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[mrsarnold]

editor era ??

[spnmoosejerk]

2023 Christmas photodump

[juniperskye]

Let’s start over.

Sneak peek: Aaron and Reader were together back when she was finishing her bachelor’s degree. It went on for a bit until Aaron started to pull away – after confronting him, you called things off. Years later you return to Quantico to streamline the new child crimes unit which will work directly with the BAU. Aaron is surprised to see you and asks you to dinner…some shocking secrets are revealed. (There are timeline edits to this story to fit my vision okay?!)

Aaron Hotchner x (Fem) Reader

Angst/Fluff

Word count: 5301

Part 2: bonus scenes

REQUESTS ARE OPEN - not edited - please be kind. Requests are open and feedback is welcome if it's constructive!

Warnings: My blog is 18+, minors DNI, age gap (reader is in their 20’s and Hotch is in his 40’s), explicit language, keeping a child a secret, Hotch not being the best partner (past), description of BAU and other FBI units – some canon typical subject matter, OC’s Nora (child) Theo and Leila (agents), mention of hospitals, and mention of febrile seizure, mention of Jack, mention of Haley (their relationship timeline was adjusted to make this work – they separated when Jack was like 2-3 y/o) let me know if I missed any!

I do not consent to having my work translated or reposted to any other site. That being said I do not own the characters portrayed in this story.

** 5 Years Ago, **

“Aaron would you please just tell me what’s going on!” You pleaded.

“Nothing. I told you to just drop it. Nothing is wrong.” Aaron snapped.

Things had been like this for the past few weeks. Aaron was being short with you, snippy about menial things that had never bothered him before. You couldn’t figure out what was going on, it had truly begun to weigh heavily on your relationship.

“We both know that’s bullshit. Why won’t you just talk to me?” You were practically begging him at this point.

“Jesus Christ, would you just let it the fuck go. I said I don’t want to talk. Why is that so hard for you to understand?” Aaron shouted. “Maybe Dave was right.” He mumbled.

“Right about what?” Your voice came out much smaller than intended.

“Maybe you’re too young, too immature. You just don’t understand the stress I’m under.” Aaron huffed out a sigh.

Aaron and you had been together for nearly two years. Initially it had been more of a fling due to the fact that he was teaching a course you were taking to complete your bachelor’s degree. He and you took things to the next level once you’d graduated and now you were about to complete your master’s degree. You loved Aaron, but with how things had been going for the last few months, you couldn’t help but wonder if that was enough.

“I don’t know if I can do this anymore.” You whispered.

“So what?  We get in a little fight and you’re going to throw a tantrum?” Aaron spat pure venom.

“A tantrum?” You said, exasperated. “Aaron I’m not a toddler kicking and screaming because I am not getting my way. I’m a grown ass woman asking for some healthy communication in our relationship. We haven’t had a real conversation in months, and I don’t think I can go on like this.” You gasped, the realization finally hitting you…this had to end.

“Sweetheart, we can work this out. I’m sorry okay?” Aaron reached for you.

“No…” You took a retreating step, your back making contact with the back of your sofa. “I think it’s too late Aaron. And honestly it’s rich that you called me immature, when you are so emotionally stunted. You refuse to act your own age and talk things through. Instead, you bottle things up and push away anyone who cares about you. I won’t be your punching bag anymore, I have too much respect for myself.” Your tears had finally broken free, trailing down your cheeks clouded with black from your mascara.

“So that’s it then? We’re done?” Aaron scoffed.

“I guess that’s it.” You gasped.

With that, Aaron grabbed his bag and left. Pausing for a second, before shaking his head and making his leave. The moment you heard the lock click, your knees gave out and you collapsed to the floor as sobs ripped through your body. You laid there for what felt like days, broken and devastated by the loss of what you presumed was your forever. He was gone and you’d have to move on, something you weren’t sure was possible in that moment.

** Present Day **

“Hello? … This is she … Oh! Director Cruz … yes I am getting everything ready. … I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity, truly. … Of course, thank you. … Alright, I will see you Monday. … Thank you … Bye.” You were practically buzzing as you hung up the phone.

“Was that bossman?” Hestia questioned.

“Yes it was! He was checking in and making sure I have everything I need before I start on Monday!” You gushed.

“I can’t believe you are moving back to Virginia. I am going to miss you so, so much!” Hestia whined.

“I am going to miss you too! But it’ll only be like a month until you join me…right?” You inquired.

“Yes! My lease is up then and as long as you’re still cool with us staying with you guys until we find our own place, we will be there!” She explained.

“Ummm of course you guys can stay with us! Free childcare…I’d be an idiot to pass that up!” You laughed as Hestia threw a pillow at you.

You were actively packing up your life and preparing to move back to Virginia. You hadn’t been back there in nearly five years. After breaking things off with Aaron and completing your master’s degree, you’d looked into PhD programs around the U.S. and had ultimately decided on the child psychology program at Colombia University, and while New York wasn’t too far from Virgina, it at least put space between you and Aaron. 

About eight months after you and Aaron had broken things off, Nora had come as quite a surprise. Despite the shock that was brought on by your pregnancy, Nora had become the greatest gift you could’ve asked for. Having Hestia around to make up for your lack in baby daddy had brought the two of you incredibly close together.

You had met Hestia in a pretty unconventional way, she was one year into her residency for general surgery, and you had appendicitis. So, she worked hand-in-hand with the surgeon who removed your appendix, and well, the rest had been history. She’s been with you through everything in the last four years, most importantly, she’s helped you raise Nora. You’d been sure to repay the favor, especially within the last year…Hestia’s mom had passed, leaving her 15-year-old sister in her care. The four of you had become your own little family.

“So, what’s your plan tomorrow?” Hestia asked.

“Oh, my parents flew in last week and they drove most of my stuff down on Tuesday. My mom said she wanted it to be set up for us, so we’d be able to move right in, especially since I start work immediately. So, I am just getting the last few things together today and we will head down tomorrow, and I guess we will finish getting everything set up this weekend. They’re staying with me, pretty much until you and Selene can come out. They don’t want me to have to put Nora in daycare.” You explained.

“Aw, I’m so glad they’re able to do that! I know by then you’ll be ready to have them out of your hair, but it is nice that you won’t have to leave her with strangers right away.” Hestia patted your leg. “I do have a question for you though…are you at all worried about running into your ex?”

“I don’t even know if he still works there Hes, it’s a huge place. Who’s to say we even see each other at all?” You shrug.

“You are so full of shit!” Hestia laughs. “Don’t act like you didn’t check to see if he’s still there.”

“Ugh! Yes he’s still the unit chief of the BAU! Of course I looked. And yes. I am terrified, Director Cruz said my unit will most likely work with the BAU more than any other team and I’m not sure I can handle that.” You groaned.

“You can’t avoid him forever babe. Are you going to tell him about Nora?”

“Hes, I don’t even know how I would begin to tell him.” You shook your head. “We ended horribly and she’s four now. What if he freaks out?”

“I mean he might. Hon, you have to tell him, she’s his daughter you know… I don’t think there’s an easy way to do it. Like it’s gonna be ugly no matter what. But at least you’re telling him.” Hestia reasons.

You knew she was right, you had to tell Aaron about Nora, but honestly it could wait. You had an entire unit to run, and you couldn’t let your fear of seeing him and having that conversation distract you from the important work you’d be doing.

Monday came far too quickly. Your parents had been a huge help, and the house was almost completely unpacked. Nora had settled in well with them being there with you both, and you were incredibly grateful to them for supporting you.

You had gotten up early to make breakfast and eat with Nora before heading into the office. When you walked into the FBI building, you made your way to the front desk to get your ID and then headed to the director’s office.

“Welcome! We are so glad to have you and your team joining us at the FBI. Child crimes is something that has needed an official unit for far too long, I am just happy to have you leading it.” Director Cruz greeted you.

“Thank you Director, it is truly an honor to have been asked to lead this team. From my understanding, Theo and Leila will be here tomorrow to begin officially.”

“That’s correct. I want to go over some logistics with you before I show you to your office. As of right now your team will just be the three of you, if we see a need to expand, we will. I am going to assign you and your agents each a specific unit for if you are needed in more than one place. You will be the point person for the Behavioral Analysis Unit and the Sex Crimes Unit, Leila will take point with Violent Crimes and Theo will take point with Cybercrimes. I anticipate that your team will work closest with the BAU and SCU.” Director Cruz explained.

“That all sounds good sir. Are the Unit Chiefs of these departments all aware of our arrival? I just want to ensure they will be prepared to work with us and that there won’t be too much pushback.” You posed.

“I understand. Yes, they have all been informed of your team’s arrival and I have made it very clear that their cooperation is nonnegotiable. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal, so hopefully there will be very little pushback from our agents.” Director Cruz reassured you. “Are you ready to see your office now?”

“Yes sir, thank you.”

Stepping off the elevator onto the sixth floor, you immediately took note of the directory sign listing that the BAU was housed on this floor. It made your stomach churn, knowing that you would most definitely see Aaron every day… not to mention in like the next few minutes.

“Okay so, through this door here is where the BAU is, as I mentioned before. There are two open desks down in the bullpen there for Theo and Leila, and your office is just there. You will be between agents Hotchner and Rossi.” Director Cruz noted as you entered your office. “I’d like to introduce you to agent Hotchner before I let you settle in; I think it is important given how frequently you’ll be working together.”

