#in case i stopped crocheting but still wanted to read

[elastica1995]

drinking too much tea today (as i do everyday) bc i got a cute new mug and i want to test drive it

[sitp-recs]

Hello good morning afternoons or evenings, I hope you are having a wonderful day! I'm looking for fic Drarry where they both become a safe place for each other or have a strange connection with each other because only they can understand each other.

Hello anon! Oh I love this concept so much, I’m all for comfort fics like that. Here are some stories that came to mind:

A Little Death Never Hurt Anyone by @tackytigerfic (E, 4k)

Harry's getting good at slipping through the Veil. He's determined to win the war, even if means he has to raise the dead to do it. Draco just wants a stiff drink and a good night's sleep.

Thermodynamic Equilibrium by @dorthyanndrarry (T, 5k)

Harry's far too hot. Draco's always cold. And somehow against all odds, together they create a perfect equilibrium.

A Pain of Our Choosing by @lqtraintracks (E, 6k)

It’s 8th year and everyone’s still a bit messed up. Harry and Draco fall into being messed up together.

Glowing by @cavendishbutterfly (T, 10k)

Harry's lived alone and vampiric in his cottage for ages, until a long-lived Draco Malfoy suddenly shows up to answer an advertisement Harry had practically forgotten he'd put in the Prophet. Cue soft blood drinking, quiet nights of reading and crocheting, and Harry thinking that maybe--just maybe--he might not be so alone anymore.

Tidings of Comfort by @blamebrampton (G, 10k)

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. Luckily for Draco Malfoy, London has places where the tired can rest and recover.

Nice Things by aideomai (M, 22k)

The first thing that happened was Theodore Nott came back from France.

The Last of What the World Left You by @xanthippe74 (T, 25k)

If the wizarding world won’t give Draco a second chance, he has a plan to survive: live in his Animagus form, a carrion crow, in the Forbidden Forest. Not only does Harry Potter come along and ruin it, he’s radiating a strange aura of power. With nowhere to go and a Life-Debt to his mother that Potter insists on repaying, Draco puts himself into the hands of the reclusive Boy Who Lived. Will the bleak corner of Yorkshire where Potter makes his home be another dead end or an unexpected refuge?

Strange Bedfellows by orphan_account, ravenclawsquill (E, 30k)

When Harry encounters a frail and fidgety Draco Malfoy at the Ministry, he just knows something is wrong and he’s determined to get to the bottom of it.

Holly and Hawthorn, Thistle and Thyme by bryoneybrynn (T, 31k)

After the war, Harry can’t shake the feeling that something is very wrong with him and he has a terrible feeling he knows what that “something” might be. He has a terrible feeling Malfoy might know, too.

Open For Repairs by @drarrytrash (M, 35k)

After the war, Draco works at a tv repair shop and Harry breaks things.

Like Lightning at Your Fingertips by potterwatch (T, 43k)

The problem with living with another insomniac is, eventually, they find out you’re one, too. When Harry and Draco return for their eighth year, they think they’ll see very little of each other. Then McGonagall assigns them to room together. And the castle starts breaking. And there’s that thing with Potter’s magic.

A Room Up There (And You In It) by @the-starryknight (T, 59k)

When Preservationist Draco Malfoy was assigned to work on Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, he was excited to delve into the gorgeous Black family antiques. His excitement quickly ended when something in the House decided it did not like his presence one bit. Featuring a grumpy antiques lover who most certainly did not sign up for this, encounters with a vengeful apparition, and a healthy application of Christmas spirit.

Running on Air by eleventy7 (T, 75k)

Draco Malfoy has been missing for three years. Harry is assigned the cold case and finds himself slowly falling in love with the memories he collects.

Little Deaths and How to Avoid Them (or Draco Malfoy's Guide to Stop Dying and Start Living Instead) by nerakrose, dustmouth (T, 96k)

Malfoy is way too interested in coroner reports for somebody who's definitely not looking for ways to die, Harry wants to be friends with him, and Ginny wants to break up with Harry.

Way Down We Go by @xiaq (T, 109k)

In which Harry and Draco both run away from their pasts and conveniently choose to hide in the same tiny American town. It's super.

A Sword Laid Aside by @korlaena (E, 128k)

When Draco’s cover is blown during a deep undercover operation and the Ministry is compromised, Ron takes Draco to the only safe place he can think of—Potter. Hiding out with a taciturn Harry Potter, who has been missing from the Wizarding World for almost two decades after a shocking fall from grace, is nothing like Draco thought it would be.

In The Dark by @bixgirl1 (E, WIP)

In the aftermath of an apocalypse, Harry receives an order to find and bring Draco Malfoy nearly a thousand miles, to the tenuous safety of Hogwarts. But more than distance separates them from their goal. The world has fallen, and death is hungry.

[pinkpigtailsprincess]

𝜗𝜚 ݁ ˖ Summer Glow up: creating new habits 🎀⭐️ *࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ!

Hi Dolls!! Welcome Back 2 Dollies 2 Months of Summer Glow Up !! 🎀⭐️ Today im gonna talk all about implementing brand new habits in my life !!

> Hobbies !! 🎀

> Academics !! 📒

> Beauty Care !! 🧖‍♀️

> Scheduling !! ☀️

> Taking Baby Steps !! 🛼

❤︎ ໋𓈒 Hobbies!! 🎀

…: This Summer I Plan on Taking up Some brand New Hobbies to keep my self busy and learn about brand new things bc everyday is useful!! and so i can use my time more wisely some hobbies i have in mind are…

- Yoga

- Painting

- Creative Writing

- Learning Japanese + Spanish

- Reading

- Puzzles!

- Blogging

- Learning To Code

- Doll Collecting

- Book Collecting

- Sewing + Crocheting

- Digital Art

- Piano

and obvii im already a blogger but i still added it anyways i will watching videos on how to get into these hobbies and videos on learning Spanish and more Japanese, also fun fact i’ve actually been studying Japanese sine 2021 but i stopped bc it got to hard but im starting back up!! anyways, after i watch the videos im gonna set up a financial list bc i have the fund all of these but its okay bc i can easily get money!! 🎀

❤︎ ໋𓈒 Academics !! 🎀

More Goals of mine are to raise my grades in an academic space bc i do have decent grades but i wanna aim higher and have PERFECT Grades so in turn that means i must study more and have more discipline and not so irresponsible with my time!! and i also wanna study subjects outside of school bc its always good to learn something new!! now for learning tips so far i have..

- Flash Cards

- Practice Methods

- Teaching Someone Else

- Trying to explain it to a 5 yr old

- Study a Week Before

- watch ted talks on topics

- SLEEP

- write out notes

Now i Also Have a list of subjects i want to learn about!!

- drawing facial expressions + bodies

- Sewing Stiches + How to Hem and Crochet

- How 2 Draw Bodies + Poses

- Full Anatomy 4 Both Genders

- Japanese + Spanish + French + ASL

- Color Theory

- Learning Cursive + Improving Handwriting

- Expanding Vocabulary

- Religious Cults

- Case and Law

- Poison and Toxicology

- Astronomy

- Medical Surgical Instruments

- Matriarchal Societies

- Socialism Societies

Now i definitely won’t be able to do all of this all at once bc it would definitely we too stressful so im gonna choose as least 2-3 to start with and study them and just learn! 🎀🧁

❤︎ ໋𓈒 Beauty Care !! 🐬

📧: Now I already have my regular beauty care regime skin,hair,eyebrows,eyelashes etc. but im also more focused on getting weekly treatments & weekly beauty care habits like…

- Nails

- Hair

- Eyelashes

- Face Mask

- Hand + Foot Mask

And i wanna try and find people in my city that can do this especially for nails bc i would go to the nail salon but i feel like they won’t be able to do it exactly how i want it to be !!!

❤︎ ໋𓈒 Scheduling !! ⭐️

Now That im gonna be so busy i need to make sure i also stay organized with my time so it doesn’t lead to stress so ill have my regular school classes on my regular schedule then making dedicated hours to studying Things i wanna learn about + Language Learning!

My Workouts are always early morning before school in the evening hours before i got to bed so i won’t have to worry about that affecting my academics. With my Hobbies i feel like only some of them really need scheduling so ill also make time dedicated to those as well !!!!

Beauty Maintenance will probably always be on weekends for the stuff that weekly/bi weekly like face masks,manipedis,hair etc!!

and last but definitely not least!!

❤︎ ໋𓈒 Taking Baby Steps !! ⭐️

This whole process is still all new too me so i’ll definitely only be doing a little at a time and working my way up and i get more familiar with the change in my daily life and i won’t pressure my self to complete everything extremely quickly and just take my time with everything! bye bye dolls tysm 4 keeping up with me while doing this kisses 4 all of u!!! 🎀⭐️

[leonscape]

the ways of the ikepri househusbands

jin has no problem that his wife is the main breadwinner of the family. he doesn’t mind staying home and taking care of their household. he takes his duties very seriously, even if it may not seem like it. people are often surprised when they see an intimidatingly burly man doing domestic house work. he’s the type to not wear a shirt but wear and apron while cooking lol.

chevalier is the tidiest househusband. every centimeter of the house is abnormally tidy. not a spec of dust to be seen anywhere. you could take a white glove and test any surface, any area and the glove would remain pristine. he always prepares meals in advance, especially breakfast since he doesn’t wake up early enough for it. when he finishes his chores, he quietly reads until his hard working wife comes home from work.

clavis is a proud househusband. he likes to brag about your career achievements. he picks up little skills here and there by taking classes and also from self study. he’s gone to many cooking classes but he still insists that he knows what he’s doing in the kitchen. but he also goes to knitting/crocheting or sewing classes so he makes you little plushies and stuff.

leon has always encouraged you to do your best. eventually, money wasn’t a problem and leon started taking over the household chores to help ease the pressure on you. he always makes sure that you have enough food and get enough rest. he also gives really good massages. and imo he’s a person that can’t sit still so i think he would either still have a little side hustle of some sort? whether he works part time from home, or he has his own little business? maybe he makes furniture and sells it or something idk.

yves still worries about what other people say. he’s happy he can help you. but sometimes he gets insecure when people criticize his lifestyle choices. he loves to cook and bake so he naturally took on the housework. he makes meal menus for the week so you know what you’re having for dinner everyday. he mostly spends his days making and perfecting his recipes.

licht doesn’t really like just being a househusband. he feels like he needs to do more. he needs to support you more but you reassure him that he’s doing his best. maybe he’s not the best at cooking but he’s getting better. he stopped setting the stove on fire last month. now he’s working on learning how to season the food.

nokto likes being a househusband. he keeps the home clean and cozy, ready to welcome you home. (sorry i don’t actually know a lot about him so i’m just gonna say whatever comes to mind.) he strikes me as a rich wine aunt rather uncle in his case and he likes to paint too. i think he’d throw parties or some kind of gatherings so he can make friends and such.

luke is the ultimate househusband. homemade meals, always warm and comforting. he likes sewing too so he learns how to make you clothes. of course he makes matching couple outfits too. he probably starts a garden so he can grow some food.

rio malewife he’s the best househusband you could ask for. he would do anything for you so when you asked him if he wanted to be a househusband, he happily agreed. he can do paperwork, cook, clean, fix things, develop skills on the spot if you wished for it.

this is getting too long lmk if y’all want sariel, gilbert, keith, and silvio

[hunterevie]

Story - Crotched Bee Family

Pairing - Castiel/Dean Winchester

Word count - 1557

Rating - Teen

Summary - With Cas spending more time on earth he wants to find a hobby to keep him busy, he decides on crocheting household items and clothes. When Dean starts hunting again he leaves Cas alone at home, who spends his time on his hobby.

Every time Dean comes back from a hunt though, he finds a new little crocheted surprise in his bedroom.

Cas had a new hobby. Ever since he had decided to spend more time on Earth with his husband, and less time with the angel garrison, he was finding himself getting a little bored. He tried to while away days by reading, doing a little research for cases, or writing poetry, something he had found he had a natural talent for. But he got bored of them quite quickly, preferring to do something a little more hands on.

That’s when he starts crocheting. 

It was a weird thing for him to progress to, but he was really good at it. Jumpers, hats, scarves, blankets, bags, you name it Cas could probably crochet it. He had already made them matching jumpers, soft to the touch and wonderfully comfortable. Sam laughed when they wore them the first time, but Dean just thought he was jealous that he didn’t get one.

As he grew in confidence, he decided he could sell some of his items. So that he wasn’t just clogging up their room in the bunker. Dean was all for it. Anything for a bit of extra money. And Cas was making quite a bit of money, enough for them to put some savings away to look at buying a property for their own.

It would be nice to get away from the bunker, and stop mentally scarring Sam every time they were remotely affectionate. Maybe the space could help them move further forward in their relationship. They had spoken in the past about having a family of their own, maybe with a home it was one step closer to becoming a reality.

Things were going well with the new hobby, that was until Dean started doing a bit of ad hoc hunting.

At first, Cas insisted on going with him. Wanting to be there to make sure his husband was safe, knowing he would be able to heal him quickly if he became too injured. But Dean insisted on Cas staying in the bunker, telling him that if they were in too much danger they would call him. As he was still an angel, Dean was confident he would be there in seconds and everything would be fine.

Still Cas worried.

On Deans first night back from a hunt, they were cuddled together under the comforter. Pressing soft little kisses against each others lips, biting gently and massaging to draw out wonderful stuttering noises. Wanting to feel more of his husband, Cas started sliding his lips down Deans neck. Licking and sucking at points, pulling out intoxicating groans. Although lost in the sensations, Deans eyes fluttered open briefly. Wanting to see his husband.

It was then he saw it.

Out the corner of his eye he saw a little soft crocheted creature, a bumble bee with bright yellow and black lines on. The wings were a pure white, soaring high from its back and it had an adorable little smile on his face.

