#my mom asks me what's wrong and i just go ''i'm sick of expressing my identity problems to you because it's taking a toll on my mental-

[johnwicklover1999]

i am so sick of expressing my lamentations as a mixed person to my white mother! like girl no matter what you say you cannot understand, you do not understand! and yet i cannot turn to my father because he is not plagued by these things! these kinds of things, these sentiments of heritage, lineage, ancestry, culture, they are irrelevant to him! last i remember him hearing any expression of mine about racial impostor syndrome all he had to say was along the lines of 'you ARE black, though. you can't change that, it's in your blood', father trust me, i know that! i have known that and acknowledged that my whole life! unfortunately, this is not about fact alone, but about the ways emotional and societal values, perceptions, and functions impact the acceptance/acknowledgment/relevance/value of fact! fuck!!!

[manwritingtales]

Dad, What The Hell Happened To You?

"Dad, what the hell happened to you?" my dad is shirtless, his protruding hairy belly in sight. Just last week, my dad, the daddest dad I know, started posting weird shirtless pics online. I wouldn't have worried if he was just posting workout physiques, but there was something else different about it. He's a quiet person, and he doesn't often go shirtless, but this newfound appreciation for his body took me off guard.

"Nothing happened," my dad said, rubbing his belly. He looked at me calmly, with the same serious look on his face. "Aren't you proud of your dad getting in shape?" He flexed his arms, showing his hairy armpit. I cringed internally. He massages his biceps, the hairs on his chest, and almost smugly displayed them to me.

"I don't care about that," I said, trying to avoid looking at his body. "But dad… my friend sent me a screenshot of you…" Just getting the words out feel wrong. My dad, who was married for years with my mom, was now this person I barely recognized. "It was you… it was a Grindr profile…"

He just looked at me, silent for a moment. "So?"

I stared at him in disbelief. "You're not gay! You were married to mom! I've even heard your political views on gay people—and that told me all I need to know!"

He flexed his arms, and I cringed at how performative it looked. "I've always been gay, son. Now that your mother's gone, I can finally let men worship this bicep." With that, he kissed his arms and looked at me with a hint of a smirk.

I felt sick to my stomach. I would never have guessed that my father was gay. "Look. I don't care that you're gay. Everyone's asking me questions about you. Your Instagram profile is just countless shirtless pictures of you just from this week!"

He took a step forward, and I could smell the faint aroma of his body. "Well, son. I think it's time, don't you think?"

He looked at me calmly, and I could feel something darker within his eyes.

I forced the words out. "Time for what?"

I saw him smirk, a sinister smirk that made my eyes go wide. He whispered, "Go."

My mouth is forced open as panic rises from my chest. A sudden warmth invades my throat as I feel it slither further down into me. My legs grow limp as this warmth slithers further down to the deepest corners of my body. The warmth seemed to disappear, leaving a strange sensation as though something was just in me.

I cough. Hard. Dad's just looking at me with the same serious expression. "What the hell happened?"

"Now I can do this." He stepped forward and cupped my crotch. I let out a gasp as I move to get away. My legs stand still. He leans in, and I feel his hot breath under my neck. "You have no idea how long we've been waiting for this."

He starts rubbing my crotch, his strong hands cupping at the balls and at my — and I realize in horror—hardening cock.

"What… the… fuck… is… happening?" I choke out, my breathing getting heavier as my father stares at me with his deep, soulful black eyes. I feel his other hand pulling me closer.

"He struggled, too, you know," my dad said, his voice strangely harmonic. "But he likes it now."

I feel my hand move on its own accord, and I put my left hand on his chest, the right behind his back. "I'm not fucking gay!"

"Yeah?" he grinned like a predator catching its prey—a view I thought I'd never see, "Well, he wasn't at first."

I feel my arms moving on its own, taking off my shirt and shucking off my pants. "What the fuck!"

My dad leans in and starts kissing my chest. My dad, who once told me not to play with a 'girls' toy', was now knee-deep in my armpits, sniffing so hard he looked as though he would faint. Oh god. My cock has never been this hard. Holy fuck, what the hell is happening?

I lean away for a moment, and I stare at my dad's eyes. For a moment, I see him, my real dad, somewhere in those eyes, then I feel a force like a cannonball forcing us to kiss like mad men. I groan, cringing inside as I felt my dad's tongue in my mouth. I've fully leaned into his body, rubbing his arms and feeling his hairy back. He smelled faintly of sweat, but my cock only grew harder from his musk.

"This isn't you," I gasped within kisses. I feel my body lean in until I'm sucking on his nipples, groaning at his hairy body. An undeniable urge to devour his body was in me. All my body wants to do is to worship this man. My dad, who raised me. This hot, sexy, piece of meat. Fuck!

"Oh, it's me, son," he said with a gruffness that only spurred me on. He forced me closer, and the strength of his arms makes my knees weak. "You already feel it, don't you? You're not sure if it's just something making you do this or it was something you've wanted all along."

I lean in and sniff his armpits, clawing at his hairy belly and kissing him, the odd sensation of kissing someone with a beard enough to send shivers down my spine. I… I understood it now. My dad is fucking hot and he should display his body as much as he wants! Wait! That's not me!

"Don't fight it, son," he whispered, licking my ears. "Come sit on your dad's cock, son. I know you want to." Yes, I did want to. My hands travelled to his cock, and my eyes open wide as I discover it's as thick as a beer can.

"Jesus, dad," I say, unsure if I'm impressed, embarrassed, or horny. I want to suck his cock. I look at the large fucking thing. The veins, just the thickness of it all. All I want to do is just slather his cock with my saliva. I want that thick dick deep in my—wait.

"This isn't me," I whispered to him. My body moves down his cock until I could smell it. All the warmth and musk seemed to lead right into his dick. He grabbed me by my hair. "Come on, son."

My dad looked at me with a proud smile. It was the type of smile he only gave me once in a decade. He looked so gentle and… fuck. He was so fucking hot. I lean in and take his cock in. I gag, unused to the invasion to my throat. I start sucking in, my hands moving to his balls and to his legs. I… love his cock. I love the feeling of it down my throat. I should have more cocks down my throat. I love it. All of a sudden, it felt… easier. I slowed down and savored his taste. He groaned, his familiar voice sounding so… hot, so bothered. His cock was so hard but I fucked my throat in it. I felt his hands on my head.

"You're fucking good at this, son," he said gruffly. I felt my cock get even harder at the praise. I love it. I want my dad to fuck me all the time. I want him all the time. I want his dick in me. I don't. I do. Wait, fuck, I don't! Yes, I do.

I feel a sudden surge of energy in my dad's cock. I feel it pulse, and my body leans further in, and this time I gag even more. Fuck! I need to stop this! I will myself to lean away but my body won't respond.

"Don't fight, son," he said, caressing my hair. "Make your dad proud."

He suddenly thrust forward, his cock further impaling my throat. "That's it, son," he cooed. He thrust again, grabbing my head and keeping it in place. I don't want to fight this. I want to let this happen. My dad let out a loud groan as a torrent of cum splashes out into my throat. I gag but my body keeps still, hot thick cum shooting straight in my throat. I love the taste of it. Just the thought that it's from my dad is enough. I want it all. I feel his cum leak out from my mouth, but my tongue laps as much as it can, hungrily.

We collapse down to the ground. My dad's sweating profusely, and he looks so hot with his hairy body all oiled up. Shit. This really fucking happened. I just sucked my dad's cock. He looked at me with the same calm expression, but his eyes seem gentler. I heave in and out. I can still taste my dad on my mouth.

We don't say anything for a few minutes. I'm leaning on his arm, his warmth feeling so inviting. I look him straight in the eye. "Now who the fuck is in my body?"

[starsenha]

COMFORT / N.R

Pairing ◊ reader x idol!riki

Genre ◊ toe curling fluff, established relationship

Warnings ◊ talk about sickness (yn's mom is sick in this), kinda sad, talk about anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, riki is just the perfect boyfie in this, cuddling

Word count ◊ 3,2k

Summary ◊ You called riki like usual tonight, but he saw there was something wrong. When you started crying during the call, he knew he had to come to see you and be there for you, even if it meant nearly missing his schedule.

a/n: not proofread, enjoy!

You stared at your phone screen, anxiously waiting for the familiar video call tone to ring. Tonight, the usual excitement and anticipation were replaced by a heavy weight in your chest. College had been overwhelming lately—assignments, exams, and personal issues all seemed to be piling up at once. You didn't want to burden Riki with your problems. His schedule was already packed with rehearsals, recordings, and performances. But despite your best efforts to hide your feelings, Riki always seemed to know when something was off.

The phone rang, and his face appeared on the screen, immediately brightening your dimly lit room. His smile was infectious, and you almost forgot your worries for a moment.

"Hey, baby," Riki greeted, his voice warm and cheerful. "How was your day?"

"Hey," you replied, trying to muster a smile. "It was okay, just the usual college stuff."

Riki's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied your face. "You sure? You look a bit tired."

"I'm fine," you lied, not wanting to worry him. "How was your day?"

Riki's face lit up as he launched into a story about his bandmates. "Oh, you wouldn't believe what happened today! Heeseung hyung was trying to teach Sunoo a new dance move, and he ended up tripping over his own feet. It was hilarious! He blamed it on the slippery floor, but we all know it was just him being clumsy."

You forced a laugh, but it sounded hollow even to your own ears. Riki's expression softened, and he leaned closer to the screen as if he could reach through and hold you.

"Baby, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice gentle. "I know something's up. You can talk to me."

You sighed, feeling the weight of the day's stress pressing down on you. "It's just... everything feels overwhelming right now. College, personal stuff... I don't know. I didn't want to bother you with it."

Riki's eyes filled with concern. "You're never a bother to me, you know that. I care about you, and I want to know when you're feeling down. Tell me what's going on."

You took a deep breath, finally letting the floodgates open. "It's just been really hard lately. I have so many assignments and exams coming up, and I feel like I'm falling behind. And there's this whole thing with my family... it's just a lot to handle,’’ you confessed, feeling the tightness in your chest intensify as you spoke.

Riki's eyes softened with concern. "I'm sorry you're going through all that, baby. Fuck, I wish I could be there to help you."

The tears you had been holding back started to spill over, staining your cheeks. "I just feel like I'm drowning. There's so much pressure from school, and things back at home aren't any better. I don't know what to do, and I feel so alone," you said, your voice cracking.

Seeing you cry broke Riki's heart. He reached out towards the screen as if he could touch you, his eyes filling with worry and helplessness. "Oh, baby, please don't cry," he pleaded. "I hate seeing you like this. I wish I could hold you right now."

You tried to wipe your tears away, but they kept coming. "I'm sorry, Riki. I didn't want to dump all of this on you. You already have so much to deal with."

"Don't apologize," he said firmly. "Your feelings matter to me. You matter to me."

Riki was silent for a moment, his mind racing. Then, with a determined look, he grabbed his jacket and began to gather his things.

"What are you doing?" you asked, sniffling.

"I'm coming to see you," he said simply.

"No, Riki, you can't," you protested. "It's too risky. What if you get caught? You could get in serious trouble. And don’t you have early practice tomorrow morning?’’

"I don't care," he said, his voice resolute. "You're more important to me than any rule or schedule. I can't stand to see you like this and not do anything about it."

"But—"

"No buts," he interrupted gently. "I need to be with you right now. You need me, and I need to be there for you."

You watched as he quietly slipped out of his dorm room, his phone still in hand. Your heart raced with a mix of fear and relief. "Riki, please, you don't have to do this. I'll be okay."

"I want to," he replied, his voice soft but firm. "I need to see you, to hold you. You're everything to me, and I won't let anything stand in the way of that."

The journey seemed to take forever, and you stayed on the call, your tears gradually slowing as you listened to his footsteps and the occasional whispered reassurance. When he finally arrived at your dorm, he gave a gentle knock on your door.

You opened it, and there he was, his face a mix of worry and determination. Without a word, he pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly as if he never wanted to let go.

"I'm here now," he whispered into your hair. "It's gonna be okay. I'm here."

You clung to him, feeling the warmth and comfort of his embrace. "Thank you, Riki. I don't know what I'd do without you.’’ 

"You'll never have to find out," he promised, kissing the top of your head. "We'll get through this together."

For the first time that night and since days, you felt a sense of peace. He was your comfort person, and at that moment, you were so blessed to have him in your life. Riki guided you gently to your bed, where you both sat down. He held your hands, his thumbs gently caressing your knuckles as he looked at you with tender concern.

"Tell me everything," he urged softly. "I'm here now. I want to know what's going on."

You took a deep breath, feeling a lump in your throat. "It's my mom," you began, your voice trembling. "She's been really sick lately. She was diagnosed with a serious illness a few weeks ago, and it's been really hard on my family."

