#once things settle down on my end i'll get to those asks!! don't worry i see you all in there!!

[asksmg4fao]

FAO WORK PROMOTION!

@flipperdipper10 , the mod of this blog, has made a compilation book of some of her various oneshots! According to her, it'll be updated with 3 oneshots whenever she wants to add more as not to overwhelm people!

SMG4FanartistsOfficeAU Oneshots - Important Meeting, do not miss! - Wattpad

If that sounds interesting, here's a snippet from one of the first oneshots in the book!

"Are we talking about the spies?"

Poke and Penny looked over at who spoke. "Oh speak of the devil. Hi Nayun!"

Nayun gave a small wave as she walked over. "Hey guys! I heard there was a meeting, and I slipped out for it."

Penny raised an eyebrow curiously. "I heard that security is tight around the resistance base... how'd you get out?"

Nayun shrugged with a happy smile on her face. "Told them I needed to use the bathroom, and left with another spy. The meeting said we all had to be there, so I didn't want to miss it."

Poke laughed. "Ah the old "I gotta piss" excuse. Surprised it worked for ya. How are they holding up in there?"

"Well, let's just say that if we invaded their hideout now it'd be a blessing for them." Nayun explained. "They aren't worried about water, but they're slowly running out of food. Paranoia's at an all time high too. I think the captivity is getting to them."

Both Poke and Penny winced. "Ouch." Poke said, quickly checking the time on her phone. "Well, we should probably head to the meeting now. Looks like it's about to start."

[animehideout]

Your work is super good! Would it be possible to have the Sfw alphabet for gojo pretty please? Or what he's like when he falls in love and is committed? Whichever you would rather do.

SFW Alphabets For Gojo Satoru ♡

a/n: Thank you Anon for this cute request I really had fun writing this one, I hope you enjoy it <33

Note: I'm working on all the requests so don't worry my loves 🫶🏻🩷

A: Affection.

( How he shows affection?)

Gojo is openly affectionate, whether in private or public settings, be it during meetings, on the street, or in the presence of his students, colleagues, or even higher-ups. He consistently engages in subtle displays of affection, such as holding hands or loosely wrapping his arms around your shoulder or waist. Indifferent if others are looking, he doesn't mind if your lovey-dovey interactions make others uncomfortable or cringe. Especially at home, he'll latch himself to you as if he were a 6Ft tall koala.

B: Babies.

( Does he want to settle down and start a family?)

Gojo is good with children, he's able of taking care of them financially and never fails in making them laugh with the silly faces he makes. Eventually he likes to get married but he only lives the moment with his partner till both of you are ready to take that step. Satoru doesn't want to rush things concerning kids he would like to have children but that depends on your decision, might also consider adoption if you want kids but don't want to go through pregnancy.

C: Cuddles.

( How does he cuddle you?)

This 6ft giant is definitely the big spoon. Would he crush you with his arms? yes. Would he let go of you once he traps you in his embrace? No. When both of you are cuddling, his strong arms would engulf you and give you all the warmth you need. When he gets home exhausted from work he loves to get babied, he lays his head on your chest, your steady heartbeat soothes him to sleep.

D: Dreams.

(Dreams he wants to achieve with you?)

Gojo is a guy with big dreams, and having a partner makes achieving those dreams even more exciting. He dreams of traveling the world with you, collecting souvenirs from every country and city both of you visit. Probably would make a shelf full of souvenirs collection. Satoru has got a sweet tooth, so he's eager to try the various sweets and pastries from different countries, even planning to make you a sweet tooth too so you can enjoy them together without you complaining that it's too much sugar.

E: Ending.

( What would make him break up with you?)

Cheating is a deal-breaker for him; he would end the relationship immediately. He values himself highly, so if his partner picks someone else, it hurts his dignity and pride. He won't hesitate to break up on the spot and won't give any second chances or even care to listen to explanations or excuses. He sees them as a waste of his precious time and energy. ( who would cheat on Gojo tho🤔? )

F: First Date.

(How did he ask you out? and how it went?)

Confident af yet so laid-back, he'd casually ask you out, assured you won't say no. Being a busy guy, he'd likely do it through a text or call, saying something like, "Hey, wanna go out on date with me? I'll pick you up at 8:00 p.m." Without giving you much chance to respond, you might think it's a simple hangout. Surprise! He takes you to a fancy, high-end restaurant, covering all expenses for your first date and every date thereafter. He's a true gentleman🥹🤌🏻.

G: Gifts.

(What kind of gifts he gives you?)

He likes buying expensive gifts from expensive brands, especially accessories and perfumes, and he does it randomly without occasions, just to spoil you. Spending money on you is like a job for him because he sees it as his duty. However, he doesn't really think about what you might like; instead, he picks things based on what he personally prefers. Surprisingly, you end up liking them because he has good taste 🤌🏻.

H: Hobbies.

(What hobbies he enjoys doing with you?)

Satoru has two main hobbies to do with you; shopping and watching movies. You prefer shopping because when you watch movies, he often spills the beans and gives major spoilers about what happens, making you frustrated with the messed-up order of events, and sometimes canceling your movie night. On the other hand, he enjoys shopping together because he gets a free fashion show from you. Would make you try on various clothes, and he even lets you pick out shoes for him. It's like you both are bees, buzzing around from one store to another, making fun of ugly clothes and having a good time gossiping and judging designers.

I: Impression.

(Your first impression of him?)

You'd be excited to meet the strongest sorcerer, the famous Gojo Satoru that everyone talks about. However, when you see him for the first time, you might be surprised, thinking, "What the heck?". It's hard to believe he's a teacher with significant responsibilities. He appears childish and unserious, He may seem annoying and talkative, mostly bragging about himself, and you could notice him being a disrespectful to older folks. This creates a negative first impression. Yet, as you get to know him better, you'll discover that he's truly wise and responsible, although he does have a hefty ego.

J: Jealousy.

(Is he the jealous type? How does he deal with it?)

Satoru is a chill guy who doesn't easily get jealous or offended. He's confident in how he looks and who he is, believing he's better than other guys out there. If a guy comes up and starts showing off in a not-so-smooth way, he'd mock and tease him, laugh and make fun of him. But if another guy comes along and seems capable, oh boy, he'll go all out to try and make him look small, overshadow, belittle and embarrass him in front of you. Gojo will do whatever it takes to show that he's superior and the perfect match for you.

K: Kisses.

(How does he kiss you?)

He likes giving hugs, but when it comes to daily kisses, he's all about the goofy and playful ones. He plants them all over your face, making a sound like 'MWAH,' even squishing your cheeks and giving them a big ass kiss. He giggles during these kisses and enjoys how you playfully push him away. Annoying you with his love is something he really likes to do.

L: Love Language.

(What is his love language?)

His has two love languages combined; physical touch and giving gifts. He loves having his hands on you, and he's also a fan of PDA ( Public Display of Affection) . He became addicted to your touch, even if it's just a pat on the head. Additionally, he enjoys giving you gifts because 1st, he loves you, 2nd, it's also a way for him to flaunt his wealth.

M: Mornings.

(His mornings with you?)

For a man with heavy responsibilities hanging on his shoulder, he would wake up quite early and you are forced to wake up with him, and the thing is, he doesn't wake you up like normal people do, he would be overly hyped and excited. Would tickle you till you fall off bed, would literally startle you in your sleep with his random tickle attacks. Whines a lot if you refuse to wake up or if you hit him with a pillow. Once you're fully awake he likes to enjoy breakfast with you in the balcony while both of you enrich your bodies with an intake of vitamin D. 🌞

N:Nights.

(His nights with you?)

He's a night owl, nah seriously lacking in sleep, yet always full of energy. During the night, he might suggest dining out, but if you're tired, he'd order food delivery and just hang out at home. He'd even join you in your skincare routine, then tucks you to sleep. He watches over you, making sure you're comfy, and only then does he join you in dreamland. He never drifts off before you. 🌌

O: Opressive.

(Is he controlling in a relationship?)

Gojo is super open-minded, values independence, and trusts you a lot. Normally, he's not the controlling type, but when it comes to your safety, oh hell no, he gets strict and over controlling. If there's something risky going on outside, he won't let you take a single step outside the house without him knowing about it.

P: Pet Names.

(His favorite pet names?)

He likes giving you cute, cheesy names in public to make you blush like “Pumpkin spice of my life” or “Cute lemon cupcake”, but mostly calling you “baby”or “babes”. He also enjoys being called by cringy pet names or anything other than his real name. If you ever use his real name, Satoru, he tends to overthink, worrying he might have done something wrong or that you're upset with him.

Q: Qualities.

(His good and bad qualities?)

He's got plenty of great qualities ; responsible, supportive, funny, and attractive, making him total boyfriend material. Like everyone else, he has flaws; he can be really egocentric, always showing off his looks and skills, even though everyone already knows what he's capable of. It's just how he is, but sometimes it might make you feel a bit insecure or less important in the relationship.

R: Rules.

(Do you have any rules in your relationship?)

Rule number 1 : never underestimate him, or he'll break up with you. Rule number 2: trusting each other, is crucial, without it, your relationship could fall apart. Rule number 3: express your feelings openly, give him praise, and shower him with compliments.

S: Sad.

(How he cheers you up when you're sad?)

It can swing either way – he might make you laugh and lift your spirits, or he could say something that deeply offends you. If he's all about you, flirting, tickling, promising your favorite food, and cuddling protectively, he's sure to bring a smile. But, if he cracks just one egocentric, self-absorbed joke, you're gonna snap.

T: Teasing.

(How he teases you?)

Gojo loves to see you mad at him, he finds amusement with your annoyed expressions, that's why he pulls pranks on you so often. After arguments he places things on the higher shelves so he can tease you about your height, tall or short in all cases he looks like a giant next to you “oh can't reach that babes? lucky for you your handsome man is 6ft tall”. Would also make you blush and tease you a lot if he catches you staring at him.

U: Unique.

(Something unique or special about him?)

He's got this adorable habit of doodling, and surprisingly, he has a bunch of markers. He likes doodling on your shoes and phone case. These doodles usually reflect his mood. He's actually quite talented. His drawings often bring a smile to your face or make you laugh.

V: Vulnerability.

(Is he vulnerable in your relationship?)

Being vulnerable is tough for him; it hurts his ego and shatters the image he maintains as the strongest. When he's sad, he avoids letting his facial expressions betray him. Despite trusting you, he prefers to keep his worries to himself, even if it feels overwhelming. When he's emotional, he retreats into solitude, needing time alone with his thoughts until he calms down or figures things out.

W: Wedding.

(How would he propose?)

Even in serious moments like a marriage proposal, he keeps it playful. He might take you to the top of a building at night to enjoy city lights, and then suddenly, he drops the bomb: "I think we shouldn't be dating anymore." It gets super serious; you might even tear up, wondering what went wrong. He silently watches as you bombard him with questions, then out of the blue, he suggests, "Let's get married instead," leaving you completely stunned. With a silly smile, he adds, "Hm so what do you say? I even brought you a ring," pulling out a velvet box from his pocket. He makes up for the scare with a romantic night afterward.

X: Xtra.

(Extra headcanon)

Surprisingly, he enjoys gossiping and spills all the details, especially about those higher-ups. He uses a bunch of curse words and can spend hours talking shit about them and about how much he wants to use his curse technique on them to get rid of them. You often join him in these gossip sessions, especially when someone gets on your nerves.

Y: Yuck.

(Something he hates in general or in you?)

Gojo dislikes weakness, especially in people with potential but are afraid to try or improve themselves. With his strength, weakness irritates him. He hates it when you gives up on something you're good at just because you're anxious or lack self-confidence. He'll go out of his way to try and motivate you and knock some sense into you.

Z: Zoo.

(Does he like pets?)

Gojo is open to the idea of having a pet, like a puppy, because they're energetic and adorable. However, his busy schedule doesn't allow him the time to properly care for it—feeding, showering, and regular walks. But if you insist, he might consider it.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

hey, steph! how are you, like, genuinely? not the small talk. i wanna listen

Hey Lovely 💜🖤

I want to apologize for putting this off for so long... which should be a clue as to how I am actually doing.

Honestly? Not good, but I'm trying my best. It's been... a time. Will put under a cut for those who don't want to read about the tagged items.

TL;DR – my real life is a bit chaotic, and I hide a lot from y'all because I REALLY try not to be negative here since my blog is where I come to be happy AND because I am a very private person, but I try my best to just keep going day to day as the chaos settles down slowly.

I've got some good things coming though, so I hope a week's rest next week when I'm off (and will probably take a break from here too) will reset my brain.

Work has been insane, and is most of the cause of my mental distress for the past few months. From Easter until Canada Day Weekend at my job is lovingly referred to as "Silly Season" simply because of how on-the-fly, balls-to-the-wall our workload is until summertime downtime officially begins for us. Without disclosing too much, it's basically non-stop, long hours for me until one of the 3 break weeks we get during the this long stretch happens where, incidentally because of the nature of my job and the team I work on, it actually gets BUSIER for us.

