#lee hi locs

[keomchiz]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ ᰈㅤㅤ𝗯𝗲 ㅤ′ ㅤ𝗆𝗒 ㅤ𝘰𝗇𝗅𝗒 ㅤ﹙𝑜𝑛𝑒﹚ ㅤ.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ ✿𝆬ㅤ    p𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾ㅤ   𝖼𝗈𝗅𝗈𝗋 ㅤ   𝗺𝗲ㅤ    🦢.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ 𝑖 ㅤ𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀ㅤ 𝖺 ㅤ 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 ㅤ𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 ㅤ﹕ ㅤ이것

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ 𝗈𝗁   𝗆𝗒,ㅤ𝗈𝗁   𝗆𝗒,ㅤ𝗈𝗁  𝗆𝗒  𝙡𝗼𝘃𝗲 ㅤ𖧧

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ leehiㅤㅤ ㅤ – ㅤㅤ ㅤonlyㅤㅤ ㅤbios

[hooneeyydroops]

Thick thighs save lives

Fred G. Weasley x Reader

Paring: Bf!Fred Weasley x Thick thighs!Reader

Notes: A little suggestive? Starts steamy (definitely not a smut though) and ends with fluff. Established relationship. You’re insecure about you thighs.

Summary: You and Fred have been dating for three months now. As things get more and more steamy during a make out session you’ve found yourself being incredibly insecure about your body.

Word count: 1.1k

Enjoy!!

Three months have passed since you and Fred both confessed your feelings to each other during a cold winter day, near the warm fire of the gryffindor common room. Since then your relationship has been amazing, just like you had imagined it to be; Fred was usually very affectionate and wasn’t embarrassed of showing it in public. Whether it was random kisses on your forehead and cheeks or hugs from behind he was always showering you with affection. He was also a wonderful person to chat with, always making you laugh, telling you about some crazy prank he and George managed to pull out through their lives. It was truly a dream to be dating him. He was literally a sweetheart despite his prankster reputation.

You both were now sitting on his dorm’s bed, it was a cold afternoon, just like the day you had your first kiss when you both confessed. George, Lee and their other dorm member were out in Hogsmade for a butterbeer (or maybe a hot chocolate since it was so cold-), leaving the dorm all for Fred who, of course, decided to go and search for you so that the both of you could cuddle and chat in his bed with some privacy (which was a rare thing to have at Hogwarts).

You both were laying down on the bed, Fred’s head on your chest as you were playing with his ginger locs while rambling about your day.

“and so yeah, McGonagall took slytherin almost 20 po-“

you were telling him, but you soon got interrupted by Fred’s warm, soft lips, gently pecking yours.

“I love when you ramble about your days like this. I love hearing you talk…” He murmured softly, still close to your lips, just to then place them again on yours. Unlike the previous one (or, if you have to really admit it, the previous ones) this was more heated, it had more passion in it. As Fred’s sweet lips were on yours, gently nibbling your lower lip now and then, you felt his hands roaming your body, from your waist to your hips, then to your chest. You felt his tongue gently pushing inside your mouth, causing you to let out a breathy whimper, which earned from him a quiet groan. As you felt his tongue fighting with yours for dominance your focus went back on where his hands were. He was carefully massaging your chest with your clothes still on, the touch only making you let out some shaky breaths as your arms were wrapped around his neck, hands still playing with his hair.

He then decided to slide his hands under your shirt, immediately stopping as soon as he felt your muscles tense up a bit.

“Is this alright?” he asked, cheeks flushed as he was towering you , his eyes full of desire yet still the sweet ones you knew so well.

“Y-yes…” you replied, letting him take off your shirt, leaving you only in your bra. It was the first time he ever saw you without a shirt on and oh, the boy was stunned.

“…so pretty…” he whispered in your ear, sending shivers down your spine as he began to nibble your ear lobe. He then trailed warm, wet kisses from your ear to your neck, moving down to your shoulders. Little whimpers and moans were escaping your lips, as you were not used to this kind of intimacy.

“You sound so beautiful, you know that?” He said, sucking and biting down on your shoulder, earning once again more of those sweet noises you were making.

“Can I remove your pants?” He asks gently between a kiss and another, his hands on your thighs.

There was a moment of hesitation from you, which made him scrunch his face in a confused expression.

“If you don’t want to do it I’ll wait until you’re ready, you know that right?” He asked both of you sitting up as he had an arm around your neck, massaging your back in a comforting manner with his hand.

It wasn’t that thought, you were ready for it actually. You’ve been dreaming about it for a month by now, but something stopped you. Your insecurities were stopping you from letting that dream turn into reality.

You looked down as you started talking.

“It’s not that, Freddie…” you muttered “I really want to do it with you, alright? I really want to but…” and at that “but” you started massaging your thighs in circular motions with your palms, something you did when you were stressed. “I’m really insecure.” you finally managed to let out.

Confusion was still on Fred’s face as he began to think about your words. How could you ever be insecure? And about what?

“It’s alright if it’s your first time,sunshine” he says, tightening his grip around you.

“It’s not that…” you paused for a moment, taking a deep breath “I-it’s my thighs.”

There was a moment of silence as Fred got even more confused. Your thighs? Why? They looked more than fine to him.

“But…why?” He asked, his expression and tone a mix of concern and confusion.

“They’re like…really fat…I can’t even put shorts on without feeling ashamed about them jiggling when I walk…same with short skirts…even pants give me so much trouble since some types make my thighs look even bigger…” you muttered as you looked down at your big thighs. Although you had good eating habits and were really active your thighs were still massive. And it was something that made you go mad every time you looked at your reflection in the mirror.

“Hey” Fred said, his hand gently gripping your cheeks to make tou look up at him. “Look at me. Who said your thighs are fat?” He asked, still a bit of concern in his tone “they’re not” he said, his hand sliding on one of your things, gently massaging it. “They’re beautiful actually. Like very, very much attractive.” He said, his usual smirk creeping out on his face a few seconds after “they make you look bloody gorgeous sunshine~” he whispered, his face a few inches from yours. You felt yourself blush profusely from his words and the way he was sweetly yet sensually massaging your thigh, sometimes gripping at it. “Maybe I could teach you how to love them, what do you think about that, darling~?” He said after removing his arm from your neck, only to place his other hand on your other thigh. You felt your whole body burning at his words as you gently shook your head yes.

Let’s just say that you had spent an amazing afternoon.

And as you two walked out of his dorm to reach the great hall for dinner you definitely and finally felt more confident about your thick thighs.

[angelicsjn]

what do the ocs look like 😃

YOUR SEVEN YANDERES.

— ROMAN CORNELIUS JAMES BEAUREGARD

Due to his job, he has to maintain a very specific body type. Strong, but not too big. He needs to be able to fit into the race car and yet be extremely strong at the same time. Strong shoulders, small waist, soft outlined abs, athletic legs, thick neck, big hands and strong arms. Tan skin, littered with small freckles.

Cat-like grey eyes, thin and yet strong nose with dark full eyebrows. Pretty lips with a strong cupid's bow. Dark hair, usually messily wavy with the sides shorter than the top.

Roman has very rich features, beautiful and pointed.

— LATEN REED

Big in height, also big elsewhere. Big and broad shoulders. Strong chest, thick abs, arms, legs and huge hands. His body is very masculine and beefy, but also soft and squeezable. He is extremely strong. Golden skin which is covered with scratches and small scars.

Curly hair of warm chocolate, almost gold, styled with a taper fade haircut. Big, beautiful and puppy-like green eyes, with flecks of gold. Plump and soft pink lips. A pretty, soft nose with a strong bridge that homes a bump from it being broken. Strong cheekbones, jawline and light stubble. His features are pretty, yet masculine.

— JAE 'NIKO' LEE

Tall and lean, wide shoulders, athletic with a body of a ballet dancer, strong and yet looks like porcelain. Tan and beautifully clear skin, littered with tiny and unseen tattoos. Big hands, with long slender fingers that are usually covered with rings.

Dark hair, undercut and parted in the middle. Dark, sharp eyes with straight and angled features, clean shaven with sharp jawline.

Jae is a true visual, strong and handsome but delicate and perfect.

— KAIDAN ALEXANDER

The body of a rockstar, lean, cut, muscular, covered with tattoos and heartthrob worthy. A modern alternative model. Dark skin, glowing and warm.

Plump lips which homes a lip ring, thick brows, pretty, angled nose with a bump, sharp dark eyes that hold thick, long lashes. Light facial hair and model worthy cheekbones. Long hair, almost to his shoulders, of locs that he usually styles half up.

— HAYDEN WEST

Soft body, warm and cuddly. A cute tummy and thick thighs. Homes a few small tattoos and scars, pale and soft. Darker body hair, which he doesn't shave much, thick happy trail and light chest hair.

Dark hair, messy and covering his forehead. Forest green eyes that are soft and friendly. Button nose, soft and sharp lips, gentle features.

— JOSHUA WHITE

Soft body, lined with soft muscles. Clearly works out, but it isn't his main priority. Clear, soft, and pretty tan skin with dark hair of a happy trail.

Curly dark hair, deep brown eyes that are wide and sweet. Pretty nose with slight bump on the bridge, pouty lips, and sharp jawline. The perfect mix of masculine and pretty.

— BLAKE CROSS

Thick muscles, strong legs, squeezable pecks, juicy biceps, the prefect ratio of muscle to fat with wide shoulders. Softly tan skin with dimples and a wide smile. His body hair is minimal, but he has a happy trail that leads to his happy place.