Riki's eyes widened with worry, but he kept his grip on your hands steady. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I could have been there for you. You shouldn't have had to deal with this alone."

"I didn't want to burden you," you admitted, tears welling up again. "You already have so much on your plate. I didn't want to add to your stress."

Riki shook his head, pulling you closer. "You're never a burden to me, you know that. I care about you so much. You should have told me. I want to help you through this."

You leaned into him, finding comfort in his embrace. "It's not just my mom. My younger brother has been acting out because of everything that's happening. He's been getting into trouble at school, and my dad is always at work trying to pay the medical bills. It's like everything is falling apart."

Riki's arms tightened around you, holding you securely against his chest. "I'm so sorry, baby. I wish I could make everything better for you. But I'm here now, and I'll do whatever I can to support you."

You buried your face in his shoulder, the warmth of his body and the steady beat of his heart grounding you. "Thank you, Riki. Just having you here makes a huge difference."

He pressed a gentle kiss to your temple, his hand running soothingly up and down your back. "You're not alone in this. We'll get through it together. Whenever you need to talk or need a shoulder to cry on, I'm here for you."

You nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. "It just feels like everything is so overwhelming. I don't know how to handle it all."

"One step at a time," he whispered, his voice calm and reassuring. "We'll take it one step at a time. And remember, it's okay to lean on others. You have me, and I want to help you carry this burden."

You pulled back slightly to look at him, his eyes filled with unwavering support. "I'm so lucky to have you," you said softly.

"And I'm lucky to have you," he replied, his lips curling into a small smile. "Now, let's just take a moment to breathe. We don't have to solve everything tonight. But I'm here, and I won't let go."

He shifted slightly, lying back on the bed and pulling you with him so that you were nestled in his arms. You rested your head on his chest, listening to the comforting rhythm of his heartbeat. Riki held you in his arms for a while, letting you feel his presence and his unwavering support. Then, he gently pulled back and cupped your face in his hands, looking into your eyes with a determined expression.

"Alright, enough sadness for tonight," he said with a small smile. "I know exactly what will cheer you up."

You gave him a curious look as he reached over to grab your laptop from your desk. He opened it and quickly navigated to your favorite streaming website. Within moments, the familiar theme music of "Harry Potter" filled the room.

"Harry Potter?" you asked, a small smile tugging at your lips despite the tears still lingering in your eyes.

"Of course," he replied, his eyes twinkling. "It's your comfort movie, right? Thought it might help distract you for a bit."

You nodded, touched by the fact that he actually remembered. "You remembered."

"I remember everything about you," he said softly, kissing your forehead. "Now, you stay here and get comfortable. I'm going to make us some food."

Before you could protest, he was off the bed and heading towards your small kitchen area. You watched him with a mix of amusement and affection as he rummaged through your cupboards, finally pulling out a couple of packets of instant ramen.

"Don't laugh," he called over his shoulder, grinning. "I know I'm not a great cook, but this is something I can manage."

You chuckled, feeling a bit lighter. "Ramen sounds perfect, 'ki. Thank you."

As he prepared the ramen, you settled back against the pillows, the familiar scenes of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" playing out on your laptop. The comforting music and the sight of Hogwarts brought a sense of nostalgia and peace.

Riki soon returned with two steaming bowls of ramen. He handed one to you, then climbed back onto the bed, sitting cross-legged beside you. "Here you go, freshly made by yours truly."

You took the bowl and inhaled the savory aroma. "It smells great. Thanks."

"Anything for you," he said with a wink, then started eating his own ramen. "So, what's your favorite part of this movie?"

You smiled, feeling more at ease. "Probably when Harry first arrives at Hogwarts. It's so magical and full of wonder."

Riki nodded, slurping his noodles noisily. "Yeah, I get that. It's like stepping into a whole new world."

As the movie played on, Riki continued to chat with you, making funny comments about the characters and the scenes. "Look at Snape. Always looks like he just drank sour milk," he joked, making you giggle.

"And Draco Malfoy," he continued with a dramatic flair. "Always acting like he's the king of the castle. What a drama queen."

You laughed, feeling your spirits lift with each of his playful remarks. "You know, you could give him a run for his money in the drama department," you teased.

"Hey now," he protested with a grin. "I only use my dramatic skills for good, like cheering up my beautiful girlfriend."

Once you finished your bowl –he of course made sure you ate every single bit of the ramen– he set them on the floor next to your bed and settled in bed with you, cuddling you. Before you knew it, you had drifted off, your head resting gently against his shoulder.

Riki noticed your breathing slow and deepen, and he looked down to see you fast asleep, your face relaxed and peaceful. A soft smile spread across his face as he watched you sleep, feeling a swell of affection and love that made his heart ache in the best way possible. You looked so adorable, cuddled up in his arm, and he couldn’t help but think about how lucky he was to have you in his life.

He carefully adjusted his position to make you more comfortable without waking you, his arm securely around you. The movie continued to play, but his attention was entirely on you. Every once in a while, he brushed a strand of hair away from your face, marveling at how serene and beautiful you looked in your sleep.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He carefully fished it out, making sure not to disturb you. The screen lit up with a message from Jungwon. Oh, he was so fucked. 

[Jungwon hyung] Where are you? You’re not at the dorm. We have practice early tomorrow. 

Riki sighed quietly, knowing that he would likely face some serious scolding tomorrow. He glanced at you, still sleeping peacefully, and felt a surge of protectiveness. None of that mattered right now. What mattered was being here for you.

He replied as quietly as possible, not wanting to risk waking you.

[Riki] I’m with y/n. She needed me. I’ll be back in the morning.

A moment later, his phone buzzed again.

[Jungwon hyung]: You know this isn’t allowed, Riki. We’ll talk about this tomorrow. And I swear if you are late, I’ll beat your ass. 

Riki muttered a soft curse under his breath, his gaze shifting back to you. He turned off his phone and placed it aside, focusing on the feeling of having you close. The warmth of your body against his, the gentle rise and fall of your chest as you breathed—it all made him feel more certain than ever about his feelings for you. He knew he was deeply in love with you, so much so that nothing else seemed to matter.

The night continued, the room filled with the soft glow of the laptop screen and the steady sound of your breathing. Riki watched over you, his heart full, feeling more content than he had in a long time. In that moment, all the pressures and responsibilities faded away, leaving just the two of you, together and safe.

As the credits of the movie rolled, Riki carefully adjusted the blanket over you both, making sure you were warm and comfortable. He placed a gentle kiss on your forehead. With you in his arms, he closed his eyes, savoring the quiet moments of peace.

The room was dark and quiet when Riki's alarm went off, the soft chime barely breaking the stillness. He stirred, groaning softly as he reached to silence his phone. It was really early, the kind of early that made everything feel surreal and dreamlike. He blinked, trying to shake off the sleepiness and remember where he was.

You were still nestled in his arms, your head resting against his chest. Riki carefully untangled himself from you, moving slowly to avoid waking you. He slipped off the bed, grabbing his jacket and shoes as quietly as possible. But despite his best efforts, the slight rustle and movement stirred you awake.

"Riki?" you mumbled sleepily, rubbing your eyes.

He froze, turning to you with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean to wake you."

You sat up, blinking in the dim light. "What time is it? Where are you going?"

Riki sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's really early. I have an early practice to get to, and if I'm late, Jungwon will kill me. Well, he's probably going to kill me anyway for not being at the dorm last night."

You frowned, still half-asleep but worried. "Are you going to be okay? I don't want you to get into trouble because of me."

Riki leaned over and kissed your forehead. "Don't worry about me. It was worth it to be here with you. You needed me, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

You reached out, grabbing his hand. "I don't want you to get in trouble, though."

"I'll handle it," he assured you, giving your hand a squeeze. "Right now, I need to sneak back to the dorm without getting caught. I just wanted to make sure you were okay before I left."

You nodded, still worried but knowing he had to go. "Thank you for everything, Riki. You really helped me last night."

He smiled, his eyes soft with affection. "I'm glad I could be here for you. Just remember, I'm always just a call away. Anytime you need me."

You watched as he quietly finished getting ready, slipping his shoes on and grabbing his jacket. He moved towards the door, then turned back for a moment, his eyes lingering on you.

"Try to get some more sleep, okay? And take care of yourself today," he said softly.

"I will," you promised. "You take care too. And good luck with practice."

He chuckled quietly. "Thanks. I'll need it."

With one last, lingering look, he slipped out the door, carefully closing it behind him. You lay back down, feeling the warmth he left behind in the bed. Despite the early interruption, you felt comforted by his presence and his words.

Riki moved quickly but quietly through the early morning streets, the city still mostly asleep. Thank god, he thought, he couldn’t run into an engene or anyone right now. He navigated his way back to the dorm, his heart pounding not just from the rush but from the thoughts of you. He knew there would be consequences, but he couldn't bring himself to regret his decision.

As he approached the dorm, he checked the time. He was cutting it close, but he might just make it. He slipped inside, moving as silently as possible, hoping to avoid any early risers.

Just as he thought he was in the clear, he bumped into Jungwon, who was standing in the hallway with his arms crossed, looking none too pleased.

"Riki," Jungwon said, his tone a mix of exasperation and concern. "Do you know what time it is?"

Riki scratched the back of his head, giving Jungwon a sheepish grin. "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry, hyung. I had to take care of something important."

Jungwon sighed, his expression softening a bit. "Look, I understand if it was important, but you need to communicate. We have schedules to keep, and the rest of the team relies on you."

"I know, I know," Riki said, nodding earnestly. "It won't happen again. I promise."

Jungwon gave him a long look, then nodded. "Alright. Get ready for practice. And next time, just let me know what's going on. I hope y/n is okay 

Riki smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Jungwon. I will. And she’s better now."

As he hurried to get ready, Riki couldn't help but think about you, knowing that no matter how much trouble he got into, it was all worth it to be there for you when you needed him most.

[lillysdreaminnn]

I'm married!

Pairing; husband!derek morgan x wife!fem!reader

Warnings; derek being drunk as hell, some suggestiveness here and there, fluff, fem!reader, use of y/n (like once)

Summary; you take derek home after a celebration at a bar, and he's wasted - to say the least.

Word count; 1.1k

A/n; first time writing here so yay 🎉 be nice please thanks. and maybe send me any requests if you want :))

"Come on Derek, it's time to go home." You tried to get your lovely husband out of his seat so you could drive him home.

 "One more drink! Pleaaase?" Derek stared pleading like a child, earning an amused laugh from the rest of his team and a sigh from you, "No, Derek. You said that two drinks ago. Let's go." You said in a more demanding tone, making your husband frown like a child.

 You sighed at his expression and pinched the bridge of your nose.

 Not becuause you were mad at him, not at all. You were just trying to find the willpower to deny his cute face. "Please Y/n?" Emily begged as well, equally as drunk and, before you could respond, Hotch spoke up.

 "Okay, okay, enough drinks for the night. Y/n is right." He said, smiling at the interactions between his drunk agents. You mouthed a thank you, to which he responded by waving you off as he helped you get Derek off his seat.

 After finally making it home, you dragged Derek through the door of your bedroom kicking it shut. Derek placed himself on the bed and sat like a child with a frown, making you stiffle a laugh as you picked out his pyjamas from the closet.

 "Lift up your arms for me, my love." You chuckled at his frown again before pulling his shirt over his body, making him gasp.

 Thinking you hurt him, your eyes went wide and you immediately asked what was wrong, "I'm married!" He said in a somewhat angry tone. Once again, you tried your absolute best not to laugh at his very sweet and cute - and slightly childish - demeanor.

 "What?"

 "I'm married! I'm married and my wife is very very beautiful and she will rip you apart if she finds out you took off my shirt!" He slurred, looking at you with a very offended look on his face, only adding to the cuteness.

 Shaking your head while laughing to yourself, you decided to run the poor man a shower, to wash the liquor and sweat off him. "Okay married man. Let's get you to the shower." Derek once again protested, sitting more firmly on the bed.

 "No! I'm married!" He said, ripping his arm away from your grasp.

 "Derek, come on." You laughed again, trying to get him to the bathroom. "No!" He protested again.

 "I told you; I'm married and my wife won't like this. Plus I love her too much to do this to her and cheat on her. She's soooo amazing. Like very amazing. You know the other day I was sick and she called my mom to get the recipe of the soup she always made me as a kid. She's very sweet. I loooove her. Plus she's very good in bed... like... extremely good. Especially when she does that thing with he-"

 You stopped Derek's drunk babbling by placing a hand over his mouth, making him look up at you confused as ever. "Derek, honey..." That caught his attention and stopped his babbling completely, as you crouched down to be on eye level with him.

