#sixth chapter

[i-have-zero-social-skills]

Chapters: 6/? Fandom: Star Wars - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Characters: Agen Kolar, Shmi Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, Kit Fisto, Saesee Tiin, Ahsoka Tano (cameo), Ezra Bridger (Cameo), Original Clawdite Character (Cameo), Sheev Palpatine | Darth Sidious, Cradossk (Star Wars), Darth Maul, Original Nekghoul Characters Additional Tags: Infant Anakin Skywalker, Time Travel, The World Between Worlds (Star Wars), Hyperspace Travel (Star Wars), Dehumanization, Slave Trade, Slavery, Planet Alderaan (Star Wars), Planet Coruscant (Star Wars), Jedi Temple (Star Wars), Misunderstandings, Fix-It, POV Alternating, Planet Nanth’ri (Star Wars), Planet Gyndine (Star Wars), Minor Character Death, Planet Nar Shaddaa (Star Wars), Tuk'ata | Sith Hounds (Star Wars), Teenage Darth Maul, Planet Brentaal IV (Star Wars) Series: Part 3 of Time Travel AU Featuring Mace, Kit, Agen, and Saesee Summary:

After several weeks of searching, Agen finally locates Anakin Skywalker and his mother, two months after Anakin was born. He thinks his mission is over now, but there is one more problem he has to solve. Cradossk has been hired by Darth Sidious to kidnap Anakin Skywalker, and Agen has to get Anakin to Coruscant while being pursued by Cradossk.

[seventhpine]

[VI] Paradise Lost.

The sixth chapter of ISEKAI; Or, The Adventures of an Unruly Man and His Family in Another World. Deep within the forest, the earth rumbles, Soil, once wet and healthy, Now dry and desiccated. In the center of a meadow, Air sits perfectly still, silent, Grass turns gray.

[experimentjr]

AND AGAIN, I FORGOT TO POST THE SIXTH CHAPTER

But i also finished the seventh chapter! I will post it right after this one! Also for those who want all chapters:

Fifth chapter

Fourth chapter

Third chapter

Second chapter

First chapter

This will not be the normal. The next posts will only have the previous chapters. Hope you all like it!

[nagisadelune]

Promise Rings Chapter 6

(Definitely not edited)

Previous: Promise Rings Chapter 5

ANOTHER ONE! Okay, I'm back with another chapter of Promise Rings! Once again, I apologize that this chapter is late; you know life gets hard with work and stuff you need to, but it is what it is sadly. Either way, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

⭐⭐⭐

Age: 13

A box of Pocky dropped onto my desk as I stared at the paper. I looked up to see Rei-chan taking the chair in front of me.

“You know you should take a break every once in a while,” she advised as she took a drink of water. I rolled my eyes at her as I noticed the small smirk on her face. “By the way, you should go outside and share some Pocky with Kageyama-san. Maybe do the Pocky challenge too while you’re at it.” I felt my cheeks redden, but I brushed off her comment.

“No, it’s fine,” I answered after a long sigh. “Plus, he’s probably busy with the volleyball team.” Rei-chan awkwardly nodded before I heard a knock on my desk. I looked up to see Tobio holding a bento.

“Hey, aren't you going to go eat?” he questioned as he pointed to the bento. Glancing at my paper and back at him, I shook my head, knowing that I needed the extra time to study a little. He scoffed before grabbing my hand to pull me out of the chair. “No, you’re not going to get anything done with no food,” he scolded me. “No food, no fuel.” I closed my eyes and huffed softly, knowing that he was right. I quickly apologized to Rei-chan who had a smirk on her face before I grabbed the Pocky box and let myself get dragged by Tobio out of the classroom.

“Where are we going, Tobio-kun?” I questioned as he continued leading me to a more secluded area of the school.

“Opposite side of the courts,” he answered simply. I looked at him in shock as I realized how secluded we would be. One side of the courts faced the school buildings, meaning the other side faced the streets.

“And why are we going there?” I asked again as I felt my cheeks heat up. He was still dragging me by the hand before we arrived at our destination.

“Is it wrong for me to spend time with you?” he questioned back at me as he sat down on the ground carefully. As I placed myself down beside him, he explained, “Plus, everyone would ask you questions relating to classes which is what we don’t want.” I nodded, understanding his logic.

“Wait, I never grabbed my food,” I realized as I stared at the one basket of food we had between the two of us. He quietly snorted before he started pulling everything out.

“My mom made extra food for me to give to you,” he explained as he opened the tupperware. “Also, I know that you literally only eat a little when you should eat more,” he added as he handed me a pair of chopsticks. As I stared at the food, I felt my mouth salivating.

“Itadakimasu,” we stated in unison, pressing our hands together. We began to quickly eat as the food was slowly getting colder by the second. I didn’t realize how good food could taste at the moment after studying for so long.

As we finished the food, Tobio pointed at the Pocky box beside me before asking, “Is that Pocky?” Following his line of sight, I nodded when he correctly identified the box. 

“Yup, Rei-chan bought me some cookies and cream Pocky while she was buying some snacks earlier,” I answered, elaborating on the situation. He only nodded as he chewed on a cherry tomato. “You want some?” I questioned as I noticed his eyes continuously eyeing the box. He sheepishly smiled before nodding. I smiled back at him before I started opening the package.

“I’m going to go buy some milk really quick,” he announced to me as he stood up from his spot. “Do you want one?” he asked as he checked how much money he had. He glanced down at me before I nodded, and he hurried off to go buy some. I started to space out as my head started running calculations and stating facts, my hand absentmindedly grabbing a stick and eating the sweet biscuit.

“Karin-chan?” a voice suddenly questioned, snapping out of my train of thought. I looked up to see Tobio holding a carton of milk. His hand extended to hand me the carton before he returned to the spot beside me.

My hands were busy opening the carton when I apologized, “Sorry, I was just thinking about some stuff.” I quickly took a sip of the milk before I looked over at him. He shrugged before I held the box out for him to take a stick. We talked a little as we continued eating the box before I realized there was only one stick left. However, I already grabbed it and placed it in my mouth before my brain processed it. 

“Shoot, sorry,” I apologized again as I already had claimed the stick. I scratched the back of my neck, knowing that this was one of Tobio’s favorite snacks. He looked at me for a bit too long before he seemed to react.

“Ever wanted to do the Pocky challenge?” he questioned as he stared me in the eyes.

“Huh?” was the only response that he could get out of me before he bit the other end of the stick. What was happening? Is this a dream or reality? My heart was beating hard against my chest as I realized what was happening. He seemed to move in slow motion as he bit the stick in pieces as he got closer to me. Crap, what do I do? What was I supposed to do? I could only close my eyes for the impact, but I felt nothing against my lips, making me open my eyes cautiously. He had already pulled away and was chewing the segments he bit off.

