#life saver cactus

[velveteengreen]

found in an understory of bushes at a local plant shop

[reasonsforhope]

Hey cactus! I wanna say I am really greatful for all the hopeful post cause it is really is a big relief to know good things still happen. I also am curious how far you go to do fact checking to see if something actually happened or gives a positive impact cause I personally have problems in doing that myself and would like to know your take on it. Again, thanks for everything and keep on fighthing :)

My fact-checking protocol is that whenever I use a new source, I vet them, primarily by checking their home page to see the focus/tone of their coverage, and more importantly, by running them through one of the best sites ever, Media Bias/Fact Check.

They do report on history of bias and history of accuracy in detail, with sources/examples, and run their own fact-checks regularly. They're a massive time/life-saver.

From their home page: "We are the most comprehensive media bias resource on the internet. There are currently 8600+ media sources, journalists, and politicians listed in our database and growing every day. Don’t be fooled by Questionable sources."

Other than that, I mainly go off context, sourcing, and level of specificity in the articles. I don't go through and check all of the sources of my sources, or anything, unless I genuinely want to read more. That said, I've been doing this for a while, am fairly caught up on science and politics. I also literally work as a freelance fact-checker, sometimes. So I'm pretty good at figuring out when something doesn't smell right and needs more verification. I also have a couple sources that I have mentally asterisked as "90% good, but double-check just in case."

Generally, the bigger and more impactful a claim is, the more I verify it.

I also appreciate when people post corrections and/or more info, which is usually in the notes. I wish I could say I've never posted anything that turned out to be untrue, but unfortunately that is not the case! On the rare occasion that happens, I generally delete the post and sometimes make a separate post about it, or reblog it with corrections, depending on how much the inaccuracy impacts the story as a whole.

[theg-unit]

141 (and friends) professional and  personal Specialty Headcannons.

also I dipped for a hot minute but I spent that time reading twitter thread fics like the internet goblin I am and falling into the multi shipper hole that is PriceNik and poly141 so here are more Headcannons about our favs. 

(also no I won't write Konig Headcannons, I don't like him. pls stop asking)

Areas of interest: academic and personal.

-soap is good at chemistry and chemical equations. the man has the periodic table tattooed on the back of his eyelids and nothing will stop him from making an IED out of literally the most random shit. also knows a concerning amount about atomic physics.  but he also has a passion for all poetry and writes little sonnets in his sketchbook for his partners.

-Price is really good at languages. he's a certified multilingual and is constantly learning. his favourite part is learning niche regional dialects. he is fluent in conversation in all major languages and can speak conversationally in at least 30 others. he also really enjoys horticulture. he can name 50 different grasses according to Laswell.

- Ghost specialises in trigonometry. he can do it mentally on the fly and often comes out correct. he uses it in his sniping, allowing him to be sent on more solo missions, without the need for a spotter. coincidently his secondary talent is navigation, he is bizarrely good at maps and geo guessing games but also used to do orienteering tournaments before his “death”. after the alone mission, despite only being told where the safe house was, ghost seemed to find his way there, without a map, from a city he had only been in for like a week. I like to think his internal sense of direction is like homing pigeon level. you could stick him anywhere and he could immediately find his way back. 

-Gaz is an all-round science man, a jack-of-all-trades. he has a comprehensive knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, geology and the niche areas as well. zoology, astrophysics, ecology, palaeontology, psychology, genetics astronomy, botany, microbiology and the list goes on. you'll never meet someone with so much knowledge of the natural, social and formal sciences. he's not at university level but he has a thorough understanding of the concepts and case studies for all. he can comprehend the advanced concepts as well. its helped the 141 out of some tight spots. coincidently his personal interest is reading. his room on base and his apartment is full of academic journals and natgeo magazines.

-Alejandro. Mechanical engineering. The colonel of the Los Vaqueros can fix anything with duct tape and a prayer, but he also can build the most robust (and more importantly) high-functioning machinery. all repairs to their vehicles and heavy weaponry on base are done by Alejandro, simply because he doesn’t trust anyone else with the machines that keep his men safe. he also enjoys doing it, it gives him some time to wind down and just tinker with things. His secret talent is weaving and braiding. he was taught by his abuela to not only weave scarves and things like carpets, but also to braid her hair and his sisters once she got too old. (I head cannon him as the oldest and they all lived with their grandma cause their parents died.) he used to braid Valerias hair (as an mlm/wlw besties thing) before she betrayed them. he braided Gaz’s hair once they bonded over engineering.

-Rudolfo. Rudy is an expert in law. more specifically domestic and international criminal law, but he also keeps up with all legal disciplines. due to the proximity of Las Almas to the border, he also keeps up to date with USA law. He's a life saver in sticky jurisdiction missions. he also manages the compounds paperwork for requests. he has a silver tongue that translates to requisition forms. his personal passion is painting though. he feels that sometimes words aren't enough to describe things and loves painting landscapes and the little moments, like a flowering cactus in the middle of the night but also its death the next morning. he knows how fleeting life can be in his profession, and wants to capture all aspects. hopefully more with Ale if they retire.

-Laswell. Algorithms. typical of a spook Kate is an expert in cryptographic algorithms. she spent a few years as a cipher breaker/creator in her early career and hasn't lost her touch since moving to intelligence. all of her transmissions to her sources are hand encrypted and they have a key delivered separately. she creates them herself so that they can't be deciphered. she also does it completely in her head, nothing is typed out. her time off is spent back on her wife's farm, as her passion is animal husbandry. they raise goats, sheep, some assorted fowl and a smaller herd of cattle together.  she has an Australian Shepard and a kelpie/blue heeler dog that she trained herself. 

-Nik is an expert in psychology. not in your typical clinical way, but the body language, tone of voice, mindset and “takes one look and deciphers your whole life” way. His experience is immense and he applies it all the time. he can tell when a prisoner is lying in interrogation and when he's been made during undercover. Nik knows people, and frequently uses his observations to do things like blatantly walk into a restricted area with only confidence and a blank lanyard. the Russian is unparalleled in putting himself in the enemies mind space or pulling off dangerous acts in a crowded area. he’s been teaching gaz some tricks (e.g. the Amsterdam cafe mission). But on the side, he is an excellent barber. haircuts of any length and a full on old fashioned shave, with a straight razor and everything, is his special talent. he does price’s moustache, Jonnys mohawk (even though he thinks its ugly when short), learnt how to give gas a full hair treatment and even does Kates hair. he uses it for missions of course (its a great source of intel) but he also finds it to be a way to show care to his people. 

bonus:

Valeria: main specialty-economics and accounting. special interest-botany (but strictly focusing on poisonous and hallucinogenic plants)

Graves: main specialty: aeronautics. special interest-being a backstabbing bitch? jk, he's actually super into smoking and curing meats. if he had joined 141 he and ghost would have eventually found common ground there. (ghost actually enjoyed his career as a butchers apprentice)

anyway that's it for now, and I'll try upload more often. feel free to repost on other platforms with credit, my twitter @ is @macG_Unit. also let me know if anyone writes pics based off these, id love to read them. 

[mornmonday]

Where are these numbers coming from? What parts of these processes have specifically been analyzed? Are we counting emissions from the beef industry as purely leather industry creations? Is it more sustainable to throw away a cow hide that's already created as a side effect of producing beef? These are great numbers but I don't see the story behind them represented here.

Its great that we have new emerging technologies that will give us more sustainable leather alternatives in the future, but are they going to be about 50% plastic like other leather alternatives are these days? Things like cactus leather require a significant amount of petroleum to manufacture (at least in every case I've ever seen), and something being half plastic really takes the punch out of its claim to sustainability. Do these CO2 emissions calculations include the pollutants released when that half-plastic-pleather breaks down in a landfill? I understand you want to make a big point about re-use being the ultimate climate saver (and I agree there!) but we still have to acknowledge that a lot of this plastic will end up being thrown away, as every material eventually reaches the end of its usefulness. Is pleather recyclable, like some plastics are? Cuz that would be really cool, and I would be interested to know how the recycling process of plastic that is half cactus compares to the recycling process of full plastic, which is already pretty inefficient (and honestly I feel that recycling is a lie designed to keep liberals calm in the face of a plastic / oil industry that's going to kill us all, cuz we know plastic recycling contributes almost ¾ of the pollution of just producing new plastic).