 "I am your wife. You're married to me." You flashed him your wedding ring, making him gasp in surprise and delight. "You are?! That's so cool! I have a very beautiful wife." He smiled sheepishly, now letting you drag him to the shower.

 "You tell her daily, honey." You chuckled, stripping him free of his clothes.

 He smiled as the warm water started hitting his skin, but his smile only got wider when you took your shirt off and stepped in the shower as well.

 In your defense, it was a very good shirt that Derek got you and you were not going to ruin it.

 "Hi." He smiled sheepishly at you, letting you wash his back. "Hi honey." You smiled back at him, kissing his cheek quickly before getting back to work.

 Once dry and in pyjamas, you got Derek under the covers and then slipping in bed next to him. Just as you thought he hadn't made a move on you yet, the man hovered over you, pressing sloppy kisses around your neck.

 "Derek, not now, my love." You said with a small smile, enjoying the feeling.

 "Whyyy?" He whined like a child, continuing his trail of kisses on your neck and jaw. "Because you're not thinking straight. You're drunk." You stated, trying to get him to stop, making him whine like a child again.

 "Please? Come on, I missed youuuu." He slurred again, kissing your face, "Tell you what; if you feel that same way tomorrow morning, then we'll do it." You tried to make a deal with him, knowing he'd be way too hungover to do anything.

 And he won't remember a thing.

 "Fiiine." He slumped next to you, placing his head on your chest as he breathed in your perfume. Before either of you knew it he was dead asleep and honestly so were you.

 When the morning rolled around and Derek woke up, of course he had a pounding headache. You had woken up way before him and that gave you the opportunity to make him breakfast. Derek walked in the kitchen in a search for you and a very confused look on his face that was washed away by pure relief when he found you.

 His arms wrapped around your waist and his chin rested on your shoulder as he kissed the side of your neck softly, "Hi." He mumbled, his voice hoarse and raspy from sleep and pain mixed together.

 "Good morning. Recognise me today?" You teased him, turning around in his arms, meeting his confused face. "I tried to get you to dress and shower yesterday but you kept telling me you're married." You reminded him making him groan and rest his forehead on your shoulder.

 "Jesus Christ, how much did I drink?" He groaned, his face now burried between your neck and shoulder.

 "A lot, honey." You chuckled.

 He gathered all the strength he had and lifted you to the counter, making you yelp in surprise. He connected his lips to yours as you smiled, cupping his face in your hands. "You know what would help with my headache?" He mumbled between kisses, making you laugh.

 "Don't laugh, sweetheart. Plus, you did make a deal with me last night."

 To your surprise, he did remember. "You remember that?" You asked in pure surprise, as his kisses trailed from your lips to your jawline, as he hummed in agreement, "Of course I do." He mumbled.

 "Don't want to break the deal now do you?" He asked with a smirk as his face rose from your neck. "The food will get cold." You pouted in a teasing manner, to which he responded with a chuckle.

 "I'll make us something else." He muttered before hoisting you up and walking back to your bedroom.

[roosterforme]

Batting Practice Part 13 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: You don't show up to the game the next day, and Bradley has to face Molly's wrath when she comes in your place. His heart is broken as he feels the consequences of his words, but he finally realizes just how much you and Everett mean to him. Then he sees you at Everett's Career Day, but you're not making it easy on him.

Warnings: Angst, swearing

Length: 5300 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female single!mom Reader

Check my masterlist for more Top Gun fun! Batting Practice masterlist.

Bradley sat up most of the night in his sad apartment, sipping on a bottle of bourbon and feeling like a prize asshole. He had finally found a woman he thought he could settle down with, thought the three of you could maybe be a family, but he managed to fuck all of it up before you were even properly dating him.

This was just so on brand for him, it was laughable. Every bad decision that could be made about women, well he made them. He just had to go spouting off for weeks on end that he didn't date moms with baggage, and now Jake had made everything blow up in his face. 

The problem was, Bradley actually had said all of that shit, but that was before he really got to know you and Everett. It made him sick now to think about the implications of what he had said. 

You hated him now. He knew you must. He had managed to hurt your feelings so deeply, he didn't know if you would ever look at him again. But the truth was, Bradley was the one with all the baggage. He was the one who didn't know how to make the right decisions. He was the one who made everything too complicated. Not you. Not Everett. The two of you were perfect. And he thought for a moment that he could have you. But now he knew he had been wrong again.

And there was no doubt in his mind that Carole Bradshaw would be so disappointed in him right now. Because she would have reacted the same way that you had. She would have stood up for her only son and protected him no matter what.

He groaned as he got to his feet, swaying as he set down his half empty bottle of alcohol on the kitchen counter. He needed to get it together and make it to the tee ball game in six hours. 

You would be there! He could try to talk to you then. Unless you kept Everett home instead. Bradley felt like crying, so he just dragged himself to his bed and passed out with his uniform pants still on.

Bradley's alarm barely woke him up as he dragged his sandpaper tongue across his teeth and moaned. His head was throbbing, but he managed to get up and get right in the shower at the prospect of seeing you. He didn't have time to shave or eat, but he did make it to the ballfield early, just in case.

"You look like shit," Bob told him, and his expression was something akin to disappointment.

Bradley closed his eyes briefly. "I feel worse. Promise."

"Did you talk to her?" Bob asked. Bradley wasn't exactly sure how much everyone knew. He hadn't stayed at the bar for very long after you left, preferring to drink at home alone. Chalk that up to another poor decision made. 

"She doesn't want to talk to me. I'm such an idiot."

Bob just kind of shrugged as he set things up for their game against the Tiny Blue Jays. "Molly is angry, too," Bob informed him. "She's barely texted me back since yesterday." 

Now Bradley felt even worse, because Bob's relationship with your sister shouldn't have to be the collateral damage of his word vomit. "I'm so sorry."

"I'll figure it out," Bob mumbled. "And you need to apologize to Team Mom until she forgives you. Did you tell her that you said all of that stuff a long time ago? You barely even knew her then."

"Yeah, but I still said it," Bradley replied, rubbing his eyes with his fingertips. "And between the slap to my face and the valid points she was yelling at me, I didn't get a chance to try to explain myself. But she's not going to want to hear it anyway."

Then Bradley's heart was skipping erratically in his chest, making his head throb more. When he saw Everett in his blue uniform, he squinted against the sunlight and almost took off running. But it wasn't you. It was Molly. And she looked pissed as hell. 

"I'll be right back," Bob mumbled and headed for her instead. Which was fine with Bradley, because now something much worse was happening. Everett was bounding toward him, and he didn't know how he was supposed to react. He just braced himself for the pain.

"Hi, Coach Bradley! See? I remembered to call you Coach Bradley instead of just Bradley since it's a tee ball day. When can we go back to the park again?"

Bradley wanted to cry. "Hey, kiddo. I missed you all week when I was away." And that was the honest truth. 

Everett just shrugged. "Practice was still fun, because my mom made it funny. And we won our last game, even though you weren't there. Do you think you can still win Coach of the Year if you missed a game?"

Bradley reached for Everett and pulled him in for a brief hug while Molly glared at him right past Bob's elbow. 

"Where's your mom, kiddo? Is she coming?"

Everett shook his head. "No, she was crying this morning, even though she didn't want me to know it. She does that sometimes, but it's usually only right after we see my dad."

Fuck. Bradley made you cry as hard as Danny did. Just when he thought he couldn't possibly feel worse, the honest words from a first grader twisted the knife a little deeper. Bradley had assured you that he was better than both Frank and Danny, but he was actually the worst one of the bunch. 

"You want me to help you with your cleats?" Bradley asked, and soon he was changing Everett's shoes while Molly kissed Bob on the cheek. He felt a tiny bit better that maybe he didn't fuck things up for Bob as well as himself. But then Everett said something that made him want to drink another bottle of bourbon and pass out. 

"Coach Bradley, are you still excited for the Phillies game next weekend?"

Bradley froze with the laces halfway tired on Everett's right shoe. He swallowed hard; in all of his fucking up, Bradley had forgotten about the upcoming game. He was going to have to disappoint Everett, because there was no way you would let him take your son to the game now. 

But he didn't know what to say other than, "So excited, kiddo." Then he sent Everett to start warming up while he pulled out his phone and tried to call you again. Voicemail. A second time. Voicemail. He'd left you so many messages already, but he decided to leave another one.

"Kitten. I'm sorry. I miss you. Please, Kitten. Please, call me back."

Bradley was surprised the Tiny Eagles managed to win the game. He was having such a hard time focusing as Molly's glare was burning a hole in his back. But every time he turned toward her, she was looking elsewhere. When the game ended, he took off in her direction, leaving Bob to clean everything up. 

"Where is she? Is she okay? Is she at home?" he asked Molly, who was finally looking directly at him as she stood up. 

"That's none of your business," she said, and Bradley knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with her, but he was going to try anyway.

"Molly, listen, I fucked up. I said that shit before I really knew her. Before I really knew what I wanted."

She crossed her arms over her chest, and the look on her face had Bradley taking a step backwards. "You called Everett baggage," she hissed as her eyes flashed. And if her sister was a Kitten, then Molly was a feral street cat that desperately wanted to give Bradley rabies. 

"Please, I'm begging you. Will you talk to her for me? Ask her to call me back?"

Molly's harsh laugh had him feeling hopeless. "She doesn't owe you anything, and neither do I. She's not your girlfriend. And now she's never going to be your girlfriend."

"Molly! What do I have to do to get her to talk to me?" Bradley asked, ready to beg on his knees for the chance to explain himself. "I made a mistake. But I care about her. And Ev."

Molly shook her head sadly at him. "Even Frank wasn't this bad. At least he didn't mind that she has a son. Who, by the way, is the sweetest child in existence." Now Molly looked like she was going to cry.

Bradley took his hat off and balled it up in his hands. He realized he probably looked insane right now, but he just needed to know how to get you to listen. "I can explain myself to her. I'll beg her to listen to me. I'll bring more flowers and more baseball cards for Ev. I'll-"

Molly cut him off with a jab of her index finger to his chest. "You can bring all the flowers and cards you want, but that doesn't change the fact that you're not good enough for her. You're not good enough for them!"

His voice was soft now, because he knew she was right. "Molly, please help me talk to her."

"You know, she wants to pull Ev from the team," Molly replied, picking up his gear bag as he ran over. Bradley felt sick; he wouldn't get to see you or Everett anymore. "The only reason she's not going to pull him is because of the friends he's made, and because she's a better person than you. But she thought about it. I hope you know you hurt her that bad."

Everett plopped down on the bench, and Bradley watched Molly instantly switch modes and turn into the loving aunt that she normally was. He really was bringing out the worst in everyone right now. 

When Everett was all ready to leave, and he and Molly were heading for her car, Bradley jogged up next to him. "Kiddo? Can you tell your mom something for me?"

"Sure, Coach," he replied, smiling up at Bradley like he always did. 

Molly was staring daggers at him again as he said, "Tell her I was wrong before, but now I have my priorities straight."

"Come on, Ev," Molly told him, taking him by the hand and pulling him along. "We need to go."

Bradley knew he wasn't like Danny or Frank, and he just needed an opportunity to prove it. But he didn't want to upset Everett who was looking back at him with wide eyes. "Tell her I miss her, and I can't wait to see her next time! Bye, Kiddo!"

"Bye, Coach!"

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

Luckily Molly was working overnight tonight and offered to take Everett to his game, because you were in no way ready to see Bradley today. Your heart was actually broken, and you were just so embarrassed. 

Your kid's hot tee ball coach. Could you possibly be any more predictable? Any more of a chiche?

You were still in your pajamas forcing down some toast when Molly brought Everett back home around noon. "We ate lunch," she told you. "Everett wanted the baseball Happy Meal toy."

"Thanks," you mumbled, knowing that your little sister who spent the night holding your hand wouldn't judge you for looking like a mess right now.

"Mommy, are you sick today?" Ev asked, and your heart sank.

"Yeah, Ev. I'm not feeling great."

He set his Happy Meal toy down and started taking off his shoes. "I know what will make you feel better! Coach said he missed you! And he can't wait to see you next time. And that he has his prior tires straight."

Molly sighed and shook her head. "He means priorities."

"Yeah. Priorities," Everett said, agreeing with her. 

You felt like crying all over again, and now your phone was vibrating with another call from him. You ignored it as Molly told Everett to grab a snack and eat it out on the back deck. Once he was out of earshot, you told your sister, "He keeps calling and texting me. I don't understand why he cares so much, since I'm clearly a joke to him and all of his friends."

Molly sprawled out on your couch. "He actually seems upset, and I am telling you that begrudgingly, because I want to hate him."

