#so if you leave out food they'll come close and then get annoyed

[pinkrangerv]

You know, every year we lose at least one dumb tourist in Nevada. Why?

'That big cave looks really interesting! I wanna go see!' That's a mine shaft. You were WARNED about mine shafts. THEY HAVE LARGE PITS YOU FALL INTO AND DIE.

'Oh hey that body of water looks like a great place to swim!' It's contaminated with mercury and twelve other heavy metals. There's signs everywhere. How did you miss this?

'I only need a small water bottle for a five-hour hike!' Buddy. Pal. I can pull that off, because I am chronically dehydrated and somehow survive it. (It's the fat, I think.) But trust me, normal people cannot do that, and even I drink water when I stop for lunch. You are normal. You will die slow.

'Hey, Pyramid Lake looks cool!' The local tribe has an entire set of stories about how if you hear babies laughing, the next day you will die on the lake. And at least one boat gets pulled under a year. The park has warning signs about that plastered all over it. Yeah, sure, riptide--but honestly, that lake even looks like it's gonna kill you, it has no greenery at all around it, it's just water and then desert, how are you this stupid?

'Aww, that bear looks so CUDDLY!' You know what, you're clearly unsaveable. Give me your kid, I'll find them a home with a loving adult who explains that forks don't go in light sockets. We'll hold your funeral. Your kids' new adult can explain that some people are just meant as a warning to others. They'll grow up to appreciate your sacrifice. We all will. You will serve as an example to future tourists to just, for the love of fuck, stay in the damn cities. At least there someone will stop you from ANNOYING A GODDAMN BEAR.

Really. If you come to Nevada, just...stay where there's sidewalks. You'll end up less dead.

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

A family thing

Written for the September pop-up challenge of the @steddieholidaydrabbles blog

Prompt: Anniversary

Rated: T

Tags: Post-Vecna; Everybody lives; Recovery; Disabled Eddie; POV Wayne Munson; Good uncle Wayne Munson; Implied sexual content; Domestic fluff; Found family

The sounds coming from the kitchen pull Wayne from his sleep much earlier than he'd like after a night shift. He lies awake for a while, cursing the government. Sure, they covered Eddie’s medical bills and bought them the new trailer, but would it have killed them to get one with thicker walls? He doesn't need to hear everything the boy gets up to. 

He's almost managed to drift off again when a clatter and a string of swear words make him shoot upright. He barrels out into the corridor that separates the living space from the bedrooms, almost colliding with Steve, who has just barged from Eddie’s room. His eyes are bleary, his hair a tousled mess. He's wearing boxers and a familiar guitar pick necklace, and that is it. 

“Ed?” Wayne asks, ignoring how Steve freezes at the sight of him. “What happened?” 

Eddie, on the kitchen floor in a heap of gangly limbs and fallen crutches, groans. “Wayne! You weren't supposed to wake up.” 

“Yeah, you're making that kinda hard,” Wayne mumbles, eyeing the shattered plates and spilled food on the ground. Toast and bacon and pancakes. There's something stuck in Eddie’s hair that looks like scrambled eggs. 

“What the hell?” Steve mutters, bridging the few steps into the kitchen and dropping into a crouch beside Eddie. Wayne stays where he is and watches. The way Steve wraps his arms around Eddie’s waist to pull him up, careful not to hurt him. How Eddie slings bony arms over Steve’s shoulders, fingers grazing the scars on the boy's back. 

“Why didn't you ask me for help?” Steve asks. The rising sun basks the kitchen in oranges and golds, and for a second, Wayne is overcome by the thought that he mustn't blink, or they'll vanish. “I could've-” 

“What, on this highest of holidays?” Eddie asks, gesturing dramatically as Steve lowers him into one of the kitchen chairs. “Have you no respect for tradition? It is my responsibility and my duty to do this alone.” 

Steve blinks, then looks over at Wayne. 

“Okay? I don't get it.” 

Eddie cackles, gently pushing him aside to beckon Wayne closer. 

“Happy Uncle's Day!” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Wayne grumbles, bending at the hip so that Eddie can hug him, but there's an annoying sting behind his eyes. For a moment all he can think is how close he came to losing all of this.

“What the fuck is Uncle's Day?” Steve asks. He's eyeing the calendar on the wall like he's expecting it to spout an extra holiday. 

Eddie scoffs. “Only the most important holiday of the year? You need to stay up to date on-” 

“When Ed was nine years old,” Wayne explains, making his way over to the coffee pot, “he came home one day, seething and spitting venom, ‘cause his teacher had them making Father's Day cards.” 

