#she’ll be fiiiiiine

[koibish]

[puppy-steve]

promise you forever

steddie ☆ 971 ☆ cw: none ☆ appalachian eddie ☆ao3

“phone for ya, eds,” wayne chuckles as he comes out of the house to the front porch where everyone’s sitting. “think your boy’s had one too many.”

eddie frowns and stamps down the worry bubbling inside him. steve rarely ever drinks anymore. doesn’t smoke anymore, either. not since starcourt. eddie slides off the porch swing where he’d been sitting with his aunt pep and goes inside to the wall phone in the kitchen, the receiver laying on the counter.

“steve?” he says, lifting the phone to his ear.

“country boy, i love youuuuuuuu!”

steve’s words are slurred, which doesn’t make eddie any less panicked. what happened? was he okay? eddie leaves to visit his family for one week and he can’t seem to escape the horrors that hawkins, indiana seems to breed every day.

“stevie? baby, you okay?” eddie tries to keep his voice from shaking.

there’s a laugh on the other line and steve flat out yells into the phone, “eddie! hi!” yep. he’s definitely drunk. eddie strains to hear any background noise that would give any hints as to where steve is at, but it’s silent.

eddie’s knuckles grip the phone. “where are you, sweetheart? are you safe?”

steve makes a grumbling noise, like he’s talking to someone else and eddie doesn’t know if that makes him feel better or worse.

“i’m fiiiiiine, eds,” steve says after another second of grumbling. “teds. teddy. teddy bear.” he starts listing ever iteration of eddie’s name, and eddie doesn’t want him to stop. if he keeps going, then eddie knows he’s not in immediate danger.

“dingus! stop hogging the phone!”

wait.

“robbie, i’m trying to talk to me boyfriend,” steve whines and there’s sounds of a scuffle and “no—hey—robin, it’s still my turn—!”

“hi, eddie!” robin’s voice is suddenly in his ear and sounding just as drunk as steve. jesus christ, eddie’s never leaving them unsupervised again.

eddie sighs and runs a hand down his face. “robin, where the hell are you? and why are you drunk?” these two are gonna finish what the bats started and put him in an early grave, he swears it.

on her end, robin groans. “dingus!” she scolds steve. “you didn’t remind him?”

“remind me of what, bobbie?” eddie asks. now that he’s sure the two of them are somewhat coherent and probably not in danger, he feels so fucking tired all of a sudden.

“it’s my birthday, doofus!”

well now eddie feels awful. steve reminded him before he and wayne left, but in all the excitement of seeing the rest of his family again, it slipped eddie’s mind.

robin continues, “and you, theodore munson!”

if eddie thought he was off the hook, he’s dead wrong. he’s never hearing the end of this now. it’s not likely, but maybe luck will be on his side for once and she’ll forget this conversation ever happened.

“you owe me a birthday breakfast, lunch, and dinner when you get back. and you have to buy me a present.”

eddie rests his forehead on the wall as a laugh bubbles up out of his chest at the ridiculousness of the situation. “alright, birdie,” he promises. “as soon as i get back, i’ll start right on it and get you the most expensive present i can afford.”

“it better break your bank account, munson!” she threatens, but eddie knows she’s bluffing.

“alright, birthday girl, can you put steve back on?”

robin yells out for steve. “you better not be doing any hanky panky on my birthday, dingus,” she warns before steve comes on the line.

“hi, baby.” he’s definitely still drunk, but he’s quieter, not yelling into the phone like he was a few minutes ago.

warmth fills eddie’s chest and he leans his shoulder on the wall, angling himself away from the door to give himself a sense of privacy in case anyone comes inside. “hey sweetheart,” he says just as softly. “you two having fun?”

he can practically see steve’s nod. “mhm,” he confirms. “miss you, though. wish you were here.”

eddie’s gonna marry this boy someday, just you wait.

“i miss you, too, sugar,” eddie tells him. “wayne said he thinks you’ve had a little too much to drink.”

“no i haven’t!” steve’s voice raises for a second before dropping back down again. “just had one… three… four beers, i promise.”

eddie hums, not bothering to hide the amused grin on his face. “uh-huh. s'at why you sound drunker than a skunk, right now, sweet thing?”

steve huffs and eddie wants so badly to kiss the pout off his boyfriends lips. “m'not drunk,” he says without any real argument.

“alright, i believe you,” eddie concedes. he can’t help but to let a little worry back in. he bites his lip. “can you promise me something, stevie?”

steve’s answer is immediate and almost shatters eddie’s heart. “i’ll promise you forever, teddy.”

eddie takes a breather to calm himself down so he doesn’t jump in wayne’s truck and make the five hour drive back to hawkins. “promise me you’ll call nancy if either of you start to feel weird?”

steve hums in his ear, like a purring cat. “i promise, baby. cross my heart ‘n everything.”

eddie grins and wishes he was there in front of him so he could touch him. “thank you. i won’t keep you any longer, then. i’m sure birdie’s getting impatient.”

“she’s always impatient,” steve huffs. “it’s her best quality.”

there’s no argument there.

“i love you, stevie. call me tomorrow when you wake up?”

steve sighs softly. “i love you, eddie.” he makes exaggerated kissing noises over the phone until he hangs up.

eddie hangs the receiver up. he’s here in his grandmother’s kitchen, surrounded by his family, but his heart has never felt as full as it does in this moment.

buy me a ☕?

[werepuppy-steve]

promise you forever

steddie ☆ 971 ☆ cw: none ☆ appalachian eddie ☆ ao3

“phone for ya, eds,” wayne chuckles as he comes out of the house to the front porch where everyone’s sitting. “think your boy’s had one too many.”

eddie frowns and stamps down the worry bubbling inside him. steve rarely ever drinks anymore. doesn’t smoke anymore, either. not since starcourt. eddie slides off the porch swing where he’d been sitting with his aunt pep and goes inside to the wall phone in the kitchen, the receiver laying on the counter.

“steve?” he says, lifting the phone to his ear.

“country boy, i love youuuuuuuu!”

steve’s words are slurred, which doesn’t make eddie any less panicked. what happened? was he okay? eddie leaves to visit his family for one week and he can’t seem to escape the horrors that hawkins, indiana seems to breed every day.

“stevie? baby, you okay?” eddie tries to keep his voice from shaking.

there’s a laugh on the other line and steve flat out yells into the phone, “eddie! hi!” yep. he’s definitely drunk. eddie strains to hear any background noise that would give any hints as to where steve is at, but it’s silent.

eddie’s knuckles grip the phone. “where are you, sweetheart? are you safe?”

steve makes a grumbling noise, like he’s talking to someone else and eddie doesn’t know if that makes him feel better or worse.

“i’m fiiiiiine, eds,” steve says after another second of grumbling. “teds. teddy. teddy bear.” he starts listing ever iteration of eddie’s name, and eddie doesn’t want him to stop. if he keeps going, then eddie knows he’s not in immediate danger.

“dingus! stop hogging the phone!”

wait.

“robbie, i’m trying to talk to me boyfriend,” steve whines and there’s sounds of a scuffle and “no—hey—robin, it’s still my turn—!”

“hi, eddie!” robin’s voice is suddenly in his ear and sounding just as drunk as steve. jesus christ, eddie’s never leaving them unsupervised again.

eddie sighs and runs a hand down his face. “robin, where the hell are you? and why are you drunk?” these two are gonna finish what the bats started and put him in an early grave, he swears it.

on her end, robin groans. “dingus!” she scolds steve. “you didn’t remind him?”

“remind me of what, bobbie?” eddie asks. now that he’s sure the two of them are somewhat coherent and probably not in danger, he feels so fucking tired all of a sudden.

“it’s my birthday, doofus!”

well now eddie feels awful. steve reminded him before he and wayne left, but in all the excitement of seeing the rest of his family again, it slipped eddie’s mind.

robin continues, “and you, theodore munson!”

if eddie thought he was off the hook, he’s dead wrong. he’s never hearing the end of this now. it’s not likely, but maybe luck will be on his side for once and she’ll forget this conversation ever happened.

“you owe me a birthday breakfast, lunch, and dinner when you get back. and you have to buy me a present.”

eddie rests his forehead on the wall as a laugh bubbles up out of his chest at the ridiculousness of the situation. “alright, birdie,” he promises. “as soon as i get back, i’ll start right on it and get you the most expensive present i can afford.”

“it better break your bank account, munson!” she threatens, but eddie knows she’s bluffing.

“alright, birthday girl, can you put steve back on?”

robin yells out for steve. “you better not be doing any hanky panky on my birthday, dingus,” she warns before steve comes on the line.

“hi, baby.” he’s definitely still drunk, but he’s quieter, not yelling into the phone like he was a few minutes ago.

warmth fills eddie’s chest and he leans his shoulder on the wall, angling himself away from the door to give himself a sense of privacy in case anyone comes inside. “hey sweetheart,” he says just as softly. “you two having fun?”

he can practically see steve’s nod. “mhm,” he confirms. “miss you, though. wish you were here.”

eddie’s gonna marry this boy someday, just you wait.

“i miss you, too, sugar,” eddie tells him. “wayne said he thinks you’ve had a little too much to drink.”

