#probably best to either eat them now or put them back in the fridge for when you need a boiled egg in the next week

[astronomical-light]

HELLO july 4 has me thinking about jack being sensitive to fireworks due to his military service, and robby comforting him or stepping in to support him when the explosion sounds start. do you have any headcanons about this? or know of any fics w this premise? <3

so my headcanon for this goes a little bit against the grain. i was actually talking at length about this to @alethialia last week but the stars didn’t align for either of us to write it, so allow me to present to you now

FOURTH OF JULY: JACK’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY

look, we don’t know any hard facts regarding jack’s time in the service, but i think it’s pretty safe to assume that he’s been out for at least ten years, probably more like fifteen. i more often than not headcanon him enlisting at 18, and if we go off of hatosy’s age, that would most likely have him enlisting in ‘94. say he does the medic thing for a few years and then decides to goes back to school and become a doctor, you can still have him getting a few tours in by the mid-00s

that would have been TWENTY years ago.

my point is that while i can maybe buy a jack who doesn’t like fireworks, i personally find it hard to believe that the jack we see in the present day has such strong and unmanaged PTSD symptoms that he’s having a full-on breakdown over it. maybe he did twenty years ago, but i think it does a disservice to the character we see on screen and the clear amount of work that he’s put in to himself to have him be that much of a wreck about it. but ymmv, you do you and all that.

and not to be all I Have Veteran Friends, but i know the EXACT fic i would write about him on the fourth of july, and it is as follows:

jack always takes fourth of july off. the fourth of july is sacred. the fourth of july is the one day he and all his army buddies get together for the tried and true american tradition of blowing shit up.

robby usually works a double on the fourth so jack can have it all off, and everyone knows this. cue everyone misunderstanding why jack takes it off, and being So Sympathetic when he gets called in to help with day shift for [reasons].

he’s SO goddamn grumpy about it, but he’s grumpy because he should be tits out poolside right now. he’s grumpy because he has incredibly expensive steaks in the fridge that he should be eating. he should be manning the grill right now. his grillmaster skills are the stuff of LEGEND. he should not be at work on this auspicious day.

(robby always works the fourth because he Cannot hang out with jack’s friends at jack’s barbecue. any other day, they’re great guys. but he does Not want to witness what OSHA violations are going to take place. he will have an aneurysm, no matter how many times jack says trust me, i’m a doctor or it’s fine, it’s just steve, he’s a demolitions expert. like, that’s exactly why he has concerns, jack.)

so jack is working, and he’s not in the best mood, and now we have THE most absurd comedy of errors. he starts going on a rant about fireworks in the daytime, and it’s not about the noise, it’s about how that’s a FLAGRANT waste of explosive firepower because you can’t even see them? he wants to see that shit spark, baby.

(one of my favorite things to imagine is that jack spends the lead up to the fourth going “you know what next week is?” to robby with Very Serious Eyes, and everyone thinks it’s because he’s being vigilant and prepared, and it’s not wrong, but really he’s just preparing robby for the fact that he’s about to blow hundreds of dollars in the meat department. he’s a little twitchy because he’s HYPE.)

maybe there’s a situation that gets him a little angry, makes him start breathing a little heavily. maybe one of his buddies texts him a photo of steve touching the steak in the fridge that is specifically labeled DO NOT TOUCH - THAT MEANS YOU STEVE. maybe one of the ducklings thinks he’s having an episode and starts furtively googling how to deal with fireworks related PTSD and then starts trying to guide an increasingly confused jack through box breaths about it.

mel would show him her lava lamp app, and jack would not get it. “kid, in my day, those things were real?��

someone asks if he’s fine and he snaps that he’s NOT fine, because he’s here when he should be chugging beers and setting off roman candles, but he doesn’t get the chance to finish that sentence because someone starts coding and he has to go run and deal with that.

robby at some point finds out about the misunderstanding, and because he likes to cause problems on purpose, gently encourages all of the ducklings. when jack finally buys a clue about why the fuck everyone is being so weird to him today he’s SO exasperated. threatens robby with some kind of punishment. see if he gets any of jack’s meat, later.

(there’s a spinoff to this fic where brad comes to visit one year and jack goes into a TIZZY about making sure he can show up the marines and live up to his reputation, because Winning At BBQ is definitely something normal to want and possible to achievable, even when brad is like why are you trying to out-brisket a jew? i knew you were an officer, but damn because fortunately for jack, HE KNOWS A GUY. anyway, robby spends an entire month eating brisket. he’s never yearned for a fresh vegetable so badly in his life.)

anyway i have no idea how this story ends. jack ends up making out with robby in the call room to turn him all red as part of his punishment, and robby is like “this doesn’t feel very much like a punishment” but then he has to go back out into the ED looking Like That so jack’s all have fun with that, bye!

jack manages to makes it home right in time for nightfall and right in time to blow some shit up, everyone lives happily ever after, the end.

[mickyschumacher]

[APHRODISIAC CHOCOLATES! PT.1]

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: they say you should learn something new every day. in oscar's case, he learns he should really read the fine prints. or in which oscar's secret santa gift comes into use. 𝐏𝐓. 𝟐 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄!

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: 18+ (minors dni), protected sex (for the 1st time ever here) childhood lovers (bc oscar IS this trope), face sitting/riding + consent, p in v, teasing, oral sex, mutual orgasms, (over)consumption of aphrodisiacs, mentions of spiders :(

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: oscar piastri x gf!fem!reader

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓: 3k+

𝐀/𝐍: as usual, proofread-ish. for the majority who thought aphrodisiacs and oscar sounded good... hope you like it! ♡︎

🏎️ 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | ⚽️𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

Summer cleaning. You did it every January with Oscar when he came back home to Australia. The reasons you did it? Well, it gave you some peace and the pure free time you had with Oscar was limited. It didn't sound that fun but every year, you managed to make the most of it by reminiscing all the old memories you made, the past year or long ago. The bonus side: you kept things clean!

Last January you had both found an old scrapbook of Oscar and you that you had poorly made with the glue sticks that bare stuck no matter how much you slathered onto the paper, various croppings of coloured paper, loose glitter that hung on by a thread, and the cheapest driest markers you had found (you both thought you took them from primary school).

As horrifically it was made, it was sweet, sending you back down memory lane. The part that made the best was the secret confession in the back of it Oscar had written down with his god-awful six-year-old handwriting. Upon seeing 'really' spelt 'rallllly' and 'pretty' as 'pritty', it was safe to say, Oscar rushed to put the book back as quickly as you found it.

"Babe... what happen to cleaning?" Oscar queried, hand resting on the top of step ladder with raised brows as he looked down at you on the floor. He was moving around the books you stored at the top shelf of

You were sprawled on the floor, relishing the cool breeze the fan brought you. "It's 30 degrees, bro. What do you want me to do? I'm tired. The air outside is warm. It's gross," You complained, feeling your skin stick to the floorboards.

Oscar narrowed his eyes at your words, taking careful steps down the ladder now. "First of all, don't ever call me 'bro' again. Because that's fucking gross," He told you, taking your hand and pulling you up from the floor. "Secondly, you are sugar crashing. We probably should've had lunch an hour or so ago."

You pouted at the sound of sugar, slumping against Oscar's shoulder. "Why are we doing this?" You groaned.

Oscar chuckled, holding you tighter against him. "We're doing this so you don't call me in a few weeks and scream about spiders popping up everywhere."

You curled your lip in annoyance, pushing yourself off of him. "You suck," You retorted, walking over to your fridge. You took a moment to savour the cold air radiating from it as you opened the door before searching for something cold to eat. Your heart deflated at the mostly empty fridge. You hadn't been able to go shopping because everyone was either closed or had close early. You didn't even have any ice cream! The sheer audacity...

Your eyes flickered over your options before a red box caught your eye. You gasped, taking out the container and dangling it in front of Oscar. "We still need to finish these!"

Oscar turned his head towards you, recognising the red box quickly. It was part of the pack of sweets Daniel had given him for Secret Santa last year. To be honest, Oscar didn't have that much of sweet tooth. At least, he had nothing on you. He knew the moment he got it, it was going into his suitcase with prayers that it didn't melt in the Oceanic heat during transit.

While spending Christmas with your families, you, his sisters, and Oscar (mostly you) had taken the liberty to consume most of the candy. By the time you had eaten all the candy canes and small bits, the sight of the mere red box of chocolates made all of you feel sick. So you put it inside your fridge, saving it for some other desperate time. And said desperate time had soon come around in early January during your summer cleaning.

While Oscar would've preferred actual food to eat, he too was at his wits ends. When he nodded, he watched you excitedly come towards him as if you were preparing for your sugar rush.

You sat next to him, knee-to-knee. Opening the box without thinking too much, you both began eating the variety of chocolates. They were in various shades of brown and white, topped of with edible glitter or other candy. You were more than halfway through the box before you wondered what the different flavours were. You popped another into your mouth before closing the box to turn to it's back.

Raspberry... hazelnut... cinnamon.... maca root... epimedium?

Wait what?

"Oh fuck." You heard Oscar whisper.

You raised a brow, lowering the box, still finishing the piece in your mouth. "What's wrong?"

Oscar winced, sucking in a sharp breath before turning the front of the box to you, index finger pointing at the fine print underneath the brand's name.

APHRODISIAC CHOCOLATES.

Effects dependent on the amount eaten and the person. Eat at your own risk.

Your eyes widened, hand almost dropping the box. "Oscar... there's like three left."

Oscar's mouth opened to speak but nothing came out. He pondered the gift. No wonder Daniel was smiling so weirdly at him after he received his gift. That plus his incessant texting, asking whether he had finished all the candy. Shit...

A nervous laugh fell from Oscar's lips as his ears turned red. "I mean... it won't work, right? Surely... this is a scam... a gimmick?"

Your mouth was dry. "Let's check online, hmm?" You told him, taking out your phone. Oscar shuffled closer next you, eyeing the screen cautiously. Typing the product name into the search bar, you felt your cheeks become hot once the results came pouring in.

The best chocolates for sex in 2023!

Horny chocolates for horny lovers. See our favourites!

Viral aphrodisiac chocolates reviewed to be really good.

You pressed your lips, clicking on the last link. Your eyes skimmed the page. You could hear Oscar read the reviews, voice getting louder with every passing second. "Was unsure but no regrets... Bedroom was on fire.. more than... t-three rounds?! Be careful how many you consume... effects stronger with more consumption.... lasts up to three hours?!"

You laughed awkwardly. "S-Surely not. I'm mean not that it's terrible but we still have cleaning to do. I'm sure these are fake reviews... you know like to disguise drop shipping." It was a poor excuse slipping from the likes of your mouth but it was an excuse nonetheless.

Oscar nodded slowly. "Right... cleaning! Yes, that's... that's it! We should probably do that," He told you taking the box out of your hands and putting it to the side.

You and Oscar weren't necessarily awkward or shy about sex. You communicated perfectly well. But the concept of eating aphrodisiac chocolates that were given by his co-worker much less a fellow Australian definitely sent the both of you down the lane of uncertainty.

To be honest, you weren't feeling anything anyways... yet.

Together, the both of you had managed to get all the cleaning done. The thought of the chocolates were long gone after you had multiple Daddy Long Legs come out of the attic, half scaring you to death and sending Oscar into a fit of laughter (although he wouldn't admit he was terrified for a brief second).

Having enough and thrilled you were finished, you were both down to take a nap in your bedroom with all the doors closed and the aircon on blast.

━━━━━━━━━━━

Your nap was going great. It was so good you were sure the red lines of your sheets were embedded into your skin. You were dreaming... it was hot and sticky, it was in the shower for a second and the beach the next and Oscar's hands were all over you.

But all goods things must come to an end.

Especially if it means waking up in Oscar's arms, ass pressed against his hard cock and his hips rutting against you.

With sleepy eyes, you tilted your head to capture a glimpse of Oscar who looked wide awake with a sheen of sweat covering his face. His arms around you tightened when he met your eyes. You furrowed your brows. "Os.. did you not sleep?"

A strained sigh fell from his lips, releasing his hot breath onto your shoulder. "How could I? You were moaning my name and these fucking chocolates are killing me here. God, you sounded so good, baby," Oscar whispered, lips ghosting the shell of your ear.

Your eyes closed naturally at his touch. You were sure you were already wet from the dream but the tingling between your thighs was intensifying. "Oscar," You softly whined.

His hips jerked against you, making you both moan quietly. "I need you, sweetheart. Let me eat you out... please," He pleaded, feeling his cock impossibly tighten.

Clenching your thighs together, you nodded frantically. At your notion, you watched Oscar peel himself away from you. You couldn't hide the shock on your face when you discovered he had already removed his pants long ago. He had been grinding into your ass naked. His cock stood straight, skimming the surface of his lower stomach. It looked different. Angrier... harder... not necessarily bigger but it stood as if it was ready to ruin you.

Oscar eagerly spread your legs with both of his hands, cursing when he saw the patch of wet darkness on your shorts. Carefully, he took away your short, leaving in your panties which were fully damp and clinging to every possible fold of yours. "Shit," He muttered, fingers gingerly pulling the front of your underwear so it was tightly pressed against your pussy.

In his peripheral, he could see your legs squirm, getting antsy for his touch. If he was being honest, Oscar could barely think straight. All this aphrodisiac in his system had sent him overdrive. He couldn't tell what he wanted to do first. Whether he should rub his cock against you so the both of you came like two virgin teenagers going at it for the first time... if he should just fuck you to oblivion or whether he should eat you and find every crevice till you were shaking against him and begging for more..

"Ride my face," Oscar simply stated, peeling away your underwear to reveal your bare pussy. He clenched his jaw, restraining himself from taking you right then and there.

You gasped at the intrusion of cold air on your hot folds. Oscar had said something... what was it again? "R...Ride your face?" You shakily whispered. "A-Are you sure? I... don't you need to breathe?"

In any other moment, Oscar would've laughed lightly. But his need for you was far too strong. He nodded, moving to the side so he laid on his back. "Baby, I've never been so sure of something in my life. Trust me. I've got you," He assured, lust thick with his promise.

You sucked in a sharp breath, unable to mull over the proposition because your answer was already clear by the way your pussy was clenching around nothing and your arousal had increased ten-fold. You moved over Oscar's body, hovering over his face. His hot breath sent a shudder up your spine while his hands naturally placed themselves on your hips, slowly pulling you down, legs on either side of his face.

A groan slipped out of his lips. The scent of your arousal was intoxicating Oscar. He could've sworn that he was fucking pussy-drunk.

Your mouth fell open upon feeling his nose against your clit and his warm tongue flat against your folds. "Oh, fuck," You moaned, thighs tensing around Oscar's face.

Oscar lapped at your juices, slurping all he could while he explored every crevice of your folds. His head jutted against your legs, nose sloppily knocking against your throbbing clit.

