#nothing has happened today or anything i just have things i'm hesitant to check out because i'm like

[misscrazyfangirl321]

Website like “doesthedogdie” but you can type in a movie or episode of a tv show and an actor’s name, and it tells you if that actor’s character dies. That way if you’re watching something because your favorite actor has a bit part, you at least know if they die or not. 

The website also tells you if the character is a good guy, a bad guy, or somewhere in between. 

[natsukishinomiyaswife]

Reversible

Hello ♡ This is just something I wanted to write for my Into the Yumeverse series, to help me get back into writing ♡ (Sorry for not having posted anything in a while, I've been dealing with health issues!! ♡ I'm trying to get back into the swing of things though, so hopefully I'll be able to write more soon)

*Please note that this fic may not include/mention everyone featured in the series!

OCs featured/mentioned (along with their OC x Canon) include: Yuusha (@crystallizsch) x Jamil, Mayu (@anbaisai) x Jamil, Rebecca (@0honeybones0) x Jamil, Astrid (@cheerleaderman) x Jamil, Damali (@midnightmah07) x Jamil

Silas (@theolivetree123) x Jamil, Fayrouz (@fell-e) x Jamil, Dranav (@justm3di0cr3) x Jamil, Jeanne (@midnightmah07) x Kalim, Copper (@cyanide-latte) x Kalim

Chris (@selfinserttothestars) x Malleus, Leota (@twsted-canvas) x Malleus, Sophie (@gl00myb3arz) x Malleus, Ellis (@starry-night-rose) x Malleus, Shuu (@oya-oya-okay) x Azul

Jewel (@jewelulu) x Floyd, Lysander (@offorestsongs) x Rook, Hopper (@amatsuchan-eiliniel) x Rook, Lizette (@twstgo) x Jamil

Enjoy! ♡

Lydia entered Scarabia with a sigh, feeling more exhausted than she expected. It was barely afternoon, yet she's had nothing but issues to deal with. First was Sebek, shouting angrily earlier this morning. Apparently Malleus has been leaving early in the morning with his group, spending each day out with them until the sun set. While Sebek believes it's dangerous for his liege to be "disappearing" with strangers, she knew Malleus had a good reason, not wanting them to be subjected to Lilia's cooking.

It happened when she first introduced Chris, Leota, Sophie, and Ellis to Malleus, Lilia watching with interest in the background. He was excited to have some new faces around Diasomnia, especially those who care for Malleus, telling them he would cook them something special. A welcome dinner is what he called it, Malleus leading them away as soon as Lilia left for the kitchen.

She reminds Sebek that Malleus will be back later, as he planned to cook dinner together with everyone (as a compromise). Having left Octavinelle in a hurry, she made her way back to check on Shuu and Jewel, finding them both in the Mostro Lounge.

"Ah, Lydia-" Azul starts as she made her way towards him, words getting cut off.

"I thought I told you not to work them in the Lounge! They're our guests, not free labor." Lydia states, putting her hands on her hips as a displeased expression comes to her face. Her attitude with Azul seems different than how it is with the others, feeling similar to how Jamil acts around him.

Azul clears his throat before responding, having expected her reaction. "Yes, but Floyd has a shift today. And you entrusted Jewel to his care, did you not? How can he watch after her, if she isn't here with him?"

"She could be a customer, or wait for him in one of the booths. She could even spend time with Jade if she wished, or anyone else on campus."

"Jade works today as well, and I doubt she would enjoy spending hours alone in a booth. If you're worried about compensation, I can assure you she will be paid for her work." Azul states, figuring the discussion would end there. One of Lydia's eyebrows raise as she gives him a look, already knowing what Jewel (and Shuu's) "pay" will be.

"With more than just a free drink, right?"

"..."

"Right?" Lydia stands there waiting, not budging on the subject.

Azul hesitates a moment before clearing his throat, muttering "... I'll see what I can do." His response seemed to satisfy her, dropping the subject as she went on her way.

Before heading to Scarabia, she passes by the Science club, checking in on Lysander and Hopper. Rook was showing them an experiment he was working on, with Trey chiming in on occasion.

As she entered the main room, Lydia was surprised to find Yuusha, Fayrouz, and Mayu wearing different clothes. Their shirts now read "Jamil Hate Club", the colors opposite of the "Jamil Support Group" shirts. Before she could question it, Jamil noticed where her eyes were drawn, saying with a sigh, "They're reversible."

"... What?"

"The shirts Yuusha made... they're reversible." He repeats, gesturing towards them. She wasn't sure how to respond, surprised by the craftsmanship of the shirts and how... thorough they were.

"Oh, are they reversible?" Kalim questioned, lifting the "Jamil Support Group" shirt he wore to see for himself. His didn't appear to be reversible, looking to Yuusha in confusion.

"Not all of them are, only... certain ones..." Yuusha informed him, Kalim nodding his head in understanding.

"I thought I told you not to wear that..." Jamil muttered under his breath, looking away from Kalim shaking his head. While Kalim sat between Jeanne and Copper, Jamil sat away from everyone. Not far from his group, but not close enough to be considered sitting next to them. If anything, it looked like he was sitting next to noodle Jamil (the snake plush) and...

"Is that stuffed animal... curry...?" Lydia asks, pointing to his right. She's never seen anything quite like it before, a stuffed animal made to look like a plate of curry, with a side eye expression on it's face.

"That's Jamicurry." Mayu chimes in, moving to stand beside Lydia. "It's hard to tell which is the real Jamil when they're lined up like this, don't you think?" Mayu teases, gesturing towards Jamil and the plushies. The expression on his face shifts at her words, now matching his plush companions (and proving her point).

"I'm surprised you stopped by today, considering the sleepover tomorrow." Jamil states, changing the subject. Since Kalim wasn't able to throw a welcome party for everyone, Lydia suggested having a slumber party instead, with everyone staying the night at Scarabia. Kalim loved the idea and immediately began planning it (with some help from the others), having sent out the invitations for it a few days prior.

"Well..." Lydia starts, growing nervous as she walks back to the doorway. She sticks her head out towards the hall, gesturing for someone to come. She moves out of the way as Lizette appears, unsure what to do with her hands other than gesture towards her.

"We may have... a new member... in the Jamil Viper Support Group..." She does her best to get out, noticing how done Jamil looks. "...Surprise?"

"I'll get you a shirt." Yuusha says, walking down the hall. At the same time Rebecca approaches Lizette, telling her, "I'll introduce you to everyone." before leading her towards the group.

"You've got to be kidding me..." Jamil mumbles, covering his face with his hands. Just where were all these people coming from?

"But hey! Sleepover tomorrow! That'll be fun..." Lydia says, hoping to make the situation better. No one else is gonna magically appear... right? ♡

I hope you guys enjoyed! ♡ Next will be the sleepover with everyone (held at Scarabia) and then the group breakfast (held at Heartslabyul) ♡

Thank you! ♡

[imtrashraccoon]

Uh, this one I had planned from the beginning and I honestly love how it turned out. It definitely got away from me though.

@owl-bones

First Day, Previous Day, & Next Day.

Bad Sansuary: Dust - Vibe Check

Word Count: 1,865

As you entered your apartment, you closed and locked your front door. For a moment you debated putting the deadbolt in place before just doing it, as you never knew what could happen nowadays.

With a sigh, you slipped off your shoes and hung up your coat. Today had been exhausting and your back was killing you from sitting in those office chairs for so long. Still, you could relax now, at least until you had to return to the dreaded grind tomorrow morning. The moment you turned around though, you gasped.

Dust was sitting on your couch.

His skull was propped by his arms and he was hunched forward in a way that couldn't be comfortable for long. He was sitting so still, that you couldn't tell if he even knew you were there or not.

"Hey... Are you okay, buddy?" you asked carefully.

He shifted and glanced up at you, although he was still clutching his skull with his gloved hands. Did he have a headache? There were dark grooves underneath his eye sockets reminiscent of eye bags that humans got when they didn't sleep well. His mismatched eyelights seemed quite as well and almost glossed over, like he wasn't quite focusing on you, or anything else for that matter.

His gaze seemed to pierce through to your soul and yet, he said nothing. It was almost as if the person you knew as Dust wasn't actually there at the moment and you were looking into the hollow eye sockets of a husk.

"Oh boy... I'm gonna guess that you've had a rough day so far."

He didn't respond.

You shifted uncomfortably under his steady gaze and looked around for anything that might solve the mood of Mr. Spooky Scary. "Do you...mind if I just go get changed out of these work clothes? I'll be right back, okay?"

You didn't expect an answer and didn't receive one either. So, you decided to just give him a bit of space for a few minutes while you settled down a little now that you were home. At least he seemed passive at the moment and not hostile like you'd previously witnessed.

Once you were in comfy clothes, you re-entered the living room and found Dust in much the same position you'd left him in. You elected to unpack your bag and put things away though before trying to interact with him further.

Although, you couldn't help hating the silence and decided to try to engage in conversation with him. "I had a bad day too. I mean, it probably wasn't as bad as yours but still... I get it," you said quietly.

No response.

"One of my coworkers neglected to finish a report last week and the client practically raised hell until we got it done. So the big boss has been on us all day."

You sighed and shook your head, "It's frustrating getting punished for a problem an idiot caused that I had no involvement in."

Dust was still ignoring you, or at least, you couldn't tell if he was actually listening or not. Maybe you should try cheering him up? Although, you'd have to do something to shock him out of his current staring contest with the floor first.

You had to be careful not to startle him too badly though as you generally quite liked being alive. Plucking a small throw pillow from its place on the couch, you hesitated for a moment before actually following through with your "prank."

You lightly smacked the top of his skull with the pillow; not nearly hard enough to hurt of course, just to get his attention.

"Vibe check."

He was startled more than you'd expected and sort of jumped to get away from your rather pathetic assault. His eyelights flickered wildly before focusing on you and his expression morphed into one of annoyance.

"what are you-!?"

You hushed him with an outstretched finger and pursed your lips in a thoughtful way. "Hm...your vibe seems...annoyed and bewildered," you said in the most serious tone you could muster.

"no kidding! do you have no survival instincts or something?!" Dust growled.

You tilted your head and pretended to think for a moment. "Huh... Considering Axe once asked me pretty much the same question, no... I think they're probably broken, at least when it comes to skeletons anyways."

He stared at you in disbelief before collapsing back against the backrest of the couch. "well that explains a lot..." he muttered and ran a gloved hand over his face.

You frowned slightly as you studied him. It really bothered you to see him, or anyone for that matter, upset like this. He'd come here on purpose though so that must mean he actually wanted to be with you. However, you were a little confused why, as he hadn't been exactly nice in the few interactions you'd had so far with him.

Sitting down on the couch next to him, you reached over and gently put your hand on his arm. "I'm sorry for scaring you like that just now, Dust. If you need to talk about whatever's bothering you, I'm here, okay?"

He shook his skull and remained silent.

You stayed there for a few seconds but when he didn't respond further, you decided to let it go. You'd tried, but if he didn't want to tell you, then you couldn't make him. Just as you withdrew your hand though, he seemed to realize that you'd actually touched him and his mismatched eyelights flicked over to you.

"how do you do that?"

"Do what?"

He vaguely gestured with his hands in the space between you two. "that...thing... how..." He seemed to be having a hard time articulating his thoughts all of the sudden. "how do you make your intent so...gentle...?"

Now you were also confused. "I don't know? Is it not usually like that?"

He stared at you blankly like you'd just asked an incredibly dumb question. "no...it's not. most humans only utilize it to attack other people."

"Oh."

"did someone teach you or something?"

You shook your head slowly. "No...? I don't have magic so I wasn't ever considered for mage training."

"so you just do this? like all the time and you never noticed? in fact, not even a monster noticed before now?" His tone of voice sounded skeptical but there was also a twinge of disbelief.

"I suppose so..." You crossed your arms when his jaw fell open slightly in shock. "What? I don't have any monster friends besides you and Axe, okay? I'm basically a shut in except for when I need to go to work or go shopping."

"wow...you're actually crazy..." He shook his skull and lightly massaged his temples. "my headache is only getting worse just listening to you..."

"Oh, is that what's bothering you then?" you asked, purposely ignoring his insult.

Dust sighed and frowned at you. "it's one thing i guess...among many others..." he muttered.

You gave him a warm smile in return. "If it'll help you feel better to tell someone, I don't mind."

He muttered something unintelligible and quickly looked away.

"Sorry?"

"fine... just...give me your hand back..." he grumbled.

You raised an eyebrow but held out your hand again.

He hesitated and then reached over, wrapping his pinkie finger around your own. You didn't make any comment and just waited patiently.

"do you know what lv is?"

His voice sounded rather hollow all of the sudden, like all previous emotions had bled away, and you felt a small chill pass down your spine. You did know what LV was, or at least you vaguely knew, thanks to general magic education in school anyways.

"Yeah," you murmured. "Levels of Violence, right?"

He nodded slowly. "do you know what happens to someone with too much lv?"

You didn't like where he was going with this, but you had basically promised to listen to whatever he had to say and weren't about to back out now.

"I'm afraid I don't... They never covered it in school beyond how bad it was to get."

He let out a bitter sounding laugh. "figures..."

A few moments passed before he spoke again. "it's like an addiction... once you have some, you want more, and more, and more... and if you don't get more...well, you go through withdrawals."

You grimaced at the mental picture his rambling brought on. It sounded awful to go through and you couldn't help the immense wave of concern for him that washed over you.

"So, that's why you came here?" you asked.