“What?” he questioned as he stared at me weirdly. “Do you have a fever or something? Your face is all read.” I needed to think of a response quickly; he can’t know that I even considered having feelings for him. Plus, my cheeks were probably only red from just the heat outside anyways.

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine,” I answered, my tongue stuttering on my own words. He squinted his eyes on me before he placed his hand on my forehead for my temperature. I felt my cheeks heat up more as I stayed frozen in my spot from his actions.

“Why is your temperature normal even though your face is so red?” he quietly muttered to himself as he pulled his hand away from my head. I could only chuckle nervously at his response as I thought that he would become suspicious of me. He shrugged it off as he seemed to find no answer to my condition. “Anyways,” he started again, “you ready to head back? The bell is about to ring.” He held his hand out for me to grab, and I nodded, placing my hand in his to help me up. We quickly cleaned up the area before starting to walk back to the classroom.

When we arrived at my class, I turned towards him before asking, “Are we walking home together after practice?” He nodded with a smile before patting my head.

“I’ll come pick you up then, alright?” he confirmed, and I nodded at him with a smile. “See you later!” he called out as he started hurrying back to his classroom. He waved at me for a brief moment as I returned it, quickly turning around to get to class after. As I walked into the classroom, I noticed the smirk on Rei-chan’s face. I tried to ignore it as I sat down in my chair.

“Have a nice date with Kageyama-san?” she questioned as she set her chin on the palms of her hands. Her elbows were propped onto my desk as she feigned innocence with her blinking. I rolled my eyes playfully at her before I looked at her clearly.

“We just hung out; it wasn’t a date,” I responded, denying her statement for what seemed like the thousandth time I’ve used this answer. She sighed before she sat up straight.

“Thank me later when you guys actually start dating,” she muttered as I pulled out the workbook from my desk. I rolled my eyes again with a scoff as the bell rang for class to begin.

Age: 14

I watched the ball drop to the floor. That set was perfect, but no one was there to spike the ball. I realized what happened: they finally snapped. Glancing around the court, my eyes watched the coach switch Tobio out as the score gap increased. Nervously, my hand played with my ring.

The game was over, and Tobio gave no effort to give me the signal. On my own instincts, I left the stands and tried to catch up with him at the entrance. Jumping around, I stayed warm despite the spring weather. He walked out of the gym. I quickly reach out for him, latching onto his jacket sleeve. He quickly removed my hand before continuing his way with the rest of the team.

“Oi! Kageyama Tobio!” I yelled at him angrily, my voice attracting the attention of everyone within a few meters of the scene. His steps faltered and stopped before he turned around to face me. I crossed my arms across my chest, expecting him to approach me. “What’s up?” I questioned, making sure he knew exactly what I needed out of him.

“What school have you decided to go to?” he asked, trying to get the topic out of the conversation.

“Don’t change the subject,” I stated calmer, staring into his soul. “What happened out there?” I watched him hesitantly look around the area. I stared at him before he looked down at the floor.

“I broke,” he muttered, “but it’s their fault.” Biting my lip and closing my eyes, I grabbed his jacket and brought him to eye level. I looked between his two eyes and stared into them. Damn they were pretty.

“Boke, cut the crap. You know better than that,” I quietly growled at him. “We both know what’s best for the team, but then was not the time to be so aggressive about your views.” I heard him scoff before he broke my grasp. He stood up straight, and I looked up at his figure. Since when was he taller than me? I watched him look up at the ceiling before looking down at me for a moment.

“So I messed up,” he responded, “It’s their problem for not being able to keep up.” I could feel my blood boil and felt the need to punch something, anything just to get my anger out.

“Tobio-kun, you know better than that,” I responded to him in a calmer voice, still somewhat angered. I started feeling bad that I was letting my anger get in the way of our conversation.  His eyes slowly lowered to the ground as if he felt ashamed of letting his temper get in the way of our conversation. I heard him sigh before he scratched his head.

“Let’s just go home,” he muttered, letting his hand drop down to his side. He turned around before walking away. Staring at his figure, I realized how much of a guy he actually was: his broad shoulders, his long legs, and his toned forearms. Wait, now is not the time to be thinking about that. I snapped out of my daze and ran after him. I could barely keep up with his stupidly long legs. When he remembered my small stature, he turned around and waited for me to catch up. As he was waiting, he took another jacket from his bag and wrapped it around my shoulders. “Don’t think I didn’t notice that you were freezing earlier,” he muttered as we began walking away from the gym.

The weather started to chill as we walked back home from the middle school. My hands felt like they could be chopped off at any moment, and I tried to keep them warm. Blowing my breath into them, nothing seemed to be keeping them warm.

“Oi, Karin-chan,” Tobio called out. I looked up at him, and he silently took one of my hands into his and placed them into his jacket pocket. “You’re going to get lost if you keep putting your hands to your face, boke.” He tugged on my hand to bring me closer to his side as we walked on the sidewalk. His hands and body felt warm against mine, probably from the game earlier. I felt my cheeks and nose go red from all the wind that was hitting our skin. Not from the sudden contact. “Let’s go get some street food,” he offered. “Our parents are probably pretty busy right now.” Giving him a small response, I shifted my attention away from the sidewalk in front of me to the ground. 

Why was I being so shy? This wasn’t any different from all the other times we have walked together. He does hold my hand sometimes, so I don’t get lost, but why could I feel my heart pounding against my chest so loudly? Why did it feel like there was something else that we hadn’t realized? 

“Karin-chan, is everything okay?” Tobio stopped, looking at me carefully. Why does him just saying my name make me blush? 

“Y-yeah,” I answered, “I-I’m fine.” Seeing doubt cross his face, he turned to face me and crouched down to my level, getting a good look at my face. As his face approached mine, I felt myself freeze, my heart skip a beat, and my breath hitch. Noticing my red face, he checked my temperature with his hand. Based on his reaction, I assumed he did not get any major temperature. I watched his face consider his options before reaching his decision. He turned around again before hurrying down the sidewalk.