“Why would I be making that asshole a fucking card?” Eddie grumbles. A pink blush has erupted from the collar of his shirt, but Wayne isn’t sure if it's because of the childhood story or because of the way Steve has pulled out the chair next to his and is finger-combing bits of egg from his curls. “The only thing I should've given him is a kick in-” 

“That's exactly what he said back then,” Wayne says, pouring himself a cup and leaning against the counter. “So we came up with an idea.” 

Steve frowns at Eddie. “Uncle's Day?” 

Eddie beams. “The anniversary of the day Wayne took me in.”

“Dunno if took in is the right term,” Wayne hums around his first sip. “You pretty much let yourself in and refused to leave.” 

Eddie waves him off, as if to say that he won’t argue about the technicalities. Steve’s eyes, meanwhile, have grown large. 

“Wait,” he says. “That's today? Why didn’t- … I’m sorry, I had no idea.” 

Eddie cocks his head at him, smile bright and incredibly fond. It makes a familiar warmth spread behind Wayne’s collarbone, one that has nothing at all to do with the coffee. “Why would you be sorry?” 

Steve gestures awkwardly at the mess that is the kitchen. “This is a family thing. If you’d told me, I’d have left you alone.” 

Eddie laughs. On the tabletop, his fingers find Steve’s. 

“Exactly,” he says. “This is a family thing. You're right where you belong. Ain't he, Wayne?” 

Wayne regards them - two men littered in battle scars, leaning into each other in the hazy morning light - and thinks of a hurt little boy who was too scared to let anyone in. 

“Can't argue with that,” he says. 

Steve's face lights up as if he'd just invited him to spend Christmas morning. 

“I- … thank you,” he stutters, and Wayne gets a feeling that he, too, is still learning to let people in. “Let me clean this up, and then I'll make us new-” 

“Stevie,” Eddie says, and hooks one finger into the necklace to pull him back. His next words are a murmur against the shell of Steve's ear, so low Wayne almost misses them. “Maybe get dressed first, darling.” 

The last thing Wayne sees of Steve as he flees into Eddie’s room is the blush coloring his neck and shoulders. 

“Do you have to tease him like that?” he asks, starting to gather the broken plates off the ground. 

Eddie shrugs. “He can take it. I think that's a basic requirement for joining this family?”  

His eyes find Wayne's, searching for a reaction. 

“Ed,” he says, picking up the crutches and handing them over. “My only requirement ever was for you to be happy. I think your boy has long proven himself in that regard. Now, run over to the Mayfields and ask if we can borrow some eggs, yeah?” 

As Eddie bolts out with a blush matching Steve's, Wayne settles into the newly vacated chair, allowing himself a long sip of coffee and a content sigh. 

It's gonna be a good Uncle's Day. 

[lizzieislife94x]

Pool Party (e.o)

Requested <3

 LizziexG!P Reader

Might get another 2 Requests done today 

Y/ns POV: 