Do you think we could lower the amount of emissions significantly by scaling down and de-industrializing the beef (and other meats) industry, and making better use of hides already produced by the animals we eat?

There will never come a day when the whole world is vegan, perceived morals aside let's just be practical. Total world veganism would mean another wave of cultural genocide against indigenous ways of life in North America (just speaking about the cultures I am familiar with in my local area, not claiming to know every indigenous culture and diet on the planet or whatever) and a lower quality of life for a lot of disabled people. But now im getting preachy, so I'll end this here.

PS: consider reading this article if you want more info on why I feel that ultimately producing any new plastic is long-term worse than shifting our meat industries to use "waste" hides and just keep making real leather. https://www.npr.org/2022/10/24/1131131088/recycling-plastic-is-practically-impossible-and-the-problem-is-getting-worse

If anyone actually gives a shit about sustainable clothing instead of just circlejerking about vegans bad, here you go This source shows that synthetic leather is far better than animal corpse skin but still not truly sustainable

Overall, we need degrowth in the fashion industry and should focus on re-use and repair instead of making new things, but Part IV of that page has a whole report on future sustainable options such as using mycellium or other plant based alternatives for when we do need to create new clothing. In the meantime the science is clear: pleather is objectively less pollutive than tanned and treated cow corpse skin, and no cow has to die for it.

[diemondgrimm]

My lil fairy garden got some upgrades 🌞

[bluestembers]

I love Huernia Zebrina flowers so much

[crohnicgamer]

This is an image I wake up to on my phone. This is amazing.

[hellyeahsucculents]

Some blooms this morning 🌺

[yourlocaleldritch]

@mechanicaldemonio is showing me West of loathing for the first time. Here are my thoughts so far:

I like the dialogue. How is the character so flexible?

Awwww Russel! Best bird

Pie saver?

Crimbo is a good word.

CAN OF INFINITE BEANS??????

Love how the Brother has no faith in us

Turnip carrrrrr

Why do we walk like that?

Pete! He looks so goofy!

I never wanna hear about spitoon again. All that for a lousy ring.

I like the game soundtrack.

...Cellar Goblin?

Poor Horace :( I hope he stops losing his horses.

Ahh, the infamous Susie. She scares me.

I have acquired a cowboy hat (irl). All he/theys look good in cowboy hats

Noooo not Gary the goblin :(

Pigeon-infused oats? Excuse me?

Bill the cactus man? Is he ok? Stick the newspaper to his face?

Detonation plunger?

HORSE!!!! FEED THE HORSE OATSSSS!!!

NOOOOO THE HORSE IS GONE

Time to engage in mortal combat. Oh, we're dead. Oh, we have won.

GHOST HORSEEEEEEEEEE. Cold horse? Won't eat oats? Why not?

Ayyyyy the horse ate the oats

NO NOT THE GRAVES

Haha Boneyard.

Sleepy snake. NOOO THE SNAKE IS DEAD

Another snake. NOOO NOT THE OTHER SNAKE

GOOD LUCK SNAKE!!!! I like how snek jumps. NOOO THE SNAKE IS DEAD!!!!

Snake horse!!!!!! Yayyyyyyyy. I hope he didn't go to the 12th dimension

Yay we helped Horace!

Awww poor Susie. AWWWWWW NOOOOO SUSIE!!!!

Why the doctor got so much tnt? Why it by the fireplace? Ohhh. Poor doctor.

Cow demon pog

Imagine getting your rifle robbed by a worm in a wizard hat

420!!!!

NO DON'T SHOOT THE SLEEPY GUY

Ayyy Genocidal options

God, why are we so murderous??? Go to therapy???

Evil hat. Thanks for looking out for us narrator.

Hard hat acquired. Genocide run let's goooo.

Spoopy horseeee. Her name is Spectre!

TAKE ALICE FOR THE BETRAYAL!!!!! BETRAYEL IS SWAG!!!!!!

The prologue is over.

We are in Dirtwater

THE GUN ISN'T IN OUR INVENTORY THIS IS AWFUL!!! I WANTED PAIN

Free room

No. Another spitoon. Why. Why. Why. That porcelain cow

What do you call non-binary cowboys? Cow people? Cow-havers?

The monsters are op now. This is very inconvenient.

Necromancer journal! Something I never knew I wanted.

Forces of pie

Bean craft

Another dead snake. *sigh*

Awwww Abigail

ohh God no not another spitoon. No please.

You can't add pride pins to in game cowboy hats. I'm so sad. That would be so cool.

The irl hat has a bi pin on it. I am content with life.

That doll is creepy.

(we gave up sometime after this point)

[deldeldel90]

 From the outside, the pastel family - who the commoners knew to be three siblings, but there were four children instead - was the perfect flower garden. 

 The King - a red, thriving rose, eager to right the wrongs in the world. Eager to love, to live. 

 Maria, the eldest, was a Hydrangea. Determined to be herself, graceful, and as beautiful as she was. Prettiest Maria, was the start of the nicknames his dearest gave. 

 Lorena was so strong, a cactus, blooming with bright pink flowers. He never knew Lorena as well as his other daughters, but for him, that was okay. For her, she never noticed, as she was too preoccupied with her siblings, being both a younger sister and an older one. Prettiest Lorena, she was called affectionately. 

 Gwen. Just- Gwen, the King's heart froze whenever he saw her. His dearest … never gave any sorts of nicknames to her. But it couldn't have been that she didn't love their youngest, it was clear that she did, but… he shook his head. In the flower garden, the King thought that she was just as beautiful as the rest of his children, even if the rest of the world didn't think so. She was a Juliet Rose, one of a kind, reflecting both her inner and outer beauty. 

 His son was different from his daughters. He was a forget-me-not, and even in his young mind, he drew the conclusion that he had to protect his sisters, just like his father and Miss Molly did. However, his elder sisters were stronger than he was, and most days, they protected him. He was grateful for this fact, but felt guilty at not fulfilling his role. 

 The King tried to smile throughout the pain, tried to sing the same songs his beloved wildflower did. 

 But trying to copy her loving petals only made his thorns grow harsher, driving him to tears most days. 

 He wasn't her, and he would never be her. Maria still asked him, with big, innocent eyes, where her mommy was, and he could barely string together an answer, before Molly came by and smoothed things over. 

 (That woman was truly a life saver, in more ways than one.) 

 Indeed, he was a wilting flower in the beautiful pastel family garden. But as long as his roots stayed still, he would honour his wildflower, his darling, smart, beautiful, kind Lilyth. 

 He just hoped to everything above his children would not wilt the same way he did. 

[artnrandomness]

This is a ref sheet as to how I draw the Peashooter from PVZ: Garden Warfare. And I gotta say, for my first time drawing this iconic plant, it doesn't look so bad.

I'm thinking that, after drawing all the plants and zombies and making bios for their possible in-game personalities, I might make a few short comics about their shenanigans, a few art peices every once in a while too.

Anyway, the bio for the Peashooter (the main one, anyway) is this:

"The Peashooter's an amazing warrior, perservierent and consistent when it comes to taking down zombies. But when not at the enemy lines, he can be quite a reckless adrenaline junkie. But overall, even with those flaws, he still cares for his team, nontheless."

As for the rest of the Peashooters, here are their bios:

1. Fire Pea, due to his ability to permanently stay aflame, can be a bit cocky. Luckly, though, this is only towards the zombies. He's a life-saver when it comes to winter and saving money on his and any other plants' heating bills. His girlfriend is the Fire Flower.