“I think some takoyaki will solve the issue,” Tobio announced to no one in particular. From inside his pocket, I felt his fingers interlace with mine. Shocked and shy from his actions, I looked up at him, and he’s still just looking forward, moving forward. Were his eyes always that piercing? Was his hair always like that? Maybe I was falling for him. Realization.

~~~

“Okay, I got your text,” I explained as soon as I burst into the room. “What do you want?” Tobio just stared at me in shock as he blinked wordlessly at me. His legs were crossed on the bed as his hands stopped filing his nails. “Did you text me for nothing?” I questioned as I felt my blood boil slightly. We had finals in a couple weeks, and we needed to be prepared for the tests we had.

“Well, technically I texted you because I needed company,” he answered as he blinked at me again. “Plus, you’ve studied nonstop for the past three weeks; you need a break.” As much as I didn’t want to admit it, he was right: all the studying was making me exhausted. He patted the spot beside him, and I walked over to plop myself on his bed.

“What are we going to do then?” I questioned as I knew that he probably didn’t completely think this through and that I needed to get back to going over my tests. His eyes glanced around his room before he looked at the nail file in his hands.

“Give me your hand,” he ordered as he held his hand out in front of him. Hesitantly, I placed mine in his, and I felt my heart pounding against my chest. Sure, he has held my hands a few times when we walk home from school in order for me to stay safe, but this was something different. Without another word, he started to carefully rub the course material against the nail. 

“So what do you want to talk about?” I questioned as I tried to break the awkward silence. For a moment, he trained his focus on my nails as he slowly shortened the nail down. Before we knew it, an hour had passed as he constantly stopped to hold a conversation with me. In the moments that he filed my nails, we sat in silence as my thoughts ran through my head.

“Is practice going well for you?” he asked as he grabbed my other hand to file down the nails. I could only shrug to his question.

“I mean it’s not too bad, but I’m definitely going to need some more practice to sync up with the other girls,” I muttered as I watched his head crouch down to get a closer look at my nails. “Oi, sit up straight and lift my hand,” I scolded as I kept an eye on his posture. He sighed as he complied to my words and readjusted himself.

“You know you can always practice with me,” he muttered as he slightly blew on the nail to blow away any shavings. I smiled at the idea that he offered.

“But the net is pretty high,” I argued, knowing that my practice might get messed up. He looked up at me annoyed, stopping the filing.

“It’s better for you since you could work on your vertical,” he argued back, and I could only sigh at his reasoning. He was right though; I did need to train my jumping a little bit if I wanted to be able to do anything on the court. When I was about to talk about my serving, he mentioned, “Just train your serves when you have your net up, or practice the accuracy of your serves. I know you switch up your serves between jump floating and floating from time to time.” I sighed as I understood that he was correct.

“Fine,” I muttered as he looked up to give me a quick smile, “but we need to get food then.” He finished filing my nails as he leaned back against his arms to stretch his back out slightly. 

“Fine by me,” he answered as he rotated his head on his neck. “It’s nice to go get food with a friend.” I felt my heart drop slightly as I comprehended his words, but I held a fake smile to agree with his statement; eating out with a friend is way better than eating alone. I guess I was still considered a friend, but at least he even considers me a friend after everything that happened in middle school. “Anyways, can you help me with this problem in math?” he suddenly questioned as he lifted himself off of the bed.

“Sure. Which one?” I questioned as I stood up to follow him to his desk. He grabbed the chair beside him and scooted it closer to him before I sat down. He placed his jacket on my legs as he noticed the bare skin. For the rest of the night, he forced me to help him with studying which was honestly a better review for me to explain the topics to him than to just stare at a piece of paper and the computer for a few hours.

⭐⭐⭐

And that's a wrap on this one! Thank you so much for reading, and please give me a like; it lets me know that people actually really do enjoy reading this which makes me more motivated to post. Either way, I hope that you liked this chapter, and I'll see you in the next one!

Next: Promise Rings Chapter 7

[cyarti]

camilla hect the woman that u are 🫶

(click for quality!)

[cuz-reasons]

Summary: When he arrived in Hisui, he had nothing. Not even a name. He was given the name Nobori. Years later, he finds the name Ingo. Who is he?

It's MY turn to give Ingo identity issues! Also happy two year anniversary to me posting fic!

[notedchampagne]

writing struggle

[kacievvbbbb]

JJK's ended? really? Like that....?

in honor of JJK's less than stellar wrap up lets have a quick poll!

Just interested to know what the general thoughts are from the fandom

[ywpd-translations]

Ride 748: The sixth and seventh place

Pag 1

1: Keep it up, Rokudai!!

It's past 9pm!!

2: Three hours left....!!

Until we complete the 1000km... there are still

3: 60km!!

Yeah!!

Pag 2

1: 20km in an hour... if we can run 4 laps per hour, we can do it!!

We can reach 1000km!!

Pag 3

1: Yeah!!

4: We can do it!!

Yeah!!

5: Gooo!! Do your best!!

55km left!! Go!!

Will their bottles be enough....

6: Those two can do it

Will they really complete the 1000km? Kinaka and Rokudai

Even though they're first years!!

Pag 4

1: There was also a moment where he seemed to be having a tough time, but Kinaka encouraged him

They looked so fired up now, right!?

They got back up!!

The look in their eyes was terrific!!

2: Sugimoto ran with determination

3: But... this fight is...

He... Sugimoto knows all that well

He's fighting understanding that

4: Kuaaaa

5: Garuaaa

Pag 5

1: It was probably the same for Danchiku

2: Danchiku watched Sohoku running for two years

And Sugimoto for three years....!!

4: So they chose that race!!

Pag 6

1: They chose to fight!!

3: Are you an idiot... Sugimoto

4: If you ... wanted to run with me at our third and last Inter High, you could have stuck behind me, easily, and take the goal that way

5: and become... a member... the “sixth man”

Pag 7

1: You chose a harsh way

2: You were thinking about the team....

4: You were thinking about what you needed to do....

5: That's just like you....

6: You know, Imaizumi, I think, I think it's necessary

7: For our third Inter High members this year, we definitely....!!

Pag 8

2: It's 10pm!!

40km left!!

Pag 9

2: Yeah!!

4: We can do it, Rokudai!!

Yeah!

Let's go, Rokudai!!

Yeah!

5: I confirmed it earlier when we passed through the goal – it's good news, so be glad!!

Yeah!

6: Good news!? Teh!?

7: We have already surpassed the third year Sugimoto-san!!

Pag 10

1: Huh!?