Puppy-like, innocent brown eyes and a perfectly angled nose with a little bump on the bridge. His lips are well-shaped with a curve at the corners like a cat. His jawline is strong, as are his cheekbones.

[riptide-if]

What do ROs look like?

Character intros will posted on sunday at the latest which will include more in depth personalities + character appearances but I’ll give u basics rq since ive been postponing making the intros lol

Arlo is 6’2, honey, (wasian, white & korean) buff, with dark brown eyes and short straight black hair. There’s a sun tattoo on the inside of his wrist of his left arm.

Hilo is 5’10, slim with deep olive skin (hawaiian), dark green eyes, and long wavy black hair reaching their waist. They have a tattoo of a new moon on their upper arm.

Lee is 5’6, lithe, pale, (unfortunately white) light blue eyes, and black and blue hair. Elaine has a bob with bangs and Elijah has hair just reaching his shoulders with slight bangs. (I suppose? Like hair falls in his face so he cuts it) They have a lot of small tattoos along with some piercings.

N is 5’8, toned and athletic, russet skin (afrolatino, black & brazillian), grey eyes, dark brown kinky hair. Noemia’s hair is styled in bohemian locs that reach her the bottom of her shoulder blades, sometimes in a braid or a low bun. Nikita’s hair is styled in bohemian locs that just reach his shoulders, usually kept in a half or fun ponytail.

Also, N tidbit because im not sure when ill bring it up in intro really, N is Australian! Their dad is Australian.

[raybizzle]

"Posse" (1993) is a western film directed by Mario Van Peebles and written by Sy Richardson and Dario Scardapane. The movie stars a large cast, with many notable actors and actresses. It saw success at the box office, grossing $20 million on a $3.5 million budget. The soundtrack was a mixture of blues, funk, soul, and hip-hop, but it could have done better on the charts. This film was the first black cowboy movie since the late 70s.

Director: Mario Van Peebles Writers: Sy Richardson, Dario Scardapane

Starring Mario Van Peebles, Stephen Baldwin, Charles Lane, Tommy 'Tiny' Lister, Big Daddy Kane, Billy Zane, Blair Underwood, Melvin Van Peebles, Richard Jordan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Tone Loc, Pam Grier, Isaac Hayes, Vesta Williams, Nipsey Russell, Reginald VelJohnson, Woody Strode, Lawrence Cook, Robert Hooks, Reginald Hudlin, Warrington Hudlin, Christopher Michael, Bob Minor.

Storyline In Cuba, a band of Buffalo Soldiers, led by the fearless Jesse Lee (Mario Van Peebles) and joined by a gambling white soldier (Stephen Baldwin), is sent on a suicide mission to intercept a shipment of gold from enemy troops during the Spanish-American War. When they discover that the racist white officer who sent them, Col. Graham (Billy Zane), meant to betray them, they are forced to shoot their way to freedom. Upon escaping, they embark on a dangerous quest across the American frontier, one which leads Lee back to his hometown, where the KKK killed his father.

Available on Blu-ray and streaming services

[medievalfantasist]

So I wrote a sequel to my Avengers fic.

The Historical Present: When Historical Analysis Becomes Current Events (and Tries to Destroy the World) by Clara Starr, PhD, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Part 2 of From the Neat and Tidy Files of Dr. Clara Starr

Since her initial adventure and run-in with Loki, Clara Starr has spent the last year doing her job and working on a secret project for Maria Hill and Phil Coulson. But when that secret project predicts the emergence of HYDRA from S.H.I.E.L.D., she finds herself caught up in another adventure she never asked for. Complicating matters are her feelings for Loki, feelings she's certain he doesn't share and wishes would go away. (Takes place before/during/after Captain America: The Winter Soldier.)

(Must be logged in because fuck AI.)

Snippet under the cut:

“This is either the coolest thing I’ve ever done or the most terrifying,” Amanda said, securing her waist-length locs at the nape of her neck with an enormous hair tie. We stood at the top of a concrete stairwell next to a steel door, wind audibly shrieking from the other side. The elevator that had brought us this far rumbled and started heading back down the shaft. It was ridiculous to feel like it was taking Amanda’s ability to change her mind about this trip away from her; we could just hit the button and it would come back. But there was something final about it, anyway.

“Trust me, it’s both,” I said. “Ready?”

She checked the security of her hair tie, tightened the shoulder strap on her messenger bag a bit, then took a deep breath and nodded at me.

I opened the door.

The wind immediately got louder by an order of magnitude and seemed to suck all the air out of the stairwell. The roof of Stark Tower was larger than it looked, but still felt too small for the height. Despite knowing that Dr. Selvig had built an entire contraption up here and not fallen off, I always worried about the wind whipping me over the railing. We stepped cautiously out onto the roof itself, the door slamming shut—but not locked; I always checked—behind us.

Amanda was far braver than I. She stared out at the city, eyes wide. “Ho-lee shit,” she whispered, the words snatched away by the wind. Her surface thoughts radiated awe and excitement, with little of the kind of apprehension I would have had in her position. We were very different people, and sometimes I wondered if she’d enjoy my weird-ass job than I did. I loved the parts of my job that were actually my job, but it also came with a lot of other weird shit that I hadn’t anticipated when I’d taken it. But it was fun to see her so excited, especially knowing that she’d only get more excited by what came next.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” I shouted, taking her hands and pulling her closer to me so we’d both be in the Bifrost’s circle when it descended. I turned my face up to the cloudless sky. “Heimdall!”

I knew I didn’t need to yell. He’d told me I didn’t need to yell. But I always yelled. It was instinct, almost. I was trying to catch the attention of a god who watched dozens of worlds at once, and I was hardly the most important of his duties. I probably sat nearly at the bottom of his list, somewhere below Jane Foster and above some slightly threatening lichen on another planet.

A silent blast of light descended, catching us up and throwing us into the heavens. I felt more than heard Amanda’s rising shriek—of fear or joy, I couldn’t tell—and then we stumbled out into Heimdall’s orb, sneakers squeaking against the metal floor, clutching each other for balance.

“Dr. Clara,” Heimdall said, and Amanda’s mouth dropped open as his voice rolled over us. “Welcome back. And welcome to your friend.”

“Holy jesus lord god in fucking heaven,” Amanda breathed, disentangling herself from me. The corner of Heimdall’s mouth twitched up, an amused gleam in his yellow eyes.

“Heimdall, Dr. Amanda Thomas,” I said. “Amanda, Heimdall.”

“Charmed,” Amanda said with a breathy giggle. I pinched my lips together to keep from laughing at her. I’d never seen her like this before, but I fully understood. Asgardians had that effect on people; they were all so pretty.

“I trust you know your way by now, Dr. Clara?” Heimdall said, pulling his sword from the Bifrost mechanism. His biceps rippled, and Amanda let out a faint eep.

“Yes, but Amanda’s going to the library,” I said. “I haven’t been up there yet.”

“Once you reach the palace, any of the guards can show you the way,” Heimdall said. “They have been notified that Thor has granted you access.”

“Thank you, Heimdall,” I said. “We’ll be back in a few hours.” I grabbed Amanda’s elbow, steering her toward the exit.

“Bye,” she called back to Heimdall, who merely inclined his head graciously.

[tsarisfanfiction]

Truth Comes Out of His Well (Chapter 28)

Fandom: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Rating: Teen Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Family Characters: Lee Fletcher, Kronos, Apollo, Apollo Cabin (and many more) As always, @stereden is responsible for the accompanying podfic! Previous chapters are being filled in slowly; I'll make a note when the gap is gone! << Chapter 27 Listen to chapter 28 on AO3

Elias was the first of his siblings to wake up, tentatively extracting himself from his huddle with Austin and Tris – both younger boys still tired enough to keep sleeping through his movement – and making his way over to where Lee was still leaning back on the couch Joy had nudged him onto hours earlier.  He didn’t ask before throwing himself onto the couch next to him, his locs fanning out around him.  Some of them landed on Lee, and he smiled a little.

“You’re really here, then,” his brother said.  He pulled the band that was ostensibly supposed to be holding his hair back out of his face out, and shook his hair out, almost whipping Lee with the locs, before he started tying them up again.  Elias usually kept them tucked back in a ponytail, but when it came to combat he got a little more creative, braiding them together in a simple braid and sometimes coiling the braid up on top of his head.

Lee watched him work.  “Yeah,” he replied.  “I’m here.”

Elias smiled.  “Good.  Don’t go away again.”  His dark eyes found the bandages around Lee’s wrists, and his smile dropped.  “He hurt you.”

There wasn’t really a question of who the ‘he’ was, and while Lee still maintained that Kronos hadn’t gone out of his way to hurt him, the way everyone seemed to think he had – not physically, anyway – he couldn’t argue with the evidence they were seeing.  He was injured, even if physical torture had never been the top of Kronos’ priority list.

It wasn’t really something he could explain without going into detail, and he wasn’t going to do that.  Not if he didn’t have to, and certainly not to a thirteen year old boy whose problems shouldn’t include war and a tortured older brother in the first place, so he kept it simple.

“Yeah,” he sighed.  “But I’ll be okay.”

“Once this war is over,” Elias said, and there was a sombreness in his voice that didn’t belong there, but war did things to them, and Elias had one older brother who’d lost an arm and almost been torn apart entirely by hellhounds, another one that was still unconscious after having his chest crushed, and Lee.  Still, his faith hadn’t gone.  He still believed they could win the war.

