rio: I love you Buster: I love you Buster: I reckon I just need to adapt London to me instead of adapting for it Buster: So that's my biggest problem solved before I'm even off the plane Rio: If anyone can Buster: Exactly Buster: All we have to do is remember who we are now, actually & who we wanna be Buster: The capabilities are already there for anything Rio: It's intense Rio: isn't it Buster: Living right? Yeah Buster: But worth doing Rio: 'Course Rio: Sometimes I feel like I'm not ready to make all these decisions Rio: but then I'm the one who rushed it because I couldn't wait Buster: There's very few decisions that are that fixed Buster: I know I always say that what's done is done but Rio: I feel too old to keep making wrong ones, though Rio: excuses wear thin, you know Buster: It's alright, we're making right ones now Buster: Me & you Rio: Yeah Rio: we are Buster: You know I've got your back regardless though, whatever happens Buster: I'm taking that pressure off you Buster: Broad enough shoulders, like Rio: Don't turn me on Rio: sleep time Buster: Time for bed but only for cuddles Buster: Behave Rio: Fine Rio: only 'cos you love them so much Buster: You love being my little tiny spoon, don't lie Rio: Be here Buster: I'm right here & you can feel my arms around you as tightly as you need Buster: We're gonna stay like this until I massage you & then you're gonna sleep Buster: No more headfucks today Buster: No stress for the entire week Rio: Deal Rio: I'll only get an attitude for fun, promise Buster: I'll hold you to that Rio: That's the idea Buster: & It's a good one so shhh Buster: Close your eyes Rio: Okay, daddy Rio: sweet dreams Rio: safe flight Buster: You too on the dreams Buster: You're already safe with me Rio: 🤤 they will be Buster: You can tell me when I wake you Rio: I'll show you

[wholeworldbroken]

PART 1)  Net Neutrality, Hypernormalization, The Dinosaur Who Swindled Natural Selection & Prospered... AND... The Healthy Benefits Of Paranoid Delusional Psychosis.

TV is a dinosaur sinking into the tar. All those once giant networks are scrambling to survive just a little longer in this technological age that left them behind before they noticed. That Netflix model is alot bigger deal than it's given credit for. It's what reshaped HULU until it went legitimate. It's why there's an HBOGO, STARZ, SHOWTIME, etc. app that all outperform their parent networks.

The power of ON-DEMAND blew Amazon up from a more Wal-Marty version of eBay to the titan it is now. Disney is gearing up to yank all Star Wars, Marvel, Indiana Jones, etc. properties from Netflix to add to their own upcoming streaming channel. Even the underdogs that only Netflix could make into giant hits: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, The Defenders and The Punisher (not so much IronFist) are being carted over to the new Disney service without so much as a "thank you for making this possible" to Netflix.

CBS launched theirs earlier this year with the added ammo of the most expensive Star Trek series to date, Discovery, being only available through their site. We'll probably see about 10 new changeovers this coming year. Comcast, Verizon and Slime-Warner know that we'll pay $8 here, $10 there for the convenience of catching all that exclusive content completely at our lesiure, always waiting as soon as we feel like tapping that PLAY button.

So, the dinosaur is slowly inching across the quicksand, dragging its rip-off cable model over to the internet, embracing the technology of the future while still thriving off the scams of the past. Even Youtube, which was kind of a revolution in independent, DIY content creators and previously muted voices now given a somewhat worldwide platform, finding an audience without having to bow to the old media gatekeepers

(the Merv Griffins, Johnny Carsons, Entertainment Tonights, Morning Shows, blah, blah, blah, who were able to get rich off the young, hopefuls kissing the asses of whoever would help them be seen, LONG before any of the actual talent was consistently turning a profit. Completely self -regenerating. You can burn up the lump of coal till it's all disintegrated, but the machine ALWAYS got fresh coal being shoveled in the fire, baby)

... is now flooded with Jimmy Kimmel, SNL, Paramount, Disney studios, which seems like normal that those sketches, clips, movie trailers would end up archived on youtube...

until you consider that youtubers are paid through Google Adsense, and receive a monetary amount per video play featuring ads that are part of the program. The success and general public hunger for these independent creators has multiplied the number of young, self-made millionaires over the last 10 years. So, in come the dinosaurs, dragging that dirty-old-bag of crooked-old-ways with them.