Is he resting? Or is he preserving his strength? We don't know, but anyway it looks like right now Sugimoto-san isn't on the course!!

2: For now, we....

3: Are sixth and seventh place

The “sixth place”....

4: Will become one of the Inter High members!!

Pag 11

1: Mem....

Really!?

2: Wait, teh, I'm getting dizzy

That... wouldn't that be amazing, teh!?

3: It's an hypothesis but, even if Sugimoto-san wants to chase us from here on, there's a “surpassing ban board”, so if we keep running then he can't catch up to us!!

And we'll secure the “sixth place”!!

4: You're so smart, Kinaka-kun!!

5: Right?!

6: Waaaa

A member... it's almost within reach, teh.... that's incredible, teh...!!

Pag 12

1: I'm so glad, teh, Kinaka-kun!!

Yeah!!

No, it's too soon to cry!!

2: I'm so glad we kept on running

There are still 40km left!! Don't lose your pace!!

3: Tears are for after the finish line!!

4: Ahh, it's here, teh... a blan comment, it's been a while

Oi!! I cheer you up and yet you hit me!!

5: But now it touches my heart!!

It's thanks to your encouragement, Kinaka-kun, that I arrived here, teh!!

6: Uhm!!

Pag 13

1: Let's aim for the Inter High!!

Yeah!!

3: Go

4: Go, Rokudai

Pag 14

1: It's only 40km left.... you can do it on your own, Rokudai

2: It hurts-!!

3: I reached my limit for the pain

All the “let's go”, “let's do it” and the encouragement were to deceive you

4: I had to

I've been having leg cramps for a while

5: The “Inter High”

6: Even though it's right before my eyes

It's so frustrating

Pag 15

2: Wha- Rokudai

You moved back before I noticed...

3: If you're tired and need to slow down, tell me it, teh

I'll push you and help you!!

4: Don't underestimate the “helping ability” of a former manager, teh!!

Pag 16

1: Rokudai!!

5: Rokudaiii!!

6: You mean to say “let's still go”!?

7: Is it connecting possibilities? Rokudai's hand!!

Pag 17

1: Don't cry, Kinaka Tsugunao, crying is for after the finish line!!

2: Ah!!

3: Alright, the climb is over, I'll pull you on the downhill!!

4: Yeah, teh!!

Pag 18

1: Waa-teh!? Suddenly I can't keep my balance!!

2: Rokudai!?

3: A flat tire!!

4: Huh, a flat tire!?

Your tires are screaming for the 1000km

Ahh

Dammit!! Mechanical troubles in a time like this!!

5: The tools to repair a flat tire are only at the goal!!

But with a flat tire, on the downhill....!!

We have no choice but to push it slowly downhill!!

Pag 19

1: Hurry!!

2: Ugh-

3: If we go so slow, Sugimoto-san might come!!

4: Sugimoto-san is chasing us, teh!!

Pag 20

1: Sugimoto won't come

2: I've come to bring you a message from Sugimoto

[somethingfromfrosty]

man whatever. idfc anymore. these sketches are 2 months old

[not-krys]

Prompt: #4: No, We're Not Doing That Fandom: Ikemen Sengoku Rating: Teen and Up Characters: Mitsuhide Akechi, Miss Mouse (Fem!Reader Insert using a moniker) Summary: Detective Mitsuhide is given the task of returning a runaway bride to her husband back East. Miss Mouse, as she's calling herself, refuses to return. Notes: 1880s America/Historic Travel AU, Fem!Reader insert with feminine terms used to refer to them (ma'am, miss, missy, etc), Mitsuhide is a lil shit in general, but now they're both little shits and that amuses me, not beta-read WC: 1340

The brainworms came back, so I'm continuing this piece for Fictober again this year. For the first two parts here on tumblr, here's part 1 and here's part 2! For the story all in one place, check it out on ao3!

My Masterlist

And shoutout to @honeybyte for doing the art for the banner! And tagging @fictober-event in case this doesn't show up in the tags bc tumblr is a functioning website :) And @lorei-writes for following along on this journey despite how long it takes me to post things

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The train had pulled into the station at their latest stop when the grasslands were giving way to pebbles and sand. In the distance, you could just make out the silhouettes of mountains. The air was cleaner than it was in the city, the sky a lighter blue than you had ever seen in the city. It was a truly breathtaking sight for someone that had never seen it before.

Ah, yes, and Mr. Akechi was here too, he reminded you with a tap to your shoulder.

Truthfully, since that fateful breakfast yesterday where you made the agreement to be wife and husband (his idea entirely), he's refused to leave your side. It was a charade, you both had agreed it was such, but Mr. Akechi, or Mr. Fox as you had named him, seemed determined to be the ideal husband, even other ladies on the train reprimanded their own husbands, sighing and wishing they were as attentive as the white-haired gentlemen. He held your hand as you stepped down from the narrow train car stairs, always kept three steps behind you, and would smile politely whenever you glanced his way. He even found a flower shop selling lavender that you could replace for your hat and bought some for you.

Even so, however loving he appeared, you knew it was more to keep his eye on you, especially with this planned stop. It was unnerving, having a man you barely knew following you so diligently. He watched as you looked at the small tourist shop, admiring this book or that little trinket. You had already evaded him once on this trip, he likely wouldn't let it happen a second time. Every time you walked faster, he would as well, the same each time you slowed down as well, reminding you that he could easily outpace you with his longer legs. 

Claiming fatigue, you asked him if you could sit for a moment. He obliged, sitting at your side on a bench and removed his hat, using it as a makeshift fan to cool your face. He still looked as fresh as a daisy in spring, frustratingly so.

"You're taking the husband facade a little too seriously, Mr. Fox. No man is this attentive to his wife."

"You have a poor view on marriage if you think a man can't do even this for his distraught wife."

"I'm not distraught."

"Perhaps the heat is too much for you? Do you want me to fetch you a lemonade? Or a parasol?"

"I'm fine." You frowned. "When are we supposed to reboard the train again?"

"In another hour or so. We have plenty of time."

You looked him in his eyes, golden as a newly polished ring. His smile was pleasant and polite, the image of a perfect gentleman.

He has to be lying, you thought. If only you had thought to check the schedule before leaving the main area, but you had been too flustered by Mr. Akechi's good manners to spare it a glance. Could it have been part of his ploy so that you wouldn't notice? To be especially attentive as a distraction?

A loud, shrill whistle echoed throughout the station. You stood up, eyes wide. Mr. Akechi put his hand on your arm.

"You're in a train station, Miss Mouse." he said calmly, "Whistles are a normal thing to hear."

"I… I would like to go check the schedule again."

"That's not our train getting ready to leave."

"I-I'd like to be sure."

"All right." Mr. Akechi stood up, hooking his elbow in yours. "We'll go and check the times. Just to be sure."

"…You don't have to hold my arm. I can walk on my own."

"On the contrary, dearest," he said with that saccharine smile again, "you're shaking."

"I'm not shaking."

"Now your face is pale. Hmm… Perhaps we should get you that lemonade…"