Lee had faith in that, too, but that was because the other option wasn’t conceivable.  The other option meant all of them dying, meant the gods falling, and he knew Kronos was terrifying and powerful, but he’d been defeated before.  It had to be possible to beat him again.

“Yeah,” he said, for a third time.  “Once this war is over.”

Elias hummed, sticking his tongue out slightly from between his lips as he focused on twisting his mass of braided locs into something that would stay still for another night of fighting.

Lee’s other siblings didn’t take much longer to start stirring.  Despite being the last to fall asleep, Joy was one of the first to wake, and Robyn was quick on her heels, throwing herself back into checking on the injured.  Sally dragged herself up onto the couch between Elias and Lee without him even noticing, offering him a smile and draping her arms around him in a loose hug.  Alice made a beeline for him as well, Sam trailing behind her a little more awkwardly, while Will followed Robyn’s example and started fussing over the injured again.

The youngest three were the last to wake, although Tris woke with a gasp that made Lee’s heart clench, because that meant nightmares, and the last thing Tris needed at the moment was bad dreams when his waking hours were terrible enough as they were.

Chris, who’d been checking on Annabeth in the other room, came back in and brightened a little at the sight of them awake and moving.

“The Demeter cabin have raided the kitchens,” he told them all.  “I’ll keep an eye in here while you get something to eat, then we’re moving.”

“Where to?” Robyn asked, scowling.  “Nathan and Michael-”  Joy snapped her fingers, cutting her off.

“We’re retreating,” she signed.  “This hotel won’t be friendly territory tonight.”

That got scared looks from most of the cabin, and Lee sighed.

“Our forces are spread too thin,” he said.  “We’re consolidating and re-strengthening.  The Ares cabin should be here by nightfall, but we’re also pinning our area of defence down to the block around the Empire State Building.  The most injured will be on Olympus, with some of us.  The lesser injured and the rest of us will be holding the foyer as the back line.  The other cabins will be the main fighting force.”

“We can still fight!” Kayla protested.  She was still clutching her bow, and Lee could see traces of both Michael and Nathan’s attitudes in her.  Clarisse had said she wasn’t at their level, but she’d also said yet, and Lee trusted Clarisse’s assessment when it came to combat ability.

“We can,” Lee agreed, “but so can the other cabins.  What makes us different is that we’re also the only ones that can heal, so we need to make that the priority.”

The younger kids looked torn, but the older ones – Joy and Robyn, mostly, because the other older kids were Michael and Nathan and neither of them were conscious enough to have opinions and gods why was the average age of Lee’s camper siblings so young right now – were nodding.

“That makes sense,” Robyn said, and she bit her lip, glancing over at Nathan.  Lee recognised that look – it was one that meant she didn’t like what she was about to say, even though she knew it was the right thing.  “Will, you’re our best healer and our worst fighter.  You take Olympus.  I’ll stay in the foyer.”

Lee had been going to suggest the same split, for the same reasons – they were the two best healers, and Robyn would hold her own better if the fighting came close.

Will did not look happy at that.

“But-” he started, bristling.  “You need the best healer closest to the injuries!”

“We also need him alive and uninjured to do the healing!” Robyn snapped back.  “I don’t want to leave Nathan, Will, but this is the best way to do it.”

“Robyn’s right, Will,” Lee said gently, intervening before the two of them got too far into their argument.  Will’s stubborn streak could be an absolute nightmare when he settled into it.  “You’ll be needed the most on Olympus with the worst injuries.”

The look Will sent him was both betrayed and pleading.  “But-”

“Please, Will,” Lee begged, his voice going softer, and his younger brother faltered, lower lip quivering for a moment before he took a deep breath.

“Okay,” he said, but it was a little bit sullen.  “I don’t like it, though.”

“Your objection is noted,” Robyn said, “and let it be known I don’t like it, either.  But war sucks.”

That, at least, was something everyone there did agree on.

“Food?” Chris suggested, reminding them all that he was still in the room.  “The buffet is next door.  I believe it’s help yourself – most of the Demeter kids are sleeping now.”

Lee didn’t actually think many of his siblings were hungry, but Joy made ushering movements and they started to shuffle out of the door.  Lee bent down to pull the socks on over his bandaged feet, but Chris put a hand out.  “Joy, can you grab something for Lee?” he called, and Lee wanted to protest, but his sister looked over her shoulder and nodded, and he realised that protests wouldn’t do any good.

“I could have gone myself,” he said, and Chris shrugged.

“You could,” he agreed, “but let them fuss a bit.  They missed you, Lee.”

“They’re not the ones making the biggest fuss right now,” Lee pointed out, with a glance at the older demigod, and Chris shrugged again.

“They’re not the only ones that missed you,” he said simply.  “Also they didn’t get the front row seat to how screwed up your feet are right now, and I don’t think you’re going to let them until the war is over, are you?”

“There are worse injuries,” Lee said, aware that he was technically conceding the point.  “You patched me up just fine.  I don’t need more medical attention at the moment.”

Chris didn’t even say anything to that, just spread his arms slightly in the universal signal for see?  Lee didn’t bother arguing any further, changing tack instead.

“If you’re so worried about my feet, do you want to help with the socks and shoes?” he asked instead.  “If we’re moving the injured, then I’ll need to be up and walking soon.”

It was Chris’ turn to concede, and he knelt back down in front of Lee.  “Sure,” he agreed easily, giving the bandages a quick check, obviously making sure they were still neat before being subjected to footwear.

The socks he’d acquired were thick and fluffy, and a little too big for Lee, as he’d admitted they might be earlier.  Lee had no doubt he’d searched for the ones with the most padding he could find, and couldn’t say that it wasn’t appreciated, either.

Chris was cautious but not hesitant as he pulled the fabric over Lee’s toes, and Lee quickly realised it would be easier if he just let Chris do it, rather than adding his own hands into the mix, so he sat back and waited, keeping his foot and ankle deliberately loose so they were easily manipulated without Chris risking any more damage to them.

By the time his siblings came back, all carrying at least one plate of food – Joy had two, and Lee hoped she wasn’t going to insist he ate all of what was on the plate piled high with what had probably been one of everything on offer – he had socks and shoes on, laced up tightly enough that despite being technically a size too big his feet were snug and there was no risk of the shoes falling off.  Tris noticed, and his eyes lit up, a large smile stretching across his face.

Joy put the plate down on his lap.  “You don’t have to eat all of it,” she promised him, the negative sign soft, “but eat some.”

Lee still wasn’t hungry, but Chris hadn’t been wrong to call him malnourished either, and Lee was aware that he did need to eat.  He picked up one of the sandwiches, one with just egg between the bread, and started to nibble on it.

Bread was familiar to his stomach, and eggs were easy to digest.  He was conscious that they were on a time limit – not a hard one in the immediate term, but enough of one that he couldn’t spend hours picking at the food – so he ate what he thought he could stomach easily, which definitely wasn’t as much as his siblings or Chris wanted, but it was something.

He didn’t wait for them to mention the drinks at his feet before he bent down and picked up a bottle of water – a fresh one, the cap already unsealed but the liquid still up to the top of the bottle – and drank a little bit more of that, too.  Hopefully, that reassured everyone that he was at least trying to combat the dehydration and malnourishment they all knew he had.

Tris didn’t eat all that much, either, but he ate more than Lee and Lee was glad his appetite wasn’t completely ruined.  In the sunlight, it was much easier to see that Tris wasn’t well either – his skin was a little too pale, given he was usually tanned from spending time out on the water in the blazing sun, and there were bruises mottling his skin that told of the physical abuse Kronos’ followers had put him through, in that time when he was missing.

Lee hated that they’d hit his little brother, and was relieved that it didn’t seem to be anything worse than bruises.

Once they’d eaten, Tris curled up on the sofa next to Lee, burrowing his way under his arm and making it clear that he was staying there for the foreseeable future.  Given that they were supposed to be moving shortly, it was a little inconvenient, but Lee couldn’t tell him not to.  He couldn’t.

Then again, as the rest of his conscious siblings threw themselves into a routine, checking on all of their patients, giving the conscious ones a drink and a snack and notably not assigning either of them to anyone, it seemed to be pretty clear that in everyone else’s eyes, neither of them were supposed to be doing anything except resting.  Even Chris was still helping, guiding some of the ones that could still walk to their feet and checking their ability to walk.

In short order, the room was divided into two sections – patients that could travel under their own steam, and patients that couldn’t.  It didn’t escape Lee’s attention that he and Tris happened to be sitting in the area for walking wounded, and he was certain that wasn’t a coincidence.

Sam, as one of the demigods that knew the city best, was set as a guide, and Will went with him as one of the more experienced campers that knew how to get into Olympus and had been there before.  The walking wounded were gently herded out of the room, some with more reluctance than others, with an escort of most of the rest of Lee’s siblings, leaving Robyn and Chris behind to start working out how best to move the unconscious and immobile.  Thankfully, there weren’t too many of those, but both Michael and Nathan fell into that category.

Lee and Tris were left on their couch, and while Lee wanted to help, Tris was an effective counter-weight under his arm, and if he so much as shuffled, he found himself on the end of a stern look from Robyn.  He could take a hint.

“How close can we bring the chariot?” Robyn asked Chris.  “Can you carry people there?”

“I can,” he said, “but the closer the chariot, the better.  I’ll go move it now.”  He disappeared out of the door, just as Annabeth poked her head in.