“Of course, sir.” You nodded.

The ten steps it took to get from your office to his felt like an eternity. You felt sick knowing that you’d have to face the man that had broken you all those years ago. You may have ended things with him officially, but he had truly ended it when he decided that you weren’t worthy of communicating with. At this point you were just hoping that he’d grown up in that area, because you really needed him to take the news of Nora well.

“Agent Hotchner, I have the new child crimes unit chief here for you to meet.” And before Director Cruz could give Aaron your name, it escaped his own lips, framed by his shocked expression. “Oh, you two know each other?”

“Agent Hotchner was a guest lecturer for one of my undergrad courses. He was my inspiration for entering this field.” You supplied.

It wasn’t a total lie…

“Yes, she was a bright student. I’m not surprised to see that she made it to the FBI.” Aaron added.

“Alright then, I will leave you to catch up then.” With that, the Director made his way back to his office.

“How um…how are you?” Aaron inquired.

“I’m well Aaron. I don’t really think anymore small talk is necessary. I should go get settled into my office.” You huffed out a breath before exiting the room.

You made sure to take your time getting settled. Placing some personal things out on your desk and shelves. You had a few plants, some of your favorite pens, some file folders, you hung up your degrees, you organized your psychology books on the shelves along with some law books, and the last, most important detail was a framed photo of you and Nora that you sat next to your lamp.

The day had sped by as you made yourself comfortable on the couch in your office while reading through some emails from other units and some case files of theirs from previous cases to see how they typically ran things. You had been trekking along just fine until a quite knock broke your concentration. Looking up, you weren’t entirely surprised to see it was Aaron standing there.

“I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing. It’s almost eight.” Aaron informed you.

“Oh shit! I didn’t even realize!” You scrambled to check your phone.

“I know that you said small talk wasn’t necessary, and I agree. I would however really like to take you to dinner to catch up, and maybe I can explain some things.” Aaron requested.

“Oh, I um. I’m not sure that’s a good idea…I uh-”

“Please. I really need to explain myself, for how awful I was back then. No excuses, just maybe it’ll help you see my point of view. I’ve worked on myself a lot since then.” Aaron pleaded.

“I have to make a call first.” You conceded.

“Of course. I’ll give you some privacy.” He exited your office.

You quickly called your mom, letting her know that you were going to dinner with a coworker, asking her to take care of the remainder of Nora’s bedtime routine. You also had to inform her you wouldn’t need to be picked up. After which you spoke to Nora wishing her a good night and giving her a kiss through the phone. You then gathered your belongings and met Aaron in the bullpen.

“So, I don’t have my car. My parents are in town, they helped me move, so I left my car with them.” You explained sheepishly.

“No worries, if you’re comfortable with it, I can drive us. I can take you home after as well.” Aaron offered.

“Yeah, that would be great. Thank you.” You offered a gentle smile.

Aaron gestured you to the elevator and you made your way down to the parking garage. Aaron, ever the gentleman made sure to open the car door for you, both in the garage and again at the restaurant. There was a tinge of sadness that flooded your mind as you noticed where Aaron took you.

It had been your go to for date nights back when you were together. It was a recommendation from Dave – who you couldn’t help but feel a bit of resentment toward given the “too young” comment. You wondered if Aaron brought you here on purpose, and he must’ve picked up on your thought.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know why I drove us here. I guess it was muscle memory.” He shook his head.

“It’s okay. I’ve missed the food honestly.” You let out a little chuckle.

“I have too. I uh, I haven’t been here since we ended.” Aaron’s voice trailed off toward the end of his statement.

You were relieved that the night hadn’t been filled with awkward silence. It had, however, been a lot of catching up while Aaron avoided the main reason he brought you here and you avoided talking about Nora. You were both saved by the waiter when he came by to get your order.

“Would you like to see the wine list?”

“No thank you. I’ll just have water.” You were quick to answer.

“Water is fine for me also.” Aaron added.

“Are you ready to order your entrees then?”

“I will have the Mezzi Rigatoni, and she will have the Ricotta Cavatelli.” Aaron declared.

The waiter nodded and walked off. You couldn’t help but look at Aaron with a bit of shock. It is what you always ordered, so you couldn’t be mad, but it felt foreign and all too familiar at the same time. He always ordered for you when you used to go out, he used to know you better than you knew yourself…but that was then.

“I’m so sorry – I don’t know why I did that” Aaron was quick to apologize “Maybe coming here was a bad idea. It’s all too familiar.”

“It’s okay Aaron. I was going to order it anyway. Maybe we should talk about why we’re here.” You suggested.

“Of course. I want to explicitly state that I am not trying to make excuses for how I acted then, because I know I was horrible to you in the end. I do just want to give you some insight as to what I was going through at that time. I really want to communicate now what I didn’t then.” He began.

You nodded for him to continue as the waiter brought your food and drinks.  

“So, you know that Haley and I divorced before you and I got together officially. Well once you and I became serious and my time was either spent at work or with you and Jack, Haley didn’t seem to like that. She uh, she tried to fight me for primary custody of Jack.” Aaron explained.

“What? Aaron why didn’t you tell me?”

“Honestly, because I knew you’d take a step back in our relationship. I knew that with how selfless you are, you’d offer to back off and give me more time with Jack and I didn’t want that. I wanted to have you and Jack, so I kept it to myself. Which broke us anyway.” He concluded.

“I really wish you would’ve told me; things may have been different Aaron. I am glad you’re telling me now though.” You desperately wanted to reach for his hand but ultimately decided against it.

Now was as good a time as any, you had to tell him about Nora. He confessed something and it was your turn. And just as you were about to open your mouth, a shrill ring sounded from Aaron’s coat pocket.

“Hotchner. Yes…CCU as well? Yes – I’m with their unit chief now. We’re on our way.” Aaron hung up the phone and looked over at you. “Is your team here in Virginia?”

“Yes, they’re not meant to start until tomorrow.” You provided.

“Call them in, we have a case. Time is of the essence.” Aaron signaled for the check.

The two of you contacted your respective teams as you made your way back to the car. Aaron once again opened your door for you and drove you back to the office. You texted your parents and informed them of the case and asked your mom to let Nora know you’d be home as soon as you could.

30 minutes later you were on a private jet to Chicago with your team and the entirety of the BAU. You had unintentionally sat beside Aaron and began going over the case details with everyone. Aaron had begun explaining the preliminary profile, and you couldn’t help but chime in. Everyone was watching how the two of you riffed and bounced ideas off of one another so naturally.

“Just a reminder, there are new protocols for entry into the crime scene when we are locating the children. We need to follow those exactly to ensure we don’t harm these children more so than they are already. If you have any questions about those procedures feel free to ask me or my agents.” You instructed.

“Right. Now for assignments, Dave, JJ and Theo I’d like you to interview the family of the latest victim –”

“Molly Leland.” You corrected.

“Apologies. Dave, JJ, Theo go to the Leland’s and find out anything you can. Morgan, Prentiss and Leila, you three go to the abduction site, I want to ensure CSU didn’t miss anything. And Reid you’ll be with us at the station to start on the geographical profile.” Aaron finished, gesturing to the two of you.

Six days. It had been six days, and you still hadn’t made any progress on this case. Another child had gone missing, and things were incredibly tense. Both teams had been in the designated room within the precinct going over theories.

“I think we’re looking at this all wrong…” Leila began, “I think the person abducting these kids is younger than initially profiled.”

“Given their disorganization and the lack of consistent victimology, I’d say that’s a pretty plausible theory.” Spencer validated.

“Okay, Leila what were you thinking?” You inquired.

“What if it is a teenager? My thoughts were a kid who grew up in foster care – hence the random victimology. They just want siblings, and that’s why there aren’t any bodies.”  Leila suggested.

“I think she’s onto something. If it was a young adult who was newly alone in the world, they’d be looking to find people to surround themselves with.” Morgan continued.

“Garcia, run a search for kids that just aged out of group homes and foster care.” Aaron called to their technical analyst.

“Within the geographical limits I just sent over to you.” Spencer added.

When your phone rang, you excused yourself from the room, answering the call from your mom. You could immediately tell something was wrong given the slight lilt to her voice.

“Mom, what’s wrong?...Why do you need the children’s Tylenol. … Fever? What’s her temperature? … 103? MOM! You need to take her to the ER. … I’m serious! … I’m coming home. … Yes! … I’ll be there as soon as I can. … Take her straight to Bethesda. …Ok. Bye.”

You turned and jumped in surprise at Aaron standing there behind you.

“I just came to let you know we’re splitting up to check out a few leads. Is everything okay?” He asked.

You could tell he had more questions and that he’d more than likely heard the entirety of your conversation but was holding back in asking them.

“Um no. My daughter is sick. She has a pretty high fever. I uh, I need to get home.” You panicked.

“Okay. We will get you home then. I’ll send the teams out and I will make some calls. For now, just try to stay positive okay?” Aaron had always been the calm in the storm.

He sent three separate groups out to find the unsub and had made a few calls back to the director to get you on an emergency flight home. He went as far as to drive you to the hotel and then to the hangar.

“Aaron.”

“Get home to your daughter.” He offered a small smile.

“Thank you.”

Leila had texted to update you that they had caught the unsub and would be heading home in the next hour or so. You had been grateful that the team had successfully closed the case. What was killing you, was the state of your baby girl. She had an excessively high fever, and it just wouldn’t break.

