#ive mostly calmed down i can make it again

[asfdhgsdkjhgb]

who up getting hit with the crushing weight of the world for no reason in particular tonite. what

[cameronsbabydoll]

Can you do something like age gap rafe and he comforts you after you get into an argument with a parent (or something along the lines of a parental figure whos an ass) and pats his lap and let him take care of you 🧚 ive had this image stuck in my head all week <33

FRAGILE TEARS — RAFE CAMERON

WARNINGS: crying, mention of fighting with your parents, implied age gap, mostly comfort, rafe sorta implies that the reader depends on him.

A/N: i definitely imagined this with babydoll reader but imagine it however! (wc: 900)

There was a reason you always went to Rafe for comfort and support, especially after arguing with your parents. Sometimes, you just needed to cry on his lap; other times, you needed him to calm you down and whisper in your ear. And he was always there. Always.

So, it wasn’t much of a surprise to Rafe when he heard the door to his office creak open. As always, he stopped what he was working on and turned to see you standing in the doorway, tears streaming down your face.

“Hey,” he said softly, patting his lap. “Come here, sweetheart.”

He watched as you sobbed your way over to him, taking in the sight of your tear-streaked face. He patted his lap again, and you didn’t hesitate, crawling into it like a wounded child. You buried your face in the crook of his neck as another fresh wave of salty tears spilled from your eyes.

Rafe wrapped his arms around you, pulling you as close as possible while running a soothing hand down your back. “Hey… shhh, it’s okay, doll. I’m here now.”

Neither of you spoke for a long moment—he just held you, letting you cry into his shoulder.

Only when your sobs began to subside, replaced by quiet hiccups, did Rafe finally speak again. “You wanna talk about it, sugar?”

He already knew the answer. And, as expected, you shook your head against his neck.

Rafe sighed softly, his hand continuing to rub your back, the other cradling the back of your head. "Alright. You can cry in the crook of my neck all you want, then, baby."

A beat of silence passed before he spoke again. “You wanna know something, doll?”

You nodded against his neck, still sniffling. He chuckled a little at the way you clung to him.

“Come here, sugar. Sit up for a second,” he murmured, giving you a gentle nudge.

Slowly, you sat up in his lap, a few tears still clinging to your lashes. He could see you were calming down now.

You sniffled, your red-rimmed eyes meeting his. “What is it?” you asked, your voice hoarse and wobbly.

Rafe smiled at the sight of you, his thumb brushing away a lingering tear as he cupped your cheek. “You wanna hear something kinda funny?” he asked, a small grin tugging at his lips.

You let out a soft laugh-sniffle and nodded.

He traced his fingers along your jaw. “You think I have some kinda secret superpower, don’t you?” he teased.

“Cause every time you come running to me all upset, you always calm down. Right?”

You nodded again. It was true. You never quite understood why, but whenever you fought with your parents—even over something small—you always ended up here, letting Rafe soothe you with a few words and an open lap.

You’d always assumed it was just his soft spot for you. But now, he was making it sound like something more. “That’s… not a secret superpower,” you mumbled, embarrassed that he’d noticed the pattern.

Rafe chuckled, his hand slipping from your cheek to your hair, brushing through the tangles with practiced ease. “Oh, it most definitely is, sweetheart.”

He let the moment stretch out, his fingers gently combing through your hair, lulling you into quiet submission. Then, he spoke again, “You wanna know why?”

You hesitated, then nodded.

“It’s ‘cause you need me,” he said bluntly, his hand sliding down to rest on your waist. “Even when you’re all riled up, angry, or sad, you come to me to fix it. Don’t you?”

Heat crept up your neck. Your eyes flickered to the side as you realized he was right. You did need him. You didn’t know why—but at the same time, it didn’t matter. Because every time something went wrong, he made it better.

“…Yeah,” you admitted quietly, embarrassed as his fingers continued to comb through your hair.

Rafe chuckled again, his blue eyes gleaming with amusement at your flustered expression. “I thought so,” he murmured, tilting your chin up so you had no choice but to look at him.

You’d always been such a good girl. Polite, respectful, quiet.

And, unfortunately for you, he’d always had a thing for quiet girls.

[chaoticsolsworld]

Hii I saw you were requesting fics for Danny Ramirez and omg can you pls write smth following the last scene im brave new world where Joaquin is in the hospital with Sam and then reader just barges in (as their gf I hope you do fem reader if not gender neutral is okay to!) all worried for him and how she takes care of Joaquin post surgery? TYY 🫶🫶🫶

“You’re still my Wings”| Joaquin Torres x Reader

Author’s Note: Just a soft post-Brave New World hurt/comfort moment with our favorite winged boy. Includes hospital scenes, injury recovery, and lots of care from fem!reader. CW for surgery aftermath, emotional distress, and medical setting—but mostly fluff, healing, and love. Hope you enjoy, and reblogs are always appreciated!

The chaos was over….but your world hadn’t settled.

The sharp white light of the hospital corridor made everything feel surreal as you sprinted past orderlies and nurses, heart pounding like a drum. The battle, the explosion, the broadcasted footage of Sam and Red Hulk’s rampage, it was all still playing in your mind. The reports said he’d been injured….That Joaquin had been hurt bad. But no one had said how bad. No one had told you anything that mattered.

Until now.

You turned a corner and spotted the room number.

A nurse tried to stop you. “Ma’am, you can’t go in there yet—”

You didn’t even slow down. “Try me.”

The door hissed open, and there he was.

Joaquin lay on the hospital bed, bandages wrapping his abdomen and shoulder, his skin pale and marked with bruises, IV lines feeding into his arm. His wings, His suit…what was left of them were folded and damaged on a table near the wall. Sam sat nearby, elbows on his knees, like he was carrying the weight of the world. Again.

You felt your chest tighten.

“Joaquin,” you gasped.

He turned at the sound of your voice. His lips curled weakly into a smile. “Hey, amor…”

You were at his side in an instant, falling into the chair beside him, hands searching, checking. Fingers brushed over his cheek, his arm, his chest—avoiding the gauze but needing to feel him, to make sure he was real.

“What did they do to you?” you whispered. “Why didn’t anyone call me sooner? You—God, Joaquin, you look like—like they pulled you out of hell.”

“I think they did,” he joked, voice rough. “Twice.”

You laughed, but it broke halfway out of your throat. Your vision blurred with tears as you leaned forward, pressing your forehead to his temple.

“I thought I lost you,” you said quietly.

He turned his head just enough to brush his nose against yours. “Nah. You don’t get rid of me that easy.”

Sam stood, rubbing a hand over his face. “He’s stable now. Needs rest. And someone to stop him from flying outta here tomorrow.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” you promised, barely glancing at him. “I’ve got this.”

Sam gave a small nod. “Alright. He’s in good hands.” He clapped Joaquin’s leg gently and walked out.

As the door closed, you finally let yourself feel it—the ache, the fear, the sheer rage of almost losing him. Joaquin watched you with soft, tired eyes.

“I know what you’re thinking,” he said. “You want to yell at me. Say I was reckless.”

“You were,” you snapped, wiping your cheeks. “But I’ll save the yelling until you’re not high on pain meds.”

He gave a low chuckle, which turned into a wince. “Deal.”

You got to work right away. You adjusted his blanket because the nurse had left it bunched up near his hips and helped him sip some water. You ran your fingers through his sweat-damp curls to calm him. You asked if he was cold. You threatened to unplug the monitors if they beeped one more time.

And when he got quiet, you sat back down and just… held his hand.

“I saw the wreckage,” you said softly, watching your thumb rub slow circles on his skin. “I saw what it did to your wings.”

He turned his head, guilt flashing in his eyes. “Yeah. They’re kinda totaled.”

You hesitated. “Does it… hurt?”

He nodded slowly. “Everywhere.”

You leaned over him, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “You’re still my wings. Metal or not. I don’t care if you never fly again.”

“I will,” he said, and you could tell he believed it, even if he was afraid. “But I’m not rushing back in. Not without you in my corner.”

You smiled, and finally, finally, it reached your eyes. “I’m always in your corner. Just don’t make me wait in another ER like this again.”

He squeezed your hand, eyes fluttering shut. “You’re the only reason I fought to stay awake.”

You rested your head gently against his shoulder, letting the quiet settle between you. His heart monitor beeped steadily, and you matched your breathing to it. One breath at a time. One heartbeat at a time. He was here. He was alive.

And he was yours.

You didn’t leave that night. Not even when the nurses gently suggested visiting hours were over. Not when Joaquin finally drifted off to sleep, hand still curled loosely in yours.

The next morning, you were still there, hair messy, hoodie borrowed from his go-bag, eyes heavy but alert.

He blinked awake groggily, disoriented until his gaze landed on you.

“You stayed.”

“Of course I did.”

Joaquin winced as he tried to shift up in bed, groaning. You were by his side in a flash, pressing the call button and gently adjusting his pillows.

“Hey, hey, easy,” you murmured. “You had surgery. You’re not going anywhere unless it’s in a wheelchair and I’m the one pushing it.”

He smirked despite himself. “Kinda hot, not gonna lie.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at your lips.

(Two Days Later – At Your Home)

He hated needing help. Joaquin Torres was used to flying, soaring above the chaos, always in control. But now, everything ached. His body felt like it had been stitched together with gravel and bad luck.

You were the only one he let see him like this.

You’d set up his apartment like a recovery ward. Extra pillows. Soft blankets. Pain meds on a timer. You even downloaded a Spanish audiobook because he said English ones made him feel like he was being lectured by Sam.

“Alright,” you said one morning, carefully crouching beside the couch where he was propped up. “I need to change the bandages.”

He groaned. “You sure a nurse shouldn’t be doing that?”

“You want a stranger touching you while you’re shirtless and half-asleep?”

“…Good point.”

He winced as you peeled back the gauze. You worked slowly, careful not to tug, your fingers gentle. The wound on his shoulder was still angry red, the stitches tight and healing.

You met his eyes. “You okay?”

He nodded, biting back a hiss. “Hurts less than yesterday. You’re getting good at this.”

“I YouTubed a few videos.”

He blinked. “Wait, seriously?”

You shrugged. “Had to learn fast. They don’t exactly cover ‘how to care for your Falcon superhero boyfriend’ in school.”

He laughed, a real one this time and you smiled, pressing fresh bandages into place, smoothing the tape down with practiced fingers. When you were done, you leaned in and kissed the top of his shoulder.

“There,” you whispered. “All patched up.”

“You always make me feel human,” he said quietly. “Even when I feel broken.”

You sat beside him, pulling the blanket over his legs. “You’re not broken, Joaquin. You’re healing. And I’m here for every second of it. The pain, the mood swings, the ugly scars, you’re not facing it alone.”

He turned his head toward you, his dark eyes soft. “I’m scared sometimes,” he admitted. “Of what comes next. Of not flying again. Of not being… enough.”

“You don’t have to be perfect,” you said, threading your fingers through his. “You just have to be mine.”

He squeezed your hand. “Always.”

And for the first time since the battlefield, since the blood and chaos and fire, Joaquin allowed himself to rest. Not just sleep but rest. Because you were there. Because home wasn’t just a place anymore.

It was you…

[kinardsevan]

i can see the sun

nobody asked for a mini where BuckTommy meet in 2x18, but my brain wrote it anyway? enjoy!

-

Tommy never mentions the first time they met, mostly because he doesn’t think Evan remembers it, and honestly he wouldn’t blame him. That night was—as Evan still defines it today—the worst night of his life, and the last thing Tommy ever wants to do is bring those painful memories back to the surface. Still, in the time since they’ve gotten together, he can’t help dwelling on it from time to time, thinking about the strength he’d seen in Evan that night, the determination. 

“Howie!” 

Chimney spins on his feet, looking around him until his eyes fall on Tommy’s muscular build, the waves of his light brown hair. 

“Tommy? What are you doing down here? It’s not safe-..” 

“I was down the street,” he explains. “Thought I could help.” 

Chimney turns, looks back at Hen and then Bobby, holding his hands out like he’s not entirely sure what the answer should be. 

“We’re gonna need the help to get it off of him,” Bobby states. He looks past his subordinates briefly and then back at them. “Chim, there’s a girl down there with her hand bleeding from twisted metal,” he states, pointing. “Hen?” 

She passes off the bag of IV fluids to Bobby that they’ve hooked up to Buck and Tommy looks around again before glancing down at the man on the ground, shaking his head. 

“What the hell,” he mutters to himself. He shifts backwards and drops down, getting in front of the blonde with curly hair, blood all over his face. “Hey, kid.” 

Buck lifts his head off the ground, groaning in pain as he looks up at him. Tommy reaches out and grabs his hand, squeezing tightly. 

“You gotta fight,” he tells him, running his thumb over Evan’s fingers. They’re cold, and he can see the paleness in his face. Buck groans again. 

“Let’s lift this,” Bobby states, glancing down at them. Tommy looks up at him and nods. 

“Alright, kid, you can do this,” he tells him. They both hear the count off, and then the attempted lift and Evan screams like bloody murder, trying to pull his leg free from where it’s pinned beneath the truck, but barely gains any traction before it’s down again. Tommy glances up at Bobby and shakes his head. “You gotta lift higher. 

“I-…I…” Buck’s voice is choked, pained cries falling out of him faster than he can do anything to stop them. Tommy reaches out and curls a finger under his chin, making him look up. 

“Hey kid, you gotta focus,” he states firmly. 

“M-ma-addie,” he stammers. 

Tommy shakes his head again. “Whatever you have to tell Maddie can wait.” Tommy looks around them again, sees everyone trying to problem-solve the situation. He glances back down at the kid in front of him. “What’s your name?” 

His head bobs up and down weakly and Tommy squeezes his fingers again. 

“E-Evan,” he stammers. Tommy nods. 

“We’re going to get you out of here, Evan,” Tommy tells him. “Just hold on.” 

“One more time guys, ready,” Bobby states. They lift again, and again Evan screams, trying to move and again gaining no traction. Tommy looks up at Bobby again, shaking his head once more. 

“It’s too heavy,” Bobby states, talking to people around them. Evan is gasping for air in front of Tommy, silent sobs coming out of him with the struggle for air. “We need more people.” 

Suddenly there’s a crowd of people lining around them, and Tommy looks back at Evan, brushing a calming hand down his hair. 

“Hang on Evan,” he states firmly. “They’ve got you.” 

“One, two, three!” 

He watches as they lift the truck, higher than they’ve been able to, high enough that he can see the clearance between Evan’s leg and the truck, and he tugs him forward until he’s free of it and the crowd is settling the truck back on the ground. Evan’s team crowds around him and Tommy steps back, moving out of the way. Bobby rests a hand on his shoulder and he looks up at him. 

“Thanks for your help,” he tells him before stepping past him, joining the rest of the 118 as they gather around Evan and move him onto a stretcher. He doesn’t voice it out loud, but holds the notion in the back of his head that in another life, he would’ve been the one pinned under the truck. 

. . . 

“Where’s your head at,” Evan murmurs, late one night as Tommy sets his book on the nightstand. He’s been doing that thing where he read the same page three times over and still didn’t digest any of the information. Tommy looks over at him and gives him a soft smile, lifting his hand to brush along one of the barely-there scars on his chin. 

“Just thinking about you,” he admits. Evan gives him an awkward smile, reaching up and pulling his hand away. 

“Should I be concerned,” Evan asks, adjusting the blankets on his lap. “You seem…distracted.” 

Tommy shakes his head dismissively. “No, no.” 

“Then what’s up,” Evan asks, curious. “Where’s your head at.” 

Tommy looks over at him, contemplatively. He narrows his gaze at Evan briefly before licking his lips. “Do you…remember? The first time we met?” 

Evan squints at him with a curious smirk. “Harbor hangar. Stealing helicopters to fly into a hurricane and break at least a dozen different laws.” He drawls on like it’s basic information. 

Tommy chuckles softly. “Sure.” He nods, biting his bottom lip briefly. “Except, no.” 

Evan still has that gaze on his face, like he’s not entirely sure where Tommy is going with this. “Okay?” 

Tommy takes a breath, lifting his hand to Evan’s chin again, looking at the scar once more. 

“I don’t mention it because I don’t ever want to put you in a painful memory,” he states, thumbing the scar. “But I was there for this.” 

Evan doesn’t need to see his face to know what Tommy is talking about. He stares at the older man for a time, clearly searching his memory, only to come up with nothing. 

“I don’t…?” 

Tommy nods. “You were already pinned under the truck, and I got on the ground with you so that Hen and Howie could help with the truck.” 

Evan’s gaze shifts around at Tommy’s words, still searching his memory. After a moment, he looks up at him. “I always thought I made up someone rubbing my head. I mean, Hen would hold my hand, but-..” 

“You didn’t,” Tommy tells him. He’s quiet for a moment, his expression somber. “I could tell you were getting close to giving up. You wanted to say something to Maddie, and I told you no.” 

Evan nods, having the vaguest recollection of that. He looks back up at Tommy. “But then you just vanished into the ether.” 

Tommy shrugs. “I sent flowers. And besides, you had a girlfriend.” 

Evan narrows his gaze at him again, but this time there’s mirth in his expression as he pushes himself up and slots a leg over Tommy’s hips, straddling him. 

“You mean to tell me I could’ve had you five years ago,” he states, moving his hands down to the hem of Tommy’s shirt, sliding his fingers beneath it. Tommy jolts at the iciness of his fingers. He smirks at Evan as he reaches for his hands, squeezing them. He leans forward, kissing along his jawline. 

“Wouldn’t have been nearly as fun then,” he replies. “We were both still figuring stuff out.” 

Evan pushes his hands further inside Tommy’s shirt, fighting against his loose grip to press his cold palms flat against his abs. Tommy growls softly, biting on his jaw. Evan settles back on his haunches and tilts his head, reaching out for one of Tommy’s hands. He brushes his fingers gently along the scars on his face, down to his chin, and then over his heart. 

“I love you,” Tommy murmurs, brushing his thumb back and forth on Evan’s chest. Evan leans into him, pulls him into a searing kiss as his hands find their way back under Tommy’s shirt with only one intention in mind. 

“I love you too.” 

[hearts4maddison]

❅ A Cozy Christmas!

| Lando Norris x Reader.

- pairing: Lando Norris x Fem!Reader. - warnings: fluff..fluff and more fluff,only some swearing kissing flirting,kinda sexual? let me know if i’ve missed any. - summary: After a chaotic f1 season comes to an end You and lando bask in bed at home all day long as a cold December day rolls around in Monaco.

- Note: Merry christmas! to everyone who celebrates and over all have a wonderful break! And yes can you believe i posted like i’m alive probably gonna disappear again? this isn’t the best kinda rushed it but enjoy!

————————————————————

The cold crisp December feeling lingered around the air in Monaco and sheet of snow covered the grounds. Sounds of Tourist,cars and people out shopping for the holidays ringed out in the air through the window of the penthouse.

Looking over to the night stand the clock time in bold numbers read out 10:30 half of the day already passed laying in bed in his arms Lando’s arms.

looking down seeing the side of lando sleeping face, his face buried into your chest the feeling of his arms tightly wrapped around your waist as he lets out a small huff shifting around under the warmth of the covers.

your hand slowly makes its way to his face moving his soft curls out of his face as he slowly shifts his eyes fluttering open adjusting to the light as he gives a dazed look

“couldn’t get enough of admiring me?” Lando says his voice groggy as he gives a goofy smile.

“sure mr big ego good morning to you to?” You reply rolling your eyes

“don’t worry i know im just so handsome and talented and-“ He says before you cut him off

“okay! okay! we get it” You laugh out

“just making sure ya know?” he replies his lips going to the soft skin of your neck leaving small kisses there

“lando..We need to get up” you mumble your hands going to his hair feeling the softness of his curls

“Nu uh ive got absolutely nothing to do..other than you?” He says with a shit eating grin on his face.

“Seriously!”

“i can’t help it but seriously i’ve got nothing to do other than be in bed with you.” he whispers against your neck his arms tightening around your waist

“so you don’t wanna do anything all day?” you ask

“Nope i’ve missed you my love..so much i just wanted to get home to you all season” he says locking eye contact with you before kissing your lips

“hm i couldn’t wait till you were home”

“im home now and i don’t want to do anything other than be here with you” Lando says giving you another soft peck on the lips

——————————————

And he meant every word. He refused to get up mostly get off you constantly kissing your face leaving softy pecks everywhere. The amount of times you had tried to get up for the bathrooms but he would protest keeping you in place.

Eventually you gave up trying to go and kinda accept that you weren’t leaving the bed any time soon and you didn’t really complain. You had him home,in your arms content.

However it got to point you had finally convinced him to let you get up and he was not happy but you made it up to him by moving to the kitchen making Hot chocolate with shit loads of marshmallows and whipped cream.

And the once calm and content atmosphere turned into hectic as you and Lando put up christmas decorations around the house aswell as decorating the tree.

“..Lando! That bauble doesn’t go there!” You say throwing a bit of tinsel at him

“Hey watch it! i have vision alright” He said giving a upset face

“well if the vision is putting a bunch of random tinsels and gonks on the tree then..?”

“..your just mad i’m a way better designer than you” he mocks

“.i think you should stick to f1” You scoff

“keep that attitude up y/n” Lando says shaking his head

“Or what?” You challenge rolling your eyes

You managed to get out before lando picked you you up throwing you over his shoulder.

“Knew we should’ve never gotten up!” he says

“Put me down! Now!” you respond kicking your legs around in the air as lando walks to the bedroom.

“Nope! ow! stop the kicking you muppet!”

“rude” you grumble

“Don’t worry i’ll make it up to you.” he says before closing the bedroom door

————————————————

In the end the tree was finally put after many interruptions but it all came together the greens and red standing out in the corner of the room. The whole penthouse giving a christmas festive look.