I can't help but laugh as scarlett walks past Colin and shoves him in the pool and walks away like nothing happened "no way that just happened" I yell to scar as she gives me an innocent smile damn coiln must have annoyed her, the only reason I got to meet these awesome people is because my girlfriend works with them but they quickly accepted me as one of their own I'm snapped out of my thoughts as lizzie comes walking out in a brownish orangeish bikini making my mouth drop open she walks over to me with a giggle wrapping her arms around my waist "mhh hey baby might wanna close your mouth before you catch flies" I look down at her as I'm slightly taller and bite my lip "fuck baby you look sexy I can't help but admire how perfect you are" she smirks and leans up kissing me as my hands rest comfortably on her ass squeezing gently pulling her closer to me "mhh baby don't get to excited" lizzie whispers in my ear as her hand discreetly squeezes my dick making me groan at her touch I hate when she's in a teasing mood especially when she knows I can't do anything about it I pull away and wink at lizzie before running to the pool yelling "CANANBALL" everyone cheers and laughs as lizzie shakes her head smiling at me I motion for her to come in which she does with alot more grace than me I go the corner where its empty as lizzie swims to me wrapping her legs around my waist and arms around my neck "hey baby" she whispers gently kissing my lips I smile kissing her back as I take her firm ass cheeks in my hands she bites my lip as I move my right hand round to her thigh sliding it higher as she looks at me with wide eyes "if you wanna be bold and tease me baby you'll have to pay the price" I husk into her ear as my thumb rubs her clit over her bikini bottoms causing her to dig her nails into my back "not here baby someone will see" she breaths out making me smirk "no-one will see princess only way they'll know is if you can't control yourself I mean I have absolutely no problem fucking you infornt of everyone making you scream till you beg me to stop" as soon as I finish my sentence I pull her panties to the side as I slide 2 fingers through her folds as I lean forward kissing her neck she moans closing her eyes as I sink 2 fingers deep inside her with no warning "shh shh shh baby or all your co workers as gonna hear how you sound getting fucked" I bite my lip as she groans into my ear "y/n lizzie you guys wanting hotdogs or burgers" I smirk and look over at scarlett "no we're good thanks might get one later I'm just enjoying a few minutes alone chatting with lizzie" I yell as I continue to thrust my fingers faster I can feel her walls tighten around me but I pull my fingers out before she cums as her eyes snap open and she glares at me "you want to tease well tease ill let you cum later don't worry my love but for now we have guests" I quickly let go of lizzie and swim to the edge as I climb out "you know what can I have a hotdog please scar" she smiles and nods as I go grab a beer I feel lizzies eyes burning into me but ignore it as I lay comfortably on the sun lounger, scarlett hands me a hotdog as I lay back and eat it after 20 minutes a pouty lizzie walks over to me "baby that was so mean" I lift my shades and smirk "sorry my love but if you hadn't noticed were throwing a party" she frowns and sits down in my lap cuddling up to me I gently rub my hand up and down her arm as she snuggles in getting comfortable "liz you wanting food" she looks up at scar "no thank you scar im good" she turns back cuddling into me as I lean down to whisper "I know what meat you want" I can't help but laugh as she slaps my chest "youre right but damn don't call me out" I pull her close and laugh "don't worry baby once they leave ill bring you back out here and fuck you in the pool" I feel her squeeze her thighs together and moan "you better" we spent the rest of the day hanging with friends laughing dancing and drinking. 

5 hours later

"I love our friends but God I'm glad they're gone" I say laughing as I walk over to lizzie wrapping my arms around her "I know right but I wanted them to leave 3 hours ago so you could fuck me but they didn't take the hint" I can't help but laugh and slap her ass as I pick her up and run to the pool jumping in with with a splash, we both come up laughing as I bite my lip and kick my shorts off before throwing them to her as soon as she realises what it is she swims to me fast making me laugh "someone's a little desperate" I pin her to the wall of the pool and easily get her bikini top off while my other hand goes down to remove her bottoms leaving her naked she loosens my bikini top biting her lip leaving us both naked "fuck I've wanted to do this since you walked out in that bikini " I say as I kiss and suck her neck gently I feel her wrap her legs around me trying to grind her core against my dick "if you don't calm down my love ill edge you all night and go to sleep without letting you cum" I hear her inhale sharply as my words hit her "I'm sorry baby ill be good, I just need you" I look up into her eyes as I slide my hand down to grab my dick lining myself up with her entrance as I slide inside her with one sharp thrust bottoming out as she screams and scratches my back "is that better my love is this what you wanted" I moan into her ear as I suck the lobe gently she tries to control herself before speaking "mmh mhhh fuck yes thank you baby" I kiss her roughly as I start to thrust my hips after a few minutes I stop and look into her eyes "yeah baby this is harder I can't get the right force with my thrusts how about I fuck you on the sun lounger" she nods as I walk out of the pool still inside her , her moans filling my ears at the movements I quickly lay her on the lounger climbing ontop of her as I insert myself into her tight cunt again both of us moaning "uh fuck much better my love" I smirk as I start to thrust at the pace I wanted to it doesn't take long for her to cum all down my cock as she spasms under me the sound of my dick slamming into her wet pussy turning me on more "uh fuck baby yes so fucking tight i love it when you cum all over my cock" I moan as I continue my brutal pounding not letting her recover from her orgasm I feel my own getting closer as I lean down biting her neck switching to kissing ny way to her jaw "fuck baby I'm gonna cum really fucking soon where do you want it where will I cum" I feel her nails digging in more as she wraps her legs around me trapping me inside her I couldn't get out if I wanted to the motion enough to send me over the edge as I start to cum with a loud moan as my body falls onto her I feel like there's no end to my cum it keeps shooting both of us moaning into eachothers mouths "fuck lizzie you've never let me cum inside you, you always make me pull out and finish on your stomach tits or ass" she pants as she makes me look at her "I wanted you inside me" I don't even question her I just rest my head on her chest as we both regain our composure after 10 minutes I get up sliding out of her both of us moaning I smirk as my dick slips out and a little of my cum dribbles out her cunt "I felt like i came forever I'm surprised it wasn't like a waterfall when I pulled out" I giggled as lizzie looks at me "baby it shot deep inside me plus while I'm laying like this not much will happen I'm sure when i get up more will dribble out but just so you know that's what's gonna happen everytime we fuck it felt to good to not let it happen again" I bite my lip and lean forward kissing her gently "ok baby let's get you showered and ready for bed" we quickly made our way inside and showered together before getting into bed and cuddling while watching a movie before we fell asleep in one an others arms  

