#instead of 10 that’s their rules and you agreed to them when you signed up for the plan

[adashofniallandasprinkleoflunacy]

if I have to argue with one more person about why they’re not allowed to fill their meds 3 weeks early or how the pharmacy doesn’t control the window their insurance enforces I’m going to end up on a crime documentary I am going to commit homicide of such a Dexter degree that future historians will throw up at the mention of my name

[makeitmingi]

Cause Baby You’re My Muse [Chapter 4]

Genre: Romance, Idol!AU, Music, Slight angst

Pairing: Mingi x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Producer!Reader, IdolLyricist!Mingi, IdolProducer!Hongjoong, Idol!Seonghwa, Idol!Yunho, Idol!Wooyoung, Idol!San, Idol!Yeosang, Idol!Jongho, cameo(s) by other celebrities

Summary: You always preferred producing underground, having an unknown face and governed by your own rules. But when you start freelancing for idol groups, you say goodbye to your lone wolf lifestyle as you learn to work with idol producers and lyricists.

Word count: 3.2K

‘Producer Indigo! Where are you? Are you playing hooky? If so, why was I not invited? - Wooyoung’

You yawned as you looked over at the message from Wooyoung. You have been at KQ for about two weeks already and the boys have all become friends with you. But you had a closer friendship with Hongjoong and Wooyoung compared to the rest.

‘Was working the whole night... Had a meeting end at 11 then have just been working non stop. Didn’t want to lose track of what was discussed for the track. - Indigo’

‘Wait, you’ve been working since 11?! Do you know it’s 10 am now?! - Wooyoung’

‘It is...? Oh, I didn’t even notice. - Indigo’

After meetings, you liked to work immediately, to not lose that creative high. Last night was your first meeting with the JYP producers ater signing the contract with them to produce one of their artist’s songs.

‘Wooyoung just yelled, saying that he can’t believe you have been working for close to 12 hours. You should go to sleep.- Hongjoong’

Yes, you did want to sleep. But first, you needed some food in your system. You went to the kitchen to make yourself some toast because that was what you were craving, toast with jam and butter. And an iced latte since caffeine didn’t have an effect on you. You leaned against the counter to eat your toast, your brain just blank. 

‘Yes, captain. Eating then straight to bed after. - Indigo.’

You sent a picture of your half eaten toast to Hongjoong. He replied with a thumbs up sticker. It was weird, you’ve never shared so much of your life with others before but it was strangely fun to do so with them.

‘Could you come do your drum beat in the studio tomorrow? I did a bit of alteration and cleaning, all we need to do is add your beat. - Indigo’

‘Ah, you should honestly be focusing on refueling and resting for now instead of tomorrow’s work. But I have a schedule tomorrow. I’ll pop by around 4? - Hongjoong’

‘Sounds good. See you. And also, I have to plan for tomorrow because you could be busy with schedules. - Indigo’

After doing the dishes, you went to save your work in your studio and turn off your system. Then you washed up and dived straight into bed. 

RINGGGG

“Hello...?” You drowned out, close to falling asleep.

“Oh, good. You’re resting. Indigo, you can’t keep pulling all nighters like that, it is not good for your health. I know work is important but if get sick, you won’t be able to work for even longer periods of time. Hongjoong hyung always tells us to take care of our bodies.” Wooyoung rambled.

“Right...” You were having a hard time paying attention to him, sleep threatening to consume you the moment your head had touched the pillow. But you were grateful he was concerned for you.

“Wooyoung ah, I think she’s falling asleep already and can’t focus on your nagging.” You heard San in the background. 

“I’ll take him away now, Indigo. Sleep well~” You now heard San’s voice clearly while Wooyoung was yelling.

“Thanks, San... I’ll talk to you later, Wooyoung...” You trailed off as the call cut and you closed your eyes, finally letting sleep take over you. You didn’t know how long you slept for but the sun had set by the time you woke up.

‘Hey! It has been a while since we’ve met up. The boys and I are going for drinks tonight, would you like to come? We can all catch up. - Dean’

The invite came in while you were making dinner, Considering how you haven’t met them for a while, you agreed.

‘There might be press, just be careful. But it’s all familiar faces tonight. - Dean’

He assured you. Despite being older than you, you knew Dean from way back, when you first starting out. Meeting and working with Korean R&B and Hip hop artists was a lot more common than you would expect. And you clicked with Dean immediately, his appreciation for privacy helped him protect your identity from the press. 

‘Thanks for the heads up. They probably heard that you’ve emerged from hiding or something. - Indigo’

Keeping it simple, you wore a black cocktail dress with a leather jacket over your shoulders. To accompany that, you wore some boots. You called a cab and left the house to go to the club.

“Name?” The bouncer asked when you arrived.

“Indigo.” You replied. He shot you a skeptical look, taking in your mask figure. But he nodded and stepped aside for you the enter. 

“VIP is upstairs.” He told you. You gave him a thumbs up and turned to the staircase, away from the other patrons on the first level. Just like Dean said, it was all familiar faces. 

“There she is. Indigo.” Dean smiled, drinking in hand, and came over to give you a big hug.

“It has been a while, Hyuk. How are you?” You asked as you wrapped your arms around him with a laugh. 

“I’m good, it’s been great having a break from everything. What about you? I heard you’re working with KQ now?” He held your shoulders after pulling away. You nodded your head with a sheepish smile. 

“Just freelancing for them.” You said as you both sat down.

“Well, it’s always good to expand your circle and earn experience.” He smiled, handing you a drink with a straw. You clinked glasses with him and took a sip. After that, you proceeded to greet your other friends that were there, having a quick catch up with all of them.

“How has it been working with idols?” 

“Not that bad. I can’t say that all idols are like that but this group is full of hardworking people. They’re always in the studio working and they have good input.” You shrugged.

“Edenary has some good people. And I hear the leader of that group is quite the budding producer.” Dean said.

“Yeah, Hongjoong. He is talented, has producing potential.” You nodded your head. Dean smiled, he was glad you were getting to know more people and you seemed to really like Ateez from the way you were talking about them. 

“I’m proud of you. All your hardwork is getting paid off.” He patted your head and you blushed. 

“I’m going out back for a smoke.” Dean stood up, hands tucked into his pockets. You followed him even though you don’t smoke. 

RINGGGGG

“Excuse me. Let me take this.” You stepped aside to answer the phone. Dean nodded his head, busy typing on his phone as he smoked. When you took your phone out of your pocket, you were not expecting to see a call from Mingi, usually only Hongjoong and Wooyoung would contact you outside of working hours and at such an hour.

“Want to come for movie night?” 

“With you?” You choked, not expecting that. Dean shot you a weird look but you waved him off. 

“Yes? And the boys..At our dorm. I know it’s very last minute notice and we’ll understand if you can’t make it. They just suddenly decided during dinner just now.”

“Don’t worry. The thing is... I’m busy now... Is tomorrow okay?” You asked. On the other side, you heard whispering and assumed Mingi was asking the other boys if they were okay with tomorrow night instead.

“I’m done. Want me to stay here with you until you’re done?” Dean came to you. You pulled the phone away from your ear temporarily.

“No, go ahead. I should be finishing up soon.” You told him. He nodded and headed back in while you pressed the phone to your ear to continue speaking to Mingi. But it was silent.

“Mingi...? You there?” 

“Oh... yeah... The others said they’re fine with tomorrow since you’ll be meeting Hongjoong hyung in the studio. You can just come over with him. Sorry for bothering you.”

“It’s oka-” You didn’t even get to reply before he hung up. Blinking in confusion, you looked at the phone. With a shrug, you put your phone back into your pocket and went back into the club. But you didn’t stay long since it was late and you had to work tomorrow.

“Oppa, can we take a picture with you? Please.” Some girls came up to Dean as you were all exiting. This was your chance to slip away before anyone could notice you or take a picture of you hanging out with Dean. 

“Tell Hyuk I’ll head back on my own. I’ll see you guys soon.” You exchanged hugs with them.

“Don’t be a stranger, Indigo.” They waved. 

On the way home, you did send a text to Dean and another when you arrived home. You took a shower and made some ramen which was always good after a night of drinks. 

-

Since you didn’t drink a lot last night, you were able to wake up and not be hung over. Coffee in hand, you entered KQ. 

“Good morning. There were some packages for you that came in yesterday. They have been delivered to your studio.” The security guard said. You nodded your head and bowed before going upstairs. There were some packages outside of your studio door. You unlocked the door, holding it open with your foot as you dragged each parcel in. 

“Oh.” You unwrapped the acrylic album boxes to put and display your signed albums, as well as some other things to put in your studio. But then, your phone started buzzing.

‘We got caught, Indigo. Sorry. - Dean’

‘Thankfully it’s not breaking news so I think we’re fine. And no one seems to guess or suspect that it’s you. I’ll damage control if you need. - Dean’

Following his message were links to some article, a mysterious girl being photographed with Dean at the club last night. 

‘Who is that?’

‘He comes out of hiatus to show his girlfriend off?’

‘I saw them last night but they were all in a big group and she stood with the rest. Maybe they’re all just friends?’

There were a few comments but not much. Probably because it was common for underground artists to be in relationship and get married. You sighed, leaning back in your chair as you read the comments. Thankfully, no one suspected that it was ‘Prod. Indigo’.

“And they ask why I want to remain a ghost.” You clicked your tongue and left your phone aside to turn on your computer systems. After that, you were only focused on your work.

Besides working on your own projects, you had some meetings throughout the day, with Edenary and with some other company representatives. 

“No one recognised you but just be careful, okay Indigo? Especially since you’re now hanging out with Ateez.” Eden advised.

“It was really just hanging with friends. There was a group of us.” You scratched your head.

“I understand and while you’re not under KQ’s contract and rules, it’s for your safety. Especially if we are protecting your identity.” Eden smiled empathetically. You just nodded, knowing he was in a difficult spot too. 

“I will be more careful.” You assured. You gathered your things and left the studio to continue working, 

“Hmmmm~ Please work out, my melody~” You sang and hummed the melody to yourself out loud as you worked, wheeling your chair between the computer, the MIDI board and your syntehsizer as you needed. When you were done with one section, you would play it back to yourself and make any changes if necessary. Then your doorbell rang.

“Coming!” You removed your headphone and quickly saved your files before wearing your mask and going to answer the door. Poking your head out, you blinked at Hongjoong.

“Hongjoong...?” 

“We were supposed to meet at 4? Remember?” He tilted his head with a smile, laughing at your confused expression. 

“Oh! I did not realise that it was 4 already. Please come in.” You let him into the studio. That was when you noticed Mingi behind him. Mingi stiffly bowed to you and you felt the need to bow back to him.

“I hope you don’t mind but Mingi wanted to tag along.” Hongjoong told you. 

“Sure. Have a seat. The more input the better.” You chuckled and walked back to your desk. Hongjoong grabbed a stool to sit beside you at the desk.

“But I don’t know anything about producing.” Mingi spoke.

“That’s okay. I will gladly accept any opinion and input, it’s still in the experimental stage anyway.” You smiled through your eyes to him before turning back to the computer. 

“There’s still space here. It’ll be better to listen from a closer distance.” You pointed to the spot on your other side after noticing that Mingi sat on the couch at the back. He nodded and grabbed a stool to sit. But unlike Hongjoong, he sat a little further back instead of right beside you.

“So I’ll let you listen to the revised stuff. There’s not much of a change so I think the additional remix beats can still work. The only thing I did was put more emphasis on the guitar rather than the piano.” You explained.

“Okay. Mingi ah, maybe you can come up with some lyrics too.” Hongjoong nodded over to the tall male, who nodded his head, as you clicked around to find the folder in your computer.

“Oh right. You’re the lyricist.” You remembered what Hongjoong told you when you first met him. You played the music and he swayed along. 

“Just have fun with it and experiment.” You told him. 

“Alright. Let’s go.” Hongjoong pulled his sleeves up and began to work. The atmosphere became very serious with all of you focusing on your task. Even Mingi was leaning forward, a serious look on his face. 

“I would try it with less bass and more snare.” Hongjoong said after listening to the track. 

“Go ahead.” You nodded to him to start. 

After working for a while, you decided to take a break. You grabbed a drink from the mini fridge you finally had set up in your studio. You encouraged the two males to choose their own drinks since there were different kinds in there. Then you all sat down together, with them on the couch and you still in your comfy working chair, to talk. 

“Are you okay? We saw the news article... That was you, right? With Dean sunbaenim.” Hongjoong asked.

“Oh yeah. It’s not a big deal. We’re friends but haven’t seen each other in a bit so we all met up as a group. At least no one recognised it as me. I mean, you guys would have because you kind of know what I look like.” You laughed.

“That’s a relief.” Mingi said.

“Thank you for your concern though. But there’s no need to worry.” You assured, assuming Mingi was referring to you being safe despite the news. 

“We didn’t know you were friends with underground artists. Dean subaenim is very popular and talented.” Hongjoong said.

“I mean, I’ve worked with them a lot more. But Hyuk, he kind of helped me when I was first starting out since he was older and has a lot more experience. So I feel grateful to him.” You shrugged. The two nodded their heads. 

“Other than that, you’ve been here for 2 weeks. How has it been?” Hongjoong changed the subject.

“It’s been good. Not much has changed work wise. But I really appreciate how welcoming all of you have been and the care you have shown despite only knowing me for two weeks.” You said shyly.

“Of course, as long as you’re comfortable here. Like San said, we’re all family here. We help each other out and care for one another.” Hongjoong smiled warmly, making you feel even more embarrassed. You were not always the best with expressing feelings and emotions. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever had someone care so much for me before.” You said in passing with a laugh. But the sad looks Hongjoong and Mingi sent you made you retract your statement.

“Ah, no! I don’t- I’m not saying I-” You shook your hands as you grew flustered.

“It’s okay.” Mingi comforted. You chewed on your bottom lip behind your mask, clearing your throat awkwardly.

“W-We should get back to work if we want to end soon.” You pointed to the desk, immediately turning around and wheeling yourself back, so they wouldn’t see your face and you wouldn’t have to meet their eyes. 

You continued to work with Hongjoong as he fine tuned it. Even if he was just adding a beat, you admired how focused and determined he was. He was a perfectionist.

“So, any lyric ideas yet?” Your question was directed at Mingi after seeing him type away on his phone. Your eyes remained on the screen as you added Hongjoong’s beat with some editing.

“Is this an Ateez song?” He blinked.

“It can be. Nothing is set in stone. Just wanted to know if you were inspired or something. Or think there’s a theme to go with the song.” You shrugged. 

“I only asked that because if it is an Ateez song, I would have to write lyrics that can reflect all the members like their style of conveying words. It is different if I was writing for someone else or for myself.” He explained. You nodded your head, processing his rationale. It did make sense and you felt bad for assuming he meant anything negative. 

“I’ve never written lyrics before. It feels too... personal.” You chuckled. 

���You’ve never tried?” Hongjoong asked.

“Of course I’ve tried. Some entertainment companies want the whole package, beat, melody and lyrics for their artists to use. But I think similar to what Mingi said, it’s... for the lack of a better word, vulnerable.” You said.

“I agree. I think there’s a perception that we just pour feelings onto paper and write out whatever emotional line there is. But we also have to know what feelings to separate.” Mingi added.

“Alright, let’s listen to this again.” You pressed play and the 3 of you listened intently. Only when it ended, you saw the smile on Hongjoong’s face.

“I think we got it.” He chuckled. You nodded in agreement excitedly. When music works well, it is one of the most satisfying, heart warming, rewarding thing ever. 

“It’s great. I like it.” Mingi nodded in approval. 

“Good job.” Hongjoong reached out and patted your head, a soft smile on his head. It was something you grew comfortable with him doing. He was really like an older brother and working with him was a breeze, considering the two of you had similar working styles and personalities. 

“It’s thanks to you two. Ah, I’m so happy.” You leaned your head back with a blissful sigh.

“I didn’t do anything. It was all you and the captain.” Mingi shook his head. 

“Your thoughts and opinions helped improve it, Mingi ah. It was good that you tagged along today.” Hongjoong said and you nodded. You saw Mingi blush at Hongjoong’s words, looking away shyly. 

~

Series Masterlist

[girlactionfigure]

🚨IDF BEGINS STRONG & DESTRUCTIVE ATTACKS ON BEIRUT - Updates from Israel  

ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

Moadim l’Simcha from Israel - wishes for a happy Succot intermediate holy days.

( VIDEO - demolition of Hezbollah buildings near the northern border adjacent to Israeli towns. )

❗️IDF WARNING TO LEBANON - All Lebanese residents who live near Hezbollah's economic assets - evacuate immediately. We will attack tonight and tomorrow economic assets that have helped Hezbollah.  In the next few hours we will attack in Beirut and throughout Lebanon.  “Buildings will fall in Beirut.”

.. IDF spokesman in Arabic addresses the people of Lebanon and informs them that the IDF is expected to soon attack the infrastructure of the "Good Loan Association" (Al-Karch Al-Hassan), which is a recognized financial institution of Hezbollah, through which Hezbollah finances terrorist activities.

.. ATTACKS HAVE BEGUN.

.. IDF spokesman publishes in Arabic in the last 10 minutes at least 14 evacuation notices in Dahiya and the Al-Baqaa area.

▪️STRONG GPS JAMMING.. reported in parts of Israel.  Mapping apps may not work, set ALERT apps to a location instead of “where I’m at”.

▪️TERROR PREVENTED - GERMANY.. an attack on the Israeli embassy in Germany was prevented: an illegal resident from Libya, a 28-year-old ISIS supporter.

▪️A HERO COMMANDER HAS FALLEN.. in battle in Gaza: Ahsan Daxa, 41, from Daliyat al-Karmel.  May the fallen receive mercy, and may the family be honored.

▪️A NOVA SURVIVOR HAS FALLEN.. to the trauma / PTSD, ending her life on her 22nd birthday.  Nova survivor, Shiral Golan, at 22.  Her family requested the info be shared.  May her family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may G-d avenge her blood!

🔸ANXIETY / MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINES: experiencing issues? Help is available..

.. in English : Tikva Helpline by KeepOlim, call if you are struggling!  dial 074-775-1433.

.. in Hebrew & other languages (and English): Eran Emotional Support Line - dial 1201 or chat via eran.org.il  

.. Get Help Israel is offering 3 free sessions for war-related issues through vetted clinicians -  https://gethelpisrael.com/webpage/?title=israel-crisis-support-center

▪️HARRIS TO BAN?  Senator Bernie Sanders to CNN estimates that Harris will be open to accepting his proposal for a total arms embargo on Israel due to the war in Gaza.  (Although US Senator Sanders has no connection to the Harris campaign nor speaks for her.)

♦️LEBANON - IDF: Golani fighters killed about 60 terrorists in southern Lebanon, terrorist infrastructure were destroyed.