"yeah..." he murmured, although his voice sounded a little hoarse all of the sudden. "my skull feels like it's gonna explode and my idiot colleague was being annoying."

"Can I try to help you?"

He looked over at you again with surprise almost plastered across his skull. It disappeared quickly and he regained his trademark neutral expression.

"sure, whatever, knock yourself out..." he said with a shrug.

You went to stand up but hesitated when you realized his pinky was still linked with yours. He noticed as well and quickly pulled his hand away, ducking further into his hoodie as he did so. You restrained yourself from teasing him over this school kid behaviour, for now anyways.

First thing on the agenda was to make the room darker and you turned out the lights except for the one in the kitchen for now. It wasn't too dark outside yet, although you didn't want to potentially trip over something when it did get.

"Do you want some water or maybe tea?"

"water's fine."

"And do you prefer an ice pack or a hot bean bag?"

He seemed to mull this over for a moment. "ice pack would be better," he finally said with a shrug.

You disappeared into the kitchen to prepare the items. The ice pack was easy to prepare and the glass of water was even easier. After you'd wrapped the ice pack in a soft cloth, you returned to the living room with the water.

Dust glanced up when you approached but said nothing. You sat down and gave him the items, which he excepted and downed half the water in moments.

You couldn't help but stare at him as he did so. Where did the liquid go? Was he like a bottomless pit or something?

He quickly noticed your staring and shot you a weird look. "what?"

You felt your cheeks heat up from embarrassment and shook your head. "Sorry...I was just thinking is all," you muttered.

A moment later though, you had a question. "Would a head massage be of any benefit for you?"

He seemed actually intrigued by this and pondered it over for a moment. "can't hurt i suppose."

"Then just turn a little so I can actually reach you, okay?"

You spent the next few hours just sitting together in relative silence. Dust was surprisingly mellow considering your first encounter and he basically just tolerated whatever you did. When supper time came, you got up to go make something for the both of you.

He was gone when you turned to ask if he had any particular food preferences though.

[nicoline1998enilocin]

Betrayed | Part 2

PAIRING | Male Avengers x Ex-Avenger!Female!Reader

WORD COUNT | 1.7K

SUMMARY | It has been a few weeks since you found out about the bet the guys placed on Steve taking your virginity. You haven't been back to the Compound since, but now that you're back you will not hesitate to make life absolute hell for each and every one of the guys who were involved.

WARNING(S) | This is your official trigger warning. Do not proceed if any of these topics upset you. Major angst, swearing, Reader getting revenge, and telekinesis are used for some interesting forms of revenge, someone gets choked a little bit, someone loses something near and dear to their heart, someone breaks a few fingers, and someone is put through literal hell again.

A/N | This is the follow-up to my request called Betrayed, which received a lot of love! If you haven't checked that one out already, I'd highly recommend you do it! If you would like to request something, please don't hesitate, I love writing requests for you all! 🖤

Likes, comments and reblogs will be very much appreciated 💜

Main Masterlist | Steve Rogers Masterlist

You haven't been back at the Compound for a few weeks, especially after what happened when you found out about the bet the guys placed. They may have killed your dream career of being an Avenger now, but that doesn't mean you won't be out of their lives, and they will not forget it, you will make sure of that. You still needed to pick up your stuff from your bedroom, so you decided today would be the perfect day to get some of your stuff, and maybe play with the boys a little bit. They played with you first, after all. And you didn't have to wait long to have your first interaction. Right as you walked in, you saw none other than the golden boy himself, Steven Grant Rogers.

You decided to have a little fun with him now that you have your telekinesis better under control than last time. Without saying anything you stopped him from walking and pulling him towards you, making sure he couldn't go anywhere and he had to face you. ''What the-'' is all he said as he felt like ropes were being put around him, but he didn't see anything, yet he was still moved, and as soon as he turned around, his eyes turned wide with pure, unadulterated shock. You were back, and hungry for revenge after the stunt they pulled on you. ''What, don't have anything smart to say this time, Rogers?'' you snickered at him, having way too much fun with the way he's squirming in your grip.

''Y/N, please, let me go,'' he said with a stern voice, which only made you laugh. ''You seriously think I'm going to listen to you now? After you ruined my fucking life?! You should start doing stand-up comedy Rogers, you're too funny,'' you said, letting out a fake laugh. ''You don't even know how much you ruined my life, do you?'' you asked, tilting your head as you looked at him with a smirk. ''I- I'm sorry,'' is all he said, before dropping his eyes and trying to get out of the hold you have on him. ''Sorry isn't enough, hell, nothing will ever be enough to make up for the fact that you accepted a fucking bet to take my virginity. You honestly made me feel special - which in all fairness, is also on me, I should've known better than that - and took one of the most precious things in my life away from me, just like that. I didn't think you of all people would be capable of hurting someone like that. Guess I was wrong,'' you sighed.

When you held your little monologue you slowly stepped closer to him, and when you were right in his face you practically spat the words out, before actually spitting in his face. God, you hated him to his core for the games he played with you, and this wasn't even the beginning of what you could do to him. You started squeezing a little tighter while squeezing around his throat like a boa constrictor too. You were enjoying this way more than you should, but it felt good to finally be able to hurt him like he did to you, even if it was just a fraction of the hurt you felt. When you saw Steve's eyes roll back in his head showing he was about to pass out, you quickly released him and he was gasping for air while clawing at the floor, trying to hold on to anything the could get a hold on.

You didn't care and stepped right over him, letting him figure his shit out alone. You were on your way to your next victim, a certain archer under the name of Clint Barton, or Hawkeye, as the public knows him. You don't have to look very long, as he is in his training room shooting arrows. He just released an arrow and without a problem, you stopped that same arrow mid-air, making him snap his head around to where you're standing. ''Surprised to see me, Barton? It was only a matter of time before I would show up, now wasn't it? Especially since you were part of making my life a living hell,'' you said, your voice deepening at the last part of the sentence. His mouth opened and closed a few times like a fish, he didn't know what to say. You slammed him into the wall behind him with your hands in your pockets, and he fell to the floor like a ragdoll.

''Not so powerful without your little bow and arrows are you? I can't believe how much of a pathetic piece of shit you are,'' you spat at him while you broke his bow and all of his arrows with a flick of your hand. Not only did you get your telekinesis under control, you learned different ways of using your powers too. ''N-No! Not my bow!'' he said, he was attached to it since he used the same one ever since he learned archery. You snap it a few times for good measure, to ensure he would never be able to use it again. ''Stay out of my way from now on, and Laura and the kids will be safe,'' you said as a warning before physically stepping on his bow one last time, reveling in the crunch it made under your boot. ''God, I could listen to that sound forever,'' you said with a smirk as you turned around, leaving Clint laying on the floor with tears streaming down his face.

Finding Tony wasn't all that hard, since he was working in his lab most of the time, and today wasn't an exception to that rule. You didn't even try to hide the fact that you were looking for him, and Tony acted like he didn't care you were there, but he would care very soon. All you did was put up a little display of a fantasy of yours, where Pepper and Morgan were tied up, unable to move and they were gagged, so they wouldn't be able to scream for help. ''What the fuck did you do to my family, Y/L/N?'' he asked as his eyes quickly went up to the screen. ''Who, me? Don't you think it's rude to ask that seeing how you were a part of the bet that hurt me? That ruined my fucking life?!'' your words were laced with nothing but pure venom.

''Seriously, you're acting like a crazy bitch because we had a bet? I always knew you were unstable,'' Tony scoffed, but you could see the hurt in his eyes. He was wondering if what he saw was real or not. ''I may be unstable, but at least I don't spend every single hour stashed away in here tinkering with god knows what when you have a beautiful wife and daughter at home,'' you said laughing. ''I wonder how they're doing, I think I'm going to pay them a little visit to make sure they still remember me,'' you said as you stepped closer, your eyes honing in on the device in his chest. ''But I think I may have a better way of hurting them,'' is all you said before you turned the device in Tony's chest off with a single flick of your finger.

Since this was still keeping the shrapnel away from his heart when it was on, you could see him squirm as he was working to get it turned back on, to no avail. ''Y/N, please don't do this,'' he begged, but you wanted to see him suffer a little more. The best way you knew how to do that, was to tinker with his iron man suit a little bit, and you crossed a few wires here and there, took out some of the hardware, and smacked the suit against the walls a few times for good measure. Right at that moment Tony was practically begging on his knees for you to stop, and you finally caved. You didn't plan on killing the man, so you turned the device back on so he would continue to live.

''Don't think for a single fucking second I won't keep it off the next time, Stark. Honestly, I never thought I would enjoy seeing you on your knees begging me so much, I think I might have you beg just a little longer,'' you said as you continued to ruin things around his lab, things that were near and dear to his heart. ''Please, please stop, I will do anything if you just stop,'' he said with tears streaming down his face, making you laugh maniacally. ''Pathetic asshole,'' is the last thing you said before stomping on his hand, effectively breaking all his fingers so he wouldn't be able to do anything for a long time. It felt good to hurt him like that, you were starting to feel a lot better now.

''Only one left now is Barnes, you don't happen to know where he is, do you?'' you asked with a sweet voice as if you didn't just break his fingers. ''Gym,'' is all he managed to get out before you turned around. You walked into a straight line to the gym to meet Bucky, and you swing open the door, startling the super soldier as he meets your gaze in the mirror in front of him. ''You're back,'' he whispers as he sees you, and you just laugh at him. ''Yeah, I am. And you're going to regret ever getting out of the claws of HYDRA,'' you say before using your mind control on him. You let him relive every single bad memory he ever made.

He sinks to his knees and he puts his hands over his ears, trying to drown out the noise in his head as you let him relive his worst nightmares, only 10 times worse. He starts squirming on the floor as you keep going, and you make a high-pitched noise go through his head too. ''S-STOP!'' is all he can mutter over and over, but you don't want to. When you eventually do stop, you see that there is nothing left of the man he was before you came in, and you're feeling good about it. ''That's what you get for being best friends with the man who ruined my fucking life, you dick,'' you said before turning around and grabbing your stuff from your bedroom. You were glad you finally got your revenge, and it felt damn good to finally have inner peace.

[ejtheoneandonly]

COMFORTING THEM AT THEIR WORST (or some sh*t I thought of at 3am)

Feat.Haruka Sakura, Akihiko Nirei and Hayato Suo.

Haruka Sakura.

Haruka was bruised and normally, you would treat his wounds, he never admits it but L O V E S when you are the one doing it, as he consider your touches to be one of the most warm he has encountered in his whole life, you can even see it in his eyes, he is so mellow. When you try to talk to him about his day (before the brawl, of course) he remains strangely quiet, as if he is reflecting about something, you tilt your head "Haru-kun?", his eyes turned to you "what?" He coldly said...

"Is there something wrong?"

"Nah, nothing at all, why you keep asking?"

"Because it seems like you're going through something, do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

When you're done with your job, you both go sit somewhere outside, Sakura's face seems still at unease. You decide to try talk him out one more time

"Haru-kun-"

"Oh for f*cks sake what?!"

"How did you just talk to me..?"

"I said I'm fine! I don't need anything now!"

"If you say you're fine with that face that means you are not necessarily fine, you don't have to carry everything alone you know?"

"Ugh!" The bi-colored boy stood and groaned "I am not telling you I feel terrible just because you say-...so..." he said it himself. "And?" You were curious to hear the story. "..." Sakura grabbed his head and fell into the ground "Goddammit!!! Why can't I just feel to fit in no matter what I do!!! If I am not strong I am nothing! I really have no other things to offer!! I...I..." His voice was breaking and you didn't think twice before embracing him "You need to be patient, from what I've seen, things have been going very well in Furin for you, and you seem to have fun, I'm pretty sure your peers have already accepted you, or else, who are Nirei and Suo to you?"

Sakura is hesitant, but at the same time...he doesn't want to let you go.

Akihiko Nirei

You and Nirei were in a date, you were walking on the streets, admiring every single thing while you also see the yellow fluffball taking notes of the things you 'wow' at. Today was pretty nice, you bought some food, drinks and took some photos. The thing happened when he was walking you home, it was dusk time and some criminals arrived, threatening to harm you both, Nirei, wanting to be your hero, decided to face them himself but got outnumbered, fortunately, you knew how to fight, so you decided to help him. You both won, they left, you both went to your home, checking if there were any severe injuries. Suddenly, the yellow fluffball wailed.

"Oh no, what happened? Do your injuries hurt?" Your voice sounded so sweet and attentive, you were always like this, main reason he fell in love with you.

"It's just..." *sob* "Just..."

"You can tell me anything."

"I'm tired of being useless, I always wonder, how did I even get to enter Furin if I don't even know how to fight! Even if Suo-san trained me, I will still never be as cool as him or Sakura-san! I am so useless!! I am so useless!!" Nirei was 😭

"No! Don't say that! I love you just how you are! I chose you for you, I could have chosen Sakura or Suo as you say but no, want to know why I chose you?" You said getting closer to him

"🥺?" He looked to your direction

You kissed him in the cheek "Because you always have good intentions, even in the things you are not good at, you always give it all and that's what made me fall in love with you, you are the strongest in my eyes and heart, and always will"

Nirei just kept crying (lol) but it was okay, crybaby and all you still loved him.

Hayato Suo

Hayato Suo is someone who you rarely see sad, this patched person always kept in control of his emotions and thoughts, you were always certain he always had everything under control, but what would happen if those restraints...

...snapped...?