AN: Enjoy babes 😘 all feedback welcomed requests are always open also if anyone just wants to chat feel free to message me im a nice person 😊haha anyway stay hydrated babes word count 1.6k 

[aethersgirlfriend]

we need more fresh-out-of-the-pit aurora. i see so much newly summoned phantom and about how he's left out and confused and just wants to please his packmates and like YES absolutely but what about rory?!?!??! (under the cut because i went on a tangent)

first of all - her summon !!

phantom and aurora being bonded summon buddies means everything to me so yes they got summoned together in the same circle no i won't take criticism yes they're in love in every way possible

rory refuses to look at anyone but phantom for the first few days, no one can even get a good look at her face. the girls take her on the tour of their part of the den and all that but she looks at the ground the whole time and escapes to her room until phantom is done getting the tour and they hide together. she only wears his clothes (aka swiss' old clothes but she doesn't know that yet) for ages and they'll venture out together to get food and maybe explore their new environment a bit but apart from that you don't see them.

but then how about a bit after her summon when she gets more used to things? what about her being so tiny? in the pit it had its positives but topside? she's still getting used to everything being so big. she has no concept of fashion or hair or makeup so when she sees cumulus and her beautiful white curls she decides i want to do that! and lus ends up having to brush out all the knots she made for an hour. or how about this - she's absolutely TERRIFIED of the older ghouls. aether and omega? she is kind of used to. zeyphr? not yet. alpha? absolutely not. after only knowing of her own small multi ghoul size and her pale pink complexion her whole life in the pit, how do u expect her to react to the massive, grey skinned fire ghoul? that's a trick question, she won't deal with him. she disappears into thin air (she's half air ghoul!!!!) everytime she sees him.

but that's just the silly stuff, what about the angst???

seeing how close cirrus and cumulus are and desperately wanting to impress them, but overdoing it and embarassing herself so she doesn't talk to anyone but phantom for a week and the girls are so upset that she's back to square one?

or during that week - not being able to talk to phantom as much as she's like because aether has him practicing so much and she's still slightly intimidated by the older ghoul so she doesnt wanna annoy him by stealing away his student so she seeks out mist - the solitary ghoulette who only really hangs out by the shore occasionally - but mist wasn't even aware there was a new ghoulette so she freaks out at the sight of rory and rorys left all alone with no clue how to make friends

or her returning back to the abbey hours later when everyone was stressing about where the fuck the tiny ghoulette disappeared to and turns out she got lost in the forest trying to find flowers for the girls as an apology because she saw mountain give them bouquets and she's covered in scratches and mud and bug bites and her hair is full of leaves and sticks and she's sobbing her eyes out and phantom runs over to her and won't let anyone near her for the whole evening and snaps at anyone who comes too close

but eventually aether gets them both to calm down and the girls bring aurora into their part of the den and clean her off (with phantom there watching over her the whole time because he's not that calm yet) and tell her she doesn't have to impress them and put cream on all her bites and braid her hair and tell her how pretty she is and how they're so happy she's here and eventually swiss pulls phantom away to talk to him about not trying to murder his packmates over aurora because none of them are going to hurt her (phantom saw aurora being upset because she got lost looking for stuff for the girls and immediately thought they did it on purpose) and when he leaves the girls make a big pile of pillows and blankets and lay her down and let her get all her feelings out

and she's on her side and cirrus is at her back and cumulus at her front and sunny at her feet and they're all whispering sweet nothings to her as she cries silently at how comforting it all feels and falls asleep to lus humming a tune and wakes up and the whole pack sit down in the morning to talk it all through 💕💕💕💕

oh yes and she definitely saw cirrus eating salad one day and then mountain took her to the flower field just beyond the greenhouse and turned away for 2 seconds and she started trying to eat all the flowers because she thought that's what cirrus' salad was made out of

[4fifiandtheflowertots4]

The House of the Dutch

PART 2

You'd already decided you were going to like it here, but having your suspicions confirmed made you smile. Your bedroom walls had been painted, new furniture had been delivered (You're still waiting for a chair in the living room) and you found solace after a long day in the girls you were quickly becoming close with. Your favourite part of day was getting home from training and helping to make dinner. You alternated who decided and who ran the kitchen, Kerstin becoming your sou-chef as Dominique kept her ban against her and the kitchen. 