♦️LEBANON - IDF fighters continue their activity in the area of ​​southern Lebanon: many weapons and launchers were destroyed, including the launcher from which the launches towards the north of the country were detected earlier today.

🔹LEBANESE SPEAKER SAYS.. Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Navia Berri: I am authorized to speak on behalf of Hezbollah and it agrees to abide by UN Resolution 1701.

🔹THAAD.. The American THAAD system for intercepting ballistic missiles became operational today in Israel.

🔹SYRIAN PRESIDENT SAYS.. Syrian President Assad conveyed messages to Iran and Hezbollah not to embroil him in a war with Israel and warned that offensive actions from Syria towards Israel could endanger his rule.

▪️THOSE WHO WOULD GIVE UP.. Hundreds of academics signed a petition calling for sanctions to be imposed on Israel in order to save Israel from the Israelis who are interested in continuing the "Gaza massacre". The petition was also signed by MK Ofer Kasif, activists of the organization B'Tselem and Peace Now.

✡️A word of Torah: Crying is very bad; one must serve G‑d with joy.  The only exception is when you cry from joy and bonding with G‑d. Then it is very good. —Tzava’at Harivash 45.

♦️BEIRUT EVAC, HEZBOLLAH THREATENS, HOUTHIS (possibly) LAUNCH - Updates from Israel  

ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

Moadim l’Simcha from Israel - wishes for a happy Succot intermediate holy days.

▪️FAKE VISUALS.. within a few minutes of the IDF spokesperson threats, videos of explosions were already appearing on various channels.  THE VIDEOS WERE from 6 days ago - so FAKE NEWS.  We’re sure Beirut videos will be shared, but the real ones are not out yet.

.. Videos of Beirut traffic jams as people evacuate - those appear to be real and semi-live.  

▪️GUNFIRE MODI’IN.. Following inquiries from residents about the sounds of gunshots heard throughout the city, the issue was investigated, and it is training being carried out at the military facility near the city.

♦️LEBANON - Enemy report: a massive movement of people fleeing Beirut has begun - following the IDF's threats to attack al-Qard al-Hassan facilities used by Hezbollah.

.. Hezbollah's "Good Loan" association has 31 branches throughout Lebanon, of which 14 are in Beirut, 10 in southern Lebanon and 6 in the Beqaa area.

♦️LEBANON - The government hospital in Baalbak began to evacuate after the IDF spokesman's announcement in Arabic.

♦️LEBANON - Six more sites have been added to the IDF's evacuation orders, 24 at the moment.

♦️GAZA - A strong attack is also reported in the north of the Gaza Strip.

🔹HEZBOLLAH COUNTER-THREATENS.. Hezbollah threatens through American intermediaries: "Israel will make the mistake of attacking our economic assets, we will be forced to escalate and launch precision missiles at the banks in the center of the entity”.

🔹UNIFIL ALERT.. Sirens sounding at UNFIL Naquora - Lebanon, Level (3): Extreme Danger.

⭕MULTIPLE ROUNDS of SUICIDE DRONE attacks on NAHARIYA from HEZBOLLAH.  No casualties reported.

❗️(unconfirmed) Reports of LAUNCHES by the HOUTHIS - YEMEN.  If ballistic missiles, we’ll know within 15 minutes as alerts come in.  If cruise missiles, in a hour.  Drones much longer (2-6 hours).  The ballistic missiles are low volume but high flying, so result in a very wide alert area due to possible falling debris from interception.

🇺🇸The Jerusalem Post: "The Biden government leaked to the Iranian government Israel's plan to attack Iran and gave the exact date it would be carried out and the targets of the attack."

Part 2

⚠️ ESCALATING ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES AND PREPARATIONS FOR A MAJOR ATTACK ON IRAN AMID INCREASING THREATS FROM HEZBOLLAH AND IRAN-BACKED FORCES

🚨 US Army convoy, including THAAD systems, is moving around Be'er Sheva, Central Israel. The convoy also includes fuel tankers and generators.

💥 Intense Israeli airstrikes target the southern suburbs of Beirut, including a strike on the main entrance of Al-Manar TV headquarters, affiliated with Hezbollah.

🔴 Israeli military spokesman Hagari stated, "We have drawn up attack plans targeting every place in the Middle East that poses a threat to us."

🔴 An Israeli security official revealed to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority that Israel is preparing for a major attack on Iran and is ready to repel any subsequent Iranian responses.

💩 Iranian military sources to "Tasnim" News Agency warned, "Our finger is on the trigger, and the biggest surprise awaits the Israelis." They added that if Israel attacks military or nuclear sites, Iran's response would be "certain and beyond Israeli expectations," potentially leading Iran to reconsider its nuclear policies.

❗️ Donald Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, regarding a strike on Iran, "You do what you have to do."

⭕ The IDF confirmed that a drone launched from Iraq towards Israel was shot down over Syria before entering Israeli airspace. The drone was intercepted without any sirens being sounded. The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the drone attack on a target in the Golan Heights.

Source: t.me

[dreadfutures]

This is your permission to vent if you want, or not, but genuinely, how is the strike going? How are you holding up? How long do you think you'll be at it/how's the response from the university so far?

Thank you for asking!!

Once again I'm not a union official or strike captain or really plugged into the leadership, this is just what I've heard from the official updates all UAW members get and what people are rumoring on the ground. This is vibes and not official in anyway.

Except for one official thing: DONT VANDALIZE PROPERTY, DONT SKIP CLASS, DONT USE FORCE TO PROHIBIT INGRESS/EGRESS FROM LOCATIONS!!!! Ask your profs to cancel class in solidarity, instead. ;)

It's going well I think! The University (system) has a slow response time to what's happening on the ground, so I think right now we're seeing the response to the strength we showed at the end of last week (which was record, phenomenal, Solidarity). The University has quit stonewalling certain topics at the bargaining table. It seems really promising that we're gonna get some historic deals that might...reshape what these outdated models of "apprenticeship" look like going forward.

We're never gonna meet an industry level of compensation and no one is asking for that, we know we're doing PhDs for low pay, but we have limits that we just can't take anymore. "you can't eat prestige" and "passion doesn't pay the rent" really are just...trueisms.

The new deal the postdocs are getting progress with looks...astonishing honestly, in a great way. We'll see what happens with the other units!

I'd say my campus is the most conservative and complacent of the 10 campuses, and we still managed to get amazing and astounding and thrilling amount of turnout. Even in STEM, which is well paid by general standards (relative........$30k is still not good 😂)

Every time we make gains however the University then sends out new waves of threats. Departments like mine have been threatening their TAs and GSRs (illegal threats and threats of illegal actions) in a variety of ways, in particular with regard to the empty/fake "research units" we are forced to sign up for *in order to be employed by the university*. It's a blatant effort to discourage and retaliate against strikers, and illegal, and unfair labor practices have been filed. But unfortunately it sucks to have to live through. Even if my advisor doesn't go through with it, even if he does and it then gets *undone*, it's still a stain on our relationship going forward. And fuck the department.

Fortunately (?) the threats are what actually pushed a bunch of people who were anti-strike or just complacent into being like "wtf, department/university, that's evil" and made them join the picket line

I hope we'll be able to reach deals for all the units next week. The University will likely hope we lose steam over the holiday so we definitely need to keep the showing strong next week. I'm hopeful!

On a personal note it's...been really strange finding myself leading chants and being asked to make speeches. 🙈 I have given serious side eye to many people in my department who got involved with DEI and other activist initiatives just to...have something they can rule over as king or queen. They want to be known for something without doing anything substantial, and edge other well meaning people out because they consider others to be a threat to their monopoly. There are people who cry racism and sexism and corporate corruption at every little thing, just to scare people into giving them what they want, and it's kind of...ruined that reputation for anyone who wants to get involved. It makes people like my advisor think that any sort of activism or mentorship is just distractions from work, or SJW stuff in the worst sense. I agree when it comes to those people! They make it really hard to want to be associated with any sort of activism or outreach!

So I really don't want to be strike captain and I really don't want to be The Lead or The Contact, but I've ended up in that role...because no one else wants to, or can, on my side of campus. I'm literally getting "so and so from chem?! it's you!!" and it makes me want to not be here. It puts a target on my back and it puts more microphones in my hand, and it leads more people to look to me for answers that I don't have (fortunately my first year room mate and I are still right and she's a lead organizer, so I can get answers or direct people).

(Ironically, the people I mentioned who want to be Known as activists and as The Most Woke and stuff...aren't striking. 🙄 they are comfortable with the establishment because they have set themselves up as the token minority yes-man for the establishment.)

I'm really touched and honored and just trying to listen to what's needed and do my best and ask for what I can do that would be most helpful. But I'm exhausted and it feels like this is... something I have been inextricably linked to. It makes me worry about employment in the future and what the rest of my time in my program is going to look like.

Also my department (student wise) is still so complacent or anti union. It's lonely.

A friend of mine defended her thesis recently and her dad, conservative from Texas, was talking at her going away party about how good it was that we were striking and solidarity and stuff and...it was so awkward because I was the *only person there* who is striking. Everyone else is too scared of their advisors, or doesn't want to be associated with Cringe People, or just doesn't care enough because we have it good.

(we have it good at the moment.... But the department HAS denied us raises before arbitrarily, and they HAVE been scummy, and their generosity is not codified in writing... What they give they can and do take away to control us)

🥲 I really don't hold it against people and people are constantly surprised that I don't have hard feelings against the people who aren't striking. But people just have a variety of personal situations and frankly striking hurts me and my progress more than it hurts my advisors research program, so I get it. I'm not out here calling people scabs or getting bitter about people not striking. I'm mostly striking for other people, who I know, at other universities or postdocing and not being able to afford to live.

But the fact of the matter is that just by standing alone, they have set me apart as Us Vs. Them. Friends assume I think they're cowards or that I think I'm better than them, and it's made things strained.

I'm confident it'll smooth over but. It's a little lonely.

I tore off a chunk of my toe tripping while leading a chant on Monday, I have lost my voice completely and have a gunked up respiratory system from so much shouting and talking and speechifying, and my brain feels utterly empty and coming home to an empty house just feels cavernous and echoingly overwhelmingly empty most days.

Also I put my hand on a literal stove and have an electric burner branded on my palm 🙄 I am glad right now for the break, I'm so tired. I wish I could write but my brain just has no words for myself, so I'm trying to find words for others. Holiday cards. Letters.

A very dear friend of mine gave me a call in the middle of the night because I said I missed him and we'd been promising to catch up for ages, and I didn't say it but I'd felt like. we were slipping, like I didn't mean much to him in the end after all, but he was there for me. Makes me miss him more (the one with the dog I drew as a Tintin homage in #my+art tag) and all the friends who've moved on already from here.

This campus has never been my home and I have been so, so unhappy here. I hate suburbs I hate socal I miss Public transit and the Bay Area and Santa Barbara and I can't wait for the next stage of my life when I get paid what I'm due and have real person hours instead of this 60-80 hr, 6 day work week that I've had through all of grad school.

But I've survived and I really, really hope I've helped make this a better place to be for the next sucker. I've been thinking about it a lot lately and I've been intimately involved in...a lot of efforts to reshape my department and the concept of a chemistry PhD in the UC system, over my five years here. We changed the demands put upon TAs in my first year. We demanded a better deal upon arrival, when the department used to withhold our pay for a full 2 months after our program started (putting so many of us in debt right at the start of our PhDs!). We reshaped how switching labs works. And now...

This historic movement.

It's something to be proud of, and I've really enjoyed getting to know more of the people who are helping make it possible, out on the picket line. I think I've made some friends with some math grad students who actually know what it's like to party 😂 we played beer (water) pong yesterday at the picket and I hope we're gonna be friends even after all this is done.

Thank you again for asking! I haven't had a chance to see my therapist since I decided to strike so. I haven't really allowed myself to reflect on things.

[slowpoke272]

“slaughterhouse-five” by kurt vonnegut

finished: march 16, 2023

well this was one to get through. i actually wanted to read “breakfast of champions” next, but i heard it’s a sequel to this novel, and since it’s vonnegut’s first mainstream success and most popular work, i decided now was a good time.

i have to preface my two cents with the confession that although i was warned and knew about it beforehand, i think much of my experience of this novel was diminished by the lackluster performance of james franco in the audiobook. i didn’t think it could be that bad, but it simply is that bad. he sounds so bored and tired through the entire thing, maybe that’s what the producers were going for? if so they nailed it. but as far as engaging the story, it just felt like an obligation.

it took a while for me to get into, but i was determined to find the good in this work. i had read “cat’s cradle” previously and loved it, though i knew kurt vonnegut’s style is rather quirky and it’s kind of hard to keep track of an actual plot or story happening. however, around chapter 5 (out of 10) i finally started enjoying it. it’s mostly an old man retelling his war stories out of order, although i do like when chronological order is mixed up and i liked the sci-fi elements, too. also i obviously agree with kurt vonnegut’s general anti-war themes and criticisms, which is  why i was determined to finish the book even if i didn’t enjoy it very much.

in the end i just wasn’t very moved by anything billy pilgram said or did, and i didn’t feel invested in his stories. it feels like an actual war veteran recounting their stories, reluctantly, maybe that’s why so many of them would rather just not share anything. for vonnegut being so anti-war, he seems to dance around the issue mostly, simply recounting loopholes and hypocrisies of war instead of having his character come out with anything insightful about it.

i’ll end with my favorite passage in the book, which seemed like the only time there was real substance being discussed, and it wasn’t between characters directly but as part of a theatrical display... very meta but also very mundane and passive.

this book is definitely passable and there are lots of other anti-war novels that i think have more profound things to say, but it’s not the worst?

“to quote the american humorist kin hubbard, ‘it ain’t no disgrace to be poor, but might as well be.’ it is in fact a crime for an american to be poor, even though america is a nation of poor. every other nation has folk traditions of men who were poor but extremely wise and virtuous, and therefore more estimable than anyone with power and gold. no such tales are told by the american poor. they mock themselves and glorify their betters. the meanest eating or drinking establishment, owned by a man who is himself poor, is very likely to have a sign on its wall asking this cruel question: ‘if you’re so smart why ain’t you rich?’ there will also be an american flag no larger than a child’s hand glued to a lollipop stick and flying from the cash register. americans, like human beings everywhere, believe many things that are obviously untrue. their most destructive untruth is that it is very easy for any american to make money. they will not acknowledge how in fact hard money is to come by, and therefore, those who have no money blame and blame and blame themselves. this inward blame has been a treasure for the rich and powerful, who have had to do less for their poor, publicly and privately, than any other ruling class since, say, napoleonic times.”

rating: 3/10 did not really enjoy and struggled to finish

[stitcheswashere13]

how do you think the slashers will react to their S/O doing a "Kissing Booth" for charity? What would the slashers do about it?

Could you include Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Bubba Sawyer and Thomas Hewitt? And I would like for you to add your choice of slashers ;)

I know it's a weird one, but I thought it would be interesting to see

lol! sorry, I got to this a lot later than planned Tumblr was glitching a lot! I added Brahms & Tiffany to the mix because I feel like he'd be a mixed one to write about lol.

on to the story!

Warnings!- Clingy slashers (mainly in Brahms) violence/ murder. & Fluff.

Slashers x kissing booth.

Brahms Heelshire!

Brahms loves the sweet caring side of you, he loves the fact that you are doing charity. However, he hates the kissing booth. He will try to convince you to sell lemonade and cookies instead. Brahms would even spin you around and give you a kiss and hand you 20$ while muttering "There, now you have a kissing booth here, how about you do cookies instead? I don't want my love getting hurt." If you insist to Brahms that you can only do the kissing booth or want to do the kissing booth, he would hesitantly agree to it but only on a few conditions.

Malcome MUST come with you to keep any creeps away

ONLY Forehead or cheek kisses NO Lip kisses or any other kiss, those are only for him.

Only if you promise him, you won't leave him and you'll come back for hugs and kisses.

Those are the only rules Brahms gave you as he sent you away with Malcome, already waiting for your return. (Yes, he did threaten Malcome to watch you, and to not true anything funny with you he will make his pet cat love him more the Malcome.)

Jason Vorhees!

Jason likes the idea, he just has to watch you from the trees. Jason will do this because 1. He doesn't want you getting hurt and 2. so if a creep comes up he's going to slit their throat. (He would probably grab out their wallet and give you whatever cash is in there). Before running back to the woods he would check that you are ok. Pam would be right by you with a sign that says "Don't want a kiss? How about a pie! 5$ Each." You two made a whole lot of money (Pam's Pies sold so quick and she was so happy people liked her pie.)

Micheal Myers!

Micheal isn't fond of this idea, but he says it's ok. He agrees but he has to stand by as a "little" attack dog. If a creep comes up he will do what Jason would do and kill them and take their money to give to you for the charity. If you get few customers because of the small town, when Micheal goes on a killing spree every person he kills's money would go to you and the charity. After you are done for the day, expect Micheal to be a bit clingy, he would want lots of hugs, kisses, and cuddles.

Bubba Sawyer! & Thomas Hewitt!

(I put these together because they would do the same thing.) So Tommy and Bubba both wouldn't mind the kissing both, both of their hearts would melt at you sweet jester and both of them would give you a kiss on your face and then hand you 10 dollars to make sure you have a nice start. The only difference they would do is that Tommy if he had to work in the field or help Mama Mae, would have Hoyt right by you. Hoyt (though being a fake sheriff) Would scare away any creep. Vs Bubba who if he had to leave to go help, would have most likely had Drayton out with you to scare the creeps away and attract the good ones or he would throw Nubbins out there to scare away the creeps. However, if no one is free then he will resort to Chop top, which Chop top would both scare the creeps away and also kiss a few people for money. (75% of the money only Chop top makes will go to charity and the rest would go to him lol.)

Tiffany Valentines!

Tiffany loves the idea and goes out with you with some Swedish meatballs to sell right by you. Any creep that comes out would be killed by Chucky and the money he gets from that person would go to you and Tiff. for charity. (Chucky would also buy some Swedish meatballs from Tiffany because he fucking loves her Swedish meatballs.) Glen would love to help but he sure as hell is not gonna help Chucky with the killings and won't be the one being kissed in the booth so You and Tiff. put him to be in charge of counting and organizing money, he loved his little job so much. Chucky and Glen were even laughing and having a Father-Son bonding time.

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

END NOTE! Thank you for the request! Sorry if it is a bit short! Request are open, I just may get to them slow! That's all I have to say for today sooo! Have a Very lovely day!

[radiant-reid]

Undercover

Part 1

Link to part 2

The newest BAU case came in around 11am. The team were grateful that they all got to have a cup of coffee and catch up on some paperwork before it kicked off. They were also feeling grateful it was on a Tuesday, meaning they'd hopefully be home for the weekend.

"Round table, lovelies," Garcia announced in the bullpen. Prentiss, Reid, Y/l/n, Morgan and JJ all got out of their seats and made their way to the table. Following the girl in the bright yellow jacket and dress with a lemon print. It never failed to amaze them how cheerful she could be.

