#she got me a disabled parking pass without any questions

[aliferous-ly]

going to the doctors is like "my aunt's ex boyfriend's new girlfriend said that she once knew someone with similar symptoms as me and they had [syndrome/problem], so she thought i possibly maybe perhaps have that too, of course I had to bring it up to you because I am a fool, an idiot who has no self awareness of their own body, is there a miniscule tiny itty bitty chance that I possibly maybe perhaps could have [syndrome/problem]?"

[a-la-la-llama]

The One Where Marinette Gets Attacked #4

Part 1       Part 2      Part 3     Part 5

  Cloud nine was where Marinette was currently residing after leaving the flower shop. The owner, Pamela, with the most vibrant red hair she had ever seen had wanted Marinette to work with her. Even though she now had a million problems on her hands with the school situation, she couldn’t fight the smile on her face. Maybe this wasn’t the most professional way to get a job but she went along with how Pamela was acting so it couldn’t be that bad. Tikki seemed to be on the same page as her because she could feel a hum of excitement on her thigh.

  “How about we eat out for lunch instead of going home? I haven’t actually been out in the city since we have gotten here?”, she said out loud. Even though surrounded by people, no one gave a second glance at her antics. Having only traveled the city by rooftops and eating take-out made Marinette foreign still, even having stayed there for more than a year. Turning a corner to a cafe she had passed, Marinette waited in a short line. Walking up to the counter, the worker feigned a fake smile.

  “Welcome to Caffeine Café, what could I get you today?”, the woman asked.

Marinette was given a strange look with the amount of caffeine she ordered but brushed it off. Settling into a corner booth with her tuna sandwich, she patiently waited for her name to be called by looking out the window.

  Usually when she would look out her apartment window Gotham always appeared grey and gloomy. Right now, Marinette felt the warmth of the sun partially covered by a cloud on her skin. It must be Tikki’s doing. Sneaking a glance at the Kwami while grabbing her phone, Marinette was able to see Tikki happily snacking on the cookie she had packed.

“It’s a nice day, how does a trip to the park sound?”, Marinette asked.

Tikki silently nodded in agreement before returning to her meal as did Marinette.

  Gotham had reminded Marinette much like they had depicted New York City in movies. It had a large park that included the famous Poison Ivy Botanical Gardens and that was open to the public like Central Park. Marinette decided going somewhere secluded was the best option due to Tikki wanting to be out. Even though she was tiny did not mean the god didn’t get cramped being in her purse.

“We could climb that hill, Tikki. It has a tree on top that we could sit under too!”, she suggested.

“Brilliant spot, my chosen. We’ll be able to have a great view and you could put the new sketchbook to use!”, Tikki cheered.

  Marinette really should have been on guard out in the open all alone but something about the peacefulness of nature put her off guard. Any other time and she would have seen the attacker from behind coming. Any other time Marinette would have been able to swiftly dodge and apprehend them. Any other time but not this time. This time something tackled her to the ground just eight feet away from the top of the hill. Now, just because she was blindsided didn’t mean Marinette couldn’t swiftly recover. Tucking into a roll, she was able to end the fall squatted low on her feet instead of face planting on the floor. She was facing where her attacker should have been standing fully ready for a fight.

There was no one there.

Well, no one until she felt something wet brush the left side of her face. Turning towards the source she was met with the sight of a black Great Dane towering over her. She realized it was the one she had seen when working with Catwoman. Eye-contact with the animal was not her best choice because Marinette soon found herself rolling down the hill. Marinette couldn’t tell if it wanted to play or just recognized her since it continued to lick her face when they stopped at the bottom of the hill.

“Hello there, buddy. It’s nice to see you too!”, she said, sitting up gently scratching its head.

“Marinette! Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? Should I get Kaalki? We can-“, Tikki worrily pestered Marinette.

“I’m fine, Tikki. Titus just got a little excited!”, she soothed the god while reading the dog's name tag.

“You need to be more alert, Marinette! It could have been someone really dangerous. Plagg will certainly come with you next time once he hears about this!”, Tikki scolded.

“Calm down, Tikki. No one is even here besides me and this good boy. Aren’t you a good boy!”, Marinette cooed.

“His owner doesn’t seem to be here. What do you plan to do?”, the Kwami questioned.

“The dog is from that house we visited with Catwoman, Tikki. I think that’s why it ran up to me. Or it could be your magic since we do have pigeons circling above us?”, Marinette said.

“Then it would be best if you return him home without coming in contact with his owners.”, suggested Tikki.

“Right! We’ll have to cut this outing short and go get Kaalki. How does that sound Titus?”, Marinette asked the dog.

It let out a bark in agreement. Well to everyone else it sounded like a bark. She would never get used to the whole animals and plants talking to her thing. Standing up Marinette, Titus, and Tikki made their way back to her apartment. Titus even followed her up the stairs. It wouldn’t be surprising the dog was able to maneuver up the small steps with the mansion it lived in. Titus would have to have experience!

  “Miri’s, we’re home!”, Marinette called the Kwami’s by their nickname. Since they lived in the miraculous’ she had decided a name played of the word would be fitting. Creating the nickname ‘Miri’s’. The kwami that had permission out flew up to greet her and her guest. She briefly saw Tikki pull Plagg to the side most likely to tell him about their day.

“Kaalki, you remember Titus right?”, Marinette grinned at the Kwami.

“Yes, it’s that mutt that lunged at me when I came to retrieve you!”, the small horse spat out.

“That is no way to speak about him and you know it. Baark would be disappointed to hear this!”, she scolded.

“Sorry, Mari.”, he quietly apologized.

“It’s okay! Now, I need to return him home ASAP and I need your help.”, she explained.

“Of course, guardian! I’ll be glad for an adventure.”, Kaalki exclaimed.

“Great! Kaalki, full Gallop!”, Marinette called.

  A turquoise portal was opened up in front of her that led to a well taken care of yard. Marinette saw how Titus was wary of it and comforted him with a bright smile.

“Don’t worry Titus, your home is just on the other side. I’ll keep my hand right here while we go through!”, she said resting a hand on the top of his head.

Coaxing the dog through was much easier than dealing with a civilian. She’s had her fair share of people refusing to flee to safety just because it was magic. Seriously people, your heroes or vigilantes can’t save everyone! It’s not like you can’t peek your head through first before crossing, she would never understand Gothamites. Titus seemed to be trusting of her and calming followed her in and stepped out onto the grass.

“See, nothing bad happened. It was nice to see you again Titus but I have to go now! Be safe and try not to run off again. I’m sure your owner would deeply miss you.”, Marinette whispered while giving his head a final scratch. Titus barked a goodbye as she stepped back into her apartment and closed the portal.

  Calling off the transformation, Marinette flopped onto her couch and nestled into the blanket there. She hadn’t been back home for a full minute before she was bombarded.

“What’s this about you getting attacked!”

  Damian would kill whichever one of his brothers left not only the front door but the gate open when they left. He hoped it had been Drake since he despised him the most. Titus had run off when he saw his opportunity for freedom out of the well-known manor grounds. Damian had spent the whole day running around Gotham trying to locate him. The dog even had the gall to disable the GPS location chip on his collar by running into a pool of water. He knew this because of the notification of water damage when he first started his chase. Now Damian was home and in a sour mood.

  “Chill out Demon Spawn! Titus is hella smart and will come back eventually. Just let him roam around and live a little.”, Jason stated.

“You do not know that, Todd. For all we know he could be in a terrible pound or worse.”, Damian retorted.

“Baby Bird, he has a collar with our number. I’m sure when someone finds him they’ll give us a call.”, Dick said trying to reassure the youngest Wayne.

“Wait, we were looking for Titus? Isn’t that him in the yard?”, Tim questioned from his seat by the window.

There the missing dog was in all his glory barking a poor squirrel up a tree.

Tag list

@legallyspawned @chocolate1721 @spartanxhunterx @dreamykitty25 @toodaloo-kangaroo @vixen-uchiha @loveswifi @amayakans @jeptwin @thewonderlandartist @buticaaba @books-and-left-behind-journals @gigibnl @aegyobutpsycho2 @crazylittlemunchkin @maribat-is-lifeblood @myazael @abrx2002 @pawsitivelymiraculous @silvergold-swirl @chaos-inperson 

[dearest-bucky]

Clear blue sky (One Shot)

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Anonymous said: So I was thinking about a bucky x reader one shot where they are in a relationship but one day a mission goes wrong and Bucky goes missing and is presumed dead so years pass and you moved on with your life only to find out Bucky’s alive, it’s totally okay if you don’t want to do it but if you do can you make it really angsty and fluffy with a happy ending please?

Words: 2.9K

Warnings: angst, fluff, happy ending 

A/n: This is a request that got in my inbox a couple of nights ago and I really loved the idea so got to writing it immediately. Thank you for the request nonnie! <3 I twisted the ending a little but I really hope you like it this way too!

Aaaaand this is the last fic I had to repost, soon I’ll be posting new ones that I’m working on at the moment. Thank you all for being so supportive and patient with me, I love you and I appreciate every single one of you!!  

Originally posted: September 2, 2020

"Take a deep breath! C'mon Y/n, deep breath, you got this." She could hear the words that were leaving the doctor's lips, but she couldn't make out what the woman was saying. All she was able to focus on was the excruciating pain that was coursing through her entire body. She screamed, felt her mouth open and despite the fact that she felt something coming out from the depths of her chest, she didn't make out a single sound of it. It was weird, as if her hearing was suddenly disabled.

Droplets of sweat were running freely down her face, down her neck, the entire back of the hospital gown drenched. A nurse patted her face with a clean cloth, wiping the sweat away carefully, but that didn't bring her any relief at all. A hand was clutching hers securely and only when they squeezed, she was finally able to turn her head slightly to her right to look at the person next to her. "C'mon, honey, it's almost over. You can do this, I know you can." The words were spoken with so much care and affection, that only made her stop trying altogether, giving in to loud sobs and tears that had been ready to spill out of her eyes.

"Bucky..." She murmured to the man standing next to her, her vision blurring totally from the tears. "Buc-" A sob that escaped her lips didn't let her finish the word, making it rest heavy on her tongue.

The doctor's voice called her again, making her snap the attention towards her instead. "Two last pushes, please Y/n. C'mon, deep breath and push as hard as you can." She nodded in understanding, then did just as the doctor said, clenching her teeth as she pushed with everything she had in her. Not even a moment later a loud cry was heard in the room. Definitely not hers. She let the tears run down her cheeks freely as she sagged on the hospital bed. The nurse wrapped the baby in a blanket and walked to Y/n, softly placing the tiny human in her weak arms.

As soon as she felt her baby next to her she smiled in relief, cooing at the small figure in her arms in adoration. "Hello, love." She spoke softly as she placed a small kiss on her baby's tiny forehead.

The man that had been standing next to her the entire time, clutching her hand through the whole thing, crunched down slightly next to the bed, smiling and shedding a few happy tears at the sight in front of him. "You did great Y/n, you're amazing." His voice was laced with affection just like before, but this time, as she turned to look at him, Y/n furrowed her brows in confusion.

"Ben?"

Weeks and months were passing slowly, but the baby in Y/n's arms was growing too fast for it to be true. Her apartment had been adjusted to the baby's needs, filled with toys and baby clothes and diapers and bottles. Everything so different from a year ago when she'd been living at the Avengers' compound with the love of her life, fighting bad guys and saving the world daily. Just after the birth of her son, she'd moved out of the compound, having already given up the fighting from the moment she had learned about the pregnancy.

She had just put little James down for his afternoon nap, after having fed him and changed him, the baby, bless his little heart, had fallen asleep peacefully. She stood in front of the framed photograph and picked it carefully in her hands, as if it was the most delicate object in the world. Her legs moved her towards the window, and she sat on the wide wooden sill, locking her gaze on the faces of the photograph.

"Smile for the camera, guys." Nat's voice was cheerful, a sound of joy she rarely displayed, especially in public. The Avengers having a picnic in Central Park was not something that happened every day, but the day was warm and the sky was blue and they had deserved one day off.

Without missing a beat, Bucky threw his arm over her shoulder to pull her closer to him, and as if it was the most natural thing in the world, she turned to look at him with a wide smile on her face. Nat clicked the shutter button of her camera and that was the final product. Bucky, looking at the camera with a wide grin and Y/n looking at Bucky the same way she always looked at him, with only love and adoration in her gaze.

Now it seemed like he was grinning at her, his eyes looking straight forward. She, just like always, was looking at him, the same love ever present in her heart, but her eyes told a different story this time. They were red and swollen and she hadn't even noticed she had started crying. She clutched the frame on her chest and she looked out of the window, the city alive and moving just like always. Her eyes drifted up to the sky, a clear blue color painting the view above, just like that day when the photo was taken.

Before she had the time to get lost in more thoughts of the past, three separate knocks were heard on her front door and she rushed to answer it before it woke her son from the nap. Nimble fingers turned the lock and opened the door, not at all surprised to see the person on the other side. "Ben, hi, come on in."

The man smiled at her, kissing her cheek softly before he entered her apartment. "Where's the champ?" He asked as he looked around the living room and not hearing the baby's voice.

"Nap time." Came Y/n's reply in a low voice to not bother the baby that was sleeping in the room next door.

Ben only smiled and nodded, his eyes drifting to the framed photograph she had left on the window sill when she moved to open the door for him. He picked it up and smiled at the picture that was presented in front of him, a picture he'd seen thousands of times before when he came to visit Y/n.

She moved to him and took the photo away from him, placing it on its usual spot in one of the open shelves of her small bookcase. "So, how are you feeling?"

"So, how are you feeling?"

She started to explain to the doctor all her symptoms, and the woman listened with a small smile on her face, having heard those words many times before in her career. Y/n was sitting on the chair on the other side of her desk, a metal hand holding into her right one securely, listening attentively to the words she spoke.

After she finished speaking, the doctor finally replied. "Miss Y/l/n, did you take a pregnancy test?" Her words made them stop breathing altogether.

Bucky and Y/n had been together for four years and they never bothered to use protection because apparently Hydra had taken care of the Winter Soldier while they had him, not wanting to have to deal with his offspring. But as the words left the doctor's mouth and reached their ears, they couldn't even blink anymore.

"I- uh.." She stammered and the doctor smiled at her. She was familiar with the Avengers, with their medical history and everything.

"I know what you're going to say, but maybe what they did to mr. Barnes to make him infertile wasn't permanent?" She suggested. "Anyway, we can do an ultrasound for you now to make sure." They had both looked at each other, not daring to get their hopes up in advance and then she turned to the doctor and nodded her head in affirmation, getting up from her chair to follow after the other woman.

The entire time, Bucky hadn't let go of her hand, clutching it tightly in his, bouncing his leg from the nerves he was trying so hard to conceal. Y/n rubbed her thumb on his knuckles in soothing motions and smiled at him. "It's okay, baby, whatever it is."

He blinked down at her and smiled, focusing in the irises of her eyes, finding there the answer to his every question. She was right. It was okay. They were okay.

The doctor finally put some gel on her abdomen and started moving the transducer around. After a short inspection, she spoke up. "Congratulations, it appears you are expecting miss Y/n. You're seven weeks pregnant." She exclaimed happily and then she showed with her finger to the ultrasound screen. "Here's your baby." A small dot, really, that's all it was, but Bucky and Y/n had forgotten how to breathe, staring at the black and white screen in shock, until Y/n finally broke off of her stupor and squeezed his hand tighter.

He finally came back to reality, a single tear escaping from his eye to run down his cheek as he looked at Y/n in pure adoration.

"Do you want me to print you the first picture of your baby?"

"Huh?" She'd been so lost in her thoughts for a while, as if her soul had left her body entirely and Ben looked at her with concern.

"Y/n, you okay?"

She finally nodded her head in reply. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay."

Ben had spent a couple of hours more there. After James had woken up he played with the baby, making him giggle in delight and Y/n could only smile at them. Ben loved little James so much, as if he were his own son. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't. Just like Y/n was nothing more to him than a friend. A friend he had had feelings for ever since they met.

Ben was a good man, almost too good to be true, always taking care of her, always putting her needs first, and now her son's too. He did his best to protect them both, to be there for them without asking for anything in return and Y/n was forever grateful to have him in her life, even if sometimes she was too wounded by the pain  in her chest to express that gratitude.

After Ben had left and she had put James down for another nap she sat down on her couch, feeling tired even though she hadn't done much the entire day. She turned on the TV, setting the channel on the news report of the evening.

"The Avengers have once again saved us all." The reporter spoke in the usual contained voice, continuing to talk about the latest successful mission of the team. Looking at them on the screen, she realized she had missed them, she hadn't seen any of them since the birth of her son. She wanted to, so much, but she couldn't bring herself to look them in the eye anymore. They reminded her of a past life, a life she didn't have anymore, a life she was robbed of.

The only contact she had with them were the occasional calls from Natasha and Wanda who insisted they visited her and her son, but Y/n always refused. Just like she refused to even talk on the phone to Steve, the man reminding her of Bucky too much she couldn't even breathe sometimes.

His figure was displayed on the TV screen in front of her eyes, throwing his shield at whatever threat he was fighting.

"Barton, come in!" Tony's voice echoed through the ear pierce that shared connection with the rest of the team.  

After entering the fifth month of the pregnancy and she had started showing entirely, Bucky and Y/n had both decided she'd give up going on missions until the baby was here, and now Y/n was sitting on a comfortable chair in the control room at the Avengers compound, supervising the mission from far away.

"It's an ambush, everyone head back to the jet." This time it was Bucky's voice that she heard over the comms and her heart stuttered inside her chest. "Run back. Abort mission!" His voice held a hint of panic to it, one she noticed quicker than she wished she had and she knew if Bucky was on the verge of losing his cool there was something very wrong.

"Bucky." She spoke, unease settling in her stomach. "Baby, get out of there." Her words were instructed in a somewhat calm breath, but she couldn't help the nerves getting the best of her. She heard his light chuckle over the comm, followed soon by his breathless voice.

"Working on it, doll." He was running.

Everyone was running, retreating to the safety of the jet, to come back home. Her heart was beating so loudly she could hear it in her throat and for a while all she could hear was only that and the sound of several footsteps running until a loud explosion broke the steady rhythm of the running feet. Something simply ripped in her heart, a gasp leaving her mouth. She clutched her hands one on her chest and the other on her round belly.

"Bucky?" She asked, afraid of the response she'd be getting.

"Buck? You hear me?"

"Baby?"

"Baby..."

She never got a response from him.

A big cake was placed on the center of the table, five small candles lit on it, a bunch of people standing around, singing Happy birthday happily to the little boy who was wearing a Captain America mask and had an arm wrapped in tinfoil.

He was looking at everyone happily, grinning widely at the people around. Y/n was on his side and Ben on the other, singing happy birthday with the rest of the team. When the song ended the boy scrunched his eyes closed to make a wish then he blew the candles on the cake. Everyone clapped and cheered around him.

People were running around the grass field, enjoying the sun and the cake and Y/n couldn't help but look up at the sky, the clear blue color of it filling her heart with so much calm she never thought possible. It was the same blue she loved, the same blue of his eyes. Tears threatened to spill, but she wiped her eyes discreetly, not wanting to cry today. Not on their son's birthday.

Nat found her after a while, wrapping her arms around Y/n in a tight hug, trying to express all the feelings she could never be able to speak up about to her. Words had never been her strong point. "We're okay." She finally spoke and Y/n broke off the hug to look in the redhead's eyes, a small smile forming on her lips.

"I still miss him Nat." Her words were accompanied with a small shrug and a quivering lip.

"I know."

"I miss him and sometimes I feel like I just betrayed him by getting together with Ben. I just-"

"Don't." Natasha interrupted her. "Don't do this to yourself. Bucky is gone and we can't do anything to bring him back. And Ben is a good guy and he loves you and James with his life. I'm sure Bucky's happy for you now. He wouldn't wish anything but the best for the both of you." Natasha's words made her cry more, small sobs escaping her lips and she fell in her embrace again, wetting her shoulder with the tears that seemed to never end.

No matter how much it hurt she had to finally accept the truth. Bucky was gone and not coming back.

Bucky.

Bucky.

Bucky.

"Bucky..." She mumbled, not understanding what was going on anymore.

His lips pressed lightly to her temple, resting there for a moment and his nose inhaling the sweet scent of the shampoo on her hair. He placed small pecks on every inch of her face. "I'm here, sleepyhead." She opened her eyes slowly, meeting his lovely blue ones in return. Her pupils dilated at the sight of him and he only smiled down at her, his lips stretching more into a grin. "Gotta wake up now. The team will be here soon for lunch."

She could only stare at him, unable to say a word. "Junior is downstairs eating his breakfast and I already fed all the animals too." He spoke softly next to her ear. Y/n moved to sit up on the bed, looking out of the window in wonder.

The sun was already shining bight up in the clear blue summer sky. She smiled. Then looked around the room, the bed, the purple blanket, the Cental Park photograph on the night stand, the closet, the dressing table. Everything hers. Everything theirs.

He looked at her as she took in her surrounding, then placed a chaste kiss on her parched lips before moving away from her. At the last moment, just before he left the bed, she stretched out her hand to grip at his wrist, to stop him from moving away from her.

Cool under her touch. Metal.

He turned to sit again on the bed and look at her, now a little concerned at her strange behavior. "Doll, are you okay?" He placed a kiss on her forehead, checking subtly at the same time if she had a fever, but she seemed okay.

She wrapped her arms around his torso and hid her face in his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of him. After a moment of sitting in silence, wrapped in each other's arms, she finally spoke, her voice coming out a little muffled by his shirt.

"Yeah Buck, just had a weird dream, that's all."

She felt him place a kiss on her head and smiled, tears quelling in her eyes. "I love you."

[closedafterdark]

Bonds

WJSN Son Jooyeon x Male Reader

10580 words

categories: smut, oral, detective! eunseo

Read on AFF

Three days have passed since your closest friend and original partner Detective Lee Luda went on the run and was declared a fugitive. Emotions ran high in the precinct once everyone was briefed on what occurred that night. Jiyeon was currently in the hospital recovering after receiving a non life threatening bullet to the leg by Luda. You spent the past three days staying by her side, feeding her a poor excuse of hospital food and updating her on what occurred during her absence.

You returned to the precinct this morning with a heavy heart. You were in total communication blackout during those 72 hours. Unsure of what people were going to say or how they would react. The moment you exited the elevator and entered the bullpen, everyone’s eyes were on you.

“Oppa…”

Son Jooyeon was the first to greet you, pulling you in for one of her death squeeze hugs. After you had to softly pull her away from you, the others offered kind words: happy that you’ve returned to work while also giving you hugs. Lieutenant Hyunjung burst into tears when it was her turn to greet you. Like everyone said, the squad is a family. And right now, that family’s trust is being put to the test now that one of their own went rogue.

Captain Sojung exits her office and is staring at you with a stone faced expression. Most of the time you never were able to tell how she was feeling since her face was always emotionless, like a robot. This time however, you knew.

“My office. Now”

The temperature in the room dropped drastically after what she said. Detectives Jinsook and Dayoung rubbed their arms and huddled together. All eyes returned onto you once again. You smiled at them, tapping Jooyeon’s shoulder softly before entering the captain’s office.

“Have a seat”

You were extremely nervous. On any other day, you would’ve been fine with entering the office. But this time, you knew there were consequences for your actions.

“Where do I begin? You blatantly ignore a direct order from me causing me to send uniformed officers to where you were at. The best part? You let the fugitive get away!” Captain Sojung finishes her statement while laughing. Part of you wishes you were still in the hospital with Jiyeon.

“Why the hell did you let her get away!”

Captain Sojung slams her palm onto the table, causing you to jump slightly. Even though the door was closed, everyone outside could hear what was going on. You’ve never seen the Captain so furious.

“I told you to stay at the precinct as backup. So what do you do? You go to where Luda was!”

After taking a deep breath, you respond.

“Captain, I take full responsibility. But it wasn’t just me who went. The whole squad did, even the Lieutenant. The squad is my family. I’ll do anything for them. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t do the same”

Captain Sojung listens to you attentively, her facial expression betraying her emotions.

“You’re right” she sighed. “We are a family. I would take a bullet for any of you. But at the same time, you disobeyed me. Even though it was the right decision, our superiors are not happy”

“Weren’t you the one who always told me to trust my own instincts?” You said.

“How are you and Jiyeon?”

You froze up. You didn’t expect the captain to ask you that question.

“How long have you known?”

“Long enough. It was only a matter of time before you two got together. I’m happy for you both”

“Thanks” you replied.

“So how is she?”

“Good. The gunshot wasn’t too deep, doctor wanted to keep her at the hospital for three more days just to be safe”

“Oppa”

“Hmm?” You were surprised to hear you call her anything other than detective while in the workplace.

“Jiyeon’s a strong girl. Whatever it is, you guys will get through it”

She smiles at you. You return in kind.

“Now unfortunately, I can’t look past your actions. The Deputy Chief is ordering me to give you a punishment. You’re suspended one week. I’ll need your badge and gun”

You hand her both without a fight. Neither you nor Sojung wanted to be in this position. But it had to be done.

“I’m sorry, oppa” she says to you as you bow and exit the room.

While you’re exiting the room, Luda’s last words rang through your mind.

“I’ll see you guys in a week” you say to everyone as they see you closing the door of the captain’s office. You bow to everyone before heading to the elevator.

Jooyeon wanted to say something to you, but figured you had a lot on your mind. She sighs as the elevator doors close, removing you from view as it begins to lower.

“Detective, come see this”

Jooyeon turns around to see Detective Jinsook waving her hand to get her to come to her desk. Once she arrives, Jinsook plays a video.

“This is the footage we received from Gangnam Precinct. Around the same time we were dealing with Luda unnie”

The video plays, showing an explosive being detonated in a cell. The explosion automatically triggered the prison’s automatic opening feature. Four women are seen escaping the cell adjacent, with two of them attacking the approaching security guards. Their movements were swift, easily overpowering the men. The other two: a brunette and a woman with red hair, go around and disable all nearby security footage. Before they could do so however, the two who took down the guards briefly have their faces shown on camera.