It actually ended earlier than we expected this year (yesterday) and we'll be "quieter" until the end of September now. See an opportunity, I actually took next week off between the two long weekends because my mental health has taken a severe hit and I'm having trouble just... enjoying things? I'm haven't gamed or drew in a few weeks, and blogging and writing feels like a chore. I literally just come home, file this blog, reply to one or two asks, and then go to bed, and do it all over again the next day. Day in and day out, for 3 months. On weekends I have to force myself out of my apartment because I KNOW I will sink lower if I don't leave.

On top of that, my brain has convinced me that literally everyone hates me: friends, coworkers, family, you guys, my damned plants. I just feel very alone these days and... I'll be real here, I've almost abandoned this blog a few times in the past few months. I feel like I make fic lists that no one reblogs or likes and tell me they're all shit. I post my art and I barely break 20 notes. I write something and I get maybe 2 likes. I can't really answer any thoughtful asks because my mental state's been in the shitter for months. I desperately want to reply to the few sexuality asks I have and I physically can't. Being on my computer – after working ON a computer for my day job for 12 hour days everyday – feels like too much, so I try to limit my time on the blog now too.

I just try to keep carrying on, encouraged by the once-in-a-blue-moon testimonial ask I get thanking me for still being here. I thank YOU guys for reminding me that people still like coming here.

Stressed about money and food and rent just like everyone else, and just getting frustrated at other things.

And finally, my uncle (my dad's brother and my godfather) hasn't been doing well health-wise, and he's being moved to assisted living next week. His health has been declining since Easter, so it's been a bit of worrying time for relatives.

Having my therapist helps a lot. She talks me through a lot of my complicated feelings, my sense of self and ways to cope with my anxiety and stress. I'm talking to her again next week, so no worries, gang. As I said, I just keep on keeping on.

Some positivity though:

I booked next week off to try to just... recenter myself. To forget about everything and TRY to get back to doing the things I love. I will probably take a break from this blog as well during that time to limit my social-media time. It's not ideal but I need a break from my computer, I think.

I go to the gym a lot more these days, which has helped with the seething annoyance I constantly have at work. Usually feel better after it.

And because of the gym and getting out more, I've been slowly feeling better physically, better than I have since before 2019. The break from work is for the mental health, LOL.

I'm getting my hair recoloured next week. Can't afford it, really, but I just REALLY need to feel better about myself again, and I always feel so different when I colour my hair. I was doing so good for awhile. I want that again.

Anyway, I'm sorry to bombard y'all with my complicated mess of a brain. I really do appreciate you asking, so THANK YOU. I rarely get asked in real life if I am okay because I keep very private due to past people betraying my trust. And I don't like seeing people unhappy, so I feel if I tell people about my problems, then I feel I am a burden, so I just... continue existing.

Thank you for letting me be a burden just this once.

[nyoomerr]

Hi! You're one of my fave fic writers, so I hope it's not too foward if I ask some writing advice? I'm currently working on my own fic, and it feels like my brain is working overtime. When you're writing scenes, do you struggle to find a balance between dialogue and just texts describing the situation the characters are in? How exactly do you plan for the execute fic ideas you have? Again, love your work!

hello! i'm always quite flattered when y'all enjoy my writing enough that you think of me when you'd like to ask for advice, no worries at all! 🥰 just remember that this is advice about what works best for me personally, and there's a lot of different styles of writing out there that i'm not as familiar with as the one that i personally use, etc etc.

all advice under the cut, so it doesn't clog anyone's dash up!

for balancing dialogue/descriptions: personally, i find that a dialogue-heavy story tends to be more character driven + interesting to read, so it's what i prefer. if it's possible to convey an important plot point via an interaction between characters, i'll usually try to do so, with an exception for things that aren't very interesting and therefore are best conveyed as quickly as possible in just a short text description.

there are a couple cases i can think of where incorporating dialogue doesn't always come as naturally as "characters A and B are in a scene together and stuff happens," though, so here's some of my thoughts on those -

if i want to convey some sort of montage (xyz happens, time passes, etc etc), the bulk of that montage actually happening usually just ends up as a text description. where possible, i try to add short snippets of conversation as an example of what's happening in the montage.

if plot points happen when there's only a single character around and they don't have anyone to engage with, I try to break up the descriptive scenes with moments where the character's thoughts are highlighted in dialogue format. (i.e. an occasional "Maybe it would be easier to just walk straight into the monster's mouth myself, Shen Qingqiu thought" in place of a "The work was miserable enough that Shen Qingqiu briefly considered if it was worth it to just accept his death")

Alternatively, I've also used a character's memories or mental image of someone close to them as a partner for a 'pretend' conversation, though the mileage I get out of this is pretty dependent on the character's mental state and etc. (i.e. "Binghe is the pride of Qing Jing, Shen Qingqiu had once said. Now, Luo Binghe lays in the dirt in the Abyss, and he wonders if such a thing could ever be true again. Shizun, could Qing Jing ever claim me, when my disciple robes have been marred with ichor and blood? Could you ever be proud of me, when I fight with ugly brute force instead of the delicate sword forms you taught me?")

for planning/executing on fic ideas: usually, when i have a fic idea, i'm starting with some vague idea of where i want to start the fic and where i want to end it, and then i have to sit down and brainstorm all the middle bits before i can get started writing. for me personally, the ending i want to achieve is usually an emotional or relationship development, so i tend to plan out the middle bits by thinking "what would it take for this character to develop towards that specific emotional state?"

this often means i plan out "middle" scenes to be things that are designed to disprove a belief that the character currently holds, or to show them something that they don't currently believe. then i pad those out with scenes that give the character time to settle into their new mental/emotional state before putting them into another scene that changes their mentality once more.

i hope those tips help out a bit!! 🙇 and ofc remember that everyone will enjoy writing in a slightly different way, so if some of this advice doesn't vibe with you, don't try and force yourself into following it -- even if you were trying to mimic the way i write exactly, even i don't follow my own advice all the time XD

also, i think i've gotten enough of these writing tip asks that it probably warrants its own tag, so i went back tagged all the ones i could find with #nyoomerr gives advice. i'll continue to use this tag in the future to help y'all find stuff !

[inuhiime]

:: 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 ! ──── ⪩⪨ 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 ; 𝐩𝐭. 𝐢𝐢𝐢

' please save my soul. '

' i know you're suffering now. perhaps nothing i will say will ease your pain. '

' even for a dead person, you look miserable. '

' what, am i not worthy enough now? '

' i want to hear some last words that aren't about pain or regret. i've heard too much already. '

' first, i see reality, then fear, and at last... i see you. '

' what if we fail? '

' saving the day, then sacrificing yourself. you've glorified yourself with death... are you happy? '

' you don't look well. what happened? '

' you can't fall here. get up, poor thing. '

' at least they don't hate me, fear me, or want to hurt me. that's already more than i can ask for. '

' there is no freedom here, no companions, and it's not the ocean you long for. '

' don't worry, i'll help you. '

' tell me, what honor do these people have? '

' i know you won't believe anything i say at this point. '

' i am not in the mood for lecturing anyone. '

' when that time comes, i shall willingly be at your mercy and follow you to the ends of the earth. '

' what, you believe that story, too? '

' i want to thank you for saving me just now. '

' you must know that the fact that you're still here means we haven't lost. '

' i don't have many people around me who i can trust. '

' i hope that you can be honest with us. '

' how do we prove our honor? '

' what's happened has happened. no need to apologize. '

' do you still have the courage to trudge on? '

' despair is a silent monster. '

' in this world, only the blooming vitality can satiate the hungry soul. '

' what are you worried about? '

' are we truly honorable? '

' it must be hard for you to understand, right? that there'd be a selfish, cruel and cold-blooded monster like me in this world. '

' in fear, chaos always ensues. '

' you parasites don't deserve to be here. '

' i'm all too familiar with the ugly faces humans make when they're jealous. '

' don't get me wrong, i had no intention of being the good guy. '

' i knew it. i knew this would be a trap. '

' you've given them hope and joy. that is an incomparably honorable thing. '

' you're not hurt, are you? '

' do you want the redemption of death or to continue living a painful life, shouldering the heavy weight alone? '

' you don't believe me? '

' i am happy. of course i'm happy. '

' i'm sorry, i can't help you. '

' earning money is already so tiring, why can't i indulge and enjoy life a bit? '

' i've already apologized, what else do you want from me? '

' don't believe everything you see. '

' this is the worst decision you've made. '

' what would you do without me... poor thing. '

' once you let your guard down, you will be swallowed mercilessly. you can only go against the current. '

' so there are monsters far scarier than me in this world. '

' hold on a bit longer, i will get you out of this. '

' i know it's just a means of escape... but what's wrong with escaping forever? reality is just too cruel. '

' at times like these, we need to stick together and help each other to overcome the difficulties, right? '

' no matter what, i must keep going forward. '

' you made it this far? haven't given up yet? '

' i've been wanting to eliminate you this whole time. '

' i know you want to win. but now, how exactly will you achieve that? '

' you're just a monster i put a mask on! '

' don't you ever wonder... are you worthy of respect? '

' you still have a chance of redemption. '

' who do you think you are? why on earth should i confess to you? '

' everything has been settled. time to go home. '

' it seems our fates have become intertwined a long time ago. '

' if you keep hiding the truth, i can't help you. '

' i swear, i really didn't mean to, i just wanted to live... '

' maybe i'm just destined to be a monster who brings disaster to those around me. '

' i didn't mean any harm. i just wanted to help you. '

' don't worry. i'll be by your side. '

' i know you may not be able to accept the cruel reality of the world all at once. '

' now that you're living the high life, isn't it time to atone for your sins? '

' god must be blind to grant you so much success. '

' ready to tell the truth this time? '

' you've already seen my true colors. no need for me to keep acting, right? '

' human nature is inherently ignorant, wicked and vile. '

' who are you to judge my point of view? '

' i went to hell and back, but you haven't! '

' welcome to the place where most dreams come true. '

' i'm very glad to see how happy you are now. '

' how could fate have spared us so easily? '

' if i let you choose, will you choose to return to reality and live in pain, or for me to wipe your memory and let you keep living in that happy illusion? '

' how can i keep on living without a shred of hope? '

' don't you understand? your life is over! '

' why are you being so cautious? i don't bite. '

' you're not owned by anyone. you're free now. '

' i promise i'll try my best to help you. '

' let me bear the brunt. you must escape. '

' i don't want to be a coward hiding behind you anymore. '

' why are you acting like it has nothing to do with you? '

' there's no reason for them to be afraid of me. '

' are you angry with me? '

' answer my question. what exactly did you do to them? '

' you should be happy. your enemy is already dead. '

' please don't hurt people without waiting for an explanation. '

' enough talk. don't you have your work to do? '

' is there something you're looking for? '

' you don't see many people like me anymore, who will repay evil with kindness. '

' ...alright, i'll forgive you for now. '

' all of us will hunt you down and kill you. how much time do you think you have left? '

' death is ubiquitous indeed. you can't hide from it. '

' there are too many things i can't let go of. '

' i hope you can escape your destined misery... what do you think? '

[poguehoe4life]

The Secret Mikaelson

Chapter 1

Rose watched as Elena walked down the hall, slowly turning to make direct contact with her shoulder. "Omg, I'm so sorry- wait, aren't you new here?" Elena asked helping Rose pick up her books. "Yeah. I just moved from England." Elena looked surprised. "Wow. That's a long way. Why come to Mystic Falls?" She smiled, walking with Rose. "I wanted a change of scenery." Elena looked confused but didn't press on. "Cheer tryouts are later. You should come." Rose nodded. "I'll think about it. Thanks," she said, walking away from Elena. When she returned home, she threw her bag onto the shelf and paused. Maybe joining a sport wasn't the worst thing. She thought, grabbing a pair of shorts and heading back to the school.

When she arrived, she found exactly what she expected. A bunch of preppy schoolgirls who thought nothing could touch them. That's where they were wrong. "Alright, everyone. Today we start with tumbling. If you cannot perform these basic cheerleading moves, you're cut. Got it?" A blonde girl said, her ponytail swinging back and forth. "You must be Caroline," Rose said to the girl, walking up behind her. "Yeah. And you are?" Elena walked up to Caroline and gave her a look. "This is Rose. She just moved from England." Caroline scoffed. "I hope England had a cheer team. Otherwise, you are of no use to me." It was strange how much Caroline reminded Rose of Klaus. Demanding, self-righteous, and always eager to win. Caroline demonstrated a running round-off. "We start with this. If you can't do this, there's the door." Half the girls walked out. Caroline's well-ironed smile faded at the corners. Those that could perform the set-aside task did and if they weren't up to Caroline's standards, she showed them the door.