“Miss, there’s someone here to see you.” The nurse informed you.

You looked over at your mom who gave you a nod and you exited the room. Following the nurse to the waiting room, you were surprised to see Aaron standing there.

“I just wanted to see how she’s doing, and how you are.” He declared.

“I um. I’m…” You couldn’t help but break down.

Aaron immediately pulled you into his arms and moved you both over to a couch in the waiting area. He let his hand brush over your hair and whispered reassurances to you. The two of you sat like this for a while before you slowly pulled away.

“Sorry. She just has this fever, and it won’t break, and they don’t know what’s wrong.”

“Sweetheart it’s okay. She will be okay.” Aaron grabbed your hand.

A moment went by and then an alarm sounded. Your gaze shot up as you watched medical staff make their way to Nora’s room. You got up and ran to her room, with Aaron hot on your heels.

“What’s happening? What is going on? Somebody tell me what is going on!” You were practically shouting as Aaron pulled you from the room.

Your mom was pacing in the hallway as Aaron held you back from storming back in. It was killing him to see you this distraught.

“It was a febrile seizure. This can happen when children have such a high fever. We’ve given her a sedative to try and help her rest and we pushed some more Tylenol to aid in breaking the fever.” The doctor explained.

“Is she going to be okay?” You questioned.

“We’re doing everything we can. A nurse will be by soon to take her temperature again.” The doctor walked away.

“I’m going to go find your dad. That way you two can have some privacy.” Your mom said pulling you into a hug.

“This is Nora.” You told Aaron as you ran your hand over her forehead, brushing her curls away from her face.

“She’s beautiful.” He complimented.

You sat in silence for a bit with him just watching Nora. You could tell part of him was itching to ask, but you also knew that Nora was a bit small for her age so he couldn’t be sure that she was his. This moment of avoidance was terminated the second the billing staff came in to get all of your information.

“Hey there, I wanted to confirm all of the info for billing. Do you have your driver’s license and insurance card?” The staff requested.

“Yes, here it is.” You passed her the card.

She filled in all of your information, clicking away on her keyboard while the rest of the room sat with a looming silence. You could feel the question coming. You had been an idiot to give Nora her father’s last name.

“Okay and can you confirm the patient’s name and date of birth for me?”

“Yes, it’s uh…Nora Leigh Hotchner. That’s H-O-T-C-H-N-E-R. Date of birth is 10/4/2019.” You could feel Aaron’s gaze burning into you.

“Alright, here are those cards back. Thank you.” She made her leave.

“Seriously?”

“Aaron, let me explain.”

“Not here.” He motioned toward Nora.

He swiftly made his way out of the room, and you were quick to follow. In noticing your parents, you signaled for them to sit with Nora as you practically chased after Aaron. He didn’t stop until he was in a private waiting room, it was only then that he turned to face you.

“Are you fucking kidding me? She’s mine? And what, you didn’t think to tell me…I don’t know, FOUR YEARS AGO?” Aaron was fuming.

A part of you understood his response, but another part of you was furious that he wasn’t allowing you to explain before flying off the handle.

“Don’t yell at me. If we’re going to do this, we will talk like adults. I will not sit here and allow you to berate me.” You held your ground.

“Okay.”

“I found out I was pregnant after I left for New York. And at that point Aaron, I was so devastated by our breakup, and I just didn’t think I could be around you. I know that’s not fair, but I had thought you and I were forever and then we’d just ended. I was going to tell you last week at dinner, but then we got called in. Aaron I am so sorry, and I know that doesn’t make up for the time you’ve lost, but I also need you to know that I did what I felt like I had to do.” You let your gaze fall to the floor in guilt.

“I understand. I’m not happy, but I get it.” He reached for your hand.

You accepted the gesture and furthered it by pulling him into an embrace. He wrapped his arms around you and rested his head atop your own.

“I’ve told her about you.” You whispered.

“What?”

“I’ve told her about you. She’s seen pictures and heard stories. She knows you Aaron.”

He held you a little tighter and you nuzzled a little closer. After a few moments he suggested that you both get back to your girl. You both sat with her all night, letting your parents go home. At three in the morning, the night nurse gave you the good news, her fever had finally broken. The next day, Aaron drove the two of you home, leaving with a scheduled family day where you would introduce Jack and Nora. You had also discussed talking to the kids about their birthday party (since their birthday’s are only 3 days apart). With Jack turning seven and Nora turning 5 in a little more than a month, you wanted to plan something big for the two of them.

** One Month Later **

“Okay, the bounce house is set up and the petting zoo guy just arrived. Where should he set up?” Penelope asked.

“On the southeast side!” Dave hollered.

You were setting up the last of the hors d’oeuvres, while the members of both the CCU and BAU helped get Dave’s backyard set up for the kids birthday party. You were so incredibly grateful for this family you’d come to have.

“We’re here with cake!” Hestia announced.

“Hes! Selene! Hey guys, you can set that up on that round table over there.” You pointed.

Selene came over and gave you a hug, you snuck a snack into her hand and nodded over to your bag.

“My iPad is in there with the Twilight movies all downloaded. Dave has a sitting room down the hall to the right.” You winked at her.

“Thanks mom!” Selene said hugging you once more before heading off.

“Do you have another kid I don’t know about?” Aaron joked, wrapping his arms around you from behind.

“Ha ha! No, Selene just calls me mom. We’ve both taken care of her since their mom passed, but it became an inside joke that I acted as the mom to Nora, Selene and Hestia.” You huffed a laugh.

“It’s true!” Hestia confirmed, before taking a case of juice boxes outside to the cooler.

“You know, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.” Aaron murmured, pressing a kiss to your neck.

“Opposed to what?” You giggled.

“More kids.”

“Aaron! We only just got back together, and we are at our children’s birthday party! Behave yourself.” You hissed.

“I know, but this time around, I’m not letting you go. I plan on marrying you and I just want you to know that I’m open to more children, one day, when and if you’re ready.” He punctuates it with a kiss to your lips.

“Well, I’m open to it too. And whenever you ask, my answer is yes Aaron. You’ve proven to me that you’ve grown since we ended before and I can’t stand the thought of going without you again so, I’m in this, for as long as you’ll have me.” You kissed him once more before carrying a tray outside to the party.

Aaron smiled and grabbed his phone, opening it to check the status of his order. There on his screen was confirmation that your ring had been customized, made, sized, quality checked, and would be shipping out soon.

He couldn’t wait to spend forever with you.

[rheya28]

Leila Square Apartment + Next Stop Cafe [ Apartment + Cafe ] ♥ The Sims 4: Build // CC

➽ Speed Build Video

➽ Rheya's Notes:

An open concept floor plan. Kitchen with all new appliances Bathroom with shower and bath

➽ Apartment Units:

1st Floor [Unit 1: 1 Bed, 1 Bath] [Unit 2: 1 Bed, 1 Bath] 2nd Floor [Unit 3: 2 Bed, 2 Bath] 3rd Floor [Unit 4: 2 Bed, 2 Bath] 4th Floor [Unit 5: 2 Bed, 2 Bath]

➽ Important Notes:

● Please make sure to turn bb.moveobjects on! ● Please DO NOT reupload or claim as your own. ● Feel free to tag me if you are using it, I love seeing my build in other peoples save file ● Feel free to edit/tweak my builds, but please make sure to credit me as the original creator! ● Thank you to all CC Creators ● Please let me know if there's any problem with the build

♥ Lot Details

Lot Name: Leila Square Apartment Lot type: Apartment Complex Lot size: 40x30 Location: Magnolia Promenade

♥ Mods

TOOL MOD by TwistedMex

♥ CC LIST:

Note: I reuse a lot of the same cc in all my builds, specifically cc's from felixandre, HeyHarrie, and Pierisim so if you're interested in downloading past, present, future build from me i suggest getting all their cc sets to make life a little easier! other creators include Sooky, Charlypancakes, Sixam, Thecluttercat, Myshunosun, awingedllama, and tuds. This will also ensure that the lots are complete and are not missing any items upon downloading !