“Erm sweetheart.” Dean said, tapping him lightly on the thigh. The only response a soft ‘hmmm’ against his neck before Cas went back to kissing tenderly. “Sweetheart.” That bought Cas out of his task, he pulled back, looking into his husbands eyes with those beautiful blue lust filled ones.

“Yes handsome?” He asked, hand coming up and gently caressing his cheek. Staring at him with so much affection it was making Deans cheeks heat up.

“What’s that?” Dean asked, pointing over to the table behind Cas. His husband turned around, searching where his eyes were looking. He could see his shoulders jerking a little where he was chuckling to himself.

“It’s a bee.”

“I can see that sweetheart, but…where did it come from?” Now Cas was looking back at his husband, a look of confusion in his eyes.

“I made her.” Ah right, he had obviously graduated from making bedding, clothing and accessories to making tiny little soft toys.

“Her?”

“Yes. She’s called Britney.” Of course he picked the name of a famous pop star to name his little creation. That was so adorably Cas. “Do you like her?”

“She’s very cute Cas.” Dean responded, moving down and taking those lips in his own again. Now he had satisfied his curiosity, he got back to the matter at hand.

With things becoming more dangerous out there, Dean found himself on more and more hunts. Leaving Cas alone in the bunker more frequently. Although Cas insisted he could come with him, Dean still refused.

Every time Dean came back home, he found himself faced with even more bees that Cas had made when he was away. Large ones, tiny ones, medium sized ones. All taking pride of place on the bedside table. Staring at them as they were reacquainting themselves after being away from each other for a short period of time.

It was after the 10th bee he decided he had to say something. When Dean had arrived back, Cas pulled him straight into their bedroom. Pushing him up against the wall and pressing delicate kisses against his neck and shoulders, petting softly down his sides and hips. As he opened his eyes and looked over he noticed the latest addition to the bee family, one that was so large it took up a portion of the bed and was the size of a pillow.

“Cas…Cas.” Dean said gently, pushing his husband away so they could look into each others eyes. “What is going on with the bees?” It wasn’t tactful but he thought he should approach it head on.

“What do you mean?” Cas asked, that confused little lilt in his voice that made Deans heart melt. His husband was truly the most adorable man in the world.

“Well erm…you only seem to make them when I’m away on hunts. I just wondered why I guess?” His husband looked away for a moment; staring over at his little bee family. It was as if he was trying to work out why himself. After nearly 5 minutes he looked back at Dean.

“It’s the only way I can cope when you’re gone.” His eyes were watery from the admission, a stray tear rolled down his cheek, wiped away by Deans calloused thumb as his hand held Cas’s cheek with all the tenderness in the world. He pushed forward and pressed their foreheads together. Cas shut his eyes, breathing in Deans scent for a moment as he composed himself. “I’m so scared when you are away Dean. All I can think about is a call saying you’re hurt or…or worse, you’re…” He couldn’t say the words, stopping as a little hiccup escaped his lips, head dropping to his husbands shoulder. Dean rubbed his husband back, hoping it would sooth him.

“I know sweetheart. I’m fine though, Sammy is with me and I know you’ll be there quickly if anything goes wrong.”

“Why can’t I come with you on these hunts Dean?” He asked, looking back up with glassy eyes. “I’ll feel so much better knowing I was there to help if things went wrong.” Dean understood that, he did. But he had his own reasons for wanting to protect his angel. Sighing he pulled Cas into his chest, arms completely wrapped around his body as he pulled his head into his chest. Swallowing, gaining the courage before speaking.

“Because I’m terrified of losing you Cas. If I get hurt, at least I know you’re around if I need saving. You can get there quickly and heal me. But if somebody has an angel blade, if they get one good shot at you then…that’s it.” He managed to unwrap his hand from his husband, laying it on his chin as he pulled his head back. Tenderly tilting his head up so their eyes were locked again. “And I can’t lose you sweetheart. Not after it took me so long to get you back.” He leant down and nuzzled their noses together before he pressed his forehead against Cas’s again.

“I don’t want you to hunt anymore Dean.” There was so much pain in those words, tears were forming in the back of Deans eyes now. Seeing his husband so vulnerable and scared about his hunting.

“That was my last hunt angel. I promise. I spoke to Sam on the way back and told him I couldn’t do it anymore. I just want to spend the rest of my life with you in safety, not putting myself in danger on hunts.” The relief that flooded Cas’s eyes made Dean smile.

“Thank you Dean.” They pushed together again, lips meeting in a chaste kiss once more.

“No worries angel.” Dean looked around the room at all the crocheted toys. “What are we going to do about all the bees?”

“We’re keeping them Dean. They’re our little bee family. I can’t get rid of them.” Cas said with all the seriousness in the world, causing his husband to laugh hard. Almost doubling over as he did so, loving how adorable and dorky he was at this moment. Cas couldn’t help but smile also.

“Okay, I guess we can have our bee family watch over us then.” Dean said, kissing his husband once more.

Maybe one day, in the distant future, they could pass that little bee family onto their own children.

He could only dream.

[fiyasgideon]

Hi there. Any mdtb AU fic recs (modern setting preferably or unique settings) that you could share? Thanks :)

Sure thing! I'm gonna try to list some of the less popular (around 500 or less kudos) fics that I love so there's a higher chance people haven't read them yet, and also, so they'll get more love.

Forward by @raendown

Modern AU where Madara meets Tobirama again at a soccer game. Very cute and Raendown's works are all amazing. Honestly, they have a ton of good Modern AU's, so I'd just go check their profile out and search their Modern AU tag.

Get Yourself Someone Who Can Do Both by Gracelte

A funny modern AU Valentine's fic where every year for Valentine's, Madara pretends to go get stood up at a restaurant to get free meals.

The Boss's Sweetheart series by Sylencia

An overall amazing series, I think the second one is my favorite just because of the scene they make at their date and how Madara tries to make up for it afterwards.

In Need of Good Food by @wisiaden

A very funny food fic where Tobirama has a ton of food allergies, but doesn't let that stop him from enjoying renown chef Madara's food.

To Whom it May Concern by Honks

A very cute and funny Modern fic with an online crochet teacher Tobirama, who goes by Suiton, and a Madara who is a very good son who is just trying to help his mother out by emailing Suiton questions about his pattern videos.

Of Fungi And Voyria by @messier-47

This is actually a Stardew Valley au, though no knowledge of the game is needed (as I have none and still enjoyed it). It's got some heavy themes though, so mind the tags. Totally worth it if you can read it though, it's what got me into Messier's fics (which are all amazing, especially the spice).

Two Of A Kind by midnightfeast

This is a MadaTobi fic in a kinda loose way, as Madara is an inmate at a prison, and Tobirama is a horse, but they bond. It's cute, and a little funny seeing Madara become the Horse Girl tm. Definitely worth a read.

Angel of Vengeance by Makiaru

Modern cop Tobirama who requires help from a hired killer Madara for a special case after something happens and his suspect walks free, allowing them to kidnap his younger brothers.

And now, for some spice!

No Matter the Distance by Sylencia

Modern AU long distance relationship with some nice phone sex.

Play Games With Me by Sir_Thirst_A_Lot

A funny modern gaming streamer Tobirama and Madara fic with lots of fluff and UST.

Working Relationship by CreativeSweets

A modern superhero au with kleptomaniac Tobirama and superhero Madara falling for each other. In mask or out of mask? I won't say. It's a good story on its own, but it does have some spice in it.

Ride For Me by Pengress

A spicy fic set in a modern sex club where Madara goes to let off some steam by himself. Tobirama likes what he sees and maybe wants to show Madara how much better things would be if he let Tobirama join. For now though he can't touch Madara, so he'll have to get creative.

All in the Technique by @illogicals-blog

Tobirama moves back home and rejoins the Uchiha owned dojo where Madara has become an instructor. Lots of UST, and many innuendos about working out.

Send them Packing by @ellionne

A funny modern female Madara exacting revenge on some men who decide to spread fake stories about sleeping with her by pretending to have a dick they apparently "forgot" to mention in their stories, and a sec shop worker Tobirama who is all too willing to help her, in more ways than one.

If there's a Modern AU fic you like that I didn't list, it's either because it's something I've already linked before in a previous rec list, which you can find here or here, or it's from Raendown or Sylencia, who pretty much dominate the Modern AU tags, and you should definitely just go to their pages and read all their fics.

[mints-leaf]

A Bookstore Meet Cute Pt. 3

Summary: You’re leading your first book club meeting and Abby is there for support, like a good friend, but maybe there could be something more between you two.

Pairing: Abby Anderson x Fem!Reader (modern au)

Word count: 2,243

Warnings: reader had anxious/spiraling thoughts, grammatical errors

part 1 ⚢ part 2

A/N: I think this will be the last official part of the Bookstore mini series but I’ll also write a drabble for what I think your first date with Abby would be like.

•❅──✧❅✦❅✧──❅••❅──✧❅✦❅✧──❅••❅──✧❅✦❅✧──❅•

You took calming breaths as you entered the bookstore the next Thursday night. Earlier in the week Roxane had come into the store for a chat and like you feared, she was completely serious about you leading the next book club meeting. When she saw the doubt on your face, she was quick to reassure you that everything would be fine and reminded you that it would just be the ladies. If she was anyone else you would have put your foot down and told her no, but there was something about the way she happily ranted on that made it feel impossible to deny her. I mean how could you say no to a cute grandmother that gave you crocheting tips and shared baking recipes.

So here you were, about to burn a hole through the floor with your frantic pacing as you re-read the talking point flashcards that you made earlier in the day. You had decided to go to the store an hour before the meeting to run through your plan and try to get more comfortable. You were so engrossed in going over your cards that you didn’t notice the time fly by, and you didn’t hear the shop door open.

Abby had decided to drive over to the bookstore early and originally planned on waiting in the parking lot until she noticed that the lights inside were on. She found the front door unlocked and let herself in. As she made her way upstairs, she could hear the floorboards creaking and when she walked past the bookshelves and through the doorway, she found you pacing. Abby called out your name, but you were so lost in whatever you were holding in your hands you didn’t seem to hear her. She slowly walked up to you, trying not to scare you, and calling out your name but that seemed to do nothing as you made a sharp turn and bumped into her. You both let out an ‘oof’ and you were brought back to reality by Abby’s firm grip on your arms.

“You okay there?” Abby asked as she quickly scanned your body to make sure you were okay before letting go.

“Yeah, sorry. I just keep running into you don’t I?” You asked trying to sound normal while your heart was beating like you just ran a marathon. During the past 40 minutes, you had managed to freak yourself out, your mind presenting you with every worst-case scenario it could conjure up. And as if that wasn’t enough here stood Abby, looking amazing as always. What if you messed up and she thought you were lame? What if you said something wrong and she stopped coming around on Saturdays? You didn’t think she would drop you like that but what if?

Abby could tell by your silence and the furrow of your brows that you were getting too in your head. Trying to change the subject and get you talking she asked, “whatcha got there?” pointing to the flashcards that you were still clutching in your hands.

“Oh, these are just some flashcards,” you explained suddenly taking a great interest in the floor. You didn’t want to admit to Abby that you were rehearsing all your lines but for some reason you continued, “I just wrote down a few talking points and questions to ask the group… it’s dumb.” You went to put the cards in your back pocket, but Abby cupped your hands to stop you.

“It’s not dumb. If that’s what you need to help, then it’s not dumb.” Abby said, leaning down so she caught your eye. “Is there anything I can do? Do you want to talk through it?” she offered with a small smile, trying to boost your confidence.

“I don’t think so,” you huffed out a laugh, “I really just want to get this over with.”

“You’re gonna be great, you have nothing to worry about.” Abby smiled. Normally when someone tried to console you with words it did nothing to calm you but for some reason, hearing Abby say that did make you feel a bit lighter. You two shared a smile but the moment was broken by the sound of the store door opening and the murmur of voices from downstairs.

Abby saw you tense up and gently placed her hand on your back to guide you over to the middle couch. You sat down together and were soon joined by the other 5 members of the bodice rippers. One of the members, Vera, had brought cookies and Abby quickly grabbed one and handed it to you. You took a bite of your cookie while the ladies gave you and Abby a quick greeting before continuing their conversation. When Roxane started to turn the conversation toward book club, Abby leaned in and asked in a low voice, “Do you want me to sit with you or do you want space?”

“Will you stay?” you asked Abby. She gave you a smile and nod before Roxane’s voice officially called everyone to attention.

“Alright ladies, our lovely y/n has agreed to host our meeting for tonight.” She turned to you as the other ladies clapped and gave you a big smile, “Y/n, take it away.”

You modeled your plan off what you had seen Roxane do last week so after sharing a few of your thoughts about the book, you opened the floor up for everyone to share some of their favorite parts. While you tripped on your words a few times, things flowed smoothly. Everyone was engaged in the conversation, especially Abby, and no one batted an eye when you made mistakes. As the night went on you felt more and more comfortable and shared more of your thoughts and opinions. By the end of the meeting, you felt a huge wave of relief, partially because it was over and partially because everything went well. Everyone gave you a round of applause and you couldn’t help the smile that stretched across your face.

As people began to stand and start their own conversations Roxane beelined to you and plopped down next to you (she was still quite agile, for a woman in her 60s). “You see, I told you that you would be great!” Roxane exclaimed, catching the attention of another member who joined in on your conversation.

Everyone seemed to peel off into their own discussions. You were talking with Joy about a restaurant downtown when you realized that the room was down to only four of you. Joy, Mary, you, and Abby were the only ones that remained until Joy and Mary saw the time and then it was down to only you and Abby.

You and Abby made eye contact and she gave you a sweet smile. “I told you that you were gonna be great.”

You don’t know what came over you but suddenly you were making your way over to Abby and throwing your arms around her broad shoulders. She responded instantly, wrapping her strong arms around your waist, and pulling you in (Abby definitely gives amazing hugs!!).