His arm pulled you forward, pointing the two of you towards the concessions, but another shrill whistle interrupted your thoughts.

"T-the train schedule… please."

"Our train isn't leaving for another hour." Mr. Akechi said again, "the heat must be getting to you."

You tugged on his arm, his grip only tightening.

"Let's- please, I need to check the schedule."

"Don't you believe me, Miss Mouse?" That damned smile again. "I wouldn't steer my dear wife wrong, now would I?"

A third whistle sounded, screeching against your ears.

With a quick breath, you elbowed Mr. Akechi in his side and took off when he briefly let go.

"Wait!"

You ran, ignoring his calls, boots clicking and clacking with each hurried step. Steam was rising in the air as the wheels of the train slowly moved away from the station. Your heart was beating in your ears but you ignored that too, hiking up your skirts and ran once again, jumping and catching hold of the train step railing, pulling yourself up onto the narrow metal platform. Your hands and knees hurt from the landing, but you were on the train, thankfully.

However, your heart stopped when you heard a second set of shoes hit the metal platform and a deep voice grumbled with the effort. A white long coat fluttered in the wind at the corner of your vision.

"Well, you're certainly reckless, my dear!"

You looked back only to see him standing over you, one hand holding onto the railing while the other held onto his hat. He was smiling still, this time with his teeth. It wasn't the pleasant, placid smile from before, but something more sinister. No, he wasn't pleased at all. Not with a grin that perturbed.

"Let's not do that again!" he said after getting a more secure footing on the platform, then helped you to your feet. 

You huffed and refused to look at him. Mr. Akechi sighed as you entered the car and sat on the nearest seat.

"Happy now?"

"You weren't going to let me get back on our train, were you, Mr. Fox?"

"I was."

"Liar."

"Normally, that's quite the fitting moniker, but not this time."

You frowned.

"You did yourself in by jumping on a random train you heard leaving. Especially one heading in an Eastern direction."

"You're lying."

"Well, if you don't believe me, here comes the conductor to check our tickets. Surely you'll believe him?"

The two of you stared at each other, gazes heated enough to burn holes in each other. The approaching conductor looked a little nervous for interrupting your spat.

"Tickets, please, sir."

How Mr. Akechi got a hold of your ticket, you didn't want to think about, but you felt your blood turning colder as the conductor looked puzzled.

"Hmm… it seems there's been a mistake."

"A mistake?" You asked.

"Yes, ma'am. These are for the ten o' four train heading towards San Francisco.  We're bound for New York."

You could feel the smug smirk above you.

"If you want, I can talk to my boss and set you on the next train once we reach the next station in a few hours?"

"Thank you," said Mr. Akechi, the polite smile back on his face, "we're sorry for the trouble. My wife is a little excitable."

"Oh, no trouble at all! It happens all the time!"

The two of them were making small talk over you, but you barely heard it, feeling sorry for jumping to conclusions, along with an undercurrent of dread.  New York was where your 'fiancé' was. Where that disgusting man was… You shuddered at the thought. And after you had come so far…

Forlornly, you looked towards the window, watching the scenery passing by. Even the grass was getting greener again as the train passed it by. You sighed in defeat, then notice a long string above the window. It carried the length of the car with a sign on the end saying in large letters 'PULL IN CASE OF EMERGENCY'.

You glanced at Mr. Akechi, saw that he was still talking to the conductor.

Well, what's one more bout of reckless behavior?

[trensu]

okay, so it turns out that the hawkins halfway house fic is going to have six chapters, actually. i'm not gonna post anything on ao3 until i have the final chapter done. i'm currently working on that sixth chapter, but here's the rest of chapter five in the meantime.

Continued from here

-

The man chuckled goodnaturedly. “Didn’t say you were. What’s your name, son?”

“Steve,” he replied. The man chuckled again.

“Thought so,” the man said. At Steve’s questioning gaze, he shrugged nonchalantly. “You look like a Steve. I’m Wayne. Why don’t you come inside? The kids made a batch of lemonade earlier today and there’s a phone you can use to call a tow.”

Which was how Steve found himself seated at a dining table that seemed too large to fit in the room even though he and Wayne were clearly able to move around the place without crowding one another. Maybe the table looked bigger than it was because of the multiple frosty pitchers of various sizes haphazardly lined up on it. Each one seemed almost dangerously full. Steve was sure one unexpected bump would turn them into a river of lemonade.

“That’s…a lot of lemonade,” Steve commented.

“A couple of the kids’ friends are visiting,” Wayne said. “We don’t see them very often. One of them learned a new trick to keep things cold. He was only going to do one pitcher, of course, but you know how kids are. Everyone wanted to make their own lemonade and told Will he had to do it again for each one.”

Wayne used a potholder to grab the handle of the nearest pitcher of lemonade. If Steve didn’t know any better, he’d say the pitcher was coated by ice half an inch thick. Obviously the pitcher had to be made of fancy decorative glass like the kind his mother would’ve bought. Wayne poured two glasses of lemonade, handing one to Steve which he took gratefully. Wayne eased himself into one of the chairs. Steve joined him. He drank half the glass before asking.

“So where are the grandkids you’ve been chasing? The house seems pretty quiet for that many children,” Steve nodded at the series of pitchers.

“They’re not my grandkids. I’m not as lucky as all that,” Wayne said. “I’m just here to lend a hand where I can.”

“A volunteer? Is this like a daycare?” Steve asked, trying not to seem too eager. This could be something. It wouldn’t be parenthood, but maybe he could volunteer to help kids in some small way. He’ll have to look into that later. Robin would help him find something, he’s positive.

“...you could say that, I suppose. As for your other question, they’re all out back, probably in the woods burning off energy with some of the grown-ups supervising.”

“Well, I’ll try to be out of your hair before they come back,” Steve stood, taking both of their glasses to the sink and rinsing them out. He waved Wayne away when he protested about guests doing chores. “If you could tell me where your phone is to call a tow truck, you don’t have to get up.” 

“Son, I don’t need no mollycoddling,” Wayne said gruffly. Steve flushed.

“No, that’s not–I didn’t mean–” Except he did. Wayne had been out in the heat and sun with him for who knows how long, risking heat exhaustion for a total stranger. It was also evident in the way he moved that he had some joint pain, particularly in the knees. Steve sighed. “Heat exhaustion is no joke. I used to be a lifeguard, it can get pretty bad for, uh, people of your age group.”