12 girls remained. Caroline's once pristine smile was now a disappointed growl. "Is it really that hard to do a back handspring? Like, come on." Elena caressed her friend's elbow and muttered that everything would be fine. How easy it was for these girls to worry about small things when they knew nothing of the world set for them. Their ruin was coming. Rose just had to stick around long enough to see it. Soon, vampires, werewolves and witches would graze the land of Mystic Falls. And Elena was right in the center.

A week later, the 2014 Mystic Falls High School cheer squad roster was posted on the school board for everyone to see. Rose's name was on that list. "Congrats Rose! I'm so happy we get to cheer together!" Elena said, dragging the girl out the door. "So listen. That chem final's coming up and I know you just moved here, but you are really good at chemistry and I need a study buddy because Caroline is, well Caroline. Can you-" Rose cut her off. "Yes, I'd love to. Your place or mine?" Elena smiled and gave Rose a hug. "Let's go to mine. Maybe Jenna will have made food."

When the girls arrived to Elena's house, Rose stopped at the door to admire the outside porch. Elena turned, noticing her friend stop walking. "You can come on in. I know it's not much but it's home." Rose stepped a foot inside the door and smiled. "It's a home. Unlike mine." Elena looked puzzled. "I have no family here. The last of them died last month. All I have is a dusty old house that was left to my aunt by her grandparents. It hasn't been lived in for years." Elena put her hand on Rose's shoulder. "Why don't you stay here? We have an extra room and besides I've always wanted a sister." Rose hugged Elena tightly. "Only if you're sure. And if it becomes too much for you I'll go, okay?" Elena nodded.

Hours upon hours later, after much wrong directed conversation and very little chemistry work done, Rose stood. "I've gotta go make a call. A friend of mine from England told me to call when I get settled down so he knew I made it alright." Elena nodded. "Of course! Go ahead!" Rose stepped outside onto the front porch and dialed a number she knew all too well. "I'm in." The voice on the other end of the line spoke one sentence. "Update me when you're ready for phase two."

[expirisims]

Updates Sims and Otherwise

This post will serve as an update on Pickerling Cove now that I've gotten in the mood to work on it again, but also on my life in general. I have been very fortunate to have been home with my LO since the pandemic, but that's all about to change! She'll be starting school three mornings a week in about a month from when I'm writing this. So, I'm going to be on the job hunt soon, though not full time by any means, we're still aiming to avoid paying extra childcare costs if possible.

In other news, you may remember I was wanting to start a separate tumblr and youtube channel for the doll crafts I do with my kiddo when we have time. Wellll...I started filming a project, but as luck would have it, my friend that I built St. Bernie for lost her job unexpectedly so I was doing a little babysitting for her. Then after that settled down my kiddo's closet...literally fell out of her closet... Don't ask...facepalm. Anywhooo...everything from her closet wound up in my craft/studio room and yeah...we just got it put back together in time for the end of summer. In other words, I have no idea if/when I'll get around to getting that up and running. However, as far as my book, I have finally decided that I want to pursue self-publishing. There is so much stacked against me for traditional publishing. I have joined a local Writer's Guild, and several members are published, so I'll hopefully get some good guidance!

But enough about my crazy life, enjoy the newest screenshots of Pickerling Cove!

The original world waaay back before I even dreamed up Thicket was Mount McSimley and it was inspired by the mountains of Colorado. Pickerling Cove doesn't have any one place that has inspired the vibe I'm going for, I find inspiration from architecture of places I've visited, google images, memories from trips as a child and even this mess which was supposed to resemble some drainage ditch areas in my own hometown (I know, romantic right?) Anyway, this is still giving me fits so I have a new solution in mind, but you won't see that for a while :)

I removed the distant terrain temporarily because I was worried about space. These early stages of world building always throw me off because the roads look so huge with virtually nothing else on the map! As you can see I had begun terrain painting before changing my mind and flattening most of the world out again. I am so happy I did though! Once I found all of those old builds it broke the barrier I was having with city planning. Fair warning it is the largest of the worlds I have made. It's still a medium map like Thicket, but there will be somewhere around 120 lots. I hate that, but it's virtually impossible to keep it below that and accommodate housing along with most of the community lot types available. I will need to do testing of course once it's built, but the city center will be fairly dense with more space between lots as you get into the "suburb" areas.

As you can see, I removed the lighthouse from the world proper and plan to place one on one of the "island" areas created by my typical mishmash of distant terrains!

Ignore the sunken road you can possibly see if you squint. I don't think it will be noticeable actually in game as this is off world...I don't THINK so.

Such a pain to work with the terrains on these smaller maps, but so worth it!

Some things I have taken into consideration for performance:

As I said, there will be around 120 lots, some complicated and large, many close together. Because of that I have planned for combined rabbit holes in a few cases. I also plan to use Bridgeport and Roaring Height's shells to give the illusion of a true city with varying height and a large population. Rabbit hole lots I build out won't be furnished. I know a lot of people like the realism of these being furnished, but it does add to unnecessary objects cluttering up the world size. I figure if people have powerful computers and want to fill out every building they can, but I want to keep it as accessible as possible especially since I am already using items from a store world and I know those aren't cheap. I'm placing trees last as typical. I find it helpful to place lots first and see where trees and rocks would look natural and good. While I have placed several rocks already, mostly in bluff areas, the trees will be last and I always try to stick to four species per chunk so they can be effectively grouped.

I can already tell you that likely every expansion and definitely Roaring Heights will be required. I'm also using casino objects from the Lucky Simoleon. Any other store content will be pretty inconsequential.

[unseededtoast]

Rectify | Bucky Barnes

Part 7/37 | Part Six, Part Eight

Summary: I've lived every day for the past five years looking over my shoulder. I knew they'd come for me, it was inevitable. I was foolish to think I could outrun my past. It's followed me everywhere I go, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Never would I have anticipated that the shadows would lead me to the light.

Bucky Barnes x OC

Series Warnings: Discussion of human trafficking, alcohol consumption, graphic depictions of violence, sexual content, discussion of suicidal thoughts.

a/n: Hi everyone, thank you for checking this out, I appreciate any and all support! This series is also posted on Ao3 and Wattpad if you prefer those formats/platforms! This is a completed series, and it's going to take some time for me to transfer it to Tumblr, so please bear with me!

"You know, she was the only one at Hydra to ever tell me they were sorry, she treated me like a human, not a weapon."

The water stops trickling down the drain as I shut off the faucet and pat my mouth dry. Today's the day and I know Steve is more excited than I am. I hear him knocking on the door and go to open it for him. He walks in and I return to the bathroom, untangling my hair from last night's restless sleep. I've been eager for this day to come, I couldn't get my mind to rest very well.

"Do you think it'll go well?" Steve asks anxiously, picking at the skin on his thumb. I look at him through the mirror, poor guy has been stressed out for two weeks over this. If I had a hard time resting last night I bet he didn't even sleep. I turn to face him,

"If I didn't think he could handle it I wouldn't go through with this. He's done exceptionally well up to this point, it'll be okay Steve. I'll be there for you both. It's going to be emotional just remember to let yourself feel the emotions." I say and lay my hairbrush down on the vanity. I go to put my shoes on as Steve sighs,

"I just hope he remembers." His voice tapers at the end, worry clearly evident in his voice. I lace up my boot and look to Steve as I put the other one on.

"I'm fairly confident he will remember. It might not happen all at once, it may take some time. Just have patience." I say, hoping to ease some of his nerves and bring his high hopes down to something that is more realistic. I don't want Steve's hope to be crushed if things don't go exactly the way he wants them to. 

He starts tapping a foot on the floor and runs a hand through his hair. I can't imagine what thoughts are going through his head right now. He's about to be reunited with his best friend who he thought was dead for the past sixty or so years.  It has to feel unreal.

I lace my other boot and Steve goes to open the door, eager to get to Bucky's room. I follow Steve into the hall and down to the room we spend the majority of our time in now.

Things have smoothed out over the past two weeks for the most part. Bucky isn't as apprehensive as he first was and I think that's because we have a similar experience we can relate to each other with, along with the fact that he knows he's not in any imminent danger. Steve and I are practically joined at the hip most days, he's been one of the most welcoming and supportive people since I've arrived and I'm most grateful for him. Tony still isn't fond of me, but he tolerates me better than he first did, so I can't complain too much.

Steve stays in the hall as I walk into Bucky's room to explain what's going to happen today. Bucky sets the book he's reading aside as he sees me walk into the room, a smile on his face.

"Good morning." I smile and greet him back, not sitting in my usual spot. He looks confused as to why I don't have coffee cups in my hands and why I'm not settling in like I usually do for our morning talks.

"I have someone with me that I want you to meet. I think you two will have a lot to talk about. If it gets to be too much or you need a break, I'll be just outside the door and you can call for me." I say and take some steps backwards as Bucky nods. I walk out of the room to observe from the hall, and Steve is standing right by the door. I give him permission to go into the room and he takes one big breath before he enters. I shut the door behind Steve and cross my arms as I watch from behind the one-way glass.

Bucky stares at Steve, a mixture of emotions on his face. Steve walks slowly, approaching the grey armchair that's been placed next to the couch in Bucky's room. After Bucky was freed from the cage, Steve made sure that he had a bed and some other furniture placed in his room to make sure Bucky was comfortable.

Steve sits in the chair, the two are silent as they study one another. Steve looks nervous and Bucky looks like he's seen a ghost. I see Bucky blink a few times and tilt his head to one side.

"Steve?" Bucky asks and Steve nods his head,

"It's me, Buck." I can hear the smile in Steve's voice, and I know he's beyond ecstatic. Bucky takes a few moments, he's probably remembering something. Bucky gets a certain look on his face when he remembers things, it's a mix of confusion, anger, sadness, and sometimes, happiness. Bucky licks his lips and looks Steve over.

"You used to be small. I remember you used to put old newspapers in your shoes." Steve laughs and nods his head,

"Yeah, I used to be small. You'd have to bail me out every time I picked a fight." Steve says and I see Bucky's eyes light up, a smile on his face,

"In the alleyway at the movie theater." I see the humor between the two, their chemistry is natural. They continue sharing small moments here and there, Bucky sharing what he remembers though I can tell he's having trouble remembering some details. Steve laughs a few times, and then the room falls silent.

"You were there when I fell off the train." Bucky states and Steve somberly nods his head, running a hand over his face.

"Yeah, I was there. I thought I had lost you for good. I tried to save you, Buck." Steve says, looking down at the ground. The silence stays in the room, neither of them knew what to say. I watch as Bucky shifts around on the couch,

"Have you been out there while Adalyn comes?" Bucky asks.

"I've been out there every day." Steve confirms and Bucky nods his head.

"I have to admit, seeing her again was weird, especially at first. I really thought she had been killed, I never found out what happened to her once she escaped. You know, she was the only one at Hydra to ever tell me they were sorry, she treated me like a human, not a weapon." Bucky looks towards the glass, knowing I can hear what they're saying. It hasn't been easy for Bucky to open up about his feelings, he sometimes has a tendency to bottle it up, so hearing him say this is profound and heartwarming to me.

"She's been on the run ever since she left." Steve says. I haven't told Bucky everything that happened after I left, but I figure we'll get there in time. Besides, the mission is to get Bucky back, not recount my nomad days.

"When I first started remembering things, the first thing I remembered about her was that she put my brain in a blender. I didn't remember everything else she did for me, but when I did, it was like everything came flooding back all at once." Bucky says, and I listen intently to what he's saying, trying to understand how his memories are coming back more in depth, even though I have a pretty solid understanding already. No piece of information is too small.

"She was worried you would never forgive her, she has a hard time forgiving herself." Steve says, glancing at the glass. I chew on my bottom lip as they talk about me. Bucky shakes his head,

"It's hard to forgive yourself when you do bad things against your will." His voice is soft. Steve reaches over and places a hand on Bucky's shoulder, to which Bucky makes eye contact with Steve,

"Neither of you should blame yourself." Bucky looks at the glass I'm standing behind and just shakes his head. Not blaming ourselves is easier said than done, I'm afraid. But if anyone should be blameless for their actions, it's Bucky, not myself. Silence fills the room once again, and I decide to go in there with them. The door shuts behind me and I sit next to Bucky on the couch.

"You know, I'm really glad you two are able to reconnect. It warms my heart knowing you have this chance." I say, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness for the two of them. Bucky smiles shyly and Steve nods his head. Steve stands from his seat as I see the watch on his wrist light up with a message.

"Adalyn, I'll catch up with you this evening. Bucky, I'll be back tomorrow morning. There's something I have to go do." I nod my head as Steve exits the room. I wonder what that's all about.

I turn my focus to Bucky who's watching Steve leave. Bucky and I look at each other, and I feel tears of joy fill my lashline, one of them running down my cheek. The moment between the two of them was beautiful, they both deserve this reunification. In those moments they were who they were back in the '40s. Two best friends with undying loyalty and love for one another. Never did I think a day would come when this would be possible. 