You and the patched guy were drinking tea at a chinese market, both enjoying the view as you enjoyed each other's company, even if you didn't spoke much, the silence was already good enough, but you decided to now check on him, you could feel it, there was stuff he has hiding, you sensed his mind was in a tempest, an unpredictable force that could break out at any moment. Hayato Suo is very good at hiding his emotions to the point it's scary, you will never know what's going on with him, unless he wants to tell you...

At last, you decide to break silence "Suo?"

He turned at you, with a tiny grin "yes?"

"I...have feeling you...you um..." You were sometimes scared that he might take your words the wrong way or worse, that a possible argument arised, but decided to take the risks. The chinese presenting guy blinked "anything you need to say?" He said as he finished his tea.

"You are going through something terrible right now and as much as you want to avoid it I know! I just know it! And I don't care if you say 'I'm fine', I know you're not but let me tell you, whatever you are going through, let me be there for you! As complex as it may be I will do until my last breath to-" You were passionately pronouncing those words you did cause a scene at the market, everyone was now staring at you "...sorry" you sat down again. He chuckled "your passion and dedication towards me is so admirable but..." his aura abruptly changed to a darker one "even if I told you, you would never be able to handle it, this is something very personal of me and I kindly beg you to leave it..."

You were speechless but mainly concerned, of course you never feared he attacked you, you knew he could never but the situation of right now, left you thinking, if he even trusted you enough, maybe not yet...

In the end, you both walked away from that place, you hoped one day, Hayato Suo would trust you and let himself be as vulnerable as ever, so you could be there for him with no doubt...

Forgive if this looks ooc, oh God T-T, also, to the 3 people that read this, you deserve the whole world ⚘️)) if you want another part then say so, I guess.

[fluffysucker]

3. Nothing has to change today

Bucky Barnes x Reader (AU).

A/N: Written in Third POV. No use of Y/N. However, the reader is referred to as a female.

Double update CUZ I'M EXCITED. Please lmk what you think so far.

Likes, comments, reblogs are very highly appreciated

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

The knock on the door grabbed your attention away from the vegetables in front of you. Quickly, washing your hands and drying them as you wonder who may be at your doorstep at this hour.

"Bucky." You couldn't hide the confusion in your voice when you saw him standing on the other side of the door.

"Hi. Sorry, I'm late." Bucky greeted you as he walked into the house, paying no mind to your bizarre expression.

"Did the kids fall asleep?" Bucky asked once he noticed the quiet house. He checked his watch. He was late, but not that late.

"No, they aren't." You answered, still trying to figure out if this was a joke or something.

"Where are they then?" Now Bucky has joined your state of confusion. However, you started to form an idea of what was happening.

"Steve showed up. Said he needed his emotional support bestfriends." You smiled a little, remembering the man just bargaining up on you and taking your kids with him. You didn't complain, though. The kids were so excited to spend the night with their uncle Steve.

"I thought you were going to be there. But I assume he didn't even tell you." You took his expression as a sign that Steve really meant it. He wanted a night with his bestfriends.

"No. No, he didn't." Bucky laughed at his friend's actions, taking out his phone to text his friend.

You left him in the living room and headed back to the kitchen to check on the food cooking.

"Look happy and safe." Bucky joined you in the kitchen, showing a picture of your kids fully smiling and laughing, surrounded by toys Steve keeps at his house just for them.

Seeing your kids happy will never fail to make your heart warm. They were the only thing keeping you going right now. Your only source of happiness and calmness

"I will pick them up tomorrow and have them for the day. Is that okay?" Bucky asked, checking to see if the weekly weekend plan still works for you. You reassured him that it was fine.

You stood there in silence for a minute. What now?. What were the two of you when you weren't co-parenting? You dodged this question since the divorce was finalised.

"Would you like to stay for dinner?" You tried tasting the water.

The casual invitation was harmless. He was already here. He was supposed to spend the night with the kids. Now, he had no plans. It seemed like the right opportunity to see where you stood.

You turned your back to him, acting like you were checking on the food, so you wouldn't see his reaction.

You didn't want to see him reject you again. You didn't want to see him shutting down any attempt for you two to exist outside your parents' duties.

"You sure?." He, too, was hesitant to step into this territory. Maybe you had different plans tonight. It was your free night, after all.

Because the truth was, he wanted to stay. He wanted to spend some extra time with you. Seeing you standing there in the kitchen stirred something he tried so hard to bury inside. This was too familiar. Too domestic. And he was deeply missing it, despite not wanting to admit it, even to himself.

You turned around to look at him, nodding with a soft smile.

He hated the fact that it was you asking. He hated the fact that you were always the one reaching out. You, trying to mend broken bridges or build new links. He hated how much you were always the better person. The best person

Bucky told himself he was only staying to prove that you can be civilised and friendly when you aren't just parents. That you can be anything other than the lovers you once were.

He returned the smile and moved to help you.

Without you two noticing, you fell back to your old ways almost immediately. Starting a light, small conversation about your day while finishing up the meal

The awkwardness and tension you expected were nonexistent. Laughter started to ring in the house as you talked more and more.

Once the food was done, you didn't bother to move to the family dinner table. You stayed in the kitchen, eating by the stalls.

The conversation flowed easily between the two of you. From work stories to the new activity, you wanted to enrol the kids in and gossip about old friends or parents you know.

Bucky walked to the living room as you were finishing sorting the dishes in the dishwasher.

The familiarity of the situation almost tricked you into believing there was a chance for you. How fast you two filled into the act of husband and wife once more was too comforting for your broken heart. You were trying so hard to stop your mind from deceiving you into believing something that wasn't true. A part of you was still holding on to the tiniest bit of hope for dear life. You brushed off the thoughts as reading the room too much.

You joined Bucky in the living room. You found him standing in front of the wall, holding your pictures and all your memories.

"You kept all of the pictures." He couldn't hide the surprise in his tone when he saw that all the pictures were still in place.

Your first ever picture, Your second anniversary, Your engagement party, Your weeding day, Your first wedding anniversary, and you with Lily's first sonogram ,Your first night home as a family Family vacations, birthdays—all of it You, together.

"Yeah. I didn't want to make the kids feel that too much was changing. It's already not easy. So I thought I would leave them up." This was part of the truth. You really didn't want to disturb the kids. Bucky's leaving the house was already hard enough.

However, you also didn't find it in your heart to remove them. It would make the separation too real. You couldn't face this now.

"Plus, taking the pictures down would mean we don't like these days or memories anymore. That we regret them. I never want Lily or Theo to think I regret them. Regret the life I had." You didn't know why you told him this. Maybe you wanted to keep convincing him and yourself that Theo and Lily were the only reason pictures were still in their place.

You had to physically hold your tongue to ask if he regretted the life he had. Bucky's lack of response was painful. Was it all not true? Have your whole lives together always felt like a trap to him? Has the man you loved the most only considered you an inconvenience? All thoughts that wounded your heart and could never leave you alone.

"That day in the park, a dog peed on my shoes." You weren't expecting this, but it broke a smile out of you, looking at the picture Bucky was pointing at.

"No, that day we spilled ice cream on an old man. That day, the dog peed on you." You corrected Bucky pointed at the different frames.

Laughs erupted between you as you reminisced on old memories captured in the photos. Trying to remember the behind-the-scenes of these moments

"Are you serious, right now?" You asked Bucky as he looked at a certain picture on the wall.

"It was stupid, but they all thought I couldn't get a girl to do it. So I had to prove them wrong." Bucky explained the real reason why he took you to this awful bar to watch the most boring hockey game ever over 10 years ago. The picture had Steve, Sam, Bucky, and you in baggy t-shirts for a team you couldn't even pronounce.

"And there I thought I meant something to you, Barnes." You joked, bringing your sight back to the picture.

"Everything." If you weren't standing so close, you could have missed it. The tiny whisper leaving Bucky's mouth made you turn to him with a questioning look.

"Everything. You mean everything to me." His steel-blue eyes were pouring into you. As if he were gazing into your soul.

"My whole entire world." He whispered very familiar words.

Bucky didn't know why he said it, but he couldn't handle you doubting his love for you.

He knew you. He knew you must have questioned your worth every single day and questioned his love for you, but you never voiced it, especially after he told you there was no one else. So hearing you say it out loud, even as a joke, was more hurtful than he thought.

He knew it was selfish. However, the familiarity of your time together was consuming him. He was defenceless. Your presence was breaking him down. Leaving him with nothing but the truth.

"Bucky." You didn't know what you could say. The phrase he used to use all the time was only a cruel reminder. You were no longer his.

Despite wanting the reassurance that he still loved or once loved you, you couldn't just bear it. Because if he really did, How did you get here?

The pleading in your eyes was clear. You were barely getting by. Your heart is too fragile to handle whatever game Bucky is trying to play with you.

Bucky saw it all again. The call for help in your eyes. Your lips were tucked harshly into your teeth to ground you. Your arms were coming up slowly to hug yourself. Bucky despised the fact that you were protecting yourself from him.

This time, though, he couldn't help it. He couldn't just stand and watch you fall in front of him.

Without any warning, his lips were on yours. Hand on both sides of your face.

Your mind couldn't comprehend at first what was happening, making you freeze in place for a second.

However, the mundane feeling was overwhelming. It was like muscle memory kicked in. You kissed him back. It felt surreal; for the both of you, it had been too long since you shared a real moment like this. You both missed it terribly.

One of his hands moved from your face to your waist, pulling you closer to him. Your hands flow to his hair instinctively.

It wasn't surprising how fast you found your rhythm again. Too familiar with each other's bodies. Too desperate to feel anything.

Bucky's arm moved down your waist to your hip, signalling for you to wrap your legs around his waist, and you complied. Your need for air made you break the kiss for a second. Looking into each other's eyes.

You should stop. You should end it right. Call it a reckless kiss and move on. But you couldn't. Your body was driven by your need for him.

Bucky knew that, too, but not when he remembered how perfectly you fit wrapped up in him. How your lips tasted. How your bodies reacted so strongly to each other.

His lips returned to yours. This time, it wasn't gentle. It was filled with passion and desire. Lust was setting you on fire.

Bucky walked the two of you to the master bedroom. Not breaking the kiss for once.

You should have stopped when you felt the soft mattress beneath your back. But your mind was clouded by him. Overtaking all your senses.

So you let him take you. Let you have him.

Taglist: @lethallyprotected @almosttoopizza @ragingrainbowshipl @dexter99 @xdarkcreaturex @nash-dara @paarthurnax59

[wingedjellyfishflight]

Hogtied: Part 2

A month later, your fingers itch to pull up his file. You resist, knowing, and believing that everyone is entitled to their privacy. It is why most workers can only access a heavily redacted copy of Ghost's medical record at your insistence. The full copy is buried in your private files in your office under a false name, same as most of the men you treat, including the Captain.

You've yet to see König since his re-check as you have spent a lot of time eating meals in your office recently as due to the mandatory full physicals recently. These days drag on as most do all they can to avoid coming in. Right now, you are waiting on your next appointment. Pulling the file, you see that it is supposed to be Ghost. Grumbling, you stand. There's no way he will show up voluntarily.

Walking into the gym, his most frequent hideout, you see him grappling with someone. "Ghost, you need to come with me." He freezes, and the other man slams him to the floor while he is distracted. You wince, but Ghost pops back up like nothing happened.

"Got me there, König. Rematch later?

"Ja, das klingt gud. I look forward to it." You nod to him as you follow Ghost out.

"I was winning before you distracted me, luv."

"Sure you were, tiger. Sure you were." You delight in hearing him mutter under his breath about annoying doctors. "I wouldn't have been a distraction if you would show up voluntarily for your check-ups." He is quiet the rest of the way and strips down to his pants without you needing to ask while you mark down his compliance with the mandate in his public file.

"Are you in pain today? Scale of 1 to just cut it the fuck off." He snorts, which has you grinning, though he can't see it as you lock the door.

"Two, bit of an ache on my side and arm from being slammed down." His tone implies that he thinks it is your fault. You refuse to rise to the bait, giving him a full check from neck to toe, including the hated turn your head and cough. At the very end, you ask him to remove his bally so you can finish up. "Why? I'm perfectly healthy."

"You're not, but this is to make sure you don't have a surprise pop up. I'm the only one who will see, promise." You go through this every time with Ghost. He trusts so reluctantly. "Let me see you, Simon." His real name always stuns him. You use it so rarely. He nods and slips it off, closing his eyes. Averting your own, you give him a moment to come to terms with the lack of fabric before quickly checking him over. At your quiet, "done," he hurriedly puts his mask back on. It shouldn't make you sad, but knowing that he feels more vulnerable, showing his face than having you cup his royal jewels always hits you hard. "I'd like to say see you next year, but we both know you won't stay uninjured that long."

He smirks. "I'd miss your hands on me too much, princess." You shake your head and slip out the door to give him privacy. When you look up, you see König sitting in the waiting area.

"Are you waiting for Ghost?"

"Nee, you. I have appointment."

"Oh! I'm so sorry. I hadn't looked ahead. Let's go on back." He follows you amicably, sitting on the exam table. "Before we start," you say locking the door. "Do you want me to redact facts on your public file? I do for many of the team members. The original is kept under lock and key with a pseudonym in my office, but that way, no one else has access to your medical history or anything else you want kept off of it."

"I did not know that was option. Yes. There are questions I have refused to answer."