She still looked bad.  Her shoulder wound wasn’t going to help her fight, but Lee knew no-one was going to be able to persuade her to not fight.  The same would go for most of their walking wounded – while the technical plan was for ambulatory patients to gather in the foyer of the Empire State Building as a last line of defence alongside the combatants among his siblings, Lee was well aware that in practice it would be mostly his siblings, with very few demigods from other cabins hanging back.

As much as anything, they didn’t actually have the manpower to keep so many fighters back.

Annabeth looked around the room, her eyes landing briefly on Lee and Tris before taking in the general emptiness compared to earlier.  “Have you seen Percy?” she asked the room at large.

“Not since the bridge,” Robyn muttered, a little darkly.  “He should be resting somewhere but no-one’s told me where.  If you do see our resident Big Three kid, throw him my way for a check-up before the next wave of fighting starts.  I don’t care how invincible he thinks he is.”

The daughter of Athena’s face twisted into something unreadable and she didn’t reply, ducking back out of the room again.  Robyn huffed, but turned her attention back to Nathan, making sure his bandages were secure.  Lee knew she wasn’t happy about separating from him, and that his injury had hit her hard.  They weren’t actually twins, but the way they’d latched onto each other when they’d met meant they might as well be.  They almost looked like mortal siblings, too, although Nathan’s blond hair was darker and straighter than Robyn’s slight waves – where they weren’t graduating into light blue at the tips – and his eyes were green to her heterochromatic browns.

Unfortunately, war didn’t take personal preferences into account.

Chapter 29>>>

[assignmentimprobable]

rewatched the White Rabbit sequence from Resurrections earlier and realized that Neo had “Fist of Legend” on in the background when doing the kung fu moves. Easter egg that appeals to ME!!!!

I know Lana Wachowski probably chose it at random (I refuse to give a white woman with locs THAT much credit lol) bc it’s an easy entry on the ‘best martial arts movies of all time’ list but I think it is so, so awesome because Fist of Legend is a remake of Fists of Fury. A movie about Chinese identity under the Imperial Japanese occupation and how the lead Chen Zhen (played by Bruce Lee in the OG and Jet Li in FOL) fights back both literally and metaphorically against a system of violence. It's about the strength of identity in a sea of state suppression tactics. The comparison definitely feels like a parallel of Neo’s identity being suppressed by the systemic violence of the Matrix, the entire montage sees him being dogpiled on all sides with trivial summaries of what his story is “supposed” to be, fed back to him ad nauseum.

Kinda like how the popular interpretations of the Matrix by alt-right redpillers erases the trans narrative of Neo cracking her egg and becoming one half of THEE doomed t4t yuri ship until her girlfriend got powers too

[thatastrobae]

🕷️They really tried to be platonic friends before becoming a couple, but they kept pushing the “platonic” boundaries. For example, they can’t keep their hands off each other: linked arms, lingering hugs, cupping each other’s faces, etc. One time as they were hugging, Miles had the sudden urge to kiss her forehead- when he immediately let go, apologized, and wiped her forehead, Margo was vexed

🕷️Miles randomly started claiming her as his girlfriend and although she didn’t mind- she still wanted him to ask so he did. He stated and I quote: “Will you be my girl? Cause as grateful as I am to simply have you in my life- I can’t keep acting like I’m not yours”

🕷️He put her onto ‘Sunflower’ by Swae Lee and Post Malone. Whenever the song comes on, she can belt the lyrics better than he can

🕷️At some point in BTSV, Margo shows off her skills by building Miles a new, technologically advanced suit to replace his tattered one. (It can rival Tony Stark’s Iron Spider and there are no red lines running up his armpits) She updates it monthly.

🕷️The first time he saw her physical person (not her avatar) it was a repeat of when they first met. The double take, intensified spider senses, him in a trance. She rendered our boy speechless again. He didn’t think she could be more beautiful, but he was gladly mistaken.

🕷️He becomes relentless in finding the perfect shades of ✨brown✨that will capture her complexion in his art.

🕷️Margo often has trouble falling asleep after being in front of a screen all day, thankfully he made her a mixtape of lullabies sung by himself.

🕷️Miles is a Leo (canon) and Margo is a Pisces. They’re both romantic and idealistic. She’s prone to drift to-and-flow through life, but he is stable and provides an anchor and safe harbor for her. He loves to talk she loves to listen.

🕷️On Earth-22191 most interpersonal relationships are via virtual reality, so imagine the shock of Margo’s parents when she brings home a living, breathing boy for dinner. They end up liking him though.

🕷️To add on to that, Miles has his own VR headset in her dimension. They go on virtual reality dates and occasionally like to pop in on their friends. His avatar’s coloring is red and blue and he has shoulder length locs.

[lboogie1906]

The Watts Truce was a peace agreement among rival Blood and Crips street gangs mainly in the neighborhood of Watts. The Watts Truce occurred days before the Rodney King Riots. This truce was a significant factor in the decline of street violence in Los Angeles after the 1990s. The Crips Street Gang was founded by Raymond Lee Washington and Stanley Tookie Williams. Several independent gangs, including the Brims, Pirus, Bishops, Bounty Hunters, Athens Park Gang, and Denver Lanes, created a coalition to fight back against them. That coalition became the Bloods.

Both groups recruited members heavily in South Central Los Angeles, Watts, and in neighboring Compton. As both gangs grew into thousands of members, the war between the two gangs intensified, going from fist fighting to using guns during gang feuds. The introduction of crack cocaine and the gangs’ access to high-power weapons intensified the conflict. The two gangs had a combined membership of more than 50,000.

A peace summit was organized by Rev. Charles Mims Jr. Nation of Islam leader Louis Abdul Farrakhan came to Los Angeles and made his “Stop the Killing” speech. He made a second speech at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, where hundreds of Bloods and Crips members were in attendance, but the intergang violence continued.

Blood and Crip gangs from the Watts neighborhood came together to negotiate a peace. Four gangs had significant involvement in the truce. The Bounty Hunters Bloods from the Nickerson Gardens Housing Projects, Grape Street Watts Crips from the Jordan Downs Housing Projects, Hacienda Village Bloods from the Hacienda Village Projects, and PJ Watts Crips from the Imperial Courts Housing Projects. On April 28, 1992, a peace treaty was established among the gangs. The rival gangs vowed to challenge police brutality and reduce violence in their communities.

Richard “Tweedy Bird Loc” Johnson and Ron “Ronnie Ron” Phillps produced a hip hop studio album, Bangin on Wax by Bloods and Crips. The album features the singles “Piru Love,” “Steady Dippin,” and “Bangin on Wax.” Bangin on Wax sold over 500,000 units and was certified gold. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[evitamylove]

Cove, MK1 Edition

Announcer comment ideas:

Kung Lao:

-"Yeah, still my favorite."

-"Hi pretty boy."

-"The one....for me~"

-"Calling you a petname would give you too much of an ego boost."

-"Hung Lao."

-"You don't remember." (sad tone)

-"In every reality." (said very softly)

-"I really did miss you."

-"Hi, love."

-"My Chosen One.''

Raiden:

-"Still don't know how to feel about you."

-"Kidd Thunder!"

-"I'm loyal to Kung Lao, I swear." (if hes wearing cosmetics with tattoos.)

-"Okay, I'm warming up to you."

-"I'd let him electrocute me to death." (only in specific cosmetics)

-"You don't remember either."

-"Pikachu, I choose you!"

Liu Kang:

-"Can I be the dragon?"

-"Woof."

-"I miss our Raiden."

-"Where the hell did you put Fujin?"

-"You're cute sometimes."

-"Your fanfiction is the worst."

-"God of Massive Doofuses."

-"Look at this dork."

-"I miss your fuckass bob."

-"Glow up."

-"Daddy."

-"One day..."

-"Bruce Lee."

-"Wa-chaaww!!"

-"The white hair looked better."

-"I can take him, just not in a fight."

Johnny:

-"He's hot as shit."

-"I'd be front row at a concert tryna get his towel."

-"He's hot when he isn't talking."

-"Jean van goddamn."

-"Never change, sweetheart."

-*"Ripleeyyy!"*

-"At least you age well."

Sub-Zero:

-"What a noob."

-"Daddy issues."

-"Why are you so goddamn mean?"

-"Bi-Handsome."

-"Why are your biceps the size of my head?"

-"Wish the mask was a gag."

Scorpion:

-"Hey, hot stuff."

-"Burnin' up~"

-"Is it hot in here or is it just you?"

-"I'd lick the mask."

-"Both at the same time."

-"Get over here! No please, cmere."

Smoke:

-"You are actually the perfect man."

-"Nobody's allowed to be mean to you."

-"Beat the shit out of them."

-"Hi sweetheart~"

-"The actual favorite. Sorry Kung Lao."

-"You did Madame Bo dirty."

-"Nerd."

Kenshi:

-"Love at first sight."

-"I wanna see the rest of the tattoos."

-"How far do your tattoos go down?"

-"Pretty as fuck."

-"Yowza."

-"My type."

-"Yaku-zaddy."

Baraka:

-"Mommy's other favorite!"

-"I'd lick the blood off his teeth."

-"You didn't hear that."

-"Deserved better."

Kitana:

-"I love you."

-"Hot."

-"I would thank her for beating the shit out of me."

Sindel:

-"Mommy? Sorry. Mommy? Sorry."

-"I have such bad mommy issues."

-"How come her evil version gets to play with Raiden and I don't?"

