#it was so... strange to see it from the outside. i wonder if thats what i look like now that i think about it.

[treatbuckywkisses]

HI I STAYED UP WAY TOO LATE TO READ THIS PART !!!! :))

(also this might be my longest rb so far)

SIX UPON A TIME

"You weren’t sure what you wanted him to do, but it was fun to watch the time bomb tick." - let's kiss him on the mouth 🫶🏻

"A reason to get up in the morning." - SHUT. YOUR. MOUTH.

"But then you blink back into reality again when Bucky sits you down on the closed lid of your toilet and slowly makes you let go of his shirt, kneeling down in front of you. The blue of his eyes is devastating, even though you have to keep blinking to keep him in focus." - No I can't do this 

"Maybe that’s the most terrifying thought of them all. You would die for him. Once, twice, however many times are necessary if that meant that he’s safe. " - Nika I'm fucking crying. I wish I was exaggerating but I'm actually fucking crying before 10pm.

"But it seems like you haven’t known it at all, because right now, you feel the knowledge of it, of him, surge through you with all its facets. You can’t even begin to put it into words, because where would you start? How do you explain what he makes you feel when he hasn’t been there himself, not in any way that matters or sticks? And if it’s never happened at all, if time keeps unraveling like this, how can it even be real? " - the woman that you are. Oh. My. God. You are completely unreal this is phenomenal.

"His breath hitches when they dip lower, almost reaching the place you’ve watched dimple when he laughs, but he doesn’t move away. He doesn’t laugh, either." - I have actual tears in my eyes you are so evil 

"That day, he dies with your stupid nickname on his lips, twisted into something that looks strangely close to that earlier smile. This one doesn’t have time to reach his eyes, though." - Nika I'm fucking sick to my stomach what the fuck is wrong with you 

Brief intermission bc I got too into it and read the rest twice before coming back to make notes (I was too immersed)

A crack in the sky you are insane I would FREAK

Where TF does bucky go during the day. As a naturally nosy gal the unknowns in this story make me ITCH I can't wait for everything to be revealed

"Why won’t you look at me? " - this is so hurtful why are you being so mean to me

HOW IS THE DELIVERY MAN EARLY IM LITERALLY IN SHOCK AND WE MOVED ON FROM THIS TOO FAST????????

"You take a sip of your tea and some feeling returns to your translucent fingers. Strange’s cloak draws itself around your shoulders." - hehe we have the cloak 🫶🏻 

""I came to you," you realize. "Or, I will, once I get out of this." The relief that washes over you makes you want to sob. "So there is a way out?"" - why did this make ME relieved like I'm stuck in the loop too 😭 I literally have felt anxious for our dear reader like I'm sick and this has soothed my heart the smallest bit (I'm still scared of you)

"You can’t help but wonder when he’s last tried the bed." - Frick you for putting him in the floor what has my baby done to you let him be comfortable 😭😭 

"No," Strange answers. "This is just when he wakes up." - this made me LAUGH I needed that 

CAPS BDAY IM CRACKING UP THATS SUCH A FUN SILLY MOMENT

"He might has well have doused you in a bucket of ice water. You’re suddenly very aware of every single cell in your body, and you don’t like the challenge sparkling in his eyes." - THEY ARE SO IN LOVE MY GOD IM SICK 

Why are we waking up to silence I'm gonna throw up Nika 

What did the powers do 

Alpine can see us that is both cute and scary 😅 

"You lose a few hours here and there, time seemingly speeding up at random sometimes now. One morning, Bucky isn’t in the gym like he usually is, and you work yourself up over it so much you nearly have a panic attack. In the end, you almost crash into him outside of his room, and a rush of reassurance floods through you with such force you can’t even look at him." - what is wrong with you 

"That time, Sam is there when Bucky gets shot, and it’s his cry that follows you into the next day. Your hands are clean this time, and somehow that feels worse." - how dare you write these 2 paragraphs and also put them so close together????????

"And then it’s you who’s speechless, because the shock on Peter Parker’s face is more than you bargained for." - FULL. BODY. CHILLS. WHAT A MIND YOU HAVE NIKA. I WILL NEVER GET OVER THIS.

"Sweat pearled on your forehead as you and the universe held your breath again. You could feel your hold slipping with every second that wasn’t allowed to pass. Time was impatient with you." - THE LAST LINE ?????? I'm speechless 

"And with time stumbling and flailing around in confusion, you made it out of the building and into the waiting cab." - ok chapter 7 pls 🫶🏻 

I'm kidding you are PERFECT I can't believe I missed out on this for as long as I did?!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible brain with me I want to kiss you on the mouth I love you!!!!!!!

time after time [6]

series summary: After what starts out as a fairly normal mission, you find yourself stuck in a time loop. Which would already be bad enough in itself if it didn’t also mean having to watch Bucky die over and over again.

pairing: bucky barnes x f!reader

word count: 12.8k

chapter warnings: maybe reacquaint yourselves with the story premise, it's been a hot minute; characters refusing to be honest with themselves and each other; violence against side characters, minor injury descriptions; strange is still annoying

a/n: this is quite possibly the scariest fic update i've ever made. a lot has happened since the last chapter was posted, and i won't bore you with all of it. suffice it to say, i missed sharing this story. thank you for being patient with me.

series masterlist | main masterlist | read on ao3

six: butterfly effect

Working with Sam and Bucky was different than working with Natasha and Steve had been.

At the Compound, it had felt terrifyingly easy to find your place, to slip into the new role they granted you as if you were always meant to fill it. You’d felt that way before, and it hadn’t turned out quite so well. Maybe that was why you used to dread the end.

Now, however, for the first time in a while, you constantly had to prove yourself in order to not be left back in that dark place they’d found you in, alone and trying to make sense of any of it. And you liked that. The challenge was something you could live with, something you could enjoy more than the ever chilling anxiousness that things were simply too good to be true.

So when Sam called you on for a follow-up mission shortly after the first one, you jumped at the chance.

It didn’t matter that you barely talked about anything but work, even when you were hanging out in your spare time; in fact, you much preferred that to digging up the past. You even learned to find a wicked sort of enjoyment in provoking Bucky’s initial dislike of you to the point of where he would barely speak to you at all unless it was to snap at you.

You weren’t sure what you wanted him to do, but it was fun to watch the time bomb tick.

It wasn’t as easy to get under the new cap’s skin.

"You’re making us sound like we’re partners in a law firm," Sam said, a smile clearly audible in his voice even though his eyes didn’t betray it. Bucky didn’t even dignify you with a clench of his jaw.

"What?" you said, crossing your legs. "Every newspaper in the city calls you 'Wilson and Barnes'. Don’t you ever read the articles about yourselves?"

"Unlike some people, I don’t have all the time in the world," Sam said, leaning back on the couch with his eyes closed.

"Pity. The Bulletin called you the 'nation’s new dynamic duo' last week." You looked at Bucky, your eyebrows raised in amusement. "You’ve officially been downgraded to a sidekick, Barnes."

He answered with an empty glare of his own. "And what does that make you?" he said, but not like a question.

"Nothing at all," you still grinned. "Everything is right in the universe."

The reporters had yet to pick up on your addition to the team, which was proof enough that your powers still sufficed to fly under the radar. Combined with the fact that you were actually regularly talking to people again—and people who weren’t your therapist or your customers no less—, things almost felt like they were settling into a new kind of normal. Still somewhat weird, and still a struggle each day, but somewhat hopeful, nevertheless.

You’d almost forgotten what that could feel like.

“Right. You’d prefer people not knowing about your creepy powers.”

"Aww." You tilted your head to the side happily. "You think I’m creepy."

Bucky scoffed into his mug, refusing to look at you like he always did, and then he strolled off again.

In truth, you couldn’t blame him all that much. You’d lived with your powers all your life and still found them unsettling sometimes, particularly when they got away from you and left you trapped in a universe that refused to move.

That was none of his business, though.

Besides, Bucky had taken to moving around so quietly you could never tell he was there until he’d cough and you’d flinch, usually dropping whatever you were holding in your hands. You’d already cracked your phone screen twice.

Not that he’d know, or care if he did. It gave you great satisfaction to erase his amused smirk from existence.

"Give it time," Sam said without moving. "He doesn’t like new people."

"Neither do I," you murmured, and he snorted. "What?"

"Pretend with me all you want, but maybe do a bit of introspection there."

You crossed your arms with a pout. "You sound like my therapist."

"Mhm," Sam hummed, opening one eye to look at you. "You owe me fifty bucks for that."

"Fuck you."

"Oh, would you look at that, the price just went up."

He chuckled as you flipped him off and went to look for the coffee pot.

Of course, your way got blocked. The downsides of not hating having people around.

Bucky was leaning against the counter, considering you. "You go to therapy?"

"You should try it some time," you said distractedly, reaching around him to get your favorite mug. Bucky recoiled like he was afraid you’d burn him. You shook your head in annoyance. "Helps with the stink eye."

"Is that what they told you?"

"They told me I needed to process my grief, but I decided to focus on some more achievable goals." You took a sip of your coffee, sighing in comfort. "We came up with a compromise."

Bucky scoffed, pushing his hands into the pockets of his jacket. He still hadn’t taken his gloves off around you.

"Sounds like a way to drag it out," he said.

You frowned into your cup. "It’s not a race, Barnes. There’s no finish line for this shit."

Something odd went over his face, but he went back to avoiding your gaze when you tried to make it out. You knew him well enough by then to get the hint, and so you left him alone.

What was it to you if he didn’t want to warm up to you. That had no bearing on the fact that overall, your situation wasn’t all too bad anymore.

It was something, you supposed as you curled up in your spot on the couch with your book later that day, slipping in and out of time to keep your company a little longer because deep down, you knew you were sick of being alone.

It was weird and different, yes, but it was still something anyway. Something to do with your afternoons again.

A reason to get up in the morning.

*****

"What are you talking about?" Bucky asks quietly, carefully, but he makes no attempt to pull back from your embrace. It allows you to take another shuddering breath, inhaling his scent until it makes you dizzy.

The fact that you probably won’t be this close to him again any time soon makes you press into his chest even harder, hard enough to feel his heart flutter against your forehead, the shock of the situation making it pick up speed.

For a split second, you slip into a sort of vacuum, your thoughts quieting as he keeps mumbling to you, and in that blissful moment, your situation doesn’t seem quite so dire anymore, more like a bad dream. You’re safe now, aren’t you? How could you not be?

But then you blink back into reality again when Bucky sits you down on the closed lid of your toilet and slowly makes you let go of his shirt, kneeling down in front of you. The blue of his eyes is devastating, even though you have to keep blinking to keep him in focus.

You don’t want to have to do this, you realize once your gasps for air start calming again. You’re not sure if you can bear it.

But nothing in this loop has been about what you wanted.

And so your resolve is made, with your heart sinking until it’s hidden away deep, deep inside of your chest. You ball your hands into fists to keep your fingers from twitching.

Two or three times he watches you inhale, start to say something, halt before you can, almost choking on it. Like your body is refusing to go through with it.

"How do you know when I’m lying?" you finally ask, and your voice sounds oddly clear in your small bathroom.

Bucky’s face goes from concern to confusion, his frown deepening. You want to smoothe it away with your thumb.

You close your eyes so maybe the temptation goes away.

"What?" he asks, and he still sounds so damn gentle.

"I’ve never been able to lie to you," you say. "What’s my tell?"

You can feel him move away from you and the ache of it makes you look again. His shirt and his hands are covered in his own blood, and you’re sure there’s some fucking metaphor in the way it stains the golden inlets of his vibranium arm crimson but for the most part, you can’t unsee the damn irony of it all.

Because you’ve pissed him off now.

"You scared the shit out of me, Y/N. And Sam, too." There’s the sharpness in his voice you know all too well. You haven’t heard it in a while. "What the hell is going on?"

"I’m trapped in a time loop," you say, squeezing your fists more tightly. "I’ve been reliving this day for weeks, my powers aren’t working, I’m the only one who can stop time from completely collapsing, I can’t do that without my powers, and you’re gonna die later today. Am I lying?"

It’s maybe the worst way you’ve ever told him, because watching Bucky’s face change is almost too much. This is exactly why you’re doing it, though; as long as you’re going through this loop with a giant guilty knot in your stomach, you’re not going to make any progress. And you need to put an end to all of it.

So you meet his gaze, almost unwavering, and you don’t blink.

His shock bursts free as an incredulous laugh. "What?"

"I’m stuck," you say again, slower, nodding at his hands, his blood, continuing to push, "and you keep dying."

Bucky looks down, then, before his gaze falls back onto you and he sits back on his heels. The pause lasts for way too long, heavy and smelling of iron, and you’re pretty sure you’re suffocating. He only says one word, and it sounds so defeated. "How?"

You swallow heavily. "You got shot on a mission," you say, but he shakes his head, the fire returning to his eyes.

"No. How did you get stuck?"

"I …" You blink, because you’re not prepared for this question, because you can never predict what he’s going to say, because he keeps doing that to you, because somehow, and not like you’ve expected, you feel like you’ve been here before.

How did it happen? That’s not … Okay.

"It was an accident," you finally say, helplessly, defensively.

There’s a flicker of something in Bucky’s eyes. "What happened?"

"You died. You died that first time and I didn’t—I couldn’t …" You swallow the sob that threatens to shake your voice again. Damnit, you’re supposed to push him away.

He moves his arm, then hesitates, as if he wants to reach out to you but changes his mind at the very last moment.

Right. He doesn’t normally do that.

Except he has.

He has held your hand and pulled you closer and written on your arm and let you lean on him with the full weight of your body, as if to him, you weighed nothing at all. He’s been offering to carry your load so many times, and he doesn’t remember a single one of them.

"Please don’t look at me like that," you say tonelessly, watching Bucky retreat.

"Like what?"

"Like I’m gonna fall apart at any moment. And yes," you add when his mouth opens, "I—I know I just did, I’m aware of the irony, but this is exactly why I can’t keep telling you, I don’t—I can’t stand it." You press your wrists against your temples, ignoring the buzz of the whirling time symbols against your skin, the stinging in your eyes. "You shouldn’t even—I mean, are you even the slightest bit worried about yourself? Because I feel like I’m the only one here, and I should’ve just—"

You stop yourself, shaking your head. Your hands are very clammy all of a sudden, and when you tug at your rings just to do something, one of them slips off your finger and clangs against the tiles as if to punctuate the silence.

When you reach down, you move your wrist in a way that makes you hiss in pain and flinch back. Bucky’s eyes flit between your own and your hand, his frown deepening in a strangely soft way. "Did you break it?" he asks quietly.

"I’m fine," you mumble, and he looks at you disapprovingly. "You’d grabbed my hand just before …"

His jaw twitches as the blame settles in again, and you would do fucking anything to finally make him understand that none of this is his fault. That you should be in pain for what you’re putting him through.

"It should’ve been me," you tell him, because it’s true.

Even earlier in the week, you would’ve taken great delight in seeing Bucky Barnes’ face fall at something you’d said. Hell, you’d have probably enjoyed it on Thursday, because there used to be this easy sort of gratification that came from riling him up, from catching him off guard.

Seeing it now, though?

It makes your fingers twitch.

"Don’t say that. Not even as a joke."

"I’m not joking." You can feel your pulse in your ears. "They aimed a shot at me, and you pushed me out of the way, and you died. So by all accounts, if your instincts weren’t so damn noble all the time, it should’ve been me, and if I weren’t such a fucking coward, I’d have gone back and switched places with you weeks ago."

The thought terrifies you, even though it’s true. No part of you wants to go through the things Bucky is, but if someone gave you the choice between either one of you right now, you wouldn’t even have to think about it.

Maybe that’s the most terrifying thought of them all. You would die for him. Once, twice, however many times are necessary if that meant that he’s safe.

"I’d like to see you try," Bucky says, and something slams into your chest as an old familiar shiver runs down your spine.

There’s a pained edge to his gaze, contemplative and heartbreaking and …

"You’re doing it again," you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

"What am I doing?" His hand brushes your knee, and your skin is left searing.

You swallow heavily. "Being noble."

Bucky chuckles softly, and his eyes leave yours for just a moment. "Don’t exactly feel like that."

He’s beautiful.

It’s a new thought, despite everything. Even when you’ve noticed it before, you’d roll your eyes at the fact and move on, because this was Bucky. So what if his face was delectably handsome?

But it seems like you haven’t known it at all, because right now, you feel the knowledge of it, of him, surge through you with all its facets. You can’t even begin to put it into words, because where would you start? How do you explain what he makes you feel when he hasn’t been there himself, not in any way that matters or sticks? And if it’s never happened at all, if time keeps unraveling like this, how can it even be real?

So it’s pure instinct that makes you move, like someone would pinch themselves to ensure they’re not asleep, even though you’re very aware that this isn’t just a dream. You need to confirm that Bucky is real, though.

The air stands still when your fingertips trace along his cheekbone, leaving a delicate flush behind in their trail, barely touching and yet …

And yet.

His breath hitches when they dip lower, almost reaching the place you’ve watched dimple when he laughs, but he doesn’t move away. He doesn’t laugh, either.

There’s a scraping sound at the closed bathroom door, followed by a short knock. You flinch backwards.

"I’m leaving the first aid kit on the bed," Sam calls from the other side. "Just … holler if you need me."

"Thanks, Sam," Bucky says coarsely, and you can hear steps receding. The scratching continues, though. That damn cat.

Finally, he breaks eye contact, clearing his throat.

"Do you want me to help you clean up?"

You shake your head. You’re not sure you could stomach more of this. "I’m good, don’t … Don’t worry about it."

Bucky drags a hand through his hair, muttering something to himself you can’t quite make out. Slowly, he gets to his feet again.

"We need to come up with a plan," he says, and you want to cry except … you’re tired. Tired and sick of this.

"I need to come up with a plan," you correct him. "We have been trying to do this as a team for weeks, and it doesn’t change anything except waste time and …" And hurt. "I can’t do it anymore, Buck."

There must be something in your voice that thaws his defiant glare a little. "So what’s the plan?"

And with a sigh, you fill him in on everything that’s been going on with Strange and your powers. Again. One last time.

You have to do this alone.

Bucky ignores your insistence that you can manage just fine and sets your wrist while you talk. Alpine, now free to roam wherever she pleases again, has decided the bathroom isn’t quite that interesting after a short look inside, and is now taking a nap in the spot of sunshine next to your bed.

"New deal," he says once you’re done, once he’s thought about it all, and you raise your eyebrows. "Don’t do anything stupid."

"You know me," you smile, checking the makeshift dressing around your hand. The green symbols are hidden by the layers of gauze.

Bucky doesn’t bite. "I’m serious, just—don’t."

"How would you know?"

"I wouldn’t," he says, snapping the first aid kit shut so vehemently Alpine’s tail twitches. "But I trust you."

Your head whips up at his words, even though his back is still turned to you. He doesn’t see your face as your heart is jostled into a new rhythm, so violently and unexpectedly that you lift your hand without thinking, pinkie outstretched.

"Promise."

He smiles when he notices, and you wish you could take a picture to carry with you through the rest of this nightmare.

That day, he dies with your stupid nickname on his lips, twisted into something that looks strangely close to that earlier smile. This one doesn’t have time to reach his eyes, though.

***

There’s been a change in the weather.

Not literally, no; of course not literally. Fuck, you long for a single cloud, a raindrop, a damn hailstorm to break the streak of endless perfectly sunny days that don’t fit your mood in the slightest.

But there’s a tinge to the sky that makes your stomach turn. It’s not very obvious to anyone who hasn’t looked at the exact same sunset for weeks on end, just a single strip of color across a storybook horizon. It looks like a crack.

"Do you see that?" you ask warily when you notice it for the first time, ominous and yet almost completely hidden by the trees and the buildings. Just dancing around the edge of your vision like another mockery.

"What?" Sam asks, eyes not leaving the path ahead.

"That … thing in the sky. What is that?"

Bucky stops and squints at where you’re pointing. "It’s called a cloud," he says dryly.

"With that color?" you murmur, but continue walking when he stops to turn to you, your wrist tingling. His stare is searing your neck, but you ignore that, too.

The best course of action, you’ve learned, is to shut your brain off as soon as you get out of the quinjet and just go through the motions, trying to ride out the mission like you’ve done dozens of times before. There’s a sort of autopilot you’ve fallen into after a couple of days, and it’s the only thing keeping you somewhat sane. Most days, it means it’s all over quickly, and you can’t help but feel glad about that.