“no i haven’t!” steve’s voice raises for a second before dropping back down again. “just had one… three… four beers, i promise.”

eddie hums, not bothering to hide the amused grin on his face. “uh-huh. s'at why you sound drunker than a skunk, right now, sweet thing?”

steve huffs and eddie wants so badly to kiss the pout off his boyfriends lips. “m'not drunk,” he says without any real argument.

“alright, i believe you,” eddie concedes. he can’t help but to let a little worry back in. he bites his lip. “can you promise me something, stevie?”

steve’s answer is immediate and almost shatters eddie’s heart. “i’ll promise you forever, teddy.”

eddie takes a breather to calm himself down so he doesn’t jump in wayne’s truck and make the five hour drive back to hawkins. “promise me you’ll call nancy if either of you start to feel weird?”

steve hums in his ear, like a purring cat. “i promise, baby. cross my heart ‘n everything.”

eddie grins and wishes he was there in front of him so he could touch him. “thank you. i won’t keep you any longer, then. i’m sure birdie’s getting impatient.”

“she’s always impatient,” steve huffs. “it’s her best quality.”

there’s no argument there.

“i love you, stevie. call me tomorrow when you wake up?”

steve sighs softly. “i love you, eddie.” he makes exaggerated kissing noises over the phone until he hangs up.

eddie hangs the receiver up. he’s here in his grandmother’s kitchen, surrounded by his family, but his heart has never felt as full as it does in this moment.

🥐☕💕 buy me a coffee? taglist: @yournowheregirl @steves-strapcollection @thefreakandthehair @stobinesque @vecnuthy @tboygareth @starrystevie @inairbinad @flowercrowngods @starryeyedjanai @matchingbatbites @corrodedbisexual @theheadlessphilosopher @sidekick-hero @patchworkgargoyle @sentient-trash @wormdebut @legitcookie @corrodedcoughin @steddieas-shegoes @wynnyfryd

[livingwiththedrums]

I’ll be fine, they don’t attack me apparently… I’ll explain when I get there. Just… stay calm, keep breathing, don’t move around too much, I’ll be there soon.

Doctor! You’re awake! Something really bad happened yesterday, I- who’s Jo? Who’s Nyssa?…

( @livingwiththedrums )

Ah, Susan? Is that you? Am I glad to see you! Oh don't worry about it, dear child, only friends we made along the way... Oh... And what could be troubling you, hm?

[adriensaltprompts]

Submitted Prompt: “Roundhouse Horse Kick to the Face”

Spoilers for Season 4 up to “Hack-San”.

(Editor’s note: I have not seen the episode in question, but IDC anymore lol so they’re all getting posted anyways)

-

Rather than seemingly forgetting about Kaalki entirely, Marinette brings the Horse Miraculous along with her on the family trip.  But she’s well aware that doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll be able to slip away and respond to any distress signals quickly, so she still entrusts the Earrings to Alya, Encouraging her to keep in contact, and letting her know that she can potentially pop back to Paris, but she might not be able to return immediately, depending on the circumstances.  It’s an option, but hopefully one they won’t have to use.

-

Alya, naturally, is confident it won’t have to come to that, encouraging her to relax and enjoy her much-needed vacation.  It’ll be fiiiiiine.  She’s got this~!

Cut to Hack-San’s mass hypnosis attack. Thanks to Kaalki, Marinette is able to escape her parents, transforming while in hiding and teleporting back to Paris.  While searching for answers, the new Horse Hero gets a distress call from Alya, who reveals that Chat Noir just attacked her as Scarabella.

Understandably horrified, Marinette meets up with her.  The two heroes compare notes, and the more Marinette hears, the more furious she becomes. 

Rather than taking back the Earrings, she chooses to confront Chat Noir as ‘just’ the Horse Hero… she doesn’t need to be Ladybug to deal with him, and won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing 'his lady’ again.  Given his generally bratty behavior and how twisted his leaps of 'logic’ can be, he’d likely see that as some kind of reward for assaulting Scarabella.

No.  She’s done with this.  Beyond done.  She has tried to make this partnership work for far too long, struggling to do all the heavy lifting while Chat Noir entertained himself at her expense.  Hers, and all of Paris.

Where was this wariness when they were dealing with Volpina?  With Sentibug?  Why was he suddenly on guard now, and why did he practically default to murder, knowing that akumas are victimized humans, and what kind of effect his Cataclysm has on sentimonsters…?

Adrien has a choice.  When the Horse Hero shows up alongside Scarabella, calling him out for what he’s done, he can listen to her.  Recognize that this must be his partner, even if she’s not currently wearing the Earrings, and hear her out.  Work with her and Scarabella to take down this latest akuma, and show that he’s not completely up his own butt.

Or he can keep throwing a hissy fit over her daring to work with and trust others more than she does him, her serial harasser who constantly refuses to take his heroic duties seriously.  He can whine about how 'spots suit her much better’ and try to justify his misbehavior all he likes.

Either way, he’s done.  It’s more a matter of whether or not Marinette and Alya deal with him before or after dealing with Hack-San – and frankly, they’re going in expecting the worst.  Because he’s firmly established his character by now, hasn’t he…?

No, it’s not surprising at all if reclaiming the Ring involves having to give him a physical reality check.  And Marinette’s fought him so many times by this point that she hardly needs to be Ladybug to take him out.

[inexplicablesorrow]

I’m so sorry, I know we’ve all worked through our Endgame anger, and here I’m dredging it up again. But I’ve been watching WandaVision and. every. single. episode. I think, “Damn. Bucky’s not the only person Steve abandoned.”

Like, really Steve? Wtf happened to “she’s just a kid?”

Since then she’s spent an unknown amount of time in the Super-Slammer, spent a couple years as a fugitive, then had to kill the love of her life in order to save the world EXCEPT it didn’t work and Thanos snapped, and now everything’s been un-snapped and everyone is SO happy to have all their loved ones back... except Vision is still dead.

But hey, I’m sure there’s somebody left she can trust, right? Somebody? Maybe? Eh, heck with it. She’ll be fiiiiiine!!!

Jesus, Steve. At least Bucky’s an adult, and has the Wakandans. Who does Wanda have? Clint? I’m sure hanging out with that dude’s energy is just great for traumatized, grieving telepaths!

God, just... when Feige and the Russos assassinate a character’s character, they don’t hold back. 😡

[nightashes]

A Kitten For Two

A/N: A gift for the fantastic @animelover101997

Summary: Prinxiety adopt a kitten. 

AO3 - writing masterlist

***

“Are you ready?”

“Definitely not.”

“We don’t have to do this right now. We can wait.”

“No. I want this. I… I just don’t know how to pick.” Virgil laments, gazing at the cages of kittens meowing for love and attention. A calico to his right stretches its paw out through the cage bars, reaching towards the pair. Virgil swears he can feel his heart melting. “They’re adorable.” He continues flatly, trying to shove the warm fluffy emotions away that were urging him to coo and babble. “I want them all.”

‘Virgil.” Roman warns. “We agreed on just one.”

One. How could Virgil just pick one? He audibly groans in frustration, yanking his hoodie closed, tightening the strings to disappear from the cruel world that demanded he only pick one. “Noooooo….”

Roman chuckles, the melodic sound bringing heat to Virgil cheeks.  Crap.  The world truly was cruel. Cruel and wonderful and perfect, and with stupidly perfect hair and a ridiculously perfect voice that practically rivaled the kittens in cuteness.

“All right then, I’ll pick.” Roman continued, completely oblivious to his partner’s gay panic. “Well, why don’t we take a look at this one?” he gestures to the calico, who has somehow managed to sink her claws into Virgil’s sweater, which Virgil was only just now realizing. Gosh. That kitten really is cute.  The cat's emerald eyes locked onto Virgil’s swinging hoodie strings. Her pupils mere slits as she gazes towards her prey. Her paw pulling at his sweater as if to draw him closer. 

“Obviously, she has good taste.” Roman speaks softly, his eyes trying to catch Virgil’s blushing face through the hoodie barrier. 

“You think so?” Virgil mumbles around the thick cloth. 

Roman encircles his arms around him. Resting his chin on his boyfriend’s shoulder. “Truer words were never spoken, my dark and stormy knight.” He whispers soothingly, his warm breath tickling Virgil’s face. 

Alright, enough of this mushiness. Someone could walk in and, well, Virgil had a reputation to maintain, dangit. He wiggles around, attempting to shrug Roman’s gooeyness away. “We get it, Princey. You’re a sap.” His gruff voice thankfully does not break. Mission accomplished.

“I’m your sap.” Roman purrs, pulling him back into the embrace. Mission failed. Repeat. mission failed. Error noises sound in his head, warning him of just how head-over-heels he had fallen. Guess it was time to change tactics.

Throwing back his hood. Virgil tosses his hair loose, he half-turns his head in order to face his utterly insufferable boyfriend. Roman watches as he leans in, their lips mere inches away from each other. And then… Virgil loudly snarks. “You best believe it, Romano. Dating me was the best thing to ever happen to you.” 

Roman doesn’t even blink, the corners of his mouth merely quirk up. “Oh, I believe it. And I‘m never letting you go.. .And apparently neither is this cat“ Roman chuckles. Bringing their attention back as together they watch the calico attempt to shake its paw loose from Virgil’s jacket.

His heart skips a beat at the sight of her struggle. Reaching down, his hand deadly still, he grasps the white paw gently and with the utmost care. His thoughts stopping as he focuses on slowly lifting the little toes beans up and away. Finally free the kitten yanks her fluffy paw back and loudly meows up at him. Her cries resonate through the room, joining the cacophony of sound formed from her brethren. 