You lay your head on Lando shoulder as the movie plays in the back as you feel his lips kiss your head before shifting so your leaned into him breathing in his strong cologne in.

“Still think we should’ve listened to me-” he says with a laugh

“shut it” you say looking up at him

“Yes ma’am” he says while laughing as you push him slightly making him laugh more as he wraps his arms around you and kisses you.

“..that’s what i thought”

—————————————————

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE! i hope you enjoyed this it’s not that great idk if i’ve made any spelling mistakes but please tell me if i have!

[whump-imagines]

Lightning and Panic

I swear I will write for other characters too... I'm just currently deep in Buck and Eddie brain rot.

Buddie x reader

Wc: 1300 ish

You pinched your arm, flinching at the sensation. There was no way this was real. This was your worst nightmare. You just needed to try harder and you were sure you would wake up.

Pinching the same spot once more, you realized that you were likely going to have a bruise soon.

Yet again, you were sitting in this awful waiting room. It felt like you had just been here waiting for news was after Eddie was shot.

Now, it was Buck.

It had been two days of waiting. Two days of worrying. Two days of desperately trying to convince yourself that he was going to be okay.

You knew they had a dangerous job. You thought you'd been prepared for that. You expected burns or maybe smoke inhalation. Not a sniper and a freak lightning strike.

Truthfully, you'd only prepared for minor injuries. Not near death experiences.

Suddenly, Eddie was kneeling in front of you. Why did he look so concerned? Something went wrong. Buck was gone.

He was talking. Why couldn't you hear him? Why are your ears ringing?

Eddie squeezed your hands almost too tight. He was trying to ground you. He took a slow exaggerated deep breath then finally, his words broke through your haze. “Breathe.”

It was then you finally realized you were barely wheezing air in and out and much too quickly. Your heart was racing. You gasped. “I-I–” more gasping. “C-c-can’t.”

Eddie moved your hands to his chest. “Yes, you can. Just follow me.” His fingers dug into the pulse point at your wrist as he took another slow beep breath and counted the pattern for you.

Tears rolled down your face as you desperately tried to calm down. You yanked your hands away from Eddie to pull at the collar of your shirt. It suddenly felt like it was strangling you.

Eddie turned toward Bobby and said something to him about a doctor. Had he whispered? Maybe. Your ears were also ringing more intensely again.

Now, you were grabbing at your chest. “H–hurts,” you panted out the word.

“I know, sweetheart,” Eddie soothed. “Just try to breathe.” He pulled your hands back down to your lap and once again pressed his fingers into your pulse point. You could see the worry in his eyes despite trying to stay calm for you.

You desperately tried to draw in more air but failed. Before long, black spots started to appear in front of your eyes. Then there was a doctor. He had to be there about Buck. You tried to back away, you couldn't handle any more bad news. “No.”

Eddie moved to the chair beside you and pulled you against his side. “It's okay, sweetheart. He's here to help you.” He pulled up your sleeve then nodded to the doctor.

There was something cold on your shoulder then a pinch and a burning sensation. You couldn't move away from it as Eddie had you held firmly in place.

Almost immediately, you felt calmer. You relaxed fully into Eddie and finally drew in a deep breath. A nurse you hadn't noticed placed an oxygen mask over your face.

You felt Eddie’s sigh of relief. “You're okay.” You weren't sure if he was talking to you or himself. “The doctor is going to run a few tests just to make sure that was a panic attack and nothing else, okay?”

You tried to snuggle further into him not wanting to leave his side. “‘m tired.”

“I know. Just relax. It's okay if you fall asleep,” Eddie soothed. He stood and lifted you into his arms bridal style. You dozed off with your head against his shoulder before he made it to the exam room.

When you opened your eyes, you were alone in a hospital room. As the grogginess started to lift, confusion set in. Why were you here? Why were you alone? There were no monitors or IV lines and aside for being tired, you felt okay.

Then the memory hit. Buck. You jerked upright. “Oh, no.” You would have stood to go find out how he was but you were suddenly dizzy. So instead, you pressed the nurse call button on the bed rail.

The dizziness mostly cleared and you were considering going to look for Eddie and check on Buck when the door swung open and a doctor entered. You vaguely remembered him from the waiting room earlier. “How’re you feeling?” he asked.

“How is Buck?” you asked, ignoring his question.

Before he could answer, Eddie came in and was by your side a moment later. “How are you?”

You huffed. “How’s Buck?”

Eddie smiled. “He's breathing on his own. He's getting better.”

Tears slid down your face as the relief washed over you. You finally felt like you could breathe again.

“Now, back to you,” Eddie redirected. “Are you feeling better?”

Shrugging one shoulder, you thought about it. “Honestly, I'm still tired. I was dizzy but that's passed. How long was I out?”

“Almost five hours,” said Eddie.

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Holy crap. Wait, I thought I heard something about tests.”

“You did.” Eddie looked to the doctor to let him explain.

“We ran an EKG and blood tests because you were having some chest pain during your anxiety attack,” he explained. “Everything came back normal.”

“So then am I captive here or can I go see Buck?” you asked.

“You're free to leave,” the doctor said. Then he left the two of you alone.

“I'm sorry,” he started. “I should have been paying attention. I should have noticed you hadn't really slept or eaten. Or at least that you hadn't taken your meds.”

You just shook your head. “It's not your fault. We were both focused on Buck.”

“I still should have noticed.”

“You noticed when I was having an attack and got me help. That's all that matters.”

He just nodded, not seeming convinced.

“Can we go sit with Buck?” you asked.

“Maddie and their parents are in with him right now,” Eddie started. “How about we just go look through the window so you can see he's okay and then we go home so you can get some more rest?”

“I don't want to leave him. What if something happens?” You felt yourself spiraling. “What if something happens and– and we're not here?”

Eddie took your face between his hands and forced you to look at him. “Breathe.” He demonstrated a deep, calming breath for you. “He is stable. They don't expect anything to change overnight. And even if it did, we're not that far away. Okay?”

You took a few deep breaths. “Mmkay.”

“Besides, you know Buck would want you to rest and take care of yourself rather than sit around here.”

“Ugh. Fine,” you conceded. “Can we not tell him about my panic attack earlier?”

Eddie shook his head. “We can wait until he gets home. Unless he asks directly because I won't lie to him.”

You agreed and the two of you made your way towards the ICU. It really did help you to see him doing better. Leaning your head on Eddie’s shoulder, you were content to just stand I'm that hallway until Buck woke up but Eddie wouldn't go for that.

“Ready to go?” he asked.

“No,” you told him truthfully. “But we can anyway.”

A week later, Buck was finally coming home. You were practically vibrating with excitement.

Walking into the house, you tried to lead Buck towards the bedroom but he stopped you and attempted to head toward the couch. “You need to be resting,” you scolded him.

“Are you going to rest?” he asked.

“Me?” You asked, confused. “I'm fine. I didn't die a few days ago.”

Buck frowned. “The doctors ran tests to make sure you weren't having a heart attack because you nearly passed out from a panic attack.”

You scowled at Eddie. “When did you tell him?”

Eddie just shrugged. “He asked while you were loading up the car. I told you I wasn't going to lie to him.”

You sighed. “Regardless, I'm fine.”

Eddie shoved you and Buck towards the bedroom. “I think we could all use some rest. Let's all go take a nap and then we can watch a movie and eat take out in bed.”

“Sounds amazing. Except, when do we need to pick up Christopher?” you asked.

“Carla is keeping him overnight so we can get Buck settled in,” Eddie explained.

Buck nodded. “I vote pizza.”

“Deal,” you and Eddie agreed in unison.

[massiv3tr33p3rsona]

Hidden | Terrance X Wynnie (Black Fem OC)

Hidden Part I.

Pairing: Terrance (Foe) x Winona ‘Wynnie/Wyn’ (Black Fem OC)

Summary: Years after escaping her ex-husband’s cult and getting him locked up, Wynnie arrives to OuterMore after being selected for their two year space program. She is assigned to Terrance, who begins to get to know her on a much deeper level in order to prepare for the mission.

Warnings: MINOR DNI!, mostly buildup, fluff, sexual tension, PTSD (fem), mentioning of grooming/abusive behavior/trauma, emotional feelings, fear, cursing, smoking, non-canon

Dividers Made By: @cursed-carmine @thecutestgrotto

Parts: II • III • IV • V • VI • Epilogue

A/N I: Excited to write about Terrance again as I had a series on my previous account. This is a little different from it, but a remake of that one is coming later on.

THIS IS MY WORK, SO PLEASE DO NOT STEAL IT.

April 2065

Pulling up to a spot at the OuterMore Headquarters in Des Monies, Wynnie, a 5’6 brownskin woman, parks the car and turns it off, looking around the area.

In the middle of a grassy area, the building and its launch site stood tall. The sunlight shines brightly, which triggers something in her as she begins to breath harshly.

She looks down and closes her eyes, squeezing the steering wheel as she begins to attempt to calm herself down, tears running.

“You’re free. You’re free. You’re free.” she repeated the chants, feeling it work.

The memory of her ex-cult leader husband being verbally abuse to her doesn’t play this, making her sigh in relief.

“Thank god.” as she wipes away her tears.

Getting out her car and locking it, she adjusts her white ruffled dress, hair and matching tote bag before walking to the building, her pace picking up with each step.

Entering the building, she takes in the four floor level spacious lobby.

The OM logo being on the carpet, the windows behind the reception desk showing the inside of the lab and the spaceship she’ll be riding in two months from now, spacesuits, and group photos of past missions on the walls.

“Welcome to the OuterMore headquarters, where we go better to be further.” greeted the female receptionist as Wynnie walked up.

“I have an appointment with one of your agents.” she said in a shy tone.

“Alright, and what is your name?” as the woman taps on her tablet.

“Winona. Or Wynnie. Have no idea which name is listed.”

The receptionist nods as she scrolls, looking for her name. She clicks on something before looking up, sending her a small smile.

“You’re all checked in. Have a seat. Your agent will be out very soon.”

Wynnie nods before walking to find a seat in the slightly vacant lobby, examining.

Feeling very anxious with sitting around someone, she chooses the seat in a slightly dark corner. As she waits, she begins to fidget with her sunflower ring on her point, which the charm spins, helping her relax a bit.

This particular flower reminds her of a positive time from her childhood. Well, the only thing she can remember after years of cruel treatment from the cult she was forced into.

All of this goes back to when she was 14 years old: her grandmother, her only legal guardian, unexpectedly died. Despite leaving her with a savings account and a few other things, she was put into a foster care as none of her family members were willing to take her in.

She remained there for the rest of her teenage years until she was adopted by this middle-age white couple three months before her 17th birthday. They treated her nice and lovingly, which is something she has always wanted from people who actually care about her.

But all that will come crashing down and she didn’t realize until it was too late.

On her birthday, she and her parents drove to West Virginia, where she was told that there was a special gift they had waiting for her.

As they pulled up to a random house in a rural area, she is handed a white robe and mask, being told to put it on as this is part of the surprise. She obliges and they walk in, with them helping her as she couldn’t see much out.

As she was waiting, she gets snatched up by a stranger, thrown into a random room, where the door locks on the outside, making it very hard to escape. As she banged on the door, begging to get out, she realized that no one was coming to save her, giving up.

The door opens, with masked members walking in, forming a circle around her.

Then, a man wearing a red shawl and a demon designed mask walked in, bowing to her. He reveals himself as the Adonai, leader of Tolons, a new religious group whose ideology focused on a new modern balance that people should start aligning themselves more to save themselves: conspiracy theorism and spirituality.

He stated that she was selected to be the new Adonica, his new wife as the current one was not fulfilling her duties that he required anymore, stating that she will be trained to be obedient and remain pure as he wanted.

She refused, said that her parents won’t let this happen, which is when he revealed the actual truth: he planted those parents into adopting her, ordering them to find them someone that was not only what he required, but had something he wanted, which was more money.

During the training, she was taught to: wear a covering anytime she had to go somewhere in public as not wearing one would be violating his trust, any form of light she sees without dark is a sign that evil is around her, and being pure is something he demands as her innocence is something rare to find in today’s world.

A.k.a., using this as a manipulation tactic to groom her and brainwash the rest.

Along with this, she was verbally abused by him and many members that he had on a higher level, forcing herself to accustom to these conditions to survive.

She and the Adonai wed on her 18th birthday, which was a birthday she’ll never forget, refusing to tell anyone what happened that day, but assures that he didn’t force himself on her, not even during the next three years she was there.

She thought her life was officially over, believing there was no way out of this since they were watching her every move.

Until the day she finally escaped.

While out with a few Tolons members, the van they traveled in broke down, making everyone get out. As they waited for someone to get them, Wynnie saw this as her only chance of freedom, running as fast as she could away from them.

She hid for a few days before going to the local police, telling them who she was, what was going on in Tolons, and how they need to believe her as she wasn’t making any of this up.

Which they did.

Turns out, they and the Feds have been building a case of taking them down as they are occurring looking for a wanted, man who has numerous of charges across a lot of states, ranging from fraud to attempted murder. They swooped in and arrested him, revealing his real name as Alfonso.

As the trials occurred, Wynnie found out that they were never legally married as Alfonso wasn’t even divorced from his first wife, making the marriage invalid. Not only did he steal everyone’s money, he took out numerous loans in everyone’s name for financial gain, including her, which leaves her with endless amount of debt and having to enroll into a government assistance program.

Now 26 and far from the media frenzy after the trial concluded with him being sentenced to life in prison, she is looking forward to figuring out the next step in her life, regaining memories, things, and abilities she was good at, while also balancing the long-term effects of PTSD coming out randomly.

Which is why she’s here as she was selected for the upcoming mission, ask to come in person since she doesn’t have an actual address listed under her.

She’ll be part of the Group 70 mission, which will launch after Group 46 returns in two months.

The sound of the doors barging open startles Wynnie, making her jump up.

A group of scientists and engineers walk out, having conversations among themselves as they pass her, making her sit down and lay back.

A pair of footsteps is heard, making her look over.

She sees a tall, black man walking to the reception desk, greeting the receptionist with a smile as he grabs a folder and begins reading it, intrigued by what he sees.

Wynnie takes in his looks, noticing how he looks quite different from the engineers and scientists she saw.

Wearing a pinkish brown polo shirt, light brown dress pants, and brown dress shoes, he is a slim but chiseled man, with arms showing some veins, rocking a low fade with a scruffy beard, sharp jawline, slight brown skin tone, baggy eyes were a mixture of a blueish-green color, and dark pink curved lips, whoever he is.

Wynnie found him attractive.

But, she felt insecure as she doesn’t think he’ll ever go for someone like her due to her issues.

He looks up, locking eyes with her, making her turn away.

Shit! He saw me, she said, cursing herself.

She looks back a bit to see if he was standing there. Instead, he was walking to her, which made her scared.

“I can’t do this.” she utters, getting up quickly to leave.

“Winona, wait.” said the man, a British accent coming out, standing in front of her so she doesn’t move.

She looks down immediately, which confused him.

“Um….Is there a reason you’re not looking at me? Understandable if it’s a medical condition, but I’m a little lo…” he said, trailing off with the last word.

Wynnie lifts her head up, showing her face. His eyes, which were glowing green under the bulb they were under, softening a bit.

“….do I know you from somewhere? You look familiar?” he asked, examining her face.

Suddenly, a reflex takes over as her mood suddenly changes, with her now looking visibly distressed.

“BACK UP!” she yells, holding her hands up in defense.

That scared him as he stepped back, holding his hands up as he tries to calm her down.

“Woah. I didn’t do anything to you.” he replied.

“But you were about to!”

“Lower your voice.” as he stepped closer.

“Or what? You’re gonna drag him in here to threaten to harm me in some way?!”

The man looks at her very confused, not understanding where she’s getting this idea from as he sees security coming over, but motion them to stop.

“….drag who in here? It says you don’t have no one in your file.” as he holds up her folder.

“Alfonso. Adonai. Whatever he wants to call himself. Him.”

“Ok. What is he to you?”

She was about to say something but pauses, closing her eyes for a second. When she opens them, she’s back to her usual self, as if nothing happened.

“What’s going on?” she asked, confused on why he’s standing there.

“……Winona. Who’s Alfonso?” he asked, a worrying look on his face.

She looks at her hands, putting them down instantly as she realizes she once again overreacted and looks around, seeing people watching them.

“Oh my god…” she whispered, collapsing into her seat.

Her breathing becomes pitchy as the man kneels in front of her, gently squeezing her hands.

“Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.” he said, mimicking the inhale-exhale motion.

She follows, squeezing his hands back as she begins to calm down, looking down as she begins to cry.

“No, no.” he whispered, taking out a handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to her.

She takes it and begins wiping her tears, feeling him rubbing her hand as he sits next to her.

“Don’t feel ashamed.” he added, motioning to everyone that he has it under control.

“It’s hard not to.” she replied, clearing her throat.

“How come?”

“….that’s just how I am. After being in a cult for a while. Easily scared……afraid of light…..being caught talking to another man.” she said, sniffling.

The man looks at her folder, rereading her notes as he slowly tried to piece together the information she just gave him.

“…..oh wow.” he said, a apologetic expression on his face.

“We didn’t realize you were the one who escaped Tolons and got everyone locked up, including……your husband.” he added, a slightly irritated tone on the last word.

“He wasn’t really my husband since he wasn’t even legally divorced from his first wife. That hasn’t changed what he did to me and others who suffered.” she said, lifting her head.

The man nods, feeling bad for asking her who he was to her.

“I do apologize.” he said.

“It’s not your fault. You probably won’t be the last to not realize who am I. I do live a pretty quiet life away from everyone else.” as she looks at him.

“And we just met.” she added, watching a small smile appear on his face.

“Well, if you’re not comfortable with doing the space program at the moment, we can always put you on the waitlist and contact you.” he said as he got up.

“No, I’m fine!” she said loudly, immediately clasping her mouth in embarrassment.

He laughs a bit, holding his hand out.

“I think this conversation should be had in private. You might feel more comfortable instead of being out here.” he said, staring at her.

Wynnie looks at his hand, questioning if she should go or not.

Hesitating a bit, she grabs it and helps her up, grabbing her bag and handing it to her.

“Atta girl.” he mumbled, gently removing his hand.

He motions her to follow him to the doors, in which he opens one. He watches her walkthrough it before following, closing the door behind him.

Wynnie in the spacious hallway, with the massive windows showing the inside of the lab.

“I’m….Winona by the way.” she said shyly, looking at him.

“I know.” he nodded, smiling a bit.

“I’m Terrance. I’ll be your agent throughout this whole experience.”

She nods as she walks up to one of windows, looking down at the floor inside.

With the rocket being on the right, the floor was filled with groups of engineers and scientists working on different things, from running tests on the spacesuits or oxygen to building items that are needed.

Feeling the lights become overbearing the longer she stood there, she closed her eyes, feeling her head beginning to hurt.

She hears a click sound and looks up. The blinds begin coming down, covering the windows, which dimmed the light a bit.

“Much better?” asked Terrance, leaned up against the wall where the button was.

Wynnie nods, smiling a bit.

He walks to a door, typing a code in before opening it.

“This is my office. Come in.” he said, motioning her to walk in.

She looks back at the window before walking forward, heading inside with Terrence following behind.

Hearing him close the door, she takes in his office’s area, which is beautifully decorated in black velvet furniture.

“You can have a seat in front of the coffee table. We’ll get started soon, just let me settle in.” Terrence said, pointing at the table.

Wynnie nods before taking a seat, still looking around.

A picture of him with a group of other people in spacesuits, with a sign that says ‘Test Group’ standing in front of them.

His degrees with MIT frames around it and certifications hanging up on the wall. A small United Kingdom flag in a cup of writing utensils on his desk, along with a Jamaican flag.

“Thirsty?” he asked, heading to his fridge.

“Just a water.” she replied, squeezing on her handle.

He replied with ‘mmhm’ as he opened the door, taking out two bottles of water. He walks back over, placing a bottle in front of her before taking the seat in front of her.

“What brought you over here to the states?” she asked, breaking the silence.

Terrance looked up as he picked up a box and placed it on the table, opening it.

“Got offered full ride scholarships to a lot of schools, but MIT was the one who had the best program to me. So, came over here and spent six years studying while getting to know much about the culture here.” as he takes out a bracelet, tablet, a box with four dots, and a recorder.

“Graduated with my bachelor’s in aerospace engineering, with a minor in astrophysics and my associates in astrobiology.” he added, a small smile on his face.

“And you came out here?” she asked, watching him laugh.

“OuterMore was amazed with my essays and the idea of cloning while the real human lives in space for a few years to bring the grand opportunity of everyone relocating up there when earth starts deteriorating even more, so I got hired immediately to develop the program after graduation.” he replied, turning on a switch as the machine began to run.

She nods, impressed with his resume as he stood up, motioning her to hand over her wrist, which she obliges.

“This is a bracelet that detects how much water you have in your body.” he said as he snaps it on.

“What’s in the box?” she asked, looking over.

“A machine we use on all clients to detect their oxygen, heart, and other vitals. Just so we have accurate information to write down and put into the other you.” as he grab the box and take off the cover.

“Using these.” he added, showing her the dots.

He takes one off and hands it to her, which she grabs.

“Where does this one go?” she asked.

“Over your heart. Wasn’t sure if you’re comfortable with me putting it on there, so…there you go.”

She nods, placing it over her heart, and watch it light up as he moves behind her, taking out two dots.

“The next two goes behind your ears, which helps us connect to your nervous system. Can you lift your hair up a bit?” he asked.

She does so, lifting up her curls as she feels him placing the dots on, gently pressing down to keep them in place.

He removes his hands, walking back into her view, as she lets go of her curls.

“And the last one is up to you to where you wanna place it.” he said, handing her the dot.