You’ve given up trying to change your own actions to get him through the day.

But this …

It’s something new, and in all this monotony, that thought is both frightening and exciting. It distracts you enough to get you off script.

"Lovely interior design," Sam mumbles like he always does.

"Remember how this was supposed to be a day off?" You kick one of the pebbles in your path with a sigh. "What happened to 'don’t worry, Y/N, after training the day is all yours'?"

"Occupational hazard," Sam says, checking his map for the thousandth time.

"You know what I mean."

"Don’t you have tomorrow off?" Bucky says over the intercom.

Tomorrow. "Right." It comes out somewhat strained, your fingernails digging into the palm of your hand. "And why do you know that?"

Sam shakes his head and there’s a brief crackle of static in your ear. For a fraction of a second, you nearly dare to hope Bucky will give you an answer, even though you have no clue what it would be.

"They’re heading your way now," he says instead, "so get a move on."

And just like that, you’re back on track.

Quickly clearing your throat of the lump that has formed there, you say tonelessly, "I probably only have one reset left. Two, if we’re lucky and you two aren’t being stupid again."

It’s taken you a while to get used to it. To the constant lying.

You’ve worn fingerless gloves on missions before, so that’s not raised any questions from the others yet, and your rings stay hidden away. You’ve been more reluctant to take them off since the one you lost on your bathroom floor vanished into thin air.

The other thing you’ve picked up on while endlessly repeating this day is that Bucky is less likely to catch you in a lie if he can’t see your face.

So you’ve made an effort of spending as little time as possible with him.

It’s surprisingly easy to stay in your room for the majority of the day, because he doesn’t remember it ever being any other way. Even today’s little exchange will be lost to the loop soon enough, just like that little pause he made, just like the bullet through his heart.

Still, when you wake up with a start on Friday, July 4th, you look at the sky first. Its perfect blue doesn’t soothe the sinking feeling in your stomach at all.

You’ve been waiting for something to change for weeks, and now that it’s here, you don’t like it at all.

"What did you expect?" Strange says with an infuriating composure once you’ve nervously recounted your experience. "I told you, time isn’t supposed to get stuck in this way. Of course your reality was going to act up sooner or later."

"I really feel like you should be more concerned about this," you mutter, letting a ball of green energy pass from your left hand to the right. It’s about the size of a quarter now.

"Honestly," Strange answers, "I thought something like this would have happened a while ago." He taps his fingers together. "Again. Slower."

"So what am I supposed to do then, just ignore it?" The green ball pulses with your indignation, turns around itself once and then sinks into your palm again.

"In all likelihood, it’s a one time glitch. If everything is back to normal today, I wouldn’t worry about it."

Your thumb rubs across the empty space on your finger. "Easy for you to say if you’re not the one who’s stuck in an endless hellscape."

"Aren’t I?"

You both roll your eyes at each other, but then you bite the inside of your cheek again, unable to shake the feeling of a whole new shade of dread. "What if it’s not just a one time glitch?"

The corners of Strange’s cloak roll up on themselves, and he doesn’t meet your eye when he says, "We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it."

It’s still early when you return to the present, too early for Bucky to be back from wherever he’s always going, so you decide to venture out of your room again, stretching your tired limbs. You’re pretty sure at this point that waking up on the floor is never going to feel fun.

Sam is in the kitchen as always, reading something on his laptop. He’s still sitting down, which means that it’s even earlier than you expected. You miss these early parts of the day, the calm before the storm.

If today were only made up of these few hours, you suppose, it might not be half so bad.

You pull up a chair next to him and lean a cheek against your hand. "What’re you doing?"

"Research." Sam sighs, rubbing his temples. "Remember that ULTIMATUM group?"

"Never heard of them," you say with a small yawn. "Is that an acronym? What does it stand for?"

Sam gives you a glare and your mouth twitches slightly.

"Anyway," he continues, turning his laptop so you can see the article he’s reading. "They’ve been more active again lately. Acquired a couple thousand dollars’ worth of lab equipment through one of their contacts and then went underground again."

Of course, you know all this. You’ve been over it again and again, back when you were all still trading information like it could save Bucky’s life. Like there was a deeper meaning behind any of this damn loop other than the fact that you, and you alone, fucked up.

Useless.

You close the mental door on those thoughts and take a deep breath. You hate to admit it, but all of this sitting around with your thoughts bullshit you’ve been doing has actually helped you to clear your head somewhat—if only to make it through the parts of the day you can’t avoid.

"And now what?" you ask, pretending to just have reacquainted yourself with the topic.

"Now," Sam says, taking his laptop with him as he stands up and strolls over to the kitchen island, "I’m waiting for Torres to get back to me so we can decide our next steps once we’re all recovered." He gives you a meaningful look and you scowl.

Then, slowly, his words register in your brain, and you stare at his back as he stretches and then moves to make some coffee, wordlessly taking one of your mugs out of the cupboard as well as his own.

"You don’t seem too worried," you say hesitantly.

Sam shrugs. "Until we have a proper lead, there’s not much we can do. And I doubt they’ll be doing any actual damage any time soon. They’re a lot more covert than the Flag Smashers ever were."

"Right," you say, more to yourself than in response.

"Try that again, less convincing?"

"I don’t know," you mutter, slowly following him to lean against the fridge. "Just … what if Torres did find something? Should I be getting ready?"

Sam frowns. "Are you not telling me something again?"

You try to shake the thought, pulling your arms around you. "Forget it."

You don’t, though.

It keeps bugging you, because that day like any other day, he knocks on your door at 4:32 on the dot, and you go on that mission anyway. And even though this has been happening for weeks, you’re just starting to suspect that you are, in fact, still not getting the whole picture.

***

Catching a glimpse of Sam’s phone turns out to be more difficult than you first thought.

You’re still trying to get the timing exactly right a couple of days later, and you miscalculate enough to catch Bucky on his way upstairs.

"Hey," he says, his shoulders tense when he looks at you. There’s a restlessness to him that he’s not quick enough to hide; or maybe you’ve just grown more perceptive when it comes to him.

"Hi," you say, crossing your hands behind your back. "Where’ve you been?"

He shrugs. "For a walk."

You already know he won’t elaborate if you try poking, so you don’t. "Was it good?"

"Lotta people." He hesitates when you continue to not meet his eye, and then he says, "Do you want to talk about it?"

You swallow, ignoring the tingling sensation on your wrist. "Not particularly. Do you?"

Bucky’s jaw twitches. "Nah."

Somehow, you feel like that’s also a lie. Once again, you’re left wondering.

The silence between you stretches as you continue to not quite look at each other, until you finally clear your throat, nodding at the front door. "I’m getting coffee, do you want something?"

Honestly, it’s just an excuse as to why you need to leave before he notices something off again somehow, but Bucky tilts his head in amusement.

"Didn’t you just get some this morning?"

"So? I like coffee."

"Really. I never knew."

"Screw you."

You can hear him huff behind you, but thankfully the door falls shut before you can do anything stupid. Like turning around to face him, for example.

You miss his eyes.

Why won’t you look at me?

When the elevator doors open, you almost yelp into your delivery guy’s face. He stumbles a half-step backwards, somehow managing to keep a hold of the boxes precariously balanced on his arm while he’s reading something on his phone.

"Oh my god," he lets out, "I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I was just …"

"Early." You blink.

"Sorry?"

"Nothing," you say, frowning only a little. "Wait, let me get that."

You quickly sign for the delivery and open the door with your keycard, holding it open for him. You’re not exactly afraid of burglars these days, and besides; you know this guy by now.

"If you could just go straight ahead and to the right, that’s where the kitchen is."

"Sure thing," he shrugs. "Thanks—"

His mouth snaps shut and he blushes a little as if he wanted to say something else but thought better of it.

You’ve introduced him to Sam enough times you know he’s going to be fine, so you just smile and wave him in.

When you step out on the street, you instinctually look up at the sky. It’s outrageously blue, blatantly perfect for an endless Friday, and even when you squint, you can’t make out any irregularities.

It’s a tiny relief, but a relief nontheless.

Lucy is leaning against the wall just out of sight of the storefront, an unlit cigarette dangling between her lips as she rummages through her pockets. Her colorful makeup has begun to melt off in the sweltering heat, making the red-white-and-blue stars on her cheeks bleed into each other to look somewhat purplish.

"Are you off or on break?" you call over.

She lifts her head, the glare vanishing when she recognizes you. "Counting the seconds," she says. "Don’t you have anything better to do?"

You sidestep a couple of pedestrians hurrying to cross the street and join her. "Not really."

"I hate you." She finally fishes a lighter out of her back pocket, sighing contentedly as she takes her first drag. "I swear, this day just won’t pass."

Fine. Maybe your chuckle is a little shrill. "I’m sorry."

Lucy waves you off with a gesture crude enough to make a young dad with a stroller send the two of you a dirty look. "You without your shadow today?" she asks, inspecting her nails.

You blink. "My shadow."

"You know. Your friend who’s been in here eight thousand times and still gets confused when he orders." A cloud of smoke vanishes into thin air. "Kind of the lingering type, isn’t he?"

"He’s old," you say, because for some reason nothing else comes to mind.

"Not that old."

"No," you agree, "not that old."

For a moment, you’re afraid she’s going to ask you to pass her number along to him, and you’re already scrambling to find an answer somewhere in the depths of your brain, coming up empty. That’s the problem with being able to unhave entire conversations; you don’t usually really have to deal with reactions if you don’t want to.

Without your powers, though, you’re stuck, and it’s making you wish you hadn’t come here at all.

Instead of any of that, she pulls a flyer out of her other pocket. "Sorin and Cass are doing a gig in Brooklyn next week, do you wanna come with? They’re still terrible, but they got a new bassist who seems alright."

You take the flyer, staring at it. "I didn’t know they’re in a band," you admit.

The truth is, you’ve never paid that much close attention to the people you work with. Maybe that’s been a mistake.

Lucy shrugs. "You’re always doing your own thing." It stings, even though you’re pretty sure she doesn’t mean for it to. "It’d be fun if you came, though."

"I’ll think about it," you say, and your smile is a little unsure, but genuine.

So is hers.

"If you don’t want to hang with us all night, you can bring some friends, too." Her emphasis hangs in the air between you like a dare.

You snort. "I feel like this isn’t quite their scene."

"You feel like or you know?"

"Isn’t that the same thing?"

"No." She puts her cigarette out on the wall behind her. "Knowledge is based on experience. On memories. Your feelings don’t sit in your head. And so they don’t make sense and they’re not necessarily true." She winks.

"You’re weirdly smart," you say, shaking your head.

"I know. It’s a curse." Lucy sighs. "Anyway, think about it. I gotta get back to hell."

"You know," you say with a grin, "I could really do with a frappuccino right about now."

"You know what you could do?" she answers in her sweetest customer service voice, pointing you down the street. "Get in a trash can."

Damnit. You might actually grow to like Lucy.

She taps her fingers against her temple and then shuffles back inside, a hot rush of air blowing out of the AC as the door opens. You fold the flyer up to fit into your back pocket, hoping you’ll make it to that concert one day, and then you walk on, aimless again for the moment.

***

Time passes while it’s standing still.

The problem is, at least for the moment, that by all appearances you’ve reverted back to square one. Going through your day as though any of this is even remotely normal, counting the hours and minutes to reenter the astral plane and feel some semblance of control again.

It’s been nice, really, if you’re ignoring the constant underlying feeling of dread.

Which you’re getting better at.

You wake up with a start to the sun in your face and FRIDAY blasting The All-American Rejects at full volume.

Rinse and repeat.

You wake up with a start to the sun in your face and FRIDAY blasting The All-American Rejects at full volume.

Even on days when you’re sure you’re making progress with your powers, every reset makes it just a little harder to keep dragging yourself onwards.

You wake up with a start to the sun in your face and FRIDAY blasting The All-American Rejects at full volume.

"You look like shit."

Your head rolls to the side slowly, allowing yourself a glance while Bucky is still distracted with his arm. Concentration makes his brows knit, and something warm spreads in your chest.

"I’m so tired," you say, voice barely above a whisper.

He doesn’t look at you, but you’re grateful for it for once. Your eyes are stinging a little.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Yes. Yes. Yes.

"Not particularly."

"Do you want to talk about something else?"

You almost smile. "Like what?"

Bucky shrugs with one shoulder. "Like the fact that you just planted Sam into the mat head-first and yet made a face like you killed a puppy?"

Sometimes you wonder how he still manages to slip in without you noticing, no matter how many times he does it.

"Did I?"

"Did you kill a puppy? I’d hope not."

Your body’s been getting stronger, anticipating Sam’s every move. At this point, it’s not so much training as it is an exercise in muscle memory; but how would he know that?

It still isn’t enough. It’s never enough.

You pitiful, selfish, useless bastard.

"You’re doing it again," Bucky says and you blink.

"Doing what?"

"I don’t know, but I don’t like it."

Something inside you twinges uncomfortably and you wrap your arms around your knees, pulling them into your chest. "That might just be me, period."

Bucky huffs. "Take the towel on the right," he says. "I already used the other one."

So you do.

And then you wake up with a start to the sun in your face and FRIDAY blasting The All-American Rejects at full volume, and then you wake up with a start to the sun in your face and FRIDAY blasting The All-American Rejects at full volume, and then you wake up with blah, blah, blah.

"I can’t do this anymore."

Strange watches you, but you don’t get up from where you’re lying, blankly staring at the ceiling, feeling like your chest is about to explode.

You don’t want to feel like something is tearing you apart every single time, even though you know it’s not permanent. There’s always the tiniest glimmer of hope that this will all be over soon.

Or maybe it’s dread.

"Maybe you can’t," Strange answers.

You blink, sitting upright. "What?"

"Maybe you are actually incapable of cleaning up your own mess. You’ve never had any training before, after all. Maybe you’re too weak."

Useless. Not good enough. Waste of time.

"If this is reverse psychology, it’s not working," you say through gritted teeth, pressing your eyes shut so tightly they don’t burn anymore.

Strange ignores you. "Maybe you’re going to be stuck in this loop forever. If that’s the case, there’s no point to keep trying either. Maybe we should just call it a day."

You can feel your breaths coming in shorter.

"Maybe you’re just going to keep failing to save anyone for the rest of your life."

"Stop it!"

An explosion of power goes through your body, bouncing off the walls and bathing the room in a ghostly green light. You cough and curl into yourself as you watch it billow, still echoing the words back at you, "too weak", "stuck in this loop forever". Your bones are heavy with exhaustion.

Strange crouches down next to you and a cup of fragrant tea draws itself up to the side of your face.

"You’re drawing the bulk of your power from pain. From a desire to fix things that you think you alone are responsible for when the truth is that each and every one of us is constantly creating reality."

"Fuck you," you mumble. When you sit up, your head is still swimming.

"You cannot keep this up."

"If I’m such a lost case, then why do you bother?"

"I’m trying to tell you that you’re not." He points at the walls, still covered by that greenish fog. "This is the strongest display of your powers I’ve seen from you yet, and it only happened because you were lashing out. Pain is not a sustainable source of energy. Imagine what you could do if you could be in control."

Do as I tell you.

"There’s no way to control my powers on a larger scale. It’s impossible."

"You keep telling me that, and yet you keep coming back. Why?"

You push yourself up to your elbows, wiping at your face. "Because I have to hope, right?"

"And there it is."

You take a sip of your tea and some feeling returns to your translucent fingers. Strange’s cloak draws itself around your shoulders.

The wizard himself stays quiet for another minute or two, before he asks, "Why do you think I’m talking to you right now? Helping you, even, nevermind your constant whining and your insistence that this won’t work, after you’ve spent your whole life running away from anything resembling actual responsibilities."

"I didn’t—"

"Answer the question."

"Because I created a time loop?" you guess.

"But you already know that this loop is just one point on the timeline. A single day, repeated endlessly, but going exactly like it was always supposed to, once resolved. So, without the time stone and my privileges as the Sorcerer Supreme, and with your protections still in place, how would I have found you?"

He knew exactly where and when to look for you. But he’s right, that shouldn’t even have been possible unless …

"I came to you," you realize. "Or, I will, once I get out of this." The relief that washes over you makes you want to sob. "So there is a way out?"

"Of course there is," he says, surprisingly gently. "Time isn’t supposed to get stuck."

You sit with that for a minute, hiding your face in your hands as Strange stays silent. Finally, you take a deep breath and look at him again with newly sharp focus.

"So why don’t you just tell me how to do it?"

He raises an eyebrow. "You know that’s not how it works."

"Yes. It is. It’s literally what I do all the time."

"What you do is leaving realities you don’t like by turning backwards."

"That’s not true."

"Just because your motivations aren’t entirely selfish doesn’t mean you’re right."

You’re so damn exhausted. The frustration of this whole thing is really starting to scratch at your sanity, and there’s an ache in your chest as you stare at your own sleeping face, biting the inside of your cheek, thinking.

Strange snaps his fingers to get your attention back.

"I’m not a mind reader," he says. "Out with it."

"I want to see him," you say, getting up. The cloak flaps around you in a very satisfying way. "Bucky. It’s early this morning, right? Just before the loop starts again. That means he’s upstairs."

"And what’s seeing him going to do?"

You ignore him and walk towards the door, reaching for the handle. Your hand goes right through it. You try it several more times, to no avail.

"Heaven help me," Strange mutters behind you.

Shutting your eyes, you take a deep breath. The circle of green tingles around your wrist.

Then, you walk through the closed door.

You fully expect to crash into the wood head first, but instead you feel the door moving through your noncorporeal form, and then you’re standing on the other side.

With a startled hum, you turn left, not waiting to see if you’re being followed.

You only hesitate in front of Bucky’s bedroom door. You’ve never actually been inside his room since he’s moved in; well, apart from that time he patched up your feet and you woke up in the astral plane for the first time. It feels odd to consider entering without him actually being aware of it.

Then again, there’s quite a few things at this point that he’s unaware of.

Before you can make up your mind, the door swings open just a little, and you automatically take a step back. Alpine sleepily slinks through the gap and trots off in the direction you came from, probably to sit in the kitchen and mope until FRIDAY activates the food dispenser again. On the stairs, she passes Strange who raises an eyebrow at you.

"Changed your mind?"

You glance into the room.

At first, you can’t find him. The bedding looks untouched, and there’s a brief flurry of panic that makes you step inside before you can keep questioning yourself.

Bucky is lying on the floor next to the bed, his hands balled tightly into an old throw blanket. It’s haphazardly draped across his torso, like he’s been trying to wriggle free during the night. He grimaces in his sleep.

Try the floor.

You can’t help but wonder when he’s last tried the bed.

"Can he hear us?" you ask quietly, not needing to look over your shoulder as you sink to the floor next to Bucky.

"No," Strange says. "Not until you put in a lot more work."

"Would he remember if I did?"

"I don’t know."

You do look back at him, then. "You know, considering your position you don’t know a whole lot of things."

You concentrate on your own hand until you’re starting to feel cool metal underneath your fingertips, ignoring the throbbing of your head. Carefully, you touch the crease between his brows, smoothing it out tenderly.

Bucky sighs a little in his sleep, but doesn’t stir. Doesn’t stop quietly murmuring in his dreams.

"You feel better?" Strange asks.

"Not really." You’ve already reached out to him without it having any repercussions too many times. "But that wasn’t the point."

"What was?"

"Just …"

Comfort. He brings you comfort, even when he doesn’t know it. It’s the same reason you keep waiting for him to arrive in the gym in the mornings, even though you could probably hurry up and miss him.

Even if the loop never ends, it’s still good to see that it’s bringing him back like it’s supposed to.

How incredibly selfish, you think as you continue looking at Bucky and letting a quiet, hesitant wash of calm come over you.

And then, all of a sudden, his eyes open.

You flinch backwards, but even though you’re almost face to face, he seems to stare right through you, his breaths heavy.

"Did I do something?" you say quietly.

"No," Strange answers. "This is just when he wakes up."

You watch as Bucky drags a hand over his face and then gets up with a determined tick in his jaw, grabbing a notebook from the nightstand. He scribbles something down, hastily, like it’s threatening to get away from him if he doesn’t hurry. You don’t have to read it to know it has something to do with what he’s seen in his sleep.