“Pause it” Jooyeon said.

Jinsook obeys, pausing the video. The two women’s faces were clearly seen, there was a lack of empathy in their eyes.

“Who are they?”

“Facial recognition gave us two matches. The smaller woman is Kim Jisoo. 25 years old. The taller person next to her with platinum blonde hair is Park Chaeyoung. A foreign born Korean. 23 years old. She goes by the nickname “Rosé” Jinsook replies as she hands Jooyeon the case file.

“What about the other two?”

“CCTV wasn’t able to identify them. One of the officers in Gangnam has a contact inside. From what they were told, the four of them basically ran the prison. They referred to themselves as “BlackPink”. Jisoo and Chaeyoung were the pink side: seemingly innocent yet able to kill without ever changing a shade. We can assume the other two were on the black side of things: ruthless, zero disregard for whoever gets in their way. The four of them would seduce various guards in order to get items from the outside or special food in the prison”

“Any sign of them since the escape?”

“Nothing at all” Jinsook said, shaking her head. “They’ve basically gone off the grid”

“Keep going through the footage. There has to be something we can use to find their whereabouts” Jooyeon said.

As Jooyeon’s heels made noise with every step she took, a chair whirls by the moment she finally sits down on her chair.

“Can I help you, Detective Dayoung?”

“Unnie, I’m hurt. Why are you speaking so formally?” Dayoung asks her, pouting.

“What’s up?” Jooyeon says with a laugh as even she couldn’t resist Dayoung’s cute charm and pinched her cheek softly.

“There’s no trace of Luda unnie yet” Dayoung said as she rubs her cheek. “Not to mention we don’t know how and why she cryogenically froze the entire marketing department of IZ*ONE Company. Most of them were discharged except for the 3 who came into the precinct that morning. Jiyeon unnie’s bullets may have had a negative effect during the defrosting”

“Any news on the patients?” Jooyeon asked as she fixed her glasses, a serious expression on her face.

“None. It’s out of our hands now, Interpol is handling it”

“What do I do now?” You asked yourself the moment you exit the precinct. You feel the light wind blow past you and stare up at the sky, for probably longer than you should’ve since your corneas began to burn from the sun. After closing your eyes, you see red circles. You look at your phone and decide it would be best to visit Jiyeon at the hospital.

You stopped by a flower shop on the way to the hospital. It was a small, intimate boutique. As you knew absolutely nothing about flowers other than they die from neglect, you definitely didn’t know what you were doing.

“Do you need help, sir?”

A beautiful woman approaches you. Her voice was cute with just the slightest hint of an accent. Her jet black hair flowed gracefully, not a single one out of place. The smokey eye makeup and pink tint colored lipstick accentuated her exotic features. She wore a simple beige sweater with a jacket serving as outerwear. Even the apron she was wearing looked beautiful on her, as crazy as it sounds. Her eyes were hypnotic, you couldn’t help but keep staring as you felt them gaze into your soul.

“Sir, do you need any help?”

“Hmm? O-oh, right. Yes, I’m going to visit someone special and was wondering what flower would be good to bring” you replied as you beat yourself up mentally at getting caught staring.

“Does she have a favorite color?” the florist asked you.

“She likes pink, red, black and white”

“So she likes black and pink…” the florist said to herself silently.

“I’m sorry?”

“Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself. It helps pass the time” she said to you. “Why don’t you try these. White roses”

“They look lovely” you said, taking a single one from her and smelling it. “What do they represent?”

“They represent a lot of things, actually” she replies with a delicate laugh. “White roses are known to often represent purity, innocence and youthfulness. They sometimes are referred to as bridal roses because of their association with young love and eternal loyalty”

“Wow” you said when she finished talking. You didn’t notice how close you and her now were, your hand on top of hers. You both realize how close the proximity is and separate, turning away from each other. You place the back of your hand on your face, feeling your internal temperature increase. Both of you take a few seconds to regain composure before facing each other.

“That sounds perfect. I’ll take a dozen” you say, your voice slightly cracking.

“Yes, sir” the florist says, smiling brightly at you as her eyes form half moons.

She took her time when wrapping the bouquet, each rose placed tenderly on the wrapping paper before being wrapped once more by a colorless plastic. She ties a black ribbon on the bouquet before handing it to you.

“And here you are sir” she said, extending both arms to give you the roses. You found it insane how smitten you became from a person you barely just met. “Your wife will be very lucky to receive these”

“They’re actually for my girlfriend” you chuckled, taking the bouquet from her. “She’s not my wife, yet”

“I see. Well, she’s very lucky to have such a kind and thoughtful boyfriend then” the florist said to you.

You were about to exit the boutique before she said something.

“Sir, wait!”

You turned around and looked at her.

“There’s one more thing the roses represent”

“What is it?”

“White roses can also symbolize a new beginning and everlasting love. Thank you for coming, and goodluck”

Upon exiting the flower shop, you reach into your pocket and pull out a black box made out of a soft cloth like material. You open it and look at the contents inside with a smile.

“Here we go”

You enter through the hospital with heavy steps. As you navigate through the large seemingly never ending hallways, you’re greeted by the many nurses you have gotten to know over the past few days. You finally reach your destination. Slapping yourself on the face a few times, you try to get your blood boiling and pump yourself up. Pressing the button to open the door, you enter the room.

Jiyeon’s bed was raised so that she was sitting upwards. You saw her laughing, pointing her spoon at the television while holding a jello cup in her hand. She sees you approaching and gulps down the jello in her mouth, frantically finding the remote control to mute the television.

“Hi baby” she said to you as you leaned down and gave her a kiss.

“Got you a little something. Your favorite bibimbap extra spicy… and these” you said, handing her the bouquet.

“Oh babe, you shouldn’t have” she said, instantly smelling the roses. “I’m happy you did though. And they’re in one of my favorite colors”

“Yeah, I gotta thank the florist for helping me out with these. She really picked out the right ones”

“How’s everyone at the precinct?” she asked you as she put the flowers down on her table.

“Everyone’s worried about you and glad I returned. Tensions are still high because of Luda but for the most part, still in good spirits” you said, removing your jacket and pulling a chair towards her bedside.

“Captain told me what happened this morning” Jiyeon said as she took your hand into hers.

“Ah, I wanted to tell you first. It’s okay though, the squad will be fine without me. I was the one who insisted in helping out Luda”

“Any word on her whereabouts?”

“None. Hey babe, did you happen to hear what she said before she escaped?”

“Who, Luda? I probably already passed out, why?”

“Well, besides saying she had to find Xuanyi, she also said to not trust anyone in the squad” you said.

“Do you believe her?”

“I-I don’t know. The squad is our family. But for Luda to do something like this, she must have her reasons. There’s no way she could’ve done this without any help”

“So you think there’s a mole in the squad?” Jiyeon asked you as she put on her glasses. From her tone, you knew you had to choose your words carefully.

“I’m just saying we have to assess all our options. How in the world was she able to steal guns and other evidence from lockup? She can’t be doing this just because she thinks you were the reason Xuanyi and the others were transferred”

“Baby, are you sure? Think about what you’re saying. We can’t just go up to everyone and ask if they’re a mole. There has to be another reason” Jiyeon replied as she began rubbing her chin.

“It was just a suggestion. Although you do seem a bit worked up. Baby, is there something you aren’t telling me?” you asked.

Jiyeon looked up at you, her eyes widening at what she just heard. “Excuse me?”

“I mean, when we all split up you wanted us to cover a different area by ourselves while the others had a partner. Not to mention I found you and Luda alone in the cryogenic vault”

“Are you insinuating that I might secretly be working for Luda and know something about the kidnapping?”

“No, I-”

“Even before you and I became boyfriend and girlfriend, we are partners. I can’t believe you would accuse me of being a criminal” Jiyeon’s voice gradually became louder. Tears started to well in her eyes as she looked at you.

“That’s not what I’m saying-”

“I think you should leave”

“What?”

“This is all too much for me to handle. I’m tired” she said to you as she lowered the bed and turned on her side to face the window. “Maybe this isn’t working”

“What? What are you saying?” you asked her.

“I think… we should spend some time apart”

“Is this what you want?”

“It is”

You were heartbroken. You didn’t expect the visit to the hospital to end this way. Jiyeon’s words echoed through your mind. Did you really believe she could aid Luda? Were you accusing your own girlfriend of a crime without evidence? Luda’s words about not trusting anyone in the squad even had you questioning your significant other.

“Okay” was all you said. “My phone’s always on whenever you want to talk”

Jiyeon didn’t reply, adjusting herself on the bed as you headed for the door.

“I love you, Jiyeon”

“Five, four, three, two, and…”

Upbeat disco music can be heard playing through the speakers. An ocean of leggings and sports bras as far as the eye can see filled up the room as a hybrid Pilates and zumba class was being held.

“Step. And step. And knees around the world”

Detective Son Jooyeon was beginning to breathe heavily while keeping up with the class. She was far from out of shape, but certainly wasn’t used to this higher intensity workout. She preferred her usual Pilates class, but when a friend of hers named Park Sooyoung told her about this place and hyped it up to no end, she had to check what the fuss was about.

“Great form unnie, I’m so jealous of your abs” Jooyeon turns to her side and sees Detective Jinsook next to her.

“Jinsook, what are you doing here?”

“We needed to talk somewhere outside the precinct” said a voice coming from Jooyeon’s right side. She looks and sees Lieutenant Hyunjung following the teacher’s instruction.

“Lieutenant, you’re here too? Amazing” Jooyeon said as they all began doing lunges.

“Unnie, we discovered something while going through some old precinct files. We have reason to believe Luda may have had some help” Jinsook said in a slightly out of breath tone.

“Are you saying it was an inside job?”

“Don’t stop doing your lunges!”

“Sorry, ma’am” Jinsook replied, raising her hand to apologize.

“It makes no sense why Luda would respond to the emergency call if her only plan was to find Xuanyi and the others”

“And squat… and hold… and work those quads”

“Think about it, detective. If Luda had help on the inside, the distress call would give them enough time to be able to hack into the database and leak out whatever evidence other precincts had on various inmates. If any criminals were wrongfully locked up simply based on the fact that they were criminals, all the dirt would be exposed that not all cops are good” Lieutenant Hyunjung said.

“Turn it! Get down”

All three turn to their left side and squat once more.

“Why is this workout so difficult? Do I even have quads?” Jinsook whined.

“And turn around once more”

“Normally, we’d report this to internal affairs. But since this case is seeming to be bigger than just a mole within our precinct, we need concrete evidence in order to prove Luda has help on the inside” Jooyeon said.

Unbeknownst to the three of them, another woman with powerful thighs was listening in to the conversation. She had a phone in her pocket that was recording everything.

“And hula hand”

“If we’re gonna do this, we’ll need all the help we can get” Jooyeon said to the others.

“I’ll make some calls” Jinsook replied.

“Same here” the Lieutenant said. “I think it’s time we visited a few other precincts”

“Do you have any in mind?” Jooyeon asked.

“I do. A girl I trained with in the academy is a Lieutenant at the Dreamcatcher precinct”

“I do too! My partner during my rookie days in the academy became a detective a few years ago. She’s Chinese born so she definitely knows a lot of overseas contacts” Jinsook said cheerfully.

The one hour class finally ended. Jooyeon was exhausted, now she knew why it was regarded as one of the best high intensity workouts  in the area. She grabs her bag and an insulated stainless steel water bottle from the shelf near the exit and sits on one of the yoga mats on the floor. She grabs her phone from one of the side pockets and checks it. A bunch of SNS notifications and texts from the precinct group chat. Jooyeon noticed that you and Jiyeon haven’t replied to any of the messages since the night of the incident.

Remembering Jinsook’s compliment about how her abs looked, she sat in front of a mirror. Wanting to show the beside of herself, she fixed her bangs and wiped off the sweat from her arms and face before turning her head to the side slightly and taking a mirror selfie, puckering her lips slightly to resemble a duck.

Grinning widely at how it turned out, she took the photo and began to compose a message. It took several minutes before she was satisfied with what she wrote. There was constantly typing only for it to be deleted seconds later. After what seemed like a lifetime, Jooyeon settled on a message she was satisfied with.

“Oppa! Hope everything’s alright. I just finished pilates with the Lieutenant and Jinsook. Don’t I look cute? I miss you ♡”

Jooyeon screamed in horror after she hit send. She deleted the text chain, flipping her phone over in embarrassment. Not even 30 seconds later, a new message was received. She picked up her phone and raised it.

“Hey, everything’s alright. Glad you guys got to spend time out of work. Hey speaking of which, do you happen to be free today?” your message read.

“Of course! I got the next few days off (: “

“Great. I’ll pick you up at 5?”

“So early haha. But sure, I can’t wait”

“See you then. Also… I miss you too Jooyeon”

She could barely contain her excitement upon reading the last message. Holding her phone to her chest, Jooyeon was giddy as she gathered her belongings and exited the room to quickly get home and freshen up.

“See you then. Also… I miss you too Jooyeon” [Read 2:40 PM]

You looked at your phone and smiled. You and Jooyeon hadn’t just hung out with it being just the two of you in quite some time. You sighed deeply and fell back onto your bed. Staring at the ceiling, you thought about what Jiyeon said. You lost her trust in you. But at the same time, she didn’t really give you a chance to express your side more. You weren’t sure how to feel about things. Hopefully hanging out with Jooyeon will lift your spirits.

Monsoon season was beginning to end in Seoul. Humidity continued to be the death of you, though. You kept your outfit simple: a white tee and a pair of black joggers. You found a pair of shoes hidden under your bed that you don’t remember buying. They fit, albeit a bit snug. You figured they would feel better after breaking them in. Looking at your watch, you hold a bouquet of roses and smile. You feel a tap on your shoulder and turn around.

“Oppa”

Son Jooyeon greets you a wide smile on her face. You stood there like an idiot, stunned briefly at how beautiful her smile was. Jooyeon’s face was small and perfect. Compared to some of the other members of the squad, she was on the taller side. Her body was perfectly slim and contained model-like proportions. You were surprised companies weren’t trying to scout her. Jooyeon was always enthusiastic about whatever task she did, the public speaking courses she took definitely helped her refine her speech and be confident whenever she needed to speak to uncooperative witnesses and suspects.

Beautiful. Intellectual. Charming. If someone were to ask you to describe Jooyeon, these are the three words you would use. Her beauty knew no bounds.

Son Jooyeon chose to wear a simple outfit as well. Her light blue jeans hugged her wide hips and clung onto her lower body almost as if it was made just for her. The white tank top she had on showed off as much of her milky skin as possible without it being too provocative. The top ended perfectly above her stomach, showing off the faintest indentation of abs and giving you a full view of her midriff. She complimented her look with white feather earrings, white high heels and rose pink lipstick.

“Wow” was all you said to her.

“You’re pretty wow yourself” she giggled. “Are those for me?”

Jooyeon pointed to the flowers you were holding. “Oh yeah, here. I got them from a flower shop nearby”

“Thank you, oppa. They look beautiful” she smiled as she shook her head back and forth slightly, inhaling the scent of the roses.

“You look beautiful, Jooyeon” you blurted out.

You put a hand on the back of your neck and rubbed it slightly. Jooyeon saw you and laughed.

“That’s the first time you’ve ever told me that. Thank you”

“So what do you wanna do?” you asked her.

Jooyeon’s stomach growled as her response.

You both laughed. “It’s a bit too early for dinner” you said, looking at your watch. “There’s a convenience store nearby where we can get some snacks though”

“Let’s go!” Jooyeon cheered as she pointed forwards. You nodded, extending your hand out to let her lead the way. Jooyeon surprised you by taking your arm and linking it with hers as you two walked.

“Welcome”

You and Jooyeon enter the convenience store and head to the frozen section. She picks out various ice cream cones. After a childish argument over who was going to pay, you momentarily distract her by tapping her shoulder and putting the items down on the counter. Jooyeon looked around to see who tapped her shoulder and once she realized it was a joke, saw she was too late and you already paid for the snacks.

“Here you go sir” the cashier said as she handed you the bag full of treats.

“Thank you” You and Jooyeon are about to leave when the cashier speaks.

“Sir, I’m sorry to bother. But you look familiar”

“I get that alot” you say, laughing. “But likewise to you”

“Do you happen to know someone by the name of Kim Minji?” she asks.

“Y-yeah. She’s my ex girlfriend. We used to work together at a convenience store like this one”

“Ah, I see. She’s spoken highly of you. Well, here’s her card. She’s the president of Dreamcatcher Company”

You take the card. The business card had Minji’s information as well as a giant dreamcatcher on the side.

“Well thank you, miss… Lee Yubin” you say while squinting.

You both walk for a bit until you find a restaurant Jiyeon wanted to try. Being a gentleman, you prepared a chair for Jooyeon who thanks you in kind. The vibe in the restaurant was very cozy, lots of potted plants and dim overhead lighting. As Jooyeon looked at the various sauces that lined the table near the window, you looked through the menu. The place prides itself in bringing the flavors of Southeast Asia to Korea.

“I’ve never had this kind of food before, what is good?” Jooyeon asked you as she struggled to pronounce some of the dish names.

“Neither have I” you replied. “But I hear the spring rolls are good. And this noodle dish called mee rebus sounds good too”

“Sounds interesting. Ooh, what’s this? It’s called… sisig. Apparently it’s pork mixed with a few vegetables and spices. Oppa, let’s order that too”

You laughed as the waiter came to your table. Reciting the things you both wanted to order, the waiter took the menus afterwards and left.

“So how are you and Jiyeon unnie?” Jooyeon asked as she sips on a glass of water.

“We’re good” you replied.

“Ah, oppa I know when you’re lying. Your voice gets all deep and you can’t maintain eye contact”

“I’m not lying”

“Oppa”

“Jiyeon and I are on a break” you said with a heavy heart. “It was a misunderstanding. I might have… alluded to her that I thought she was helping Luda”

“Oh no. Did she listen to your side of the story?”

“She never gave me the chance to explain myself before kicking me out and saying she needed a break”

The food arrives and you two dig in. Jooyeon was a heavy eater, the snacks you bought her at the convenience store made her even hungrier. She didn’t even bother offering you any food before grabbing the container of rice and putting a bunch on her plate. You smiled, thinking how someone as fit as Jooyeon could eat enough food for four people.

She looks up and sees you. “Oh… I’m sorry oppa. I haven’t been eating too much because of work and got a bit carried away”

“Don’t worry about me. Eat”

Jooyeon nods, her eyes smiling at you as she savors the food. You weren’t used to seeing the cute side of her. At the precinct, she was rather curt and focused only on work.

“So what do you want to do after this?” you asked her as you slurped on your bowl of noodles.

“I was thinking we could go catch a movie. Maybe see a rerun of an Avengers movie?” she said, burping rather loudly. She covered her mouth in embarrassment while you laughed.

“That sounds great” you replied, taking a napkin and wiping the corner of her lips.

The theater was rather empty since it was a weekday. After purchasing tickets, Jooyeon insisted the movie wouldn’t be complete without popcorn and soda. How she had room left for food was beyond you. There was a mini arcade inside the movie theater so you chose to play a game of basketball and air hockey before the movie started.

When the movie finally started, you both were at your reserved seats. Jooyeon kept stuffing popcorn into her face, her eyes glued onto the screen. You were watching the movie as well, but caught yourself sneaking glances at her. It made you happy seeing Jooyeon happy. Both of you reached for the same kernels of popcorn at the same time. This causes you both to retract your hands and look away. You cleared your already clear throat, trying to eliminate the awkwardness.

“The ending always gets me” Jooyeon said to you as you both exited the theater.

“How so?”

“It really felt like the Avengers lost. Thanos collected all the Infinity Stones and wiped out half of all life”

“Well yeah, but we know how the next one ends” you said. She gently nudged your shoulder before putting her arm inside yours.

“Thanks for hanging out with me today, I really needed this” you said to Jooyeon as the car was parked at her apartment’s basement parking.

“Me too, oppa. We need to do more of these”

“Let me know whenever you want to hangout again” you smiled at her, unlocking the car doors.

Jooyeon was about to reach for the door handle before she turned to you. 

“Oppa. Do you… want to come upstairs?”

Jooyeon’s apartment was cozy. While it wasn’t as large as Jiyeon’s, it wasn’t a cramped studio apartment either. It was very bright. Both from the color of the walls and the string of lights that decorated the room. You realized this was the first time you visited a member of the squad’s residence other than Jiyeon’s.

“Make yourself at home” Jooyeon said as she tossed her purse on the couch and went to the refrigerator. “Do you want anything to eat?”

“You’re still hungry?” you laughed while asking her.

“A girl’s gotta eat” she said as she plopped her body next to you. You felt yourself getting a bit flushed, but composed yourself.

“Nice place you have here” you said, twiddling your thumbs.

“Thanks. It’s not much, but it’s home”

“How long have you been living here for?” you asked.

“Few years now. I’ve thought about moving out but this place has too many memories” Jooyeon said.

“I can see that”

“Oppa” you stared into Jooyeon’s brown eyes. Her gaze changed. No longer was it bright and happy.

“Do you know why I asked you to come here?”

“No, I don’t. Did you want me to see your apartment”

“No silly” Jooyeon sighed. “I’ll just be straightforward. I really like you oppa”

“Wow” was all you could say.

“I know you’re dating Jiyeon unnie. But I wanted to make my feelings known”

“I-I think I should go” you said, putting the water bottle down and beginning to get up from the couch.

You felt Jooyeon’s hand grab onto your wrist softly. Her eyes were pleading at you. As tough a girl as Jooyeon was, you never saw her let down her guard to anyone.

“Please, oppa. Don’t go. Stay. I… want to make another memory with you here”

A million thoughts raced through your mind at once. You knew that you couldn’t see what the future had in store, but it definitely wasn’t this. Was this really happening? Are you sure you weren’t dreaming?

“You want me to stay here tonight?” you asked her nervously, your voice reaching a higher pitch than normal.

“Is that okay with you?”

“I- I don’t know…”

“I just… don’t want to be alone tonight” Jooyeon said, lightly squeezing on the water bottle before taking another gulp.

“Jooyeon…”

“It’s just… this is the first date I’ve been on in awhile. And it’s someone I really like. I… I don’t know” she said.

“This was a date?” you asked.

“I mean… wasn’t it?” she said, making you doubt what today truly was. “We had dinner and a movie. And you took me home. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it was a first date”

You took a sip of water as you began to process the whirlwind that occurred the past 30 seconds. Were you on a date with Jooyeon?

“So you’ll stay then?” she timidly asked.

You nodded.

“Great. Then can you turn the aircon on? It’s getting pretty stuffy in here” she said, grinning.

You walked over to her thermostat, setting the temperature from 72 to a cool 63. You were about to sit down on the couch next to her when she suddenly got up and put her hand in yours. Not speaking a single word, she lead you to her bedroom.

“Sit” she said as she pushed your body down onto her bed. You were surprised at how Jooyeon’s bed was able to fit in her room since it took up almost 70% of it. Her room was mostly empty, a vanity area at one corner and a small desk with a laptop and various photos at another. A flatscreen television was placed on the wall in front of her bed.

“Make yourself comfortable” she said, repeating her words earlier when you sat on the couch. “I’m gonna change really quick”

Unsure of what to do to pass the time, you looked through your phone. You didn’t have any unread messages so you decided to watch a few videos to pass the time. Eventually, you hear the sound of a faucet being turned off. A tapping noise near the doorframe is what gets your attention diverted from a currently playing video.

Awaiting you was Detective Son Jooyeon dressed in a police officer cosplay. You think. She wore a pair of black shorts that complimented her hips well. A black blazer could be seen covering a button up shirt that was tailored to show off her midriff. The loose fitting black tie that went along with the outfit covered her belly button. She wore a police officer cap like the ones you saw on tv, holding a toy gun in her delicate hand.

She looked at you, her gaze oozing pure seduction. The twinkle in her eyes shined with a burning passion.

“Jooyeon, what are you-”

“Quiet. Someone’s been a very bad boy…”

She grabbed a baton from behind her and poked it on your chest, pushing you onto the bed. She quickly straddled your lap. You both said nothing and just stared at each other. Before you knew it, she leaned closer and closer to you until your faces were only a few inches apart. You could feel her soft breaths on your face. You smelled mint whenever she did, assuming she brushed her teeth before returning to the room. Her thin, pink lips glistened thanks to the light in the room. You were confused, nervous and yet somehow aroused at the beautiful woman sitting on top of you at the moment.

“Jooyeon” you asked quietly, feeling her hands hold onto your shoulders for support.

“Yes” she replied.

“Are you… trying to make the first move on me?”

“What gave you that idea?” she asked, her voice lowering in register.

“It’s just that you’re… you know, on top of me”

“Kiss me”

“What?”

“Kiss me, oppa”

Without a second thought, you closed your eyes and gently pressed your lips against hers. The feeling the moment you both connected sent a jolt of electricity across your entire body. It was insane to think about. Jooyeon cupped your face and pulled you closer to her. Not a single thought went through your mind. Your body reacted on its own, feeling the tender, passionate kiss you two were beginning to share. You responded in kind by wrapping your arms around Jooyeon’s waist and pulled her closer to you. Her petite figure felt wonderful in your embrace.

“Should we be doing this?” you asked as your lips temporarily disconnected.

“Yes” she said, not letting go of you and continuing to brush your lips together. “I need this. I want you”

And so you both continued. You felt Jooyeon’s tongue find yours, as your fingers ran through her hair. Even though the entire apartment was a brisk 63, it felt like the room was getting too hot. The air was heavy with both of your emotions. Jooyeon began to be bold and kissed you more furiously, bringing your hands to her waist and hips. While she was still wearing shorts, you felt every curve of her body.