“Yeah, but we’re friends. I’m pretty sure you have to console your friends when they’re freaking out.” You mumbled into her shoulder, trying to play it cool while you felt your insides melt as you inhaled her pine scent.

“Doesn’t matter, I was still right.” Abby teased. You pulled back a bit so she could see your eye roll and basked in the sound of her deep chuckle. You two were still pressed to each other and you couldn’t stop yourself from gazing at Abby’s face, trying to commit it to memory. This was the first time that you had ever been so close and you wanted to remember it.

As Abby’s laugh died down you two held each other’s gaze. You felt the urge to kiss her but tried your best to tamper it down until you saw her eyes dart to your lips. Suddenly overcome by a wave of confidence you surged up and touched your lips to Abby’s. The realization of what you were doing didn’t sink in until a few seconds after but before you could fully pull away and apologize one of Abby’s hands left its place on your waist and came to rest on the side of your face. You melted into the kiss as Abby pulled you closer and your lips moved together. You felt Abby gently slide her tongue across your bottom lip, a tentative question, but before you could open your mouth to hers, you heard heavy footsteps on the stairs. You two sprung apart just before Joy entered the room.

“Sorry girls, I got all the way back home before I realized that I had left my purse and had to turn back around.” She said with a smile, looking at where she had sat during the meeting.

You followed her line of sight and sure enough, there on the couch, was her purse. Still a little dazed you jumped into action to grab it and strode across the room to hand it to her. “Here you go.”

As Joy took her purse from your hands, she observed your slightly disheveled appearance and Abby’s flushed cheeks. She gave you two a smirk and made her way back to the stairs, but not before shouting, “Have a good night girls, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” (You could hear her cackle as she walked through the shop.)

You cringed, knowing that you had been caught but when you heard the front door close you felt a laugh begin to bubble up. You tried to fight it off but after the emotional whirlwind of the past 3 hours, you couldn’t stop yourself from laughing. What started as a little giggle turned into a full-fledged belly laugh that nearly had you doubled over. Abby didn’t understand what was so funny, but your laugh was contagious, so it didn’t take long for her to join you.

You were able to calm yourself down a bit and explained through giggles, “I feel like I’m back in high school. Like I just got caught making out under the bleachers by Regina George’s mom.”

At this analogy, Abby let out another laugh, “Are you speaking from personal experience?”

After you two were able to get your laughing under control it all started to sink in. You had kissed Abby and she had kissed you back (and Joy might not have seen, but she definitely knew). You didn’t know where to go from here, but you didn’t have to worry about it for long.

“Do you want to go on a date?” Abby blurted out. She had meant to be smoother about it, but she could practically see the gears turning in your head.

“…what?” you asked, completely taken aback by her question.

Abby closed her eyes and took a deep breath, deciding that she would put it all out there. “Look, I like you,” Abby said taking a few steps closer to you as she continued, “and if that kiss is anything to go off of, I think you like me too.” You lowered your eyes to the floor but she grabbed your hands, drawing your attention back to her. “I’ve wanted to ask you out for a while, but I kept putting it off because I didn’t want to make things awkward between us and honestly you make me a little nervous.”

Your eyes nearly bugged out of your head at this. “I make you nervous?” you asked in disbelief. In what world would little old you intimidate the solid wall of muscle standing in front of you.

“Yeah, I think that’s pretty normal when you have a crush on someone,” Abby said with a smirk as she watched you try to avoid her eyes and control your smile. “So, what do you say? Will you go on a date with me?”

Of course you wanted to go out with Abby, but you couldn’t give in too quickly. “Hmm, I guess I could pencil you in,” you said feigning disinterest. Like always Abby rolled along with the bit.

“I can have my people call your people.” She said in a bored voice, but you saw a small smile start to form and that was your breaking point.

You couldn’t help but smile and let out a laugh as you dropped the bit, “I’d love to go on a date with you Abby.”

“Good, how does Saturday night sound?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

You and Abby turned off the lights as you made your way out of the bookstore. Abby waited next to you while you locked up and insisted that she drive you back to your apartment. “That way I know where to pick you up on Saturday.” She had argued as she led you to her car. The ride was short since you only lived a few blocks over and Abby was kind enough to get out and help you out of the car.

“I’ll see you on Saturday? Oh! I should probably give you my number.” You and Abby traded phones and you quickly typed your number in.

“See you on Saturday.” Abby smiled, handing you your phone back. You gave her phone back and told her to have a safe drive home before entering your apartment building. You practically floated back to your apartment, already thinking about seeing Abby again.

[theeccentricraven]

If you are joining NaNoWriMo at the last minute, read this first...

I've been preparing for NaNoWriMo for about four months now. I have my outlines, profiles, and world development in place. Even with all of my planning, I know I'll still discover a lot of the story as I write. Sometimes I see comments throughout the web along the lines of "I'm joining NaNoWriMo at the last minute. I'm kinda scared. Should I be worried?" For the most part, I say welcome on board. You're never too late to join. Last minute joiners are the most pansty of all pansters. As a planster, I say you can succeed as either panster, planner, or in between.

However, recently I realized a reason to be careful about joining at the last minute. Sometimes a comment may be along the lines of, "I don't even have any ideas for NaNoWriMo."

I will say it out right: You should only join and write if you are passionate about your idea.

I personally don't agree with writing for writing's sake, that is, for the motive, "I want to write/participate because I like the idea of being a writer" or "I want to write because it sounds something cool people do". Unfortunately, things aren't likely to turn out well for you if that's the case.

The key to succeed at NaNoWriMo, a writing career, or writing in general is to have passion. You need to be passionate about your idea. You need to feel like it's your calling. You need to feel like the world depends on you to tell this story. You have to feel like you are dying to tell this story.

Not joking.

Writing is hard. Most people who try to be writers fail for that reason. It can be stressful and keep you up at night. NaNoWriMo prepares you for the life of a writer. It helps get you to learn to spend more time writing and to focus. You aren't likely to be willing to go through it if you aren't passionate about your idea.

Regarding my NaNo 2023 project, "The Blood Cleaners" I'm madly passionate about this story and my main character Justin. I got the idea clear back when I was working as a custodian and got an idea for a story where special powers were needed to clean up blood. I worked on various WIP's until I abandoned my writing for nearly a decade. Thankfully, I'm back to writing now. I remembered my old idea and how I would regret to never let it take fruition. I know this will be hard and a lot of obstacles are ahead. I am ready to face them head on because of how important it is to me.

So if you realize you aren't passionate about your idea nor NaNoWriMo, you have options. It depends on what you feel is best for you. You could go ahead and try and see how it works for you. Some people might write 10,000 words, 7,00 words, or 500 words before realizing, "This isn't for me" and stopping. This is ok. You often don't know until you try. If you decide to go on and write the 50,000 words then go for it! If you feel you'd be happier writing something other than a novel, that's great. NaNoWriMo does support using that time to write poetry, non-fiction, screenplays, or other mediums instead. You could also instead use the time to work on outlining your idea if you want to write it but just don't feel ready yet. You can also pick up another worthy project. Cooking, baking, painting, crochet, music composition, sports, etc. are all good things.

In the end, if you are passionate about your idea, don't feel scared to join NaNoWriMo at the last minute. Your passion will take ahold of you and help you overcome obstacles. If nothing else, NaNoWriMo will help you learn what to do in the future, wherever your passion lies.

Photo by Ospan Ali on Unsplash.

[livythewriter]

Quarantine AU PT II (Elsbeth Tascioni x Fem!Reader)

Word count: 2012

Warnings: Reader gets blood drawn and tests ran on her, small bit of angst, mentions of blood obviously, mentions of deadly diseases, mentions of death.

Summary: Reader can't stop thinking about Elsbeth, but the doctors find something peculiar about her, and reader meets a little girl in the next cell over who keeps her company.

In the days that followed, I tried to stop thinking about Elsbeth, but she was literally the only thing on my mind sometimes. Whether I liked it or not, this woman had burrowed her way into my heart, and all I could think about was whether she was okay.

In fact, even now I was sitting on my bed, staring off into space, and thinking about nothing but Elsbeth. But my thoughts were soon interrupted as I heard my cell door open, and I looked up to see a doctor.

“Please come with me.” He simply said, and I complied, too tired and deflated to question why they needed me now.

He took me to a room that looked like a small lab, with a large chair in the middle that had many gadgets around it. I sat in the chair as instructed, and waited for them to tell me what was up.

“We brought you here because you had some pretty severe exposure to the virus, but have still shown no signs of being sick. We think there might be something in your blood preventing you from getting sick, and so we just want to run some tests on you to see if your blood could be used to make an antidote for the virus.” The doctor explained.

“Alright, sounds good. Is Elsbeth okay?” I asked.

“I’m sorry, but we can’t disclose the status of our patients to non family members. I can say that she is still alive, though, if that makes you feel any better.”

“I guess.”

They ran some tests on me, and then drew my blood, and sent me back to my cell where I waited, waited to see if my blood could be used as a cure, or at least a treatment, or at least an immunization.

There wasn’t really much to do in my cell besides reading and crocheting, which now left a bitter taste in my mouth, the thought of doing either making me think of Elsbeth and how badly I missed her. So I just sat there, staring at the wall deep in thought.

“Hello?” A sudden small voice shook me out of my thoughts.

“Hello?” My own voice, weak from lack of use, croaked back.

“You can hear me…?” The voice sounded young, like a child.

“Yeah. These walls are pretty thin.” I said.

“What’s your name?”

“It’s ___. What about you?”

“I’m Abby.”

“Are your parents in there with you?” I asked.

“No, they’re one of the doctors who work here.”

“Oh, alright. How old are you?” I tried to sound as friendly as possible, but I was pretty awkward around children.

“I’m 9. How long have you been here?” Abby asked me.

“About ten days, I haven’t really been keeping count.”

“Do you think I’m gonna be here that long?” Abby sounded a little scared.

“I don’t think so, I’ve only been here this long because they think there’s something in my blood that could be used as an antidote for the virus.”

“Do you think I have the virus?” She asked..

“Well, what brought you here?”

“I was at my grandma’s house, and she had the virus. It’s not like she coughed on me or anything, my parents said it was just a per-cussion.” She had difficulty pronouncing that last word.

“Precaution?”

“Yeah, that. What does that mean?”

“Well, a precaution is when something is done just in case something bad happens. It doesn’t mean the bad thing will happen, but the precaution is just in case it could.” I explained.

“Does that mean I might not have the virus?”

“Yeah, there’s a chance you don’t.”

“I really hope I don’t have it. There’s a 20% death rate, right?”

“Yeah, but that’s not too high.” I assured her, “There are diseases with 100% fatality rate, like rabies.”

“Oh, my uncle got bitten by a dog with rabies. He had to get a shot. I don’t like shots, so I avoid dogs in case they have rabies. I don’t think cats can have rabies cause they don’t go outside. At least, not the indoor cats.”

“Well, pet dogs usually don’t have rabies, but it’s definitely wise to be cautious of any wild animal, even if they don’t have rabies, because of how unpredictable they are.”

“I have a pet snake, her name’s Jasper cause she’s red like the stone.” Abby said.

“Oh, that’s so cute! What kind of snake is she?” I asked.

“A corn snake. Does this place have any games?”

“Well, it has books and crochet kits, but I don’t know if it has any games. You would have to ask your parents.”

“Oh, okay. What’s crow-shay?” She asked.

“It’s a craft where you make things with yarn. I have some crochet supplies in here.” I explained.

“Can I have them?”

“You can ask your parents to bring you some, and maybe I can teach you how to crochet.” I said.

“Okay, that sounds good. Mom! Can you come here please?” Abby called out for her mom, and a doctor came over.

“Yes, sweetie?”

“Can I have crochet supplies? ___ said she was gonna teach me how to crochet.”

“Oh okay, let me just go and grab some.” The doctor left and came back with crochet supplies. I taught Abby how to crochet, and for once it didn’t bring back the sadness of missing Elsbeth.

In the days that followed, me and Abby would talk, and I would be brought back to the lab to run some tests, to see if I had the key to an antidote.

It did eventually get easier to keep my mind off of what would happen to Elsbeth, as I had Abby to keep me company. She was a pretty funny kid, and wicked smart. Sometimes we would play a version of battleship where we drew a grid on paper, drew ships on that grid, and would place attacks on each others’ boards, hoping to hit one of our battleships.

Abby would be a little down sometimes, worried she had the virus, but I always assured her that she likely didn’t have it, and even if she did, a cure was being looked for, so she would likely be okay.

One day, I was busy playing battleship with Abby.

“Hit to B4!” Abby exclaimed, slamming down a checkers piece on the board.

“Dang, you got my ship!” I crossed out my largest ship.

“How many ships do you have left?” She asked.

“I can’t say. But it is… less than 5…” I sighed exaggeratedly.

“I bet it’s like one! I’m gonna beat you, haha!” She laughed mockingly.

“Not if I have any say! Hit to E2!” I put the checkers piece in E2 on the board.

“Nope, didn’t get my ship!”

“Ship? That implies you only have one left…”

“No I don’t! You’re just projecting cause you only have one ship left!”

“Mhmmm, sure.” My cell door opened and a doctor walked in. 

“I have good news.” Said the doctor.

“Oh?” I asked.

“Your blood was successfully used to make an antidote and vaccine for the disease. We just need to draw a little more blood from you so we can successfully make copies of the antibodies in your blood.”

“That’s amazing! Abby did you hear that? They found a cure!”

“O.M.G.!” Abby jumped around excitedly in her cell, and I went with the doctor to have more blood drawn.

“Alright, now that we’ve found a cure, you can go home, and we’ll start giving everyone in the facility this new cure. You have no idea how much your blood is going to help us all.” The doctor explained.

“Thank you so much, have a nice day!” I grabbed my stuff, said goodbye to Abby on the way out, and went home.