When the words stop flowing, he sits on the edge of the bed for a minute longer, but the tension doesn’t leave his shoulders. Finally, he rolls his left arm a few times before pulling on a shirt and his running shoes.

He always goes for a run in the morning. You’ve made fun of him for it before, but you hadn’t put together that while Strange was trying to get you to clear your own head through sitting still, Bucky might be doing the exact opposite to get the same result.

The door clicks shut.

"Are we done with the spying, then?" Strange says.

"No need to get weird about it," you mumble and take his outstretched hand.

***

Something changes once you know that your situation actually has an end date, even though Strange either cannot or will not tell you how many more loops you’re going to have to go through until then. Even so, there’s a new assurance to your every step again, a determination grown from the knowledge that all this isn’t for nothing. That there is an out.

You can cling to that.

"What would you do if you were stuck in a time loop?" you ask, letting your legs dangle over the ledge of the roof.

"Ew, no," Lucy replies, shaking the few remaining ice cubes in her cup emphatically. "My shift was long enough as is, and I’ve been looking forward to my Sunday off all week."

"Fair point," you concede.

It’s early afternoon then, and you’ve found a quiet spot on the top of the Tower. If Lucy was at all confused why you’d shown up at the store right when she clocked out and asked her to hang out, she’s not showing it. Over the past couple of loops, you’ve learned that she really likes to go with the flow, and you appreciate that.

"If it’s not today, though," she continues, like she’s thinking aloud. "Imagine the books you could read. You could try out all that stuff that you say you want to do, and then you never have the time to actually do them."

It’s a good thought, but a lack of time has never really been an issue for you. "Nothing you do would really stick, though."

She squints against the sun. "You realize that’s a pro, right? No consequences whatsoever. I could cut my bangs again and they’d be gone the next day."

"You used to have bangs?"

"Never, and I’m willing to state that in a court of law."

You smile and lean back on your elbows. "If something good happened, that’d be gone, too, though. You don’t get to keep that, either."

"Yeah," Lucy says thoughtfully. "I’d still remember it though, right? It still happened. I could make it happen again."

"Maybe." Your thumb scratches the empty space on your pinkie. Even though you’ve turned your entire bathroom upside down, your ring is still gone, like it just up and disappeared from this reality. You can’t help but wonder if that rift in the sky from a few todays ago has anything to do with that.

"What about you?"

"Hm?"

Lucy takes another slurping sip from her almost empty cup. "What would you do in a time loop?"

You can’t help but laugh. "I’d try to keep making the good things happen, I guess."

"Sounds like a lot of work."

It is.

"Are you out of your damn mind?" someone shouts behind you. "It’s in the fricking nineties today and you’re baking?"

"Technically, we are baking," you say, nodding at Lucy and leaning back further so you can look at Sam upside down. "And we’re baking for you."

"Hi, cap," Lucy says, pulling her sunglasses off.

"Hey." Sam crosses his arms and fixes you with a very cap-like glare. "Why are you baking for me."

"Y/N said it’s for your birthday."

"My—" He cuts himself off, rubbing his temples. "My birthday’s in September."

"Whoops," you say, your grin just believable enough. "My bad, cap."

"You’re not funny," Sam says, "I hope you know that."

You know.

Of course, today isn’t actually his birthday, not even if time were allowed to pass normally. It is day forty-fucking-nine of the loop, though, which makes it your fiftieth time living through this crap and frankly, you all deserve some damn pie.

It’s not going to make a difference in the long run, of course, and yet you can’t help but feel like keeping count of those little markers of time helps to hold your head above water. Making the good things happen, even if they don’t change a thing and no one but you is going to remember.

So you simply say, "It’s turtle pie," because you know that it’s Sam’s favorite. "Hey, what’s the time?"

"Oh, it better be," he says, holding his phone up for you to read and then marching out of your field of vision.

Sadly, you’re just about a minute early.

"He could’ve stayed," Lucy says when you let out a frustrated huff.

"He has that thing at the Garden," you tell her distractedly, taking a mental note to stall Sam a little longer next time.

"There you are."

You flinch at the sound of Bucky’s voice, barely daring to move your head when he sits next to you, his back to the brink.

He never comes up here. That’s the whole point.

"Hi?" you say carefully, and a grin tugs at his mouth.

"Not you," he says, nodding to the ground in front of him.

You turn around fully to find Alpine taking a nap just a few feet behind you, her snowy tail wrapped around a flower pot.

You let out a relieved breath and ignore the small sting in your chest. Of course he’s not up here because of you. Why would he be?

"Gee, thanks," you murmur, quietly shifting around so your hands are hidden underneath your legs. "You sure know how to charm the ladies."

You glance back at Lucy, but she’s looking at her phone, her eyes once again indecipherable behind the large sunglasses.

Bucky raises an eyebrow. "Think you could handle my charm, Y/L/N?"

He might has well have doused you in a bucket of ice water. You’re suddenly very aware of every single cell in your body, and you don’t like the challenge sparkling in his eyes.

So you do what you always do and you block it out. Dismiss and distract.

"Does Alpine seem weird to you?"

He tilts his head, his jaw tight. "Weird how?"

"I don’t know," you say, staring at her. "She’s just been acting … odd, lately. Today, I mean."

And following you around in a way you’re pretty sure she’s never done before. Not before the loop, at least.

Bucky sighs. "Did you make her scratch you again? Because I’ve told you before that I’m not getting rid of her for enforcing her boundaries."

"First of all, I never make her scratch me, she does that well enough on her own."

"That’s victim blaming," Lucy says without looking up. Bucky snorts and you almost roll your eyes.

"Second of all, she’s up to something. I know it."

"Oh, yes," Bucky says dryly just as Alpine makes a small noise in her dreams, her nose twitching. "That’s the embodiment of evil right there."

"I don’t trust her," you mutter.

"And yet the cat’s the weird one."

"I hate you," you mumble, standing up. "I’m gonna go check on the pie."

"There’s pie?" Bucky says.

"Not for you!"

You turn at the door to see Lucy leaning in to show Bucky something on her phone; the frown has disappeared from his face, his shoulders relaxed. If he’d pull off his glove right now, it’d almost be like sitting in a park.

That’s good, you tell yourself as the door slams shut behind you with a bit too much gusto. Reminds you that there’s nothing special about you in particular, which is much needed, really.

Can’t wait to punch that one out of your system later.

Again and again and again and a—

"Whoa, whoa, you alright?"

You blink. Riff slumps to the ground in front of you, body limp.

Bucky stares at you in concern, his hand still on your shoulder. His lip has split open and there’s the usual bruise already forming on his cheekbone. You can’t help it. Your gaze is drawn down, your breathing shallow.

You screw your eyes shut to snap yourself out of it, but when you open them again, Bucky hasn’t moved an inch.

"Never better," you whisper, and for a split second, you almost believe it yourself.

Liar, liar, liar.

***

At least, you suppose, reality seems considerably less broken these days. No more cracks in the sky.

You get your wake-up call when you wake up with a start to the sun in your face and FRIDAY …

"… FRIDAY?" you say into the silence of your room, your heart pounding wildly. This cannot be happening. Not now.

Not yet.

He got shot again yesterday.

A pleasant jingling sound rings out. "Good morning, Ms. Y/L/N."

You look at the clock on the wall. Ten to eight, just like every morning. "What day is it?"

"Today is Friday, July 4th."

You can taste bile in your mouth despite your relief. There’s an impatient thrum to the symbols around your wrist, like a noose that’s tightening.

What did you expect?

"Rise and shine, McFly! Time to get your ass kicked!"

"Didn’t you set FRIDAY to wake me?" you ask Sam as you’re climbing the stairs, nerves on edge.

He looks at you weirdly. "I did. You’re up, aren’t you?"

You bite the inside of your cheek. "Didn’t sleep well."

That much, at least, is still true. Full nights of sleep are a long distant memory from before constant back-to-back repetitions. The only time your body shuts off is when you manage to sleep for a little bit in between your astral visits and the mission call.

"I hope you don’t think that’s an excuse," Sam says, bumping your shoulder, and you manage a tired grin.

"You wish."

Today, you let him win, even though your ankle makes an odd crack when you land on the mat. You’ll take care of it later.

"You look like shit."

Grief and relief, you’ve learned, both taste like salt and iron, but the latter is so much easier to swallow.

"That makes two of us," you say, sitting up slowly. "How was your run?"

"Good," Bucky says, putting the cloth away and stretching his fingers out. They catch a ray of sunlight. "What’s wrong with you?"

Not this again.

"Later, okay?" you answer, because that’s not a lie. "Let’s just … not, right now?"

"Alright," he says.

And, oh, you want to tell him again. Because he doesn’t press it. Because you miss having someone to share things with. Because you miss telling him the whole truth. Because you’re scared, and tired, and sick of losing him.

But those are egotistic thoughts, and so you keep them all to yourself and take the towel on the right.

There’s one good thing about this today. You make it to the living room just in time to finally catch a glimpse of Sam’s phone right when it pings with Torres’ message.

I can check it out on Monday if you’d like.

That’s it. No urgency, weirdly proper spelling, not even an exclamation mark.

In other words, you’re not sure what you expected but you’re no closer to answers than before.

"What does it matter?" Strange sighs when you tell him all of this with a frown.

"It matters," you reply, "because if we hadn’t gone on the mission, Bucky wouldn’t have died that first time and none of this would’ve happened."

"So what?" he says. "It’s already done."

"But if I could prevent it—"

"It already happened."

"I can make it not happen."

"You and what powers?" Strange says sharply. "Even if you did that, it wouldn’t stop the loop."

"How do you know that?"

"Because you’ve already seen first-hand that it’s bound to you and your powers, not to whatever you do or don’t do during the day. Karma is a fairy tale for those who don’t want to take responsibility for their actions."

"Do you really still think this is me not taking responsibility?" There’s a green flare that goes through you, hot and seething and making goosebumps crawl down your arms.

Strange smiles at the sight. "Let’s find out."

He extends his arms and slowly opens his fists until orange symbols dance across his shaky fingers. The band around your wrist prickles at the weight of his magic flooding the air.

Strange’s cloak nudges you towards the center of the room and your heart gives a heavy thud. "What, right now?"

"Would you prefer being stuck for a couple weeks more?"

"Of course not it’s just—I don’t feel ready."

"No one ever feels ready until they try."

And maybe it’s because it reminds you of something Steve once said, but it makes you step up, falling into the stance you’ve practiced over and over again. You breathe in deeply and close your eyes.

The pull comes easier now. Your powers have just been resting, nestled somewhere deep inside your bones like glowing embers, waiting for you to call upon them.

When you look at your open palm, the green wisps of your powers have curled up to the size of a ping-pong ball. You take another steadying breath and let it glide to the tips of your fingers, carefully letting it balance itself out for a second before moving your other hand.

"Good," you can hear Strange say quietly.

Slowly, carefully, you let the threads untangle until they’re just about to touch the green band circling around your wrist. You can feel the electric tingle of it, the soft beat of each passing second contained within, and you push past it.

You’ve done this before, so you’re not surprised when you feel the energy drain from your body almost immediately. Up until now, though, it’s just been trial and error, not expecting anything to happen. This time, you have Strange’s magic feeding some of his strength into you as well, and so instead of hesitating, you press on, your heartbeat speeding up.

The band around your wrist does the same.

"Don’t lose your focus." Strange’s voice sounds very far away, almost warped.

Very funny, you might have said, but you’re too busy watching it all unfold.

The whirring inside of your head grows louder as the circlet of time keeps rotating with accelerating speed, faster and faster until your eyes start tearing up and there’s something that looks almost like a crack.

You gasp quietly. At first, you think you might have just imagined it, but then the split starts growing, the symbols growing farther and farther apart as the band itself keeps spinning. Your pulse is beating in your ears. Your wrist feels like it’s being set on fire.

There are voices, then, quiet and fast, like you’re watching a sped up movie, music and noises and chatter and birdsong and a whooshing sound like something flipping right past you. Then, something like distant shots.

I’m getting Bucky out of this, you think as the green band continues rotating until suddenly, there is a shockwave of green light that takes up your entire field of vision.

You close your stinging eyes, keeping your feet firmly planted on the floor as your powers rush through you once more and then, with a shudder, settle down again, exhausted. The glare subsides. Something like a trickle of sweat runs down your noncorporeal neck.

"Did it work?" you ask, your voice rough, not daring to look for yourself. There’s no answer, though. "Doc?"

Slowly, your eyes readjust to the gloomy darkness of your room in the astral realm. The only source of light is the glowing green band continuing to circle around your wrist, the rifts stabilizing again like it’s clicking back into place.

You swear under your breath and turn around to ask what went wrong, but Strange is no longer standing beside you.

You’re all alone.

***

Three, two, one—

"Iced grande extra whip caramel macchia—shit!"

You catch the plastic cup before it drops onto the suit of the business man standing in line in front of you. "Here you go, sir."

He grabs his drink with a grunt and hurries back outside. One of these days, you might ask him why he’s in such a hurry, but it’s not today.

You’ve grown to adore the noise of the pre-noon rush. The cacophany of the whirring machines, the AC and the people is just loud enough to make your head calm down a little. Besides, being alone in a crowd has never been easier than when you know for a fact they are not going to remember you.

The drinks are starting to pile up at the hand-out, and because you feel bad for your colleagues, you start handing them out to people. You’ve been here a lot, after all.

"Tall hazelnut latte for Misty!"

Plus, it helps to keep your mind from wandering back to everything that’s going wrong.

Strange still hasn’t returned.

The astral dimension feels different when you return the day after your experiment, like someone’s been pulling invisible strings to make everything just slightly more disordered and dark.

It’s cold, too. You watch your body shiver in her sleep as you wrap your arms around yourself. The books are still there, shimmering slightly with the magic they contain.

"Doc?" you call out, and the vibrations of this place hum it back at you. There’s no answer.

The book at the top of the pile is still opened to a page, as if it’d just been left a moment ago, and you pick it up. The words glide around like they are looking to jump back into an inkpot, and you have to squint to make out any of them.

Incursion, the section header reads. Result of a contraction in a universe’s timeline. Can cause premature disintegration or collapse of any one reality within the multiverse.

"Just great," you say, slapping the book shut again. "I get it, alright? You can come out now."

But there’s no sound apart from your own heartbeat.

Your noncorporeal head is swimming with pressure as you pass through the closed door and into the hallway. The walls seem larger than usual, the stairs warping ever so slightly underneath your feet so that you can’t look at them for too long without feeling seasick.

Upstairs, the air doesn’t feel quite as heavy. The silence follows you, though, lingering in the grayish morning shadows like the remnants of a nightmare.

Bucky still mumbles in his.

You can’t make out what he is saying, and you wouldn’t have understood the words, anyway, but there’s sweat on his brow again. His fingers are tightly clutching the thin throw blanket like it’s shielding him from whatever he’s seeing in his dreams.

You take a step closer to him, desperate to do something, anything, when you notice movement out of the corner of your eye.

Alpine is perched on top of the bed, complacently tucked into herself on one of the fluffed up white pillows like it’s really her room, not Bucky’s.

And she’s staring right at you.

You take a step to the side, then another. Alpine tilts her head, her large eyes fixed on you. They follow your gestures as you wave your hand.

A quick glance tells you that Bucky is still sleeping. You take a deep breath and conjure up a small dot of bright green light, letting it dance across your fingertips. Alpine uncurls herself in interest, her tail twitching.

"You can see me," you whisper, and the little spec of your power disappears.

The cat meows in disappointment.

Carefully, you move closer to the bed, reaching out your translucent hand until you place it on Alpine’s head.

She rubs against your palm.

You chuckle incredulously, scratching behind her ears. "You little devil."

Alpine seems particularly pleased with herself. She starts purring.

This is simply bizarre, you think as you continue petting her soft fur. You’re expecting a sarcastic comment from behind your shoulder any minute now, but it doesn’t come.

So, you lower yourself down on the floor next to Bucky, the tips of your fingers not quite grazing his arm as you swallow heavily.

And then you wait until he gets up.

It’s possible, you think as you watch him leave and then make yourself wake up too, that Strange is simply messing with you for the hell of it. You don’t like the timing of this, though. Your day still continues on and on and on, like it always does, but it seems just a little too pointed that this would happen right after you had your first hopes of getting out of here in a long time.

It doesn’t help that the reality glitches have decided to return with a vengeance.

Every day is still July 4th. You wake up with a start, you train, you get coffee, you fight over lunch, you take your astral visit, you go on that damn mission. It’s the details that start to get … fuzzy.

In the beginning, every single thing around you was the exact same every single day. Now, though, there are sometimes details that are just wrong. A different mug left on the drying rack. A mess all over the tables in the lab. Weird noises all over the Tower.

You don’t know what to make of any of it, and so in general, you follow Strange’s rule of thumb and simply ignore the things that are wrong one day and then right the next—which, thankfully, is all of them. You just go with it, telling yourself that this is simply reality malfunctioning a little, like a machine that needs oiling.

Weirdly enough, that doesn’t reassure you in the slightest.

But what else can you do?

You lose a few hours here and there, time seemingly speeding up at random sometimes now. One morning, Bucky isn’t in the gym like he usually is, and you work yourself up over it so much you nearly have a panic attack. In the end, you almost crash into him outside of his room, and a rush of reassurance floods through you with such force you can’t even look at him.

That time, Sam is there when Bucky gets shot, and it’s his cry that follows you into the next day. Your hands are clean this time, and somehow that feels worse.

Everyone’s back to their usual stuff again, and that’s that.

Another time, you’ve barely rolled out of bed and into your bathroom—"Rise and shine, McFly!"—when you’re suddenly jolted forwards and you wake up with a start to the sun in your face and FRIDAY blasting The All-American Rejects at full volume. Your stomach feels like it’s still turning, nauseous, as if you’d sat up too fast.

That feeling still leaves a bad taste in your mouth, sticking to the back of your mind like the blood you haven’t even had time to wash off.

The thing that demands most of your attention, though, is the pile of books waiting for you in the astral realm. Since you don’t have any control over the loop itself, you pour all of your energy into trying to understand the theory behind your powers. It’s giving you a constant headache, and it takes a lot longer than you would like to admit, but at least you feel like you’re doing something that’ll last.

Nothing else will.

There’s one last lonely cup sat on the counter next to your own, which signals that the rush is over for now. You can see Lucy wiping her forehead as you wave your goodbye, picking up both drinks on your way out and handing one of them to the guy just hurrying back downstairs.

"Here you go," you say without stopping, glancing at your phone. You haven’t stayed this late before.

"What the—" you hear behind you, just before the doors glide open and you’re greeted by the sound of traffic and a hot breeze of air.

If you’re lucky, you can make it back to your room without anyone seeing you. You’ve moved on to a particularly hefty tome about relativity, and you’d like to—

"Hey! Miss? Hold on a second!"

You look over your shoulder to see the delivery guy has run after you, cup still in his hand. His bike is leaned against a lamp post nearby, his cap dangling off one of the handles.

You found out a couple of weeks ago that he takes his break just after dropping off your order, but you don’t usually make eye contact anymore.

Now, he holds out his cup accusingly. "That’s my drink."

You smile. "Good for you."

"No. No, that’s not—I mean—how did you know it was my drink?"

And because nothing really matters and you really want to go home, you say, "It has your name on it, doesn’t it?"

You expect him to look at you with wide eyes, just like people normally do when you know things you’re not supposed to. His mouth will drop open, speechless, his frown will deepen, and you can wink at him and continue on your way so he can spend the next couple of hours wondering what just happened.

The cup falls out of his hand, but somehow he manages to catch it before it hits the sidewalk. When he looks up at you again, and his expression is unlike anything you’ve seen coming.

"But that’s not …" he says quietly. "Do you remember me?"

And then it’s you who’s speechless, because the shock on Peter Parker’s face is more than you bargained for.

*****

"Honestly, I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this," you said quietly, looking over the rim of your glass at the crowd.

"You complaining?" you heard Sam’s voice say over the little earpiece you were wearing.

"Not at all."

Apparently, people connected to terrorist organizations threw incredibly fancy parties.

You hadn’t felt this glamorous in a while, if ever, dressed up to the nines in a dark green jumpsuit with an incredibly flattering cut that you’d never had a reason to wear before. Despite your initial doubts about this whole thing, you felt great, for the first time in way too long.

"Are you gonna move any time soon?"

Well. Mostly.