2. Ice Pea, while the coldest Peashooter around, has a warm personality, able to cheer up someone who's feeling down. He's full of the holiday spirit when Christmas arrives.

3. Toxic Pea, while as happy as his BFF, Ice Pea, complains a lot about people feeling distant. This is due to him not having a lot of friends because of his toxic body, which makes him feel quite down sometimes. The Ice Pea is always there for him whenever he feels down.

4. Due to his experience in the jungle, where he grew up, Commando Pea knows every turn and corner when going through a stealth ops. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy that NEVER tolerates any sillyness (although, he does that sometimes for the sake of his teammates when it comes to rookies, though, not willingly). He can be very stubborn sometimes. This is most shown when he fights a horde of zombies without retreating.

5. Agent Pea's your typical spy movie agent: cool under preasure. While he's no-nonsense like the Commando Pea, he's willing to tolerate any sillyness and not get even a bit mad about it, unlike him. With a british accent and a License to Vanquish, Agent Pea's the perfect silent stalker behind enemy lines.

6. Law Pea is always there, whenever there's injustice and suffering and whenever liberty is threatened. He's fast with his weapon/mouth, the Six Shooter and is a great leader and protector. Although, he can be very lazy when there's no action, and due to him being the oldest peashooter (not as old as an old man, thankfully), he'd perfer taking a nap or sitting in his chair doing nothing... unless, of course, there's trouble to be taken care of. His best friends are the acient Sun Pharoah, Armor Chomper and his somewhat love interest, Bandit Cactus.

7. Plasma Pea is a Legend of the Lawn, the smartest peashooter there is. He knows all of existence and can solve any question you have about outer space. He is feared by those who cross his path thanks to his weapon/mouth, the Plasmic Disruptor. He's best friends with the plant Legends of the Lawn, who are Alien Flower, Chomp Thing and Jade Cactus.

8. While he may look gruff and tough, Rock Pea is simply an insecure peashooter who just wants a hug. He, when he was young, was bullied for being a rock plant. While the bulling stoped when he was a teenager, he still felt very insecure and depressed about himself. Eventually though, he met Sunflower, who knew his pain and helped him move on from it. When in battle, while he may be slow, his weapon/mouth, the Rock Shot. He loves to dance, esspecially if it involved anything hawaian.

9. Electro Pea is an adrenaline junkie just like the original, although, he can be a bit of an impatient fellow, sometimes needing someone to calm him down whenever the action ends. He's also a jokester against the zombies; while he's good with pratical jokes, he's not the best when it comes to puns..................but you can always count on him to make a bad pun about how "charged up" he is.

10. The Berry Shooter, although not alive as of right now, was a legend back then. Created by the now dead Aquafina Industries with Crazy Dave as a sucessful last resort to protect their supply of coll drinks, he, alongside his best friend, the Cirtus Cactus, an Aquafina veteran, have protected the industry and their drinks for years. But when Suburbia was being taken over, Dr. Zomboss ended their lives with a powerful heat ray, alongside Aquafina. Even in death, he is honored by all plants, esspecially Rock Pea, who looked up to him in his times of sadness.

[ranger-rai]

So, I am looking for a good team (preferably with 1 ghost type for me since I explore many ancient ruins). I often like to search for evidence of other worlds we might not know about, and my partner is Eevee. So, what other team members do you recommend?

Hmmm.

Well I'm a Pokemon Ranger so my work is mostly about protecting nature and wild pokemon and keeping people from getting hurt in the wild.

Professors are usually more knowledgeable about things like Pokémon stats and compatibility, but since you're asking about exploring, I think I can help you out!

Firstly, not matter what you do, make sure you have a connection to the pokemon and gain its trust. Dont just go around catching everything against its will. Be respectful of its feelings.

If you're a Ruins explorer, you're going to want a solid Ground type on your team. I'd recommend something big like Aggron or Golem in the event of a rock slide or cave in. You could also pair it with something small but capable like a Trapinch or a Dugtrio for helping dig out of situations.

Alternatively a strong fighting time can be very helpful, or a Psychic type.

A fighting type like Lucario is great for its Aura sensing abilities which can be a life saver if you're in danger, similarly with a strong psychic type like a Baltoy.

I can't really recommend any fire, grass, or bug types because they might not do super well in there unless you get super specific.

A fire fighting like infernape would be helpful, a cactus pokemon wouldn't be bad. And maybe a spider like pokemon like Ariados.

Now for ghost types:

Ghost types would be super useful for scouting through areas that you can't reach and passing through walls.

Misdreavous is a solid ghost, but I'd also highly recommend the Duskull line due to their strength and size. They have all of the ghostly abilities but as they get bigger they become alot stronger so you might not need a larger pokemon with you.

You could consider the Litwick line, but only if you really need a light source and a way to communicate to others in your team.

And I think that leaves you with a few options, be sure to make a connection with these pokemon, and maybe check in with a ranger station or a pokemon center message board, sometimes you can trade or adopt these pokemon.

While catching is always great, some pokemon need homes or to be rehomed.

So keep that in mind, and be safe out there.

[starchords]

It seems like we’re all using these asks to escape something or another 😂

1, 28, and one you really want to answer!

You're a life saver :')

1. What are three shows in your watchlist that you’ve been meaning to get to?

Number one, is SEE with Jason Momoa, one of my friends did background work on the show in the second season, i need to see her!!! Second, would be Dickinson & third, would be Emily in Paris.

28. Can you swim very well? Do you like swimming?

I can swim very well, i love swimming! I was thinking of doing the polar bear plunge this year, but we shall see.

Do you have any houseplants? Do any of them have names?

oh my god. you should see my room, i have plants everywhere. i have a cactus called spiky bitch, because when i was moving i pricked myself, what a PRICK. :(

[itscinnafox]

STORY NOTES [akafuri] : By The Next Sunrise

Because I had sooooo much fun doing this with a friend (@miss-cactus) :] (also being the first collab' work that's posted) and had a lot of messy notes and drafts, it's just so precious to me not to ramble about it >w< also plenty of fun times in just 2 and half months despite life biting my ass at the same time, totally my stress relief lol. Also, this story really isn't just some cheesy stuff for the sake of romance. It's genuine love (੭ ˃̣̣̥ ω˂̣̣̥)੭ु⁾⁾

Read the story here in AO3 Summary: On the way to his brother’s house, the spring showers had begun again. With an open palm, he let it collect the cold showers and let it flow out from the cups of his palm. They were chilly despite the warming sun, he looked up at the sky, and wondered what the rain would be like in other parts of the world. Furihata smiled. He would find out. Perhaps by one of the next sunrises.

.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ. Rambles undercut ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ˋ)੭✧ .☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.

FIRSTLY, @miss-cactus has all my gratitude ♡(ŐωŐ人) without her; AkaFuri will be stranded in France LOL! Seriously, I'll just dump them in some random village in France and just maybe not even finish this story at all even. The time she took to find me a place, translate, edits and also judging me for my description of the place LOL yep... total life saver. With her help it really motivated and inspired me a lot! She's the oil to my car............. you get the idea :] .

BONUS, she's also a translator and translated many amazing works, basically a deity, breathing life back into them. Also, she has original works too :D check 'em out, it's cute! It's in French, but they're easily translated, she's that good! (๑>◡<๑) her AO3

WEIRD FACT, I also had a short break up with my boyfriend of 7 years while writing this. LOL. I was so upset but I got motivated by the similarities, that when he asked for us back I was like 'But-but the similarities though!' but I love him....bleeegh. So I said yes, and we're better than before. YAY!

๑ Story Base ๑ The idea popped when I was listening to 'The sun after washed by spring rain' by Wang Lee Hom on a rainy day on my day off, and florist Akashi just looks so beautiful lol and the rest just came up.... and I really wanted this vibe for AkaFuri something incredibly soft and warm~ just cozy >w< huehue~

This story sets in Spring, spring here, spring there~ Spring is the breath of new life, basically Furi's story lol.