Bucky looks frazzled and panicked as I wipe away the stray tear and sniffle. I smile slightly, 

"I am so happy that you're able to remember, you have no idea." I say and the worry fades from his face. 

"I remember something new each day." Bucky says quietly as our eyes meet one another. 

Bucky and I have kept our conversations fairly light over the past few weeks, I've been letting him guide the conversation and talk about the things he's remembered if he wants to. I don't want to pressure him into talking about things that might be hard to process, and I don't want him to feel like he's being forced into therapy. My goal is to make our interactions beneficial and comfortable for him so that he feels confident confiding in me. 

I turn my body so I'm fully facing him and decide to give him some insight about my past. He knows relatively nothing about what my personal life was like in Hydra. He has a general understanding about my family and the dynamics there, but I've held off on speaking about my tasking related to him. 

However, I think he's strong enough to know the truth, and it's what he deserves. He deserves transparency. Plus, by telling him more and opening up I think it helps establish more trust between the two of us. I already trust him, I have no reason not to. On the other hand, he has hundreds of reasons why he shouldn't trust me and I need, and want, to erase each and every one of those reasons.

"When I was tasked with perfecting the programming in your mind I was told to make you a blank canvas. Apparently Zola had left too many holes in his programming and it wasn't enough for my father. He wanted me to wipe your mind of everything but the basic functions of life. I couldn't bring myself to do it, I couldn't erase who you are, who you were. I saw the look in your eyes and when I pressed that button on stage that night, I knew I had done something awful. I saw how they treated you and it was all because of me. And now seeing you remember things from the past is just so surreal to me, I am so grateful you have this opportunity." I see him process the information. It can't be easy hearing these things, and truth be told they aren't any easier to say out loud.

"You didn't have a choice. Please, don't blame yourself for what they made you do. It's because of you and the choice you made that I can remember." He says, looking into my eyes with his baby blue ones. I let the silence take over, though it's a comfortable silence. I don't know what to say to that, I'm not sure the words exist to convey what I feel. 

He's told me I shouldn't blame myself for what I did on more than one occasion but it never gets easier to accept those words or forgive myself. The hatred I have for my past actions runs far too deep for me to be able to forgive myself. 

"What records did they bring you?" I break the silence after a few minutes and walk over to the record player that sits on the table. 

Steve requested that it be put there, saying it helped him adjust to modern life while still having a piece of the old days. Bucky follows me over and places the needle on the record that's already in place. There's a light crackling sound that fills the space as the record rotates. I hear the guitar and piano start, followed by a man's low voice that fills the room. It's a slow, rhythmic song. Bucky takes my hand and leads me to the middle of the room. I look at him confused, not understanding what he's doing.

"Back in my day I loved going out to dance." He places his right hand on my waist and intertwines my fingers with his metal ones, though I can tell he's being cautious about grabbing my hand with his metal one.

"I've never danced a day in my life." I admit, feeling nervous about this. Bucky and I had grown closer over the past couple weeks, but not physically. He smiles as he places my left hand on his shoulder.

"Just follow my lead, I promise it's easy." He says and I have no choice but to listen to him. He begins stepping in time to the music. He steps left, keeping a firm, yet gentle, grasp on my waist as he leads me with him. The music plays comfortingly in the background as I focus on not stepping on his toes, knowing I would embarrass myself.

"Relax, you're doing just fine." His raspy voice says quietly as the next song starts playing. I look up at his face, and see that his eyes are closed, he looks at peace. I've never seen him truly at peace until now, his features are soft and relaxed. I follow his steps, becoming more comfortable and confident with each stride. We continue dancing until the record stops, and Bucky untangles our fingers from one another and takes a step back.

"That was nice, I've missed dancing." He says and lifts the needle off the record. He turns to face me,

"You know when Steve and I went dancing together, sometimes I'd end up dancing with his date. Poor guy, he was always so polite to them." He shakes his head, recalling the memory. I smile,

"So you stole your best friend's dancing date?" I ask playfully and he shrugs.

"I wouldn't say I stole them, it was more of a brief borrowing." He tries to justify it and I roll my eyes,

"I'm sure Steve saw it differently." I say, trying to envision Bucky back in the '40s sweeping Steve's date off her feet. Bucky starts flipping through a few different records, and I remember I have to meet Bruce in the lab.

"Hey Bucky, I'll be back tomorrow, I have some lab work I need to do." I say and he nods, giving a small wave.

"See ya tomorrow, bring your dancing shoes." He smirks and I shake my head,

"We'll see about that." I walk out of the room, content with how the day went. I make my way to the lab, and wonder where Steve went off to. I open the door to the lab and see Bruce sitting there, working on a pair of sunglasses.

"Hey Adalyn." Bruce pauses from his work and I sit down across from him.

"Hey Bruce, any luck?" I ask and he shakes his head. He places his glasses on top of his head and rubs his eyes.

"No, to be honest I don't know if it will work. We've been trying for the past week and a half, but Tony won't give up." I glance at the glasses that Tony has named BARF, which stands for binarily augmented retro-framing. 

The idea was to take control of one's hippocampus to alter aspects of a memory. I successfully discouraged Tony from replacing his traumatic memories, and after days of convincing, he finally agreed to not try to wipe out his memories and settle for alteration instead. I agreed to help them with this project on those terms and thankfully Tony hasn't tried to steer away from them.

"Let me see." I say and walk over to where the glasses are. I look at where the lasers are pointed, and try the glasses on. I look at the computer that the glasses are synced to, and notice that the measurement is off. I place the glasses on the counter and look at Bruce.

"Well, the issue here is that these are aimed at the amygdala, not the hippocampus. If you tweak the lasers to aim half an inch back, I think you'll be right on the money." I say and Bruce looks at me incredulously.

"But we checked and double checked that it was aimed at the hippocampus." He says, joining my side and picking up some tools to adjust the lasers. I shrug, not knowing what else I can offer,

"I don't know Bruce, maybe you need to take a break." I suggest, knowing he's been working tirelessly on this project. Since Tony and I are on better terms, he's agreed to let me use this project for my use as well. I think once Bucky's free from the room it can help him work through some of the more difficult memories and emotions, but only if he wants to try it.

"Maybe you're right. I'll make the adjustment and then call it a night." Bruce says and I nod my head, deciding to head out for the night. I walk back to my room and take my boots off. Today went better than I had anticipated, I'm glad Steve and Bucky were able to reconnect. I'm happy that Bucky's memories are coming back with ease, I can't say as though I anticipated it happening as easily as it is.

I get ready for bed and turn the light off in my room. In the morning I'll meet with Steve before we go to see Bucky since he never got around to meeting me this evening. I think we can start talking about bringing Bucky out of the room. 

I think he's stable enough to be out, there have been no instances of him phasing to the Winter Soldier or even showing Soldier tendencies. He's doing a phenomenal job at handling the memories that come back and I don't think he poses any sort of threat. However, I know that convincing Fury of this is going to be a daunting task, and I'll need Steve's support in it.

[hellhound5925]

Cyare Verd *Beloved Warrior* Bad Batch Edition

Previous Chapter

Chapter Eight - Entombed Pt.2

We walk down the corridor in silence - other than Phee and Omega, but I can't tell what they're saying. Hunter insisted on staying at the back, so I'm ahead of him with Echo, Tech, Wrecker then Phee and Omega further ahead. I click a few buttons on my vambrace to get my buy'ce (Helmet) into night vision. This place is really dark, cold, damp, and the only sound that can be heard is the air moving through. I glance back to see Hunter shining his light along the walls as he walks. I start thinking about the time we've spent together and how it makes me feel. Do I actually have feelings for this guy? No, that can't be what this is. He's attractive but he's definitely just being nice to me. Even if I did have feelings for him, it's not like he would for me? He did call me hot earlier....well not me exactly….but my actions I suppose. Osik (Shit)....I'm being emotional. Can you imagine, 15 or 20 rotations ago if you had told me this is where I'd be? I'd laugh at how soft I've become. But I have to admit......I've never been genuinely happy...not since.....

Tech stops and we catch up to him, "I have run a preliminary analysis of the minerals in those stone slabs. They predate the Republic. Phee may be onto something." As if she heard her name, she yells back "Hey, tough guys!? Want to pick up the pace?" Hunter's body language completely changes. He stiffens and slowly reaches for his blaster. Seeing this, I do the same. "Hunter?" Omega asks cautiously. Something roars over head causing us to look up but it's too late. The creature drops down where I was standing before Wrecker pushed me out of the way. I jump up seeing the creature on top of Wrecker. Omega squeals and the Batch springs into action, shooting at the creature. Wrecker grabs the horns on the things face and it lifts him up. He punches it a few times before one of the horns breaks off an he falls to the ground. The rest of us continue shooting at the creature while it makes it's escape.

Rocks begin to fall, blocking the corridor and splitting the group. Phee, Omega, Hunter, and I on once side and Wrecker, Echo, and Tech on the other. The dust settles and Omega comms the others "Echo, Tech, Wrecker. Are you okay?" "We're fine but there's too much debris. We can't get through" Echo responds. "Thanks for saving my sheb (ass)" I say through the link. "Eh no problem. Now we're even" Wrecker laughs. "The readings in here are not as clear, but I can track your position." Tech pauses before continuing "There are smaller side tunnels throughout. We will navigate a path and rendezvous with you at the other end." "K'oyacyi (Hang in there, Come back safely)" I say through the comms. I turn to Hunter, "I told you I had a bad feeling" I whisper yell. He hums his agreement. Phee speaks up "Good then we'll keep looking for treasure." Both Hunter and I stare her down through our visors. "What? That's what we're here for" she shrugs. "They'll be fine...I hope" I say, trying to reassure Hunter...or myself...or both. "Come on! Fortune awaits!" Phee says before continuing on with Omega in tow. Hunter turns to me, "Stay close" he commands me. "Protective are we" I tease. He doesn't respond or look back at me which tells me wrong place wrong time.

We come across a tunnel but half the floor is missing. I look down and the others shine their lights down the hole. A growl echos through the tunnel behind us, "We...need to keep moving" Hunter says looking back. I go to step out onto the part of the floor that is there but an arm flings out in front of me, stopping me dead in my tracks. Looking over, Hunter is stepping past me "I'll go first." Normally I would give him a smart remark or argue but I don't. He carefully steps onto the floor and slowly makes his way ahead. Phee and Omega hesitate, "What is it?" I ask confused. "This is too easy" Phee says. I start to get worried "Uh Hunter?" I ask. Omega shines the light from Phee’s lantern up toward the ceiling with he compass, "Look there are more markings." "Wait!" Phee yells. Suddenly the floor gives out under Hunter. "Hunter!" Omega and I both yell in unison. I'm about to run after him when Phee grabs my arm, I hear a scraping sound and see a grappling hook where he fell "I need to help him!" I yell in her face. She immediately lets go and I race to the edge. I grab the grappling hook as it starts to slide closer to the edge. "Hunter! Hunter! I've got you!" I grunt out, pulling him back up to the edge. I see a gloved hand reach up and grab onto the edge followed by another. I drop the grapple and run to help him up. "Are you alright!?" He pants for a moment "Protective are we." I smack his arm, "Don't ever do that to me again."

"I think we need to find a way across the ceiling" Omega says looking up. "My thoughts exactly" Phee chimes in like nothing just happened. Hunter - now very annoyed - looks up at Phee, "You're just making this up as you go." She shrugs, "It's part of the fun." He sighs and Phee tries to lighten the mood, "Loosen up, Bandana. You're in good hands." Now it's my turn to sigh. "We've almost died 3 times" he scolds. "This reminds me of the time I tracked down the Belmont diadem...." Phee reminisces. "I don't care" Hunter snaps. My grip tightens slightly on his arm and I feel his muscles flex in irritation. "Oooh. Someone's in a mood" she sasses back. "I'm only interested in getting us outta here in one piece!" He says through gritted teeth. I squeeze his arm tighter, he notices this time and tilts his visor down at me. I'm looking up at him and in this moment I wish I could see his face. He lets out a soft sigh, I can feel his muscles relaxing in his arm. I loosen my grip but don't let go. "It fits!" Omega says catching our attention. Some of the tiles on the ceiling start to glow and the tunnel rotates under our feet. Hunter wriggles his arm out of my grip and grabs my gloved hand. We move along with the tunnel, until it stops suddenly with the glowing tiles under our feet. Omega throws a stone past us, "All clear" she says when nothing happens. Hunter and I look between her and Phee, Omega glances between us and smiles when she sees he's got my hand. Omega turns her attention to the compass now stuck in the wall, "The compass, I can't get it." Phee puts a hand on her shoulder "It's served its purpose. Skara Nal's reclaimed it." Omega echos Phee but with a more upbeat tone. She turns to head towards us, I give Hunter’s hand a gentle squeeze before I let go. "So we have to navigate this death trap...without it?" He again sounds annoyed. Phee winks at us "Good thing you have me." We both sigh, Hunter draws his blaster, and we follow Omega through the rest of the tunnel.