You twisted your fingers together, afraid to know, but you asked anyway. "Did he say anything to you?" 

"Yeah," Molly said with a laugh. "Plenty. He begged me to get you to talk to him. I honestly thought he was going to plead on his knees. He said he made a mistake, and he doesn't feel that way now at all."

Oh. Well that was interesting. Your phone vibrated again. 

"And Bob said Bradley is an idiot, but he didn't think he was actually trying to hurt you," Molly added. "Of course I also asked Bob if he knew that Bradley felt like kids were baggage and moms were a waste of time."

"What did he say?" you whispered, setting your phone down before you caved and answered it.

"Bob said he would find it hard to believe that Bradley actually felt that way now, based on how much he loves you and Everett. He used those words, not me."

Your heart was pounding as your doorbell rang, and Molly sprang up to answer it. "Oh, shit," Molly mumbled as she carried several huge bouquets of colorful flowers into the kitchen.

As you opened the card attached to the first one you picked up, your eyes went wide. All of the cards said the same thing, written in Bradley's handwriting. 

I'm so sorry, Kitten. You and Everett are NOT baggage. You're perfect. I didn't mean it. Please, talk to me.

"Well, you don't need all of these flowers, so I'm taking some to my apartment," Molly said, kissing your cheek as she scooped up a few bouquets. "I'll come by in the morning after work."

And then she was gone, and you were sitting inside a massive floral display with very mixed emotions. 

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

Bradley went home and drank the rest of Saturday away until he was asleep. If Molly wasn't willing to help him, and he could understand why she wasn't, then he would have to figure this out on his own. Because at this point, he didn't know what he was going to do without you and Everett. He needed you. He needed to fix this. 

On Sunday morning, he took a shower and got himself cleaned up. Two days of looking like a disaster was enough, so he dumped the rest of the bourbon down the drain as well. Then he grabbed the one thing he needed and drove to your house, nervous as hell that you wouldn't answer the door for him even if you were home.

He parked behind Molly's car and sighed. She was acting as your bodyguard right now, that's how badly he had fucked up. Either you or Molly didn't want you to be left alone. He climbed out of his Bronco with the binder tucked under his arm, and he made his way up to your front porch.

Before he could even knock, the door swung open to reveal an exhausted looking Molly in wrinkled scrubs holding a cup of coffee. "What do you want now?" she asked, and Bradley stood back far enough that she would probably miss him if she tossed the coffee. 

"Will you please tell her I'm here?"

"She's not home," Molly replied coolly. 

"Her car is in the driveway," he replied.

Molly sighed. "She's soaking in the tub, and she doesn't want to talk to you."

Bradley ran his hand over his face, unsure how much he should push. But then Everett came bounding out onto the porch and into Bradley's arms.

"Coach! I mean Bradley! What are you doing here? The Phillies game isn't until next Sunday! And Career Day isn't until Wednesday!"

Bradley's heart clenched with need. If he couldn't take Everett to the Phillies game, he didn't know what he would do. The kid would be crushed, and truthfully, so would he. 

He knelt on the porch and held up the binder. "I just came by to give you this," Bradley told him, really examining his face. He looked so much like you. He could see some of Danny there as well, but there was no denying that Everett took after his mom. 

"What is it?" Everett asked, but when he opened it and saw the plastic pages filled with baseball cards, his eyes went wide. "No way! Are these for me?"

"Yep. All yours, kiddo." Bradley had grabbed one of his binders at random, and probably just handed a six year old a collection worth a thousand dollars. But he didn't care. It didn't matter. Bradley swallowed hard and glanced at Molly before he asked Everett, "How's your mom?"

Everett just shrugged while he looked at the baseball cards. "She said she doesn't feel good. Something must be hurting her, because she keeps crying sometimes."

Bradley let the feeling of dread wash over him as Molly sipped her coffee. "Do you think she would let me take you to the park and pitch some balls?" he asked. But before Everett could even get excited, Molly cut him off.

"Not today, Ev. Remember, I'm taking you to the movies after lunch."

Bradley pressed his lips together and patted Everett on the shoulder as he stood up. "Another day, then."

When Bradley pulled away from the curb, Everett was waving to him while holding the baseball card binder, and Molly was standing behind her nephew, flipping Bradley the middle finger. 

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

On Monday, Bradley flew like shit. He couldn't pay attention, and he was honestly a little nervous that someone was going to get hurt. 

"What the fuck was that?" Nat asked him once they were back on the tarmac. "I'm team leader! You need to listen to me!"

"I'm sorry," he told her. "You're absolutely right. I'm just distracted today."

"If this is about your Team Mom, you need to leave it on the ground." Nat was seething, and she had every right to be. "I know Jake blew your cover, but I tried to tell you from the start that if you were interested in her, you needed to get used to the fact that she has a kid!"

Now Bradley was seething too, because nobody seemed to want to listen to his side of things. "I am used to it, Nat! I got used to it real quick! And I wouldn't want it any other way!"

"Then sort your shit out or leave it on the ground!" She stormed away from him without another word. 

Then Bradley saw Maverick strolling his way and he tightened his grip on his helmet. "Listen, Bradley. I don't know what the hell happened to you in Lemoore or what your weekend was like, but you can't be flying like that. It's a liability. I'm grounding you for the week."

"What the fuck, Mav!"

But he just held up his hand. "There's no point in arguing with me. The Admirals don't want you in the air for a few days." Then he turned and headed back to the tower leaving Bradley alone in the bright sunlight. 

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

You skipped practice on Monday. It had been three days since Bradley had seen you, and the only thing holding his heart together was the fact that Everett was still happy to see him. 

"Hi, Coach Bradley!" he called with a wave as he ran ahead of Molly. 

When Bradley headed toward the bleachers to help him change his cleats, Bob grabbed him by the shoulder to stop him. "Hey, I'd steer clear of Molly if I were you. She's not your biggest fan at the moment." At least Bob's face looked sympathetic. 

"Yeah, I noticed."

Bob just kind of shrugged. "I took her out for dinner last night, and I tried my best to let her know you're not going to hurt her sister."

"Thanks," Bradley muttered. At least there was one person who didn't think he was horrible. 

Molly stood to the side and let Bradley tie Everett's cleats while he rambled on about how excited he was for Career Day. When he paused to take a breath, Bradley asked, "How's your mom, kiddo? She feeling better?"

"She's at a work meeting with someone named Frank," Everett replied, putting his Phillies cap on backwards to match with Bradley. He didn't like hearing that you were with Frank, potentially alone. But then Everett added, "She's still sad, too. She took my stuffed Phanatic to sleep with it. I think she remembered that you said it was good for if you're having a hard time."

Bradley closed his eyes for a beat. "You should go start warming up," he whispered, and Everett was off like a rocket running toward Bob. 

"She did give me a message for you," Molly told him as she sat on the bleachers and blew a kiss to Bob, who immediately started blushing. 

"What did she say?" he asked, preparing himself to beg her. 

"She wants you to stop sending flowers. I took some home, and she donated the rest to a nursing home. She said if you can't seem to stop, you can just send them directly to Bright Senior Living so she doesn't have to drive them there herself."

"Fuck," he growled, dropping down on the bench next to her and burying his face in his hands. He sat there for a bit as Bob started practice without him. He was so far out of his element. He had never chased a woman before in his life. He never saw the point in it until now. If he could figure out what to do, he would do it immediately. 

"You actually care about her?" Molly asked softly, and Bradley turned to look at her. 

"Not just her. Everett too. I can't get enough of either of them." His eyes were stinging as he watched Everett round the bases. 

"Then why did you call him baggage?"

Bradley stared at the turf. "Because I was terrified of falling for someone who was outside of my wheelhouse. Someone with more substance. Someone who would make it impossible to stop thinking about them." He stood, realizing it was time to go help Bob. "I'm an idiot. Truly, Molly, I do understand that. But I said all of that shit weeks and weeks ago, when I was just starting to realize that your sister meant something to me."

Molly nodded at him, and just as he was turning to head toward home plate, she said, "Then show her you care about them. And tell her what you told me. I'll let her know I can't bring Ev to practice on Thursday. And I'm pretty sure you're still on the roster for Career Day on Wednesday."

Bradley's heartbeat was speeding up. He felt more alive than he had since he was with you at the Hard Deck. "Thanks, Molly."

"Don't thank me. I'm still pissed at you. I just want my sister and nephew to be happy."

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

You left work at lunchtime on Wednesday and headed to Everett's school. When you planned out a five minute presentation for his class, you realized he was right: you did have a boring job. How you were supposed to make accounting interesting for a bunch of six and seven year olds was beyond you. It also didn't help that you were having the shittiest week ever. 

Not only were you missing Bradley and trying to get over him, you had been forced to stay late and work with Frank on Monday. Well, he had volunteered to stay late when he heard you were going to. And now you couldn't even lie to him and say you were seeing Bradley to get him off your back. 

With a deep sigh, you opened your car door and headed across the parking lot in your suit and high heels, the hot sun making you uncomfortable in your long sleeves. 

And then you heard his voice in person for the first time since Friday night. "Kitten."

You turned to see Bradley walking up the sidewalk in his flight suit, boots, and aviators looking impossibly handsome. You had been listening to his voicemail apologies last night, but the way he sounded in person made your spine tingle with need. 

You tamped it down. "What are you doing here?" you asked, not bothering to look at him as he caught up to you.

He was silent for a beat. "Everett invited me."

You scoffed. "Well, I'm uninviting you."

"Kitten. Please."

"No," you said sternly. "Why even bother if he's just my excess baggage?"

Bradley stopped walking, and when you turned to look at him, he had the same expression he had worn after you slapped him across his cheek. "He's not," Bradley rasped. "He's perfect. And so are you. And I don't want to make him upset if I don't show up."

You rolled your eyes. "Come on." He followed you like your shadow, his warmth at your back. You thought maybe he was going to touch you when you signed both of them in at the office and got name tags. It seemed like he wanted to, like maybe he was holding back. And as much as you wanted to scream in his face, your body was betraying you by craving his touch.

"This way," you told him, and when you entered Everett's classroom with Bradley next to you, your son's eyes lit up. He waved at both of you from his seat, and you had to plaster on a smile. Before giving it too much thought, you grabbed one of the empty seats between two other parents, leaving Bradley to fend for himself. 

You sat politely and listened to Harper's mom talk about neurosurgery. Then Peyton's dad talked about construction equipment. You gave everyone your full attention, firmly ignoring Bradley. You didn't even look at him once while you stood in front of the class and talked about how important math is. 

Once you were finished, you kissed Everett's forehead before you returned to your seat. But then it was Bradley's turn, and you couldn't help but look at him.

"Hi, I'm Lieutenant Bradshaw, and Everett invited me here to talk about flying jets called Super Hornets." Every pair of eyes was glued to him as he gave a riveting presentation. Everett was practically vibrating with excitement at his desk, clearly so proud to have brought the most interesting adult to Career Day. You also noted that every woman was drooling over Bradley, including Everett's teacher. 

It was crazy to think that for a short time, you thought he was going to be yours. 

When everyone was done speaking, you popped out of your seat and told Everett you'd pick him up in a few hours, and then you were making a beeline for the door. You could hear Bradley calling your name, but you just kept going all the way to your car. 

"Kitten, please!" He was right behind you now, and you saw his big hand shoot past your shoulder and hold your door firmly closed. "Can we talk?"

You turned to face him, and you were taken back to every single time he had walked you and Everett to your car after tee ball practice. 

"About what?" you whispered. He had caught you off guard. You meant to start yelling, but all of the warm feelings he gave you were right there at the surface.

His eyes went a little wide as his lips parted, seemingly surprised you weren't shouting at him. "I'm sorry, Kitten. I fucked up. I should have never said those things, because I didn't even mean them."

You couldn't meet his eyes as you asked him, "Why did you say that to your friends? I feel humiliated. I feel like you think Everett and I are a joke."

"No!" he said, keeping his hand against the door and leaning a little closer to you. "You're not. And he's not. I said that so long ago, because I was instantly attracted to you, Kitten. And that terrified me."

You felt the fight draining out of you, and you knew you needed to get in your car and leave before he saw you crying. But instead you said, "Maybe you're right though. We're a lot to handle. I shouldn't have expected things to be easy."

When you turned and tried to open your door, Bradley held it shut. "Will you look at me?" You glanced at him over your shoulder as you felt tears stinging your eyes. "You and Everett are not a lot to handle. You're the perfect amount. Being around both of you makes me feel so good, Kitten." 

You swallowed hard and shook your head. "Thanks for coming today, I guess. It made him happy."

He let go of the door and ran his thumb across your jaw. "I don't think I would be able to live with myself if I made him cry."