- House of Harlix: Bafroom, Baysic, Harluxe, Livin Rum, Tiny Twavellers - CharlyPancakes: The lighthouse Collection, Slouch - Felix Andre: Chateau (all), Colonial pt 3, Grove (all), Kyoto pt 2, Shop the look 2, Florence pt 4, Soho (all) - The clutter cat: Dandy Diary - Harrie: Brownstone (all), Brutalist, Coastal (all), Country, Klean (all), Kwatei (all), Spoons (all), Kichen - Little Dica: H&B Store, Rise & Grind - Peacemaker: Pointless Renovation, Terra Tiles Horizontal - Pierisim (all): Coldbrew, David's Apartment, MCM, Unfold, Winter Garden, Woodland ranch, Oak house - Simplistic: Rustic rug trio - Sixam: Boho Bathroom, Stylist wood - Tuds: Beam, Cross - Syboulette: Fency

● DOWNLOAD Tray File and CC list: Patreon Page ● Origin ID: anrheya [previous name: applez] ● Twitter: Rheya28__ ● Tiktok: Rheya28__ ● Youtube: Rheya28__

[rascalcurious]

today i have a bunch of 4t2 hair conversions for you guys. information about all of the hairs is under the cut.

link to folder with hairs: SFS / MF

i hope you all enjoy these hairs :)))

@4t2clay

@oranos naomi. TF-EF. 4.5k poly (+ 1 custom)

@joshseoh katara. TF-EF. 14k poly. animated. (note: i have uv edited this hair to have a different texture)

@rustys-cc scarlett long. TF-EF. 15.7k poly. animated. (+ 3 customs)

@simstrouble carrie. TF-EF. 9.6k poly. animated

@aharris00britney phoebe v1. TF-EF. 6.2k poly. animated

@sheabuttyr tatima twists v2. TF-EF. 11.9k poly. animated

@imvikai reira. CF-EF. 4.3k poly. animated

sheabuttyr toni twists v2. TF-EF. 15k poly. animated

sheabuttyr basa braids. TF-EF. 8.5k poly. animated

simstrouble jennifer (+ a version with axa denim bucket hat). TF-EF. 12.7k poly (no hat), 12k poly (with hat). animated

sheabuttyr bellisa braids. TF-EF. 6k poly. animated

imvikai bethany. TF-EF. 4.7k poly (+1 custom)

imvikai melissa. CF-EF. 8.8k poly. animated. (+7 customs)

@aladdin-the-simmer eloise v1. CF-EF. 17.3k poly. animated

@arethabee tay. CF-EF. 14.2k poly. animated

aladdin-the-simmer leila v2. CF-EF. 4.8k poly. (+3 customs)

[expanding-hyrule]

Story Spotlights Hub Post

Reference post for links and details on the Expanding Hyrule Story Spotlights community project.

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

Original Post - Review Form - Reviews - Fic Archive - Art Archive

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

Works In Need of Reviews

Looking to help support a creator in Expanding Hyrule? All of these works in our collection have yet to get enough reviews for a spotlight. Works need a minimum of 3 reviews to be featured, and will include up to 5 in their post, but you are welcome to submit more, the link to the responses is available on this post for creators to read the whole list.

You can find all these works linked in the archives listed above!

Short Projects (Concept boards, under 10 chapter fics, etc)

Stone Fate by @loz-untold-myths (2/3)

The Princess's Heart by @loz-untold-myths (2/3)

Divine Gemstones by @divine-gemstones/@twist-dg (1/3)

The Sea's Prophecy by @cherrysalsa (2/3)

Void's Grasp by @the--voided (2/3)

The King's Lament by @transmascgerudo (2/3)

Song of the City by @/ReBuggy

Break the Wheel by @randombutloved

Depths of the Darkness by @/Veelilu

In the Blood by @/Zeldas_Eyebrows

The Hero and the Princess by @mistresslrigtar

Too Old to Keep by @ladyhoneydee (1/3)

Day After Destiny by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet

Moderate Projects (Started comics, <50k fics, etc)

The Triforce Awakens by @sillylildude (2/3)

DadLink AU by @dadlink/@pluviatrix

Princess Link: Engaged to my sister's kidnapper??? by @sparkspsps

Guarding Zelda by @railtracer30

Restoration Age by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet

Cinders of Life by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet

Large Projects (Ongoing comics, <100k fics, etc)

All That Hurts Us by @karama9 (1/3)

Uneasy Lies the Chosen of Farore by @drsteggy (1/3)

The Curse of Demise by @thecurseofdemisecomic (1/3)

Fighting Fate by @/Allendra

Desert Blight by @/jclbs

Path of the Infinite by @shadow_djinni

Blooming in Adversity by @/botwriter

The Promise by @zeldaelmo (1/3)

Strings of Fate by @truffeart

Epic Projects (Long running comics, >100k fics, etc)

Hero by @karama9 (2/3)

The Hero of the Dunes by @webhead3345

The Golden Chain by @zeldadiarist (1/3)

Legacies & Bloodlines by @/nolansman

Unbroken by @deiliamedlini

A Crossing of Stars by @ixtaek

Fighting Gravity by @/CrazygurlMadness

The Wondrous Adventures of the Righteous Maximus by @/Split Infinitive

Bright as Night by @/Allendra

Make a Wish, Make it Count by @/LiliansMalice

Cloak and Dagger by @crownedcrusader

The Weekly Hyrule News by @/BatNeko

Reality by @/Leila Editer

The Hunt by @/andrhars

And the Clouds Parted by @/SkyLeaf

Goddess of Secrecy by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet (2/3)

Mark of a Hero by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet (1/3)

Already Spotlighted Projects

| Alternate Triforce | Captain Link Araki and the Harbinger of Destiny (post scheduled) | Cycle of the Stars (post scheduled) | A Link To The Stars (post drafted) | The Mage's Lantern | No More. Not One Single Time More (post scheduled) | On My Honor (post scheduled) | Remnants of the Past (post scheduled) | Triforce of Power |

[magics-neptunes-things]

Mockingjay - Part 3

Hi guys :)

Chapter 3 is here!

I'm sorry if there is some part for the Games who isn't translated correctly, but like I already said English isn't my first language and I only watched the movies or read the book in my native language.

I hope you will like it, please let me know ♥

Chapter before

Ona is nervous. She’s walking around in the room where Leila and his assistant have dressed and prepared her for the interview who will be aired everywhere in Panem. She hates the wait before something big, she’s really stressed about this interview too, but she hates that she has to wait before going to sit in that damn chair.

They are passing by District and the only moment when she stops walking in the room was when she saw Lucy. She’s wearing a beautiful green dress, and she looks perfect. Her hair, her smile… Everything in her is perfect.

Lucy talked about her life in the 4, her family and her brother who won her edition of the Games. Ona is like captivated by Lucy, so much that she doesn’t hear Alexia entering the room. The blonde looks at Ona with amusement for some seconds, arms crossed on her chest before talking softly, not wanting to scare the younger one.

“We have to do something about your crush.”

Even with Alexia’s precautions, Ona almost jumps out of her skin. She turns to Alexia, frowning, a hand on her heart.

“Are you trying to kill me before the Games?”

“No” Alexia chuckles.

She comes in front of Ona to put in place some hair behind her ear.

“You look beautiful, as always” Alexia smiles at her. “So, it was Lucy Bronze you were looking at, all this time?”

“Stop it” Ona mumbles with red cheeks.

“Why? It’s cute” Alexia says with a teasing smile. “Plus, you have good tastes. She looks amazing.”

“She does” Ona says thoughtfully, looking at the screen again.

But they passed to someone else, and she frowns while looking at the boy from the 5 talking about his qualities. Ona turns her gaze quickly now, looking at Alexia again.

“What does your girlfriend look like?” the brunette asks with curiosity.

“She’s smaller than me. Brown hair, brown eyes… And the most beautiful smile in Panem.”

Ona smiles softly. The way Alexia smiles when she talks about her girlfriend is really cute. Ona never asked her about her name, Alexia seems at ease with her relationship, but Ona doesn’t know how much she is. Homosexuality isn’t a thing a lot of people like, at least in the different Districts. It looks like it’s not so bad in the Capitol though.

“I think she would have loved you a lot too” Alexia adds, before looking at her watch. “We have to go now, or you will be late.”

Ona nods and lets Alexia pass a friendly arm around her shoulder, taking extra care not to wrinkle her clothes. Ona’s mind goes to Lucy one more time. They haven’t really talked since the day Lucy takes her to her quarters. They only smile at each other when they cross eyes, both not wanting for their partner not to mingle in their relationship. It isn’t even a friendship, but Ona feels her heart flutter every time.

“I know the situation isn’t ideal, but you still can try to get closer to her, no?”

“How?” Ona snorts. “Have you seen her? She exceptional and I don’t even know if she’s interested in girls”

“Yeah, I’ve seen her. And I see you too. You are pretty amazing yourself you know?”

Ona rolls her eyes and doesn't answer anything. In her eyes, Alexia isn’t impartial. The blonde doesn’t add anything, letting Ona’s mind go in what she just said. Once again, Tony is already here when Ona arrives, he’s waiting with one of Leila's assistants. Once again, Leila made her magic work.

“Alright, I have to go” Alexia says to Ona. “I’ll be in the public, if you are stressed or scared, just focus on me, ok?”

Ona nods softly, ignoring the others' gaze on them. Alexia smiles at her and hugs her.

“You will be great. Don’t be scared of being yourself. People will love you.”

Ona smiles softly at her and takes a big breath when she finds herself alone with Tony. The boy seems to be a little anxious too. He was a little resentful towards Ona after she chose not to come with him for training, but Ona decided to ignore it. He comes back to her very quickly anyway.

Tony is the first to pass, of course. They always present the boy first; Ona doesn’t really understand why. She was hoping to cross Lucy’s path after her interview, but it looks like the people who have already done the interview leave by another door. Tony seems to handle the interview pretty easily; he doesn’t seem stressed at all suddenly. Good for him, Ona thinks.

Some minutes later, it was her turn. Ona takes a big breath when the presenter calls her name. During her walk to the couch in the middle of the television set, Ona tries to spot Alexia in the crowd. She finally sees her just before being in front of the presenter, sitting next to Leila. Alexia winks at her and Ona greets the presenter with one of her brightest smiles. It’s now or never.

“Ona! It’s so nice to finally meet you!”

The presenter has bright but deep blue eyes in a banana hairstyle. He’s wearing make-up, like every single person in the Capitol after all. Ona asked Leila not to paint her face with make-up, she’s wearing some but not too much. It’s pretty simple. She likes it.

She has a small chat about her life in District 8, her family and her friends. She tensed a little bit when she heard him asking the next question.