Mileena:

-"Literal perfection in Edenian form."

-"I'm in love with you."

-"Empress Mileena~"

-"Gordon Ramsey."

-"Final Fantasy X."

-"Before I die I'm tryna f-"

Nitara:

-"You look like Megan Fox."

-"Jennifer's body bag."

-"Twilight, gore edition."

-"C-Bat."

-"The Little Vampire."

-"She'd be a terrible babysitter."

-"Hey Selene."

-"The vampire movie jokes are getting old."

-"Dead but pretty."

Reptile:

-"I can only manage unholy comments about you."

-"What that tongue do?"

-"The best glow up by far."

-"Both forms."

-"Lizard form can get it."

-"Syzoth."

Ashrah:

-"Do you need a dog? *actually barks*"

-"Twilight Princess."

-"So jealous of both you and Syzoth."

Sonya Blade:

-"Mommy's back."

-"God I missed you."

-"Beat their ass, Blade."

Sektor:

-"The ketchup and mustard joke is funny."

-"Nuts."

Cyrax:

-"Bolts."

-"I'm into robots too."

-"Bot locs go hard."

Khameleon:

-"Like me!"

-"We could be siblings."

-"I can't flirt with you after saying we'd be siblings."

-"F.A.B." (spelled out, means fuck ass bob)

-"Gender? Never knew her."

Stryker:

-"Really?"

-"*makes pig noises*"

-"Love a man in uniform."

-"No idea who this was initially."

Shao Kahn:

-"Yeah. I could climb it."

-"He can get it."

-"Pretty bitch says what?"

-"My type."

-"Big."

-"Now that's a man that could ride."

-"Yeah.......*yeah"* (said in a very blatantly horny tone)

-"Kotal looked cooler."

-"Horny!"

-"Hey handlebars~"

Shang Tsung:

-"Bundle of sticks!"

-"You're so lucky you're drop dead gorgeous."

-"Redemption arc."

-"The bitch."

-"Toxic by Britney Spears."

-"He's back?"

-"No."

-"Okay maybe-"

-"Asshole says what?"

-"Mortal Kombaaatttt dodododododo-"

Havik:

-"I'm into it."

-"Final Destination."

-"He's the coolest Kombatant."

-"Khaos incarnate."

-"Resident Evil."

Motaro:

-"I'm a Sagittarius!"

-"Oh he's not a centaur?"

-"What are you?"

-"Liu Kang was so right to bring you back."

-"Fuck with the bull, get the horns."

Shujinko:

-"Deadass thought you were Shang Tsung."

-"No seriously are you and Shang Tsung related?"

-"Shu-plinko?"

-"Pachinko."

-"Shu-what? Who are you?"

Geras:

-"Yes!"

-"The literal best."

-"Dad AND daddy vibes."

-"The coolest."

-"Guardian of Time."

-"Timestopper."

Li Mei:

-"I had no clue who you were at first."

-"One and done."

-"Li Mei I take your hand in marriage?"

-"She deserved better."

Tanya:

-"You and Mileena are perfect."

-"Wife material."

-"So happy you're back."

Quan Chi:

-"Another redemption arc?"

-"I still don't forgive you."

-"Quan Chi-huahua."

Ermac:

-"I'm so fucking glad you're back."

-"JERROD?!"

-"We are Legion."

-"We are many, you are one." (said in a mocking tone)

Jax Briggs:

-"Nice."

-"The best."

-"Only you, Jax."

-"Captain~"

Frost:

-"Ooohhh that's chilly!"

-"Titsicles."

-"Ice to see you."

-"Let it go."

Homelander:

-"Why are you here?"

-"Okay, you're kinda cool."

Omniman: (she can't stand him)

-"Omni-boy."

-"God, you're annoying."

-"Invincible, yeah right."

-"D'vorah's cooler."

-"Kal-el."

-"Clark Kent."

-"I bet people make edits of you beating the shit of me cause I like to insult you."

Reiko:

-"Reiko's Island."

-"Who're you again?"

-"Dork."

-"Shao's lapdog."

Cove:

-"Hey that's me!"

-"You coulda just played Shang Tsung or Shujinko."

-"Best choice."

-"I'm hotter than you."

-"You picked THAT outfit?"

-"The coolest bitch here."

-"Candle Cove."

-"No, not Pirate's Cove."

-"Please pick Kung Lao for the Kameo."

-"Changeling."

-"Fae fire fantasy."

-"I can steal your name AND your face."

-"Cooler than Shang Tsung."

-"Big balls!"

-"Bigger tits."

[shojislady]

2. PISSBABY TSUKISHIMA

"BYE MA!! LOVE YOU TOO! SEE YOU AFTER SCHOOL!" y/n screamed out as she shut the door behind her. today was the day that y/n started school at karasuno high. she wasn't nervous, not at all. y/n never had any trouble making friends. she was an outgoing person and was easy to get along with.

(lol imagine)

beginning her walk to school, she decided to text the group chat to see how everyone was doing. the gc was originally made by the twins and y/n for chaotic reasons, but sooner or later they actually used the group chat for important reasons like planning or just occasionally checking up on each other.

'i miss them, but I'm gon beat them up when i see them. wanna act all tough cuz I'm 10 ½ hours away. just wait till i visit them.' y/n thought.

this is basically the format for each conversation that happens. y/n going into the group chat to check up on everyone to make sure they're okay, then the twins start ganging up on her until kyoya gets annoyed and tells them to stfu because he's trying to relax and he can't silence his phone. it was funny because when they got back to school, she would pretend like nothing ever happened and continued to flirt with kyoya.

"oh, there's the school!" she pointed out to literally no one. there were a bunch of students flooding in the gate. "gauh LEE.. that's a lot of damn people.”

she continued her slow pace to the school, not really caring about what time she got there, as long as she was before lunch. she was gonna be a bit late, either way, seeing as she had to go to the front office for her schedule.

"well, time to go beast mode." #alpha

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ �� ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

"All right Ms. l/n, welcome to our class! go sit behind yamaguchi. Yamaguchi! raise ur hand!" the teacher yelled out. y/n had gotten to school on time, but joined the rest of the students during their third class, since the VP took her on a small tour of the school after giving her the schedule.

she scanned through the sea of students to see a timid-looking boy raising his hand. he was cute, and looked to be a few inches taller than her. he had freckles and a nice mop of green hair standing on top of his head. if his face was red, he'd be a human strawberry.

with her black and blonde faux locs swaying behind her, she went to sit in her newly designated seat behind the boy who was now known as yamaguchi. she pulled out a notebook and opened it to a blank page, which was deemed useless seeing that she had already learned what was being taught.

bored, she pulled out her headphones, opening spotify, she pulled up her chill playlist, she clicked shuffle play, smiled, and relaxed a bit seeing the first song that came up. it was ' Big Poppa - the notorious b.i.g'. it was one of her favorite songs to chill to.

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

"hey, it's time for science.!" was what y/n heard as she removed her headphones. it was yamaguchi, telling her that it's time for the next subject.

now that she had the slight chance to talk to him, she decided to say what had been on her mind for when she saw him.

"thanks. y'know, you're really cute by the way. you look like someone i'd accidentally bump into and you'd apologize and i'd say "no really its all my fault" then start talking to much cuz i got nervous. that's a compliment by the way."

'...huh?' yams was shocked yet confused. he wasn't used to out of the blue compliments like that, or really at all. especially not from girls, and a really attractive one at that. but aside from the initial shock, why the fuck was it so specific and detailed?

"oh! uhm- thank you! you're really pretty yourself!"

"thank you! and thanks for waking me up! wanna be friends?"

"oh, no problem. and sure!! "

'that was odd...' tadashi thought to himself as he turned to face front. "damn, that was quick, yamaguchi" his childhood friend, tsukishima, teased. "im surprised you didn't stutter ur ass off.”

tsukishima kei was a very tall individual. he had short, blonde hair and was more on the thinner, lanky side.

"oh piss off tsuki, ur just mad that i talked to the pretty new girl before you, loser." yams shot back.

(bozo😹👎🏽 take this L tsuki🤡 )

"whatever😒😒"

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

"hi yama! hi yama's friend! what are we doing now?" y/n asked. the bell had just rung, and y/n was too lazy to pull out her schedule.

"hi l/n! this is tsukishima! its lunchtime right now so we're heading to the cafeteria!!" he replied with a small smile on his face.

"BOOO!! the cafeteria sucks ass. that's why I always ate in the club room." y/n complained with a big ole thumbs down.

although she was pretty extroverted, she didn't like all the extra loud noise and nosy people. there are some hating ass hoes back at Ouran, but she couldn't give less of a fuck. all they ever did was talk shit because they were jealous of her relationship with the hosts, but she knew it was part of the deal when she became friends with them.

"wah wah, cry me a river. either sit with us or not, jeez." blabbered smart-ass tsuki.

"actually, you're in luck! we and a few others are all going to meet and eat lunch in the gym to go over some stuff for our club, you can join if you want!" yams offered.

she happily accepted the offer and continued to walk along with them to the cafeteria, then to the gym where they would eat. they stopped by the vending machine for y/n, because her thirsty ass drank all her water before lunch, now craving a nice refreshing beverage to wash down the curry she's about to fuck up.

after a few more short minutes of walking, they had finally reached the gym and heard arguing coming from the inside, not knowing that the moment she steps into that gym, she'd be going on a wild trip.

taglist: open and empty

guys.. dont be mad at me ik i missed my deadline☹️☹️

but im thinkin..

should i still write the beach episode for ouran? i have a few ideas for it but idk..