Your hands flew to his brown locks, tugging at the sheer pleasure running through your body right now. Any tension or worries you had about suffocating Oscar had melted away, hips already leaning in to put as much of your weight on his face as one could humanely allow, rocking your hips to get even more friction.

His tongue dragged up your folds, finding your swollen bundle of nerves as he came up for air. Oscar just couldn't help it. The urge to get a taste of you shuddering against him was overwhelming. But as he sucked your clit gently, his brown eyes of his flickered up to your face and what a sight it was.

You had completely lost yourself.

Eyes clamped shut, teeth sinking into your bottom lip, sweat littering the surface of your skin, nipples hard against your shirt... fuck. If he knew you would feel and look this good, he would've made you ride his face ages ago.

Despite losing your senses, your body still was restraining from putting your full weight on him. Oscar could feel it as you tried to lift yourself in the attempt of self-control, making him chase for your pussy. But the rise of your hips came one too many times and Oscar had enough, fingers tightening around your thighs with an ironclad grip, holding you close to him.

You squirmed against his hold. All those chocolates... you had both eaten them because you were hungry. But Oscar had only become more starved and thirsty as he drank you as though he was dehydrated. You were so wet that his tongue was practically swimming between each fold.

Hips rutting against his face, your head fell back as his lips moved back to your clit, suctioning the bundle of nerves while stars began to invade your vision. You had barely said anything, so lost in the pleasure, forgetting to praise his art. It was like your brain was so dazed that it wouldn't sync up to your mouth, only allowing for your whimpers and moans to join the lewd slurping of Oscar's.

You couldn't care anymore. The stars were so close... you let your full weight rest on Oscar, making him grin against your heated cunt. Your grip on his hair tightened, the coil in your stomach snapping as his movements became sloppy, drool seeping from the corners of his mouth.

Your body is trembling against his face, convulsing around his tongue while the only thing you can manage to let out is a series of broken moans and obscenities under your breath.

Oscar feels you fall limp, muscles tired from tensing and exerting more energy than usual. He slowly lifted you off of him, shifting you next to him as both of your chests heaved with deep breaths. His head fell against the pillow. "I could do that till I die."

You swallowed the saliva that had built up in your mouth, nestling into the pillow. You let out a soft laugh but it slowly died down once the seriousness of Oscar's tone finally registered. Your eyes travelled down his cock, standing angrier than ever, leaking with pre-cum. From what you were seeing, Oscar must've been in pain.

You shifted closer to Oscar, sweaty skin sticking to his own. You peeled off your shirt, sighing at the cold air skimming your breasts. Without a second thought, Oscar's hands were on them, groping and fondling them. Back arching, you fell closer to his touch, pushing yourself into him.

He was distracting you.

"Oscar," You whimpered at the squeeze of your nipple in response. "Fuck me."

Oscar's hands paused, eyes flickering to you. His breathing had gotten quiet all of a sudden while his eyes darkened. "How?" He asked. "H-How do you want me to fuck you?" His voice cracked slightly with the heavy strain of lust–well, partly the aphrodisiacs-weighing it down.

You pulled yourself away from him, sprawling yourself comfortably on the bed. "However you want."

"Fuck," Oscar groaned, eyes closing at your words before pushing himself up to remove his shirt. He moved to hover his body over you. His hooded eyes flickered over you, full with admiration. You looked like a hot mess. His mess... that he made. You were going to kill him.

His brain must of been short circuiting, however. He blinked blankly at you. "Shit, I don't have a–"

You interrupted him by reaching under your pillow, dangling the foil-wrapped packet in his face. Oscar slowly took what he was looking for from your hands, eyeing you with furrowed brows. "You just keep condoms under your pillow now?"

The sudden comment made you break into laughter, making Oscar's struggling to keep his heart at bay. You nodded your head, quietening down. "Yes, specifically for this occasion."

"When a friend gives me sex chocolates?" Oscar raised a brow, voice full of ridicule.

"Yep! Precisely."

Oscar rolled his eyes, shaking his head. You were bad at joking but to him, you were the world's best comedian. He tore the wrapping, hissing at the sudden contact as he rolled the condom onto his shaft. He blew a deep breath from his lips, sweat-ridden hair doing little to move out of his face.

His eyes fell to your still swollen pussy... so enticing... "I don't think I'll last long," Oscar admitted with a grave mumble, a flush of red scattering across his neck.

You smiled softly. "It's okay. You already gave me the most mind-blowing orgasm of my life... you can fuck me till you can't cum anymore."

Oscar's cock twitched against his stomach. He sure liked the sound of that.

His hands darted out to roam your body, embracing the feel of every curve or bump he could get his hands on. He heard your sharp inhale as his fingers danced around your v-line. Me too, he thought to himself.

Oscar couldn't take it anymore. He was practically blue-balling himself at this point. He lowered himself over you, feeling your hot breath envelope him. His cock slowly pressed against your folds, making both of you pause at the warm feeling tingling up your spines. "Shit," he groaned, watching your engorged folds try to grip any bit of his cock. "You're seriously going to kill me."

"A girl's gotta try," You teased, breaking into a small whimper as Oscar dragged the tip of his throbbing cock to your hole, skimming your clit along the way.

Your mouth fell open upon feeling Oscar pushing his hips into you. His cock entered your warm folds, stretching the tight walls of your soaked cunt. Your head lolled back into the softness of the pillows while a high-pitched whimper slipped past your lips.

Oscar grunted as he fully unsheathed his cock, bottoming out as much as he could. The feel of your pussy clenching around him with a vice-like grip was sending over him already. He could feel every part of you, hips flushed with yours while the tip of his cock nudged your cervix.

He began with shallow thrusts, rocking his hips against yours. "Fuck, you feel so good, baby," Oscar swore, eyes fluttering shut momentarily.

You moaned in response, savouring every inch of his cock that came in and out of you. "You fill up so well," You praised, hand travelling to his own to give him an affirming squeeze.

Oscar missed your lips. It felt like he hadn't touched them in a long time even though he had probably spent over half the morning with them today. Sloppily, his lips travelled across your jaw and met your soft pillowy ones. He could hear your muffled moans in the kiss as he rutted into you. Shit...

"Oscar," You whispered with a high mewl upon feeling his fingers roll your nipple in between them. You were going to kill him? More like he was going to kill you.

But you weren't lying. His cock was indeed filling you so well, having you clench around him like there was no tomorrow. You felt so... full... those fucking chocolates...

Speaking of which... Oscar was over these 'aphrodisiac chocolates' or whatever the hell they were. They were making him insane. Every moment he ever spent with you, whether it was on a date or in bed, he always felt like he was being driven insane (in the nicest possible way, of course). But these chocolates... it felt like he was aware of everything. Every reaction... every part of him was on fire... everything was amplified... ten-fold, no, a hundred.

You were both on the crest of your climaxes. Oscar could tell by the way you were gripping him, the sudden reduction of your words, and the dazed look in your eyes. And you could tell by the stutter of his hips and the twitch of his cock.

Oscar bent his head down towards your legs, spitting directly onto your bundle of nerves. Fuck, now your hips were stuttering as well, the familiar feeling of the coil in your lower abdomen unravelling. "Oscar, fuck, I'm going to–"

Oscar doesn't even have the decency to let you finish your sentence, hand rubbing dizzying circles on your clit, hips increasing it's pace, sending you flying into your second orgasm.

"Oh, shit, shit, that's it, baby," Oscar encouraged, fighting to keep his eyes open as the waves of pleasure began drowning him. You were just squeezing his cock so much. Your mouth is wide open as Oscar's hips faltered against yours. He rushed to take his cock out, hand jerking off the engorged shaft to spill every single drop of his hot white cum onto your stomach.

For a moment, it felt like the effects of the chocolates had worn off as Oscar collapsed on top of you without a single thought going through his mind. His chest heavily rose up and down, your chin nuzzling into his collarbone while he soothingly patted your head.

You both laid like that for over ten minutes, saying nothing, just revelling in each other's presence, naked.

"I think we're going to have to thank Daniel," You joked, finally regaining your words.

"Later," Oscar sucked in a sharp breath. "Like three hours later."

You furrowed your brows, looking up at Oscar, only for him to be looking down. Following his gaze, your eyes honed in on the object capturing both of your attention.

"Oh..."

𝐏𝐓. 𝟐 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄!

© 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐘𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑

[leyavo]

| I am my father’s daughter | 4 |

💖 Dad!Price & Daughter!reader, eventual Soap x reader

PART FOUR: John Price hasn’t seen or heard from his daughter in over a year, but that changes when she calls him one night asking for help. 2,565words

[18+] MDNI | TW: hurt/angst/mentions of abuse/ complicated father-daughter relationship

Previous parts > [Series Masterlist]

🔈Reader’s view of John is different, he’s come and gone in her life etc so she thinks he’s not that great. So don’t send me hate

You learnt from a young age to stay silent when it came to the adults in your life. Made it easier to get the talk over with. Less words to get you in trouble, something you always tried to dodge.

Silence, your best friend. The one thing that kept you company most days. You stared at your dad, arms folded over your chest as you leant back on the stiff wooden chair. Not quite tucked in under the table, slightly angled in case you needed to make a quick exit.

The shiny new phone on the varnished surface, some sort of peace offering or something to be held over you, another thing for you to figure out.

The Captain however, he wasn’t as easy to read and that added to the weight on your chest. You weren’t sure on the limits, what he’d allow or how he’d deal with something he didn’t like.

You cleared your throat, gaze flitting to his across the table. “So, I can probably find a place in like a couple days or so, a week tops you know,” you said rambling on about a friend of a friend who lived close by.

Not a total lie, you’d slept on your mates sofa’s here and there as a teen when things went south before. You’re sure you can pick up some bar work to help you out till you find something more permanent.

The Captain shook his head. “Stay as long as you need, kiddo. Anything you need your old man’s ‘ere.”

As long as you need, another open ended thing for you to figure out. You didn’t want to overstay your welcome or get too close to him. Didn’t want to rely on your dad, knowing that he’ll come and go as he pleased. Blame it on the job, send you a message to check in and rid himself of the guilt.

“You know, it’s not just us living here,” he said, interrupting the constant thoughts rattling in your head. You know the little voice that’s always second guessing other people’s actions and trying to decipher the true meaning of their words and actions.

Oh shit, you didn’t even think of his team living in the same house. They’d given you and the captain space since you’d got here. You’re hoping you won’t be there for long, even if you have to stay at a shitty hotel until you get enough money to put down on a flat to rent.

“I’ll stay out of the way, no problem.”

Out of sight, out of mind. Least he wasn’t taking you to his house with your brother and stepmother.

“Nah kiddo, this is just as much your space now,” he said, his brows scrunching together as his eyes roamed your face. Like he was also trying to figure you too. “There are some rules though.”

“Rules?” You echoed back at him. You weren’t so good with rules, they normally came with expectations and punishments when they were broken.

Not that you’d be breaking them, willingly anyways. You didn’t want to think of the outcome if you did either.

“We’ll be in and out of the house, no set routine. All you gotta do is look after yourself kiddo, we eat mostly in the canteen as it’s convenient. So you’ll probably be having your meals alone, help yourself to whatever’s in the fridge, but add to the list on the front if you run out of stuff,” he said, sliding a notepad in front of him. The scratch of his pen jotting down numbers and words.

You nodded, “sure that’s okay.” You’d been fending for yourself for years, knew how to make the most of the basics or go without. Skipping a meal a day wasn’t a big deal for you. You could survive on just one if you needed to. You wondered if they kept track of the food or if they labelled their own food. There wasn’t any locks on the kitchen cabinets, so it looked like it wasn’t too strict.

“Now, you’re on base. So you won’t be able to walk anywhere and everywhere. There’s a map here,” he mumbled, pointing to an unfolded leaflet. He placed it in front of you and started to circle some areas, blue ink tracing the paths and road. “All the places I’ve highlighted you can go. Do not, I repeat do not go anywhere else.” His voice lowering as he got to the last sentence, gaze flicking up to yours. He jabbed the tip of the pen in your direction, brows raising as if daring you to argue about it.

The look of someone you did not want to piss off. You glanced back to the untouched areas, half of them with no labels or names.

“Uh, yes sir. I won’t go there.”

He doesn’t question the formal sir you’ve thrown his way, the line between his brows softening and eyes relaxing from their narrowed gaze.

“You got any idea what type of work you’re looking for?”

You shook your head. There wasn’t much you could do, a few different jobs here and there. You’d take anything at this rate, you weren’t picky. Money was money at the end of the day.

“Alright, I know someone hiring,” he said, raising his hand to stop you interrupting him. “Three days a week, entering data into a computer. Gotta interview kiddo, nothing comes for free.” He ripped off a piece of paper from his notepad, pushing it to you. A number and name, along with a date of the interview.

The ever prepared Captain already scheduled you an interview. Part of you wondering if he’d planned the rest of your time here.

Boring work, but you didn’t have the luxury to care. You needed to find something as fast as you could.

“It’s not working here is it?” You asked, trying not to offend him.

The Captain chuckled, “nah kiddo. A fifteen minute drive. If you get the job, I’ll sort the insurance on the truck and you can borrow it for now till you find your feet.”

It’s been years since you’ve seen him smile, the curve of his lips making him seem younger. Like the dad who used to ruffle your hair and put you over his shoulder when you were six. The years seemed to harden your parents, your mother’s snapping tone still sent a shiver down your spine. Your father’s stern face, lines in the corners of his eyes and the centre of his forehead painting him serious most of the time.

“What about rent?”

Nothing comes for free, his own words repeating in your mind. You wonder what else you’ll have to earn whilst you’re staying with him.

“Keep ya’ money,” he grumbled, his chair scraping back as he stood up. He walked over to the fridge, pinning a piece of paper under a magnet. His finger jabbing the scribbled mess. “If you need to reach me, this is my office number. Mobile first, office is last resort.”

“And mum?” You dared to ask, still expecting her to appear with each waking day. Least you'd hear her before you actually saw her.

“We’ll talk about it another day. Rest up and look after yourself. You still need to take it easy.”

You nodded, releasing a deep breath. The weight on your chest lifting, the tension loosening from your shoulders.

The Captain turned his back from you, flicking the kettle on. You rose from the chair, tucking it back under the table. He handed you a steaming cup of tea and you settled down into the sofa, placing the cup on the coffee table.

A kiss landed on the crown of your head, "gotta go back to the office, you know what to do if you need anything."

You didn't get a chance to react, the front door closed before you could catch a glimpse of your father.

Sleep had been fleeting the past week, as soon as your cheek hit the pillow on the couch you were out. You were never much of a heavy sleeper, but the rough weight on your forehead soothed the heat and sweat coating it, that you didn’t question it. The cool touch easing your faltering breaths.

You shifted, the cushion wedged behind your back brushed against the wound near your shoulder blade, a groan slipping from your lips. The hushed tones of someone shushing you and the hair sweeping behind your ear, however, sent alarm bells ringing. You shot up, head crashing into the nearest thing.