Virgil and Roman smile softly down at her. 

“It says her name is Cali.” Roman reads from the sheet pinned to the bars. “A calico named Cali? Not the most original but it could be fun to rename her. She’s only ten months old and she loves to play with her stuffed mouse. What do you think? Is this the newest member to our little famILY.”

Virgil hums in contemplation. The kitten watches him. Her vibrant green eyes peering into his soul and he knows he is trapped. Her tongue bleps as she sits there in anticipation. Virgil admits he is utterly powerless. He didn’t choose this cat, she chose them.

“I think she’s more of a Venus.”

Roman raises an eyebrow. “Venus? How’s that?“

“Look on her side. There’s a heart.”

“Virgil. Are you saying she’s a goddess of love?” Roman prods. His eyebrows wiggling mischievously. 

Virgil purses his lips, watching the way her tongue refuses to unblep. “She’s stolen my heart, Ro. I can’t go back.”

“Have I been replaced?”

“Definitely. Now go get an employee. I need to hold her close. She must be protected at all costs.”

“Whatever you say, my love.”

After an hour, several adoption papers, $200, and a car ride home the trio find themselves back at their apartment. Virgil is bustling around, double and triple checking that everything is still kitten proofed. 

“Everything is fiiiiiine, Virgil. Now can we please let her out. I want to show Venus her new home.”

Virgil is crouched on the ground, peering beneath the couch for anything that might dare to harm his precious little kitten. Eyeing the dark crevices suspiciously he grunts in acceptance. 

“Alright. Everything’s good.”

“Thaaaank you!” Roman sighs heavily. He places the pet carrier on the ground, opening the door as he lightly coos. “Come on out, little Venus. Come see your new home.”

Virgil shuffles on his feat, watching her poke her little pink nose out. She gazes around the quaint living room. 

Roman pulls out her little toy mouse and tosses it over to Virgil. “Try to coax her out.”

“What? NOo.” Virgil promptly panics. Yeeting the tiny toy onto the couch. 

Venus launches herself after it, struggling to climb up onto the couch. 

“Awww.” Roman sighs. Virgil in the meantime flits to her side. Picking her up and softly placing her up on the couch. 

“Heh” Roman throws his arm around his boyfriend. “She’ll be okay, Vee. It’s okay to let her run or climb on her own.” 

“She’s so small.”

“I know.” Roman grabs his hand firmly. Pulling Virgil over to the couch. “Now come here. We can watch a movie together. All three of us.”

Virgil allows himself to be maneuvered onto the couch. Making sure to give little Venus plenty of room to chew on her mouse. She holds it in her mouth rolling over onto her back and kicking at it with her back paws. He smirks at her antics. She was his and he was hers.

The TV sounds fill the room as Roman flips through the channel with the remote. His arm wrapping subconsciously around Virgil. And Virgil can’t help but feel his heart fill with warmth and love. How he managed to get so lucky, he may never know. What he did know is that half-way through the film he found himself with a sleeping Roman on one side and in his lap, curled tightly into a little ball, was the newest addition to their little famILY. 

taglist: @stop-it-anxiety @rainboots-are-for-snobs

[nym-ic]

i dunno man, he looks fine to me. picture perfect image of put together :D

y’know something tells me he isn’t holding it together that well

[animeniacss]

A Palette of Emotions - Artist!Taehyung x Teacher!Reader - Chapter 8 - Invitations and Standing Ovations

Synopsis: Taehyung dreams of being a professional and famous artist one day, but finds that the sea of creativity can be lurking with blood hungry sharks, as well as bland, motionless starfish. Swimming through the sea of opportunities somehow washed him up onto the shore of Bright Star Preschool, as an art teacher. This wasn’t where he expected to be 4 years into his career, but anything to get his big break though, right?

Feat. BTS, TXT, ITZY, Jisoo (BlackPink), Taeyong (NCT)

Genre: Romance, Slow Burn, Love Triangle, Drama, School Setting, Working!AU

Length: approx. 4.6k words

Chapter 8 - Invitations and Standing Ovations 

           Taehyung stared at Jimin for what felt like forever. He wasn’t sure what to say in response to his friend, who just sat there with a wide grin on his face. Taehyung had to try to process it, but he couldn’t. With a shake of his head, he took Jimin’s shoulders.

            “What did you say?” He asked curiously.

            “I said that I was able to get you a vendor permit for the Annual Ilsan Art Fair at the end of the month,” Jimin repeated, chuckling. Taehyung blinked. “I saw you watching the news last night at the bar, and it took almost all of my strength not to say anything then. I was waiting for the right moment.” Taehyung blinked. “Does that help your hangover?”

            “What hangover?!  I can focus on a hangover; I need to start preparing and deciding which of my pieces I am going to bring.” Taehyung practically leaped out of his seat, only to see his vision go black momentarily. His fast-paced movements along with his headache caused him to lose balance for a moment, and he stumbled back on the couch. Jimin couldn’t help back laugh. “Fuck…” Taehyung huffed.

            “Don’t worry, you have more than enough time to focus on all of that.” He said. “And don’t get too overzealous, I was only able to snag you a smaller part of the venue. “

            “Any place is fine with me. That means that even more people are going to see my work and maybe I can finally start selling stuff and…you know, making a name for myself.” Jimin watched as Taehyung leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared at his walls that were still covered in his paintings. He sipped his ginger ale. “How did you even manage it?”

            “Well, Mr. Kim had a business meeting with one of the men who appraises some of the art. I managed to catch him as he was walking out, we got on the same elevator, and we started talking. He talked about the show and I brought you up. He gave me all of the information and even waived our vending fee for me.” He grinned. “He was so nice; older guy. Nothing like your best friend, Mr. Oh Min-Jae.” Taehyung rolled his eyes as the mere mention of that man’s name. However, honestly, he could care less. Taehyung quickly embraced Jimin in a tight hug, which stunned an unexpecting Jimin for a moment. However, he almost immediately hugged him back.

            “Thank you so much, this is crazy.”

            “Of course. What kind of manager would I be if I didn’t try to support you however I could by totally taking advantage of my position at work?” The duo laughed, and Taehyung pulled from the hug, laying his head on the back of the couch. Jimin did the same thing, grabbing his ginger ale to drink. The duo sat in silence for a moment, before Jimin rolled his head over to look at his friend. “…What are you thinking about now?” he asked curiously.

            “I want to invite my coworkers to come and see me.” He said.

            “That’s a good idea,” Jimin said.

            “I know my Hyung’s will all come, but-.”

            “But you don’t think the teacher will, right?” Jimin asked curiously. Taehyung nodded.

            “I want her to see my real work and how serious and professional I can be.”

 “Just ask anyway. The worst thing that she can say is she can’t come.” Taehyung pouted a bit. “Or maybe ask one of the others to invite her along, if you think that she’ll say yes that way.” Taehyung nodded. “As I said though, don’t worry too much right now because you should probably go inside and sleep so that you can function at work tomorrow.”

“Ugh, I hate when you’re right.”

“I don’t,” Jimin said smugly as he finally lifted himself from the couch. Taehyung got up as well, carefully this time, and set his now empty ginger ale can on the coffee table. “I’ll see you this weekend, alright?” Jimin hummed as he gave his friend a supportive pat on the back. Taehyung nodded.

“Right, see you then,” Taehyung said. He walked Jimin to the door, the duo sharing a final goodbye before Jimin took his leave, and Taehyung shut the door, clicking the lock shut. He stood there for a moment, silently waiting for something to happen on the other side of the door. When he didn’t hear the sound of footprints, he slowly unlocked and opened the door. Upon opening it, Taehyung saw Jimin still standing at his front door, crossing his arms. A sheepishly adorable boxy smile appeared on Taehyung’s face as he stared at his short, unamused friend.

“…Go to sleep. Do not stay up working or you’ll feel worse tomorrow than you do now.” Taehyung groaned.

“But-.”

“Tae.” Jimin huffed, pouting Taehyung groaned.

“Fiiiiiine.” He said. Jimin nodded, finally turning on his heel and heading down the hallway to the elevator at the end. Halfway down the hall, Taehyung waved him off and finally closed the front door. Almost immediately, as if he didn’t hear a word his friend said, Taehyung turned back to his work desk and the paintings that surrounded the top and bottom of it. He huffed. “There’s no way I can sleep now.” He mumbled to himself, walking towards the work desk. He plopped himself down and began shuffling through some recent doodles he had been doing. “I need to get some work done.”

As Taehyung began to skim and doodle, he found himself extremely lost in thought. He was so focused on making sure that he had something new and exciting ready for the end of the month. He was so busy in thought that he had blocked out the rest of the world as soon as he sat himself down in that seat. It was a trait that caused many nights where he would stay up to meet the sun. However, back then, he was unemployed or working part-time, and could afford to go to sleep at his desk for ten hours at a time. This was no longer the case. And Jimin knew that as well, probably even better than Taehyung did.

Taehyung was so focused, he didn’t hear the click of his front door or the slow creaking of it opening up behind him. He didn’t hear footsteps step into the front entrance or the door close behind him. However, he did hear a loud, and extremely annoyed-.