“You’re as bad as my boy, I can already tell,” Wayne said. “Thank god Eddie’s out there with the kids or he’d give me a talking to, as if he had a leg to stand on. I’m able to get around just fine without anyone’s hovering.”

“Uncle Wayne,” a soft solemn voice interrupted. Steve jumped when he saw a kid at the dining room entrance. He hadn’t heard anyone approaching.

“Jesus,” Steve muttered to himself. “Pay attention, Steve.”

The kid had shorn dark hair and big eyes. They wore a dress that looked like it’d been owned by at least two kids previously, and a pair of old light-up sneakers. They held a cane in their hands.

“Well, hey there, little miss,” Wayne greeted jovially. “Do you need anything, El?”

“You forgot your cane,” El said each word carefully. She walked up to Wayne, leaned the cane against the dining table, and held his large hand in her two small ones, as if to reassure him. “Let Steve help. He is nice. Dustin said so.”

El must have him confused with some other Steve she knew, but damn if that wasn’t the cutest thing he’d ever seen. By the way Wayne smiled at her, he seemed to agree. He heaved a big sigh, as if relenting was a big favor he was granting her, and accepted the cane.

“Fine, fine, but only because a sweet young lady asked me, too,” he said. El grinned which lit up her previously somber face. “Why aren’t you outside with the others?”

“Too much sun,” she said. “Hurts.”

Steve could sympathize. Too much sunlight sometimes triggered migraines that would knock him down for an entire day, or more if he was unlucky. El looked a bit putout she wasn’t outside with the others.

"Sometimes, it’s better to stay inside when it’s like this. There’s always something fun to do indoors, too," Steve said.

“There sure is,” Wayne agreed. “Weren’t you practicing your braiding? Why don’t you bring your doll over, and you can show us how to do it.”

While El went to find her toy, Wayne showed Steve where they kept the phone. However, they were having some difficulty getting a call to actually connect. Steve tried the number for the towing company, the bookstore he and Robin worked at, and his own home phone to no avail. After the third attempted call ended with Steve nearly slamming the phone into its base, Wayne picked up the phone and listened to it for a moment before dialing a number. After a bit, he hung up the phone much more gently than Steve had.

“House is acting strange. I’ll ask Eddie to look into that. Or maybe Jeff. I think it likes him better, but don’t tell Eddie that,” Wayne said. “I can give you a ride home if you need it, once everyone’s back.”

“Thanks, Wayne,” Steve said with a rundown sigh. “I might have to take you up on that.”

By then, El had returned with a couple of long haired dolls. Once the three of them had settled in the spacious living room, El handed Steve one of the dolls.

“Uncle Wayne knows how, but it hurts his hands,” El explained why she only brought two instead of three dolls. Wayne grumbled something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like ‘didn’t raise no narc.’ Steve suppressed a smile and tried to match El’s seriousness. “It is important to know how. I can show you.”

When Steve Harrington was in high school, he not only had the title of king, but had also gotten dubbed ‘The Hair.’ Steve earned that nickname for a reason. He had hair care down to an art. One of his favorite things to do with his various ex-girlfriends was helping them with their hair. All that to say, Steve knew how to braid hair. Steve knew how to braid hair in multiple different ways. 

There was not enough money in the world to get him to tell that to the little girl very patiently instructing him at that very moment. In fact, he made sure to fumble a couple of times so that El had the opportunity to correct him. She patiently did, each time, until Steve finished a braid to her satisfaction.

“You did it,” she beamed at him when they had accomplished a single braid.

“I had a fantastic teacher,” Steve nudged her, making her giggle. “Are you going to grow out your hair so you can have braids, too?”

“I do not know. Can hair do other things?” El asked. 

Steve reminded himself he was speaking to a child and should not go on with his detailed hair care lecture that Robin constantly made fun of him for; though, Steve liked to point out, it never stopped Robin from following his instructions. Steve claimed all the credit for her excellent hair, regardless of Robin’s indignant protests.

“Well, it depends on what kind of hair you have. Do you have straight hair or curly hair?” Steve asked.

“I have not decided yet.”

“I’m not sure that’s something you can decide, honey,” Steve said gently. 

“I can,” El replied simply. “Which is better?”

“Both kinds are good in their own way,” Steve said. “But I like curly hair. Curls are cool.”

“Curls are…cool?” El paused in thought and nodded to herself. “Yes. Dustin and Eddie have curly hair. I think they are cool.”

“I don’t think I’ve met them, but yeah, their curls are probably very cool.” 

El’s brows furrowed in concentration for a moment. Her short hair started to grow, as quick as a videotape on fast-foward, into dark ringlets. They continued to grow until they reached past her chin. She pulled one of them in front of her face, studying it, and letting it spring back in place. She looked up at Steve with a shy but proud smile.

“Curls are cool,” she said.

“Um.” Steve’s brain stuttered. He looked over to Wayne, who sat there watching them placidly as if nothing had happened. “Y-Yeah. Like that. Cool, very cool.”

“Did I do it wrong?” El said, curling in on herself as she took in Steve’s no doubt panicked expression. “Human hair is supposed to grow. Jeff told me.”

“That’s right,” Wayne said gently. “It grows like that but a lot slower. I’m sure Steve can explain. How often do you get your hair cut?”

“Uh,” Steve swallowed, trying to ignore his jangling nerves in the face of Wayne’s calm demeanor. “Um. Every–every few weeks. But, uh, R-Robin, my friend, likes hers longer and goes once a year, I-I think.”

“A year is a very long time,” El said quietly. She had shrunken her posture even smaller, eyeing Steve apologetically. “I am sorry I scared you. I did not mean to.”

She sounded so guilty and nervous, it sent a pang through Steve’s heart. She was a little girl who had been nothing but sweet the entire visit and Steve was freaking out over…what? Fast growing hair? Ridiculous.

“It’s alright,” Steve said, forcing more confidence into his voice than he felt. “I’m the one that reacted badly, so I’m sorry. I’ll try to be better.”

Out of the corner of his eye, a tension he hadn’t even noticed loosened from Wayne’s shoulders. Wayne’s grip on his cane relaxed, too. It struck Steve that if he had reacted aggressively, he had no doubt that Wayne would’ve put a stop to it one way or another.

“It’s okay. I understand,” El said, patting his arm as if she’d seen someone do it once but hadn’t had the chance to try it herself. Delicately but with intent. “Mike says humans are…scaredy-cats. That means you get scared easy.” She paused and her brow furrowed. “I do not know why there are cats. You do not look like a cat.”

At El’s earnest confusion, all of Steve’s pent up nerves and fear popped like a balloon into a fit of giggles that were only slightly off kilter. El let out a few shy giggles, too, and the last of the tension left Wayne as he relaxed back into his armchair completely.