Now you got NBC, uploading individual sketches from SNL, a television show that makes its revenue from tv ads & endorsements, each video cashing in on adsense profits seperately, rivaling the numbers from the original airing of the whole episode. Jimmy Fallon, Dr. Phil... practically EVERYbody is clawing & scratching for that youtube money all the kids were syphoning away from them. Whatever.

Big, ugly business, but still business. Dog eat dog & all that.

But what about commercials? Who the fuck clicks on the new TIDE ad showing up in their youtube feed? SOMEbody, cause it's got, like, a bajillion clicks. Are companies drafting interns to generate views and cash in on adsense? Hey, I'm paranoid, but if stupid old ME thought of it...

So, you seen the new Star Wars trailer? Shit, EACH newer version, starting with the teaser? How many did you see on youtube? ...and when you click that movie COMMERCIAL, like magic, you gotta sit through a goddamn COMMERCIAL before you can watch the COMMERCIAL you voluntarily chose to endure. Shit. I'll be DAMNED if, half the time, the ad that comes up isn't another trailer for another movie, usually from a whole other studio. Think Disney/StarWars minds you got a sneak taste of GrownUps 3 while you were waiting to drool all over a 30-second montage of disjointed scenes arranged to grease the dollar bills out of your wallet come Christmas time? `</pre> They just got paid by Adam Sandler's scam of a company for you to wait out the 5 seconds to click away from his bullshit and get up in them Star Wars guts... several million times... by an unrelated company willing to pay the opponent team for the luxury of dropping a commercial on the front of their commercial... leading to Disney (only an example. This is some across the board shit) making millions off a commercial designed to set up an installment in a franchise that will bring them automatic billions. <pre>` It's Terry Gilliam level absurdity that we've indoctrinated ourselves, as a species, to accept as "successful business practices", as we dream of one day carving our very own little chunk of the abstract money scheme balogna. I don't pretend to have a better, more functional answer than: try to resist as much of the barrage as you can, of huckster salesmen who have studied the best psychological methods of Stockholming your oblivious ass into not only continuing to prop up their pyramid scheme and perpetuating their boss's greedy manipulation of the entire world by way of its set-up-to-fail economic machinations `</pre> but ALSO, to constantly strengthen your faith in the infallible logic of those same machinations with a passion that is prepared to DESTROY any anomalous dissenters, selfish enough to be randomly fertilized and born into their designated gangsign annotated factions dividing up larger, further established, gangsign brandishing nation-states, yet still possessing the ingratious self-serving personality defect of introspection, empathy & existential contemplation. ** incoming** __VOICE__OF__GREAT__MACHINATION__LEADER,__STIFFY__O'FOOFYSKINS______ <pre>` "The enemy is all around and they hate your way of life. They whisper corruption into the ears of our unsuspecting younger generations. They bombard you with an agenda of moral codes & ideals in direct conflict to the ones you were taught. If you love the random patch of land you literally had more of a chance to be born outside of than in `</pre> and you're not some kind of infidel, basking in the luxuries provided by your assigned locale while remaining unwilling to offer up your mortal life to assure its continuation, then you already know that the RIGHT thing to do, the divine purpose you feel pumping through your heart, is stand tall & be ready to hoist your team's flag should it fall. The enemy wants to see you fail so that it can pillage its way to the holy finish line which was divinely entitled to YOU and the rest of the good guys. It preaches demoralizing propaganda designed to weaken your resolve & raise doubt toward your righteous goals. It knows ways to steal the food from your family's table... even steal your established identity and celebrate its wicked victories by splurging on the fruit sewed by YOUR noble labors. This is your preconceived understanding of the truth. There are higher levels of truth that only pertain to you as part of a bigger picture, but you need not concern yourself with such perplexing pokings & proddings into the corners of your manufactured reality. Take comfort in the ebb & flow of a pristine, global bureaucracy that, on the surface, appears to malfunction as a chaotic dumpster fire of social upheaval, random acts of blatantly hateful terrorism and increasingly violent natural disasters reminding each & every one of us that we are vulnerable and the only shelter comes from the sinister embrace of the leaders we ourselves chose to govern us, simply because that is the way the world has worked for much longer than our insignificant participation would justify constructing a new means of stability. Best not to stress over such uncontrollable details. GREEN has always meant GO. RED has always signified a mandatory STOP. ...And that proverbial cheese at the end of the maze, ever taunting the entire roster of teams? It's laced with the affectionate tongue-kiss of cyanide, the ultimate reward for any group that is able to pull ahead of the hordes and slamdunk their Nerf football into the victory bonfire. IT'S MILLER TIME... Because being on the winning team isn't what's important: WHAT COUNTS IS THAT YOUR TEAM DESTROYED AS MUCH OF THE OPPOSITION'S LIFE & LIVELIHOOD AS WAS POSSIBLE." <pre>` Over moral posturings? Over indignant evildoings? In a race to prove to the creator that your team is comprised of his chosen people and is ready to accept the role as His Holy Assassins? Over the truth behind 9/11? Over the ongoing argument concerning the actual SHAPE of the planet & the legitimacy of the very science we thought we understood, but very well may have been meticulously devised to support our indoctrinated "understanding" of a globe-shaped world, hurling through space in a cosmic dance with the star, SOL, spinning on an axis that brings it around 360° every 24 hours and marking the outlines of our 24 hour day... 7 day week... our 12 month year... An indoctrination so effective, most of us never once stop to entertain the notion that, at its essence, the concept of time in this manner, the 7 day work week (uncannily similar to the 7 days required to create the world), the weather defining 12 months adhered to by the Gregorian calendar could very logically, and historically likely, be an immeasurable, blanket imprisonment of individual human perceptions, compressing the infinite possibilities of each reality into a much more predictable & controllable number. Wrangling in those erratic, chaos-prone, possible realities that could ultimately crash the entire capitalist cabal so dependent on limiting the imaginations & therefore, the entire concept of the fabric of reality & the universe across an entire planet's population. Outrageous, right? Borderline psychotic levels of paranoia, layered with simple, obnoxious denial and a shot or 2 of worst-case-scenario gullibility, YEARS worth of nonsensical research into the ravings of like-minded lunatics whose infectious delusions have consistently contributed to the disenfranchisement and downfall of multiple promising, yet dangerously curious intellects dating all the way back to the first significant population booms & those resultant social structures that merely sought to stifle the all too common, human urge to casually rape & kill each other on the slightest of whims. When viewed in THAT light, maybe that original intent wasn't so awful. Maybe somebody just had to think of something, like, QUICK.