“BEDTIME, KIM TAEHYUNG!” The high-pitched voice startled Taehyung right out of his seat, and he practically darted to his room like a child who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Jimin watched him scurry to his room with his tail between his legs, and he huffed, quickly following after him. “I swear to God, I’ll burn your vendors permit if I find out you fucking stayed up all night.”

“Okay, Mom,” Taehyung shouted from under the covers of his bed. Jimin sighed, crossing his arms. “Telling me about the biggest opportunity of my career is going to keep me up anyways, you know.”

“Yeah, you said that about the last art show I managed to get you into,” Jimin said. “You’ll thank me when you wake up tomorrow with no bags under your eyes.” Taehyung snorted.

“That’s funny. Those bastards live under there now, rent-free and I can’t kick them out because each one has two kids.” Jimin chuckled a bit.

“Goodnight, Tae,” Jimin said. Taehyung only groaned, keeping his head under his pillow as he heard his friend make his exit and close the front door behind him. Once Taehyung was alone, he poked his head out from the covers and stared up at the ceiling. He wanted to get up, he wanted to get up so bad and start to work, his fingers were itchy and eager to draw or paint or something. He gripped the sheets, however, because he knew Jimin was right. He needed to sleep and get ready for the next day. He couldn’t have another mess up like he did today. Not if he could help it.

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

Taehyung found himself scratching his head as he headed into the building early the next morning. He couldn’t stop thinking about the night before. He was so excited, then anxious, then excited again that he had to get up and pace the room a few times when sleep wouldn’t overtake his body. When the sun came up, he managed to squeeze in about 6 hours of sleep, which when paired with two cups of coffee, was perfect for him. Taehyung put his hands in his pockets as he headed down the hallway, passing Seokjin’s office. As he passed by, he heard voices talking inside. As he got closer, he could hear the voices even clearer. And neither of them seemed happy.

Inside, you were pacing Seokjin’s desk, hands behind your back. Seokjin was sitting at his desk, eyebrow raised in confusion as he watched you.

“Will you stop pacing?” Seokjin asked. “How about you finally tell me what’s on your mind instead of rambling to yourself.” When you finally stopped, you turned to him.

“Do you think your lecture yesterday got to him?” You asked curiously. Seokjin groaned, his head lolling back in his chair to stare up at the ceiling. ���Sir, I’m just asking-.”

“I know it did. He looked upset. Now can you stop with all childish behavior please?” Seokjin sounded extremely annoyed. You blinked, the sound of the more annoyed President Kim making its way into the room over the jovial and upbeat Kim Seokjin. You stopped pacing and turned to him. “Seriously, it’s getting old and I’m getting frustrated.”

“N-no, listen. I’m not trying to give him a hard time here-.”

“Yes, you are,” Seokjin said simply. Taehyung blinked, now finding himself pressed up against the door to get a better listen. “It’s enough now. I spoke to him; he knows what is expected from him and now you need to stop.”

“But President-.” You tried to continue but Seokjin stood up. He was much taller than you now, and as you tilted your head up to look at him, you could see how annoyed he was, the fire burning in his eyes. That scary demeanor only made him seem ten times taller, and you a million times smaller. It sent a shiver up your spine.

“I swear to God if you keep this up, I will send you home and have Hoseok run the class himself. You’re not doing any favors to yourself or the kids by acting this way.” Your heart immediately sank into your chest.

Inside, you had your arms crossed and your eyes cast down to the floor, chewing the inside of your lip. Seokjin groaned and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, that was too far.” He said.

“You’re probably right though.” You said softly. “I just want to make sure that the kids are safe no matter what. It’s nothing against him.”

“It seems that way,” Seokjin said. “You were in there; did anything looks out of place yesterday other than him looking a bit tired?”

“No.” You said.

“The kids are fine. If it happens again, it’s for me to worry about, not you. But I trust that it won’t.” Seokjin walked over to you, placing a hand in your hair. “You feel this upset about his hiring?” You shook your head.

“No, not anymore. I know the kids like him and I know in my soul that him working here eases my workload a bit and I should be happy but I don’t know. I want to do it all; I’d teach the physical education if I was athletic at all.” Seokjin laughed a bit. “I can’t describe it.”

“But that’s not Taehyung’s fault.”

“I know.” You admitted. Seokjin grinned a bit.

“So, what do we say when we know we do something wrong?” Seokjin hummed, a mocking tone in his voice. You grimaced as he began to laugh once more, feeling even worse hearing this being said to you instead of saying it to a misbehaving child. You pouted.

“President, please-.”

“What do we do~?” he repeated. You groaned.

“Say sorry.” You mumbled, huffing. Seokjin laughed once again, and you couldn’t help but grin a bit too.

“Then shall we? He must be here by now.” Seokjin spun you around and began leading you towards the door.

The sound of footsteps heading towards the door made Taehyung’s eyes widen. He didn’t want to be caught eavesdropping! His eyes scanned the left, right, and even the ceiling, hoping that a magical hiding spot would appear. However, just as he was about to hide, the door opened and he saw Seokjin and you walk into the hall. He stood at attention; eyes cast to the floor.

“Uh…Good morning…” he said after a long silence rang through the hallway. When he looked up, he saw Seokjin grinning ear to ear.

“Good morning, Taehyung. Do you feel better?”

“Yes. It won’t happen again.” He quickly assured. Seokjin nodded his head. Suddenly, he patted your shoulders quickly, and your eyes shot up from the floor as well, coming in direct contact with Taehyung. You felt your stomach do a flip.

This must be what the kids feel like when I do this whole speech to them. You thought to yourself.

“She has something to say to you,” Seokjin said. Taehyung looked at you, and you forced out a deep breath, crossing your arms. Taehyung put his hands in his pockets as you stayed silent. However, after a slight shake of your shoulders, and the sound of Seokjin’s annoyed voice behind you uttering your name, you huffed. Your heart was pounding

“I’m sorry, okay?” you said. “I shouldn’t take my insecure anger out on you and it was rude and unprofessional….” Taehyung blinked a bit. Unprofessional, hm? It hit Taehyung differently hearing the word directed towards someone else. Taehyung nodded his head after a moment when he realized you had stopped.

“Oh, uh-.” Taehyung stuffed his hands in his pockets, pursing his lips as he tried to think of what to respond with. “Don’t worry about it, okay? I just want us to work…you know…well. So, let’s just have a clean slate?” Pulling one of his hands out of his pocket, he stuck it in your direction. You looked down at it, before glancing back up at him. You huffed, smiling a bit as you stuck your hand out and shook it firmly. Taehyung grinned a bit, and you noticed for the first time how boxy and warm his smile was. Just as you took a moment to admire it, a voice was heard behind you.

“I didn’t buy it, should I have you do a deep bow to him and apologize that way?” Seokjin asked. You immediately turned in the direction of your grinning President, who began laughing as you playfully punched him in the shoulder. “Ow!” He gasped as he continued to laugh.

“Would you stop causing trouble at every turn?” You asked, pouting. Taehyung blinked, unable to hold back an amused chuckle. You looked over at him, a pout still stuck on your face, along with a few tints of blush. “What’s so funny?!”

“….I would really accept your apology if you do a deep bow,” Taehyung added. You huffed.

“I’m going to my classroom.” You said, storming away as the boys continued to chuckle behind you. Suddenly, Taehyung stopped laughing, eyes wide as he remembered what he was planning to stop them about in the first place.

“Ah, w-wait a second.” Taehyung began, turning in your direction.

“NO! I don’t want to hear it, bullies.” You huffed, closing your door with a playful force that shook some of the wall posters nearby. Seokjin snickered as he saw Taehyung push his lips together in annoyance.

“What did you have to tell her?” Seokjin asked curiously. Taehyung looked over at his boss, before sighing.

“Well…” Taehyung pushed his fingers together. “My manager got me a vendor’s permit at the Ilsan Arts Festival this month.” He began. “And well…I wanted to ask if you guys were able to come and see me….” Taehyung waited for a response. He had never really asked anyone to see his work at a show before, as a lot of them were smaller and pretty intimate, only containing the managers, a few family members, and some art critics. Occasionally, the public would come, but in small droves due to low capacity. However, this was now a huge art festival that could hold tons of people. And he wanted his coworkers to be there. For a moment, there was no response from Seokjin, and Taehyung got a bit discouraged. He most likely has plans. Taehyung thought to himself. Taehyung looked at him. “I was going to ask her, and Hobi-Hyung and Yoongi-Hyung too…” Taehyung added.

“Hmm, you’re going to show your art?” Seokjin asked. Taehyung nodded. “…Consider us all there, then.” Taehyung blinked.

“Really?” Taehyung asked, eyes lighting up in excitement. Seokjin nodded.

“I think it’s a great way to promote comradery between everyone here once and for all.” Seokjin clapped his hands together. “I’ll call Yoongi, you tell Hoseok when he gets here.” Taehyung nodded and Seokjin patted his shoulders, a grin on his face. “This is exciting. I finally get to see your work in person.” Taehyung nodded.

“Y-yeah. I’m excited too.” He admitted. “It’s one of the biggest art shows I’ve gotten to show my work at.” Seokjin nodded.