————

Phee and Omega are trying to figure out how to open a door while Hunter and I stand guard. "Do you hear that?" He whispers to me. I mess with some settings on my HUD and nod toward a hole in the wall. We both point our blasters in the direction when I see a light shining out. Echo, Tech, and Wrecker come out of the hole and I holster my blaster "Boy am I glad to see you guys!" Hunter - still annoyed - also holsters his blaster, "What took you guys so long?" Omega is beaming with excitement "Phee thinks we're getting close to the treasure!" Tech approaches the door they are looking at and gives it a once over, "What kind of puzzle is this?" Phee puts her hands on her hips, "Don't over think it, brown eyes. Sometimes a doors...just a door" she says somehow opening the door after messing with it.

Inside we are staring down into a deep room of some kind. The group shines their lights around while I look over the edge. Hunter grabs my waist like he's afraid I might go over. "There!" Phee suddenly says drawing our attention to what she's shining her lantern at. "The Heart of the Mountain" she continues before hopping out onto the ledge. Omega follows and Hunter lets go of me before I go and he follows. The rest follow one by one.

Phee makes it to 'the Heart' first and turns it before pulling it from it's place. "Are you sure that's a good idea-" I start to ask but am cut off when the room starts to shake. "Told you this was a bad idea!" I holler. "Go! Go!" Someone yells. We try to go back the way we came but the door closes. We crowd along the wall on the ledge we are standing on. The room fills with glowing beams of light in the walls, floor, and ceiling. The whole room starts to change orientation. I start to fall, grabbing onto the edge before I can't hold on anymore. I slide down, followed by Wrecker, Tech, and Echo. We land on what used to be the wall when the room evens out. Hunter and Omega run over, "Everyone okay?" He asks looking at me. We all nod. "I suspect this is not, in fact, a treasure vault" Tech says stating the obvious. "Then what is it?" Omega asks. Echo grunts "Good question."

Four circular spots on the wall, that kind of remind me of engines on a speeder, light up and it sounds like something is charging up. There's a loud noise and the light gets brighter. "It just emitted a massive surge of energy" Tech yells over all the noise. "Whatever we are standing inside if highly destructive!" He continues. Wrecker looks around, "So what do we do to shut it down?" Tech thinks for a moment before looking back at where Phee pulled 'The Heart' from, "If removing the Heart of the Mountain activated it, perhaps we must return it to it's proper place to deactivate it." At this point I'm as irritated as Hunter, "Again! Should’ve left it alone!" I yell throwing my arms up. Phee hugs 'The Heart' and goes to argue, "Do you know how much this is worth? It's what we came for! Can't you find a separate kill switch or something?" "Our ships out there. If that thing destroys it, we'll be trapped on this planet!" Hunter reminds her. Phee sighs, now annoyed as well, "All right! But you owe me."

There's another roar and scratching sound coming from the other side of the door we came through. "Maker this keeps getting worse!" I yell, drawing my blasters and heading for the door. The creature from earlier slides the door open and jumps through. We shoot at it, but it continues it's pursuit lunging at Phee. Phee drops 'The Heart', "You deal with that! I'll get the stone" she yells. "Phee hurry up!" I yell hearing the thing charge up again. "let's see how this chakaar (lowlife) likes fire!" I yell aiming my left vambrace at it and unleashing my flame thrower. Wrecker laughs "This is why I like her!!" The creature does not like the fire and backs off. The group keeps firing at it. I look back and don't see Phee any where, "uh guys?" Hunter races toward the opening and grabs Phee just as she is about to fall. He helps her back up over the ledge.

The creature continues to fight back, flinging Echo across the room and goes to peruse him. "Echo!" I yell. "I'm alright!" He yells back. I pull my vibro blade from my shin plate and race toward the thing. I stick my blade in its side and swing myself into it's back. It's distracted by trying to get me off it, enough that Wrecker is able to get a hold of it's tail. "Shoot the window!" He yells. Omega does as she's told, cracking the window. I'm finally able to pull my blade from the creature and jump off just in time for it go to flying out the window. I hit the ground hard and lay there for a moment the wind knocked out of me. Echo comes over and helps me up. "Vor'e (thanks)", "Ba'gedet'ye (you're welcome)".

The thing we are inside of is still moving, "Tech do something!" Wrecker yells. "I am trying but nothing is working!" Tech hollers back. "Tech, the stone!" Hunter yells, throwing 'the Heart' his way. Omega and I make our way towards Tech as he places 'the Heart' back where it was found. The room starts to shake and move. Omega and I start to slide, she reaches out her hand and I grab it, pull her towards me. "Hang on to something!" Hunter yells as the stone starts to glow and then melt. Here's a series of explosions and the it feels like we are falling. Hunter dives for me and Omega pulling us close, taking the brunt of the impact.

Just as fast as everything went into chaos, it stops. Hunter is coughing below us and we roll off him. I crawl over on my hands and knees, sliding off his buy'ce (Helmet) before sliding mine off. I place both of my hands on is chest and Omega comes over, still trying to catch her breath. "You di'kut! (Idiot!) We coulda killed you!" I scold him. My hair falls out of its braid on one side and is blowing in my face. Hunter slowly raises his hand, gently tucking the hair behind my ear. I look into his honey brown eyes and they are exactly the same they were that night I put Omega to bed - warm and inviting. The rest of the group joins us seeing Hunter sprawled out and me leaning over him with both hands on his chest. Echo shakes his head and lets out a chuckle. I stand helping him up and he gives my hand a gentle squeeze before letting go. We grab our helmets and make our way out of the - now destroyed - structure.

"This puts us at 0 and 2 in treasure hunting" Tech states. "Even with a professional" I sass, glancing at Phee. Omega - trying to lighten the mood says, "We did find the Heart of the Mountain. The legend was real." "Now that's the right attitude" Phee says giving me dirty look. Now we just gotta walk all the way back to the Marauder. I see Hunter roll his shoulders out of the corner of my eye, "Are you sure you're alright?" I ask gently touching his arm. "Yeah, I'll be fine" he brushes it off. "You don't always have to be Mr. Tough guy. You took a hard landing AND had both Omega and I on top of you. I know plastoid isn’t as strong as beskar" I scold him. He sighs and shakes his head. When he looks at me he's got a smirk on his face. "Yeah, okay, I'm worried about you! Isn't that was friends are for!?" I ask immediately regretting my use of the word 'friends'. Osik (shit)...probably just ruined any chance I had with him. Nice going chakaar (lowlife/insult). Hunter pats my hand and follows after the group. I look up at the sky "Maker why?" I ask no one in particular before following behind.

"At least no one can ever activate that thing again" Hunter says as I reach the Marauder. Phee perks up, "So, what you're saying is, it's a good thing we came after all?" I scoff, "I wouldn't read that far into it" I say annoyed both at being here and myself for saying 'friends'. I storm off into the ship.

————

I follow Raven with my eyes as she storms off to the ship. Echo leans over to me "What's her problem?" He asks. I give him a look and shrug. "You two seemed pretty 'friendly' earlier" he continues with a raised eye brow. His emphasis on the word 'friendly' makes me realize that's when her mood changed. I get lost in thought for a second and Echo brings me back, "Oh now I get it" he says with a smirk. "Get what?" I ask confused. "You like her" he teases. "Well yeah I like her. I like you guys too" I try brushing if off. He shakes his head "No, you LIKE her, like her." I don't deny it but I also don't agree. Whenever she's around my senses are overwhelmed by her... Her scent... Any movement she makes I can feel it, like electricity in the air. When I can't sleep, there's a part of me that's drawn to her and wants to seek her out. There's no way she feels the same way though....right?

"Sorry about Mel" Omega tells Phee, bringing me back to reality. "This happens all the time" Phee responds so matter of factly before continuing. That's why I keep Mel's memory stored on my ships data bank. I'll have her rebuilt before we head to Vadnay." That peaks Omega's interest "What's on Vadnay?" She had to ask...."I have a lead on a certain chalice....." She starts. I sigh again, "Really" I say before heading to the ship.

Next Chapter

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Does it Matter? - Chapter 54 - Part 3

*Warning: Adult Content*   

Wakefulness came slow and struggling the next morning, memories a confusing haze.

Nothing made sense in Bug's head.

He remembered being captured with Dara.

He remembered running away in the rain and... had they taken shelter in a cave?

And now... now he felt warm and bundled up and not nearly as hungry and thirsty as he should have been and... and he remembered Brayan holding him, helping him eat and drink and... a dog?

None of it made any sense.

He forced his eyes open and he wasn't in a cave, he was in a tent.

A tent he remembered from his hazy memories of the previous night but did that mean...?

Bug turned his head and looked up and there was Brayan, sitting next to him and looking down at him.

"How...?" Bug asked.

"Farah."

"Oh. She went back to you?"

"Hmm. Nearly broke down a door. Are you hungry?"

Bug nodded.

He tried to push himself up but gave up before he got very far.

"Sorry. I'm very tired."

"You almost died, Bug... again. Stay there and I'll bring you food."

Bug shut his eyes.

He'd almost drifted back to sleep again by the time Brayan returned.

"Sorry," Bug said again as Brayan carefully lifted him up.

"I'm so useless."

"Shh. You have limited energy right now. Don't waste it on talk like that."

Bug settled back against Brayan's chest.

"Thank you."

"That's better than sorry."

"Lord Nolen liked 'sorry.'"

"I'm many things, not all of them admirable but I'm not him."

"I know."

Bug accepted a mouthful of porridge sweetened with copious amounts of honey.

"Where's Dara? Is he okay?"

"Of course he's okay, he's unkillable. He's outside with Maric."

"Okay."

Another mouthful of porridge.

"I think he saved my life... and you.. you saved my life as well, didn't you? Again..."

"Eat your porridge and get strong. Once you can no longer be killed by a strong breeze, there will be less need for you to be saved."

"Why are you looking after me?"

"Because I care about you."

"Oh."

"Is that okay?"

Bug found a handful of Brayan's shirt and clutched onto it.

"Hmm."

"I don't know..." Brayan let out a quiet breath.

"I don't know much of anything, really but I know that much, that I care. When I thought you were dead, it just... it hurt, Buagh."

"Sorry. I should have known it was going to rain and if I had we wouldn't even have been there to get caught. It was my fault."

"No, it was the fault of those men who took you."

"Well... I don't know. I won't let us get caught out by the weather again, anyway."

"Good. Maric has put forward thoughts of us perhaps going with you."

"Going with us? You mean... across the border? Into Ticia?"

"Hmm."

Brayan brushed Bug's hair away from his face.

"He thinks that's what those visions of yours want us to do. Where they've been leading us."

"What do you think?"

"Hmm."

Brayan was silent for a long moment.

"In these circumstances, it's difficult to judge what's wise. The prospect seems extremely dangerous but it really depends on what's guiding us and why but... safety and wisdom and even mystical guidance aside, I think I'd like to go with you. I'd like to see you safely delivered back to your family, see where you grew up. I don't know what happens after that but how could I just send you off again after this, never knowing if you reached your destination safely?"

"Thank you," Bug whispered.

"Sure. If we do end up doing this, you will be absolutely vital. Every single one of us, including Dara, speaks with a dangerous accent. You're the only one who can pass as a native of Ticia. Do you think you can shoulder the responsibility of speaking for us?"

"Yes. I... I think so. If nobody knows Maric is a prince, I suppose it wouldn't be... well, it would just be things like buying supplies and asking for directions or information, wouldn't it?"

"That's right."

"I can do that. I did do that all the time before I was taken. That's just... being a person."

"Good. No need to worry about any of that right now, though. Your task for this morning is to eat this porridge."

Brayan offered Bug another spoonful.

"And you're almost done."

By the time Bug had finished his porridge he was tired again but he didn't want to go back to sleep so soon.

"Brayan?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you think it would be okay if I went and sat outside in the sun for a little while?"

"You're not a slave, Bug... not anymore. You don't have to ask my permission to go outside."

"Well, I'm not sure I can walk, so..."

"Okay. I'll carry you."