You nod. "It is a common issue, so I buck the rules a bit for you men. If you could mark this up for me then. It is a copy, so don't hesitate to cross things out. Bring it back to me and I will make the changes. Please strip down to your pants. The mask is up to you for now." You turn away and hear him shuffling a bit before he sits again. Turning, you begin your assessment. He leaves his mask on, but is fidgeting heavily as you take in his broad form. "Perfect," you say trying to keep your admiration for his physique from coloring your tone. You take a steadying breath, then jump right in as though he was no different from any others you have examined. The warmth of your cheeks is a sure sign that you do feel differently, despite your best efforts. You manage to get through everything and when you gesture, he slips off his mask without an argument. You tried to force your eyes away from him when you first saw his face as your supposed enemy, but now looking at him as a friend, you let your eyes linger a bit, tracing over his scars and the chunk cut from his ear. You take notes of the various features to add to his file. "Was it a bite or a knife that did that one?"

"Knife, about three years ago. One of yo - our team, actually." You tut quietly and move on.

"It is optional, but we also offer an std panel. Since you haven't had one before with us, I do recommend it just to have a baseline, but I recognize that it is a private matter that you may wish to take off base. It is a blood draw that you can schedule through the online portal. Seems most don't want to have to ask a pretty girl at the reception desk about it." His smile is lopsided as he slips the mask back on.

"Ja, I could see a problem with asking the pretty doctor for a test." You laugh and wave him off.

"We are done here. Make sure to bring those papers back so I can get that handled. For now, I will move your file, so if you get hurt, make sure they know to call me so I can pull it. Have a good night, König. It was good to see you again."

You leave, settling back in your office with his file in hand. Head in your hands, you try to ignore the way your body reacted to being in his proximity. Your panties are soaked, and nothing untoward even happened. After a long think, you lock up the file, readying to leave for the day. You pass Soap in the hall, ignoring his declarations of undying love. He switches tactics suddenly, "ye goin t'be at the pub tonight, lassy?"

You stop and consider it. "Yea, send me the address and I'll stop in. Haven't been out in forever."

He whoops. "Sounds like a randan, hen."

"Nae, ye cannae." You glare at his back as he hurries off, ignoring your protest. Throwing your hands up, you relax in your quarters for a few hours before getting ready to go. You hem and haw more than normal, finally deciding on a knee-length skirt and a cute blouse with a bit of makeup. Looking critically in the mirror, you add a set of leggings, too self-conscious with the scarring on your thighs to risk anyone seeing them on accident.

Entering the pub, you see about a dozen members of the team have shown up and sequestered themselves to one area. All of them are men unsurprisingly. Most of the few women at work refuse to have anything to do with the adrenaline junkies that you treat, not wanting to deal with rough men. Having been around them at work and at leisure, you know that most have a few rough edges, but they always make an effort to include you even if they are incorrigible flirts.

It takes only a few seconds for one of them to spot you, "Oi! It's the doc! In a bloody skirt!" You laugh with the men, walking over and getting passed a pint from the table. Taking a sip, you nearly gag.

"Oof! Who bought this swill? You fucks on a diet or somethin?!" You set it down in disgust and ask for a pint of your favorite at the bar, a nice frothy glass of Guinness. Bringing it back, both Soap and Ghost gasp as if wounded.

"Ye cannae be serious, not Guinness!"

"Am scunnered ye think tha piss taint pure minging."

"English, ya fucks. Use English."

"What, like right proper Bri'ish, chappie? That piss is a load of tosh. Downright naff, it is." Soap burstd into a fit of giggles at your horrible impression of Ghost. Gaz wraps an arm around your shoulders.

"Never, ever pretend to be English again. My God your accent is horrid."

"Wäre Deutsch besser? 아니면 한국어? (Animyeon hangug-eo?) Quizás el español sea mejor. I can do this all night."

"Rather have you speaking tongues on my cock, later," says a newer recruit. He is promptly elbowed by the guy next to him and a quiet argument breaks out. You opt to ignore the idiot and turn to Gaz.

"How have you been, mate? I haven't seen much of most of you and too much of the rest lately." He chuckles knowing exactly what time of year it is and drops his arm to your back.

"Busy, Captains got me running a lot of things right now trying to keep ahead of the König mess."

"I shouldn't ask, should I? They mad we nabbed him and gave him Stockholm Syndrome?"

"That's putting it lightly. They've tried legal and illegal ways of forcing him back. It's been a right mess. I think it will clear up soon though. Poor guy's been through the ringer, but you wouldn't know it. He's been a good asset, thanks to you." You freeze, drink halfway to your lips. Putting it back on the table a little too hard, you turn to face Gaz.

"What do you mean thanks to you?" He scratches his head nervously.

"I just mean, you treated him up nice and it put him in a better mindset. Cooperated with everything and all. After the second meeting, he agreed to join us when nothing would sway him before."

"Oh. Umm... ok. Should I put that on my resume? 'Bedside manner good enough to make men turn traitor'. That sounds like an in-demand skill." He looks shocked and hurt.

"You're leaving us? Why? Is it because of the FNG over there? I'll smoke him right now if it is." His exclamations have drawn the attention of others who also demand answers.

"No, it was just a joke, mate. I ain't leaving. It'd make my parents way too happy, after all. And I'd miss my little arsonists and murderers." You wink at Soap and Ghost who stand a little taller, proud of their work.

"Now, I thought you were gonna get mad wae it, Bubbles." Soap groans at the new moniker.

"It's Soap, nae Bubbles, hen. Noo, haud yer wheesht." You laugh at his descent back into his mother language, not missing the way Ghost's eyes lit up at the nickname. Much of the rest of the night is spent trading stories until last order is called then piling into shared taxis back to base. You end up scrunched between Ghost and Soap, as per usual. They are always perfect gentlemen and don't want to risk that someone else isn't when you can't get away.

Waving them off near their quarters, you stop to enjoy the view of the city. A boot scuffing nearby startles you. Spinning around to face it, you lose your balance. Arms wrap tight around your waist, catching you and pulling you against a large torso to steady you upright.

"Oops!" You giggle, the drinks making you feel loosey goosey.

"You must be careful, Schatz. It can be dangerous." You cheeks flush pink at the nickname. It shouldn't effect you this much to be called treasure by anyone, but it does.

"Ja, alles klar. Ich bin vorsichtig. (Yes, I'm ok. I am careful) You say as you pull away carefully, not thinking much of it. "Gute Nacht, mein König." Patting his chest, you turn to walk to your quarters, not realizing that you have stunned him into silence by speaking his mother tongue so easily and calling him yours.

You're glad to have the next day off to nurse your hangover. When you make it to mess at lunch, the men tease you about your preference for dark beers. You ignore them, trying to focus on the dry toast you convinced the cook to hand over and your glass of water. "Worth it," you say at last. "Dark beer is always better going down and light beers taste like you had someone drink a dark beer then piss in a cup for you to drink."

The laughter your statement causes makes you wince in pain, which in turn has them trying to hold it in. "Surprised you aren't tucked into a hoodie, luv. Couldn't find one this morning?" You glare at Ghost.

"You took it back last time. I'm out of comfortable hoodies."

"Och, ye poor lassie. The big bad men took their clothes back." You flip Soap the bird, then jump when a hand comes into view.

"Here, Sonnenschein." You look up at König who has apparently been sitting next to you this entire time, holding a hoodie out for you.

"Oh, thank you. It's even softer than Ghost's." You slip it on, happily. The sleeves hang off your hands by several inches and when you stand, it hangs down to your knees. The warmth from his body hasn't left it, making it feel a bit like a heated blanket. "It's lovely. You're never getting this back, now." König chuckles, adjusting himself to better see you.

"Looks good on you." He turns back to his food and you make the mistake of glancing up at Ghost and Soap. They are staring at you, mouths slack in shock.

"Gonna eat a fly if ya don't shut yer gobs." You turn back to your toast with a small smile. Hearing their teeth snap together turns it into a full-blown grin.

You veg out in your room the rest of the day, lounging in the hoodie until dinner. Feeling better, you leave it in your room. Sitting next to König, he looks you up and down.

"Mein Schatz, you have forgotten to wear my clothes."

"Just saving it for later, Großer. I don't want to wear it to bits too soon." From across the table, Ghost huffs.

"That's true, too. My hoodie was fuckin threadbare when I got it back. You're rough on clothes, Lamb." You grumble at him, not denying anything. König chuckles at your attitude and Ghost smirks beneath his mask. You eat quietly the rest of the meal, listening to them discuss an upcoming mission. You make a mental note to check supplies as it sounds like more than a quick in and out thing.

[lvlyghost]

Salvation

Pairings: John Price x F!Reader

Summary: after a few months since his last visit, john finally gets the chance to see the girl.

Word Count: 1.7k

tw: fluff, angst, allusion to human trafficking, NCA, terrified girls. nothing too descriptive. bad english and poor grammar as usual. if i missed anything just lmk💕

A/N: so this took a little longer since it was supposed to come out during the weekend. i was planning on making it longer but didn't, maybe a second part could happen🐸 anyway, i love price✨🩵!

Masterlist✨ | Part 2

She hears it while cooking her homemade cherry pie. As far as she recalls, no one was supposed to come today. No. Officer Davis came that morning at eight o'clock like he always did. He had handed her some new books she's been wanting to read for a few months now and was kind enough to buy for her.

Since she wasn't allowed to give her address to anyone,and let alone type it on some random website, she was always asking officer Davis for favors. He was truly an amazing man. Although, even if they ever let her do such thing, giver her some freedom, who would want to go to the house in the middle of the forest to drop off a package?

Freedom. She scoffs. Such a strange word.

Making her way out of the room she walks towards the front door, but not before taking the remote that was given to her by the NCA. All it takes is pressing the red button twice and she'll have the whole police in her doorway. She stands behind the white wooden door, hesitating. Her heart begins to race, feeling it beat against her ribcage.

What if someone had finally found her location?

I can't go back there.

Frozen in her place, hand barely touching the doorknob and tears gathering in the corner of her eyes.

"It's me, sweetheart." A deep voice comes from the other side. "It's okay. I'm sorry for not coming sooner."

John.

She mumbles his name, like a prayer, and then opens the door.

He stands there, tall and broad. The same baby blues that saved her a year ago looking back at her. The lines on his forehead soften at the mere sight of the girl. He's wearing that black beanie that once sat atop of her head when the winter had begun that first time he visited her here.

The only other one that knew where to find her. Because she knew, they all knew, he'd do anything for her.

-

John can hear the river outside the old house. The rustling of leaves moving against the wind, soon it'll be dark. The humid weather making his green shirt stick to his skin layered with sweat. He inhales deeply. This mission. This fucking mission has been going far too long. But everything they found les the task force to this very place. He goes room by room, entering with his gun aiming ahead and the safety off. Always.

Despite not having execute authority he wanted nothing more than to put several bullets in their bodies. Whomever they were.

A creak echoes on the second floor so he rushes upstairs stealthily. The place above doesn't look much better that the bottom part of the house. There's a weird smell in the air. Like blood and death.

After checking the first room, the bathroom and all the cabinets just in case he sighs.

"Only got one room left to check. Anything out there?" He waits for an answer, in the middle of the bedroom. The mattress was torn and dirty. He thinks of all the atrocities that must've taken place there.

"Negative, Captain. Got you on my sight just in case." Ghost's monotone voice interrupts the eerie silence engulfing his surroundings.

"Copy."

The radio dies and John walks to the next door across the hallway. Except it's locked.

Of course.

"Last door locked. I'm going in. Gaz, Soap you're in position?" He asks

"Aye sir. Both ready."

Next thing that happens is a bullet. He shoots the doorknob and the door bursts open with a loud sound of his firearm.

And screams.

Terrified screams and cries from... girls. At least seven of them. Price swallows hard, his eyes scanning the room when they land on the girl shielding a younger one. She's terrified, shaking, yet still looks him in the eye imploring to be saved.

-

She's hugging him in an instant, almost making him stumble back on his steps, but embraces her body nevertheless.

"What took you so long?" She asks, her face resting on his hard chest. Price can feel the softness of her skin against his calloused hands.

"Special Ops." She smells like strawberry and caramels. Pulling away so he can look her in the eyes. "How're you doin' love?"

Her heart skips a beat. Never gets tired of hearing Price calling her that.

"Come in and I'll tell you."

Taking his hand she guides him to the kitchen where the pie is almost finished. John drops his duffel bag on the wooden floor, contemplating her small form moving around effortlessly.

"I got some new books this morning. Turns out I've been missing a lot. Davis was kind enough to bring them since... you know." She shrugs.

"They're still not letting you out?" He asks with a serious tone.

"Nah. Might be dangerous." Taking out the pie from the oven she places it on the counter between the two. Price doesn't say anything for a moment, merely looking at her, pondering. "The boys are alright?"

"Yeah." He nods,"Had to drag one or two out of a burning building but that's not new."

She laughs softly, taking a seat, motioning for him to do the same. He obliges.

"How long do you think they'll keep me here, John?" It's a genuine question. It's only been a few months. A year, almost.

"Love..." he sighs. "It's complicated. I don't know much."

"Yeah but, but once they're all captured..." she stammered.

Price could never say he understands what she's going through. What she endured was beyond him. Whenever he thought of it it just made him want burn the fucking bastards. All of them.

"I promise you this. Once it's safe for you I'll personally come and give you the news. And we'll go wherever you desire, yeah?" Although it's not entirely what she wanted, she could wait a little bit longer. John had never let her down. He saved her and in all honesty she'd trust him with her life. "I'll tell you what." He stands up, making the small kitchen look even smaller with his tall form. "Have you heard about the town fair?"

Her eyes light up.