“So… There is a question everyone here is asking themselves… You are talking a lot about your parents and your brother, but not about someone waiting for you in District 8. Aren’t you in a relationship?”

“No” Ona answer softly. “I’m single.”

“With a pretty face like you? I can’t believe it.”

Ona’s eyes went to Alexia, who nods almost imperceptibly at her. Ona swallows her saliva with a little difficulty.

“I had someone, some months ago. It was my first relationship and my first love.”

“What happened to him?”

The presenter seems really interested in what Ona has to say. He looks a little like an uncle who wants to hear all of your secrets.

“To her” Ona corrects gently.

“Oh, her. Sorry.”

He smiles at her, urging her to continue her confidences. Well, if we can call that confidences if thousands of people are listening to her.

“Two years ago, her name was raffled for the Games. She died in the arena here, in the Capitol.”

There is a beam of silence, no one was expecting this revelation. Ona looks one more time to Alexia, who is still looking right at her. They don’t look at each other for too long though, with professionalism, the presenter finally starts to talk again.

“If I remember correctly, the female tribute of the 8, two years ago, was Jana.”

“Yeah. It was her.”

“And what is your feeling about you being where she was? Do you want to take revenge for her?”

“No” Ona shakes her, softly frowning. “It would be useless; the same people aren’t here, and they only did what they had to do to survive. Jana… She was a dreamer, the sweetest and softest girl ever. She was my sunshine back to the 8. I still think about her every day.”

Ona looks at the hand the presenter puts in her arm, in a soft gesture probably to give her some reconfort. Is it fake or is it real? Ona doesn’t really know.

“Do you have something material in memory from her?”

“Not here” Ona shakes her head one more time. “I left everything in District 8. I thought it would be better for our parents to have them.”

The presenter smiles at her, with the same friendly uncle look as earlier.

“It’s very thoughtful of you. But I know that Capital keeps some things belonging to the Tributes for several years after they come here. Would you want me to find something for you?”

“It would be amazing” Ona smiles.

Her heart beat a little faster at that idea. She can’t say that she’s still in love with Jana, it would be weird. Jana is dead, she isn’t here anymore. But it doesn’t stop Ona to think about it every day anyway.

“I promise I will do everything to do it.”

“Thank you very much.” Ona gives him a new bright smile.

She’s touched, which is probably stupid from her. She doesn’t know if it’s just television and show. She probably won’t see something belonging to Jana, but she likes the idea.

They hug when it’s time for Ona to finish the interview and she greets the crowd with a wave before going behind the curtains once again. She breathes with relief there, feeling relieved and exhausted at the same time. Tony isn’t here anymore, and Ona follows slowly the floor before facing a door. She doesn’t have to open it, someone does it for her.

Two Peacekeepers frame her immediately, taking her in the room she was waiting before coming on set. There, she sits down on the couch, waiting for something. She doesn’t know what, the Peacekeepers haven't said anything to her before leaving.

Alexia will come for her some minutes later, hugging her at length before taking her back to their quarters.

********

Several hours later, after tossing and turning for hours in her bed, Ona decides to get out of her room. She tried to take another shower, but it didn't work. Even the “tea” they give the Tributes to help them sleep isn’t working.

She puts a short and a hoodie on her underwear and slides her feet in the tap shoes lent by the Capitol. She needs to breathe some fresh air, she almost hasn’t since she came here a week ago. There is a place called a garden, which is in fact more like a patio. She went there several times with Alexia or Tony, but they only are allowed twenty minutes per day.

They aren’t authorized to leave their quarters during the night, but she still can pretend to have a panic attack if someone catches her. It wouldn’t be totally wrong though; Ona is pretty sure that her troubles to breathe right now are linked to her difficulty to sleep. In District 8 the air wasn’t maybe very healthy, but she still can breathe fresh air every day.

That patio being in the seven floors, Ona chooses to take the stairs to go there. Like this, she won’t take the risk to wake someone up. She doesn’t see anyone during her walk to the garden, and she’s relieved to see that there is no one here.

Sighing softly, she lies down on one of the deck chairs here. The sky is dark and the more she looks, the more she’s able to watch more stars.

She doesn’t know how much time she stays there, finally feeling her breathing becoming calmer and deeper. She feels better now.

Until she hears some noise coming from behind her and the characteristic sound of an automatic door opening. Ona doesn’t have time to hide, she just has time to turn to face the person coming for her. She was waiting to see a Peacekeeper ready to beat her, but no.

It’s Lucy, who seems scared to face someone here, before realizing that it’s Ona.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Lucy whispers.

“And you?” Ona whispers back.

Lucy's eyes are scanning the place, probably looking for someone else. But there isn’t anyone here, Ona could have said it to Lucy.

“I couldn’t sleep” Lucy finally says.

“Me neither”

They look at each other before Lucy sighs and sits in another deck chair. She’s wearing a grey flannel ensemble with the hood on her head.

“Why can’t you sleep?” Ona asks casually.

It wasn’t probably the question you ask the crush you almost never talked to, but she does it anyway. Lucy seems surprised by the question of Ona, raising her gaze on her. Just when Ona was saying that she can not answer her question, Lucy opens her mouth to answer.

“I don’t know. I was thinking a lot about the trainings, the shows… Everything we went through since we are here.”

Ona nods, understanding perfectly. She doesn’t know how things go for the other Tributes and the other Districts. She has a great team around her, protecting her as much as they can. She’s not to be pitied, but it doesn’t mean that the traumatism isn’t here. She’s preparing for her own death. It’s a strange feeling.

“I saw your interview” Lucy suddenly says. “It was… It touched me.”

It’s Ona turns to raise her gaze on Lucy. She looks at her eyes for some seconds, before shrugging softly.

“Thanks. It was probably the last time I would be able to honor her.”

“She’s lucky.”

“Lucky?”

Ona’s frowning. She doesn’t understand why Lucy might be thinking that, especially knowing the way Jana died.

“To have her memory kept alive by someone like you. People here in the Capitol or in the career District forget the dead Tributes very quickly. It won’t hurt to have someone talking about someone who was here several years ago, just remembering them to people.”

Ona nods, finally understanding what Lucy wants to say. She might admit that she was a little mad about that comment, before Lucy can explain herself. She lets her body relax in understanding, looking at the sky again.

“Were your parents okay with your relationship?” Lucy asks softly.

Ona keeps looking at the stars for several seconds, before looking at Lucy again. It seems like Lucy realized the indiscretion of her question when Ona and her cross their gazes.

“Oh. I’m sorry if it was too straight-forward, of course you don’t need to answer that question” Lucy blunders, and this is the first time Ona sees her uncomfortable. “It’s just like… I don’t know, I feel like we are old friends or something. I’m sorry it was stupid of me.”

Trying to ignore the pleasant warmth in her body when she hears Lucy, Ona decides to get her out of her misery pretty quickly. They aren’t talking a lot; this encounter wasn’t even planned at all. It’s the first time they are talking alone like this. She doesn’t want Lucy to feel uncomfortable.

“I don’t mind your question” Ona assures her.

If they were next to each other, she would probably have put her hand on her leg to support her words. But Lucy is too far from her.

“They knew about Jana and me, and they were ok” Ona begins, smiling softly when she remembers some scene. “Jana and I knew each other from when we were little. I don’t know when things changed or if it was always here. But one day at dinner, my Mom just asked me if Jana was my friend or my girlfriend. I answer that it was my girlfriend, and they just go with it. They never made a big thing with it.”

Lucy nods softly, lost in her thoughts.

“It’s maybe the healthier way to go with it” she says slowly.

“I think so too. I feel like I could have come home with a boy or a girl and they wouldn’t mind. At least I was with someone, not like my brother” Ona rolls her eyes.

“There is a story behind that” Lucy smirks.

Ona laughs softly, shaking her head softly. Lucy was right, this conversation feels like they know each other for years, not only several days. She likes this feeling.

“Him and my best friend have always been in love, I think. They are both too stubborn to see it or maybe they don’t want to do anything because of me, I don’t know. But it’s really painful to watch.”

Lucy smiles at Ona’s rumble, not seeming to mind at all. She has a small smile and some tenderness in her face while looking at Ona. The younger one realizes it and is distracted about it for some seconds, before asking a question too.

“And you? What about your friends and family?”

“Well…”

Lucy opens her mouth to talk, but quickly closes her when they both hear a noise coming from the floor. They both turn in the direction, Lucy even getting up a little.

"Did you take the lift to come here?” Lucy whispers.

“No, I took the stairs. I didn’t want for anyone to hear me” Ona whispers back.

Finally, there isn’t another noise or someone coming. But there is a tension that wasn’t here before. Lucy finally turns in Ona’s direction, looking hesitant.

“Maybe we should go back to our room.”

“I think you’re right”

Ona sighs a little when she gets up from her chair, looking one last time at the stars. She smiles at Lucy when the girl lets her pass before her, turning in her direction when they are at the stairs. Lucy must go down while she has to go up.

“It was nice, talking to you” Ona mumbles, blushing softly.

“It was” Lucy confirms with a smirk. “See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah. See you tomorrow.”

With a wink, Lucy left her to go on the stairs. Ona watches her before going back to her room. She manages to sneak inside before being caught by anyone. Her bed is warm after the cold outside, and the feeling is amazing. She can’t stop smiling, thinking about her moment with Lucy. Her crush won’t probably pass soon, but she doesn’t mind. Lucy seems to be a very nice girl, not only a pretty face. And a hot body.