You nodded and ducked away from his hand. "I'll figure it out. Make it so that this doesn't break his heart."

"Don't say that, Kitten. I still want to take him to the Phillies game on Sunday. I want all three of us to go," he whispered as you turned your back fully to him again. 

"I don't think that's a good idea."

You could feel his frustration rolling off of him, and his voice sounded panicked. "Where does that leave us, Kitten? Do I even stand a chance now?"

"I don't know. I need to get back to work. Bye, Coach."

This time he let you open the door, and he closed it softly once you were inside. When you pulled away, he just stood in the parking spot watching you. 

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

Bradley ended up at the Hard Deck after Career Day at Everett's school. He was grounded from flying, you'd just told him you didn't know where he stood with you, and he was probably going to make Everett cry at some point this week.

He ran his hands over his face and nursed a beer for a while. When Nat and Jake showed up, eyeing him cautiously, he thought it would be to his advantage to just head home. He handed Penny some cash, but Nat rubbed his shoulder. 

"I'm sorry I screamed at you on Monday."

"I deserved it," Bradley replied. "I wasn't being safe."

"You look fucking miserable," Jake drawled, leaning on the bar next to Bradley.

"You're literally the last person I want to talk to right now," Bradley replied through gritted teeth. "Thanks for Friday night."

Jake just shook his head. "Hey, I was just trying to get in her pants, okay? She's gorgeous, and you made it pretty clear the last time we talked about her that you were not interested."

Bradley couldn't even get mad, because Jake was actually right. "Well I'm pretty fucking interested in her now, okay? Stay out of her pants."

Jake just grinned. "I think I know what might help."

"This sounds suspicious," Bradley muttered, eyeing Jake cautiously. "Let's hear it."

"You still planning on going to that Padres game this weekend?"

"I don't know," Bradley groaned, pushing his fingers through his hair in frustration. 

"Well," Jake said as he signalled Penny for a drink. "My landlord's son is the head groundskeeper at Petco Park. I can try to pull some strings if you think it will help."

Bradley gaped at him. "Do it."

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

Molly is the sister I wish I had! Thanks to @beyondthesefourwalls and @mak-32!

PART 14

@hotch-meeeeeuppppp

@swthxrry

@chassy21

@yaboid19

@solacestyles

@avoirlecoupdefoudre

@daisyhollyxox

@callsigndiamond

@harper1666

@throwinsauce

@beebslebobs

@awesomebooklover17

@wintercap89

@whosyourgnomie4

@rosesinmars

@blog-name6996

@bcon24

@wishfulwithwine

@backinwonderl4nd

@monte-carlando

@tetragonia

@gingerbreadandpaper

@emptyloverofmine

@apparently-sunshine

@chaoticassidy

@missmirandafe

@topgunbb

@changlingkhat

@sugarcoated-lame

@callsign-jupiter

@avada-kedavra-bitch-187

@katiebby04

@marantha

@averyhotchner

@abaker74

@andycanbeemotional

@heli991113

@k-k0129

@noz4a2

@tallyovie

@shanimallina87

@starlightstories

@teddyluvs2sing

@little-wiseone

@ccbb2222

@lilyevanswhore

@o-the-o-grim-o-reaper-o

@xoxabs88xox

[reneesghostinthelivingroom]

Hiii!!! Love thy works!

If it's alright with you, may I please request Regina George x Reader?

Scenario: Every day, the reader comes to school with all sorts of bruises and injuries. Like, every single day. That's when, Regina finds out that the reader is part of an underground fight club to pay for their sickly mother's treatment because the reader is very poor.

Always Hurt

|| Regina George x nonbinary!reader

|| Warnings; swearing, little agnsty, reader's mother is sick, injured reader, short fic

|| Summary; reader was always hurt when they came to school. Always. Regina finally has enough and decides to ask them about it.

Requests open!