"No... is, is that..."

"Let's go." She doesn't move. "Why don't you go get ready."

"John, I'm not supposed to leave the house you know that, I mean I want to, but... you said..." She's mortified, yet excited. A breath of fresh air. That's what that man meant for her. No one ever cared about her like he did.

"I've got contacts, love. I don't need their permission. For all that matters you're safer with me. Come on, out we go." He points to the front door. "I'm a patient man but don't keep me waiting for too long eh."

-

He was right.

It was a sight to behold.

John watches her eating the snack he got for her. She loved sweets so much therefore he couldn't let this opportunity pass. When was the last time she got to experience something like this? Sometimes so simple.

Something so mundane.

Her eyes are glimmering whenever she looks at the different attractions at the fair. John takes a long drink from his beer bottle. Right hand finding her lower back whenever she's about to bump into some other person when she's distracted.

"You like it huh?" She looks at him confused. He points the stuffed otter in her left hand. A smile crossed her features.

"I do. And I still don't know how you did it... I mean, I guess being in the military does help when you try to shoot a moving horse toy at the fair to win something." She laughs, embarrassed about what she just said. She thinks she sounds stupid, almost making her want to hit her head against the nearest tree.

He smiles, the wrinkles on the corner of his eyes more prominent than the last time she'd seen him.

"I guess it does, love." He agrees wholeheartedly.

"How long are you going to stay?"

Price looks down at her when she stops before the ferris wheel. The wind blows her hair swiftly. What was that in the air? Her perfume?

"For as long as I can, dear." He takes a strand of hair in his hand, and gently put it behind her ear.

There she is.

"John..." she breathes. "I feel so lonely when you're gone." The grip on the stuffed animal tightens. "I've no one. If it wasn't for you..."

"No." He gently reprimands her. "Don't say another word. With or without me you'll be fine, love."

"What if I don't want to be fine when you're not around?" He's silent, yet his mind is so loud. "You saved me, John." She states. "Any other person would just continue with their lives. You were just doing your job. Another one in the endless missions you're assigned." Swallowing, she asks: "Why are you still here? Why do you keep coming back?"

He doesn't answer the question right away, instead looks over her head, lost in his own thoughts as he shifts his weight from one foot to another. He then clears his throat and looks back at her, who's waiting with wide eyes and lips slightly parted. She was right. Any other day John would've turned page. He would sure remember, after all these are stories that will stick with him until his last day. What made this mission different?

"I think you know bloody well why."

-

Price helps her sit inside the helicopter to get medical attention. Feeling her weak body trembling even under the black blanket she was tightly wrapped in. He had carried her body all the way outside from that house when she collapsed. The adrenaline running through her system disappearing when she realized they were being rescued at last.

Simon had side eyed his Captain when he didn't let anyone take the girl from him. Why her? He couldn't say. So he went away and led one of the other girls out of there instead with Soap's help.

"There's nothing to be afraid anymore, kid." He reassured her, voice soft trying not to startle her more than she already was. "We got you. All of you."

Her big eyes once terrified and filled with tears of despair finally saw the light at the end. It was him. What she always prayed for. Salvation.

It was staring back at her.

[ikamigami]

I've read a couple of your posts about todays LAES episode, and I'm genuinely curious, what lead you to believe that Sun is suicidal? I'm not asking because I disagree, I'm asking because I'm frankly just a casual viewer, and want to know what I missed.

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

It's okay. It's not a stupid question. You can ask about anything. ^^

So Sun said in episode "Original Moon returns": "sometimes I wish I was dead".. and later added that he should stop thinking about it and he went to clean the Daycare to distract himself from these thoughts.. which heavily implies that Sun seriously thinks about dying - in the way that he thinks that would be better solution for his issues.. cause he added "Moon got reset and I have to deal with everything".. which again implies that this is serious and Sun thinks that death is a solution.. which heavily implies that he's suicidal...

Another thing is Sun's behaviour after that.. He decided to be conduit for star's power when he found out that there's a risk that person who will use star's power will most probably die.. which shows us Sun being suicidal more in action.. But Sun here is passively suicidal because he doesn't harm himself directly but he tries to find ways to be harmed/killed by outside circumstances like sacrificing himself for example...

Another time when Sun showed more visible signs that he's suicidal is when he told computer without hesitation to shoot him.. It was in "Sun and Moon vs Mimic" episode.. In this episode Mimic was pretending to be Sun and Moon didn't know who the real Sun is.. He came up with idea of threatening both of Sun's with computer shooting deathly laser at them.. to which real Sun told to computer to shoot him... Moon said then that he should check up on Sun because he was concerned by Sun's comment.. but then nothing happened... Moon never asked Sun about that...

Then there were a few hints in both lore and gaming episodes that Sun is suicidal like some odd comments in games: "it's good to be dead", "I'm trying to see if I'll crush when I jump off this", "there's nothing wrong with saying 'death'" (and he said that after he said this "if we don't do trendy things we'll die" which concerned Earth.. but not to the point that she would ask him more about it).. and also odd behaviour: he tried to drown himself in Minecraft game, he tried to crush his car in Fears to fathom game.. In lore episodes: he tried to crush his car twice, he jumped off the roof of high building without hesitation, he was eating food even though it hurts him when he eats human food, in "Ruin Monty Gator visits Daycare Attendant" episode Sun didn't care that Ruin Monty was choking him and that he could get killed by them.. In "Save Pollux or Castor in Minecraft" episode Sun went through a lava knowing very well that it'll kill him.. Also many times it seemed that Sun just let others beat him to death in games - he wasn't protecting himself and blocking any attacks (he also let Earth kill him in "Sun and Earth trapped in 2D Minecraft" episode)...

Another thing is that Sun seems more distant from his family.. he was absent in both episodes "Earth is tiny" and "Lunar is giant" despite the rest of the family being shown in both of these episodes.. In "Day in a life of Solar" episode and "Earth is trapped as a toy" episode no one knew where Sun is and what he's doing.. He wasn't picking up the phone calls..

In "Day in the life of Monty Gator" Sun's voice sounded like if his throat was hurt.. He told Monty it's because of screaming.. But it never happened before despite Sun screaming almost daily.. Most probably he harmed his throat.. we don't know how though.. Monty seemed concerned about Sun in that episode but nothing came out of that...

Another thing is that Sun seems to be not aware of what is happening around him.. He doesn't know what day it is (he forgot about Christmas and didn't buy anything for his family), he has poor sleep schedule - in "Moon is threatened by Gemini" episode it seemed that Sun dozed off.. Also Sun seems to sleep for short amount of time at random moments..

Another thing is that the only way of coping for Sun is either excessive cleaning or watching YT or playing games.. which is only good for awhile but it's not a solution to Sun's problems.. You can't deal with your issues by trying to escape them..

Another thing is that Sun is constantly lying that he's fine.. He tries to immediately redirect any conversation regarding his mental issues to other topics i.e. today's laes episode in which Sun only focus on external problems like Eclipse and Bloodmoon even though during therapy he should focus more on what's happening in his mind and on his own feelings...

Also the fact that Sun was very adamant about learning Earth and Moon how to drive - the only thing he feels that he's good at beside cleaning - seems like a way for Sun to pass his own knowledge which may imply that someone is ready to end their own life..

These are things that I remembered.. I hope that this answer satisfy you, anon 🙇‍♀️

And I'm sorry if there are any spelling errors cause English isn't my native language...

Ofc you can ask more questions if you want to ^^

[irondad-defensesquad]

When you see yourself, are you far away?

Also on AO3. Things have felt bleak lately. I'm not in any danger. I just wanted to write these particular feelings down. Might be out of character for this reason. TRIGGER WARNINGS - suicidal thoughts, depression and mentioned character death. DO NOT SHIP TONY AND PETER. P/ROSHIP DNI.

Peter is back here.

He never thought he’d be here again. When was the last time?

As Spider-Man, sometimes he passes by, but he hasn’t stayed.

Peter chose not to bring his suit, knowing Karen would notify Tony, and the man would track him down. Then again, Tony can always track his phone. Peter turned the GPS off, but he doesn’t doubt what Iron Man can do.

As of now, Tony hasn’t found him.

It’s quite foggy today. And empty.

It’s dark, it’s almost like it’s evening. And yet it’s still mid afternoon, last time Peter checked.

He can’t see anything from up there.

Peter, however, hears it.

The water.

It’s somewhere in there.

There’s a storm brewing in the sky, far away from there. It might not even crash to the ground. Regardless, Peter is not afraid of it.

He really wants to know where the water is. To get a closer look. Maybe take a freezing bath, let the waves engulf him, and let the gravity sink him. Let the water embrace his tormented soul.

Except Peter has drowned before, with that failed parachute. It’s not a pleasant sensation. It was chilling and Peter was scared.

But for some reason, all the teen wants to do is to drown again.

He wants to feel alive again.

Peter leans in, still seeing nothing.

The only way he can find out…

He doesn’t sense a soul anywhere near him. No one is going to stop him.

Peter climbs the ledge, standing on it.

All he can hear is the wind and the water down below. His only company.

He gulps.

Why is he still hesitating?

For how long is he going to avoid it?

…

Well, for one, Peter can hear a car coming fast.

He doesn’t know whether he’s relieved or not.

And then, it stops.

Peter is getting down from the ledge, even though he didn’t receive any orders to do so. It’s not like Tony would force him.

Then, human steps are nearing him.

“Kid?” Tony calls him, sounding rather calm.

Peter doesn’t look at him.

“... How did you even find me?” He’s not surprised.

“May told me you weren’t at school, and you weren’t in your suit, either.”

“So you tracked my phone?”

“Actually, no. Your friend Ted texted me where you might be.”

Heck, even Ned texted Tony? Peter forgot the former had the latter’s personal number.

And now he remembers, the last time he stayed here was with Ned. It was shortly after Uncle Ben died. Peter had considered telling Ned about his powers back then, but chose not to. Either way, his best friend has always been aware of the darkness inside Peter. Whenever the latter disappeared, Ned knew he’d be in this very bridge, contemplating the faraway water.

Peter feels kind of bad for Ned and Aunt May right now, how worried they might have been to let Tony know.

“How long have you been here?” His mentor wonders.

“A while.” Just a couple of hours. Just forever.

“Did something happen?”

Peter shrugs. “I guess I did.”

His venom makes Tony go silent.

Then, the man is joining him, trying to make sense of the view Peter has. They stick there in quietude, in reflection.

“It feels… uncertain, doesn’t it?” Tony tries to describe.

Peter sighs, nodding.

“I know the sun is somewhere in there, but there's so much fog, it doesn’t reach me. And I can’t get myself out of here,” he narrates.

Pause.

“It’s like… I’m gonna die before the sun ever reaches me again.”

Tony inhales a bit harshly, like something caught up in his throat.

“I don’t think I can fight anymore,” Peter admits, “to get to the sun.”

The water sounds louder, somehow. It’s going to get to Peter before he jumps there himself.

“I don’t know why something always stops me. I’ve come here so many times… and I never tried to see what’s beyond the fog down there,” Peter vents, frustrated. “When I’m Spider-Man, I don’t even think about it. I just leap and I fly. Even when I’m scared, I fly. But now… I can’t fly.”

He’s leaning in again.

Tony is coming closer, but not too much.

Peter shuts his eyes.

“... I’m cold, Mr. Stark,” Peter says with the most intensity he’s felt today.

His mentor hasn’t said a word.

The only thing he does is listen.

And, eventually, a hand slowly grips Peter’s shoulder. Which isn’t meant to stop or trap Peter.

It’s meant to let him know that he’s not alone, nor crazy.

Peter shivers. From the weather? Or the warm, solid touch?

“I’m cold,” he repeats as though it’s unfixable.

“I’ll get you home.”

“It’s even colder there.”

“I meant upstate. And I’ll be there with you.”

Peter won’t open his eyes.

“You can do better than me, Mr. Stark.” You deserve better than me.

“Peter.” Tony squeezes his shoulder a little more.

The other gulps.

“... I know I can’t fix you,” Tony softens, “but you’re not unlovable for that. We can manage something. You don’t have to be alone. You don’t deserve to be.”

Peter opens his eyes again.

He’s… stepping back.

Tony is not pulling him.

Peter is doing it with his free will.

The water is quiet.

Some part of him wants to get it back. He wants to jump and let go of the soothing hand that’s grounding him. But Peter is backing down himself.

And he cries.

He’s so conflicted.

Tony has got him in his arms.

Peter sobs hard, it hurts.

Tony kisses his head as well.

He seems to be wrapping Peter in a hoodie, too. Maybe that’s Tony’s hoodie. It smells like him.

The storm is coming.

With that, Tony guides Peter inside the car.

It’s a quiet drive.

Peter apparently blacks out, because he doesn’t feel the most of the trip upstate. Maybe it’s Tony’s hoodie making him feel safe.

There, he’s lying on Tony’s massive bed. He can hear his mentor calling someone, maybe Aunt May to let her know Peter is here.

This warmth that isn’t necessarily the sun…

It makes Peter cry again.

Because…

It makes him feel alive.

He didn’t have to jump into the cold.

Tony lies down with him, caressing Peter’s cheek.

“You’re going to be okay,” Tony whispers.

It hurts so much.

But… Peter will try to believe Tony.

[i-arch-my-backula]

Grocery store massacre: Ghostface and Leslie Vernon x reader

Just a little something I wrote, nothing too glorious. Not exactly romantic or anything other than the reader being chased around. I needed to post and this is the best I got for y'all right now because I'm still busy.