My dog was waiting for me at home, along with the sitter I had hired, and my dog immediately jumped on me with kisses and joy.

“Hey there, cutie. Did you miss me?” I gave my dog a kiss on the head. Her name was Sweetie, and she really was cute.

After showering my dog with kisses, I went upstairs and greeted my pet fish. I had two goldfish in a tank, named Jessie and James.

I hadn’t had time to think about Elsbeth with my friend at the facility, but now she popped into my mind again, and I hoped she was okay.

I decided to watch my favorite show for a bit, hoping she would text me sometime in the next couple of days.

About a week after I came home, while I was making dinner, my phone suddenly buzzed with a text. My hands flew towards my phone, harshly grabbing it as I looked at the screen. A text from an unknown number was displayed on my lockscreen

‘Hi there! I’m still alive! I was the first one they gave the cure to!’ -8:42pm.

I immediately texted back, ‘Elsbeth???’ -8:43pm.

‘Yes! I heard they used your blood to make a cure! I am so glad you were immune. I was worried sick the whole time that you would get sick. Oh dear, I have a story to tell you.’ -8:45pm.

‘Oh???’ -8:46pm.

‘It got so bad, I thought I was gonna die! But then just when it was at its worst, I was given the cure, and the more I was given it, the better I felt!’ -8:47pm.

‘Wanna come over?’ -8:48pm.

‘Sure! Just let me know where you are.’ -8:50pm.

I told her my address, and she came over, where we hung out, and I made a second serving of dinner just for her.

“Do you have any allergies?” I asked.

“I don’t believe so, no… Especially not in what you’re making.” Elsbeth said.

“Alright good.” I finished making dinner, and we sat down at the table.

I noticed Elsbeth’s odd, but formal outfit. “You got all dressed up for me, I see.”

“Oh, I had to. I couldn’t show up underdressed for a date with my new favorite person!”

I blushed a bit hearing that, and gave her a bashful smile, “Well now I feel underdressed in my T-shirt and sweats…”

“Ah, you still look gorgeous!” Elsbeth waved her hand dismissively.

“You know exactly how to flatter a girl, Elsbeth.” I giggled.

“Or maybe I just want to flatter you.” Elsbeth leaned in, smiling as she lowered her voice to say that. My cheeks flushed even redder, and I averted my gaze, still smiling.

“By the way, this food is so delicious! I’m loving it! You are an amazing cook.” She took a bite out of the meal.

“Oh, it’s nothing really. I learned to cook from a young age.” A thought popped into my head and I sighed, “You know, I really was worried about you. Only thing stopping me from spiraling into thoughts about your condition was a little girl in the cell next to me who kept me company.”

“Oh no, I am so sorry.” Elsbeth reached across the table and put her hand atop mine.

“It’s fine, it’s not your fault. I was just scared that you would die…”

“Well, I’m not dead. And I won’t be dying anytime soon.” Elsbeth said in a reassuring, quiet voice, a smile on her face. I smiled back.

“I’m glad you’re okay. And I’m sorry I worried you too.” I said.

“I’m just glad you’re also okay.”

“Yeah.”

We spent the rest of the night chatting and laughing, and eventually Elsbeth had to go home.

“It was nice spending time with you, I enjoyed myself a lot.” Elsbeth said when we were right next to the front door.

“Yeah, me too. I hope you have a safe drive home.” I said.

“I’ll see you again sometime.” Elsbeth suddenly leaned in, planting a kiss on my cheek. My cheeks flushed bright red, and my mouth hung open like a fish. She waved at me, and then exited my house, leaving me to think about that moment.

[peachymilkandcream]

Can you please give us some HCs about Evelyn :) Like her quirks, likes, dislikes, hobbies, habits, facts about her, etc.

General Evelyn Headcanons

(A/N: I have been waiting waiting for this request! I realize I haven't given much detail on Evelyn but I did that because it's her story yes but because Levi is the way he is he's taken it over. So I'll also categorize each of these so I can do each one on the list! (I don't have a faceclaim to put with this for Evelyn tho bc I'm not an artist so sorry about that. Unless someone wants to slide in the inbox for a more detailed description 0_0 jk jk)

WARNINGS: None, she is literally perfection and doesn't deserve Levi's ass but I love causing her trauma

===========================================

Likes ->

It's been lowkey mentioned before but Evelyn is a big reader, Hange introduced her to it and now they give each other book recs.(Hange always insists on recommending smut to piss off Levi)

Girlie is an autumn enthusiast, even though Levi thinks of her as his spring (yes it's a Fruits Basket reference don't @ me) Pumpkins, cozy blankets, leaf crunching, the whole nine yards. She would be that friend if camera's were more available to use bedsheets and take pictures as ghosts

Avid music and dancing fan, obviously the only music they have is classical and Levi taught her how to dance which is what they used to do until the wedding

More often than not she'll grab the paper from Levi in the morning and look at local death cases and try and figure out who did it before reading the full story, although she's stopped since Levi deemed it "unladylike"

The staff that do talk to her recently started teaching her to bake, although unfortunately Levi was the recipient of some failed attempts.

In the winters she occupies her time crocheting, she can only make blankets, scarves and mittens but hey, Levi now has an endless supply

Hange used to be (and still kinda is) her best friend, I didn't show it much because the series is supposed to be about her and Levi not her and Hange but they were besties for a long time

She hates to admit it but baths with Levi is actually very relaxing, he's warm and it's nice to be up against his chest like that

Dislikes ->

Levi lmao (obvious answer)

She's honestly and truly afraid of the dark, she's younger than Levi but not that much younger and she's still afraid of the dark. Shadows coming in the night scare her so in those moments she (unwillingly) clings to him. Although part of her wonders if he drapes clothes and things a certain way to look like shapes

She hates hot weather, she's not in love with the whole sundress without panties summer vibe, too hot and sticky

Cooking is her worst enemy, baking is fun enough but cooking will be the death of her

Erwin (again obviously)

The Survey Corps uniforms, who the hell designed the white pants in mind come on

Hobbies ->

As mentioned so I'll just go over quick, reading, baking, crocheting :)

Habits & Quirks ->

She's a habitual sleep without panties and just a shirt person, everything else is too warm and annoying, tibbies free to the wind

While cooking is the bane of her existence, she is a firm believer of fuck around and find out there, making amalgamations of food when she cooked for herself

Designated mom friend, she makes herself (before with Levi but now herself) the one who makes sure the underage Scouts don't get ahold of booze and make a fool out of everyone

She'll keep you in check but if you do get in a bind she'll walk you home and hold your hair back to puke

She enjoys having her hair played with so she'll sit for hours and let whoever wants to braid her hair or do funky styles, she just likes the physical touch of it

No matter what she does she's cold as hell, Levi keeps the home scorching hot so she's comfortable, he'd rather go around shirtless than have her freeze

Fun Facts ->

For fun she let Hange use bleach on her hair and now she highlights it when she can, Levi still lets her since he's learned how to do it and it makes her hair interesting

Levi cuts her hair, he already does his own so he's learned how to cut her curly hair

She keeps her hair in pin curls, which isn't usually the style for the officer's wives since they're usually older

Levi used to bring her flowers randomly to woo her but she's just come to like getting them

One time she wore one of Levi's shirts to bake as an act of revenge if it got stained but when he got home and saw her the idea of her wearing his clothes was so hot he encourages her to wear them all the time

[justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms]

Hello !! I’d love to request a matchup for mha, pjo, & haikyuu <3

- I use any pronouns & identify as genderqueer

- I am polyamorous, queer, and on the aromantic spectrum. I don’t really experience romantic attraction but I’d be with someone of any gender. For me, I’m just happy being close to those I love whether it’s in a romantic or platonic context. I also enjoy typically romantic stuff like dates and all that :^)

- I am a Gemini & INFP (I think ?)

- I am 5’10, pale, lanky & built like a cereal box. I have freckles and dark circles under my eyes. My hair & eyes are both dark brown, my hair being streaked with white and usually kept down & cut sort of in a shag around my shoulders. I also have a nose that’s kinda big with a bump. I’m almost always wearing glasses & have a wardrobe of long flowy skirts, cute grandma sweaters, graphic t shirts, & fun socks.

- I’ve been told that at first glance I’m a very shy and closed off person, sometimes coming off as cold & like I hate everyone. I’m naturally awkward & socially anxious whenever I’m around people I don’t know well which makes me clam up and rarely speak unless spoken too in which case I’m still soft spoken. It can take a while for me to open up but over time I become a lot more talkative & outgoing around my loved ones. My personality is usually described as dorky, very kind to a fault, a little awkward, and a daydreamer. I would describe myself as very emotional, I’m a huge crybaby, a huge dork, introverted, friendly, and very giggly 24/7. I make a lot of bad dad jokes/puns & will laugh at basically anything. I love rambling about my interests & am very enthusiastic about it.

- I love reading & writing, I have my own worlds that I’ve created in my head and would love to share with anyone who’ll listen. I like reading fantasy & mythology, specifically Alaskan myths because I’m Alaskan. I play peaceful games like stardew valley & animal crossing. I also like sweet things, dnd, music, & animation.

- I dislike big social events & loud music because it overwhelms me. I also don’t like school since it does not work well with my anxiety, ADHD, and (probably) autism. Too much social interaction can tire me out and cause me to shut down & stop speaking until I can recharge.

- My hobbies include writing, drawing, skateboarding, jigsaw puzzles, & crochet.

- My love language is gift giving & time spent together !! I give my loved ones things I’ve made for them like stuffed animals, bracelets, or other art & will buy them snacks or something that reminded me of them. I like spending time with my loved whether we’re talking or just existing in comfortable silence.

I think I included everything I want to !! Thank you very much in advance <3 👾

Hi Anon! Thank you for your request! I hope you like your matchups!

In My Hero Academia, I match you with...

You and Shoto are like the cold-at-first-glance-but-actually-really-nice couple of UA!

You're one of very few people who has heard Shoto genuinely laugh. I see him as someone who loves dad jokes so please tell them to him! He's going to have the best time.

Enjoys listening to you rant about your interests. He doesn't really say a whole lot but be rest assured he's listening attentively.

Similarly, he'd love listening to you talk about your fantasy worlds. He thinks you're very clever to be able to come up with such amazing things.

Shoto also doesn't particularly like loud noises or places so he'll help you avoid them if at all possible. He can't do much about the rest of 1A though. There's no one who can make them quiet down.

Please teach him how to crochet! He'd love to have those sort of skills and has been meaning to try knitting for ages so he'd also love crocheting.

Quality time is also Shoto's love language, so you'll be spending a lot of time together in comfortable silence. Whether you're reading, crocheting, or doing a puzzle together, he just loves your company.

In Percy Jackson, I match you with...

The main man himself! Percy is the most supportive partner you could ever hope for.

Loves skating with you! Percy Jackson is definitely someone who knows some cool tricks on a skateboard and he'd love to have staking dates with you.

Definitely wants to train with you. The best way to make sure you can defend yourself, demigod or not, is to see for himself how strong you are.

Always wears the bracelets you've given him. Yes, he knows he's wearing seven bracelets on one arm. So what?

Another one who loves listening to you ramble about your fantasy worlds. He can't believe you can come up with such creative things when you already deal with all of Greek mythology on a near daily basis.

Super respectful of your dislikes. The minute you walk into a noisy environment, he's scanning to see where a quiet spot is and as soon as he sees you starting to shut down, he's gently pulling you over there for a break.

He'll stay there with you as long as you need, wrapping an arm around you and sitting in comfortable silence.

In Haikyuu, I match you with...

Hinata would love to teach you how to play volleyball. But only if you can teach him skateboarding!

Please teach him skateboarding. But make sure he's wearing a helmet and guards on his knees, elbows, hands...basically everywhere.

He's going to fall over a lot until he gets the hang of it (and still a fair bit after than as well) but he's loving every minute of it.

Keeps everything you've ever given him. Whether he's wearing your bracelets or hanging a crocheted keychain from his volleyball bag, Hinata likes the little reminders of you.

Loves listening to you ramble. And loves rambling to you as well. No one else can get a word in sideways when you're both in the zone.

He can be pretty loud but he'll always try to be more mindful when you're around. He's told you a few times that if he's being too loud, just hit him (or get Kageyama to do it).

Hinata would enjoy relaxing with you after a full day of volleyball. He may have almost inexhaustible reserves of energy but even he needs a break sometimes. Those are the moments when he just wants to relax with you in comfortable silence.