WE INTERRUPT THIS LITERATAL ILLUSTRATION OF AN IMPLODING BRAIN'S LAST, DESPERATE GRASP AT UNDERSTANDING TO BRING YOU THIS TEMPORARILY DEBILITATING ANXIETY ATTACK...

[punkscowardschampions]

Rio & Buster

Rio: This flight is long Rio: longer 'cos I don't wanna be on it 😒 Buster: Don't, I'm dreading flying back Rio: Can't stay there forever Rio: Unless you ask for that transfer too Rio: only fair Buster: We both could Rio: I really would have to buy my way in Rio: maybe my parents are susceptible to that kind of bribery, like you WANT me back in school, yeah Buster: You're forgetting I know how smart you are, babe Buster: They'd be lucky to have you, even though you're the most distracting Rio: 😏 Rio: Yeah, no way you'd be allowed when your grades mysteriously plummet Buster: Though I've just discovered that catching up on my work actually takes much less time if I ignore all the girls that are offering to help me right now Buster: So there's that Rio: Who'd have known, eh Rio: better than me, I don't even want to think about work or any of it yet Buster: I have to, 10 days is a long time, even though it didn't feel like long enough at all Rio: I know Rio: You'll do it though Buster: I've already done loads Buster: I started as soon as you left Rio: 🤓 Rio: but seriously Rio: well done, baby Buster: If I thought about you I knew I wouldn't be able to stop Buster: You were right when you said it'd be worse after Rio: I know that too Rio: feel that too Buster: At least if we were both thick we could pretend we ain't done the maths on how long it is Buster: The curse of perfection, like Rio: Truly Rio: we've both waited longer Rio: just gotta think how good waiting made it, yeah Buster: Yeah Buster: Not that I should be thinking about that at this exact moment Rio: Sorry Rio: having trouble thinking about anything else still Buster: Me too Rio: Headfuck Rio: nowhere near as fun Buster: Fun not being the word Rio: not even close to good enough but as I said Rio: preoccupied still Buster: You've got more privacy in first class than I do here right now Buster: Use it Rio: But Rio: you've spoilt me Rio: I want you Buster: But I wanna watch you Buster: I miss you Rio: You know how to break my resolve but what happened to yours Buster: I reckon I'm due a break Buster: You know I like to play as hard as I work Rio: Then let's play Buster: I'd play with you until you were begging me not to & the pilot had heard enough to risk crashing the plane Rio: You know I like danger Rio: but I'm feeling like begging for more, not less right now Buster: Go on then Buster: Convince me Rio: [pic on the floor 'cos that first-class legroom honey] Buster: Maybe you can have some more Rio: Only maybe Rio: okay, you need some more first too Rio: hold on Buster: Are you sure keeping me waiting is the best idea? Rio: It was that or give the poor air hostess a show she didn't ask for whilst she was topping up my drink Rio: [audio this time] Buster: She might have liked it Buster: You are good Rio: Would you? Rio: Enough marks I'm never forgetting who I belong to Buster: Is she hot? Rio: Yeah, pretty cute Buster: I'm not sharing you for 'pretty cute' Rio: Well I'm sure she's more your type than mine Buster: You're my type Buster: If you don't want her, I don't Rio: I want you Rio: no one else registers Buster: Good Buster: 'Cause I need you. Nobody else Rio: You've got me Rio: it's different this time in every way Rio: just 'cos I'm going, I'm not gone Rio: whenever you need me Buster: Wherever too, yeah? Rio: Of course Rio: even if I could say no to you, got no desire to Buster: Baby Rio: That stil gets me weak Rio: how the fuck Rio: I read that in your voice Buster: Everything I do makes you weak, that's why Rio: yeah Rio: good thing you can be strong enough for the both of us then Buster: Not sure the hotel staff would agree when we broke the bed but I'll hold you up same as I did then Buster: You don't ever need to touch the floor when you're with me, babe, unless that's where we both want you Rio: That was so awkward Rio: just means we get to go to a new and better hotel next time though so Buster: For somewhere so old school the future didn't have much staying power