The soft, tender kiss you shared a few minutes ago was long gone. Replacing it was a hot, passionate makeout session. You gave into temptation and crept your fingers slowly until they reached her butt. Hormones were being kicked into overdrive as you lost control and wanted to feel every part of her.

Jooyeon sucked on your bottom lip and reached down to remove your shirt. You responded by squeezing her butt. It was so soft, even softer than Jiyeon’s you thought. She let out a heavy moan from your touch. Never having enough, you squeezed it again, being a bit more aggressive this time. She jumped slightly but went down and sucked on your neck, beginning slowly before increasing in force. She tossed your shirt aside, you were turned on by how assertive Jooyeon was being.

“You’re sure about this?” you asked with heavy breaths.

“I’m more than sure” she said, kissing your chest softly.

“But-”

She put a finger on you and smiled. “No buts. Well except mine, your hands felt so good on them”

Jooyeon resumed kissing you wildly, as she locked her thighs on you and dug her tongue into your mouth. You were a bit caught off guard by her forwardness but realized it made you even more aroused. Your hands returned to her ass, squeezing her cheeks as hard as you could. She jumped up, but quickly composed yourself and gave you a very naughtly smile.

“Looks like someone’s being a really bad boy” she said in a seductive tone.

“Is that a bad thing?”

You didn’t give her the chance to reply by roughly smacking her cheeks.

“Ah” she moaned, biting her bottom lip. “I like it. It turns me on when you do that”

You unbuttoned her shorts and slipped them off her. Placing your hands on her now semi exposed butt, you gathered her panties onto the crease and smacked her ass again. The sound reverberating inside the room and your ears.

Jooyeon slowly removed her blazer, tie and shirt leaving herself exposed in black laced lingerie. Her thin waist complimented her hourglass figure. A pair of round breasts immediately caught your eye as you looked down and saw the smoothest, longest legs that you wanted wrapped around your hips. And face.

She bit her lips as you ran your hands across her soft body. Her stomach was perfectly flat and toned. Feeling it in your own hands was an indescribable feeling. Her hair flowed perfectly down her face as she stared at you with one of the sexiest expressions you have ever seen on a woman.

“You look beautiful, Jooyeon” you said, your heartbeat increasing in speed.

“That’s the second time you’ve said that to me” she said, blushing.

She slowly rocked back and forth on your body, you felt her arousal on your jeans since her poor excuse of panties did nothing to prevent her wetness from leaking out.

“Were you waiting for me to say it again?”

“Maybe” she said, smiling at you sweetly as she placed your hands on her thighs. You decided enough was enough and held onto her hips as you brought her body upwards towards your face.

“Wow” she said, surprised at how aggressive you were.

Jooyeon was now sitting on top of you, holding onto the sides of your head for balance. The wonderful aroma of her feminine scent quickly entered your nostrils. You noticed she decided to spray perfume all over her body. You caught a whiff of cherry blossoms. Softly, you began kissing the creases of her warm thighs. She began breathing heavily, lowering herself onto you even more while she began rocking her hips back and forth. You stuck your tongue out, gliding it across her crotch as it was now being mixed with her own wetness.

“You’re t-teasing me?” she whined.

“Is that bad?”

You grabbed onto the hemline of her panties and yanked them downwards, Jooyeon assisting you in removing them. Now you were finally able to see her beautiful, bare pussy. The initial contact of your tongue onto her was amazing. You were overwhelmed with happiness, while she gasped loudly. Her body squirmed as you began to taste her, it tasted as sweet as candy in your opinion. You began lapping up as much as you could.

“You taste amazing”

“Holy fuck” she moaned, grabbing fistfuls of your hair as she continued grinding on your mouth.

You kissed her beautiful pink pussy lips as she continued dripping into your mouth. She left you very intoxicated, sensory overload was something you didn’t think was possible until this moment. Slowly, you traced your tongue across her entirely before digging deep. You heard Jooyeon scream from above you, wanting to cover her mouth in order to avoid being heard by her neighbors. You didn’t care at all, what with her thighs wrapped around your ears. You continued pushing your tongue inside her, licking her walls as her body squirmed in pure ecstasy.

“That feels so good” she moaned.

Jooyeon would spend several minutes riding your face while you held onto her ass, both for balance and to caress it in your hands. Your hands felt every inch of her. Every curve of her soft, smooth cheeks. Her loud moans pierced the quiet room as you continued drawing tender circles on her clit with your tongue. You felt her skin begin to moisten with sweat even though the room was a bit chilly. Taking her clit into your mouth and sucking it, you felt Jooyeon yank onto your hair rather roughly. You thought she was going to pull out fistfuls of hair from how aggressive it was. Her thighs squeezed your head rather painfully from how much in pleasure she was.

“Holy shit… don’t stop oppa. Please don’t stop” she screamed, causing you to alternate between sucking and licking her pussy. “Fuck! Don’t stop -- oh my fucking god”

Jooyeon’s back began to arch as her body was shaking. With every movement of her body, you squeezed her ass even harder. She moaned so loudly you were beginning to be a bit afraid people would hear and think something bad was happening to their neighbor. Mercifully, you relinquished your grip on her causing her to breathe heavily as her body sat on top of yours.

She removed her grip on your hair, you were internally thanking her as you thought you wouldn’t have any left if you were gonna continue. Her mouth was wide open from the excitement she felt from being pleasured. She looked into your soul with a loving gaze.

“That was amazing…” she whimpered out, gently kissing you. You responded by kissing back before moving onto her neck and shoulder. Your fingers held onto the strap of her bra and removed it.

“You’re so crazy” you said, swallowing your saliva to help you catch your breath.

Your hands wrapped around her back and unhooked her bra. Once it dropped down, her breasts were finally fully revealed to you. They were noticeably bigger than Jiyeon’s, a perfect size to fit in your hand. Her nipples were a cute shade of pink, contrasting Jiyeon’s brown ones. Your mouth watered as she was now fully exposed to you.

“Wow” you said. It felt like that was all you were able to say about Jooyeon.

Tossing her bra aside, her breasts jiggled slightly. She giggled at you, seeing your eyes hungrily stare at them. She grabbed your hands and placed them on her chest. They were so warm and full to the touch. Her boobs were even softer than her ass, seemingly made for your hands. You began to gently fondle them, pinching the tip of her nipples with your fingers while she rubbed yourself on your body.

Placing a tender kiss on your lips, she removed herself from your lap and descended to your lower body.

“It’s my turn to see what you’ve been hiding” she said naughtily as she began to unbutton your jeans. You were nervous because you were about to fully expose yourself to Jooyeon. At the same time, you were happy because your erection was painfully trapped inside your pants. She finally pulled both the jeans and your boxer briefs, releasing your cock from its cloth prison.

Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she stared wide eyed at it. She wrapped her soft hand around your shaft, wanting to feel every part of it like it was a delicate item.

“Wow, you’re so fucking hard...” she said.

Jooyeon started stroking your cock slowly, observing your facial expressions. She smiles in satisfaction as she sees you close your eyes and tilt your head back. Her delicate hands were now stained with your precum as she tightened her grip on your shaft.

“Should I?” she asked you in a soft voice, asking for your permission.

“Ahh… please” you begged her.

“Such an impatient oppa” she said, giggling before wrapping her thin lips around you. Your eyes momentarily see her before closing once again from the pleasure.

“I barely put my lips on you and you’re this turned on?” she said as she began stroking you fast.

The pleasure was too much for you to reply. Instead, you felt Jooyeon slowing down her movements. She placed a gentle kiss on the tip, going down a line on your entire length. She never broke eye contact with you while doing so. Son Jooyeon had such a beautiful face and body, the way she handled your cock turned you on even more.

She eventually made her way down to your balls, making long licks upwards with her tongue before taking each individually in her mouth. Her tongue flickered while doing so, rewarding her with lovely groans from you. After making sure each ball was coated with saliva, she ran her tongue one last time across them before returning back to the head where she twirled around the circumference of it. You tried to pretend you weren’t satisfied, but Jooyeon knew you were bluffing.

“Oppa… you aren’t holding back are you?” she asked, her tongue rapidly licking the underside of your head.

Not caring to wait for a response, Jooyeon began sucking your cock. Her warm, wet mouth fully lathered you  as she bobbed her head up and down. She would apply a gentle suction at the tip, her tongue swirling around your shaft at the same time.

You were no stranger to getting blowjobs, Jiyeon having given you many under your desk or your convenience store days when Kim Minji would do so when you were restocking shelves. But now that Son Jooyeon was sucking your cock, you felt like it was a dream.

Her speed began to pick up, Jooyeon simultaneously moaning with you even though her mouth was stuffed with cock. She was so focused on pleasuring you that she began cupping your balls while her head bobbed up and down. Jooyeon wasn’t just giving you one of the best blowjobs you have ever received, you were being comforted physically as well as mentally. She wanted you to feel relaxed, taking great pride in knowing she would be the one to ease your worries.

She gave you such a deadly stare while she let go of fondling your balls and pushed her long, messy jet black hair back. She continued her mouth’s furious sucking and grip on you, causing you to begin to feel an out of body experience from how much pressure she was applying. You were ready to cum at any moment.

Jooyeon knew this, so she stopped. As her mouth released its hold on you, saliva began to spill out when her head began to move up. You moaned, not wanting her to let go. She looked at you staring at her with pity in your eyes, pleading for her to put you back into her mouth. She gave you a mischievous smirk, satisfied you weren’t able to cum. She returned to gently stroking you.

“Sorry oppa” she said. But you knew she wasn’t sorry.

“You’re not being fair” you panted.

“Oh?” she replied softly. “How do you think we should make things fair?”

She crawled back up towards you, kissing you on the lips. Her fingers glided across your cheek tenderly as you looked at her when your lips disconnected. Her beauty left you awestruck, hypnotizing you to do whatever she asked.

Without warning, Jooyeon’s body is lowered onto your face when she turns around suddenly. You were being smothered by her pussy as she takes your cock into her mouth. Her juices continued leaking down her thighs as she begged for you to stimulate her more. If her pussy wasn’t drowning you or your line of vision, you probably would've just cum from watching her suck your cock in this position.

Son Jooyeon never struck you as such a wild person in the bedroom. She always had an air of elegance to her, even though she considered herself one of the boys who could seemingly get along with any friend group. While it does surprise you, to be fair you never expected to see her be intimate in the bedroom. There were no complaints from you, if this was how Jooyeon gives blowjobs, you were anticipating how she would be when she is getting fucked.

She took your cock as deep as she could, so deep in her mouth that her lips reached your base. She did her best to hold on for a long time, feeling her throat be stuffed with your tip. The pleasure that flowed throughout your body was so addicting. Jooyeon’s natural odor during sex was an intoxicating one: she left you wanting more. You were beginning to become addicted to her.

You smacked both of her ass cheeks, firmly holding on top both as you lapped up her sweet nectar. Jooyeon tasted a lot sweeter than Jiyeon in your opinion.

“Oppa!” Jooyeon released your cock from her mouth, moaning out loudly. You gave her repeated smacks on her ass while squeezing them. Your tongue buried itself deep inside her hole, Jooyeon mimicked the same actions on your cock.

“Oh my god…” she screamed while sucking your cock that was glistening.

You both repeated your actions over and over as your tongue tasted all of her. She moaned incoherently due to her mouth being stuffed with your cock. You wanted to tease her, stopping her from receiving pleasure. Jooyeon was not happy about that, pushing her pussy onto your face.

“You’re being needy” you teased.

Of course this was just you putting on a front since you saw Jooyeon bobbing her head up and down your cock. Your efforts to tease her were in vain, she was the one in control. Not you.

You took two fingers and inserted them inside her pussy. Jooyeon let out a scream as her walls wrapped themselves around you. You entered deeper, establishing a rhythm. She wasn’t going to let you out pleasure her, stroking your cock hard as she began to deepthroat you. You let out an extremely loud moan, shocked that she was so competitive.

Jooyeon’s assault continued, swallowing you whole as her screams couldn’t be contained even with a mouthful of dick. You began to feel asphyxiated from her pussy being on your face but you figured it wouldn’t be a bad way to go. You mustered up the strength to clean up the trickles of juices that flowed out of her. You sucked on her clit gently, making various lengths of lines with your tongue. Her body convulsed as she finally released your cock from the warm wet confines of her mouth.

“Holy shit… keep going oppa” she said. “Don’t fucking stop”

Although she wanted to keep sucking your cock, the pleasure you were giving her rendered her weak.  You were rewarded with her cries of pleasure, increasing in pace as her screams became louder in octaves.

“Fuck… don’t stop. Fuck” she yelled.

Son Jooyeon rivaled Kwon Eunbi at being the loudest in bed. Both women had an air of elegance to them, but were sex crazed freaks behind closed doors. You wanted to hear her beg for you more.

“Don’t you fucking stop oppa” she said as you smacked her ass. She pushed her now damp her back as she grabbed a handful of her tits. She was consumed by a sex filled rage, only wanting to be pleasured by you.

“This feels so fucking good” she said. “No one’s ever eaten my pussy like this!”

Her body grinded up and down repeatedly as her body was shaking. She grabbed onto your thighs for support. Struggling to catch her breath, you give her a stimulating lick. You kissed whatever you could, smacking her ass again. It felt like your night consisted of Jooyeon saying vulgar words and moaning at a high decibel.

She struggled to get up from your face, her legs wobbling. She turned around, now face to face with you as she was glistening with sweat. Jooyeon was a sweaty, panting mess and yet she still looked beautiful to you.

“Oppa” she moaned, kissing you on the lips. “This is crazy… I want you so badly. Do you want me?”

“I want you too, Jooyeon” you replied, squeezing her breasts.

You fixed her bangs and tucked away several loose strands of hair behind her ear as she kissed you. She interlocked her hands with yours, as your bodies rubbed against one another. Her breasts felt so soft pressed against you, both of you could hear your hearts beat.

 You wrapped your arms around Jooyeon and flipped her over so that she was lying down on the bed. She wrapped her arms around your neck as you leaned down and kissed her. She spread her thighs open as she pulled you towards her. You held onto your cock and it eventually found its way in front of her pussy. You rubbed your tip against her lips, as it began to be covered by her juices. She moaned as she bit her lower lip while looking at you.

“Fuck me please, baby” she said as she grabbed fistfuls of her hair. “I want to get fucked by you”

“You’re being a bad girl, Jooyeon. Good girls don’t beg to be fucked”

“Please…” she pleaded, looking at you with loving eyes.

Not wanting to delay your own pleasure any longer, you push your cock inside Jooyeon. Her pussy was so warm and tight. The foreplay you two did earlier made it so that you easily slid inside due to her slick juices. Her walls began to constrict your cock as you began to slowly move inside her. One hand was placed behind your head while the other clawed your back as she began to scream. You began to fuck her while tenderly giving her face kisses.

“Baby…” she cried in ecstasy. Her legs wrapped themselves tightly around you.

“You’re so tight, Jooyeon” you managed to say.

“Call me baby, please”

You fucked Jooyeon tenderly, slower than your usual pace but it didn’t matter. You felt safe inside Jooyeon’s embrace, her breasts jiggled up and down to the rhythm of your thrusts. You took each nipple into your mouth, sucking on them. She kept moaning as you slid in and out of her pussy. You gradually began picking up momentum, her walls tightening around your shaft even harder. With your increased pace came Jooyeon’s screams gradually becoming louder.

“Babe...” you moaned.

“Harder…” she screamed. “Fuck me harder…”

You unwrapped her legs from your waist and put them above your shoulders. You fucked her faster, harder than before. The tip of your cock was reaching the epicenter of where she was getting the most pleasure. She screamed loudly, happy that you were listening to her. She gripped onto the bedsheets roughly as the sound her body slamming against your pelvis filled the quiet room. Her juices splashed against you with each thrust.

“Baby, I’m cumming… oh my god I’m gonna cum” she cried. Her body was convulsing as you didn’t decrease in intensity. With one final loud scream, Son Jooyeon clawed your back roughly as her orgasm arrived.

Once the aftershocks of her orgasm winded down, you slowed your pace. She was panting heavily, her body drenched in sweat as she looked at you lovingly. Her face looked satisfied, happy that you made her feel good. Feeling tired, you pulled yourself out of her. You both moaned as inch by inch withdrew itself. The temperature in the air was cool thanks to the air conditioning, giving you a tingling sensation as it flowed through your cock which was covered in her pussy juice.

“I’m getting close to cumming” you said weakly.

“No” she said, rubbing her pussy lips. “You can’t cum yet baby”

She cupped your face, kissing you sweetly as you felt her body warm you up. Jooyeon stroked your cock while doing so, you responded by fondling her breasts.

“Sit on the edge” she said quietly.

You obeyed as Jooyeon grabbed a pillow and threw it on the ground. She kneeled, smiling at you with both her lips and her eyes. Her hand returned to your penis, gripping onto it as she ran her tongue on your frenulum. Your cock was sensitive, twitching at the contact.

She spit on her left hand before wrapping her lips around your cock, gently sucking on your tip. The hand that contained her spit massaged your balls tenderly. You felt goosebumps on your body as your spine shivered thanks to her actions.

“I love your cock” she said, stroking you. “Can you please fuck me like this at work?”

“Jooyeon-”

“I told you to call me baby” her words betraying her as she smiled sweetly at you. “Don’t think I don’t know about Jiyeon unnie giving you blowjobs under your desk”

She doesn’t even give you time to answer as she takes your cock down her throat.

“Were you going to say something, baby?” she teased, sucking your cock once more while squeezing your balls.

You moaned out in bliss as you watched her suck your dick. Pleasure flowed from your head all the way down to your toes as she rubbed herself simultaneously. Your orgasm was fast approaching.

“Cum for me, baby” she licked her lips while laughing.

“I can’t hold it-” you panted.

“Give me your cum” she quietly said, tenderly kissing your tip repeatedly before sucking your cock once again. She switched between various speeds as she grabbed your left hand and put it behind her head. One of her delicate hands fondled your balls while the other squeezed her breasts. You put your other hand on her head, running your fingers through her moist hair as her jet black hair bobbed up and down. You felt her moans as your cock was in her mouth.

“Jooyeon… it’s coming” you panted.

Jooyeon increased in pace, sucking you even harder. You roughly pulled on her hair as she looked up and stared into your soul. You both knew what was fast approaching.

“Joo-”

Your body didn’t give you a chance to finish moaning her name as it went numb. The tingling sensation flowed from your head to your toes  as you erupted inside her mouth. Jooyeon moaned as she kept bobbing, feeling your hot sticky cum hit the back of her throat. Her eyes were smiling at you, twinkling with delight as she began to swallow. You held onto your cock and tapped it a few times on her tongue. She sucks your cock a few times before releasing it from her mouth with a loud pop as she laps up the last remaining dribble on your urethra.

The innocent smile Jooyeon gave you betrayed the actions she just committed.

You pushed your weak body and laid down on the bed, breathing heavily. One of the more intense orgasms you had, you were in awe at how Jooyeon was able to make you feel. She moved with you, cleaning your cock a bit more. After several minutes, she finally climbed up the bed and laid down next to you. She gave you a tender kiss as you wrapped your arms around her.

You cuddled for some time, before your eyes began to get heavy. Jooyeon’s body next to you was touching yours. Your breaths were synced in unison. She looked up at you as you looked down at her, both of you smiling sweetly as your lips connect one more time. You hold her tightly in your embrace as you kiss her forehead before both of you drift off to sleep.

“I love you, oppa”

Elsewhere in one of the backrooms of a shop, a woman is seen counting money. She smiles, a gun right next to her on the desk.

A knock on the door can be heard.

“Enter”

Four women enter the room and greet the woman. They are of varying heights, a bit of uneasiness seen on their faces.

“We did what you said, boss. No one knows we’re working for you”

“Good. If any of you double cross me, these two will see to it that you’re taken care of”

Two women approach from the shadows standing next to the woman who was sitting down. One was smiling, wearing an apron while smelling a black rose, the other smirks as she wiped the sweat off her forehead with a towel.

[puppypeter]

1999 words Stucky prompt? *sorry*

Ok so I couldn’t go to sleep last night because I kept thinking of this Stucky AU where Steve is an ex-military medic who is now retired because his wife passed away and he has to look after the family. He has like 10-12 kids between his own and adopted, big family, big house, a dog. The kids range between barely 1 year old set of twins to grumpy teenagers. He had to come back from war when his wife sadly passed away while giving birth to the twins and so he didn’t really get any time to re-adjust and he lives with the regret that he wasn’t even there for her when she needed him. He is struggling a lot, but tries to hide it for the sake of the kids. He runs the house a bit like a military base, there’s time tables, bathroom times, meal plans and menus, budgets etc wakes the troops up early in the morning to get them ready for school (he still struggles in the kitchen cause he’s barely used to having decent food again himself, let alone make something all kids eat!!), the oldest have to help with the youngest etc a big chaotic disaster of a family, but he’s trying. The kids miss their mom too, but it’s been a year now and daddy is still sad. He doesn’t know that they know he is. They see him stare into nothing at times, they know Sunday mornings are the day nobody is to bother daddy until he comes down for lunch (which he prepared on the Saturday already) because sometimes daddy finds it hard to sleep and other times he finds it hard to get out of bed. He always wants them to eat their greens, yet standing on the staircase late at night they’ve spotted him sitting on the couch eating ice-cream straight from the tub and weeping over Disney movies. And that has happened more than once.

So one day they’re at the park. Steve is laying down on their red and white cloth on the ground with all the food bags and the tiny twins next to him. They’re so cute, wiggling around at all the sounds and colours, he should want to play with them but all he feels is tired. The other kids are scattered around the park, between playing ball and looking at insects and on the swings. The younger kids have been talking about what they should do to make daddy happy. That’s when little Mary spots two men sitting on a bench. One of them is playing with a leash, probably of the big dog that’s just sitting at his feet, not even caring about going far. The other is wearing a leather jacket, slightly unzipped and a white furry kitten head pops out of it. “Which one of them do you think?” Peter asks. “That one!” Mary shouts just pointing at the guy with the kitten “look at his hair! he looks like a disney price, dad will love him!” (they don’t even know their dad is bisexual, bucky is just pretty so they’re confident he’ll like him).

So her and some of her siblings make their way over to the men and start asking them questions. Their names are Sam and Bucky (“That’s a weird name” Mary says). Sam teases Bucky by calling him prince charming, having heard the previous comment, and Bucky’s cheeks go pink. This little boy with his thick glasses on gets overly excited when he sees that one of Bucky’s hands is made of metal “So cool, like a robot!” and asks if he can touch it (cause daddy thought them it’s important to ask before). And Bucky just feels overwhelmed. He hasn’t been around this many people since he came back, the most people he’s had around were a bunch of doctors when they operated on him roughly a year and half ago, but he was sedated and unaware. He struggled for a while to get out of the house, to accept his disability, accept having a prosthesis he can’t really do anything with, having to learn to do everything one handed (he only ever wears it outside the house cause he doesn’t want people to stare at his empty sleeve, but the moment he’s at home he likes to give his shoulder a break). 

Sam, he works as a counsellor at the VA has helped him a lot, and now they hang out together, but not in crowded places. This is why they like coming to the park. But now there’s a bunch of kids in his face and for the first time he doesn’t mind having many people around. Maybe because they’re little people and he knows they won’t hurt him. Maybe cause one of them is geeking out about his prosthesis he always felt self-conscious about. Mary invites him over to meet her dad (Sam cackles), but Bucky is definitely not ready for any form of relationship, let alone a romantic one. So he blushes and declines. 

The kids leave a bit upset. After a while Mary comes back saying she’s hurt and lost. “You look fine to me kid!” Sam replies. So she dramatically throws herself on the grass and big fat tears start coming out of her eyes. After they laugh at her overly dramatic attitude, she stands up huffing and puffing and leaves clearly kicking her feet in the ground. “I mean maybe you should go for it!” Sam insists “It’s not like you have to marry the guy. You’re just meeting a new person, nothing has to come of it. Maybe you’ll make a friend, maybe you’ll never see him again, but you’d talk to someone that wasn’t me or the cashier at the deli by your flat”. Bucky knows that’s true, but he really can’t bring himself to. He still hasn’t talked to his family since he’s been back. Something about getting your arm blow off and seeing your mates blow up when it should have been you instead makes it difficult to relate to normal people.

It’s only maybe 20 minutes later when a blur of blonde hair and orange dungaree comes rushing towards them crying. “It ain’t gonna work missy!” Sam jokes. But Mary looks clearly upset. “Help my daddy please!”. They doubt her for a second, thinking it’s her amazing acting skills and they’re gonna go there and her dad is gonna be fine. But her lower lip is wobbling and she sounds seriously distressed. Plus they all see a bunch of kids clearly surrounding someone sitting on a blanket. So they follow her, cause that’s the right thing to do. When they get there they see this big burly man folded in half on himself with his hands in his hair, gripping at it, shaking, panicking. Sam immediately drops on his knees, but doesn’t touch him yet. Bucky has seen him do it plenty of times with himself, when he barely got out of bed to finally have some food and then started crying if he dropped a spoon on the floor or spilled a bit of coffee. He would be forever thankful to have had him as a counsellor and now as a friend. 

Bucky steers the kids a bit away, asking the older ones to give them some space to help their dad. Together with a young woman, he scoops up one of the two babies in onesies that were on the blanket and leans one up on his chest. He can’t really do much with his metal arm, but geeky kid is currently holding onto it. After they move a bit further away, he passes on the baby to another older teenager and goes back to Sam. He sees that he has managed to get the man to unclench his fists from his hair and sees him panicking when he can’t see his kids. “They’re alright, they’re ok, they’re all together”. 