I was also aiming for this story to be short and a bit poetic...... LOL then 11k words later I just gave up and was like: well, if AkaFuri wanna romance then who are we to say no? (Akashi will shave my hair in my sleep lol)

๑ Playlist ๑ Play on Youtube The playlist is by order according to each part within the story. I really love to ramble about this since music is my inspiration for a lot of things and the vibe of the whole premise, section of their development and perspectives.

☆ 11 : 11 by Taeyeon Introducing Furihata's little sob lol and Furi's perspective. After Furihata breaks up with his girlfriend (who again, have no significant in his life what so ever), he goes through the phase on moving forward. It really isn't him moving forward with his feelings for her though, it's just him moving forward from the familiarity of being with her in his life. With her gone, he finally reconnects with who he is, like in this passage : "However, somehow with just a fling of his bag onto the island top threw him years back. He has not always been this tidy and clean." Furihata had basically lived his life to accommodate to those around him. (I wanna stress that Furi wasn't forced into a relationship or was it abusive. It was just a relationship with someone whom Furi had no infatuation for. It just so happens she wanted to date him after the wintercup, and Furi is just like 'yea ok?' but really he didn't exactly thought it through.)

So this is where Furihata moves on from the familiarity. He cries because they dated lol, but really he's just confuse.

☆ The Sun After Washed By Spring Rain by Wang Lee Hom Exactly one year after Furi's break-up. The source of this story idea lol. Also, Furi's perspective. The title and the song is literally what it meant; the sun after the spring rain which brings in new beginnings. I present you, this passage of the story: "Instead, with an open palm, he let it collect the cold showers and let it flow out from the cups of his palm. They were chilly despite the warming sun, he looked up at the sky, and wondered what the rain would be like in other parts of the world."

☆ Reunite by Jordie Power I present you, when Akashi appeared and Furihata's crush on Akashi just awakened and go haywire LOL! In this AU, Furihata has genuine feelings for Akashi. They were long time friends, and there were even a few emphasis of their friendship through high school but because Furihata has a girlfriend and Akashi respected that (although most times, in my brain, is just Akashi crying to Kuroko LOL!)

☆ Passage by Miyano Mamoru Furihata and Akashi's similarities. The song is basically about finding yourself as you age, the experiences you go through as you age (i'm 27 and i'm still confuse lol) Even though this story focuses on Furihata a lot and little less on Akashi except for little hints here and there, Akashi was just as lost as Furihata.

Random thought (as I type this), my boyfriend had told me this before "Even though we don't need each other, and do well on our own. We have friends but it's so different. Is just something different to have someone you love around, so to an extend, I really do need you and to share everything with you, it really makes me happy." it really is something different to have someone by your side especially when you found someone. (p/s: you definitely don't need to be in a relationship to feel complete. you complete yourself okay? :3) Furi and Akashi have been in-love since high-school, they have accomplished a lot on their own but in a passage, they both felt lost and felt like something was 'empty' that was because they were still in-love, and they met each other and truly want to spend their life together and share everything.

☆ Moonlight by Miyano Mamoru Mmmmmm~ the juice. This is Akashi's perspective when he wants to romance Furihata (∗ᵕ̴᷄◡ᵕ̴᷅∗)՞ and of course, sneakily confesses to him. OH MY GOODNESS! THIS IS LITERALLY THE PART THAT I'VE BEEN DYING FOR! and wrote it sooooo many times. I wanted it steamy and a little desperate after their long pent-up-frustration unprofessed love, without making it 'explicit' kind of way. So I hope I captured it right lolol.

☆ Make Me Love You by Taeyeon Furihata's feelings towards Akashi. I was pondering on a song that would fit Furihata's pull towards Akashi and how Akashi makes him feel every time. No other songs seems to feel like then I was randomly humming to this song while I was working and this is perfect! Also, a wonderful vibe.

I think it has been emphasised a lot on how Furihata reacts to Akashi, how he blushes like crazy, how he also subconsciously wants Akashi to make him fall in love with him. Because deep down, as again, Furihata genuinely loves Akashi but he was never daring enough to do it and since Akashi had never showed any indication, so Akashi had to confess in order for Furihata to be brave enough to smack their lips together to confess too.

☆ Je Fais De Toi Mon Essentiel by Emmanuel Moire Infinitely bless @miss-cactus (and her naughty brother lol) for this! This is song is seriously sooooo beautiful ;w; I don't care if reader's don't listen to the playlist, but OH MY GOD! If nobody had listened to this, is seriously missing out. (just as a song in general is beautiful) and the lyrics are just akjsfhakjsfhaf AKASHI'S WORDS! In Akashi's perspective and the song that Akashi sang to when they were in the car, and Cactus chose the perfect line for it ;w;

This song basically concludes everything!!! From their feelings for each other since high-school and all the way until the day they die! It's basically everything I wanted this story to be about, just their pure love for one another and to share their happiness together ;w;

Also, I want to point out in regards of Furihata's decision on staying in France. It's really not just a spontaneous and reckless decision lol. As stated and shown in the story, Furihata is somewhat a successful person with a career, but Furihata has other passion and interest which he seemed to enjoy doing which is photography and Akashi notices this. Even though with a career, at a time some will have a change of heart. So if Furi wants to stay in France with Akashi, he has thought it through enough, and can afford to even live by even without Akashi's money lolol. ๑ Premises ๑ Cactus, without her, AkaFuri will be hobos. I . AM . NOT . KIDDING ! She just whip out the map of France and pin point me to everything! I didn't ask for that but her soul is made from angel clay and she showed me this beautiful town, and I am floored! I didn't feel that much motivation and inspiration before o(≧∇≦o)

So why not Paris? XD 1, I didn't want Paris, I wanted a natural, country/cottage vibe and not the city. 2, proven by Cactus, "actual paris : if you want a cup of coffee you have to give up your wife and your 2 children bc it's way too expensive" (XD actually there's more but those parts are only between us lol) 3, I want to pull Akashi from his usual portrayal of rich and luxurious life style. I mean.... he's still rich, just not lavish in that lifestyle. In here, Akashi's basically bare as a canvas, and painting it on his own. 4, I google mapped Paris.... and if anything, Akashi and Furihata will probably get run over by traffic LOLOL! 5, we hate the crowds lolol and we'd do anything to drown the citizens for AkaFuri to be alone. I'm not even gonna be discreet about this xD.

☆ Mornac-Sur-Seudre This main village, is the most beautiful town picked by Cactus. It's not so 'in the face' although not so splashed in a lot of colours (except for the oyster huts), it is a very vibrant village. We totally fell in love with it. It's quiet, and not a lot of villagers, so it's perfect for AkaFuri to have their stroll hand in hand (人 •͈ᴗ•͈) They're also very famous for their oysters LOL! So yeah..... Akashi fed Furi oysters.... because....it's yummy.... LOL! Video reference here. There's another beautiful video but I can't find it no more. ;; Other references; here, here and here.

☆ Seagull Train Furihata loves train (and so do I) and since the train exists here! WHY THE HELL NOT?! I really love writing this part! I fell in love with the department Cactus picked and everything was so perfect and beautiful. Pictures and videos of it was just so breath taking ;w; and it's a steam train! I've never ride one before, but I have been into exhibits in the train museum. The smell is amazing lol. It's like sniffing my humidifier......but bigger.

This is the train I had saw mostly from it. the 030 T 3 from 1891. It's still operational so choo-choo!!! they go!

Video reference ; here Train reference; here, here Other references; here, here, here and here.

☆ Saintes & Royan These two towns are what's closest to Mornac. I didn't have much on Royan because Saintes had a beautiful charm, so this is where they would have their wonderful date <3 and talk a little bit about their feelings.