“I really don’t,” Steve agreed. “But I like cats a lot.”

El lit up.

“Dustin is sometimes a cat!” she told him excitedly. She cupped her hands as if holding something little. “He is a very small cat.”

Yeah, Steve thought, sure. Why not have a boy turn into a cat with a girl who could fast-forward hair growth? Steve planned to get himself a drink later tonight. He thought he handled this pretty well, all things considered. He deserved a reward.

–

The three of them were playing the tamest game of Uno Steve had ever played in his life when he heard shouting. Wayne sighed a long-suffering sigh that was belied by a fond grin.

"Here comes trouble," Wayne said. El giggled in response. Steve took the opportunity to put down a draw four card for Wayne. Wayne took notice and scowled at Steve. Steve gave him his best innocent look but the effect was ruined by the sound of the front door slamming open.

"HOUSE!" a man shouted. "What the hell? Are you proud of yourself? Are you pleased? You made small children walk for an extra hour out in the blazing sun!"

The shouting was accompanied by stomping footsteps and exaggerated huffing and puffing. Laughter rang all the way through to the living room as children reacted to the dramatics. El brightened at the sound and quickly abandoned the card game to run to the foyer. The loud man seemed to take the kids’ laughter as encouragement. 

"More importantly, you made me walk an extra hour, House! These boots were not made for walking. Hey, El! Do these boots look like they’re for walking?"

“No,” El laughed.

"Maybe you should've worn tennis shoes instead, like I told you," a woman's voice pitched in.

"Don't know what you’re whining about," another man added. "I'm the one who had to carry Erica for, like, ten blocks."

"Hey, this is not my fault! None of this would've happened if House hadn't decided to move somewhere else without bringing us along!" the first man protested.

“I’m telling Nancy you got us lost,” a boy said petulantly.

“Not if you ever want to hang out with us again you won’t,” grumbled the first man in response. Then he called out, “Uncle Wayne, you in here?”

“Living room,” Wayne called back as he drew four cards to continue their game of Uno, despite the disappearance of their third player.

“Uncle Wayne!” a chorus of children’s voices rang. Soon, a horde of kids tumbled into the room.

A white boy with curly hair and a black boy both cried out excitedly when they saw who was in the living room. “Steve!”

Steve blinked in surprise. How did these kids recognize him? Had they seen him working in the bookstore? Steve was pretty sure he hadn’t seen either of them in the store before. 

The two other boys with them didn’t recognize him. They were both frighteningly pale, though in slightly different ways. The kid with the bowl-cut carried a blue tint in the skin around his lips, eyes, and fingertips in a way that made Steve shiver with a sudden chill. The other boy’s skin held a gray pallor that reminded Steve uncomfortably of corpses.

“This is Steve?” the boy with the blue-tinted skin asked curiously.

“This is Steve?” the gray boy echoed in a much more unimpressed tone.

“Steve?” Steve heard coming from the hallway. It sounded like the shouting man.

“Shit,” the curly haired boy said. The other boy shoved him.

“Way to go, doofus,” he said with a scowl.

“Hey! You said his name, too!”

“Yeah, said. Not shouted.”

“We said it at the same volume!”

“No we didn’t!”

“Have we met?” Steve tried to interrupt the bickering. His question went unheard under the boys’ loud voices. 

Before he could ask again, a man entered the living room and Steve’s mouth went dry at the sight of him. He was gorgeous. Rangy but firm, with a headful of dark curls that made Steve think of swirling schools of fish. His eyes were big and dark like seabeds. He wore a black sleeveless shirt with some sort of band logo on it. It was worn thin, and damp with sweat. The man glared at him like he wanted to flay him alive.

“You,” the man hissed. 

“Eddie,” Wayne said. Eddie whipped his gaze to where Wayne sat, unconcerned, in the armchair.

“Is that his car outside?” Eddie asked shortly. “How is he here?”

“Ed, calm down,” Wayne said.

“He shouldn’t be here,” Eddie growled. 

“I think he should,” Wayne said with a calm shrug. 

“Me, too!” the curly haired boy piped up.

“Children’s opinions do not count in this conversation,” Eddie snapped. “All of you, get to your rooms. Chrissy–”

“She took the girls upstairs the second you started your hissy fit,” a handsome man interrupted as he joined them in the living room. Steve vaguely recognized him from the bar he and Robin stumbled across months ago. Jeff, maybe? The word Jeffathan popped up in his mind, which was absurd. 

“Take that back, Jeffiam. I do not throw hissy fits,” Eddie said in a tone that Steve personally thought verged hissy fit territory. He chose not to offer up that particular thought to the conversation happening around him. Also, Jeffiam? What on earth? Jeff rolled his eyes.

“Sure,” Jeff said in a way that clearly stated disagreement. “C’mon, boys. We’ll let Eddy and Uncle Wayne figure things out with Steve.”

A series of loud complaints rose up. It almost distracted Steve from how odd Eddie’s name sounded when Jeff said it.

“You guys can stay up an extra hour past bedtime if you come along without fighting,” Jeff said.

The gray boy whooped and ran off the moment the words left Jeff’s lips, with the blue boy close at his heels. The two boys that recognized Steve shot him apologetic looks but chased after their friends with no other complaints. Jeff gave Eddie a stern look. 

“Think this through before doing anything, Eddy,” Jeff said, before turning on his heel and leaving.

That left only Steve, Eddie, and Wayne in the living room that was almost painfully quiet now that El and the other children were gone. Wayne looked as peaceable as ever, but Eddie more than made up for it with the glare that had not let up since he saw Steve. 

Steve had questions. A lot of questions. He couldn’t even begin to articulate his questions. His car broke down though there wasn’t anything wrong with it; the phone in the house wouldn’t connect his calls; a little girl grew her hair at will; there was possibly a child who could transform into a small cat; an entire building seemingly relocated without anyone noticing; and somehow, despite the impossibility of those things, all of it felt almost familiar.

“What is going on?”

“Why are you here?”

Steve and Eddie spoke simultaneously, though Steve’s words came out incredulous and Eddie’s were angry as hell. Wayne watched them both warily. He didn’t interject.

“I didn't come here on purpose,” Steve said defensively. He didn’t owe this man any explanation, he thought irritably, but Wayne had been so kind to him the whole time. Steve didn’t want to pick a fight with his nephew. “I was going grocery shopping and my car broke down. Your uncle was nice enough to let me use the phone but it didn’t work, otherwise I would’ve been long gone.”

“The phone works fine,” Eddie sniffed. “House just doesn’t like you.”

Wayne snorted.

“The problem is the other way around and you’re being too stubborn to see it, Ed. His car worked fine when I was behind the wheel.”