At least Barnes cleaned up nice, you supposed; it almost made up for his grouchy demeanor.

With a sigh, you downed the rest of your drink and got back to work. You let the crowd swallow you up, seemingly on your way to the restrooms, and then you stopped it all to slip upstairs unnoticed by prying eyes and cameras.

You didn’t hold it for very long; you had to rattle some doors, after all, and despite your espresso martini, it was still hard to tell if you could manage several redos back to back. After all, you’d only been back in the game for a couple of weeks.

It took you a few tries to find the right office, and locating the files was comparatively easy with what you already had access to. There it was, proof that ULTIMATUM had managed to secure most of the Flag Smashers’ previous supporters as well as some high brow weapon dealers.

While you copied everything onto a flashdrive, your eyes caught one of the designs. You frowned.

Even though you couldn’t pinpoint what it was, exactly, something about it seemed just slightly too highbrow for an organization of the international bad egg committee that was supposedly still mostly underground. Your gaze started drifting through the rest of the office, noting the usual boring books and glass awards in the bookshelves on the far wall. You pulled open one of the desk drawers.

"You almost done in here?"

"Fuck!" You slammed the drawer shut again, getting your pinkie stuck in the process. "Damnit, where did you come from?"

Bucky pointed over his shoulder.

"Fuck me," you murmured, your eyes stinging at the pain.

Bucky looked nonplussed. "Can’t you just undo it?"

"Great input, thank you." The flashdrive beeped softly and you shut everything down again. At least you were definitely sober now. "What are you, anyway, my babysitter?"

"Wouldn’t have to be if you could check in on time," he answered, checking the corridors, then nodding for you to follow.

"Time’s a social construct," you murmured, but followed him, the flashdrive hidden in your fist.

You didn’t even make it to the staircase.

"Didn’t I tell you?" a voice said right before several triggers clicked and you both froze. "I knew I’d recognized that arm. And who do you have with you here, Winter Soldier?"

No one, you thought, and then you yanked time backwards so forcefully you stumbled into the desk, your heart still racing. The copy sat at 57%.

You felt almost seasick with the rewind, but there wasn’t any time. "Keep going upstairs," you said into your earpiece.

"What?" Bucky said.

"I’m fine. Don’t come get me. Just keep going," you gritted through your teeth, trying to calm your breaths. 70%.

"Exit plan C, then," Sam said.

Bucky didn’t answer. You looked at your hands. There was a slight tremor to them, but nothing too bad. If you could get the nausea under control, you could probably make it past the cameras one more time.

You should’ve eaten more.

As soon as the flashdrive was done, you ripped it out and forced everything to a halt again. Your palms were sweaty as you hurried out of the office and in the direction of the staircase, your lungs burning. This didn’t feel like a good sign.

You stumbled over your damn heels and the noise returned for that moment you lost your concentration.

Not good enough.

Sweat pearled on your forehead as you and the universe held your breath again. You could feel your hold slipping with every second that wasn’t allowed to pass. Time was impatient with you.

A small crowd had assembled at the bottom of the stairs. As you closed in on them, you felt a jolt go through you and suddenly found yourself surrounded by people as time attempted to right itself again. Your nails dug into the skin of your palm so hard you could feel yourself draw blood.

It went quiet again and you moved through them, almost blindly. Everything seemed to be spinning.

Behind your shoulder, you could hear several people talking, interrupted only by the world stopping around them every now and then.

"—d’you—see that—"

"—could’ve—sworn there—”

And with time stumbling and flailing around in confusion, you made it out of the building and into the waiting cab.

chapter seven

thank you for reading!! you can follow my library blog @intrepidacious-fics for update notifications 💚

[lordprettyflackotara]

hitchhiker || chapter six || the proxies

tw: SMUT MINORS DNI 18+. tw: teehee smut😛 virginity loss, overstimulation

a/n: i am happy to announce hitchhikers is now on Ao3! find the link posted with the hitchhiker masterlist: here

<— previous chapter

Nova felt like she was slipping. Her hands were shaky as she grabbed her coffee mug. The hot liquid swished around in the ceramic cup, threatening to spill onto her hand.

Carefully she took a sip, breathing deeply. She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept more than an hour. She was so close to solving the Winston case, her insomnia would have to wait. Nova considered herself to be a logical person. Thats why she knew the tall man she was seeing wasn’t real. She decided to ignore her delusions and seek therapy once the case was over. After all, an impossibly tall man with no face couldn’t possibly exist.

She noticed him for the first time in her kitchen, the strange being observing her from outside of her window. Nova freaked out, a panic anxiety sending her into a short lived frenzy. Her heart was the only sound she could hear, the organ threatening to fail. She had to rationalize her thoughts. To understand working long hours and living off of coffee and nicotine wasn’t healthy. So she ignored what she deemed to be illusions her mind was creating.

As time went on her symptoms began to worsen, faint static and the paranoia of being watched progressing. Nova ignored them all, satisfaction washing over her as she studied her report. She had invited you to her office to share the good news. The news that made all of her torment and suffering worth it. Nova Parker had solved the homicide of Detective Winston.

Originally you hadn’t thought much into Novas invitation. Toby opted to help you make blueberry muffins, stealing a few for himself of course. It was refreshing, her invitation was. It got you out of your apartment and you got to see your best friend. What more could you ask for? You had only managed to speak to Nova a few times on the phone. You tried not to burden her with the details of your life. You briefly mentioned your suspected break in and how the boys had stayed around for your protection. Nova had enough on her plate. She didn't need your paranoia on there too. The detectives down at the station knew you, your presence unquestioned as you led Toby down the small hallway. “Y-you’re sure she’s n-n-not going to h-have an issue with me being here?” Toby questioned. He knew if he didn’t like Nova, there was no way she liked him.

“You helped make the muffins. You deserve a thank you at least,” You said calmly. Truthfully you brought Toby for your own comfort. You couldn’t remember the last time you had been in public alone. Toby made you comfortable, the brunette excited to be attached to you at the hip. After your kiss with Brian your thoughts had wondered to pure filth. Many which included Toby alone, but even more including Brian, Tim, and Toby all together. You couldn’t deny the throbbing that was beginning to form in your core. You knew you wouldn’t be able to ignore your body’s hunger for much longer.

You knocked on Nova's office door, your exhausted best friend opening the door. Black circles decorated her eyes, her skin dry and hair pulled into a sloppy bun. "Hey Nov," You greeted, instantly greeting her with a hug. Nova hugged you back, her eyes meeting Toby's over your shoulder. "What is he doing here?" She questioned. You pulled away from the hug, lifting up the foil to show Nova the plate of blueberry muffins. "We thought you might be hungry, so we made you something to eat," You told her. Your eyes narrowed at the sight of Nova's visible disapproval. She took the plate from Toby, giving him a fake smile. "Thank you for the muffins. Would you mind waiting in the hallway for a moment?" She asked. Her question sounded more like a command more than a mild suggestion.

Toby stood there unmoved, awaiting your instructions. "It's okay Toby just give us a moment," You say. Toby nodded, heading into the hallway and shutting the door behind him. "You should be nicer to him, he helped me make those muffins for you," You told Nova. She rounded her desk, lifting up the foil and eyeing the food suspiciously. "Did you supervise him when he made these?" She questioned. You couldn't understand her harsh tone. "No? We made them together," You answered. You watched in horror as she tossed the plate in a nearby trashcan. "Hey! What the fuck is your problem?" You gasped. Nova took a seat in her large desk chair, boxes of her belongings still packed in the room around her. She had been given Detective Winston's office and had not made a single effort to make herself comfortable.

"Did you even see my interview on the news?" Nova asked abruptly. You noticed the way her fingers strummed against her desk nervously. "No? Was I supposed to?" You asked. Nova rolled her eyes. "If you cared about my well being or this case at all, yes," She answered blandly. Behind her you noticed an old school chalkboard, one that was covered in scribbles and barely readable cursive handwriting. "Nova I'm not a detective-" You began, Nova raising her hand to stop you. You couldn't understand her odd behavior. "This case is putting a target on my back. I can't take any risk right now. I have to solve this case before it gets me killed," Nova explained.

You glanced at the muffins discarded in the trash can. "So you think someone is going to poison you?" You asked. Nova stood up, pushing her chair aside. "If I told you something that sounded crazy you'd trust me, right?" She asked. She leaned against the desk, your eyes widening. "Because I don't want you to forget. It's us, it has always been us against everyone else," Nova reminded you. You noticed the wrinkles in her uniform and a faint brown coffee stain on the bottom of her button up. "O-okay?" You agreed slowly. Nova took a deep breath, her eyes bewildered as she met your confused gaze. "That night on Halloween was when Winston was killed. Based on your location, when you picked up your hitchhiker loverboys you were only two miles away from Winston's body," Nova started.

You hadn't thought about it in a while, Nova and you sharing locations. You had no reason to. You never snooped on where Nova was and you assumed the same for her. It was supposed to be for emergencies, the two of you living alone. If you didn't include Nova's German Shepard. "What exactly are you getting at?" You asked sharply. Nova sighed, turning around and facing the chalkboard. "Look Y/n I know that things after Cameron weren't easy. And I knew one day you'd find a rebound. Or in this case, a few of them," She said calmly. You slowly rose from your chair, your eyes furrowing. "But you need to listen to me. I think your hitchhikers are behind this," She told you. She finally faced you, the color having drained from your face.

"On what principle? Because they were partying in the woods? We were too if you don't recall," You hissed. You walked up to the chalkboard, examining the scribbles. "Nova you need some sleep. Half of this isn't even legible. You're not making sense," You say calmly. In a swift motion she was on you, her hands roughly grabbing your upper arms. "Wake up! There is three of them. They mysteriously came from the woods with no way of getting home? Near the scene of the crime?!" Nova exclaimed. She shook you violently, your eyes widened in fear. "They cosplayed as hitchhikers I know it. They are only using you to get closer to me. Don't you see?" She asked.

You could feel your heart racing in your chest, your eyes flickering back and forth. You searched her gaze for any sign of humor. For any sign that this wasn't real. Once you realized she was stone cold serious, your gaze hardened. "How fucking dare you!" You screeched. You pushed her off of you, causing her to take a couple of steps backwards. It was then Toby pushed his way back inside of the office, jumping over Nova's desk. He was eerily calm, his sights focused on you. His eyes searched your body for any sign of harm, his slender body standing in between you and Nova.

"For fucking starters. Stop calling them hitchhikers like its a goddamn slur! At the end of the day they're my friends above all else. And even if they were more or if they weren't, it's none of your business!" You bellowed. You were unbelievably pissed, anger washing over you. "You need to listen and Toby needs to-" Nova started, pointing towards the door. Toby stood unmoving, awaiting your command. "Toby isn't going anywhere. You know what Nova? Can you really just not stand to see me happy?" You hissed. Nova gasped, her worn out face hardening. She went to take a step towards you, Toby silently blocking her way.

"Do you not understand? The reason your apartment was broken into was because of this!" Nova snapped. She untucked her button up, revealing a vanilla folder tucked into her waistband. "This is what they were looking for," She said, slamming it onto her desk. She glared up at Toby, who on the inside was fighting the urge to slice her in half. "I'm onto you asshole, I won't stop until you're all in jail or on the other end of my python," Nova snarled. Toby allowed you to push him behind you, your protectiveness flattering him. "That is enough!" You growled. A knock on her office door interrupted the argument, two of Nova's officers watching the scene unfold. "Everything alright in here ladies?" The first one asked, his gaze cautiously flickering to Toby.

"Everything is just fine. We were just leaving," You said firmly. You grabbed Toby's wrist, dragging him towards the door. Nova tried to stop you, her hand managing to reach your shoulder. "Please just wait, listen to me," Nova pleaded. You shoved her arm off, giving her a look so cold it could kill. "I don't recognize you anymore," You spit, watching her face fall. With those words craved in stone, you led Toby back home.

\/

Toby could see you were upset. The entire walk home you were silent, your face revealing that your mind was easily in a frenzy. Even as Toby quietly grabbed your hand, lacing your fingers with his, your gaze remained hardened. Once the two of you entered your apartment, you sat down on the couch in defeat. You were on the verge of tears, tossing your beanie aside. Toby kneeled in front of you, frowning at the sight of tears flooding your waterline. "I-I'm so sorry Toby I never should have brought you. She's gone mad," You whimpered.

Toby nuzzled his way in between your knees, bringing his bandaged hands to your face. "Hey i-it's okay," He said softly. His thumbs lovingly stroked your cheeks, wiping away a salty tear. Your watery eyes met his, placing your hands on top of his. Your touch was nice and warm, Toby's heart began to pound as you leaned in closer to him. He melted into you as you brought your lips to his. Toby tried to copy your motions, his inexperience beginning to show. You didn't seem to care, your lips working against his as his teeth clashed with his. You swiped your tongue on his lower lip, requesting access.

Afraid you'd feel the gash in his cheek, Toby pulled away with wide eyes. You noticed immediately, feeling guilty. "Holy shit I'm so sorry," You gasped, your face turning red. Toby swallowed, gaining the confidence to bring his lips back to yours. You raked your fingers through his chestnut curls, trying to bring him hopelessly closer to you. "C'mere," You whined. Toby joined you on the couch, crawling on top of you as you laid on your back. As soon as you seemed comfortable his desperate lips found your neck, sucking and nipping at the skin. You tilted your head back, whimpering his name. "Fuck," Toby grumbled into your skin. He could feel your hips grinding upwards, his cock growing harder into his jeans.

"H-how far d-do you um-" Toby began to ask, his face flushing pink. You bit the inside of your cheek, wrapping your arms around his neck. "I want you Toby, please," You whispered. Toby grinned down at you, nodding affirmatively. He grabbed the hem of your shirt, helping you toss it over your head. His pupils expanded at the sight of your lacey black bra, your face only growing more red by the minute. His hands were shaky as he reached around you, fiddling with the clasp. "Toby?" You whispered. He finally unclasped the bra, tossing it aside. "Hmm?" He hummed. You looked at him shyly, your nipples hardening from the cold air. "You've never done this before, have you?" You asked softly.

Toby shook his head, trying to focus on your words instead of your breast. "We don't have to," You say, not wanting the brunette to feel pressured in any sort of way. Toby's chocolate orbs met yours, his pupils blown with lust. "I-I want to f-f-fuck you so bad it hurts," He confessed, his confession bordering a plea. He lowered himself to your breast, maintaining eye contact as he took one of your nipples into his mouth. You moaned as he swirled his tongue around the sensitive bud, your back arching at the slightest sensation. You couldn't remember the last time you had done anything like this, nevertheless have sex. Toby grazed his teeth over your nipples, a painful whine escaping your throat. You could feel yourself getting wetter, your body on fire with a craving only Toby could satisfy.

He released your nipple with a pop, his lips turning a darker pink. T-that okay?" He asked. You nodded, licking your dry lips. "Please keep going," You whimpered. Toby could've sucked on your breast all day, but he needed more. He kissed down your stomach slowly, keeping his gaze on your face. He couldn't get enough of your facial expressions, his hands shaky as they undid you jeans. You helped him slide them and your panties downwards, discarding them onto the floor. Toby's experience was very minimal. He had only really jacked off and watched porn. He never thought he'd be in this position, his lips kissing your exposed waist.

Your hand ran through his curls, desperately trying to drag him to your aching cunt. Toby dug in his memory, forcing himself to remember everything in porn that made the girl feel good. He nervously licked up your folds, his name falling off of your lips. Toby couldn't quite explain it, but he liked that. A lot. He opened up your folds, examining your drenched cunt. Unsurely, he attached his lips to your clit, watching in amazement as your back arched off of the couch. "F-fuck Toby!" You whined, yanking at the roots of his hair. Toby couldn't feel pain but he could feel the sensation of you desperately wanting more. He sucked at your clit like his life depended on it, his eyes watching you fall apart on his tongue.

Curiously he released your throbbing clit, bringing his warm tongue to your entrance. Toby studied you as he brought it inside of your entrance, your hips grinding against his face. "T-Toby I need more, please," You stuttered, stumbling over your own words. Toby brought two fingers to your cunt, mimicking what he had seen done before. He shoved them inside of you slowly, his cock growing achingly harder at the feeling of your walls around his fingers. "C-curl them upwards for me, please," You pleaded, biting your bottom lip. Toby happily did as instructed, your moans growing louder. He curiously brought his lips back to your clit, sucking at the bud and curling his fingers.

He relished in your unholy sounds as he repeated the motions, finger fucking you mercilessly. He had no perception of how fast he was going, his gaze focused on you. You were falling apart for him, your fingers keeping his head locked in place as he toyed with your cunt. You felt a familiar cord knot inside of your stomach, your thighs squeezing around Toby's head. If he had to pick a place to die, this would be it. Buried in your cunt being squeezed by your thighs. "Toby, i'm gonna cum," You whined. Toby smirked into your folds, grinding his hips against the couch to give himself a little bit of relief.

Seeing you like this, so hot and bothered, was enough to make him cum in his pants. He continued curling his fingers inside of you, brushing against your g spot. The face you made when you came was so erotic Toby wanted to see it again and again and again. He finger fucked you through your high, adoring the feeling of your walls spasming around his fingers as you came. He continued to abuse your cunt, his fingers relentless. "You c-can take it. Give m-me another one," Toby purred, maintaining eye contact as he placed a teasing kiss to your inner thigh. His lips were glossy with your juices, his lips attaching themselves to your inner thighs. He sucked at the sensitive skin, the sound of your whimpers euphoric.

Your legs began to shake, your back arching off of the couch again. Toby was sure your neighbors could hear you and he truly hoped they did. He began to finger fuck you faster, grinning at the sight of the hickies forming over your stretchmarks on your inner thighs. He brought his other hand to your clit, flicking it back and forth. "That's it-t-t. Cum for me. You c-can do it," Toby cooed. Your second orgasm washed over you in a wave, your thighs trembling. Toby went to dive back in between your folds, your hand stopping him. "If you keep making me cum on your face, you won't be able to fuck me," You giggle nervously.

It clicked in Toby’s mind what you were trying to say, the brunette finally emerging from between your thighs. He tossed his shirt over his head, varieties of scars covering his chest. Your fingertips slowly tracing them. You wanted to ask, Toby knew that. He also knew you wouldn’t. “I’m just c-c-clumsy,” He said, before leaning forward. He placed his lips back against yours, groaning into your mouth as you began to fiddle with his belt. With his help he took off his pants and boxers as well, tossing them onto the floor. He pumped his shaft a few times, before rubbing his tip up and down your drenched folds. You whimpered as his cock brushed against your swollen clit.

Slowly Toby guided himself to your entrance, pushing himself inside of you. He leaned forward, his hand finding yours. You laced your fingers with his, sinful noises escaping your lips as he slid inside of you. Toby was practically vibrating with desire, his body shaking as he bottomed out inside of you. With your spare hand you cupped his face. “You alright?” You whispered. Toby met your gaze, squeezing your hands. “Feels so good,” He whimpered. You gave him a small smile, the brunette beginning to move. Your noises were only more encouragement, Toby’s hips beginning to pick up the pace. His cock began to hit your g spot just right, the brunette growing more confident as you made more lewd noises.

“Y-you’re fucking milking m-me,” Toby whimpered, fucking into you harder. You squeezed his hand as he rammed into you, nuzzling his face into your neck. He sloppily sucked at your skin, trying to litter you in as many marks as possible. You couldn’t stop the noises that came out of your mouth, Toby’s cock abusing your g spot. “T-Toby!” You whined, your thighs beginning to shake. You could feel your final orgasm coming, Toby’s hips merciless. For a virgin he was fucking you so roughly you could hardly believe he was one. You bit your bottom lip as nibbled at your neck.

Toby was a stammering stuttering mess, his groans incoherent babbles of how good you felt. You squeezed his hand as you came for the third time, your thighs trembling at the feeling of your release. You were on cloud nine, your body in a state of euphoria as Toby came inside of you. Once he had come down from a little bit of his high, his eyes widened in fear. “Holy f-f-fuck i’m so sorry I did not mean to cum-” He rambled so quickly you barely understood him. He met your fucked out gaze, a cock drunken smile crossing your lips.

“You’re fine, just buy me a plan b, okay?”

Toby would buy you all of the plan b’s in the world just to cum in you over and over again.