Johnny Mactavish stumbling back with a grunt. He cradled his jaw, a string of curse words falling from his lips.

"Fuckin' hell, Johnny," you snapped, clutching your forehead and scrambling to sit up. "Why are you breathing over me?" You traced the stitches above your brow, lowering a trembling finger tip expecting blood, but there was none.

Your heart drummed against your chest, the shirt you wore drenched in sweat and sticking to the dip between your breasts. Your fingers pinched the fabric, allowing the excess to swallow your figure once again.

The crick in your neck stopped you from turning your face quickly to the man in front of you.

Johnny rubbed his chin, red tinge marring his jawline. "Thought you'd passed out again, checking for your breath lass." He sat on the edge of the coffee table, wood groaning under his weight.

The distressed denim jeans hugged his thick thighs, baggy t-shirt skimming over a leather belt. Sergeant written across his firm chest. Your gaze wandered to the short sleeves and the way they curled around his biceps. A few nicks and scrapes dotted his bare arms, fading green bruise on his knuckles.

He reached out and you dodged his hand, trying to sink further into the sofa. Wanting it to swallow you up, anything to go unnoticed.

“You’re hot.”

It took you a second to register what he'd said.

“I’m what?” You stuttered, trying to pull the thin blanket over your shoulders as you slid down in your seat. God, he was so hot. Different to your ex, something untouchable about Johnny too though.

A deep chuckle shook his chest, his head cocking to side. Smile stretching his lips as if he noticed your stare. “Yeah, your head. Fever maybe?” He mumbled, leaning forward and placing the back of his hand on your forehead for a few seconds.

Of course, he wasn't looking at you like that. You don't even know why your mind went there either. Must be the fever messing with you.

You blinked, not sure of why he was checking you over again. If you’ve got a fever you’ll be taking a bath right? Or just riding it out? You weren’t quite sure. Did the Captain put him up to this?

It was the first time taking medication like this, normally you took paracetamol and hoped for the best.

Johnny’s touch is light, brief as he pulled away and clasped his hands in between his legs. “Did ya’ miss your meds?” He glanced over his shoulder, the ridiculously large clock ticking away.

“I fell asleep.” You shrugged, “I’ll just take them in a bit.” It’d been four hours since you’d settled on the sofa and three hours ago you were supposed to take two pills.

“You gotta take them at the specific times,” Johnny said, popping the pills out of their packaging and into your palm. He walked to the kitchen, returning with a large glass of water.

Sipping the water and throwing back your medication, you went to place it on the table, but he shook his head.

“Drink all of that, will help with that fever,” he said, sinking into the sofa beside you. The cushion dipped beside you and found your body leaning to his. "Might wanna, take that blanket off too." He snatched the blanket from your lap, balling it up and tossing it on the armchair beside him.

You drank half, gaze locked on his as you placed the glass on the coffee table. Wondering if he’d tell you to drink more, but he picked up the remote, flicking through the tv guide.

“Captain got you babysitting?” You checked your phone, a chain of texts from your father and an alarm notification you slept through that alerted you of the time and the meds you needed to take. forty-six missed calls and twelve voice messages, your ex's name lit up the screen as you turned it over on the table.

Johnny slouched against the back of the sofa, legs widening. Your knee brushing against the side of his denim clad thigh. His hand resting ever so close to yours on his own leg.

“Nah, watching the rugby.” He pointed to the tv with the remote, the match three minutes in already. There’s a bottle of beer in his other hand, the same one your ex liked.

The one you used to stare at in the shop, wondering if this pack would go in your favour or go against you.

Johnny seemed pretty calm though, you don’t know him well so the beer in his hand doesn’t help you feel any better. People are totally different after consuming stuff like that.

“You like the rugby?”Johnny said, his deep voice pulling you out of your head. He sucked in a breath as the players tackled each other for the ball.

You shook your head, “I hate sports.” You can't think of anything worse, a group of men shouting and hollering at a match. The spike of violence when their teams didn't win, all because of a game. You tried to keep away from all that.

The bottle doesn't touch his lips, a chuckle shaking his shoulders. "Yeah my sisters hated it whenever I watched the rugby." A smile playing on his lips, his fingers picking at the label on his beer bottle.

"You've got sisters?" It doesn't surprise you. He's respectful towards the women on base, well from what you've seen so far.

"Yeah, three of them. Don't know what's worse, three of them or that they're older."

You wonder how different your life would have been if you had siblings, someone else around your age to take the load off of you. Another person who could relate to everything, someone you could talk to without judgement.

Johnny rambled on about his siblings, telling you little bits of pieces of his childhood. The more he said, the more you felt like you'd missed out on a lot. You nodded along, lying when he'd asked you if you were close with your mum. The instinct to paint everything good still ingrained in your being.

The phone in front of you vibrated, kept doing so until you picked it up and turned it off. You don't even need to look at who it is, no matter who it is, it's not someone you want to deal with right now.

"Block 'em, don't want the Captain getting a hold him." He doesn't spare you a glance as he spoke, the tic in his jaw pulsing.

Johnny meant well, but you couldn't stop the cogs turning as you thought of what would happen if the Captain knew everything. A part of your life you'd never shared with your dad, for good reason too.

And if he'd even believe you.

[PART FIVE]

✨ Thanks for reading I hope you enjoyed it :) there might be some errors/mistakes as I'm dyslexic, I do check my work a couple times, but I do miss bits and pieces - Leya

Taglist: @unclearblur @enfppuff @reiluvr @elita1 @tired-writer04 @kaoyamamegami @gallantys @leon-thot-kennedy @trulovekay @harley101399 @misshoneypaper @rpgsandstuff @tomatto1234 @lolyouresilly @madsothree @astrothedoll @grandfartvoid @delaynew @mysteriouslydeafeningwerewolf @little-mini-me-world @exitingmusic @majocookie

(Some of the tags wouldn't work so sorry if I didn't tag you. If you would like to be added just let me know)

[rhysepoof]

Sweet Moments (ModernAU!Jayvik x Reader)

Oh thanks for reading the 2 am ramblings of a coping depresso espresso bean that is me. This is me trying to get back into writing fics so it might be meh...but anyways enjoy you Jayvik lovers! Please do comment and send an ask if you'd like to see more/ what you want me to try and write hehe 🫡(Will probably be starting to write the stuff in this post I made before lol)

From the perspective this is written, i think it should be quite ambiguous the gender of the reader...I think...It also ends kinda suggestively

For the AO3 readers

Word Count: 650

You know one might think that having two boyfriends is better than one, the more the merrier kinda thing you know? And yes, in your case, for the most part it is until you realize that having two scientific genius inventors for boyfriends comes with the fact that they take long nights in the lab, or perhaps in Jayce’s garage, building and fixing projects than they do in their own rooms.

But then, there comes the crash days. Where, after spending too many hours working, the boys end up crashing and falling asleep either at their work stations, or in the living room. It does end up giving funny moments that you managed to keep in your phone. A picture of Jayce asleep in front of the fridge, forehead stuck to the door and drool coming out of his mouth. Viktor asleep on the workbench in the garage holding onto a long cooled coffee in his mug.

But the cutest they’ve been are during the times they crash on the couch placed in the garage. Placed there by her own suggestion so they can remember to take a break every now and again, and for Viktor to have a comfortable place to rest at for his leg. You managed to catch them both asleep on the couch, Viktor on top of Jayce and after placing a blanket on them, you snapped the picture that to this day is your lock screen wallpaper.

Though lacking in knowledge of the sciency techy part of these two’s work, you are able to contribute in ways that the boys appreciate, even if they forget to say it. One of the biggest contributions being the treats you bake and bring for them.

Some of which you are carrying now, some muffins and cookies with sandwiches as well, you found that sandwiches would be the best choice as they won’t need heating up and the boys can just grab one quickly. 

”Darling, you know you don’t have to bring us food all the time” Viktor says.

”It’s alright Vitya, I love making them for you two, I don’t want you to die of starvation”

”HEY, we eat food-” Jayce chimes in from behind you.

With a quicK turn of the head and a slap to his bicep you interfere, “Talis, cereal and cup noodles are NOT a good source of daily nutrients for heaven’s sake”

Feigning being hurt Jayce clutches his arm and dramatically falls back, “OWwww how you wound meee oh nooo I might dieeeee” 

You roll your eyes and hear Viktor’s chuckle, “And don’t even get me started on you Viktor, you need to get some more rest, your eyebags grow everyday, I might come back and you’ve become a raccoon!”

”Alright alright mom, we’ll get some sleep and eat but first” Jayce grabs the container of food and sets it on the table, then picks you up at the same time, earning a yelp from you.

”JAYCE PUT ME DOWN!” You fight, thrashing against his arms.

”Nope!” He laughs, before heading towards the couch where Viktor watched, amused, “Bedroom?” Jayce asks, to which Viktor gets a glint in his eyes, “Why not it’s been a while hasn’t it?”

”Guys! I just made those cookies an hour ago!”

Viktor laughs and takes the container of goodies from the table, “Guess they’ll be coming with us then”

With that, Jayce and Viktor head to the door out of the garage and head upstairs to Jayce and Viktor’s shared bedroom, where Jayce lets Viktor get situated on the bed first and then places you gently on the bed.

“You take such good care of us darling, let us take care of you” Viktor whispers in your ear, before grabbing your chin and gently kissing you while Jayce peppers soft kisses on your neck.

”Now just relax darling, and let us do the rest of the work”

Oh thanks for reading the 2 am ramblings of a coping depresso espresso bean that is me. This is me trying to get back into writing fics so it might be meh...But anyways enjoy you Jayvik lovers! Please do comment and send an ask if you'd like to see more/ what you want me to try and write hehe 🫡(Will probably be starting to write the stuff in this post I made before lol)

[no-goodbyes-no-regrets]

Day 2: cooking together for @bucktommyfluffebruary

Short 'n' sweet today - I might even catch up soon!

It's (not) just dinner (AO3)

(this will continue in day 11 and 12)

---

"Ok you cut the zucchini, while I take care of the onions. Or do your eyes not tear up from cutting onions? Then maybe you can do that while I cut the zucchini." Buck ordered, rushing around Tommy's kitchen.

"You know you can just buy a bag of mixed vegetables that's already chopped up." Tommy suggested. "That would be easier than all of this. And less time consuming."

"We could also just buy a couple of microwave meals or order pizza." Buck said sarcastically. "Or maybe just pre-packaged sandwiches from a gas station? Or a couple of bags of chips?"

Tommy bit back a laugh and put his hands on his boyfriend's hips.

"Babe relax. It's just dinner with my brother. It's no big deal. He'll eat whatever you want to serve. It doesn't matter if it's store bought or made from scratch."

"It's not just dinner. It's the first time I'm meeting your brother and his... boyfriend? Partner? Lover? Spouse? What do they call each other?"

"I'm... not sure... Does it really matter?"

"Yes it matters! I want to get it right. I want them to like me."

"I'm sure they will." Tommy told him. "And if they don't, that's their loss." he vowed.

"Tommy... You only just reconnected with your brother... I don't want to be the one to mess it all up for you."

"You won't." Tommy insisted. "I've gone years without Donovan in my life and managed just fine. If he, for whatever stupid reason, decides not to like you, then I don't want him back in my life. You're more important."

Buck melted a little at that.

"Still. I want him and... What's his name again... Dominique, to like me."

"And I'm sure they will. Don told me Dominique owns a food truck, maybe you two can trade recipes."

"Wait, he's a chef? I thought you said they worked together? I thought he was SWAT?!"

"He is. The food truck is kind of a hobby I think."

"Great. What kind of food does he serve? What's the name of the truck? Maybe I can find out via google."

"I don't know. Don never mentioned a name." Tommy shrugged. "I've never met the guy either, only seen a picture, so he's probably just as nervous about meeting us as we are about meeting them."

"That's the spiders are more afraid of you than you are of them speech." Buck rolled his eyes. "Only this is about your brother and his... partner." He settled on.

"Maybe. But is it working?"

Buck sighed.

"Maybe." he turned his attention back to the recipe he'd found online. A slightly different version of the classic lasagne Bobby had taught him to make. "Ok we should hurry up because it needs to soak up the flavours in the fridge for a couple of hours before it can go in the oven. And I don’t want them to starve while waiting for dinner."

"Yes, chef!" Tommy said and jokingly saluted him with a wooden spoon. "Put me to work."

Buck narrowed his eyes.

"Have you been watching The Bear without me?"

"Of course not. I would never."

"So if I check... it'll still show the episode where we left off the other day?"

"Hmm"

"Thomas..."

"Fine..." Tommy rolled his eyes. "I was bored when you were on shift ok? There was nothing interesting on. I only watched two episodes!"

"We only had two episodes to go until the end of the season!" Buck said exasperated, pointing a zucchini at him. "But your brother will be here in a couple of hours so we really don't have time to get into this right now... But I'm going to remember this... For later."

"I look forward to it, chef." Tommy teased and stole a quick kiss that quickly turned into more until Buck pushed him away.

"Stop distracting me. You. Onions. Now." he ordered and Tommy grinned and gave him another mock salute.

"Yes, chef!"

"Menace."

"I learnt from the best."

[starryredpandawrites]

Siblinks Turkey Shenanigans

In honor of the holiday, I have this silly Thanksgiving scenario stuck in my head that I want to get out that I might turn into a Bendy Bite someday. There's so much shenanigan potential I'm having trouble deciding what to keep and what to laugh about and move on from, so there's a poll at the end so y'all can help me decide.

Anyways, there are three ways I picture this scenario happening:

Option 1:

Audrey has been having a lot of fun introducing Bendy to all the holidays, and decides to surprise him with Thanksgiving. Big-little man loves to eat (both forms) and she knows he’s gonna love it. She’s also really looking forward to celebrating it because she hasn’t celebrated it since Joey died. Like, she was the type of person to be annoyed/sad that they were given the day off and wished that she could work instead because she had no-one to come home to. Now, she does! She doesn’t tell him she has the day off either, and is just hoping he sleeps long enough to get most of the cooking done so it’s a proper surprise.

A couple days before Thanksgiving, she sets the turkey in the fridge to thaw. She doesn't explain it to Bendy because she doesn't want to ruin the surprise and doesn't even think about it being necessary because who in the world would eat a raw turkey? (she recognizes her mistake later)

Problem: Bendy is a hungry boi, and often gets late night munchies as the Ink Demon. He sees the turkey in the fridge and is like, "A snack? For me?" and just eats the whole damn thing raw and partially frozen. In this scenario, he might leave Audrey a leg behind or something like that to be considerate (she's probably talked to him before about leaving her some when she's brought home big meals like this before).