[nixytea]

dear bus noona | n.rk

pairing: non-idol! nishimura riki x noona! reader

genre: romance, fluff, letter, bus crush (i know cafe crush is kind of a genre but what about bus seatmates?)

inspired by: my bus rides lol

summary: in which ni-ki writes a letter to the noona who’s on his bus every day :)

wc: 646

warnings: older crush(?), mentions of crying, cat canvas bags, sad books (???i liked it so im not sure if it needs a warning)

dear bus noona:

the first time i met you, you stole took my seat. my favourite seat!!! the window seat. and because you were sleeping, your head blocked my view so i nearly missed my stop >:(( next time sit on the outside okay? but you looked kinda cute when you were asleep…

then i started seeing you on the same bus. every single day. IN THE SAME SEAT. i caught a glimpse of your id while you were putting away your bus pass. that’s how i know you’re a noona. clever, aren’t i? :> but anyway. at least you weren’t asleep the second time. you know noona, you should sleep more, instead of relying on the horrible-smelling coffee you carry around all the time. sometimes you stare at the trees passing by, and i guess it relaxes you because after 5 minutes on the bus you look less tense than when you first get on.

last week, you started carrying a really ugly canvas bag. noona, i love cats too but please stop carrying that bag around the poor kitten’s face is misshapen. the manufacturer of your bag doesn’t do cats justice. seriously, the cat face print looks more like a pig than a cat. return it if you bought it, unless you got it as a gift, which in that case please never bring that out in public again. it’s an eyesore.

the other day, you had a new keychain on your bag zipper, with cha eunwoo’s face on it. does noona find him handsome? are you really a cha eunwoo fangirl? i’m even more good-looking than him what’s your favourite kdrama then? i’ve watched a few of the really popular ones but i don’t really know what else to watch. can noona give me some suggestions? so long as they don’t have cha eunwoo in them.

noona, you looked so funny on the bus last wednesday, crying while reading that english book that i can’t remembering the name of. (was it swing sideways? i don’t know.) i’m sorry for laughing at you. but if i hadn’t laughed you wouldn’t have yelled at me for teasing you! so you should thank me for laughing, ok? don’t be mad at me…i just thought it was cute that you could be so worked up about books. even though i’m not close to noona, just watching you has already told me so much about what you’re like. our chat was really fun, and you’re really fun too.

ahhh, noona, sometimes you’re so cute when i see you. your fashion sense makes me wonder if i’m older or you are. you’re so weird, noona! you’re such an odd person, and i can’t help but want to be friends with you. so dear bus noona, talk to me more ok?

with love,

the kid on the bus who squished your crocheting project by accident ♡

riki sighed, head tilting backwards as he leaned back into his chair. the white light from his desk lamp illuminated his ghostly complexion, and he realised he’d been up far too late for a kid who still had school the next day. twirling his favourite pen absentmindedly, riki reread his letter one more time, before humming in satisfaction when he found no more areas to be corrected. in went the fancy parchment paper, and all that was left on riki’s desk was a lavender-scented manila envelope held in place by a piece of twine. (he’d borrowed konon’s perfume, and he’d make sure sola took that secret to the grave.)

unbeknownst to riki, there was a small smile gracing his lips as he went to bed that night. he needed the sleep, after all tomorrow was going to be a big day. with the flip of a switch, the room was plunged into darkness, but the tiny flame of hope in riki’s heart glowed brighter than anything.

a/n: so…here we are. i just think ni-ki’s adorable. i’m not even older than the beloved maknae so why am i writing about being his noona T-T but anyway! this is my first time writing fluff in a long while so im very rusty but it’s my soft hours so enjoy it while it lasts

[there-must-be-a-lock]

Blind Spot

Spencer Reid x (Gender Neutral) Reader

Word Count: 2640

Warnings: Hair pulling kink! Bucketloads of sexual tension but no actual sex. Gratuitous facts about bird nests. Dorks being oblivious. Lots of fluffy heart-eyed banter. Accusations of intercourse with fictional tree-beasts. 

A/N: I saw a gif that made me want to pull Spencer’s hair. That’s it. I have zero shame. 

For the “friends to lovers” square on my @cmbingo​ card! Proofread by @fangirlxwritesx67​ because she’s the best. 

“You look like you fucked an Ent,” you commented cheerfully, stealing sideways glances at Spencer while you waited for the light to change.  

“Thanks, that’s helpful.” He grimaced, trying to tug another burr out of a snarled curl. 

“Oh my god, you’re just making it worse! I’ll help you when we get back to your place. Leave it, you goober.” 

“Did you just call me a goober?” Spencer asked, trying not to laugh. 

“You’re like the dictionary definition of a goober,” you said fondly. 

“I have three PhDs!”  

“I really wish I’d gotten a video of that tumble, Doctor Goober.” 

Spencer was blushing, grinning down at his lap as he shredded a piece of leaf. It was hard not to stare at him when he smiled like that. 

He’d essentially face-planted into a burr bush earlier, somewhere in the Virginia woods — he’d been so excited about explaining some wonky bit of Star Trek physics theory to you that he just forgot to pay attention to his feet — and he’d floundered out with half a hedge stuck in his hair before picking up exactly where he’d left off. 

In other words, Doctor Spencer Reid was a ridiculous human being. You knew that, objectively. It didn’t stop you from having a massive crush on him. 

Either he was pretending not to notice, to spare your feelings, or he was socially oblivious; you tended to believe the former, considering how well you’d seen him read other people, but you appreciated it. There was a chance you’d make it out of this — if you could just get over it already — with your friendship intact. 

You cleared your throat and told him, “You look like the bastard child of Grandmother Willow and the Wizard of Oz scarecrow.” 

“Even if they were real, the anatomical —” 

“You didn’t mention that when I brought up the Ents. Something you want to tell me about you and Treebeard?” 

“You’re ridiculous,” he huffed, trying to sound exasperated, but he could barely keep a straight face for a second before he was laughing, that scratchy sunny childish giggle that only came out when he was really relaxed and carefree. 

“Close the window before a bird sees you and decides to take up residence.” 

“How about you watch the road?”

“What, no facts about bird nests?” 

“Is that a rhetorical question?” 

“Nope.” 

“Well in that case… gyrfalcon nests are frequently re-used and passed along for generations. The oldest one that’s been discovered was in Greenland, and it was actually estimated to be approximately 2,500 years old.” 

“Seriously?” 

“Yes! In fact…” 

You had to remind yourself, yet again, to stop staring. 

Maybe someday you’d get sick of hearing Spencer talk, but you couldn’t really understand the way most of your teammates reacted to his rambling. Even if you didn’t care about what he was saying, there was something amazing about the way his eyes lit up and his hands fluttered around to illustrate his point.

You parked in front of his building and followed him upstairs. His apartment had become comfortingly familiar — ever since you and Spencer bonded over a shared love of sci-fi, you’d taken to driving him home and, if it wasn’t too late, sticking around for an episode or two of Doctor Who.  

He got his ancient little DVD player up and running, and you settled on the couch, fluffing pillows and shoving aside his nest of colorful crocheted blankets, getting cozy. There was something about Spencer’s space that always felt like home; maybe it was the smell of books, or just the general Spencer-ness of the whole place. 

Just being around him had always kinda felt like home, too. Sometimes you forgot you’d only known him for six months. 

He disappeared into his room for a second and came back with a comb. It was cheap plastic, missing a couple teeth, and looked like it hadn’t been used in a while. You looked from him to the comb and back again. 

“That actually explains a lot,” you said, grinning. Spencer rolled his eyes and sat down on the floor in front of you, leaning back against your shins, and after a dismayed glance at his curls, you commented, “We could always just shave it all off.” 

“I’m not going to dignify that with an answer,” he said primly. 

You started with a couple of the less tangled pieces, finger-combing carefully through one soft lock at a time. You half-expected some comment about primates and social grooming, or at least a few facts about the quantum theory behind the TARDIS, but Spencer was uncharacteristically quiet and still, his eyes fixed on the TV. 

You separated out one of the worst knots, and he tilted his head to the side to give you better access. You were being as gentle as possible, but you knew you were hurting him at the first tug — he sucked in a breath, knuckles going white as his fingers clenched on his knees. 

“Sorry, I’m trying,” you sighed. 

With his head tilted like this, you could see the muscle clenching in his jaw and the way his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. 

“S’okay,” he whispered hoarsely. “It’s not — not your fault.” 

He sat there stiffly as you worked. His hair was silky, where it wasn’t hopelessly knotted, and you were close enough that you could smell whatever clean, sweet shampoo he used. Something about it made you want to hold your breath; it felt like you were too close. Spencer rarely let you inside his little bubble of personal space. 

Maybe that was why he seemed uncomfortable. He was usually so fidgety, tapping out a rhythm or twirling a pen between his long fingers, and it was strange to see him motionless like this. 

You ran your fingers through a de-tangled section, slow and careful, and Spencer shivered, his shoulders trembling for a moment before he went unnaturally still again. 

Spencer blurted out, “Maybe this isn’t a good idea.”

At the same time, you asked, “Are you cold?” 

You paused for a moment, surprised by the reaction, but after hesitating, Spencer just muttered, “Yeah. Cold.” 

You couldn’t shake the feeling that you were missing something. It was too warm, if anything; Spencer had a patchy flush crawling up his neck and over the sharp lines of his jaw and cheekbones. 

“Here you go, goober,” you said, awkwardly cheerful in an attempt to cover your uncertainty as you grabbed an afghan from the couch and draped it around his shoulders. 

“Thanks.” He pulled the blanket down onto his lap without looking at you. “But maybe I should just do this myself.” 

“You’re never gonna get this loose on your own, not without scissors,” you warned, plucking at the knot around the last burr in his hair. “I’ll just, um — I’ll try to be more gentle.” 

“Maybe just go for it,” he said. “Get it over with.” His voice had gone all high-pitched and strained, like he was on the verge of a panic attack. If this was how much he disliked physical contact, no wonder he always avoided hugging you. 

You tried to go quickly, figuring that one quick moment of pain was better than another ten minutes of making Spencer uncomfortable. In your nervousness, you ended up tugging the burr out much more abruptly than you’d intended, and Spencer let out this rough, low, choked-off sound. Before you could apologize, he was jerking away from you, curled in on himself with his shoulders up around his ears like he was worried you were going to hit him, and — 

“Sorry,” he said, voice cracking. 

— what? 

“Spence?” you said tentatively. “What—”

He was still just curled up on the floor in a ball of gangly limbs, but he half-turned to you, twisting around. He wouldn’t make eye contact, though; he was staring intently at the pillow that was on the couch next to you. It felt weird, looking down at him like this, so you slid down onto the floor, hoping it wouldn’t spook him. He shifted back slightly, but at least he didn’t flinch away. 

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled. “I didn’t — this was a bad idea.” 

The profiler in you couldn’t help but notice a few details. He was blushing, for starters. His lower lip was red where he’d been biting it, and — this was the part that surprised you most — his pupils were huge. 

You knew what Spencer looked like when he was panicking, and this wasn’t it. 

“Oh,” you breathed. “Oh.” 

He looked down at his lap, frowning as he played with the loose thread in the cuff of his sweater. 

“Sorry,” he repeated. “I know you don’t feel the same way, I wasn’t trying to — I didn’t realize it would be like that, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, and—”

“Wait, what?” 

“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable! I shouldn’t have asked—”

“I don’t feel the same way about what?” 

“I know you’re not attracted to me,” Spencer said, barely audible. 

“You’re… you…what?” 

He looked up, at that, genuinely startled. There was something sweet and vulnerable shining in his eyes, and your heart was racing. You slid a little bit closer, so that your knees were almost touching Spencer’s as you faced each other, cross-legged. 

“I thought you knew.” His hushed, croaky voice broke on the last word. “I thought I was being obvious.” 

You gaped at him for a second before letting out a sharp, hysterical giggle. 

He ducked his head again, hiding behind a curtain of hair, but not before you saw the hurt expression that flashed across his features. 

“No, that’s not—” you blurted out. “Spence. Spencer.” 

“Forget it,” he said sharply, his body going tense like he was about to bolt. “Can we just forget this happened?” 

Before you could think better of it, you reached out and pushed a few curls back behind his ear, and then you grabbed, twisting your fingers in his hair to tug him forward. You cut off the startled noise he made with a clumsy, eager kiss. 

The angle was all wrong, both of you leaning forward awkwardly, but it felt like sparks all down your spine.

You pulled away just far enough to get the words out: “I thought I was being obvious.”  

Then Spencer was surging closer on his hands and knees, crowding into your space, until you had a lapful of rumpled doctor pressing you back against the couch. He cupped your jaw with gentle spidery fingers, gaze locked on your mouth, and leaned in slowly like he was still waiting for you to push him away. 

There was nothing awkward about it this time. If the first kiss was sparks, this was fireworks — it was such a goddamn cliche you wanted to kick yourself for thinking it, but it was true. Your head was spinning. Every pillowy press of his lips and soft slide of his tongue seemed to steal the breath from your lungs. 

By the time you broke apart you were panting, but at least you weren’t the only one. Spencer’s chest heaved as he pulled away. He was still staring at your mouth like he couldn’t help himself. Part of you wanted to kiss him again and maybe never stop, but another part of you was paralyzed, trying to process the fact that this was actually happening. 

You just wanted to put the world on pause so that you could memorize everything: the way he licked his lips, the smell of his laundry detergent, the barely-perceptible movement of his pulse — you’d never seen that before because you’d never been this close to him before. You wanted to hold onto it, even the less-than-perfect details — the soundtrack of buzzy Dalek screeching in the background — the way you were folded together on the floor, all too-long legs and bony elbows, which was going to get uncomfortable fast.  

Spencer seemed to feel the same way. He grazed the pad of his thumb over your lower lip, then followed the curve of your smile out to your temple and traced the shell of your ear with careful fingertips. When he brushed his curled-up fingers along the ridge of your cheekbone, you turned your head and kissed his knuckles.  

His hand came to rest on your shoulder, and you wrapped your fingers around his wrist, holding it in place, feeling the blood and bones shifting under the skin.  

“You really didn’t know?” you whispered. 

He shook his head shyly and gave you one of those incandescent smiles that always made your heart race. “No idea.” 

“I thought you were just ignoring it to spare my feelings,” you confessed. 

“I thought you were doing that.”  

“I thought you were good at your job!” you laughed. “Aren’t you supposed to be a genius or something?” 

“I think I have a blind spot, where you’re concerned.” He was blushing again. “But I was so distracted by you that I walked into a bush! How did you not —” 

“I’m the one who stares at you all the time like a creep.” 

“You thought you were being creepy?” he said sheepishly. “As soon as you started touching my hair — oh my god that’s embarrassing.” 

“That’s not the word I would’ve used.” 

You tangled your fingers in his curls, tugging experimentally. His breath hitched. 

Both of you were utterly still for a moment, watching each other, and the tension between you seemed to fill the air like a living thing. You were excruciatingly aware of all the places your bodies were touching.

You considered all the places you could touch. It would be so easy. You could tug him in, kiss him, melt into each other… there were so many possibilities, suddenly, and there was something incredible about that: the electricity, the excitement, the moment of pure potential in the pause between certainty and action. 

Spencer sighed, long and shaky, and you were so close that you could feel the current of exhaled air. 