It was already littered with printout photos, notepads and pens. Everything they needed to solve it. Hotch was already standing in the room and Rossi walked in a few seconds later

"Alright, you are all off to the warm city of Miami," Garcia told them. "Where things are heating up, literally." The screen lit up with pictures of a woman who looked like acid had been poured on them. Every member of the teams' brains was already theorising. "This was Gemma Thompson. She was found a few hours ago in her boyfriend's arms."

"Wouldn't he be a prime suspect?" Prentiss interrupted, turning her head to the side in confusion.

Garcia nodded to her. "Yes, he would be. But he has absolutely no memory of the entire day. The local police have ruled him out based on the fact he had a lot of Rohypnol in his system, meaning he was a victim too." She explained.

"Rohypnol is 10 times more potent than Valium. It takes a minimum of 20 minutes to work but its effects can last more than 12 hours." Reid informed the team, spouting off facts like he usually did.

Garcia continued once he was finished. "You are all getting called in because the police have been able to connect another 3 victims to the unsub."

"Why are we only being called in now?" Morgan asked as he flicked through the photos on his iPad.

Garcia showed them photos of the other victims. "Gemma was the first one found with her boyfriend. The rest of the woman were spread out around the Miami area but the police didn't connect them until now because they were all medium risk."

"So he's getting bolder," JJ observed. "This is the first time he's abducted two people."

"Was there any sign of sexual assault on the victims?" Rossi asked, when Garcia shook her head he continued. "Only torturing and killing the woman without any sexual motive is atypical."

The rest of the team agreed. "Wheels up in 30, call us on the jet Garcia," Hotch instructed the team as he walked out of the room.

Garcia did as asked and called them on the jet to tell them about where the victims were found and what type of poison had been used. It was HCL which Reid told them some facts about. The poison had been poured all over the woman's genitals and down their throats premortem.

Hotch had split the team up. Y/n was silently grateful she wasn't going to the morgue but she felt sorry for Reid and Rossi who got that awful job. Instead, she and JJ were in charge of talking to the latest victim's boyfriend. He had very little recollection. Even when JJ tried to conduct a cognitive interview, all he could tell the two was what he had been drinking.

Luckily, the rest of the team had done much better in their findings. Reid and Rossi discovered the victims died from a knife in the heart just after ingesting the poison, not particularly effective but symbolic. It was obvious these kills had something to do with love or a breakup. Prentiss and Morgan had found out all of the other victims were in serious committed relationships but their girlfriends had been killed when they were on business trips or away.

So the unsub was an enraged man who possibly lost his partner and was using these woman as a surrogate. However, the acid burns didn't make so much sense.

"What if he got cheated on? That would explain the burns to the victims, he was taking out his rage in very specific places." Reid suggested and the whole model clicked.

Garcia let them all know the victims had purchased drinks at the same club in Miami the night they died.

"The cheating would make sense!" Y/n announced, all of their attention now on her. "When we were talking to Gemma's boyfriend he mentioned that they were into having another partner in the mix. What if Gemma tried to seduce the unsub while he was hunting for a woman in a relationship who was alone to stalk. The unsub would have thought she wanted to cheat on her boyfriend while he was there and flew into a rage. He's not getting bolder, he just got impulsive." She explained, feeling the satisfaction of potentially cracking the case.

Morgan summarised. "So the victims were stalked and when they finally tried to cheat on their boyfriends. Gemma wasn't trying to be unfaithful, the unsub just thought she was. This has all been about being cheating. Good work, Y/l/n." The theory fitted the profile they had created and Y/n was thrilled at her work.

Until it was Hotch's turn to talk. "We're all going to go down there before they open to see if they have any cameras or frequent visitors. It's likely the unsub is there most nights."

Thankfully, the cameras showed the back of the head of a blonde man who slipped something into a drink Gemma's boyfriend later drunk. However, the team weren't able to pull a clear picture of what the man looked like but one bartender did say he always wore the Miami heat cap.

"So we come back tonight and bust this guy?" Morgan asked Hotch.

He shook his head. "We can't do that. We know he's very good at hiding these. He didn't leave any DNA. The worst we would get him on is 8 years for possession without a confession and we only have circumstantial evidence."

"So what are we going to do?" Rossi asked.

Y/n knew something bad was about to happen when Hotch gave her a look and the other members of the team started to walk away. "We need you to go undercover, Y/l/n." He told her. She immediately shook her head. Being the youngest member of the team she had never once been undercover and only been in real danger a handful of times. Someone more experienced like JJ or Prentiss could do a much better job getting a confession. And that's exactly what she told him.

"You'll be completely safe, I'll be right outside." Morgan tried to reassure her.

"I know I'm safe. You have a much better chance of getting a full confession with JJ or Prentiss, Hotch." She insisted.

He shook his head. "Look at the victims, even if you don't want to admit it you look a lot like them." It was the truth. From her hair colour to her complexion, she could almost be Gemma's twin. "I'll send Reid in with you."

"I can go in, Hotch." Morgan insisted, putting his hand on Y/n's shoulder protectively.

Their boss shook his head again. "You would be too threatening to the unsub. It has to be Reid."

"Thanks, Hotch." Reid laughed as he held out a thumbs up. He was far less apprehensive than Y/n, despite the fact he had been kidnapped by an unsub before. It was then that she knew she had to be brave.

"I'll do it." She was shocked by how quickly the words came out of her mouth.

With not a lot to do but wait, Hotch let the team have the afternoon to catch up on some sleep. Y/n was completely unable to sleep, waiting in anticipation.

There was a knock on her door two hours before she had to be dressed and downstairs. First, she looked through the peephole before seeing her favourite brown curls and opening the door.

"You doing okay?" He asked once she'd let him in. She nodded slightly. "I can tell you're not, you've been pacing for the last hour."

Being around profilers wasn't always helpful. "I'm freaking out a little, Reid." She admitted.

"I can tell." His observation made her laugh and he didn't exactly understand why but as long as she was smiling he felt happy. "It'll be okay. I'll be right there with a gun the whole time."

"Yeah, until I have to go and try to seduce this dick." She mentioned.

Reid smiled at her words. "At least we've profiled he's attractive." She laughed at that as well.

Spencer and Y/n sat together, eventually ordering some food that would be put on the FBI's bill. Spencer was fully prepared to order it to his room to avoid getting her in trouble but she didn't care, Hotch probably wouldn't notice. And if he did she was prepared to guilt-trip him.

Once they'd eaten their burgers Y/n decided she should start getting ready. Spencer promised to be back once she was dressed and went back to his room to get dressed.

When he came back she was putting on far more makeup than normal. Spencer had on a suit jacket, pants and shirt without a tie. Y/n thought he looked much more rugged than normal, his hair curlier and messier.

She was far too nervous to notice the looks he was giving her. His mouth slightly open as he took in her figure in the red, ruched, low cut dress. It was a lot different to her usual work attire. He had to stop looking down the front of her dress before his pants started tightening.

"You... uh.. you look.. pretty." He was able to stutter out as he rocked back and forward on his feet. "Are you feeling okay?"

"You look nice too, Spencer." She told him with a weak smile as he tried to avoid the butterflies in his stomach. That was all he needed to know she wasn't okay. Once she had done the stuff on her eyelid Spencer patted her on the shoulder. He wasn't really sure how to comfort her but he felt her muscles relax.

She looked in the mirror once more before turning to him. "Garcia sent this dress here, she thought it would suit me." She commented.

"It does," Spencer said before thinking. "I mean, you look really different. But pretty. Not that you don't normally." He rambled out.

She laughed to shut him up but she was still blushing. "Thank you. Should we get going?"

He nodded to her and they made their way down to the lobby to meet with the rest of the team. From there they got into an undercover police van to get mics, cameras and earpieces. Spencer was given a powder to put in his drinks, it was going to turn pink if the drink had Rohypnol in it.

Hotch gave them instructions on what to do. They were to act like a couple when they unsub could see, Spencer was to go to the bathroom and Y/n was going to try to seduce the unsub. They would get themselves kidnapped and a SWAT would follow them to the secondary location where Y/n would get a confession out of the unsub before the team moved in and saved her. What could go wrong?

Morgan insisted on driving them to the club where they were going to wait in the back until they knew the unsub was there. "Did I tell you how hot you were looking, Y/l/n?" Morgan asked on the way.

She knew he didn't mean anything by it, he was just trying to calm her nerves. "Thanks." She replied quietly.

"You're going to be alright. You've got pretty boy there to protect you and we'll have the place surrounded. The second anything doesn't go to plan we'll go in." Morgan tried to reassure her. "I'll be talking into your ear whenever you need me."

She felt a little bit better, but it could have been Spencer's hand now resting on hers.

"Be safe." He told them as he let them out. "Take care of her, pretty boy."

Y/n was beyond on edge when they sat in the club. "What do you want to drink?" Spencer asked her.

"Anything sweet," Y/n told him, still with a weak smile on her face. He nodded and walked off to the bar to get her something.

She had at least 3 cocktails before the unsub got there, and she had to go to the bathroom a lot more than Spencer did.

"Alright, you two. He's sitting near the bar. Reid, go over there and get a drink, look at him then get distracted so we can catch him drugging you." Morgan instructed into their earpieces.

Spencer followed the instructions, going to the bar. He looked at the unsub in the hopes Garcia could get an ID before turning away and focusing on his mock girlfriend.

"How long have you two been together?" To Spencer's surprise, the unsub spoke to him.

He pushed past the nerves to reply. "2 years, she's the love of my life but I'm not sure I'm hers." Spencer said exactly what he needed to to hook the unsub.

"What makes you say that?" The unsub pushed him.

"I've just seen some of her texts, you know code names and flirty messages to other guys," Spencer continued the lie, effortlessly.

The unsub was definitely biting. "You know, I could help you out." He offered. Spencer looked surprised but nodded. "She's the one in the slutty red dress?" He asked and Spencer tried to not visibly wince. He wanted to arrest the guy right now. Instead, he nodded not trusting his words. "I'll go over there and try to flirt with her, see if she tells me no or not." He offered.

"Do you do this for other guys?" Spencer asked, trying to get a confession now.

The unsub nodded his head. "Sometimes. My girlfriend of 5 years cheated on me so I like to help other guys out, even if they don't know it." Spencer didn't want to let Y/n get into danger but he hadn't confessed, there was no crime in trying to seduce another man's girlfriend.

"Wow, I'm sorry." Spencer mocked empathised. He unsub just nodded.

"Here, have your drink." The unsub handed Spencer a drink. It didn't take a genius to know it was drugged. "I'll come over in a few, you go to the bathroom I'll seduce her." He told Spencer. All Spencer could do was nod.

Spencer took the drink back to his table where Y/n was. He knew she had already heard the whole conversation through her earpiece. Then they were told that they knew the unsubs name, Jeff, and they had found his address. The powder immediately turned the drink bright pink and Spencer didn't touch it.

"You two need to up the ante, there's no way he's going to believe you're in a relationship when you look like nervous teenagers," Morgan told them in their earpieces.

Spencer whispered a 'sorry' before he leaned over and placed his lips near her neck. He started to kiss down her neck and Y/n faked that she was resisting it.

In reality, she wanted him to take her back to the hotel and kiss down her neck all night but she tried to push that thought out of her head.

"I'm going to." Kiss. "Leave you now." Kiss. "Stay safe." He murmured into her ear before getting up and walking off, taking the drink with him to dispose of.

"Pretty girl and Pretty boy getting it on." Morgan cheered in her ear. Y/n was just thankful he couldn't see her blush.

She was about the say 'shut up' when the unsub came over. He was muscular and blonde, far from her normal type of slim, brown curly-haired boys but she leant over to let him look down her dress regardless.

"You're a pretty little thing." He commented as he slid into the seat next to her.

She giggled at him like it was the funniest thing ever. "And you're very attractive." She replied.

He grinned, falling for the trap. She was studying his face, it was definitely attractive but much broader than Spencer's was. "Wanna get out of here, baby?" He asked with a wink.

She grinned falsely back at him. "As long as you can show me a good time."

Everything was going to plan until he took her out to the car and hit her over the head.

[cafeinthemoon]

The Home I Crave - Chapter 14

Title: The Home I Crave

Genre: Fanfiction

Pairing: Tobirama Senju x reader

Rating: teen and up

Word count: 

Chapter: 14/?

Symbols: ⭕ | ➕ | 💛 | ▶️▶️

Read the previous chapters here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13

Chapter 14 -  Flood

You didn’t think the sounds of the storm outside were so loud inside that room until you turned out the lights and laid down to sleep, but now you were afraid they wouldn’t let you rest. Ironic, you thought; you’ve been wishing for this moment to come since you arrived at the tea house, dirty, soaked and tired as can be, and now that you were ready to have your well deserved night of sleep your eyes were there, open wide, going from one side to another in the darkness, as you wondered how long that roof above you would stand against the violence of the rain. From time to time, a flash of light would invade the tiny space between those four walls, followed by a thunder that would shake them and the windows.

If they were your only problem, you would be good, however. But there was also the fact that you couldn’t even move on that mattress: right beside you, at your left and with his pillow above yours, Tobirama seemed to be in his deepest sleep; he was lying on his back and had his right arm folded and hand under his head, while the left one was upon his stomach, and you had your back turned on him, barely folding your legs to not invade his space. You knew that if he had at least one clean sheet left, he would spread it on the wood floor and would sleep on it, but all of your things were in need of a good wash, so he had to do the same as you and be content with the futon. Now you were using the sheet that you found with it, but it was far from being enough for you two, so you avoided sudden movements as you could.

After minutes without seeing the slightest sign of sleep approach you, your body started aching from keeping the same position for a long time and you were forced to move. You turned to him and passed your arms around yourself but startled when your face touched his side. You moved away immediately, but he didn’t show any reaction. With a sigh of relief, you closed your eyes and waited to see if your body would be finally conquered by tiredness.

***

A thunder exploded in your ears and you startled on your place, holding back a scream. You opened your eyes, now burning, and looked around, but found the same shadows in which the room was already involved; outside the inn, the storm followed its pace. Only after that you understood you fell asleep, but you weren’t sure if you’ve been like this for hours or just a few minutes.

Perhaps the second case was the right one, for you noticed that Tobirama didn’t move beside you – instead, you moved closer to him, so that you had your face resting on his side, almost upon his chest, while your pillow was abandoned under your back. His skin was warm, so you felt the change of temperature when you moved away and adjusted your pillow on its original place. You laid your head on it and folded your legs a little, just enough to hide your feet back under the sheet. This time, there was a reaction from his part: still with his arm folded under his head, he turned to your side, and now you had his other arm over your shoulder, obstructing part of your sight if you looked at your surroundings, and his chest before you. You didn’t even have the time to move away; now, with the weight of his arm upon you, you’d have to find a way to sleep like this until he decided to change his position again. Which you didn’t think it was going to happen so soon.

You swallowed. After minutes like this, with your eyes closed, you found out you were no longer unfamiliar to that situation as you first imagined. You sensed your skin warming up as his body heat reached you; your nostrils didn’t recognize the strong smell they sensed right after he left the bath tub as they got used to it; even your breath, calming down after the fright with the thunder, was adjusting to the rhythm of his own, controlled, regular as everything he did while awake. You would have released a sigh of annoyance if you had more space between you: you were physically and emotionally tired, so your body was supplying both necessities by relaxing in his embrace; there was nothing you could do about this, and you didn’t like to be left without options.

You started to imagine how it would feel like if Tobirama didn’t come after you and you were there all by yourself, arranging everything while worrying about the storm outside, wondering when it would finally stop and how you would find the roads after it the next morning. You had to admit that if you were there alone, you would take longer to reach the tea house, which meant that you’d spend at least some hours in the storm before finding it, and with the mud that would certainly fill the path ahead, the rest of your journey would be even slower. Yes, you could use your Doton to soothe its sinuosity, but how you would preserve your chakra until you found your compound? How would you serve your family if you came to them exhausted, unable to perform any jutsu and possibly hurt?

You tightened your lips with anger. Leaving Konoha the way you did was indeed stupid – nothing that would count in your favor, as a woman, an advisor and a shinobi. Was it your fault? Yes. Was it Tobirama’s fault? Yes. Could you find a different way to fix the situation? Of course, yes: you could look for the Hokage’s advice; you three could sit down and talk openly about the letter and the discomfort it was causing both in your personal and political environment. But was it possible to act this rational when your beloved ones were involved and your intelligence and position were seen with disdain by someone who worked doing exactly the same as you?

And now he was sleeping as if nothing happened, as he didn’t do in days, or at least it seemed to be. How could he, when you were there unable to do the same?

How was it fair?

- Am I smothering you?

Those words, said so close you, made you startle in the dark. So, he was awake. You must have moved abruptly without noticing and thus you woke him up, or the shifts in your mood were sensed by him thanks to his sensory talents. You whispered a “no” back to him, but didn’t move from your place or made any effort to turn that into a conversation. Tobirama didn’t say anything after that as well. Or at least not immediately.

- Are you worried about how we will cross the road after this storm? – he asked after a minute or two, and you started to think that he was really able to read minds.

You sighed.

- There aren’t many trees on this part of the territory that we could use to travel. We will have to walk for most of the time. But the conditions of the soil will delay us in at least an entire day – a ray of light crossed the room from side to side and your eyes turned to the window’s direction, over his shoulder – Using Doton to make things easier for us is an option, but it’s not the smartest thing to waste chakra like that.

- You are right – was his reply – We will have to spend some time looking for the less damaged spots of the road, which will demand additional energy from us. You should try and take some rest now.

You knew he was right. As far as you knew, that was going to be your only chance to sleep under a proper roof until you arrived at your clan’s compound. Still, you were unable to close your eyes or to stop the voice inside your head, babbling in a competition against the noises of the storm.

- As if I could just sleep whenever I want – you moved away from him; after he took his arm off your shoulder you sat on the futon and folded your knees – My head is about to explode, you know?

You sensed a pressure on the mattress the moment he leaned on his right elbow, turned on your side. You heard his voice behind you, lower, free of the demanding tone you were used to notice in it.

- I apologize for this, y/n-san.

You turned to him at the same time you heard that, not hiding your surprise. Tobirama was really admitting his part of the responsibility in the situation you were in? After all you’ve seen since you met him and the incident with the letter, you never thought you would see this man apologizing for something one day. But there he was, speaking about his mistake in that clean and simple manner of his when you least expected. Was there something else in this world that could make you gasp?

- I have a tendency to underestimate the subjectivity of things when I am given enough space – he continued with the same calmness as before – Most of the times, I have my brother to stop this. But that was not the case when we argued because of the letter. Let me tell you that the peaceful circumstances in which our people have been living depended on our unconditional compliance as shinobi. Nothing would stand for too long without proper attachment to the rules. My mistake was ignoring the fact that, as someone who came from a different place, you might not see things the same way, which resulted in this situation. And I am sorry for that.