Tonight, however, was different. Downstairs Domi and Viv and Jill (and Kerstin had probably managed to weasel her way into helping) were cooking and you were stuck in your room. After receiving an angry message from your university complaining that you hadn't attended a lecture in too long, you took the night to force yourself to stare at the screen and listen. You were hoping the strong smell of the paint might take the edge off a bit, sure that you'd read online that paint had enough chemicals in to ‘relax the muscles’.

You laugh to yourself at the thought before trying to refocus your attention on where the lousy professor was wittering on about something or other. It's only when your name is called that you really start to focus. Half the people had already left and you assumed it was the end of the lecture. “You're 4 pieces behind.” He says to you, and you frown. “No I'm not. I keep up with my work. If I had an assignment set I would have been notified and completed within the next couple of days. I haven't had a notification in weeks. I assumed you had been doing other stuff instead.”

“If you ever joined the lectures you would know.” He states, very matter-of-factly. “And this doesn't change the fact that you're 4 assignments behind.”  You frown. You can't remember seeing a notification indicating that any work had been set and you've never missed an essay before. You try to think back and- Oh. That very annoying beep that interrupted you're Mario Kart the other week. “I'm sorry. They'll be done within the next two weeks, promise.”

“You know the rules. If you're more than 6 assignments behind I have the right to kick you off the course, Miss.” You rub your hands up and down your face. 

“Of course. I'm sorry again.” Your professor leaves the call and you slump down into the chair. You definitely didn't need this now.

You were getting started by City, scoring goals most games and assisting on the others. You groan, leaning back so far you almost tumble off the chair. It's then that a knock echoes around the room and you twist your head to see who it is. You wait for them to come in, slowly realising they're waiting for permission. That rules out Kerstin. “Come in!” You call and Viv peaks her head around the door. “Hey. Dinners ready, if you're ready.” She says, then hurrying out: “If you're not, we can leave it in the oven to stay warm and we'll wait to eat it with you.” 

You shake your head, smiling at the thoughtfulness from the girl. “No, it's alright. I'm finished on the call.” She nods and turns back out of the door. You shut down your laptop and follow her down the stairs, your blood still curdling as you try and consider a time you might have to do 2, 5000 word, essays and 2 projects Kerstin cheers when you appear, patting the chair next to her. Jill walks in with the dish of the day and sits at the head of the table, Domi opposite Kerstin and Viv opposite you. 

As much as the food looks delicious (A traditional Dutch soup and garlic bread) you poke it about, your appetite gone since earlier.

Jill looks at you questioningly. “Do you not like it?” She tries to disguise the slight waver in her voice. 

“Oh! It's lovely, it's really nice.. I just.. am not hungry.” You say, smiling at her and kicking her gently under the table so she knows you mean it. You were going to withhold your troubles as to not worry the others, but they already knew your academic ability (or lack of). “I have a bunch of work to do for my uni and not much time to do it. I'm really far behind and my professor is threatening to kick me off the course. I can't cope with it.”

 “How much work?” Dominique asks from across the table.

“2 5000 word essays and 2 pieces of artwork - 1 of those has to be an animation.” You huff, and push the soup over to Kerstin who has been eying it up since you said you weren't hungry.

“I'm really sorry. I might have to sacrifice all our evenings for the next couple of weeks to get it finished. Starting now.” You get up from your seat, ignoring the sad smile from Viv to prevent the guilt from getting to you. You climb back up the stairs and return to your work area where your laptop waits. Staring at the screen, you try to decide what's best to do first. The animation will take ages. The essays are so boring. You have no inspiration to do the art. You slump at your desk again. 

After about 30 minutes of deliberation, you start on the piece of art, the most overdue of them all. The assignment aim was to create a portrait in an animation form, recognisable to a popular animated show. Instantly, you were stumped.  Time for some procrastination.