She grabs it, examining it as she looked at her legs, thinking about where she wants to put it. She placed it on the top of her fibula, watching it light up as Terrence sits back down, adjusting some of the buttons in the box.

“What’s the recorder for?” she asked.

“Our conversations are going to be recorded in case I miss something or it will help with developing your clone’s capabilities.” as he points at it.

“Anything you say to me will be kept strictly between us and no one else will have access to hearing it, unless I include it during the process of making you.”

“You swear?” she asked, looking at him.

“I do. As long as you’re fine with it.” he replied, a committed tone in his voice.

She held his gaze for a bit, slightly relaxing as she nods, placing her bag on the floor.

“Let’s start, shall we?” as he hits a button on the recorder, watching the red light come on.

He picks up his tablet and types on it, pulling up a list of questions as Wynnie watches.

“What’s your name?” he asks first.

“Winona. Or Wynnie, with a ‘Y’, to some people.”

“When your birthday?”

She hesitated for a bit, trying to find the answer in her head.

“August…..August 15th.” she replied.

“Mm.” he said, smiling a bit.

“Did I say it wrong?”

“No, no. You are right.” he assured.

“Just I never had a client whose birthday was the day after mines.” he added, amusement in his tone.

“Well….I’ll be turning 27 while in space, so I’ll have something *fun to look forward to this year.” she said, smiling a bit.

“28 for me.”

“You don’t look it.”

“…I look older or something?”

“No.” she said, shaking her head.

“You look younger than most of your colleagues here. And I mean it as a compliment.”

Terrance pauses, trying to not blush as he moves on to the next question.

“Where you coming from?”

“Iowa City.”

He exhales in disbelief.

“That’s a two hour drive from here. You driving that far?”

“Well, that’s the closest motel I can afford right now with assistance.”

His face softens, apologetic now.

“My apologies.” he said.

“Just doing the best I can right now.” she said shrugging.

“What kind of a car do you drive?”

“A 2010 Subaru Impreza.”

“Wow.” he whispered, typing in her answer.

“The program unfortunately doesn’t include coverage for self driving cars yet, so….yeah.”

“You’re not worried about it breaking down one day?”

She begins fidgeting with the sunflower charm, which he notices and makes note of.

“I have a bag of clothes, toothbrush, and other things just in case I get stuck somewhere. Hopefully there’s a shelter or something near that I can stay in.” she replied, looking away.

“Well, let’s hope that doesn’t happen at all during this as it gets really hot over here.” he said, laughing a bit.

She nods, not amused by his response. He clears his throat before continuing.

“Where were you born?”

“I….um don’t know.”

He looks up, confusion on his face.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“I mean, I do know. It was, um…somewhere on the East Coast.” she added.

He nods, typing it in before she cuts him off.

“Sorry. It’s probably not helping, but I did lose my documents during my time in the cult.”

“Ahh. Makes more sense.” he replied.

“Yeah. They are sending me the copies of them. Should be here very soon.”

“Well, that saves me from asking the next…..” as he’s scrolling. “20ish questions then.”

“Damn, you need all that to know about me?” she asked, surprised at the amount of questions.

“It helps with making sure the other you is following the same mind you got going on. Even if you move away from some of it.”

“So…..this is also like a therapy session.”

He thought about it, almost wanting to counter-argument her, but realize she’s actually not that far off.

“You can say that.” he said, nodding in agreement.

“Figured.”

“Next question: what was it like during the three years of being in Tolons?”

She squeezes her hand close, feeling a little hesitant with answering as her heart begins to beat fast.

“Besides witnessing and going through the harm he caused, I lost the ability to write.”

“How?”

“I was the Adonica. He didn’t think it was necessary for me to write anything at all because “that’s not what a wife does.” Really, he was worried that if I written everything I saw and thought of, that would be evidence for the Feds to come after him and use.” as she rolled her eyes.

“And I’m gonna assume his followers were backing him up.”

“Yes. Because they know that he’s telling the “truth” since he knows how to talk to spirits, who exposes the secrets *they don’t want you to know about.”

“…..who’s they?”

She points at him, shrugging a bit.

“Exactly my point.”

Terrance nods, typing in her answer as she adjusts herself in her seat.

“So yeah. Because I did not get to write at all, I am forced to teach myself how to write again.” she begins to say.

“And how’s that’s going?”

She chewed on her lip a bit, fidgeting with her charm.

“…..I’m on the letter ‘M’. Writing in both print and cursive in my workbooks I use. Wrote some words in a journal I have, even if I don’t want to.” she replied, a little bit sad.

“Because of him haunting your mind with his taunts?” he asked, watching her rub her eye.

“More so of it being a bit humiliating that I’m almost 30, having to relearn things I grew up being taught on because of him trying to break me.” as she looks at him.

“I should be living a great life somewhere with the savings my grandmother left for me. In my dream career of……” she said, trailing off on the last word.

He waited patiently, hoping wherever she was going to say, comes out but she sighs, looking away.

“Don’t know what I wanted to do. Now I can’t even do that now.” she whispered.

“It’s never too late to start over. Even if you don’t want to.” he said in a caring tone.

“You gotta have something to do that. Unfortunately, I don’t. No diploma, no GED, no experience. Nothing.” she replied.

“You don’t have to beat yourself over it.”

“It’s hard not to when you had so much trust in people who you thought wanted to be your parents. Even in that short window.”

Terrance says ‘mhm’ quietly as Wynnie takes a sip of her water, seeing him focused on her movements.

“….are you noting how I move?” she asked.

He nods, fixing his shirt.

“Helps with accuracy. We want to make sure other you is still you while you’re away, so we have to apply with precision with the movements.”

“Including my face?”

“Especially that.”

She licks her lips, wiping her face a bit.

“Guess I have to relax it or she’ll look a bit older than what she actually is.” she mumbled.

“Doesn’t seem like you aged at all.” he said, making her look at him.

“You’re saying that to be nice.”

“I’m not. I’m being serious, Winona.”

“Yeah, okay.” she replied sarcastically.

Terrance shrugs a bit as he moves onto the next part.

“Was not writing the only thing you lost? Sorry if I added onto the question.” he asked.

“You’re fine. Just doing your job.” she replied, coughing a bit.

“But when he wanted to be nice to make sure I’m obeying, he gave me some privileges if I did well.” she added.

“Like what?”

“Playing the piano. I was trained very well, thanks to my grandmother. Guess he found that out from my adopted parents.”

“So on a random night of his choosing, he took me out, wearing the covering over my body, to some….music store. He knew a guy there, who I’m pretty sure got fired after the trial.”

Terrance chuckled, but stopped, feeling like it was big inappropriate to do that.

“You can laugh. It’s not like he’ll get his job back after being a contributor.” she said, reassuring him.

“Right.” as he nodded.

“But yeah. He let me play on the piano for two hours. Played all kinds of songs that I knew and he wanted to hear. Until I spoiled it all and he cuts the session.”

“Spoiled it?”

She laughs, a memory of him getting upset playing in her mind.

“Whenever I get done playing what’s always the last song, he always praised me, then adds a comment about how our children will be loved with the sound of my playing accompanying them as they grow up. And I ruin it by saying “it will be a cold day in hell before I let you coming anywhere near me with that rabble wight he calls a dick.” each time.”

“You found another term for unwashed thing?” he asked in an impressed voice.

“Had many ways thanks to the dictionary. Soiled slob, polluted shrimp, even churned dick because he fucking smelled like rotting fish and moldy cheese.” she responded, watching him laugh loudly.

“What, he hated washing?!” he asked in the midst of his laughs.

“He believed washing our bodies is how the government gets close to controlling us…..as he and others paid the water bill and was drinking it.”

They both laughed in unison, in awe at how stupid that sounds as she drinks more of her water.

“Wow. You went through hell with that man.” he replied, drinking some of his water.

“Yeah, I did.” as her smile faded a bit.

“I did.” she repeated, looking down at her ring.

“What…” as he looks at his tablet, trying to think of a calm way to ask the question.

“What was his…..reaction like? Was it the same with anyone who did something he didn’t lie or different for you?” he asks.

Wynnie closes her eyes tightly, feeling an attack coming as Terrance leans forward, about to get up, but she holds up her hand, stopping him.

She breathes in and out softly to subdue it, feeling herself relax as she opens her eyes, seeing him watching with a concerned look.

“We can skip the question if you want.” he said softly.

“I think I want to answer it since you asked.” she replied quietly, feeling tears forming.

He nods, sliding a tissue box to her, which she grabs as she wipes her eyes, sniffling a bit.

“Alfonso. You would think he was just a nice man, looking to do things for his family on a budget and very caring on the outside when you meet him. But no.” as she shook her head.

“His rage was……something I never seen before. Very violent, harmful. Having you worried that he might get you while you’re sleeping.”

“What did he do if you don’t mind me asking.” he asked cautiously.

“He never physically assaulted me. Gotta make that clear every time I have to talk about him. But he did hit others around me, didn’t matter if they did something or not. He was verbally abusive though. Threatening to harm me if I didn’t do something he requested, calling me a bunch of things but a child of God, insulting my intelligence or when I’m right about something, hated when I talked to some of the male members, just full on angry.” she replied, exhaling loud.

“It was worse when it went to emotional. He used tactics to scare me into not ever wanting to leave him as long as I was there. He beat on someone to a point they are badly hurt, self harmed himself, or whipped out a gun and threaten to shoot someone because I didn’t follow an order. He did this mostly to the women.”

Terrance looked away, feeling very sick about the details he’s hearing as she cries a bit.

“The worst part? Everyone who didn’t see an issue with it followed behind because they wanted to be like him. Why? He’s just a man who has unresolved issues, spreading shit he believes to be true in order to get money and control over people!” she yelled, anger consuming her.

She wiped her tears away roughly, her face slightly red as he watches, seeing her pain coming out.

“How he got away with it for so long? I still don’t know. And I don’t care to find it out either.” she added.

“……they failed you.” he said, exhaling loudly. “They failed the other victims as well.”

She nods slowly, letting the tears pour down as she sees him walk over, kneeling in front of her.

“But you shouldn’t let that linger in you for the rest of your life. It’s tough, but it’s not worth reliving it in your mind.”

“It’s hard not to, Terrance.” as she looks at him.

“I can be having a great day, doing….whatever. But as soon as I go to sleep, the night terrors start and it always gets worse that I have to literally sleep with some light over me. Even that ends up not working sometimes.” she added, shaking her head.

“…..what did your room look like?” he asked.

“…..no windows. Black walls. Just a lamp and a nightstand. Kept my personal things on my bed as the floor was filthy.” she replied.

He nodded, standing up and pressing pause on the recorder, confusing her.

“What are you doing?” she asked, seeing him pick up the tablet.

“What motel are you staying at?” as he types something.

“Um…..Starland.” as she wipes her face.

“What’s your room like there?”

“Um, blue and white walls. A decent looking bathroom and furniture. A lamp that doesn’t work. My own desk and vanity. A tv I don’t use as much besides for some movies I pay for. AC doesn’t really work, so I bought a fan.”

“You know the address?”

She looks down, reaching into her bag and grabbing her phone, unlocking it. Pulling up a file, she hands it to him, which he takes, sitting down.

“I am going to send you a sound machine.” as he types in the address.

“A sleep lamp. And two coolers. Should be coming tomorrow after our second session.” as he hands back her phone.

“What I want you to do is try to get a good sleep schedule. We want other you to have a good mind and relaxed body while you’re gone. Don’t worry, she’ll still have the same emotions most humans have. Journal everything that happens when you wake up and if you notice it’s getting better and better, it’s working.”

She takes her phone, confused as he hits the play button, resuming the recording.

“How can I pay you back?” she asked.

“You don’t need to. I got enough and can make it back easily.” he replied, adjusting his seat.

“What if it doesn’t work?”

“We’ll try another way. We got two months. I don’t want you giving up. You came too far for it to end like that.”

She smiles a bit, liking his comforting manner.

“Anyone ever said you have a nice voice?”

“Would be the richest man in the world if I got paid hearing that a lot.” he replied, smiling back at her.

A loud knock comes in, startling Wynnie as she jumps up, running to a corner in his office.

“Go away!” she yells, scaring Terrance.

She immediately drops to the floor, going into fetal position by hiding her face into her knees, hearing her breathing loud.

“…..loud and hard knocks is another one, isn’t it?” he asked, looking at her position.

“Yes.” she said quietly.

“Noted.” as he stood up.

“Probably just a co-worker dropping off something.” as he walks to the door.

“Make sure.”

He unlocks the top lock, before opening it, seeing his mid height, blonde hair, blue eyes co-worker, Lance, standing there with a file folder in his hands.

“Hello, Lance.” greeted Terrance in a low tone voice.

“Hey, Terrence! Sorry if I’m interrupting something, but Mel wanted me to drop this off.” said Lance, handing him the folder.

“Thanks.” as Terrence takes it.

“Not to be nosey, but….. did somebody scream in there after I knocked on the door?” he asked, trying to look inside.

Terrence blocked his view, making sure he doesn’t see Wynnie hiding on the floor.

“Yeah, my new assignment I just got assigned to. She has PTSD, so she’s a little sensitive to certain things.”

“Damn. Always getting the crazy ones around here.” he said, laughing a bit.

Terrence eyes him down, not amused by that comment as he steps back, grabbing the door.

“She’s not crazy. Just needs a little more help with healing before she goes up.” he replied, turning away.

“Have a good—“ is what he heard Lance say, but cut him off by closing the door.

“Asshole.” Terrence whispered as he reads through the folder while walking to Wynnie.

As he walks by the table, he presses the square button on the recorder, which stops the recording, watching the tape pop out.

He continues his journey, sitting down carefully in front of her, which makes her look up.

“He didn’t sound nice.” she said, watching him smile a bit.

“He’s a little bit of a dick that got reassigned here because no one else wants him.”

“Where is he supposed to be at?”

“Homeland Security. But don’t listen to him. He doesn’t…quite understand why I get assigned the special ones.”

“You can’t say you made this program from the bottom to him?” as she sits up, laying her legs out.

“Nahh. I just don’t pay him no mind.”

She nodded as he sits the folder next to him, leaning back a bit.

“How do you feel about me ending the session a bit early?”

“But we haven’t hit an hour.” she replied, pouting a bit.

“Well, most of the questions are in reference to things you don’t have at the moment and the rest are a bit getting deeper into your past and questioning your future plan after this is over, which I don’t wanna go to.” he said, a slight grimace in his voice.

“I do. It’s best we get it out of the way instead of me leaving now to go drive back two hours. And we’re not behind before the launch.”

“…..how about a break then? An hour or less. You did cry for quite a bit. I know your head slightly hurts.”

As soon as he said that, she felt a slight sting come into her head, making her rub it a bit.

“…deal.” she replied, blinking slowly.

He nodded before standing up, helping her afterwards before grabbing the tablet off the table.

“Have you eaten today?”

“…..you don’t have to buy me lunch. Your gift from earlier is just enough.” she said, waving her hand to decline.

“Well, I’m asking cause most of the places doesn’t take assistance program as payment.” he said, looking up.

“Why am I not surprised?” she said, sitting down.

“Still didn’t answer my question.” as he sat in the chair next to her.

“……only a muffin and a water.” she replied quietly.

“How do you feel about sushi? I know a great place that makes them and delivers to here.” as he types in the place.

“Never had it.”

“Ooh, you’re missing out.” as he hands her the tablet.

“Here’s the menu so you can take a look. If you don’t want that, we can get something else.” he added, a small smile on his face.

Wynnie takes it, reading through the menu carefully as Terrence watches, scanning over her face.

He takes note of her curved plumped lips, her thinned eyebrow, almond shaped eyes, curly brown hair, and subtle button nose with a hooped nose piercing as she looks up, seeing him staring.

They both hold each other’s eyes for a bit before she hands him back the tablet, looking away a bit.

“….the rock and roll & spicy tuna ones sound delicious.” she said, breaking the silence.

“They are.” he replied, adding her order to the cart before adding his.

“Did you also want a drink or you’re fine with the water I gave you?”

“I’m okay with the water.”

He nods before placing the order, sitting the tablet on the table.

“Should be here in 15 minutes. While we wait for it, let’s continue with some of the questions.” he said, pressing the button to begin recording again.

She nods, turning to face him as he begins asking the question.

They spend the rest of the day answering questions while eating the sushi, in which Wynnie was impressed with the taste and texture of it.

Noticing it was getting a bit late as the sun was setting, he ends the session and walks with her to her ca, making sure she’s safe.

Placing her bag and leftover sushi in the passenger seat, he walks over and helps her get in, adjusting her legs.

“Oh you don’t have to…” she begins to say, but is cut off by how warm and comfortable his hands felt against her skin.

He looks at her, seeing her eyes flutter as he reaches into his pocket to retrieve something.

“If anything happens…” as he hands her a folded piece of paper.

“Call me.” he added, watching her take it.

“Even if I’m two hours away?” she asked, reading it.

Terrance kneels, waving at some of his coworkers passing him before looking at her again.

“Even if you’re two hours away. Don’t like that you’re alone out there, but there’s nothing I can do about that.”

Wynnie nods, watching him close her door before stepping back.

“See you tomorrow, Terrance.” as she starts up the car.

“See you tomorrow, Winona.” he replied with a tender smile.

He waves as he watches back out carefully and drive away, seeing her exit at the end of the long road.

“Get home safe.” he whispered as he turns back to the building.

Two hours of driving on the dark roads later, Wynnie arrives to her home: the Starland Motel.

It sits a few minutes outside of downtown Iowa City, surrounded by a lot of street lights and one level homes.

She grabs her things before locking up her car, making sure everything’s fine before walking to the stairs.

She hears a door swinging open, making her stop and look to her left.

Seeing small clouds of smoke come out of the reception room, there stood the hotel manager and her landlord, Berlinda, a small Caucasian woman covered in tattoos, smoking a cigarette.

“Evening, Berlinda.” said Winona, waving at her.

“Thought that was you who pulled up.” Berlinda replied, coughing a bit.

She didn’t see Berlinda that much as the woman is always running around, fixing something around the motel or arguing with a customer who claims the wrong was up to what they expected.

However, when it came to her, she was always nice, having empathy for her as she recognized her face from the coverage of the trial, and never told anyone else about it.

“I been waiting for you to come back all day. I know you went to OuterMore, but you did get something in the mail.” she said, retrieving something from the room.

She pulls out a big envelope and walks up, handing it to Wynnie, who takes it, examines it.

“It feels a little thick, so I’m gonna assume it’s—“

“My missing documents.” said Wynnie, cutting her off as she smiles happily.

“Yep. Glad you finally have your stuff again.” said Berlinda, turning to walk.

“Oh, wait.”

Berlinda stops, turning back to face Wynnie.

“I’m going back there tomorrow. While I’m gone, a package my agent ordered for me is supposed to come. I don’t know how big it’s going to be, but can you watch out for it, please?” asked Wynnie.

“You bet your ass I can! You always good with me when it comes to your mail, don’t you worry. Now if this was Ms. Watkins’ nasty chitlins eating ass, it would be a different story.” said Berlinda, inhaling her cigarette before blowing the smoke out.

“Thank you. Good night.” she said, walking up the stairs.

Belinda nods before walking back into her room, leaving the door half open.

Wynnie walks along the hallway before stopping at a room with the number 15 on it. She takes out her keys and unlocks the door, pushing the door open.

Turning on the lights, she takes in the small room she told him about, noticing nothing has changed since she left.

“Home sweet home.” she utters as she puts her stuff on the table, walking the sushi to her refrigerator.

She does her nightly routine, which consists of washing her face, applying her skin care, brush her teeth, showering, and writing a bit in her workbooks before climbing to her bed.

She turns off the light, feeling her nerves rise a bit as she lays down, looking at the curtain covered window as she slowly falls asleep, hoping the terror isn’t too bad.

Wynnie wakes up in a very dark room, confused with how cold it was.

No windows.

Filthy floor.

And her stuff on the bed.

Immediately recognizes it as her old room from when she was still in Tolons.

She stood up, trying to find the exit, but keeps going through an endless loop, giving up.

Suddenly, she hears an uneasy sound of loud hitting and groaning filling in, making her cover her ears immediately.

“Please God, no.” she whispered, kneeling into a position.

It continued for a while, until it was replaced by evil laugh from a man, making her slowly look up.

Standing in front of her was a man wearing a red shawl and a demon designed mask with a grizzly smile, looking down at to her.

She noticed blood was pouring out of the mouth part, which made her crawl back until she hits something hard.

She looks up and sees another one looking down at her, blood pouring excessively out that it hits her, making her scream as she tries to get up.

However, she looks down, seeing that she sinking into the floor, which is now a pool of blood, struggling to fight her way out as the evil laughter grows louder.

“Don’t fight it, Wynnie.” she hears Alfonso say darkly, making her look up to see him sitting in a king styled designed chair.

“You’re home.” he added, getting up to walk to her.

“No, no, please!” she yells, feeling herself sinking lower and lower.

Alfonso stands in front of her, with the masked men standing behind watching her struggle, covered in their blood.

“Here. Let me help.” he said, kneeling down.

She tries to lift her arms up, but fail he places his hand over her forehead, pushing her down further as she screamed loudly. She feels something hot coming out of his hand, burning her horrifically.

Wynnie wakes up quickly, panting very violently as she tries to calm herself down, doing the method she does.

“You’re free. You’re free. You’re free.” she repeated, emotions taking over.

After a few minutes, she’s calm down, rubbing her head as she looks at the windows, seeing the sun is out.

She looks at the clock, which reads 8:15.

She gets up, heading to the bathroom to start the first step in her morning routine: showering.

She follows with brushing her teeth, washing her face and applying skincare, doing her hair in a updo-sidebang, applying bodycare and putting on her outfit.