You observed him for a while before replying. You agreed with him on this: his attachment to laws and rules blinded his judgment to the subjective aspects involved and resulted in an argument that put an entire alliance in risk, and your response to this wasn’t even better. But how could you act differently? You both were what you were, after all.

- We the ... clan know the importance of respecting the laws as much as you do – you commented – But if I’m being honest with you, there are people in my clan, and even among my relatives, that are far better than me in this.

Something in his way told you that what you just said awakened his curiosity. Perhaps there were still many things he needed – and wanted – to know about you and your people. So you just continued to talk.

- My sister, the one who is sick, is the best example of compliance and order I can remember right now. She is two years younger than me, but she has surpassed me in more aspects that I’d like to tell you. Since we were kids, she was always more passionate about our studies than I ever was. She learned all the family jutsu before me and is a better Captain than I will ever be. When it was established that I would be sent to Konoha, she was supposed to occupy my position as our father’s advisor, sometimes working as his bodyguard too. I was more adapted to the diplomatic work, but she could do both with little difficulty.

You turned to Tobirama and leaned your left hand on the futon, upon the spot where you lying. You took time looking at his figure in the shadows, sometimes alternated with the lights of the rays from outside reflecting on his gray hair, turning it white, and inside the sharp line of his eyes, lighting a fire with their redness. Your face was entirely in heat with what you said next.

- I cannot help thinking that our father should have sent her to Konoha, and not me. She should have sealed the treaty and married you instead of me. She’s younger than me, but I am sure she would have achieved our clans’ goal by now. And if she would ever faced a problem like that one with the letter, she would have found a better solution than this – you shook your hand and your eyes passed upon your surroundings with despise.

You were dominated by tiredness and laid back on your place, but that was not the end of the conversation.

- Our younger sisters adore her because she always had more time for them than I’ve ever had. I wonder how difficult things are being for them right now…

No longer worrying about what he could think and tired of your own judgment, you brought your hands to your face, covering it the moment your eyes started to burn, full of tears. You tried to hold back a sob, but failed: you turned on your side, towards your husband, and passed your arms around yourself to avoid the trembles.

It was when the unexpected happened. In the dark, you felt him pulling back the sheet and lying back on your side, his arm passing around you again, but this time he brought you closer to him. Maybe his embrace was too tight, but that was not something you would care, not in those circumstances; maybe it would bring you the relief you needed, when you were there warmed up by his skin’s heat, breathing against his chest, not holding back your tears.

Moments passed, and the burning in your eyes started to diminish, your breath was coming back to normal, not alternated with sobs, and your body was not shaken by shivers under the sheets. It was as if the knot formed in your throat just came undone and the sleep was coming back to you. Even in that tight hug, you felt free.

When you noticed it, you had your right leg between his, but there was no impulse to pull yours back from his reach. All you wanted was to stay that way until the morning found you sharing a space that wasn’t supposed to be divided for two. You opened your eyes and moved back, just enough to look up to his face, and despite not seeing anything in that dark, you knew he was looking down at you. Both your breaths became heavy, as if a pressure established itself around you two, approaching you before you could react, first your faces, then your lips.

When the kiss happened, a little voice inside your head screamed that you should not let things to be this way, that you should not let him get away with everything just by offering you comfort – which was nothing more than his duty – that you should sleep and be prepared to the difficulties of the next day... but your body found a way to shut it up.

Your hands passed around him, reaching his hair, bringing him close; you almost smiled in the kiss when you noticed it was softer than its aspect suggested, just like his skin, smooth under the cold matter of his armor. Your fingers pressed it, still not confident enough to use your nails, but you knew that the strength applied was going to leave marks anyway. His hands were working on you as much as yours were doing to him: at some point, one of them left its place around your waist and traced a path with its fingertips through your thigh until it found the edges of your gown. They slipped under it, moving the fabric away…

A sequence of desperate punches on the room’s door, coming from the outside, woke you up and you couldn’t hold back a scream, but it was suffocated by the sound of the storm that now seemed to fall with even more violence. So you fell asleep and had one of those quick dreams that came to us when we wander between the sleep and the consciousness.

However you didn’t have time to think of it: when you sat and looked around to understand what was going on, you saw Tobirama walking toward the door and opening it.

The person behind it was another guest of the inn, a man you saw at one of the tea house’s tables when you arrived. You were still sleepy and the variations of light caused by the lightning and the shimmering flame of a candle on his hand could deceive your perception, but the man looked pale, horrified.

You left the futon and wrapped your robe around yourself before going to the door. You only caught half of the conversation, but it was enough for you to see that the guest’s agitation was justified.

- ...We need to leave and go as far as possible! Otherwise, the flood will kill us all!

[babygirlgalitzine]

i’d love you to love me (ao3)

it starts out with a pact. neither of them will date, until they can both find people to date. except, they don't expect to be honouring that years later, and when jay starts to fall in love with lola, he realises that it's time for ben to date someone too. in the most chaotic way possible.

or, a vague 10 things i hate about you au.

-

It’s a miserable day. The sky is an unrelentingly dark grey shade, cascading for miles and miles with no end in sight. The rain has been pouring down all day, and the wind mixes with it, causing the rain to hit against windows, creating a rattling sound all over. It’s that horrible misty spray that means Ben can’t even see that far in front of him, though he knows his way around Walford that well now that he really doesn’t have to look to see where he’s going. Jay’s walking out in front of him, a breaking leather ball at his feet, scraping along the wet pavement with an awful sounding scratch.

“It’s freezing!” Ben shouts over the rain, and he watches in awe somewhat, as raindrops fall onto his eyelashes, tiny little droplets clinging on for dear life. It’s true, it is freezing. The torrential rain bounces up off of the pavement and clings to his socks, climbing up onto his grey school trousers and staining them darker and darker as time goes by. There’s not a single part of him that isn’t shivering and wet, but he and Jay have a routine now, one that happens regardless of the weather.

The school’s over bell will ring out just after three, a shrieking tinny noise, one that’s surely going to be imprinted on everyone’s brain for years to come. Ben will stand next to the doors at the side of school, and then Jay will follow moments later, catching up with him. It goes unspoken, because this routine has been going on for so long without ever changing, that they’ll walk home together, strolling into a corner shop and getting as many sweets as possible, before going to their local park and staying there until they have to go home for whatever reason.

“Oh come on!” Jay turns his entire body and starts to walk backwards, the wind blowing his hood down within seconds and he scrambles to put it back up, though it’s in vain. “Are you telling me you want to go back home already? Because I know for certain you have science homework to do, and so does your mum.”

Ben looks to the ground, watching the raindrops splashing into the puddles and breaking into even tinier pieces before falling back down again. It’s almost relaxing to watch it, or it would be, if his hands weren’t currently frozen completely numb. “My mum’s got science work to do, has she?” He asks cheekily, but he knows Jay’s right. Jay’s always right. He knows that the second he walks through his door, he’s going to have to spend the rest of the evening doing his work for tomorrow, and he couldn’t think of anything worse than that, so staying at the park in the pouring rain wins yet again.

He manages to look up in time to see Jay roll his eyes, and he kicks his ball back towards Ben as they walk in the direction of the park. “You need a new ball, mate.” Ben comments, picking it up and throwing it back at Jay. He regrets picking it up, because the ball’s been collecting that much water as Jay kicked at it all the way home that it’s sopping wet and heavy.

“I know.” Jay replies, and they turn into the park. Ben’s got nowhere to sit, his usual place on the swing is collecting a puddle of muddy water underneath so the idea of sitting there doesn’t even cross his mind. Instead, he sits on the small brick wall, resting on the very edges of his coat to try and minimise how sopping wet his trousers are going to be when he eventually stands up. He realises that it probably won’t do anything sufficiently, and he’s going to be cold and wet regardless. There’s a silence that grows between them for a moment or two, but that’s normal. Jay kicks the ball against the wall that Ben’s sitting on and they both watch as chips of the bricks start to crumble away and swirl away in a stream of a puddle that runs downhill. “What happened in science today?” Jay asks, breaking the comfortable silence.

Ben huffs out a laugh, more sarcastic than anything else, because he’s been waiting all day for Jay to ask him, or at least, since the class directly before lunch. “Nothing.” He says, and then he looks down the road and sees cars driving slowly, headlights on full beam.

Jay nods slowly. “Right. So you’ve spent all day in a mood, for nothing? Makes a whole lot of sense that does, Ben.” He pauses. “I’m your brother. You’re supposed to tell me everything.”

Brother. It’s such a simple word. Of course, biologically, they aren’t brothers, but in every other sense of the word they are. They’ve been inseparable from the day they first met.

“I overheard Connor and Sarah talking.” Ben says, and he already he knows he sounds stupid for even being remotely bothered about this. “Saying that nobody would ever want to be with you, because I’m here scaring them off.”

“And you’re bothered about that?” Jay lets out a soft chuckle, resting his foot on the top of the ball. “Mate, I couldn’t care less about getting with anyone right now. Tell you what though, I wouldn’t be interested in anyone unless they wanted to be around you too. We’re a package deal, you and me.”

Ben looks up and rolls his eyes. “That supposed to be making me feel better, is it?” He laughs.

“If you were anyone else I’d be hurt by that.” Jay comments and kicks the ball a final time against the wall, so hard that Ben feels the wall shake slightly underneath him, and even more of the brick crumbles to the ground.

The rain doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon, and they’re both starting to get far too cold and hungry and wet. The grey sky does seem to be getting darker though, and that’s probably a sign for it both getting later, and the weather getting worse.

“How about we make a pact?” Jay asks, though it’s clear that he doesn’t think of the implication of his words before he speaks, if the shock on his own face is anything to go by. The wind blows down his hood once again as it whistles and swirls around them, causing ripples in the puddles.

“What pact?” Ben asks, getting to his feet and swinging his bag across his body.

Jay shrugs as he tries to think. “How about, we don’t date anyone, until we’ve both found people to date.”

It’s completely and utterly ridiculous, and they’re both well aware of that fact. But they’re also both just a few weeks away from turning sixteen years old and if they’re being completely honest, neither of them have anything better to do with their time.

There’s a silence between them for a moment as Ben tries to take in Jay’s words and then slowly but surely, he nods. “Yeah.” Ben whispers out, and he can barely hear his own voice above the deluge of rain, with heavy and harsh droplets falling around them. “Go on then.”

So that’s it. Ben agrees to the pact, and from that day on, it becomes Ben and Jay’s rule.

Neither of them would date anyone, until they both found someone to date.

It’s just that, the pact was never supposed to last as long as it has.

It’s over two years later, and Ben and Jay are still in Walford. They’re probably always going to be stuck in Walford really - they know far too many people who have tried to get out into the world, only to come back not long after. They’re both still just as inseparable, and again, that’s something that is probably never going to change. The pact is still there, it’s still something that they talk about occasionally, laughing at how ridiculous it is, and yet, it still stands, though not through a lack of trying.

Nobody has really shown Ben much interest over the last two years, besides the occasional man at a party or a club, but nothing long standing. Perhaps it’s because he still lives in Walford, around so many of the people he’s known his entire life. In such a small place, everyone knows everyone and knows everything about everyone. It’s not exactly the best place in the world to be finding a partner, even less to find a gay man.

Or it could be because of the fact that Ben's got this wall surrounding him, built up so high, guarding him and protecting him from any hurt that could possibly come his way. Probably both, really. But still, nobody has ever met Ben and shown an interest in wanting to break down his wall. Ever. The story was the same for Jay as well. Nobody ever showed an interest in him, but because everyone already knew about the pact. That was, until Lola came into his life.

They’re sitting in the Queen Vic, at a circular table right in the far corner of the room. They can see almost everyone else in the building, all at their own tables or standing against the bar, chatting away and laughing. There’s even people playing darts, walking to and from the board, doing the maths in their head. In their own little space, they’re sitting at a wobbly table of three: Ben, Jay and Lola.

It’s not unusual for the three of them to be sitting together, though it probably looks unconventional from the outside looking in, especially given the fact that Jay’s got one hand outstretched, holding onto the back of Lola’s chair protectively. Ben’s definitely more than aware that he looks like a spare part, a third wheel. He knows it too. But Lola was the one to invite him along for a few drinks, though they all know she’s got an ulterior motive. She knows about the pact now. It didn’t take long for her to find out, really. From the moment her and Jay started to get close, he told her about it, and although she laughed at first because really, it is a ridiculous pact to have, she’s now taking it upon herself to make sure the pact ends, once and for all.

Lola’s got her phone in her hand, scrolling through it with a smile on her face. She keeps looking up at Jay and nodding her head silently, looking at him expectantly and then, when he shakes his head, she continues scrolling.

“Really good conversation guys, thanks for this.” Ben jokingly states, rolling his eyes to the back of his head.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go to The Albert after this?” Lola asks, sipping on her vodka and orange.

Ben glares at Jay, knowing that Jay’s told Lola about how he’s refusing to go in there after last time. “More than sure.” He says, draining the last of his beer. “Another?” He tries to stand up, but Lola’s too quick for him, dropping her phone onto the table harshly and reaching out and grabbing his hand.

“It was one idiot, Ben.” She says warmly. “Don’t let that ruin your experience.”

He smiles tightly, but he doesn’t want to hear it. He mutters something about going to the toilet, because he doesn’t want to hear about how his first time in a gay bar was ruined by some idiot starting a fight outside, throwing about homophobic slurs and punching anyone he could get his hands onto, including Ben. He takes his time in the bathroom, throwing some water on his face in an attempt to calm himself down, and when he feels better, he rejoins Jay and Lola.

“Sorry.” He says sincerely, sitting back down at the table.

Jay shrugs his shoulders. “It’s fine mate. But Lo’s right, you know? You’re young and you’re single. You should be doing what everyone our age does and go out. Don’t let one prick stop you from wanting to do that. You deserve to be able to go to whatever bar you want to go to.”

“I know.” Ben says, smiling. “Just give me time, yeah? And then we can all go out together.”

Lola perks up at that, because she’s been begging and pleading to go to a gay bar for months now, ever since The Albert first opened it’s doors. “I could easily set you up with someone you know?” Lola says absentmindedly. “You just give me your word, and I’ll find someone.”

Ben huffs out a laugh at that, and his eyes flicker up to Jay, just in time to catch him rolling his eyes at Ben’s reaction. “Know every gay man in the area, do ya?” He chuckles, but at least it’s a genuinely happy laugh. He likes Lola, he really does. Jay really went and found someone that fit perfectly within their dynamic, and he loves him for that, because nothing would be more awkward than Ben not liking Jay’s girlfriend, or her not liking Ben. But Ben can see that Jay really likes Lola - really likes her - and they’re so good for each other. It’s obvious to see.

“That’d be impossible.” She berates, rolling her eyes. “But I definitely know a few!”

She’s looking at Ben with those puppy dog eyes and Jay’s chuckling under his breath because he knows that Ben’s going to break any second now. “Oh my God!” She practically squeals. “We could go on double dates too!”

Ben’s eyes go wide at that, and Jay just about covers up the splutter of his pint behind a cough, but Ben sees right through him.

Lola looks at Jay, practically begging him for his help to get Ben onside. “Look Ben mate, I love you, yeah? We’re not asking you to marry the next person who walks through the door, but at least try. Just go on a few dates, find out what you like. You never know.”

Ben knows he’s being stupid. He knows that now’s the time he should probably try and go on a few dates here and there, and make an attempt at letting his wall come down and try to be happy. He knows that. It’s still scary though. Terrifying, in fact. He looks between Jay and Lola, and gives in, sighing. “Fine.” He exhales, and he barely has a chance to breathe before Lola’s practically leaping over the table to hug him half to death, squealing right in his ear.

When Lola finally peels herself off of Ben, and he rubs his face in hands, Lola speaks giddily. “I’ve got the perfect person, his name is Callum.”

This is happening.

[imonthinice]

The Criminal Psychology Majors, Jason Todd x Fem!Reader Part 8/?

Word Count: 1.6k

Author’s Note: Y/N - Your Name, A/N - Any Name (Your Best Friend’s Name)

This one is shorter because of the last one’s length.

Hi everyone! By the time you see this, I will probably be out and therefore cannot update the other parts with this one’s link, so don’t worry about that if you notice it.

Warnings: Swearing, Mentions of Jason’s Trauma and his Death, Lightning, no beta bitch we die like Jason Todd

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7) (Part 8) (Part 9)  (Part 10) (Part 11) (Part 12) (Part 13) (Part 14) (Part 15) (Part 16) (Part 17) (Part 18) (Part 19) (Part 20)

Going on day 5 of knowing each other, Jason and Y/N would spend the day apart. Why? Because they gave each other the chance to have family time, Jason got it by playing around with his baby siblings, playing Assassin.

Fluff Head canon came from frownyalfred on Tumblr, who wrote about Jason playing Assassin with his brothers 

He would go running through the halls playing the game that he and Dick knew all too well, it had been the only ‘no contact’ game they were allowed to play at a summer camp Bruce had sent them to all those years ago when they weren’t adults with a bunch of other siblings, and girlfriends. But here they were, explaining the game to their younger siblings while Alfred and Bruce hung out with Barbara, who wished she could play, but was paralyzed.

Everyone missed playing games with her like they used to, but with the video game consoles in the house they did transfer a lot of their gaming to online so they could relive memories with Barbs. It was bittersweet, and everyone remembered when she became paralyzed like it was yesterday, but she always wanted them to play games like they used to, with or without her. 

Jason admired his, hopefully, one day older sister for how she treated her disability, like it was a gift, not something that impacted her everyday life and made her have to hang up the cloak of Batgirl.

But running around chasing after Dick, because of course, he got Dick, the universe wanted them to play again, was something he missed so much. They hadn’t had so much of this time, family time, ever since they all became vigilantes, and they never realized how much they missed the thrill of running around with each other.

Jason ended up getting Dick and throwing him out of the game, calling it a ‘selfless act of brotherhood so you can hang out with your girl’ and they both laughed at it. Titus, Damien’s dog, ended up barking up a storm at Jason when he killed Dick, like the big dog was rooting for Dick to win the tournament.

“Down boy! It’s a game!” Jason would whisper-yell at his dog.

“Yeah! Good boy, Titus! Get him!”

“No!” Jason would yell while running throughout the house, Titus on his heels. Passing by Alfred, Bruce and Barbara, where Titus would stop and go lay at Bruce’s feet, but Jason didn’t know that.

Jason would end up coming in just 10 minutes later, with a green slash on his neck. Tim, who had pulled Cass but killed her, Cass, who had pulled Jason. Tim now had two kills in the game and both were to people who could have easily overpowered him. 

“Jase! Welcome to the land of the dead,” Dick greeted him.

“God dammnit I’ve already been here,” Jason whined in a joke.