LEMME GO UPDATE THE OTHER BOOK

[lillastarr]

hi! your gumlee art is super cute! i don't mean to be rude, but I just wanted to let you know that the way you depicted marshall lee's hair is kinda off. hair that it is in locs doesn't have those extra strands that you drew. black people's hair doesn't really look the way that you depicted it in your fanart. I don't mean to sound entitled or anything, but I know some people struggle with drawing black hair, so maybe this is something you can look into? no need to reply publically! xx

thanks for the feedback! i’m still trying to grow as an artist and get back into the swing of doing digital art pieces, so i rlly do appreciate this :] it helps a lot, and i will do better next time! apologies

[div1nity]

◜⠀   𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒⠀⠀⠀ —⠀⠀ ،،̲     �� just some 𝑐𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 about coraline that are too small to have on a single post   ﹗ .

quick peek at her playlists : eminem , dr dre , nwa , snoop dogg , ice cube , 50 cent , 2pac , biggie , fugees , tone loc , ll cool j / ac/dc , metallica , the doors , alice cooper , black sabbath , guns n roses , judas priest , deep purple , pink floyd , led zepplin , iron maiden , van halen / chuck berry , frank sinatra , the everly brothers , jerry lee lewis , peggy lee , fats domino , bill hayley & his comets , elvis presley , little richard .

has a cheap car to get around . she enjoys having a car , likes going on calming rides outside the city &. completely revels in the freedom that the car brings , knowing that at any moment she could just take off without looking back . however , 95% of the time she'll pout at having to drive , she's more about getting driven around ; she's a passenger princess , it's a disease &. it's fatal , pouts everytime she has to get behind a wheel .

loves reading books , libraries were a netural space growing up on the streets &. it provided major comfort &. security , it's there where she learned russian &. greek . it's a love that never faded , in her down time if she isn't drawing / painting , doing something creative , girl has a book in her hand .

LOVES philosophy &. the histories , discovered them as a kid &. never looked back - go on , ask her about the history of the arts , make her year ( you'll never get her to shut up )

coraline has bad periods , like , cripplingly bad . girl has been stabbed , shot , tortured - turned inside out emotionally &. physically , yet nothing on planet earth , not even crimson can ever come close to the crippling pain that comes once a month because of her bitch of a uterus . this leaves her very vunerable &. the ONLY people who can see her during this time is alejandro &. natalia , if you manage to make the list where you're alone with her during this month , you've made it , congradulations !

doesn't matter how much time passes , in a bar her go to order is a double shot of vodka &. coke ; it's like muscle memory . loves her gin &. whiskeys , but vodka has a special place in her soul . in later canon , she does come to love the expensive wines &. champagne - her favourite cocktail continues to be blue lagoon .

coraline tilts her head all the time , no matter the situation , chances are its going to happen - when something funny happens , something confusing , or someone says something so stupid all she wants to do is throw a punch in their direction , it's all emotions / situations - a head tilt is soon to follow . she's actually done this since she was a toddler &. just never stopped - i like to think it's something that ties her to eletta ( imagine henry speaking , just for coraline to tilt her head &. the wind gets knocked out of him when he sees his mother looking back at him in a face that doesn't at all resemble his own . )

sings in the shower , without fail , girlie puts on concerts - has imagined herself accepting all the music awards .

[joslincox]

List of Artists Featured on The Middle School: Biology Immune soundtrack

Craig David

Low Rawls

Nelly

Justin Timberlake

Destiny's Child

TLC

The Notorious B.I.G

Diddy

Pamela Long

Usher

Blink-182

Alicia Keys

Nivea

Aaliyah

Lil Wayne

Bow Wow

Fat Joe

Ja Rule

Ashanti

Brandon Casey

Brian Casey

Lil Mo

2Pac

3LW

Loon

Boyz II Men

Mariah Carey

Jennifer Lopez

Salt-N-Pepa

Ginuwine

B2K

Jackson 5

Lauryn Hill

Sam Cooke

Mary J. Blige

Prince

Eminem

Brandy

Debalah Morgan

Ezekiel Lewis

Immature

Dido

R.O.C

Mase

MC Hammer

Lil Kim

DMX

Sheek

Talent

Tricky Daddy

C.O

Money Mark

J.V

Trina

Roger

Dr. Dre

Jay-Z

UGK

Monica

702

Linkin Park

Ludacris

Ice Cube

Isyss

Keith Sweat

City Spud

Kriss Kross

Will Smith

Faith Evans

112

House Of Pain

Avril Lavigne

Mario

Sixpence None The Richer

Bill Withers

Jermaine Dupri

Tone-Loc

Gloria Gaynor

Kool & The Gang

Mya

Tricky Stewart

SWV

Survivor

Darkchild

Sum 41

Solange

Code 5

Eve

Gwen Stefani

Stevie J

Timbaland

Magoo

Missy Elliott

Simple Plan

Christina Milian

Vanessa Marquez

PYT

Selwyn

TG4

Shaggy

Rik Rok

Xscape

Jay-Z

Beyoncé

De La Soul

Yummy Brigham

Jermaine Dupri

Ludacris

Busta Rhymes

Ray J

Pharrell Williams

Nappy Roots

Lil Romeo

Nas

Kid Rock

Joe C

Juvenile

Mannie Fresh

Joe

Fabolous

Little T and One Track Mike

Tyrese

Ms. Toi

Dalya Riley

Outkast

Good Charlotte

Mystikal

I-20

Fundisha

Gorillaz

Green Day

Olivia

M.O.P

Nate Dogg

Uncle Kracker

Poster Children

Drama

R. Kelly

Will Smith

Traknox

Static Major

Mario

India.Aire

Case

Jhene Aiko

Lil Fizz

Baha Men

Snoop Dogg

Jagged Edge

RL

Posta Boy

Shorty Mack

Bobby Brown

Sep Hall

Truth Hurts

Kittie

Jadakiss

Styles P

Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz

E-40

Petey Pablo

Bun B

8Ball

Trevor Henry

Kelis

Blaque

50 Cent

The Dutch

The Muffs

Tweet

Isyss

Lil J

Kandi

Nirvana

Ramones

Dani Stevenson

Murphy Lee

Ali

Kyjuan

St. Lunatics

Amerie

Sunshine Anderson

Pinky Tuskedero

Bowling For Soup

Smash Mouth

Sikk The Shocker

Lil D

The Donnas

Master P

New Found Glory

Matchbox Twenty

Janet Jackson

Carly Simon

Jerzee Monet

Anthony Hamilton

Rakim

Carl Thomas

Mario Winans

Angie Martinez

Sacrio

Pink

System of a Down

Cilpse

Lil Flip

Sean Paul

Spliff Starr

Jaheim

Tha' Rayne

Avant

Dontell Jones

Musiq Soulchild

Erykah Badu

Common

Kelly Rowland

Christina Aguilera

Redman

Cam'ron

Juelz Santana

Freekey Zeekey

Toya

Big Tymers

Killer Mike

Daron Malakian

P.O.D

Smooth & Ed

Wheatus

Charil Baltimore

Vita

Mr. Cheeks

KeKe Wyatt

Cadillac Tah

Inner Cricle

Sugar Ray

American Hi-Fi

Lee Harvey

City High

Allen Gordon

City Spud

Nickelback

Papa Roach

Millennium Thug

D12

Da Brat

The All-American Rejects

Lit

Andrew W.K

Weezer

Black Rob

Mark Curry

Blackstreet

Blinky Blink

Blu Cantrell

Whitney Houston

Big Pun

NSYNC

Rayvon

Race Against The Machine

Sammie

JT Money

Dot Allison

Tricky

Martina Topley-Bird

Boyz II Men

Five

Queen

Fatboy Slim

Jimmy Eat World

Limp Bizkit

The Offspring

The Atomic Fireballs

Sita

3 Doors Down

Blackalicious

Lateef The Truthspeaker

Girlschool

Sole

J. Weav

Beanie Sigel

Nicole

Alien Ant Farm

Freeway

Make It Hot

DJ Clue

Drag-On

Mariah Carey

Twista

RL

Posta Boy

Toni Braxton

Tamia

Brian & Tony Gold

Pastor Troy

Sleepy Brown

Ol Dirty Bastard

Larry Blackmon

Cameo

Tatyana Ali

Lord Tariq

Peter Gunz

Queen Pen

3rd Storee

Jamelia

Black Child

Boo

Irv Gotti

The LOX

Dru Hill

J-Shin

Butch Walker

Liberty X

Tuuli

Erick Sermon

Sharissa Dawes

Shorty 101

Michael Jackson

Corey

Lil Reema

Kazual

Run D.M.C

Imajin

Keth Murray

Kemi

Allure

Another Level

Damage

Siamese

Jersey Ave

LaTocha Scott

Tank

Bell Biv DeVoe

LV

RPM 2000

Coko

[imaginationofomi]

Come Together

Seven

Nayeli wanted to go home, her craving for her tempur-pedic mattress so strong that she almost bailed on her friends. She should've left when her instincts first told her to. Tension made her neck stiff, and it was difficult to turn her head. She pushed through anyway, driving into the neighborhood of single story stucco houses and parking in front of the peach one with russet roof tiles two lots from the corner.

April's white garage door was open. Four men sat around a card table with beer, tumblers of liquor, and cigars inside the makeshift man cave playing dominoes, one of which was her fiancé, Ruben. They waved at Nayeli as she walked up the driveway, and Ruben got up to open the door for her.