—> next chapter

[muffinsin]

okok, new asker.. requester?? Idk. Just, Im new to this thing. 😵‍💫

Have you done dimitrescu sistas dating someone whos genuinly like, a rabid dog, who constantly needs to bite, and/or claw their things, for just the admirable purpose of -- no purpose?? Like.. for example, when stimming, or focusing, or just when spacing out, you can always find them, like, chewing on a piece of wood?? Or something?? or, like, finding them with their nails subconciously gripping, like, a couch cushion, out of restlesness (whilst reading, or, watching something, that requires them to sit still) SO. TIGHT. that they ripped it through the middle?

I beg, i plead, and i blead (aha, get it?? Vampire stuff? Beg+plead=.. yeah, okay, i'll see myself out)

uhhhhhhh hope this was .. clear.. enough.. ahahahahhahasn.... giggles

-🐾🧃, aka jungle-juice anon 👽 geehee!!!!

p.s, i wuv ur work, keep being you, ur the best!!!!! Dont overwork urself tho.... because.. thats bad 😉😉😉😉😉😉😉 i know, maximum rizz. Im too charming. ANYWAYS!!!!!!! Hope ur doing well, take breaks, drink, eat, sleep, go to.. uhh.. school?? Idk if ur in school. Goodluck, much love 🫂🫂 piece!!! (Not peace, i require violence)

Hi :)! Welcome, then :)🙌 This is a Hella intriguing request, I couldn’t help but jump into it when I should’ve probably finished another wip! XP I’m glad you like my work, hon, it means a lot :) This is a good reminder for all to eat & drink!🙌 I’m not in school anymore :)

Let’s get into it!

Masterlists

Bela

While at first, you seemed like any other staff member or villager, Bela is quickly taught better

She notices your tendencies fast, and at first, isn’t too sure what to make of them

She isn’t sure why she defends you either, claiming it was her that accidentally ripped the pillows when Mother demands an explanation

Following up on why she acts this strangely, Bela decides to get to know you, more and more

In little time she finds herself falling for you, for your honest, unconcealed ways

She finds your more feral tendencies somewhat adorable, though at times scolds you like she has done countless times in the past when her then equally feral sisters broke something

Being allowed to stay in her room after a good while of dating, you couldn’t be happier

You’re with the woman you love, in a warm room and a spacious one

Despite this, Bela often has you sleep in a separate bed

Not that she doesn’t usually curl up with you

She just finds early on that you kick all from the bed in your sleep, pillows and blankets, even tear at the sheets- and her, if she happens to sleep next to you

And while you feel awful for the marks you leave on her in your sleep, it does get you curious like nothing else

You feel the need to bite, to mark, to cut and tear with your nails like an animal might

Multiple times, you’ve wondered whether you’re similar to the Lycans outside, even

Bela, though, she makes the thought of these things even sweeter

At times, when you zone out biting at a piece of bark or a sturdy stick she’s found you, your thoughts just…wander

You then can’t help but wonder how it would be to bite into her skin

She does insist, your blood tastes incredible, and there isn’t a day your flesh isn’t marked by her

But Bela?

Her beautiful, porcelain-like skin, soft and cold..

Often, you imagine what it’s like to chew on her neck or arm, just a quick taste if that’s all she grants you

At other times, you can’t help but accidentally nip her with your nails

Usually this is when you’ve pulled her in your lap, often having her there when you’re reading or so

She always agrees eagerly to this, knowing it means no more pillows will be torn open

Instead, your nails dig into her, bringing forth sharp gasps and low, soft groans every once in a while

You aren’t sure she’s truly against it, for she never scolds you and still is happy to sit on your lap

Perhaps, it’s her way of repaying you for being allowed to feed from your neck

Cassandra

Discovering you in the village, Cassandra is immediately keen on finding out more about you

Perhaps, that is because of how she found you…snarling as you tug and grunt, looking as though you’re playing tug of war with the lycan that stole your jacket

Of course, she easily snaps the creature in half, her pride blooming as you grin widely at her, your jacket clutched in your hands

She decides to take you with her, and while it wouldn’t quite have made a difference, you eagerly come with her

With Cassandra by your side, you soon learn to give into your subconscious thoughts and actions rather than fighting them

Cassandra, in a way, is feral at times as well

Due to that, she doesn’t quite care for the consequences of your actions

In time, as more blooms between the two of you

As such, she becomes more aware of your quirks, and you with here

Like when you curled up in bed with her

Her nails flexing every time you push your finger against her palm, her breathing even

Until, that is, you suddenly bite into her arm

Cassandra jumps, then raises an eyebrow when she meets your eyes

You don’t seem fazed, still playing with her palm, as though the biting didn’t faze you in the slightest

She shrugs, only. She doesn’t mind. In fact, it’s somewhat nice to feel your lips and teeth against her

As she notices this behaviour continue quite often, your sleeping and cuddle positions often change

You’re often with your head at her neck, biting contentedly as you read

Behind your back, she often sharpens her weapon

Both of you, content to be together, in indulging in whatever feral habits you have

When you scratch up her pillow in your sleep, Cassandra simply replaces them. They’re nothing of worth to her

Instead, she finds your urge to claw at things inspiring

She decides to allow you to hold her clothing and shields when you read, silently giggling to herself

You’re ideal for testing their efficiency, really

By the end of the day, or whenever you finish what activity has you so captivated, she checks how deep you were able to scratch

If the item is of no use, she discards it

Often, that means you get to gnaw at it all you want

Daniela

As the two of you become closer and closer, multiple things happen

1), Daniela and you catch feelings, fast

She quickly becomes important to you, and equally you become incredibly important to her

You look forward to spending your time with her, as does she

Even when this means the two of you curling up and reading side by side in the library, the two of you treasure these oments

2), the two of you spend a lot of time together

As such, Daniela becomes increasingly aware of your characteristics and mannerisms, intentional or not

Being somewhat feral as well, Daniela at first doesn’t even notice a thing

Clawing up clothing and pillows, gnawing at pencils, wood and whatever is near you when you’re concentrating…

It all seems perfectly normal to her, really

Yes, maybe some are prime examples of things Bela and Mother would scold her for

Still, for a long time she pays no mind to what you’re doing

In fact, it takes quite a while and an annoyed remark from her eldest sister for her to realise what you’re doing isn’t quite appreciated by all

She notices you claw at her favorite pillows when the two of you read

Really, you can’t help clenching it so tight it rips

You can’t help your sharp nails, too, and don’t want Daniela to file them down a little

She only shrugs when you refuse that solution

She won’t press you, though occasionally helps you take care of your hands and nails

Instead, she makes sure you have “your” pillows, scratched up and sewn together again countless times

This way, you can tear them as often as you like, and neither Daniela, nor Alcina minds

She tends to your needs, going so far as to ask you at one point whether you’d like some blood…which promptly has her older sisters smack the back of her head

Feeding a human blood, really!

Instead, she likes feeding you as you read, her giggles keeping you happy as you tear at yet another pillow

[bird--egg]

I'm finally back into drawing warriors art. I've been brewing on an AU recently--moving two later series protagonist into the first series!

Past the read-more is some details of the AU :3

Squirrelflight and Leafpool are now two plucky kittypets named Pumpkin and Cranberry. The two were adopted together by a twoleg when it was discovered that they cried pitifully when separated.

Both began to wonder what was outside their fence after a strange series of dreams, and decided to go on an adventure together. Only, they were discovered by a Thunderclan apprentice named Greypaw--you can guess what happens from here.

There obviously has to be a few changes to make things work. Sandstorm and Fireheart are not their parents, with Fireheart sort of being booted from the narrative entirely. I also wanted to keep them Squirrelpaw and Leafpaw, but I tried to consider Bluestars priorities/naming conventions. I think she would have named them something to do with fire to fit the prophecy--maybe Sparkpaw and Flamepaw? Emberpaw? I'm not sure yet, I'd love some suggestions.

Squirrelpaw (name pending lol) is given to Tigerclaw to mentor, since she has a lot of energy and spunk and Bluestar thinks he can handle her. Which means he has two apprentices--the idea of Squirrelpaw becoming friends with Ravenpaw is super sweet to me.

Leafpaw is given to Spottedleaf after she seems especially interested in healing. I think Spottedleaf would get along with her really well, since she always seems so relaxed and Leafpaw is a bit more anxious.

Anyway! thats the AU. I don't know if anyone wants to see more of this but I'd probably like to make more :)

[im-so-normal-iswear]

hello! This is my first time doing this request and seeing you're open for a yandere sonic prompts I was wondering if you could do Amy rose? I'll give you creative liberties but something to do with obsession stuff take care and happy new year!

A/n: happy late new year!

Yandere!Amy rose x reader

The first time Amy Rose saw you, her world changed. She’d always been driven by passion, whether it was for adventure, for Sonic, or for her dreams of a perfect romance. But when she saw you that day, standing in the sunlight and obliviously focused on something mundane, she realized she’d been wrong all along.

Sonic wasn’t her destiny, you were.

From that moment on, her focus shifted entirely. At first, she convinced herself it was nothing but a fleeting crush. After all, she’d fallen for others before. But the more she watched you, every interaction, every smile, every step you took, the more she realized how far she was falling. You weren’t just a fleeting interest. You were hers.

Amy wasn’t shy about her feelings. She left little notes in places she knew you’d find them: tucked inside your bag, slipped under your door, or hidden in your belongings.

"You're amazing. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise."

"I hope your day is as beautiful as your smile."

"I’m watching over you. Always."

You assumed they were harmless, maybe even sweet, but you couldn’t shake the sense that some were a little too personal. You knew any, she had always been so loving, so you just pushed her behavior as normal.

Amy’s obsession only grew.

She kept a diary of everything she learned about you. Your favorite foods, the way you smiled, the things you muttered under your breath when you were stressed. Her room became a shrine to you, filled with photos, trinkets she’d stolen or "borrowed," and drawings she’d made of you together.

While you trued to brush off the concerns, her other friends became worried. Sonic, especially, grew concerned.

"Amy, you’ve been acting... different," he said one day, trying to approach the subject gently. "Is everything okay?"

Amy’s cheerful smile didn’t waver. "Of course, Sonic! I’m just... focused on something important."

He didn’t press her further, but the worry lingered.

Amy’s love wasn’t harmless, though she convinced herself it was. She believed her actions were justified, that they were all part of ensuring your happiness.

When she overheard someone flirting with you, her blood boiled. How dare they? Didn’t they know you were hers? She immediately ran up to you clinging onto your arm mid conversation.

"Y/n! Ive found you! I was looking all over for you," she poke cheerfully, nuzzling into you as you wobbled awkwardly.

After you excuses yourself her face became serious as she turned over to the one that was talking to you, her voice was sickly sweet "So I noticed you were talking to my y/n. If you wouldn't mind. Stay away.”

If they didn’t take her seriously, they learned quickly. Amy wasn’t afraid to wield her hammer when necessary. She’d do anything to protect you from "threats."

From that day forward, Amy made herself a constant presence in your life. She found excuses to run into you, to help you with errands, to invite you to events. She was charming, persistent, and impossibly hard to say no to.

But the more time you spent with her, the more unsettling her behavior became.

She seemed to know things she shouldn’t, details about your schedule, your habits, even your private thoughts. When you asked her how she knew, she’d giggle and wave it off.

"I just have a knack for these things," she’d say. "Thats just what friends are for!"

...

One night, you woke to the feeling of being watched.

Your room was dark, but you could swear there was someone there. You turned on the light, heart pounding, but saw nothing out of place.

Unbeknownst to you, Amy was outside, crouched beneath your window, her heart racing with excitement. She couldn’t stay away. Watching you sleep brought her a strange sense of peace, as if she were protecting you from the world.

When you tried to distance yourself, Amy panicked.

“l"Did I do something wrong?" she asked, tears welling in her eyes.

"No, it’s just… I need some space," you said, trying to be gentle.

Her smile faltered, but she nodded. "Of course. I understand."

She didn’t, though. The thought of losing you was unbearable. She spent the night crying in her room, clutching a photo of you and vowing to fix things.

Amy’s breaking point came when she saw you with someone else.

It didn’t matter that they were just a friend. In her mind, they were stealing you from her. She couldn’t let that happen.

The next day, your friend didn’t show up. You tried calling them, but there was no answer. Amy appeared soon after, her smile as bright as ever.

"Looking for someone?" she asked innocently.

You frowned. "Yeah, have you seen them?"

Amy tilted her head. "Nope! But don’t worry. You have me."

Her words sent a chill down your spine.

Amy’s obsession reached its peak when she decided she needed to keep you safe. The world was too unforgiving, filled with people who didn’t understand whatvtye two of you had. She’d make sure nothing could ever come between you again.

One night, as you were walking home, Amy appeared with her hammer in hand.

"Don���t be scared," she said, her voice soft but her eyes wild. "I’m doing this for us."

Before you could react, everything went dark.

When you woke, you were in a small, cozy room. The walls were painted pink, and the air smelled faintly of roses. Amy sat beside you, her smile radiant.

"You’re finally awake!" she said, clasping your hand. "I was so worried about you."

You tried to sit up, but your head spun. "Where am I?"

"With me," she said simply. "Where you belong."

As the days turned into weeks, Amy’s behavior grew more erratic. She was kind and doting one moment, possessive and controlling the next. She brought you food, gifts, and endless declarations of love, but she refused to let you leave.

"I’m protecting you," she insisted. "No one else understands you like I do."

You tried reasoning with her, but it was no use. Amy’s love was as unyielding as it was suffocating. She believed with every fiber of her being that you were meant to be together, no matter what.

[aphroditesmoon]

fall with me

jacaerys velaryon x fem!reader

summary: when an earthquake hits the city of King's Landing, causing a giant flood, you end up trapped with your ex in a mountain cabin.

warnings: modern!au, post-apocalyptic fic, inspired by the show 'Class of 07', NSFW, smut. (minors dni!!), makeouts, mentions of ED & sex & suicide, death.

A/N: had this idea for a while now lol.

♠︎♤♠︎

"You know what I call situations like these?" For someone who had almost died, pressing over 170 on his car to reach here, he sure sounded positive. "Do not say fate-"

"Fate." He had that stupid shit eating grin you can't tell if you wanted to punch or kiss off of his face. "I wished I'd never opened the door." You concluded.

Jacaerys lets out a tired sigh as he finally stops trying too see through the fog outside the window. He moves to sit crossed legged opposite of you, back againts the wall. "Someone's gonna find us. I can feel it."

You scrunched your face and looked at him with pity. "You thought you felt me orgasm the first time we-" he cuts you off with a groan and starts shushing you immediately. "This is like the worst time to remind me, I almost died out there." You snorted as he buries hus face on his knees. A minute passes and you finally decided to speak again. "Did you get an amber alert, or something? Before shit started cracking?" He shook his head, lifting it up to finally meet your eyes. "Me neither."

You wondered if he saw anything other than fog out there. The last thing you saw when you let him in was the grounds behind him cracking into pieces, bursting as water starts filling in. You don't want to look again. It has been 5 hours since then. The two of you had checked out every single item you could find in this cramped cabin and decided to do intermittent fasting so the food stock would last longer.

The way he looked at you as it was discussed made it obvious that the both of you had the same question. Does this count as encouragement for eating disorders if the world is ending?

But you pushed through for the idea, so he agrees.

"Do you think our families are okay?" He asks, barely a whisper in the quiet space. You stared down at your hands and let out an awkward laugh. "Is it bad that I haven't thought of them at all since this shit started?" He shakes his head with a small smile. "I just remembered them too actually." You hummed. "Times like these, selfishness prevails." He nods in agreement.

You notice how he opens his mouth sightly before closing it back and turning his head around, pretending to inspect it. "What?" He acts confused. "You were gonna say something just now, what was it?"

He stutters as he's confronted, trying to convince you it's nothing. "Just spit it out Jace, we're like, a thunder away into dying."

"No, I- its a stupid, stupid curiosity, I mean, when you said before, that you didn't orgasm when-" "Yes, Jace, you have made me orgasm before. That one time didn't count." "Oh." He lets out an awkward laugh, nodding in understanding as he moves to change the subject.

"Thats good-um, you know I heard a few weeks back that your cat just died?"

You stared at him in disbelief, not knowing if you wanted to laugh or cry. He was never good at hiding his embarrassment. "Yeah, he did." The strangeness stretches. "Sorry about that, I liked him."

"Yeah, he liked you too."

"I remember..." he begins. "The first time I came over, he was so scared that his tail spiked up." You laughed out weakly at the memory. Although, your smile was genuine. You missed your cat. And you missed those times where your biggest fear wasn't dying.

"Do you think any of them made it out there?" His eyes filled with so much hope and light, and you wondered how long you could hold on to them until eventually, he'd break too. "I don't know." He answers finally. Of course he didn't. "I wouldn't mind dying if they are." Neither of you teared off your gazes from eachother. "I'll stay alive if you do." You laugh at the way he says it. "Is that a threat?" He smiles. "It's a promise."

You felt your smile fade away slowly. The world is ending, you don't need to fake a smile to make other people less uncomfortable anymore.

"If you die on me, do you think I'll have any spark of hope left in me to go on?" He wasn't smiling either now. "I won't die." You assure him. He remains tense, the new fear of you dying begins to haunt him. "Maybe we could just sleep for a very long time, and it'll all be well when we wake up." You dreamt aloud, earning a raised brow from him. "Oh I wish so too."

"Do you want to hold my handas?" He asks suddenly.

If it was during anytime else, you'd tease him of it, you'd tell him; if you wanted to touch me, just say that. And you'd hold it before he could say anything else. If the world is ending you'd know the right things to say to him, the right response to his assurance and comfort.

But the world is ending, so you said what you wanted to, all the things you wished you've said before and never did. "If you wanted to touch me, just say so." He chuckles sincerely, showcasing his perfect teeth. "If I say yes, will you finally come sit closer to me." You tilt your head towards the ceiling, pretending to think. "So stubborn, up until the end." He mutters.in an annoyed tone.

"You come here, I'm not moving." You decided, making him roll his eyes but complied to your demands anyways

You give a good look at his face once he's next to you. "Better?" He whispers. "Better." You nod. Turning your head back to your front, you let your eyes shut close as your head leans into his shoulder. Seconds after, you feel him leaning into you too. It took less than an hour for the both of you to fall deep into a tiring dreamless sleep.

♤♠︎♤

"What if we just started having sex until we both get cardiac arrest and die." Jace looks bewildered by your suicide ideas but laughs as easily as he usually does, a part of him always remaining unfazed by your mind. "Creative. I'll keep it in consideration."

He had woken from your 6 hour nap first and took the initiative to carry you towards the stiff queen bed further right from the kitchen. When you finally woke up, your head was againts his chest as his arms were wrapped around you like it was always meant to be there. You decided you were comfortable, and he had no complains. So the two of you defied the rules of exes and continued to stay like that.

He allows you to come up with as much suicide plans for emergencies as you wanted to. Not too realistic though, he warned. Im sensitive. You laughed when he sniffled. I know you are, baby. You were comfortable wasting the hours like this, but Jacaerys insisted on some food. You watched as he boiled up sone water and prepared the two of you some instant noodles and boiled eggs. "I can't believe there's still water." You think out loud. He pulls out a bowl for your noodles. "Me neither, this could be the last of it though, so we'll need to save it."

"No showers then?" He finishes up the noodles and carries yours to eat in bed. You thank hin as he places the warm bowl in your hands. "We take turns every 2 days, unless you want to showee together." You almost spit out your noodles, coughing slightly, you lightly shove him, ignoring his free and joyfilled laugh towards your reaction. "Athhowl." You mutter incoherently while slurping your noodles, ignoring him when he leaned in to kiss your cheek.

Insufferable. And yet you were grateful, that out of everyone, it was him that you were stuck with.

Evening came again, faster than you thought. Has it really been two days?

Jace is cutting up the last singular apple for the two of you to share. You're laying on your side, back towards him. The whole situation was finally making you feel disgusting and terrified. It's been two days and there was no one coming. You knew that because you opened the door that morningz and you slammed it close againbwhen you saw how the water has reached the last step of staircase leading onto the cabin. And how fron there, the rest of the world turned into an ocean. Not a singular city let alone person, seen. Just water.

You were singing quietly when he calls out your name. "And I will pretend..."