Content warnings: Murder, blood, violence, swearing, reader in distress

Working at a grocery store wasn’t your ideal job, but because you live in a small town, it pays well enough for you to afford rent and most other things you need. Today nothing much happened. Normal customers, a couple of teenagers being stupid, and one man who said he was a journalist. The conversation you had with him still sticks in your mind. 

“I’m new in town, I need a local to show me around.” He said to you as you hand him his grocery bag. 

“Maybe I’ll have to do that sometime when I’m not working.” You replied, giving him a smile. 

The digital clock on your register strikes ten and you grab the microphone for the intercom. 

“Attention Phill’s market shoppers, the time is now ten pm and the store is closed. Please come to the front to be checked out. We will reopen tomorrow at nine am. Thank you for choosing Phill’s market and have a great night.” You say, turning off the intercom and the music being played comes back on over the speakers. 

You’re closing tonight with two other people, which you haven’t seen either of them for the past half hour, but that isn’t too big of a deal considering barely anyone has been checking out. You tap your fingers on the counter at your register and footsteps are heard. You look over and see an older woman you know coming up to check out. 

“Hello Y/N. Working late tonight aren’t you?” She asks, setting down her things on the moving belt before you grab them and start to scan them. You give her a smile and nod your head.

“Yeah well I don’t mind taking the closing shifts. It’s not too busy and I like my coworkers.” You say, putting her few items into a bag as she puts her card in to pay. 

“Oh I heard some awful noises coming from the back when I was over in the dairy aisle. I don’t think it was anything too bad, but there were some strange noises going on back there.” She says, taking out her card and putting it back in her wallet. You hand her her bag and nod your head. 

“I’ll go check it out. Have a good night Mrs. Baker.” She smiles and takes the bag from your hands. 

“You too dear.” She walks over to the door and you finish closing up your register before locking the doors at the front of the store. You turn back around and make your way over to the back, pushing open the swinging doors and looking around. All the lights are off, which isn’t too unusual considering only you, the owner of the store, and two other coworkers are here right now. You take out your phone and put on the flashlight as you make your way over to the back office. 

The owner isn’t in her office and you shake it off as her being busy with something else. You clock out and flip the switch to turn the lights back on in the back, but it doesn’t work. You try a couple more times but it’s not working. You frown and turn on your phone flashlight again. You try to shrug off the feeling you’re getting as you walk out of the office and over to the back doors. Your phone starts to buzz and you look down to find an unknown number calling you. 

You shouldn’t pick it up, but it might be one of your coworkers. You hesitate for a couple more moments before you pick up and put the phone on speaker, still needing to use the flashlight. 

“Hello?” You ask, making your way around the boxes of products. 

“Hello.” A distorted voice says over the phone. “Who am I speaking to?”

“This is Y/N. Listen if you’re calling about where I am I already clocked out. I locked the front doors too, you shouldn’t have to-” You’re in the middle of your sentence when you step on something wet. You look down and find a large puddle of red liquid. You pray it’s just some kind of leaking strawberry syrup but that metallic smell can’t lie. You look over to your left and find your coworker's body, stabbed over and over again with kitchen knives from a nearby box.

A dark chuckle is heard from your phone as you drop it, splashing the blood on the floor slightly. 

“The question now is, where am I hiding?” You hear that distorted voice say. You shake your head and start to run, your feet sliding slightly from the blood still on the bottom of your shoes. You’re too focused on trying to breathe to scream. That is until you discover your other coworker's decapitated head, sitting inside an industrial fridge. 

You scream and all the air inside your body gets knocked out at the sight of that. You shake your head and move your hands to your mouth as you keep running to the back door. You make it there only to find it locked. It won’t budge and you feel tears roll down your cheeks. 

“God damn it!” You shout, slamming your body into the door, trying to push it open. You’re still slamming yourself into the door, trying to open it when a hand held scythe lands next to your head. You freeze and look over to where it came from. A man in tattered clothes and a strange looking mask making his way quickly over to you. You shake your head and push yourself off the door. 

“Leave me alone!” You shout, as if that will do anything. You look around in the dark, trying to remember where everything is when you see the distant glow of the office again, where a phone is. You look back at the man who’s grabbing his scythe again before you rush towards the light of the office. 

“Help! Please! Somebody help me! Help!” You shout, knowing the man is still pursuing you. You rush past the body of your coworker and back into the office, slamming the door shut and locking it. You dash to the filing cabinet and push it over, blocking the door before you rush your way over to the desk and you pick up the receiver of the phone, dialing 911. 

You’re panting and shaking as you wait for someone to pick up. You can hear him outside the door, slamming on it, trying to get in. Finally someone picks up on the other end and you immediately start talking. 

“Yes, oh my god I’m at Phil's grocery store on 82 street and there’s a man trying to kill me! He has a weapon and he’s already killed two of my coworkers! Please hurry!” You shout, hearing the person over the phone try and calm you down. Your heart is pounding and you’re trying to control your breathing when you remember there’s a window in the office. You turn around but before you can do anything else you’re greeted with the standing corpse of your boss, her throat slit and bleeding. 

You drop the receiver and scream, jumping back as the pounding on the door continues. You watch as the corpse gets tossed aside and another man presents himself. This time you know who he is, Ghostface. The man who’s been going around and killing other people for the past couple of weeks. This time he must have gotten help from someone. Your already racing mind is left with too many questions to process right now. 

“Leave me alone! Leave me alone!” You shout as you make your way over to the corner of the desk, the door to the office finally starting to crack as the man who chased you first makes his way in. You shake your head and look around the desk for anything you can use to defend yourself with. 

Ghostface raises his knife and charges for you. You’re able to doge him, only getting a slight cut on your arm from his knife as you grab a lamp on the desk and smash it over his head, sending him falling to the ground. The man behind the door is clawing his way through the thin wood with his scythe, making the hole bigger and bigger as he goes. 

You spot a letter opener and you quickly grab it, taking off the cover and holding it out as the man behind the door pushes his head through the hole. You spot the window and rush over to it when Ghostface stabs his knife into the window inches away from your head, shattering the glass, a couple shards getting stuck in your arms and hands. You scream and slice his hand with the letter opener, earning a shout of pain from him. You push him back and climb your way out of the window and onto the ground outside, running as fast as you can when you see the promising glow of the red and blue police lights. You drop the letter opener and put your hands on your forehead. 

“Please! Please help me!” You shout as you notice the large amount of tears streaming down your face. Police rush out of their cars, a couple running into the grocery store and a couple rushing over to you, trying to calm you down. You try to breath in as much air as you can as they walk you over to an approaching ambulance. The nightmare is finally over. 

Later at the hospital you’re lying in your bed, in a light sleep. You’re woken up by your phone buzzing. You pick it up and put it to your ear.

“Hello?” You ask, expecting it to be your mother or someone calling to check up on you. 

“You got lucky tonight.” That same distorted voice says from before. You hear your heart monitor beep loudly as your heartbeat picks up rapidly. “You better be careful, you never know what might happen next.” The voice says with a dark chuckle. You shake your head and drop your phone. Soon enough a nurse rushes in and checks your heart rate on the monitor. 

“What’s wrong? What happened?” He asks, keeping a calm tone as he feels your pulse. 

“I- The phone- The voice- He called me before- I just-” You stammer out, trying not to break out into hysterics. The nurse puts a hand on your forehead and takes a deep breath. 

“You’re safe here, you don’t have to worry about any of that now.” He says with a reassuring smile. “Try to take deep breaths and I’ll be back with some ice for you.” He stands back up fully before walking over to the door. 

“What’s your name?” You croak out, trying to take deep breaths like he instructed you to do. He turns his attention towards you and smiles, a hint of malice now on his face.

“My name is Leslie.” 

[cariantha]

Chosen at random! 3, 12, 21, 36, 47, 55, 61, 79, 80, 92

I'm greedy, sorry 😆

Hi there! And thank you! I'm going to answer these from my current timeline which would put E&S in Book 2, a couple weeks after the poison attack. I also answered these interview style, so I'm going to include my tag list.

Make Me Admit Stuff

#3: Have you taken someone's virginity?

Sawyer: "No."

Ethan: "Yes." (And I may or may not be currently working on a fic that will reveal who with).😉

#12: Do you own a pair of skinny jeans?

Sawyer: "Yes. Several."

Ethan: "What the hell are 'skinny' jeans?"

Sawyer: "Ethan, they are the kind that I wear. You know, the style that made you curse in frustration the other night as you tried to remove them."

Ethan: "Ah, yes, I have a love/hate relationship with those jeans. But I think I have the technique down now. Unzip, fold down, and peel away."

#21: Are you in a good mood?

Sawyer: "Today ... today has been one of the better days."

She glances at Ethan for reassurance.

Ethan: "Yes..."

He looks lovingly at Sawyer and squeezes her hand.

Ethan: "It's been a good day."

#36: Do you know where the last person you kissed is?

Ethan: "Yes."

Sawyer: (points to Ethan)

#47: Who was the last person to call you?

Sawyer: "My mom. She's been checking in everyday since...it happened."

Ethan: "Naveen. To also check on how Sawyer is doing--"

Sawyer: (covering his hand with hers) "And you..."

#55: Favorite type of fruit pie?

Sawyer: "That's a tough one. I love cherry and apple. Not a big fan of peach. Hmm, if I had to pick just one, I'd go with Razzleberry. It's a mix of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Though I do love lemon and key lime too. Really anything tart."

Ethan: (distracted)

Sawyer: "Ethan? What about you?"

Ethan: (looks up from his phone where he was Googling Razzleberry pie recipes) "Oh, uh, Dutch apple."

#61: Wear a bath robe?

Ethan: "No."

Sawyer: "Only because I live with roommates. If I lived on my own, then no."

#79: What was the last concert you saw?

Ethan: "Garth Brooks."

Sawyer: (snaps her head to Ethan in surprise and laughs) "That is not what I was expecting you to say."

Ethan: "Naveen is a huge fan. When I heard that Garth's tour was coming to town last year, I gifted him a pair of tickets for his birthday. He insisted that I go with him."

Sawyer: "Did you wear a cowboy hat and boots?"

Ethan: "No." (starts scrolling through this phone) "But Naveen did. He had the big belt buckle too. I have a picture here somewhere. What about you?"

Sawyer: "Justin Bieber."

Ethan: (rolls his eyes)

Sawyer: "Hey! Don't judge me. I went with my baby sister."

Ethan: "Oh, I'm so judging you right now."

Sawyer: (murmurs under her breath) "My mama don't like you and she likes everyone."

Ethan: "What?"

Sawyer: "Nothing. Next question."

#80: Hot tea or cold tea?

Ethan: "Cold."

Sawyer: "I'm not a fan of either. But if I'm sick and desperate for some relief, I'll sip on some hot tea."

#92: Do you want to get married?

Sawyer: "Yes? I've always pictured myself married one day. But is it a deal breaker if I meet the 'one?' Not necessarily. For me, it's not about the certificate or the title and name change. I just want the promise of commitment. And to be honest, most of my hesitation about getting married has more to with the actual wedding. My mother is a wedding planner, and the thought of her insisting on a huge, over the top wedding makes me break out in hives. If I get married, I want my wedding to be intimate and romantic. I want to be present and savor every moment with my partner. I don't want to be the main attraction at a circus, dancing and performing for everyone else just because it's 'tradition.' Does that makes any sense?"

Ethan: (looks to Sawyer) "I didn't used to think so. But one thing I've learned recently is...it's impossible to know what the future will bring."

Tagging: @potionsprefect @jamespotterthefirst @annfg8 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @jerzwriter @quixoticdreamer16 @mysticalgalaxysstuff @inlocusmads @txemrn @trappedinfanfiction @mvalentine @takemyopenheart @openheartforeverinmyheart @coffeeheartaddict2 @genevievemd @starrystarrytrouble @hopelessromantic1352 @kyra75 @lsvdw-blog @rookiemartin @headoverheelsforramsey

[nancypullen]

Fitness or Fatness

Ugh. I'm healthy, at least on paper. I'm in my 60's and don't require any meds to stay alive. I am a shining example of good luck and good genetics. It's certainly not because I am dedicated to fitness or diet. I mean, I try. I just don't try very hard. I eat healthy, but i am also a fan of tasty snacks. I walk for exercise, but not like I should.

Unfortunately, I am at an age where I really need to make some choices that will keep me healthy and mobile for a long time. Odds are that I'll get quite old (the women in my family live forever) and I want to be able to do the things I like. That's pretty much just gardening and shopping, I'm not trying to run marathons or anything, but still. Having said all of that, the mister and I drove over to Centreville today to check out the new YMCA. It's a big, beautiful facility that offers everything from water aerobics to kickboxing. There are plans in place for an outdoor pool as well. We toured the various sections, talked to the sweetest young woman about membership, and I think we're going to give it a whirl. After my ankle surgery a few years ago I used to water jog in the pool of our nearest rec center. It was such great exercise and so easy on my joints, a doctor recommended therapy. At the Y I'd be able to participate in water aerobics or just take an open lane and water jog. Not gonna' lie, the water aerobics appeal to me because the women in those classes are usually such fun. Potential friends? Back in Tennessee it was sure a fun group. now all I have to do is blow the dust off my swimsuits and see if I can still shove everything into place. I may need counseling afterward. The YMCA in Centerville is about 17 miles from our house - mostly through cornfields. This was a nice surprise during the drive. Sunflowers!