And so that’s how they meet and they all go to a diner to get food (taking over like 4 different booths). They find out Steve is ex-military from the dog tags shape Bucky sees under his shirt. Steve has apparently had the ability to lie his way through his psych test coming back from the war simply because he knew he would lose his kids if he admitted how he was truly feeling. He is struggling with depression and has PTSD, but he’ll never admit it out loud. He has a family to care about. He says none of that, but Sam knows. He invites him to the VA, “just to talk, we’re not gonna call anyone on you my man, and it seems like you’re doing an amazing job considering you got a whole football team”. 

The following week Sam and Bucky go over to his house for a bbq, bringing dog & cat along for the joy of the kids. It’s loud and it gets a bit much for Bucky at one point so he sneaks out to have a second of quiet. Steve finds him and they get talking. At some point Sam has to leave, an emergency with one of the veterans. But Bucky stays a little while. 

He says he can leave when Steve calls out bed time for the youngest, but Steve asks him to stay, if he wants, it’s not gonna take him long, have a beer. Bucky glows seeing how Steve runs the bedtime routine for 10 kids, the older ones helping the younger ones to get to stay up a little longer. When he comes back they sit out back on the porch, sharing a cigarette and having a couple of beers. It’s quiet, they don’t talk much. Bucky’s shoulder is starting to ache a bit so he keeps rubbing it. They get talking about that, well.. the most that Bucky can say (how it happened, where it happened, then blackout. He can’t go into his feelings about it). “You.. you were from that unit?” Steve asks seemingly speechless. “That’s, that’s where I was operating. We rescued 3 people but we couldn’t get to everyone on time. There was someone closer to the explosion and their arm was….” he cuts off. “Steve” Bucky looks at him unable to breathe “are you telling me that you’re the one that rescued me from under the tank?” ((and it goes from there. it takes awhile but they get together and smooch (Mary acts like she’s about to throw up “But not because you’re two guys, just cause that’s daddy!!”). Bucky learns to open up and getting more comfortable around Steve without the prosthesis on. Steve still cries at Disney movies while eating ice cream, but this time every other spoonful goes to Bucky’s, whose arms he’s wrapped in on the couch. Steve starts going to see Sam at the VA and deal with his issues, because he wants to be there for his kids as they grow up, he doesn’t want to give up on them or himself. He deals and accepts what happened with his wife. He gets to grieve and heal. Sam comes over to their house so that his Missy (his dog) can hang out with her new buddy Dodger *wink wink* and because since starting to deal with his issues Steve has made an effort to reconnect with his friends and there’s a very beautiful redhead that hangs around his house at the weekends... Sam wouldn’t mind spending more time with her. A few more friends from the military come back into his life too - Clint, Thor, Maria, Sharon - and the kids have now a bunch more aunties and uncles to play with. At some point in the distant future, Bucky moves in. He never thought he’d get to have that. A big family, animals, a house. Maybe they have more kids at one point? Bucky reconnecting with his family? & lots more smooches and cuddles!!))

[sweet-taiyaki]

Cherry Blossoms in the Spring 🌸 (Part 4)

Pairing: ProHero!Katsuki Bakugo x ProHero!Reader (she/her)

Featuring: Shoto Todoroki, Izuku Midoriya, Denki Kaminari, Eijiro Kirishima

Word Count: 1.8k

Synopsis: You are training at Shoto and Deku’s agency. When you go out on patrol with them, you run into some familiar faces.

Quirk: Telekinesis: Levitate any object by mental force. Her blue horn glows when she uses her quirk to enhance mental capacity.

Warnings: Some fluff.

I looked around in an alleyway to approach a villain. I couldn’t tell what their quirk was, but the villain got in my face. Close combat. The villain is strong, but I want to beat him. My horn glows and I send a fist to disable him. He instantly gets back up to find out that he has a water quirk. He blasted water at an intense force. I create a force field, but the villain found a hole within my force field. The bubble filled with water instantly. My force field takes a while to break down, and I saw the oxygen diminish. I held my breath trying to fight my way out of my own force field. I calmed down in the moment and found a breakthrough before I could pass out. I restrain the villain to the ground. A buzzer goes off.

“Nicely done,” Shoto said. “Got him just before time ran out.”

“Thanks,” I said out of breath.

“You’re amazing, (Y/N)! I was scared you were gonna drown, but you fought through it,” Deku said excitedly.

“It was nothing. I sometimes paralyze myself.”

“But you overcame it. Proud of you,” Shoto smiled. “We’re going on patrol. Would you like to join us?”

I nodded as I followed them out of the training room. “Your agency seems way more laid back than Bakugo’s, but a lot more productive.”

“After he received the number one spot, a lot of interns want to train at his agency. And the media wants to know more and more about Kacchan. He doesn’t talk to the media much, but when he does it comes out too forceful or a warning for villains. That’s why I do most of the interviews whenever we fight together,” Deku sighed.

“Yeah,” Shoto began. “Me too. Bakugo wants to defeat every villain, which is admirable. However, he doesn’t rescue many. We do. He’s number one because he jailed the most villains. He keeps the city safe through revenge.”

Where is all his anger coming from? He’s the number one hero. He is powerful and strong. The people admire him. He has a strong team at his agency. I don’t get why he is uptight. “Do you think he can save people as well as defeating the villains,” I asked.

“He used to,” Deku said. “Back in high school, we would always protect others. Then he met Takara. She changed his life. When he couldn’t save her, he went back to villain combat. He didn’t want to see anyone die like she did.”

There was a loud explosion in the distance. There were people screaming and running towards us.

“Do you think that was Bakugo,” Shoto said to Deku.

“I don’t know, but let’s find out.” We all run towards the scene. There was a thick cloud of smoke, which was difficult to make out a villain. All of a sudden, I was grabbed with a hand over my mouth and dragged into an alleyway.

“Don’t fight. It’s me,” Bakugo whispered.

“What the hell, Bakugo?! What did you blow up,” I said annoyed.

“Nothing. I wanted to get some time with you. Are you free this weekend,” he said.

“I’ll be on patrol with Shoto and Deku this weekend. You could join us if you—”

“No,” he interrupted. “All I need is a few hours. It could be breakfast, dinner, or a coffee break.” It almost sounded like he was desperate for time with me. Why would he want to spend time with me? I’m not sure what we would talk about other than hero work.

“Okay, s--sure,” I stuttered.

“Listen,” he grabs my hands. “I’m not the one to get mushy, but when I look in your eyes, I feel content and happy. There are butterflies in my stomach whenever you’re around. I—I just want to be better.” His face got soft and his hands were warm. But could I forgive him for almost losing my hearing?

“Bakugo, I—”

“(Y/N)! Bakugo! What the hell happened? I got here as fast as I could,” Kirishima turned a corner.

“Dude, I hope it was worth it. Did she agree to go on a date with you or did I get blown up for nothing,” Kaminari came by. I looked over to Bakugo.

“Wait---wha—what? You blew up Kaminari to ask (Y/N) out,” Kirishima questioned. I started to get annoyed. He could have hurt someone and to make a scene like that.

“I am training with Deku and Shoto to become a better hero. I can’t believe that you would pull a stunt like this to get my attention. Someone could have gotten hurt!”

“Hey, wait a second. It was a controlled blast, enough for you to hear it,” Bakugo defended.

“Some people have PTSD, Bakugo. Do you ever think about anyone but yourself,” I yelled.

“I think about you. I feel bad that I went to hard on you in training. I feel bad that you think I’m comparing you to Takara, which I’m not. When I saw the look on your face when you couldn’t save All Might, I know that feeling all so well that I didn’t want you to feel it too. I’m alone, (Y/N). I push away people because my quirk is destructive and I don’t want to hurt innocent people. The League of Villains saw me as one of their own in high school. I have to live with that burden I ended All Might’s career that day. But when I saw you, I saw hope. I saw hope that I can be viewed like All Might, that people would respect me and feel safe with me. You make me a better hero.” His heart spilled out of his chest. I was speechless. I didn’t know how to react to all he said about his past and with me.

After exchanging looks, I broke the silence. “You give me a sense of belonging, Bakugo. I strive to be number one like you, you idiot,” I chuckled. He blushed. I went over to Kirishima and Kaminari. “You are great friends,” I said to them. I kissed them both on the cheek then they turn a bright shade of red. I left the alleyway.

“Mmm. I’m gonna steal her, bro,” Kaminari said.

………………………………………………………………………………

A few days later, I went for a walk in the park with the cherry blossoms. I wanted to relax from all the hero work and training I was doing. I felt the presence of someone else approach me.

“Hey, blue horn,” Bakugo said.

“Hey. What are you doing here?”

“You said ‘you know where to find me’. I assumed you’d be here,” he said sitting next to me. “I heard about the darkness villain you defeated. You looked pretty banged up.”

“I try to heal myself within reason,” I began. “She was a difficult villain, but Shoto assisted me. Might as well be more of a sidekick at this point.”

“No,” Bakugo said. “You’re in the top ten because you are strong and powerful. It doesn’t make you less of a hero if you ask for help or do more training.” I get up in front of him.

“Hey, let’s forget about hero stuff for a moment. Are you busy tonight,” I said confidently.

“Uh—well—not really. Why,” he stuttered.

“Because you owe Kaminari for blowing him up. Also, I have plans, would you like to join me?” He nodded, even though he seemed on edge on what I meant.

Our adventure began at a mall. We picked out date outfits for each other. Bakugo didn’t like his outfit, but he loved the one I put on that he chose. I called a rideshare to take us to a dock. “Where are we going? I heard this place was full of crime at night,” he said.

“Well, we fight in our new outfits,” I smirked. The car stops and drops us off. A boat appears and I start to board.

“I don’t like this,” he says. “I feel like I’m walking into a trap.”

“We can do something else if you’d like. But for the record, I planned for the boat and a few hours with you. I thought that was something you wanted.” His eyes widened when I used his words against him. “Also, you can blast your way out if you really hate it.” He rolled his eyes and boarded the boat. We came across a table set for two, candlelit. Bakugo looks over to me.

“You—you did this? For us?”

“Yeah,” I said. “I’m quiet, but I have some romantic spurts. I hope you like it.”

“I’ve never been on a date like this. This seems nice,” his face got soft. We took our seats and started with the first course. “You know, I’m not good at this kind of stuff. I’ve always been on edge,” he said.

“It’s sweet to see this side of you. I truly believe that in your heart that you are kind and compassionate, despite the thick skin you give off.” He blushes.

“Same with you, (Y/N). Even though you are shy, I know you care for others and protect people. Your heart gives you a reason to fight for good.” I smile as I look away bashfully.

We continue on with our dinner getting to know each other, exchanging laughs and smiles. We finish our dinner then I walk out to see the moonlight kiss the water. Bakugo joins me by putting his elbows on the railing, looking at me. I chuckle a little. He turns himself around to look at the water with me. I could tell that we were both nervous to make a move, so I did.

“Give me your hands,” I told him. He proceeded by giving me his hands. I put one of his hands on my waist and I held his other one. Initially, he was on edge, but he eased into it.

“Dancing without music, eh,” he said. We swayed back and forth and I hugged him as we continued to sway. Our embrace grew tighter where we could feel each other’s heart beat in sync. I was content and I knew he was too. It just felt right.

The boat docked back to shore and we got off hand in hand. “I had a good time,” Bakugo said.

“I did too,” I smiled.

Bakugo’s phone rang as we got back to the rideshare. “I’m sorry, it’s Kirishima. I have to take this,” he said.

“Of course,” I motioned.

“Go,” he answered the phone. His face started to look serious. “I’ll be there,” he answered and hung up.

“What happened,” I asked.

“Shoto and Deku’s agency reached out to ours about a villain. We might have to take them down together to attack the villain at all angles. Looks like we’re gonna take down a villain together,” he smirked.

“I’ll do whatever I can to keep people safe,” I said confidently. The rideshare stops at his place.

“Thank you, (Y/N),” he said. I kissed him on the cheek and he instantly blushed. Embarrassed, he left the car and went inside his place. The rideshare took me back home and I instantly passed out.

[flowesona]

The Hermit - Yandere! Seokjin x reader

The Tarot Series

Warning: Mentions of Suicide, Explicit Content

Seokjin could not find real love for the life of him. Everyone around him was too vain, too obsessed with themselves to care about him. Everyone was hungry for money, or attention, and it made him sick. In his desperation for romance he turned to the previously taboo area for relationships - the internet.

He could find someone that shared his passions. He was even prepared to pretend to like something, just to find that special someone. But luckily he didn’t have to seek out anyone as desperate as he was. She just stumbled into his lap incidentally.

He’d found that Discord was the easiest way to find friendly, chatty people to satiate his hunger for love. That was how he’d found her, on some server about a video game he’d played casually a few times. He’d been pleasantly surprised when she sent him a message individually, asking if he was down to play a few rounds with her.

He’d instantly asked his friend to borrow his console, since this girl didn’t use PC. Jungkook had been persuaded to hand over his console with enough bribery and guilt tripping, and Jin was set to win the game and her heart.

“What do you do for a living then?” (Y/N) was relaxed enough, sat back in her chair with her knees to her chest and eyes on the screen.

“I’m a model. You?” Her teammate answered simply. Sure, he was only beginning his career, but what harm could a little white lie do?

“A model? That’s really cool. Guess I’m going to be the ugly friend, huh?” She laughed, before going silent to focus on the game.

“You didn’t answer me. What do you do?” Jin didn’t seem content to let silence take over.

“I’m stuck in a permanent limbo buddy. I don’t really know what I want to do once I’ve graduated. If I graduate that is.” 

(Y/N) sighed, shifting in her seat slightly.

“I can help you. I’m successful enough to-” She laughed, cutting off his wheedling statement.

“Not happening. You can kill me before I let you become my sugar daddy, buddy.”

“Seokjin.” He responded quietly. “My name’s Seokjin, but you can just call me Jin.”

“Well, Jin if you want to help me out maybe take care of these people behind me?”

*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*

He’d finally convinced her to skype him, to allow him to see her face after weeks of asking. Jin’s fingers trembled as he typed in the username and sent the request, an odd feeling in his stomach. Anticipation but also a slight fear - what if she didn’t look how he imagined his ideal woman to be? What if he’d wasted all his energy on a catfish?

But the face that appeared on his screen was nothing less than that of a goddess. It was as if his fantasy had been projected before him, as if his Galatea had been breathed into life.

“Hey Jin? You okay?” Her words shook him out of his trance and he nodded eagerly.

“It’s nice to put a face to the voice.” He said light-heartedly, flashing her a charming grin.

“You catch the lea- oh hold on a second.” (Y/N) left briefly, leaving Jin to stare at his own reflection in pity, to see the sad man he had become doting endlessly after a girl who couldn’t talk to him for a full minute without being interrupted.

Luckily, he only had to suffer for a few minutes as she re-entered the view of the webcam with a decently sized package in her hands.

“Sorry about that buddy. I forgot that my shoes were being delivered today.” It was that repeated use of the casual nickname that was starting to make his heart ache. As if she saw him as a friend and nothing more.

“Hey, (Y/N)?” He called her attention away from her parcel, revelling in her ethereal face. “Do you have a boyfriend you’ve never told me about?”

“Nope.” She responded. “And don’t you even think about trying to weasel your way into that role.”

“Why? Would I not be the perfect boyfriend?” His tone was teasing but his heart was thumping in his chest at the conversation.

“You are the perfect friend, Jin. I would happily hook you up with one of my close friends some time if you’re looking for love.”

“Yeah….” Throughout the rest of their conversation there was a notable absence of Jin’s normal self. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t convince himself to be happy when she could never be his.

Yet he couldn’t stop himself. No matter how much she talked about him being a friend he was constantly pulled further into his obsession with her.

He hadn’t even realised that he’d gone too far when he contacted the leader of their discord (a personal friend of hers) to ask her last name. He wasn’t even aware of how fucked up it was when he solicited a professional to dig up as much personal information as possible on her. There wasn’t a sliver of sanity left when he ‘casually’ took a stroll through her neighbourhood, waiting for her to bump into him and invite him back to her place.

Jin had gone crazy for her, and she didn’t even know.

*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*

“(Y/N), you could do a lot better.” The older man said sternly, taking off his glasses. She stayed silent, hands on her knees to keep them from bouncing.

“I know, I might have rushed it since I was so busy with-” As the pair spoke, they were unaware of the third party spying on them. Jin had found a peephole in the storage room next to the professor’s office, and was watching the whole interaction with a second hand anxiety for her situation. 

“Well, there’s a few ways that you could make it better. I haven’t logged the grade in the system yet, so you could try again. Or, you can do me a little favour and I’ll log it as a B plus.” Jin watched in horror as (Y/N) cautiously nodded and got down on her knees, her hands unbuckling the older man’s belt.

He felt like he was going to be sick seeing (Y/N) being so intimate with another man, but he simply couldn’t bring himself to look away. He started to imagine himself in her professor’s position, thinking about how it would feel to have her mouth on him, her mischievous eyes looking up at him, and before he knew it he had one hand in his pants and another covering his mouth, hoping the walls weren’t too thin and they wouldn’t be able to hear their voyeuristic partner. But it was over too soon, (Y/N) standing up to wipe at her lips and muttering some kind of thank you as she left, trying to fix her appearance.

Jin started to make himself presentable as well, wiping his hand on his jeans. He checked back on the professor, seeing that he was packing away his laptop, ready to go home for the night.

‘Shit’.

Jin had to do something to stop this monster plaguing his (Y/N)’s life, and fast. 

He slunk out of the janitor’s closet, hoping to fit in as he walked to the parking lot. There, after checking that there weren’t any security cameras watching, he waited. Only half paying attention to his phone, some music blaring through his headphones so that he was camouflaged into the university setting, no one was even aware that he could possibly have the means to kill tucked away the back of his jeans.

Finally, the professor walked out, a tower of books in his hands. Jin approached him with a charming smile.

“Need any help there, professor? You seem to be struggling with that!” He offered, his hand outstretched to take some of the weight off his shoulders.

“Oh, thank you young man. My car is just over here.” The man smiled gratefully, bending to let Jin take the highest books on the stack before leading him to his vehicle.

“Just put them in the trunk for me. Thanks so much for your help.” Once all the books were loaded, the professor went to enter his car only to be stopped by the feeling of a gun being pressed to his back.

“Unless you want to die, get in the car. Act natural.” Jin muttered in his ear, easing the pressure off his hostage’s back for a second. “Don’t even fucking think about running or you’ll be dead before you know it.”

The professor gave a shaky nod, climbing into the driver’s seat as Jin sat in the passenger’s seat directly behind him.

“I want you to go to your home. Don’t think about acting up to get pulled over, got it?” He hissed. 

“Why are you doing this? I swear, if it’s money you want I’ll give you whatever you need, no questions ask-”

“I thought you were smarter than to question the man holding a gun to your back. Drive.” Jin snarled, his victim jumping into action once he felt a jab through his seat.

Jin didn’t even feel bad. In his mind, it was all just, punishing the man who was coercing his perfect (Y/N) into such gross, indecent acts.

Pulling up at his residence, the professor felt slightly more at ease, thinking he could just give this maniac money or his valuables and just be free. But Jin had other plans.

“Your laptop. Bring it with you into the house. You’ll need it.” He snapped, keeping the gun low enough that it wasn’t obvious to passersby but high enough that it was still a threat. His hostage nodded sullenly, pulling out his briefcase and laptop bag.

“Now, we’re going inside your house. I don’t want any funny business, got it?” Jin said quietly, following the professor as he unlocked his front door and entered, disabling the security alarm.

“What do you want no-”

“Where do you normally sit when you’re thinking?” Jin interrupted.

“My study, why? Please, whatever you want just tell me-”

“Go there. Sit in your chair or whatever.” Jin held the gun up higher. “I’m getting impatient.”

Once he was seated, Jin finally said what he wanted.

“Get out your laptop. You’re going to write a confession about everything you’ve done wrong, the young girls you’ve abused and apologise for it all.” His victim turned as pale as a ghost.

“I-I didn’t do anything, what are you on about-”

“I’ve seen it.” Jin snarled. “Getting those girls to do you 'favours’ for passing grades? You’re sick.”

He pointed the gun right at the professor’s forehead, pressing the cool metal into his skull.

“Get writing already. If you miss anything out then I’ll know.”

It was silent for a while, the professor’s pages slowly creeping on and on, detailing every incident from the start of his career onwards until that very day, all of which had been pushed aside for so long by loyal colleagues. But his crimes were not to be ignored for much longer.

He finished typing, having left his name at the bottom of the account.

“Send it to the university board, your colleagues, your family and the Gazette. Everyone. They deserve to know who you truly are.” Jin commanded lowly. 

“Why are you involved in this? Who told you?” The scholar questioned as he started to type out the names of his colleagues, giving occasional glances up.

“You fucked my girl, (Y/N), this afternoon. I saw the whole thing, and I’m not happy about it.” Jin answered, his hands shaking slightly. “What gave you the right to ask that of her, to make her some common whore for you when she’s so much more? You’ll get what’s coming to you.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Okay, I sent it. Now what?” 

“Thank you. Now, you die.” The bullet was lodged in his victim’s brain before the man even had the chance to react, slumping forward onto his desk. Jin smirked, wiping the gun down before easing it into the corpse’s hand.

“I told you would get what was coming to you.” He taunted the corpse before leaving, praying that he hadn’t left a trace.

*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*

“(Y/N), you seem different.” Jin commented, only half concentrating on his gameplay. Most of his attention had been drawn by how stunning (Y/N) looked through her webcam. She was practically glowing, and Jin was honoured to have a front row seat to her euphoria.

“Oh. It’s kind of fucked up that I’m happy about this, but my professor shot himself yesterday apparently. He was a real creep and it’s weirdly liberating to be able to talk about what he did.” She sighed.

“Really?” Jin answered, heart thumping.

“He made me… well, at least he’s gone. He confessed to everything, so at least his victims are at peace knowing his crimes have been exposed.” (Y/N) said uneasily.

“Well, at least he can’t hurt you anymore.” She gave him a warm smile, only for it to fade in a few seconds.

“Jin! Concentrate! If we lose this round I’ll gut you like a fish.”

He laughed, finally satisfied to see how (Y/N) was happy once again with her troubles gone no sooner than they’d arrived.

He’d found his true happiness was making (Y/N)’s life better from the shadows, being her ‘buddy’ to her face but her knight in shining armour behind her back. He didn’t care who it was, he’d cut anyone who was being toxic out of her life. All for his idea of love.

[mellometal]

Surprise, bitch. I bet you thought you’d seen the last of me.

(Please tell me at least one of you got that reference.)

Anyways, jokes aside, the slaughtering of Dhar Mann’s videos is back and running! I’M BACK. Sorry for the long wait. I’ve had a lot of personal stuff going on, which I’ve been very transparent about and I wasn’t in the right headspace to tear apart Dhar Mann’s videos due to that. 

Y’all are in for a real treat today. Why? Because I’m tearing apart TWO of his videos in ONE post! They’re all the same premise, basically. Both of these videos are about people scamming others out of their money by faking injuries and disabilities! Ain’t that nifty? /s

Both of these videos have these things in common: insurance fraud, scamming people, and faking injuries and disabilities. Obviously, we all know those things are extremely fucked up.

For anyone who’s not aware, Dhar Mann has actually committed fraud in the past that he pleaded no contest to in 2014. Fucking shocker, I know. He’s such a kind soul, right? How could he do something so EVIIILLL? /s

He’s actually never served jail time, let alone was ever arrested, for the five felony counts related to a scheme to defraud the City (Oakland, California) by submitting false claims and receipts in order to receive redevelopment grant money. Those were all from the shit he did back in 2008 and 2009! He stole THOUSANDS of dollars from the city when he was an entrepreneur in the medical marijuana business! Dhar Mann served five years of probation. They let him off easy. Why? Oh, because his parents are super rich too and they paid to get him out of serving a jail sentence. 

In 2018, he made a blog post on entrepreneur.com about his “big mistakes costing him everything”. IT’S SO FUCKING FUNNY TO ME. JUST THE WAY HE PUT IT IS HILARIOUSLY BAD AND I CAN’T STOP LAUGHING. Like, BRUH. The fuck did you think was gonna happen? He wrote it out like he was a kid who got in trouble with his parents for not eating his vegetables and had to write out a whole fucking essay as to why it’s important to eat your veggies. It’s THAT bad.

ETA: Here's the link to the article. It's so bad it's funny.

Will there be any response from me? Unfortunately, not this time. These videos are too poorly made for me to make comments about. It wouldn’t be worth it at this point because Dhar Mann has his head up his own ass and won’t listen to the real people he’s actually hurting with his videos. It's obvious they're bad.

It's obvious that insurance fraud is a serious crime. Faking being disabled is disgusting. By faking disabilities, it makes it THAT much harder for disabled people to be taken seriously. It’s sickening.

Onto the first video I want to talk about. This first one has a man who fakes being disabled and fakes injuries all for monetary compensation, a lawyer who encourages her client to do this serious crime, a judge who’s EXTREMELY unprofessional, a few owners of small stores who are the victims of the crime that is injury fraud, and an undercover FBI agent.

Committing insurance fraud can usually end up with a prison sentence of up to five years per false claim (like what this man and his lawyer did in the video), but it can reach up to twenty years. There’s also a penalty that can be up to $250,000 per incident. It’s no joke. (Kids, don't do this, please.)

The first video starts off in a court room. The “victim” (the plaintiff) gives the store owner (the defendant) a piece of his mind, then the guy’s lawyer does the same thing. Hey, as a lawyer, you should know better. That’s extremely unprofessional. The store owner is obviously distraught. He's remorseful. He feels horrible about someone getting hurt in HIS shop, but he’s determined to fight his case. He didn’t do anything wrong.

The judge tells everyone to rise, then says everyone can sit down in an unprofessional way. He tells the plaintiff to tell their side of the story. The lawyer tells the judge that her client tried to grab onto one of the hand bars in the disabled bathroom stall, found that it wasn’t installed properly, and he fell. The store owner interjects and tries to tell the judge that what they were saying wasn’t true...without saying that he objects. The judge gets angry with the store owner...which again, is unprofessional.