You heard him, but said nothing in return. "...That I don't know, of your sins." He calls out again, gentle but louder as he sits by the bedside. "Come on, let's eat." His voice was pleading. You make yourself turn towards him, for his own sake. And you let him feed slices of apples in your mouth whole your eyes remain closed.

And then you felt him press a cold kiss on iour forehead when he's finished. "Jacaerys." You call him out when you feel him walk away to put away the dishes.

He came back soon enough, squeezing himself into the bed. "Jacaerys." You repeated. He looks down at you, a trying smile accompanying him. "Yes?"

"I'm glad its you. I'm glad you're here." His forehead leaned againts yours and you feel his body relaxes. "I'm glad it's you too." When he kisses you. It wasn't shocking, or unexpected. It was waited for, It felt like completion.

His soft lips has begun to push harder againts yours, Jacaerys now sitting on top of your laying self. Letting him enter his tongue inside your mouth, your hands wrap themselves around his neck, gasping quietly as he sucks on your bottom lip. Jace. You whined as he moves his attack down your neck. Who is he marking you for? You wonder, as he bites the flesh tenderly and stroking over it with his tongue. His fingers were quick to unbotton your top, like he's had your body and accessories memorised.

The sight of your bare breasts instead of bra sent shoots of arousal straight to his cock. He groaned at your perk nipples before wrapping his lips around them. Your leg rises to wrap around his waist, groaning at the sensation of his touch.

You could've cried when you felt him grind againts your soaking cunt, pushing your hips back againts him, the barrier of his jeans and your panties in the way. "Take of your pants." You gasped out as he starts giving your other breast the same attention whole groping and squeezing the other.

His hands were quick at your permission, the sounds of his jeans falling to the floor, giving you relief and sanity as you rid yourself of your own underwear.

You groaned loudly once he pushed himself inside of you, feeling the fullness as he pulls out slightly to push back in, making you whine out his name again. Your hands are clenching the sheets beside your head as you let him fuck you deep. He rests his head in the crook of your neck, grunting in your ear when you tighten around him, your tight cunt suffocating his hardness, feeling yourself getting closer.

He came right after you, your cum mixing with eachother's and leaking down your thighs.

He slumps by your side, pulling you againts his chest as the two of you got off your high. Wiping on your sightly sweaty hair, he combs his fingees through them as the both of you relish eachother's company for as long as you could. He wishes that night as he watches you fall back asleep, that if the world would to kill one of you, let it take the other one too.

[tenaciouschronicler]

December 28 2024 2009

We all need to take a second to admire the sheer beauty of Prospit and Skaia because WOW.

If i thought the blues and golds were stunning before these frames blow that out of the water. And the clouds! My god the clouds. As we see Prospit turn its moon lines up in the eclipse and the clouds reveal scenes we have witnessed or may witness, sometimes changing shapes but mostly acting as a portal. Earth and SBURB are much more intermingled than we could have anticipated.

One of the clouds showed the meteor from the past that formed Jades island. As the meteor passed it left the cloud vision and became a cloud itself, which begs the question how thats possible and if it can somehow do the reverse but thats neither here nor there. What is important is that this is the meteor that Jade heard, only it didnt land on Earth but a strange present-past double of Earth on Prospit.

Im super happy I was able to get a screencap of the superimposition of the Earth and Prospit Earth impact site. Its not the best but it really highlights how much intermingling occurs during an Eclipse and how Jade is able to get her future visions. Speaking of, @homestuckreplay does a great job going more in depth about that here (always appreciate you friend, that kinda theorizing isnt really my wheelhouse <3). We get to learn that this is the crash sound from Jades pesterlog, one of potentially several that she has while awake on Prospit.

From the meteor, Bec emerges out of the lava as well as a small glowing white spirograph that is at the site of the frog stature back on Earth. Theres another shot of Dream and Robo Jade heading to the site to investigate only to be blocked by Bec in both cases. I wonder if because Bec is a Skaian creation if his movements are outside of time in such a way as to be in both places at once (similar to Jade but just one body) or if he is connected to each version of himself and they move as one when necessary (exactly like Dream and Robo Jade are to Jade).

With that option foiled, Jade heads back to her room but notices that John has left his room. We dont see when exactly it happened, but sometime when Jade was exploring the crash site John left the bed and now floats in the sky outside of his bedroom (which looks so cool and just adds on to the mirror imagery we are getting right now). John is starting to wake up. We get flashes of his cloud visions (shapes only) from when he took a nap while Jades silhouette flashes between the black standard pose and her current floating dream self.

Unfortunately he is woken up (his real self that is) due to interference. Looking back at that sequence two things stand out, beside the trippy light show that is. The first is the ever present spirograph and the second is a pumpkin. The spirograph leads me to believe Skaianet had some hand in allowing the interrupution. Thinking on it, its strange that Skaia and Skaianet are named as such. Im sarting to be real skeptical on the purpose of Skaia as a whole. If they are one and the same why is it letting all of this happen? And is it really a good idea to be protecting it when we dont know its intentions?

The pumpkin, as far was we can tell at this point, has to be related to the Wandering Vagabond. The pumpkin in that sequence is not one that we have seen yet. It really seems that the theory of outside hacker forces is becoming more and more likely but in such an odd way. I genuinely dont think WV caused this out of malice, but I dont understand why it was allowed to happen. Again, Skaia or SBURB or Whatever is very confusing in its goals. Ugh, I might have to put my current little essay project on the back burner to try and parse each piece of this dubious entity.

Finally, we see John awake once more but at the same time whatever happened to keep his dream self from waking up also woke Earth Jade up. Another mirror, but this time between John and Jade. Im taking this to mean theres probably more similarities between them than we previously thought or its another way to highlight the simultaneous nature in which that interruption occurred.

All I know is the next compare/contast essay I make is gonna be WAY more convoluted than I thought.

[sircantus]

LIFE IS STRANGE AU??

Can we get to know more about it, sir Cantus🙏

I can offer a snippet!! Its a crimeboys au, mostly from phils Pov according to my plot points, the basic summary is that Tommy has telekinesis powers, he causes Problems when running away from his foster home with Wilbur, him and Wil go on the run, and then they get picked up by Techno, who is not Exactly a man of the law but takes decent care of them. things at some point go sideways and Wilbur gets separated and put into a hospital for Injuries, and Phil is the person who has to try and gain his trust to figure out what the fuck has been going on (until bedrock bros to come and break him out haha)

Its mostly based off the second game of Life is Strange, bc i rly love the brothers story and i also really like that aspect of an outsider pov trying to understand whats going on (and trying to believe it)

—

Summary:

Phil leans forward, pen now discarded beside Wilbur’s lap. He’s been looking at Wil this entire time, really, but now it feels a little heavier. A bit too much to bear.

“I would like you to be honest with me.” The man says, voice soft. “If you want to be.”

Wilbur presses his lips tightly shut, thinking of Tommy’s smiling face, the leaves floating up around his hair, the sun in their eyes.

“I’d be willing to listen.”

(Or, Phil has heard plenty of stories from mistreated kids. It’s his job to open them up and help. This story is… maybe out of his skill set.)

(Or, or, life is strange AU. Wilbur is just trying to protect his little brother from everything he can, in any way he can. Phil just wants to try and protect him.)

—

And here is a snippet of the first few paragraphs!

—

Wilbur Soot. Sixteen. Brother of Tommy Soot, ten years old, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

Both brothers are suspected to have had involvement in multiple instances of property damage across four different towns. Wilbur Soot is suspected to have had involvement in the mysterious, fiery death of their previous foster parent, Dream Taken, who was found dead at the scene at their previous residence.

For the past four months, legal enforcement has had trouble catching them as they run up and down the state. There have recently been scattered reports of an adult man now traveling with them; caucasian, pink dyed hair, tattoos on his right arm. No one has been able to pinpoint who that particular stranger is, though.

No one has been able to figure out where he took Tommy after the peculiar explosion that occurred in the quiet, forest town of l’manburg.

Wilbur is apparently outright refusing to talk. Phil doesn’t blame him.

The hospital setting isn’t something that provides comfort, to be honest, and with all the doctors and nurses prodding at Wil with a wariness like he’ll bite if they step too close. It's a wonder the kid hasn’t done much other than scowl for the past three days. Phil does his best to never set up expectations in his head before he sees his patients-- kids can always be so much different than you’d assume, after all-- but Wilbur’s file in his hands tells a story.

Suspected murder. Involvement in multiple explosions, multiple fires, multiple buildings crashing down into dust. Wherever this kid went with his little brother, destruction followed on his heels. On the day they were finally able to bring him in, pulling him from the rubble, he came kicking and screaming, even with his broken ribs and internal bleeding. Rumor around the halls says he gave one of the doctors a black eye when he woke up from the first surgery. The handcuff on his wrist to keep him confined to his hospital bed has stayed there ever since.

By all accounts, Wil is a dangerous, violent criminal, one who isn’t partial to conversation. Phil should probably expect an instant failure the second he walks into this room.

A failure isn’t what he sees when he comes through the door, though.

He sees a scared kid.

—

Aaand thats all im gonna give bc im self conscious about the rest of that story haha!! But yeah its meant to be long bonding arc with Phil and Wilbur in the hospital environment, with Phil kinda having this pressure behind him to get an Answer and Wilbur refusing to Speak bc how could he believe him? Would he even? Tommy has superpowers, thats not even something that would be safe for others to know.

Eventually Wilbur does tell him the whole story, hoping Phil will believe it and Phil…doesnt, but he doesn’t show that. He thinks Wil is a bit traumatized actually but then Tommy and Techno come back to yoink Wilbur and Phil sees he was telling the truth and ends up going with them bc he wants to help, he really does

Also the title is pretty plain, life is strange au haha yup

[rahhhrahhrahhh]

Okay, I don't know if it will spark or not your creativity but if not don't worry, I got PLENTY of inspiration, first of all I'm an idia stan so you can expect a lot of idia and platonic ortho with me x)

So could I please ask for idia with a gn or fem s/o, whatever you wish, and his s/o never understood why blot is considered dangerous as they/she was raised by a blot entity that took a liking to them/her (and of course the blot had some brain left) and plot twist being so exposed to blot made them/her a chimeria half human half blot ! (Ortho is shown to be able to sense blot so maybe ortho was curious why they/she had such an high level of constant blot without overblotting) bonus point if /!\ chapter 6 and 7 spoiler /!\ idia bring her to styx and somehow get found out by his parents and have to explain why does he date a chimeria half blot, and how they/she are so polite

Maybe I ranted a bit too much or went too specific so feel free to cut off some parts x)

im going to name you blue blorbo or idia anon from now on

[ Went completely off chart so I'm so sorry if this isn't what you wanted!]

Tw: none that I can think of, just fluff!

Blot-chimera!reader x Idia shroud

✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ┄•͙

You met Idia when you were fairly young, outside of his family's estate. You were playing in the forest nearby and he heard your cheerful laughter. Leaving his stuffed toys on the front lawn and out the gates, he ventured through the trees. Ortho was inside taking a nap so he was on his own, with only the sunlight guiding him.

But then

He saw you.

you looked so sweet, dancing around a small clearing in the woods. He didn't notice the blot monster lurking nearby, focusing only on you and how your laughter rung in his ears.

You heard a twig snap and gasped, finally noticing the blue haired boy. You looked at him curiously, not very spooked as to see he was a child, like you! You smiled and waved, walking over to him.

He took a step back, and you a step forward. Back, forward, back, forward, back until you had his back against a tree. You leaned in closely to admire him, his breath hitched.

"hi! My name's (name)! What's yours?"

You said, taking his hand in yours and shaking it. It took him a moment to process what was going on.

"uhm.. idia.." he replied quietly. You giggled and led him back to the small clearing "nice too meet you Idia! Would you like to play with me?"

"..sure.."

And thats were your friendship started

He'd often come over for play dates and the like, back before Ortho had the incident. His parents often wondering where he was going but didn't stop him. knowing the forest was safe and it was nearby, plus they had the tracking chip and his cellphone Incase he needed them.

But he did eventually Introduce you to his family, and boy were his parents surprised. They were wary of you at first but slowly warmed up, seeing you had no Ill intent but you did seem different from most kids.. you seemed sweet although, where were your parents?

Ortho loved you right away! He'd follow you and Idia everywhere! Playing, laughing, and laying on the grass admiring the stars.

You were there for him through everything, comforting him, giving him advice and listened to his woes.

You were his saviour, his safe space, never questioning why your blood was darker than most, unnaturally so. Your skin seeming sickly in a way. Or that strange feeling of dread he'd get when you came too close.

Eventually, he had to leave for nrc. You were upset ofcourse but you wanted him to be successful, promising him you'd be here when he came back.

And through those 4 years, you'd wait for him. The first to greet him when he'd come back from Winter break or summer vacation. The first to take him into your arms and tell him how much you missed him. The first person he'd rant to about the year.

But now he knew why he always felt strange when you'd get too close. Why you seemed different.. no, are different... He'd seen it in his fellow schoolmates.

You weren't fully human.. were you, sweetheart?

When he confronted you, you didn't know how to respond. Knowing you couldn't hide it forever but at the same time afraid of losing the one you held close. blurting it all out through tears, he finally pieced everything together. Getting the closure he needed after all these years

he held you close, shaky hands hesitantly petting your head. Now you were the one needing to be comforted. Telling him about how your parents dissapeared one night and were left all alone in your cabin in the woods, until a blot monster found you. Taking you in and raising you as its own, having been exposed to it for so many years it wasn't a surprise that it tainted your human genetics.

You cried about how you never went to a school, or a doctor, never having been let far from the forest. He nodded and squeezes you softly, calming down a bit as the only noises leaving your lips now we're hiccups and sniffling.

You were something completely different from him. A new interspecies that should be examined, something incredibly rare. But he didn't have the heart to do that to you. You were far too special, you needed to be protected.

"I promise.. to keep you s-safe and warm.. for the rest of our lives.. I've loved you for so long, (name)-chan.. I want to be with you.. s-so please accept my love..?"

His voice surprised you, looking up at him with wife curious eyes.

He said it so unsurely, you couldn't help but smile and nod your head. Burying your face into his chest, while he finally noticed the blot creature watching you both. It nodded it's head in approval and dissapeared into the dark. The dread was gone, Being replaced with happiness and relief. He picked you up and hurriedly took you into his family's mansion. Laughing loudly.

He was glad he was brave the day he met you, wandering away from his comfort zone. Otherwise, he doubted he'd have someone so perfect in his arms

[NOT PROOFREAD AND IS UNEDITED. I WILL REVIEW LATER!]

Tags: @twistedtavern

[nuggetneoura]

Back In Time Pt.1

~Summary~

wc- 1,980

While the Best Friends were on a family trip to Graceland some strange feelings were in the air. The beginning of 2024 has been weird..or is it 1969? read to see how the pair ended up there.

~Character List~

----Rachel-maggies best friend -sometimes sings with Maggie -journalist-runs a daily blog about her life and she has a good amount of followers but is not famous(YET)

----Maggie-Rachels best friend -closest with Alex (sibling wise)-plays a shit ton of instruments-sings and writes music and lyrics-Alex publishes her music through his label-she and Alex has a couple of songs together but they usually don't make songs together because of the genre difference. He gets her to do the singing he needs on his songs. Also is not famous (YET)

----Alex-up-and-coming producer-started L&WR (Light & Wonder Records) and it started slow but is starting to pick up-very spiritual-really is the chicken from Surfs up-rapper

-TB(27), Caitlin(26), Alex(23),and Maggie (22) are all siblings.

-Jillian (22), and Rachel (20) are siblings. jillian married Tebie so that's basically how Maggie and Rachel met.

----Constancio and Tara (Maggie and her siblings parents)

----Luca is tb and Jillian's baby

----Elvis(32) (the Austin Butler Elvis ofc)

----Vernon Presley (Elvis's dad)

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

~setting~ Date is 1-11-2024. The family took a trip to Memphis Tennessee. It's a cool cloudy day.

(not that it matters but Alex Maggie and Rachel in one car. Jill TB and Lucas in another. Cat in her own. Parents in their own)

and Rn they are on the way to tour Graceland.

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

“Did you know today is a spiritual day?” Alex asked focusing on the road. Alex does not mind driving in silence but, he knows others hate it. Maggie, who was looking out the passenger window..smiled turning her attention to her older brother. “Really? What makes it spiritual?” “1-11-2024..add it all together and it equalssss..” Maggie started counting in her head “11” Rachel answered from the back seat “Which meansssss…” “High spiritual day” Maggie answered. Alex smiled and nodded while still focusing on the road. “And we are going to a dead man's house” Rachel sarcastically stated. “We better watch out or we might run into Mr. Elvis himself” Alex replied. Maggie gasped “Do you think he will look like younger him or older him??” Alex scrunched his face shooting Maggie a look before laughing a bit. “Hopefully younger” Rachel said. “He's dead. Does it matter what he looks like??” “Yea” Maggie and Rachel replied in unison. Alex laughed and looked at the GPS he had on his phone. “We will be there in three minutes” “Do you think it's bad to call dibs on a ghost?” Maggie asked. “Mag-” “DIBS!” Rachel yelled cutting Alex off. Maggie whipped around “THATS NOT FAIR!” “Dibs is dibs Maggie” Rachel laughed. “You don't even really like him!” “Yes I do” “No, you don't!” “Ye-” “Rachel! If we see him, it won't be the young Vegas street actors PLAYING as Elvis! This is ELVIS Elvis” “Does not matter. Dibs is dibssssss” “When we get out of this car Rachel your ass is grassss” “No one is putting anyone's ass..on this dead man's grass” Alex said pulling into the parking lot. He parked as Maggie and Rachel continued to play argue.

.

Soon the trio got out of the car and met the rest of their family at the front of Graceland. Everyone took their time admiring the outside of the house. Eventually, everyone split into their subconscious groups as they all slowly inched towards the front porch where the ticket lady was. “Why is the grass so green?” Maggie questioned squinting her eyes. "It might be painted or it's fake grass” Alex responded as he stood beside Maggie. He admired her attention to detail. He's always been the ‘see the big picture’ type of guy…while Maggie had always been the ‘but look at the details of it type of person. Rachel however could do both , but she sometimes struggled to see the details of things. She rather not waste her time when there is bigger things to worry about….but that's why the trio worked so well. They were all the same person , but so different at the same time. “Rachel if I did put your ass on this man's grass you would have a green ass” Maggie said turning her head to look at Rachel who was behind her. “Maggie” Alex said quietly face palming. Rachel smiled at her best friend “or bad butt burns” “Guys come on!” they heard Caitlin yell at them. They all turned their attention and realized the family was talking to the ticket lady. The trio walked over to the family.

“2 adults 1 baby” TB said to the ticket lady. “Wait! can I cash app you and you just pay for mine?” Maggie asked and her oldest sibling nodded at her. “Mijo just pay for everyone and we will all just pay you after.” their dad said to which the oldest nodded again. Maggie let out a loud breath while dramatically putting a hand on her heart. “We gotta make sure we pay him back 'cause…we all are just… 20-something-year-old teens struggling” she said. The group laughed as Jill turned “You guys are the struggling ones” she laughed looking at the trio. “That would've taken half of the money in my bank account” Alex said. “That would've taken most of mine” Rachel added which led to Maggie letting out a dramatic ‘uuuuhh’. “ what do you mean?! That would have left me in the negatives!” Maggie fake cried. The oldest turned with tickets in his hand “I'll pay for you Mags, if it makes you feel better” he said sarcastically. “Why does she get special treatment?” Caitlin asked as TB handed everyone their tickets. No one could respond to her because the doors opened..which grabbed everyone's attention.

A shorter lady with blond hair stood in the doorway with a bright smile. “Hello everyone! My name is Britney and I will be your tour guide for today! Whenever you guys are ready just go ahead and step on in. We don't need the tickets. They are mostly to prove you paid if you have to step out or something like that. They are yours to keep” the tour guide said cheerfully. She had a thick southern accent that added to the cheerfulness.

As everyone stepped inside Maggie whispered to Rachel “This ticket is going into my memory box”. When the group was fully in…the guide closed the door and walked to the doorway of the living room. Maggie's stomach dropped seeing the staircase for some reason. She zoned out staring at it. As the group started getting led into the living room and then the music room by the talking guide…Maggie just stood and stared at even the little details of the staircase.