You pull out your phone and begin to scroll through Instagram, a couple of racist jokes, a grwm and a prank doing nothing but boring you further. Then there's one of those videos that everyone sees. “First 5 images on your phone define you as a person” nothing could be more boring than this. You open your camera roll. The first picture was one of your best friend, your mum and your dog, sent to you the other day with an ‘I miss u’ message at the bottom. That makes you smile. The next from last Friday, when you went for coffee with Jill at this new place you'd found. It was meant to just be your drink, to put on your story but behind she had snuck in and photo bombed your ideal Instagram shot. She had her tongue stuck out to the side, her eyes criss-crossed and eyebrows bent. Despite her funny face you still find yourself admiring her beauty. You curse yourself. The image after was not a photo, but a video holding a pristine picture of Kerstin dancing with Kiwi in her arms to the circle of life, from Lion King. Viv is laughing in the background, and Myle the dog is barking at the scene. You laugh along with the scene, Kerstin relishing being the centre of attention. She's smiling and its completely magnetic.The next is a photo of Viv wrapped in her city coat, slightly shivering after being taken off at the 60th minute mark. She's curled around you for warmth and you're laughing slightly. Her nose is red at the tip, her cheeks a similar colour. Even now, however many days in the future you feel the need to put your hands on her cheeks to warm her up. The fifth photo is one of Dominique wearing her specialised oven gloves, 'chef Domi' written across the front (apparently a birthday present from last year, you suppose from Kerstin) she has one of her hands pressed against Jill's front, pinning her against the fridge. The other is pointing best she can with the big mittens on her fingers. You remember the moment perfectly, Jill skipping in after a bit of media work she had to do, smelling the cookies you and Domi had just whisked up and instantly trying to pinch some. Having gotten past the first line of defence, you, she managed to get round Dominique when she had her back turn. Just as she'd spun her finger around the bowl, collecting some of the batter, Domi had turned and pushed her against the wall. Despite still being in fits of giggles from where you'd been tickled to the ground, you'd managed to nab a picture, luckily for Jill, just before she'd turned an embarrassingly obvious red. Clearly, you weren't the only one who found the whole ordeal hot.

Still smiling down at your phone, the inspiration seemed to circle the pen you used to draw on your iPad. You started by drawing a bright red 'animated' sofa, then beginning to create a quick sketch of a yellow version of yourself. You're sat right in the middle, then there's a dog by your feet, a perfect creation of your own little pup. To your left, your mama and each feature that makes her special, especially her butterfly tattoo. To your right, your best friend from home, holding a coffee and doing a peace sign with her free hand. Now you were stuck. You knew what you wanted to do but the positioning you were going to find very hard. Deciding who goes where while still maintaining symmetry was turning out to be a real challenge, especially when your stupid overthinking head is considering each placement a ranking of who was your favourite. A long with the fact that the positioning of each person decided how close you were with each of them, not wanting to confuse anybody for the extent of your relationship with any of them (even though you wished you had that extent with someone). For the however manyth time that day, you huffed. You grab your iPad and unplug it, the days activities taking its toll but you force yourself to continue the work. You crawl into your bed and stick your earphones in, blocking the world and it's issues out. You begin to draw again and the initial sketches of your four girls begin to paint themselves across the screen. Seeing them all in yellow makes you smile, allowing for some imperfections and missed features - especially for your first draft.

Your so far into your own world you don't hear your door open, or footsteps lead towards your bed. It'd only when a weight falls at your feet that you look up, seeing Viv sat at the foot of the bed. You quickly pull your earphone out.

"Hey, Love. How's the work going?" You blush at the affectionate pet name despite knowing the innocent intentions. "I brought food!" She waves the chocolate bar in front of her own face, making you smile.

"I've done the first draft of my drawing. It's all in 'The Simpsons' style." You grin at the thought of the 7 yellow people drawn onto your canvas. "I would say it's going well, but it shouldn't have taken 4 hours to draw a first draft."

"Can I see it?" Viv asks, and you pat the bit of mattress next to you. She scoots up and you bring up your latest drawing while ahe cracks open the chocolate. She stifles a laugh when she gets a look at it, but you can tell it's not in judgement. She points at Kerstin first and that makes you laugh with her. "She is never living this down-" she manages between her laughs and you're both keeling over again. You fall into Viv breathlessly, your head on her lap as she tried to control the laughter. Her hand, however, was already combing through your hair gently. Eventually, the giggles turn into breathy intakes of air, her heart rate returning to normal. "You know it's quite late, right?" She says from above you, her hand never faltering on its movement. She hands you 3 squares of chocolate and you take it, quickly realising how hungry you'd got and having a bite. Then you roll to look at her and instantly admire the way the peeking moon manages to catch her eyes.

"Yeah. I'm alright - just going to have to push a bit harder tomorrow." You try to give her your most reassuring smile.