Started; September 19th

Finished; September 19th

~~~

Regina was sick of seeing you with some new injury every day. Every time she laid eyes on you there would be some new bandage wrap added to your body. Today was her final straw when she saw the stitch just above your eye.

She walked right over to your locker, crowds splitting so she could get through. Regina cleared her throat to get your attention as her arms folded across her chest," What the actual fuck?"

You immediately froze. A million different scenarios ran through your head as you looked at your girlfriend, seeing the intense gaze she had on you. No, not on you. Well yes on you but focused on something just above your eyes. Then you remembered your stitches. Great...

"Regina-"

"I need names, Y/N." Her tone was just as demanding as that look in her eyes. You swallowed.

"Names..?"

"Who's been doing this to you?" She gestured to all of you. Which made you sigh.

"Technically, me." You stated as you pulled out your text book, then paused when you saw the startled look on your girlfriend's face and realized how that must have sounded," No, no. God. That came out wrong. I mean. I signed up for a fight clu-"

The words weren't even out of your mouth when Regina spoke," I'm sorry, what? FIGHT CLUB? ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY-"

This time you cut her off, cupping your hand to her mouth as you dragged her to the closest bathroom. She bit your hand which made you flinch and let go, shaking your hand slightly.

"Ow."

"Deserved." Regina scoffed," I can't believe how absolutely moronic you are. Joining a fight club? I can't express this enough, what the HELL?"

You grimaced as she raised her voice and tried arguing your side, but she just cut you off again.

"You better have a damn good reason, Y/N because I swear-"

"It's for my mom!" You kind of just blurted it out. Trying to let yourself be heard over Regina's rant.

Regina paused as she heard you and studied your expression, you looked like you were on the verge of tears. Which made her reel in just a little. She could tell you weren't lying to her.

"It's for my mom..." You repeated, your voice almost a whispered murmur now," she hasn't been doing great and this was the only job I could get that would actually pay what I need for her recovery and I-"

"Your mom's sick?" Regina asked, you nodded.

"She has been for a while."

Regina sighed and flicked your forehead, you swatted her hand away," You're still moronic. You could have come to me. I spend probably what you need on shoes alone." She rolled her eyes, arms back across her chest," my parents wouldn't notice if it was missing."

"You'd do that..?" You just stared at her. Trying your best not to cry.

"Well it's either that or watch you get your stupid ass beat. What do you think I'm picking, dumbass?"

You laughed a little, despite it all. Then pulled Regina into a tight hug, one that she was about to pull away from until she heard your sobs. She grumbled and gave your back a pat. Not being the best at comforting.

"Three, two..." She then started counting once the hug went on a little too long for her public comfort, you quickly let go. Understanding her boundary.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." She started walking out of the bathroom, with you following. She looked back at you," Seriously. Don't."

"Scared people will think you're soft?" You gave her a playful nudge.

"You're fucking stupid." She muttered.

"I love you too." You gave her forehead a kiss and she pushed you away from her, which made you laugh.

She really tries to act like she doesn't care.

[miodiodavinci]

regarding the morning

(laying down) ah lads it's bad

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.213 Nanny Luca

In the morning, as soon as I was dressed and ready for the day, I found Sophia and showered her with PG rated love and affection in case the kid was lurking nearby. It's our anniversary, and I couldn't be more happy with the life she's given me. Thinking about it, she is a key component in the story of my manhood. Like, she has been around for literally the entire thing, right in the front row. I couldn't have been more than a day or two into my young adult days when we met. Even though I was scared and kept her at a distance for about half that time, she was always there. Our marriage journey has been one challenge after another, but it has been the second most rewarding experience of my life.

Around lunch time, Yasmine, of all people, called me. She sounded a bit worn out and frustrated, asking if we minded if one of her girls came over to play with Desiree. Before I could ask which one, she said Stacey—the magical one—is really sick, and she wants to keep the girls separated for as long as possible. They're really close, as twins usually are. Savannah won't leave Stacey alone, which means she isn't getting any rest. I told her it was fine, but she could only stay for a few hours because we had plans that night. She said that would be perfect. When Savannah arrived, I called Desi downstairs and got them introduced, saying they met when they were really little, but I guess she thought I was doing too much because she interrupted me and asked Savannah if she wanted to play dolls. They ran upstairs and left me there, shaking my head. So this is it, huh? The beginnings of me not being cool anymore? Hmph.

As I said, it was lunch time, so I went to the kitchen to get started on some soup. When it was done, I called everyone to join me. I asked how Savannah liked school. Maybe she could tell Desi about it when they play so she can get the inside scoop when she goes on Monday. Sophia asked if her sister was okay, but her entire demeanor changed.

When Sophia asked what was wrong, Savannah said she thinks Yasmine likes Stacey better than her. I knew that song very well. Alessia wrote it, heh. She said Yasmine plays with her more and gives her whatever she wants. Having personal knowledge that parents can have favorites, but also being acquainted with their unique situation, I felt confident to speak to that.

"I don't think that's true," I said.

"Yes it is!"

"I know your mom. She loves both of you very much. Actually, she sent you over here because she doesn't want you to get sick, not because she wants to play with Stacey."

"Really?"

"Of course, really. She loves you very much."

I'm not sure if they remember each other, but after Savannah's mood improved, she and Desi fell into a natural rhythm and gabbed away just like they did when they met the first time. They're going to be fast friends, just like me and Dub. Speaking of, I hope they're all okay. I understand the devastation of losing a beloved pet.

We all got up from the table to go do whatever, and the dogs came rushing in to inspect Savannah and determine whether she was friend or foe.

"PUPPIIIIIIEEEEEES," she shouted.

They let her pet them, so I guess she's a friend, heh.

Desi went back upstairs without Savannah. I turned around for 30 seconds to clear the table. How 'bout this child found flour and chocolate and spread it all over my floor very enthusiastically.

See, this is the part I don't like about watching other folks' kids. You can't raise your voice or put them in timeout or anything when they act up. I didn't yell, but I definitely expressed my displeasure with her behavior. It was almost time for her to leave anyway, so I told her to find Desi and say goodbye while I mopped her mess.

When we arrived in Oasis Springs, Stacy ran out of the house and pummeled her twin with the most loving bear hug.

"SAVANNAH! You're back! I missed you!"

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah!"

Savannah began a very rapid recall of how much fun she had at our house. I'm glad we left a good impression. Yasmine pulled me aside to talk.

"I really appreciate you doing this. How did it go?"

"It was fine. She and Desi had a great time. She said something I think you should know about, but don't tell her I told you."

"Okaaay..."

"She thinks you like Stacey better than her. She said you spend more time with her."

"You know why-"

"I know that. You know that. She does not. I'm not trying to tell you what to do with your kids, but I just thought you should know that's how she feels."

She let out a huge sigh.

"Thanks. I try not to single her out, but...I just don't know how to handle our...our situation. I don't know how this magic works. If she gets upset, I don't know if something can pop off, so I just do whatever I can to keep her happy."

"Hey, you're preaching to the choir. I'm not judging. I'm just delivering a message. Oh, your kid made a mess on my floor."

"Ha! Sorry about that. But for real though, I'm glad she had a good time. I appreciate you, Luca. Maybe we can do it again sometime? Sounds like Desi and Savannah are destined to be friends. If that's true, that means I am destined to be in your life," she said, waggling her eyebrows.

"You better be glad I know you're joking."

"Mmm hmm. Say hi to Sophia for me."

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

restricting myself to only do 5 snippets lol i love them all so much

🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼 (OH!!!!!! @ that last snippet more pls)

➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰(this one has me on the edge of my seat!)(i say as if the others dont lol)

📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖(its new so im requesting more :))

🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷(this one i need a totally normal amount! diaz boys Talking ;-;)

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨(i just love them so much)

You can do as many as you want! Tanis submits 800 million every week.

I'm gonna put Gentle On My Mind at the bottom bc the snippet is sort of smutty, so I'll hide it under the cut.

That being said, 30 for ➰:

Tagging @steadfastsaturnsrings

---

His fault. Sure. The naproxen? He shouldn’t have taken it from Rachel. That’s on him, too. Rachel’s kid cracking his skull open? Dumb bad luck. Not on him. But, fair enough… Three out of four. 

“That makes sense,” he tells Eddie weakly. 

“Why?” Eddie asks. 

“Just curious,” Buck mumbles. 

“Well, don’t worry,” Eddie replies. “Not like you’ve had to watch them, right?”

Yeah… He supposes that’s true…

“It doesn’t matter,” Buck says quickly. “Sorry.”

Something sad flashes across Eddie’s expression. He cups Buck’s face and pulls him in for a kiss. Buck allows it to happen, although he’s not sure he’s in the mood for their usual morning activities. 

“We should get going,” Buck says, breaking the kiss. “Don’t want to be late for kayaking today.”

Eddie nods. “Right. No. No, we don’t.”

---

45 for 📖:

---

“Hi,” the woman greets him with a nervous little wave. 

She’s beautiful, Buck thinks. Bright smile. Gorgeous eyes. Eddie is holding her hand.

Buck feels strange. He thought she was out of the picture. Are they back together?

“Shannon,” she adds. “My name is Shannon.” 

“Nice to meet you, Shannon.” Buck says, smiling. He feels a little muted and he doesn’t know why. 

“Nice to meet you, too, best librarian in the world.” 

They chat some more. She’s really nice. Buck can see Christopher in her. Whatever happened there, Buck resolves himself to be happy for the three of them. 

Not that it’s any of his business, anyway. 

vii. 

Life gets busy for a bit. He dates and subsequently breaks up with an interior designer named Ali. In Maddie’s life, there’s a stalking incident. A near kidnapping. Chimney gets hurt. Maddie’s ex ends up in jail. Buck lives in a state of shaky adrenaline for weeks. He takes some time off work to help his sister move apartments again and fight with her new landlord about breaking her lease. Even when he’s back, he doesn’t have as much energy for the job as usual. He feels bad about it, but he just can’t give his all. 

All this to say, he doesn’t get to know Shannon Diaz very well. Even though she’s the one picking Christopher up more and more these days. Even though she’s kind and talkative. Even though Chris lights up when he sees her and it’s clear having her back in his life has been good for him. 

It’s nothing against her, really. He’s just busy. He’s got a lot going on personally. He doesn’t have the same energy for the parents as he did six months ago. No other reason. 

But then… 

Well, then she dies. 

He only finds out about it through Carla. Christopher stops showing up to after school programming. One day. Two. By the third, Buck starts to worry. 

---

60 for 🦷 (YEAH TALKING!):

---

Eddie doesn’t know why. He doesn’t know what he’s said wrong. 

“What about when you got back from Afghanistan and you were hurt?” Chris asks. He seems insistent. 

“Uh,” Eddie furrows his eyebrows. “I don’t think I had any ice cream then, Chris. I can’t remember.”

“No, comfort. Who comforted you?” 

Eddie’s chest feels tight. 

“I mean… I think your mom tried,” Eddie replies weakly. “She had, uh… She had a little kid to think about, though. You. And her mom was sick…”

“So no one?” Chris fills in.

“That doesn’t mean she didn’t try,” Eddie defends Shannon. 

“What about…” Christiopher’s eyes dart around. He’s upset. He’s upset and Eddie can’t tell why. “What about when you were shot?”

Eddie nods. Okay, yes. Yes, he can give a satisfactory answer. 

“Yeah, buddy. Buck was there for me. Comforted me all the time.”

“Just Buck?” Chris asks.

“I mean, other people were there. You were there. You being there helped.”

“What about Ana?” Chris asks. 

“Right, yes. Ana.”

Chris narrows his eyes. 

“What is this about?” Eddie asks. “Why all the interest in my own surgeries, Chris? Yours won’t be that bad, I promise.”

“It’s not that,” Christopher sighs. 

“Then what?” Eddie tries to temper the edge in his voice. He doesn’t know why he is getting frustrated, too. Maybe it’s just the confusion of it all. 

Christopher looks down at his tub of ice cream, then back up at Eddie. He looks like he’s going to cry. It makes Eddie want to cry. 

“I… I thought going to Texas would make me feel better,” Chris says. His voice is wavering. Like it’s about to crack. 

Eddie freezes. The ice cream is probably warmer than the blood in his veins right now. 

“I thought… I thought I’d feel better because you’d feel worse. I thought I’d feel better because I wouldn’t be in your way.”

---

45 for 🚨:

---

“So, uh… So, where is Christopher today?”

Eddie feels a little thrum of apprehension. 

“He’s at the zoo,” Eddie answers. “With his stepfather.”

Eddie doesn’t think he’s ever phrased it quite like this before. To anyone who doesn’t know Buck’s role in his life, Eddie might phrase it like… My partner. My boyfriend. Something like that. There’s a different sort of implication behind my son’s stepfather. A permanence. A finality. One Eddie knows is valid and true. But one that catches Ramon off guard, clearly, from the way he raises his eyebrows. 

“Stepfather?” Ramon asks. 

“Yes,” Eddie replies tightly. Maybe he’s testing him a little. “You saw him. At the funeral. Buck.”

Ramon nods. “My memory of the day is a little fuzzy.”

“Right,” Eddie replies. 

“You’ve been together a long time?” Ramon asks. 

“A year,” Eddie replies. “Friends for longer, before then. He’s a firefighter, too.”

“That’s good. It’s good to… Well, to really know a person.”

Something in his tone says he’s speaking from experience. Like maybe he hadn’t, so well. Or maybe he feels like he doesn’t anymore? 

Eddie nods. “We’re happy.”

He doesn’t know why he feels the need to say this. Perhaps because the implication, when he came out to them all those years ago, was that he could never really be. That he was taking his life in the wrong direction. Well… Here’s the truth. He did right by himself.

---

30 for 🔼:

⚠️NSFW CONTENT AHEAD READ WITH CAUTION⚠️

---

Eddie kisses Shannon as he undresses her. Her mouth. Her cheeks. Down her neck. Her collarbone. Kissing along a line of freckles he has memorized. He knows every inch of her. 

He removes her bra and moves his mouth to her breasts, brain short-circuiting at the fullness of them right now. 

“God, Shannon,” he mutters uselessly. He thinks she says something back but it’s muffled and a little incoherent. 

She’s so beautiful. She’s always been so beautiful. He’ll never stop being amazed by it. 

Her chest has always been sensitive. She’s always liked him kissing her here. Applying a bit of pressure. Today, she’s more sensitive than ever. He obviously understands why. But her reaction takes him by surprise. The volume of her gasping. The sharp digging on her fingernails into his back. It drives Eddie forward with confident resolve. 

He keeps moving. Kissing further and further down her body. Her sternum. He kisses the firm swell of her stomach. Peppers it with the affection he hasn’t been able to give. He kisses her thighs. Another freckle on her hip. He kisses her everywhere he can, and then he gives her exactly what she needs. 

[sk1bidi-n1k0-e4ts-people]

Tony’s daughter wanting to give Pepper a present on mother’s day, but she’s nervous about it so she asks Tony for advice! (He’s like, kid even ig she’s not your bio mom she IS your mom she’ll love it)

Mothers day

Summary: you get pepper a mothers day gift <333

Warnings: being nervous, pepper being too good for this world <3

A/N: in my mind this is set after new york, but before iron man 3

+•°+*°•++•°+*°•++•°+*°•++•°+*°•+

It was currently 2:36 a.m and you couldn't sleep. Mothers day was this weekend, you were scared and you didn't know why. You had known pepper since you were born, so you didn't know why you felt like this.

She was like a mother to you, she was caring toward you, she was the person who kept you from getting out of control, you completely saw her as a mother figure.