Rio: That Freudian slip really tell me how it be Rio: won't get used to these heights, don't worry 😉 Buster: 😂 Buster: When I've also been dyslexic all this time Rio: 😏 Nancy gonna be so pissed Rio: don't take her struggle and overcome it, babe Buster: If anyone could Buster: I'm definitely not gay though so Rio: Don't be tryna 💔 that hard Buster: I can't, I promised Rio: Yeah Rio: and lbr, I could turn ya Rio: if anyone could Buster: I don't want any other girls but you that's as close as ever got Rio: They don't deserve you Rio: and they can't do you like I can Buster: I meant it when I said you're the best thing that's ever happened to me Buster: You just keep making that more & more true, like Rio: don't plan on stopping any time soon, don't you worry Buster: Don't stop Rio: I won't if you don't Buster: That's not gonna happen Rio: then never Buster: Rio Rio: Buster Buster: I read that in your voice & I can't fucking handle it Rio: I've not said anything as much as I've said your name Buster: Don't stop that either Buster: I love the way you say it Rio: Keep giving me reason to Buster: Easy Rio: Would be right now Rio: this seat is so big we could share Buster: & Everyone wears headphones so there'd be no need to stay that quiet Buster: All we'd need is a blanket Rio: Complimentary, of course Buster: Just like me. I'd be so nice to you, baby Buster: The entire flight Rio: All the way home, daddy? Buster: Of course Buster: I'll let you recover in the cab while carry your bags in & then come back for you Rio: I want that Rio: it's going to be so shit when I get off this plane and you ain't waiting for me the other end Buster: I won't let it be Rio: I'll be fine Rio: just miss you Buster: I've sent you a surprise, it'll be waiting for you to compensate for the fact I can't be Rio: You're so fucking nice Buster: You haven't opened it yet 😈 Buster: There are loads of things to remind you of me Rio: then that's still really fucking nice, no matter how 😈 everything is bound to be Rio: I'm excited Buster: Show me when you unwrap everything Buster: I wanna see your face Rio: Okay baby Rio: Indie better not open it 😂 Buster: I thought of that so I sent it to your mum & dad's Rio: So smart Rio: although I will now have to bullshit my way through a fake holiday with them Rio: but could be vaguely entertaining Buster: Okay so I didn't think that hard ahead Buster: But you'll be fine Rio: Yeah Rio: lowkey a turn-on 'cos whilst I'm selling them the lie, get to think of what we were actually doing Rio: so don't worry, babe Buster: I feel that, so many people have asked me if I'm feeling better Buster: The yeah's not even a lie but Rio: 😏 Rio: The shit you shouldn't do is always the most fun, just facts Rio: secrets are fun too Buster: Yeah Buster: That's why the party's are so wild here 'cause the drinking age is ridiculous Rio: Init Rio: you ain't even meant to be fucking Rio: America and it's morality Buster: The coke is great though Rio: 😂 Buster: Well, now I wanna go out Rio: I'm sure everyone's missed you Buster: Obviously Rio: You said you've earnt a break Buster: I took that, I gotta do more before I get another Rio: Don't let me distract you then, babe Buster: But that's what you do best Buster: Don't let me stop you Rio: Gotta priortize Rio: how you wanna play Buster: With you Buster: There's no contest Rio: then don't get completely off your face when I'm stuck in the air Rio: can't get on that level Buster: No brandy, I hear you Rio: mhmm Rio: you dumb Buster: Behave Rio: Not if you aren't Rio: no fair Buster: I won't do anything you don't want me to Rio: You can go Rio: not a buzzkill Buster: You've already proved that, you don't need to now Rio: Sorry Rio: I just turned my data back on and instantly regretted it Rio: that's the real comedown Buster: Tell me Rio: It's mostly just the mundane shit Rio: but loads from him obviously Rio: 'cos I told him I was going, so he wouldn't show up when Indie was home alone or something Rio: but clearly he took that as 'I wanna talk again' Buster: He didn't & Indie's alright, yeah? Rio: Yeah, I've been messaging her on socials, she's fine Rio: why I turned my data off, he's blocked everywhere but