“You and your ‘I died pity me’  jokes,” Barbara said.

“It’s called a coping mechanism, Barbs. And hi dad, Alfred,” Jason said as he waved slightly at both of them, Alfred waved back and Bruce nodded at him.

“You could just to go therapy, Jase,” Barbara said, seeming concerned for someone who she considered her baby brother. She remember when he came into the Manor, she was older than him, sure . But he had nightmares and she and Dick would switch between who would sleep at his door at night, they both had terrible backs until the nightmares calmed down. Jason never knew they did this.

It also happened when he was resurrected, but the nightmares were worse and he’d wake all sweaty and upset. There were too many nights where batkids would be in Jason’s bed with him from 12am to when Alfred would greet them in the morning. The nightmares had slowed down a lot in the past few years with the introduction of his Goddaughter into his life, but they still came by to remind him of what happened.

He didn’t talk about it much. They would always try to edge him on about about really happened, but he was stubborn. It made sense, sure, trauma is trauma. But they all wanted to help him get better. It hurt them all that he was hurting and they didn’t know how to help him get through it.

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

Y/N would sit on her bed that morning and finally finished organizing her criminal psychology and regular psychology notes when she came across her printed copy of Dr. Barry Allen’s dissertation she had studied so hard. She found it so weird that she was so close to someone who she looked up to in the field while also being so far in the same breath.

She didn't dote on it for long, she stocked it away with her forensics notes in their place. This, the relationship she had with Jason that intertwined her with so many people, was something she was getting used to by the minute, but it was never something she’d get fully used to as time goes on.

She would put on a JCS - Criminal Psychology video in the background as she worked and tried to make her journal look nicer when Jason texted her,

Good morning. He said.

Good morning :)  She said back.

I just lost a game against a 16 year old.

Huh?

My brothers and 2 of my sisters were playing Assassins with me right? Well my 16 year old brother, Tim, he ended up getting the better of me and beat me. 

Oh! So you suck!

What!? No, I’m literally so cool what do you mean? He said, it clearly had sarcasm undertones to it, so Y/N wasn’t worried if she offended him with saying he sucked.

Oh yeah? Then why’d you lose?

Well, I killed Dick.

Okay so you didn’t lose, Dick lost.

It started raining a little bit, the sounds of it hitting lightly against her window, and she felt at peace. It was never hard for her to feel peace when she was by herself. She only had one roommate because she liked the silence, to be alone to collect her own thoughts in her head.

Her parents said it was because she probably had underlying mental illness that they never had the money to diagnose. She agreed. But she still didn’t have the chance to do it.

Jason and her deserved so much more than what the world have given them up to this point, so when they found each other it was, in a way, the universe saying ‘I’m sorry, you deserve this’ and with each passing day it made the pain they had both felt in their lives just a little bit more tolerable.

No, I guess Dick sucks at the game more than me.

Where’d you even get the concept for that game?

Dick and I used to play it at a Summer Camp before we got kicked out.

For playing the game?

No, for being unruly children.

You seem like you were a handful back in the day.

I was, I was the worst kid to raise, my dad has a shirt that says ‘Proud parent of a kid who is sometimes an asshole but that’s OK’ and he wears it all the time.

What a dad moment. Don’t tell my father that shirt exists, he’ll get one for my mum and himself to represent my sister and I.

Were you an unruly child as well?

I was a troublemaker. Getting into arguments with my authoritative figures about dress codes, rules, why girls couldn’t carry chairs, literally anything that was unequal, I was at their throats about it.

I mean, as you should. My older sister, Barbara, and my younger sisters, Stephanie and Cassie, they would like that about you.

I feel like in someway I’ve won over every part of your family.

The rain would get more violent as time went on. Strikes and hits of lightning would strike all around the city, hitting those gargoyles on every building, she always figured they were decorative, but A/N explained that their horns were made out of copper so people wouldn’t get struck by lightning. Bruce Wayne actually made that a thing, A/N said.

Y/N got a message from the dance competition that she signed up to, turns out, California was hit with a hurricane and most people evacuated. No one was allowed in or out. She guessed weather was being funky everywhere. It sucked, but she already was wishing she could spend time at home instead of out in the world.

A feeling she hated.

She would spend the rest of the day on and off the phone with Jason while it stormed. She would go to bed early that night.

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

Jason slipped on his vigilante uniform, the Red Hood was going to be on patrol over this night, stormy or not, it was his duty and he knew that. Did he want to go? Yes. He was killing for some action and he was going with Dick. They would probably have some ‘Bro Time’ which Jason wanted. 

Even if it was silence, having Dick nearby him meant enough and gave him peace of mind.

He grabbed his guns and loaded them while packing a few extra magazines in his belt, when Dick placed a hand on his shoulder, “You have to be careful tonight, Jase,” Dick said as he gulped down tears, “Just come back to me alive if you break off from me, okay?”

“Alive but bruised,” Jason joked.

“I’m serious. I can’t lose you again and tonight is going to be massively dangerous.”

“You won’t.”

[honesthammie]

Prompt 39: Death wants you to be terrified. But the scariest thing is wanting death.

13th Doctor x female curvy reader

Warnings: mentions of suicidal thoughts, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic abuse, fat phobia

I'm sorry for this. Its really depressing and I've been hesitant on letting you guys see it but I kinda like how it's written. I've made the abuser gender neutral as females can also be abusive. I promise the next one will be much happier!

"Come on (y/n), you can make it! Just jump across and reach for my hand. I promise you won't fall." The Doctors voice echoes across the widening canyon. If you looked down, you would only see pitch black. You didn't know how long you'd fall. Maybe this would be the perfect time to just go for it. Its not like you'd matter, you're only slowing the team down as is.

They wouldn't even be in this mess if you didn't slip and hit the world shattering drill, turning it on full blast. Unfortunately, you smashed the button making it unable to turn it off. Of course the only way you'd be able to turn it off is to actually go towards it. Everyone in the room screamed at you and some raised their tentacles to attack you if the Doctor didn't step in front of you. You know the Doctor noticed you flinching and your eyes gloss over and noticed you bracing for the impact.

You learned over the years to just accept your fate. You can't run from anyone when you weighed this much. You couldn't hide either, which often left you to just accept what was coming and hope nothing broke. Bruises were always easy to cover and so were any cuts but broken bones, that was always on display and you'd have to break your number one rule: never lie. You hated lying. The truth always comes out anyway so why hide it? If you hide it, you get punished worse anyway so why bother?

If you jumped and actually went with the team, you'd get questioned about earlier and about hesitating at jumping. But if you fell, would the Doctor miss you? As much as you hated to admit it, you were absolutely in love with the adorable alien. Why did you hate to admit it? Because she was a goddess and you were a waste of skin and bones. You weren't skinny and you didn't fit in with the team at all. You were only here out of pity.

You remember when you first met the team. You were the only person alive when they searched underneath the hotel. Even the spiders didn't want you. You were at the hotel because you heard about killer spiders and you wanted an out. You could never do it or something would come up stopping you from ending all your misery. You were the complete opposite of the Doctor. She was so brave and said whatever she wanted and didn't really care for the consequences.

You focused on the Doctors sparkling eyes. Despite the situation, she still sparkled with hope and encouragement. She wasn't upset with you. You really wished she was. This would be such an easier decision to make. Your head was pounding and your heart was going faster than her two hearts. Did you even want her upset? You couldn't tell, your head was spinning wildly, one thought going to another without a chance to process the last one.

You had come to a clear decision. You ran back and let momentum do its thing as your feet left the muddy gravel. You felt so free as you glided in the air for a few seconds. It was the most beautiful feeling. No punishment, no tears before going to sleep and no terror of going back home. Just you and gravity.

Then with a clearer mind you regretted your choice. You were horrified. You weren't ready. It wasn't time yet. Graham can't lose you. He'd only recently lost his wife. He'd feel the same as you and that thought terrified you. He'd survived cancer and gained himself a new family. He can't be like you. Ryan needed him, wether he was willing to admit that or not.

Suddenly you panicked and last minute reached your hand out hoping you'd grab something. Anything. You felt a soft warm object and latched on for dear life. You were then lifted up and onto soil. You focused on your breathing a moment and waited for your heart to calm down. You looked up and saw what, or rather who, saved you. You shouldn't have been so surprised to see the Doctors worried face above yours. She gave you a questioning look, knowing the question, you nodded your head and she straightened herself and helped you up.

"That was great (n/n)! So brave of you! Let's go gang, we've gotta turn this drill off before it splits the planet in half!" She shouted as she ran forward, seemingly knowing the way. She didn't let go of your hand until you reached the drill about 10 minutes later. You couldn't help the blushthat formed on your cheeks. The Doctor quickly opened a panel on the side of the drill.

The drill was massive, bigger than the Eiffel Tower and that what was on surface level, it went down much deeper that it had reached halfway to the liquid nitrogen that ran in this cold planet where our magma centre would be. The drill itself was purple and spherical. The panel box was the size of a human head which was about the size of the civilisations sucker pads. Inside were 3 buttons and 1 lever. You needed to type the pattern that would gain the access to the drill and force stop. If it goes wrong, it speeds up rendering this planet uninhabitable.

You watched as the Doctor quickly typed the pattern in. Red,blue,red,red,red,blue,black,black,blue. That was the pattern she quickly pressed in and held the lever down for 10 seconds. Soon the drill came to a halt and the planet was peaceful once again. You all let out a sigh of relief as it stopped.

You made your way back to the chief of the race and explained that they should dismantle and never use that drill again unless they plan to empty the panet of everything it has within. He quickly agreed and the fam made their way back to the TARDIS.

As soon as tye TARDIS was parked on the edge of your solar system, you got into your comfy clothes ready to nap or maybe play a few games to slow your adrenaline until you were tired enough for a full nights rest. You played a few rounds of uno and some poker where you used some bits of metal instead of chips. Eventually everyone had left except you and the Doctor.

You made your way to the doors of the ship and settled down just watching the stars in front of you. If the sentient machine hadn't already been aware of your darkest thought, you would have jumped out there and been amongst them. Just floating eventually turning to nothing but bones drifting, maybe to never be found. All the sights you've seen and yet this is where you were the most impressed. This was your home, your galaxy and because of all the light pollution, you had never been fully aware of how many neighbours you had because you had been literally blind. This was only stuff captured and faked and now, it's forever in your mind.

You heard movement and a shuffle next you. You knew who it was because she was the only other person awake and you knew she was going to ask and not let it drop until you tell her truth. And you were going to give her it but that doesn't mean you were ready to do so but you had to, someone had to know. Maybe you wanted help or maybe just someone to listen and know everything making you mentally naked in front of them.

The Doctor waited a few moments. She was figuring out how to word it without sounding horrible. "Is everything alright at home?" She asked her voice laced with genuine concern. "Sorry if this sounds a bit abrupt but let me explain. You've been really weird lately. You hardly speak and when you its with as few words as possible, you keep going elsewhere mentally and Rassilion forbid anyone getting angry with you! I also noticed how you hesitated today when jumping and I saw your worry and panic when you jumped. I think I know but I can't help you if you don't at least tell me what is going on! And don't change the subject or anything, just answer me please. I lo-. I can't lose you too." Her voice raised a little as she panicked just speaking about it. Halfway through she grabbed both of your hands and continued her speech.

You looked deep into her eyes for any sign of a lie but there wasn't one. Just like at the canyon, her eyes showed nothing but love. Maybe you should tell her, just her. No Yaz, no Graham and no Ryan. Just you, The Doctor and the TARDIS. You looked away for a moment as you collected your thoughts. However, as you opened your mouth and tried to speak, you found no voice. You couldn't tell her about them. Lord knows what she's capable of. But you've been looking for an out for so damn long. Maybe this is it. She's your out, no death involved.

You walked towards a panel in the console and pushed your hands inside and focused. You focused on the worst time it happened. You concentrated on the fear and everything attached. You couldn't tell her, but you could show her. The TARDIS disappeared into the vortex but didn't seem so sure on landing. She was picking it all up, she felt everything you did and she did not like going. "Please baby girl, I need her to know. I need help but I can't tell her. She's my only out that doesn't involve death and that terrifies me! Please. I understand your hesitation but she needs to see." You spoke mentally to the sentient blue box. She made a sad sound as she gently landed in the moment.

The Doctor looked at you bewildered. Her eyes were wide and her mouth agape. You walked up to her and grabbed her hand reassuringly. You led her to the doors that separated her from your darkest secret. You took a deep breath and slowly opened the door.

You appeared to be in the basement of your house. You walked up the stairs and took her to a storage room where she could see it happen. You sat in silence for a few minutes only the sounds of breathing and your heartbeat could be heard.

You knew this day off by heart, it plagued your nightmares often. It all started to sweet and went sour so quickly. At this time you were currently on your way back from doing your weekly shop to Tescos making sure you didn't forget their vodka and gin on your way to pay. Thankfully, the shop was only 10 minuets away and you doubted that the TARDIS would make you wait longer than nessacary. Just as the Doctor opened her mouth to speak the door opened and in walked an 18 year old you.

You set the bags down and started sorting the items into their new places. The canned foods go in the cupboard and the meat goes into the fridge. There were loads of food and stuff to go through and place properly. After you placed the last can of baked beans into the cupboard, the door swung open, nearly breaking the door.

They came home from their dealers place early. They stunk of weed and alcohol and had a little white powder around their nose. They looked like they had a good time until they had to come home. It was their dealers birthday so he was having a brothel themed party meaning there were strippers, pole dancers and prostitutes as well. The dealer was a rich guy who practically ran this city. The cops couldn't do anything as he could always bail himself out of jail.

They looked you in your comfy clothes and scoffed. They looked angry. "Why aren't you in your normal clothes babes? I thought I told you to throw away all of that shit. Come on now. Don't tell me I wasted all my well earned money on those clothes I specifically chose for you?"

You shuddered, both in the past and now except now they only made bile rise into your throat. You were so young and vulnerable. Now you know better.

The past you quickly scampered off to get changed. After only 5 minutes you reappeared in what was sexy school girl. The blue miniskirt covered less than most underwear so you were forced to wear a thong. The shirt was a bralet that barely covered your nipples. Your hair was in pigtails and you wore thigh highs. The sight made you silently sick in your mouth. You looked pathetic and weak.

You looked at them expectingly. You were waiting for your next order from them. They seemed to drool at the sight of you. "That's better babes. Why didn't you go shopping like that? Show the world your fat ugly figure? I want you to walk out there and see that no one else wants you but here I am, loving you. I am the only one who will ever like you in the way we have now. Your lucky I've had some fun tonight. All I want is my vodka and a new blunt darling"

You quickly went and grabbed their stuff and walked towards them as they settled in front of the TV. They turned the TV on and put Love Island on. How you hated that show. It made you feel bad for being the size you are. The women on there were beautiful but you also knew that, that kind of beauty costs money. So while your partner had fun watching the show for the romance, you watched it to spot what part of them was bought and what was real. Almost all the women had fake teeth and breasts. You hated how your partner would make snide comments on how they looked compared to you.

"You should be looking like Becky ya know. Beautiful teeth, big perky tits and a fucking great ass. What do you have? Flabs!" And there was the first comment of the day. The first of 30, you counted.

"Yeah well you are fucking broke so I can't look like fucking fake ass Becky or the others!" You thought. Then the Doctor gave you a look of shock and pity and then you realised you said that aloud. Not loud enough for them to hear you but enough for the Doctor.

"Make yourself fucking useful and make me some dinner. I fancy a steak and chips." They ordered as you got up and waddled over to the kitchen. A few minutes in you realised you put too much oil in the pan for the steak but the steak was already in and cooking quick. So quick that it started to smoke just a little bit. You tried blowing it away from them before they realised that you fucked up their dinner but ut was too late. They were already on their feet a marching towards you.

"I'm so sorry. I accidentally poured too much oil in. I'm so sorry. I have a spare steak, you can have my meal for tonight, I could do with skipping a meal anyways, helps me lose weight!" Past you was panicked and present you wasn't much better. Even though you were safe from them, they still made you uneasy. If you were to ever see them again, you'd freeze. They made your blood run cold. Even their voice sent unpleasant shivers down your spine.

"You better make me another steak but I still have to punish you. You fucked up, a lesson needs to be learnt." They said scarily politely. They grabbed your left arm and marched you towards the sink. They also grabbed the burning pan and pinned you so you had no escape as they poured the boiling oil onto your skin. You knew not to scream do you bit into your other arm knowing a bite out of it is better than causing more punishments for screaming.

When they were done left to watch the TV and you knew what that meant. You had to cook the spare steak and make there meal before you can get proper treatment at the hospital. Through your tears of agony, you quickly ran your burnt and bleeding arm under the cold water of the sink. You bit deeper into your other arm and tasting blood, but thay didn't stop you until the left one had cooled down. Then you got an old shirt, ripped 2 pieces of fabric off and wrapped them around both arm Injuries. You then continued their meal.

Once they had the meal they kicked you and punched you in the stomach because the chips were slightly cold and then they drove you to the hospital as they promised. When you had left you didn't realise you had been crying until a drop fell on your arm. You walked out of the storage room and sat on the sofa, turning the TV off.

The Doctor looked shocked for a moment before walking over and kneeling in front of you. The Doctor went silent for a moment. Before she could speak, you decided to speak first.

"I couldn't tell you because I couldn't think if a nice way of telling you. I didn't want to appear weak to you." You cried as your voice cracked in the middle due to the tears and the strain. The Doctor looked at you in pity and disappointment.

"This does not make you weak. Being abused does not make you weak. Because being abused is like being tortured by someone who supposed to love you and cherish you. They are meant to protect you from danger not be the danger. I would never hurt you. I know that I put you in risky situations but believe me, I would never intentionally put you in danger. You mean too much to me" The Doctor softly spoke with tears making a little river down her soft cheeks and onto your black carpet below.

"Before I met them, I was like you or Yaz. I was so happy at everything. Very little could bring me down. But I met them and started dating them and suddenly, my world of sunshine faded to grey. There was no light. I wanted to die Doctor. When you found me at that spider hotel, I wanted to be free from them as I couldn't do it. I can't because they'd kill me. I don't want to be alive whilst I'm with them. I have so many scars from either them or me trying to end my own life and that the scariest thing. Death wants us to be terrified but wanting to die is so much more terrifying Doctor, I know that." You cried as you emptied all you could to her. The Doctor was silent for a moment, taking in everything you said. Waves of emotion flashed through her, anger, sadness, pity and something you couldn't quite place.

"You said wanted. That's past tense. You said wanted to die. What changed? What made you want to live?"