Wearing an off-shoulder purple tie blouse, blue flared jeans, white platform sandals, she applied her favorite red lipstick before adding final touches, taking one last look in the mirror.

Grabbing the envelope and placing it in her bag, she leaves, making sure the door is locked before heading downstairs to her car.

Two hours of driving with coffee and a donut later, Wynnie walks into the building, seeing Terrance already standing there, waiting for her.

He’s in a white dress shirt, black business casual jacket, black dress plants, and black shoes, starting at her as she got close.

“Morning, Winona.” he greeted, a big smile on his face.

“Good morning to you as well.” she replied, sending a small smile back.

“You look….” as he looks at her outfit, taking it in.

“You look great.” he added. “Purple suits you well.”

She nodded as he begins walking to the doors, with her following behind him.

Entering his office, she places her bag on the table, taking out the envelope.

“When I came home yesterday, my landlord told me my documents came in the mail.” as she hands it to him.

He said ‘ah’ as he takes it, impressed that it’s here already.

“Did you take a look?” he asked, placing it on his desk.

“Not yet. I’m, um….a little nervous on what it contains.”

He nods, grabbing her folder before walking to the door.

“That’s normal. But we can talk about it after we go to the lab.”

“The lab?” as she raised her eyebrows.

He chuckles a bit as he raises his hands in reassurance.

“It’s nothing crazy. Just we have to get your measurements and body scan.”

“Oh. Is it going to hurt?” as she relaxes.

“No. It’s a quick and easy process.”

He opens the door, waiting for her to walk out.

“Plus, I want you to meet a good friend of mines. Come.” as he tilted his head towards the hallway.

Wynnie walks out, with him following, closing the door.

They walk to the door at the end of the hallway that leads into the lab, with him typing in a code on the pinpad, hearing it unlock before sliding open.

Heading down the stairs, Terrance leads the way as Wynnie takes in the busy floor, from one group making a liquid to print out the skins to another building parts of the bodies as another group works on coding in facial expressions on some heads.

“Very grip as you see.” said Terrance as he looks back, watching her look at everything.

Wynnie looks at one particular one, where the face, belonging to a short haired brunette white woman, was very still-like and eyes closed.

Suddenly, her eyes shot open and mouth stretches open, showing a haunting expression you would see in a horror film that it scared Wynnie, causing her to bump into Terrance very hard.

“That’s what I meant.” he whispered, gently moving her to the front.

“We’re almost there though.”

They walk into a direction where there is an area called SCANNING in the corner, surrounded by a few scientists and other people, in which Wynnie assumes are her fellow Group 70 members.

“Still working hard, I see?” as he walks up to a tall darkskin black woman, causing her to look up.

The woman laughs before dapping him up, beginning a conversation with him that Wynnie doesn’t hear as she takes it her looks.

Wearing a short sleeve black shirt, black jeans, black and white sneakers, she was very fit and muscular, has dimples each time she smiled, locs with gold cuffs in them, a massive dragon tattoo who’s head started on her hand and wrapped around her arm while her other arm was covered in a vine-like tattoo with different plants, she was a sight to see.

She wonders if her and Terrance had a thing with how close they are as he looked over, motioning her to come over.

“Winona, This is Mel. A good friend of mines since our MIT days who’s good at accurately, getting the correct measurements and scans of everybody’s other you. She’ll be doing yours.” he said, stepping to the side a bit.

“Nice to meet you.” said Mel with a bit of a twang, holding out her hand.

“Nice to meet you as well.” Wynnie replied, shaking it.

“You from DC?” she asked immediately, surprising Mel.

“See? Someone can recognize my accent, Terrance!” said Mel, nudging him in his chest.

“I didn’t say that!” he replied, rubbing the spot.

“I said you sound like a Southerner.” he added, making Mel chuckle.

“Whatever, tea boy. You from out there too?” as she looks at Wynnie again, watching her shake her head.

“No. I’m from somewhere on the East Coast, but I can recognize your accent real easily for some reason.” she replied in a shy tone.

“You don’t know where you’re from?”

Wynnie stops for a bit as she comes up with a sensible answer.

As she was about to reply, Terrance leans into Mel’s ear, covering himself with the folder to tell her something, watching her face change from confused to apologetic.

“My bad. Forgot about that part of your file.” she said.

“It’s fine. I know you didn’t mean no harm.” said Wynnie.

Mel nods as she takes the folder from Terrance, grabbing her lab coat behind her.

“Follow me this way so we can begin and I can send you back his way.” as she begins to walk.

“He doesn’t come along?” asked Wynnie.

“Oh no.” said Terrance, looking at her.

“When it comes to this, we assign the same sex scientist to do this part so the client doesn’t feel uncomfortable with their agent if of opposite sex does it.” he added, smiling a bit.

“Makes the process much easier.” said Mel.

Wynnie nods, watching her walk into a room, standing at the entrance to wait for her.

“You don’t mind if I take a look at your envelope while I’m waiting?” he asked.

“That’s fine.” she replied, sending a small smile.

She holds his gaze for a few more minutes before following Mel, walking past her to enter the room.

Mel waves at Terrance, who waves back, before clicking a button that slide the door closed. He looks around the floor before heading back to his office.

Inside the spacey silver swirled room, Wynnie sees a big machine hooked up to different wires as Mel sits the folder next to the clipboard on the table against the wall, putting on her coat.

“Okay, so first thing I’m gonna do is take your measurements and ask some questions before we do the scanning. Is that okay with you?” asked Mel, looking at her.

Wynnie nods as she watches her unravel the measuring tape, kneeling down and pushing her left pants leg. She wraps around her calf, tightening it a bit.

“What size shoe do you wear?” she asked, letting it go before standing up and writing on the clipboard.

“8.5.” Wynnie said softly.

“Same as your ring size?”

“No. My ring size is a 6.”

Mel says ‘mm’ before turning back to her, looking her up and down.

“Stand straight for me, please.”

Wynnie obliged, watching her place the end of the tape on the top of her waist before pulling the rest down her leg, stopping at the top of the foot.

“Are you vaccinated?” she asks next.

“Just re-upped last month.” said Wynnie.

Mel nods before writing down the numbers on the clipboard. She moves behind her, placing the end at the top of her head.

“Close your legs for me.”

Wynnie followed, feeling her pull the rest down her back, over her ass before stopping at the bottom heel of her foot, holding it for a few seconds.

“Any tattoos or scars?” as she steps into her view.

“And hold your arms out like this.” she added as she holds her arms out horizontally.

Wynnie followed, stretching her arms out as wide as she could, watching her lay the end in one hand before pulling to stretch the other.

“Four scars. Two tattoos. One covers the scar on my left hip, the second one covers the one on my right wrist. And the two others are the same. Just one is on my left rib and the other is on my back.” said Wynnie, watching her write it down.

Mel wraps the measuring tape around her chest, feeling it jump a bit.

“You know your cup size?”

“D.” she replied instantly, making her laugh.

“That was fast.” as Mel lets go, wrapping it around Wynnie’s waist.

“…you seemed curious.” as she looks up at her.

Mel’s eyes twinkle a bit, letting go of the tape as she walks over to the clipboard.

“I see why he’s taken a huge interest in you.” she said as she was writing.

“What do you mean?” asked Wynnie, a confused look on her face.

“Normally, Terrance doesn’t talk about the assignments in a thrilling way. Only your typical “he’s boring, but his background is interesting” conversations.” as she looks at her.

“I noticed a new dynamic in him after you went home yesterday” she added, an amused expression on her face.

“It’s like…you awoken something in him. Something I haven’t seen since we went to space as the test group.”

Wynnie was stunned, not noticing Terrance was out there waiting for her early on purpose.

“He told you this?” she asked.

“Hasn’t stopped talking about you since. And after one day? That’s rare of him.”

She smiles a bit, but drops it fast as she remembers Mel is in front of her.

“….hopefully I’m not coming between something that you and him have.” said Wynnie.

Mel’s eyes widen, shocked by what she said.

Then, she lets out a humorous laugh, covering her mouth so no one hears her.

Wynnie watches in confusion, trying to figure out if she said something funny.

“Winona.” as Mel catches her breath. “That’s the funniest shit you ever said.” with a laugh following.

“…so you’re not seeing him?”

“Absolutely not.” as she shook her head. “We’re best friends. Taught him a lot about this country that he wanted to know about. But he’s not someone I would go for personally.” as she walked towards the machine.

Wynnie followed behind, watching her go up to a switch box, flicking everything up except one and the machine turns on.

“Not that anything is wrong with him.” as Mel looks back.

“Just men are not my type.” she added.

Wynnie stood there, taken a back by that reveal as Mel laughs.

“But, you’re fine.” as she opens one of the doors.

“I also don’t go after any female assignment OuterMore picks for the missions. That’s a rule I set with myself when I got hired to develop the program.”

She goes up to the wall, typing something into an invisible pinpad and the door unlocks, sliding open as she steps inside.

Wynnie looks away, processing the new information she’s learning right now, feeling a bit tense.

“..are you saying he would date an assignment?” she asked, watching Mel walk out with a stack of folded clothes.

“That’s the thing: he doesn’t. Not even the widowed or divorced ones.” as she sits them on the table.

“But, he might just break that rule for you.” she added.

“How do you know he’s not just trying to score?”

Mel takes out a gown and hands it to her, watching her take it.

“He’s an introvert who rarely goes out on dates or parties. And treats women nicely. He does his job with delicate gestures and if you feel him feeling awful about something you say, it’s genuine.” as she smiled.

“Change into that, by the way. Keep your underwear on and remove jewelry if you have any on.” as she pointed at the gown.

Mel turns around, hearing Wynnie remove her clothes and ring, placing them on the table as she puts the gown on.

“All done.” said Wynnie, watching her turn around.

“Alright. Step inside the machine and I’ll explain what you have to do.” as Mel points towards it.

Wynnie walks up, anxiety building up as she gets closer.

She stops at the entrance, looking inside the glowing green room before looking at Mel, who was standing by the door, holding the clipboard. She nods, gently motioning her to walk in, in which she does.

“I’m gonna close the door a bit. Just so you’re covered and I can’t see you.” said Mel, grabbing the handle.

Wynnie nods as she hears the door close, hearing it creak.

Okay, so what you are going to do next is remove your gown and align yourself on the outlined feet in the middle of the platform as Mel leans into a mic so she can hear her.

Wynnie hesitates as she slowly removes the gown, tossing it out.

Staring in all of her glory and a thong, she looks at the blinking cameras in front and behind her, taking it the different flashing colors each one has.

Mel examines while adjusts some of them, using a switch box. She enhances the one pointed at the left side of Wynnie’s hip, seeing a much clearer view of the banquet of sunflowers tattoo over the jagged line scars.

“Okay, so for the next step, I need you to stand on the outline and straight.” she says, pushing a button to close the door.

Wynnie stands on it, adjusting her body as the light dims.

In a few minutes, you’re going to see a flash of white light hit you. That’s the first scan being done. Then, it’s gonna flash twice, signaling the second scan. The last one is going to shine a bright red flash, signaling the last one, she spoke into the mic, making Wynnie look up.

Mel flicks another switch, adding more darkness around the green lit room.

Throughout this, you need to be in an A frame pose and be still as it’s going to happen very, very fast. It’s okay if you blink after the first one because it is a bit bright, but be careful with blinking after the first one in the second scan, she said, looking at the screen.

Wynnie looks forward as she gets into that pose, seeing the cameras adjust a bit. The air gets a little hot, making her sweat a bit as a countdown begins.

3..2..1.

Suddenly, a quick FLASH of white light hits her, blinding her a bit, which makes her blink.

“Fuck.” she whispered, rubbing her eyes a bit.

Second one is coming in less than 30 seconds said Mel, watching the first scan prints appear on the monitor next to her.

Wynnie repositioned herself, blinking very quickly as she hears the countdown begin again.

3.

2.

1.

Another quick FLASH of white light hits her, with another countdown following.

3.

2.

1.

The second FLASH hits her, completing the second scan.

Wynnie rubs her quickly, the sting being a bit overbearing as she hears some of the cameras move rinto the center, all pointing at her.

Alright, last scan is coming in one minute. This one will shine a bright red, which will be the outer layer of other you. Don’t be freaked out at all of the cameras staring at you, Mel added.

The light in the room turns red, which made Wynnie uncomfortable, feeling heat growing inside of her.

“Please don’t.” she whispered, knowing that familiar feeling.

Her breathing becomes pitchy as the room darkens, with the countdown beginning.

Keep your eyes open, said Mel.

Wynnie widens her eyes, feeling them slowly tear up as 10 seconds is shown in a fast pace.

3..2..1.

A FLASH of red light hits her, completing the final scan.

And you’re all done, as Mel gets up, hitting a switch.

Wynnie collapses to the ground, rubbing her eyes fast as the attack comes over, making her squeeze her eyes and say the chant quickly.

“You’re free. You’re free. You’re free. You’re free.” she repeats, shaking a bit.

The door opens, with Mel coming in with her gown, startled by the scene.

She rushes over, wrapping the gown around her as she kneels down, comforting her.

“Breathe. Breathe. It’s over, you’re okay.” she said, feeling Wynnie relaxing a bit.

She softly blinks, looking over to see Mel next to her, feeling slightly embarrassed about what just happened.

“Sorry about that.” she said quietly.

“Don’t be. It’s perfectly fine to have that reaction.” said Mel, a small smile on her face.

The women get up, exiting the machine. Mel begins locking it up as Wynnie puts back on her clothes, feeling the cool air returning.

Sitting in his office again, Wynnie hears a snap, making her look back. She sees Terrance standing there, holding up a camera.

“For photo references.” he said, smiling a bit.

He snaps a quick picture of her before she looks forward, spinning her charm as he hits the recorder, sitting behind her.

“So, I looked into your envelope. It contained a lot of documents, from your birth certificate, your passport, to the last address you lived at. It also had a lot of photos and a few items you might be able to recognize.” he began, sitting a stack in front of him.

“I’m going to do is ask you some questions and hand you some of them to explain to me. Is that okay?”

Wynnie nods, looking up as she hears him move again.

“First question: what is your mission group’s number?”

“70.” she said, adjusting herself.

Terrance takes out the first paper from the stack, handing it to her by gently tapping her shoulder. She takes it, reading it.

“What does that document say?”

“State of Maryland, Certificate of Live Birth.” she replied, reading over the words.

“My birth certificate.” she added, smiling a bit.

“What city does it say?” he asked as he types, moving the recorder closer to her.

“Columbia. Howard County.”

“Is it bringing back any memories?”

“A little bit. I know it’s between DC and Baltimore, but I can’t remember much.”

“What about the weather?”

“Oh that’s easy. Winter was hell due to how cold it gets. Summer too because of how hot it got. Fall and spring was okay, just not a fan of the bugs.” she said, hearing him laugh.

“How bout this?” he said softly as he hands her the next one, which she takes.

She looks at it, which is a photo that shows a woman in the hospital bed, holding a newborn baby as an older woman that looks similar to her stands near, both smiling. A man in an all white Navy uniform is at the end of the bed, holding a bouquet of flowers, that were a mixture of baby breath and lavender, and a huge “Its A Girl” Teddy Bear, making her get teary.

She recognizes this photo very well.

“The little baby is me.” as she points at herself.

“That’s my mom, who’s holding me. My grandmother, her mother, next to her. And my dad is the man.” she added, tears falling.

“I thought I lost this photo forever.” she said quietly.

“What were their names?” he asked, handing her the tissues.

She takes one, wiping her eyes as she sniffles, catching her breath.

“Mom’s was Dahlia. She was named after a rare flower that was growing in my grandmother’s garden. Had a need for growth since she bounced between jobs.”

“Clementine, or Tine, was my grandmother’s name. Got that name because when she was born, she had ginger hair, which was as bright as that. Was a florist and made money off selling flowers from the house since she couldn’t afford a shop. And why I like flowers a lot.” as she smiles a bit.

“She grew all types?” asked Terrance, watching her nod.

“Anything she could find to growing from the plant shop she went to. Was well respected around the community.” she replied, looking at the photo again.

“Cyrus was my daddy’s name. Don’t really know much about his personality or life other than him being in the Navy. Think this is the only photo of him I ever saw.” she added, tracing over his face.

“Why’s that?” he asks, a somberly look in his face.

“About a few weeks after I was born, he passed. Leaving my mother a widow and me without a dad. From what I was told, one of the ships he was working on caught on fire. He and I think, 20 others, got trapped. Died the same way my grandfather did.”

Terrance paused, exhaling loudly as she turns the photo around, seeing writing that said Baby Winona 8:15 AM MD.

“Did it..did it affect your relationship with her growing up?” he continued.

“I think it did.” as she nodded.

“I was a baby, but when I got older, my grandmother was the only one raising me. My mom wasn’t doing drugs, but she wasn’t mentally stable at all and my grandma couldn’t allow her to take me much longer.” as she laughed bitterly.

“Last time I remember seeing her was when I was 7. So, I have no idea if she’s even alive now.”

“Do you want to know?” he asked.

“No.” she answered quickly. “If she wanted to see me, she would’ve been there when the trials happened. Sounds selfish, but.” as she shrugged.

Terrance nods, reading the next question on his list.

“What’s the significance behind the sunflower ring?”

“My favorite flower. The one I always saw in the garden whenever I see her planting them. Even with the bad things, I’m always taken back to growing up with her and the house on that road. Felt like those were my happy days.”

“This house?” as he hands her a picture.

She takes it and looks at it, seeing a three story bricked house, a couple and their toddler daughter sitting on the steps, and a goldendoodle next to them.

“Yeah.” as she nods. “Had a garden full of them hidden in the back. Which made thieves interested.”

“Is that why she also got that dog?” he asked, hearing her laugh.

“No. When her and my granddad got married, they couldn’t figure out what kind of dog they wanted for their first house. So, they went to the pet shop that was in town and saw that he was the only different one since the rest were Dalmatians. Adopted him and called him Sunny since his fur shined brightly under the sun.”

“Did you get to meet him?”

“No. He died when my grandfather passed. Lived a long life. But he left behind 7 newborn puppies, so they adopted one of them, a girl, and named her—“

“Sunna?” as he hands another picture, which she looks at.

This time, its her as a toddler, her grandmother, and Sunna, wearing a sunflower collar, next to them.

“Yeah. Sunna.” she quietly said, smiling.

“My little ole Sunna, she always said. Was by her side from the moment she was born to the moment she passed.” she added, comparing both photos.

“And had her daddy’s eyes.” she added, smiling.

Terrance slowly gets up, moving to her left, but not enough for her to see him.

“What happened to the both of them if you don’t mind me asking?” he asked, taking a seat in the chair.

She exhales loudly, closing her eyes as she squeezes her hands close.

“She didn’t know she had epilepsy. There was a storm coming while everyone was sleeping, which is normal since it was the summer. So the storm went on like it always does. Hard rain, thundering, and lightning.”

She opens them, looking at her grandmother’s face in the picture.

“I guess the loud thunder woke her up and she was trying to go back to sleep. But, the lightning struck a few times and it was very bright, so it…scared her straight into that.”

Terrance looks away, wiping his eyes as she puts the photo on the side, looking at the background.

“Thought it was a little strange that she wasn’t up when I woke up. Didn’t know I was gonna find her lifeless.” as she laid back.

“As for Sunna, had to give her up since she’s not a service dog before I went into foster care. I cried very hard when I left, just holding her collar in my hand.”

“….you’re talking about this one, right?” he asked, holding something.

Wynnie turns around, seeing him with a bag that had the same exact collar from the picture. She snatches from him, surprising him as she looks at it, shocked that it was still existing.

“They had this?!” she asked loudly, looking at the tag, recognizing it’s the real things

“Yeah. They actually had a lot of your stuff. Guess they kept it in their facility after the raid.” as Terrance looks back at the rest of the things he laid out.

“….I didn’t mean to snatch it out of your hand like I did.” she said in an apologetic tone, looking at him.

“You’re fine.” as he smiled. “This is what I want from you. Be happy instead of dwelling on the bad stuff.”

Wynnie nods, looking at the collar again, smiling happily.

“I can show you the rest of what was in there if you want.” he said, adjusting his shirt.

She nods, getting up and sitting next to him as he pulls some documents and photos closer, seeing her eyes light up and admiring each one.

They spent the rest of the day looking at the stuff, with her wanting to avoid talking about some of them as she wasn’t ready, which he understood.

After departing in the parking lot again following the end of their session, when he reminds her about tracking her sleep, she drives back to Starland, parking the car and getting out with her stuff.

Entering her room, she notices the packages inside, confusing her as she wonder how they got in. Until she sees a piece of paper attached to one of them, making her grab and read it.

Hey Winona,

The packages came, but because I was gonna be gone by the time you came back and I don’t trust Bert to keep an eye on your stuff, I just put it in your room myself so you don’t have to worry.

- Berlinda :)

Wynnie nods, thanking her for thinking ahead to avoid her going down there and asking why he was in here.

She unboxes them, setting the coolers up on each side before putting the lamp and sound machine on her nightstand.

She does her nightly routine, but this time, does a journal entry of what she’s feeling like before sleep, noting sleepy and anxious.

Afterwards, she chooses the wave sound on the machine before dimming the light on the lamp, slowly falling asleep to that and the sounds of the cool air blowing on her.

The next morning, she wakes up very peaceful and relaxed. No night terror this time and she’s up before 8.

Terrance’s suggestion actually worked. She does feel a little better and excited for the day as she gets, heading to her journal to write.

May 2065

Dear Diary,

Today is May 19th. I been in Iowa for about a month and a half now. And in about 32 days, I’ll be heading to living in space for the next two years.

I thought we wouldn’t be anywhere close to done with making other me, but we about 90% done. They move hella fast, but I’m proud of how far I’ve grown.