“We’ll talk more later, so get ready for the day.” Taehyung nodded as the duo parted ways. As he passed your room, he peeked into one of the windows beside the door. He could barely see inside from behind the construction paper rocket ship on the door, or the multitude of big stars and a moon on the wall. He had to poke his head in the ‘O’ of the phrase “Lift Off to Pre-School!” that was plastered on top, and he accidentally knocked down a cut-out astronaut with Lia’s name written on it, which he had to sneakily put back in its place. However, when he finally got a good look, he saw you standing by the board. Your back was toward the door, a marker in your hand as you began writing and drawing on the board. Taehyung couldn’t see the entire thing, since your body covered most of it. However, when you looked to your right, he saw the profile of your face and pursed his lips. The look of absolute focus on your face was a vast contrast to the puffy cheeked, childish pout that was on your face only minutes before. He couldn’t stop staring as you tugged your hair into a scrunchie ponytail, before walking over to one of the cabinets and opening it, now completely hiding from his view behind the door, only your feet poking out. Taehyung, realizing he should probably step back, went to do so, when he heard a high-pitched voice.

“Your classroom is down the hall, Taehyungieeee~.” The voice made Taehyung jump, and he spun around to see Hoseok, standing behind him with a grin. “Are you spying?”

“Yes! I mean no.” Taehyung said quickly, cheeks flushed. Hoseok immediately covered his mouth to stifle a laugh. “…I just wanted to see what she was doing. I wanted to ask her a question but-.”

“She’s probably lost in thought right now, there’s almost no getting to her while she’s in prep mode,” Hoseok assured. “Want me to pass a message along?” Taehyung looked back into the room for a moment, seeing you close the closet and walk over to one of the desks, squatting down to its level and spreading out materials.

“Well, I have an art show at the end of the month, and I want everyone to come and see my work,” Taehyung said simply. “She just apologized to me for the ways she’s acting, but Seokjin-Hyung kind of forced her so I don’t know if we made up or not, and I don’t want to be a bother.” Hoseok sighed a bit, fixing his bag.

“I’ll tell her. She’ll come if I force her.” Taehyung looked at his Hyung, who was now smiling with a finger pressed against one of his dimples.

“I guess she can’t say no to that face, huh?” Taehyung mumbled, amused a bit by his childish Hyung. Hoseok laughed a bit.

“You’d be surprised, but I can be pretty convincing when I want to be.” Hoseok patted Taehyung’s back. “I’ll suggest it. See you later.” He grinned. Taehyung nodded, finally heading to his room as Hoseok entered the classroom. He took another glance into the classroom, watching as Hoseok approached you, a spring in his step. When you turned to face him, Taehyung took that as his time to leave and make his way to his classroom. As he sat down at his desk, his eyes scanned the walls, the off-white paint slowly being covered up in all directions by scattered collections of the student’s dried artwork. All he could see as he scanned the room was his childhood bedroom, which looked extremely familiar visually. Scribbles and sketches covered all of his carefully placed wallpaper, crumpled up paper took up more of the floor than any number of toys ever could. He felt as if he was eight years old again, kicking his legs at the desk in his room as he continued to draw on a sheet of slightly crumpled printer paper. He could even hear the footsteps of his mother approach him from the door.

“Taehyung, have you even finished your homework?” She asked. Taehyung looked up, his pencil gripped tightly in his hands.

“No.” He said, much to his mother’s disdain. “But I don’t need homework, Mom. I’m going to be a great artist one day, just like Vincent Van Gogh!” A deep, frustrated groan escaped his mother’s lips as she hit him over the head just slightly, making the boy pout. “Ow!”

“Enough with that nonsense. No son of mine is going to struggle his way through life. Art is a fine hobby, but be practical.” Taehyung watched his mother yank the paper from in front of him, crumpling it up in her hands. “Now get your homework done, and don’t even think about coming out of this room until it’s all finished.” She demanded. Taehyung watched her storm out, slamming the door and ending the conversation right then and there.  

Taehyung’s memory was pulled away by the sound of his phone vibrating. When he looked over, he saw Jimin’s face showing up on it. Quickly he answered it.

“Uh, hello?”

“Hello, future Van Gogh~.” Jimin cooed happily. “Just calling to tell you that I found out exactly where our vendor spot is going to be for the festival. I sent it to you over text but was shocked to not receive a reply right away. Are you working on lessons or something?”

“Oh uh, no,” Taehyung assured. “I just kind of zoned out. Took a trip down memory lane, I guess…” Jimin hummed. “I’ll check the text message right now, though. Thanks.”

“So, what’s the status with your coworkers?” He asked curiously.

“Well, President Seokjin said he can get everyone to come, but Hoseok-Hyung is going to sweeten the pot for her to say yes,” Taehyung said. “So…yeah.” Jimin grinned.

“That’s great.” He said. “Okay, well if you’re not dead, I need to get back to work before Namjoon finds me and beats me up for sneaking off. I’m supposed to be getting him important documents.”

“Enjoy…” Taehyung said. Jimin laughed a bit, saying his goodbyes before the two of them hung up. Taehyung set his phone down and looked at the desks before him. The materials for the day needed to be pulled out, and Taehyung needed to get an example or two prepared for the children to use as a guide for the craft. He stood up, cracking his back as he strolled over to the cabinet, pulling out a bunch of dollar store mirrors and setting them down. He also collected a stack of paper and a box of markers and crayons. He had planned to have the students pair up and draw each other. His example was done, not forcibly of course, with Jimin before today. He was curious to see what such young minds could see when doing this, and how they were able to put that into a visual art on paper. It was bound to have a few laughs. Taehyung looked up at the clock, knowing that he had more than enough time, and he could probably go outside and greet the kids with you and Hoseok, so that was exactly what he planned to do. Strolling out of his room, he saw you and Hoseok already heading down the hall towards the door, talking to one another. As he watched you, he glanced back inside of his class, seeing the two weeks’ worth of artwork that scattered his walls. As he stared now, he was no longer being brought to the past, but instead was being shown the future. The pictures on the walls morphed from cute and amateur children’s work to abstract, stunning canvases of magnificent artwork. Taehyung could recognize some of the portraits as his own, but some he couldn’t recognize visually, but he could identify them deep in his soul as if they were his, he just didn’t know it yet. He could see the vendor spot perfectly in his mind, though he had no idea what it looked like for real. All he knew was that every day that passed, every hour that passed, every minute that passed, he was closer to it. As he closed the door, he hurried towards his coworkers, hoping to catch up with them in time.

He just couldn’t wait for it.

“Hey, guys.” He said when he approached. You and Hoseok turned your heads, only Hoseok offering a smile to Taehyung. “I wanted to come to say good morning to the kids today.”

“…Okay.” You said simply, turning back around. “Hoseok told me you’re showing art at the Ilsan Art Festival this month.” You said simply. Taehyung nodded.

“Uh yeah.” He glanced in Hoseok’s direction, who offered his friend a smile and a thumbs up. “My manager got me the spot through work. I was hoping you guys could come and see my real art.”

“What? Do your paper plate goldfish with glitter not count as real art?” You teased, smirking. When you didn’t get a reply, you turned over your shoulder to see Taehyung, and Hoseok did not look amused. “…What? I was joking.” You had to clarify, though it didn’t seem to help. You sighed.

“Anyway, are you coming? President Kim said everyone was going to, but-.”

“I uh, I mean I guess.” You looked over at him once again. “The way I’ve treated you…and you still want me to come?” Taehyung nodded.

“Well, yeah of course.” He said simply, putting his hands in his pockets. “I want you all to see my art. Besides, I think we’ve already realized as a group that I’m the nicer coworker out of us.” Hoseok snickered as your eyes widened. Taehyung couldn’t help but grin his little boxy grin. “What? I was joking.” Now, Hoseok began to laugh, and you turned to him.

“Oh, but you laugh at that!?” You asked, which only made Hoseok laugh harder. “It’s not funny!” Taehyung watched you shove Hoseok, and despite the annoyance etched on your face, a smile found its way on there as well. Taehyung smiled as he stared at the scene before him, and he could only imagine one thing.

He could only imagine how stunning your face would look sketched out on a beautiful, white canvas.

Return to Masterlist

Next / Previous 

[kimnjss]

OH GOD! SHE'S GONNA LOOSE IT. SHE'S ALREADY LOSING IT! SHE'S NOT GONNA BE COOL. MAYBE PRETEND THAT EVERYTHING IS FIIIIIINE BUT DEFINITELY THE MEME OF THE DOG IN THE ROOM ON FIRE! yn bb he's gotta work. CALM YOUR TITTIES

SHE’S ALREADY A MESS OMG :( NO DOUBT FREAKING OUT BC SHE’S GOING TO MISS HIM SO MUCH ., ND SHE DOESN’T EVEN KNOW HOW LONG HE’S GOING TO BE GONE FOR . hopefully she’ll be able to talk it through w him in a way that she feels secure nd they won’t have to go through all that heartache again . 

[changingourdestiny]

Firestorm Part 1: A Shocking Encounter

Summary:

Rae and Cayde wake up to a commotion in the Bazaar. Turns out a new Guardian, Jade Hydrani, is causing trouble for other Guardians. Everyone soon learns something very interesting about the Kinderguardian and Adam gets an idea on how to deal with the troublemaker.