Audrey wakes up, goes to work, gets home to find the turkey being gone and is, like, where tf is the turkey?!? until she remembers she's living with a demon and is surprised but not surprised because he used to eat whole people raw. She tries to goes out to buy another one but either the stores have already closed or they already ran out of turkeys. Also, it would have been too late to thaw it by then anyway. She might buy a ham or a chicken or something to replace it or she might just go home in defeat, saying they'll just celebrate it some other weekend.

However, Bendy feels really guilty for eating the turkey, even though Audrey told him it was partially her fault for not telling him what the turkey was for. So, that night, he sneaks out, and when Audrey wakes up she finds another surprise in her fridge. It's filled with dead birds. Pidgeons, sparrows, a duck or two and maybe even a pheasant.

Audrey freaks out and confronts Bendy, and he explains that he caught them to replace the turkey he ate. Audrey has another talk with him about not putting dead animals in the fridge but decides to go ahead and try using one of the larger birds for the dinner.

New problem: she has NO IDEA how much work goes into cleaning birds and this is back when the internet wasn't a thing. She sets Bendy on plucking duty to make up for his theft while she works on the other thanksgiving dishes. Bendy is a little miffed she doesn't want to try any of the other birds he brought home, but stops complaining after being given plucking duty (he hates it/finds it super boring/tedious and doesn't want to pluck anything else) Back to the bird, she tries to clean and prepare it the best she can, but it's gonna end up super gamey and weird, so she just eats a little and lets Bendy have the rest and focuses on the other dishes and her singular turkey leg.

They still enjoy the day together just by hanging out and watching all the thanksgiving/christmas themed shows on TV so the day is still a success. Audrey just makes a mental note to buy an extra turkey the next year just in case.

Option 2:

Audrey does tell him about Thanksgiving and they're both hyped about it. When Audrey sets the turkey out to thaw, she is very clear that it's for Thanksgiving, but doesn't outright tell him not to eat it because, again, most people wouldn't need to be told that. Bendy is not most people.

This time, however, he knows the turkey is for thanksgivng and he knows it's off-limits. The first night, he keeps opening and closing the fridge, walking away then walking back, over and over again while berating himself for being so weak. He stays strong through the first night, but halfway through the second night he gives in and just devours it.

On Thanksgiving Day, Audrey wakes up and is weirded out because usually Bendy likes to sleep in the same room as her, and he’s nowhere to be seen. Then, she realizes he must have done something he feels guilty about, and just runs to the kitchen to discover the missing turkey. This time, he's left nothing behind.

She chews him out, he's super guilty, she feels bad because it is his first Thanksgiving. She goes out to try and get something but all the stores are closed (this is before Walmart normalized being open all year). She comes back empty-handed to an empty apartment and is about to panic until Bendy comes back just in time with, you guessed it, more dead birds!

Again, Audrey chews him out for sneaking out in broad daylight but he excuses it since she explained to him earlier that almost everyone is home for the holiday and they needed a replacement bird.

Situation ends like the first, with Audrey trying and failing to cook one of the random birds and they just enjoy the rest of the day.

Option 3:

In the other two versions I imagined the Ink Demon going ham on the turkey late at night, but there's another option that's possibly funnier

Yanno how in my fic there's a memory disconnect/blurr of Bendy between his Ink Demon form and his Baby Benders form? Let's say Audrey sets the turkey out to defrost while the Ink Demon is watching soap operas or smg and tells him it's for Thanksgiving. Ink Demon kinda waves her off because he really wants to know if Missy is cheating on Peter with Austin, or if Austin is actually her long-lost brother like she claims.

They go to bed, Bendy wakes up as Baby Benders with midnight munchies, opens the fridge, sees the turkey and thinks, "A snack? For me?" and eats it as Baby Benders.

This scenario proceeds to play out like the other two OR

He goes to bed and wakes up early as the Ink Demon again, or he switches before going back to bed, realizes he screwed up, and immediately goes out to replace the turkey so when Audrey wakes up to not only a missing turkey, but also a bunch of dead birds in her fridge.

Now, I wanna know which one YOU guys (gender-neutral) think is more likely to happen, plus a couple bonus options because funny.

Bonus thought: After the first thanksgiving and seeing how much Bendy can eat, she decides to buy two turkeys and only cooks one of them/the other one is for Bendy. The year after that, she buys three. The year after that, she buys five. She could keep going but decides more than five is excessive and Bendy will just have to deal.

[blueberrybladelemonade]

Please Don't Hate Your Body, It's the Only Part of You I can Touch

Summary: Peppino has body image issues some days, today is one of them. You wish he'd see himself the way you did, you love him for who he is. Instead you decide to reassure and show him a little extra weight doesn't make him unattractive. In fact, you can't keep your hands off of him.

Contains: Body positivity, Noise being...himself (an asshole), Slight angst and comfort, belly rubs and gratuitous touchiness, somewhat suggestive (nothing inherently nsft though)

🫐This is not for people that are fatphobic or fetishizers of people of size. Please treat people as the individual that they are and deserving of respect regardless of their weight.🍋

Peppino stared down at the dessert with hesitation. Instead of taking a bite he prodded it with a fork, frowning. He suddenly became aware of how snug his shirt was around his stomach and the tightness at his sides.   

Usually Peppino could wave off the Noise's insults, though this time he was still replaying the comments from yesterday. 

"Hey-a italian man! If you're still struggling with bills you're so fat, you could probably sell shade. With how hot it is you'd make a fortune!" Noise laughs at his own joke before shoving another garlic knot in his mouth. 

"I'm not gonna sugar coat this for you, because if I did, you'd eat it. You're fat".

He didn't recall much else besides finally losing his temper at Noise, with Noisette having to intervene shortly after. 

"What Y/N sees in you is beyond me" Noise snapped back at Peppino as his girlfriend dragged him away. Noisette looked over her shoulder and shot Peppino an apologetic look.

Peppino shifted uncomfortably in the chair. He would tell himself that it's easy. If he hated the way he looked? Change it. He looked back down at the cake. 

Did you really want to eat that?

Of course he wanted to. It was one of his favorites, black forest cake. Earlier this week you had decided to bake and surprise Peppino with it. 

Peppino sighed and set the fork down next to the plate, nudging it away. Just as he was about to put the cake back into the fridge you stepped into the room. 

Maybe you'd want it instead, and he could pawn the dessert off on you.

"Do you want this?" He gestured to the plate that was now in the center of the table. Your eyes lit up and you smiled as you took the plate. "Thanks"! 

You plopped down on the chair and happily dug into the cake. After a second bite your eyes dart up to meet his with a questioning look. "Aren't you going to have some?" You ask through a mouthful.

He tried to not let his discomfort show on his face as he forced a smile through gritted teeth. 

"Oh, I'm not-a hungry cara".

You watch with a raised eyebrow as Peppino stood up and left the room. After a moment you hear a door click shut. 

Was he just going to get a shower and go straight to bed again? 

You stared down at the now empty plate in thought, recalling his odd behavior last night. 

In bed he had his back turned to you, which wasn't uncommon. The part that nagged at you was his reaction when you draped an arm across his stomach, like you always did. Peppino seemed to shy away from your touch and as your fingers traced circles against him, he abruptly -but gently- took your hand in his and moved it away from his body. 

Now that you thought about it, Peppino didn't eat much for dinner yesterday either. He simply ate what had been on his plate with a similar dejected expression, like today. 

* * * * *

Water dripped onto the tile and mat as Peppino dried off, eyes averted from the mirror. Again. He grimaced as he bent over and slipped into his night pants. In his peripheral his reflection silently mimicked the action. 

He sighed. Despite his best attempt to avoid it, Peppino slowly drew his full attention to the mirror. Tired eyes stared at his thinning hair. No matter how much fumbling he did with it nothing would ever cover it. 

Reluctantly his eyes drifted lower to his gut. What did you see in him? His lips formed a thin line. 

Maybe he doesn't deserve the nice things he has. You deserved someone better. Someone skinnier. He wouldn't skip meals but he should stop eating sweets. Peppino gingerly poked at his side. He should cut down on how much he ate, too. 

Food was a sort of comfort for him, particularly when he was stressed, which felt like all the time. Between this and his medication he should've expected to get fat.

But what are you doing about it?  

You were always there for him regardless. Always telling him everything was ok. The least he could do for you is look better, more-

Peppino's thoughts were cut off as he felt arms wrap around his middle and a familiar weight press into his back. You smiled softly in return when his eyes met yours in the mirror. 

"I love you." You whisper, pulling him into a hug. 

He felt your hands wander across his body, your hands slid up to his chest before coming back down to run your hands across his abdomen. For a moment Peppino let himself enjoy your touch. Enjoy how soothing it was as your hands caressed him. Your breath tickled as you peppered kisses against the back of his neck and shoulders. 

Then he caught a glimpse in the mirror. There was that sinking feeling again. Peppino tore his gaze from yours and looked down at the counter. He wouldn't be able to cut out the excess calories, would he? He was going to break any day-

"Whatcha thinking about Pino?" You mumble as you rest your chin on his shoulder. He sighed.  

"You've been acting out of it." You press another kiss into the side of his neck and jaw, "What's wrong"?

"What do you see in me?" He blurted out, "Aren't you disgusted that I'm just-a balding fat man"?

Silence. 

You pull away from him, expression unreadable. Peppino could feel the faintest trace of tears prickling in his eyes.

Damn it why can't I just get it together.

Was this it? Did you finally realize he was just a broken and pathetic looking slob? 

You tug at his arm, urging him to follow you. As you guide Peppino to the bed, you motion for him to sit down. Listlessly he obeys, sinking down onto the comforter, watching as you sit beside him. 

"Peppino, don't ever say that about yourself again. There's nothing wrong with you having a little extra weight-"

"A little?" He retorted. "I d-"

"Peppino..." You shot him a look, the tone in your voice causing his words to catch in his throat. 

"How about, instead, we think of the positives?"

"What?" Peppino huffed, "What positives could you see in this?" he gestured to his gut and shot you an incredulous look. 

"Stop." you reply firmly, taking his hand in yours, before guiding it back to his side. You give him a quick peck on the cheek.

After a moment seemingly lost in thought, your face brightened. "Well let's see, for one, you're soft".

Peppino shot you a deadpan look. "Really, cara? I don't see how that's a positive".

"But it is." Your hands gently began stroking and caressing the rolls at his hips and sides. Peppino weakly tried to push your hands away but you simply shushed his protests and pressed a kiss to his chest. "Your so perfect to snuggle against, you make the ideal pillow. If you were thin or muscular you wouldn't be nearly as nice, or as comfortable to sleep on".

You dip your head lower, trailing light kisses down his stomach. In response Peppino leaned back, propping himself up against the pillows. He shuddered as you lips grazed against his body before drifting to his side.

"Falling asleep on you is the best. I feel so safe with you". You whisper, wrapping yours arms around his midsection. As you rest the side of your face against him, Peppino laid back into the bed and draped his arms across you. A faint shimmer caught your attention before you placed another kiss against a stretch mark.  

"Listening to your heart beat and breathing lets me know you're alive. There's nothing I'd rather fall asleep to. And you being so soft makes it the perfect place for my head to do it".

You press a kiss to his stomach that he hated so much. "You're gorgeous, Pino." You murmur, slowly tracing circles against him. 

Peppino remained silent as he watched you with half lidded eyes.

Peppino knew you loved him, that much was obvious. What he needed, instead, was to know you were attracted to him, to feel desired. 

"No matter how long we've been together, my heart still skips a beat when I see you take your shirt off".

Peppino gave you a quizzical look. Before he could say anything you used one hand to pull his head to face you while the other stroked his cheek. You placed your lips against his, enjoying the warmth radiating from his skin. 

As you leaned into and pushed him back down into the mattress you feel his breathing hitch. Laying on top of Peppino, you were almost purring from his warmth, his scent, and the softness of him. 

As you pull away you smile down at him before readjusting your legs to straddle him. 

"I love you no matter what shape you're in, not what people say is "ideal". You're ideal as you are". 

Slowly but deeply you pressed your hands into his belly and rubbed. Peppino made a small gasping noise as you continued to knead at his body. It felt good, just as good as the back massages you always gave him. 

“Mmh,” he involuntarily groaned as your hands grabbed at the curves above his hips. 

“Does that feel nice?"

“Yeah." Peppino whispered back, sounding dreamily content as he melted into your touch. 

As Peppino looked up to see the delight on your face. Maybe he was being too hard on himself.

"I love every part of you" You leaned over, placing a kiss on his forehead. Peppino shuddered as your lips brushed against his ear. 

"Let me show you how much I love you. All of you".

[criolla-star]

Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)Part 100

(I suggest you check out parts 1-99 if you haven’t already, also my ao3 and wattpad for the chapters more organised)

Vinny bounced his leg anxiously as he brushed a hand through his hair, he looked back at Tenshi, who was still laying on the couch. It made the cameraman smile, it was nice Tenshi was free. He deserved it.

Though Vinny was torn out of his thoughts by Nyssa coming out, wearing a spare white shirt and shorts, she had her old clothes in her hands. “That was the best thing ever!” She spoke up, her eyes shone with happiness as he fixed her hair.

“Nice you enjoyed it” The cameraman chuckled, as he put a hold to his leg bouncing, he didn’t need anyone noticing that.

Vinny got up and went to the fridge pulling out three cold bottles of water, “Here you go” he said as he threw one to Tenshi, then one to Nyssa. “Figured we all need something refreshing” he chuckled as he opened a bottle and drank from it as he sat back down.

“Thanks…I forgot how much I enjoyed freedom” Nyssa whined as she slumped back down on the couch next to Tenshi, who was now sat up, and drinking water.

“Is it that good?” Tenshi questioned as he stretched.

“Even better!” Nyssa replied with a large smile as she drank water and looked over at Vinny, though her expression was somber. Was something wrong?

“You should go now” the cameraman spoke to Tenshi, who nodded as he got up. “You wanna deal with that?” He added as he pointed to Tenshis’ very unkept beard.

“I suppose so” Tenshi answered as he rubbed his chin.

“Should be a razor is the drawer” The cameraman answered, Tenshi nodded as he headed for the bathroom. “Take as long as you need! Once you’re out I’ll order us food!”

“Sounds good!” Tenshi called out as he shut the bathroom door.

“Food sounds amazing” Nyssa confessed as she melted back into the couch, she clearly was happy at the thought of different food.

“Makes sense! I can’t imagine surviving a week eating whatever food that was, how’d you last for 2 years? How did Tenshi last for 25 years?” Vinny laughed out as he unclasped his cloak and put it on the edge of the couch, before doing the same with his arm bracers.

“I don’t know either! But can you imagine how Tenshi looks without a beard?” She questioned with a laugh. “And what do I do with these?” Sen asked once more as she held up her old clothes.

“No idea! But probably better, than now” the cameraman answered as he walked over, “And I’ll go wash those” He added as he took her old clothes.

“Thanks” Nyssa sighed as she walked him go to a different room and came back empty handed.

“Wanna watch something?” Vinny questioned as he slumped back down on the couch next to her.