My sleep schedule has improved a lot. The sound machine, coolers, and lamp have been helping with not having to relieve Alfonso’s terror every night. It’s still not fully gone, but I haven’t freaked out since the second week.

I been getting very comfortable with being around Terrance too, letting him inside of what I’ve been reluctant to show him without the fear of betraying coming over. It also seems like I’ve been trying to get to know more of him as well.

Every time he asks me about something, I answer. But then, I ask a follow up question that was similar to it. I expect him to shut it down by telling me it wasn’t my business, but he answers it.

Like for instance, he asked me about what do I expect when living out in space. I answered with a very long answer, but I know I said something about seeing Saturn. I asked him, and even Mel, about what was it like within those two years of living in space, being alone and all?

To be fair, I didn’t say the last part to Mel, but I accidentally said it to him, which made me feel bad. He laughed a bit, which made me nervous cause I wasn’t sure what he was gonna say. But, he said it’s hard, but you’ll start to get over it the more you look at the atmosphere around you that makes you appreciate space a little more and help you with what you want to do next when it’s over.

Which speaking of that…I been thinking about him a lot more than I should in a way I can’t explain. And I think he feels the same too.

I noticed lately that he takes a lot of pictures of me, even when he thinks I’m not looking. Even when he was noting my daily routine, he always looked at me in an amazed way, like whatever I was doing had him feeling lovey dovey?

Or maybe I’m reading it all wrong just because he’s nothing like Alfonso, so I’m not used to someone who genuinely likes listening to me answer their questions, watching me do something I like or I’m struggling with and they don’t shame me over it.

He likes taking care of me too. Buying me food, making sure I’m stocked up on things I need, and even checking up on me by texting or calling. Even when I don’t want to talk.

Am I in love with him? Is that what this is?

I was hidden from everything against my will during those dark years. And here comes this man, who is working with me to make my clone as I go to space, sweeping me off my feet with his ways that I never felt before.

I hope I’m right.

Wynnie is in the bathroom, curling her hair when she hears a knock on the door, making her pause.

Grabbing a bat she had hidden in the kitchen, she walks towards it cautiously, looking through the peephole to see who it was on the other side.

It was a man scrolling on his phone, who looked very familiar to Wynnie, but she couldn’t see his face. She opens the door carefully, holding the bat behind it.

The man looks up, revealing himself as Terrance, who smiles immediately.

"Oh, it’s just you.” she said, putting the bat next to the door.

“Good afternoon, Winona.” he replied.

She nods, looking at his outfit he’s wearing. A suede brown jacket, a button up white shirt, brown pants, and light brown shoes.

“You’re not hot?” she asked, watching him laugh a bit.

“I’m used to it. It’s a normal thing we do back home, so the heat doesn’t phase me.”

Wynnie says ‘hm’ as she looks at his shiny skin, which makes him look like he just got done working on a construction site, watching him lick his lips.

“Sorry, do you mind if I come in” he asked, breaking her gaze.

“Uh, sure. Yeah.” as she steps to the side, watching him walk in.

Closing the door, she watches him look around the room, taking in the space before turning around to look at her.

“Nice place.” as he sat on the couch.

“Thanks.” she replied.

He looks at the table, seeing some of her workbooks sitting there open, which makes her feel slightly embarrassed as he picks one up, examining it.

“Your writing is getting better.” he said, looking at some of the words.

“Thank you.” as she smiled a bit. “Wait, how did you find my room? I never gave you that.”

“Well. Your very..enthusiastic landlord pointed me to the direction. After I showed her proof that I was your agent since she didn’t believe off word of mouth, of course.” as he puts it down.

Something Berlinda would do.

“Right. What are you doing here? Its Saturday. You guys are off the weekend.” as she sat down in one of the chairs in front of him.

“Well, I came out here cause Mel mentioned to me that there was a flower show being held at the convention center.” as he leaned forward.

“Yeah, I heard about it. Very expensive to get in too.”

“Which is why I’m here.”

She watches him with confusion as he reaches into his jacket and pulls out two tickets, placing them in front of her gently.

“I want to take you to it.”

Wynnie looks at him slightly surprised, picking one of them up to read.

“Since you leave in a month, and this runs til July, I thought it would be a nice opportunity for you to go and see it. Maybe indulge more of your inner child.” he added, watching her look a bit conflicted.

“I don’t know, Terrance…”

“What’s holding you back?”

“..myself. Feels like I’m taking advantage of everything you’re doing for me without doing anything for you.” she replied, placing it back on the table.

Terrance exhaled before getting up, causing her to look up. He walks up and kneels in front of her, seeing her look away instantly.

“Wynnie. You’re not taking advantage of me. You haven’t been. You been listening to my advice on how to heal from him and that cult, which you have done greatly on. I’m proud of you.” as he turns her face to him.

She looks at him, feeling him touch her hand before he squeezes it.

“You’re not used to someone doing nice things for you. I get it. It’s hard to get comfortable with that. But that doesn’t mean you have to feel bad about it if the person isn’t tripping about it. And I’m telling you I’m not.” as he stares at her.

“It’s my job to make sure you’re perfectly fine, whether I’m far or you’re asleep. That’s why I was assigned to you because they know I can transform you into a more happy and stable person. Everything you tell me, I come up with things I know you will love cause I see the way you instantly react when you see it. That’s what I’m looking for, Winona. A happy you ready for space.” as he smiles softly.

Wynnie blinks, not trying to cry as he takes out a handkerchief, wiping them away.

“So for the next few weeks we have left, I want you to accept the good things. Fuck the bad things, they don’t exist anymore. Just continue progressing for me. Can you do that?” he asked, looking at her.

She nods, smiling a bit as he got up, grabbing the tickets off the table.

“I’ll be downstairs while you get ready. Should be there in less than 15 since it’s not near the highway.” he said, walking to the door.

“I should be done soon. Just curling my hair.” she replied, seeing him nod.

“Alright. Don’t be too long, love.” as he opens the door, waving before he walked out.

Wynnie exhales, biting her lip as she feels her stomach flutter with butterflies over what he said.

Goddamn, he has her sprung.

10 minutes later, Terrance, leaning against his car, hears a door close, making him look at the stairs.

He sees Wynnie walking down, fixing her gold pendant earrings. Wearing a white milkmaid long dress with gold pattern, white sandals, and a brown straw bag, she looks perfectly dressed for someone attending a flower show.

“Atta girl.” he said as she walks towards him.

“Is it too much?” she asked, looking at it.

“No. I’m just underdressed.” he replied, making them both laugh.

He taps on the side of the car, which lifts the door up, hearing the car start. He helps her in, adjusting her dress before climbing it, watching it close.

“Do you not get worried it’ll malfunction and slice something off one day?” she asked, looking around the interior.

“No. We update these cars yearly to make sure it doesn’t happen, even if we stop making them.” he replied, tapping the car to move.

The car pulls out, jumping on the road and begins driving them to the convention center.

30 minutes later, they arrived and got their tickets scanned, beginning to walk through the doors, which was surrounded by walls of different flowers.

Wynnie’s eyes beamed, amazed by the different arrangements of each exhibition, from statues of people to dresses made of flower to the one built to hang like chandeliers from the ceiling.

“This is your first one?” asked Terrance, walking beside her.

“In a while. Used to go to the one in DC a lot when my grandma was still here.” as they passed rows of different colored Daffodils.

“Did she ever compete or they had requirements?”

She chuckles as she look at the pond filled with mini people wearing different petals as clothes or hairstyles, intrigued by the woman with jasmine as her dress and lavender as her cornrows.

“She did. After I begged her five years straight to do it. But they tried to play her when she first tried to enroll.” she replied, seeing him look at the exhibit below.

“What they do?”

“Because she didn’t belong to a shop or had a popular business outside of Columbia, they tried to charge her a seed fee, which is something unknown people had to pay to compete.”

“How much? $200?” he asked, thinking it couldn’t have been a lot.

“Add an extra zero.” she replied, seeing his eyes widen.

“$2,000?!” he yelps, accidentally making people turn to look at him.

He sends an apologetic smile, waving a bit, which Wynnie found cute as she looks at the next exhibit.

“They believed since the seeders’ exhibits are not going to come nowhere close to the experts and well respected, they should pay a lot of money for even submitting. She wanted to give up, but this guy, who used to buy flowers from her when he was a kid, heard about what happened, and not only did he pay her fee, he offered to build whatever design she was thinking of for free since he owned a construction company.” she replied, looking at the mini houses made with yarrows.

“So, she decided to do one based on the galaxy, but it was gonna be made out of night sky petunias since they were the closest ones to resemble it. Spray painted some sunflowers petals a glittery silver to make the stars.”

Terrance listens to her as she explained the different flowers used to make the planets and how she convinced them to see it when its dark as it would give it a luminous effect, watching her act very passionately as they walked through each exhibit.

“So, she showed it. It was sparkling in the darkness. The audience cheered. The judges took some notes without showing their true reactions and told us they’ll make their final decision when they finish looking at the rest.” as she sat on a bench.

He sat next to her, following her gaze at a portrait of Mona Lisa, made out of flowers.

“Those were the longest three days of my life. I thought she was getting played, assumed they already chose a winner before seeing hers. But she told me to be patient, and that she’s fine with whatever result comes out.” she continued.

“And she was proud to do this, accomplishing something I wished for her to do. Which is why she won, shocking everyone including me. Said they loved the determination in perfecting the details and how much support she had from the community that knows her, which made her a perfect underdog.”

She looks down at her ring, feeling some joy seeing the memory play in her head.

“What did she win?” he asked, making her look at him.

“$20,000 that went into my savings, her name on the trophy, a flower encyclopedia of that year’s edition that I cherished a lot, and free entry to the yearly flower show for life.”

“You had a lot of fun.” he said, a little smile on his face.

“I did. I did.” as her smile faded. “Now all of that is lost and in the past.”

He looks down, feeling bad as she got up, fixing her dress.

“Let’s move on, shall we?” she said, walking off.

He follows behind, watching her look at the art they’re passing.

A few minutes later, they are walking inside a room that is showcasing black women made of different flowers.

Wynnie is looking at the one where the woman is lying in a field of sunflowers, playing a guitar made of multicolored water lilies as some of them sits in her hair, amazed by it.

“What’s the significance with the sunflower and black women?” asked Terrance, coming next to her.

“Hm?” as she looks at him.

“Noticed every time I see the sunflower, one of you is associated with it. Is it a cultural thing?”

“I say so.” as she shrugged. “It can mean many different things to a lot of us. Which I always found interesting.”

“Like what?” as he leaned forward.

“Happiness due to its look. Good luck charm. Spirituality. Even helps build great relationships with people you feel like you can trust.”

“Is that why you choose it?”

“Actually, no.” as she turns to him with a little smile.

“I was actually a moonflower girl when I was first staring to knowing about the flowers in the garden.” she added, watching him be surprised.

“Little Wyn was not always a sunflower girl?” he asked in shocked tone, seeing her laugh.

“I was in love with the design and the concept of it glowing at night. So, I thought by blending that with the sunflower in a section, they would be the brightest flowers ever glowing at night.” as she moves down.

“Wow.” as he looks with delight, seeing her touch one that was allowed for the public to do.

“It was still the same, but I didn’t care because they looked cute together. Overtime, I started to become even more attached to the sunflower because of its yellow color. Drawing it, wearing it on my clothes, even had a little song I used to play on the piano.” as she picked it up, handing it to him.

He takes it, examining its petals and shape as she watched, seeing him gently touch its head.

“It’s almost like it’s delicate.” he said quietly, moving to its stem.

“It is. Needs its sunlight if you want it to last a while. And protection from the bad.” she said.

“Almost like you.” he utters, closing his mouth tightly after realizing what he said.

Wynnie looks at him, chucking lightly as she leans in, keeping her gaze.

“…You too.” as she touches his hand, feeling him jump back.

Terrance doesn’t say anything, smirking a little as he puts the flower back, gently grabbing her hand to walk, which takes her aback.

“So yeah.” as she coughs. “That explains why I like them so much.”

“It’s your symbol. Your…escapism.” he replied, feeling her squeeze his hand softly.

“Is that normal to have?”

“Of course. That defines you as a person who wants to get away from the bad.”

She smiles down as they went into another exhibition, with him leaning down to her ear.

“Just don’t let no one take that away from you again.” he whispered.

Wynnie nods, feeling him adjust his stance and pull her closer as they look as the huge display of glitter roses in a heart hanging up in front of them.

They spent the rest of day looking at more exhibits, with them catching each other’s looks, feeling the growing tension getting thicker and thicker.

Even when they were in the gift shop.

As Wynnie was looking at mini statues of flower people, she felt someone gently touching her, making her look back.

She saw Terrance there, looking at the mini plants in front of him as he was on the phone, talking to Mel while his hand traces over her arm.

He looks at her, realizing what he was doing and was about to pull away. She stopped him, bring his hand to her face. She rubs it against her face before placing soft kisses on it, hearing him softly groan as he watches, his lips twitching.

A sudden glass break broke them apart, making them go back to doing whatever they were doing and pretend that nothing happened. She bought nothing while he bought some things before they left, heading to the car.

Pulling into the parking lot of the diner, Terrance helps Wynnie out of the car, adjusting her dress before they walked in.

A soft 70s R&B song is playing as they walk up to a woman standing at the CHECK IN stand.

“Hello, welcome i—“ the elder black hostess began, stopping as she looked at Terrance.

“Terrance?! My OuterMore Guy I haven’t seen in three years?!” she yelps, watching him laugh as she hugs him, with him hugging back.

“Good to see you too, Ms. Gladys. Hope you’re holding up well.” said Terrance, looking at her.

“Always! You know they like working my ass as if I’m the only one here.”

He and Gladys laugh as the latter looks at Wynnie, who shyly waves back.

“Who’s this pretty woman you brought in here?” she asked gleefully.

“This is Winona. She’s my current assignment I’m helping with going to space soon. we’re just coming from the flower show.” he said, looking at Wynnie with fondness.

“Hello.” said Wynnie, watching Gladys nod.

“Ahh yes. I remember you explaining that program when you first started coming here. Congratulations on the big success, by the way.” she said happily.

“Coming here?” asked Wynnie, looking at him.

“Oh, let him explain it more when I sit y’all down so I don’t hold y’all up much longer.” as she grabbed menus from her stand, walking to the back.

They follow her to a table that is near the sign on the window, placing the menus on it.

“While y’all get settled in, may I get y’all something to drink?” she asked, taking out her pen and pad.

“I’ll do a Shirley Temple.” said Terrance.

“A Diet Coke.” said Wynnie as she sat down.

She shivers, in which he noticed. He removes his jacket, wrapping it around her, which she thanks him with a smile as he sits in front of her.

“Coming right up.” said Gladys, eyeing Terrance cheerily as she walked away, making him shake his head.

“So, you used to come here?” asked Wynnie, grabbing a menu.

“Yeah.” as he did the same. “Used to live out here since Iowa City had the rent price I could only afford when I first started with OuterMore.”

“This far?” she says sarcastically, remembering him being shocked at her, living out here from their first session.

“Yeah.” as he laughed. “This diner was my favorite place to go to for breakfast when I was leaving and dinner when I didn’t feel like cooking coming home.”

She nods, looking over the endless options as Gladys came back with their drinks, placing them in front of them.

“There you go.” she said, taking out the straws.

“Thank you.” both said in unison.

“Did you guys get a chance to look at the menu and figure out what you wanted to?”

“Oh, I already know what I want since it hasn’t changed. You ready, Wyn?” he asked, looking at her.

“Um…you can go ahead. I’m just debating between two dishes that sound good.” she replied.

He nods, looking at Gladys, who’s watching with a grin.

“I’ll start with the sample platter. Just incase she wants to try some of it.” he said, watching her write.

“What’s on that?”

“Chicken fingers, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks. Comes with honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, and marinara. Pretty good.” said Gladys.

“Ooh. That does sound good.” she replied before resuming her reading.

“And then, I’ll do the cheeseburger deluxe. Same order: Swiss cheese, spicy mayo, no onions, and no pickles. Side of fries and broccoli. Medium.” he said, hearing Gladys laugh as she finished writing.

“Never forgot.” as she takes his menu. “And for you, Miss Winona?”

“I’ll do the honey barbecue chicken strip melt. Instead of the cheddar cheese, can I do provolone instead?” asked Winona.

“Sure, but that will be a $1.25 charge for the cheese change.”

“Oh. Then, I’ll just ke—“

“That’s fine with me.” said Terrance, cutting her off, which she looks at him surprised.

“Terrance, you don’t have to pay extra cause of my tastebuds.”

“And why not? It’s not like I can’t make it back the more time I spend with you.”

“Bu-“

“But nothing. Remember what I said earlier, pretty girl.”

She smiles humorously, trying to not show that him calling her that was adding to her growing fervor.

“…was that before or after you touched me?” she asked slyly.

Terrance looks at her surprised, biting his cheek a bit as he took a sip of his drink, beginning to feel hot as Wynnie watches with excitement.

“Am I interrupting something?” asked Gladys, looking at them back and forth.

“No.” they said in unison, looking at each other.

“Well then.” as she laughed. “What did you want for your sides?”

“I’ll do french fries and broccoli as well. Can I also get honey mustard on the side?” said Wynnie.

Gladys nods, writing it down before taking her menu.

“Alright. Food shouldn’t be too long since we ain’t *that busy right now. Be back to check on y’all just incase.

They nodded, watching her leave before turning the attention back to each other, their need growing.

“You look good wearing my jacket.” he said, looking at her seductively.

“Don’t get us in trouble.” she said, sipping her drink as he laughed.

“Like you didn’t just allude to me touching you in a different way in front of Ms. Gladys.”

“I know you wanted to. Since you couldn’t stop sneaking pictures of me while we were walking.”

“Its for your file. Not for personal use.” as he looked out of the window.

“…you also look adorable being in your comfort zone.” he added, feeling her eyes looking at him.

“Thank you.” she said quietly.

He looks at her, taking in her subtleness as she tugs on his jacket flap, watching her hair bounce.

An hour passes and they’re laughing over their food, discussing a funny memory of Terrance and Mel during their MIT days.

“I cannot picture you running down the streets of Boston streaking.” she said, holding in her laugh.

“I did cause I lost that bet to Mel.” as he chuckled. “The Kings let me down with letting the fucking Nets sweep.”

“That’s on you for being a Kings fan.” as she bit into her melt.

“I’m not. I like the Thunder.”

“Even worse.” as she was chewing.

He chuckled as he ate some of his fries, watching her softly eat the broccoli. They ate in silence for a few minutes before she stopped, watching him eat.

“Can I ask you something? It’s a little personal.” she said, watching him stop.

“Go for it.” as he leaned back.

“…do you miss London? Like do you ever feel a bit lonely out here?”

He thought about it, feeling her presence luring around him as a song and conversations from other people fills the room.

“I’ll say this: I don’t really think about it as much as I would for reasons I don’t want to talk about.” as he leans forward.

“However, I do miss my favorite cousin, my favorite aunts, a few uncles and other cousins. I miss the meals, the laughs, and the banter we always had together. And I do regret not going to my grandmother’s funeral when she passed.” he said, feeling sadness coming out.

“But because I couldn’t put my issues aside for that, I didn’t get to say goodbye. Nor hear her say how proud she was of me accomplishing my dreams of running this program. That’s all.” he added, seeing her have a gloomy expression on her face.

He continues eating, ending the conversation as she gently rubs his hand, feeling bad for asking.

“Sorry for your loss.” she said, seeing him look up.

“Don’t be. We all have or had to deal with it. It’s always up to you how you want to move on.” he replied, wrapping his hand around hers.

She smiles, feeling him relax a little more before looking out the window.

They got their food packed into to-go boxes as he paid, said goodbye to Ms Gladys, and got into the car, taking them back to Starland before he headed home.

Walking up the stairs to her room, he watched their area both ways as she unlocked the door, opening it.

“Well. Thank you for today, Terrance. I really appreciated it.” as she turns to look at him.

“Anytime, Wyn. Especially with the little we have left.” he replied, staring at her happily.

She nods as she turns to walk in, but is stopped by him grabbing her arm, making her look back.

“Yes?” she asked with a raised brow.

He brings his other arm from behind, revealing a medium-size paper bag in his hand.

“Here.” he said, handing it to her.

“What’s this?” as she takes it, placing her food and bag on the tv.

“Some things I think you might like. Open it.”

She smiles as she takes out a book, which was the new edition of the encyclopedia of flowers, her eyes lighting up instantaneously.

“There’s more in there.” he said, pointing at it.

She squints at him before reaching back in, pulling out three small rolls of paper, with him grabbing the bag to hold.

After placing the book against the wall, she unwrapped them one by one. The first one was a sunflower haired black woman figurine, which looked similar to her. The second one was a moonflower dress young girl with pigtails figurine. And the last one was a piano figurine, made out of bearded irises.

Joy and appreciation all over her.

“Thank you.” as she hugged him tightly.

“No problem.” he replied, hugging her back.

“But I still feel bad though!” as she playfully nudged him, watching him smile.

“I feel like I haven’t given you anything so far.”

“You don’t have to give anything I don’t already have. You’re already doing that by letting me be around you. Trusting me with everything we’ve done so far. That’s something at least.” he said, giving her reassurance.

“…even the unspoken?” she asked cutely.

Terrance smirks as looks her up and down, noticing her slight blushing.

“That too.” he whispered.

She nods before placing the figurines in the bag and taking it, putting it on the tv before stepping closer to him.

They look at each other shyly as he steps closer, closing in the distance between them.

He traces over her face, taking in her small little freckles as she looks at his eyes, which are shining a brownish-green color under the hallway lights.

Wynnie gasps softly, not used to a man being gentle with his moves as Terrance pushes her hair behind her ear, leaning in a bit.