********

The training goes pretty great. Alexia is able to come to see them trains from time to time and is able to see what their qualities are. For Ona, she realizes that she has a big facility for climbing. Her small body is still strong and agile, and she doesn't have trouble passing from one place to another.

So, for her showcase, Alexia proposed to her to impress the jury with that. They designed a parkour with trees that Ona crossed in a record time. For fun, some members of the jury tried it, just to see they are way slower than Ona. They give her a 7 for that. Tony got an 8, just like Lucy. Those are pretty good notes.

But it’s not what filled Ona with happiness those past days. After her encounter with Lucy in the “garden”, she decides to go back the night before. Lucy was already there, waiting for her like it was planned for them to meet again.

They talk a lot here, about anything and everything. The training, their Partner, their team or what is on their mind at the time. Ona loves those moments together and how they are getting close to each other. They both decided to hide their friendship though, not wanting to become a target for the other tributes.

On the four nights, they are even on the same desk chair, partially hidden by a big flower box and a massive palm tree.

“You look tired tonight” Lucy says.

They already are here for one hour, talking about the food from home they are missing for the last ten minutes.

“I am. I usually sleep more than that” Ona admits.

“We can raincheck for tomorrow if you prefer”

Something in Lucy’s voice might make her think that Lucy doesn’t like that idea, but it bothers Ona to imagine wasting some time alone with Lucy.

“No. I like those moments” Ona frowns, looking at the older girl. “Those are the moments I love the most during my day”

Lucy giggles softly, rolling her eyes.

“I would be sad if you would rather fight than see me.”

Ona smiles only, looking at the stars again. With time, she learned that Lucy knows almost all the stars and constellations. Her grandfather told her when she was younger, he was a fishman and used the sky to go home at night with his boat. It’s almost the only things Lucy told her about her family, but Ona never pushed her to talk about them. She knows that it might hide something, and she doesn’t want to make Lucy uncomfortable.

“I heard that they let us call someone from home” Lucy whispers after some minutes of silence.

“What?” Ona says, her heart beating faster. “How do you know that?”

“I’ve got my sources.”

“Will it be filmed?”

“I think, they don’t have any advantage to offer that otherwise.”

Ona stays silent, thinking of who she would call. She thought about her parents and brother, of course. Her brother might be a good call, he probably could give her some advice. But hearing her mother’s voice for the last time is something she wants too. But on the other hand, she doesn’t want to choose between her parents, she feels like it’s unfair for her dad.

“Who would you call?” Ona asks Lucy.

The older girl stays silenced, looking at the stars. Ona almost believes that Lucy hasn’t heard her and was about to ask her question again, just when Lucy opens her mouth to answer.

“I don’t know. Maybe my brother.”

She seems sad with this answer. Ona frowns, turning on her side to have a better look at Lucy. The moon makes her face shine softly, just like her beautiful eyes. Ona feels like she can look at her all day without being tired of it. But she knows she has to be discreet not to pass for a creep.

“And you?”

Lucy gives her the question back, which isn’t surprising. Ona frowns softly trying to figure out her different possibilities.

“Maybe my best friend” Ona finally answers.

Lucy hums softly, still looking at the stars. Ona takes advantage of it to keep looking at her. She tries to oblige her eyes not to fall too long and too often on Lucy’s lips. Her crush gets stronger every day and she doesn’t know how long she can keep it under control.

“You seem sad” Ona finally says.

It strangely makes Lucy smile and she turns her head towards Ona. She seems to realize only now how close they are from each other.

“My family is a little bit complicated, that’s all. Don’t worry about me.”

Ona frowns once again, keep looking at Lucy. She has gained a little confidence since she and Lucy started hanging out together.

“Would you listen to me if I told you something like that?”

“Probably not” Lucy laughs softly.

Ona doesn’t answer anything, she just raises both of her eyebrows and turns her head to look at the sky again. It’s a nice day today, the sky is clear. Yesterday they weren’t able to see any of the stars.

“Do you find it strange? That we get along so well considering the circumstances?” Ona asks suddenly.

“No. I think we’ll get along too if we have met somewhere else. Or in another life…”

“In another life…” Ona repeat for herself.

She feels sad, suddenly. She hasn’t felt that way since the beginning and she has trouble explaining this sudden wave of feeling. It is almost intoxicating and like this other day in the car, she has trouble breathing correctly. She tries to settle her breathing not to alert Lucy.

“Hey, are you ok?”

Try again, Ona.

She nods, but despite that, Lucy stands a little on the chair, not to be lying anymore. She sits and faces Ona, putting a hand on her stomach. Ona feels shivers despite herself, and she almost hates her body to react that way while she’s not far from a panic attack.

“Look at me” Lucy says softly. “And breathe with me.”

She takes Ona’s hand with the one she hasn’t on her stomach, just to put it on her stomach too. Looking deep in Lucy’s eyes, Ona finally manages to breathe normally again after several minutes.

“You’re okay” Lucy keeps repeating.

It’s not totally true, but Ona doesn’t answer anything. Right now, with Lucy, she is ok. She feels safe. She has to focus on this.

“Thanks” Ona finally whispers.

“Anytime.”

There is a sincerity behind Lucy’s words which can seem strange because of their situation. But Ona wants to believe her.

They look at each other for several times, before Lucy opens her mouth to say something.

“Ona, I- “

She’s cute by a big noise, making both of them jump in the air. They both know that it sounds like the end of their meeting for tonight.

“We better go” Lucy says.

Ona groans for any answer, sitting on the chair too. She doesn’t want to, but she knows it’s better for them. Once again, they won’t do anything to them here, but they can easily make things look like an accident.

“I’m going first” Lucy decides.

Ona nods and sighs, standing up too. She watches when Lucy turns around to look at her again and froze when the dark-haired girl leans on her to put a kiss on her cheek. Pretty close from her lips.

“See you tomorrow night”

And then, she’s not here anymore. Ona needs several seconds to come back to reality and finally leave the garden too. She goes to her quarter silently, lost in her thoughts. She wasn’t expecting to see someone in her bedroom when she arrives, so much that she misses the silhouette of the person here.

“Where the fuck were you?!”

Ona jumps out of her skin and jumps so much that she knocks her head against the door of the room. The lights go on and Alexia is standing in the middle of the room, arm crossed and a very angry expression on her face.

“When Tony told me that you were leaving your room in the middle of the night, I didn’t want to believe him. I told myself that you weren’t this stupid and unconscious. You better have to have a good explanation, Ona.”

Tony. Of course he will open his damn mouth. And how does he know that Ona was leaving her room? That’s pretty strange in Ona’s opinion.

“How does he know that?” Ona frowns.

“That wasn’t my point here.”

Alexia seems really furious. Ona swallows her saliva with difficulty and shrugs, suddenly not able to look at her Mentor. She’s not screaming but she’s talking so coldly that Ona would have preferred the first possibility.

“I’m fighting for you, Ona. I try to make you look good for sponsors and attract good attention to you. But if people learn that you don’t comply with the rules here, you are a lost case. We don’t laugh with rules in the Capitol. If you do bad things, it’s not only you who will have something to repair, but your family too. And if they know I protected you, they will go for my family.”

It suddenly attracts Ona’s attention again. She never thought that they could go after her family for something she did. She’s suddenly scared, and Alexia is probably easily seeing that on her face.

“Please, don’t say anything to the Leaders.”

“I’m asking you one last time, Ona. Where were you?”

Ona bites her lip. She doesn’t want to drag Lucy into her problems. She can’t believe that Tony snitched like this.

“I was in the garden. It’s where I go” Ona finally answers.

“Alone?”

There is another silence, while Ona thinks again about telling the truth or not. She doesn’t want to lose Alexia’s trust, but she cares so much for Lucy.

“I don’t want her to have any problem” Ona finally whispers.

“I won’t tell anyone” Alexia says.

Still chewing her lip, Ona raises her eyes again on Alexia. She wasn’t able to realize it, but Alexia’s gaze softened those last seconds. She seems happy to hear the truth and Ona saying it. Maybe Alexia already knows everything.

“I was with Lucy”

Alexia looks at her for several seconds and sighs finally, before pinching her nose.

“Teenagers” she grumbles before looking at Ona again. “Go to bed.”

She passes next to Ona to leave the room. Ona feels uneasy. She hates conflict, fights and arguments. She hates the fact that Alexia might be disappointed about her, or even upset.

“Alexia…”

The blonde was closing the door behind her but still slid her head through the gap of the door. She looks at Ona with her hazel eyes and Ona has trouble looking at her while talking. But she still does.

“I’m sorry. For disappointing you and making you mad at me.”

Alexia seems to soften finally completely and comes into the room again. She takes the time to close the door again before talking.

“I’m not disappointed in you, Ona. But between you and Tony, you are my favorite from far away. I would be mad if you get yourself in trouble because you go flirting with another Tribute at night. You have to be careful about yourself.”

Ona nods once again and is surprised when Alexia hugs her. She hugs her back, her nose somewhere on the other girl’s shoulder.

“Be careful with Tony, okay? I don’t like his comportment with you.”

“How does he know that I’m leaving at night?” Ona asks again.

Alexia sighs and lets go of Ona before answering.