"What's up, Nayeli? How you been?" he asked and grabbed one of the two bags she was holding.

"Good. You?"

"Same. Can't complain."

"You don't see me?"

Nayeli did a double take at the second man speaking to her, "Bryce?" she questioned because even though he looked like her ex-boyfriend from undergrad, there was something different about his face. He'd finally lost the round softness of the baby face he couldn't seem to get rid of while they were together and the first few years after, replaced with angular cheekbones and a sweet jawline.

His beige skin was a little sunburned on his cheeks, still clean shaven with a few blemishes near his chin. Starter locs hung just above his ears that now housed two tiny gold hoops. Pink lips stretched into a crooked smile.

"I'm that easy to forget you gotta question me?"

"No, you just don't look like you," she said and walked around the card table to give him a hug. They parted amicably, realizing that they weren't right for each other before resentment settled in and made their lives hell. Their relationship was the reason April and Ruben met, Bryce being Ruben's cousin, so they both lucked out where maturity was concerned. Gatherings would never be uncomfortable, "You finally look like you're grown."

"I'll take that as the compliment I know it was meant to be," he replied with a chuckle, hugging her waist with one arm, "What happened to the fro?"

"I'm letting it grow out. I might bring it back after the New Year." The decision was still very much up in the air, "Let me get inside before somebody calls me a traitor for hanging out with the men." Bidding them goodbye, she stepped through the open doorway and thanked Ruben for carrying the other bag to the kitchen. April was blending a pitcher of margaritas, and from the looks of the mixer bottle, it was the second one, "Sorry I'm late. I got the snacks!"

"Thank God. We need you in here," April sighed.

"How bad is it?"

"Worse, and Renée is not helping."

"Whose bright idea was it to invite her? Ray Charles could've seen that red flag." Nayeli loved Renée, and even she would've had the good sense to leave that woman off the guest list. Why pour gasoline on a fire? Everyone would be liable to get burned.

"She was with Morgan."

"Lord, I've had enough drama for one day," Nayeli mumbled to herself as she massaged her temples, or at least she thought she did.

"Something happened on your job?"

"Too much happened. No time to talk about that. We have to cheer Brittany up."

"There is no cheering her up. We need to keep her from throwing herself off the tallest building in the city."

"She wouldn't do that."

"I wouldn't be so sure." April stopped the blender and took the top off, pouring out a drink for Nayeli and taking the pitcher into the sitting room where the rest of their friends waited with empty or half empty cups while Nayeli grabbed the bowl of white corn tortilla chips and two kinds of salsa.

"Hey Britt."

"Hi." She was red-eyed, puffy and congested, her head resting on the arm of the couch with her knees curled up to her chest, "Did you get the tomatillo salsa?" she asked weakly.

"Mhmm." Nayeli sat down next to her on the floor and rubbed her arm.

"Thanks."

April was streaming Spike Lee's She's Got Have It, the majority black and white film holding most of the attention in the room. The women watched quietly and snacked. Sniffles could be heard, and Nayeli made sure to keep a comforting hand on Brittany, even going as far as to kiss her friend's cheek when she sobbed.

The noise was familiar to Nayeli. She wanted to join the crying, but she kept her tears at bay and the focus away from her own crisis.

Renée, indeed, made the situation worse with her snickering. Whatever beef she had with Brittany made it impossible for her to behave like she had any regard for another woman in pain. She found joy in Brittany's suffering, and beef was never that serious to Nayeli or anyone else in the room.

"I think it's time we plan our annual girls trip. Which seasons are we looking at?" Morgan said as the end credits started to roll.

"We should probably do it closer to summer."

"Anywhere we go then will be super crowded. I'm not trying to spend my vacation in a sea full of musty college kids," April said with her mouth frowned up.

"So March and April are out. That's prime spring break time."

"Shouldn't we decide where we're going first? That'll make it easier to plan the time of year," Nayeli pointed out. Certain places had better or worse weather regardless of the month traveled. They could find somewhere warm in the cooler months or vice versa.

"You might be right. We did Tulum this year. Are we thinking out of state, out of the country, or local?"

"Let's go out of the country again."

"Somewhere in Europe this time!"

"Party in Ibiza!" Morgan shouted and raised her cup.

"What about Amsterdam?" April threw in.

"Do they like our people over there?" Renée asked.

"HOW CAN YOU GUYS SIT HERE PLANNING A DAMN VACATION WHEN I FEEL LIKE MY CHEST IS ABOUT TO CAVE IN!?" Brittany screamed, halting the conversation as everyone looked at her with wide eyes. It was the most she'd spoken since Nayeli got there, and a fresh wave of tears slid down her damp cheeks.

"We were trying to keep your mind off that bum," April answered and bit her tongue before she said anything else. Only she knew why Brittany was at the end of her rope, and if she hadn't just gotten off probation for assaulting someone at her previous job, she would've driven across town to handle the man herself.

"I still don't know what he did. Why are we here?" Morgan asked. All eyes fell on Brittany, and she pushed her face into her hands just before she started sobbing again. She tried to speak but struggled to get the words out. April revealed the secret for her.

"Dana's pregnant."

"By Jeffrey?"

Slowly, Brittany nodded and hiccuped. Nayeli was stunned, but she was the only one. Because she saw the good in everyone even when there was no good to see.

"S-she brought the test to the house. He tried to lie and say the baby wasn't his, but she has videos of them fucking as recently as last week." Renée didn't even pretend to feel bad, letting out a lengthy howl while she held her ribs and bent at the waist, "What the fuck is so funny, Renée?"

"YOU! All that harping you do about respecting relationships and women sharing dick, and you been sharing yours the whole time. With a bitch who had him first, at that. I told you get off that soapbox you love to stand on."

"It's not the same thing."

"Oh, it's not? Let's break it down and see what's real, then. He was in a relationship when you started fucking him, and you knew it. Don't try that 'he lied to me' shit either. Dana was all over social media with him and their kids. You ignored the truth because you wanted him anyway. You gave that lady hell for years over a nigga that was obviously playing you. Then you had the nerve to think you won because he married you, but she got four of his and one on the way while you're still childless and desperate after three years of marriage. The man don't even sleep in your house half the time. You love looking down your nose at the rest of the population like it could never be you, but guess what. IT IS! You're no better than the women you try to dog. I don't have sympathy for you. This is karma rightfully beating your ass," Renée shrugged and crunched on a chunk of ice.

"Née, come on." Morgan shook her head.

"What? I'm supposed to keep myself in check because her man never left his baby momma? It's not my fault she don't wanna accept that she's a sister wife."

"Renée, enough! I realize that you guys are not the best of friends right now, but why do you have to kick her while she's down? She clearly knows she messed up. If this were you right now, nobody would be dumping on you. We're here for support, not to make her feel worse. Keep your thoughts to yourself or go home," Nayeli said angrily.

"Why are you sticking up for her? She brought the shit on herself."

"I would stick up for all of you the same way. When someone is hurt, you don't pile on them. Aren't you supposed to be a mental health advocate? Or is that empathy reserved for strangers only?"

"She don't deserve empathy. She never has it for anyone else," Renée argued.

"All the more reason we should extend it to her. Stop being so damn vengeful."

Nayeli couldn't comprehend the level of hatred Renée was feeling. It was like Brittany personally wronged her, but she knew of no such incident. When Renée realized that no one would come to her defense, she pushed herself out of the chair she was sitting in and headed for the front of the house.

"Y'all can have it." The door slammed behind her, and it seemed like everyone exhaled at the same time.

"Chile, you know you fucked up when Nayeli raises her voice." April said.

"Thank you, Ellie," Brittany whispered, defeated by Renée's harsh words and tone. Feeling horrible about herself to begin with, she didn't need the extra trashing. Her husband already destroyed what was left of her self-esteem.

"You're welcome," Nayeli responded and leaned her head on Brittany's, "She's right, you know. Her delivery was piss poor, but she is right. Take this situation as a lesson, and humble yourself. God don't like ugly."

☼☼☼

Hours and several plates of tacos later, the sun had set and Nayeli was ready to turn in for the evening. Belly full, social gas tank on E, peace and quiet were the only two things on her mind until she got closer to her home. It was just after 8 p.m., and she considered the very real possibility that Jalen could still be there.

She wasn't in a good state of mind to deal with him directly. Hearing him beg for another chance to waste her time would surely set her off after the day she had.

No matter what Ezra said or did, Savannah's attitude worsened throughout the afternoon. While she never went near Nayeli, she did try her hardest to get under Nayeli's skin. In fact, she tried so hard that Carmen snapped on her in front of everyone. Thankfully, they'd sang happy birthday by then because that was the final straw for Nayeli.

A child's birthday party should never become a spectacle, but only she seemed to care about that fact. She just decided to remove herself and pray that the day carried on in peace. Ezra's disappointment made her feel weird, like she owed him an apology even though she'd been trying to leave for most of the day.

"I think I've worn out my welcome," she'd told him as she got ready to go. He tried to convince her to stay longer, but she declined and glanced at a fuming and embarrassed Savannah. It wasn't worth the problems it would cause. However, she did receive a treat on her way out. With her mother just a few feet away, Tatiana expressed how happy she was that Nayeli was there and thanked her for her cake and the rest of the desserts. Like her father, Tatiana asked her stay. Nayeli was gentle with her no, reminding the princess that they would see each other again soon.