"You did. You saved me from the spiders. You gave me a temporary out of the relationship for a while. You made me smile for the first time in 3 years! You made me laugh. The world of grey is now full of sunshine and rainbows Doctor. You also saved me today. When I jumped across that canyon, I jumped to end my life. I made a mistake that nearly ended a planet! If I wasn't so fat and clumsy maybe i-"

"Don't you dare say that! You are not fat (n/n). Yes you have more plush to your body but you are not fat. I hate that word. Its such a nasty word. You are gorgeous, amazing and so brilliant. You can't see what I see and I really wished you could for just one moment. You are worthy of being loved and cared for. You are precious, rare, one of a kind. I've never met anyone like you. There's always some skinny, fake bodied and caked up women but there's no one with as much natural beauty as you! Let's get back to the TARDIS and we'll talk more when looking at the stars because I can see that being here isn't doing you any favours" The Doctor spoke with such passion that you started to believe that her words held more than those of a supporting friend would.

Once the TARDIS was parked in the Milky Way you settled by the door once again and found yourself accompanied by the sweet alien. You both sat there for a moment just content with wrapping your heads around what's just happened. You looked over to the blonde and noticed how the stars made her glow in such an ethereal way that you felt almost compelled to worship her. Maybe you should after everything she's done for you. Her eyes sparkled with si many emotions from the past senario.

"Are you still with them?"

"Why do you think I never left this place? I mean even if could, I wouldn't want to but it's mainly because if I go back home, I'll come back with more injuries. I feel safer with you. You are my sunshine and rainbows and they are my storm clouds. Whilst I'm here, I'm alive and mostly unbroken. Whilst I'm there, I'm as alive as a puppet and severely broken. I can't leave, not on my own anyway."

The Doctor looked at you in thought. "The starlight compliments you. You look so pretty and almost angelic. I just wish they never hurt my angel. My innocent angel had broken wings and I'm going to fix what the Devil broke, I promise. Just hold on, I'm going to take us somewhere."

You held the nearest crystal as the TARDIS transported you somewhere but it seemed like the sentient machine was determined to take you there as quick as she could. As you opened the doors you noticed a familiar smell of weed mixed with alcohol. You heard the familiar tune of Love Island and knew exactly where you were. You were home. The Doctor saw your hesitation and whispered softly, "I want you to pack everything you want. I've written a note for them to find. I'm going to put it on the bed. If they notice you scream for me and I'll be there. They will not hurt you much, hopefully not at all. I just need to do something in the TARDIS before I help you." She turned and left into the TARDIS and disappeared down a corridor.

The atmosphere sent chills down your spine and you were frozen. The TARDIS seemed to notice and words of encouragement were sent into your head which helped you move towards your bedroom. You quickly buy quietly opend your suitcase and started to fill it with clothing and hygiene products. As you entered the bathroom a bottle of their shampoo fell into the tub giving you away. You knew you only had so long before they came in and hurt you so you closed the door and barricaded it with whatever you could.

As you pushed the last cabinet to the pile they roared through the wooden door. "Let me in you fat dumb bitch. You've been gone for 3 weeks and you've got some balls coming back! You're lucky I haven't burned all your shit! Where have you been?"

Your heart ran at an extremely fast pace nd you knew only one person could help you now. And so you screamed her name so loud it hurt your throat bit that didn't stop you. You screamed until you heard talking. You couldn't understand what was said but suddenly a thud was heard and then silence.

"Hey Starlight! It's only me. I've taken care of them. They're not dead but in a venishion aikido. They can't move, they're paralysed. You can come out and finish packing"

You moved everything out of the door and opened it to a view you expected. The Doctor with 2 fingers to their pulse point on their neck. The Doctor smiled at when they saw you. You finished packing and zipped the bag up. Then Yaz walked in with her police uniform on and arrested them for domestic violence and many other things. Now you understood why The Doctor left, it was to get Yaz as a back up option to completely take them out of your life.

The Doctor helped open doors for you as you got your room and you set the suitcase to one side to empty another day. You both sat down on your bed. The sound was filled with nothing but 2 lifeforms breathing and the TARDIS faint buzzing. You two stayed like this, staring into each other, trying to read the others emotions. But we all know what The Doctor is like, she can't stay silent for long.

"I had to save you because as long as you were with them, you weren't ever going to be truly happy. I didn't want my big bright star to turn into a black hole, I wanted her to be a supernova. My Starlight deserves to be happy."

"You keep saying my Doctor. And you asked if I was still with them and then when I basically said yes, you quickly, as in a rush, sent us home so I could leave them. You keep saying all these things about me. You held my hand from the canyon to the drill. You are always the first to check on me and you always make sure I'm OK first even if I'm the farthest person from you! Doctor, be honest, I don't want any more bullshit. Doctor why?" You spoke softly but with determination. The Doctor blushed and shifted her gaze to the stars and quietly gulped. She knew this day would come. The day her secret was revealed. And she dreaded her answer and she dreaded your reaction. And whilst she figured out what to say, you already knew the answer.

You gently grabbed her chin and made her look at you. Once her gaze caught yours, you smiled and placed your lips to her soft ones. Quickly she caught up and kissed you back with all the love and passion she could muster. She wanted to relay that she did love you and that she would do exactly as she said earlier, she would cherish you.

As for you, you smiled. You finally had an out that didn't end in death but instead ended with the same love that you yearned for, for years.

[wannabe-fic-writer]

Natasha Romanoff x Reader : Future Holds

Summary: Time is an illusion that helps things make sense.

Warning: Language

Word Count: 2,673

* * * * * *

“Uh, guys we’ve got an enhanced on the field!” 

Blue blasts shoot through the air, pained grunts fill your ear from the coms, and your teammates speak to you as you fight through the barrage of enemies. All the while keeping your eyes trained on the person surrounded by blue energy.

“Obviously Y/n.”

You roll your eyes,“ this is no time for jokes Tony, he’s making people fucking disappear.”

That grabs everyone’s attention. Continuing to fight, they look to the person you mentioned. Just as he presses his hands to the shoulders of two guys and consumes them with the blue energy.

You frown at the familiarity of the energy. It’s definitely something you’ve seen before.

“Thinking hard Y/ln.” 

E/c eyes flicker to green ones and you chuckle.

“Always Romanoff.” Sliding under the legs of the enemy in between you two, you dodge out of the way when Natasha shoots a widow’s bite at him.“ Awe, you’ve always got my back Tash, that’s best friend material.” You smile teasingly. 

She rolls her eyes, pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear,“ I don’t recall signing up for that position.” She jokes back.

You’re mid laugh when you notice her eyes widening, gaze behind you. Moving quickly, you duck down and trip the enhanced. Only for his energized hand to land on Natasha. Her instantly disappearing, replaced with a blue mist. 

“Tasha!” You exclaim in shock, turning to fight the man.

Noticing your shout, the team engages as well. 

It’s obviously overwhelming to him but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t hold his own, effectively disappearing two more of your teammates, before Bucky knocks him out. 

Jaw clenched you glare down at the guy, secretly hoping that he hadn’t- no, you didn’t want to think of that.

“Pick him up,” you tell Steve and Bucky,“ we need him to figure out what just happened to our friends.” 

They nod and together you and the rest of the team takes the enhanced back to the compound to get Tony, Carol, and Natasha back.

* * * * * *

“Hey, Nat,” her body rocks as light fades into the dark,“ Natasha wake up.” 

Finally opening her eyes, Natasha blinks to take in her surroundings. 

Green. Yards of grass. Surrounded by trees.

Tony and Carol at her sides. 

The billionaire is looking around, murmuring to the AI in his suit. Only for the helmet to retract.

“We’ve got a problem.” Both women frown at him.“ I can’t get F.R.I.D.A.Y up.”

Carol is the first to nod and move. Brushing her pants off,“ then we need to move. Figure out where we are and how to get back home.”

Natasha and Tony agree and together the group heads North. 

Eyes wander all over as they keep walking. Until finally they reach the road. There doesn’t seem to be much traffic which is equally as bad as it is good. 

Tony sighs,“ we need to find transportation. Walking is productive but it doesn’t seem like there’s much around so we’ll be doing this for a while and I prefer not to.” 

Carol scoffs and shakes her head,“ I’m sure we’ll find something soon. And we don’t have options so let’s not get picky.” 

And so the three continue to walk. Minds reel as they think of ways to get home and where they are. There were guesses but they weren’t sure. Everything was black when they were transported wherever they are. 

It seems like hours pass before they find some sort of salvation. 

Hopeful, the three trudge up the graveled path, stopping at the fork in the path. One leads up to a white paneled home and the other leads up to a matching garage. 

The shared glances point in two different directions. Carol is thinking they take whatever car they find in there and Tony is thinking they go to the house and offer to buy whatever car is in there. Natasha stops the argument before it can begin and nods to the garage. 

She’d rather not deal with a third party, it complicates things. 

“Give me a minute, I got this.” Carol says cockily, before looking for something to unlock the Buick SUV. 

Natasha and Tony survey the garage and keep watch. 

Natasha’s confusion sky rockets when she sees the digital clock in the corner. The time reading 4:10 and the date reading 11/13/32. 

That’s seven years in the-

“Bingo!’ Carol exclaims, finding something, just as Tony says,“ uh ladies-”

“Hands up, disarm yourselves, and step away from my car.” 

All hands raise, a clang sounding through the area at the crowbar Carol dropped. And slowly they turn to face the source of the voice.

Frowns and wide eyes masking the faces of each person. 

“Y/n?” Natasha asks wide eyed. 

She watches as you frown, noticing the slight differences in your appearance. 

Darker, definitely tanned skin, lighter eyes, is that a wrinkle forming above your brow. You look. . .Older.

Are they really in the-

“Who are you? Whatever sick game this is, cut it out now! I know all about aliens shapeshifting and facial reconfiguration tech so cut the shit.” You snap, aiming your gun at Natasha but keeping your eyes on Tony and Carol.

Tony laughs,“ we could say the same. How do we know this isn’t some mind trick being played by that energy wielding guy.” 

Your frown deepens. 

Natasha can’t believe this.

There’s always a way to find out if this is real. She’s had her mind altered enough to be able to spot unrealistic inconsistencies. If this is, in fact, a mind game, somethings bound to be missing. 

“Y/n,” Natasha’s voice speaks and she watches the familiar tick of your ears as you focus on the sound of her voice. 

She considers this being real. A small detail like that couldn’t be mimicked so perfectly in a mind game. 

“My name is Natasha.”

You falter. Hands clench the gun in harder as you look over at her. 

“Sure it is. And that’s Tony and Carol. I’m not stupid. If you’re the real Natasha where’s your car?” 

They’d all noticed the empty spot in the obvious two car garage. 

Her car? Why would her car be here? Wherever here is? 

Their lack of reply has you taking a small threatening step forward,“ drop the façade or I shot and I promise I don’t hesitate.” 

Natasha’s green eyes search yours and she’s sure this isn’t a mind game. But something is definitely wrong. In order to figure that out she has to stay alive. Which meant proving she’s actually Natasha.

“This isn’t a façade Y/n. We’re not aliens and we’re not wearing any face tech.” She speaks slowly to calm you as she’s coming to terms with what’s happening in her own mind.

It’s not far fetched. She’d been to the future before it just was a lot more complicated than the simple touch of an enhanced individual.

But you’re still frowning,“ prove it.” 

She wracks her brain for a way to prove it’s her. So she needs fact.

“You have a scar on your thigh just above your knee.” She rushes out, eyes flickering to your finger on the trigger and back to your eyes,“ you got it in Thailand. We were leaving a base and while I was securing the data we retrieved you jumped in front of me and were shot in the leg.” 

Confusion clouds your eyes, the frown that had been aggressive now curious. If you’re the real Y/n, and this is indeed the future, you’d remember that. It was your first mission with Natasha alone.

The mission that had drawn you two so close together. She’d learned she could trust you and your friendship bloomed from there. 

“What’s going on?” You breathe, hand still holding the gun, finger hovering by the trigger despite it being at your side. 

Something Natasha had taught you when you were a recruit at S.H.I.E.L.D.

Carol slowly moves around the car to speak directly to you,“ we aren’t sure. We woke up a few miles south of here. We were trying to find a way home.”

“Actually,” Natasha steps forward,“ I think we’re in the future.”

The woman’s words receive frowns from everyone. Not because it makes no sense but because they aren’t sure how she’s drawn that conclusion. So she steps aside and points to the clock she’d seen.

Carol gasps quietly and Tony groans,“ why hadn’t I considered that?” He mumbles to himself more so than anyone.

Hearing this makes your freeze and stare at the three people in your garage. And Natasha watches, especially as panic flickers in your eyes. Said eyes then snapping to the black sports car pulling into the driveway.

“Stay here. Don’t move.” You sigh, pushing two buttons on your way out of the garage.

Lights flicker on above as majority of the sunlight is cut off by the closing garage door. 

Tony quickly turns back to the two,“ we need to get to the compound. I need my lab to figure out how to get us back. I’d need to find a way to recreate the time space gps but alter the time mechanism to be permanent. If not we’ll end up coming back to this time and-” his words trail off. The man heading to the table behind Natasha as he picks up a piece of paper and stats writing. 

Carol and Natasha know that he’s no doubt working on the solution. 

It’s exactly thirty seven minutes later when you return. The garage’s side door opening instead as you come in, an overly familiar red head behind you. 

Eyes widen to the size of saucers this time. 

Also it turns out, seeing yourself in the past/future breaks no time traveling rules. Proved by the fact that Natasha is staring into her own green eyes from across the garage. 

Her older self chuckles, looking at the older you, then mumbling something only you hear. 

Natasha watches intently, picking up on the body language of the older versions of herself and you. The way the two stand in each other’s personal space. The hand her older self has on your lower back. The way they look at each other. The just barely grazing hands. The rings?

Are you two-

“So, messing with time traveling again.” Older Natasha jokes. 

Little does the group realize, the memories of this problem are piecing together in her mind. Same as yours.

Tony rises from his seat,“ you two wouldn’t happen to be able to get us in the compound would you?” 

“You won’t need the compound. Turns out your tech obsession pays off. You have a lab here, follow me.” Older you tells the billionaire before waving for them to follow.

All of you leave the garage. Natasha trails behind, mind still racing about what she’s seeing and the assumptions she’s making. 

She knows what a romantic relationship looks like. She understands the closeness of that kind of relationship. She just doesn’t understand you and her having that kind of-

“Don’t let what you see here change things.” Her own voice speaks to her, but she can hear how it’s matured.“ No matter what you see here, let everything play itself out.” Older her speaks, side eyeing her.

Younger Natasha frowns,“ what am I goin-”

“MOMS!!”

Everyone halts in their steps at the small but loud voices. 

Younger Natasha sees the smirk on her older self, then the look she gives the older you.

“I’ll handle it.” Older her smiles,“ it’s best you get them back to their present before space and time rips itself apart.” 

Even as they all turn to keep following you, Natasha finds herself curiously looking back.

Older her climbs the steps of the back porch, happily scooping a young h/c boy into her arms, and kissing his cheek. Then grabbing the hand of a slightly older red head girl. 

Moms.

Moms?

Natasha ends up with children. Children with you. Her friend. 

What? 

The two of you are just friends. But that changes along the way? 

How is she supposed to not let this change things? She marries you!

“Natasha!” Carol’s voice pulls the red head from her thoughts,“ you okay?” She back tracks with concerned eyes.

It’d be easy to say no. She knows Carol sees what she sees. It’s actually pretty clear. 

So she nods and gives an assuring smile.

Carol doesn’t completely buy it, but she understands how this wouldn’t exactly be easily processed, so she goes with it. The two simply following after your older self and Tony who are both talking through the plan to get home.

None of them are expecting you to take them to a shed in the woods, that doubles as an elevator. The metal box taking them down to a fully functioning lab. 

Tony’s eyes light up at the familiar and unfamiliar instruments around.

“Don’t break anything Stark. I know you haven’t invented half of this stuff yet.” Older you snaps at the giddy looking man. 

Holding himself together, the man asks,“ why is this lab here?” 

“I take it upon myself to learn a thing or two from you. Also you and Morgan like to tinker when you come to visit.” 

An amused scoff leaves his lips. So Morgan is just as into tech as her dad seven years in the future. 

“So let’s get you back to your time so you can experience all as the universe intended.” Older you moves around the lab easily.“ This’ll take time. And I’m talking days so get comfortable.”

* * * * * * 

“God dammit!” You exclaim, fist colliding with the triple paned glass separating you and the enhanced man.

It’s been days. Questioning him, threatening, and even beating him and he hasn’t said a word. Bucky had to pull you from the guy when you’d angrily went into his cell.

Your frustrations had gotten the better of you. 

All you know is that he’s a H.Y.D.R.A experiment. His powers derivative of the scepter which held the space stone. That’s how he was able to make them disappear. 

But you still have no idea where he sent them. Space encompasses too much. 

“Alright, Y/n, I think it’s best you take a break. We’ll keep questioning him but you need to step away before things get out of hand again.” Steve speaks calmly, knowing you’re upset but also that you shouldn’t let your anger carry. 

Taking a deep calming breath, you step back, turn on your heel, and leaving.

No one follows. Giving you space to relax.

Hands run through your disheveled hair as you leave the building altogether. A growl leaves your mouth as frustrated tears pool in your eyes. 

You’d dealt with losing Natasha and Tony in the past. It’d taken years to bring them back from what had happened with your final battle against Thanos. You can’t lose them again. 

You need them. You need her. She’s your closest friend here.

“And here I was thinking Natasha’s emotionlessness had rubbed off on you.” 

You roll your eyes,“ are you ever not a smart ass Stark.”

Wait. Stark! 

The three friends stand a few feet ahead of you with smiles on their faces and you just stare at them in shock. 

“You’re back!” You exclaim, throwing your arms around Carol and Tony first. The two hugging back.

Once they let you go, you pull Natasha straight into you.“ Almost thought I lost you there best friend.” You joke, despite the now happy tears in your eyes. 

Natasha doesn’t make some sarcastic or joking comment back. She just squeezes you tighter and holds you a little longer.

“Everything okay?” You whisper, now wondering if something bad had happened wherever they were.

You feel her head shake,“ everything’s fine.” She pulls away.

Her eyes catch your frown.

“What happened? Where’d you go?” 

A knowing smile hits Natasha lips,“ you’ll find out. Eventually.” 

* * * * * *

I honestly don’t know. I hope this fits the request. I wasn’t even sure how to begin it but I hope it makes sense.

One down nine to go😅

[seungminotes]

Broken Noses and Potted Plants (pt.1)

w.c. ~2k

warnings. some cursing I believe, gender neutral (please notify me if anything suggests otherwise!)

desc. high school au, love triangle w/ student body president! seungmin and reckless and lazy! jisung

a.n. hello! I am getting back into writing! this will be part of a series updated weekly, for now please enjoy part 1 and tell me if you're liking it? any and all feedback appreciated.

For someone as lonesome and timid as you, Kim Seungmin was what you'd call your savior.

Him being Class President and the longest standing place holder of the first rank of your grade, you would think he was the solitary and studious type of person. No one would think such a straightforward and driven student was so popular and well-liked as he was.