texts so Buster: Then give me his number, I'd love to talk to him Rio: I can't, he probably knows who you are Rio: he knows everything it's bizarre Buster: He'll know exactly who I am when I'm done Rio: Hot Rio: seriously, forget about him Rio: ain't giving him the attention he wants Buster: That'd be fine by me if he wasn't giving you attention you don't want Rio: I can handle that Buster: I know but you shouldn't have to Rio: It'll quiet down soon Rio: we all got crazy exes, those of us that do repeats anyway Rio: he'll get a new girl and I can get on with my life without him in the background, like Buster: If you say so, babe Buster: I trust you Rio: Good Rio: don't worry Buster: Don't make me Rio: I won't Rio: promise Rio: least the rest have let themselves be ghosted with dignity so that's something Buster: That don't mean don't tell me, you know, before you promise Buster: Ignorance ain't bliss Rio: I'll tell you if I need to, yeah Rio: trust, no one needs this play by play Buster: If you need to for any reason, not just if you need me to sort it Rio: I promise, okay Buster: Okay Rio: So, what do you reckon, is anyone here got enough clout that they looked the other way when checking their bags for bags Rio: I'm bored Buster: Probably Buster: They only care about terrorists Rio: Tell that to Drew, let him know, like Buster: Not until I've gone though Buster: Cheers Rio: don't wanna hit him up to soon Rio: I ain't looking to have a stomach full of crack tah Buster: Fair Buster: When I say you can do anything, not what I mean Rio: Not my aspiration in life, gotta be said Buster: At least the ones you do have will keep you busy until I'm done here Rio: Then what Buster: Then I'll keep you busy all summer Rio: Mm, sounds like a plan Buster: It is, babe. It's my plan Rio: Um, OURS Rio: 'scuse you Buster: Alright, ours Rio: Always trying to claim the best ideas Buster: Hit me with your best right now Buster: I dare you Rio: Answer this call Buster: [does obvs] Rio: [put on that facetime show but try and be quiet please] Buster: [we know that ain't gonna happen but at least don't be as loud as you could be] Rio: [getting kicked off the plane is not goals lol] Buster: [at least he can afford to buy her another flight but still probably don't] Rio: [just thinking of that gifset lol] Buster: [god bless] Rio: see Rio: full of good ideas Buster: You really are Buster: Fuck Rio: don't doubt me again, yeah Buster: Sorry babe, but if it means you'll be that inspired, I might have to Rio: Alright Rio: I don't hate proving you wrong, I guess Buster: Behave, I wasn't wrong Rio: 🙄 Rio: admit it, I have the best ideas Buster: You have good ideas, I never said you didn't Rio: You implied it Rio: you're mean 😏 Buster: You're into it Rio: Only sometimes Rio: the rest you gotta treat me like 👑 Buster: You ain't gotta tell me how to treat you. I know Rio: Yeah Rio: you're good Rio: 😇 Buster: No, you are. It's that simple Buster: I wanna give you what you deserve Rio: You deserve that too Buster: As long as I keep making sure I deserve you that's all that matters Rio: stop making me weak Buster: You're all I want, you already know that Rio: but I feel stupid how much I want you right now Buster: Don't Buster: It's not stupid Rio: It's just Rio: what if it all goes wrong again Buster: I told you, I'm not gonna let that happen Rio: You know, that'd be worse this time too Rio: and I just don't want that Rio: so we can't Buster: We won't Buster: I need you, Rio Rio: I need you Buster: You can trust me Rio: Okay Rio: I don't know how this happened Rio: but I know we have to roll with it Rio: the alternative doesn't work Buster: Yeah Buster: & I know I ain't the same cunt I was before this Buster: I don't wanna go back Rio: Me either Rio: so we won't Rio: easy Buster: I really miss you though, that ain't Rio: Yeah Rio: I never wanted to leave Buster: I didn't want you to. I still don't Buster: Come back Rio: I'll turn this plane 'round Rio: hold on Buster: If anyone could, babe Rio: If we'd have got caught earlier, maybe Rio: but you'd have to talk them out of that no-fly list, probably Buster: We can always go again Buster: I've got you Rio: How are we ever