Cactus correcting me on the description on the city as I just woke up from my sleep, is seriously a way to wake up in the morning at 5am XD LOLOL!!

There's a few churches too, and has an interesting history from the Roman empire :D really intriguing.

The bridge where they have their little confession in high-school (◡‿◡✿)

This video here, absolutely pretty!

☆ Akashi's Floristry; Fleurs d’acacia Cactus picked out the most beautiful name! "So either L’acacia (just the tree) or Fleurs d’acacia (acacia flowers)" The Acacia because it rhymes with Akashi's name : Aca - as in 'Aka' in Akashi. Ci - as in sea...because they're near the ocean. A - as in....... h(a)m because Cactus said so... and I can't even disagree because it's where Furi getting some of those..... meat....because Akashi's ham.....like his meat.......y'know..... We're very dignified ( ᵘ ᵕ ᵘ ⁎)

The design of Akashi's 3 story shop/studio/apartment..... I really don't have any reference, it's all in the head LOLOL! Akashi basically lives in simplicity, his shop all on the ground floor, and the second floor is his art studio where paints and do whatever he wants. Finally the third floor is where he stays, it was wasn't very detailed but it's very spacious and cozy >w<!

☆ The Drive-in theatre Bruuuuuh......the confession is the thing! Akashi sneaking in his opportunity to confess. What more is there need to be said? AkaFuri : mlemlemlemlemlemlemlemlem~

Ohh~ Akashi's pretty Bentley of course.

☆ The Landes The finale of their romance ❀.(*´◡`*)❀. I think we all know what a Volkswagen van looks like LOL! And they had the funky in the van and Akashi took Jean's advice with the bamboo charcoal.

Cactus showed this pretty place and I'm just ヽ(；▽；)ノ

Of course I'd really like to say it again. Furihata's decision to stay with Akashi was really not for the sake of a 'happy ending' or so. They've had deep feelings for each other since high-school and bonded closely, but Akashi didn't show any indication of romantic interest out of respect for Furihata's relationship, and Furihata knowing nothing about Akashi's mutual feelings just kept his feelings to himself. As told by the story, Furihata has a career and stable income. But even though his life is dandy in Tokyo with his job, that doesn't mean it's something he wants to keep pursuing or maintain, as we age, we search for something else to add into our experience. Not to say that we're forever unsatisfied, it's just how life is. We accomplish something, and we move on to another thing, and then another and another. It's really something beautiful about it, and life's just us exploring :] In Akashi and Furihata's case, is that they've already have what they wanted, a life of their own, choosing their own path and what they don't have was each other and now that they've bonded and opened up themselves, they can finally pursue another beautiful life together (>*^▽^*<)

๑ Book, Night on the Galactic Railway by Kenji Miyaza ๑ This is a real book. Also, my favourite! There is an anime as well, but if anyone wants the PDF feel free to drop me a DM and I'll give it to ya'.

In here, the story of the galactic railway impacted their lives a little bit differently. With Akashi the loss of his mother and Furihata to live the last adventure before death.

It is shown they have extreme love for this book, and it really is a beautiful book and there's just endless things to talk about, as it is place in an infinite travel of the train through the galaxy, meeting new people, seeing new things, the mysteries of stories and making meaningful relationship despite never being able to see them again.

The sentiment of Giovanni and Campanella is also similar to Akashi and Furihata. Before anything else, they want to have their adventure together before eventually parting their ways (and i really mean, until death do them apart.)

๑ Other Juices ๑ There some nitty stuff that aren't just there for show xD Well, kind of but there's some sentiments and stuff so...

☆ The Sunflower Maybe because I'm bias to sunflowers LOL! But Furihata is pretty with yellow! Sunflowers with darker brown florets are absolutely beautiful. The pendent I had in mind was literally the one I had when I was a kid (but I donno it's gone now lol). I googled other sunflower pendent but it's ugleh...

It associates with the theme of this story which is 'Sunrise' as in new beginnings, Furihata's fresh start to pursuing the person he actually loves.

Sunflowers also grow towards the sun. They radiate pure joy and positivity. They also symbolise unwavering faith and unconditional love; which is AkaFuri's undying love here despite the years.

Sunflowers are also given to show their deepest to the person, so Akashi gift him a sunflower :3 also because Furi looks pretty in yellow, fight me.

In chinese myth, sunflower are best for business... So with Furi around, Akashi's business will bloom LOLOL!

Funfact: In greek myth, a nymph named Clytie fell deeply in love Apollo, god of the sun. Although Clytie was beautiful by nymph standards, Apollo did not reciprocate her feelings, or acknowledge it. (except Akashi appreciates Furi's love okay?) After days of hopeless devotion, the nymph then transformed herself into a sunflower and constantly turned towards the sun so she could always be with the one she loved (Furihata's chasing sunrises because Akashi is there ok?).

☆ The Happy Street Cats :D This is actually a real book I have, a gift by my teacher before I leave S.Korea. The passage idiom is extracted by this page as well.

The front cover of the book is also yellow.

Yellow : Sunrise + Sunflower.

There's so much yellow in this story LOL!

☆ The Movie Cactus : Idol movie Me : *internal screaming* I swear we are always soooooooo close to making this whole thing crack XD

This scene is a real brain wreck lololol. (Still contemplating if it was romantic enough)

☆ Akashi's Florist number I extracted that number from an oyster restaurant LOLOL! Thankfully Cactus changed it.... we were planning on a crack bonus in which, Furihata orders oysters before calling Akashi.

It didn't happen. But if it did.

Furihata will order some oysters. And not regret it.

*Akashi judging*

☆ French Dialogues + Akashi teaching Furihata French Bless Cactus, she's my happiness now. I have no idea how many weird noises were coming out from our mouths just to understand how the French consonant 'R' sounds like to put it into words LOL! XD Without her, it'd be a disaster.

We were looking at other romantic phrases and found the perfect one ;w;

“Je suis ton bonheur.” means "I am your happiness" (oh god, google translate voice just keeps playing in my head LOLOL! help) Which, what else can be said? LOL Akashi's happy ok? Since this story is from Furihata's perspective, I really wanted to put him into the spot of being a foreigner (he speaks english and mandarin lolol just clueless in French, because Akashi is supposed to guide him). So while Cactus work her magic, being the Akashi to my Furihata. I tried to emphasis a lot on the characters expression etc, at least to indicate of what was going on....tbh even I forgot what they were saying. *just as clueless as Furi and Cactus cackling somewhere.

Everything in here is just Cactus being amazing ;w; and pure patience LOLOL!

๑ Side Characters ๑

☆Shérine ............ We butchered the original female side. Her name was Camille.... but I was sooo tempted to name it after *coouugh* :] because it's pretty. Also her hair was blond with hazel-green eyes.... yea we buried her.

Shérine wins now... Shérine is life.

Shérine will be in their wedding.

☆Jean Kirstein (of AOT) It's JEAN! ...........someone gotta tease Akashi with no filter.

(ﾉ^ヮ^)ﾉ*:・ﾟ✧ FINAL NOTES

The last section when Furihata wakes up and makes his decision, believe it or not, I was in the bus. While typing to Cactus, I was literally shaking in the bus and my eyes stung because of dust and I was in tears. I was between crying and laughing. Finished it at home ;w; Cactus was such a darling through it all.

I really had fun writing this with Cactus ;w; she's the best!!!!!!! And hopefully we'll make some crack stuff because we're hooligans like that XD.

:D BYE!

[andyet-here-we-are]

I Would Get Into Millions of Accidents Just to See You, Chapter 2 (aka Nurse Geralt AU)

(ao3: x

Chapter 1 Tumblr Link: x )

Geralt is not someone who is an active social media user. He has never been.

Hell, he wouldn’t even use WhatsApp if he didn’t have to.

He thinks that apps like this make people so accessible, and leaves little privacy, and ironically, despite it’s called “social media” it makes people less social. He has lost count of how many times he has seen a group of friends sitting somewhere and scrolling through some apps on their phone or something instead of talking to each other.