Previous Part: Here

Next Part: Here

Rae slowly opened her eyes as sunlight filtered in through the curtains of her room. Cayde had fallen asleep beside her, the two still in their armour, and Rae could see the lights of his mouth glow faintly as the odd soft snore escaped him. Rae chuckled softly and was about to doze off again when-

*C R A S H ! ! !*

*Z-Z-ZAP!*

The two jolted awake at the commotion outside. “What the Hellmouth was that?!” Cayde exclaimed as Ghost popped up beside Rae, “Uh, Rae? Incoming call from Ikora.”

“Patch it through.” Rae replied, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she heard her mentor’s voice come through Ghost, “Rae. I take it the noise woke you up?”

“Yep. What’s the issue?”

“I’ll explain when you get down here. Can you meet us in the Bazaar?”

“On our way.” A small chime came from Ghost as the call was ended.

“What’s going on?” Cayde asked as the two quickly left Rae’s apartment. “No clue. Ikora said she’ll bring us up to speed when we get to the Bazaar.” Rae replied as they headed out to the Bazaar, “Oh wow…”

Rae watched with eyes wide in disbelief at the scene before her and Cayde. Ikora and Blaze were standing near Ikora’s post as Adam and Zavala were in a dog pile on top of a figure with flashes of arc energy flickering across them. Floating in front of Ikora and Blaze, also watching the two Titans in a dog pile, was a Ghost with a dark, steel blue shell that was adorned with gold and dark teal markings and a bright teal eye. “I…do we wanna know?” Cayde asked as the duo approached Blaze and Ikora. Blaze glanced at the duo and the apartment building they came from before a look of realisation crossed her face and she began to snicker. “Mind out of the gutter, Blaze.” Rae rolled her eyes. The Ghost floated up to Rae, “You are Vanguard Rae?” The Ghost asked, earning a nod from Rae, “I must apologise for my Guardian’s behaviour. I swear she’s usually quite friendly and not as…rowdy, for lack of a better term. I am Justim, Ghost to Jade Hydrani.”

Rae glanced past Justim and was able to get a better look at the figure underneath Adam and Zavala. The figure seemed to be a female Awoken and had medium length, messy, dark aegean blue hair with a dark teal stripe and some of the bangs partially covering her left eye, bright indigo eyes, ice blue skin, and a dark teal markings on her cheek. The Guardian, who Rae assumed was Jade Hyrdrani, was growling in frustration as she discharged arc energy in an attempt to get the two Titans off her. “What’s with the restraints?” Cayde asked. “Well, Adam wanted me to help him with an early morning patrol on Io – even though I wanted to sleep in today…” Blaze began, shooting Adam a quick glare before continuing, “When we spotted this Warlock Kinderguardian causing trouble for other Fireteams. Adam called Zavala asking what we should do with her and he said to bring her here. Let me tell ya, she did NOT want to come here. I haven’t been hit with so much arc energy since that Crucible match where the entire opposing team were arc subclasses. She may be a newbie, but she’s already pretty good at using her powers.”

“When she arrived here, she tried to escape. Adam and Zavala managed to corner her here in the Bazaar. The noise you heard was her attempting to use Stormtrance to fight back, but they managed to pin her down before she did any real damage. Thankfully, she’s caused no injuries to herself or others.” Ikora added.

“Let me talk to her. Maybe I can calm her down?” Rae suggested. “Good luck.” Blaze motioned for the Fireteam Vanguard to go ahead.

Rae approached the two Titans on top of the young Warlock, “How are you two holding up?”

“Eh, I’ve had worse.” Adam smiled. “I wish you luck in talking to Hydrani.” Zavala added, “She doesn’t seem too keen on listening to authority.”

“Wonder who that reminds me of?” Rae chuckled. “I know you’re talking about me!!” Blaze called from behind, “And I wasn’t THIS bad!!”

Rae just chuckled before kneeling down in front of Jade who had stopped struggling and was just glaring at Rae, “Jade Hydrani, right? I’m Raegalianis Drakyx, Fireteam Vanguard. But you can call me Rae.”

“Oh, great. Another Vanguard.” Jade rolled her eyes, “If you’re gonna try to convince me to stay in your hoity-toity tower here like your other Guardian buddies did, you’re wasting your time. I ain’t interested. And can you ask your buddies here to get off me?! This is excessive, I wasn’t even causing that much trouble.”

“You tried to use your super within the Tower.” Ikora countered.

“Well, I didn’t know it was against the rules. I just got here!”

“You kept launching storm grenades at fellow Guardians when they were dealing with Taken on Io.”

“It was just a prank!”

“You managed to lead a group of Taken, Cabal, and Vex to a single location, get them to fight, and got another Fireteam caught in the crossfire.”

“You can’t prove that was me!”

“You somehow managed to acquire a Cabal Interceptor and chased and antagonised Guardians across Io.”

“Ok, that was pretty funny though. You gotta admit it!”

“Anyway!” Rae cut in, interrupting her fellow Warlocks, “How about we have a civil discussion? Without attacking anyone?”

Jade sighed, “Fiiiiiine.”

Adam and Zavala got off Jade as Rae helped her to her feet. Jade groaned as she stretched, stiff from being trapped under two heavily armoured Titans. As she got up, Rae was able to get a better look at her robes. Jade wore steel blue robes with gold and dark teal markings on the chest piece and dark indigo rims. Iron pads donned her shoulders with the left pad serving as a bond projecting a teal dragon. The left sleeve of her robes was torn, revealing black gloves with a gold rim. The robes had a dark grey midriff. The lower part of her robes was steel blue with curved, dark teal markings and a gold rim on the top, and a dark steel blue loincloth with a dark indigo rim and a dark teal Warlock symbol. She had dark grey pants and dark indigo and steel blue boots with a gold and dark teal rims and iron soles.

“You okay?” Rae asked. “Lemme check.” Jade smirked as arc bolts launched from her fingertips towards Rae who cried out in pain as the bolts jumped from her to Blaze, Cayde and Ikora. Jade took this as a chance to escape and ran for it, ducking and weaving between Adam and Zavala to avoid being trapped again and ran down to the Annex. “Hey! Get back here!” Rae managed to shake off the effects of Jade’s Chain Lightning and gave chase to the Kinderguardian. Jade looked over her shoulder upon hearing the footsteps of the others as she glided through the halls at top speed, “Ha! You think you can catch me? You’ll never- WHOA!!”

A blur of gold and Jade felt the Light get knocked out of her as she tumbled to the ground. Before she could get up, she heard a voice say, “Nighty night, punk.” Before being knocked out by a blunt object hitting against her head. Rae, followed by the rest of her Fireteam, Justim, and the Vanguard, turned the corner and saw an unconscious Jade and Marcia coming out of her Starlight form. Marcia picked up the unconscious Guardian and turned to face everyone, “You guys lose somethin’?”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this; nicely done, Marcia.” Ikora nodded. “Ah, was nothin’.” Marcia shrugged as she handed Jade to Adam, “The kid was bein’ too noisy, so I shut her up.”

“Well, regardless of the reason, thanks for the help.” Rae gave Marcia a thumbs up. “No prob.” Marcia grinned before her attention was caught by the mark on Jade’s face, “Hello, what’ve we here?”

“What’s up?”

“Looks like we ain’t the last two. We’re the last three.” Marcia motioned to the marking on Jade’s face; it was a triangle with a round point and a curved bottom, a single circle underneath and five circles within it, “This is the mark for Tribe Scale. Your new friend here is a Paragonialan.”

“For real?!” Blaze exclaimed. “If that’s the case, it’s even more important we keep an eye on her.” Rae muttered. “We can’t do that if she keeps trying to cause trouble wherever she goes.” Ikora added, “She needs to be taught discipline.”

“Discipline, eh…?” Adam seemed to think for a minute before smiling, “I think I know who could help with that.”

“Who?” Rae asked, a puzzled yet curious look on her face.

“Well that depends…who’s up for a trip to the Iron Temple?”

To Be Continued…

[falloutglow]

💦🌻🌠 for the ask prompt!

AAAAH thank! :D Leeeet’s dooooo Echo!

💦 If you as the writer could erase one traumatic event from this OC’s life what would it be and why?

Heckin...immediate thought is the whole being buried alive under pile of rubble uh thing, but like it waaaas the catalyst for meeting Dogmeat (who’s a good good boy and got someone to help him dig her out) and for other things to roll into motion. *shrugs loudly* Though, it’d make for an interesting au where the Vault Crew wasn’t separated and didn’t think she was dead :D

🌻 What little things do they notice about people or the world around them that make them happy? What tiny little treasures do they find in the normal every day that makes the world seem a little brighter for them?

hmmm, how people’s eyes light up when they see an old friend...little acts of kindness like feeding strays or greeting someone as they walk into a bar by raising their glasses, how people will gather and listen intently to a well crafted story...or how people get excited to pet Dogmeat when his tail is wagging and is just as excited to get pets/attention.

Laughter. Cheers from a long dead crowd...

Books. How tasty food can be sometimes. Dogmeat playing with his toys. 

☄️ Does this OC deserve better treatment from you? Do you make them suffer just a little bit too much? Be nice to them!

HAHAHA yeaaaa Echo doooes...granted most of the suffering is cause of her own powers >_> She’s got friends! And Dogmeat! She’ll be fiiiiiine~

[Soft OC Asks]

[dearduende]

Bond Girl™

October, college dorm hallway. Black pumps and little black bodycon cutout dress. Back to back with my roommate-best-friend, while he stood in between us. My hands half-clasped together with my index and middle fingers pointed up to pantomime a gun. James Bond, or something. We stared steely smizing into the iPhone 4S camera. He smirked from behind his black Ray Bans. Nondescript gray carpeting and beige walls stretching behind us.