Aren't they beautiful? So cheerful. I hesitate to say that my gardens are trying to rally. I still have the world's healthiest tomato plant that has never produced fruit, but everything else is blooming and looking pretty (finally!). My pumpkin plants are thriving and I'm cautiously optimistic. I've just cursed myself, haven't I? At this point I'd sell my soul for one pretty pumpkin for the grandgirl to pick. Crossing my fingers. That's all my news for this Tuesday evening. Not much happens around here. We're on our sofas, watching the U.S. women's gymnastics team dominate at the Olympics. They're flying through the air and flipping and twisting, powered by sculpted muscle. I'm in my stretchy pants saying, "I think she stepped out on that landing..." Yep, might be time for me to get to the Y and build a little muscle myself. But first, a cookie... I hope you're doing something good for yourself. You deserve it, and you'll be glad you did. No one ever said they regretted making healthy choices. Taking care of your body doesn't mean worrying about pant size or numbers on a scale - it's about feeling good, moving well, and being strong. That's priceless. I don't need to have a snatched waist, I need to be able to hike to the Sacre Coeur in Paris. I don't need to be a size 2, I need to be able to run for a train with my bag. Living the life I want has nothing to do with my figure and everything to do with my health. Take this advice from an old crone, younger ladies - focus on what you want to do and not how you want to look. We live in a society determined to convince us that no matter how we look it is never quite good enough, so just ignore that. Sure, slap on your lipstick and a cute outfit, but anchor all of that with how you feel. All the makeup in the world can't compete with the glow of good health. I'll be honest, I haven't felt great since we moved here. Two years of feeling unwell, or just...not like myself. I blamed covid, I blamed menopause, I researched all sorts of supplements, I did everything except take care of myself. It shows. The good news is that it's not too late. I got sweaty on the treadmill this morning and felt better all day long. It truly is that simple, all we have to do is start. Sending out so much love tonight, I hope you feel it. Take care of yourself. Stay safe, stay well. XOXO, Nancy

[jj-the-writer]

Day 7 @kelbreyweek:

Minor omori spoilers.

Wedding day.

Basil: "AUBREY!"

Aubrey: "WHAT!?"

Basil: "Sorry for shouting... but you're not listening to yourself! You're about to be driven to a chapel to get married to Kel, and you're getting cold feet now?! ... Please tell me what your thoughts are, and slowly this time. I couldn't understand anything earlier."

Sunny nods in agreement to Basil with determined eyes.

Aubrey: "... I'm scared that it's too soon... I love him a lot and I know it but we're still young and I'm afraid of making mistakes... Mistakes that could possibly lead to the most difficult break-up of my life... I want to make him happy and I don't know if I can, Basil..."

Basil lowered his head and moved closer to Aubrey. He raised his hand a little...

Basil: "I could slap you for the idiotic things you're saying..."

He placed his hand on Aubrey's shoulder softly and looked her in her eyes...

Basil: "But I won't. Listen, you've been in a relationship with Kel for three years now, and been friends with him for even longer. You know better than anyone else the trials that your relationship has gone through and it still managed to prevail. If you think that any of that will change now you are deadly mistaken. If your relationship wasn't meant to be, you would've split up a long time ago."

Sunny came forward and hugged Aubrey to try to console her.

Aubrey stayed silent for a while. She hugged both Basil and Sunny and she started crying...

Aubrey: "I'm sorry for not making any sense I just... Thank you guys... Thank you so much for knocking some sense into me... I needed that..."

Basil: "Good. Now dry those tears okay? It's your big day today!"

Aubrey: "Yeah... Yeah you're right. What the hell am I doing?"

She took a towel and dried her tears. She fixed herself up in her mirror and she stepped to the center of the room in confidence, her beautiful white dress moving along with her movements.

Aubrey: "I'm getting married today! Basil, Sunny I need help putting on the bridal veil!"

Basil: "On it!"

Sunny set his hand on his forehead in a military style salute and followed basil. The both of them carefully picked up the veil and as Aubrey bent her knees they placed it on her head.

Basil: "You look beautiful."

Sunny didn't say anything but only hugged Aubrey shortly.

Aubrey: "Thanks guys, your help means a lot to me."

Then suddenly the moment is interrupted by the horn of a car.

Aubrey: "Oh it's Kim! We better get going then. Can't leave him waiting, can we?"

Sunny whispered on Basil's ear and Basil spoke for him.

Basil: "Sunny says he wouldn't miss it for the world, and frankly I agree. Alright then let's get going!"

Aubrey: "Yes!"

All three of them get into Kim's car and they drive off to the chapel where Kel was waiting with Hero...

Hero: "Kel calm down, nothing's gonna go wrong, we've double checked everything already."

Kel: "Hero please bear with me, I can't sit still while I wait, you know that, also I need to make sure everything is perfect!"

Hero places his arm on his brother's shoulder.

Hero: "Everything is perfect though. This is your day, you're getting married to Aubrey, your lover, your best friend, the person you can never hesitate to spill your feelibgs to, she's your future wife and she is currently on her way to get married to you! It's okay to be a little stressed but don't let it get to you because you know more than anyone that your bond is stronger than ever."

A brief pause happens but the comforting words helped Kel calm down and take a deep breath.

Kel: "Whoo... Okay you're right I just need to take some deep breaths..."

Hero: "That's right buddy it's all good."

A car stopped at the end of the aisle. First came out Kim, then Basil and last Sunny. Basil went to Aubrey's side of the car and opened the door for her as is tradition. Aubrey wanted Basil to walk her to Kel since he is her first ever friend, and despite what they've been through she couldn't have asked for a better friend.

As soon as Kel saw Aubrey get out of the car his mind dropped. The realization of marriage just hit him in the head. He'd live his life by her side forever, it's not games, not puppy love, not a teen fling... This is love, this feeling that he's certain will never go away. This is their day... The day they seal their future to be by each other's side. Initially Kel got overwhelmed, not sad, upset or scared, just intimidated by the sheer amount of new feelings he went through in just a few moments... But soon enough, he looked at her face, her pink hair flowing in the soft wind along with the veil, her beautiful eyes that looked at him... And all his problems seemed to fade away. A tear rolled down his cheek. He felt Hero grasp his hand as Aubrey drew closer with Basil by her side.

Aubrey's mind was racing through the aisle walk, she thought about her future with Kel, but unlike before this time the overwhelming feeling of 'getting married' was gone, the only thing in her mind was making that man who's waiting for her in the altar happy. She looked at her soon-to-be husband and saw a few tears, but she knew that look, he was happy, and maybe moved by her beauty, Aubrey couldn't help but feel charmed even in this situation. "Yep, that's the one." She thought. "My one and only."

Aubrey reached the altar and stood by Kel's side. Hero let go of his hand and took a few steps back. The Priest started talking. Kel glanced at his soon-to-be-wife, he admired her beautiful hair and looked into her eyes... Oh how beautiful she looked. Another tear rolled down...

The Priest asks the bride.

"Do you take this man to be your husband?"

Aubrey: "I do." She said with no hesitation as she looked at the groom deep in his eyes.

"And you, do you take this woman to be your wife?"

Kel looked around him, everyone he knew smiling happily, or shedding tears of happiness. He looked at his soon-to-be-wife and they locked eyes once more. Her beautiful eyes... He could look at her for a whole eternity as he wanted to savor this moment for the rest of his life...

Kel: "I do." He said with determination in his eyes.

"May the groom kiss the bride"

Aubrey grabbed his arm and pulled him closer never breaking eye contact.

Aubrey: "Make it flashy." She said in a playful tone along with a wink.

Kel accepted the challenge. He grabbed her waist and spun her around lowering her body. And as his face was right above hers, he looked at her eyes before closing them and going for a deep kiss, all in front of everyone. Everyone was cheering happily for the newlyweds and their cinematic first kiss as a married couple. Hero and Basil also cried a little as they cheered, they were just too happy. Sunny hurried on the altar by his friend's side and he gave them the rings. Kel and Aubrey held in their hands the other's ring and looked at each other.

Aubrey took Kel's hand and as she slid the ring on his finger she said "For my husband."

In response, Kel took Aubrey's hand and as he slid the ring on her finger he looked at her and said "For my wife."

The rest of the wedding went smoothly. Hero and Basil cried a lot, Kel's parents hugged Kel and Aubrey, Sunny spoke and said "I'm happy for you." Which made everyone's heart melt, they all danced for quite a while, ate food and drank champagne... It was perfect, exactly how Kel and Aubrey wanted their special day to be like.

Afterwards the both of them went to their house that they rented, but ofcourse before coming in the house Kel picked his wife up bridal style as she deserved, and walked in the house with the right foot. They sat together singing, laughing, drinking... Eventually though they thought about their short term future.

Kel: "So you know how you told me to decide where to go for our honeymoon?"

Aubrey: "Did you get the tickets?!"

Kel: "I sure did!" He said with a bright smile as he waved two tickets that said 'ITALY' in front of him.

Aubrey: "Italy! That's an amazing choice! Oh I can't wait to try the food there!"

Kel: "Don't forget about the gondolas!"

Aubrey: "Romantic as always I see." She said as she planted a kiss on her husband's lips. "So what do you say we go to bed, husband~?"

Flustered, Kel picks her up bridal style again, as he makes his way to the bedroom.

Aubrey: "You don't have to do that everytime I have to move you know."

Kel: "I want to though!"

Aubrey: "Ofcourse you do." She said after she kissed his cheek.

And the door to their bedroom closed behind them.

[jellyfishright]

At A Distance, Spring Is Green -BL Version (Yeo Jun x Nam Soo Hyun)-Chapter 15 : The fruit of your sacrifice

"Jun Wan." a bruised Yeo Jun sat up in his bed

"Yeo Jun." Jun Wan perched himself on the side of the bed, his voice serious.

"Why are you calling me like that?" Yeo Jun was scared "Just call me Jun."

"Listen to me very carefully.From now on, you are on your own. You don't have a mom or a dad."

"why not?" Jun was confused.

"They're not your parents."

"Jun Wan." Yeo Jun's confusion was deepening. "But I have you."

"No. You have no one." Jun Wan replied.

"Why are you being like this?" Yeo Jun asked. "You're scaring me." He held on to his brother's hand.

"Don't tell anyone what happened today." Jun Wan cautioned. "Forget everything." He peeled his hands away from his little brother's and hastily left.

"No." Yeo Jun began to cry "Don't go.! Jun Wan!"

Yeo Jun crawled out of bed and headed quietly to Jun Wan's room. When his little legs finally reached the door he peeked inside.

Even without looking he could hear his brother crying inside.

"I'm so sorry Jun." Jun Wan was curled in a ball in the corner, as his tears flowed. "Jun. I'm sorry."

A thousand realizations dawned on Yeo Jun all at once.He'd been wrong.

"Jun." Soo Hyun approached him as he stood in a daze. "Are you alright?"

"Soo Hyun." Jun looked at him

"Yes. What is it?"

Jun's eyes were glassy with tears "Maybe my memories are wrong. It scares me."

"Are you afraid of finding out the truth?" Soo Hyun asked.

"No." Jun took a deep breath "I want to know."

"Then find out." Soo Hyun encouraged. "If you fix things now, you can start over."

Yeo Jun nodded. "I'm going to go back." he told Soo Hyun.

Soo Hyun patted his shoulder comfortingly. "Go."

Without hesitation, Yeo Jun took off, heading back to Seoul. As he was transported, those once hazy, distorted memories became clearer and clearer and for the first time since he was child, he could see the truth. The one who'd scared him, beat him, traumatized him so much was not his older brother...

"Dad." the name rolled off his tongue absentmindedly as he saw that face as clear as day.

Why do I have to go through this because of you?

Why?

You're crying? 

How dare you cry?

Those memories of his father's abuse floated back to him one after the other.

"It wasn't you?" Yeo Jun asked his brother as they both stood on the bridge, overlooking the expansive lake. "The person who hit me that day.It wasn't you?" Jun Wan was silent. "Tell me." Jun demanded.

"It was Dad." his brother admitted.

"It was Dad. Not you?"

Jun Wan turned to face him. "Yes. It was dad."

"Then why did you do that?" A shell shocked Jun asked. He grabbed the lapels of his brother's coat "Why haven't you said anything all this time?" he shouted.

"I'm your brother." Jun Wan replied.

Tears pricked Yeo Jun's eyes "You should have atleast not made me hate you. You should have atleast been someone I could lean on."

"I'm sorry." His brother apologized. Yeo Jun's heart ached as he slowly released his brother's clothes. "The only way to protect you from him was to live the life that he wanted.It's why I didn't have the time to check in on you or to acknowledge your hardship."

"Why did you live that way?" Yeo Jun asked. "What was it all for?"

"We're all given a role in life." Jun Wan replied. "I devoted myself to the life I chose and will keep on doing so.This is my calling which has nothing to do with you.You go ahead and live for yourself.Freely."

"It's a freedom that's the fruit of your sacrifice." Jun pointed out, a hard lump in his throat.

"I'm fine with it." his brother told him. "Let me take you home." he began to walk away

"Thank you." Yeo Jun said after his brother had taken two steps "For finally telling me the truth." Tears began rolling down his eyes. He had been so wrong, for so many years. He had hated his brother so vehemently for so much of his life when in truth, his brother had done everything for his sake---- just to protect him. The truth was much too bitter.

It was late when Soo Hyun got home.Unlike the others who'd decided to spend overnight at the villa with the Professors he wanted to be back home, with him.

"Why are you back" A surprised Jun greeted Soo Hyun.