Ezra's family graced her with sweet farewells, hugs, and promises of visits to the bakery when they were back in town as most of them still lived in LA, other parts of Southern California or out of state. She could practically see Savannah's face going cherry red and steam flying out of her ears. If Nayeli were evil, she would've laughed at her, but she gave her the same tight lipped smile she plastered on when she let her know to find someone else to try instead.

Between that and doing the emotional labor for most of her friend circle, Jalen was the very last person she wanted to see. With him leaving for LA the next morning, she decided to grant him a little more time and drove to Maxine's house.

Thankful for the open door policy, she used her key and walked inside, wedging herself between her sister and Stella on the teak, leather couch.

"I get you two days in a row? Time to play the lotto. Give me some numbers," Max said and wrapped her arms around Nayeli's shoulders.

"You're so extra. Hey Stella." She leaned over to hug her sister-in-law and rub her rounding belly.

"Hey Nye. How are you?"

"I'm alright, you?"

"Gassy. Your niece has decided she hates everything that tastes good."

Nayeli cooed at Stella's baby bump, trying to imagine what she would look like when her own belly was swollen with a son or daughter. Hopefully she'd be blessed with both.

"Three more months until she gets her eviction notice," she said excitedly.

"I'm hoping I get lucky and she comes a little early. If not, somebody will have to induce me. Max was miserable walking around with Diesel past her due date."

"Oh, I remember that. She looked like she was going to cry up until her water broke."

"Which is why you're carrying this time around," Max said to Stella.

"Speaking of, where is my nephew?"

"With Craig until Monday."

"Ooooh, what you guys got planned?" Nayeli asked.

"We're driving to Malibu for the day tomorrow. See the sights, hit up Nobu."

"That'll be a cute little date day."

"Yes, we need it. I'm sure you do, too. Maybe you and Jalen can come with us?" Stella suggested, and a sour taste filled Nayeli's mouth. Maxine hadn't shared their conversation with her wife. Nayeli didn't know whether to be upset or grateful.

"I kicked him out," she revealed, feeling uncomfortable with two pairs of eyes looking directly at either side of her face. Stella placed her hand on her stomach and sat up to get a better look at Nayeli's eyes.

"Did I hear you correctly? You said you kicked him out?"

"Yep. That's a done deal."

"I knew you could do it, but I wasn't sure you would. I'm proud of you, Baby Love," Max said and gave her sister another hug because she knew it was needed.

"Thank you." Nayeli closed her eyes and sighed. For a while, she didn't think she would go through with it either. It was part of the reason she cried so much. She didn't want to let go, but she knew that she had to. The days of her accepting apple cores, mushed peas, and stewed cabbage were over.

"What happened?" Stella asked, shocked at the new development.

"Our priorities didn't align the way I thought." Easiest way to put it without saying too much. She didn't want to repeat the story over and over again. Her wounds had enough salt in them.

"I'm sorry."

"I'll get over it. I'm not the first woman to be bamboozled, and I won't be the last."

"You seem a lot more calm and sure about it than you did yesterday," Max noticed.

"As soon as it clicked that he was only worried about his wants and needs, it was an easy decision to make. Even pleading his case, there was no compromise. It was just a no on his end. No discussion or explanation. Just no. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I'd be sacrificing my dignity if I let the relationship continue. I can't live the rest of my life only being that man's girlfriend or baby momma. I'm worth more than that."

"Damn right, you are." Maxine wanted to take her words back. Proud was an understatement of how she felt. She never thought of Nayeli as weak, but she knew she loved hard. She thought it would take more for her little sister to walk away from a relationship that spanned half a dozen years. Thank God she was wrong, "Did he go quietly?"

"No. I'm not even sure he's gone. I told him to pack the rest of his things and be out by 6 today. He was putting up a fight, but I had a party to cater. I couldn't stick around to watch him, and I really didn't feel like listening to him beg when I know nothing is going to change. He has an interview in LA on Monday, so he should be out of the house tomorrow at the latest. If his stuff isn't gone, it's getting donated to a shelter. I'm changing the locks in the morning."

"Good for you. How was the party?"

"Interesting, to say the least." Nayeli sighed again. No one could have expected the turn of events she faced. A lot of bad came with the good, though the latter did tip the scale. She was happy to be free.

"Say the most," Max urged and muted the TV.

"Grace thinks I've been adopted into a new family."

"Don't fall for it! They want free dessert!" Stella said, eliciting laughter from all three of them.

"A few people thought Ezra and I were dating. I had to shut that down quickly."

"Who's Ezra?"

"Father of the birthday girl, and let me tell you, the man spared no expense. They had a freaking rollercoaster in the parking lot."

"Why not just rent out an amusement park if you're going to go that far?"

"I didn't ask. Not my money, not my business."

"That just seems excessive for a birthday party to me. You got people to come out and build a rollercoaster that's only going to be ridden once or twice? Then they gotta take it down after a few hours?" How much money did the man have to blow, and who the hell was he? Maxine stared at Nayeli in confusion.

"I'm with you, but Tatiana is his whole world. I'm sure she got exactly what she asked for. She picked out the entire spread I made."

"I want to know why his family thought you guys were dating."

"Yes, babe," Max said, "It's time to start asking the real questions because that's a first."

"We're comfortable around each other. I guess a little too comfortable." The way she was being looked at made Nayeli nervous. She didn't want to give off the wrong impression, but playing the day back in her head, she could see how one could come to certain conclusions.

"I'm not following. Explain. You never mentioned an Ezra to me or Leti."

"Because I don't know him well. I've only been around him a handful of times." Though she knew him a bit better, now, thanks to Carmen and Brandy.

"You've been around long enough for his people to think you were together."

"I guess it's kind of easy to jump to that conclusion when a man follows you around a party."

"He followed you?"

"According to his sister. Well, she said she was watching me, and Tati's mom was calling me everything but my name to anyone that would listen so they just put ten on two."

"Okay, I need the full run-down from start to finish because there's scalding tea you are not pouring, and I don't appreciate it. You got in good with the sister and got issues with the baby momma all in one day?"

Nayeli decided not to make things worse for herself by mentioning that she met majority of Ezra's immediate family and spent a significant amount of time with them, that she spent some time alone with him and on their own with Tatiana.

"It's not tea. I just don't have all the details. They don't get along, so he didn't communicate to her that we were coming. She thought we were trying to crash the party and got snippy, and he checked her. She hated my guts after that. She tried to make me leave and everything."

"Please tell me you cussed that hoe out."

"I politely let her know not to mess with me. A curse word was used."

"Man, hell no. You're better than me. Ain't a check in the world worth some bitter baby momma drama."

"Listen, I didn't even need the instructions. I was trying to leave before she came up to me because I knew she had a problem, and I didn't want smoke. Ezra and Tati asked me to stay."

Maxine's eye twitched, and she looked at Stella who was already looking at her. Yeah, Nayeli was definitely comfortable.

"Why?" Stella asked.

"He said he has a good feeling about me."

"It sounds like he wants a taste of the honey pot to me," Max teased.

"I have nothing to taste. Being only a few hours removed from a relationship can make anyone dry out for a while." And seeing the aftermath of not one but two relationships that had blown up, she wanted to steer clear for the time being. She had a lot to prepare for in the upcoming months.

"It's the opposite. Most people get under someone to get over someone else."

"When have you ever known me to do that?" Nayeli asked.

"Never because you wanna be Mother Teresa so bad." Maxine rolled her eyes and unmuted the TV as the commercial ended and Wicked Tuna returned.

"I just don't believe in creating soul ties with random people."

"But it's fun."

"Toxic."

"At least I'm real about it!" Maxine was always honest. Sometimes too honest, but Nayeli preferred it that way. She knew he could always get the real from her big sister, "How are you holding up?" she asked because despite Nayeli seeming calm, she knew the family baby was likely reeling on the inside. She rubbed the top of her back.

"I'm hurt, but I know I did the right thing. You were right in telling me that I had a choice to make. I chose myself."

"As you should. Every single time." Maxine wished she had her sister's strength. There were many times she should've walked away, but she was hard headed. Stubborn. Determined to see things through even if they were bound to fail. Nayeli had the balls to choose herself. It was admirable, so when Maxine heard sniffling and saw a few tears drop, she wrapped her arms around her sister and held her tight, "You're gonna be okay," she promised. She would see to that.

☼☼☼

Empty. Her home felt empty. Artwork was gone. Pictures were gone. The TV in her bedroom was gone. His clothes were gone. His shoes were gone. The bathroom was void of his razors and body wash.

One toothbrush remained, hers.

All traces of Jalen were gone. Just like she wanted. Nothing left behind but a hole in her chest. Truly alone for the first time in twenty-four hours, Nayeli walked into her bedroom and changed out of the clothes she borrowed from Stella into a loose t-shirt and a tattered pair of sweats. Stepping into her solace, she walked to her planter boxes and gently brushed her fingers over the leaves.

The sun warmed her skin as she spent time in her garden, breathing through the pain in her stomach. She watered her trees and veggies, allowed some tears to escape. Breathed some more until she needed to sit because she felt light headed. Tears fell faster as she sank to the grass and braced herself against the side of a planter box.

Her hand brushed across a scratch in the wood, and she looked down to make sure she didn't get a splinter. The scratches were prominent, along with the memory. They came from her nails, grooves carved from feelings of ecstasy flooding her body while Jalen plunged in and out of her on the grass.

For the third time that morning, she burst into tears.