“You got into the car with him?” Eddie asked, aghast. “Uncle Wayne, stranger danger!”

“I am not a child, Eddie.” Wayne rolled his eyes, which seemed to happen a lot around Eddie. Steve thought about how Wayne had gripped his cane in that tense moment after El’s hair trick, and the way he had eyed him during it.

“I’m pretty sure he can take care of himself,” Steve muttered. Eddie puffed up like an angry cat, indignant at the comment.

“Nobody asked you,” Eddie snapped.

“Alright, what the f–” Steve paused, remembering there were children in the house, and course-corrected. “What the heck is your problem with me, man? You’re acting like I insulted your mother or something, but I’d remember you if we’d met before and we haven’t.”

Even as he said that, Steve couldn’t be sure that was true. A sense of familiarity lingered doggedly at the edges of his mind. Eddie’s beauty was breathtaking but it didn’t feel new. 

“Don’t take it personally, Steve,” Eddie sneered. “I don’t like any humans.”

Wayne coughed.

“You don’t count, Uncle Wayne, you’re a god amongst men,” Eddie said without missing a beat. For a brief moment, Wayne smiled crookedly at his nephew.

“You’re not human?” Steve asked, looking Eddie over more closely. He didn’t look inhuman. Then again, neither did El and she proved she wasn’t human pretty easily.

“Nope!” Eddie said with a mean sort of cheeriness. “But it doesn’t matter because you won’t remember any of this.”

Eddie started to hum a tune that muffled Steve’s mind. It was a beautiful song coming from the beautiful man, and Steve wanted to give him anything, everything, he wanted.

“Steve,” Eddie said his name like a song. “I want you to for–”

“Eddie Munson, that’s enough,” Wayne’s sharp tone cut through the hum in Eddie’s words.

The enchanting tune stopped abruptly. The absence left Steve reeling, like his mind was not fully connected to his body. He didn’t like it. Steve couldn’t tell if he wanted the song back or to never hear it again.

“This man has done nothing but be sweet to the kids,” Wayne said. “How many times has he shown up now?”

“It doesn’t mat–”

“Yes it does and you know it,” Wayne interrupted. “Twice with Jeff’s card and this is the second time House moved to find him.”

“But–”

“Dustin went missing for days looking for him, Eddie. You’re being stubborn and that put Dustin in more danger than Steve has so far.”

Eddie’s mouth audibly snapped shut at that declaration.  Eddie jerked back as if struck. A broken musical sound escaped his throat unthinkingly, and it sent a lance of pain through Steve’s heart. Steve wanted to do something to erase that pain from Eddie’s face, but his mind still hadn’t quite gathered itself. His tongue felt heavy and clumsy in his mouth.

“I understand why, Eddie. You’re not wrong to be cautious,” Wayne said. “But what was the point of getting House if you’re not going to trust it?”

Eddie blinked rapidly, eyes red-rimmed. He didn’t look at Wayne. Eddie’s fists clenched and unclenched at his sides. Then his shamed expression shifted into one of steely resolution. He stalked towards Steve. It would’ve been frightening if Steve had had his wits about him. Cool hands cupped Steve’s face and all he could see was deep, dark eyes he wanted to drown in.

“I don’t know how long it’ll take House to find you again,” Eddie said, and the music in his words was gentler than before. It kept Steve’s mind calm. “But I need you to leave.”

“Eddie,” Wayne said. 

The song strengthened to override the interruption. Steve wanted to kiss Eddie. He’d do anything Eddie asked for a kiss.

“Steve, will you be a good boy for me?” Eddie asked.

“Yes,” Steve gasped. He wanted to be so good for Eddie.

“Today is going to feel like a dream,” Eddie said.

“Nice dream,” Steve murmured hazily. A flicker of a smile from Eddie made his stomach swoop pleasantly.

“Yeah, a nice dream,” Eddie said. “You have to leave me now, but I’m going to miss you so much, Steve.”

Steve whimpered. He didn’t want to leave if it would hurt Eddie. He tried to lean forward, to press his forehead against Eddie’s and promise him his life if it would make that smile come back. Eddie's cool hands held him firmly in place.

“Listen to me. I’ll be so sad with you gone, so you’ll come back to me, won’t you? Come back to me in two days, Stevie. Promise me?”

“Promise,” Steve mumbled. “Two days. I’ll come back. I will.”

“I know you will. Now, go and I’ll be ready when you come back to me.”

–

The next thing Steve knew, he was in the parking lot of the grocery store and it was much later in the day than Steve had originally planned. As frustrating as the car trouble had been, Steve couldn’t regret the loss of time. Wayne was such a nice guy to have helped him fix his car and his nephew was gorgeous. His good old Harrington charm still worked like a dream because he got an invitation to visit again in a couple of days. He could scope out the nephew and see if there was maybe a chance for some romance in his future. 

He might as well try, since he had no luck in the adoption front yet. Though, he thought they mentioned something about running a daycare? There may have been some kids running around at some point during the car repairs. Maybe he could volunteer to help out Wayne with the kids. It wouldn’t be the same as fatherhood, but it would be something. 

Steve grinned as he got out of his car and headed into the grocery store. He couldn’t wait to tell Robin. Things were starting to look up!

I do not do those reader tag list things. If you’d like to keep up with my stuff please follow my writing tag: trensu tells stories

[jocu-reads]

paul made of palamedes who thought fusing into a woman would solve all his* problems. (1) paul made of camilla who thought fusing with a bit of masculinity would solve all their problems. (2)

paul who doesnt really have a moment to process that right now as they know the book is about to be over and they really have a lot left to do in like 40 pages. (3) paul who actually has quite a lot of sorting out to do between the writing gap of the third book of trilogy and fourth book of the trilogy (4)

[sassypantsjaxon]

Was anybody else imagining Mic cuddled up to Aizawa during this scene? No? Just me? Okay

[linskywords]

Chapters: 6/? Fandom: Men's Hockey RPF Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jamie Drysdale/Trevor Zegras, background Nico Hischier/Jack Hughes Characters: Trevor Zegras, Jamie Drysdale, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Quinn Hughes, Cole Caufield Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - BDSM, internalized prejudice, Undernegotiated Kink, Painplay, Self-Harm, the road to self-acceptance involves being an asshole sometimes, Hurt/Comfort Series: Part 2 of Where You Lead Summary:

Trevor figures everyone has some kind of philosophy in life. Something they tell themselves to keep from giving in.

[oxfordelise]

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Reflect

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Reflect

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Draco reflects on everything that happened when he was summoned and tries to recover on his own. Hermione realizes something that might, quite possibly, change everything.