gonna get anything done Rio: when we're so distracted Buster: You've distracted me since we were kids Buster: Things get done 'cause they have to, like Buster: We'd be your ex if we didn't, that's all the motivation you need Rio: who needs the books or inspirational speeches Rio: ugh Buster: We're gonna do epic shit, me & you Rio: You know it, babe Rio: what choice do we have Buster: There's always a choice but we're making the right ones. End of Rio: can make the wrong ones sometimes though Rio: just for fun, like Buster: Stop making it really fucking hot, I'm trying to motivate you Rio: 😋 Rio: please motivate me Buster: Jesus Buster: I actually want you constantly Rio: I know Rio: no matter how deep you go or hard or whatever it's never enough you're so Rio: I can't be close enough to you Buster: If anyone else said that to me I'd have lost my shit in the total opposite way to how I am now Buster: Do you know how fucking special you are to me? Can I ever explain, like Rio: 'Cos you feel it too Rio: you know exactly what I mean Rio: I just want you, in all aspects of my life Rio: nothing else is interesting to me now Buster: I feel emotional, shut up Rio: That's what I was saying Rio: weak Rio: idk, don't planes make some people emotional Buster: I'm not on a plane & I can't be weak Rio: Yeah you can Rio: who am I telling, and what Rio: you can be whatever you need with me Buster: Can I? Rio: Yeah Rio: of course Rio: I want you to Buster: I've just never Buster: Felt this, done this Buster: Any of it Rio: It's different from anything I've ever experienced too Rio: but you know Rio: I can be strong for you too Rio: I don't want you to think it's one way Rio: another stress Buster: I don't think that Buster: I know how strong you are Rio: Good Rio: you can trust me too, okay Buster: I do Rio: Ugh Rio: fuck Rio: I miss you Buster: Seriously, come back Buster: We got away with it, we can again Rio: I'll lose my job Rio: you'll lose all that cash Buster: I'll get you a new job Buster: When you want it Rio: 😏 how are you gonna do that then Buster: I live in Dublin too, I know people Rio: I thought you were motivating me Rio: not being a bad influence 😈 Buster: I'm motivating you get what you really want Buster: Me Rio: Baby Buster: Please Rio: You know it's exactly what I want too Rio: but we can't Buster: Nobody can stop us, except us, & why should we if that's not what we want Rio: 'cos you've gotta focus on school whilst you're there Rio: and I've got stuff here that I've gotta do too Buster: This school requires no focus, compared to the one back home it's like nursery Buster: I know you're worried about Indie but it ain't your job to raise her Rio: but someone has to Rio: you know he can't Rio: don't Buster: Let your parents then Buster: They want to Rio: They clearly have a great handle on the kids they have Rio: not like their 16 year old has just been...where, with who? Rio: it's not that simple Rio: never has been, sad but true Buster: Come on, that's different, we're not kids Rio: I wanna say yes but I don't wanna break a promise either Buster: I know, it's okay Buster: I'm not trying to put pressure on, like, I am but only 'cause you should be making choices for you Buster: Like you said, you're 16, we ain't kids but you ain't gotta live like you're 36 Buster: What about Drew's sister, can't she help? Rio: I can never just make choices for me though Rio: she's already upset I left, and all the other kids act like I ditched them becaused I moved out already Rio: like it or not, that's how it is for me Rio: she does, but Indie is Rio: hard to manage, like Buster: Forget I said anything Buster: It's only a couple of months now anyway Buster: I'm being unfair Rio: You aren't Rio: it is what I want Rio: and I want you to be happy too Rio: but we got some shit we just gotta do, yeah Buster: Yeah Buster: That's life Rio: Mhmm Rio: stupid real life Buster: It's a shame we can't bring Indie here, she'd love it, like Rio: Seriously Rio: she'd have no issue saying yes Buster: She might have an issue with me & you but who won't Rio: Well yeah Rio: that's a whole other subject Rio: she's easily distracted but probably not that much Buster: Even your little brothers ain't that out of it Rio: no, they ain't Rio: that's gonna be harder too now Rio: being around everyone Buster: Yeah Buster: It's fucked Rio: We can do it Rio: we'll have to but Buster: At least it's always been like that for me, I'm sorry I brought you there too with yours Rio: What do you mean Buster: Your fam love you & shit Buster: You know Rio: Yeah Rio: yours do too though Rio: not me, though sure, everyone does Buster: It's not the same Rio: no, true Rio: it's not like my family is idylic Rio: everyone's got their shit Buster: 'Course Rio: I'm saying, I was already there Rio: you ain't done anything, so don't need to apologize Buster: I've done loads to you over the last few days but sure Buster: Not sorry for any of that Rio: 😏 definitely don't be Rio: I'm not Rio: even if it is a shame I can't tell anyone just how good it was Buster: You can Buster: Just think up a new boyfriend that you just have to come back & see ASAP Rio: Okay Rio: but they ain't gonna KNOW the level 'cos they won't know it's you Rio: have to keep that my secret, like Buster: Secrets turn you on, there's no denying it Rio: You turn me on Rio: it's total coincidence Buster: Yeah? Rio: I mean, yeah, it's seriously hot 'cos you're off-limits but I think I'd still want you if you weren't Rio: don't you think? Buster: Obviously I would Buster: Look at you Rio: 😋 Rio: exactly Rio: just a bonus who you are Rio: don't see me trying to get on any of my other cousins like, ew Buster: You're funny Rio: Does that mean you really don't think I am or Buster: It means you're making me laugh Buster: Maybe I'm just fucking hysterical still but Rio: awh Rio: I love your laugh Buster: Don't take the piss Rio: I'm not Rio: I'm sad I can't hear it Buster: Don't be sad either Rio: I'll try Buster: Try for me, baby Rio: 🤤 Buster: I'm in a state, why did I go out? Rio: For the coke, mostly Rio: you gone? Buster: I don't feel here Buster: But maybe that's 'cause you aren't Rio: Babe Rio: What do you need, what can I do? Buster: I'm alright Buster: Have to be Rio: You don't have to Rio: but if you're gonna be a mess be safe Buster: I don't wanna be a mess Rio: 'course not Rio: but sometimes we all have to be that too, like Buster: I can't Buster: You said it shouldn't be conditional, but it is Buster: When I fuck up they stop caring about me Rio: They still care it's just they don't show it in the right way 'cos they're disappointed Rio: it's still something, even if it feels like shit Buster: Bullshit. Nance is more than disappointed for one Rio: Well that's different with her Rio: stuff happened you'll have to agree to forget or talk about Buster: Don't hate me again, okay? Ever Rio: I never did, not really Rio: but I'm not going either, alright Buster: Yeah, don't Buster: There's nobody here that's Rio: That's what? Buster: It just feels like there's no one here but me Rio: You're just far away Rio: from real people Rio: and people who really know you Rio: but you're okay, I've got you Buster: I don't want that anymore Rio: What do you want? Buster: Things that are real Rio: Let's make that happen then Rio: we'll find real things for you Buster: You're real for me though Rio: Yeah Rio: Just 'cos we have to be apart for a bit, doesn't mean it's gotta be how it's always been Rio: I can talk to you all the time, be so annoying, I swear Buster: You're so cute, I swear Rio: Shh Rio: you Buster: No, 'cause you are & you don't know Rio: You're so sweet to me Buster: Not as sweet as I wanna be Buster: I don't know how to do that Rio: Well I like you Rio: I can always teach you Buster: You never did teach me how to kiss so Rio: You still want lessons, baby? Buster: Don't tell me I need 'em Rio: I don't think so but you sound like you're still bitter about it Rio: plenty other things I can show you Buster: Bitter ain't the word, don't worry Rio: Kid didn't stick around to dare us to try again, like Buster: He wanted your first kiss that's why Buster: Didn't reckon on me having it Rio: I'm glad it was you Rio: not gonna forget your name, like Buster: 😂 Rio: Serious Rio: got enough regrets since Buster: They'll motivate you if I can't Rio: you reckon Buster: 'Course