The lawyer shows the judge the photos she took as evidence. (I'll get to why these claims are absolute bullshit.) After that, the judge finally tells the store owner to tell his side of the story.

The store owner is adamant about installing the hand bars in the disabled bathroom stall properly, he genuinely had no idea how that even happened, and he's still remorseful. The judge ruled in favor of the "victim", asks for the store owner to pay out $25,000, and court was dismissed.

The lawyer and the "victim" are seen gloating about being successful in pulling off another scheme. The "victim" tells his lawyer that he needed to get out of the wheelchair. His lawyer denies this by saying that she doesn't want to get exposed.

They then go to another independent business to pull off the SAME scam. They do this at a small boutique. The store owner goes around to catch them in the action when he bumps into an undercover FBI agent. The FBI agent asks him what he was doing, and he tells the agent that he’s trying to gather evidence. The agent understands and goes on his merry way.

We see the lawyer going into the dressing room while the “victim” is browsing around for a dress shirt to try on. She goes in with the screwdriver, unscrews the hand bars in the dressing room, then comes back out. The “victim” asks one of the store clerks if he could try on a shirt he picked out, so he goes back there, and he “falls” in the dressing room. LIKE HOW HE “FELL” IN THE DISABLED BATHROOM STALL AT ANOTHER STORE.

What makes these claims absolute bullshit is the fact that the lawyer carried around a screwdriver to uninstall the hand bars to make her client "fall" (she had it sticking out of her suit jacket). Plus, if a disabled person were to actually fall from improperly installed hand bars in the disabled bathroom stall, the holes in the wall wouldn't look clean WHATSOEVER. The screws would not come out clean like if you were to unscrew them out of a wall. Part of the wall and the screws would most likely be ripped out and the disabled person would be SERIOUSLY hurt (depending on the person). Like, you'd have to go to the hospital, most likely. The way that the "victim" "fell" was like he practiced it, like how you would in theatre. (I've practiced how to "fall" safely when I was in theatre for scenes where you have to faint or pass out. There's a trick to doing that without hurting yourself. Theatre kids, you know what I'm talking about.) He was still in the fetal position in his chair on his left side. He had NO injuries whatsoever.

His lawyer JUST so happened to be there! Convenient timing! She introduces herself (even though they clearly know each other already) and tells the people working in the store that she’ll be seeing them in court for their “negligence”. The store clerks have no idea what she’s even talking about and they’re understandably afraid. I don’t think the owner of that boutique was there at the time. (Don’t they have security cameras all over the store? I would think they'd catch onto what the lawyer did in one of the dressing rooms if they did.)

They pull off this scam, they're seen LAUGHING about fucking scamming people and committing a SERIOUS CRIME, and the store owner from earlier catches them when the "victim" gives the wheelchair back to his lawyer. They take the store owner's camera, taunt him, and then the lawyer EATS the SD card! They go off into the sunset, laughing like your stereotypical mean girls in Beverly Hills.

They go back to court, where the store owner is still trying to defend himself. The judge isn't budging at first, the lawyer is acting like the store owner is lying (he isn’t), and the store owner is trying to tell the judge exactly what happened. He’s almost ordered to pay out $25,000, which would mean that he’d have to close down his store to even come up with that kind of money. That stops when the undercover FBI agent goes right into the courtroom to give the judge evidence to prove that the store owner is innocent. Apparently this guy has been investigating these two people for a while and was waiting to catch them. It ends with the lawyer AND the "victim" being arrested and the store owner is proven innocent. He never ends up having to pay the $25,000.

Hey, Dhar Mann. I have a few questions for you.:

Are you projecting? Because you did commit five counts of fraud. You pulling the same shit again? Just curious.

When you add in BIPOC and AAPI characters, why do you have to ALWAYS have to write them as either the victims, the heroes, or you write them to be absolutely awful people? This is ESPECIALLY the case with Black and Hispanic people in your videos. You ALWAYS write these two groups like this mainly, and I don't understand why. The racial aggression in your videos isn't cute. Knock it the fuck off. Why not just write them as normal people, WHICH IS WHAT THEY ARE?

Is your concern for small business owners genuine? Do you actually care about small businesses? Or did you just add them into this video for brownie points to feed the gross excuse for a savior complex you have?

The second video I want to talk about is pretty much the same thing, except this involves a couple and they don't fake disabilities! They do fake being/getting injured though. I’ll call the guy with the nice car “Nice Guy” and the scammers “Scammer 1″ and “Scammer 2″. They don’t have any names, unfortunately.

It starts off with Nice Guy backing out of a parking lot when Scammer 1 "falls" behind the car and yelps out in pain. Nice Guy gets out of the car to see what happened and he’s freaking out because he thinks he just hit someone by trying to back out of a parking lot. He wants to make sure that Scammer 1 is okay.

Scammer 2 runs over to her boyfriend to see that he “fell” behind the car, berates Nice Guy, Scammer 1 is crying out in “pain”, and Nice Guy is trying to come up with a solution. He gives the two scammers $600 and they go on their way. Scammer 2 tells her boyfriend that he put on a great performance. Little did they know that Nice Guy heard everything they said.

But wait, kids! There’s more! It’s fuckin’ wacky!

They go to a little convenience store, Scammer 1 pulls out a water bottle out of one of the fridges that he didn’t pay for, and pours some all over the floor. Scammer 2 happens to walk in, "slip" on the spilled water, and land directly onto her back. The store clerk there goes over to see what happened, Scammer 1 introduces himself as a personal injury lawyer to Scammer 2, and they try to get monetary compensation from the store clerk. Little do they know that Nice Guy was watching them the whole time!

He caught them on camera trying to pull off a scam, he called the cops, and we never see Scammer 1 and Scammer 2 ever again!

Why is it that there were no security cameras in your store the first time around, but they were CONVENIENTLY THERE this time, Nice Guy? You could've proven your case and won the first time!

My thoughts on these videos? Super boring. Ableist as hell. Super unrealistic. They're so poorly made that I didn't even want to make a comment on either of them!

It looks obvious that he's projecting, but I don't know. What do y'all think?

[yegarts]

“I Am YEG Arts” Series: Kristi Hansen

Photo credit: Ryan Parker Photography

Kristi Hansen. If the name sounds familiar, it’s for good reason. She’s an actor, creator, and advocate for inclusivity who’s disrupting traditional leadership models to create opportunities for equity-seeking communities. Impressed? So was the Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund committee, who recently recognized her as one of their 2020 award recipients. But that’s not the only place you might know her from. If you’re lucky, you saw her in The Silver Arrow or Woody—her one-woman show that compares and contrasts her life as an amputee to other amputees (real and imagined) around the world. But as impressive as what she does may be, her greatest accolade is who she is. A person unafraid to look deeper, feel deeper, question deeper, and present truths that aren’t always put forward.

Actor, teacher, co-conspirator, and self-proclaimed brat in the making—this week’s “I Am YEG Arts” story belongs to Kristi Hansen.

Of all the titles used to describe you and what you do, which do you use to describe yourself? Is there one you hope to add?

I have started to refer to myself as a “co-conspirator” when entering an art practice. I am always hungry for a collective process and am constantly looking for how each artistic process can create an ensemble of co-conspirators who develop a language and community agreement for how we want to work. I am drawn to other co-conspirators who are “brats” (artists who are constantly finding ways to gently subvert and find new pathways in the process). It is my greatest aspiration to be a brat. ; )

What was it about the arts that made you feel it could be your community?

I had a sneaky feeling when venturing into my life as an artist that as someone who never really had a community growing up, the arts could be my place where people weren’t afraid to look deeper, feel deeper, question deeper, and present the truths that weren’t always being put forward.

What keeps you choosing Edmonton as your place to live and work?

I came to Edmonton in 1999 to study at the Grant MacEwan Theatre Arts program without any real sense of how special a place Edmonton is. I didn’t imagine myself still being here 22 years later, and yet the more places I work outside of Edmonton, the more I can’t imagine myself calling anywhere else home. After Grant MacEwan, I went to the University of Alberta’s BFA Acting program and continued to meet folks within the Edmonton theatre and arts community who inspired me with their DIY punk attitudes. I’ve always been attracted to folks who make their own paths, and Edmonton artists seemed ripe with that resilience and subversion. I always felt like transformation, curiosity, and FUN were at the center of so much of the work in YEG. I got hitched to a really cool Edmonton artist (Sheldon Elter), I bought a very affordable house in the Alberta Avenue neighbourhood (which I love), I can bike downtown in seven  minutes, I have a great dog, and I get to work with so many different companies in so many different artistic mediums. I am truly #LivingTheDream.

Photo credit: Ryan Parker Photography

More people are wanting to build inclusive communities and spaces that don’t exist—like what you did with The Maggie Tree. Tell us about that experience and the first steps you took to make it happen.

Inspired by the Edmonton “If you are looking for an opportunity, create it yourself!” creation method I’d seen in so many other Edmonton artists and art companies, my friend Vanessa Sabourin and I saw a need for more women theatre artists to work and create together and to be IN CHARGE of their own productions and careers. We started an ad-hoc women’s theatre company, The Maggie Tree, in 2007. We had no money, but we had a community of supporters: Azimuth Theatre had a small space at the time that they rented to us for a cut of our box office. Vanessa’s dad built the set for us. Edmonton art superstars Amber Borotsik and Lori Gawryluik joined us in the process. Lori let us use the Artery (which she was running at the time) for a fundraiser. Then we did a run of a show. People came. And then we were a theatre company. It grew from there.

We learned how to write grants. We learned and continue to learn how feminism is intersectional and how to be inclusive and welcoming to gender diverse humans and other equity-seeking communities in our practice of what we want our inclusive, feminist theatre company to be. I often get to sit down with young artists who want to know “how to do it.” Honestly:

1. Find a thing you want to do.

2. Find a place where you can do it.

3. Commit to dates.

That’s the foundation. Once you have those three things, you’re off to the races. Not to simplify the other producing aspects of getting something together (all that grant writing, contract building, budgeting, policy creation, and marketing stuff is hard), but I honestly find once I have the three basics decided, I am flying.

Is there a particular piece of feedback you lean on when days are tough?

I’ve had the good fortune of working with many amazing artists who have given me GREAT advice/feedback over the years, but I want to offer a mantra that I came up with years ago (Ha! How hilariously self-congratulatory of me, but it’s honestly my go-to) that serves me well any time I enter a new artistic process: We are going to try some things: Some of them will work, some of them will not, and we are going to keep trying. This mantra keeps me going on the tough days, and keeps me brave when I want to retreat into the safety of what is already known and maybe not as interesting.

Tell us about the role funding and awards have played in your career. What doors do they open?

I first started writing grants for The Maggie Tree as an individual artist to fund our productions. I learned the art of grant writing from Vanessa Sabourin, Steve Pirot, Murray Utas, and Vern Thiessen: All brilliant artist and producers who know how to weave an undeniable narrative and craft a beautifully specific budget. The Maggie Tree started being successful in our asks for Edmonton Arts Council, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and Canada Council for the Arts grants. This enabled us to engage more and more artists in our projects and to start moving into being able to offer equity contracts for artists and to create viable work opportunities for Edmonton artists. These grants allowed me to advance myself as an artist and producer and to be able to PAY myself for the art I was creating and/or producing. I’ve been lucky enough to receive a few awards in my career that have helped to launch my profile as an artist locally, provincially, and nationally, and I am grateful to now be known inside and outside of Edmonton artist circles.

Grants and awards offer artists the opportunity to create their own opportunities and to expand their profile so OTHER folks can offer them opportunities, as well. Before you know it there’s a career in the arts in front of you.

What excites you most about the YEG arts scene right now?

I am constantly inspired by the younger generations of YEG artists coming up. I am here for the push for a kinder, more inclusive, more transparent workplaces (cuz let’s face it: Art is WORK, and as much as we love our art, we are still workers). I am excited for new art spaces: CO*LAB, the new Roxy… I’m also pretty hyped for new performance technologies being created right here in YEG with Moment Discovery.

Photo credit: Ryan Parker Photography

Tell us about your workshops and commitment to being an educator/mentor. What do you hope people will take away?

I am pretty into the idea of educating/mentoring folks by being led by them and the artist they are. I’m not interested in people changing themselves into what they think is marketable or palatable for whoever their “audience” is. I want them to be the best and most authentic THEM they can be in their work. When I work with a group of humans, I am most interested in ensemble training and dismantling hierarchy in groups. I return to the idea of the co-conspirator and the brats: How can we work together? What agreements need to be made in order for us to do our best work together? What are the rules? And when do we know it’s time to break the rules (cue the brat)?

I had the good fortune of many wonderful mentors who taught me so many important lessons and also taught me things that no longer serve me. I hope that for any of the folks I have helped mentor that they take anything that I pass on that is useful and let go of anything that is not or that no longer serves them in their practice. We are all on our own artistic journeys, but it is as a community—or ensemble—that we grow and move forward. Ultimately, we need each other.

You’ve talked about the importance of artists generating opportunities for other artists. Can you speak to that a little more?

I truly believe this is the way it works. When you care for your community, the community cares for you and those you keep bringing into the circle. I also think it’s important to nudge people when you see opportunities that could be good for them. Let them know you’re thinking of them. They may not have the confidence to apply on their own, but that little push can go a long way. There is nothing more encouraging as an artist than to know that someone else believes in you and your work.

Who’s someone inspiring you right now?

I’m pretty inspired by Carly Neis, Cynthia Jimenez-Hicks, and Cameron Kneteman (along with producer Mac Brock) as they continue to workshop and produce their new TYA play focusing on disability, Tune to A. They are being giant brats and being kind all over the place on this one, and I couldn’t be more proud of the accessible practice model they are building in their process.

Describe your perfect day in Edmonton. How do you spend it?

Breakfast on my patio in Alberta Avenue, putzing in my garden, taking the dog on a bike ride through Dawson Park, a piece of cheesecake from Otto, seeing a show (art show, theatre show, music show), then finishing the night off with a beer and burger from the Next Act. I’m a simple creature, really. ; )

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here all year and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along!

Click here to learn more about Kristi Hansen, her workshops, and upcoming projects.

About Kristi Hansen

Kristi Hansen is a disabled theatre artist who has called Edmonton home for the past 22 years. Kristi trained as an actor at Grant MacEwan’s Theatre Arts Program from 1999-2001, and then at the University of Alberta’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Program from 2001-2004.  Kristi is the co-founder and co-Artistic Director of The Maggie Tree and the former co-Artistic Producer of Azimuth Theatre in Edmonton, AB.

Acting credits include Candide (Edmonton Opera); The Silver Arrow, A Christmas Carol, and Alice Through the Looking Glass (Citadel Theatre); The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Catalyst Theatre); Mr. Burns: a post-electric Play (You are Here Theatre/Blarney Productions); The Bad Seed, The Jazz Mother, Pith!, The Scent of Compulsion, and The Ambassador’s Wives (Teatro la Quindicina); The Hollow (Vertigo Theatre); Small Mouth Sounds, 10 out of 12, and Passion Play (Wild Side Productions); Irma Voth (Theatre Network); Christina/Philippe (Northern Light Theatre); The Sound of Music (National Arts Centre); Comedy of Errors, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet and Love’s Labour’s Lost (Freewill Players); The Snow Queen and Apocalypse Prairie (Azimuth Theatre); The Supine Cobbler, Monstrosities, Age of Arousal, Hroses: An Affront to Reason, Folie à Deux, and Hunger Striking (The Maggie Tree). Her one-woman show, Woody, explores the themes of privilege and disability in a reflection of her life as a disabled human living in North America in contrast with other amputees (real and imagined) around the world.

[growingupautie]

StoryTime: The White Card Incident

(2,770 words but worth the read.)

In January of 2013, I was promoted from a part-time weekend job as a technology sales representative for Lenovo to the Marketing Development Manager for Lenovo in charge of half of my entire city of Houston. For a while, I felt like I was on top of the world. I loved my job and traveling through my city. I loved meeting all the people in the 50 plus stores I had to visit and started to memorize a lot of them and what we talked about.

I even made my route have me end up near Chinatown on some days so I could stop by and eat lunch there (and get some things from my favorite bakery.) But just as Kandace and I were planning on using this newfound position to get an apartment together, something terrible happened. In October of that year, we got on our weekly conference call as we always did, but the mood seemed somber and no one was talking or laughing like they used to.

When our boss came on, she also seemed upset and had trouble getting her words out. I could tell that everyone on the call, all 20 plus of us from across the United States just wanted her to say what was happening so we could rip the bandaid off. After a minute of praise that felt hollow given the tone of the call, someone finally asked if she could get to the news we were told to expect.

She said "sorry" and continued to tell us that the parent company we work for had lost the contract with Lenovo after failed negotiations and our positions were being terminated immediately. The call somehow fell more silent. Everyone had questions. Myself included. But in the end, we found out most of what we wanted to know. The Lenovo branded cars we drove were to be returned, (I had let my vehicle stay broken down as I didn't need it and it would be expensive to fix.)

The laptop we were provided was to be returned as well along with the phone, and hotspot device. But the most important bit of info came when someone asked if we would be allowed to apply for unemployment. "Of course we would be able to. We paid into it, we worked, we should be able to get that back." but to our surprise, the boss said something along the lines of "no don't do that! We could get in trouble! We haven't paid into that!" All of us were stunned. Someone asked how that was even possible.

It turns out the loophole in the law they had found was that because the company was in Akron Ohio, and we all worked and paid taxes in our various other cities somehow they managed to not pay into it. We didn't get bogged down into the why or how, but all that meant to us was suddenly we were without cars and a paycheck and would be denied unemployment. I was devastated. I really thought I had found a place to grow and could see myself making a career out of it.

We were about to sign papers on an apartment and suddenly I'm without a job, without a working car, and without any kind of financial assistance. Some issues happened around my family and after a short time, I got my car somewhat fixed and I moved out of the house into Dadaw's (grandmother's) house. I tried frantically to get another job. After all, I had just been in charge if half of Houston for a big company. Surely I would be offered another position somewhere soon.

But as time went by, nobody had called. I had very little money left, and very little outside help if any. Hope was dwindling, relationships were strained. I had spoken to at least 20 job placement agencies. After my mom informed me that I had been diagnosed as Autistic as a child, I had reconnected with D.A.R.S. (Department of Rehabilitative Services) who help people with disabilities get help with work and other things.

But they refuse to help me based on my other medical issues because they closed my case before, and they refused to help me as an Autistic until I got rediagnosed. They paid for me to be rediagnosed, I did so with no sleep, having skipped dinner and breakfast, and with a ridiculous amount of stress on my shoulders.

I aced their IQ test minus the memory portion, and after a while of convincing the doctor I was Autistic through old stories and experiences and the fact that I had been diagnosed, he agreed. That day, I went home with my heart sunk in my chest. I felt like a failure for needing this kind of help. I felt like a broken or incomplete person because I couldn't do it on my own.

And after months of their "help," working with a bunch of disability-based job agencies, the "help" of 20 plus other job placement agencies I had saught out, and filling out applications online myself, no matter what I tried, I couldn't get a job anywhere. I couldn't afford to eat, and I didn't want Dadaw to pay for me as she often couldn't afford much. A few people in my life suggested I get food stamps. Several people in my life told me I should apply food stamps. But the idea of that in itself was terrifying.

But after a while, between eating very little, my friends taking me out from time to time, and constant pestering from my family I felt I was left with no choice. I went to the food stamp office with my head down, the people around me had the same downtrodden demeanor. When they called me back, I felt a rush of emotions. Guilt, remorse, sorrow, anger that it came to this.

But most of all, I felt embarrassed. Growing up, food stamps had been used as an insult toward the people around me, I knew at one point my family had needed them and used them and I felt like as someone who had been constantly bullied growing up, I was opening myself up for more. I played through a million scenarios in my head as I walked back. Someone I know seeing me at the checkout counter, the cashier silently judging me, the people around me, me dropping the white card with the unmistakable logo in front of someone.

I snapped out of it and sat down in the interview room to answer questions to determine my eligibility. But it felt like a police interrogation to me. I felt like I was cheating the system. Like it wasn't for me, but someone else who deserved it. Someone else who needed it. I felt the eyes of the interviewer boring into me as if to say "why are you even here?" I spoke up about to break. "I...I don't even want to do this." Her face changed from accusatory and annoyed, to shock.

I let her know that I felt like I had no other choice, that I felt embarrassed. I explained my situation, and she looked at me almost begrudgingly endearing. "Son, if you need help, you need help." she said. "That's what it's here for." I felt somewhat relieved or at least a little better about not actually cheating the system. They accepted my application, and I was approved.

When I got the card, I was once again filled with dread. Replaying the simulations over and over in my head a million times. Finding a way to cheat the system in a way to avoid being bullied, I realized I could use the self-check-out. Then quickly realized if I get one of those "please remove items from cart" messages or something else regarding my card, someone would have to come up and help me anyway.

Still, I figured it was my best hope for avoiding confrontations, and I parked outside the grocery store. I checked my balance on the card and made sure everything was working, went in and got a basket, and started shopping while feeling like a spy. Like somehow I would get caught and it would be the end of the road for me. I'm honestly surprised nobody thought I was shoplifting as nervous as I was.

When I was done, I walked over to the self-check-out area doubling down on my earlier decision when a woman stopped me and said they were all closed for repairs. Panic set in. I didn't say anything. I just sort of smiled and walked away with my basket.

The 15 items or less line was almost empty but I had too many items. The next line had too many people. The next few lines had the same amount of people and items, and I started doing the math on which cashier was scanning and bagging faster vs how judgmental they look trying to get myself into the best possible situation.

Eventually, I found a line sandwiched between two closed lines with only one woman and her 2 kids in the basket with a few items. The cashier didn't seem to care much about anything and didn't seem like a gatekeeper or any other kind of threat. And the woman in front of me seemed sad and aloof as well so I felt like things were going to be ok. The woman smiled at me and apologized for having so many items. "It's not that much. It's fine." I responded with a smile.

But suddenly from behind me, I felt a high strung angry presence. Like a monster who's in a hurry and I'm in his path. As each item was scanned, he started saying "Oh God...." "Of course..." and "Just great..." in a demeaning and monstrous tone. The woman continued to hide her face with her back to him and sulked further into herself as he continued. "Cash or credit?" The cashier asked in a monotone voice. "I...uh...Here..." The woman said quietly and she tried to hand her..."A food stamp card..." I thought to myself.

I realized that I and the woman felt the same at that moment. In need of help, but afraid to seek it out, and even afraid to use it once that help had been provided. I started to piece the scene together realizing the kids had beat up shoes and clothes, and the woman did as well. They were clearly hungry and frightened by this angry rhino of a person and just wanted to get some food. I started to think of all the scenarios that could have put them in that situation. But then I realized it didn't matter.

Only a moment had passed while I thought through all of these things, the children were terrified of this man already and then he saw it..."OH GREAT! MY TAX DOLLARS AT WORK!" he screamed scaring the kids even more. He began to verbally narrate what he thought her situation was. accusing her of getting "knocked up" to "leech off the system." He said people like them were a "drain on the economy" all while using language inappropriate to use around her children.

At that moment after the initial shock wore off, I grasped my card in my pocket as anger built up inside of me. I knew what I was afraid of, I had built it up in my head, and this ignorant jerk was making it a reality for a down on their luck mom and her two scared children. I immediately pivoted. "What did you just say?" I told him with a face that said: "I dare you to repeat that." apparently too blustered to care, he said, "I SAID PEOPLE LIKE HER ARE A DRAIN ON THE ECONOMY!"

I whipped my card out and held it in-between two fingers right in his face. "And what about me?" I spoke out with an angry but in control tone. "I...Uh..." he said as it became clear to me, like most bullies, this one was only doing this because he thought his targets (this mom and her kids) would not be able to defend themselves. I yelled at him more, trying to control my voice so I didn't frighten the kids anymore "Well, you had all kinds of ignorant crap to say a minute ago!"

He snapped out of his shock bullies go into when someone stands up to them. "Wh...Why don't you mind your own business?! I WASN'T EVEN TALKING TO YOU! WHY DON'T YOU FIND ANOTHER LINE!" He started to build up steam again making the children huddle in the cart.

Having had enough of his nonsense I moved my card, leaned in with a scowl, got uncomfortably close to his face and angrily whispered: "Why don't YOU find another line before I find one for you..." a terrified look came across his face as he realized doubling down on his ignorance would not get the job done and after a pained audible gulp in the "big man's" throat he was frantically on his way spouting off "That's what I thought" and other face-saving phrases.

I timidly turned back to the family making sure I had dropped my "don't mess with me" persona (My Autistic folks know this one) so I didn't scare them. I asked them if they were ok. Her eyes were filled with tears, and so were the kids. She smiled at me and thanked me for stepping in. I told her kids that it was ok because he was gone now and offered to walk them to their car. She said she appreciated it but they would be fine.

The checkout woman handed her a receipt and obviously wanted to stay out of the situation. I saw the woman leave and she smiled at me on the way out. I had enough items that it took a good 5 minutes to check me out. I realized in that time I was no longer afraid of being seen with my card. Maybe it was the adrenaline of standing up to that bully, maybe it was outing myself to protect that family, after all, it would be silly to be afraid now that everyone had clearly seen it.

I paid, went outside, and on my windshield was a note on small lined paper that had been torn out of a planner of some sort that said: "You will be blessed all the days of your life." I don't know who left it, or if it was in response to what happened, or even how they found out which car was mine, but it was there.

The message here is two-fold. First, it is easy to get caught up in thinking you don't need help, or that even if you did it isn't for you. "It's for someone more deserving." sometimes it's just the fear of being bullied or ridiculed for accepting it. And because of this, a lot of people wait until they hit "the bottom" before they ever consider asking and even then they might not.