“I couldn’t think straight,” he murmured, with a twitch of a smile. “That doesn’t happen to me often.” 

“So you didn’t know…” 

You scritched your fingernails down his scalp, marveling at the way he shivered and swayed closer like he was hypnotized. He curled his hand around the side of your neck, thumb slowly stroking the hinge of your jaw. 

“I knew I liked it,” he confessed. “But — within a certain context? Not out of nowhere like that. I didn’t think it would be... like that.” 

“Like what?”

“Intense.”  

“Yeah?” 

“But I think maybe it’s just you.” His eyes had gone all glassy and heavy-lidded, and you could barely breathe. “Maybe you drive me crazy no matter where you’re touching me.” 

“I can think of a few ways to test that hypothesis.” 

You caught a glimpse of his grin, but then he pressed his forehead to yours and his features went blurry, too close for you to focus.

“Never really thought I’d be into dirty talk, but if you’re going to start quoting the scientific method…” 

“Funny, most of the time you never shut up,” you said, giddy and overwhelmed. 

The tip of his nose brushed yours. There was maybe an inch of space between your mouths, and you wanted to close that gap so badly it felt like a physical ache. 

“I mean, if you want me to start rattling off statistics—” 

“Spencer.” You fisted both hands in his hair, tugging sharply, and he shuddered. “Take a hint.” 

“Blind spot, remember?” he whispered, lips brushing yours as they shaped the words, feather-light and maddening. 

“You know, for a genius—” you started, but he kissed you, hungry and sweet like he was making up for lost time, until you’d completely forgotten what you were going to say. 

.

.

There is now a sexy follow-up here! 

.

If you enjoyed this, please reblog or leave a message! 

[prettywitchiusaka]

More Headcannons from the MCU Clea’s a Fugitive AU;

Okay, gonna be putting up some more headcannons cause I feel like. Also, I need a short break from crocheting. Some of these are my attempts at bringing in elements from Multiverse into this AU, as much of it was conceived and written before that film even came out. And some of these are ideas I have but have not placed them in a proper fic or concept yet.

Either way, this going to be a long post. Enjoy!

.........................

- Christine actually gets married during the five year-gap. She invites Stephen to a Christmas party she and her husband are holding, which is where they have the conversation about Stephen always needing to “hold the knife” as it were.

- Stephen and Christine remain friends, but it’s on a casual basis, though she’s still the first person he and/or Wong go to for patching up life threatening injuries.

- Stephen actually keeps his initial robes for the first year or so of this AU, and doesn’t upgrade to his Multiverse costume until after he and Clea become a couple. Long story short, everyone forgot about cleaning Stephen’s outfit the week he was in the hospital recovering from being nearly killed at the hands of Dormammu. He’s initially upset about it...until he decides to take the “make lemonade out of lemons” approach and makes himself a new costume with Clea’s help.

- Victor Strange (Stephen’s younger brother) exists in the MCU, but has not spoken to Stephen since their parents both passed away. This frustrates Stephen, but he’s not (at all) surprised, either, since Victor always blamed him for what happened to Donna.

- Clea’s parentage is the same in this AU; daughter of Orini and Umar, the Unrelenting. The difference is that because Umar was so repulsed at being forced to carry Clea to term, she has not seen her since birth, meaning Clea has never met her own mother. Orini was too busy with his duties as Head of the Guard, leaving Dormammu to be her primary caretaker. While Orini has never said he blames Clea for Umar leaving, in her heart, she’s always knew he did. Since if he really loved and cared for her, he wouldn’t have kept avoiding her at every opportunity.

- Stephen slowly overcomes his trust issues during the first year he meets Clea, allowing her to explore her potential as a sorceress. He still has problems trusting, but they’re more from a place of fear and anxiety than anything else which he learns to reign in being in a relationship with Clea.

- Stephen has nightmares about what he did in Infinity War; with people blaming him for what he did and assaulting him over it.

- Clea does not care much for Earth coffee...except for cappuccinos. She LOVES cappuccinos.

- Stephen keeps his CD and vinyl collection (as well as pictures of his family) on a seperate desk in his inner sanctum, in case he wants to listen to music while reading or meditating.

- While Stephen has a few Carpenters CDs, they’re not actually his. They were keepsakes from Donna he “inherited” upon her death. He still listens to them, but has learned to disassociate the memories of Donna from the music, as even mentioning her is enough to get him choked up.

- Clea grows to love reading Shojo manga.

- Once Stephen and Clea become an item, Wong and the other Sanctum Masters start betting on how long it’ll take for them to get to third base. Stephen knows and is a bit perplexed by it, but doesn’t stop them. Clea thinks it’s amusing when he tells her.

- Rintrah befriends Stephen at the Karmar-Taj one day, so he starts hanging around the Sanctum more during his off time. He’s still a himbo, though.

- Nightmare becomes a reoccurring foe of Stephen’s during this time.

- Stephen often accompanies Wong to karaoke nights with Shang and Katy.

- Clea also suffers from PTSD nightmares and will often eat ice cream on nights where she’s awoken by her dreams. She wants to go to Stephen, but fears he will reject her if she tells him the atrocities she committed (no thanks to Dormammu gaslighting her). She starts waking him up after she works up the courage to tell him the truth and the opposite happens; he’s actually more concerned for her well being and mental health than he’d been before.

- The Flames of the Faltine are actually ancient magics lost to the Masters of the Mystic Arts for centuries. Partially due to their unpredictability; that prolonged exposure to the flames leaves the user mad and power hungry. Clea eventually teaches these magics to Stephen and Wong under more controllable circumstances.

- Wong actually cooks but doesn’t have the time he used to, being Sorcerer Supreme now, leaving Stephen and Clea to their own devices. Stephen, not having cooked a lot since the accident or his childhood, actually becomes quite a good chef and becomes proud to learn a new skill, whereas Clea just likes learning new things and growing more independent. Wong is a food snob, though and always micromanages the kitchen whenever he’s home.

- One of the things that makes Stephen slowly accept he’s falling in love with Clea is when she gets him a new watch (she’d seen his old one, but was unaware of the inscription on the back) with an inscription that says “I believe in you.” for Christmas.

- Stephen was a closet Britney Spears fan in the 90s.

- Clea finds his old Britney CD and, upon seeing how much she likes it, tells her she can keep it.

- Stephen’s primary conflict throughout the AU (when it begins) is love vs. duty. He’s not forbidden from falling in love with Clea, but because she won’t talk much about her past, and because he doesn’t know how much he can trust her, he fears what will happen to if it turns out she was an enemy agent, or simply a threat to his universe. He’s so sick of loosing everyone he loves (he may not remember Peter, but the wound it left on his heart is still fresh) and the lack of control he’d have over such things, makes him fear he may turn his back on the Mystic Arts and TAO’s teachings altogether if that were the case. He learns to overcome this through embracing trust and love, but it’s a slow journey and one that (he knows) will never (truly) be over.

- He’s so distraught over his feelings for Clea, he actually goes to Christine for advice. This would be where she tells him to “face his fears” something he takes to heart.

- Clea ends up becoming friends with Christine and (eventually) meets her one, true bestie, Valkyrie when she and Stephen visit New Asgard to help with a haunting.

- Once Clea starts making friends, Stephen starts to realize how few close friends he truly has. So he decides to call up Scott (who’d asked him to hang out sometime ago) and they begin forming a friendship, though Clint only tags along for shits and giggles (at first).

................................

And that’s all I got so far. 

Still not sure where America fits into this AU, but I definitely want to include her, so maybe it’ll come to me soon. Who knows.

[dailydaydreamings]

Best in the Worst Way, Part 13

The Reader has been having a love affair with two Avengers and gets caught in a sticky situation. She’s suddenly faced with life decisions she’s not prepared for, including who to love, what she wants, and is this all worth it?

Okay, this took way way too long to write. A couple of things. A) language warning. B) I’m not a doctor. C) I hope I tagged everyone who wanted to be tagged! I tried! Lmk if not! D) I am a total knob with technology and I don’t know how to comment on my own posts without using my main account, so I’m not ignoring you I swear!

Just a couple more chapters, do you think they’re having girls or boys (or both)?

Bucky stood in the doorway of your bedroom, a bemused look across his face. His eyebrow twitched upward to say, are you okay with this?

Four weeks ago, the answer would have been a hard no. But you were four weeks into a strict bed rest. Steve spent the mornings at the compound and Bucky spent the mornings with you, and then they switched in the afternoons. You spent most of your time reading or learning to crochet, poorly. You were completely bored out of your mind.

So, you cracked a smile and shrugged a shoulder to let him know you weren’t 100% pleased with the situation.

Bucky’s mouth twitched into a slight smile, “Looks great, Steve.”

Steve looked up from where he sat at the end of the bed, painting your toenails. “You’re doing the other foot, this is a lot harder than it looks.”

You groaned, “How are you still on the first foot?” It had only been forty minutes.

Bucky laughed, “Let me get dinner started, okay? You two have fun.”

Your heart gave a small lurch. Bucky wasn’t okay. Not after your trip to the hospital.

He blamed himself.

You looked over at Steve, who had his tongue sticking out the corner of his mouth he was concentrating so hard on your pinky toe. You kicked him in the chest with your other foot.

He blinked in surprise, “What was that for?”

You gave him an exasperated look, “Go talk to him.”

Steve looked down at your foot again, “Babe, he’s fine?”

You kicked him again. Harder. “He still blames himself for what happened, dumbass.”

It was no one’s fault really. If anyone was to blame it was your biology. But Steve had yelled at Bucky about the sex, blamed him for the bleeding, on the way to the hospital. Dr Lawrence had said the sex hadn’t caused it but nothing had been the same since. Bucky hadn’t slept in the same room as either of you since. He came in to check on you and Steve. He cracked jokes, made dinner, but kept his distance.

He was beating himself up for this and you weren’t going to take it anymore.

When Steve didn’t answer, you started to heave yourself up, “If you won’t go talk to him, I will.”

“No, no,” Steve put his hand on your shoulder, forcing you to sit. “I will okay. I’m sorry.”

An hour later, Bucky and Steve came in carrying food. Steve handed you a plate and settled in beside you, Bucky seemed to be hesitant to join. He stood beside the bed, ringing his hands nervously.

Your heart gave a little lurch, he did a really good job at making himself look small.

You opened your arm up to him, “Come sit with me, baby.”

He seemed to rock back and forth on his heels, “Every time I want to touch you, my head screams at me that you’re going to start bleeding again.”

You looked over at Steve, who hung his head slightly. He knew this and you’d beat his ass for it later.

“I’m okay, baby, I swear,” you lied through your fucking teeth. “Come sit with me, please.”

Bucky sat at the edge of the bed, not touching you. This would be a start tomorrow he would scoot an inch closer. In three days you’d be hip to hip. In a week he’d kiss your forehead. It would be okay.

But for now, you started with, “So can someone tell me something interesting please? Facebook can only keep me so entertained.”

———

Four Weeks Ago

Dr Laurence was wearing heels. At four am.

It was such an odd detail, but it was the first thing you noticed when you got to the hospital. You didn’t even make it to the compound. The hospital was closer.

Steve carried you into the ER, yelling frantically for help. You were placed on a gurney, and Dr Laurence was at your side a moment later. She was speaking quickly, but you weren’t sure what she way saying. She looked to Bucky and Steve for answers. She was putting gloves on, reaching for the ultrasound.

You were looking at her shoes. Valentino nude pumps, you’d seen them online two days ago and laughed at the price.

You were barely aware that the ultrasound probe had entered you.

Bucky was petting your hair.

You just stared at her shoes.

The moment you looked away, you would have to start to cope with Steve screaming at Bucky the whole way here. The way your sheets were stained with blood at home. The fact you had a house showing in the morning, and you were going to miss it. The fact you had a million unopened boxes of baby things in your apartment.

Your head just screamed the moment you looked away from Dr Laurence’s shoes, she would tell you your babies were dead.

Your ears rang.

Yesterday, they’d been so active. You were cursing their movements begging for a moment of reprieve. You’d do anything for a small kick right now.

“Y/n!” Dr Laurence looked up at you from between your legs.

You lifted your head from the bed, you tried to speak but no words came out.

She motioned at the ultrasound, “It looks like placenta previa. The bleeding seems to have stopped, but I’m going to get you a transfusion. We’re just looking for a heartbeat now...”

You frowned, placenta previa, that was something you’d read about. That was a normal risk, something that could happen to anyone. And the babies...

The familiar sound of their heartbeats filled your ears.

It was the most beautiful sound in the world.

That was it. The flood gates opened and you started to sob. Steve wrapped his arms around you first. Bucky was next, he embraced the two of you, kissing your forehead gently.

Their words filled your ears, setting a blanket of comfort over you.

“They’re okay, you’re okay.”

“It’ll be okay, you’ve got this.”

“Breathe, just breathe for now.”

“We love you so, so much.”

———

“Okay, we cannot be this unorganized, guys seriously?” You pinched the bridge of your nose.

Busy and Steve stood at the end of the bed, their arms crossed over their chest. You sat in bed, your hair in the messiest of buns, looking down at the mess they’d brought you to sort through.

“Well what do you propose?” Steve asked.

“For starters,” You motioned at the mountain of baby clothes in front of you, “Why do we have eight different outfits that were brining to the hospital. There’s two babies.” You held up two fingers for emphasis.

Bucky scratched his head, “This mommy blog said you need two outfits, in case one of them doesn’t fit. Plus, we don’t know if we’re having a boy or a girl.”

“They should look cute when coming home,” Steve asserted.

You only blinked. If someone had said this would be your life one year ago, you would have died laughing.

“Okay, fine,” you grabbed the nearest shirt. “We could go gender neutral, you know that right?”

It’s not like you had any shortage of gendered clothing though either. Tony had loaded you up with boy clothing, swearing you would be having two. Natasha had done the same for girl clothing. And Steve had managed to pick out the most extravagant outfits from each section.