You being only second to him, knew it was difficult enough to balance academics with a few simple extracurriculars, imagine having a social life on top of that, it made your head spin.

And yet, somehow Seungmin managed to do it all. He was class president, captain of the baseball team, and on the officer committees of at least five clubs and honor societies. On top of all that, he was one of the most popular and well-known students in your year.

Sure, Seungmin had lots of friends and acquaintances, but some he would consider a lot closer than others. You weren't really one of those, let’s face it. You knew that much.

In fact, you and Seungmin were mostly just "friends" for the academic benefit of it all. You'd sat near him all year long, were his vice class president, and were also in numerous of the same honor societies. It just made sense that you'd be at least academically close, a lot more would get done that way.

For instance, you two would often study together at the school’s library after classes, specifically on Fridays, when no extracurriculars were occurring to keep you busy. Lunch time was strictly student government briefing for you two. And in the time between lessons, you’d regularly check each other’s classwork and homework for each other, catching any errors either of you made before it was time to submit, not that Seungmin made many errors anyway. To say that you two spent a lot of time together would be a bit of an understatement.

Despite all this time though, you could hardly say you really knew Seungmin, at least not on a personal level. You knew he always preferred chicken at lunch, and how math was undoubtedly his best subject, whereas he struggles a bit more with language. You knew he was an amazing leader and how his decisions were always very well rounded and well-received amongst the student body. You knew he was an exceptional baseball player.

But that was about it really. Yet you somehow still managed to develop some huge crush on this guy. This boy who would never feel the same towards you surely, because you two were merely classmates with similar goals and no intentions of building upon this acquaintance-like friendship.

Knowing this, you still sometimes tried to get closer to Seungmin, you really did, out of the sheer possibility that one day he may notice and you’d have an implicit agreement of friendship at the very least.

-

One of these attempts was made with the founding of the club you’ve always wanted the school to have, but were sure hardly anyone would join unless prompted to do so.

The morning you had asked Seungmin to take into consideration a new club proposal, he had initially rejected it quite harshly.

“Who would join this?” he smiled. To be quite honest he had found the idea of a gardening club maintaining potted flowers and vegetables on the school’s old rundown rooftop greenhouse to be pretty wholesome, but did not think it held quite the right formality to be taken as seriously as other clubs if presented to the rest of the student government. Everyone was way too stressed and busy with exams to waste time playing with dirt.

He eyed the proposal form meticulously, looking for the student’s name, but to no avail.

“Who submitted this?” he asked, looking up from the table for the first time since lunch began.

“I just thought it’d be a nice stress reliever for everyone,” you replied, now feeling a lot less confident than when you had slid the piece of paper in front of him.

Your shy look told Seungmin he had probably hurt your pride just now, something that he would never mean to do on purpose of course, and now he felt the remorse creeping up on him. Perhaps the club wouldn’t be such a bad thing, he thought over. Maybe tweaking the name just a bit would make it sound more worthwhile to students.

He sighed.

“Put your name on it and change the name to an Environmental Awareness Club, something along those lines at least. We can present the idea at today's meeting.”

Headstrong and confident as always, Seungmin brought a smile to your face as you reached over into your bag to fish out a pen and correct the form.

Seungmin had always been this closed off and serious, never speaking informally to you, and never wasting his words, he was the most concise and careful speaker you had ever met. And for some reason this only drew you in. His big brain energy was just that attractive.

On the other side of the table, Seungmin took notice of your surge in mood and smiled to himself, relieved to have boosted your spirit.

-

The board hardly agreed to the proposal until Seungmin cut in and beautifully explained the benefits of gardening and plants on stress relief and the ideologies of being environmentally conscious at your age.

After that everyone was pretty much sold on the idea with just one condition. Miroh High’s new Environmental Awareness Club would have to be established in time for the annual club fair in two weeks. Meaning, recruitment of leading members, supplies and set up on the rooftop would have to be set by at least next week to be considered for the school’s extensive list of beneficial extracurricular activities for students.

The condition was enough to falter even Seungmin’s confidence. He was unsure if you’d manage to do all that on your own in just a week, especially with your rather quiet tendencies, he doubted you could recruit many students in such a small amount of time.

He looked over at you, almost as if asking for your approval, to which he caught your lingering gaze on him, a look he had never seen coming from you. You slightly nodded your head once in agreement to the ruling and Seungmin politely shook his head towards the rest of the government board members, bowing as he took his seat once again.

Seungmin had made your dream gardening club a hopeful reality, you just needed more people now, that was the only problem. Still, you imagined having Seungmin join and coming along to your gardening club, gently taking care of a flower. No, a vegetable, you decided. Seungmin would prefer a vegetable, it’d be more practical of him.

-

The day following your ‘environmental awareness club” approval was a Friday. Your designated study session with Seungmin was as always to take place in the library after classes had ended, only today he had opted to stay behind a bit and insisted you meet there in thirty minutes instead.

“I’m helping Han with cleaning duty today, so I’ll meet you there,” he explained, before he stood up from his seat making way for the desk behind you.

Behind you, a certain Han Jisung had sat for the last 3 years of school in which somehow you two were always assigned the same classroom and the same seating order, you in front, him right behind you.

Today Jisung was dead asleep, as he usually was after a math lesson. The sight made you smile, Seungmin lightly shaking his friend awake as a very disoriented Jisung began to stretch and groan from his interruption.

Jisung was actually a very close friend of Seungmin’s. Very unexpected given their contrasting qualities. Sometimes opposites just attract huh. Seungmin could never sleep in class, for instance, while Jisung might as well have brought a pillow on the daily.

You knew Jisung wasn’t exactly the most driven student either, but his rank had miraculously never sunk below 10, he was just naturally smart that way. He also never bothered with extracurriculars much, claiming music was all he cared enough for to ever sign up for. Overall, Jisung was an unexpectedly exceptional student with lazy tendencies and not much academic ambition, a striking polar to Seungmin.

After watching the scene unfold, you stood up yourself and made your way towards the vending machine to pass the time waiting for Seungmin before heading to the library. You decided on a small bag of chips and two cookies. You also decided to save one for Seungmin, even though you weren’t supposed to eat in the library, you figured he could save it for afterwards or something.

Unbeknownst to you, Seungmin would later take this small offering in a different light.

Because you see, Seungmin had experienced a fair amount of admirers in his time and had been used to the small gifts given to him by more brazen ones before. In combination with the lingering gazes he felt you giving him both yesterday and now today, he was worried the same was occurring once again. Only this time he didn’t know to go about it. Usually he would simply refuse their gestures with a polite apology and it’d be enough to kindly reject them. But he was unsure this time. Not because he felt anything of the sort towards you, no, Seungmin was much too busy for romantic gestures and feelings to eat up his time, but rather because you were simply so close to him. Not in the personal sense, but in the academic proximity sense of closeness. If he were to “kindly reject you”, would you avoid him like his other past admirers often decide to do? That would make a lot of student government stuff difficult. He suddenly wondered if he could have led you on at all, had he been too kind towards you lately? His racing thoughts spiralling into a mess of ‘what ifs’ were fortunately cut short.

“Are you alright Seungmin? You haven’t finished the problem set yet.” you inquired. Seungmin was usually the one to finish long before you, especially if it was math.

He’d looked over at the fully scribbled page of your workbook, realizing his distraction.

“Sorry,” he mumbled.

“No problem,” you replied, glancing towards our watch briefly. It was just nearing the time the school’s library closed and you had planned to leave a bit earlier to make a quick trip to the plant nursery just a few minutes off your route home, you had thought your study session would have ended by now.

“Do you need to go,” Seungmin voiced, noticing a slight impatience in the bounce of your knee.

You thanked Seungmin’s impeccable attention, you couldn’t find it in you to excuse yourself when he still hadn’t finished.

“I’m heading to the nursery today for some supplies for the club,” you unconsciously checked the time once again.

“We can look over the answers Monday if you like? I got a little distracted today…” Seungmin trailed off.

It was unusual for Seungmin to trail off his sentences and get distracted and for a second you worried for him and wanted to ask if anything was bothering him.

Only, you stopped yourself. You didn’t know Seungmin like that. It would be inappropriate and insensitive to ask him something like that, right? You decided it was best to let it go, everyone has off days after all. Even the amazing Seungmin isn’t immune to them.

“I’ll leave first then,” you offered, bidding him a polite bow of the head before slinging your bag over our shoulder and making your way out of the library.

Seungmin watched you walk towards the door, unconsciously biting his inner cheek, he felt... worried, that was the best fitting word, he would say, only he wasn’t completely sure that was what the heavy weight in the pit of his stomach really was.

When you had disappeared down the hall, Seungmin slumped his head down onto the table heaving a deep sigh.

[honghunni]

San Daddy top Oneshot (MLM)

requested

Contains:

Choking Daddy kink Scratching Restraint Public teasing after care suggested but not shown unsafe sex.

You met San a while back and had been talking kinda casually and hooking up whenever you could. You hadn’t really done anything super exciting, just normal vanilla sex when ever you got the opportunity as there usually wasn’t time to prepare for or do anything else. San lives with his members and you have a roommate and are both pretty busy so it didn’t happen often. It’s a bit stressful as everything has to be a bit secretive, you know what people can be like with their favourite idol. Luckily San knows a lot of exclusive places that people can’t exactly crowd around or get into unless they know someone, so he’s able to take you out occasionally. You like those places a lot since they are expensive.

Tonight San asked you to meet him at a restaurant at 5:00pm. It is currently 5:20pm;

He is late.

Usually you would be inside before he arrived and vice versa, but after a recent sasaeng incident they weren’t letting you in without San.

After some time you felt someone practically fall on your back.

“I’m sorry!” They said sounding almost like they were dying from being out of breath.

Obviously it was San.

“It’s like 10 degrees I’ve been waiting outside for like 20 minutes they wouldn’t let me in because you weren’t here.” You ranted at him

You were going to continue berating him until you saw the way he was looking at you.

“How am I supposed to be upset with you when you look at me like a sad lost puppy?”

You both walked in, San tripping a little bit at the enterance.

You went to this place a lot but you were always dazzled by the interior, it really didn’t look like much on the outside as it is intentionally inconspicuous.

“I won’t give you a limit this time you can get anything you want I feel bad for being so late.” He said spinning the menu on his finger

“It’s ok really, but since you said that I want this!” You pointed to the most expensive thing on the menu and you could see San’s soul leave his body through his eyes while reading the price.

“O-okay..” he said with a very dejected sigh.

You felt a little bit bad but the excitement of getting to eat a huge expensive meal overrided that very quickly.

“How has everything been going? I heard you were planning comeback.”

“Yeah we are but the usual publisher doesn’t want to do this one so we have to find another and the dance is a lot more complicated than the others so we’re constantly arguing right now and-“

As soon as you asked that a huge stream of words just poured out of him, he must not have had anyone to talk to about this.

After a few minutes of venting San simply put his head in his hands and sighed.

“Is this why you were late?”

San looked up. “What do you mean?”

“Did you forget you asked to have dinner with me because of all this? So you realised last minute and rushed here?”

San starts playing with the salt shaker on the table

“I debated not coming because I want you to always see happy San and not sad San but I also really wanted to see you but I forgot to message you and I couldn’t cancel because when I realised it was too late and-“

You placed your hands on his face

“Just forget everything that’s bothering you right now, ok? You’re here now and I require attention and you can’t give me attention if you’re stewing.”

The food came out and it looked even better than it did on the menu which literally never happens so you were very excited. San started tapping his feet while he was eating, it’s a sign he’s content but it is a little bit annoying so you put your feet on his to make him stop. He slid his feet out from yours and put his on top instead, smiling at you. It quickly became a game, one that you were clearly going to lose if you played by his rules. When he went to do it again you swiftly but gently put your foot right between his legs, he flinched so hard he hit the table with his knees and choked on his food. He leaned in and whispered. “You can’t just do that to me with no warning, what are you trying to gain?”

“What do you think I’m trying to gain?” You hissed.

San reclined back into his chair

“You know I actually already rented a motel, the members are all taking a break from eachother and they don’t expect me back for 3 days.” You knew exactly what he was suggesting because of how he was eyeing you. He suddenly started taking food off of your plate and put it on his. “You’re going to want to eat less, also I’m not letting this go to waste it cost me too much.” San spooned a huge amount of food into his mouth. You wanted to eat all of it, but honestly the meal you chose was too big for you anyway and now you have ‘extra plans’ so it’s probably best. He wrote an address down on a piece of paper and handed it to you like he often does, he stood up and leaned over the table close to your face. “Leave 10 minutes after me.” He quickly checked to see if anyone was obviously looking and kissed you on the forehead before leaving.

When you walked out there was already a taxi waiting to take you. It didn’t take too long for you to arrive. As soon as you walked into the door San hugged you tightly. “You take longer than I do, go wash up first there’s spare toothbrushes and stuff.” You went into the bathroom and San sat on his phone; after some time you walked out and he quickly got up for his turn and left his phone unlocked. You thought it would be harmless just to quickly look at what he was looking at, just a quick glance since you don’t really think it will be anything interesting. You read aloud to yourself what was on San’s phone screen. “San x Seonghwa daddy kink.” You quickly realised what you just read out loud and grabbed the phone to read the rest of the page. You felt a bit jealous, you were right here yet he was reading stuff about fucking someone else. You blinked and suddenly the phone wasn’t in your hand anymore, San had snatched it from you, he ran out so fast his hair wasn’t even dry it still wet. You won’t lie he did look kinda hot like that. He looked at his phone seeing what you were reading. “Why are you reading about you and Seonghwa? I’m right here! Are you bored of me or something?” San looked dismayed. “N-No I don’t read them for that reason.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “I read them to see which members the fans want to see me interacting with and just to see what they are writing about.” “Is that really all? Are you into anything written in that fic?” You barked.

“Actually…I do like some of it,”

His answer both did and didn’t surprise you.

“And I also read them for ideas of things to try.” He took your hand and guided you to sit on his lap. You asked “What do you want to try?”

“I don’t know how much you read but I’m curious about pretty much everything that was on that page.” He held you close to him.

Since you had nothing to lose you decided to try.

You whispered in his ear “Daddy.” You felt his entire body tense. You looked at him and giggled a bit. “Do you like being called daddy?” He didn’t say anything he just started kissing you; a lot more amorously than you were typically used to. It was as if you suddenly triggered something in him you had never seen before. He pulled away. “Are you ok with pain?” He asked abruptly, you were already slightly out of breath. “I think I am but I’ll tell you if I really don’t like something.” He instructed you to take off your clothes and of course you agreed, he took off his shirt also. He grabbed the tie laying on the bedside table, he tied your hands together tightly with the tie. “Is that okay?” He asked. “Yes daddy.” You replied, as soon as you said that you felt the tie pull a bit tighter suddenly around your wrists. He tenses every time you call him that. He he ran his fingers through your hair lightly tugging occasionally and checking to see if you were receptive to it. He grasped your hair hard with one hand making you kneel in front of him and with the other hand taking out his dick. You couldn’t really react to what happened because he’d already forced himself into your mouth slowly fucking your throat. Despite the typical stereotypes of tops/doms being somewhat silent, San is very vocal, in part because he is sensitive, you were used to it but he was much louder than usual; clearly really enjoying being aggressive with you. After some time he finally let you breathe, loosening his grip on your hair.

“Are you okay?” He was checking on you again. “I didn’t say stop.” you responded. San shoved you onto the bed and hastily fixed the tail of the tie to the bed. He grabbed the bottle of lube that was provided in a complimentary basket by the motel and put it on his fingers. He gently inserted two of his fingers up to the second knuckle into you carefully sliding in and out. He was going almost painfully slowly, enough pressure for you to feel it but not enough for you to really get off on it. You were desperate for him to do more. "Please" you said, looking at him so he knew what you were asking. "Please who?" San snickered.

"Please Daddy." It was definitely more embarrassing to say this time, but you kind of liked that. He went faster and deeper. At some point he added a third finger, you're not really sure when he did that but you definitely noticed it after a while. He stopped after maybe 10 minutes, he looked at you and the condoms that were in the box with the lube and then back at you. "What if we didn't use one this time?" You had never really done it raw with San before, or anyone, but you thought about it for a bit. You definitely liked the idea of him cumming in you.

After you told him it was ok he grabbed your thighs and pulled you towards him positioning himself between your legs and placed his hands beside your head. He leaned down putting his weight on you and kissed you while gently stroking your hair.

He moved down and softly licked and kissed your neck and then abruptly bit down hard and pulled your hair. He started biting up your shoulder and neck making sure he was leaving marks. Still biting down on your neck he eased himself into you. He sat up, held you down by your neck and fucked you slowly. "Can I do it harder?" San was already sweating a bit.

"Uh, of course you can you don't even have to ask."

San smiled a bit at your answer and tightly squeezed his hand around your neck fucking you much harder than before, his other hand, slightly shaking, gripping the headboard for stability.

He released his hand from your neck and gripped your thighs so hard you could feel his nails digging into your skin. He was going even deeper and his eyes keep fluttering closed and his moaning keeps getting lower pitched. You like how his voice almost sounds like a growl when he starts getting close.

He leaned over you again holding you to his body his lips up against your ear. "Beg for me to cum inside you." San dragged his nails down your side leaving welts.

"P-Please." You meekly pleaded.

He dug his nails into you harder, breaking the skin. "Do it properly." He said in a voice you don't think you ever heard come from him before.

"Please Daddy."

He grabbed onto your shoulders and fucked you harder than you think he ever has. It almost felt as if you were being punched in the stomach. You could hear his moans becoming more high pitched and his breath started becoming really shaky. You could feel him practically collapsing and he suddenly wrapped his hands around you tightly, biting your neck again. After a little while you felt him relax and he let go of your neck, San was panting heavily. He sat up after recovering for a few seconds and pulled out of you. He giggled a bit. "Wow, I came a lot, it's leaking out of you. You did too, I felt it when I was holding you." You saw he had cum on his stomach and chest from you and you did as well. He sat next you you and cuddled you gently. "Let's shower together." He said.

"But we both showered earlier," You said "It's a waste of water."

"We aren't paying for the hot water" San smiled.