"Don't work yourself too hard. In fact, I think it's time for bed for you." Viv pulls your iPad from your hands, laying it on the bedside table, moving the chocolate with it. "Do you want me to stay with you for a bit, while you fall asleep?"

Cursing the blush on your cheeks, you grin at her and nod. She manages to haul you off her lap and onto the pillow next to her legs. She (unfortunately for you) stays sitting up and picks up a book that she'd left on the end of your bed upon entrance. Her hand returns to your hair, though, and through each twist and pull you can sense each emotion the book it providing her and you wish it always this easy to read the girl. With that, you feel your eyelids dropping, and with one last look at Viv, fall fast asleep.

When you wake, it's because of another Myle vs Kiwi battle, taking place just outside your door. By the sounds of it, nobody is going to fix it so you pull back the covers and crawl shove your feet into the slippers waiting. At the lack of a second presence, you assume Viv managed to slip away when you fell asleep - now asleep in her own room and ignoring the raucus caused by her puppy. You open the door to your bedroom, picking up the first animal you can (Kiwi) and give a pat to Myle, throwing her toy downstairs for her. You smuggle your new friend back into the warmth you'd created, checking the time on your alarm and pulling out your iPad for the extra couple of hours you have at waking early. For sustenance, you break another square of chocolate off and begin to change a couple of things you'd done in your tired state last night - making sure your depiction of Kerstin was a little kinder.

With Kiwi sat on your lap, you crack on with the drawing, allowing the sun to rise and peek through the curtains left slightly ajar in your haste to shut them. You manage to get more time drawing than you expected, only being disturbed by a sleepy looking Kerstin in skippers and pajamas. "Hey have you seen- Kiwi!" She spots the cat and runs over and launches herself towards the cat - towards you - onto your lap. She begins to mutter to the cat something incoherent, stroking her under the chin.

Then Kerstin looks up at you and smiles sheepishly, a warm blush on her cheeks. "Sorry. I couldn't find her, normally she's scratching on my door for cuddles."

"Yeah, no, that's fine." You try to get over the unfortunate positioning of the long muscular limbs of the other Dutch girl. "Her and Myle were squabbling again. Kiwi was the first I got to. I'm sorry."

You realise Kerstin is paying no attention to you when she reaches up and pokes your cheek. She starts to grin. "This lighting is rather flattering of your features, dare I say?"

Raising your eyebrows at her, you catch her finger as it goes for another prod. "Are you suggesting I don't look flattering in other lights, Casparij?" She must have given herself whiplash with the extent of her head shaking.

"No! No, I mean, every light you look stunning - you always stun me atleast. Anyway. Work? You've been working. Can I see it? Art? Yes?" Her measly attempt at a change of conversation humours you, and you bring up your iPad, putting in the pin. When you brought out the device you expected her to shuffle up next to you, instead she chooses to make herself more comfortable on your lap so you have to adjust the screen so she can see it. Since Viv's last look, you'd drawn in a patchwork bunny, a football bouncing across the floor and a pair of oven gloves with the initials DJ laying on the arm of the sofa. You considered it finish, deciding to animate this drawing for your second art piece and use the characters already created in this made up world. You tell her your plan and she nods excitedly. "Can I be playing football, then tumble, and I end up on the floor in one of those 'paint me like one of your French girls' position? And then Viv can walk in with a canvas and start to paint me like the Mona Lisa and Dominique can stick her head around the door with an.." she pauses for breath. "APPLE PIE! Yes, an apple pie in her hands then Jill walks in with lipstick on her cheek, because you know, have you seen all the rumours about a new secret girlfriend?" You ignore the pang in your chest as she continues to ramble. "And she picks up my discarded football and begins to do keepy-uppies in the background all the while you, your mum and your best friend are just sat completely still with a butterfly floating around your head because I love butterflies. They remind me of you. They're beautiful like you, I think that's where I see the resemblance anyway. And your very graceful. I love watching you play football, you dance across the pitch. Should have been a ballerina." A big inhale for breath. "Actually no I take it back because then you never would have met me or maybe you would have done because it's fate." She sings out the last word and shakes about a bit despite her compromising position on your lap.

"Do you believe in fate, Kerstin?" You ask, tilting your head to the side to avoid the sun shining into your eyes. "And- how do you have so much energy for this time in the morning?"

"I always have energy if it means conversing with you, Darling. And fate? I think we'll never know."

You'd thought you'd found some peace, when the room goes quiet - par Kiwi purring ever so often. However it's clear Kerstin gets bored easily, rolling over and reaching up to get her hands on your thighs. You look down at her to ask her what she's doing, but before the words can leave your mouth she tugs and you go down into the depths of duvet and mattress.