Of course, it depends on one’s use, but from what he can tell, whenever you’re online, people tend to think that you have all the time in the world.

So no, thank you very much. He likes his privacy.

Whenever he says that “Social media is for people who don’t have nothing better and important to do,” Ciri just gives him The Look ™ and says: “Okay, boomer.”

He has no idea what the hell it’s supposed to mean, but he is sure it’s not something good.

Once Ciri had downloaded some dating app on his phone without his permission while he was sleeping his ass off after a very tiring night shift. That little match-maker of a girl.

And not only that, but also she had said: “I texted some of the users for you! The ones I thought you might like. One of them seemed nice, I like her energy. So, anyway, long story short, you have a date this weekend. You can thank me later.”

“Excuse me, you did what?!”

Needless to say, Ciri wasn’t allowed to use the internet for three days after that.

“I just want you to be happy,”  on the third day, Ciri had said out of the blue while they were reading I, Robot together —they were both into sci-fi, and reading was a great escape from thinking about all the things going on in life.

“You deserve love. Everyone does. Your whole life is nothing but me and your job, and… You deserve happiness, dad. You deserve love.”

“Come here,” Geralt had said, opening his arms wide for her to embrace him, which Ciri had applied.

“I am happy, pumpkin.”

“You could be happier… If there was someone you loved and dated—”

“Ciri, look. Love is… A beautiful thing.” he started ‘Even though it can be hurtful,’ was left unsaid.

“But love doesn’t necessarily mean the affection between a couple. It doesn’t just mean romantic love. Love can be in many forms, shapes, and different ways. Love of self, of animals, of nature, friends, family… We experience love every day when you think about it. You can find it in everything.  Even in a slice of homemade pie that Mrs. April brought us today.”

“I love pie! But dad, I doubt that if a slice of pie can tell you that you look lovely today. A cutie-pie on the other hand—”

“Ciri, have you been even listening to me?”

“…and a pie can’t run their fingers through your hair-”

Geralt sighs, “Why am I even trying?”

“Deep down you know I’m right. Dad… How about you just… give her a chance? For me? Just see how it goes?”

"Is it gonna make you happy if I do that?”

“So happy!”

“And you’re not gonna do something like that ever again.”

“Promise!”

“Not downloading stupid apps on my phone, and not trying to set me up.”

“You got it, Cap!”

Geralt had met with that woman, and they just didn’t click.

True to her word, Ciri never has done something like that again.

***

Geralt is not someone who likes social media.

But there he is, looking at the musician’s posts instead of sleeping—even though he has to get up early as always tomorrow—scrolling through the app, and feeling like a high school girl with a stupid crush.

He reads every little caption the musician had written.

Surprisingly- well, maybe not so surprisingly- his songs aren’t the only thing he posts about.

He posts about random things; sometimes it’s a pretty flower he came across this morning, sometimes it’s a kitten, a book he is currently reading, food recipes, his drawings, things like that.

His account seems like just his personality.

Filled with all the beautiful colors in the word. Filled with joy, and every little thing he shares feels so sincere. Personal.

[I tried that recipe @Brianricci has sent me and it still feels like there are fireworks in my stomach, so here’s a little drawing for you my life-saver pasta-mate.]

That one makes Geralt smile. Reminds him of that day.

***

“I have something for you, Mr. Should Have Been A Model But Became A Nurse For Some Reason. Not that I’m complaining, for the record. The only thing I have complaints about is your hospital’s awful food. So awful that it should be illegal. A sin, even. You’re sinning whenever you guys force people to eat that food. I can only imagine your staff’s weekly confessing: ‘Forgive me father for I’ve sinned.’

‘What’s wrong, immortal one? What did you do?’

‘Oh, father, even bathing myself in holy water can’t cleanse me from my sins! I made my patient eat that awful food, I had to, father! I had to! I had no choice! But I have faith that I can change that one day!’

‘Faith becomes you. Stay with it. Keep fighting the good fight with all thy might.’

God help him this man is so ridiculous.

“Why are you suddenly Anthony Hopkins from The Rite?”

“Eh, just felt like it,” Jaskier shrugs “Your jello is pretty good though, so, good deed point. And your nurses aren’t half bad either, so I heard.”

Jaskier winks at him.

The audacity of that man.

“Anyway! As I was saying, I have something for you—”

“I have something for you, too, Mr. Pankratz,” Geralt says. He has a good guess about what Jaskier has for him.

A drawing of a flower.

He had heard the staff talking about how the pretty patient in room 242 has been giving flower drawings to pretty much everyone while he was walking around.

“Why thank you, you shouldn’t have! You brought some wine for me or something? For the celebration for my third week here? You’re so kind, my good sir.”

“It’s your medicines.”

“…ever the heartbreaker. I take back everything I said. You’re the devil in disguise.”

After Geralt gives him his medicines, Jaskier pulls a scratch book under his pillow and carefully tears a page from it. He gives it to Geralt.

“I thought I was the devil in disguise?” The nurse says as he takes the drawing from him “Are you sure that you should give demons a flower draw—”

Geralt can’t finish his sentence.

Because what he is looking at certainly is not a flower drawing.

It’s a man who holds a syringe in his hand with a kind smile on his face, and the syringe is filled with cute little hearts.

It’s him.

There’s a giant cactus standing behind him for some reason Geralt finds it hard to understand why.

He has seen the other drawings, and they are nothing like this one. This one looks like Jaskier has tried his hardest to make it perfect. Put everything in it. It’s perfect and detailed as if he had drawn it while looking at Geralt. It also seems familiar for some reason.

“—in conclusion, devils are fallen angels, so…” Geralt hears Jaskier talking.

Yet he is too busy to say something as he keeps looking at the drawing in his hands.

“Ooops, did I go too far with the hearts?”

“Hm.”

“Geralt? Say something, please? Oh God, I broke my nurse. They’re sooo gonna sue me. And I don’t think I can afford a good lawyer, I’ll rot in jails, I’m too young to rot in jails, I can’t be someone’s bitch, I’m not even—”

“May I ask why is there a cactus standing behind me?”

“A comment! Phew! Finally! Well, that would be because you’re just like a cactus.”

Geralt raises an eyebrow.

“Better than being a weed, Dandelion.”

Jaskier holds his hand to his chest and gasps, feigning offense.

“Words hurt, Geralt. Words hurt.

I meant it as, like, let’s face it, you’re kinda prickly on the outside sometimes, but soft on the inside? A cactus in the desert.”

Geralt sighs.

“And now you imply that my hospital is a desert. How nice. What’s next?”

“You don’t like it?”

“It’s okay.”

It’s obviously more than okay, but teasing with the young man is fun, and everyone needs some fun in their lives once in a while.

“If you don’t appreciate my drawing just give it back,” Jaskier makes grabby hands as he pouts like a little kid that just dropped his ice cream,  “I’m pretty sure it’ll look good on my fridge anyway. No trouble for me.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Try me.”

“I’m not giving this back. Too late, you should’ve thought that before you gave it to me. Can’t take it back now.”

“If you don’t say something nice about my spectacular drawing you can be sure that I’m gonna take it back from your hands even if that means putting up a fight.”

“How bold of you to think that you’re in a condition to put up a fight.”

“You’d be surprised. And if I can’t, your other nurse friends and your fellow patients can do it for me. I haven’t been handing out flower drawings for nothing all day.”

“And you say I am the devil in disguise.”

“I never said I was an angel, have I? Seriously though, you have ten seconds to pay a compliment to my drawing. Ten—”

“ ‘Okay’ was a compliment.”

“I beg to differ, since when ‘okay’ is a compliment? Say that to the Italian chef in Mamma Mia when he asks how is the pasta and see if he takes ‘okay’ as a compliment and doesn’t pour half-full pasta plate over your head, and ruin your favorite bee shirt. Also, nine.”