“Yes! I haven’t watched it in so long!” Nyssa answered almost immediately.

“Figured” the cameraman chuckled as he turned on the tv and went to a random channel.

Nyssa watched eagerly, she just seemed happy that she could do things she couldn’t while she was trapped.

Vinny sat there, watching in silence, his mind still consumed by overwhelming thoughts of what Rida was planning. His leg started bouncing again as he tapped his finger against the couch.

Rida was probably looking for them. He was probably always watching. They weren’t safe. Not here. Not anywhere. Though Rida probably didn’t know where they went. But he knew where Vinny would go.

The cameraman was stressed, tired and hungry. He was gonna go to the monastery tomorrow and hope the others were back. Then if they could, he would find a way to the kingdom. He had to talk to Deity. Vinny buried his face in his hands and groaned.

Someone had to know why Rida was trapping people, it couldn’t just be some sick source of entertainment. Deity probably knew the most, or maybe Enji? Speaking of Enji, did he know about this? Was he sort of this? Was-

Vinny let out a squeak as he felt a hand on his shoulder. “You okay?” Nyssa questioned softly, her face painted with worry as she stared at him.

“Y-yea, why do ask?” The cameraman answered with a soft smile, as he sat up straight and stilled his leg.

“Seriously?” Nyssa chuckled, “It’s obvious, what’s on your mind?” She questioned as she put a hand on his back.

“Do you know a guy named Enji?” The cameraman asked, he had to know if Enji played some in this.

“Enji? Never heard of him, why?” Nyssa answered.

“He works with Rida…I just don’t know if he’s involved with us being trapped” Vinny spoke with a soft sighed as he anxiously brushed a hand through his hair.

“Weird, never heard of him” Nyssa said, “We can ask Tenshi, he knows a lot”

“Alright…” the cameraman whispered as he leaned back against the couch.

“Hey, c’mon…relax a little, I know you’re worried” Nyssa whispered, “But loosen up, you need a break…and you deserve a break…” she added softly.

“You sound like Tenshi…” Vinny painfully chuckled as he rubbed his eyes, he had very obvious eye bags. “I’m gonna order food now…get it in time for when Tenshi finishes…any requests?”

“Uhhh…chicken! And sushi!” Nyssa answered with a large smile, the cameraman smiled softly and nodded before getting up and going to the landline. Every house had a landline at this point, with all the problems, it was safer this way.

“I need to get a new phone” Vinny whispered to himself, it was just then he realised he lost his phone ages ago.

“What’s up?” Nyssa questioned, hearing his mumbling.

“Nothing, just trying to remember something…also, what do you think about getting a phone?” The cameraman asked her, hearing tried his best to not sound like he was asking a teenager if they wanted a phone, but it didn’t work.

“Not now, we both have more issues than phones at this time and I think with whatever Rida might be planning, it might break before I get to properly use it” Nyssa laughed out as she fixed her hair.

Vinny just nodded before going back to the landline, he ordered the food, but didn’t sit on the couch and just went back to sit on the chair near the kitchen counter.

The cameraman grabbed a paper and pen from a rack of books. He began writing names, Deity, Willow and Shancai friends. Rida, enemy. Enji, enemy? Friend? None.

The bathroom door opened as Tenshi came out, same outfit as Nyssa, white shirt and shorts. A clean shaven face and long, curly, untangled hair.

“Oh wow! Someone’s looking fresh!” Nyssa laughed out, it was true. Tenshi suddenly didn’t look like he’s been trapped for 25 years.

“She’s right, you don’t look like a trapped homeless man” The cameraman laughed out, as Tenshi walked over and sat on the couch.

“Well I no longer feel like it either” Tenshi chuckled softly as he brushed a hand through his hair. “And you were right, that was the best thing ever” he added as he looked at Nyssa.

“I told you!” Nyssa said happily as she looked back at Vinny. “I will never be able to thank you enough”

“Like I said, it’s fine” the cameraman answered, “You both deserved freedom and that place was hell”

“Fine my ass” Tenshi joked as he playfully rolled his eyes, he was so much more livelier than when he was trapped.

“Vinny ordered food” Nyssa told Tenshi, who just nodded. “I can’t wait to eat! I never want to taste that food again, also because you were gonna starve yourself instead of eat it” she added as she looked at Vinny with as teasing smile.

“It was disgusting!” The cameraman whined.

“Yes it was…” Tenshi sighed out.

“You should go shower” Nyssa told Vinny.

“Later, after we eat” The cameraman answered with a weak smile, his body ached. He had no energy to move. Yet he couldn’t sleep even if he wanted to. Fearful thoughts of what Rida could be planning, plagued his mind and tormented him.

“You sure? I’m sure if the food comes we can get it” Tenshi joked softly.

“Yep” Vinny answered with a soft nod.

“Alright then! We’ll make sure you do it later” Nyssa said as she stretched back and stared back at the tv.

The cameraman smiled to himself softly as he watched Tenshi look at the tv as well, this was nice.

“Hey, Tenshi…Vinny said that there was this guy named Enji that worked with Rida” Nyssa spoke up, “You heard of him before?” She continued, as Tenshi looked at her.

“Enji…no, never heard of him” Tenshi answered as he thought, “As far as I knew Rida worked alone”

“I was thinking that too…never heard of Rida working with some” Nyssa said, “How’d you find about him?” She asked Vinny.

“He stabbed my hand and foot” The cameraman answered bluntly, “Also met Enji before Rida…Enji is like a pawn”

“Strange…” Tenshi whispered, “He and Rida, are they acquaintances?”

“Friends from what I’ve seen” Vinny answered.

“Well now we have more than one problem…” Nyssa sighed out, “but as we said before that’ll be a tomorrow problem” she chuckled.

“Agreed” Tenshi and Vinny spoke in unison as they both nodded. Then there was silence as the three sat there.

Time went by quickly as there was a ring from the door, all three of them perked up as Vinny got up and opened the door. Nyssa and Tenshi watched like happy puppies, eyes shining as they stared at the door.

The cameraman shut the door quickly and held two bags. “That smells good” Nyssa whined as she melted into the couch.

“Sure does” Vinny chuckled as she sat on the couch and put the food on the table in front of them.

The cameraman took the food out and smiled to himself when he could feel Tenshi and Nyssa patiently waiting happily. “C’mon you two, I’m not stopping you…eat” Vinny laughed as he leaned back into the couch.

Nyssa listened first and took a bite of a burger, “Fuckkk…I never wanna be trapped again” she sighed out in relief as she savoured the food.

“I don’t think you wanted to be trapped to begin with” Vinny teased, causing Nysaa to playfully nudge him. The cameraman just laughed out before it faded when he saw Tenshi sitting there, unmoving, just staring at the food. “C’mon eat…you deserve it” Vinny whispered as he handed a burger to Tenshi.

Tenshi just blinked before taking a bite of the burger, he melted into the couch. “I am killing Rida for trapping me…” Tenshi muttered as he stuffed his face with the burger.

Nyssa and Vinny laughed together as they both continued eating. The three made jokes and happily ate, “I swear I’m gonna start crying…” Nyssa laughed as she rubbed tears of happiness from her eyes.

“If you cry I’ll cry” the cameraman said with a soft smile, “And I was there for like three days”

“Three days…compared to 2 years…and then to 25…” Nyssa whispered as she leaned back, throwing her head against the couch. “Wow…how’d you handle…?” She asked Tenshi.

Tenshi sat there for a while, before lowering his head, his semi wet hair falling down and covering his face.

“Hard at first…killing was terrible” he began as Vinny and Nyssa listened intently. “Though…you realise emotions were useless there, sympathy and mercy weren’t getting you anywhere…”

“Well…i guess it worked in the long run…” the cameraman whispered.

“Yea…but hey! Sympathy is good! It got us all out of there!” Nyssa spoke u with a large smile, Tenshi smiled sombrely as he leaned into the hug he and Vinny were pulled into.

“Let’s finish eating…” the cameraman sighed softly, the two nodded as they all continued eating.

Awhile later they all finished eating and Vinny was back sitting near the kitchen countertop, he didn’t seem to like siting on the couch. The cameraman was once again absorbed in his overwhelming thoughts as he buried his face in his hands once again.

He had to tell Garmadon about this. When he made it back to everyone there was no way he could keep this a secret! What excuse could he come up with for disappearing for three days? He just went on a walk? Oh fuck no…he had to tell them…

Would Garmadon take it well…? Would he be upset at not being told sooner? Maybe Vinny could have Nyssa and Tenshi explain while Wu and Jay explain what they know so far? Maybe if they make if back to the Ivory Kingdom Shancai, Willow and Deity could help?

Fuck…this was so difficult. He wanted to tell them. He really did. But it seemed like his voice was just sucked out of him. The words were always stuck in his throat. Asking for help was hard…it shouldn’t be this hard, but it was.

“You should go shower now…” Tenshi whispered from the couch as he turned around to look back at Vinny, the cameraman blinked for a moment before his expression softened as he recognised Nysaas’ sleeping form on the couch.

“Later…” Vinny muttered out.

“No…now” Tenshi repeated, “You deserve it the most…and plus Nyssa said she was gonna get you to shower one way of another…” he chuckled quietly, causing Vinny to smile before giving in as he got up.

“Alright…don’t burn the place…” the cameraman quietly joked as he entered the bathroom, he could feel Tenshis’ worried eye staring him down. Was he anxiousness that obvious?

Vinny let out a sigh as he stared at the mirror, he looked terrible. Dirt covered his cheeks, more prominent eye bags and an expression that read he looked like he was in hell.

The cameraman rubbed a hand down his face, no wonder Nyssa was staring at him like that before…Tenshi probably was as well, he just hadn’t noticed. “Shit…” he muttered to himself as he rubbed a finger against a scab on his cheek, with dried blood around it.

He let out another sigh before pulling his shirt over his head and throwing it to the side. His muscles ached. His body dirty. Did Nyssa and Tenshi feel like this too? He would ask…he wanted them to be comfortable. Wanted them happy…

Vinny stripped the rest of his clothing before entering the shower and turning the knobs. Water fell down his aching body. Somewhat soothing him. He enjoyed being here. It wasn’t as nice as the monastery or kingdom, but it was familiar. And the familiar place was comforting.

The cameraman yawned as he rubbed his head with shampoo. Nyssa and Tenshis’ shower must’ve been heavenly. He washed his hair out and went to scrub him body. And gods it felt good. Just from the water alone he felt a hundred times cleaner.

“Fuck…” he groaned as he splashed his face with water, his eyes stung. Not from anything this particular, they just burned. They were blurry ears tears streamed down his face. He didn’t know why he was crying. Pathetic…couldn’t even last 3 days in there…

His eyes were drawn to his hand, a faint scar from when Enji stabbed him. Faint pain lingered. Pained memories. He put a hand out in front of him to steady himself as his legs trembled beneath him. He felt dizzy. Why? No idea. Exhaustion was catching up to him quickly.

Vinny clutched his head and slid down the shower wall till he was sat on the ground. Dried blood from his body dripped down alongside the water. Slowly cleaning him. He needed to finish here. Before Tenshi came and grew suspicious.

Slowly but surely he got up and finished washing himself. Once he exited the shower he stared at himself in the mirror. He hated mirrors. It reminded him of Enji. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath. He eventually dried himself and threw on some clothes. And staring at the mirror once more.

Staring at a mirror felt like Enji was mocking him. Silently laughing. His breathing quickened as he clenched his fists tighter, shutting his eyes tightly. All he could hear was Enjis’ mocking laughter. It was sickening, thought…there was Ridas’ voice there as well….

He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. It was suffocating. He hated being mocked. He covered his ears. Tears pricked in the corner of his eyes. The noise was killing him. His ears rung. He bit his lip before there was a sickening crash as his hand met with the mirror, causing it to shatter into pieces.

Vinny blinked, his tears coming to a halt as he stared at the shatter mirror. Then at his fist…glass shards had embedded themselves in there. Soft stinging pain. Though it felt numb.

The cameraman stayed quiet before his legs gave out and he dropped to the ground. He didn’t cry. Didn’t speak. Just sat there. Hands dropped by his side. He felt numb.

He was drawn out of his thoughts by a knock at the door. “Vinny…?” A soft voice called out, Tenshi.

Vinny wanted to answer, but he couldn’t. His voice got stuck in his throat. He couldn’t get up either. He couldn’t feel his body. There was another knock and Tenshi calling out again.

Tears slowly fell down his face, a blank expression. Just tears. Of pain? Of sadness? He didn’t know. He didn’t know. He didn’t know.

He could hear another voice from outside the door, probably Nyssa. He woke her up, how selfish of him. All because he couldn’t get up. All because he let his emotions gets the better of him. Pathetic. This was pathetic. He was pathetic.

There was banging on the door. They were trying to get in. It would be easier if he just got up and opened it. But he couldn’t. Or could he? Did he want to open? Was he lying to himself? Did he even want to see them? He didn’t know. He didn’t know anything anymore!

The door swung opened as a worried Nyssa and Tenshi stood there. Nyssa immediately crouched down next to Vinny and held his hand. “What happened?” She asked worriedly.

Vinny stayed quiet, he didn’t know what happened. “Stay with him, I’m sure there’s bandages somewhere in here” Tenshi said as he left the bathroom.

Nyssa pulled Vinny into a hug and comforted him. “It’s okay…you’re gonna be okay…” she whispered as he rubbed her finger against his bloody knuckles.

He should’ve felt pain…but he didn’t. It was numb. Everything was numb! He wanted to feel something. Anything! Pain! He wanted to feel pain!

Tenshi came back sooner than expected with a little bag. “Found some” he said as he sat on the ground and gently took Vinnys’ hand.

He didn’t flinch when he felt alcohol wiped on his cut knuckles. It didn’t hurt. Nyssa and Tenshi seemed to have noticed this as they exchanged looks.

Eventually Vinny ended up with bandages around his knuckles. Not a word came out of him as he was helped off the ground and out of the bathroom onto the couch.

“Drink…” Nyssa whispered as she handed him some water, he slowly took it and drank it. His lips were dry and chapped, yet the water soothed it.

“Sleep…” Tenshi said softly, his expression was pitiful. Vinny hated being this weak. He watched to curl up in a ball and die. But they were right, he was exhausted. And eventually leaned back into the couch, before his eyes drooped shut as exhaustion overtook him and his blacked out. No feeling at all…

What a strange day…

(Haven’t updated in a while and I apologise, so i decided to come back and give Vinny more trauma and this is a long chapter, also I love how this is chapter 100 dedicated👍)

[petitelepus]

A Loner's Unexpected Journey, Part 9

Kimetsu Academy!Genya Shinazugawa X Fem!Reader

Summary: You and Genya live together now so you gotta make some rules and lunch.