He hears her breathing slowly as he does the same on the other side, feeling her lean against her door as he stops at her lips, looking at her.

He crashes his lips onto hers, hunger slightly taking over him. She wraps her arms around his back, fighting back with her tongue as he cups her ass, squeezing it a bit.

He breaks the kiss, looking down at her as they both pant hard, lips a little red.

She begins kissing him again, rubbing his neck as he lifts her up, carrying her inside and closing the door with his foot.

Laying her against the bed, he pushes her skirt up as he rubs her legs, laying in between them as she moans, rubbing her hands under his shirt over his abs, hearing his groan.

“You got me hard right now, you know?” he whispers as he breaks the kiss again, grabbing one of her hands and putting it over his growing member.

She squeezes it gently, shocked at how thick it was for someone as slim he was. She kisses him again before pushing him onto his back, getting on her knees as he watches with a lewd expression.

She grabs his belt and begins to unbuckle it, gently pulls his pants down and stops at his member moving a bit in his underwear. She plays soft kisses around it, hearing his breath hitch.

As Terrance was enjoying seeing this side of Wynnie, he started to feel a huge wave of guilt coming over, feeling like he shouldn’t be doing this with her as he shouldn’t be stepping over his boundaries.

She wraps her hands around the waist band, beginning to pull them down when his hands stops her, gently removing them as he sits up, making her look up in confusion.

“Sorry. But I can’t let this go further.” he said, helping her to the bed before standing up.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked, a worrying expression on her face.

“No.” as he pulls his pants up, buttoning them.

“I did. I crossed the line by kissing you when I shouldn’t have.” he added, seeing her look away.

“You’re my assignment. I’m suppose to be helping you for space and other you, not…going for my own needs.”

Wynnie feels heaviness coming into her body, feeling stung by his sudden decision to stop.

“….but I have needs too.” she said, sadness in her voice.

Terrance looks down, feeling awful for what he did, but felt like it was a good decision to make.

“I know. We both do. But it’s best we keep them *hidden and maybe wait until after you come back.” he said, stepping back.

Wynnie nods, looking up as he opens the door, stepping out.

“Good night, Winona.” as he looks back at her.

She doesn’t say anything, looking down as tears fall down her face, her pain slowly coming out.

He leaves, closing the door behind him.

Rubbing his face in humiliation, he walks down the stairs and gets into the car, looking up at her hotel room window. He lays back as the car pulls off, with rain beginning to pick up.

Wynnie collapses onto the bed, her cries filling the room as she lays in a fetal position.

She doesn’t know if she hates him for leaving her like this, or she understands why he stopped before he went too far. What she doesn’t know for sure if everything is going to be normal when she sees him on Monday for their next meeting.

Wynnie is sleeping in her bed peacefully after what happened last night with Terrance.

Suddenly, she is awoken by loud banging on the door, making her jump up. She looks at the clock, which read 7:15, annoying her.

“Who the fuck…” she began to say, marching to the door.

Grabbing the bat, she quickly unlocks and swings the door open, ready to fight whoever it is behind it.

She hold herself back when she notices Berlinda standing there, guilt over her face.

“Berlinda? What are you doing here so early? You don’t usually come in till 9:30.” she said, confused.

“I know. Bert called out, so I’m working his shift as well.” replied Berlinda.

“Oh. Sorry about that.”

“You’re good!” she exclaimed. “So good. How was your date to the flower show?”

Wynnie scoffed loudly, surprising her.

“Oh, it must’ve ended bad.” she replied, watching Wynnie shake her head.

“No, no. It wasn’t a date. He just wanted to take me cause I like flowe…” she began, noticing an envelope in her hands.

“What’s that?” she asked, worry come across her face.

“Sorry I have to do this, but I couldn’t let it happen without you knowing.” Berlinda began in a somberly tone.

“Have to do what?”

“You have to be out of here by 6:30 tomorrow night. There’s a new immediate change the policy and unfortunately, Starland can no longer take any government assistance program as payment.”

“What?!” said Wynnie, anger all over her.

“You have to be joking. I just paid y’all Friday!” she added, with Berlinda shaking her head.

“Trust me. I was surprised myself when I got the email. Especially with the timing because we have a dust storm that’s about to hit us soon.” she said, watching Wynnie’s eyes fill up.

“They can’t do that. It has to be illegal to evict someone after getting their payment.” she said softly.

“I checked and checked to see if maybe you can somehow get a case out of this. Unfortunately, you can’t as Iowa doesn’t have a law or it violates something like that. I’m sorry, Winona.”

Wynnie exhales loudly, now having to spend the day packing her things and figuring out what she’s gonna do for shelter after she sees Terrance tomorrow.

Berlinda hands her the envelope, in which she takes. She immediately opens it, seeing the money she’s giving her for the last month being in there.

“I’m not supposed to give you that back, but I just couldn’t let you go without returning it because I don’t know what you’re gonna do after tomorrow since it’s very last minute.” said Belinda.

Wynnie hugs her tightly, crying a bit as the latter hugs her back.

“Thank you, B. I’ll be fine because I’ll always figure it out. You been very good to me these two months I been staying here.” she said, smiling a bit.

“You’ll always have my help, Wynnie. Even if I’m far.” Berlinda replied, smiling back.

“Well, I’m gonna start packing so I don’t have to drive back to grab my things after tomorrow.”

“Alright. Let me know if you need extra boxes.”

Wynnie nods, seeing her walk away before closing the door, locking it immediately.

Suddenly, her breathing becomes pitchy, but this time, she lets it happen, letting out a heartbreaking scream as she collapses to the floor, crying.

Last night’s ending was already bad, but this morning is already starting off worse.

How the hell is she gonna find somewhere new to stay approximately 36 hours before the dust storm hits Iowa?

A/N II: I do apologize for it being a little slow, but i like to build up as Terrance is quite an alluring character. Please let me know if you want to be added to the tag list.

🏷️ : @iloveekeiarah @childishgambinaax @ziayamikaelson @ssamm1984 @turbulentvoids @fadingcherryblossompeach @angryflowerwitch @amethyst09 @motheroffae @cerya @thatitbitch @darkfairymoon @j0ysyndr0m3 @blaqueberryk @theogbadbitch @megamindsecretlair @zillasvilla @kumkaniudaku @that-one-anxious-mango @nahimjustfeelingit-writes

[intimidating-fettuccine]

Slender/Ej/Jeff/Ben/Lj (or anyone for that matter but separate) with a reader who has POTS (lots of fainting, can’t stand the heat, needs way more water than anyone else, way more salt & electrolytes than anyone should be able to handle) and the first time they show bad symptoms/flare up/pass out

Cause I have yet to see one and I NEED to see how they’d react

And I love your blurbs and stories! <3

You said I could pick who I wanted when I asked, so I just went with the first three <3 I also hope I did a good job on this for you! :) This is written in the assumption that you hadn't mentioned your POTS to them yet

EJ:

EJ is, quite thankfully, a doctor and medical professional in the mansion, so the moment you start swaying before you pass out he already has you in his arms. He'll gently but quickly take you down to the medical area and rest you on one of the beds, he's already jumping into taking your vitals, but he mostly waits until you wake up before going into any treatment. When you do wake up, he's very gentle with you, calmly asking what might have caused it, and when you tell him you have POTS, he thankfully does indeed know what that means for you. If you seem dehydrated he will ask if you want him to give you an IV, if you say yes he does so quite efficiently, if not, he runs and gets you a bottle of water instead and makes sure you slowly but frequently drink from it. Outwardly he's very calm, monitoring you and making sure you take it easy, looking for any signs you might faint again, but inwardly he is quite panicky, and he doesn't want you to get hurt and/or push yourself too hard. In the next few days especially, he's going to be your shadow, following you around and making sure you're hydrating and taking it easy. As a doctor, he takes your health very seriously, and he'll make sure you know that the moment you start showing symptoms you can call him and he'll be rushing over to you immediately to help you out. Your fainting is his biggest concern because while he was there to catch you that time, he doesn't want to risk you falling and possibly injuring yourself. He thankfully does know how to help you out when you are having flare ups, so you're always in good hands, but as your partner, he just wants you to be safe and cared for, so please rely on him, even if you think you might annoy him (impossible to actually do) because he wants to be there to support you however he can.

Slender:

Slender, with his strong observant nature, can sense that something is going on with you before it happens. He picks up on your growing fatigue and distractedness before you escalate to the point of fainting, and while he doesn't know exactly why you seem to be having escalating symptoms, he'll probably suggest you have one of the doctors in the mansion check you out. When you tell him it's because you have POTS, and you've just been flaring up, he feels his concern growing. While he's at least heard of POTS, he doesn't know all the fine details, and he will still definitely have either EJ or Smiley look over you to make sure you'll be alright through your flare up, and he'll have both you and whoever checks up on you thoroughly educate him on your symptoms and how he can help you. He may not be a doctor, but the advantage that he has is that with his mind reading abilities, he can sense when you aren't feeling well, and he absolutely uses that to his advantage. It's almost a little comedic, how you might think to yourself that you're beginning to feel overheated so suddenly, or maybe you're feeling particularly dizzy, and then BAM he's teleporting there and asking you if anything is wrong and if he can help you. The other good advantage he has is that he's an excellent chef, and so he always cooks you meals that have plenty of nutrients in them to help you stay balanced. I think since he has two doctors working for him if you ever start having a really bad flare up his default will be for you to go see them and get any assistance they can give you because while he is incredibly helpful on his own, he wants someone more practiced and generally knowledgable to be able to help you out. He loves you so, so dearly, and he just wants the best care he can possibly give you as your partner, and he's always keeping an eye on you to make sure you're doing okay.

Jeff:

Jeff is similar to Slender in the sense that he notices lately something has been off about you, but he can't really gauge how big of a deal it is until it's already too late. A sudden spring heatwave had been hitting, and ever the outdoorsy guy Jeff had invited you to go out with him. He'd noticed you'd been feeling a bit out of it lately, and he was hoping that some fresh air might be beneficial to you, but he didn't realize how sensitive to the oncoming heat you might be. Already feeling faint, the heat only made it worse, and you're quite lucky the two of you had been sitting down already, your head planting itself on his lap as you faint. Internally, he's screaming at the top of his lungs in fear, externally he's trying to remain calm so he doesn't make anything worse. He'll probably call EJ immediately, and with his advice he gently brings you to him so he can look over you. When you finally wake up and explain you have POTS, I'm just picturing EJ lecturing Jeff on taking you out in such hot temperatures when you'd already been displaying worsening symptoms, but you know Jeff was just trying to do something good and reassure them that it's fine. Jeff, from that moment on, commits himself to being your protector and looking out for you. He's always making sure you're drinking as many fluids as you can (and I see him being like "Oh hey I got this yummy drink, you wanna try it?" as a way to get you to drink more whenever he sees you), and he makes sure you're eating well and getting plenty of rest. He volunteers to do any work you need to do when you're flaring up, and he even enters overprotective carrying mode and basically piggybacks you wherever you need to go whenever you're feeling faint or particularly weak. If you ever wanna go outside again for fresh air, he defaultly carries you for that too and always makes sure it's not hot or too sunny out now. He's your big scary guard dog that protects you and keeps you safe in any way that he can.

[scuderiahoney]

congrats on 3k!! ive always loved your work (i think ive read in motion and tangerine at least a dozen times now). could u do "riding stand up paddle boards for the first time and hilariously falling off" with oscar? congrats again!!

find 3k getaway celebration info here!

💛 thank you!! & thank you for the request- loved this one. I have been paddle boarding one time & fell off so many times!!!

The water around you is clear and blue and cold, the color mirroring the sky above your heads. It’s calm, quiet, the perfect opposite of the last few months. You’ve spent them traveling the world with Oscar, race to race, but it’s the summer break, now. You have time to do whatever you want.

And apparently, that includes trying paddle boarding. So far, you absolutely hate it, even though you’re trying to be a good sport about it. Oscar’s a bit of a natural at it, which you think is unfair.

“You don’t have to be good at everything, you know,” you tell him, glaring up from your precarious perch on the wobbly board.

He’s standing up on his board, paddle in hand, smiling down at you. “Just look ahead, at the horizon-“

“Yeah, yeah, I’m trying!” You whine, attempting to stand up for what feels like the millionth time. You wobble and collapse back down onto your knees. “Osc-“

“You can do it,” he says, in that sweet, kind voice he uses when he can tell you’re getting discouraged, the one that makes you melt. “One more try. You’re so close.”

You huff and steady yourself. You direct your eyes forward at the horizon, take a deep breath, and push up off your knees. The board stays mostly steady underneath you. You’re able to get to a crouch, and then up to almost fully standing, paddle in hand. You’re holding your breath, unwilling to blink.

“There you go!” Oscar yelps.

Nearly immediately, you lose balance and go toppling, the cold water splashing around you. Your life jacket keeps you bobbing at the surface, and you yell in frustration, wiping wet pieces of hair from your face.

“Shit, baby, are you okay?” Oscar calls out, paddling his way towards you.

You huff and reach for the edge of your board, shaking your head. “Yeah.”

It’s only then that he starts to laugh- you know it must’ve been quite a sight, you falling into the water. He has the decency to try and muffle it into his hand, which you hadn’t done the night before when he’d spilled his drink down the front of his brand new white shirt. Still, you glare up at him from your spot bobbing in the water. His board hovers close to you, and almost without thinking, you reach over and nudge the bottom of it. That’s all it takes to send him flying into the water, too.

He yells as he falls, but he’s laughing again by the time he surfaces, eyes lit up with amusement. You’re laughing, too, now, at the way his hair is matted down over his forehead and the sound of his laughter. He swims over, tugging the board behind him, setting the paddle on the surface of it.

“I deserved that,” he says, coming over to lean on your board next to you, your bare shoulders touching.

“You did,” you say, shooting him a playful glare.

He leans over to kiss your lips, a quick peck. It’s wet from the water you’re both drenched in, but it’s sweet, too, because it’s him. His cheeks are starting to get red- you should make him put sunscreen on again, probably.

“We can be done, if you want,” he says, quietly. “I’ll help you get back up and tow you back to shore.”

He means it, you know it. He’s sweet like that- he won’t want to keep doing this if it’s really upsetting you, no matter how much fun he’s having. But the sun is shining, the water is beautiful, and you're with Oscar. Besides, after a quick dip in the lake, you’re feeling refreshed.

“No, I want to try again,” you insist, and his grin widens. “I’m gonna get it one of these times.”

“Yeah you are, baby!” He cheers, leaning over again to press a cheesy, smacking kiss to your cheek. “You’ll be a pro in no time!”

By the end of the day, you’re not sure you’d call yourself a pro, but you’re at least able to keep up with him, paddling yourselves along the water as the sun sets. When he jumps off into the water for one last dip, you do too. The two of you giggle happily, the sound ringing out across the water, waves lapping at your bodies, and you find you don’t hate it so much, after all.

[finnsblood]

You seem like the only person who talks about Beomsok. So I gotta ask. Please can you do his character analysis? I only understood that he wanted to be the big man in their trio and he also wanted to be Suho's favorite. But that doesn't explain why he would go so far as to almost get them killed

hiii anon so ive written this like 5 times over in my head and i can’t seem to have the right words or vocabulary for what i want to convey about beomseoks character but i will try to explain his perspective? a little bit more?

( disclaimer : talking abt netflix adaptation!!!!!!!!! & also also i havent watched whc1 in a minute. so sorry if anything’s straight up wrong ! and also if u can’t tell i’m a little partial to beomseok because i find him interesting overall but i try to be objective. no sieun or suho hate here i adore them and none of this was their fault <3 nor am i defending him!! hes an asshole. just unfortunately a very complex one……thank u 4 reading :D )

okay so i personally think theres multiple reasons in which beomseok rationalized / justified his actions but i think some of the biggest factors in his behaviors come down to three things: misdirected anger from his abusers, jealousy, and idealization (all to / of suho). suho was everything beomseok wasn’t - physically strong, clever (mostly in social situations- due to how awkward beomseok could get in the show i assume that wasn’t his strong point), bubbly and friendly. for someone like beomseok, envy and resentment can fester quite easily, since suho more or less embodies something he wants to become - powerful, or right, or anything of that sort. and no less, suho was beomseoks best friend - outside of suho, sieun and beomseok didn’t have a relationship (drugging someone doesn’t make a good starter for a friendship, apologized for or not) and it was partly due to suho being the ‘center’ of the group, where attention was mostly paid to him. since beomseok both idealized and wanted to be suho, and fixated on him, jealousy was also easy to fester. beomseok didn’t like feeling excluded or not payed attention to. youngis arrival and how easily she intergrated into suho & sieuns life and how much attention they paid to her - and also, having bonding moments beomseok was not part of (sieun getting them food) - naturally made beomseok jealous. hes an insecure teenager. hes irrational. he’s emotional. this is part of the reason why beomseok did what he did.

despite being strong, suho constantly portrayed a type of restraint (in which the show proves this this by suhos own words to sieun— ‘dont cross the line’) and did not want himself, or others, to potentially cause unnecessary suffering to someone who deserves it or not. beomseok viewed this as an act of control when suho stopped him from beating someone with a mic - and despite good reasons (suho didn’t know the extent of which the bullies beat beomseok, and beomseok was already acting unstable and suho didn’t want to escalate the situation etc etc..) - beomseok, again, is irrational and unstable and traumatized. so any act like that, even if it was stopping beomseok from hurting someone, was an act of control in beomseoks mind, because suho was denying him revenge. and beomseok hates being controlled. hes been controlled by his father - his abuser, his tormentor, and not even that, hes been controlled by the bullies. the flashback scene where beomseok is being beaten & also being ordered around probably wasn’t a one time thing (considering he had to be transferred because it got that bad - and side note, imagine how bad that had to be, beomseoks dad didn’t even transfer him after learning he got KIDNAPPED by a GANG???)

so yeah. beomseok lashed out then and the events after only further damaged beomseoks mental health i think. suho wanted to leave him alone to calm down but beomseok was clearly Not Getting Better, and i think that’s why sieun wanted suho to at least.. like .. talk to beomseok? think abt the situation further rather then just wait for beomseok to come back? sorry if this is all over the place!!!!

also i wanted to talk abt this for the longest time but the whole reason beomseok started hanging out with Those People was because they VALIDATED HIM. for the wrong reasons, sure, but they weren’t like sieun - who didn’t know how to say that he appreciated his friends directly, and that wasn’t his fault at all, it just wasn’t what beomseok needed - and suho, who didn’t really say those things out loud, instead expressed his affection through physical actions (putting an arm around beomseoks shoulders, that whole gay ass scene where he puts his helmet on sieun). look at this way - beomseok needed words of affirmation. sieun expressed his affection through small acts of service. suho expressed his affection through either physical contact or quality time. you see how this wouldnt work out in the long run? anyway, yeah, the bullies beomseok was with definitely vaildated beomseok (like saying ‘youre amazing,’ [or whatever was said to him after he gave that group money] or like encouraging him to do things like bully his tormentors rather than stop him etc etc) but for the wrong REASONS!!!!!!!!! beomseok didn’t care that they were draining his money, he just wanted to be liked - with it being said to him! it’s not sieuns fault or suhos, they couldn’t ever know beomseok needed that.!!!!! but it’s a reason why he went with those guys. they weren’t real friends like suho or sieun but beomseok felt good with them so he probably didn’t care at all or was too blinded to actually see it.

anyways the events after that probably only cemented the fact that beomseok didn’t view them as friends anymore. when sieun reached out he didn’t listen, because he probably thought, well, why didn’t you do this before? and suho was handling the situation badly - for beomseok at least, to me he was doing his best - and suho thought beomseok needed a wake up call But he Definitely Did Not! he got the idea to beat up suho from the bullies he hung out with. and he liked the idea. he liked the power of it and the thrill; it’s kind of messed up, but he was taking back control after having it taken away from him so many times. just in the absolute worst way possible. he wanted the thrill of power because it made him feel good nd it was probably the only place in his life where he could have Control and Power. so he went through with it.

beomseoks goal wasn’t to kill or put suho in a coma, it was just to beat him up. he was entirely fixated on suho. sieun was collateral in his mind. i think theres multiple parts where he shows a kind of guilt / remorse during the whole thing, but he definitely didn’t want sieun hurt. he tried to convince sieun to back off. he wanted sieun to leave nd say nothing. which, sieun, of course wouldnt - but at that point beomseok just put on a cold mask and let it happen. which I personally think is FUCKED UP!!!! but yes his main goal was always suho. the whole coma thing was unintended & he wasn’t ever thinking of his actions. he knew it was bad, yes, but he never thought fully and he was very very emotional and reckless during that time, which led to very very bad decisions. i think hes an asshole for doing all of this but honestly hes very complex & well written.

ending this off here because as i was writing i lost my fire & also don’t know if i should CONTINUE because i havent watched whc1 in a bit and i very desperately need to rewatch it. hopefully i just havent ranted for a lot of words

[wordsaresimple-imnot]

That final line - Joe Liebgott x F!Reader

Summary: Things have changed between Joe and Reader after bearing witness to the Concentration camp. They moved from being best friends to something more emotionally intimate. Now that the war in Europe is over will they cross the last line and become physically intimate?

Warnings: 18+ content (smut, p in v) angst-ish (mentions of war & concentration camp), comforting each other, tooth rotting fluff at end, she/her pronouns (no use of y/n or 1st person POV, but told from Liebgott's perspective sorta).

A/N: I have the biggest respect for the real life heroes of WWII (and all other wars, past & current), this work & all other works is based on the actor(s) and character(s) portrayed in the Band of Brothers series.

A/N pt 2: I love how this turned out. Basically this is just my own self-indulgence wish that I could have held and taken care of Liebgott after that scene of him crying in the truck. As always, let me know what you think! I tried a different writing perspective and I like it, hopefully you do too. Comments, likes, and reblogs make me happy and feel validated!