“That was oddly specific. Did that happen to you?”

“Eight, I have no idea what you’re talking about, I was just being hypothetical. Seven, six—”

“I bet he wouldn’t threaten me with taking my meal back if I did at least.”

“Sev— wait a second I was counting backwards, weren’t I? Where were we? Five!”

“Man, you’re really no good at math.”

“Wanna know what I’m good at? Many things, and fighting happens to be one of them. Four, ” Jaskier attempts to get up from the bed, somehow forgetting about his broken leg for a split second and swears: “Ah, cock!”

Geralt barely holds back a laugh at that one.

“Careful.”

“I can still verbally fight you.”

“You’ve been already doing that for the last five minutes.”

“…three.”

“You never give up, do you?” Geralt rolls his eyes with a smile, “It’s a good drawing. I really like it.”

Another lie.

He doesn’t just like it, he loves it.

But even saying that he likes it is enough to make Jaskier beam at him.

“You gave everyone a flower drawing,” he points out  “but I get a cactus and a drawing of myself, why is that? It must have taken some time to draw this.”

“A special drawing for a special nurse.” Not making eye contact, Jaskier says so softly that Geralt nearly misses it. “Yeah, it sure took some time to draw it, and my schedule was so full because of all the crazy hospital parties you guys keep throwing that I could hardly find the time, but eh, I managed somehow.”

“Sucks that they never invite me to that parties,” the nurse jokes back. “Seriously though, thank you. I appreciate it.”            

“I’d like to draw something for Ciri, too. But I’m saving it for later when I can meet her. You didn’t tell her that I’m here, right?”

“She doesn’t know.”

“Good! Keep it that way.”

***

Smiling at the memory, Geralt rises from his bed to take the drawing from his bedside drawer. No, of course he doesn’t look at it every day, what are you talking about?

If he hadn’t promised Jaskier that he wouldn’t let Ciri know until these two can meet in person, this drawing would be on his wall already.

Maybe next to Ciri’s painting of a white wolf.

He had considered doing so but then decided that it would be wise if he didn’t. No doubt Ciri would figure out it was Jaskier’s drawing as soon as she would see it. It was signed by him, after all. Not that Ciri couldn’t figure it out without the signature.

“What the hell, Geralt” The nurse snorts to himself and runs a hand over his face as he imagines his room filled with the drawings of his daughter, and Jaskier’s. “What are you gonna dream about next? Ciri being a flower girl at your wedding?”

Fuck.

He is totally dreaming about it now.

God, it’s crazy how much he misses him, even though he doesn’t really know him.

Ciri already is crazy about Jaskier, and Geralt looks forward to them to meet, to see how Ciri is going to react when she sees him. He feels like the two would talk non-stop, and he would just listen to them talking about God knows what.

He would have no problem with that; in fact.

“I’ll give him a call tomorrow,” he thinks.

He wants to see Jaskier again.

(Thanks for reading! Sorry for the lack of Jaskier in this chapter, but it was like:

-So, it’s time for you to meet Ciri! 

-Hah, well, I love her, but I don’t think so. Not yet. 

-But Ciri- 

-You can have me as a Flashback Guest in this chapter, nothing more. 

-But my plan wasn’t like this. 

-Too bad, I’m my own character.

Let me know what you think please. Have a good day everyone ~ 💛)

[holylulusworld]

Golden Boy meets grey girl

Summary: Dating Captain America was a dream until it wasn’t…

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, Sam Wilson, James Bucky Barnes, Wanda Maximoff

Warnings: angst, a hint of fluff, breakup, heartbreak, pregnant reader

 You are dating Steve Rogers, Captain America, the golden boy, so nothing can go wrong…right? False...everything can go wrong, and this is where our story ends…or rather begins?

 “How can you be pregnant?” Steve asks raising his voice.

“Seriously? Well, when a boy and a girl Steve; aren’t you too old to ask me this kind of question?” You retort.

“I mean you are on the pill.”

“Yes, and I told you my doctor gave me the advice to not do it with you without condoms as your freaking genetic…whatever could trick the pill and obviously it did exactly what I said. You fucked me bare after the party Rogers! Don’t blame me…I thought you would be happy…”

“Happy? We are working for the Avengers. Risking our life and you want to have a baby?”

“What? Since when am I an Avenger? I’m always in my office, Steve. I’m not in danger and you are almost indestructible. So, what’s the real problem? Months ago, you told me you want to have a family. You looked after every child and now I’m pregnant you want what – an abortion?” You sniff.

“I never said this.”

“But you thought about it. I can see it all over your face. I wish I never listened to Tony or Nat…I knew…Forget it!” Running out of your shared room you want nothing more than have a break.

How could your surprise end like this? Hours ago, you were so happy and now he doesn’t want the baby.

----

“You can stay as long as you want to,” Wanda says but you shake your head.

“Wand, I can’t stay any longer. I have to talk to Steve about…”

“The baby?” She asks.

“You know?”

“I can sense a new life inside of you.”

“I see. Can you keep it to yourself for a while, till Steve and I talked things out? And please tell no one we had a fight.”

“I swear.”

----

“I’m sorry, Y/N. Please let me tell you how sorry.” Steve says and you sit down onto the bed.

“I didn’t want to yell either. I was just so disappointed. I thought you would be happy, obviously, I was wrong. You don’t want this, me…our baby.”

“I want you, okay. Just let me get used to the thought I’m going to be a father. In a few days, I’ll tell everyone about the baby.” Steve says and you want to believe his words.

----

Three months later…

“Y/N, can we talk?” Tony asks standing in front of your and Steve’s room.

“Sure. Is it because I was sick the last week? I already made progress in catching up with my paperwork.

“Honestly, you don’t have to worry about this any longer. You see we do not need your help anymore.” Tony says and you feel like someone slapped your face.

“Wait, what? You mean I’m fired? Why…? Does Steve know?”

“Look...god that’s hard to tell you…it was his idea. You should move into an apartment or house too. The Avengers Tower is kinda not a safe place for a civilian like you.”

“You never said this before. None of you ever called me like that! I saved all of your asses more than once with my knowledge now you are telling me you not just fired me you want me to leave my home and the man I love too?”

“Sorry. It’s for the best…”

“Is it because of the baby? Is Steve afraid something could happen to our child?” You ask and Tony’s eyes widen.

“Baby? You are pregnant?”

“OH…he didn’t tell anyone…right?”

“Shit, I’m so sorry. He said you two want to part ways and that you need a new job…house. I already prepared everything. I didn’t know a thing about a baby, Y/N.”

“Part ways…I see. He wasn’t even man enough to break up with me on his own. Captain America sends his Daddy to kick me out. Tell me is she prettier than me?”

“Prettier?”

“Don’t act like he doesn’t find someone better. I knew it was a mistake listening to you and Nat. Go out with Steve he’s so into you. He only talks about you. Steve is a gentleman…Gentleman my ass! He fucked me like an animal that night and knocked me up, now he’s getting me fired and kicks me out of my home. Gentleman, huh? I got no money, no home and on top of all, I’m pregnant by Captain America. Means every evil creep will try to go after me but moving out of the save Avengers headquarter will keep me safe for sure, Tony.” You spat.

“Y/N, I really didn’t know you’re pregnant. Don’t worry about money or a safe home. I’ll arrange everything for you, and I’ll have a serious conversation with Captain Asshole for sure!”

“Don’t waste your time, Tony. I believe you, okay. I was never good enough, I guess. He was my first everything you know…I thought he appreciated that I was only his…I was wrong. I’m going to pack my things right now. Can someone help me and order a cab? I got no car, so I need to get my stuff to my aunt this way.”

“I’ll drive you. Bucky and Sam can help you with your things. I’ll ask Wanda and Nat to help you with packing. I’m truly sorry, of course, you will keep your job.”