Buster: Gotta keep doing better Rio: Yeah Rio: 'til what? Rio: what's the end goal? Buster: It's never over, you can always improve from where you were or get somewhere else you wanna be Rio: I guess so Buster: You calling bullshit? Rio: Nah Rio: Just thinking Buster: What? Rio: Just about what I want Rio: what I don't Buster: If you're about to dump me, you've really picked your moment, babe Rio: Shut up Rio: no Buster: Like cheers for letting me have these last few days first but Rio: 😂 Rio: Stop Rio: like you're getting off that easy Buster: You know you can get me off very easy, that's why I want you to stay Rio: 😏 Rio: touche Rio: and works for me Buster: Works on you too, everything I do for you Rio: You know you make me feel good, baby Buster: Better than good Rio: Yes Rio: happy Buster: You make me feel happy too Rio: Good, that's all I want Buster: Nothing else? Are you sure? Rio: Well Rio: if you're offering Buster: I am Buster: What do you want? Rio: Just you Rio: and you and more you Buster: I told you, you're fucking cute Rio: I just like you Buster: You're making me blush Rio: You're making me miss you so fucking much Rio: the cutest Buster: [sends pics of his cute face] Rio: 😍 Rio: you're unreal Rio: and mine Buster: I wanna kiss you so badly right now Buster: All these girls here & none of them are you Rio: It's so rude and unfair Rio: your lips are so soft Buster: I'm not gonna stop there Buster: Your skin is flawless Buster: My mouth needs to be on all of it Rio: Are you gonna be gentle? Buster: At first Rio: Buster Buster: I just like you too Rio: I know Rio: Be back soon Rio: okay Buster: Okay Rio: We're gonna have the best summer Buster: I promise Rio: 😊 Rio: we should go away somewhere else Buster: Where do you wanna go? Rio: Hmm Rio: anywhere hot Rio: the less clothes you need the better Buster: Fine, I admit you have the best ideas Rio: 😏 Rio: THANK YOU Buster: Don't shout at me Buster: So rude Rio: How could I Rio: being 'round you, making me forget my manners, I reckon Buster: You've gotta be a good girl Buster: Angelic like Buster: Who else is gonna balance me out Rio: Only for you Rio: 'cos you ask so nice Buster: Yeah, nobody else Buster: You're my baby, not theirs Rio: I'm so ridiculously yours Rio: I don't need nobody else Rio: or nothing Buster: I'll make sure you don't Buster: Give you everything Rio: I know you will Rio: you do Buster: Tell me I can get on a plane too & meet you there Rio: Is this a test Rio: of how good I am Rio: 'cos 😩 Buster: It's just what I want Rio: Me too Rio: you're fucking addictive Rio: actually Rio: sounds so cringe for how real it feels Buster: I can't tell anyone even if you said the most embarrassing shit ever uttered Buster: But that's not Buster: It's accurate Rio: Keep it in mind Rio: I still fucking feel you but not enough Rio: just aches Buster: Me too Rio: No matter how many times I make myself cum, I'm still craving you Buster: That's the hottest thing & also exactly how I feel Rio: Kinda never want this plane to land Rio: unless it's back with you, obviously Rio: real life is the worst Buster: If you don't land you can't open your present though Rio: that's true Rio: I should probably sleep but I don't wanna Buster: Dream about me Buster: That was real life too & it was the best Rio: I like sleeping with you Buster: Get on the phone, I'll tell you a story Rio: If you get any more daddy you're actually gonna have to put a kid in me Rio: warning you, like Buster: I'm keeping up with you, going home to be such a MILF Rio: 😂 Rio: you're just too fucking hot Rio: it's dangerous Buster: Don't worry baby, I'll keep you safe Rio: Stop Rio: or Imma come back and fuck up your whole life Rio: 😏 Buster: Come back & be my whole life Rio: 😍 Rio: I swear to GOD, boy Buster: Swear to me, you know you want to Rio: Fuck Rio: just fuck me Rio: fuck my whole life Buster: [calls her so he can sorry everyone] Rio: [either making this flight very interesting or very long for everyone else lmao] Buster: [at least she's not in business class that's just pervy men but she could've got that promo tho] Rio: [pass a bowl round] Buster: [lol imagine] Rio: [better leave this ‘fore an ily slip]