We were dressed up as Hot Bond Girls™️. Looking back, actually my roommate was Blonde Bond Girl™️ and I was Asian Bond Girl™️. I forget how we organized, who proposed the costume idea last-minute and who agreed when. I barely knew the Bond kid, someone who lived in our dorm building or was in the same class as my roommate. Let’s call him James.

James looked fine in a suit—not as in fiiiiiine, but just fine, like it fit him—with his brown hair growing out a bit the way college underclassment boys usually get by the end of October. Maybe it was his white-guy-cocky-confidence or the rare occurrence of seeing a college kid dressed up in a suit. I wanted to be his Bond Girl.

I won’t get too deep into the white patriarchal culture that (metaphorically and literally) spiked the Kool-Aid, called it Pink Panty Dropper, and served it to me in a red solo cup that may or may not have been used in a prior game of rage cage. Our same culture that glorifies the white man child and lured me into wanting to dress up as this stranger-Bond-boy’s Side Piece #2.

My roommate and I kicked off our heels and slid into scuffed up beer stained Keds to hop from house party to house party alongside James Bond. We got drunk off the Kool Aid and Keystone. I basked in the periphery of his aloof presence, delighted just to be seen in association with this character.

And that’s what James really was: a character. One crafted in the image of hypermasculinity, private helipads, and late-capitalist wet dreams. Suits, cigars, and sports cars. Cocktails that taste like aftershave—both make him tougher, more of a man, more elusive. With a poker face that pays for his expensive taste, gets him out of tough spots with the baddies, and makes it impossible for the Bond Girl™️ to get past his chiseled, icy charisma.

How many boys grow into the man child that idolizes this character? A high-flying enigma surrounded by disposable women. Lone wolf gone rogue killing enemies for his top secret missions or out of vengeance. One who drinks, fucks, or gambles his worries away. Avoiding vulnerability at all costs (including said disposable women). Anger over confusion over sadness.

How many girls grow into the woman child who thinks she’ll only be valued and loved if she is the Bond Girl™️? Existing only for Bond, or the white male eye more broadly, and never for herself. Defined more by her body or her beauty than her being. Second always to the man in the suit by her side, until the next Bond Girl™️ comes along. The Bond Girl™️ is left either deserted or dead.

I remember James and that Halloween evening now, years after college and honestly having forgotten him and his real first name. Apparently, he’s married now, raising a golden retriever puppy, and just bought a house in a suburb. They spend many weekends wine tasting at vineyards. From the images of his social media shrine, it looks like he’s living the American Dream™️. But I’m not mentioning him because of that.

He shared a far, far right article headline on social media.

I’m less surprised at his white boy conservativeness than at his brazen mockery of the current racial justice movement. One that many of his liberal arts college classmates, friends, and ex-Bond-Girls are actively involved in. #BlackLivesMatter

His American flag board shorts were a red flag. I scroll through his grid of photos now and see a few posts from a couple years ago that toe the line between microaggression and full-on racism. Against Black and Asian people. He has also used the word “Patriot” in a couple captions as well as the American flag emoji.

If the Bond Girl™️ lives for no one but her man, then Bond lives for no one but himself.

And that thinking makes it very easy to justify white-supremacy-misogynistic-racist leanings where a white man and his own wealth / reputation / identity come before all others. Women are objectified, used, and disposed. Black and brown people are othered, lower, objectified, destroyed. Other white men are competed against, fought, overpowered, and mocked.

There is no room for nuance or discomfort. He must be right, just as all others must be imbeciles. And when others challenge him, he responds with violence or anger. Because anger over discomfort over sadness over apology. He concedes to no one as this life is one where winners take all.

And the Bond Girl™️? She must learn to care for herself and / or also for others. If she only cares for him, she won’t get out of this truly alive. Even in the slim chance he wifes her up and swears to protect her from the rest of the world (that he has convinced her) is out to get her. She’s either an accomplice in Bond’s bombastic bumbling or can transform beyond these limiting tropes forged of lust, possession, and annihilation.

[bjnurse]

BruDopIna SelfShipWeek Day 3

Here’s day 3 of the #selfshipweek. The prompt is “What was your first date.” This took on a life of its own as my fics often do. <3

SFW-ish

Content Warning: Alcohol Consumption & Anxiety/Sensory Overload (welcome to seeing what things are like in my head [kinda])

“You really should calm down.” Doppio makes a half hearted attempt to comfort me knowing that I’m fighting with my own demons. He glances at me, seeing my mind racing. 

He takes me gently by the shoulders and looks me in the eyes. “He already likes you, you’ll be fine.” Kissing me on the forehead, he makes me feel a little better. 

Then he has to spoil it. “Beside, you’ve already sucked his dick.” Doppio adds nonchalantly as he goes back to braiding his hair. 

I’m instantly dumbfounded that he brings that up. Feeling my face flush, I insist, “That doesn’t count! That was for work!” They’re words I never thought I’d say. “It’s not like you haven’t done it a few times… Goddamn it, Doppio, now you got me thinking about it!” I was already a nervous mess, horny mess didn’t need added. 

“I need to sit down...” Instead, I lay back on our bed and cover my face, but I try not to ruin my make up. The bed bounces as Doppio plops down next to me. He stares at the ceiling and waits a moment. I uncover my face and stare at the ceiling too. Doppio takes this as a chance to turn and nuzzle into me. 

“You’re gonna be fiiiiiine.” He gives a soft kiss to my cheek and I melt a little. 

“I know. I know.” I try to convince myself. 

Doppio sits up and gives my thigh a firm pat. “Let’s finish getting ready!” He hops up and stands in front of the mirror. 

“You’re definitely excited.” I say slowly getting to my feet. 

“Of course!” Doppio beams, “I’m having dinner with my two favorite people!” Doppio’s words touch my heart and fill me with confidence. 

...

The confidence lasts until we get to the restaurant. Stepping out of the car and into the crisp night air, I can feel myself begging to tremble, but I can’t tell if it’s nerves, excitement or something else. I struggle not to think about the expletives racing through my mind. Doppio smiles at me as he takes my hand and leads me to the restaurant. I feel so awkward in heels and a dress. I don’t fucking wear dresses, but for Bruno, I will. 

When we walk in through the door, my anxiety spikes. All I hear is white noise and Doppio’s hand within mine feels miles away. The lights are so bright that they hurt my ears. I can taste the soft clinking sound of utensils and plates connecting. I squeeze Doppio’s hand as my tether to reality. 

Seeing that I’ve turned pale, Doppio takes hold of me with an arm around me. I notice our forward momentum has stopped as he holds me and faces me with his hands at my shoulders. I hear his muffled voice among the white noise. I see concern in his brown eyes. I nod assuming he asks if I’m okay. I take a deep breath that doesn’t seem to enter my body. 

I feel a strong hand at my lower back. Without seeing, I know who it is. I hear the two men talking but language has lost its meaning. 

The hand slides to wrap around my waist to support me as I feel a kiss pressed into my temple. 

I’m nearly carried to a table and sat in a chair. Strong gentle hands take hold of my face and aim me at their owner. Bruno’s beautiful blue eyes look deep into mine, full of concern and panic. 

His voice rings in my ears clear as a bell clearing away the white noise, “Are you okay, Cara? Maybe we should do this another time.” He looks to Doppio with worry littered with disappointment. 

I reach my hand up and place it on Bruno’s. 

“No, please,” I beg finally returning to myself. “I’m fine. I promise.” 

I turn to Doppio who’s concerned but watching from the sidelines, letting Bruno take the lead. He’s seen me like this before and knows I’m alright. 

“She’ll be okay. The food will do her good.” Doppio chimes in. He can’t mask the concern in his voice. 

Bruno’s brow furrows and he scoots his chair closer to me. He looks at me like I’m going to crumble if he takes his eyes off of me. He sets his water in front of me insisting that I drink. 

Feeling weak, I do my best to take hold of the glass without trembling. I carefully take a sip, remember that I’m wearing a dress and in public. I suddenly feel self aware, scared to look around and see people staring. 

Bruno infers my trepidation and reaches out to take my hand once I return the glass to the table. He gently rubs circles into the back of my hand as he suggests menu items to Doppio and me. I’m grateful for the distraction and a sense of normalcy returns. 

Bruno doesn’t let go of my hand until the food arrives, and even then, he hesitates, kissing it before returning it to me. After eating, the men allow me to drink wine, having refused until I ate. The crimson liquid numbs the last of my nerves, and I’m able to fully partake in the conversation. 

With my clarity restored, I look at the men at either side of me. The way they smile at each other makes my heart flutter. A laugh is shared, a compliment turns into flirting. I smile to myself as I take a sip of my wine. The smile I see Doppio give to Bruno is the same as he gives me. He is such an expression of joy and affection. I am in love with seeing my boyfriend so in love. When Bruno looks at Doppio he’s more reserved, but smiles freely. His laugh is strong and honest. It’s music that I could never tire of.

We lose ourselves in conversation and before we know it, the restaurant is closing. I’m saddened as the three of us walk outside to hail a taxi. I don’t want the night to be over. 