“No. Thanks…I don’t want it anymore. I’ll just go back to my old job at the FBI headquarter. They are calling me for months by now. My old boss will be happy to have me back.”

“Steve got no clue what he lost today…” Tony curses.

“He knows and he doesn’t care, obviously I’m not even worth it to break up with me personally.”

----

“Steve didn’t say a word?” Nat asks.

“Not a single word. I know he wasn’t too happy about my pregnancy, but this is cruel.”

“I should smash him into a wall and break all his bones.” Wanda curses. “I’m losing my best friend!”

“Don’t do that…you are a team…the Avengers…I’m no one to none of you. Just a grey office mouse running around with papers…”

“Papers which saved our asses more than once!” Bucky mutters.

“You will find someone for my job soon. I’m replaceable James.”

“James? Not Bucky?” He asks.

“Bucky is for friends…I’m just…I was just Steve’s girl.”

“Don’t be silly. You are a friend.” Sam says and you shrug.

“Thanks for the try, boys. I appreciate your effort but just drop the act. When I’m out of this door I’m long forgotten.” You say taking your purse and jacket to leave the tower.

----

Around three months later…

“He never called or came around?” Wanda asks.

Shaking your head, you place one hand onto your swollen belly. “I’m no one…told you all so.”

“But we all come around and he’s not able to visit his pregnant girl? That’s low, man. Fuck that’s more than low…this is bullshit!” Sam curses and you chuckle.

“Don’t worry…I’ll live. Made it three months without him. Will make it eighteen years to raise my kids.”

“Kids? Wait…more than one?” Bucky asks.

“Twins. Didn’t Wanda tell you so?”

“You said I shall not tell anyone!”

“Right…I forgot about it. Yeah, Bucky I’m having twins. A Boy and a girl.”

“Doubled the luck! But also doubled diapers to get changed.” Nat chuckles.

“Hmm…My aunt will help me. She had five kids so she’s good in stuff like this…”

“We can help too…not with the diapers…eek…but babysitting and stuff.”

“That’s nice, Nat. Thanks but I do not need a babysitter. I’m working from home and all my friends are here right now…”

“What about dating?” Sam asks.

“You think anyone wants the ex of Captain America? Every guy will ask why I was not good enough for the golden boy.”

“Nonsense!” Bucky says.

“It’s true…two weeks ago a guy flirted with me even seeing I’m pregnant. We talked for a while. He was nice, I was not really interested but talking to him didn’t hurt anyone. After some time, he started staring at me and then his eyes widen.”

“He acknowledged you as Cap’s ex?” Nat asks.

“Yep. The next question was why Steve broke up with me. As I couldn’t answer his question, because I got no clue he excused himself to the restrooms and never came back.”

“So, Cap plays cock-block even after breaking up with you?” Sam mutters.

“I didn’t intend on having sex with that guy, Sam.”

“Still this is shit…and unfair! You didn’t do anything wrong. We heard you telling him to use a condom.” Nat blurs out and your eyes widen.

“You heard?” You gasp turning crimson.

“Babe, the whole tower heard you two going at it…” Nat chuckles and you hide your face in your hands.

“Nothing to be ashamed of, doll. What about coming to Tony’s party next weekend?” Bucky suggests.

“I don’t want to see him.”

“Tony?” Sam asks.

“She means Steve, you idiot!” Nat snarls.

“I know that just tried to lighten the mood with some Stark hate…”

“That’s not Tony’s fault…you all know that. He didn’t know about the baby. Tony offered me a room and to keep my job, but I just had to leave.”

“He didn’t tell us so.”

“Sam, he is not the enemy…culprit…whatever. Tony is a good man, a playboy, and a perv sometimes but deep down inside a good guy, with a good heart. He installed Jarvis in my aunt’s house and helped us renovate it…well he sent someone to do it. The house is saver than a fortress thanks to Tony.

----

Watching you and his friends from afar Steve’s heart aches. He wishes he could just run to you and hold you in his arms but right now it would mean death to you…

----

“You sure it’s safe now?” Steve asks.

“Rogers, I told you we found everyone thanks to your great undercover work but at what cost.” Tony sighs.

“I had no other choice. They threatened her. I had to stop them to protect my child and the woman I love.”

“The woman you love suffers for three months thanks to your lies! You should’ve told us about the Hydra cell within the FBI! Hell, she wanted to start working for them again. You would’ve pushed her right into their arms!”

“Do you think I don’t know that Tony! My heart missed a beat after you told me so! I took down her former boss to make sure she can’t seduce Y/N to come back. If you excuse me now I’m going to go to my girl and beg for forgiveness…”

“Go down on your knees. Don’t forget flowers…but no cactus! If she throws it at you roses or tulips won’t hurt.” Tony chuckles shaking his head. ”How about chocolate or a good fuck?”

“No, swear words, Tony,” Steve warns and Tony starts cackling.

“Seriously? This concerns you the most. Get the girl or I’ll get her. She’s one hell of a woman!”

“I know…and she’s mine…”

----

Sitting on your front porch you close your eyes to enjoy the warm sun on your face. When someone steals your sun by towering over you your eyes snap open.

“What do you want?” You snap.

“Let me explain…you see…I love you.” Steve stammers.

“Sure, that’s the reason you kicked me out of our home and your life. You were not man enough to tell me I’m not good enough for you or that you don’t want my babies. I’m just the grey girl no one wants. Why should the golden boy want me?”

“Baby?”

“Go and leave me alone. Do whatever you did for the last three months, with whomever you did it…” You sob.

“I was on a mission…alone. I took down a Hydra cell within the FBI. They threatened you and my baby. They had some spies within the tower too. I had to take them down, but those monsters had to believe I broke up with you, that you mean nothing to me. The guy in the café was one of them. When you started to cry he knew it was true.”

“He was one of them…he was so close…he had his hand on my bump…” You sob.

“You’re safe now. I took them down with Buck and Vision.”

“Did Bucky know?”

“He was the only one. I told Tony last week. I swear the others had no clue. Bucky visited you all the time to make sure you are save and to report to me on the babies.”

“Your hair is longer…” You say.

“Had to look a bit more…dangerous.” Steve chuckles.

“I like the beard too…”

“I’m so sorry for not telling you but I tried to protect you. I was always close by, just like Buck. Can I touch the bump?”

Sniffing you lift your shirt so Steve can gently place one hand onto your belly. A tear slips down his cheek when one of the babies kicks him.

“Strong little guy.”

“Both are more than strong…I guess their daddy gave them some special gene’s.”

“Will you come home with me?”

“First you need to survive my aunt, she’s a human lie detector. Also, you have to explain why you weren’t happy after I told you I’m pregnant.”

“I was happy, beyond happy but I already started my mission and I knew they would go after you even more. I tried to fake a breakup, but they saw us together, so I had to make it looks real…I’m sorry…Look I have flowers.”

Looking at the dead flowers in his hands you start laughing. “Did you strangle the poor tulips?”

“I guess my grip was too tight…I should’ve bought the cactus.”

“Nah…it’s fine…god…I haven’t laughed like that for a while.”

Helping you get up Steve looks down at you. Blue eyes focused on your lips he tilts his head. Taking too long for your taste you stand on tiptoes to press your lips to his. Giggling you feel his beard scratching your skin while you move fingers through his long hair.

“Am I forgiven?”

“No…but I think we make progress. You will have to make up a lot to me, Rogers.”

“I’ll do anything. I have chocolate too and Tony suggested something else…”

“Tony did? What could…oh…that pervert!” You mutter but Steve's eyes darken, and you feel your heart beating faster.

“My aunt ain’t home for at least two more hours…”

“Then let your golden boy make it up to you…Do you want me to shave the bear first?”

“No way! You will keep it just like the hair!” You mutter dragging him into your house.

“I guess this means you like my new style…”

Pressing your lips to his answers Steve’s question. His arms move around you to hold you tight as he wanted for the last three months.

He finally has his grey girl back…