Rachel realized her best friend was still standing at the staircase and snuck back over to her. “Maggie. You're missing the music room” she said and followed Maggie's gaze to the staircase. She looked between her and the staircase a couple of times before nudging her softly. “Maggie. What's-” Rachel was cut off by her best friend grabbing her hand and walking slowly to the staircase. Maggie unhooked the rope that blocked the staircase and slowly led Rachel up the stairs with her. “Maggie we can't go up here. It's off limits” Rachel whispered but her best friend was not hearing her at all. Maggie was deep in that stomach-dropping feeling and was following it. As she followed…the feeling it got worse. “Maggie we cant-” “hush” Maggie said softly still pulling her best friend slowly up the stairs. As they got to the 2nd floor Rachel started feeling her stomach sinking too. They crept into the hall looking around. Rachel noticed a guard who hadn't noticed them yet. She pulled Maggie back a bit “What?” Maggie snapped getting frustrated with Rachel a bit. That got the guard's attention and his posture shot up “HEY! YOU GUYS CANT BE UP HERE!” he yelled speed walking to them. Maggie was set on following that gut feeling. She grabbed Rachel's hand and basically dragged her to run. They ran a little down the hall “GET BACK HERE!” the guard yelled. Maggie saw a door and flung it open running in while still holding Rachel's hand. Not focusing on what was in front of her she ran into something hard and fell to the ground taking Rachel with her.

“Damn” they heard a man hiss. Rachel was too focused on her own pain of falling but Maggie looked up noticing that the ‘something’ they had run into was a someONE. She looked at the man and noticed he looked like Elvis but ignored it. She just thought their adventure was over. “I'm sorry” Maggie said standing up. She definitely was in pain however the adrenaline of being caught was kicking in. “how’n the hell did you two get’n here?” the man said rubbing his arm “uhh well..we just… Well, we wanted..” “Better question. Who’n the hell are yall?” the man asked. Rachel stood up finally meeting Maggie by her side. “Well we got the tickets and someone felt the need to-” “tickets? What’n the hell are yall wear’n? Wait yall aint fans are yall? Did someone let yall in?” “I'm sorry….Is this a joke?” Maggie snickered “You look so much like him” Rachel said furrowing her eyebrows “Is what a joke? Like who?” “Elvis” Rachel replied The man smiled revealing his high cheekbones “I am Elvis” “Ick” Maggie scoffed “Excuse me?” the man asked looking genuinely confused Rachel stared at him and noticed he really REALLY looked like Elvis “Dibs” she muttered “Rachel this is not the time. Wait why hasn't that guy come in?” Maggie said turning back towards the door. maggie walked to the door and looked out it. she noticed some things had changed… She definitely noticed the LED lights were now that soft yellow lighting. “What guy? Someone brother’n you? My dad should be downstairs. He don't bite. Did he let you guys in? He could've let me know he was let'n in some fans. I would've got more dressed up” Maggie scoffed turning to look at him “Fans?” Rachel hit maggies arm “Wait…what day is it?” she asked the man “January 11th” “Year?” The man chuckled “1968” Maggie and Rachel shared a look. “Dude. I know delulu is the best selulu but this is a little too delulu” “Dude? The what now?” “It's January 11th…but it's 2024 brother” Maggie said matter-of-factly “what ‘n the hell are you talk’n about?” Maggie walked closer to the man rolling her eyes “It's 2024” “Did you hit your head a little too hard?” The man asked putting his hands on his hips

Rachel softly nudged Maggie “Our apologies sir. We were running from a man and just ran into this house. I don't think your dad saw us. We just really needed to get away from him” Rachel said pulling Maggie away and started walking out of the room “Ok..well just hold on a minute..” he said following the girls out “We really didn't know this was your house, sir.” Rachel said walking down the stairs quickly with Maggie following close behind. “Just wait” Elvis said catching up to the girls at the bottom of the staircase. “What is this?” a man's voice rang out. The girls stopped in their tracks and Elvis stopped behind them. “Elvis, are you sneaking fans in again? Your wife is pregnant.” the man asked walking out from the living room Maggie scoffed and turned to look at him “Again??” Elvis’s face turned slightly red and walked around the girls to stand in front of them “No Daddy. I was just helping these girls out. You didn't see em run in?” Elvis’s dad shook his head “No. I have been sitting on the couch for a while…when did they come in?” The girls exchanged looks that Elvis’s dad saw. His dad crossed his arms looking dead at Elvis. “Right. What were you helping them with?” “Daddy I do-” “He saw a man running after us from down the street and waved us in here through his bedroom window. We went through the side fence and came through the back door. We just ran up the other staircase. We didn't know it was Elvis. We mean no disrespect” Maggie quickly said. Elvis’s dad looked from the girl's back to Elvis. After an awkward silence, Maggie spoke again. “You guys really got to take care of the hole in the side gate if you are worried about fans getting in.” His dad looked at Maggie and smiled “Thanks for letting me know” “Well I think that's our cue to dip” Maggie said walking and Rachel quickly followed “Dip?-” “Wait don't go out that-” Maggie opened the front door and walked out with Rachel. They were met with a bunch of screaming. They both looked at the entrance gate and saw a bunch of women dressed like they were straight out of an old movie. Maggie turned to look at the ticket lady….who wasn't there. She then looked over at the grass and noticed it looked like real…normal grass. She also noticed the parking lot was no longer there. She noticed some Cadis and an all-black Rolls-Royce in the driveway. Maggie looked at Rachel who was focused on the screaming girls in shock. “Rachel…” “Yea…” “I think we are in 1968…” “Yea…”

[sankta-starkova]

THE OUTSIDERS

002; the winter solstice

previous chapter | next chapter | masterlist

summary: the one where daisy returns to camp from college and is blinded by her love for him, even as the world ends

wordcount: 2.3k

Being back at camp was the breath of fresh air that Daisy had been looking for.

For the first time in a long time, she finally felt like the weight had been lifted off of her shoulders and there was nothing to worry about.

The whole issue with Luke and the dreams he had been having had brushed over and she knew that he had listened to her.

However, it was after the trip to Mount Olympus on the annual Winter Solstice trip that she knew something was wrong.

It started off small. There was more rain on the way back and she could feel the harsh winds even in camp.

It wasn't just the weird weather, but Luke that was acting strange. He seemed too proud, too excited and she wondered what was up with hi .

"What's wrong with your face?" She asked one day as they sat at the table, eating lunch.

"My face?" He asked, not even trying to hide the smug grin.

She scoffed, turning to him, "You have that little smirk on,"

"I'm just happy, thats all Daisy," he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

She looked up at him and the smile on his face and tried to ignore the sickening feeling in her stomach.

Daisy couldn't put her finger on it but he seemed too happy. Something was up.

The most logical thing would be that he had finally got a girlfriend; most of the girls in camp had been trying to date him for years.

"Wow, you're really happy," she said, smile falling from her face as she thought about the possibility.

She knew that she hadnt made any sort of move but she hated that maybe there was some other girl.

He stood up, hands on the table as he leant forward to look at her, "I gotta go, I have to make sure Travis and Connor leave that poor new boy alone,"

The thing he did next surprised her the most. He kissed her on the cheek and she was left sitting there, reeling.

Daisy could feel her face lit up in a blush and a hand came up to touch the patch of skin he'd kissed.

Sure, he'd done that a few times before but it felt different this time, more romantic, domestic even.

She stood up, watching as he rushed off towards the Hermes cabin and she just stared into the distance, shell-shocked.

"Why does he look so happy?" A voice asked.

The teenager jumped a little bit, so lost in her own world and thoughts that she didn't see that someone was behind her.

She recognised the voice instantly and knew there was only one person sneaky enough to do that. When she turned around she saw the culprit of her fright.

"Oh God's Annabeth, you scared me," she said, a hand on her own chest, feeling her own heartbeat.

"Sorry Daisy," Annabeth said, looking up at her.

She loved that little girl more than anything. She was Lukes sister and in turn, Daisy grew protective over her.

Annabeth was the most intelligent and most wise person in the whole camp which is exactly why she was made the camp counsellor of the Athena Cabin.

"I don't know why he looks so happy, maybe it's a girl," she said, hoping that the intelligent girl didn't hear the bitter tone.

Annabeth stared at her for a second, eyebrows furrowed as she looked at Daisy.

"That doesn't make any sense," she said, looking up at her, "He talks about you when you're not here, you should visit more often,"

Annabeth had heard everything about the girl from Luke. He gushed about her all of the time and she knew all about his feelings for her, even if the recipient hadn't figured it out yet.

Daisy looked down at her, the arm that was wrapped around her shoulder falling down.

Maybe there wasn't some other girl. Maybe, just maybe, Luke did like her the way that she wanted him too.

"What do you mean?" She inquired.

Amnabeth hummed in response, "He talks about you. You're his best friend of course,"

She looked over at him as he stood with he new kid, crouched down to his height as he made sure he was okay.

He looked over the little boys shoulder and caught Daisy's eye and his face lit up in a grin.

She knew something was up but right now, she just wanted to accept the fact that he might have feelings for her.

He waved and she waved back, "Huh, thanks for letting me know," she said, face blushing.

She looked down at Annabeth, squeezing her shoulder before the two walked away.

Daisy sat in the cabin and when she saw the little boy that Luke had been talking to earlier sitting on the porch, she stood up and approached him.

He was young. A brunette, short buzz cut hair. As she looked at him, she knew he couldn't be more than 12 years old.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you, whats your name?" She asked, sitting down next to him calmly.

Ever since she got to camp, she had this urge to help any young child who came in, to make sure that they didn't have the same awful experience she initially had.

He was silent for a little while and she could tell he was trying to figure out if he could trust her.

"Archie," he replied, his voice meek.

"It's nice to meet you Archie, I'm Daisy, I'm second in command here at the Apollo cabin," she said, holding her hand out.

Hesitantly, he reached forward and shook her hand, a slight smile on his face.

"I'm scared," he said quietly and she remembered the feeling all too well.

"We all are when we get here," she promised.

He was still silent and then he looked up at her, brown eyes wide, "How old were you when you got here?"

"Ten. I was lucky to have ever made it here but I did," she said. She was quiet for a second as she thought about her arrival.

She was young. A little girl who had only wanted to be safe and save her mother and now she had everything she had ever wanted.

"You'll fit in great here," she promised, a hand on his shoulder.

He was silent and she could see the contemplation on Archies face. He seemed a little less nervous already.

He shook his head, looking away, "What if they think I'm useless?"

She chuckled, "You can't be useless. Here in the Apollo cabin, everyone has their own skills, no matter how big or small," she promised.

Daisy turned around and looked through the window at some of the other campers.

It was dark outside, night falling on the camp and they were all getting ready to sleep inside. The boy looked through the window as well.

He could see how busy the Apollo cabin was. It was the second largest cabin, after Hermes of course.

"That boy over there, Will, he's a brilliant Healer and he's only 10, that girl Kayla, she has a gift with light and Nina over there is the greatest opera singer you'll ever hear," she said.

"I love music," he admitted.

She chuckled, "Me too. Its a trait we got from dad," she said, turning around again to look at the scenery.

She loved the view of the lake, so much that everyone had thought she might be Poseidons daughter. But she was much more of an Apollo than anything else.

The door opened and she saw Luke walk in. He stood by the open door, leaning against the wall.

"Mind if I join ya," he asked.

She always thought that he was gorgeous in the moonlight, the scar on his cheek lit up in colour, his eyes glowing.

She cleared her throat, hoping he wouldnt have noticed how she was admiring him, "It's after 9 Luke, you'll get yourself in trouble,"

There was that smile again, "For you darling, I'll do anything," he said.

Daisy felt her face heating up in a blush. He had never called her that and the nickname made chills run down her spine. She didn't know what was going on with him.

Once again, she cleared her throat to try and hide her emotion, "Archie, this is my friend Luke, he is the Head of the Hermes cabin,"

Archie nodded, "Yeah, we met when I first joined,"

"Yeah, i remember you kid. You'll fit in great here, and with Daisy here, nothing could go wrong," He said, placing his hand on the boys shoulder.

Archie yawned and she could see how tired he was. She remembered how exhausted she was when she first arrived at camp.

It's overwhelming at first, for your whole life to be turned upside down but it was all worth it in the end.

"Why don't you go get some rest kid? you deserve it," she suggested.

She ruffled his hair and he stood up, waving goodbye to them before walking out and back into the cabin. 

"Sweet kid," Luke muttered before he sat down next to her.

She looked at him for a second before leaning her head down on his shoulder.

"Yeah, he is," she said, sighing, "I can't believe he's so young. I was scared when I came here but hes so tiny,"

He looked down at her, a hand brushing down her hair. He thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world, even if she didn't think that herself all the time.

"Amnabeth was about his age," luke said.

She remembered when they got into camp for the first time. She had been there for seven months and in came two scared demigods who had lost a lot.

"I know, I know," Daisy muttered, leaning up again and watching as he stood up, "It's crazy,"

"They should be stopped. The Gods shouldn't be able to just torment little kids like this and you know it," he started pacing.

Daisy sighed. She recognised this regular spiel of his. He thought the God's should pay for what they did and she agreed.

They just had a different opinion in the way that these things should be dealt with.

"I agree. There should be more safety for them, but that's not our job," she said, reaching a hand out to stop him.

He scoffed. Luke was so adamant that there was something that he could do to help the other kids that sometimes he was blinded from what was in front of him.

"We have the opportunity to change the world and you won't take it. You won't help kids like Archie," he said.

That was the final straw for Daisy. She hated that he thought she didn't care, she did. She just had different views than Luke did.

She stood up, pointing her finger at him, "Don't say that to me,"

"Des-" Luke started to backtrack when he realised what he had said.

She was furious and on a mission, she wouldn't let him talk down to her like that, "I do everything I can for these kids. I've put in years and years to try and make their lives something better,"

He hadn't seen Daisy that mad for a long time. She did do a lot but in his eyes, it was not nearly enough.

"I do everything for them too. Now you're at college. It's changed you, you've lost the spark," he spat out, that residual anger bubbling up.

She had always known there was anger in him but had never really seen it. She didn't like it.

That's when she saw him change, the same change after their quest together.

"What have you done Luke?" She asked, voice calming down.

It was less of anger and more like she was talking down an angry animal, or a man about to jump off a cliff.

He took a deep breath, calming down too, "You won't want to know,"

There was an eerie tone to the conversation. It was weird for them to act like this.

Daisy scoffed. She didn't want to think about what he had done, "I can't believe you, I can't believe you,"

She stormed off, walking over to the door and slamming it open. He followed her out, wanting to explain it to her.

"Daisy, come on," he said, grabbing her wrist and stopping her from getting too far.

She narrowed her eyes at him, yanking her arm away from him. He had never done something like that before.

Lukes eyes softened. He hadn't understood why he had done that. He would never want to hurt her on purpose.

"Don't talk to me right now," she said, taking a step away from him.

Someone in the cabin shushed them and she could see some people watching their argument.

None of them had ever seen Luke and Daisy argue to this extent and they all knew that something was wrong.

"Get out of my cabin," she spat out.

"Daisy," luke said as he stepped closer to her.

She stepped out of the way, pointing at the door to try and kick him out even faster.

She scoffed, there was nothing that he could do to make it better right now, "Get out," she exclaimed.

He walked out in silence. He stood outside of the door for a couple of seconds, waiting to see if she would come out to see him.

Luke knew that he had screwed up and he was trying to think of things he could do to save it all. He couldn't lose her.

For a second, he watched the door. He knew that the only thing he could do was leave her for a little while to settle so he walked away, hoping he could repair it all.

Daisy looked around at her friends before watching him walk away from the window.

She climbed into her bed, tucked herself into the covers in her normal clothes and cried herself to sleep, wondering what he had done wrong this time.

Hi, hope you all enjoyed this. I love this fic so much and the support so far has been great. If you would like to be added onto a taglist then comment here or send me an ask :)

[justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms]

Hi, I was wondering if I could request for headcanons for Honkai Star rail for the Astral Express Crew with a nervous!isekai!reader (averting eyes, hiding their face behind an oversized blanket scarf thats worn at all times or physically hiding behind Miss Himeko and different objects, only speaking only one or two sentences at a time), is secretly incredibly close with PomPom.

Like the crew catch reader serenading PomPom (for the first time) with songs from their homeworld (ie. Fly me to the moon) as they dance together in the main cabin, with the lights dimmed (I'd imagine PomPom on top of atable with a cover, swaying and ocassionally spinning reader) around where everyone should be asleep. Its the first time anyone (besides Pompom and maybe Himeko) had seen reader's face without their scarf but also genuinely relaxed since they've joined the Astral Crew.

Thank you :)

Hi Anon! Thank you for your request! Sorry it took so long. I hope you like the headcanons!

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Characters: Caelus, Stelle, Dan Heng, March 7th, Welt Yang, and Himeko x nervous! isekai! gn! Reader (separate)

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

You’re normally pretty shy, keeping your face partially covered with a scarf. How do the characters react to seeing you dancing and having fun with Pom-Pom?

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

Caelus loves seeing you so relaxed. Since you first showed up, you’ve been so quiet, even when compared to someone who usually remains quiet like himself.

He thinks your face looks nice without the scarf, finally getting to see you relaxed and enjoying yourself.

When he sees you dancing with Pom-Pom, he’ll lean up against the wall outside, tucked behind the door so you can’t see him.

He doesn’t want to act like a creep spying on you but he can’t bring himself to look away just yet.

He hopes sometime he’ll be the one dancing with you, laughing along with the rhythm of the music and looking at your face from somewhere other than behind a partially open door.

Stelle is a lot like Caelus in that she won’t do anything to interrupt the scene. It’s not that she doesn’t want to join in. She just thinks you would rather dance with just Pom-Pom for now.

She knows what it’s like to suddenly find yourself in a completely foreign place with no knowledge of how you go there so she can empathise with your shyness.

She’ll watch from a distance, dancing quietly along with the music from where she is. She’ll try to copy the energy of your dancing.

Like Caelus, Stelle will think your face looks nice but she also thinks it looks a bit strange. She’s so used to seeing you with your face hidden or scrunched up with worry that seeing you relaxed is weird.

Will wait a few days before asking if you’d like to dance with her sometime. She’ll do it when there’s already music playing so it doesn't seem suspicious. She just hopes you’ll say yes.

Dan Heng will be one of the few who leaves you to have some privacy. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to stay and watch.

Before he leaves he’ll take a moment to commit the scene to memory, taking in your relaxed face and the enjoyment emanating from your movements. Then he’ll close the door the rest of the way and leave.

Now that he’s seen you relaxed, he’ll try to commit more time to finding out how you got here.

He’s naturally mistrustful of people but seeing you let your guard down has allowed him to do the same.

Probably won’t approach you about dancing with him. He’s not really a dancer. But he does hope he can see you like that more often.

March is going to barge in and join you and Pom-Pom. She doesn’t mean to break up the scene but she just can’t contain herself.

She’s been waiting for you to open up around the crew and Pom-Pom’s as good a place to start as any. She’s just glad she gets to see your uncovered, relaxed face herself.

She’ll take a moment to observe the scene before throwing the door open and dancing across the threshold.

If you’re okay with her joining in, March is going to bring the energy in that room up tenfold. She’s a wind dancer, really feeling the song. If she’s feeling bold, she might grab your hand and spin you around a bit.

If you shut down when she enters, March will leave but she’ll let you know the offer is always open. She knows she can be a lot sometimes but she really wants you two to be friends.

Welt is a lot like Dan Heng in that he will leave you to your moment in peace. He’ll close the door before walking away quietly, making sure his footsteps can’t be heard over the music.

Deep down, he’s glad you’re opening up. He may not have believed your story at first (and is maybe still a bit unsure of it) but he’s glad you’re okay.

The thought of how happy and relaxed you looked lingers in his mind though. Sure, Pom-Pom may have contributed but he thinks the music helped a lot as well.

He’ll go through his record collection and find ones that match the same style of music you were dancing to.

Expect to find a few records left in your room every few days. If only you could figure out who was leaving them…

Himeko is somewhere between Welt and Caelus. She’ll watch for a bit before leaving, closing the door so you have proper privacy.

She likes everyone on the Astral Express to be, if not happy, at least not unhappy. She’s glad you’re feeling more comfortable.

Thinks you look sweet without your scarf and without worry lining your face. She’d like to see that more often but knows that isn’t necessarily easily attainable.

Life travelling the stars can be stressful. Himeko hopes you can snatch those peaceful moments every change you can.