“We can,” Steve conceded. “But I want us to have options. See what they look like when they come out.”

Your nose crinkled. You fucking hated that. Come out. Like they would just slide out of you, no issues.

You rubbed your temples, “Okay, but I refuse to have my kids dress matchy matchy their entire lives. They can if they want, but I will never make them wear the same outfit.”

Bucky chuckled, coming to sit on the bed beside you, “That’s going to go over well.”

You glared at him as he completely destroyed your pile of folded baby clothes.

Steve ran his hand through his hair aggressively, “But they’d look so cute.”

You shook your head, “Only if they want to. They need to have their own personalities.”

Steve looked ready to lose his mind, “But...pictures.”

You levelled him with your mom look. You’d been practicing. “I’ll give you Christmas cards. If the two of you also dress matchy matchy if we have a boys.”

“Deal,” Steve didn’t even hesitate.

You could picture it now. Two little boys in dorky ugly Christmas sweaters and beige khakis, their hair spiked up and Steve and Bucky marching to a tee. Oh it would be glorious, but you realized a moment too late you had forgotten yourself in that picture.

You cleared your throat, “Okay, names.”

Bucky reached over, rubbing his hand over where the babies were most active. A slight smile played on his lips as he leaned over to brush his lips over your bare skin.

You tried your best to ignore the shiver of pleasure that went down your spine.

“I don’t care,” Bucky murmured, “I think we should see what they look like when they come out.”

“No,” you ran your hand through his hair. “We pick now or at least get some options.”

Steve came to sit on your other side, disrupting the rest of your pile. You rolled your eyes, so much for nothing.

“Poppy?” He suggested.

You shook your head, “I like Penelope, not Poppy. I don’t believe in naming a kid a nickname. It feels final.”

They both looked at you funny, but you stood by it.

“What about Carter,” you suggested.

“No!” Both boys said in unison. You stopped, thinking about why that name wouldn’t work before bursting out laughing.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Steve!” You reached over to stroke his face. “Not Carter.”

He chuckled, “It’s not a bag suggestion. I’d love to honour Peggy, but Sharron might think I named them after her.”

You burst out laughing. What an awkward situation that would be. One you’d pay to see.

“Okay, guys,” you snapped your fingers a couple of times, “We need a couple more names. Some more ideas. Let’s go.”

The name started flowing, and you started feeling more comfortable. Aaron, Grace, Henry, Bonnie, Andrew, Katherine.

You relaxed into your pillows. Your babies would have names. No matter what happened.

———

The boys stayed awake at your side while you slept.

You woke a couple of hours, having only slept for what felt like a short moment to find the two of them drinking coffee and nibbling on muffins.

“You look like shit,” you commented, stretching an arm over your head.

Bucky raised an eyebrow, “Look in the mirror, sweetheart.”

You grasped your hand to you chest in mock hurt, “Oh, burn.” You said sarcastically.

Steve chuckled, getting up to come over and kiss your forehead, “We’re just glad you’re okay.”

You stroked his beard lovingly, “I’m okay, and now I’m worried about you two. I’m fine, go home and shower and sleep. Please.”

Steve pressed another kiss to your forehead before moving to sit down beside Bucky, “Not gonna happen, baby.”

You rolled your eyes, “I’m not going to have the babies today. You’re useless to me tired. Go home. Please.”

Bucky shook his head, “We’ll take turns, how about that?”

You rolled your eyes, “You two need to talk and go get me some stuff. Please, let me worry about you two right now instead of myself. Just for a moment. It would make me feel better if you just got some rest at home.”

It took some more convincing, but they finally left. And you were left in peaceful silence. You looked down at your belly. One of the babies gave a swift kick. You smoothed over the spot gently, “I love you, please stay in there a while longer, okay?”

“We’re going to do everything in our power to do so,” Dr Laurence stood in the door way.

You smiled, “I can’t thank you enough for being here last night.”

She nodded, coming to sit on the stool by your bed. She didn’t look happy. You braced a hand protectively over your belly.

She tapped her tablet with a manicured nail, “I’m concerned.”

“Okay...?”

“I’m not going to be gentle. Your blood pressure is through the roof,” she clarified. “You’re at risk for preeclampsia, your labs suggest that this half of your pregnancy is going to be hard. You’re in for a world of hurt. And I don’t think delivery is going to be any easier. I don’t think a vaginal delivery will be an option. You will be on bed rest until you give birth, and I doubt you’ll make it to thirty five weeks. In all honestly, I’ll be impressed if you make it to thirty. But your medical history and labs also suggests a c-section is also not a good option.”

You let out a little laugh, leaning back against the headboard. “The last time I saw you, you were singing praises for how well things were going.”

Her mouth tightened into a thin line, “I also said you should be taking it easy and lowering your stress levels.”

You narrowed your eyes at her, “Are you suggesting I did something wrong?”

Dr Laurence raked a hand through her hair, “I’m not saying you did, but I’m saying we need to start taking this seriously now because I’m not sure how to get the three of you through a safe delivery.”

Your mouth went dry. ‘The three of you,’ had always been you, Bucky, and Steve. It took on a whole new meaning when it was in reference to you and your children.

You may not have lost them last night, but you were well on your way.

“You’ll be on strict bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy,” Dr Laurences’ voice softened. “The good news is, the bleeding has stopped and you’ll be able to go home soon for a couple of weeks at least. We’ll do everything we can to get your blood pressure under control.”

Your hands shook as you reached up to wipe away a tear. “Not of a word of this to the boys.”

Her eyesbrows rose to her hairline, “They need to know so they can take care of you.”

You shook your head, “I have one who is a stiffling mother hen. If he’s worked up, so am I. And the other one is recovering from a major head trauma. He doesn’t remember everything in the last eighteen months. The only thing I can do for him now is to help him get back to where he was.”

“No,” Dr Laurence shook her head. “You need to take this seriously now or you will not make it through delivery. If they think you’re fine and brush it off as a little blood, you will end up in a much worse situation.”

You laughed, rolling your eyes. “We’re not going to play this game, doctor. I will take this seriously and if you put me on bed rest, I will follow it. I just don’t want the risks exposed to my boyfriends. And, you do get to tell them without my consent.”

Dr Laurence looked like she was ready to throw her tablet. “Fine, but the moment things start going south, you will end up in hospital supervised bed rest.”

You glared right back at her, “Looking forward to it.”

————

You sat between your boys watching TV when it happened.

You paused, your food halfway to your face as you felt another tightening in your stomach. They had been happening all day, but all of the sudden you were aware of one thing, it was far too painful for it not to be a contraction.

You dropped your fork onto the duvet.

“What’s wrong?” Steve asked jumping to his feet.

You quirked your head to the side, looking down at your belly, “I think I’m in labour.”

“Shit!” Steve was suddenly gone.

Bucky calmly took your plate and fork and put them on the side table, “You sure?”

“Mmhmmm,” you hummed, as you let out a long breath. “We probably have hours to go though.”

Bucky nodded, “Let me call Dr Laurence.”

Your mouth tightened. She was the last person you wanted to see. You especially didn’t want to hear her gloat that she was right, you’d only made it to thirty-two weeks. Damn her.

Steve’s head popped in the room, “But it’s too early!” And he was gone again.

Your eyebrows rose to your hair line, he was taking this as well as you expected.

On your other side, Bucky put his phone to his chest and said, “Dr Laurence wants you to come in right away.”

You pinched your nose, “I don’t want to labour for the next twelve hours there when I can do it from home.”

Bucky relayed that information to her. And then asked, “Has your water broken?”

You shook your head.

Steve walked through the bedroom, going into the bathroom, talking a mile a minute. “—and we don’t have enough nipple cream!” Was all you caught. You could hear drawers being rummaged through in the bathroom.

“She says to come in anyways,” Bucky relayed to you. “And she says you’re clearly not taking this seriously.”

You rolled your eyes, of course she did.

“And we need another bathroom,” Steve murmured as he walked out of the room again.

“Fine,” you snapped. “And go calm Steve down.”

Another contraction hit hard. Your breath hitched.

Your birth plan, if you were having a vaginal delivery, was to go all natural, but now you were thinking an epidural sounded wonderful.

“You okay?” Bucky rubbed your back.

You took deep breaths, but nodded weakly. “Let’s go, please.”

He nodded, leaving the room to get Steve and your bags, but Steve stood at the door, bags in hand and simply said, “We need to go, guys.”

Bucky came around the bed to help you up. His arms around you, you barely made it out the bedroom before you felt a rush of fluids.

“Well, fuck.” Bucky mumbled.

Tags

@booktease21 @sexyvixen7 @just-the-hiddles @fading-mentality-bouquet @a--1--1--3 @broco8 @yougottalovefandoms @hailqueenconquer @tazzi-baby @imaginebeinlovedbyme @amiets2 @prettyblueskylark @spookyparadisesheep @bloodbrink @holl2712

[lovely-necromancy]

A Cure for Insomnia CH.2

Getting back to your little one story cottage, you can only manage to rush in and run about in a mad dash as you try to accomplish getting ready for work and getting something to eat. Running through choices in your head as you change and freshen up, nothing sounds good. There's not much time since your shift starts at nine and to make it to the store you need to leave by eight twenty. You got home at eight fifteen, and while Nate, your manager, has never seemed to give a fuck what you did at work you're still in your probationary period and would like to keep the easiest job you've ever had.

It's a really simple gig, seeing as the store you work at is actually a front for some illegal activity. The variety of crime you aren't sure of, but you are aware there's no way you guys do no business and yet they can afford to pay thirty dollars an hour. Thankfully just keeping your mouth shut and being nice to little Jo, the owner's daughter, is enough to keep you in the cushiest job in the world. The store's front is a regular old book store, all the books are real, the registers work, you're able to sell books and you've run to the bank to do the weekly deposits twice for Book & Nook. The front is very legitimate or it would be if the amount of customers ever equaled the sales made.

Again you don't ask questions, because for thirty dollars an hour you get to goof off for a couple hours a day, plus you get a bonus when you watch little Jo at the shop. She's a real sweet eleven year old, she's got tourettes and took a shine to you the first time she saw you tic. While you both might not suffer the same disorder she finds the common ground nice, like it's not just her. It's not even hard to watch her or enjoy her company, she'll come bouncing in with her excited chittering and hands clapping spilling all the latest gossip that comes with being in middle school. And boy is there a lot of gossip.

It's really nice seeing that Jo has friends at school and is even considered a “popular” kid. You remember how tough school was because no one understood you and teachers never cared enough about your personality to bring up the fact that it was clear to most faculty members that you had Autism. You excelled academically so what did it matter if you got picked on for oversharing information or for finishing assignments the minute they were handed to you. As bittersweet as the parallels are you're so glad Jo doesn't have to go through that. Never would have thought a southern school could be so accepting, much less a middle school at that.

Tearing through the kitchen you honestly can't find anything that you want to eat right now. And even after a long night of hiking/dissociating you don't think you're that peckish at all. Figuring it's best to at least take something to quell any future nausea you grab a Pedialyte Pop from the freezer. As fast as you entered your home you left, and not before ensuring twice that the door was locked and secured. While living on the outskirts of town saves you from many potential robberies, and worse salesmen, there's still the chance of some lunatic with an ax hiding out in a closet to murder you. Better safe now than sorry later.

Pulling into park behind the shop right at nine is a blessing. You run into the shop to clock in blurting out a quick 'Morning' to Nate, who was carrying a particularly large box, as you passed by him. In a flash you were back at your car retrieving your newly prized deer skull. Lungs burning a bit from the all out sprint you just did you took a little extra time to close the trunk and lock your car up to catch your breath, and avoid any light headiness you might get from the empty stomach workout. Eager to share the wonders of death with your best work friends, and by that you mean Nate your manager...and only other coworker, you rush back into the building.

The shop was quiet as usual as you made your way through the door though you were in the back room where only employees could roam you had the slightest suspicion that the front of shop was just the same. It's there you find Nate, now lugging a medium sized box around to a side table. He did this a lot you suspect some type of smuggling but hey plausible deniability and all those legal matters. The taller dark haired man sees you and just as he's about to wave you over, notices your prize with a raised brow.

“The fuck d'you bring in the store?” he doesn't seem amused by whatever it is he thinks you're up to. “Deer skull.” Lifting it up in one hand and pointing at it, “Found this guy on my hike last night...or rather this morning actually.”

“YN, we talked about this, you said you'd get some sleep last night. No adventures remember.” he's only two years older than you and yet he acts as if he's ten years. He must be an old soul, or enjoys the role of care giver...or you're making him go gray prematurely, anything's possible.

“Eh, I remember saying I'd 'try' and get sleep.” for someone who's body is running on fumes your cheekiness is astronomical, “operative word being 'try', remember.”

It's a long silence as Nate decides if he wants to deal with your bullshit at this moment. After a minute or so he concedes leaning back on the table behind him. “Let's hear it.” and you perk up immediately.

“Cool, so I was walking along the tree line and spotted him, tried to find more but seems there's only one piece. Judging by the size of his antlers I'd say he was nearly fully grown. Now my plan is to do whatever treatments taxidermists do to bones and,” you continue to word vomit at the tired twenty-six year old in front of you, about the joys and wonders of taxidermy and the likely hood of ever finding a skull so nicely preserved.

“I can do that in here right?” even though it's been phrased as a question, you aren't asking permission, you're just being polite and letting Nate know the storage room will house your creepy deer skull antics for today...maybe the week you need to find a taxidermist book to figure out what you need to do.

Nate gives up and leaves with his box of new books to let you have full run of the back to do your weird vulture culture shit. He figures he's just too old to understand the new obsessions with the macabre. He hopes his cousin won't take to shit like this, the kid's weird enough as it is, no need to put another target on her back. Nate sets off to take down the Harry Potter sets in favor of this new comic series little Jo wanted.