Warnings: None

A/N: Modern!AU, Kimetsu Academy, Female Reader, Genya Shinazugawa

PART 1 II PART 2 II PART 3 II PART 4 II PART 5 II PART 6 II PART 7 II PART 8 II PART 9 II PART 10 II PART 11 II PART 12 II PART 13 II PART 14 II PART 15 II PART 16 II PART 17 II PART 18 II PART 19 II PART 20

"Are you sure I can use all this space?" Genya asked as he watched you one by one throw some of your clothes out of your closet.

The two of you had just arrived back at your apartment that you now shared with Genya, your best friend and first boyfriend ever and the first thing you wanted to do was to make room for his clothes and stuff.

"Of course!" You nodded as you threw a pair of jeans over your shoulder, "I wanted to clean my closet either way so I'm killing two birds with one stone."

"What about all your clothes?" The young man asked as he watched the pile of clothes on your bed. You glanced at him over your shoulder, "Oh, those are all clothes I don't use anymore so I'm going to give them to charity."

"You're so kind and generous." He thought out loud, much to your embarrassment.

You blushed, "I… Anyway, here." You stepped aside and showed Genya an almost empty closet, "You can use this room as much as you want."

"Thank you," Your partner nodded as he picked up his suitcase and was getting ready to empty it, but you quickly added, "What would you like to eat?"

"Huh?"

"It's lunchtime and my fridge is empty. Wanna order some pizza?" You offered and Genya nodded, "I don't mind, thank you."

"What kind of pizza do you want?"

Genya asked for meat lover's pizza and you nodded as you went to pick up your phone and called the pizzeria. While you were ordering in the living room, Genya was emptying his suitcase's contents into the closet.

…But he couldn't help but glance at all the clothes you were going to give away and a thought briefly came to his mind. He looked at the door and listened, but he heard you baby talk so you were probably playing with Lady.

Genya moved quickly as he grabbed a shirt from your charity pile and he quickly pressed his face against the fabric. It smelled sweet and warm, just like you did and he loved it. He wondered if you would miss one shirt, but then he understood how creepy it could be so he put the shirt back on the pile and just in time as you walked into the room.

"Hey Genya-!" You called, and you startled the poor man nearly out of his skin. That was a close one!

"W- what is it?"

"Pizza is on its way." You said and he nodded, "Oh, okay, Thanks for letting me know."

"Anytime. Is everything otherwise okay? Do you need more room for your stuff?"

"N- no, this is plenty enough!"

"Good good." You nodded, "I'll let you know when pizza gets here."

Genya nodded and you left him alone again, but he had no courage or need to go sniff your clothes anymore. Instead, he emptied his suitcase diligently and he was about done when he heard the doorbell ring and you shout, "Pizza's here!"

The young man walked out of your bedroom and he managed to see a glimpse of the pizza delivery guy before you closed the door with your hips as your hands were full. Genya swallowed nervously. That was pretty hot.

"Ouch, these are hot!" You said as you quickly walked to the couch and set the pizza boxes down on the coffee table, "Let's dig in. Would you like some Cola, Genya?"

"Uh, yes please?" He nodded as he sat on the couch and you quickly got two huge glasses and filled them with cold Cola from your fridge.

"Here," You pushed his glass to him and he thanked you again. That being said and done, the two of you grabbed slices of your own pizzas and ate them happily with a little small talk.

Suddenly Lady meowed as she jumped on the table and sniffed your pizzas but you quickly pushed her off the table, "No, Lady, no pizza for you!"

"Yeah, you could get sick," Genya backed you up and the grey cat meowed as she turned and left since there was no food for her. You and Genya ate your pizzas and you were both stuffed after them.

"I ate too much…" You groaned weakly, your stomach feeling like a balloon. Genya nodded as he took a sip of what was left of his glass of Cola, "Thanks, they were delicious."

"You're welcome." You grinned, but then you turned a little more serious, "Now that we live together, we might need to make some rules to follow. What do you think?"

"That sounds reasonable," Genya said and you hummed thoughtfully as you tried to think of anything you would need to make as a rule. "Now what should we think about…"

"How about food?" Genya suggested.

"Oh, that's good!" You nodded with a smile, "How about if we go grocery shopping together when needed?"

"Sounds like a plan to me." He nodded also and you added, "We could also take turns when it comes to cooking dinner or lunch at weekends."

"I've learned some things from Haganezuka's classes." Genya said proudly, "So I should be able to cook something good for you!"

"Aww, thank you! That makes me really excited," You smiled, "I'm eager to cook for you too."

Hearing this made poor man blush, and that was when you came up with a new rule, "I got an idea about cleaning! How about this, when you cook I vacuum, clean, and clean after Lady, and then the other way around when I cook?"

"That sounds reasonable also."

"Alright, that should be it, right?"

"I think so?" Genya nodded and you hummed, "You know, now would be the best time to visit the grocery store?"

"Why?"

"We aren't hungry now so we won't do any hasty or hunger-based shopping." You said, "Also, the only thing in the fridge is my Cola and some eggs."

"In that case, should we head out right away?"

"Yes, we can go right now! Let's take the empty pizza boxes out while we are at it," You smiled as you grabbed the boxes and you and Genya got dressed and left the apartment while dropping your garbage into the dumpster.

The two of you walked to the closest grocery store there was and you both took your separate shopping baskets in case you wanted something for only yourselves. The two of you went through the store together, thinking and suggesting different meals for dinner and meals for Sunday. As you shopped you noticed that your partner had stopped to check out the convenience food section.

"What you got there, Genya?" You asked as you walked up to him and he glanced at you over his shoulder.

"While we are here, should we grab our usual lunch boxes for Monday?" He asked and you hummed a little when an idea popped into your mind.

"Hey, uh…" You frowned as you averted your gaze in an attempt to stop yourself from blushing. What you were about to say was so silly and made you feel weird, "Now that we live together… Would you like me to prepare a bento for you?"

"You…!" Genya blinked in shock before his whole face turned red, "Y- you would make me lunch?"

"Well, I could make myself some also and we can save money with it?" You tried to reason, but the truth was that you really just wanted to spoil Genya and make him something better than your usual meat-on-rice boxes.

"Then… I would love to receive a lunch made by you," He said and you blushed as you nodded, "Then I will make you the best lunch I possibly can!"

Secretly Genya was so happy. He would happily eat anything you would make him, but hearing you say that you wanted to prepare lunch for him made his heart skip a beat. You were honestly so kind, Gods, he loved you so much! Just like you loved him.

"I'm going to grab some lunch ingredients. I'm gonna make you my supreme surprise lunch." You said as you corrected your hold on your shopping basket and left to find something to put into your partner's box.

Once you were both done with your groceries, you split the bill, but you were definitely hiding most of your groceries as you wanted to surprise Genya with his lunch and he could tell that.

The young man could barely wait for Monday and once it came, he couldn't help but notice a delicious smell in the apartment as you had woken early to cook for him. While Genya made and turned his bed into a couch again, you packed his lunch in a box.

"Alright, your lunch is ready." You said as you put the surprisingly big box on the table before asking, "How would you like your breakfast?"

"Can I have some toast?" He asked and you nodded as you turned to put some bread into the toaster, and while you were doing that, Genya went to the bathroom to wash his face and teeth, and change into his uniform.

Once this was done, he came to the kitchen and sat by the table and you placed perfectly toasted bread before him, with butter and some ham, "Please ask if you want more?"

"Thank you," Genya nodded and he truly was thankful for you waking up early to make him something. There was just one thing, "You do know that you don't need to coddle me? I'm a grown man."

"I know." You nodded as you blushed softly, before admitting, "I just like doing it."

Hearing you confess that made the poor young man blush also and the two of you could barely look at each other during the whole breakfast. Finally, you were done and you started to leave so you could make it to the school in time.

"Here," You handed Genya his lunch box and he weighed the box in his hands. It felt pretty heavy, just what had you put in there?

"You did make yourself something too, right?" He asked and you nodded as you showed him your box, "Of course."

"Alright, that's good."

"Yes… I do have a request though?"

"What is it?"

"Can you wait for me in our usual spot before you open your box? I would like to see your reaction?"

What an interesting request, but Genya was more than happy to wait for you. "Of course! I'll wait for you there!"

You smiled and the two of you bid Lady farewell as you headed to the school. While you weren't in the same classes, you were still in each others' minds.

And when lunchtime came, Genya and you met at your usual spot. You were running a little late, but Genya waited for you as he promised.

"You waited," You sounded a little surprised and the young man nodded, "Of course? I did promise, right?"

"I…" You smiled a little as you sat next to him, "Thank you. You're really sweet."

This made poor Genya blush as he turned to look at the box before him, "M- may I open it now?"

"Yes, go ahead," You grinned, "I'm excited to see how you like it."

Genya nodded and carefully lifted the lid and he could barely believe what he saw. You had made him a bacon-wrapped chicken on rice, with fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumber on the side.

"T- this looks so amazing!" Genya stuttered and you smiled, "I thought you might like meaty lunch since you did order that meat lover's pizza. I also added cucumber since it's a good palate cleanser and cherry tomatoes since they are delicious."

"Can I really eat this?" He asked and you smiled as you nodded, "Please do!"

Genya took out his utensils and used them to take a bite out of the meat and his eyes widened as the food made contact with his tongue. The bacon was just perfect and the chicken was juicy, and they both went well with rice and veggies.

"It's absolutely delicious…!" He moaned with his mouth half full. Hearing him compliment and truly like your cooking made you so happy that you actually smiled so hard that the corners of your mouth hurt.

"I'm so happy you like it!" You said and you really were happy to see him enjoy your cooking like that. He nodded eagerly and as soon as he swallowed his mouthful he looked at you.

"Can you make me more someday?" He asked and you absolutely beamed, "Of course!"

"I must make you something also!" Genya said, and you smiled, "I would love it."

[bagerfluff]

Unplanned Dinner Date

Older Takaishi Takeru x Male Reader

Prompt - Going out to eat

“How the hell did you manage this”, you asked.

You didn’t get a response, mostly because Takeru was too busy not trying to set the kitchen on fire.

You watched, partly amused and partly angry.

You had only left for a few minutes, you told Takeru to watch dinner and make sure it didn’t burn, yet there dinner was, burning.

You followed Takeru as he turned and twisted around the kitchen. Takeru had tried to save dinner, yet he had just managed to make it worse.

You crossed your arms over your chest, glaring at Takeru as he threw your dinner in the trash and dumped the pan in the sink.

“How the hell did this happen?” You asked again, and Takeru looked at you.

He laughed nervously, “you were taking a bit longer than I thought so I decided that I would finish dinner”, Takeru said sheepishly.

You rolled your eyes, “I thought we already decided that you're not good at cooking Takeru”, you said.

Takeru glared back at you, “I’m good at cooking”, Takeru said and you rolled your eyes.

“Yes, and this is surely great evidence”, you said sarcastically, gesturing to the kitchen.

Takeru looked away and you shook your head. You leaned back to look at the clock, it was already four and since it was winter the sun had long set.

You leaned forward, you remembered that there wasn’t much in the fridge, there was barely anything to make this dinner.

The dinner that Takeru had messed up and thrown away.

You could hear your stomach rumbling, you were sure that the snacks in the cabinets wouldn’t be enough to feed you and Takeru, not to mention the digimon.

You sighed, “come on”, you said as you walked towards the door. Takeru blinked at you, you ignored him.

“I know a place that will be open this late”, you explained. Takeru nodded, probably as hungry as you, and followed you to the door.

You and Takeru were quiet as you two put on your jackets, hat, some gloves, and your phones.

You had just removed these a few hours ago, and now you were putting them back on.

“I can’t believe I have to get dressed and go out in this weather”, you said, hearing Takeru groan.

“I just told you to watch dinner, not make it”, you said, your hunger getting to you.

The dinner had smelled so go too, you were looking forward to it. Takeru rolled his eyes, “I was hungry, plus, you were taking too long”, Takeru said as he opened the door.

Both of you shivered, it was really cold today, colder than normal. The fact that the sun had already set didn’t help either.

There were too many people out for it being this cold, you knew that it wasn’t that late, but still.

It was too cold to be out here in a suit and tie. “I wasn’t that long”, you said.

You rubbed your gloved hands together as you and Takeru walked. You just praised the fact that the restaurant was open this late and that it was close.

“What were you even doing?” Takeru asked, trying to change the subject.

“I was making sure that I was finished with my work, I wouldn’t have liked doing anything when I could be eating dinner”, you said, angry seeping into your voice.

You crossed your arms over your chest again. It was no secret that Takeru couldn’t cook, he had tried many times before but the best Takeru could do was a microwave dinner.

The both of you had decided that you would cook and Takeru could watch, clearly that plan had changed and you didn’t know.

Takeru rolled his eyes, pulling his hat further down on his head. “I’m sorry”, Takeru said, voice quieter than before.

You looked over at Takeru, his head was tilted down towards the ground, his gaze avoiding you.

You uncrossed your arms, suddenly feeling bad about what you said, or, what you implied.

Guess it was a little petty to keep bringing it up.

Especially since the two of you were at the restaurant. Takeru was closer at the door, but you reached forward, pushing past Takeru to open the door for him.

Takeru raised his eyebrows at you but you just smiled. Takeru walked through the door, and you followed, raising your hand to get the attention of a waiter.

“Welcome”, they said with a bow, “how may I help you?” They asked. “Table for two please”, you said and they led you and Takeru to a corner booth.

Takeru sat down across from you, which made you frown. You sat down and waved the waiter away so you and Takeru could look at the menu.

Takeru had removed his jacket and gloves, placing the gloves on the table and the jacket over the back of the booth, so you did the same.

You already knew what you wanted to order, so you waited for Takeru to pick something.

While he did that you leaned forward and rested your head on your hand.

Takeru's eyes scanned the menu, his face smiling or frowning at what he read.

Takeru looked nice, though, he always looked nice to you.

You felt bad for yelling at Takeru, it wasn’t his fault that he had burned dinner, okay maybe it was, but he was hungry as well.

You opened your mouth to say something but a waiter came over. “What can I get you two?” The waiter asked and Takeru replied, “the house ramen please, mild”, Takeru said.

The waiter nodded and turned towards you, you sighed, “The same as him, but extra spice and a glass of water”, you said.

The waiter nodded before bowing and walking off. “Copying me?” Takeru asked and you shook your head.

“No, you are copying me, I knew what I wanted, plus, I thought you liked spicy food”, you said and Takeru nodded.

“I do, but you're the one who needs a glass of water for just extra spice”, Takeru mentions.

“You don’t know how spicy they make their ramen, I’ll be the one with the last laugh”, you said.

It was quiet after that, Takeru was looking out a window and you were looking at Takeru.

You still felt bad, so you voiced your regret. “I’m sorry”, you said, which made Takeru glance at you.

“I shouldn’t have gotten so mad early, I was just really hungry”, you said.

Takeru smiled slightly, “yeah, and I know I’m bad at cooking, you remind me everyday”, Takeru said and you looked away sheepishly.