She won’t ask you to dance but if she ever hears music wafting through the train, her thoughts will drift to you and she’ll hope you’re smiling and dancing somewhere.

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

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[discar]

HZD Terraforming Base-001 Text Communications Network

Chapter 22 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

DIVINER: Kotallo, you're a Tenakth diplomat, right?

HIMBO: HE'S A WHAT?

MARSHAL Kotallo: Yes, diplomacy describes part of my duties. Why do you ask?

MARSHAL Kotallo: I'm afraid I don't have any authorization to start negotiations with the Quen right now, if that's what you're interested in.

DIVINER: No no, not that!!

DIVINER: Though that is probably something I should be thinking about for the future!

β: can you get to the point sometime today so i can go back to sleep

β: its too early for this many notifications

Zo: It's almost noon.

DIVINER: Sorry!! Okay, Kotallo: I was just wondering, how do the Tenakth interact with other tribes? I know they had bad experiences with the Carja, but everyone had bad experiences with the Carja!

MARSHAL Kotallo: Ah, you ARE looking towards the possibility of an alliance.

DIVINER: Really, I just want to start with seeing if our people can be with a hundred feet without shooting at each other!

MARSHAL Kotallo: My people were an insular culture for a very long time. The clans preferred to test and challenge each other rather than interact with outsiders. The only other tribe nearby was the Utaru, and we left each other alone.

MARSHAL Kotallo: It might seem strange, and it certainly was not peace, but it was a sort of harmony.

DIVINER: But everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked.

β: oh i loved that show

DIVINER: I know right??

DIVINER: But we're missing a bunch of the episodes! Including Toph's intro! She just shows up out of nowhere!

β: oh yeah and thats a good one too

DIVINER: Do you have any copies??

β: sorry i never had much on my focus

β: had to hide everything from the zeniths

DIVINER: Aw, that's too bad.

MARSHAL Kotallo: [IceCubeWTFFace.gif]

MARSHAL Kotallo: Sure.

MARSHAL Kotallo: When the Red Raids started, Chief Hekarro approached the Utaru's Chorus for a more formal alliance.

Zo: At which point they sang for several weeks before deciding to stick their heads in the dirt and wait.

Zo: They thought plying the Carja with gifts of food would stop the raids.

Zo: It did not.

MARSHAL Kotallo: While no formal treaties were signed, the Tenakth recruited and trained many young Utaru who were willing to fight.

DIVINER: Oh! I know this one! Zo, you were one of them, right?

Zo: Yes. It was not my proudest decision, but I do not regret it.

MARSHAL Kotallo: Both of which are wise.

DIVINER: Great! I was worried the Ceo's aggressive policy had permanently soured relations!

BoyNextDoor: From what Aloy has said, is this new Bohai character any better?

FlameHairSavior: Bohai is pragmatic. I don't think he's going to continue antagonizing anyone he doesn't have to.

DIVINER: Yeah... but he might not be up for diplomatic relations, either.

DIVINER: I think his plan is still to just grab everything he can and leave!

HIMBO: YOU MAKE HIM SOUND LIKE A BANDIT.

DIVINER: …

DIVINER: Oh my Ancestors we're bandits.

DIVINER: DATA bandits! It's so much worse than normal bandits!

β: [AreWeTheBaddies.gif]

FlameHairSavior: That's not helping.

FlameHairSavior: Look, Alva, I think that as long as you stop killing everyone in your way, no one is going to care about you "stealing" data. You're just copying it, right? So if someone else did have a Focus, they could still access it.

DIVINER: In... theory...

β: youre stealing the data drives arent you

DIVINER: I'm sorry!! But considering how slow our Focuses are and how important the data is, it's standard practice to bring back any storage medium if it is reasonable to do so!

BoyNextDoor: Maybe we should tabla all this for now. Once GAIA is fully restored, you can worry about diplomacy with the Quen.

DIVINER: Yeah.

DIVINER: Yeah, sure.

BoyNextDoor: Until then, GAIA? Do you have any information on this... Fire Nation show that Alva and Beta were talking about?

ADMIN [GAIA]: I have full synopses, recaps, and summaries of everything ever produced by Avatar Studios. I do not, however, have any restored episodes. This is not uncommon. I have marked many such series in the archives.

DIVINER: Yeah, I saw those. I was really excited about FMA:B until I realized there wasn't anything to watch.

ADMIN [GAIA]: I do, however, have most of the novels, including the audiobook versions. The Kyoshi novels in particular are extremely well-restored due to multiple redundant copies.

DIVINER: There are... NOVELS?

β: i like the first one best

DIVINER: O

DIVINER: M

DIVINER: A

β: ?

DIVINER: Oh My Aang.

β: ah

FlameHairSavior: I'm confused.

HIMBO: I STOPPED PAYING ATTENTION TEN MINUTES AGO.

Chapter 22 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

[llondonfog]

ok waitwaitwait so. i might be an idiot, but if Lilia came to NRC a year before Silver did, does that mean he left his son alone for an entire year??? like- maybe he visited during the holidays, but thats still probably the longest time Silver had ever been left alone

do you think he got lonely after a while? do you think he often thought about his father and wondered what he was doing and wished time would pass by faster, just so he could see him again? do you think he sometimes went to sleep in Lilia’s room in their cottage because he missed him so much? because i do

Ah, anon, the passage of time—

For humans (especially young teenagers eagerly anticipating the turn of the seasons), time has to be dragged across the floor, kicking and screaming as it claws fingernails against the doorframe in mulish refusal to move any faster than the slowest of syrupy crawls.

For fae, the concept of time is simply a peripheral existence; it is an old friend that pops in from time to time with both kind reminders regarding the bicentennial birthdays of loved ones and sorrowful news of those who time has at long last forgot.

Silver spends each day (when he isn't asleep) keeping to his father's regimen— it's simply unthinkable to do any less! From tending to their land, the everyday chores of their simple home, and of course, the training and lessons Lilia's instructed him to continue in his absence, his hands and mind are kept busy and useful; with the friendly woodland creatures at his side, there's always someone to talk to about his plans for the day, his dreams for the future, and even the worry he tries not to harbor in great amounts for his father's aging signs.

(Is Father sleeping well, who's there to brew him chamomile tea when his night terrors bother him? Is he eating a healthy diet and not terrorizing their Prince or his new dorm with his terrible concoctions? And without Silver to carry heavier loads, is he remembering to stretch his aching muscles and not exert himself needlessly?)

But it's more difficult at night, when the hours grow long and lonely and he strangely finds himself unable to sleep— the cottage is far too quiet without his father's nocturnal rustling, and far too empty without his diminutive figure boisterously taking up space. The feeling lessens somewhat when he takes to old comforts and curls up in what used to be their shared bed, a worn and familiar toy bat smiling down from a wooden shelf at him, and he's soothed away eventually by the comfort of pine and petrichor.

Silver marks the calendar days down in this crushing monotony, until at long last the door to their cabin rattles open and the broom in his hands clatters to the floor in a rare display of unbridled delight. His father has brought Malleus-sama along with him on one of his rarer trips now outside of the castle, and it's a joyous occasion to celebrate their return home for the holidays! He'd almost forgotten what the cottage could sound like filled with his father's gleeful laughter as he uproariously shares tales of the antics they've gotten into with their fellow classmates (something about a bean? Beanfest? Silver can only hope it's not a cooking function—) and Malleus-sama's gentle grace as he smoothly interjects to trim down Lilia's tall tales with a hidden smile of fond amusement.

And as all 'parties' at their house end, Silver finds himself dozing on their lumpy couch, half slumped over on the cushions while his father and Malleus-sama exchange quiet murmurs at the door about upcoming castle functions and field trip permissions. Sleepily, he smiles into a pillow and squeezes his arms tighter around it— they could be discussing the finer points of economic treaties for all he was concerned; he'll never take the sound of his father's voice for granted again.

"You've grown taller," his father murmurs (Had Malleus-sama already left? Had the sky grown darker? Surely he hadn't missed so much?) as gentle fingers still in their path through his hair, and the unusual melancholy tone clangs a discordant note in Silver's ears, ugly and brash like a stain of ink on a pristine page. He wants to get up, to do whatever he can to banish that sound from his father's voice, but he simply cannot, exhausted as he is from the day's excitement.

But that's alright— after all, he has all the time in the world tomorrow, doesn't he?

[emlynn25]

Knight In Shining Ninja Suit - Calvin Maxwell

Summary: As Brody Romero's twin sister Y/N Romero escapes with him off the Warrior Dome, they head to Earth in search of their brother Aiden and the Ninja Steel. However, when they arrive they are greeted with some new friends and special abilities to go along with them. After the Nexus Prism disappears with 3 stars left, will the new owners make a good impression?

Genre: Cute Fluff!

Author's Note: Hi!! This is my first fanfic and I'm super excited to start writing!! I have noticed a lack of Power Rangers fic's and I plan on fixing that!! Let me know what you guys think!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers Ninja Steel, and Hayley and Calvin are not together for this fic!

(Y/N)'s POV

After searching through the house and coming up empty, Brody and I head out to the back yard where he kneels on the ground in sadness over not finding Aiden. I kneel next to him to attempt to provide some comfort when Sarah join us.

"Hey, you said your Dad trained Aiden to be a ninja too right? If he's half as resourceful as you guys, i'm sure wherever he is he's just fine"

Brody and I smile, knowing that Aiden was just as strong if not stronger than both of us. Taking comfort in Sarah's words we stand to see Preston running out of the house.

"Uh guys, Galvanex could be here at any time, we really need to find that ninja steel."

Brody, Sarah, and I nod knowing that Preston is right and we need to hurry before it's too late. I glance at Brody to see him having the same idea as me; that the ninja steel is probably in our Dad's workshop, so we head there next.

After digging up the box Brody and I used to have to find as part of our training, we find it empty with only a picture of the four of us Aiden, Brody, Myself, and our Dad holding his prized trophy.

"Brody this must be a clue from Aiden, he knows how much Dad loved that trophy. I bet the ninja steel is located inside it! The only problem is it's been so long, I have no idea where to even look."

Sarah takes the photo from Brody.

"Let me see that. This trophy looks so familiar. Guys what's your Dad's name?"

"Dane Romero" we both say in unison.

"It's in the school trophy case! I saw it this morning!"

Brody smiles at Sarah and we start to get moving, but Red Bot stops us before we leave the workshop.

"Guys wait!"

I stop and look back, "what is it Red Bot?"

"It's a Buzz Cam."

Brody whips his head around to see the Buzz Cam sitting in Red Bot's hand. Brody takes it from him and squishes it under his shoe.

"Oh no, this isn't good, Galvanex knows where the ninja steel is!" Brody says holding the now dead Buzz Cam in his palm.

Before any of us can comment my datacom goes off, Mick finally contacting us.

"Brody it's Mick!" I say swiping on my wrist to take the call.

"Y/N! Brody! Are you guys okay?"

"Yeah Mick were fine but in trouble! We know where the ninja steel is but so does Galvanex! We need to get to the high school!"

Mick nods at my words, " All right we are on our way!"

"Um we?" I question raising my eyebrows at our strange mentor.

Mick ignores my question and Brody steals my wrist from me.

"Wait we're already at the high school!"

Brody smiles, "thats great! The ninja steel is in our Dad's trophy."

Sarah then snatches my wrist to see Mick. "Its front and center in the trophy case, look for the name Dane Romero." Finally I get my wrist back and start to shut my datacom down.

"Grab it and we'll meet you there, see ya Mick!"

I shut off my datacom and start running after Brody, Preston, and Sarah who have already taken off without me, wondering who all "we" entails.

(Calvin's) POV

Hayley and I start running with Mick looking to find the trophy the cute girl and her friends were talking about. We find the trophy case, Mick pulls out the trophy, and opens it to find the ninja steel inside.

"Okay, let's go find Y/N and Brody!"

Mick starts running outside and we continue to follow. When we get outside Mick is standing not sure which way to go, when all of a sudden a robot monster comes out with huge chainsaw's for hands. He starts shooting beams at us and one of them hits Mick straight on. I look at Hayley and see some equipment lying next to us.

"Grab something!" I start swinging at the gross monster with the metal baseball bat I picked up.

"Batter up!" I yell starting my attack, Hayley right beside me. But as we continue to fight the monster uses his lasers to fry our makeshift weapons. He fires a shot at us which takes us both down, when all of a sudden a shining metal star knocks the creature over. Mick approaches it and sees that two of the stars are glowing.

"Grab the power stars!" Hayley and I look at each other hesitantly but reach forward anyway.

"Woah! Is this really happening?" I turn to Hayley.

"I can't believe it!" She nods just as confused.

Before we can do anything else the prism floats away leaving us with the two stars, Mick turns to us.

"You pulled out the ninja power stars, do you know what that means?!"

"Uh no." We say simultaneously.

Footsteps can be heard approaching us from behind, when all of a sudden four people our age come running at us with... a robot?

The guy on the com from earlier speaks up, "I do!"

Alongside him, the cute girl from earlier smiles "It means you're power rangers! Just like us!"

I smile back at her and look down at the star within my hand. Hayley and I then see the other two teens and a robot behind them. Hayley recognizes one of the teens as Preston. Leading all of them to introduce themselves.

"Hi i'm Sarah from out of town!"

"And we're Brody and Y/N from... Out-a-space!" The girl now named Y/N giggles beside him.

"And I'm Red Bot!"

Before we can introduce ourselves the creature from earlier comes back. Brody and Y/N step to the front.

"Just follow our lead" she says looking at me.

"Why what's gonna happen?" I ask staring straight back at her.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." She playfully winks and returns to staring down the enemy.

"It's morphing time!" Brody yells causing stars to appear in their hands. Hayley and I follow their lead only for it to happen to us too. We spin our stars and begin transforming with the rest of the team. After transforming I glance at Hayley and turn back to Y/N.

"Your right, I don't believe it! It's like i'm on nitro power!"

"I told you!" she teases back, with what i'm assuming is a smile under her mask.

We all start fighting the villain known as RipCon using our attack modes and other gadgets in our star blades. I see Y/N going up against him and falling allowing me to flip over her and stop his blades from slicing right into her. I knock RipCon over causing him to retreat back.

"Hey thanks, that was a close one." I nod at her and stretch out my hand to help her up.

"Anytime, the names Calvin by the way." She takes my hand and stands up brushing off her suit.

"Nice to meet you Calvin, thanks for being my knight in shining... ninja suit I guess." She laughs and I can't help but laugh along with her.

As we turn around Brody is finishing off the monster, destroying him. Y/N and I run over to congratulate him when all of a sudden RipCon becomes gigantic!

"Thought you'd seen the last of me huh?" He laughs manically. As he goes to start his weapons they stall out, refusing to work.

"Hey look his arms aren't working, his weapons are down!" I look to Hayley and Brody who are in front of Y/N and I.

Before we take any action the prism comes back and shows us a vision. Where all of us are joined together using our zords to defeat RipCon. Mick throws some stars into the prism, and when they come out they launch into each one of our hands.

"Cool!" We all yell and activate our new zords. We all start fighting RipCon together and eventually defeat him using our ninja blasters.

We all demorph, and head into shop class where Mick is the new teacher. Brody, Y/N and Sarah are bringing in the prism along with all the other space parts that fell when we found Mick. Sarah drops a bunch on the ground and speaks up.

"Guys we're gonna have to find a place to put all of this stuff before school starts tomorrow!"

Knowing that no one will enter the paint booth due to the accident caused by Victor earlier, Hayley and I smile.

"Guys it's perfect, lets use the paint booth as our hideout!" I smile looking at Y/N struggling holding all the space junk.

"The spray system broke today so it's officially out of order, plus Principal Hastings made Mick the new shop teacher so there is nothing to worry about!" Hayley says putting the out of operation sign on the door.

Y/N and Brody look at each other "Looks like we finally get to go to high school!" Brody laughs causing the rest of us to join in. He then continues on.

"Thanks for helping save us today guys, Y/N and I just wanted to hide the Nexus Prism and find our brother Aiden. We got half of that done but i'm sorry we had to drag you guys into it." Y/n grabs his arm and gives him a side hug.

"Yeah it was an accident." Y/N chimes in.

Mick makes a face at them and proceeds towards the prism. "I don't think it was an accident. For years I've heard the legends of the Ninja Nexus Prism, that it holds great mysteries and fantastic power. I'd say that it knew Galvanex was a threat to the universe, and it chose the six of you to be power rangers."

"So it's our job to save the Earth?" I question Mick.

"I guess it is." Y/N responds grinning at me. "Are you up for the challenge?"

I grin back knowing this is gonna be fun. "Absolutely, bring it".

Ik they didn't have a ton of interaction but I thought it was cute! There will definitely be more to come as I continue to watch more and more!!! Thanks for reading!!

[androcola]

headcannons on aunt kate and her stupid nephew 🙏

HER STUPID NEPHEW 😭❤️❤️

kate I think comes off as pretty cold and mean sometimes, but she really isn't. she's a hardened woman and has been in farm life pretty much her entire life, so there are many things she's had to do that she's just used to now. she's a very strict and traditional woman, christian thru and thru.

kate isn't an affectionate woman either physically or verbally. I think thats why her and mike got on so well because mike wasn't touchy or wordy either. although despite how kate appears on the outside, she has a very soft spot for her nephew snd loves him deeply.

kate was aware of what mike went thru at home and I think she holds a lot of guilt about it, knowing that she could've possibly done something. she would often have talks with her husband (jon paul nesmith, mikes fathers brother) about taking him out of that home and raising him on the ranch for the rest of his life, but unfortunately it was easier said than done.

Kate didn't really like Mike's mother much, and she especially despised his father.

kate always treated mike a little different than how she'd treat anyone else. I think she knew that he had some stuff going on in his head, and also he was so raw and sensitive due his home life, so she always gave him a little bit more slack and sensitivity, but she wasn't afraid to put her foot down with him. which she often had to, as in his teen years, mental illness and hormones often got the better of him

anytime mike visited the ranch, Kate always hated to see him go when it'd be time for him to get back home, as she knew what he was going back to. she'd always make sure he left with a full belly, as she knew he rarely ate at home. anytime he was there, she'd be constantly feeding him to the point of stomach aches, because she knew it would probably be the last meals he'd see for a while, and she'd always doctor any wounds he came with and clean him up all nice. she'd even take him out to the towns doctor, which he often needed.

Kate took on the ranch after her husband jon paul passed. it was tough for a while, it was a huge responsibility to take on while also having to cope with the loss of her husband and having to care for the children all on her own, but she bounced back eventually, and hired on some farm hands to lighten the load.

Kate often felt somewhat of a deep and strange sadness whenever mike visited her through out the years. it was over the fact that she had watched him go from a fun loving sweet little boy to a frightened, terrified, and timid teen. the horrible abuse he faced on a daily basis had worn him down to the bone and he even began to be afraid of her and his uncle, whom hed only ever had a wonderful relationship with.

not only was she saddened by his mental decline, but by his physical decline as well. everytime she'd see him, he'd somehow be thinner snd more emaciated, with worse injuries than the last. often times very sick. he was so raw and worn down that most of the time he'd seem somewhat catatonic during his visits. he'd only ever be able to sit and stare, holding himself tightly and often times even trembling. never speaking a word over a whisper. he was entirely unrecognizable from the child he once was. that's part of why she treated him much more differently than she treated her own kids.

Kate would let mike help out with ranch work, but due to his physical condition and injuries, wouldn't let him have any heavy work, so she'd let him do things like feed the animals, collect eggs from the chickens and sometimes file down the horns of the rams, if he could wrangle them successfully.

Kate always found mikes extra sensitivity towards the farm animals as odd. Kate cared for her animals, but after a lifetime of farm work, she learned to not grow attached to them as eventually she'd have to either mercy kill them due to irreparable injury or severe illness, or lose one to something like a coyote or fox. She'd always see mike petting the goats and the rams, hugging and petting the cows and the chickens, and just overall, being very affectionate.

and unfortunately that love and affection for the farm animals would teach mike the same lesson that Kate had to learn over and over through out her life. that eventually the animal will die either by maiming or illness. he'd be in tears every time. he himself has also had to perform mercy killings, which scarred him a little everytime. the most comforting Kate would give him was a hand on the shoulder or a pat on the back, again, not being very affectionate or the greatest at handling displays of emotion. she and her nephew are so alike.