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

Joe Liebgott would forever be a different man. Easy Company had just liberated Kaufering IV but that included locking the poor souls back up for the medics to be able to try and get them back from the brink of death. The whole thing had left Joe feeling broken and full of pure rage and despair he didn't know how to get rid of it. So he grabbed a bottle of wine and wondered till he found a tree isolated enough he wouldn't easily be found. He just needed space.

He'd been alone for hours, judging by how low the sun was hanging, bottle long since empty, and eyes sore and dry from tears when he heard a twig snap. Looking around the tree, his heart both swelled and shattered at the sight of the person walking towards him. She was his best friend, been that way since Toccoa and all through the war thus far. The only person that could calm him down when his hot-headedness got the better of him and always had his back in every combat situation. He never had to worry when she was around. She was also the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen and had long since accepted that his heart would always speed up a little when she was in eyesight. While his heart had the usual reaction at seeing her, he couldn't help but feel broken anew at the sadness on her face and emptiness in her eyes. He wasn't the only one tore up from their recent experience.

"I've been looking for you everywhere." She speaks barely above a whisper as she drops down next to him, already leaning against his arm.

"I'm sorry, I just had to get away for a while. I should have found you and brought you with me." He leans over to drop a kiss on the top of her head.

There's a beat of silence and then she speaks again, still in a low whisper, "Do you think they'll make it?"

The words are a dagger to his already bruised and bleeding heart. He gives a small sniff, trying to hold back the fresh tears.

"I don't know." He feels her turn her body towards him and knows she's taking in his appearance detail by detail.

"You can let it out, Joe. I know this is tearing you up. Please don't hold it in and let it destroy you." One hand grasps his while the other gently takes his chin and turns his head so their eyes meet. He tries to push the emotions back down and come up with something to say, but he loses all resolve when her hand moves to cup his cheek and wipe away a stray tear that falls out.

Joe is suddenly wrapping his arms around her, pressing his face in the crook of her neck and letting it all out. He feels her shift them so he's laying mostly on her, her back against the tree and arms tightly wrapped around him. One hand is gripping the back of his jacket tightly, holding him to her, the other is gently stroking his head, and when he feels the side of his face getting wet he knows she's crying too.

They stay like that for hours, until the sun is nearly gone and all tears have been let out. Even after the tears, they don't move, finding too much comfort in holding each other. The only thing that gets them finally moving is their stomachs growling. Joe gets up first, holding his hand out to help her up and starts walking them back to find some food. He looks down briefly when he feels her intertwine their fingers and give his hand a squeeze. The first smile he's had in days makes it way across his face and he squeezes her hand back.

As the days dragged on ahead, their bond grew even tighter. There was a new level of safety and vulnerability that blossomed. Hands would brush more often, hugs turned tighter and longer, if they were able to they'd often be found napping together tangled limbs and all. It was as natural as breathing to seek the other out and before Joe knew it, he was hit with the realization that he was head-over-heels in love with his best friend.

The popping of yet another champagne bottle drags Joe from his mulling and takes in the sight around him with a smile. They are in the Eagles Nest, the war in Europe is over and everyone is finally able to relax and celebrate. He's sitting by Webster and Perco, watching the other's talk and laugh, already more than a little drunk. His smile widens when he catches her eye, sitting next to Malarkey and they salute each other from across the room.

"You ever gonna make a move, Lieb?" Perco's question lands like a bomb right in his stomach.

"What the hell are you talking about?" He looks at the man next to him like he's crazy, but inside he's frantic. Is it that obvious?

"Oh come on, Liebgott. The two of you have been attached at the hip the whole war, even back at training. We've all noticed the stolen looks between you. The wars over, just go for it." Webster gives him a shove, pointedly ignoring the glare Joe shoots at him.

"I gotta take a leak." Joe abruptly stands and leaves before either of them can continue their pestering. They're right, he knows they're right. Since accepting his feelings, the only thing that's been holding him back has been the on-going war. Sure there's still Japan to figure out but right now, their immediate part is over and he doesn't have to worry about dying and leaving her or worse losing her any second to a bullet or bomb.

Not actually needing the bathroom, he finds himself wondering the halls of the Eagles Nest and randomly picking a room to go into. It's spacious with a sitting area, a large comfortable bed sitting against the back wall, a door leading to an adjoining bathroom next to it and doors to the right leading to a balcony. He heads to the balcony, throwing the doors open and leans against the railing taking in the mountains and open valley. It's so quiet and peaceful, he doesn't know how to reconcile it with the horrors the owner and occupants have done to the people of this land.

"Why am I always having to search for you?" A soft, happy voice speaks behind him. Joe turns around and feels his breathe catch in his throat at how beautiful and easy going she looks, leaning around the doorframe to the balcony. When he didn't respond, she stands up a little straighter. "What? Is there something on my face?"

Joe shakes his head and moves to stand in-front of her, raising his hand to trail a finger down her cheek. "You're beautiful."

"How drunk are you?" Her voice is playful, but Joe knew his words were having an effect on her based on the blush she now had.

"Not even tipsy. But drunk or sober, you're still beautiful." His hand cups her cheek, tilts her head up a little to fully meet his eyes and he decides to cross that final line. "I love you. I love you fully and completely; body, mind, and soul. I need you, more than I need to breathe. If you don't feel the same, that's fine. I will lock my heart away to keep you in my life however you wish to be. But the war here is done and I'm out of reasons to not tell you how I feel. Tell me you don't feel the same and I'll respect that, but if you feel even close to what I feel please let me know."

Joe see's tears form in her eyes and for a heartbreaking second he's sure she's going to tell him 'no' and walk away. Then he feels her hands on his face and holds his breathe as she rises on her toes, stopping when her lips are barely brushing his.

"I love you, Joe. I'm yours; body, mind and soul." And then her lips are pressing against his and Joe thinks he's died and gone to heaven.

Their kiss is passionate and slow, taking full advantage that they don't have to rush and can take their time exploring. Joe starts nudging her backwards, back into the main room and towards the bed. A line of clothes marks their path as they help each other be rid of them, kissing freshly exposed shoulders and necks as they go. Soon enough they've managed to be rid of everything and tumble onto the bed in a heap.

Joe leans back just enough to take in the site of her underneath him. Face flushed, lips swollen and glossy from kissing, hair spread out like a halo, chest rising and falling hard as she tries to catch her breathe. He leans his head down pressing kisses to her neck, trailing down her collarbone, around the swell of her breast and ending at her nipple. He takes his time delivering languid licks and sucks, making her skin pucker and rise. Not wanting to leave the other one out of the fun, his hand cups, massages and pinches a little on the flesh there, his other hand hasn't stopped caressing any part of her skin he can reach.

If he has any doubts of how he's making her feel, the gasps and moans falling from her lips dispel them quickly. Soon enough her hands are in his hair and scratching down his back as she wraps her legs around his waist pulling him closer. Joe stops his minstrations on her breast with a groan when his erection is pressed right against her wet core and he can't help but roll his hips into her again. This time they both moan.

"Joe, please. I need you." Her voice is ragged and the lustful look in her eyes almost has him finishing right then. He shifts to the side a little, giving him room to run his hand down her side and cup her core. She's soaking and his brain short circuits a little.

His fingers make quick work of making sure she is coated properly, detouring to her clit to rub until she starts to whimper and pull at him. As he meets her eyes, he raises his fingers to his lips and sucks her taste off of them.

"Goddamn, baby. Next time I'm spending hours down there." He rushes out as he positions himself at her entrance. "But if I don't have you soon, I might die." He looks at her for confirmation that she's ready and when she nods, he starts pushing in slowly.

They groan together at the feel of him sliding into place like a puzzle piece coming home. Once he's bottomed out, he drops down to his elbows, putting more of himself on top of her and rests his forehead against hers. Her thighs tighten around him as she turns her head to kiss him.

"Move. Please." She bites his bottom lip at the same time she scratches his back again.

"Yes ma'am." He presses his lips firmly to her, swallowing the moan she lets out as he pulls out and quickly snaps back in. He finds a steady rhythm, angling his hips just right so he's brushing that sweet spot within her. Her back bows, pressing her chest further into his and exposes her neck to his lips. He doesn't waste any time placing a hard bite where it'll be hard to hide the mark already forming. This spurs something in her and soon her hands are in his hair, tugging his head to the side as she returns the favor.

Joe can tell she starts to get close to her release, as her walls start fluttering around him and her moans start becoming more frequent. He raises himself up, gripping the headboard with one hand and dropping his other hand down to rub her clit.

"I know you're close baby. Look at me as you let go." His voice is deep and commanding. Her eyes immediately lock onto his and his movements pick up speed. A few more hard thrusts and a pinch on her clit and she's moaning his name and clamping down around him. The feeling of her combined with his name falling from her lips like a prayer has him falling right behind her.

As they come down from their highs, they exchange slow kisses and 'I love you's'.

Bonus scene:

Not wanting to waste a beautiful day, the guys had decided to have an impromptu baseball game. Joe stood in his spot, waiting to bat next, sending a smile and wave to the stands where his girl was watching and cheering. They were getting ready for the next play when Winters came strolling across the field. They all crowded around him, fully expecting to hear their deployment orders for fighting Japan. Instead he was giving them the best news they'd heard since VE day. Japan had surrendered. The war, all of it, was finally over.

All the guys started cheering, exchanging hugs and pats on the backs. Joe see's her coming towards them at an easy jog, a curious look on her face. He gives her the biggest smile and runs right up to her, lifting her in his arms and spins her around.

"Japan surrendered. It's over. We're going home." Her smile matches his as she fully takes in his words and hugs him back. Just as quick as it started, Joe stops spinning her and sets her down on her feet, then he's down on one knee, holding her hands.

"Marry me. Come back home with me. Or wherever you wanna live. I don't care. Just marry me, please." Everything dulls around the edges as he holds his breathe, waiting for her response.

"Yes, Joe!" She smiles bright enough to blind the sun and then starts laughing when he jumps back up and starts spinning her around again. The only sound is the cheering of their friends and their hearts beating in sync.

[hyunjinswifelol]

study session. h.hj

warnings: weed, getting high, unprotected sex, fingering, oral (f!receive), reader wheres skirt, reader is called y/n, reader is also fem mostly, hyunjin wears rings, reader is a teachers pet, use of slut

summary: reader goes to hyunjin to study, knowing hes really smart. they end up getting high together and do interesting things.

“excuse me, do you know which dorm room is uh.. hwang hyunjins dorm?” y/n asked. the front desk lady gave her a weird look. “why do you need to know?” “hes the smartest in my class and i need tutoring lessons” she said. “hes in room 238 on floor 4. be careful, hes not really a good kind of boy” “i-.. okay thanks!” y/n ran to the elevator, trying not to drop everything, including her bag. she pressed floor 4, and hoped he was even in his room. “room 238.. where is it” she questioned herself, wondering the halls. she found it. her heart was racing. she knocked. “y/n?..” “hyunjin!! hi, can you tutor me please? the math is terrible and-“ “you want me to tutor you?” hyunjin asked, sarcastically laughing. she nodded slowly, afraid he’ll turn her down. “is it too much? are you busy? do i need to come another time-“ “no y/n youre fine. i just wasnt expecting you to come to me” hyunjin said, scratching the back of his neck. she nodded again, less worried. he was much taller than her, she just realized. he was about 5’10, and she was about 5’2. hyunjin opened his door more and let her in. “thanks.. im sorry. i didnt mean to bother you or anything” she said, slightly looking down. “hey its okay.. i understand, schools hard you know? dont worry about it” she smiled and nodded. he was really cute she thought. “do you want a drink?” he asked. “sure.. do you have sweet tea?” hyunjin nodded. “oh sorry.. you can set your stuff down on my table and ill get everything ready” hyunjin said, pulling a chair out for her. “thanks, youre really a gentleman” she said, patting his arm. he blushed. “thanks.. i try to help nice to women. i also try to be nice to you, youre the most favorite in the school you know? the teachers love you” “my parents donated a bunch of money to the school, thats the only reason they love me” “youre really kind to them, they probably like that too, respecting teachers is really important” she nodded. he poured her a glass of tea. “do you smoke?” he asked, sitting down infront of her, handing her the tea. her eyes lit up, and went wide. “do i.. smoke?” he nodded. “do you? i have some weed, we can share a joint before we study, it’ll calm your nerves. youre tense honey” she nodded. “ive never done this before hyunjin.. is it okay?” “ofcourse it is, i wouldnt harm you” hyunjin stood up and went to the kitchen. y/n followed him. he went to roll a joint. he was rolling it up and making it a cigarette type to smoke. y/n was staring at his hands the whole time. the veins, the tings, the tendons, his long fingers. she wondered what they felt like inside her. no. she cant think like that. this is her classmate, and possibly new study friend. “your rings are cool” she softly said. “oh thanks! im glad you notic- how did you notice?..” he said. “i was staring” she mumbled, slightly embarrassed. “you were staring st my hands?” he said, genuinely confused. “yeah.. i mean you have nice hands” “thanks.. are you like.. obsessed with my hands?” “no.. i was just staring cause theyre nice. your nail polish is cool too” she smiled. “thanks” he smiled back at her. “okay done. wanna hit first?” “can you?.. i dont know how to do this” she said, looking at the floor embarrassed. “its okay, dont be embarrassed.. i wouldnt expect you to know how to smoke anyways” he said. he took a big hit, then blew out. “when you take a hit, you’ve gotta inhale it, be careful, it’ll make you cough” he handed it to her. “thanks” she said. she hit it, inhaled, choked a little, then blew out. “wow.. i feel weird” “its normal, after a few more puffs youll feel like youre floating, trust me sweetheart” he said. her cheeks got red at the pet name. she never really liked pet names if she’s completely honest, but she feels warm when he calls her pet names. he took another hit, and did it like a pro. she took another hit, but coughed alot. “its okay, youll get the hang of it” hyunjin reassured her. they took turns back and fourth. after a while, y/n felt very high, and very clingy. “hyunjin.. can we watch a movie?” she asked. “arent we supposed to study?”

“fuck studying” she said. his eyes went wide. she just cussed? “i-.. sure hun, what do you wanna watch?” “romance. like.. shrek!” “thats not a romance honey” he said laughing. “dont laugh.. and yes it is” “okay then..” he took her to the living room. he sat down. she was still standing though. “you can sit down you know..” he said smiling, but slightly confused. “can you spread your legs?” she mumbled. he nodded and did so. she sat in between them. he froze completely. “can you scoot back a little? i dont wanna fall off the couch” she looked back at him smiling innocently. he nodded. he scooted back. she layed back to where her back was against his chest. he got the remote and found shrek and started playing it. she hit the joint again. “jinnie i think im getting high.. am i okay?” she said, now being serious. “its normal love, trust me you’ll be okay” she nodded. she got herself comfortable. her head was resting in ghe crook of his neck, her thighs pressed together between his, her back against his chest, and her hands on his thighs. “this is comfy” she whispered. “good. it is” he smiled. her hair smelled really good. his arms were right beside his thighs, and y/n took that as an opportunity to gran then and wrap them around her waist. he looked down at it, and smiled. “hold me” she said. “okay honey” he said, smiling brighter than ever. she held the joint up to his lips and hetook a hit. she took a hit after him. she turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck, and her legs around his waist. his arms were loosly wrapped around her waist. “hi lovely” he said. she blinked a few times. then smashed her lips on his. he immediately kissed back. his arms tightened around her. she pulled away after a moment. “can we go to your room?” she shyly asked. “what are you wanting to do in there that we cant do in here?” he asked messing woth her soft hair. “can you make me feel good?” she mumbled. hyunjins pants got tight, and she felt that. she was acting so innocent but shes not at the same time, hyunjin loved it. y/n got up and waited for hyunjin to. “right down the hallway lovely” he said, and held her hand softly. she went and sat on his bed, and he closed his door. the only lightin there was a lamp. she stared at him. he stared backat her. “are you sure you want this?” she nodded. “ive never done it before but i want you to be my first hyunjin. please?” she whispered. he nodded. he wanted this as much as she did. hes fucked multiple girls, but none like her. hes always thought that y/n was special and innocent and pretty, but that innocent thought was long gone. hyunjin kissed her, and they started making out. his tounge slid in her mouth, and he bit her bottom lip- making her whine. hyunjin felt his dick get harder. he slowly pushed her down to where she was laying on her back. his hands roamed her body, and she loved it. her mind and his were all fuzzy, most likely from being stoned, but for her it was that and the feeling of his hands all over her. his hand went down to her wet pussy. he broke the kiss. “do you want me to touch you sweetheart?” he asked, teasing her. “yes please” she whined. he rubbed her clothed clit and she moaned. “lets take these panties off okay?” he said, rubbing up and down her thighs. she nodded. he slip them down to her ankles and threw them somewhere across the room. hyunjin rubbed her clit, and it felt even better with her panties off. “you like that? you like my fingers touching you?” “yes- feels s-so good” she moaned out. hyunjin pushed his middle finger in her entrance. she whined and threw her head back on the bed. “you wanna lay down love?” he asked, still fingering her. she nodded. she scooted back to where her back was slightly against the headboard. he crawled in between her legs and he was face to face with her pussy. “can i?” he asked. “please” she whispered. and just like that that, his face was burried in her pussy. his tounge going in and out of her entrance at a fast pace. y/n’s mind was fully blank, only the thought of hyunjin eating her out like a pro. she grabbed his hair.

hyunjin looked up at her. she closed her eyes and whined. hyunjin came up and kissed her, and started fingering her again- but with two fingers. “hyunjin” she moaned. “yes darling? you like it? you like taking my fingers?” he softly said, playing with her hair in his other hand. she nodded and whined. “you look so fucking pretty. a princess getting fucked in that slutty skirt.. my princess getting fucked in her slutty skirt” she moaned. she liked him calling her a slut. “im your slut?” she whispered. “yes darling youre my little slut okay? youre my princess, my slutty princess” he said, fingering her at the fastest pace possible. “hyun- your fingers” y/n moaned out. “my fingers? you like them? they making my princess feel good?” he asked kissing her forehead. “yes they feel so good-your rings they feel” she said before moaning. “they feel good dont they” he said. she nodded. “lets take this little shirt off okay?” he said, pulling her little pink crop top off. she covered her chest. “hey dont cover or be shy my love” he said slowly pulling her arms softly. “here ill take mine off so youre not alone lovely” he said removing his fingers from her pussy. “hyunjin-“ she whined, feeling empty. “i know darling, youll get what you want soon, i promise” he whispered, taking his shirt off and going back down on her again. “you taste like heaven darling” he whispered. he sucked her clit, and she almost screamed. she bucked her hips in his face, practically riding it. “hyunjin im gonna cum- please can i?” she cried. “yes love” he tounge fucked her for a minute and she came right in his mouth. he slurped her juices and came up to kiss her again. she tasted herself. “lets get this slutty skirt off hm?” he said. she nodded, and he ripped it right off. he got off the bed for a minute. he unbuckled his pants and slid them off, as well as his boxers. his cock sprung right out. her eyes went wide in fear. it looked about 9 inches. she was worried it wouldnt fit. “will it fit hyunjin?” she whispered. “yes love, dont worry okay? ill take care of you” he said, laying her down. he aligned his cock with her hole. “im gonna go in slowly okay? squeeze my hand if it hurts” he whispered. he offered his hand and she held it. he pushed in his tip. she squeezed his hand a little. “you okay darling?” he whispered, his thumb carresing her knuckles. she nodded. “you got this” he whispered. he pushed in another 3 inches. he waited a moment and pushed in a few more inches. he still had about 4 more inches to go. so, he went balls deep in her pussy. “youre tight love” he said, smiling at her. “youre big hyunie” she said, eyes welled with tears. “do you want me to move now?” he asked, holding her hand tight. she nodded. he moved about halfway out and pushed back in very slow. he repeated that for a few minutes. “hyun.. faster please” she whispered, eyes shut tight. he hummed an ‘mhm’ and picked up his pace. “shit” he whispered. he went faster now. she moaned his name a few times. “hyunjin faster-“ she said, and then he went at a rapid pace. she moaned even louder than before. “im gonna cum darling, can i cum in you?” he asked. she nodded, tears streaming from her eyes. she felt herself getting closer too. she clenched around him, and then he came. she came a few seconds after him. he layed beside her. she was panting. “you did great love” he said, still holding her hand. sweat was dripping down his neck. she lookrd over at him, and stared at the sweat. she caused that sweat. “lets get cleaned up and head to bed hm?” he said. “im staying here tonight?” she asked. hyunjin stood up and went to grab a towel. “yeah.. if you want to obviously” he said and smiling at her. “can i sleep in here?” she asked, stars in her eyes. “ofcourse lovely” he cleaned themselfs off. she put her underwear and bra on. he put some boxers amd sweatpants on. “hyunjin?” “hm?” “can i borrow a shirt?” “ofcourse, let me get you one” he said. he walked to his closet and found a white t shirt. he handed it to her and kissed her forehead. she smiled and giggled. “what?” he asked.

“you give me butterflies when you kiss my forehead” she said, looking up at him and smiling. “then ill do it more often” he cockily said. she put the shirt on and collapsed on his bed. he layed doen next to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. she rolled over and shoved her face in his chest. “you smell good” she mumbled. “do i?” “mhm” he smiled. he kissed her forehead. “goodnight darling” he said. “goodnight jinnie” “love you” “love you too” she smiled. her face was in his neck and her arms were around his neck, while his was around her waist. they both eventually fell asleep.