Already taking his silence as the go ahead you place your found skull on the table and rush off into the store front to find a book on taxidermy and hopefully more specifically about bones. The set up and organization of the store reminds you a lot of the scene in Brendan Fraser's The Mummy 1997 where Evie is on the ladder and somehow causes all the book shelves to fall like dominoes. So unsafe, yet all book stores and libraries seem to have this set up. With the tall shelves it makes it difficult to accurately get a read on the spines. You don't even know what section taxidermy actually falls under, education maybe?

“Nate, where do you think a book on taxidermy would be?” you called out as you passed by him.

“...hobby?” that didn't sound right but you'd give it a shot anyway.

This should be fun, the hobby section was so disorganized and it took up nearly half the store too, Book & Nook had everything from fishing, to crochet, cooking, the art of film making, hell even had a cryptid hunting book a book that you may have to look into a bit later. You closed your eyes and let your intuition guide you, when you looked up you saw a thin black...vine, no whisp? It undulates in less than rhythmic movements nearly like a snake but it has no head, and not unlike a tentacle but without suckers. It's another hallucination so you were keen to ignore it until it stretched past your head, giving you an added auditory hallucination where you swore you could hear wind rushing past your ears, it swirled around you until it flew to the shelf and tapped on a book. Cautiously you walked over to it, it's never good to play into these delusions. Once you got close enough the black shape was gone but on the shelf was a creme colored paper back titled “Manual of Taxidermy: Complete Guide of Preserving Birds and Mammals.”

Walking to Nate with the book in your hands you asked him to read it and make sure you weren't having an episode and making everything up right now. You'd have to try harder to go to sleep tonight if that were the case.

“Oh you found your book huh?” he said looking down at the title.

Well this is getting weird fast, but you nod nonetheless. Might as well thank the weird hallucination gift right. Leaving him to do whatever it is he plans on doing the rest of the day, you go to the back. And just as the book instructs you set to cleaning the skull by setting it in some water and changing it as many times as the water runs murky. The book is quiet helpful to a beginner like yourself but it does seem a bit outdated from the bits of information you know from taxidermists blogs and vulture culture posts on the internet. Reading it in between water changes is a great way to pass the time though, not like you guys get any real customers anyways.

The bell rings as the front door opens and closes alerting you to someone's arrival on your third water change. Needing a little bit of mental stimulation you walk out into the front where Big Jo and Little Jo are talking to Nate. Little Jo sees you and skitters away from her father to rush you, she stops about a foot away and holds her arms wide open. She's a hugger but upon meeting you had never even thought people could be touch adverse so keeping in mind that you might not want to be touched she's learned to invite you into hugs and it's your choice to allow it or not. Placing a hand on your bicep you give a squeeze, checking your tolerance you find the thought bearable. Placing your arms outstretched at your sides Jo rushes your torso for her hug.

After she nearly body slammed you into the wall, and  let her death grip go she was off on a tangent about so many things. Her excited rapid blinking tic, one she developed after meeting you, triggering your own.

“Ok so you remember how last week I told you that Jessie Kinsleton said that Micheal Saleisa told Gigi B, not Gigi S. that Meghan,” you had no clue the lives of eleven year olds had gotten so complex, from the gossip you heard from Jo it seemed that the school's sixth graders were plotting for a war with an ice cream parlor up the street. No clue why, maybe just to fuck the system, kids are weird, preteens are weirder...and angry.

But you nod to Jo listening to her every word, and trying to calm your eyelids so you could actually open your eyes. After being told the sequence of events that would happen in the Tween Armageddon, something to do with Marco Salvator ordering three dozen donuts and a flock of geese, your eyes finally gained their ability to see back. Black whisps, much like the one from earlier, wandered all around your vision, it looked like a  dark smoke had settled eye level within the shop and was snaking through the isles.

Catching the movement of your eyes Jo looked around the shop too. Seeing nothing she turned back to you concerned, “Hey it's okay, nothin's there.”

Hearing the drop in volume of the normally chatty tween, Big Jo and Nate pause their conversation to turn their attention to you and follow you're gaze.

“Kid, you ain't sleepin' again?” Big Jo can already gauge by the bags under your eyes but he's a polite man so he feels the need to ask rather than state his assumptions.

“Day 6.” You answer simply, ever since you've started at Book & Nook the whole Cowell family became acutely aware of many of your disorders. By their record your longest time spent awake was ten days, you however adamantly say that you were an hour's mark away from ten full days so the longest you've been up is nine days in a row. And those are just the cases they know of since you've moved to Kepler.

Big Jo shook his head as a stern father would, which he is, “I have half the mind to send you home to rest.”

“That won't work.” you really don't mean to sound so coarse but it's so irritating having to go over this at least once a week.

“What about those gummy things Dia got you?”

“Long term that kind of stuff has no effect, sure it'll make me drowsie for an hour or two but even if it made me sleep one night I can't use it all the time. And before you ask the same questions again, caffeine has no real effect on me so limiting my intake will do nothing and weed doesn't do a thing for me either.” you state plainly, monotone as you present facts that everyone in the room already knows.

Looking at the stern face of Big Jo's and the exasperated face of Nate you continue, “I know it must be frustrating for you to not be able to help, but I'm content living like this. I like my late night adventures and when I do sleep it's really pleasant.”you threw in a smile for added comfort.

“Kid tha's not the point, there's somethin' wrong with you, medically I mean.” he's pinching the bridge of his nose, probably counting to ten to calm himself from raising his voice.

“Tons of people suffer from insomnia and there isn't anything a doctor could do for me except look for underlying conditions.” Big Jo's about to retort when you continue with, “Plus my dad and uncle both have insomnia as well so my case is due to the genetic lottery I lost.” You say with a hint of finality of your situation, you had to come to terms with this condition all the way back in high school. Having a decade to get used to your strange condition and the limitations it places on you from time to time. Whereas the Cowell family's only had two months to process this information, and you understand it'll take awhile before they stop being concerned. Same thing happened with you parents and friends back then too.

For now you're only met with more head shakes as if they were saying 'what are we going to do with you'. Leaving your medical issues aside Nate and Big Jo continue to talk shop, when the set up Nate just put on display catches Jo's eye.

Like lightening the tween was away from your side and by the new display shelf it looked like it held graphic novels. That's a first since you've been here, you walk over to join Jo knowing the second you do she'll start on about what's got her so excited. Most people might say you over indulge the child and coddle her but you actually just think it's really important to take interest in what makes kids happy. It helps them find their voices and also shows them that it's normal to get excited and like things.

“We got the TAZ graphic novels in?!” you hate rhetorical questions but smile and nod at her anyway.

“Have you read them? No, well you've listen to the podcast...what omg! Ok so there's these three brothers and their,” Jo begins regaling you with tales from the podcast known as The Adventure Zone and how fun they've made dungeons and dragons seem with their amazing story telling and funny characters.

You aren't sure if a show where the main group of heroes being called Tres Horny Bois is exactly age appropriate but when you look to Big Jo he kind of just shrugs it off. Turning you attention back to Jo who's now monologing about mongooses you just smile at the weird family you've found yourself in.

Let it be said that a tween with a slightly unhealthy fixation on something can find anyway to drag it back to that fixation. The day flew by with Jo explain the inner workings of dungeons and dragons, fifth edition, to you, her father, and her cousin after you mentioned why she didn't play. Apparently she'd love to but wanted a story fitting for her friend's to adventure. So being the good older cousin, father, and weird family friend you all were you came up with a story plot for her to use with her campaign.

The Jos had a lot of fun bonding over this little workshop and you guys even had food delivered so you and Nate could stay later. What was meant to just be a quick workshop turned into a mini family game night after you made several nearly impossible puzzles that wouldn't be used in Jo's campaign due to no one at the current table understanding how to solve it even after you showed them several times.

Overall it was fun and you think you might actually be tired enough to go to sleep tonight. You tried to stay and help clean up but Big Jo put his foot down and told you to go get some rest, he'd seen the way you occasionally look around the room as if something was moving behind them all. You may have started off as a cashier two months ago for him but his daughter has opened up a lot since meeting you and discovering that tics aren't so uncommon and there are people who wouldn't care or make a big deal out of them. Because of that you've earned your keep in his family, he already has you down on the list for Christmas cards.

Knowing you can't fight the six foot four man you roll your eyes and bid everyone good night, little Jo coming in to steal another hug from you and thank you for helping with her game. Checking on your skull you see the water's clear and dump it in the sink of the break room before leaving the skull to dry overnight, it's for sure gonna make Nate scream tomorrow, you can't help but chuckle at that.

Leaving through the back door and into the dusk colored parking lot you notice your trunk is popped open slightly. You definitely heard it shut earlier this morning. You blink before your head jerks to the right, unsettled by possibility of a break in and not risking it you head back inside.

“Hey, I think my car may have been broken into.” you stand awkwardly in the door way unsure of how to proceed.

Big Jo and Nate are out of the door as fast as they can. They find your car unlocked with the trunk popped, you know they weren't trying to brush you off when they asked several times if you did in fact lock your car this morning. After hearing your affirmative response each time, they began to inspect your car checking to make sure all wires are properly secured under the hood, Nate even retrieved the jack out of his own car to take a look under the car, ensuring the brakes hadn't been messed with. They started the car up just fine and it didn't appear tampered with. Even though nothing looked out of place and Nate's car, sitting in the same parking lot, hadn't been touched you appreciated them checking to make sure you were alright.

Knowing you're perceived as a woman by most, even outside of this small town, makes you uneasy when it comes to terms of abductions and violence. You know the chances and hear the stories whether it's from the victim's mouth or a podcaster's telling the story the dead can't. Nate offered to follow you home and make sure you were ok but you declined and said you'd call them both when you got home. Big Jo said to just call his home phone because Nate would be coming over tonight anyway, and if they didn't make it there before you called Dia was already at home and would pass the message along. You'll probably still try and give the shop a call if Dia answers, it wouldn't sit right with you if you wound everyone up just to not and at least try to settle their nerves.

With one final check of you car, the men even going so far as to lift seats up and feel under them, they sent you off. You drove carefully on the road tonight, ready to pull off into the shoulder at the slightest hint that something was wrong. Not even the radio was on something that you really didn't like driving without, but if there was the chance for you to catch a shift in tone of the machine you wanted to. Eventually you did end up making it home in one piece and you had called the Cowell family home, from the safety of your car, and got a spazztic eleven year old asking if you'd made it home alright. It took a little bit of coaxing but Little Jo calmed down and shouted to her parents that you were on the phone and alright.

“Kid,” looks like Big Jo took the phone away from Little Jo, “Everything ok on the drive.” Big Jo could hear the movement and shutting of your car door, he'd have to say he was relieved you waited until you were on the phone before exiting. He knew you lived out past the quiet zone in Old Lydia's house. A fact that did little for the unease he felt when he thought you were being watched.

“Oh, yea drive was fine, too quiet but fine.” you said simply as you began circling the cottage. Nothing seemed out of place on the outside, even looking above eye level where people tended to get sloppy in stalking or home invasion cases, everything seemed fine.

“Hope you don't mind if I keep you for a bit.” You had just unlocked your door and stepped in.

“Nah, kid 's fine.” you give a hum of acknowledgment as you look through the kitchen in cabinets, under cupboards, and even under the table.

“You're a smart kid.” he's taken that fatherly overtone that makes you roll your eyes. You understand the sentiment of parents and parental figures having pride in their child or ward but it's always been so weird to you when they feel the need to bring it up. Especially when they bring it up in situations that are dangerous, like can you not make it sound like someone's about to die.

Finding nothing in the living room, hall closet or bathroom you make sure all the windows are locked and dowels are in place to keep them from opening. And you double check that both the back and front doors are secured. You can hear the hushed whispers on the other end of the line, Dia must have just found out about your car, as you rustle through your kitchen utensil drawers taking out two forks before you make your way to your bedroom.

Once in your room you checked your closet and under your bed. Finding nothing you  went to the window in your room, the one right by your bed, you checked the lock, secured it in place with two dowels, and then covered it throwing a thick blanket over the curtain rod to ensure no one would be viewing you in your sleep or the precautions you were about to do. Turing around and locking your bedroom door you then jam one fork into the closed door crease, right below the locking mechanism, and jammed the other fork perpendicular through the prongs. You attempted to open the door with all your weight but only could get an inch in before the forks would stop more movement.

“Kid you alright over there?” it's rushed, he probably heard the commotion with your make shift lock.

“Yea, just had to add another lock to the door.” you trust the Cowell's but you understand how stupid it'd be to let them know exactly how you were defending yourself. Even if it wasn't them there's no telling if the person who broke into your car was outside and just good at hiding. You could also be too jumpy from your true crime shows but you figure it's better to be safe.

“I think everything's good Big Jo.” taking a final glance around your room eye's landing on the bed, “Think I'm even ready to go to sleep tonight too.” a small half laugh leaves your mouth.

“Alright kid, you call if you need anything got it.” it's an order not a request.

“Got it, good night.” Big Jo might think that'd been rude coming from anyone else but from you he can only roll his eyes at the brevity and the dial tone he's met with. He has his own sweep to do, if they were targeting his employee there was a reason. He hasn't had any problems since coming to Kepler but someone always eventually comes along who can't take a hint.

Even combing through your home with Big Jo on the line you didn't feel safe having your bed by the window anymore and moved it away and in front of the closet door. You'd rearrange your room later but for tonight this would have to do. By some grace of god you were actually able to shut your brain down tonight and rest. Maybe it was the excitement and merriment from hanging out with the Cowells or more likely the situation you find yourself in of perhaps being a target for something insidious.

Whatever the case may be you are off to the land of dreams before you know it. And unbeknownst to you the same eyes from this morning watch your home. They may not have seen what you did in there but they'd be sure to catch you when you come out. They'll wait all night to catch you if they have to.