“I was just trying to help”, Takeru said quietly. You frowned, “I know, I’m sorry, but there is a way you could help”, you said and Takeru perked up.

“You could pay”, you said and Takeru’s eyes focused on you. “You forgot your wallet didn’t you”, Takeru said simply.

You laughed and nodded, causing Takeru to roll his eyes.

“Okay, I’ll pay, but you never bring up my cooking skills again”, Takeru said and you nodded while smiling.

It was then that the server came back with your food and drink. You immediately started eating, you weren’t kidding when you said you were hungry.

Takeru thanked the server and rolled his eyes at your antics, but smiled nonetheless.

You finished your food first, and immediately drank all of your water. Your mouth was still on fire, but it was a good kind of burn.

So you leaned back and watched Takeru eat his food.

Takeru carefully lifted the noodles with his chopsticks, changing between grabbing either the noodles or one of the many toppings.

Takeru finished shortly after you, and coughed into his arm. “Good?” You asked and Takeru nodded, but he coughed into his arm again.

“Spicy?” You asked but Takeru just looked away from you. You laughed and waved a server over.

“Yes”, you said when they came over, “can I have some soup dumplings to go please?” You asked and the server nodded.

“Told you”, you said as Takeru coughed, he just glared at you. It wasn’t long till the dumplings came, you put your jacket and gloves back on as Takeru paid for dinner.

You waited by the door, bag of dumplings for Patamon and your partner in your hand.

Takeru walked past you and out the door, with you following suit. “You know”, you said, getting Takeru's attention.

“Even though dinner was spoiled, this was nice”, you said. You hadn’t realized how much you missed hanging out with Takeru, just the two of you alone and bickering like normal.

Takeru smiled, “yeah, we should do this again”, Takeru said while reaching for your hand.

You smiled as you linked your fingers with Takeru’s, “maybe under better pretenses”, you said.

Takeru rolled his eyes, “I thought we agreed to not bring that up”, Takeru said. Though, he made no move to remove his hand from yours.

So you just smiled, you’d have to do this again sometime.

[yourgamemasterthewhiterabbit]

Healing isn't a race but I do intend to speedrun this I am so sick of all of my joints hurting when I have shit to do.

I was going to wait to eat some gelatin, but I gave up on that sometime today and put 2 packets in a pot of canned peaches and made myself drink the resulting slime. [not the best thing I have ever made and eaten intentionally]

Already 50% better... I was not expecting that. It's 8 pm.

At the rate this was starting to heal I was expecting to be down another week or two? Everything felt so damaged and bruised. Even with eating meat and jelly I figured it would take 3 days to a week to feel better???

I was able to climb up and down my bunk bed ladder without my knees hurting at all and they were the worst, it's been like 6 hours??? Not 3 days, not a week, 6 fucking hours?

I haven't even taken the ibuprofen I should have taken by now.

I'm sure gelatin is considered one of those high purine foods but honestly I think from the moment I manage to pee out the excess vitamins[/resulting uric acid] from the multivitamins I'll probably be good either way.

I did not end up going to the grocery store today, but it's looking like I can do that soon, without being in pain the whole time and half dying after.

My joints feel good. Like still a bit sore here and there, but like, you know how when you get so used to something being in pain, suddenly the absence of pain feels like pleasure? Yeah my joints feel good and floaty.

They are also cracking a lot more I am trying to keep them moving so they don't heal weird or something.

The rash on my biceps also isn't really coming back so much as steadily reducing.

Anyway I got all my soda in the fridge and did some more laundry already because I can fucking move.

[casspurrjoybell-33]

Wreckless - Light Street Apartments

*Warning Adult Content*

By the time Emmett Locke punched in the gate code to the apartment complex on Light Street, which Finnegan Walker had kindly provided, he felt a bit like he'd driven onto movie set.

He'd lived in Baltimore his whole life, apart from a several years spent mostly overseas but he'd never been in this section of town and was pretty sure nothing this nice had existed in Baltimore even five years ago.

He found Finnegan's assigned spot, passed by a swanky fitness room that he would have loved to use and pushed the elevator button for the fourth floor.

He couldn't help but smooth down the front of his shirt and run his fingers through his hair before walking down the hallway towards apartment 4B.

"Oh hi. You made good time. One second," Finnegan said, by way of greeting, when he opened the door.

Before Emmett could answer, he held one finger up and was talking into the headset he was wearing.

Emmett stood awkwardly at the door, not sure if he was supposed to go in or not.

On one hand, he had been nice enough to fix Finnegan's car and drive the whole way over here but on the other hand, a man's home was his castle and he wasn't about to go barging in when the two of them had gotten off on the wrong foot.

With his luck, Finnegan would call the cops although he had no doubt that this building had its own security.

Instead of just looking busy, Emmett actually tried to accomplish something and pulled up the bus routes to find out which he'd need to catch.

He didn't like the look of the sky out of the floor to ceiling windows and was hoping to get onto the bus before it started pouring.

Or maybe, just maybe, he'd get lucky and Andy would return his call.

"Sorry," Finnegan cooed, motioning Emmett inside.

"Work. Thank you so much for bringing my car here."

Emmett held out the keys towards him and he took them gladly, wondering for just a second if he should go down and make sure the car was actually fixed before assuming this mess was over with.

"You probably have a ride waiting. I didn't mean keep you."

"Buses come and go, no worries."

And it was true, Emmett wasn't worried about rain, he was much more worried about the state of Finnegan's face.

"Did you put some ice on that?"

"No and no frozen peas either but it's fine."

As if God himself was striking down the lie that had fallen easily from Finnegan's lips, lightning flashed so brightly that the entire room lit up.

Getting wet didn't bother him but lightning, on the other hand, was a huge worry for Emmett.

He turned his head away from the windows and braced himself for the thunder that would soon follow.

"Are you okay?" Finnegan inquired.

"Wait, did you say a bus? You can't go out in this."

Emmett stuck his hands in his pockets and took a slow, deep breath before opening his eyes.

"I'm fine."

Finnegan wasn't sure why they were both lying but he only had a second to think about it because what came out of his mouth next was a much bigger conundrum.

"I'm going to cook dinner if you want to stay and wait out the storm. Or I could drive you back, I think."

The idea of driving hadn't appealed to him an hour ago and it certainly didn't sound like a good idea now that it was pouring rain.

"Let's eat. It's the least I can do after you fixed my car."

Emmett couldn't quite figure out what had sparked the change in attitude but maybe Finnegan was just a much nicer guy when he was wearing jeans that fit him like a second skin and a long-sleeved tee that had a huge M on it.

He felt like he should recognize the symbol but didn't.

Granted, accidents rarely brought out the best in people and maybe he had judged him too quickly.

He just didn't seem like the kind of person Emmett would ever, ever hang around with.

Finnegan was already rooting around in the fridge and he felt like he had to say something.

"So, this is a nice place."

"I rented it mostly for the kitchen. It's amazingly difficult to find a really nice kitchen in Baltimore."

"It's difficult to find a really nice anything in Baltimore," Emmett scoffed.

"You're not from around here, are you?"

He'd been fairly sure before but now there was no doubt.

"No, Michigan."

Ah, Emmett realized that the M on his shirt was definitely the Michigan Wolverines logo.

"Are you allergic to anything?" Finnegan asked, turning towards him.

"No."

"Vegetarian? Vegan? Kosher? Halal? Picky?" he asked, counting them off as he raised each finger of his left hand before turning back to his cutting board.

Emmett wondered if Finnegan was always this thorough but he couldn't help but be amused.

"I'll eat whatever you put in front of me, Finnegan."

He turned, paring knife in hand and a mocking grin spread across his face when he saw Emmett's reaction.

"I was just going to say that you've seen the inside of my car and now you know where I live, so I guess you can call me Finn."

And why was that, he wondered.

He'd spent the last four months pushing people away and now all of a sudden he had decided to open up his home to a stranger who had caused him so much distress?

Either he was lonelier than he realized or really needed to get laid, he thought, chuckling to himself.

Alas... Mr. buff here had at best a 50/50 chance of playing for his team. It was a shame, really, he decided and then surprised himself at thinking that way at all.

Emmett was definitely not his type and even if he was, Finnegan knew he was in no shape to be wooing anyone tonight.

He looked like a drunk hooker had rubbed her purse on his face, for fuck's sake.

When Finnegan pushed his sleeves up to his elbows, Emmett couldn't help but gasp.

"You've got ink."

Nothing could have surprised him more.

It wasn't a little bit either, both of his forearms were completely covered.

"Oh, yeah. Almost have both sleeves done. A bit of work left to do on my right shoulder."

"How does that...? How do you...?" Emmett mumbled, stumbling over his thoughts.

"You're such a prep."

"I guess that's a step up from punk but you know, Emmett, you shouldn't judge a book by its' cover. I mean, if I had judged you like that, I never would have let you into my house. I'm surprised someone who looks like you do... is so close-minded."

He had a point but Emmett wasn't quite finished.

"So what's with the monkey suit?"

"It's called a job, Emmett."

It was hard enough getting the respect he deserved even when he was dressed to the nines, there was no way he could get away with wearing business casual, not at his age.

"Sorry, no, you're right. I guess I just had this image in my head of you getting out of that roadster with the shirt and tie and handing me a fancy business card and you're right, I shouldn't have assumed."

He had no idea what Finnegan had sizzling on the top of the stove but it smelled divine.

"That smells really good. Do I still get to eat or should I go?"

Finnegan deglazed the pan with half a bottle of white wine and sighed, turning around.

"I'm sorry. I had a very long week and a rather rough day and that probably came out harsher than it should've. We don't know each other, no worries."

"But maybe we should," Emmett voiced before his brain could stop him.

Finnegan smiled, adjusted his estimate to 80/20 and reconsidered his earlier thoughts about Emmett, quickly deciding that types were boring.

"Maybe you're right."

[canirove]

Kevin De Bruyne Imagine

Author’s note: Another Wattpad request that no one will probably read here , though you never know 😅 They asked for something were the reader is stressed because of her finals and the hate online, she isn't taking care of herself, and Kevin helps her relax after all that stress gets to her. Hope you like it, and thank you for reading! 💜

Masterlist

“I'm leaving for training.”

“Uhm.”

“I already took care of today's laundry, so you don't have to worry about that.”

“Uhm.”

“I also left you something to eat in the fridge. You just need to put it in the oven for five minutes and it'll be ready.”

“Uhm” I say once again.

“And I'm running away to the south of Portugal to have a torrid romance with Rúben.”

“Uhm.”

“Did you just hear what I told you?” Kevin laughs.

“That you… umm… I think you mentioned Rúben?”

“And that I'm running away with him and becoming his lover.”

“What?” I say, lifting my eyes from my papers and looking at Kevin.

“I was joking” he smiles. “But you were so focused on whatever you were reading that… Why don't you take a break?”

“I can't. I still have all this to study.”

“You've been studying since before the sun was out, only getting up to go to the bathroom and because I make sure you at least drink something” he says. “Why don't you go lay down on the sofa for a bit and watch some tv?”

“I can't. I must finish this.”

“Ok, fine” he sighs. “But we are having dinner together when I’m back. It's a date.”

“Great. Now go. You are distracting me and probably making yourself be late for training.”

“I'm going, I'm going. But can you promise me something first?”

“What” I say, looking at him again.

“Promise me that if you take a break from studying, you won't check social media. Or at least that you won't check those hate accounts on Instagram and twitter, you know which ones. They are horrible and do you no good” Kevin says, caressing my cheek. “You or anyone, to be honest. I don't know why they don't ban them.”

“Because many people read them and interact with them” I shrug. “But I won't check them, I promise. Now go meet with your lover.”

“What?” he chuckles.

“Rúben.”

“Oh, yes, yes” he smiles. “I'll see you later, ok?”

“Ok.”

“I love you” he says, kissing my forehead.

“Love you too.”

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Forget about what I said before I left. I'm not running away with Rúben. He almost broke my nose today and… Oh my God!” Kevin says, running towards me. “What happened? Are you ok? Are you hurt?”

“I… I…” I mumble before I hug him and start crying, my body shaking with every sob.

“What happened?” he asks again.

“That they are right.”

“They? Who?”

“Them! The people who say I'm a failure and that I don't deserve you!”

“What… Please tell me you didn't check social media.”

“I didn't. I promised you I wouldn’t do it and I didn't.”

“Then why are you like this?”

“Because I am a failure! Because I'm not going to pass my exam and get my degree!”

“What?”

“I did a test earlier and it was as if I was reading something completely new. As if everything I have been studying for the mast month wasn’t in my brain anymore. I didn't know a single answer! And then as if that wasn't enough, I got up to go to the bathroom, got dizzy and found myself falling in the middle of the corridor. I'm a failure and a weakling.”

“Did you eat the food I left for you?” Kevin asks me.

“I… no” I say, not daring to meet his eyes.

“Then no wonder you got dizzy” he says, helping me get up. “You haven't eaten anything since last night's dinner, and that wasn't much either.”

“But I'm not hungry, Kevin.”

“Your body is. And your brain too, that's why you failed that test. You need to eat and rest so both of them are at their best.”

“A best that still won't be enough to pass my exam.”

“Nonsense” he says as he helps me sit down on the sofa. “I've helped you study, and you've answered correctly all the questions I’ve asked you. even the ones you told me were among the most difficult ones. And not just once or twice. You are more than ready for your exam, but if you don't take care of yourself, all that hard work will be wasted.”

“And I’ll be the failure they all say I am” I sigh.

“The only failure here are the people who write disgusting things online and hide behind an anonymous username. Where is your phone?”

“On my desk. Why?” I ask as Kevin gets up from the sofa.

“Because I'm going to uninstall twitter and Instagram from your phone.”

“What? No!” I say, trying to stand up but quickly regretting it when the room starts spinning. “What if my friends want to talk to me?” I say once everything has stopped moving.

“They can text you or call you. Or even better, come pay you a visit and take you out for a walk. When was the last time you left the house for something that wasn't going to class?”

“I…”

“That's what I thought” he says. “Ok, done.”

“Where are you going now?”

“You'll see it a bit. Do not move from that sofa, lay down for a bit.”

“Yes, mum” I say, rolling my eyes and making Kevin laugh.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“This isn't necessary, and I'm not in the mood for it.”

“Look at yourself in the mirror.”

“What?”

“Look at yourself” Kevin says. “That hair is asking to be washed, and look at your shoulders” he says, resting his hands on them. “They are extremely tight from all the hours you've spent sitting down and hunched over your papers. Your neck and back too. You need a nice warm bath to help them relax, one with some of those salts my mum gave you when she came to visit. And I could also light some candles to make it even more relaxing. How does that sound?”

“Does the bath include a massage?” I say, trying my best to hide my smile and failing.

“It does. And a hair wash too.”

“Oh, wow” I chuckle. “The full experience.”