[victoriareyloficlists]

12 April 2021 Additions to Reylo Fluff

These fics have been added to the Fluff lists located in the following lists:

Fluff Part 1 Titles A-G

Fluff Part 2 Titles H-M

Fluff Part 3 Titles N-S

Fluff Part 4 Titlez T-Z

Zombie Run by OptimisticBeth (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: During a charity run, Rey is relentlessly pursued by a zombie.) The Road Taken by gogoburritos (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey pulls a prank on her housemate Ben. She doesn't expect it to turn out so well.) Loose Change by spicytofuuuu (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: "I ate your pizza. It was a desperate move. I'm sorry. Not proud of myself. Here is $4." An Oh-My-God-They-Were-Roommates, They-Have-One-Single-Shared-Brain-Cell fic.) just say you love me by darthswift13 (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In which Rey gets drunk on Saturday nights and confesses her true feelings for her roommate Ben, only to forget on Sunday mornings. Will Rey ever be able to confess her feelings when sober?) r/Relationships by elle_reads (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben's new roommate moves in just before a shelter-in-place order is issued. It's just the two of them—and Reddit, of course.) The Sublet by javajunkie (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Rose sublet their spare room to Ben Solo.) Knock Me Down by commandercrouton (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben gets a concussion thanks to Rey.) Love in the Language of Sweaters by SaintHeretical (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Corporate executive Ben Solo mocks holiday sweaters until he sees the delivery girl wear them.) You Need a Tutor by castles_and_crowns (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 28 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is an engineering student who finds herself struggling with calculus. Desperate, she goes to the math tutoring center on campus for help. Meanwhile, Ben Solo is a grad student who's required to work a certain amount of hours in the math tutoring center. When Ben reluctantly offers to help Rey with her work, a relationship forms between them that neither are expecting.) Five Times That Ben Saved Rey's Valentine's Day & How She Forever Saved His by AnneAnna (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben makes a confession in his wedding speech: He knew he was going to marry Rey when he and Rey were 4 years old and she gave him a Valentine she made and colored herself. And 21 years later, he still has that Valentine.) Newspaper Hearts by Celia_and (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “She made her Valentine’s cards. She tore hearts out of newspaper and glued them onto used envelopes and painstakingly wrote each child’s name. She probably spent days making them. And you know what she wrote on mine?” He doesn’t need to read it to know what it says, so he looks down at her instead, and the hand on her heart and the tears in her eyes. “Ben: You are OK. Rey.”) When the party ends by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey gets wasted at a frat party. Ben finds her, puts her in his room, where she's safe. Rey wakes in the morning after Ben comes out of the shower and nakedness ensues.) Fleeced by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: AU where Rey is a mechanic and Ben is her grumpy client. Ben is car shopping and asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend so the dealer won't screw him over.) My Sandwich by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Someone took Ben's turkey sandwich at work, he is infuriated and eager for revenge, until he finds out it was Rey then those feelings no longer exist.) Sleepyhead by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben, a mere himbo, tucks a stray hair behind Rey's ear in class. He knows he deserves the hot coffee in her hand to be thrown in his face and yet he gets a date. ) When You Know It by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben finds out his roommate Rey has never had someone to celebrate valentine's with, so he sends her 25 roses, one for every year she's been alone, in attempt to make her feel better.) Port in the storm by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey pretends to be afraid of thunderstorms so she has an excuse to sleep next to Ben. Ben figures it out when he races home early after seeing thunder, fearing Rey will be crying alone curled up in a ball, only to find her totally chill and eating ice cream.) Neighborly by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and her son move into a new apartment and meets her new neighbor Ben and his cute dog.) Tinder and Cinder by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey joins tinder after a long long dry spell due to her flatmate Kylo's derision, they argue about why and in a fit of jealousy Kylo screams out 'use me instead.') Traditions gotta start somewhere by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Christmas Tree vignettes of Rey and Ben over the course of their relationship.) All of my wishes came true with you by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Fantasy AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey works on a wishfarm for Plutt. One day after she's out of wishes, she catches the star of a man who wishes for an end to his loneliness. She pockets it and after a particularly rough day she grants it with herself.) Knot It by MotherofScavengers (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Omega Rey’s heat starts early, the Alpha friend who agreed to assist her is nowhere to be found. When she unexpectedly meets Ben, the delicious smelling Alpha offers his help...and his knot.) It's You by SpaceWaffleHouse (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey have been costars for years when the time comes for them to film their first kissing scene. Neither of them ever expected their soul marks to appear in the process.) Through the Years by castles_and_crowns (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 10 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo and Rey Jakkson meet on the playground as children under unusual circumstances and quickly become best friends. This fic follows them through the years, showing glimpses of their friendship as it slowly progresses into something more.) I Hate You by orphan_account (AO3 2018  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben has been in love with Rey for two years and so when she storms into his office he finally decides he can't keep it in any longer.) In Small Packages by DyadamDriver (AO3 2018  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: It was then that Ben realised three things. 1. He had never had a cat in his life. 2. He had no idea what these little things ate. 3. He had a crippling crush on his neighbour.) ignorance of etiquette by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Lady Rey Kenobi lives a life of pristine comfort and luxury on her family's estate in Chesire with her parents Lord Obi-Wan Kenobi and Lady Satine Kenobi. When they receive word that an old family friend, Lord Benjamin Solo, is coming to visit, Lady Rey is reminded of how he tormented her as a child. She decides that she will prove herself not the same girl she once was in more ways than one.) heaven in hiding by blessedreylo (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: They say it's impossible for a guy and girl to be "just friends", but Rey and Ben had managed to discredit that throughout their decade long friendship. What they both have is special, that people would often arrive at the conclusion the two were made for each other. He's her safe haven, her rock. She gives him a sense of clarity and direction. Ben and Rey know each other more than anyone ever possibly could. Therefore on Valentine's Day, their friends decided to secretly set them up together on a blind dinner date.) a quiet storm by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey gets off to Kylo Ren, a popular audio erotica account online. She hasn’t been on a date in so long until her friend Rose sets her up on a blind date with her boyfriend's coworker, Ben. They seem to be hitting it off and finding that they have a lot in common, but she can’t help but think that he sounds so...familiar.) key to the kingdom by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Princess Diaries AU, Quick Synopsis: Most girls get a drunk weekend in Vegas for their 21st birthday, but Princess Rey Kenobi gets the chance to rule the country of Alderaan. But the only way she can become Queen is if she marries a man in 30 days, or the throne goes to the selfish (and annoyingly attractive) usurper Lord Benjamin Solo. Will Rey be able to ascend to the throne or will it all just become a royal pain in the ass?) fueled by fire by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben annoys the hell out of Rey when he tries to write passive aggressive notes about where she leaves her stuff. Rey pisses Ben off by being loud and picking a fight whenever she wants. Being neighbors for the last five months has been interesting to say the least. Their little rivalry comes to a crescendo when their hate for each other turns into another kind of passion.) 1 April Fool by Maloreiy (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: "Honk! Act like you know me! My name is Ben!" Rey sees the sign on the car when she pulls up to the grocery store, and decides to play along. The giant, surly man, apparently named Ben, is not amused.) when I look to you by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 7 Chapters, Harry Potter AU, Quick Synopsis: Best friends since Year Three, Gryffindor's Ben Solo and Rey Niima navigate their final year at Hogwarts. When exposed feelings and unrequited romance get in the way of their friendship, they wonder whether they'll survive the school year.) Dreaming of Hope by adamsackleriskyloren83 (AO3 2019  Rated M Complete, 2 Chapters, Canon AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo Ren goes to bed one night only to awaken as Rebel Pilot Ben Solo. Discovering that not only is Rey his wife, but he is also the father of a toddler(s) son/daughter.) Talk Nerdy To Me by andabatae (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Grad student Rey is addicted to watching nature documentaries narrated by the mysterious Kylo Ren. In fact, listening to him recite animal facts is her favorite masturbation inspiration. One day, the poetry class she TAs for has a guest lecturer: Ben Solo, a large, cranky man with gorgeous hair, adorable glasses... and a very compelling voice.) Everything You Are by kereia (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Canon AU, Quick Synopsis: But the thing she loved most of all, the thing that she was downright addicted to, was the way Ben reacted whenever she touched him.) Eggplant Emoji by trasharama (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: A desperate Rey seeks refuge in Poe and Ben's spare bedroom. Ben didn't know she was a girl when he agreed to the roommate trial period--and now she won't stop sexting him? Climb aboard the Smutty McSmuttSmutt train!)

[stars-a-n-d-scars]

10 Days of Summer - Chapter 1

Hi so no one was really seeing this over on ao3 and I worked really hard on it, so I decided to give it a shot over here. The next 9 chapters will be coming soon, so follow me or the tag to see them!

- Mia x

*

It was the hottest summer Buckinghamshire had ever seen. The rolling fields were dusted with the final remnants of spring, as the less-resilient plants wilted and those suited to the sweltering conditions flourished. The sun sat high in the sky for so long that one began to wonder if the night would ever come. Of course, it always did, but was rarely accompanied by any sort of liberation from the fervor.

The only relief to be gleaned from the unnerving sensation of being cooked in your own skin could be found in the cool waters of a large, clear lake that sat beside a homely manor, nestled in the hills of the county. Hidden beneath the outstretched branches of various trees, the lake had been subject to many a morning swim or late-night gathering over the years. It was here, in fact, that the four marauders could be found, on the hottest day of August, 1975.

With Euphemia and Fleamont gone to France for the summer, the boys had taken the opportunity to spend their last 2 weeks at the Potter estate. Of course, James’ parents had been reluctant to let the boys stay there without a set of rules, and so they created a long list of guidelines, all of which the marauders had plans to break before their return to Hogwarts on the 1st of September. It had already been four blissful days of this, and they still had 10 to go when we join the group.

Sprawled in their various positions around the lake, James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew were all basking the shade of the trees, simply taking in this pocket of bliss they had found in a world that was becoming increasingly more war-like with each passing second. The sun was shining overhead and they were with each other. And in that moment, that was all they needed.

The silence was broken with a loud splash, followed by an indignant “OI!” Remus clambered out of the water and up the bank, his eyes fixed on is assailant, vengeance in his expression.

“You fucking moron! I was reading! You could have thrown any one of them into the lake! Merlin knows a good dip would’ve done Peter some good, but no! You had to choose me!” His outburst was cut short when he got close enough to take in Sirius’ expression. His face, far from showing any signs of regret, instead bore his signature Sirius Black smirk. One corner of his mouth was upturned, his nose scrunched in a way that suggested both innocence and the opposite. It was an expression that, on anyone else, would have looked out-of-place and frankly stupid, but that befitted Sirius’ features perfectly. Remus had often marveled at how it drew out his devilishly handsome side.

Having lost his train of thought completely, his wand limp in his hand, Remus decided the best thing to do was to go and find a nice warm patch of sun in which to dry off. Sirius, however, had other plans. Remus had barely taken two steps toward his towel before he was grabbed around the waist and thrown, for the second time that day, headfirst into the water.

Sinking was an enjoyable feeling. Down there, in the water, nothing could hurt you. It was all up to you. Sound became nothing but a detached concept, and time joined it in its alienation. You could sink forever, simply being engulfed by the soft waves of the water, and emerge not a second later. Remus did just that. As his head broke the surface, spluttering, he lashed out wildly and managed to grab hold of an ankle. Pulling hard, the owner of said ankle tumbled into the lake next to him, and Remus soon found himself floating, face to face, with Sirius, once again bearing that ridiculous grin.

As both of the boys tried to catch their breath, time stopped. And it was just them. Remus and Sirius, Sirius and Remus. Floating in that never-ending pool of possibilities. Breaths became heavy as an invisible force seemed to draw them closer, closer.

Their noses were nearly touching now Remus could see every detail of Sirius’ eyes from here. He could almost pinpoint the exact place where blue leaked into grey, which leaked into black. It was strange, really, how anyone’s eyes could be so captivating. Almost a point of curiosity. Eyes had a purpose. They captured light, which was then translated into information, which was then processed by the brain to take in the person’s surroundings. So why did all logic defy Sirius’ eyes to be so beautiful? They had no reason to be. It wasn’t to make it easier to see. It wasn’t to draw in a mate (because merlin, he needed no help with that), so why? Their breath mingled in the moist summer air, their lips inches apart. It was taking every ounce of restraint that Remus had in his not to close the gap and snog his best mate senseless, but then again, that was the norm when you were secretly in love with your best friend.

The tensions was shattered by the snap of a book closing.

“Alright, boys, I’m bored”, James announced, stowing Quidditch Through the Ages in the small bag he had brought down from the house. The boys sprung apart, all nervous coughing and straightening of hair. Remus hurriedly turned his back on his – what, crush? It was more than that. But he knew one thing for certain; now was not the time to figure it out. This was what he told himself as he climbed up the bank and rolled out onto the grass.

In an attempt to restore himself to his former state of nonchalance, Remus rolled his eyes sarcastically (quite successfully, given the situation he was actually thinking about).

“You’re reading that book again? You’ve barely taken your hands off of it all summer!”, he said, pulling Sirius up the bank after him (and definitely not thinking about the sensation of his friend’s warm, wet hand in his).

Sirius grinned. “Aw, lay off him Rem. This is the first year Lily had gotten him a birthday present. Honestly, I would be concerned if he read it any less than a thousand times.”

This comment was met with a playful shove from James, but the lovesick boy couldn’t hide his grin at the recollection of Lily’s favor. James shook the memory from his mind (with difficulty, it seemed).

“I’m bored. Let’s go to town, grab a milkshake or something.”

Sirius, always keen for an outing to the muggle town that was located less than a kilometer from the Potters’ house, agreed almost immediately. Peter followed suit at the mention of food, and began rummaging in his pocket for the stash of muggle money his parents had granted him for the holiday. Remus was somewhat more reluctant.

“I don’t know guys. It’ll be dark soon, and I don’t really want to go walking around a strange village in the middle of the night.”

“It’s not a strange village, Rem! Jamie grew up here!” (The use of the less-than-favorable nickname earned Sirius yet another shove). “Plus… there’s an antiques store. And last time I was there the owner said they’d be getting a new stock of books in this summer.”

“You know me too well”, Remus caved, and packed up his stuff. They went and dropped off their things at the main house, got changed into some town-going clothes and headed for the road that led down into the charming muggle settlement of Padbury.

**

It really was a lovely little town. Old cottages with thatched roofs skirted the border, with carefully-trimmed gardens of heather and honeysuckle. A beautiful old church sat in the town center, with a clock tower and a bell that frankly, shouldn’t still be operational, given it’s age. But, as many things in the town of Padbury, it seemed to be denied the effects of the passage of time, and instead chimed beautiful notes out over the countryside every hour.

The main road took the boys right into the middle of the town, where a collection of stores seemed to be waiting for them. The town square had everything, ranging from mechanics to diners, from supermarkets to florists. And, nestled in between a non-descript restaurant and a lavender-adorned wall, was a beautiful little antique store. Remus made a beeline for it, but was stopped in his tracks by James’ hand on his wrist.

“Come on Remus. Let’s go check out that comic-book store first! I love muggle comics, they’re so corny…”

Remus sighed, knowing that very few people could ever change his friend’s mind, and began to follow him across the street. But fortunately, Sirius was one of the people capable of performing that miraculous feat, and, in that moment, happened to be on Remus’ side.

“C’mon James. Remy doesn’t want to spend hours with you oggling at randos in spandex and getting inspiration for your next move at Evans. You take Pete over to the comic-book store, and Remus and I will go to the antiques shop.” Sirius shot a smile Remus’ way, which managed to both make his heart beat a million miles a second and stop it altogether.

James scoffed. “What do you want with an antique shop?”

“I have to get something for Reggie’s birthday, and he loves old dusty books and things. Plus, I have no desire to spend any amount of time dicussing whether or not Lily would think it was funny if you dressed up as Superman for halloween.”

Without giving James a chance to retort, Sirius dragged Remus back across the street and into the antique store before he even had a chance to register what was going on.

The second they entered the store, the rest of the world fell away. Somehow, the noise of the bustling street outside was silenced, and the only sound that could be heard was the ticking of an ancient grandfather clock that stood in the corner. Remus revolved on the spot, taking in every inch of the sequestered nook that they had just stumbled upon. Ornate carvings of all sorts sat in the windows, varying from animals to sprawling, intricate landscapes. Tapestries and paintings hung on the walls, each a moment of time, perfectly captured and eternalised on canvas. Furniture, bits and pieces and other oddments that had washed up in this place over the years were scattered haphazardly around the room, making for a display of authenticity that, although was now mostly gone from the world, seemed to have survived in this tiny corner of the English countryside. And the books. Oh, the books. They lined ever wall, and were stacked 10 high on shelves. Strewn and slid into every nook and cranny where they would fit. Not in any way categorized, but instead exactly where they were always meant to be. Delicate printings of Jules Verne, Ernest Hemmingway and even Shakespeare were mixed in with books as common as The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Remus closed his eyes and breathed. He breathed in the smell of dust and time. He breathed in the taste of the years these books had seen, the years he might catch a glimpse of between their pages. Be breathed because here, he could.

A soft hand rested on his shoulder and an even softer voice pulled him, somewhat reluctantly, from his reverie.

“Rem?”

Remus opened his eyes. It was Sirius. God, it was always Sirius.

“I’m going to look over here for something for Reggie”, he gestured to the carvings in the windows. “You take your time, okay? We have all day. Hell, we have all summer.”

Remus could do no more than nod as the comfortable weight on his shoulder lifted and he found himself alone again.

**

An hour and a half later, the boys exited the store with more books than anyone could possibly read, and two small, hollow carved flowers that Sirius had plans to enchant so that he could send his brother messages by placing a note inside his, and having it be transported to Regulus’.

They met up with James and Peter in the diner, and ordered four caramel milkshakes. When they came, Sirius whipped out his flask and added a little ‘extra flavour’, as he liked to call it. When the boys had finished their concoctions, they started to head home. However, it was quickly discovered that with the combined weight of Remus’ books, Sirius’ wooden flowers and James’ numerous gifts that he had gotten for Lily (“Maybe we should have gone with him, you know, for impulse control…”), it was going to be all but impossible to walk back to the manor. And so was hatched what was simultaneously the best and worst idea any of the marauders ever had. To rent a motorbike.

All they had to do was walk down to the mechanic down the street and rent one of the bikes they had going. They would only need it for a day, and would bring it back tomorrow. And so, the combined riches of James and Sirius making cost something of a trivial topic, the plan was enacted. The books were placed in a basket on the front, which was lowered so that Sirius could see. James’ takings from the trip were strapped (with slightly excessive security methods) to the back, and the flowers were placed in the side bags. After a few failed attempts at getting the bike started and close calls for the wooden ornaments, Sirius managed to be riding along next to the other boys at a steady pace. It took them no more than 20 minutes to get back home, at which point it occurred to them all that they were wizards, and could have easily bewitched all of the objects to float along beside them as they walked.

The boys ended the night collapsed around the living room fire. James charmed it so that it kept them cool, rather than warm, and Sirius entertained himself by making multi-coloured rainbows blossom from his wand. In the firelight, he looked over at Remus and smiled. Not a smirk, not a grin, a smile. And that smile what all it took for Remus to realise that he was totally and completely done-for. He was in love.

As Sirius went back to blowing bubbles, Remus began to drift off to sleep. The last coherent thought that entered his mind that night was this:

Merlin, it’s going to be a long 10 days.

*

I hope you liked it!!!