So of course, you went to the only person that would be up at this hour, tony.

Tony was always there for you, he always listened, didn't matter what it was about, nor the subject it was on. You could wake him up at 4 in the morning for boy/girl advice and he wouldn't care.

You slowly walked down the stairs to the garage, (of course) and typed in the code, getting his attention.

"Hey, what are you doing up?" He asked pointing a finger at you,

"I need to talk to you about something.." you were clearly uncomfortable and tony quickly caught on,

"Whats wrong?" He asked looking back down at whatever he was working on.

"So, as you know, mothers day is this weekend. And i wanna...i wanna get pepper something, but...I'm not sure, because technically she isn't my mom, but i see her as a mother figure, but im not sure because what if she doesn't like it, or what if she doesn't feel-" being cut off by tony placing his hand atop yours.

"Baby, even though, yes technically she is not your biological mother, she IS your mother, and she loves and cares for you so much. And whatever you get her, shes going to love it, i promise." He told you with a calming expression on his face, talking in a soft tone. "What do you wanna get her?"

"I was thinking....." pausing to pull out a photo on your phone. "Something like this...."

Waiting for him to respond, he only smiled, and hugged you,

"Shes gonna love it sweetheart. Dont worry, now go. To. Bed."

"Can we make it first?"

"Fine, go get the stuff." You giggled, running to your room to grab some supplies.

+•°+*°•++•°+*°•+

"Pepper!" You were holding the small gift bag behind your back, you were sick to your stomach. Tony was sitting on the couch in front of the tv, realizing what you were doing, he gave you a little nod, you nodded to him as well, turning your attention back to Pepper.

"I, umm..i got you something...." you said pulling the small bag out from behind your back. you were so nervous, you could barely hear the vomit coming up in your throat. Just when your thoughts began to race, pepper spoke up.

"For mothers day? Oh y/n," you let out a sigh of relief, 'jeez' you thought before speaking up

"Open it" you said smiling from ear to ear, you looked back at tony and mouthed the words 'thank you' he smiled at you, before nodding his head toward pepper, given that she was now opening your gift.

When she pulled out the bracelet, she read it out loud.

"Mama?" She asked you, (Happily)

"Yeah, and the heart one so that we can have matching bracelets. Do you like it?"

"Do i like it? Of course i like it! I like everything you make me." She said, pulling you into a hug, she stayed in that that hug for a few seconds before you said something both tony and pepper would have never expected you to say in that moment.

"I love you mamuh." You said resting your head on her chest.

"I love you too y/n"

Tags

@animealways // @white-wolf-buckaroo // @zebralover // @yummyangy // @tonystark-au //

[depressedtheatrekiddo]

Reading Blue Beetle (2006) again <3

This time my thoughts while reading issues from 7 to 8 !! 🪲

(spoilers under the cut as usual ajsj)

Me when I exist (I love this shit):

+ FIELD TRIP WITH THE FAM LET'S GOOO!!

+ Jaime I love you (he's me I'm him) (how old was he during this? We might even be the same age 😌)

ALSO BRENDA IS HEREEEE!!!! HIII BRENDA 💘💕💗💞

+ Right in the old sibling issues ✋😔😭 HE ALSO CALLED HER MUNCHKIN ON THE NEXT PANEL NOBODY TOUCH ME 😭😭😭 (I promise I'm a serious person and I'll write about their relationship in deep but I'm just a silly guy rn)

+ Peacemaker is back HE'S BACK??!! Good explanation on who Peacemaker is bug guy 👍

+ BOOSTER GOLD MENTION❗❗

+ Quick kit kat but I love that all of Jaime's family and close friends know about him idk how to express it but seeing a superhero be supported by his loved ones feels so good and refreshing (besides they're all super cool and intelligent and practical)

+ Me when Batsy appears: *starts laughing with no reason*

Also this panels

Then Jaime's mom going "well if Superman asked you"

+ THE SAME TECHNOLOGY OF THE SCARAB???!!!! HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT—

+ I love when the panels are like half Jaime half Blue Beetle, so sick man

+ "Blow it up" is a good tip I believe.

But also what? 🧍🏻 Can someone please explain to me what Dinah said about Ollie being upset and the poverty thing, please? :d

+ "I just want to go home" bro my sweet bug guy, I'm so sorry (JL better hide now, y'all had dared to bring Jaime into all this, now suffer the consequences)

+ NONONONONONONONNONOOOO 😭😭 pleaseplease see him see him please c'mon 😭😭😭

+ "You're heroes! Don't leave me alone!" Nobody fucking noticed? Asshats I'm gonna fucking fistfight everyone

+ STOP THIS SHIT😭😭 My bug guy I love you I'm sorry (Mili thank you I love you too <3)

Bro I swear parted panels between Jaime and the Blue Beetle fucking rule like I can fucking see him see everything again, I mean his eyes look like they do, see everything happening over and over.

+ "Dessert air" Yeah, me too Paco, me too ✋😔 (that better be a friendly hug, I don't wanna get paranoid with this but PLEASE)

+ ROAD TRIP!!!! HELL YEAAAH!!! Brenda and Jaime bickering 🫶 (Brenda kick his ass <3)

+ BAHDHSJAJS PEACEMAKER IS ON BABYSITTING DUTY RN 😌

+ Has Peacemaker just called Brenda 'Red' *has Max and Eddie flashbacks* nvm

+ FIRST SHE CALLED HER AUNT HER PARENT I'M CRYING SOMEONE GET ME OUT THE DESSERT ❗❗ ALSO LOOK AT HER SHE'S SO COOL AND SO PRETTY (I'm in love)

+ He's kinda right bug guy... (And lmao not them talking about La Dama being Brenda's aunt literally two steps away from her AVDJWNKDJS)

+ Peacemaker guy is called Dan Garett (someone give context or sum please, where does he come from (comic recs?) I think I'm gonna call him Danny 👍

+ OH MY FUCKING GODS NOT THIS CHEAP POLYPHEMUS GUY AGAIN 😭😭😭😭😭 *screams into the void*

+ Bro AGDJSHJAJ Cinetico laughing at Paco for failing Spanish is real life footage of me and my best friend (Also Spanglish is what my class speaks on English time basically so)

+ Man my exact thoughts on everything (also Mili is my lil sis Istg she's the same😭)

+ So Dan is the first Blue Beetle granddaughter or sum like that okay cool(?) (not me fucking thinking it was Peacemaker lmaoo 😭😭😭)

(Brenda I love you but why GAKDBWJS)

+ Mitchell. Mitchell.

+ I'm going to collect silly Brendas on my journey through Blue Beetle issues (I can't put too much pics in just a post so I'll share her once I got a few <3)

+ Dio live reaction:

+ ARMAGGEDON?

+ "My mother didn't raise me like that. It's wrong." Okay. Okay. I'm more of a Red Hood way of thinking instead of Batsy. But I guess Jaime has his point, I respect that and I kinda love that that's his thing, like, I need to be like him and feel all the rage in a different way, to feel kinder ( love you bug guy <3)

+ Lmaooo at least they take care of the town at he end

+ Bugnuts, she said bugnuts— *wheezes*

+ Yeah, I need to hear Peacemaker's story too 👍

[princessconsuela120]

❃ FEZCO ❃

Chapter twenty-five: Motion Sickness—❃

Series masterlist

Chapter Warnings: foul language, everything with teotfw and with euphoria

Authors note: Enjoy guys! All rights reserved to the show the end of the f*cking world. This is the last chapter guys!! Meet Me At Our Spot will be up again soon, thank you guys for reading this wild ride!!

—❃

I don’t know how I knew, I just did. Something didn’t feel right. That’s how I found the phone, with 911 dialed on it.

“I killed him.” I spoke into the phone, walking out with a shotgun pointed at Leslie.

“I killed him. She didn't do anything. Stay where you are. He called 911.” I explained, making Alyssa’s face drop.

“What?”

“Baby? Baby, listen to me. I'm trying to protect you.”

“You fucker!” She shouted, stabbing a knife into his leg as he screamed in pain.

“Police!” An officer said, walking in. She looked kind, I felt bad that we were inevitability going to give her a hard time.

“You actually in the police?” Alyssa asked, making her nod.

“Yes! Can you stop pointing that at me, please?” She asked, making me lower the gun. “An armed unit's on its way. Okay, look. We haven't got long.”

“What is going on?” Alyssa asked, a worri3d look on her fce as she hid behind me.

“I want to help you, all right? Listen.”

“We need to go.” Alyssa said, making the officer infront of us sigh, standing infront of the door.

“No. Can't let you do that. You can't keep running. You can't. It's better that you hand yourselves in now, willingly, to me, and I can help you sort out a manslaughter plea.”

“Please, can you move?” I asked, my voice the weakest its been, seeing as i was extremely terrified of what could happen to us.

“No, you have to stop. Especially you, Fezco. You're 18 now.”

“What?” Alyssa said, turning to me with a sad expression.

“Happy birthday, by the way.”

“What, today? You're eighteenth? Why didn't you say anything? I would've got you a present.”

I shrugged, niot entirely sure what to say. She was the bst present i could have gotten.

“I saw your brother yesterday. He told me about your parents. He showed me the picture of you two.”

Ashtray.

“Is he angry with me?” I asked, knowing the boy tended to get mad when i did dumd stuff.

“No, he's worried. Your mum's worried, too.”

Alyssa rolled her eyes. I could tell she didnt miss her mom, but maybeshe did she just didnt want ti admit to having feelings.

“Yeah, right.” Aluyssa replied sarcastically, causing the officer to sigh.

“She is. Your stepdad's a nasty prick isn't he?”

“Yeah.”

“What'll happen to us if we do what you say?” i asked, making alyssa nod in agreement.

“Nothing too bad. If you let me help you.”

“Yeah, right.” Leslie snorted, making Alyssa turn to him angrily.

“Sorry?”

“Don't lie to them. They'll lock you up and throw away the key.” Leslie explained, making the officer furrow her eyebrows at him.

“Mr. Miller, that's actually not the case.”

“They will. Don't listen to her.”

“You called the police, Leslie!” Alyssa shouted, making Leslie raise his arms on defense. I noticed how she called him Leslie, I knew it hurt her she couldn’t call him dad.

“Whoa! I'm trying to protect you. From him.”

“Oh, really? It wasn't for the reward? How much?” Alyssa raised an eyebrow at him, chewing on her lip nervously as she did. I noticed the little things she did now, that’s what you do when you love someone.

“Look, you didn't kill anybody, did you?”

“He's right.” I said, goddamn he was so right.

“What?”

“I'll go with you. I'll hand myself in.” 

LWhat? No way!l Alyssa grabbed onto my arm and I swear my heart left my body.

“Listen, sweetheart, take it from someone who knows. You take after your mum. You have shit taste in men. Take the opportunity to get rid of this one.” She didn’t let him finish, instead kicked his leg hard, causing Leslie to scream in pain. “ Argh! What is wrong with you?”

“You want to know what's wrong with me, yeah?” She asked, letting out an angry huff of air. “You. You are. You don't care about me. You don't give the tiniest shit–“

“Course I care. Of course I give a shit–“

“You shouldn't just make people if you're going to abandon them because they think they've done something wrong their whole lives.” Alyssa cried, holding onto my hand for support.

“Don't give me that victim shit, Alyssa. We can all do that. "I'm anorexic because I was adopted." "I cheat on women because I wasn't breastfed." Everyone has a reason for how they behave.”

“What's yours then?” I asked, glaring at Leslie.

“Huh?”

“Why are you such a prick?”

“I love you so much.” Alyssa said, turning to me with a soft smile. I couldn’t help the blush that crept onto my cheeks.

“You know what? He's right. But I didn't come looking for you. Right? I kept away. I thought it would be best if you forgot all about me.”

“We haven't really got time–“

“Just give me a second. Why did you send me the cards, then? For my birthday. Did you even send them?” Leslie pressed his lips together nervously, making Alyssa mouth drop open. “Oh, my God, was it my mum?”

“She shouldn't have done it. It's really irresponsible.” Leslie hissed, making Alyssa run her hands through her hair.

“I feel like I'm going mad.”

“Hey! To be mad in a deranged–“

“Shut up! Shut the fuck up! Stop quoting yourself!” She yelled, turning to the officer, her hand still in mine. “Will we go to prison if we hand ourselves in? Or juvenile? Will we?”

“Look, yes, possibly.”

“We wouldn't go to the same place?”

“No, but the thing–“

“No?”

“No.”

Alyssa sighed, grabbing the gun from me.

“I'm sorry.”

And then she knocked her out, and grabbed the keys to the boat, and once again we were running from something.

“Come on, Fezco, we have to go now!”

“Say that I kidnapped you.” I said quickly, turning to Alyssa. I had been hoping to protect her but I know with how stubborn she was it was no use.

“What?”

“Yeah. Tell them that I did it all. Then you'll be Okay. Nothing will happen to you.” 

“No. No way. We're going together. Come on!”

This had to have been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. 

“I'm sorry.”

“Why?”

So I hit her, and then I ran. I tan faster than I had ever ran in my life. Faster and further, and I kept running until the oxygen in my lungs felt like too much, and even then I still ran.

“What the fuck are you doing? Fezco! No!” Alyssa shouted after me, now being held back by the police who fired shots after me. “No! Get off me!”

I've just turned 18. And I think I understand what people mean to each other.

[q-u-x]

I hate birthday parties so much.

Like just got he fact that I have to act happy around people celebrating my birthday makes me sick, I hate my birthday a lot. I don't know, I've never had an uncelebrated birthday but I wish I had because I just want to spend a nice chill day at my house instead of being surrounded with so many people to the point it starts to get overwhelming.

I've told my parents I don't want to celebrate my birthday, in fact, the past few years, each day before my birthday, my parents and I get into a big argument about how I don't want to celebrate my birthday but they do and they tell me I HAVE to. Worst part is, despite all the arguing, when the birthday comes I just pretend to be happy because I don't want to seem spoiled, but my parents afterwards say stuff like "see? You enjoyed it" "it wasn't that bad" or stuff like that so it will never change their perspectives on if they should celebrate my birthday or not.

I do know I sound like a horrible child right there and I should be grateful because my parents are celebrating my birthday but I really just want for me to have at least one birthday that's chill. I'm not sure how to explain this, but you know how you get more of a "privilege" on your birthday? Well, I just want to spend one day with still that "extra" privilege because everyone treats me nicer than usual.

Now I do understand I will probably regret saying all this when I'm older and my parents are home so I'll just keep doing my pretending I guess.

This year's birthday is gonna be WAY worse, it's my 15s and I come from a Spanish family, meaning I will have a Quinceñera. We're going back to my home country (Dominican republic) and celebrating it there + having a photo shoot with a dress or something like that. I'm really scared for that, not only because I've gained weight (Currently at my highest weight ever😓 127 lbs), but also because of all he pressure there would be for me to act right and not argue with them.

I'm a person who gets in trouble in public/family events, most of the times it would be because I'm not spending time with the people around me, or maybe I look bored and uninterested and often I get in trouble by my parents because of this.

so I'm really scared I'll mess up (my birthday is on April 5), plus it's not like I can avoid it or anything because somehow, my birthday always lands around Easter. Almost every year, April 4th we don't have school, meaning April 5 would be free also. Like this year my birthday lands on a Saturday but the day before (April 4th) we won't have school.

Now I like that, I get no school around when my birthday is right? But back to the main point, I spent most of those free days stressing out about my birthday party and stuff since I'm scared I'll say the wrong things, do the wrong things, maybe have an unpleasant expressions or argue with someone😞

I can't cancel my birthday this year since already during early January and early December, I told my mom I wanted one and I was really excited (I get overexicted) so now with them seeing my recent eating habits, they'll think I don't want to do it anymore because something is going on with me? And then they'll have an awkward talk with me, which I would act dumb.

I did joke to my dad that he could just give me the amount of money the trip was for and just half it so he is basically spending half of the money but now I'm genuinely considering that plan but I know he will only take it as a joke, not an actual plan.

What would be worse is when I start using short sleeve shirts (Currently using long sleeves with the excuse that is winter), and my parents notice my scars, then they will definitely know something is wrong with me and I don't want them to find out.

My scars blend in pretty well with some old ones that I used to do by burning myself, not knowing it was self harm, which also got awkward questions from my dad back then, asking me why I have those scars but I told him that I was a accidentally burning myself while making sandwiches (I used to burn myself with the toaster) tho it wasn't to relive pain instead I liked the pain it gave me back then.

[turtlecleric]

assumption - others have said in need of a hug (yes true) but also,