“He said he was hungry and wanted something to eat when he saw you leaving. I really want to believe him. If it’s not that, he’s spying on you and it’s really disturbing.”

It is. Ona feels her stomach twist in a way that is everything but good. Why in the world would he spying on her? To know what she’s doing? Or is he spying on her for someone else?

“Don’t worry. I’ll have an eye on him, ok? Now try to sleep, you still have training tomorrow.”

“Yeah. Thank you.”

Alexia smiles softly and leaves the room for good this time. After a quick shower, Ona goes to bed. Once again, her mind is full, between Alexia’s revelations and what happened with Lucy in the garden.

Sure, it was just a kiss on the cheek. But she can’t forget the feeling she got when Lucy’s lips were on her skin. The perfection of her smell, the softness of Lucy’s lips. She’s smiling like a fool when she finally manages to fall asleep, not wanting to consider for now if she will be able to see Lucy at night again. Maybe they’ll find another way to be together. They have to.

Next Chapter

[thatmexisaurusrex]

Delacroix Public Library Captain America Campaign

This is a series of graphics inspired by a convo I had with @logicheartsoul about libraries. This is also for the @sambuckylibrary's "Free Space" square on my bingo. The general gist of it is Sam and Bucky promoting the local library branch in Delacroix. All the graphics will be under the read more. Enjoy! 🥰

WHAT EACH GRAPHIC SAYS:

PAGE 1:

Middle: Cap says reading is cool! Bottom Left: Cap's boyfriend says so too!

PAGE 2:

Top Left: The Delacroix Library! Middle Left: Captain America Approved! Middle Right: VISIT!!! Middle Lower Right: Unofficially started as a library by local pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries, this branch hosts a variety of old texts brought to Delacroix by the pirates. Bottom Right: VISIT!!! Bottom Left: Delacroix is also the hometown to our current Captain America, one Samuel Thomas Wilson,

PAGE 3:

Middle: Readers of the Month Sam & Sarah Wilson

PAGE 4:

Top Left: 6 Ways Having Fun Isn’t Hard with a Library Card! Featuring Sam Wilson! Top Right: Cap's boyfriend is also here! List from 1-6: 1) Reading Books! 2) Rent Movies or Games! 3) Playing on the Computer! 4) Join a Local Club! 5) Help with a Book Drive! 6) Fight crime with Sam - I mean, go to book fairs!

PAGE 5:

Top Middle: The Delacroix Public Library Summer Reading Bingo 2024 Row 1 Left to Right: Read a Translated Book; Read in your bed; Read the First Book of a New Series; Read a Book Someone Else Picks; Read a Classic Row 2 Left to Right: Learn One New Fact About an Animal; Read a LGBTQIA+ Book; Character Goes on an Unplanned Adventure; Read A Historical Nonfiction; Learn a Recipe from a Cookbook Row 3 Left to Right: Read a Debut Author; Read in a Pillowfort; Free Space; Read a Graphic Novel; Read a Play Row 4 Left to Right: Read a Mystery; Read a Book about an Athlete or Sport; Read a Fairytale; Read a Book That Makes You Laugh; Read a Book with a Spooky Cover Row 5 Left to Right: Read a Book with a Movie Based on It; Read Your Friend’s Favorite Book; Read a Book of Poetry; Read Outside; Read with a Friend Bottom Left: Cap Approved!! Bottom Right: Cap's boyfriend says so too!

PAGE 6:

Top Left: Delacroix Public Library presents Middle: Book Club; FOR YOUNG AVENGERS, NO SAMS OR BUCKYS ALLOWED. Saturdays from 7-10 pm. Pull up your chair backwards, sit down, and talk books. Bottom Left: Et Tu, Cap's boyfriend? Bottom Middle: "Password for Entry, B******!" Bottom Right: CONTACT YELENA FOR MORE INFORMATION. SUNGLASSES NOT OPTIONAL.

PAGE 7:

Top Left: The Delacroix Voice; You're Local Newsletter Top Right: Edited by Eli Bradley Middle Right: Captain America at Library Summer Fun Run! by Yelena Belova; Last weekend, on a hot, humid day in Delacroix, Sam Wilson was spotted at the Delacroix Public Library Summer Fun Run with Bucky Barnes, his sister, Sarah Wilson, and his nephews, Cass and AJ... read more on pg. 5 Bottom Left: Sightings of Sam at the DPL by Kate Bishop; Read more on pg. 3 Sightings from 1-3: 1) Drag Storytime - Dressed in drag, Sam and Bucky gave a fun reading hour to the local preschoolers of Delacroix. 2) Summer Reading - As one of the prizes for the first kid to blackout the entire Summer Reading Bingo card this year, Sam visited and had a one-on-one with winner Leila Taylor Junior, daughter of Leila Taylor. 3) Tree Planting - As part of Sam Wilson’s ongoing community service efforts not just in Delacroix, but around the country, Sam organized a tree planting event for his hometown. Bottom Right: Local Hero Rolling with Boyfriend in Grass Near Local Library by Kamala Khan; Who says you can’t have fun right outside of the library? Local hero and celebrity, Sam Wilson, has been hanging out right outside with his boyfriend, local rescue saved from New York City and man who will pick you up if you ask him nicely, Bucky Barnes... read more on pg. 7

[idontwanttospoiltheparty]

A letter to John's cousin Leila, dated January 1979

Thank you to @javelinbk's post for bringin my attention to this letter :)

I'm sure I made some mistakes in transcribing this, so if someone can figure out the bits I'm unsure about I'd be happy to edit them in! (EDIT: thank you to @ohblahdo and @the-bluebird-you-need for much needed corrections!) I also tried to keep it as close to his actual writing as possible but sometimes I can't tell if he misspellt things or if it's just hard to read. I bolded what he underlined.

FULL TRANSCRIPTION:

Dear Leila,

it's snowing;– outside the window in Central Park – I can see the Plaza Hotel across the trees – it's beautiful. I'm exhausted (still) after Xmas/New Year – they even have a thing called Thanksgiving a few weeks before Xmas (by the way I'm a Pagan – a zen Pagan to be precise – but that's another story!)

It looks a[s] if we got our wires crossed on the 'newspaper story' – ie. Mimi (who else!) told me you were upset about something I said (supposed to have said) in the newspaper about myself – anyway enough of that – it's obviously nothing – so let's forget that which we can't remember anyway!

I don't know why you were surprised by what I wrote you about your 'Russian Affair' – i thought I'd make it clear to you that the words were from a TAROT CARD READER – ie: I told him your story/birthdate etc – the words came through him – I just wrote down his 'prediction' (whatever) re:your situation! See? – so don't shoot the bearer of news!!

Sean is a beautiful wise 3 yr old (born Oct 9! – in case you didn't know) – what a handfull [sic] one is – I don't know how you manage all yours – well done! The fact that they have all their limbs + faculties is an accomplishment in itself!

Sounds like a good idea about giving yourself some time to 'play'! – 8 days doesn't sound like you're turned Gypsy 'tho'! – by the way –

– You better give us a fair warning if you're seeing [?] about 'popping over' here – ie: make sure I'm here – eg. tomorrow we leave (Yoko + me) for ..... Cairo, Egypt (ring a bell?!) – via Geneva – on a business trip – for about a week – I wish we could dig up some of your fathers relatives – do you know anyone there? an Uncle/Aunt?

– I'll send you a postcard –

I'm 40 next year – I hope life begins – ie. I'd like a little less 'trouble' and more – what? I don't know – I sent Stan [Leila's brother, John's cousin] a Xmas card (up north) – I don't know what it is with him – is he resentfull [sic] of me because I'm not dumb or what?! I guess he was always jealous of you – anyway I still think it's pretty mean of him – I heard a lot from him when he was piss poor – I shouldn't be surprised after all the bastards I've met these last 40 yrs or so

– if your [sic] ever in NRH Wales – look [?] up Julian – he's in Ruthin School – poor sod –

I though of you a lot this Xmas – the cottage – the record player – 'good ship lollipop' – 'I found my love on TREASURE ISLAND' – the OWL(s)? the shadows on the ceiling as the cars went by at night – putting up the paper-chains – even Norman turns into Santa Klaus in my memory! (muttering in the chair by the fire)

enough of that too!

Lots of love, to all of you, I'm sure we'll see each other v. soon – somewhere or other – I'm almost scared to go to England, 'cos I know it would be the last time I saw Mimi – I'm a coward about goodbyes...