“The full experience would be if I joined you” Kevin smirks. “But we'll leave that for another day. Now, which candle would you like? Something sweet? Spicy?” he says, moving his eyebrows up and down and making me laugh.

“One of the sweet ones will be fine. Though they are nothing next to you.”

“Uh?”

“You are the sweetest thing in this house and probably the whole city, Kevin” I smile. “Thank you for taking care of me and lifting me up when I need it the most.”

“Always” he smiles back. “What won't last forever will be the warm water in the tub, so c'mon.”

“Yes, mum” I say again, this time giving him a teasing smile. “But wait, since you are leaving… Can I ask you to do something else for me?”

“Of course” he says.

“Can you order me one of those super dirty burgers I love so much? The ones you are forbidden to eat? I'm sure that whatever you left on the fridge for me is one of your healthy recipes and...”

“I thought you loved them” he says, crossing his arms over his chest and acting as if he was outraged by my comment.

“I do. But I'm not in the mood for them right now, and since you are pampering me…” I say, giving him the biggest puppy eyes ever.

“Fine” he sighs. “I can't say no to that face.”

“I know” I grin. “And Kevin” I say when he makes it to the door.

“Thank you for taking care of me. I love you.”

“I love you too” he smiles.

[thejuliejournal]

June 15, 7:24 p.m.

Yesterday, I woke up at 5am because I fell asleep too early. Forgot what time because I didn't care to check but it's not like you care either. I woke up to my brother still awake and hyper, still on the iPad. And after realizing that I couldn't go back to sleep, I decided to brush my teeth and...my memory's really foggy. I think I fixed my Turkish exercise and posted it on instagram cause I thought it was kinda weird. I don't know what else I did. Oh. Right. I spent 2 hours listing down all the memories I had with my braces. Look, something you have to understand about me is that I consider 2023 to be the best year of my life and I want to preserve every memory and every second of it because I just don't want to lose it. You'll also notice that it's also the reason why a lot of my works that take place in the 2020's are only up to 2023.

Anyway, I sort of watch this girl named Coleydoesthings. I watched her most recent video (and I don't mean to brag, but I was early by 14 minutes) and while watching, I drew something that I ended up posting on instagram.

I think I ate after that. Then I went to sleep and I drew again, this time I was watching Savantics' video on Plan Bee, my new favorite movie. My mom came back from the orientation and the gym. I got two kit-kats. :-/ Not that I'm upset or anything, I'm just not in the mood to type a smiley emoticon. If you're wondering how my drawing came out, here it is.

Took me an hour I think. I guess four Savantics videos. And guess what I did after that? Well, I watched Conan at the American Girl Doll Place...and then I drew again. While watching Conan at a southern charm school and then I watched a Parks & Recs compilation of Leslie Knope cold opens, I ate my last Kinderjoy with a teaspoon because I put it in the fridge, and then I got this terrifying ad

Hey, what would you do if you woke up to these things dangling right about your head? Anyhoo, I finished the drawing when I was probably five minutes into the Leslie Knope compilation. Again, this is for my future self incase she gets nostalgic about things. My future self wants specific details about things. Anyway, when I was done with the drawing...I drew again. I have a very good reason for these drawings and it's cause it's for Stereotype. Minus the ones I posted on instagram. So I can't show it to you guys now.

I was scrolling through the chapter picking which parts to illustrate. I was on the second illustration and...sorry, I just HAVE to mention what I was watching while drawing. It was The Needlers. All that Amy Poehler reminded me of my most favorjte SNL sketches and I rewatched all of them. I was called for dinner, so I charged my iPad cause it's been draining a lot recently. It's been like that since December. The food was fish. My parents were talking to me. Whatever. They ordered Red Mango and when they asked me if I wanted to order 'Red Mango', I thought they were asking me if I wanted to order the fruit. Like as if a 'red mango' was actually a thing. Cause I forgot it existed. I have never been more stupid in my life, but to be fair, my brain was probably affected by the entrance exam I took.

So I said no. When I remembered that it was a frozen yoghurt store, I said yes. But then I said no again because I remembered those times when I would feel really sick after eating it. This is my usual order if you guys want to... try...

Oreo crumbs 3x

Caramel shell

That's it. Now, as I was saying...I went back upstairs to continue drawing. I began to struggle picking a photo for the backdrop so I decided to make Diane's room in a 'Room designer app'. This led me into insanity, because all of these apps would put 90% of their furniture and sometimes, features behind a paywall. And I started going crazy, I was so angry. I also got this ad for a 'brainrot quiz'. No comment, I'm gonna go and plank for 27 hours.

The rest of the night was boring. Nothing special. Okay, bye. 8:17 p.m.

[toi-tabiji]

i genuinely believe my disordered eating stems from my relationship with my mom

which, i glaze the shit out of my mom on here, but she and i have had such a tumultuous relationship over the past 20 years like you would not believe

i can't even get into it as in-depth as my therapist would probably like, but it molded me into the person that i am today, and if she had never improved upon herself and realized that the most important thing in her life is her children and their happiness, i don't know what kind of person i would be today

but unfortunately, the first 16 years of my life DID happen

and during those 16 years she was not the best version of herself

hell, if you asked me at 16, i would've told you she wasn't even a good version of herself

unfortunately, as i've come to realize later in life happens with so many people you meet, and my mother is no exemption, sometimes your personality just doesn't match someone else's.

and it's no ones fault

it just happens

but she was my mother and we didn't see eye to eye

we didn't have the same fundamental values, and we didn't agree on most topics, and she didn't have the empathy that she does today

today, she would take the shirt off her back at a busy intersection in the middle of the day to clothe me. she would shave her head and rip her clothes if it meant my wellbeing was ensured.

i don't know what it took for her to become the person she is, but looking back at everything i had to go through, i'm so glad she did. i would've never believed she was capable of it.

but unfortunately, i did have to go through the worst of it. i don't know, maybe my older sisters had it even worse, but i'm not going to sit here and compete in the suffering olympics with 2 other people who should be over their trauma by now. cope with that how you will.

since i can remember, eating was not a choice in my household

you either ate the meal that my grandmother or my mother made, or you sat there until you ate it cold, but you sat there till that plate was cleared.

and i could not stomach the vegetables that they would put on my plate, she would make sautéed beet salad, or squash soup (my least favorite), or col, which is the leafy part of the cabbage, i'm sure there's an english name for it.

and i would have to sit there and eat them

and they would make me a plate with meat, rice, and a vegetable, and i would postpone the entire meal because i knew i couldn't eat the vegetables on their own

so everything got left on the plate

and i wouldn't even fucking eat them

i would tire them out and wait for them to go the bathroom or something, and throw it away

or i would chew it up and spit it into a napkin, and then shove it deep in the trash

and i don't think i ever really ate my vegetables

but eventually, around 10 or 11, my mom bought a juicer

and she would make green juices, mostly consisting of carrots, celery, apples, or anything else she could find in the fridge

and i fucking hated them

they were so disgusting, they tasted awful, they made me want to puke

however, my mom was so sick of me not eating vegetables, and honestly i understand her concern. i probably would've been a sickly teenager if i was only eating meat carbs and dairy.

she couldn't take it anymore, and i know she was just concerned for my nutrition, so eventually, i would dance around drinking the stupid fucking juice for so long and make myself late for school that she would put as much juice as she could fit into my mouth and plug my nose.

i relate it like something funny that used to happen in my childhood.

you know how everyone's mom used to do weird stuff like that

but i think back to it and i think about how much it impacted me

how much i dreaded waking up in the morning, knowing what was coming

how she would wake me up an hour earlier because of how long i took

how she'd have it ready for me, every morning, on the table

the hours i'd sit there, watching people come and go

how she'd knock the cup against my lip, pinching the skin against my teeth

her hands around my jaw

how my body would reject it

how it singed my nostrils when it came back up

how i cried

how she'd make me drink it anyway, backwash and all

how she'd hit me

how no one stood up for me

how no one told her there was another way

no one told her it wasn't necessary

the lack of empathy in everyone's eyes

how they looked at me

like i had earned this

like it was my fault

a lot of people talk about how in puberty, your body makes you resent your parents to prevent mating, as an evolutionary tool

it's biological, you can't control it

but this was my catalyst

this bred years of hatred and resentment and anger and hostility

i was the family pariah for so many years

but i wasn't just a moody teenager who thinks everything and everyone is lame

i genuinely hated every single member of my family for allowing everything that happened to me

[confusedunit]

Sins of the Fathers, Grace of the Sons - Chapter 3

Crossposted from Ao3. Unable to backdate.

Scott hadn't let go of Helpy for longer than a few moments by the time they arrived back at Mike’s apartment. Part of him was afraid to, that if he let go, then none of this would be real. That Helpy wouldn’t be there, that Mike wouldn’t be helping him…any of it.

“Hey, Scott, why don’t you set down Helpy for a moment to let him look around while you help me decide what to make for breakfast?” Mike set his bags down on the counter, grimacing at the clock on the microwave. “Or, lunch I guess. Man, we were out for longer than I thought…”

He looked down at the bear in his arms, and Helpy tried to give him a comforting look as he waved his arms. “…Uh, right. Sure…” He set down the bear, who stretched out his little limbs before he wandered off into the living room.

“…You okay?” He glanced over at the other, halfway through opening the fridge.

“I’m…yeah.” He moved over to the counter, letting out a breath. “Sorry, this is just…a lot.”

“I’d imagine.” He continued putting groceries away. “Want to talk about it?”

“…I didn’t know dad finished Helpy. I’d known he was working on it, but…” He shook his head. “I thought he’d died before he finished him.”

“…I’m sorry you went through that.”

“It’s…it was a while ago.”

Mike glanced over at him, as he close the fridge. “…Scott? Was your dad a good person?”

Scott heard Helpy’s servos lock up in the other room. “He…he wasn’t a bad person. He was trying his best, he just…” He shook his head again. “After Charlie died, he…broke. Mom left us, and it was just me and him, and at some point he jusst got…so angry.”

“With you?” He narrowed his eyes.

“No. I thought it was at the time, but I didn’t know. What I know now, I mean.”

He thought for a moment. “…Your dad found out about the killings?”

“I think he did. The others…they said they told him, at least. But ghosts telling you they were killed isn’t exactly proof in a court of law. It’s…it’s why there’s nothing I can do either.”

“Hey, you’re doing plenty.” Mike decided on sandwiches, something easy to make. “You’re trying to find proof now, right? And you play with those kids.”

“Haven’t been able to help Michael, though…”

“Michael?”

“My…it’s complicated. We’re cousins, but Afton put through adoption paperwork after my dad died, so-” He was cut off by Helpy crashing against his leg, and he looked down.

Helpy looked distressed, reaching up his arms to be picked up. He did so immediately.

Mike blinked. “Wait, so, your murderer uncle adopted you after your dad passed? What the fuck, dude. I knew the guy had problems, but that’s like, kidnapping under duress I think. How old were you?”

“17. I…wanted to get a job to help dad out, because he was struggling. I thought it was from everything else, not…not what I learned. I never would have been able to help him out with that.”

“Christ…” He ran a hand through his hair. “Hey, if we eventually have to fight the guy, I’m gonna beat him up in your honor.”

“What?”

“Well, I mean, if the guy’s this much of a bastard, I’d offer to take care of him sooner, but if he’’s that dangerous I should probably hold back, right?”

“…Why would you fight him for me? You don’t even know me?”

Mike leaned against the counter. “I know your name is Scott. You’ve been part of Fazbear Entertainment since you were a kid. You did your best, and you still hold that against yourself. You care about these kids, and even if I’m not ready to believe ghosts are real yet, you want to help them. And you want to bring your uncle to justice, and protect your cousin. I’d say that’s enough to want to defend somebody.”

“…Thank you, Mike.”

“No worries. Anyway, why don’t you take Helpy and this sandwich and get comfy on the couch? I’m gonna get dinner ready to make when I get home, eat my sandwich, and get ready for work.” He smiled.

---

“Yarr, got any fives?” Foxy was sitting on the ground just outside the door to the office, his cards held in his one hand, as he gestured with his hook.

“Go fish.” Mike rolled his shoulders. He didn’t know what he had expected from his shift that night, but it hadn’t been playing cards with Foxy, that was for sure.

“Excuse me?” Chica spoke from the other door, leaning in slightly.

“What’s up?” He turned to look back at her.

“Bonnie’s guitar has a string out of tune, and our hands are too big to fix it. Could you help?”

“Go ahead, lad, we can play when you get back.”

“You just want to peek at my cards, don’t you?” Mike smirked as he set down his cards upside down, before he pushed himself to stand.

“Ye accusing me of cheating, lad? For shame!”

“He would.” Chica laughed. “Come on, Bonnie already went to parts and service.”

Mike followed right behind, looking around as he did so. “Freddy still on stage?”

“He’s resting, tonight. He’s very tired.”

“…Sounds like he’s tired a lot.”

“He is. But we don’t know how to get him more rest. I wish we did. He…does so much for us.”

“…I’ll see what Scott and I can do, okay?” He smiled a bit. “We’re gonna start working on things soon, once he’s comfortable and feels secure.”

“As if he’d let you wait that long! He’s always been an eager little fox.” Chica bopped her head from side to side.

“A fox?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, he was one of Foxy’s little crew.” She hummed thoughtfully. “Foxy was always his favorite. Him and…”

“…Michael, right?”

“How do you know about him?”

“Scott told me a bit this morning.” He stopped following for a moment, before he shook his head and kept moving. That was a question for another day. “Okay, show me what’s busted, let’s see what I can do here…”

---

Michael felt like he could breathe.

He hadn’t realized just how oppressive the feeling was in his home until he’d been in the elevator a few times. It felt like it had a slight level of peace, and that’s…a whole level of things he’s gonna have to unpack, but he really didn’t have the time or the brainpower to do that at the moment.

“Hello, Michael.” HANDUnit chimed in, as the elevator moved down. “How are you doing today?”

“Hey, I’m…fine.” He smiled a bit, nervously. “Uhm, what are the tasks for today?”

“Today, we’re going to be checking on Balora, and Funtime Foxy. Circus Baby has been having some strange readings from her diagnostics, so her room is currently on lockdown while we run more procedures. After that, we will need to run some diagnostics manually on Funtime Freddy. Would you be okay with that?”

“I…you’re asking me?” He blinked. “Why are you asking me?”

“Well, you’ve established boundaries with other animatronics before. I wanted to make sure that being near Funtime Freddy would not distress you.”

He paused, as he thought for a moment.

“I’m not asking because of anything your father has put into place, Michael.”

“I know. I…I should be okay with Freddy. He…he’s set up for my vocal commands, right?”

“Yes, all the Funtime animatronics should be responsive to your voice commands.”

“…Then I should be fine.” He nodded. “…Thanks for asking.”

“You’re welcome, Michael. Let’s have a great shift at work today.”

“…Sure thing.”