In a better world, we would destigmatize the need for help. Therapy, government assistance, shelters, these things are in place to help people, and if people need help, they should be able to get it without being berated to tears over it. The last thing someone who's questioning if they need help or not needs is some blowhard with their ignorant opinions of why they don't. Which brings me to the second message.

If you see something like this happening, and you have the power to step in whether you are personally affected or not, do it. This includes all forms of bullying. Bullies are cowards. They may double down, but once these types of people realize that we won't allow this anymore and there are actually people who will stand against them, they buckle under the pressure. If you see it, shut it down.

This has been another [Growing Up Aspie] Storytime. If you'd like to help me make more content more often, please consider supporting me at Paypal.me/growingupaspie or with a monthly pledge of $1 or more at patreon.com/irishwolfproductions. Thank you for your support.

-Nathan Alan McConnell

[cutie1365]

A Kid from Queens Part 17

Pairing: Peter Parker x Stark!Reader

Info: CA: Civil War Era. Tony Stark enlists his daughter to find the web slinging spider in Queens.

Word count: 2.5k

Warnings: Language

A/N: Please let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Masterlist linked in my bio. Taglist in the reblog.

           - - - - - 🕷 - - - - -

Another restless night of tossing a turning, not knowing if you really slept or if time has passed, you found yourself reaching for your phone on the nightstand. Your eyes flitted to the time- 3:50 AM. You were about to groan and plop back onto the bed when your eyes journey down to another notification from an hour ago.

“Override 17A” it read, and right below it another one.

“Training Wheels Protocol Disabled”

“What the fuck?” You muttered out loud. 17A was Peter’s suit. Certainly your father wouldn’t have done this, which only left one explanation.

“He didn’t-” You stopped, almost in disbelief. Did he just hack your suit?

“F.R.I.D.A.Y. where the hell is he?” you asked angrily, sitting up in bed.

“It appears the tracker has been removed from the suit, boss.” The AI informed you.

You threw the covers off of yourself and jumped out of bed.

“He better be dead, because if not I’m gonna kill him.” You huffed, moving to your desk and pulling open your laptop.

“Can you get me the last location he pinged?” You began pulling up the reports you had on his suit, to see if you could get any more information on what he’d been doing. It showed you a map of him bouncing around Queens and occasionally into the city. There was one last dot 200 miles away.

“A hotel in D.C.” F.R.I. said.

“Why wasn’t I informed the suit left the city?” You asked.

“Mr. Hogan was informed.” She said.

“When?” You shut the computer, turning back towards the middle of the room waiting for an answer.

“4:00 PM yesterday.” She informed you.

“What the hell is he doing in D.C.?” You asked yourself, “Get me Happy on the line.”

You had a bad feeling about this, did Peter disable the tracker himself? If he did, it meant he was going to do something he didn’t want any of you knowing about, likely meaning it’s dangerous.

“Are you sure? It is four in the morning.” She asked for confirmation.

“Call him.” You instructed, standing to pace the room.

“Y/N, what’s going on?” Happy answered, his voice frantic. He knew you’d never call this early unless it was important.

“Where’s Peter?” You asked, the anger evident in your voice.

“The kid? He’s got a school trip in D.C? Why?” Happy asked, curiously.

“The suit’s tracker was disabled an hour ago, and some systems were changed without my authorization.” You tried to explain calmly.

“That’s not good.” Happy said, and you could almost feel his stress levels spike through the phone.

“Has he been giving you reports? Anything that could clue us into what he’s doing?” You asked, still pacing the room.

“He’s just been doing what he always does, helping old ladies, and bike thefts and muggings.” Happy shrugged.

“Shit. Ok, I’ll take care of it Hap.” You said, not wanting to stress Happy out even more.

You would have dug more to see if he knew anything, but in your pacings you figured a way into Peter’s suit. He may have disabled the tracker, but if the Training Wheels Protocols was deactivated that would mean his AI was now online. You should be able to enter through a backdoor in her system remotely.

After about half an hour you were able to get in, and although you wouldn’t be able to transmit anything you would be able to overhear any conversation between Peter and the AI. Hopefully that would tip you off to their location or what he’s planning.

“What is this place? Suit lady, where am I?” You heard Peter speaking, his voice transmitting through your computer.

“You’re in the most secure facility on the Eastern Seaboard. The Damage Control Deep Storage Vault.” His AI answered, casually.

“Son of a bitch.” You shook your head, jumping up and slamming your computer shut once more. Anger wasn’t the right word to describe what you’re feeling right now. Peter was meddling in something larger than himself, and he likely didn’t even know it. You didn’t want him to get killed.

Your dress pants were strewn over a chair in your room, they were closest so you grabbed them and a sweater and began to search for your keys. You knew the drive would take about 4 hours, it may be morning by then and you may miss him, but it was a chance you were willing to take. You couldn’t take the jet since it was upstate and you couldn’t get a pilot at this hour, with the Accords everyone was under such scrutiny that they couldn’t take you. If this had been years ago Steve or Clint would have gladly piloted last minute.

You did have one more option, but it was too risky. You hadn’t tested it enough, and certainly not for long distance flight stabilization. Plus your father would kill you if he found out you had made a suit prototype for yourself.

Once in the garage, you looked at the motorcycle next to your car. That could work... maybe shave an hour or two off of your trip by weaving in between cars and traffic. Though you’d almost certainly get pulled over and be slowed down even longer.

“Next time.” You glanced at the bike once more, as you climbed into the car and revved it up, praying you’d get there in time.

Once you were on the highway you put the car into autopilot, using your phone to connect to your remote desktop and back into his AI, to see if you could get any more clues as to what he was doing.

“Hey it’s like the glowy thing.” Peter spoke, excitement in his voice.

“That glowy thing is an explosive Chitauri energy core.” His AI, who you learned he named Karen, spoke very matter of factly.

“What!” You said out loud. “Peter Parker you’re so dead.” You groaned, flipping autopilot off, throwing your phone onto the seat next to you, and flooring it down the empty highway.

You were able to make the trip in three and a half hours, but you were too late. Peter was no longer at the facility. You had a worker let you into the deep storage vault, your name was practically on the door so authorization wasn’t an issue. You were thankful for grabbing nicer clothing though. You planned on looking for clues to where Peter ran off to, but you were distracted by a shipping container that had clearly been tampered with. This was something Peter couldn’t have done, nearly half of the items were missing. This had to have been the weapons dealings with the major.

You called in your FBI contacts to come investigate, and you were momentarily distracted and forgot about Peter, the whole reason you came here. You showed the agents the containers and the items missing, they must have been using the parts to make and sell weapons. They asked you questions about the protocols of this facility and shipments. When the venture between Stark Industries and the government was struck for this department, you’d read all the documents word for word, as your father was too bored to. Wasn’t really his area, paperwork. You answered their questions and discussed possible entries. A complete catalog of the other containers would have to be done and compared to the original records to see how much had been stolen, security would also have to be increased.

“Hang on.” Another agent to your right took a phone call that seemed important, “Where?” He said, concern evident in his voice. This caused everyone to look in his direction.

“Sir, we have an incident at the Washington Monument.” He turned to his boss saying.

“What kind of incident?” He asked, hands on his hips.

“Someone’s climbing it.” He said, in disbelief, the room went silent.

“Shit.” You muttered under your breath. That had to be Peter.

“Are we good here?” You turned to the agent who was your main contact and asked.

“Yeah, we’ll finish up here, see if we can get any prints.” He nodded, placing his hands on his hips as well, turning away from the rest of the group and dropping his voice slightly before continuing, “We’re getting intel on a possible rendezvous for a sale, we’ve got a guy posing as a buyer. We’ll let you know, we might need to use you as a distraction, but you’re free to go.”

You nodded, and tried to not look suspicious as you slowly rushed off to your car.

You drove as fast as you could, weaving in and out of traffic. As you got closer to the monument you saw D.C. Metro police helicopters circling. You hit the breaks as you saw fire trucks and ambulances surrounding the entrance. You put the car in park and stepped out, attempting to get a better view.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y. what happened here?” You asked nervously.

“I’m sensing radiation from a Chitauri energy core detonation.” She spoke plainly.

“What? How the hell?” You walked closer to the scene, they were beginning to put up police tape.

“It appeared to be from inside the elevator.” She said.

“Is everyone ok?” You asked slowly.

“No casualties reported. Students inside the elevator were saved before it collapsed.” You now stood at the police tape, with a full view of the monument.

“Peter saved them?” You asked quietly, you could see the broken window at the very top, that must have been how he got in. He saved his friends, you really couldn’t be mad at him for that.

“Where are they now?” You slipped the sunglasses from the top of your head over your eyes, getting a view inside the monument at the crumbling elevator that would have meant certain death for all occupants if it weren’t for Peter.

“Their bus has departed and is heading back to Midtown, parents have been informed and sent to meet them.” The AI informed you.

“Is Peter on the bus?” You asked, worried.

“Traffic cameras confirm Peter Parker is on board.” She confirmed, and you hung your head in relief. You took one more look around the scene through your tech glasses as two firefighters moved to stand next to you.

“Shit’s crazy, five more seconds and those kids wouldn’t have made it.” They spoke to each other, and you quickly turned and rushed back to your car to make the trip back upstate. You knew what you had to do.

- - - - - 🕷 - - - - -

It was dark when you finally arrived. You saw the bus with kids greeting their parents. They were milling about as a teacher was unloading luggage from the bus. You saw Peter leaning against the brick of the school building as May talked to other parents. Coming from around the corner behind him, you grabbed onto his arm and pulled him backwards, immediately wrapping your arms around him and pulling him into a hug.

He remained frozen for a second, before recognizing your signature scent and hugging you back. You pulled away quickly, keeping your hands on the side of his arms as you scolded him.

“What the hell were you thinking?” You scolded.

“I-” He tried.

“You hacked my suit! You turned off the tracker.” You seethed.

“I-”

“I don’t know how you got into Damage Control, you tampered with federal property and a federal investigation.” You waved your hand in anger.

“I-” he tried once more.

“God Peter, I was so scared,” You hugged him again, “Don’t do that to me again.”

“I’m sorry.” He finally said, as you pulled away and he could see the tears beginning to form in your eyes.

“I can’t do this.” you admitted.

“Do what?” Peter asked, furrowing his brow.

“It’s been killing me, trying to stay away from you. I just- I want to be with you, I don’t care what happens.” You shook your head, letting a stray tear fall down your cheek.

“What about your father?” He asked, as his thumb gently came up to wipe the tear away.

“He’ll understand. The plan worked, we just have to be more careful.” You grabbed his hand to reassure him.

“You just can’t be seen with Spider-Man.” He nodded.

“But I can be seen with Peter Parker.” You smiled.

“What about Harley?” He asked, causing you to let go of his hand in surprise of the question.

“Harley? What about him?” You asked, confused.

“I thought you two were-” Peter began.

“Oh no, no. He’s a friend. He knows dad, it’s a long story. We’re hiring him.” You chuckled slightly.

“Oh.” Peter nodded, feeling dumb for assuming.

“Jealousy isn't a good look on you.” You teased.

“I just.” He shrugged, smiling and giving up. He laughed at his own assumption.

“Happy Birthday by the way, I’m sorry I missed it.” You said, it had killed you not being able to send him a message on the day almost two weeks ago now.

“That’s ok.” He smiled, taking your hand once more.

“I may know how I can make it up to you.” You smirked.

“How’s that?” He asked, knowing what it might be. You leaned in to kiss him, as you felt him smile into the kiss. You’d both missed this. Something just felt right whenever you were together.

You smiled as you pulled away to look at him in the moonlight, you stared into his eyes like it was the first time.

“I have a gala next week, come with me?” You asked, with a hopeful smile.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Peter raised a brow with the tilt of his head.

“Lucky for you, it has a masquerade theme.” You smiled.

“Lucky me.” He smirked, moving his fingers through your hair to the back of your head to pull you into a kiss once more. The both of you were so lost in the moment that you didn’t see someone coming around the corner.

“Peter? Oh-” Aunt May stopped as her eyes landed on the two of you. You quickly pulled apart, you could feel your cheeks begin to blush in embarrassment.

“Oh- uh, hi Ms. Parker.” You stuttered, your finger brushing your lip slightly before holding your hands behind your back.

“Hi Y/N.” She smirked, looking to Peter. She had known that he liked you, but she never expected to find the two of you like this.

“I should- probably- uh.” You pointed towards your car, looking back between Peter and May, nodding and taking a step towards the car.

“Y/N.” May called.

“Yes.” You turned back around with a smile.

“Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow?” She asked with a smile.

“Tomorrow?” You glanced at Peter, who’s eyes went wide in embarrassment, you smiled, “I’ll be there.” you nodded, you did owe him a raincheck.

As you turned and walked back towards the car you heard them whispering to each other, causing you to smile.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” May giggled to Peter.

“Shh... May.” Peter whined, causing her to giggle once more.

- - - - - 🕷 - - - - -

Taglist in the reblog, link in my masterlist in my bio to join it

[lexosaurus]

Everything Was White – Part 8

part [1] / [7]

read on [ffn] / [ao3]

---

Something was pushing Danny awake. 

He turned his head away. Maybe if he wasn’t facing it, it would go away.

“Danny,” a soft voice whispered. He felt another gentle push. “Danny, it’s time to get up.”

He groaned and mumbled something incoherent.

“Come on, Danny. Wake up.”

That damn voice. It was familiar.

“Danny,” his mother said in a singsong voice as she nudged him again.

Ugh, his mom was waking him up. Which meant it was probably before his alarm was set to go off, which was so annoying and hadn’t he told her that he always set his alarms? Sure, sometimes he ignored them or outright slept through them, but he wasn’t so irresponsible that he would mess up on his first day of outpatient. 

“It’s time for your first day! You have to get up!”

His eyelids lifted only for sunlight to assault his retinas. He snapped his eyes back shut and grumbled, “Go without me.” 

He could feel his mother rolling her eyes.

“I can’t go without you, honey. Come on, didn’t you go to bed early last night? I’ll make you pancakes if you get up now.”

Right. He did go to bed early last night.

Why was he so damn tired then?

But then, as if his brain were waiting for that question, the memories from last night hit him all at once.

He had a nightmare. It was about being cut open, wasn’t it? And...something else. He couldn’t remember what it was fully about now, but he knew it was bad. Maybe it was that night. The one when Operative O visited him with the red bag.

The red bag.

Oh.

His eyes flew open and zeroed in on his nightstand where he knew he had shoved the bottle of oxycodone in last night. 

Right. No wonder he was fatigued. 

He should flush the pills now.

“Well, there you are! Welcome to Earth, Danny!” His mother joked, pinching his cheek.

He groaned and brushed her hand off his face, momentarily shoving the thought of the pills to the back of his mind. He couldn’t worry about that now with his mom in his room like this. She would get suspicious, and then she would figure him out, and then she would send him back to inpatient because he couldn’t last one day outside of the hospital without resorting to his own terrible methods of self-care.

“You need help getting ready at all? I can grab a shirt from your closet if you’d like?” 

“Uh…” He glanced over to his closet. Instinctively, he wanted to refuse the help. He wouldn’t be able to rely on his parents to help him reach for clothing on hangers forever, so he should just practice as much as he could now. 

But, oh man, he was so tired. 

“Actually...yeah,” he found himself saying. “Can you just grab me a—a long sleeve? It doesn’t matter which color.”

Maddie hummed and made her way over to the closet while Danny focused on dragging himself from his bed. His wheelchair was right there, right next to his bed. He had to wonder how the hell he missed it last night during his... debacle. 

Well, whatever. He wasn’t going to let that— any of that—happen again. So it didn’t matter.

“Is this alright?” Maddie held up a plain gray shirt.

“Yeah, thanks,” Danny responded, his gaze drifting back to the nightstand drawer.

He shook his head, forcing himself to look anywhere but there. He was acting too suspicious. He just needed to chill . It was fine. 

He needed to get his mother out of his room now.

“You need anything else? Want me to grab pants? Socks?” 

“No, it’s fine, I can get those.”

“Are you sure? I’m already up.”

“I got it.”

“Alright.” Maddie smiled. “I’ll get started on those pancakes, okay? Yell if you need anything.”

“Yeah. I will.”

She left, gently closing his door behind her.

His head dropped into his hands, and he sat there, trying to rub the fatigue from his vision. Damn, it had been a while since he felt this exhausted.

Okay, Danny, get it together.

He pulled open the drawer to see the orange bottle right there where he left it, its contents gleaming under the morning sun. This was it. Now all he had to do was sneak into the bathroom and dispose of the evidence in his toilet. If he did that, he wouldn’t have to worry about anyone finding this, he wouldn’t get sent back to inpatient, and everything would be okay again. 

Reaching down, his fingers brushed against the smooth plastic sides of the bottle. 

This was it.

Danny went to wrap his fingers around the container when suddenly a light rapping sounded from his door.

“Danny? You in there?” Jazz’s muffled voice said. “Are you decent?”

“Just a minute!” Danny ripped his hands from the bottle and hastily shut the drawer. “I’m changing!”

“You need any help?”

“Ew, Jazz. I’m not a toddler!”

“Alright, alright! Just making sure. I’ll see you downstairs.”

Danny didn’t respond, instead choosing to focus on the morning routine that he established at the hospital. And by the time he dragged himself into the passenger’s seat of the GAV and shut the door, he wanted nothing more than for this day to be over.

Maddie hopped into the driver’s seat. “Alright, Danny! First day in your new program!”

“Yeah.” Danny unlocked his phone and checked his new messages from Sam and Tucker. His text the previous night was inescapably cringy to read again, but thankfully, his two friends seemed too excited by the prospect of hanging out with him that day to care. 

“Are you excited?”

Danny glanced over at his mother, eyebrows raised.

“For your first day! This is a big step, you know.”

He felt his cheeks heat up and averted his gaze back down to his phone, shrugging. 

Who cared how big of a step it was? Danny didn’t, that was for sure.

It was only the first time Danny was going to be in public since the big reveal, since returning from the Guys in White and inpatient. It was only the first time he’d be confirming to the world that yes, Danny Phantom couldn’t fly and in fact he couldn’t walk either, and Danny Phantom also slept on a concussion and was going into a building where there would be new people and he really just wanted to crawl into bed and never get up again.

“Are you nervous, honey?”

Everyone was going to know who he was. Not that everyone didn’t know who he was in the hospital, but this was different. This was a smaller group; it was more intimate. The hospital was just for stability, just enough to get him to a point where he didn’t feel like he was losing his mind anymore, but this was where the real work started. 

Was he ready for this?

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, it’s whatever. Same thing, just new people.” 

Maddie made no move to continue the conversation, so Danny took this opportunity to lean against the window, pressing his forehead against the cool glass. A car passed by him, and he saw a young child in the backseat. Her blonde hair was tied up into pigtails with two bright pink scrunchies, which bounced excitedly along with her rapidly moving mouth. Danny couldn’t make out what she was saying, but he watched as her mother broke out into a proud smile in the driver’s seat.

He closed his eyes. All these strangers around him were living out their lives, forming happy memories with their loved ones. 

He felt nauseous.

Thankfully, Maddie didn’t try to initiate conversation for the rest of the drive. 

The trek to the PHP was nothing like the short drive to school. Casper was under a twenty-minute walk from Danny’s house. It was a perfect location, just far enough away to escape the constant embarrassment of his parents’ gaudy experiments while close enough to be within a comfortable walking distance.

But this program was too far away to walk to. It was past the residential areas of Amity Park, past the shopping centers and restaurants, past the movie theater that still had a sign out for Dead Teacher Five. It was beyond Danny’s usual bubble of Amity Park, past what he knew to be home.

The car finally stopped at an office complex. He peeled his head away from the window and glanced over to see Maddie studying her phone.

“Yup, this is it. It should be on the third floor. They told me there was an elevator inside.” She pocketed her phone and unbuckled her seat belt. “Stay here, I’ll grab your chair.”

Danny looked back at the building. It seemed normal , nothing like the inpatient facility. There were no medical signs outside the building, no children’s play center and fenced-in field, no disabled schools on the property. It seemed like a normal brick office building.

Maddie opened his door, and he gingerly slipped from his seat to the chair. The distance from the GAV to his chair was far too large, and Danny was just thankful he’d managed to avoid falling face-first onto the pavement. 

The visual loudness of the GAV had always been a sore point for Danny’s perpetual teenage humiliation, but today it felt especially unbearable. He could only hope the ground would open up and swallow him whole before anyone noticed them.

“I think the ramp entrance is on the side of the building.”

Danny frowned, looking at the front door. His first instinct was to insist that it was only a few steps between the main entrance and the pavement, that he could do it. Don’t worry, he wasn’t that bad at walking.

But that would mean his mom would have to help him and who knows what would happen then. What if someone saw him? What if someone took a video of him and posted it online? The news would spread it like wildfire, and then soon everyone would get to see Phantom struggling through a door. It would be trending in an hour. 

“Okay, let’s do the ramp.”

The interior of the building was small and plain. Reading over the office list next to the elevator, Danny saw nothing out of the ordinary. On the first floor was a financial consulting office, a construction management company on the second, and on the third floor in blue letters were the words “Kaufman Health Center.” 

The elevator door swung open with a ding, and—with some help from his mom—Danny maneuvered himself inside.

This was it. No turning back.

Not that he had a choice.

Danny tried to focus on his breathing. He was fine, this was fine. It didn’t matter that by the time he got home today, the entire internet would have leaked pictures and information detailing his recovery. What, did he think he was really entitled to privacy? Of course this wasn’t going to last.

He refused to acknowledge the sound of the elevator door opening up once again, but his mother pushed him out of the doors anyway. He hated it. He hated how his hands automatically took over and moved him to the door, hated how easily he pressed the accessible button next to the door, and he hated how little effort it took him to wheel himself into the lobby of the health center.

This wasn’t what he planned his life to become. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He was supposed to be at school right now, messing around with Sam and Tucker, maybe texting during class, planning their next movie night or talking about how cheesy last week’s film was. He was supposed to be pretending Phantom and he were separate entities and that Fenton was nothing more than some random geek.

He wasn’t supposed to be here.

And yet…

Danny peered up to see another teen gawking at him from across the lobby. He and Danny locked eyes, and the other teen jolted out of his trance as if he’d been slapped, his head hurriedly swiveling away as he shoved his hands into his hoodie pockets.

Danny glared down at his lap, his face burning. From the corner of his vision, he could see the teen move out of the lobby, but Danny couldn’t look back up at him. Was it shame? Embarrassment? The weight of his failures? 

It didn’t matter. None of it mattered.

He was here. He was really here. It was a real place with real people and real problems, and he was now a part of it.

Maddie went over to the front desk and talked to the bubbly voice behind the counter, but Danny wasn’t listening to what they were saying. He refused to. It was just…

How did he end up here?

Another teen crossed in front of him, and Danny could feel the stares. But there was nothing he could do. Everyone was going to know now...everyone…

He pushed himself over to the wall near the couches. Maybe if he was out of the center of the room, he would be invisible again, just like he used to be as only Fenton. Maybe if he kept his head down and held his breath, nobody would notice him. 

Maddie sat down in the empty chair next to him, her hand armed with a clipboard full of paperwork. Danny knew she had noticed his tense behavior—she had to—but thankfully, she didn’t say anything.

Danny watched her fill out his paperwork, making notes in the “medical history” section of the paperwork with the practice of someone who had been writing it for years.

How many nights had she spent, then, reading his reports over and over again until they were burned into her memory? How often did she open his files, checking and double checking every detail until she was cross-eyed? How often did Jack have to tug the files out of her hands so she could go to sleep?

Maddie deserved better. She shouldn’t have had to be dealing with him, worrying about him like this, taking him to the doctors and therapists every day. She shouldn’t have had to worry about the media hounding her, or her stupid half-ghost son who stupidly got revealed on national television.

No, she deserved so much better.

“Maddie? Maddie Fenton?” 

Danny flinched, the voice shocking him from his pity party. He looked up to see a short woman in a park cardigan appear from the hallway. She strode across the blue carpet, her hand extended out in front of her.

Maddie stood and shook the woman’s hand. “Hello. Yu-Jin, is it?”

“That’s right.” She nodded, a bright smile decorating her face. “We spoke on the phone a few days ago, but it’s nice to formally meet you.”

“Yes,” Maddie said. She turned to Danny, placing her hand on his shoulder.

It felt heavy.

“This is my son, Danny.”

“Uh…” Danny’s hands fidgeted on his lap. Was this woman expecting a handshake? She hadn’t made any movements to get one, so did that mean she didn’t want to touch him? Or maybe she wasn’t allowed to since he was a minor? Was he being rude by not even offering a handshake?

Oh god, was he messing this whole thing up before it could even begin?

She gave him a short wave. “Hello, Danny. It’s nice to meet you. I’m the head therapist for your group, and I look forward to working with you the next few weeks.” 

“Hi…” 

God, he was so embarrassing. This was the first person he had met outside of the hospital who knew he was Phantom and he was just going to act like this? Completely incompetent? He might as well be back in the government compound, then.

“I understand this is a difficult transition, Danny,” she continued. “I hope we can help make this process a little easier for you. Everyone here is very kind, and I think this place will be a good fit for you.”

“I think it will too,” Maddie said.

Danny picked at his cuticles. He wasn’t so sure.

This woman seemed nice but she wasn’t... her. The therapist from the other place. Danny combed through his brain for a name, but came up blank. 

Surely he would have gotten her name though, right? It might’ve been on a piece of paper somewhere? But Danny knew, deep down inside, that he never wrote down her name during his stay and wouldn’t be able to remember it. Not now, not tomorrow, not next week. It was simply gone from his memory.

The new therapist—Danny had already forgotten her name too—chattered on with Maddie about...Danny didn’t know what. He’d stopped listening. His mind was already drifting to other places.

He wondered if the redhead from inpatient was doing alright. He was too nice of a person to be in this situation. Danny couldn’t remember his name either...

“—and Danny?”