[i-luvsang]

hi!! sorry for the late ass response, i've been wanting to reply earlier but life has been pretty hectic :(.

personally i love love loveeeee pet names!! like even the super silly ones like 'skrunkly' and 'pookie' i always forget not everyone uses those and most ppl probably find it cringe. it's very endearing in my opinion? pet names and nicknames just feel more personal for some reason?? like recently i've started using my nickname more and most of my friends have started referring to me using my nickname and idk it just makes me so happy :,)

and thank you so so sooooo much for the writing advice <333 the 'asking yourself questions to guide your own thinking' tip is so helpful!! i think when i do an attempt at writing or try to progress an idea i get overwhelmed at how much i still need to think through if that makes sense?? like my concept or idea is so small and i have to think abt a plot, and the progress and just the logistics behind everything?

i've also spend some time on pinterest making boards with like locations for visualisations? idk i'm a very visual person whenever i do an attempt at writing so i kinda needed that and it's actually been so much fun!! i've also had some fun ideas for a playlist regarding certain small ideas, i have a few songs that kind off give the same vibes i want to go for and it kinda helps me visualise and create some sort of scene in my head where the song would work as bg music yk? it makes me excited just thinking abt developing my ideas and actually writing it!

sadly i haven't had any time to start writing yet :(. i have some exciting ideas and in general i've been feeling more excited to actually write instead of feeling like procrastinating the process but i've been so exhausted lately bcs of school so i haven't rlly been in the right mindset to write, like whenever i have free time i just want to rest.

my assignments this year are bigger and more important so i'm trying to actually study this year and procrastinate less. so far i'm proud of myself bcs i spend this weekend actually doing my work and writing down important future deadlines instead of procrastinating and doing everything last minute so!! big win for me!!

enough abt me tho!! how are you?? how is college going? how are your classes going? and also if you don't mind me asking, what are you majoring in?

ps. i'm very excited for your upcoming fics!!! — 🎧

hELLOOOOO no worries at all darling !! i'm glad to here that you love pet names because i love using them hehe. i agree that silly ones are so much fun to use and super cute. yk i've always wished i could have a nickname that my friends call me but it's just never been a thing LOL but i have my online friends who call me nicknames and i love that <333

even if you haven't had the time to start writing yet, i'm super glad to hear that you think my advice is helpful for you !! i wish you the best of luck when you do find some time !! i totally get feeling motivation but not having the time or energy :,) it's like DUDE THE ONE TIME I ACTUALLY FEEL LIKE WRITING I CANTTTTT i've been behind on writing too tbh. i have a collab fic due at the end of the month and i'm only a few hundred words in akfjaksjdf

babe you should be so so proud of yourself, the fact that you've been able to battle procrastination and stuff like that is honestly super impressive and absolutely something you should be proud of, so i'm glad that you are !!!! but even if there are times where procrastination gets the best of you, remember that that's alright too! we're not built to be perfect at this <33

in terms of me! lollll i'm not fighting the procrastination too well myself, but that's alright lol. it's a very mixed bag if i'm very honest lol the adjustment has been pretty hard and i'm feeling a lot of old anxieties come back since i'm so overwhelmed. but! i've still been having a lot of nice experiences with new friends and experiences and i think that once i'm able to settle down i'll be having blast far more than i am now hehe. classes themselves aren't too bad though!! i took a pretty light course load for this semester which i think was a really nice choice for me. and i'm majoring in studio arts !!

askdhfjs i'm very glad you're excited, i am too !!! i hope you'll enjoy what's in storeeee

[the-missann]

So, I always get infatuated with characters even if I have no idea who they are lol. So instead of ignoring my urge to write for them, I'm just gonna do it and just not bring up the series. Idk if I'll name this, but it's a good way for me to write about other stuff.

Either way, I hope you enjoy reading!

I'll be here for whatever and whenever you need me.

It seemed impossible for those words to actually be doable. The sentiment was sweet, but it didn't seem realistic. Yet, here Mika sat waiting for the boy who told her those words.

She hadn't been expecting him to actually show up, but just minutes after she texted him, there was knocking at her door.

"Hey, I'm here. You didn't fall asleep did you?"

Mika playfully rolled her eyes and got from under her warm blanket to open the door. In front of her stood her strangely disheveled friend.

"Why would I call you and fall asleep?"

He smirked. "You've fallen asleep on calls before."

"Because someone refused to let me end the call." Mika went back inside, allowing him to join her.

"Well, while you might be obviously remembering things wrong, maybe you can remember why you asked me to stop by."

Mika got back under her blanket while he sat on the chair beside the couch she was on.

"Before that, even though I really didn't think you'd actually show up whenever I needed something, what did I take you from?"

He looked to his body and seemed unbothered by the dirt caked into the seams of his shirt, unconcerned by the red bruises on his chin and cheek, and even flat out ignoring the fact that he was missing his usual accessories-- specifically his bag, which he carried his entire life in.

"Oh, I was working."

"You got a job? When? You didn't tell me about it."

"Because I was gonna surprise you with a gift on your birthday."

Mika narrowed her eyes. Knowing it was strange how quickly he volunteered an explanation.

Mika sighed. "This is exactly what I called you over for... Gino, why are you getting back into all that dangerous stuff again?"

"What? You know I quit that. I don't roll with that crowd anymore."

"Yet you still hang around those places? Look, Damara saw you waiting around 9th street. We all know it brings nothing but trouble."

Gino let out a sigh and ran his hand over his hair. "She shouldn't have told you anything..."

"Why? We're still friends and I get worried about you knowing you're still screwing around with those guys."

"That's the thing, I'm actually not. I'm not wrapped up in anything bad."

"Then what are you doing? And don't try to lie, otherwise you must think I'm stupid and can't tell you're all bruised up."

"Of course I knew you'd notice, but it's not from some stupid street fight. I just kind of can't tell you what it's from though."

Mika sighed loudly and put her head in her hands. "I swear, this is exactly why I broke up with you. Here I thought maybe if we were just friends you'd open up a bit more to me... Looks like things are the exact same no matter what."

Gino got up and sat beside her. "Wait a second, that's not what you said before. You said you didn't wanna be with a thug."

"That wasn't a lie, but it wasn't why I broke things off. If I said the real reason you would've started lying even more."

Gino took a breath. "I did listen though. I got out of the Trizards, cut things with almost everyone I knew, and got a legit gig... Kind of figured it would patch things up between us."

"If you did all that then what the hell is the problem with just telling me what you're doing?"

Gino said nothing. They stared at each other and the room's silence weighed on them. Mika's eyes, especially locked on Gino.

"I'm sorry... I just can't-"

Mika released the breath in her throat and turned her back to him.

"Look, I know, I'm being an asshole. I swear though, I'll tell you everything once things settle down."

"And that's suppose to mean something to me?"

"How about this then?" His hand on her shoulder manged to get her to look back. The deep scowl on her face made Gino avert his gaze, but he took out his phone and scrolled through the images before stopping and presenting the screen to her.

"See? These guys, I work with them and I pretty much trust them with my life. They'd never let me slip back to my old ways."

Mika saw Gino standing around a group of people. They were all smiling and seemed to be enjoying themselves. This was a stark contrast to who she knew Gino hung out with before.

"You can show me them, but not tell me what it's about?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't. I kind of don't wanna jinx it by telling everyone about it then it blows up in my face. I promise that's the only reason I don't wanna tell you. If that wasn't the case, we'd be up all night talking about everything I've been doing."

Mika couldn't help but smile at his near boyish excitement. He always got that way when he wanted to talk with her. She almost forgot she was upset.

"Then you have to promise me something."

"Anything."

"You have to come by my place just so I know you're not... dead or something."

Eagerly, he responded. "That's not a problem, but it's a little strange if you're gonna be going out with other guys and stuff."

Mika sighed. "I think you mean to say it'll be weird that we're not dating."

"You said it."

"You're so annoying. Look, I obviously never wanted to break up. I pretty much never stopped... loving you either."

Gino tried to hold back his smile, he failed however. "You sure can hide your feelings though. I really thought you were done with me!" He cupped his palm on her cheek. "But I'm so happy to know you actually weren't."

Leaning closer, his eyes closed and Mika was right there with him and their lips met just as their eyes closed.

Gino held Mika's face and kept her still while pushing her back against the arm rest of the couch. Mika let out a concerned muffled moan and pushed against his chest, stopping him.

"I know exactly what kind of kiss you're giving me and I'm not doing that tonight."

Caught red handed, Gino smiled at her. "I can't change your mind?"

"No, but I can do you one better. We can cuddle instead, but only if you change out of those clothes. You're filthy dude."

Gino chuckled and gave her a peck on her lips before he sprang off the couch and started to strip right in her living room.

"You still got my hoodie?"

"Exactly where we said you'd pick it up at."

"I'm guessing my sweats are there too?"

"I just washed them."

Gino smiled eagerly taking off with the outer layer of his outfit in his arms.

Mika smiled seeing him again. She felt an immense wave of gratitude wash over her knowing she could always reach out for him.

[townofcadence]

"Uh--." Artair fumbled with his wallet at the question, flipping it open and fingering through the contents. most of it was expired gift cards and basics like an ID and a library card, but there were a few frequent buyer cards wedged inside. "It looks....like....i might have mispla-- ah wait! there we go. It was stuck behind something." He fished it out with a triumphant wiggle, but kept it in hand while James tallied the cost. He could afford more now and honestly that was nice, but magic was never cheap-- a hundred or two extra a month didn't get much. He worried his lip as he waited.

The offer had him raising a brow. "You--- want to give me a discount, if I raise a plant for you? I mean.... sure, I can do that. I mean I'd probably do it for free if you asked, if I'm honest. But I'll happily take that discount too." He chuckles, before offering a small shrug. "I do think there's probably a better person to ask in town-- maybe a couple, even. But I might be down." He glanced at James, then the plants within the bag, tilting his head. "Is it poisonous or something?"

The answer he got was more than enough to assume that was a yes. And now that he thought about it, he was pretty sure snowdrop bulbs were also on the poisonous side-- though there was merit to the plant itself, what with the galantamine it produced.

Artair fell quiet, logistics trickling through his mind, gaze on the bulbs but also far away. He sucked on his teeth. He had the space, but if they were dangerous he'd have to be careful. If the bulbs made the skin feel like that, he couldn't imagine what would happen to any critters that nibbled on it. There were a lot of animals in the area that poked around his garden, and a few pets that roamed. Wasn't there a little shithead dog from that one lady who was pitching a bitter fit trying to get Lexus into her HOA? It wouldn't do to make the bad blood between those two worse by poisoning her dog. Even if it was annoying that she didn't properly contain it in her yard, the dog shouldn't be punished for that.

Maybe he could jump-start the greenhouse project? Then they'd be indoors and separated from all the other plants and the animals. It'd work two-fold too, if the plant was more prosperous than snowdrops once they germinated; he'd fucked up at least a few times in the past with that kinda shit. He'd had that issue with roses, which seemed finicky... until they figured out how to take over your yard. Or the oyster leaves, which he was told were hard to raise-- he'd ended up with every bulb surviving, and then the plants were seemingly unable to die once they settled in. Those things were hardy as hell once they propagated.

If it was something that flourished more than he expected once it got past the seeding and rooting stage, at least he'd have it contained. The greenhouse was two birds, one stone. Three birds really, if you counted how much control he'd have over the environment, which might be detrimental for a more delicate species.

"Hmmm." A response finally sounded from his throat in a hum. Artair tapped at his cheek, before cradling his beard and chin with thumb and forefinger. "I think I could manage it? Probably? I know snowdrops are hard to get growing, but I've managed it before, in my old garden. So a cousin should be in the same ball-park, probably? I imagine. I could give it a shot." He accepted the bag from James, peering at the plants closer through the bag. "Do you know anything about them? What kind of soil they prefer, or how much to water them? Or like--- temperatures they do well at? It's okay if you don't, I actually do know an expert with plants I can ask about it. But anything you know off-hand could be really helpful. Even a name I can look up."

"Capital! Now remember, it won't stop you being noticed if they already seen you, and it doesn't work on anything without a brain on account of there being no brain to trick." James pulled out a small cloth pouch and slid one of the wooden discs inside before tying it off. "Thinking of it like a Glamour is a good idea, what it does is it sort of tricks the mind into seeing something else that makes sense, like when you read a word wrong but the sentence still makes sense."

James placed the pouch on the top of the drawer unit, and the places next to it the black leather ledger and a smaller receipt book that looked to belong more in the last century. Eyes flicking from ledger to pouch to receipt, James began to fill out the details muttering slightly as he did. "Let's see now... Cost of the item, sale tax... Frequent customer discount of ten percent..." He turned his head up to face Artair, "You did remember your stamp card, yes?" before returning to the paperwork, tapping his pen on the page. A good barter could be worth more to the right person than liquid assets.

"Say, I could probably knock the price down a fair bit in exchange for a little help with a few things. See I've been trying to get a little herb box going on the upstairs windowsill but turns out I've not much of a green thumb," James could smell an opportunity here and he wasn't about to let it pass him by. Besides, he was pretty sure Artair would be perfectly fine. It was a safe bet. Probably. "I hear you're a dab hand with this sort of thing, if I give you the bulbs you think you might give it a go?"

He pulled out a bag of small blackened plant bulbs. "They're related to the Snowdrop flower, look very similar but very hard to find and harder to grow. Get these to sprout and I'll make it worth your while" James offered the bag to Artair casually, "but I'd recommend wearing gloves when handling them as they can get a bit itchy and stingy if handled... Improperly. Think you're up to it?"

[barneswinterraven]

Size

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

Summary: he just wanna make sure he gets the right size

A/N: my last fic was angsty so i thought to write some kind of crack fic. i do appreciate if you guys can comment your thoughts, or simply just like and reblog ❤ *not proofread*

Y/N groans as she lies down on her stomach, trapping the heated bag of water right on her abdomen.