Have a good year Keep healthy John 8^) xxx

Love from Sean & Yoko xx

[wildfairies]

resources

last updated 8/14/23

genetics

skintones: bare, lore

most used face overlays: gaia, dusty, cicada, all of these (lamatisse’s), all of these (ghostputty’s), soft rose, mint, jaded, saturnine

go-to skin details: 

highlighter (for definition), highlighter (for pores and brightening), opal highlight (for pores and brightening)

moomoo blush

leila face shader

freckles (for full body), freckles (for cute detail), more freckles 

nosemasks by obscurus, northernsiberiawinds, pyxis

misc face details

eye overlays

lip overlays

scars, scar overrides for werewolves, get famous

shadows

body overlays: remussirion’s skin overlays, belly overlays, northernsiberiawinds’ skin overlays

cleavage overlays: pralinesims, northernsiberiawinds 

lashes: miikocc, dreamgirl, kijiko, twisted-cat, obscurus, mmsims

eyes: land and sea, remussirion, marigolde

teeth: alpha, maxis, fangs

eyebags: jetlag

most-used makeup

infant cc

sliders and presets

most used presets: northernsiberiawinds, evoxyr, obscurus, stretchskeleton, simbience

body presets: eunosims

sliders: mouth scale, eyebrows

visual mods

sunblind

cas lighting (4)

lotharihoe’s visual mods (except purple skies)

5 columns in cas

minimalist cas cc icons

tidy cas

custom world maps

custom loading screen (3)

cas tuning

editing

gshade | most used presets: cas lithium, almond 

photoshop actions: sonder, aveira’s, squea’s, kaleekalo’s, sunbloom, my advice/resources

lookbook editing tutorial 

pose player

go-to cas poses: helgatisha, roselipa, uh0htaj

in-game screenshots: buglaur coloring, my advice/resources

gameplay mods

mc command center

wicked whims (18+)

healthcare overhaul

education overhaul

custom nuptials

dynamic teen life

writing career overhaul

relationship & pregnancy overhaul

first impressions

open love life

road to romance

no strings attached

mood pack mod

realistic childbirth

romance interactions

social interactions

basemental drugs (21+)

ui cheats

phone default replacement

[iknowthegammer]

five nights at the cirus

Berry the bear (1/12)

Harley the fox (2/12)

bonzo the rabbit (3/12)

Leila the cat (4/12)

Hayley the fox (5/12)

Jenny the chicken (6/12)

Gary the rabbit (7/12)

James the clown (8/12)

Donald the bear (9/12)

Amelia the fox (10/12)

Henry the rabbit (11/12)

Noah the cat (12/12)

what do you guys think about the animatronics/edits of these I sure someone would make an fangame about it some day or another but I feel like this could be awesome and fun for general audiences to help

[nprshowdown]

Battle of the Morning Editions

Link to the program.

Brief Description: Morning edition is a compilation of short segments of news and culture that has been on the air for over 30 years. Each weekday, a two hour block is created of several 3-4 minute stories hosted by Steve Inskeep, Leila Fadel, Michel Martin and A Martínez.

Link to the program.

Brief Description: Saturday mornings are made for Weekend Edition Saturday, the program wraps up the week's news and offers a mix of analysis and features on a wide range of topics, including arts, sports, entertainment, and human interest stories. The two-hour program is hosted by NPR's Peabody Award-winning Scott Simon. (Via NPR.org)

Link to the program

Brief Description: Weekend Edition Sunday is NPR's Sunday morning news magazine, carried by 794 public radio stations nationwide. Every week, the show features interviews with newsmakers, artists, scientists, politicians, musicians, writers, theologians and historians. (Via NPR.org)

[spnmoosejerk]

Leila’s Birth

[thewarmestplacetohide]

Dread by the Decade: Freaks

👻 You can support me on Ko-fi ❤️

★★★★

Plot: A group of sideshow performers must protect their friend when he falls in love with a cruel trapeze artist.

Review: Shockingly forward-thinking for its time and genre, it humanizes its disabled cast and makes human cruelty, instead, the source of its horror.

Source Material: "Spurs" by Tod Robbins Year: 1932 Genre: Psychological Horror Country: United States Language: English Runtime: 1 hour 4 minutes

Director: Tod Browning Writers: Willis Goldbeck, Leon Gordon Cinematographer: Merritt B. Gerstad Editor: Basil Wrangell Cast: Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Henry Victor, Harry Earles, Daisy Earles, Daisy Hilton, Violet Hilton, Roscoe Ates, Rose Dione

-----

Story: 4/5 - An emotional tale of exploitation and the communities that can be built in spite of it. Its main drawback are its half-finished subplots.

Performances: 3/5 - Many cast members were not professional actors, which sometimes shows. Overall, though, most are charming, and Baclanova and Victor are suitably vile. Daisy Earles' scene of heartbreak at the wedding feast is a standout.

Cinematography: 4/5 - Good framing, lighting, and camera work.

Editing: 3/5 - A little disjointed.

Effects: 4.5/5 - The shocking twist at the end looks surprisingly solid.

Sets: 4.5/5 - The circus itself is barely shown, with sets instead consisting of the performers' lovingly personalized caravans.

Costumes, Hair, & Make-Up: 4.5/5 - Quality costumes and make-up.

Trigger Warnings:

Mild violence

Mutilation (not shown)

Domestic abuse

Ableism (largely critiqued by the film)

Misogyny (uncritically perpetuated)

[autistic-sidestep]

SuraMortum for 40(?) What song reminds YOU of them?

questions here i'm gonna cheat and give you two

this hell by rina sawayama for the "fuck everyone else it's you and me"/embracing the villainy thing (plus it's an explicitly queer anthem) and also the "i do want you. for my sins" line you get at the end of the puppetcrash + puppetstuck rescue if you're revealed to mortum. i honestly think they could be an unstoppable villain couple and take the fwt by storm <3 mortum covers the technical knowhow and sura has the people skills and the charisma as argos :3

and kalam by mashrou' leila (two for two on songs by queer artists) for the t4t vibes + one particular section of the song and unofficial translation makes ("i'm feeling like ... / i'm feeling that you feel me / from the flaw / i feel that you feel me") me think abt all the instances where mortum picks up on it

in ch8

"For people like us, the first time stepping out of line means stepping into our own. I recognized a kindred spirit in you from our first meeting." [...] "Really? What kind of a kindred spirit is that?" You smile a little coyly, pushing back your nervous twitch about being investigated like this.     "Someone who is in the process of reinventing themselves." She rubs her chin a little, looking you over. "Into what, I'm not sure."

and the trans specific lovers talk in ch18 (i have to edit my savefile to get it since sura can't Get the trans variable anymore by normal means)

"You didn't." She pats you on the back, pulling you a little closer. "Some people…they do. There's this morbid curiosity I can't stand. Like I'm a slab of meat they are trying to find fault with. But you, ma cherie, you…" This time she looks you straight in the eye. "I what?" You are the one turning away your gaze this time. "I get the feeling you understand." "Maybe I do." You can't hide your sigh because you do. Not in a way you can explain to her, but you do. "I wasn't sure at first. You look rather…comfortable with yourself for…" She doesn't say it out loud, but you know what she implies. Juno comes across as so confident, it must be hard for someone else to imagine how much of a mess you are.

i just aaaaaaaa theyre just two very lonely people at the heart of it all and they end up getting so close

[havendance]

It's Library Trade Roundup time, baby!

Descender: Deluxe Edition Vol. 2 by Jeff Lemire, art by Dustin Nguyen -- I will be honest, I was reading this primarily because I love how Nguyen paints space in watercolors. Otherwise, I'd say that this was a fun, easy read. I don't think the plot ever really hooked me but I liked it well enough. I'll probably pick up Ascender (the sequal series) at some point which has a more fantasy vibe I believe, because while this wasn't one of my top comics, I certainly don't dislike it. And also I do like whenever Nguyen does the watercolors. (I am a little annoyed that it appears that Effie has contracted dead mom syndrome in the Ascender though because I really liked her.)

Dawn of X vol. 3 by various -- I am continuing to poke my way through these because it looks like my library has a good chunk of them. It's honestly kind of fun reading this in an approximation of publishing time (picking up a new volume of 6 #Xs every few weeks). Marauders continues to be one of my favorites. Fallen Angels continues to not work for me, and it's always fun when it calls back to previous comics and I get to go 'sure, why not, might as well happen' as opposed to actually knowing the callbacks. (I am being serious here. I do want to read more X-men comics but I am also down to just vibe.)

The Forged Vol. 2: Home Sweet Home by Greg Rucka and Eric Trautmann, art by Mike Henderson -- Look this is very by Greg Rucka like most of his original work. This comic is in the space marine genre which I am here for. I had read the first volume digitally, and I've come to the conclusion that this is just one of the comics I need to read physically because it's published in the same oversized format as Historia, and while the art doesn't have that insane level of detail, it still just breathes way better full sized whether than on my little tablet. I enjoyed this volume much more than the first and I think having it full sized was a big contribution (as well as the fact that I read the first volume while sitting in the back corner of a full car on the way to vacation which probably didn't help either.) This was also a downtime arc and I liked how it built out the characters and the world more rather than the more action focused first arc. Issue #9 is coming out next week I believe, so I'll be waiting for when the 3rd trade comes out and my library gets their hands on it to see how this next arc goes, but I'm looking forward to it!

Coffin Bound Vol. 1: Happy Ashes by Dan Watters, art by Dani -- I picked this up because I was curious about reading more of Watters' work, but I only ended up reading half of this before deciding it wasn't doing it for me. There were interesting elements, but I'm not sure what to say other than it just didn't click.

The Autumnlands Vol. 2 Woodland Creatures -- This continues to be right up my alley. I liked seeing more of the world and the implications of nuclear energy in this volume were very interesting. Seeing Dusty rub off on Learoyd, the plotline with the Galateas, and all the fun sci fi fantasy fusion of the world was all very fun and it left me sad that there's only 11 issues of this.

Sleepless Vol. 1 by Sarah Vaughn, art by Leila Del Duca -- Courtly intrigue/romance + Fantasy makes this quite different from a lot of the other comics I've been reading, but still very enjoyable. The artwork is beautiful for this (I love all the pretty dresses) and has a very nice atmosphere. I liked seeing Poppy trying to navigate the court after everything got shaken up on her and the worldbuilding was also interesting.