Danny’s head snapped back into focus. He blinked, surveying the quiet lobby before his eyes landed on the new therapist.

Oh, right. He was at the new building with the new people and the new schedule.

He was too tired to be here.

“Yeah?” 

“I told your mother this over the phone, but it’s important I let you know as well that we can provide any accommodations you may need during your time with us. So please don’t be shy if you need any help with anything from us.”

Danny felt his eyebrows scrunch. Just what in the world was she talking about? Accommodations?

...oh. 

“I—I don’t have...I’m human, I swear,” Danny stammered. “I, uh, I mean I’m not, but—but—it’s not—I’m not—”

“Oh heavens, no! My apologies. I should have been clearer. I was referring to disability accommodations. We build our therapies and activities to be done by anyone regardless of mobility, but occasionally, we may have to make slight adjustments for you. Don’t be afraid to speak up about anything, alright?”

“Okay.” Danny hoped his face hid his confusion.

She turned back to Maddie. “I’ll let you finish the paperwork up. Please feel free to ask Sharon any questions you may have. We keep copies of the schedule at the front desk if you would prefer a printed version. Danny, would you like to come with me? I’ll show you to our room.”

“Yeah.” His eyes flickered back up to his mother. Despite her calm expression before, now her face was pinched, her smile strained.

“See you later?” He didn’t mean for his voice to come out like a question, and he mentally kicked himself for doing so.

“Goodbye, Danny. I’ll see you for pickup, okay?” Maddie said. 

Danny undid the brakes on his chair. “Bye, Mom.”

“Don’t forget we’re going straight to PT after.”

“Alright, I know.”

“I’ll bring you a snack to eat on the way. Okay?” 

“Sure.”

“Would you rather a granola bar or a banana? I can bring both if you’d—”

“Banana.” Danny said, the words slipping out of his mouth with a speed that surprised even himself. He swallowed. “Banana’s good.”

“Alright, sweetie. Have a good day.”

Danny turned so he wouldn’t have to see his mother’s misting eyes. “Yeah. You too.”

“Okay, Danny?” the therapist said, waving him forward. “Come with me.”

Every eye in the room was on him. 

Danny knew that this would happen. Ultimately, he was Phantom, whether he wanted to be right now or not.

But even then, every eye in the room was on him.

He hesitated, unsure if he should proceed deeper into the room or not. On one hand, he could act like he didn’t notice anything strange and go over to the small group of teens sitting at the table. On the other hand, he could say something. Introduce himself. Maybe if he spoke, people would snap out of it.

But at the moment, all he could do was stare back.

Maybe one of the teens would realize what they were doing and look away. Maybe one of them would speak first. Or maybe—

The door burst open with a loud, “Sorry I’m late, I—oh! Uh, hi.”

Danny blinked, staring back at the teen in front of him. She was tall, with thick blonde curls tied up in a ponytail. She stood in front of him, looking as if she had just run a mile. 

“Uh…” Danny froze, unsure of what to do. He could wave, but that might’ve been weird. He should just talk, but he was pretty sure if he tried that, his voice would choke up.

Thankfully, he was saved from responding by the therapist entering the room. “Jessica, good to see you! Don’t forget to fill out the morning check-in sheet. Danny, you too. We fill these out each morning to establish a baseline for how we’re doing before our morning meeting.”

Danny followed the blonde girl to the table—making sure to sit at the corner, as far away from the other teens as possible—and grabbed a piece of paper. It was a simple questionnaire, and it seemed easy enough to do. 

But everyone was still staring at him. 

Why was he like a zoo animal on display?

Phantom was such a fascinating subject, isn’t that what he’d been told before his reveal? How fascinating he was as a ghost because he was just so different from the other ghosts? He remembered reading all the theories back then and laughing about them because he thought that nobody would ever get to the truth. 

There were subreddits about him, countless usernames analyzing his fights and trying to pick apart what exactly made him so special. What made Phantom so powerful? Why did he do the things that he did?

The truth was far less glamorous than the theorists anticipated. As it turned out, Phantom was just some weird mutant half-breed. That was all.

‘How did you sleep last night?’ the check-in sheet asked.

What would it matter if he didn’t sleep well? It wasn’t like he ever slept before the reveal, and no one seemed to care. Why was it different now—because he was suddenly fascinating as a human too?

Danny felt the back of his neck itch, and he wondered if he’d be able to dig his pen into his neck and remove the ecto-suppressing chip himself. After all, what was a little more nerve damage to him?

‘Did you shower this morning?’ 

Danny didn’t even want to think about that. The stupid bench. It shouldn’t have felt any different from when he was in inpatient, but for some reason, it did. Maybe he thought that everything would suddenly go back to normal once he got home. Maybe that was what he wanted to happen.

But it didn’t.

And people were still glancing at him.

“Fascinating…” The operative studied the device hovering over his chest. “Your core has nestled itself right next to your heart, right in the center of your chest. It should be restricting your lung, theoretically, but its small size combined with your lesser need for oxygen makes the whole system work seamlessly. Truly fascinating anatomy…”

That particular operative hadn’t hurt him—not physically—but something about the way he was speaking made Danny feel sick nonetheless. At the time, Danny had chalked it up due to the fact that he was the Guys in White’s latest little test subject for what he assumed was the rest of his life. 

But now that he was home, now that he was here under the stares of these new strange teens, he realized that maybe there was more to it than that.

Maybe, just maybe, Danny didn’t want to be fascinating to everyone else. Maybe he just wanted to fucking exist in peace. Maybe he didn’t want to be here.

Maybe he could still get his old life back.

The chair across from him moved, and Danny looked up to see the therapist sit down, clipboard in hand.

“Good morning, everyone.” The therapist beamed at the group. “We’ll begin our morning meeting in just a second. First, I’m sure you all have noticed, but we have a new peer joining us today. Why don’t we go around the circle and introduce ourselves so we’re all acquainted before we do anything else. Alright? I’ll go first.”

Danny wanted to point out that she’d already introduced herself, but then he remembered that he couldn’t remember her name and didn’t she read his file and already know that this was a waste of time because there was no way in hell his stupid brain would be able to memorize all these names?

But he bit his tongue.

“I’m Yu-Jin, and I’m the lead therapist for this group. I’ve been here for eight years, and I’m very happy to be working with you all.” She turned to the blonde girl. “Would you like to go next?”

The blonde girl gave Danny a quick wave. “I’m Jessica. I’m sixteen and I go to Brickstone High. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Mark,” said the boy next to her. He was tall, broad, and if not for the brown hair, could have easily resembled Dash Baxter. “Seventeen, and I go to Central High.”

A timid voice came next. “Maria. I’m seventeen.”

“Hey, I’m Arabelle,” a girl with teal hair styled into a pixie cut said. Her gaze flickered over to Danny once before remaining pointedly fixed on the therapist. “I’m fifteen and I’m from Elmerton.”

Danny took stock of the other teens. They didn’t seem like they despised his existence, at least. So maybe it could have been worse.

But the discomfort that was radiating off of each of them was palpable. Their eyes either didn’t leave Danny or avoided him like the plague. It was as if he were a feral beast poised to attack if a single foot stepped out of line.

Maybe you are a cornered animal, Fenturd. Isn’t that how Dash treated you? In the locker room that day?

“Danny? Would you like to introduce yourself?” the therapist asked, her voice cutting through his brain like a hot knife.

Danny surveyed the room one last time. If he did open his mouth and speak, then everyone would know how much he’d lost over the past months. Everyone would hear him, and any dignity he had left would evaporate in an instant.

But what choice did he have? If he didn’t speak, he would be sent back to inpatient, and he would never be able to return to Casper High.

This was so humiliating.

“Hi.” Danny paused. That was right! If he just focused on saying small words, he might be able to get through this intact. He could do this, he just had to be as direct as he could.

“I’m Danny.”

And just like that, everyone’s eyes had zeroed in on him. 

Should he continue? Was it even worth it? Everyone here already knew who he was. They’d likely seen all the news footage of his disappearance, they probably knew about the court case, they’d probably seen photos and videos of his parents and sister and maybe even his classmates and old teachers too.

But if he didn’t continue with the introduction, would people just think he was being rude? Would they assume him to be some raging narcissist? 

His head turned down to his lap where he watched his fingers twist together. He wished he had that stress ball right now, the one from inpatient. It would be so much better to have something like that in here.

“I’m sixteen.”

There. That was bound to suffice for his introduction. It was short, it was to the point, and it got out everything that this group would need to know about him for the rest of the day. 

When was this program going to end?

“Welcome, Danny,” said the therapist. “We are happy to have you in this group, and we hope you feel comfortable here as well.”

He hoped he gave her a weak smile at the very least, but he wouldn’t be surprised if it looked like a grimace.

“Alright, let’s get started on our morning check-in discussion. Just a reminder to everyone that everything said here is confidential; it stays between us,” the therapist said. “So for the morning check-in, we’re just going to read off of our sheets so we can see how we’re all doing today.”

Danny’s brain short-circuited. He glanced over to his questionnaire, and it seemed to be positively glowing under the bright ceiling lights. 

No. No way. They were going to make him share this? Just in front of everyone?

They couldn’t.

He looked up to see the blonde girl holding her sheet up in front of her. She was moving her lips, her face looking passive, bored. 

Danny dug his fingernails into his palms. He didn’t understand why this surprised him at all. They all had to share personal details in inpatient, didn’t they? It wasn’t like any of this was new to him, so why did it feel so different?

Because it was different now. Before, he was confined in a space with teens, most of whom were taken straight from the hospital. They couldn’t leave, they had no one to gossip with aside from their therapists, and everyone was too busy getting used to their new medications to worry about each other.

But here? The teens here would go home at the end of the day. They would tell their parents that they were in a group with Danny Phantom and they might talk about him and even if the therapist said this was all confidential, was it really? He wasn’t stupid, he knew people would talk. He was a news topic, a national event, a celebrity.

He was Danny Phantom. 

Or...he was.

He tried to grasp at his core, but it was still too dull and muted and he couldn’t feel it like he used to. His body wasn’t what it should’ve been. He was trapped in this faux-human bubble, and he needed to escape it.

Back in freshman year of high school, Danny had so desperately wanted to be popular. He wanted to be loved and respected by his peers, he wanted their acceptance. He remembered trying so hard to fit in. He tried buying the right clothes and going after the right girls and listening to the right music in the fleeting hope that maybe somebody would give him the attention he so craved.

If Danny had a time machine now, he would go back to that time, punch himself in the face, and yell at him to give up because you don’t want the attention, you don’t want it like this!

They said the grass was always greener on the other side, and Danny had never understood what that meant until now. He had the attention he wanted, but it cost him everything. 

He wouldn’t be able to fit in here, not with him out as Danny Phantom. Not after everything that happened. Not after the Guys in White, the broken bones, the damaged nerve system, the memory and speech issues, the loss of everything that kept him whole.

This fame wasn’t worth it.

He was so stupid.

Being an invisible loser sucked, but at least he could still be Phantom when he wanted to be. Now the roles were reversed and Fenton just... sucked. 

“Danny?”

Danny jolted up to see everyone—once again—staring at him. 

What now?

“Would you like to share your check-in sheet with us?” The therapist nodded encouragingly.

Danny obediently picked up his paper. “Today I’m...I…” He felt his face grow red. He would take another day hooked up to the Guys in White’s ectoplasm machine to this. “I’m feeling okay. I—uh, I didn’t shower this morning. I took my...um…I—I took...I took...”

The sheet slipped through his fingers and fell onto his lap. He made no effort to pick it up again.

He kept his head low, his lips parted slightly, trying to form words that wouldn’t come out. He felt his eyes sting, and he forced the tears back because he was not crying right now, he refused to be like this in front of all these strange teens and he was not crying, damn it.

This sucked. He sucked. He wished he could skip this part of the day and go to PT. At least then he would be up and moving, focusing on strengthening his body, focusing on actually getting better instead of whatever this bullshit was.

He couldn’t do this.

“Sorry,” he mumbled, even if he really wasn’t sorry at all. He was pissed and his chest hurt and he was sick of sitting all the time and he wanted to leave.

“It’s alright, Danny,” the therapist said. “No one said this was going to be easy. Would you like to try again?”

He shook his head. He knew he wouldn’t be able to. He just couldn’t do this. 

“That’s okay. Can everyone hand me their check-in sheets?”

But Danny didn’t want to pick up his questionnaire again because that would mean he would have to give it to her, this woman that he didn’t know and then she would have it and he couldn’t do that because then she would wonder what the hell was the big deal why Danny didn’t want to share his check-in sheet like everyone else did no problem and she was going to contact his parents and what if she shared his sheet with anyone else what was going to happen then?

“Danny, can I have your paper?”

Danny ripped the sheet of paper off his lap and thrust it out to her like it was a venomous snake.

“Thank you,” she said.

Danny refused to look at her face.

Who knew the great Danny Phantom would be defeated by a piece of paper?

He couldn’t imagine how he looked, head low, shoulders hunched, his movements stiff and uncoordinated. It was no wonder why everyone was staring at him. 

Really, Daniel, Vlad would say. You can’t act like that and expect people not to notice.

Danny’s arm twitched, and it took everything in his power to refrain from pulling his hair out of his skull. 

He didn’t want to be here. He didn’t want to be around all these people. He didn’t want to have to pour out his feelings in front of these strangers.

Where the hell was Desiree when he needed her? He wanted everything to go back to the way it was. He couldn’t do this, he couldn’t be here, and if this was going to be the rest of his life, then he didn’t want it anymore.

---

<previous chapter / next chapter>

Sorry to those who thought this fic was abandoned! It’s not, it just took me too long to figure out how to write this chapter. But in doing so, I actually have the first draft of most of the next chapter written. So that’s good!

As always, a hugeee thank you to @imekitty for not only beta-ing this chapter, but helping me sort through the mess of thoughts that was the first drafts. Additionally, thank you so so much to @prydoniantrash for helping me with the PHP details! 

Thanks for reading!

[pogaytosalad]

Heres a wip of a sequel.

Dmviolence, by jade

Hello, if youre hearing this, it probably means im dead. Either that, or im alive and just got tired of keeping this hidden. You might remember my voice from a previous recording about a takeover in sector ⬽:➻, in which id helped prevent total annihilation of the sector. At the time i was unnamed, however now you may call me Kalton. After the takeover i resigned and moved to a job at a dmv. This planet was, for some reason, in one of the most tactically advantageous locations in the galaxy. And for some reason the higher ups dedicated the whole damn planet to dmvs. Dont ask why. Now, onto the story.

I woke up, and i put on my emerald green contact lenses. Just like any other day. I put on a basic white t-shirt and a leather bomber jacket along with a pair of jean shorts. If you cant tell by now, im gay.

I live in a small apartment. By small apartment i mean a bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen all crammed into 2 rooms. I hopped out the bedroom window onto my motorcycle. It was a diamond white motorcycle with deep red stripes along the sides and the handlebars. My pride and joy. I put on my jet black helmet and took off towards my job at the, you guessed it, dmv.

Chapter 2

I pulled up in the parking lot and took off my helmet, my blue hair a total rats nest. The doors were push doors, yet i somehow ALWAYS pulled first. I entered the dmv and went to my station. A few hours passed by and no one had come in yet, which was unusual. So naturally i decided to sit down on the floor, put in my earbuds, and enjoyed some heavy metal. A few more hours passed by, and usually by now i wouldve been yelled at by my boss. This struck me as odd so i stood up. I really wish i hadnt stood up. The place had been completely destroyed. There were drop pods crashed in through the roof and they all had the ERGON logo on them. Ergon was a multi trillion dollar pencil manufacturing company with its own military. They had previously tried to take over sector ⬽:➻ when i had been working there. I was not looking forwards to what was about to happen.

Quickly, i ducked back onto the floor before anyone saw me. There were 4 riot soldiers holding this building. This was gonna be fun. The riot soldiers are your stereotypical riot gear and police baton soldiers. But these guys had laser batons and the riot gear gave them heightened strength and speed. They also had some, dare I say, shitty energy pistols. I crawled over to one of the soldiers who wasnt being watched and broke their neck. Carefully I took the baton and the pistol. Slowly crawled my way back to my station and checked the shot count in the pistol. I had 6 shots, just enough to take care of the remaining three soldiers. I stood up quickly and shot each soldier twice in the head. First shot to open the riot helmet, second shot to kill. I vaulted over the counter and grabbed the three pistols. These things were so stupid. You couldnt even remove the clips. Once you ran out of shots, the pistol was useless. Nonetheless, i didnt have any choice. I had a laser baton and 18 total shots in 3 pistols.

Upon leaving the building, my motorcycle was one of the few things to survive. It had alot of scratches and damage, but it still worked. The helmet was shattered however. I mounted the motorcycle and took off towards the next closest dmv. Maybe id find some better gear there.

Chapter 3

Pulling up next to the second dmv i immediately noticed 3 things. 1: there was blood everywhere. 2: there were 25 soldiers here. And 3: they all had energy weapons. The reason these things are relevant is because energy weapons dont cause bloodshed. This was the result of something else. Something new i hadnt dealt with yet.

I drove up and ran over 5 of the soldiers. This was probably an incredibly bad idea, seeing as i had 18 shots, enough for 9 kills, and there were 20 soldiers left. Every single soldier turned to me and i, being the absolute genius that i am, welded the front of one of the pistols shut with the laser baton, shot it off, and threw it into thei crowd of soldiers. It exploded, releasing a shockwave of energy and disabling the soldiers. I then used the baton to cut through the riot gear and kill the soldiers. I felt like a badass. That is until a mechanical looking wolf jumped at me and started trying to rip my face off.

The wolf was a frostwolf, except it had been placed into a mechanical frame and its teeth and claws had been replaced with lasers. I tried to bash it off of me with the baton but it just bit it in two. This gave me just enough time to grab an energy pistol and shoot the wolf. It kept trying to kill me amd i wasted a whole clip on it until suddenly, the dog started to levitate in the air and got thrown aside into a wall. I got up and was instantly frozen in place. Thats when.. she walked up.

Chapter 4

The she i am reffering to is ebony. A goth/punk wannabe with light blue tear shaped eyes and black hair with purple streaks. Shes a bitch whos mind got too powerful and now she can move things without touching them. Shes been chasing me for months. Not in a murderous way. Shes just obsessed with me. Ive tried to tell her im gay but she wont listen. And now im at her mercy.

She walked up to me and kissed me on the cheek. I hated it. She looked as if she was contemplating whether or not to free me when a pod came down from the sky and crushed her. Thank god. But i honestly wouldve rathered suffered at her hand than deal with what i had to deal with next...

Out of the pod came the warden. The goddamn warden from sector ⬽:➻. Last id seen him hed been in the same situation as ebony. Crushed to death under a pod. But this time, instead of being on my side, he was here to kill me. He was huge. Like seriously huge. He was at least 8 feet tall and shaped like gaston. Whos gaston? Nobody knows these days. But its basically a way to say "extremely buff and wide". Back to the story. The warden wasnt looking very good, considering the rotten skin, obviously quickly patched together face, and muscles hanging loose out of his skin. His rotting ruined body was held together by an exoskeleton of chromium-tungsten alloy. Nothing i had was gonna cut through that. I was gonna have to get creative here..

The warden had 2 weapons, both of them were his fists. Huge gauntlets that were each about the size of a cow. Definitely bigger than his previous set. They were a golden green metal i couldnt identify. But i didnt want to get hit with one to try and find out. I ran. I ran as fast i could run into the dmv and hid. I could hear the wardens footsteps. It was as if a small earthquake happened each time he took a step.

I peeked over the desk i was hiding behind and saw him punch through the 2 desks opposite to me. It took no effort and i couldve sworn i saw him smile. Obviously i didnt. Cause he didnt have a mouth anymore. But if he did, he definitely wouldve smiled. I took a shot to get his attention and ran off towards the wall. The warden was definitely faster than i expected.

Luckily i managed to dodge the blow by a centimeter. The metal smelled of decaying flesh and popcorn. The wardens blow punched a huge hole in the wall. I hope you see where im going with this.

I ran off to another wall and we repeated this same process a number of times until the building was barely still up. I ran out the doors and threw the baton at the last of the supports, cutting through it and causing the building to collapse in on the warden. He wasnt getting out of that. I decided to search the rubble to see if i could find anything worth taking. I found a new baton, a flame rifle and a few more energy pistols.

The flame rifle was a very interesting design. The sides were painted jet black with flame decals scattered about. You could feel the heat on the inside and it made the gun warm to the touch. Comfortable to hold. Other than that though, it looked like an old fashioned 8.59mm sniper rifle. It had 4 shots remaining, so id have to use it sparingly.

I grabbed some scrap materials out of the rubble to make a holster for it and put it on my back.

The energy pistols just dangled from a keychain. The baton was simply turned off and placed through a hole in the back pockets of my shorts. I ran to my motorcycle and drove off, i needed to find out more. I had questions, and i had a sneaking suspicion that i knew where to find the answers.

I drove off again, i was dirty and there was blood on me and my bike. I probably looked like a serial killer. But i knew that if anyone was still alive, itd be jayden. They were.. well. They were a vampire. They lived in a swampland area and wore sparkly rainbow shirts and a huge sunhat. The sunhat allowed them to go outside in the sun, and they only drank coconut water. They also had a crazy amount of weaponry and used to work at ergon, before being fired for stealing weaponry. By the way, if you havent noticed by now, im using they/them to refer to jayden. Jayden doesnt have a gender. Jayden.. is kind of my crush. It probably has something to do with the fact that theyre the only person on this planet who talks to me. Other than ebony.. but ebony is... not my type i guess. Anyways, back to jayden. Jayden was on the roof of their swamp shack drinking coconut water out of a wine glass. I yelled up at them and they fell off the roof onto my back. I guess i cushioned their fall. Jayden immediately said "What do you need dear" without waiting for me to stand up, and shattered the wine glass. I informed them of the situation and asked the questions i had. Things like "what are the ergon soldiers defences like on their ships" and "how did they reanimate the warden" they had answers.

Jayden told me about the new security measures that had been put in place since id last been on an ergon ship. There was now a code for each teleportation pod and the gaurds had doubled. As for the warden, it turns out jayden was actually the first test run in reanimation sciences, and couldnt answer me because they had been unconcious in a lab when the warden was reanimated. That explained the vampire undead thing. Jayden invited me into the shack where they pulled a nail out of the floorboards and it turned into a ramp to the basement. Down in the basement? Thats where jayden kept their weapons they stole. And boy oh boy were there some interesting ones.

One that immediately caught my attention was the big rocket launcher. It had 3 barrels and each was a different colour, indicating a different effect. One was red, one was yellow, and one was green. The red barrel fired a normal explosive rocket, the yellow barrel fired an electromagnetic pulse rocket, and the green barrel fired an acidic explosive. And the launcher shrunk down to the size of an energy pistol when a button was pressed. It gathered up dirt and dust and garbage around it from the back to quickly convert into ammo but the only downside is that it would be difficult to use more than once in an area.

Jayden picked out an old shotgun. At first i didnt understand why, but then they loaded the clip. The clip was a huge drum that loaded in the bottom of the barrel. The drum was see through and inside you could see sawblades lined up side by side. When they pumped the shotgun a blade got lifted into a slot between the 2 shotgun barrels and started glowing red. When the trigger was pulled, the blade spun at high speeds and fired out of the slot, spinning along the ground like a wheel. It could cut through anything a baton could cut through and seemed to almost follow its target. The gun itself looked like an DP-12, except behind the pump, a large clear drum full of sawblades was in place. The blade sat between the barrels in place of the iron sights and got heated up by an electrical circut.

I also took a laser sword instead of my baton, it was just like the one that [3825968] had, except this one was about an inch longer. The final weapon i took was an acid thrower. It was basically just a watergun with acid in it. Ive always been partial to acidic weapons. If youve heard my other story, youd know why..

Jayden also took a submachine gun that fired freezing rounds. The rounds were essentially glorified waterballoons with liquid nitrogen in them. Though the rounds were bullet sized, enough shots from it would certainly freeze you in place. The freeze gun was about the size of the average human head, and was painted navy blue with blue saphire stripes placed along it. We both left the shack, me with my sword and jayden with a wine glass. We were ready to kick ass and put a stop to this.

We left and immediately both got flung into some trees. Guess who it was. It was ebony. Her body had been found and reanimated. I was starting to see a pattern. And now we had to fight the telekinetic who could kill us with a wave of her hand.

She was levitating. Her eyes were glowing red and her hair was floating in the air. She had a smile of someone about to rip your arms off and beat you with them. I tried to take a shot at her but my hand got knocked aside by an invisible force. So i tried the next best thing. Seduction. Fake seduction. Hopefully the whole dying and coming back from the dead thing didnt make her stop being weirdly obsessed with me.

While i faked surrender and complimented ebony and attempted to seduce her, jayden took aim of their ice gun and shot a burst at ebonys right arm. The arm froze in place and shattered. Hopefully that would lower the strength of her telekinetic abilities. It did. But only by about half. Which meant jayden got thrown into the air as i tried to discreetly unholster my acid gun. It wasnt discreet enough and the gun was knocked from my hand.

The gun flew forwards and the impact of hitting the ground set it off for a second, just enough to spray an acidic burn through her arm. Incapacitating her. Jayden ended up sneaking up behind her and impaling her through the skull with the shattered end of their wine glass. Finally ebony was dead for good.

The acid gun was busted, so we had to leave it behind. We got onto my motorcycle and took off towards my apartment building. We would need food if we were going to be traveling. An apartment complex would probably be full of foods, and alot of dead people who wouldnt care if we took some stuff.

[oldsoldierr]

The Carnation ~ Part 6

summary: the media always told you that the famous art critic bucky barnes is an arrogant, rude playboy and you agree, but something still draws you to him. is there a deeper reason to why he acts the way he does or is he the class A jackass you first met?

art critic!bucky x artist!reader

word count: 1.7k

series masterlist

The sound of a gun cocking snapped him back to reality. A low, sinister voice followed.