At this point, she was done cursing all of those who look down on period pains and was now having an internal argument with God for giving women a body part that literally sheds itself, just because some eggs were being bitchy about not being fertilized.

"Y/N, sweetie, is there anything I can get you to help?" Bucky can only imagine what she is going through, and if he can only take her pain away, he would do anything just to do it. The only thing he can offer as of the moment is to lay beside her and massage her lower back for some comfort.

"Well how about you go and ask God, why the fuck He created women to suffer every month just because she ain't pregnant" Y/N sighs as Bucky chuckles at her words.

She suddenly stands and heads to the bathroom when, "Fuck!"

Bucky shoots up right away to check on Y/N, worried that she got hurt, as if she wasn't hurting already.

When he got in the bathroom, his heart broke from the view: Y/N clutching an empty pack of pads with tears welling up her eyes.

"I forgot to buy more of them and I just can't walk all that way to the store," some tears were already falling from Y/N' face while she was pouting.

It hurt Bucky to see her like this but he also adored how cute she looked. "Doll, don't worry about it. I'll run to the store and get more for you"

He lightly kisses Y/N and wipes away her tears leading her back to lie down again on their shared bed. And she can only hiccup a small thank you to him.

Once Y/N had settled back down on the bed, Bucky grabbed his jacket and wallet right away to go on his personal mission: get Y/N her pads and maybe some of her favorite snacks.

Y/N watched him then go straight to their closet and furrowed her brows. "Bucky, why are you going through my underwear?"

"Oh I was just checking your size, so I know which size of pads to get for you."

What.

It took a while for Y/N to process what Bucky had said and when she did, "Uh honey, how do you think pad sizes work?"

"What are you talking about? Doesn't come in sizes based on the size of your... cooch?" It was Bucky's turn to be confused.

And for the first time since she woke up that day, Y/N forgot about her pain and laughed heartily.

"Bucky the sizes are for how heavy the flow of the period is."

Bucky looks at her like she has grown an evil twin head and tilts his head. And all he can reply is "Oh"

At the end of the day, Bucky Barnes was not only avle to buy the right pads but also succeded in making Y/N laugh despite her pain.

[itwasthereaminuteago]

|| From Ashes ||

Pairing: Frank Castle X F!reader

Rating: M

Tags/warnings: unexpected pregnancy (wrap it before you tap it!), bit of angst and small scuffle between Frank+Matt, birth (not explicit), fluff.

A/n: I am not at all interested in having kids but I look at Frank and he somehow just makes me broody as fuck. Also I have limited knowledge of childbirth so please don't come for me with my inaccuracies 😅

If you like my stuff, I'd really appreciate a reblog ♥️

You'd talked about it before, you both wanted to start a family at some point, but that was sometime way off in the future, after all the shit that he was caught up in was taken care of. Frank said it wasn't safe for you and you had agreed. But one day...

The night before the explosion at the docks, not that you could have any idea he wouldn't be coming home, you'd begged him to fuck you raw. You'd had to talk him round to it. Of course you were on the pill and usually always used condoms, but that night for whatever reason you just wanted to feel him.

"Better be careful darlin' or I'll put a baby in you."

The sound you made and the way you felt when those words left his lips and hit your ears you'll never forget.

"Oh, you like the sound of that sweetie?"

In the midst of the gut-wrenching grief and fog of confusion after Frank was gone you'd missed a couple of days of pills but didn't think anything of it. After all, what were the chances? A few weeks later you put the skipped period down to extreme stress, it had happened before. Now you were here, crumpled on the bathroom floor with five positive pregnancy test sticks confirming the real reason behind your 'vomiting bug".

You didn't know what you were going to do. The only thing you were certain of is that you were keeping it.

When you had asked Matt to meet you it was as if he already knew something was up. Aside from the obvious hammering of your heart with nerves, "you smell different", he'd told you.

"I'm pregnant".

That was the first time you'd actually said it out loud.

It suddenly made everything real and you didn't even realise you were crying into Matt's chest as he held you and promised it would all be okay.

When you went for your first scan you realised that your wage from your shift at Josie's wasn't going to cut through the upcoming hospital bills alone. Matt insisted on helping you with the finances but you didn't want a hand out, you wanted to work.

"Well, Nelson, Murdock and Page are actually doing pretty good now, and as we're so busy we could really use some help. How about you come work for us?"

You couldn't thank him enough.

~

Now it was time. Once you were checked into to the hospital and given a room, Karen and Foggy helped you get settled in and comfortable while Matt gave the nurse some more information.

"Mr Castiglione?"

Matt nodded, going along with your preference of Frank's old moniker and pretending to be your partner. You didn't want to take any unnecessary risks and Matt was more than happy to be there for you.

"Okay, you say the contractions started around an hour ago, and she was feeling a little dizzy?"

"Yes," Matt confirmed, "I think her blood pressure might be low. Will her and the baby be okay?"

The nurse nodded. "We'll keep monitoring her as normal but it's looking fine at the moment, contractions are still quite far apart. Certainly nothing to worry about."

She turned to you. "If they start coming closer together you just let me know, but for now try and relax as best you can honey."

Matt cocked his head as he picked up the radio call of one of the police officers at the opposite end of the floor. A fight underway in an alley a couple of streets away, suspected armed gangland conflict. He looked over at you talking with the others.

"Uh, I'm just gonna go pick up some snacks and water for you from the store round the corner okay?"

You nodded, "thanks Matty, don't be too long, no idea when this baby's coming!"

"Don't worry, be back in no time."

~

Was it irony that tying up the last loose ends of Frank's past had brought him right back to Hell's Kitchen? When this was over maybe he could finally work out how to come back to his  life, back to you.

He'd put three of the gang he'd been chasing down already before a familiar masked pain in the ass jumped down from the fire escape landing in front of him.

"The fuck you doin' here Red?" Frank spat, flooring the last goon with headbutt.

Matt approached him. "Was in the area, heard a ruckus. The usual. Sure as hell didn't expect it to be you somehow..."

Frank chuckled, "yeah I'll bet, you feel like fightin' a ghost?" He inched towards the Devil.

Matt was on his guard. "Not here to fight you Frank but you gotta come with me. Now."

"Nah, nah, you're comin' with me, gonna tell me where my girl is."

"Listen, how long have you been away?" Matt asked him, circling Frank and keeping his distance.

"Had stuff I needed to take care of, what the fuck is it to you?"

"Nine months, Frank. You've been gone nine months."

"Why the fuck does that matter? Where is she?" He roared.  "Went to the apartment and most of her stuff is gone...  looks like she ain't been there for a while. I know you know, Red. You were always close."

"She's been living with me the last few months-"

Frank charged forward with a growl, aiming to kick Matt square in the chest but he dodged away before he could connect.

"Oh, right yeah! I get it. I'm barely dead and you just slide on in, huh? Real gentleman." He span around fast, popping his elbow up and smashing it into Matt's face making him stagger back, blood gushing from his nose. "If you were anyone else I'd fuckin kill you. But I won't, for her sake."

"Jesus Frank, you've got it all wrong," Matt wiped his nose and spat out the blood in his mouth. "if you'd just stop trying to beat the shit out of me and let me explain!"

Frank grabbed him by the throat, slamming him against the roof door. "Yeah I'd fuckin' love to hear how you think you can get out of this one "

Matt choked, swatting and wrenching at Frank's arm but he was running on pure rage and too strong, his dark eyes blazing into Matt's unfocused ones.

He swallowed, "she came to me... 'bout a month or so after you were gone..."

Frank's grip tightened. "She came to you?"

Matt tried to get the words out as fast as he could given the circumstances.

"Hngh-... s-she was scared, she'd just found out she... she was pregnant. She was worried about money, worried she couldn't cope. Karen, Foggy and I... we've looked after her, made sure she has everything she needs."

Frank choked as he processed Matt's words.

"Pregnant? W-what? Who's... is it yours?!" He pushed Matt into the wall.

Matt spluttered out an incredulous laugh, "Think about it Frank,"

He turned it over in his mind, you were his everything, all he wanted was to keep you safe, and him ending up 'dead' had the perfect way to do it. He could hunt down every single threat from his past and blow them away easy. It had taken him almost all the way across the country in about nine months. Nine fucking months...

"Fuck." Frank released his hold on Matt and fell down to his knees.

"My girl, she- she's..." He ran his hand through his hair, shaking his head. Matt coughed, trying to get his breath back as he straightened up, laying his hand on Frank's shoulder.

"She's in Metro General right now. I've been trying to tell you, c'mon I'll take you to her."

They entered the hospital through a service door at the rear, Matt guiding them through the corridors without drawing attention to an vacant locker room. He gestured at a shelf of clean scrubs opposite as Frank checked behind them was clear before closing the door.

"Clean up as best you can and put those on. Can't have you waltzing in there looking like you just beat some Russian gangsters to a bloody pulp, huh?"

Frank grunted, shedding his bloodsoaked, dirty shirt and donning the blue scrubs and borrowing a hoodie hanging on a peg before heading to the sink in the corner, washing his hands and splashing his face with water.

He paused gripping the edge of the sink, leaning over it. Bloody droplets fell onto the stainless steel and trickled down the drain.

"You ready?" Matt called, taking off and shoving the makeshift mask he was wearing under some trash in the bin.

Frank shook his head slowly. "I'm scared Red, christ.'

"I think that's normal...."

"I mean, I'm fucking terrified." He started pacing, "what if I go in that room and she... she doesn't want me?"

"She will Frank. She does. She loves you, she never stopped loving you."

Frank looked up at him.

"C'mon," Matt said, opening the door. "you don't want to miss this."

As they headed up to your room, Matt filled Frank in.

"Her water broke after I uh, made her laugh a bit too much..."

"Typical." Frank mused.

"Mild contractions started a couple hours ago, they're still pretty far apart but I brought her in early as her blood pressure was low," Matt sensed Frank's immediate concern. "She's fine, she's okay. Baby's heart is strong."

Frank chuckled in disbelief, "you can hear that?"

Matt smiled, shrugging, "yeah."

"Jesus. Can you tell what it is, I mean, does she know... boy or girl?"

Matt smirked. "No, she didn't want to know. And I'm not that good Castle. It's a... surprise."

Frank laughed nervously as he followed him around the next corner. "Damn right it is."

Frank froze in the doorway when he saw you, lying propped up on the bed hooked up to a monitor. You were talking to Karen. A little bit of sweat beaded your forehead. He could see the rounded swell of your stomach under the sheet that covered you. He'd never seen anything more beautiful in his life.

"Matty, you're back! What the hell happened to you?" You exclaimed, seeing the bruises on his face, eyes flicking to the hooded figure in scrubs beside Matt.

"...Karen, they've definitely not given me any drugs yet have they? This baby's making me crazy, I thought I saw Frank standing next to Matt."

You watched Karen stare at the doorway, her jaw opening and closing silently.

"He- he is." She finally said in disbelief.

"Karen don't joke, Frank's dead."

You laughed as the Frank-shaped hallucination belted across the room to your side and gently grabbed your hand.

"What? This... isn't real... he's- you're dead." You stuttered, trying to comprehend the fact you could feel him squeezing your hand, his eyes fixed on yours, glittering with tears about to fall. "But, you're dead..." you choked out.

Matt rubbed at his throat, his voice still hoarse and raw, "I promise you he's real, and very much alive."

"Sweetheart." Frank's voice was small, rough and choked up but there was no mistaking it. He raised your hand to his lips and kissed, brushed your hair back out of your face and kissed you on the forehead. He said your name, it was just like the dream you had on so many nights but the warmth of his lips that you thought you'd never ever feel again was so solid and real and here. You flung your arms around him pulling him as close as you were able to. Holding on to him so he wouldn't disappear again.

"Frank! Oh my god Frank-"

He nuzzled against your neck, kissing you there too. "I'm here baby, I'm so sorry! God I've missed you so so much." You breathed each other in, you were whole again.

You cried, he cried, Karen cried, even Matt was blinking away tears.

Frank finally found your lips and almost kissed the breath from you. You held him there for a long moment, foreheads touching, before letting him go and smacking him in the face with your right hook.

He rubbed at his jaw, moving it from side to side. "Yeah, I deserve that."

"Fucking right you do, where the hell have you been?! I thought you were dead! We all did!"

He sat beside you on the bed. "I know, god I wanted to tell you, to see you..." he kissed your fingers again. "there were things I needed to take care of you to keep you safe, and it meant that I couldn't come back. I didn't know that... that you- fuck if I'd known..."

"That I'm having your baby? Our baby."

"I'm so sorry honey, sorry I wasn't there for you. Shit, I've really missed everything, the scans... wasn't even there to rub your feet..."

"Not much to miss, just me growing to the size of and looking like a beached whale. Anyway, Matt and Foggy gave A+ foot rubs."