A car arrives and Bruno insists that we take it. He hugs me and kisses my cheek, wishing me a good night. When he pulls back from the hug he looks at my lips then hesitates. He pulls away completely before hugging Doppio similarly. When Bruno moves to kiss my boyfriend’s cheek, Doppio takes hold of Bruno’s face and kisses him on the mouth. 

My heart swells with delight as the two of them entwine. It’s a beautiful moment of bliss between the two. Doppio breaks the kiss and bites his lip, taking one last deep look into Bruno’s eyes. Doppio looks away, hurriedly saying good night.

He comes to my side and takes my hand without meeting my gaze, but I know Doppio. I can see the disappointment on his face. He doesn’t want the night to end either. I squeeze his hand, inferring that he wants me to take things at my own pace. 

Before I have time to think about what I’m saying the words fall from my mouth, “Bruno, would you like to home with us?” Once the question is asked, I don’t second guess it. 

I know I want this. I know we both want this. I know all three of us want this. 

Without looking at him, I can feel Doppio staring at me with hope burning in his eyes. It’s too bad Doppio misses out on the chance to see Bruno’s face light up at the suggestion. 

“Yes, Cara. I’d like that very much.” 

[troublewheeler]

@aquaphobc said                   “ i know you’re getting sleepy. ”

mike waves off her comment, shaking his head as if it’s even convincing. his eyelids are lazy, and his expression is fallen. he’s not getting sleepy, he feels exhausted. “ i’m fi-fiiiiiine, ” he insists just as a yawn escapes his throat. shaking his body to wake it up, he squeezes her hand with a smile. “ we can at least finish the movie. ” nodding towards her tv, he uses his free hand to gently rub along her arm.

he knows why she’s saying it—to prove a point. staying with allison has been taking a physical ( and mental ) toll on him, making him far more exhausted than usual. it’s one of those weeks where she’s more down than usual, which isn’t necessarily the issue, but mike’s always left to pick up the pieces and take care of her. he doesn’t mind, if she needs someone he’ll be that person, but it’s becoming very taxing.

between comforting allison, taking care of allison, and tutoring allison, mike is absolutely spent. it doesn’t exactly help that he hardly gets anything else in return, except maybe a few ‘playful’ insults here and there. the worst part is that he didn’t realize how much it sucks until daisy pointed out how one-sided their relationship seems.

focusing back on the movie, mike feels his body relaxing once again. his eyelids slowly close as his head feels heavier. before he knows it, he’s drifting off to sleep as he rests his weight against daisy.

                 & “ did I wake you? i didn’t mean to. ”

“ huh? ” eyes flickering open, he first notices daisy’s room is pitch black except for a lamp she’s left on—he supposes it’s for him given that she doesn’t have a nightlight. it seems like she’s entering the room, as if she left for a drink or to go to the bathroom. “ no—no! i wasn’t asleep. ” the blonde tilts her head as she gives him a knowing smile.

pushing himself up in his elbow, he rubs his eyes with his free hand. “ how long was i... not asleep? ” before she can even answer, he looks at the clock. it’s nearly two in the morning, which means he was probably asleep for about an hour and a half or so. “ oh...oh! ” shit! if he doesn’t get home soon, he won’t have enough time to get any sleep before school.

not to mention the fact that allison has a habit of knocking on his window around this time of night, which means she’ll notice he’s gone. debatable worse than if his own mother noticed. “ shit! ” he mutters out loud, jumping off the bed and onto his feet, grabbing his sneakers to slip them back on. “ i have to go! ” his voice is urgent, panicked—he shouldn’t feel like this over his girlfriend, yet here he is.

once he’s got his shoes on, jumping around on one foot at a time as he ties them, he finds his balance as he grabs the mattress of daisy’s bed. “ i’ll—i’ll see you tomorrow, okay? ” he assures her, throwing his jacket back on, pausing to struggle with one of the sleeves. “ first period, ” he reminds her with a chaste kiss, as if she could possibly forget what class they share.

“ we can meet, uh— ” another kiss, “ fourth period, ” one more kiss, “ under the bleachers. ” with a soft smile, he tucks her hair behind her ear before tapping his finger lightly on the tip of her nose. “ deal? ” okay, a last kiss for the road, he decides, making sure it lasts just a little bit longer than the others. “ see you then. ”

[tazglow]

My bad. 8A and jake cool ice

Ay sorry this one took so long I got…stuck and had to scrap the original one I had. Anywho! You picked - Riddle!

The Waiting Game [AO3]

Jake’s frown deepened as he stared at the checker board resting on a pile of dirty clothes in front of him. Dani’s eyes were distant, staring above him as her fingers glided over Dr. Harris Bonkers’s fur. He glanced up a couple times, just to make sure she hadn’t fallen asleep like the bunny had in Dani’s lap about an hour ago. The lamp on Dani’s nightstand flickered. Jake forced himself to focus on the red and black board. His fingers drummed the floor as he weighed his options. Okay, she was definitely getting a double decker in the next couple turns. He had to salvage this. Maybe if he-

“Do you…” Dani’s voice broke through his thoughts. He looked up and saw tears welding up in her eyes, ready to spill over like a glass left under the faucet for too long. She gulped in air and steadied her hand on Dr. Bonkers’ back. “Do you think they’re alright?” She asked, her voice wavering too much for his liking.

“I mean,” he looked down at his checkers, black, and moved a piece forward. It sat directly between two of her reds. He was safe…for now. “yeah? They’ve come back before. Heck, I don’t think Ned can die? Dude hit the Pizza Hut sign and walked out of the hospital like nothin’ happen’.” He grinned.

“Yeah, but-”

Before she could protest, he reached over, careful to not spill the board, and placed a warm hand on hers. “Dani, she’ll be okay.” He squeezed. His knees lightly tapped the board and he could hear every single piece sliding onto the wood floors. He sighed, pushed the board and dirty plaids underneath aside, and crawled over to her. “I mean like, she’s got that cool magic thing going for her.” He leaned his back against Dani’s bed.

Dani continued to rub Dr. Bonkers’ fur as though he was a lamp and could make her wish be true. Jake squeezed her arm and tried to smile, but- No. One of them needed to stay strong. Jake forced his lips back until his teeth bared. Dani’s eyes were elsewhere. Jake nudged her with his shoulder. “Hey.”

Her eyes refocused on one of the blacken knots in the wood panels of her wall. She hummed in response.

“Why don’t we play a game?”

Dani snorted and leaned into him. “We literally were until you deliberately threw the checkers on the floor.”

Jake scoffed. “Me? Throw a game? Pisha, you’re the one who cheated in double stacking.”

Dani laughed. “Oh my god, I did not cheat.” She shoved her weight against him. “You ass, that’s literally how you play.”

He shoved back. “Who heard of double stacking chips?”

“You just didn’t want to lose!”

Jake took the time to roll his eyes. “Yeah, to a cheater!”

Dani held Dr. Bonkers against her chest. “How dare you insinuate such a thing in front of my son like that!”

He held up his hands in defeat. “Don’t tell Aubrey.” Dani’s face crumbled to a sad smile. Jake shoved again, “fiiiiiine we can do a new game.”

Dr. Bonkers settled back on Dani’s lap and fell asleep instantly. Her eyebrows knitted together as she tapped her chin. “No no, I’m not goin’ to be called a cheater in my own room again.” She squinted at the wall. “What about….a riddle game?”

Jake smacked his lips together. “Riddle game huh?”

She grinned. “First one to five wins.”

“You’re on!”

“Alright…hmmm let me thiiiiink….oh!” Dani leaned over and hugged Dr. Bonkers, “Dr. Harris Bonkers’ father has three sons. Dr. Steven Bonkers, Dr. Garryl Bonkers and-”

Jake blinked. “Who’s the third son?”

Dani shrugged. “You gotta tell me.”

It took Jake a solid minute before he shoved Dani. “It’s Dr. Harris Bonkers! You little-”

She laughed. “Ding ding ding. Alright, your turn.”

“…So before Mt. Everest,” Dani snorted, but Jake ignored her, “was discovered, what was the highest mountain on Earth?”

She stared at him. The glint of humor had been replaced with something very, very, tired. “Mt. Everest. You know…not even surprised you started off with that one.”

“Listen-”

She shoved her hand against his cheek. “Nope! My turn.” She tapped the floor for a moment, “Ah, okay, so, Ned goes to buy a used car-”

“Wait, what happened to his old car?”

“I-did you forget about the whole funicular-”

“Oh. Fuck…right…”

“SO, Ned went to get a used car and finds one for like….$8,700 and he buys it without paying a dime. How is that possible?”

Jake frowned. “I mean, it’s not polite to call people out on stealin’ Dani.”

Dani threw her hands in the air. “He didn’t-” she rubbed her temples, “okay you know what that’s fair. Should’ve kept the man anonymous. That’s on me.”

“But, the answer is he stole it?”

She stared at him flabbergasted. “N-no Jake. He paid $8700!”

“Oooooh,” he nodded, “good for Ned.” Dani thumped her head against her mattress as her hands rubbed her face. Muffled strings of cuss words followed. Jake took the moment to move Dr. Harris Bonkers to his lap. “Ey, watch your fuckin’ language. In front of my son no less!”

Her arms flopped to her sides as she stared at the ceiling. “I hate you so much right now.”

“Haha, nah you don’t.” He gave a good scratch behind Dr. Bonkers’ ears, “I’m a delight.”