“Hey, James. How’ve you been?” 

It was husky and haunting. Bucky felt the cold metal of the gun muzzle against the back of his head. He slowly put up his hands.

“I don’t want any trouble,” he growled. He heard an apathetic chuckle behind him.

“Well I do.” he felt Brock get closer to him. 

“You’re gonna do what I want and you’re going to like it,” he snickered.

“Just kill me already. I’m not going to play your game,” Bucky retorted aggressively. 

“Oh I think you will.” The brunette could hear the smile in Brock’s voice. He heard some shuffling in the back seat before a paper was slipped into his lap, face down.

“Flip it over.” Brock shoved the gun harder into Bucky’s skull. He begrudgingly turned it over. He regretted it immediately. 

There, on the page was a picture of his sister in her kitchen. Bucky moved to cover his mouth. She was smiling blissfully, with no clue she was being photographed. Brock could shoot him, but he wouldn’t allow him to touch his sister.

“Why are you doing this?” he breathed. He knew Brock’s answer.

“I’m not letting you ruin my reputation. I worked hard to get where I am, and you’re not going to try anything. Now, you can take my offer. Or,” Brock equipped a faux sorry voice. “You can kill your lil’, poor, baby Becca. Your move Barnes.” Bucky took a sharp breath.

“What do you want?” The brunette looked into the rear view mirror to Brock grinning like a maniac. 

“You’ve got a lot of questions for a dead man.” He leaned in close. Bucky could feel the heat from his ex-manager on his ear. 

“I have only one request.”

Brock continued in a menacing whisper. With every word he said Bucky felt like he was losing more and more oxygen. The simple sentence felt as if it was an eternity. When Brock finally pulled away, he only said six words.

“You’ve got a week. Bye now.” he opened the car door, and disappeared into the night. 

It was as if he was never there, but the single Polaroid of his sister taunted him, reminding him this wasn’t just a nightmare. Bucky sat completely alone, soaking wet, with not much more than thousands of strings of thoughts choking the air out of him.

He just wouldn’t accomplish Brock’s request. But the thought of his family’s blood on his hands was so much stronger. How did he get into this shit? He let his forehead fall onto the steering wheel in defeat. 

~~~

On the first couple days after, Bucky had been confident he could avoid any of the outcomes. There had got to be, there HAS to be, there always is. But days kept going by, faster than he could fight. His hope for an easy solution, or pretty much any solution, dwindled and was diminished, like a small, pathetic flame. 

Before he knew it, it was the morning of the seventh day since that night. Bucky had slaved for hours trying to find some way, some loophole, out of this but he just couldn’t find one. The deadline was approaching quickly and he didn’t have much of a choice. 

He sat in his dim living room mulling over his very limited options. Bucky looked like a wreck. His hair was greasy and tangled, his eyes were sunken and dark, he looked like he could’ve just gotten out of a cave he’d lived in for 100 years. He hadn’t been able to get any sleep for three consecutive days. 

He had done nothing but think but he still came out empty handed. There was nothing he could do. 

Bucky would have to do what Brock wanted. He put his face in his palms as a sob wracked his body. He shuddered in silent tears. They slid off his cheeks and landed on his carpet. 

Bucky would have rather been dead than be him at this instant. No matter what he did, someone would die tomorrow. Everything felt heavy. 

All he ever wanted was to be an art critic, his dream job since he discovered it. He supposed this was the price. Everything had seemed so perfect, too perfect. He should’ve know. Bucky laughed without humor and took a sip of beer from the bottle. He couldn’t have imagined being in this situation in his worst nightmare. Yet he was still here. 

That was Bucky’s last thought before he collapsed onto his couch and blacked out almost instantly. 

When he regained consciousness it was the evening. Bucky checked his watch. It was 10:43 pm. Only a little more than one hour until Becca would be killed. It was a ticking time bomb with no way to disable it. 

He had a decision to make. In the end, there was only one choice. He had known it all along but it was still endlessly painful. Even to think about it made him feel like his heart was getting cut out. 

“I guess it’s time,” The exhausted looking man mumbled. Life was far too long. 

He reached for a single pistol placed at the end of the clear glass coffee table. The last resort. Bucky grasped it with a shaky breath and slid on a black leather jacket. 

He walked out of the apartment. He got in his car and began driving. He drove as slowly as possible. Maybe that would delay what was about to happen. 

He tried to admire the outside world, one he might never see after this. Every tree, bug, person, building. The things he should’ve appreciated more. His destination was now only a little more than five minutes away. Bucky could barely breathe. His arms felt numb. 

Four minutes.

Three minutes. 

Two minutes.

One minute.

He saw the building coming up. The pit in his stomach grew. Bucky swallowed. If he had stood up at that moment his knees would have buckled. He felt like he was going to pass out but pulled up to the building anyways. He didn’t even bother to park, he just left it there in the middle of the parking lot and climbed out. 

He padded his way to the front door. It was locked but Steve had given him a copy of the key before he left. Bucky inserted the key and stepped inside. 

The halls were echo-y but not too large. What was though, was the staircase. It seemed to go on forever. Or maybe that was just what it felt like at the time. 

With a huff Bucky started his way up. His steps felt heavy. Each one boomed of a man who didn’t have any more strength left in him. He passed two floors, barely registering it. All he knew was what would happen at the third one. He was there the next minute. The adrenaline was catching up to him. 

Down the hall he saw the one person he wished to avoid as long as possible. You had come home for a quick change of clothes before leaving for some food. You came out of your apartment and fiddled with your keys a little before locking your door. 

You went to keep walking but instead you saw a certain brunette man who had missed his usual visits to the art studio. You figured it was because you had slept with Sam. You still felt guilty. You had been trying to contact him and explain but he never picked up or responded to any of your many texts. 

This seemed like the chance you’d been needing to make amends. You were a tad suspicious of why he’d come to your place, or how he even got in but you brushed it off. 

As you got closer to him you realized how terrible he looked. He could’ve been a walking corpse. His eyes were swollen and red like he had been crying. 

“Bucky!” you ran towards him. “Are you okay? Gosh, come here--” You stopped dead in your tracks. 

Bucky had pulled out a gun from his pocket and was pointing it straight at you. You felt all your air leave your lungs. A silence rang through the hall.

“...Bucky?” you breathed. Your confusion laid out on your face. The man in front of you looked as if he might fall apart at any moment.

“S-stay where you are!” He threatened, tears brimming from his eyes. You were still processing what was happening. 

“What are you doing?” you asked, fear creeping into your voice. He attempted a smile. It wasn’t ill intended though, it was one of those charming lop-sided grins that you liked, but this one felt different than the rest.

“I’m so sorry,” he choked out, full of remorse, ignoring your question.

“He-he said he’d kill my sister if I didn’t--” He took a breath. You took the opportunity to step toward him hesitantly.

“Bucky, we can figure this out, just please put the gun down.” Your words only made him hold on harder to the handle. He cocked the gun.

“Don’t get any closer to me.” He told you. His eyes were sad and mournful. He looked broken.

“Please,” he begged.

“Okay,” you held eye contact with him. “I won’t.” 

He interrupted, “I never meant for you to get swept up into this, I--I just wanted to have a normal life for a little bit, but--” his lip trembled. “--but I shouldn’t have. Now you're gonna hurt for it and I--I’m so sorry. You’re an amazing person, you always figured out a way to make me laugh and--god--your talent, it’s unbelievable. And I know it doesn’t mean much now but, I just needed you to know that you have been the best part of my life--for a while now--and I’m so lucky to have found you. Visit me in hell, if you get the chance.” Bucky breathed out a chuckle.

“D--don’t talk to me as if this is goodbye. We can still change this, we’ll find a way!” you searched his face for anything that could tell you that this was just some mean spirited joke, but it wasn’t there. 

Something else seemed to change in his face though you couldn’t quite place it. Bucky’s finger quivered on the trigger, a single twitch away from firing. He gave you an earnest, reassuring look that was contrary to the rest of his body.

With a shaky breath he continued. “I love you.”

He pulled the trigger.

only 2 more chapters(probably)! thank you for the support on my first series! i’m really bored so if anyone wants to hit me up feel free! 💕💕💕

taglist

@the-fifth-marauder101​

[lovemesomesurveys]

Have you ever dated someone more than twice your age? No.

Have you ever “dined and dashed”? Absolutely not.

Have you ever been cut off by a bartender because you were too drunk? No.

Have you ever borrowed money from your mom & lied about why you needed it? Nope.

Have you ever dated someone just because they had money? No, and I never would.

Have you ever lied to your spouse about the money you spent shopping? Never been in a serious relationship where I discussed my spending habits, but if I was I wouldn’t feel any reason to lie about what I did with my own money.

Have you ever flirted with a cop to get out of a ticket? Never been in a situation where I got pulled over or issued a ticket for any reason, but I wouldn’t even attempt doing something like that. I’d just take the ticket and either pay it or try to fight it if I felt I wasn’t deserving of it. Not to mention, it wouldn’t work cause I’m an ugly mess and have no flirting skills at all lol. That takes confidence that I don’t have.  Have you ever gone on a first date with no underwear? No.

Do you treat attractive people better than others who aren’t as attractive? Uh, no. That’s a really shitty thing to do.

Are you more comfortable with friends that are less attractive than you? Wow. I don’t think about the attractiveness of people when befriending someone, that’s not even a thought in my mind. I befriend people based on them as people, on their personality and character. Ya know, the important stuff. I’m also not a narcissistic, vain, arrogant, cocky person who thinks I’m better than other people. Plus, ya’ll know my self-esteem is shit.

Have you ever hated a job to the point that you tried to get fired? Never had a job, but if I was that unhappy I think I would just try and find something else if possible and then quit? I wouldn’t want to get fired.

Have you ever lied about your weight on a driver license? No.

Have you ever lied during a job interview? Never had a job interview.

Have you ever lied to your boss to get out of work?

Have you ever lied under oath in court? Never been in court.

Have you ever bought alcohol for someone underage? No.

Have you ever started a rumor to ruin someones reputation? No.

Have you ever switched tags on an item to pay less for it? No.

Have you taken any pics of yourself that you wont want your parents to see? Yes. No nudes, but sad attempts at sexy poses haha.

Did you ever tell your BF/GF you like their outfit when you really didn’t? I don’t think to a boyfriend specifically, but I’ve said that to people, yes :X I feel bad if someone asks if I like their outfit or hair and I don’t. I’ve been honest as well, in a nice way of course, but I feel bad. I’ve been like, “Maybe not in that color or style” or “try a different pair” or something. But I also like to make known that it’s just my personal opinion, so if they like it and it makes them feel good then go for it cause that’s what matters.

Did you ever get fired and tell someone you were laid off?

Would you turn a family member in if you saw them commit murder? Yikesss.

Have you ever turned in a school paper that someone else wrote for you? I never had anyone else write a paper or do any assignment for me.

Have you ever written a check that you knew was going to bounce? No.

Do you feel accepted by your BF/GF ’s family? I’m single.

If you were an employer, would you hire someone with your exact work ethic? With my work ethic? Uh, no haha. I’m not doing anything productive with my life. I have no energy, no motivation. I would not be useful to anyone.

Do you lie about your age? Nope. 

Would you risk your life to save a total stranger? I don’t know. :X I feel like that makes me a bad person. That’s not to say I wouldn’t try to help them in some way either by myself or by getting them the necessary help. 

Have you ever trashed your ex’s car after an argument? No.

Have you ever snuck out of the house to go out with friends? Nope. I wouldn’t have had to do that, I could have had a social life when I was a teenager, my parents would have encouraged it. I just... didn’t. I was a total homebody.

Have you ever shoplifted? No.

Have you ever done something because of peer pressure you are ashamed of? Yes. Have you ever been embarrassed to introduce your parents to anyone? Nooo. I’ve never been embarrassed by my parents, never would be. I have awesome parents and I love them. My mom and I are especially close, she’s my best friend. And besides, everyone always thought my parents were cool haha. 

Would you leave a note on a car claiming responsibility if you damaged it? Yes. That’s the proper protocol, right? I’m not gonna be an ass and say nothing.

Have you ever dis-liked some because you thought they look better than you? Wow, no. I got into this already with the friends question. I don’t base how I feel about someone as a person based on how they look. That has nothing to do with who they really are. My brain also just doesn’t work that way, like I don’t see or meet someone and think, “hm they’re really attractive, that could be a threat to me in some way and I don’t like them” or something. Like what??

Have you ever used someones handicapped parking pass to get a parking spot? I’m handicapped and have my own parking placard, thanks. Please don’t do that, though. 

Hve you ever held back a well deserved compliment because you were jealous? I might have before.

Do you guilt people into giving you what you want? If I’ve ever done this, it wasn’t intentionally. <<< Yeah, I don’t pull the disability or health problems card. I’ve done it in a playful way with my family like, “aww I don’t feel good, I bet my favorite food would make me feel better *wink wink*” but that’s it. However, I feel that happens without me doing that if that makes sense. Like, I think people get things for me sometimes because they know I’m going through a hard time and feel bad for me. I don’t know, it’s hard to explain.

Would most ppl consider you better than average looking? Uh, I highly doubt that. We know how I feel about myself, but others would probably just say I’m average to be nice

For yourself, would you rather have a perfect body or high IQ? High IQ. 

Have you ever embarrassed some intentionally in public? Not intentionally, but I’m sure I have.

Have you ever used a false ID? Nope.

Are you embarrassed to tell people your job? I don’t have a job, soo.

Would you give up your car to save the planet? I don’t even have a car. I’m glad my parents and brother have their own cars, though... I see it as a necessity for us.

Are you more likely to believe a man or woman? I don’t decide who to believe based on gender. I hear what they have to say and make my own judgment. Unless they give me a reason to doubt or be skeptical then I’ll likely believe them.

Has your credit card ever been declined? No.

If you ran over an animal would you keep driving? Gahhh. I don’t drive, but that’s something that worries me.

Do you think your parents are too critical of you? No.

Would you cover up your boss’s wrong doing for a promotion? Uhh, what kinda shady company am I working for?? 

Do you avoid conversation with ppl you think are smarter than you? I admit that I feel intimidated and would feel self-conscious about myself. Like if they asked me about something I didn’t know about or was having a conversation I couldn’t contribute to. I’ve been around people who I felt dumb or bad about myself around and as though I was being judged, so I definitely try to avoid that. There’s also been times where it was encouraged to ask questions and the person was inviting and didn’t make me feel inferior in some way.

Ever blame a sibling for something you did wrong? No.

Have you ever dated someone you met through a personal ad? Nope. Also, personal ad sounds so old school lol.

Ever lie about you [or your kids] age to get a discount? May have stretched the kid’s discount a couple years a time or two when I was a kid. :X Like if the cutoff was 11, but I was like 12 or 13. Shhhh. 

Have you ever accepted credit for someone else’s work? No.

Did you ever buy something expensive,wear it once and return it? No.

Have you ever re-gifted something? >> Of course. No use keeping something I’m not going to use, or that someone else would enjoy more. <<< Same. I don’t really see it as a bad thing. And I’m usually upfront about it anyway like hey I thought maybe you would enjoy this, I don’t personally have any use for it right now or something.

Do you really care about saving the planet for future generations? I care, but I admit I’m not doing much about it.

[gofancyninjaworld]

OPM in 2019, part 2

Yup, this was all too long, so I now have to attend to the manga.  This year, Murata kept his promise from 2018 to deliver regular chapters.  Even the passing of his father only made him take a few weeks off.   

By the numbers.  This year, Murata delivered 24 updates consisting of 624 pages.  It may not be the banner year of 2017 2018, but it still averages out at more than 50 pages a month.  He also drew 113 pages for volume releases in extra chapters, volume-only content and chapter redraws.  We thank you for your hard work, Mr. Murata!  

As to the words and pictures, much more below the cut!

beautiful and poignant -- probably the best cover this year. 

Be warned: this contains major plot spoilers

Broad Strokes

Last year focussed on the Hero Association response to the Monster Association, gathering up heroes, sorting out battle plans and sending them into the field. In the course of the war effort, the characters whom we’ve been following most consistently all got parked in one place or another.  We turned decisively away from Saitama, Genos, Garou, Fubuki, Bang, and King to focus on what the other heroes were doing, getting to know many more of them.   

This year, we’ve seen the first triumphant contact the heroes made gradually be eroded away as the monsters launch their counter-attack and one by one the parked characters have been brought back into the story to varying effect.  

2020 is promising to be the showdown year that will give us the final denouement, but I can’t promise that.  What I can promise is a closer look at the major themes of 2019.

Orochi

From half-assed plot to bad-ass plan

The first big thing is just how important Monster King Orochi has been to the story. More specifically, it's crazy how vital a linchpin he has been to Psykos’s humanity extermination plan.  The webcomic that doesn’t have Orochi makes her plan a sick joke. Like, seriously, how was Psykos planning to take over the world? In the webcomic, if things had gone to plan and she'd gotten rid of the heroes sent to the Monster Association, what then?  Not enough monsters to kill billions of people and no way to get the monsters that she does have there.  Monsters are also terribly uncooperative and undisciplined. The long-term cooperation to kill billions of people just isn’t going to happen -- without the clear, limited goal that killing Class S heroes was, they’ll just split up.  Society wasn't about to fall into a weeping puddle: we’ve seen both in the manga and the webcomic that there are loads of strong people, and that people are resilient and adaptable. It's like, that was a total idiot plot from the outset.  It’d end in failure as society adapted faster than the bickering monsters (those that didn’t leave) appreciated. 

yeah, you and what army?

On the other hand, Monster King Orochi makes Pyskos's dream a credible reality.  First, thanks to him, she got the cooperation of monsters like Elder Centipede, who was particularly important in the lead up to the Monster Association’s declaration of war.  It dug enough tunnels that monsters could appear simultaneously in multiple cities throughout the world.  Second, thanks to Orochi, she got millions of monster cells which meant that huge chunks of the population could be simultaneously monsterised in multiple locations, each able to help kill off the rest of humanity.  Their dry run two days previous to the current manga events confirmed that humanity simply couldn't cope with monsters showing up in so many places at once and yes, now they had a shot.  They could kill off the powerful organised heroes and then quickly make civilised life impossible before any credible fight back could be organised. 

This plan works.

when you realise that it’d only take a couple of hours to replenish the Monster Association’s forces

If that's all Orochi could do, it'd be plenty.  It made a bad, half-assed idiot plot into a real threat. But that's not all.  He's a crazy powerful monster, one Psykos was counting on to deal the death blow to the most powerful heroes, especially Tatsumaki.

Unfortunately for Psykos,  Saitama seems to have given Orochi a bad case of the deads.  And Amai Mask seems to have destroyed her precious store of monster cells.   Unless she have a back up depot of monster cells, her humanity extermination plan has hit a real snag. Many fans do hold out hope that Orochi isn't dead-dead and may Awaken to be real trouble.  But we'll see.

Acceptance

Speaking of Saitama and Orochi, something very important happened to Saitama’s character development that simply hasn’t happened yet in the webcomic.  Saitama accepted that yes, he’s just the strongest being alive.

We’ve seen Saitama struggle with not finding a worthy challenge.  He has bargained with it, dreaming of being weak enough to find the Subterraneans a threat.  He has been angry about it, shouting his outrage when Vaccineman died after one hit.  He has been depressed about it; we saw his whole collapse in the wake of the Superfight which led him to opening up to King.  And now, when he heard Orochi trying to introduce himself, he realised that this was just another useless blowhard like the jerk who’d kicked him to the moon and cut it short.  ‘What makes you so special?’ ‘Come at me then, but I’m expecting nothing.’

all according to expectation

It’s so rare to see Saitama show any character development, so this moment, small as it is, is really a profound step forward for the character.  We will see what happens as a result in chapters to come. 

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity

Good luck that is.  And that’s been shining on Psykos despite the setback of losing Orochi.  All the work we’ve seen her put in since chapter 57, observing heroes, sending out monsters to attack them and then seeing how they respond, has finally paid off.  

Between chapters 94 and 112, the manga really showed us precisely why the Class S heroes were so respected as the ultimate answer to the worst of the worst monsters. 

And now, by carefully siccing the right super-powerful monster on hero, Psykos has achieved what looked impossible: defeat Class S heroes en masse.

and bad luck is what happens when lack of preparation meets a challenge

It’s perfect, save monsters have a long-documented love of savouring their prey and aren’t killing the heroes as fast as they should.  Silly things: they leave the window open to rescue.

Machinations

A cyborg makes wild accusations...

Holy moly, has any hero’s stock risen and sunk as fast as Drive Knight’s has? In the space of a month, two updates, this enigmatic hero went from the new darling of the fandom to at best, a very self-interested ‘hero’ and at worst, the very traitor Metal Knight warned Child Emperor about.

We’ve known nothing about Drive Knight, what he did and just why he had a top ten ranking.  Well, we got a great masterclass in why when with a fantastic combination of power and guile, he defeated the cadre Nyan, making him the first hero other than Saitama to do so.  In fact Drive Knight is so polished in both the type of technology he has and the fluency with which he wields it that he makes Genos look like a glorified garage project. Oh wait... that’s accurate, isn’t it?

looking like Boros’s long-lost cousin, Drive Knight’s gold splendour

It’s what Drive Knight did next that set audiences against him. First, we learned that he watched the support heroes get cut down while he formulated the perfect plan. Okay, maybe he’s just a cold operator.   Second, the terrifying efficiency with which he pumped Sekingar for information on the vulnerability of the Hero Association, then failed to protect him when G-5 showed up to stop Sekingar from reporting back to the Hero Association.  Third, while we’ve known that Drive Knight is no fan of Metal Knight, accusing the latter of deliberately supplying the Monster Association is another story.  It has left us wondering whether Drive Knight is simply paranoid -- or is looking to deflect suspicion from himself.  What is not in question is that there really is a visitor from The Organisation harvesting the very data Drive Knight is worried about for the very purposes he outlines.  

Drive Knight did not look best pleased when Genos intervened in affairs and destroyed G-5, but handed over (or cut his losses?) peaceably enough.  For some reason, Drive Knight still seems to think that Genos is on his side, still going ‘we’ and making a distinction between them and the rest of humanity when explaining his desire to leave with Nyan. Why?

We have no idea when Drive Knight will reappear or quite what side he’s on, but one thing is for sure: he’s a powerful mover in this world and is bound to pose some dread challenge when he does. 

...but a greedy old man looks set to pay dearly

Top shadenfreude for me: if G5 didn't successfully remotely transmit everything it'd learned about the Metal Knight back, then Bofoi will be in the painful position of having to acknowledge that Genos got his wrinkly little nuts out of the fire. Yup, that guy Bofoi refused to help and left to die the first time he met.  That guy he started a whispering campaign against at the Hero Association.  That one. 

By the time Sekingar gets back and gives his story, Dr Bofoi will have most of the story. Once Child Emperor reports in,  Bofoi will have put all the bits together.  He’ll understand that he dodged a very large bullet as The Organisation had successfully hacked into his robot. And he was lucky their emissary didn't live to report its findings.   

How did Bofoi get in this shitty position?  By getting greedy.  He was so desperate to get a sample of Elder Centipede’s armour that he had his robot cling on and get carried into the Monster Association base.  And then let it sit and listen in. He didn’t budget on Orochi being able to disable the robot before he could trigger its self-destruct sequence. 

unfortunately for Bofoi, the Monster Association isn’t quite as selfish as he is and had no problem letting The Organisation harvest what it could of the machine they couldn’t themselves use.

It’s super unlikely that the Hero Association will take Drive Knight’s words uncritically, but they’re not stupid people -- they’ll understand that a major security breach has occurred. Suffer a little, Dr. Bofoi.

Old Players, New Roles

This year we have had no new characters introduced.  But we have had cause to re-evaluate several that we thought we knew. 

Sekingar was totally the breakout star here, surprising himself probably more than anyone else in finding that he truly did have what it took to be a hero.  I won’t go into it, full breakdown here.   What I will say is that unlike someone like Suiryu, who is just an ordinary person, Sekingar is very highly  placed within the Hero Association and looks set to be promoted further.  What he has to say and enact about the way heroes operate WILL have a disproportionate effect on the Hero Association, its future and maybe humanity’s safety. 

heroism is what you find when there are no good options but you do the right thing anyway

Genos continued to develop this year.  Last fight, he’d been devastated at not having been able to save any heroes.  This time out, saving people and showing a real resolve to take the fight to the monsters is front and centre of his actions, finally ending the hostage rescue part of the Hero Association plans.

it’s one thing to see a hero standing on top of a dead monster, but seeing this tiny guy on an armoured carrier and knowing that he could kill everybody in the convoy effortlessly did more to sell the insanity of Class S to me than many monster fights could. No wonder ordinary men call them monsters.

Two big changes from the webcomic to the manga have been first, splitting Genos off from the rest so he has to act out of his own heart rather than being carried along/supported by others. And second, giving him information about the monsters so he can descend to Hell with open eyes.  If any webcomic readers thought that Genos was being impulsive and naive when he took on the cadres rather than brave, the manga decisively lays that to rest.  This boy is truly courageous. 

Finally, the hero most known for scheming to lord it over others (in order to feel better about herself), Fubuki, closed out the year by showing an amazing side to her. 

She’s long hated dealing with strong monsters and Overgrown Pochi is her worst nightmare -- a true terror of a monster. She feels it all: inadequate, scared, frustrated, vulnerable.  Accepts that she’s almost certainly going to die.  And then uses her delusion of leading Bang and Bomb as a source of strength to bolster their bodies and protect them from harm for long enough for them to counter attack.

The bloodshot eye, the veins standing proud out of the sheer effort wrung out of her, the blood running down her face as she faces the monster.  No fucks given about decorum or looks: she’s going down swinging.  Bravo! 

Oh yeah, and Garou woke up.  He seems a bit mad. 

the second-best cover of 2019