"I should sleep at home shouldn't I?"

"Did everyone else make it back?" Jun asked.

Soo Hyun shook his head. "Just me."

"I'm glad I didn't ruin it for everyone."

Soo Hyun shrugged. "Who cares. How are you? Did the talk go well?"

"Are you actually asking me first?" Jun smiled at him. "I'm touched."

Soo Hyun looked over Jun's shoulder, to the balcony. "Over there. I'd like to check it out."

Jun smiled at him and nodded. "Sure. Let's do that."

A few minutes later, the two sat side by side, looking up at the night sky.

"As a boy, I told everyone I was an only child."

"Why?" Soo Hyun looked at him.

"Because I hated my brother." Jun sighed. "It was of no use though. Despite the big age gap, people still knew me as Yeo Jun-Wan's little brother.I was always compared to the model student.I saw a brother that other people saw, but that wasn't the real him." He paused. "Then one day he said this. That I didn't have a family.No brother and no parents.I don't know why he said that or what went through his mind as he lived on.I just don't get it."

Soo Hyun sighed. "At first, I didn't get you at all either."

"Likewise." Jun agreed, looking at him.

"Why was spending money so easy for you? Why were you  flashing  fake smiles at people? And why did you keep bothering me?"

"Meanwhile you were prickly, only had complaints about the world and were annoyed by me when others loved me."

Soo Hyun smiled and nodded in agreement. "I was annoyed by you." His smile didn't leave. "Some thing about you still get on my nerves."

Jun hmphed. "Likewise." 

They looked at each other.

"Maybe there will come a day when you and your brother will reminisce about your past like we're doing right now."

"Will that day easily come?"

"Yes." Soo Hyun replied confidently. "I'm sure it will."

Yeo Jun sighed. That lump was back in his throat and he was trying not to cry.

"So." he turned to Soo Hyun. "What about me annoys you?"

"Do you have all night?" Soo Hyun asked, getting up.

"What are they?" Jun walked after him "Just name three then. You annoy me in lots of ways too you know."

"I'm sure I do." Soo Hyun left him behind.

The next day

"Soo Hyun. Wait." Jun grabbed Soo Hyun's hand as he was walking out the door. "Let me come with you. Give me five minutes though."

Soo Hyun rolled his eyes.

Jun looked at him. "Is that really how you're leaving the house?"

Soo Hyun looked at himself and then nodded. "Why?"

"I see you didn't get much sleep last night." Jun folded his arms, inspecting Soo Hyun's face.

"Actually I did." Soo Hyun denied his claim.

A stubborn Jun shook his head and grabbed a hold of Soo Hyun. "Come over here." he attempted to lead him to his room.

Soo Hyun refused, leaning his weight back. "But I'm late."

"Come..on.." Jun pulled with both hands and leading him off.

"Darn. You're strong." Soo Hyun observed as he was led to Jun's room.

"Follow me in here." Jun stopped him infront of the mirror. "Frowning like that will give you wrinkles."

Soo Hyun sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Apply it on yourself." Jun handed him a face product

"I already have." Soo Hyun replied.

"Trust me will you?" Jun was still being stubborn. "Should I lend you a hand?" he raised a brow.

Soo Hyun swallowed. "I'll do it." he grabbed it. He looked at Jun. "How do I use this?"

"Under the eyes."

Jun watched as he complied.

"Above the lips" he instructed.

Soo Hyun obeyed.

"And your neck."

Soo Hyun also did that under Jun's watchful eye.

"Happy Now?" Soo Hyun asked Jun begrudgingly when he was done.

Jun smiled at him  and took his chin between his index and forefinger, turning his face this way and that as though to inspect it.

Soo Hyun's heartbeat increased at Jun's touch. He looked at him and swallowed hard.

Yeo Jun looked at Soo Hyun's lips briefly before pulling his eyes upward. "It's good. Now you're glowing.You look good."

"I'm leaving." Soo Hyun was ready to make a hasty retreat.

"While you stay here. I'll iron out your frown and your personality." Jun called after him with a smile as he left.

"Who here has a role model they can look up to as a leader?" Professor Song addressed her class.

Yeo Jun raised his hand.

"Jun. I didn't know you were in my class." Professor Song was surprised by the hand that was raised.

"Well your reputation speaks for itself." Yeo Jun replied "So I snuck in today even though I am a freshman.Is that okay?"

Professor Song smiled. "That's commendable. So tell me. Who is your role model ?"

"In my case, it's Soo Hyun." Jun pointed a hand in Nam Soo Hyun's direction.

The entire class was shocked.

Soo Hyun turned in his seat to look at Yeo Jun.

"Soo Hyun?" Professor Song was curious. "What about him made you think that way?"

Soo Hyun looked at Jun as though he wanted to shut him up before he spoke another one.

Jun looked at him with a teasing defiance. "He does not lean on others nor does he care about being popular. He couldn't care less about what others think of him." Soo Hyun wanted to disappear. What was he saying right now? 

"How can that alone make him a good leader though?" the teacher probed

It was Kim So-Bin who chimed in next, raising her hand. "He's the same inside and out." she added. Soo Hyun spun now to look at her. Were she and Jun in cahoots? "He tries to keep his words at all times and he's responsible.His qualities make others want to depend on him."

The rest of the class listened in stunned silence. Were these two talking about the UP? Nam Soo Hyun?

Professor Park smiled. "And here I thought you only got good grades." she said to Soo Hyun. "Soo Hyun." Nam Soo Hyun's head shot up. "I'm seeing you in a new light."

Soo Hyun's face flushed red as he eyed Yeo Jun and Kim So-Bin.

The minute their class ended he accosted them.

"You two.What do you want from me?"

They both looked at him.

"I'm just fond of you." Yeo Jun replied

"Me too." So-Bin echoed.

Soo Hyun looked from one to the other in exasperation. "Could you two keep the fondness to yourselves and just leave me out of it?"

Jun and So-Bin laughed as they watched a flustered Soo Hyun walk down the hall.

"He's blushing hard." Jun commented.

"Mn." So-Bin agreed, walking to catch up to their friend.

Their next session was with Professor Park and since Soo Hyun had sped ahead of them, he arrived first, sitting in his usual seat.

So-Bin had to make a stop first so Jun headed in alone.

The minute he sat down, Gung-Ho called out to him. He spun in his seat.

"Jun. We're good right? Chun-Guk that jerk! I don't know what's wrong with him. He has crossed the line big time."

"I was against him calling your friend." Sang Tae added his piece. "Don't think we're just as bad."

"Are you cutting ties with him?" Jun asked "You guys were close."

"Not me." Sang Tae denied it. "Besides. We're the ones who told Young Ran where to find the room."

"Ahhh..I see." Jun spun around in his seat.

"We almost got lumped in with Chun-Guk." Sange Tae complained under his breath.

"Traitor." Gung-Ho accused in a low voice

"And you're not? "Jun overheard the whole exchange between the two but chose to ignore it.They weren't his friends.

So-Bin arrived and took her usual seat beside Jun with Professor Park following closely on her heels to begin the class.

"What kind of assignments do you find the hardest to do?" Professor Park opened when he arrived in class. "I'm thinking about considering your answers for next semester's assignments."

"Team projects." the class shouted in unison.

"Why do you hate team projects?" Professor Park asked. "Isn't it better to work in a group?"

"I hate it." Gung-Ho was very vocal 

"After team projects, I found myself hating people more and more." Hye-Jie added her own reply. "And now I believe that we were born evil."

Professor Park took another taste of his lollipop. "Right. That's too bad then.In that case. Let me give you another simple assignment.Write about how you felt about the recent team project.Fill in an entire A4 page in font size ten. You can't live in this world on your own.I'm sure you've learned something important by working in a team and cooperating."

With that announcement, their class began.

Their session was over within the hour and the trio exited together. Soo Hyun in the middle, flanked by So-Bin and Yeo Jun.

They'd just made their way down the short flight of stairs outside the main building when they were approached by someone.

"Soo Hyun.Can you spare me a moment?" Mi-Ju asked.

"Uh.." Soo Hyun hesitated.

So-Bin elbowed him

Soo Hyun sighed and agreed. "Sure."

Jun bit his lip as he watched them go.

"She really does like him hmm?" He commented

"Seems so." So-Bin replied. "What about you?"

"What about me what?" Jun asked.

"Do you like him?"

Jun furrowed his brow. "Wha? Why would you ask that?"

So-Bin looked at him. "You just seem a little..different around him."

"Different? Different how?" 

A teasing smile bloomed on So-Bin's face. "Like someone with a crush."

Yeo Jun scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Is it that obvious?"

So-Bin laughed. "No. Not really but I see it sometimes when you look at him." He looked to where Soo Hyun and Mi-Ju had walked off into the distance. "Why don't you tell him?"

"I did." Jun confessed. "But I'm not sure he believes me."

So-Bin nodded. "I see.Well you should make him believe you."

"How?" Yeo Jun asked.

"You're the great Yeo Jun." she smiled at him. "I'm sure you will think of something."

[ladyintree]

taissa has found it difficult to admit to liking anything out here;   it feels like a betrayal of herself to find any sort of peace in the midst of hell,   but sometimes she's just so desperate for it.   she finds it in van,   the way they fit together so easily,   how they can be who they are and with each other in front of the others without worry   (   no more stolen kisses in the locker room when everyone else has left,    hands teasing each other's thighs as they sit together in the back of her mom's car.   )    

taissa isn't too naive to believe that what she and van have here can exist back at home,   at least not in the same way,   and for that,  she finds relief in what they can share now  ---  in falling in love when maybe somewhere else,  they never would have allowed themselves the chance.   she doesn't want to take that for granted now that van has seen,  literally,  another side of her  ---  not with how she goes out of her way to help her after taissa didn't want to admit the truth about her sleepwalking in the first place.   

she finds peace in her relationship with van.   she finds peace in her sense of purpose,  whenever she gets the chance.   she finds peace in her friendship with shauna,   or at least she did,  before jackie's passing seemed to create such a big distance between them.   but the cold?   she's not sure she can find peace in that;   it's a brutal reminder that they're stuck,   that the wilderness is holding them hostage.   

waking up in the middle of the night,  somewhere far beyond the cabin,  socks soaked in the snow makes her question that,   does she really hate the cold?   or is she just trying to regain some kind of control over this other part of herself that seems so drawn to it?

❝   doesn't feel so bad today,  i guess,  ❞   she mumbles,   eyes drifting away from him and back ahead.   ❝  i used to start every day by checking the weather.  like i could have some sort of control over my day that way.  ❞    she doesn't know why she's opening up to him;   it may seem like small talk,  but there's a real hint of vulnerability from tai in there,   and she tries to push the hesitancy of that away.   ❝  i think that's one of the worst parts about being here.   we have no fucking clue what's coming for us,  ❞   she mumbles.   she's talking about the cold,  the snow,  rain  ---   but that's true on a grander scale,  too.   they have no idea what's coming for them.   they have no idea what they will have to face out here for the rest of the time they're stuck.

she finally looks back to him,  nodding her head slowly as she explains.  it's easy to take her anger out on nat and travis every time they come back with nothing,   but realistically,   she knows they're not at fault.   she's been out beyond the cabin many times,  and she's not seen anything since winter hit,  either --- another thing they have no control over.   ❝  it's not pointless,  ❞    she reassures him,  shaking her head as she shoves her hands into her coat pocket.   ❝  i mean,   we don't know what's out there,  or ---  when we'll see anything again.   you have to be ready.  i get it.  ❞   part of her knows it's more than that,  though  ---  that there's likely something else lingering on his mind,  so she tries to comfort him,  no matter how hard that can be for her sometimes   (  she channels the kindness of her father,  how his edges were always so much softer than hers.  )    ❝  ---  i'm sorry you haven't run into anything in a while.   has to suck to go out there every day,  knowing you might not find anything.   ❞    

she shrugs her shoulders before turning away again, looking back out.   ❝  at least we still have the bear.  ❞     there's a silent  ' for now '   on the end of the sentence ---  because they all know that won't last for long,  and she's starting to worry about what happens next,  especially with seemingly no animals out there waiting.  

he nods, slowly, in understanding; their makeshift home can, on occasion, feel overstuffed. it's a benefit at night, body heat aiding the fire in spreading warmth, but travis prefers to be outside during daylight, even in the cold — perhaps especially now. in the city, in civilization, he'd paid little attention to the cycle of the stars; out here, with nothing else to do, he feels the light when it begins to fade, every evening.

(a creeping anxiety rolls in with the dark, beginning just beneath his breastbone but expanding until it's all he can feel in his chest, like a swarm of hornets have made a nest in his heart.)

there's the suggestion of it now, beating quietly just underneath every breath. he exhales, slow, deep, travis looking at taissa with his eyes squinted; the sun shifts subtly, but enough that it begins to reflect off a patch of bright snow, directly into his eyes.

“—no,” he answers. his mouth shapes around the word awkwardly: travis isn't quite certain how to speak to her still. he aims for a neutral tone, fingers flexing in and out of a loose fist, maintaining circulation to keep his digits from freezing. “i kind of like the cold, i guess.” it's clarifying. it gives him focus; in a way, it's calming — but none of that is something travis feels like he can say. (to taissa, at least.)

“i'm keeping an eye out for animals, too. birds, or, uh... maybe a squirrel?” he hates how it trails into a question, as if he's uncertain, in need of approval or confirmation. he knows the odds aren't in their favor — but it's his job to try anyway, right? “yeah, maybe it's... pointless, but. you never know, right?”