may not have been praised in the way that you deserved growing up and instead others tried to dim your light because they were envious or wanted to see you fail (->im here to tell you they suck ass. you're everything and more; skilled; determined; worthy; and i love you so so much and i am so so proud of you)

Did you know that I would die for you? Did you know that I love you so goddamn much? Did you?

This is way too much personal info that no one actually cares to know, probably, but. I'm sort of avoiding work on purpose at the moment and I'm having a really rough day. Who needs therapy when you have asks on Tumblr to rant in? (I'm joking, to be clear. Actual therapy is so valuable and important if you manage to find a competent professional who clicks well with you. The only reason I stopped going is because of Covid, time, and money.)

Warning: VERY long vent ahead, please do not feel obligated to read or respond

My dad was really good about praising me in ways that felt genuine, actually, though that made the times he /was/ upset with me all that much worse. My dad isn't perfect, and he's done some things and said some things that I'll never forgive, that I'll never be able to forget, but I would also do anything for him. I know he's there for me when I need it, I know he'll answer when I call, I know that he actually cares about me. He and maybe like two cousins are the only family I would never be able to cut off.

My mom... I guess it was just sort of the baseline bare minimum expectation that I would do things well, so when I /was/ praised it was just like... oh, good job sweetie! Proud of you! But it didn't feel... I don't know how to describe why but... I don't know. Now, when people tell me I do things well I always have that voice in my head that's like "they're just being nice, they don't actually think it's all that great, they expected you to do a much better job than this, actually, why did you even bother sharing? Why did you think this was something to be proud of?" I read way too far into things, interpreting neutral reactions, or even positive reactions that aren't as enthusiastic as I might have hoped for, as proof that people are simply being nice and don't really like what I do or make or say all that much. I always get stuck in this mindset that I'm not allowed to create mediocre content, like it all has to be Excellent or else it's Terrible.

I also remember in high school, posting some drawings on Facebook that I was really proud of. Two drawings, one with hands in chains and cut up and the other with healed hands glowing with holy light and cradling a cross. It was supposed to show the difference between life without God and life with God (I was... VERY religious as a teenager. I am now agnostic.), but she saw the first picture and freaked out, super pissed, yelling at me to take it down, to not embarrass her like that, because people were going to see that and think I was abused or depressed or something (haha... me? Depressed? Nahhhhh). And that was the moment when I knew I could never ever ever share anything even remotely dark with her, that if I ever were to express something that indicated I was anything other than good and happy and perfect then she would react similarly. She's also very judgemental regarding mental health, often made comments about how "people who are/do x are sick, there's just something wrong with them, make sure you stay away from people like that" while I'm sitting on the couch like... oof. That's me. So all my venting went to Tumblr where she couldn't see, and even now I mostly only vent on Tumblr and through writing. I have many wonderful friends that would gladly allow me to vent to them (I love you all so much I love you I love you I love you, thank you for being so kind), but I simply Cannot. I've had a friend before where it felt like all they did was complain, they were always so goddamn negative, and it became a chore to talk to them. I started to get angry every time they said or did something defeatist, I stopped enjoying talking or hanging out with them, and I refuse to be that person. Even if I'm told over and over that I don't come across that way, I'm so terrified of it that when I think about reaching out I start to think of that friend and about how I shouldn't bother people and I panic. Unless I've gotten to the point where I truly believe that nothing I do or say will ruin the friendship, then it's really hard to push through that fear. But that's so much harder than it used to be because I /did/ lose a friend that I thought I would have literally for the rest of my life, I was so 100% confident that we would be 80 years old still hanging out with each other and goofing around, so sure we could go through anything together and stay friends, I knew in my heart and soul that we would be friends until we died, and I was wrong. I was wrong. I also had a different friend who was always there for me, always praised me, always listened to me when I needed it and told me kind things and made sure I felt welcome and loved and viewed positively, and then he fucking assaulted me one night when he thought I was asleep.

Anyway. When I /did/ fail at things growing up, it was either punished more severely than necessary or straight up laughed at. Mom was very hot and cold, too, you could never tell what kind of mood she was going to be in that day. (She is still like this. It's well known in my family that you never know which version of her you're going to get.) Things are fine one moment and then suddenly I'm in trouble for something I didn't even realize I did wrong (like with the drawings), so I'm just. Terrified of not doing well enough at things, of disappointing people, of people being annoyed with me or upset with me over something I didn't even realize was rude or mean or wrong to begin with.

"Don't overstay your welcome; don't bother people" was pounded into my head. I can't express how often I start to say or type something and then think, "No one cares. Stop bothering people. You're being too much, you're being annoying, they're tired of you, just keep it to yourself." I'm working on it but. Yeah. Half the time I still just stop talking or backspace and stay quiet. Even typing this, I'm like... you should delete this. You're basically just begging for attention, and if anyone says anything about this to you then it'll only be because they felt obligated to and they're going to start seeing you as a whiny, pathetic, manipulative person, and they're going to get tired of you and roll their eyes every time you say anything, even if it's not you venting, or they'll see this and think about how stupid or weird it is for you to put this information out on the internet, and even this sentence right here is proof that they'd be right because you're aware of all these thoughts and you're still doing it.

But then another part of me thinks that if I can't even vent on my own blog on a post that literally no one is required to read that is also hidden under a readmore and clearly states that it's a vent post, then where /can/ I vent? And if someone else posted this, would I be this harsh on them? And what's so wrong with seeking attention and comfort? Why is that unforgivable in yourself but admirable in others? Why are you crying at work? Why aren't you doing your job? Why aren't you better? Why aren't you better?

[mortemoppetere]

Emilio → Ophelia

Emilio: Hey. I found Rhett. It's […] not good. But he's alive. Ophelia: oh my god. […] how bad is not good? […..] where are you?? Emilio: Bad. He's in the hospital. Probably going to be there a few days, I don't know. [del: He might still-] Ophelia: are you with him? Emilio: No. I left him with someone I trust. A nurse. Ophelia: you LEFT him?? are you kidding me right now?! I can't […] GET there until tomorrow. can't you just go sit with him? tell him I'm coming? Emilio: I wasn't doing him any good, kid. [del: I never do anyone any-] He wasn't awake when I left. Probably won't be before tomorrow. And […] he'd rather wake up to you than me. [del: The hospital is] [del: The whole place just-] [del: I can't fucking breathe, and people keep asking me-] I won't be any help to him. Me being there would just make things worse. Ophelia: That's shit and you know it, tío. […] I'm sorry. I'm just […] scared. [……..] Where did you find him? Emilio: It's all shit, Ophelia. Everything is fucking shit right now. […] Sorry. I'm sorry, too. [del: I think I'm not doing very well.] I found him […] in an old factory. [………] His leg is gone, Ophelia. Ophelia: What? What happened? Emilio: […] Someone wanted to hurt him, and they did. For days. I don't know details. [del: Wouldn't give them to you if I did. Wouldn't do you any good, knowing all that.] If I'd been any later than I was… [del: I was fucking useless. Couldn't do shit to stop it.] Ophelia: Oh. [del: I can't think about-] Okay. [del: I feel sick-] […] I'll be there tomorrow night. […] It'll be okay. He'll be okay. Emilio: That's good. Yeah. That's good. He'll be glad to see you. Might not show it, though. He can get […] defensive. When he's [del: scared] hurt. So don't feel bad, all right? If he snaps at you or anything. It's not anything you did wrong. Just […] how people like us deal with shit, sometimes. Ophelia: [del: people like us… hunters. fuck's sake-] Okay, I'll keep it in mind. […] Thank you. For finding him. And taking care of him. [del: as best you could.] We'll find him someplace to live where he'll be safer. It's gonna be […] fine. Emilio: Don't thank me. [del: I didn't do a good enough job to deserve that.] We'll find him someplace. Yeah. He's not going back to that fucking van after this. And […] I think he shouldn't live alone. Not for a while, at least. I can stay with him, or his [del: boy]friend. I don't know. Just […] someone needs to. Ophelia: Too late, tío. You've been thanked. […] Maybe I could… mamá doesn't have to know it's with him. I've been telling her I want to move into town anyway. Emilio: Well I don't […] accept the thanks, or whatever. […] Are you sure that's a good idea, kid? Don't want to see either of you get into trouble. [del: If your mom made a move on him right now, I don't think he could do anything to stop her.] Ophelia: :/ How much trouble could we get into? […] It's just an idea. I doubt he'd let me, anyway. Probably lock me out every night. [del: I'd be happy if he was okay enough to still pull crap like that-] Emilio: Don't send me those faces. I don't know what they mean. […] Probably lock just about anyone out. He's a cranky old man. But we'll figure it out. Okay? I promise you that. Ophelia: It's… they're an expression. They mean- never mind. You're not even that old and I was raised in the freaking woods, what's your excuse?? […] I know. I trust you. Emilio: There are too many of them. [del: I was raised like a] I had other things to learn. Aren't you supposed to respect people older than you? You are twelve years old. […] [del: You probably shouldn't.] Okay. Ophelia: I'm 22! You're barely older than me. […] Look, I gotta go. Tell me if anything changes. If not I'll see both of you tomorrow. Emilio: I'm over ten years older than you. That's a lot! You're too much like your dad. No respect from either of you. […] All right, kid. I'll see you.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Moon Rocks

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: Jason accidentally reunites his mother with an old friend after being caught shoplifting.

Chapters: 3/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Natalia Knight

Additional Tags: No Capes AU, No Powers AU, Angst and Fluff, Old Flames, Romance

Chapter Three: Feed Roller

Natalia took Jason back home to get his things from the apartment. Natalia sat in the living room while he packed. Jason stepped out into the living room and stared at Natalia for a while. He couldn't figure out what to say to her. "Where'd you meet my mom?" Jason asked.

Natalia turned to him and pushed her hair behind her ears. "We met in the cafeteria," Natalia whispered, "Kitty had everything she owned with her… So, I just sort of came up to her and asked if she wanted to be my roommate. She didn't have a job, and she didn't know anyone, but I was all alone at home." Jason stood in silence, and she smiled at him. "Do you want to stay in her old room?"

"You're still staying in the same place?" Jason asked. Natalia nodded. "How come?"

"It's where I grew up… I'm actually sort of excited to have you come stay with me. I know given the circumstances, you're probably not thrilled to go with me—." She grew silent as she looked at the expression on his face. He knit his brows together and went back into the room to pack. She sighed as she realized she might've said something wrong. Jason finished packing and put on his back.

"I'm ready to go now," Jason whispered.

His heart was heavy at the thought of leaving his home, but he knew it was what Catherine wanted. Natalia offered to carry his bag, and he shook his head. "No, it's alright." Natalia walked him down to the car, and the drive to her house was near silent except for the radio.

Natalia cleared her throat uncomfortably. "Excuse me," she whispered, "Jason, you can change the station if you—."

"No, it's okay. I like this station," Jason interrupted as he stared out the window. "I've never been this far out."

"So, you've never been to the observatory?" Natalia asked. "I only asked because that's where I work. I don't know if you're interested in going—." She glanced over at him and noticed he'd turned to look at her.

"Maybe not now, but I'll let you know," Jason whispered. He remembered Catherine's plea for him to be kind. "Thank you for the offering." She nodded. "Did they say when I can see her?"

"After a minimum of three days. Maybe more if Kitty's really sick, but it's looking like you'll be able to see her by the end of the week," Natalia answered. She pulled up to a gate and punched in a code. Once they were inside the gates, Natalia led him to the front door, and Jason fought the urge to mention the size of her home. She led him up the stairs and down the hall. "You can have any of these four rooms."

"Which one was my mom's?" Jason asked. Natalia smiled and pointed to the last door on the left. He stopped at the end of the hall and looked out the window before entering the bedroom. He was shocked to see the deep colors of the paint on the walls.

"She painted the whole room by hand… Sometimes I would come in and watch her work. She said she wanted to see the stars," Natalia lit up as she went on to explain the decor in the room. Jason set his bag down in the corner and looked around.

"You kept it the same… The whole time?" Jason asked. Natalia nodded. "That's cool." She smiled and looked around one last time before excusing herself.

Jason never unpacked his bag. Instead, he took a book off of her shelf and sat down in an old bean bag chair on the floor. He read quietly to himself until he fell asleep. It comforted him to be in Catherine's old room. He slept until close to dinnertime. "Jason?" Natalia whispered. She tapped her nails against the door frame. He didn't stir, so she came close to him and tapped his arm. "Jason? Are you hungry?"

He took a sharp inhale of air through his nose, and he flinched away from her. It was a force of habit. "Sorry, what were you saying?" Jason asked.

She sat on the floor across from him. "I made dinner. Want to come downstairs and eat with me?" Natalia offered. Jason pressed his palms against his eyelids and nodded. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay," he mumbled as he got up and followed her down to the dining room. She'd already made his plate. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and started to eat. "The chicken is good… Thank you," Jason whispered awkwardly.

"Thank you, Jason. Is there anything specific that you usually like to eat?" Natalia asked.

"Nuh-uh. Mostly we just ate soup and stuff like that," Jason replied, "But I'm not picky."

Natalia struggled to find things to talk about with him, but she wanted to know him. "Jason? What book were you reading, if you didn't mind my asking?" Natalia asked.

"One of Mom's old books… Animal Farm?" Jason raised a brow. Natalia smiled.

"Let me know what you think of it when you're done," Natalia held back a chuckle. "Jason?" He looked up from his dinner and took a sip of his milk. "Is there anything you'd like to know about Kitty?"

"The um... She went to college with you. What did she study?" Jason asked.

"Art and English Literature. Have you found her typewriter yet?" Natalia asked. Jason shook his head and lit up. "I'll show you where it is later. Do you write?"

"Umm... Well, kind of. I'm not that good, though," Jason replied. Natalia took a sip of her sparkling grape juice.

"Kitty used to say the same thing before she found her voice. Maybe you just need to find yours," Natalia reassured him, "Mmph-. Do you want dessert? I've got half a plum cheesecake left in the fridge."

"Sure... Thanks," Jason replied, "Hey, Miss Knight?"

"You can call me Nat. It's okay," she smiled.

"Is this weird for you too?" Jason asked.

She chuckled and nodded. "But it's a good weird... It's nice to have you here," Natalia confessed. Jason smiled because he knew she meant it.

After they ate, Jason cleared the table and washed the dishes despite Natalia telling him it was no big deal. "It's a big deal to me. I used to do the dishes at home all the time," Jason whispered. Natalia sat at the kitchen island, waiting for him to turn around. Jason dried his last dish and turned to her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just nice to have someone else around the house again," she whispered. Jason hugged her, and before she could react, he made his way up the stairs and back to his room. She chuckled at the sweetness of the gesture.