Frank dipped his head. "Shit, I owe you guys, big time. You came through for my girl. I'll make it up to you I swear."

Matt shrugged, "you don't have to, nothing we wouldn't have done anyway. Just glad you're back Castle."

"Yeah," Karen added, smiling, "you're where you belong."

Just then Foggy returned from the coffee run. "Sorry it took so long, the guy in front punched the machine and actually broke it because it wouldn't give him change so I had to go-" he clocked the hooded figure crouched by your side stroking your hair. "Castle..?"

Matt reached out catching hold of the coffee cups before Foggy dropped them out of shock.

"Holy shit... I guess daddy's home?!""

"Good to see ya Nelson."  Frank nodded before turning back to you.

"Anyway, you ain't the size of a whale, you look beautiful, doesn't she?" He looked to the others for some backup.

You snorted, "oh yeah, ask the opinion of my best friends, one of whom is blind..."

Matt just grinned while Foggy and Karen clamoured to assure you that you looked great.

"Well you're fucking gorgeous, and I love you." Frank said as he kissed your lips again. You saw his eyes flick down to your belly as he sat back.

"I love you too, so much. Here," you say, pulling your gown up a little way and taking his hand and placing it carefully on your bump.

Frank shook his head, a choked laugh escaping his lips as he felt movement, still not fully believing.

"I swear it's gonna be better at kicking ass than you!" You joked.

He smiled, and you bathed in it. "This is really happening huh?"

"Yeah, and-" You hissed, gritting your teeth as pain suddenly lassoed around your abdomen. "it really fucking hurts!" Frank tried to soothe you as you shifted around trying to get comfortable, you got him to pull you up so you could stand and lean over the bed while he rubbed your lower back.

"You okay?" Matt asked. He tilted his head, a furrow appearing between his brows.

You laughed nervously, "heh yeah, peachy." Another contraction, this time much stronger hit you and you felt like you wanted to bear down. "Oh fuck!" You groaned, your legs buckling with the pain. Matt made to move towards you but Frank caught you and held you up.

"Okay," Foggy said, putting his coffee down, "I'm no expert but I think these contractions are getting a mite closer together, gonna go get someone."

"Thanks Foggy." Frank resumed massaging your back and you hummed with gratitude, bracing yourself for the next round of pain.

"Think this baby decided it's time to meet their daddy..."

The midwife and nurse appeared with Foggy. "Alright, anyone who's not a parent will have to leave. This ain't a party."

Karen squeezed your hand, "we'll be right outside, you've got this."

"Good luck!" Foggy said, kissing your cheek.

"You're gonna be fine sweetie, Frank's gonna take good care of you." Matt said. As he reached for the door you turned to Frank.

"I want him here, please..." Frank nodded, he owed Matt that much and it was your decision.

"Matt will you stay?" You called out to him.

"Of course, if that's okay?" He replied, humbled that you'd asked.

"Can he?" you asked the midwife with pleading eyes.

"Fine, just don't get in the way." She said. "Dad, you come over this side, you're gonna be her squeeze toy and help her breathe okay?"

"Yes ma'am." Frank replied, taking your clammy hand in his as you focused on him.

Matt sat on the opposite side, his fingers locking between yours.

The midwife checked you over. "Alright honey it's time to push, nice big deep breaths for me, here we go."

~

A girl.

Frank was so in love with you both and he couldn't do enough to help when he got to take the two of you home. It made your heart burst to see him singing to her, getting up in the middle of the night to help feed and change her. This was a side of him you'd never seen but you always knew was there.

Matt, Foggy and Karen worked tirelessly to find a way to exhonourate him from the dock incident, and all the other gang hits while he was 'dead' were untraceable back to him anyway. He'd been careful.

You both finally had your own family, as well as your found family, and nothing was ever going to take that away.

[maehara-san]

─ 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧

You gently leaned against Todoroki as you held onto Iida's shoulder. Mr. Aizawa stood in the in front of the dorms speaking about what your classmates had done. Your mind however was far away from all its senses.

After he was done speaking he lead you into the building that would become your new home. "Are you sure you are okay?" Iida asked as he helped you up the steps, with Todoroki closely behind.

Katsuki on the other hand, scowled seeing how they were getting to close to you. His hand formed into a fist, "Why the hell are they getting so touchy with her..." he mumbled.

His behavior did not go unnoticed by his red headed friend. "What's wrong Bakugo?"

"Nothing." He hid his hands into his pockets and followed everyone else.

"I'm fine." You smiled slightly, "The doctor said I'll be back to my old self in a couple of days."

Midoriya let out a relieved breath. "That's good to hear. We were worried about your condition, you ended up passing out three times."

"I'm sorry about the scare I gave you, I didn't mean to worry you."

"Don't apologize." Momo spoke, "We are glad you are okay and that's all that matters."

You nodded shyly smiling. You could feel the pair of eyes you've been trying to avoid ever since you were allowed to come back to school. Every move you made you knew he was looking at you.

"Here are the dorms." Mr. Aizawa said, "The boys dorms are on the left side while the girls dorms are on the right."

"Wow this is a mansion!" Uraraka exclaimed as your classmates were also in awe at how huge the building was from the inside.

"I'll leave you to settle in and unpack your things. Don't stay up too late, tomorrow you've got class." He said.

"Yes, sir." Everyone replied.

Once he was gone your friends started to pick out which room's you guys wanted. You on the other hand just wanted to go to your room.

You quietly left them all and started to go down the hallway to the elevator doors. Apart from the pain you were feeling on your leg, you needed to be alone for a while.

Each time you saw his face, it only brought you horrible flashbacks. That day he was kidnap, it was as if your whole world had collapsed. The love of your life was gone and you weren't even able to hang on to his hand to save him.

Since his return and your discharge from the hospital you've been avoiding each other. Everyone could tell but decided to keep quiet about it. The last thing they wanted was to add more fuel to the fire.

"Come on..." You muttered hitting the buttons rapidly. "How the hell did the elevator become so slow all of a sudden?!"

"You're going to break the elevator."

You retreated your finger back towards you, standing quietly. Katsuki looked off to the side with his hands in his pockets, repeating the same behavior as you.

A long silence hung in the air, neither of you knew what to say. The guilt was eating you both alive yet no words or an apology came out of you.

The doors opened and you walked in first keeping your gaze to the floor. Katsuki walked in afterwards but stood on the very far left corner. You pressed the button to the last floor not bothering to ask him which one he preferred.

Katsuki's lips parted then they closed again, hesitating to speak. His gaze not leaving your injured body. Seeing you in the condition you were in, made him feel angry not only at himself but at those villains as well.

The elevator then stopped, as soon as the doors opened you made your way to your side of the girls dorm. He headed towards the left side ready to turn when he stopped. Deep down he knew he had to be the first one to speak even if you were still hesitant to talk to him.

A sigh escaped your lips as you continued down the hallway. You mentally kicked yourself for being a coward. "I can't keep doing this... I already lost him once to the villains... what if he really does end up hating me?..."

Before you were able to turn back fully around you bumped into him. Your eyes slowly moved up, following the all very known body to come face to face with those beautiful red orbs that you love.

You swallowed hard. "Katsuki..."

"Are you okay?" He asked in a stoic tone.

"I-I'm fine..." You stuttered, "The doctor said I will be back to walking normal-."

Katsuki then blurted out, "You shouldn't have gone off by yourself."

"What?"

He clenched his jaw as he spoke. "Don't what me, you know what I'm talking about. You should have never done that if you hadn't you would have been fine without that injured leg."

"Look I know I messed up!" You exclaimed, pausing for a moment you tried to calm yourself down. "I was trying to help you from being captured by those villains. I did not want to let go of your hand but Dabi pulled me back... I tried fighting him off to grab you but he was too strong-"

"Which is why I told you to leave it the pros." He looked you in the eyes, almost glaring. "I told you to stay out of the way before you got hurt."

"You really think I'd be the kind of person to stay behind and watch as you got taken away?!"

"Yes." He said, "For once you should have listened to what I had told you to do!"

You broke the stare, shaking your head. "I may not be the strongest in the class, or the smartest to begin with." You blinked away the tears. "But I wasn't going to stand by and see the person I love be taken away by the fucking league of villains! The last thing that crossed my mind was my safety, the only thing that mattered to me was to know that you were okay! Is that so wrong?!"

"Yes!" He yelled. "God damn it Y/n! How do you think I would have felt coming back and knowing you were-" Katsuki stopped, biting his lip. This was the side of him he had never showed. Ever since you both got together last year, despite it all he never cried in front of you. He was always strong headed and cocky. Yet somehow his eyes were becoming watering the longer he spoke.

"What?!" You were about to ask him again when you saw him almost bending over in front of you. His gaze was on the floor while he rubbed his face. There was a change of air around you, it suddenly felt cold but filled with love at the same time.

"Katsuki?" Your eyes were filled with worry as he kept staying quiet. "What's wrong?" You gently laid an arm on his shoulder.

Feeling your sudden touch, brought him back. He lifted his head. Your eyes widened in surprise as you saw his eyes were red, filled with tears.

"Do you have any idea how I felt after I was rescued that night?"

You shook your head. He stepped closer to you this time not leaving any space between you both.

"I was afraid." He explained, "I didn't care about if I was injured or if there were any other villains left out there. The only thing that crossed my mind was you, Y/n." a sad look crossed his face. "I couldn't comprehend why you had to be the one to get injured because of me." Tears began to escape from his eyes and rolled down his cheeks. "All I wanted was to kill those bastards that hurt you. I only saw red. I was afraid of seeing you dead on that hospital bed because I was too weak to protect myself and you."

"Katsuki..." You started to cry as well, it was difficult to believe that Katsuki was finally letting his walls down. "It wasn't your fault."

"It was!" His voice cracked, "I-If I wasn't stubborn or cocky then All Might w-would have been still... the number one hero and you wouldn't have to deal with t-the pain."

You held both his hands in yours despite him refusing to even look at you. "You don't need to keep blaming yourself for something you couldn't control. Those villains had everything perfectly executed. No one knew what to expect everyone did their best to protect you. And I know you pushed Midoriya back so he wouldn't have gotten sucked in either."

"I-I didn't do enough..." He stuttered. "I should have used my quirk... I-I could have done something."

"You did enough with what you knew at the moment you were in danger." You slowly cupped his chin then moved your hand to hold the side of his face. Slowly but surely he leaned into your touch and closed his eyes.

"I know if you would have been made aware of their plan you would have kicked their ass like you always do. But you didn't and that's never going to be your fault." You added, "All Might went in to save you because you're his student and someone he cares about. I know all the teachers and our friends wouldn't hesitate to do it all over again to save you... I know I wouldn't."

A sigh escaped his lips, his breathing returning slowly back to normal. "I-I know I'm a pain in the ass sometimes... a-and you probably can find someone better than me." He admitted, then opened his eyes looking at you with a different gaze that went beyond just care. "But when I heard you were injured and in serious condition I couldn't imagine myself without you... I didn't want to go back the place where we met and not see you every single day..."

"I never heard you speak like that before..." You shyly said, "I'm quite surprised."

His cheeks turned pink. "I-I was worried."

A chuckle escaped your lips, making him feel butterflies as he heard you life for the first time in what felt like forever. "I like that you showed me this side of you... I really loved it. I want you to feel comfortable around me enough to bring those walls downs when you need someone."

Not caring about who ever saw, he smiled genuinely at you. A bubbly feeling filled your chest seeing him smile.

Katsuki then took your hand that held your cheek, into his. He carefully intertwined his fingers with yours, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. "You're not allowed to die before me you got that?"

"We're training to be pro heroes Katsuki. I'm pretty sure it'll be impossible to keep that promise." You smiled.

"I don't care." He said. "If you die I'm bringing you back then killing you again for getting killed by a measly little villain."

"Then promise me you will stop being so reckless too and I'll promise to not get hurt either."

He smirked then shook his head. "You won't have to worry about that there's no way in hell I'm dying before I get a chance to surprise All Might."

"Aaaand you're back to being you."

Katsuki pulled you into his chest and held you tightly against him. You broke out into a smile as he hugged you. He kissed your temple, then buried his face into your neck. A sense of calmness was felt in him as he smelled your scent again.

You wrapped your arms around his waist hugging him tightly as much as you could. It was silent apart from the laughter of your classmates being heard a floor below you and the chirping of the birds that could still be heard coming from the window.

"I love you." Katsuki mumbled into your neck. "I love you too much to see you go..."

Your heart was beating rapidly upon hearing his confession. He felt tense, nervous that it was too early still to say it but hoped you would feel the same way.

You sniffled, but smiled repeating those same words back. "I-I love you too... Katsuki."

He smiled feeling himself feel at ease knowing you felt the same way. His hold on you tighten, not wanting to let go. You happily stayed there beside him until he was ready but secretly wished it would never end.

☆ 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 ☆ 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