[a-pups-writing]

Hi beautifullll💋🩷 got super excited when I saw ur ok with writing suicide, so can I ask for twst headcanons with first years + riddle when they learn that reader(gn) had a failed suicide attempt at ramshackle? Platonic or romantic, though I don't think it would matter much in this particular scenario. Thanks in advance, love ur writing💖

A/N; love this, and thank you for the kind words dear pink princess. No specification on what kind of suicide, so I'm going with an OD (overdose) hope that's okay. Also I have faves, I think its noticeable..

P.S.: if you ever deal with suicidal thoughts, you can and deserve to get help! Either from friends or a specialist, as someone who has the same problems it may feel like there isn't another out but there is. Life can be worth living. <3

CW; GN!reader, angst/fluff, suicide/mental health themes, some Sanders vibes(??)

Chars.; Riddle Rosehearts, Ace Trappola/Deuce (??), Epel Felmier, Jack Howl

Riddle Rosehearts; Romantic

first thinks its a joke, albeit not a very funny one, when he's told you're in the infirmary from an apparent overdose. He even collars those who told him, unable to believe such lies and rumors.

still, he goes to the infirmary, just to see if there's any proof of you..having done something, maybe you just hurt yourself accidentally- his heart almost stops when he sees you lying there, on an IV drop.

you just look so frail on that moment, pale skin and shaky breaths - he's grateful for the heart monitor standing besides you, showing him your heartbeat.

he cries, while holding your hand and just waiting for you to wake up and come back to him. He's gonna have to be forced to leave (Trey comes to get him, only able to convince him with tarts and promises of returning the next day, he even leaves one of those tarts for you..just in case you wake up.)

during classes/when he's not with you he's more irritable then normal and he sometimes reverts back into his snappy behavior - he just worries so much, and everyone seems to be breaking more rules.

as soon as you wake up he's by your side, holding your hand while his own is shaking in pure happiness. He might even cry again, tho he tries not to let you see that part of him.

definitely gets you help as soon as you're discharged, you can talk to him (or Trey) but he'll also search for an actual therapist/psychiatrist.

depending on the problem he'll do his best to help you, like studying with you, talking to those who were rude, etc.

he starts treating you more carefully, not that he really means to but you just got so much more fragile in his eyes.

Ace/Deuce; Platonic

pure unfiltered panic and chaos. Ace slaps Deuce to get him to work again, and then Deuce has to slap Ace to do it in return.

they run to the infirmary, almost getting kicked out my one of the medics, but they're allowed to stay..as long as they don't start to make loud noises again or something similar.

Ace jut stares at you while Deuce actually started to shed a few tears - seeing you so lifeless is new, definitely blame themselves for not having noticed it earlier and thinking they're bad friends because of it.

they'll be more down in general/less energetic, and mostly try to stay by your side (tho it can get to Mich for Deuce, he just can't take seeing you like that.)

both start to ask you questions the moment you wake up, the most prominent one; WHY?! Was it them? Someone else?-

they only calm down after a little while, but don't worry it'll happen..soon..maybe..

as soon as you get discharged try to help you with everything, chores, homework, people. It'll get overwhelming, and you'll have to tell them to calm down, after a few times they lay off a little.

Epel Felmier; ?

what?..his little apple? Doing something like that? He can't believe it, but runs out of the lesson as soon as he caught wind of the rumor. (Much to Vil's dismay)

cries a little when he sees you, but does his best to hold it back for his own sake.

starts wondering why you did it, is it because of him? Is he not strong/manly enough? Was he to weak for you to feel comfortable coming to him? He just becomes an insecure mess.

looses some of his spark, and even while Rook tries to cheer him up it doesn't help. Even Vil lays off a little during that time, stress causes wrinkles after all.

as soon as he sees you awake its like a dam breaks and he can't stop crying and hugging you.

he's definitely the type to demand answers. He wants them, to help you, and he wants them now!

it'll take some talking to get the point of mental health across, how its not just something that can be put aside. But he'll listen and do his best to learn.

asks you how you're doing everyday, and might even ask Rook to look after you when he gets worried..just for your safety of course.

Jack Howl; platonic, kinda sire/cub (y'all want an romantic version?)

wolf boy is worried about his little cub, he believes it when he hears it and mentally prepares for the worst while jogging to the infirmary.

is calm..on the outside, the only tell is his tail being down and his ears flat against his head. On the inside he's a mess, thinking of what could have prevented this and how he can help you when you wake up.

stays mostly by your side, and gets more aggressive when he can't - actually growled at Leona when the man pissed him off, he's just constantly stressed and hoping you wake up - takes a toll on him.

sees you as soon as you wake up, he might not have a smile on but his tail sags and starts to wag quite a bit. He might even hugs you, but would mostly likely wait for you to open your arms/ask him.

much more protective of you, talks with you once a day about your mental health and even gets you a support plush. Its a little wolf, to help you in times of need.

Sebek; so sorry for the Sebek fans, I've never written for him before and am scared of just writing something completely OOC (out of character), I'm still practising how's to write him and until I feel confident enough I won't. I ask for your understanding.

[gloomy-ghosty]

Im gonna need more info on those Kristin fics STAT

mwahahah alright.. you asked for it

theyre both part of my rpverse with a friend, of which I've talked about before. in fact i think ive shown you at least one of these before.

SO!! backstory. XD is the god of life, Kristin comes from a long line of gods of death. the gods dont die necessarily, they just decide they're tired of it and pass it on eventually, leaving the mortal plane and going off yknow. XD hatessss the whole family because theyre his rivals. And also Kristin took his angel [Drista] away when she got heavily injured and prayed for it. Who knew an angel of life could die. ANYWAY this left XD without a head servant, basically. So he created a new one- Phil! XD sends Phil down to get back at the family, but mostly Kristin. But he doesn't specify how.. So the guy he sent with Phil– Technoblade I– decides that they'll just like. Break into the castle and break some crap. They get caught [obviously] and thrown in the dungeon. This is where the first one comes in.

   Phil was resting when he heard it. Footsteps. Different ones. He sat up from where he was leaned against the hard obsidian walls of his cell. He needed to listen.

   The regular ones he heard came first, their light clicking against the floor familiar to his feathered ears. The warden. Then came heavier ones. They were graceful, but the person who was walking was obviously taller than the warden.

   His interest was piqued. Would there be a new prisoner? A visitor? Or perhaps the executioner, coming for any one of their heads? He hadn't been expecting to die today, but then again, he hadn't expected the guards to break his wing either.

   Then the voices came. The footsteps stopped and the voices started. The warden spoke first.

   "Now, My Lady, I present to you, the dungeons. I haven't a clue why you would want to come down here," The warden said. My Lady? This person must be powerful or something.

   Phil hadn't been moving, but if he had been, he would've stopped the moment he heard the second voice.

   "I've heard rumors that you aren't just keeping wayward Ender here, but a human and a piglin as well." The voice was calming and beautiful, yet sorrowful, like a mourning dove twittering in the branches of a decaying tree.

   "Yes. We've recently captured a winged human and his piglin brute wandering around the castle. We suspect they had broken it with the intent to steal from or harm the royal family."

   That was not the intention of their break-in, though Phil couldn't will himself to object. He likely wouldn't have been heard, and it was not worth it. He had learned what happened when you spoke out of turn here.

   "Well, humans can't pose too terrible a threat. Why, they're just so small and cute... There's no way they'd be able to hurt any of us."

   Ah, so she was royal after all. Phil shouldn't be too surprised. He moved in his cell, ignoring how painfully his wing dragged behind him on the floor. From where he could see, there were shadows cast on the wall at the far end of the dungeon. One of the shadow of the warden, tall and prideful. Then there was one that was even taller, with sharp horns and dragon-like features. She seemed beautiful, from what he could see from the shadow.

   "My Lady, I can already tell when you want. I cannot permit you to see it."

   "Why not? I'm of higher authority than you. I should be able to visit whichever prisoner I choose, and I want to see the human."

   The warden was silent for a few moments.

   "Later, my highness. It is supper, the inmates must eat."

   So Phil watched as the shadows moved away, not being able to make out the words any longer. He had hoped she might've been able to come back and saved him, help fix his wing, let him finally free. But he had hoped wrong. At least he'd be getting some food today.

this one was written quickly a year or so ago to show my friend one of the ideas i had, along with some accompanying backstory of which i summarized above. something that i didnt say that i do wanna share because its cool to me; Phil is an angel, obviously. Since he was XD's, he had light yellow, almost white, feathers. However, as he stays in the mortal plane, his wings slowly shift color until he and Kristin get married, in which they're completely black. He has fallen for the enemy, become the Angel of Death. fallen angel in XD's eyes, new creation in Kristin's. anyway.

the second one is much shorter, not having been finished. Basically takes place in the future when they're married and have kids. Btw. Technoblade isnt their biological child. Technoblade I and his wife. Tragically passed away during a siege in the Nether, and since Phil was his best friend, he got his son, who was unnamed because you have to earn your name in Piglin culture. so he just named him Technoblade II. Wilbur and him are called twins because they were born on the same day, just a year apart. They consider themselves twins. so basically, in the rp, Kristin gets stuck in the Ende Realm for several years and then finally comes back eventually. so i wanted to write how that happened. never finished it, but the main idea was that Kristin moved to the Overworld with Phil and lived there with their children. They go back and visit often, staying for a few weeks in the Ende and then coming home. XD is ticked that Kristin first stole his sister/assistant, and now stole his angel!? So. He plants an uprising, sprung by having sent people to pick off small villages around the borders of the kingdom, which Kristin did nothing about since she wasn't there. It was the other rulers jobs. But the people got angry and tried to overthrow them. And so they had to rush back for the safety of the children. Phil, Tommy, and Wilbur got separated and made it through the portal. Techno and Kristin went together, but the portal started breaking. Kristin got Techno through and then. She didn't make it out. Cut off from all contact. Very sad, I know. But she makes it back!! Eventually. Uh. 19 years later. this is actually also part of Ranboo's backstory but that's not what we're on about. Hint hint they were the child of two important women in one of the villages that got attacked. This one is not CLOSE to finished and i think I want to write even what i have, but you'll see i put a note in the wip of a line i wanted to include but didn't get the chance to. its not my favorite, pretty sure its ooc even for the rp version of these characters, but yknow.

   Phil had just finished setting up the portal to the Ende Realm when Kristin was ready to go. She had dressed up fancy, and put her crown and veil on for today. There would be no revivals, at least while she had her veil down and intact. Her sons had been cleaned up and were dressed as princes from centuries ago, though it wasn't necessary. Phil kept insisting the two dressed that way for the visit. Even Tommy, the baby, had been wrapped in fancy swaddling clothes overtop his usual onesie. The baby was excused from dressing up. 

   The twins had been dressed in white medieval blouses and khaki shorts, and Techno had put on his red regal cloak. Wilbur refused to wear his own. Phil had tried to make him wear if, offering candy and a new toy, but he wouldn't budge. Kristin thought that was a bit strange, but she wouldn't force him to wear it. Not like it mattered much anyways, the land was quite lax with how young royalties dressed.

LINE TO INCLUDE: "But a goddess never truly dies, especially if she governs death."

that one is shorter than i recall!! but. Yeah. Not a favorite, can see why I ditched it. ill rewrite it and actually finish it one of these days though mwahah.

[eepwriting]

Strawberry Lip Balm ✶ IV x GN! Reader

Warnings: drinking, kissing

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You had met iv through a friend of a friend. He slightly scared you at first, his mysterious nature and general presence making you nervous. Until he finally came up to talk to you, stating that his shyness usually came off the wrong way sometimes. You could tell he was nervous as well, his eyes never staying on yours long and his speech somewhat rushed.

The two of you had been invited to a small gathering of friends and acquaintances, which allowed you to talk to other people if things got too awkward between you and your new mystery friend. His small glances in your direction didn’t go unnoticed and you made an effort to smile at him if you caught his gaze. You’d like to think he was blushing under that mask of his. You were intrigued by him and found yourself wanting to know him, hoping he thought the same about you.

The night slowly died down, people leaving every 10-15 minutes as it got later. You excused yourself to the restroom, not wanting to leave before using it. IV noticed and stood up from his seat rather quickly.

“I’ve got to go too. I’ll walk you there.” He reached your side.

You smiled slightly. “Oh thanks!”

He led you out of the room and down a short hallway, stopping in front of a door on the left.

“Here’s one.” He slightly pointed into the dark room. “I’ll go use the one upstairs but I’ll meet you down here?”

“Oh, uh yeah.” You give him a laugh and smile before making your way into the restroom and closing the door behind you.

IV is out in the hall, his back against the wall in a casual lean when you open the door. He immediately straightens up when he sees you and by the way his eyes crinkle, you can tell he’s smiling at you. You smile back and step fully out into the walkway.

“So, uh I wanted to talk to you more tonight but it’s getting late and I don’t want to keep you out. Is there a chance we could meet again and get to know each other better?” His eyes stare into yours.

You silently cheer in your head, as you’ve waited all night for him to ask you a question like that. “Yeah, that sounds nice. Is tomorrow night okay? I’ve got kind of a crazy schedule.” You hope you don’t sound too excited.

“Tomorrow night is perfect. I know a nice pub not far from here if you’re okay with drinking?” The smile you wish you could see returns to his eyes.

“Yeah, I’m cool with that.” You say, in an attempt to sound cool and casual. The alcohol will surely help to soothe the nerves you’ll most definitely have.

“Great. Uh, could I get your number? I’ll send you the address and we can meet there?” He pulls his phone out of his pocket.

The two of you exchange numbers, you sending a small “hi :)” text to him to make sure he’s got the right number and pick a time to meet. You’re sad to leave, wanting to just talk now but he is right, it’s getting late and you have work in the morning.

✶

The day goes by in a blur. All you can think of is your little “date” with iv later, if that’s even what it is. You’re excited about the idea of getting to know him, to figure him out. When you get home from work, you take a quick shower and pick a simple but somewhat dressier outfit. You knew the place iv had picked wasn’t the fanciest but you still wanted to look nice.

You called a ride, knowing it wouldn’t be smart to drive home tonight. Out of nervousness, you called your ride early and arrived at the pub way earlier than the planned meeting time. You wanted a second to scope the place out, maybe get one drink in to calm down.

When the car pulls up to the sidewalk, you’re surprised to see iv standing outside. You tip the driver and push open your door. A small chuckle leaves your mouth as you walk up to him. “I guess we both had the same idea?”

He looks just as surprised as you and laughes. “I guess we did.” His head snaps to the side slightly. “Shall we head in?”

The pub wasn’t too busy, mostly full of what you assumed were regulars based on the way they chatted with the bartenders. It was still early in the night so you wanted a table before it got too crowded. It was your pick, settling on a booth in the far corner of the pub. Before iv sat down he got your drink order and excused himself, coming back a short time later with your drink of choice and his. He sat down across from you and lifted his mask slightly to take a sip of his drink.

“This is a nice place.” You said, setting your forearms on the table and leaning forward slightly.

“It’s not bad. Perhaps not my first choice but it’s homey.” He matches your position.

The conversation starts off surface level. Basic interests and dislikes. You know, favorite movie, color, food, 20 questions. IV gets up periodically to get refills and by the hour you’re pleasantly tipsy and not so nervous. IV is a great listener and is pleasant to talk to, always seeming genuinely interested in what you’re saying.

Having left to get another drink, he reaches the side of the table and instead of sitting across from you, scoots in next to you. Jokingly, he pushes up against you, crowding you against the wall. “Oops, just wanted to sit next to you. A little more crowded in here, wanna be able to hear you.” He laughs and lets his knee rest against yours.

He slides your drink over to you. His arm swings up and around your shoulders, his hips slide forward in the seat, body in a comfortable slouch. His other arm rests on the table, his fingers drawing shapes on his frosty glass. You internally scream. He’s closer now, touching you. He smells good and looks good. He’s showing his goofy side.

“So, tell me something you’ve never told anyone else.” He looks over at you.

You smile slightly, your shoulders coming up in a small shrug. “I don’t think anything I tell you would be all that interesting.”

“Oh come on. Everything about you is interesting.” He scoots closer, if that’s even possible.

His one question opens up a giant pool of conversation. You open up and tell him about some of your insecurities and some of your more unpleasant thoughts. The whole time he listens intently, giving you his undivided attention. It’s nice. To have someone who just listens. He doesn’t try to offer solutions, just gives you an ear. He opens up as well. Letting you see a little more of him and who he is. You’re grateful that he’s letting you in.

More drinks and more conversation ranging from deep to insightful to funny fill the next hour.

“These drinks are running through me. So, excuse me.” You jokingly poke and prod at his side in an effort to make him move.

“I’ve got to go too. I’ll walk you there.” You laugh as you stand up. His words are the exact same as yesterday and the whole reason the two of you are here tonight.

He places his hand on the middle of your back as he guides you through the significantly busier pub. The two of you both do your business once in the restrooms and meet outside.

While on your way back to your booth, you notice 4 people had made it theirs. Luckily you had brought your drinks with you and you had wanted to stretch your legs a little anyway. “I guess they beat us to it.” IV was behind you now, his voice close to your ear as he slightly leaned against you.

“I guess so!” You yell over the music before you feel iv grab your hand. He gently pulls you back through the small crowd, stopping at a wall on the far side of the pub. Less people and not as loud. Now in front of you, your back against the cool brick wall.

“Are you having fun? I’m sorry we have to stand now.” He leans down again, his temple brushing the side of your head.

“Yeah! And it’s okay, I was getting tired of sitting.”

He pulls his head back slightly but stays close to you. His eyes are glossy and you can tell he has a lazy smile on his face. You smile back, finding his tipsy state endearing.

Taking a sip of your drink, you’re reminded of your slightly chapped lips. You wanted to reapply your lip balm before you left the restroom but it had completely slipped your mind. You unzip the small bag you had brought and pull out the tube.

You look back up at iv as you take the cap off and find him still looking down at you. He sways forward an inch before leaning close again. “What flavor is your chapstick?” You don’t miss the way his eyes continuously flick down to your lips.

“Strawberry. You want a taste?” You rub your lips together and cap the balm. You’re genuinely surprised by your boldness, thanking the drinks in your system for helping achieve what you’ve wanted to do all night.

You see iv’s jaw tense slightly before he gives you a small nod. You can’t help but let out a drunken but giddy laugh as you bring your hands up to his mask. Your fingers slowly slip under, brushing his throat and neck before you pull it up over his chin and mouth.

You barely see him smile before you bring his mouth to yours. Giving him a small peck, you pull away just slightly, looking for a reaction. IV quickly leans back in, one arm coming to rest on the wall behind you. Your second kiss lasts longer but stays relaxed. You feel him smile into the kiss before you pull away to look at him.

He laughs. “I don’t think I got a good enough taste. Could I have another?” His hands rest on your hips, giving them a small squeeze.

“I guess that would be okay.” You joke, bringing your hands up and around the back of his neck. Pulling him back down to you, giving him another taste of your strawberry lip balm.

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I’ve had this idea rotting in my head for weeks now so here!!!

Once again, I apologize if this is shit.

Also, requests are open so if you want to see anything let me know!

K, bye bye.

[rederiswrites]

Not to update-dump all at once, for the unfortunate majority of you who are not invested in me personally, but I swear I can only think when I'm at home. I get to the hospital and my brain goes into survival mode and I can barely even read a text post without tapping out.

Yesterday was quite a marathon. Got up, called the doctor to ask for renewals on a couple meds, talked to Mamma's car insurance and finally found out what we need to do to move that to the next step (currently her totaled car is sitting at the tow shop, accruing storage fees, with her registration and craft project and groceries still in there. Yum!) Took care of the chicks, hugged Phantom goodbye, and headed out.

Got the van's emissions inspection done on my way through the county seat, stopped at the drug store to restock on pain patches. haha pain. The patches really help, though.

Got to Baltimore, parked on the 6th level of the garage and walked down. With Mamma I had 3 hours to eat lunch (did not finish, had to take it home), keep her comfortable and fed and equipped, talk to the surgeon and nurses, fill out an information release form for her doctor, make an inventory of the five billion supplements she takes, and write up a permission for us to deal with her car and get her to sign it.

Walked back up the parking garage, for the exercise, which was a little much and I almost died but hey, exercise! Got out of Baltimore inches before rush hour, and got home like eight minutes before 2 1/2 hours of Master Gardeners class. Good damn thing I actually find soil chemistry and pruning rivetingly interesting.

Afterwards, we talked with the kids about Cory Booker's historic achievement, why we're ecstatic to see Strom Thurmond's record dead and gone, and watched Jon Stewart yell on our behalf, which is just...incredibly cathartic, cannot recommend strongly enough. Then I played some Dragon Age. Overall a very nice way to end the day and actually I felt pretty good about everything for a hot minute.

Today, things are moving fast again, and Mamma went into surgery at 7:30 this morning. I know because she called me at 7 to let me know, before they put her under. This was the correct thing to do! However, fuck sleep, who needs that shit? So naturally I'd like to have gone into Baltimore to be there when she wakes up (especially since it went poorly last time; they had to call me to get her to calm down and stop trying to rip IVs out), but Percy has a friggin vet appointment at friggin 1 in the afternoon, smack in the middle of the day.

Theoretically, I'm out in the garden planting seeds, using this rare and precious daylight at home wisely. Clearly, in practice, I'm taking the time to defragment and collate my thoughts and recent experiences. Which is probably very important psychologically. But I fucking need to go plant seeds. Then I guess after the vet I'll drive to Baltimore. GOD I don't want to.

The last two weeks would have been so much worse without @phantomtheraccoon basically singlehandedly holding down the fort at home, and I can't express my pride and gratitude strongly enough. The boy does help, and more or less willingly, but he needs to be prompted, and doesn't think about a lot of things that need to be done. The spouse does what he can, but he's got long hours at work and with blacksmithing committments, which are always heavy in spring. He did clear me another foot of garden and do a huge pile of dishes yesterday. But anyway, my beloved child has really saved lives. Mostly chick lives. They're doing great btw.