Eventually, you resurface, and she's waiting for you having shuffling herself up the bed (still laying down) and stealing your previous position. "There. Now I can see your eyes properly." She looks really pleased with herself and you roll your eyes, biting down a sarcastic response when she sends you a soft smile. "Any plans for today?" Kerstin asks you. "Other than working?" She cuts in before you can speak, seeing the way you open your mouth.

"Then no. I hope to sit in bed and rot while trying to find some inspiration for a however many word essay that won't write itself." You huff again. "What about you guys?"

"Viv's going for a physio appointment about her knee, Dominique's going to visit somebody or other. Jill's meant to be babysitting her niece and I am going out with Mary." She ticks them all off her fingers before looking back at you.

"So it's just me rotting today then?" She nods and you both lay there staring at one another. Then a hand reaches up and tucks a stray hair behind your ear. "You really are beautiful in this light." The hand from by the side of your head comes to your hip and pulls you towards her just a little bit. "Can I have a hug?" She's not smiling and joking anymore, her face is straight and her shoulders look sagged. You make the decision to wiggle forward - half for her, half to satisfy the urge to cuddle close you've had since she played you both down. When you start to move, her hand on your hip begins to tug you along too until your head is tucked neatly under her chin. The arm on your midsection tightens and you wrap yours around her lower back. You stay like this for just enough time for the smell of yesterday's perfume to drift around your head. Then she pulls back and you start to wonder what an earth is going on inside her head.

"..are you okay?" You ask her and she nods. Her tongue peaks out and subtly licks her lips and her eyes dash around your face, eyes, nose, blushed cheeks, freckles, forehead and mouth. They rest on your mouth. They're bright with want, sparkling as they continue to stare. Then her face falls and she pulls away entirely. Her whole body just falls from yours like it was a cliff, not a whole queen sized bed but instead of falling she's stood, still staring at you.

"I'm really sorry. I was..was going to, you know, kiss you or something like that. But.." she goes quiet and you have to just wait as she chews over her next words. "Jill. She really likes you. Told me the other day - actually she told all of us and for some reason I took that as 'hey let's make a move' and that makes me a shit person so.. I'm going to leave now. And I would like you not to tell Jill. Or anyone. Because I think Domi likes you too. Not that she'd ever say. Infact.. so does Viv. She chooses what to cook based on what your fancying and even if you say you don't tell her, you wake up every morning and as your making yourself breakfast you say what your fancying for tea under your breath and I can tell it's only meant for yourself to hear but Viv's always up at the same time and she can hear it too." Yet again, she's rambling and you can't do anything but watch as she exposes her friends secrets.

By the time you have a chance to get a word in, she's gone, Kiwi trailing behind.

There isn't much you can do now. Other than sit. Ponder. Consider. Mostly, however, you're wondering how an earth you managed to make 4 very pretty Dutch women like you. You also think about your next move, surely there's a decision you have to make.

You shake that thought of your head, that action instantly becoming easier when theres a muffled scream from room next door, something that sounded like a pillow being thrown against the wall, then a thrump as it hit the floor.

Then your door gets nudged open and a blonde woman makes an appearance, a little girl at her feet. "Hey, my little love. How's the work?" Jill says while kicking the door closed with her foot. "This is my niece, Clara, by the way." The little girl sends you a huge gummy grin, toddling over and giving you a glass of water. "I bought breakfast when I went to collect the little monster, so I thought I'd come give it to you." Jill hands you a chocolate croissant, your favourite, and then picks up the little girl currently very enthralled by the ratty little rabbit sat on your bedside table. "Is Kerstin alright?" She asks, referencing the noise from next door.

Your face flushes while you think of how to put it kindly. You can't think of anything. "I'm not sure. Probably lost a game on her phone or something." Jill gives you a funny look at your stutter but doesn't ask anything further. The girl in her arm starts wiggling so she can't consider for much longer. "Okay. Anyway. If you hear me speaking in English then it's to Clara, my brother and his wife are trying to bring her up bilingual so I thought I'd give them a hand."

"Lucky." You pout and Jill laughs.

"How's your English coming along?"

You put on your best English accent. "Excellent." Then add in Dutch. "Absolutely terrible. I need help."

The little girl had seemingly gotten board of your little bunny, and you take a mental not to apologise to it later for being disregarded. Jill notices and begins to stand up from the foot of your bed. She presses a kiss to your orehead, as she does most of the time and bids you goodbye, calling back warning you not to work too hard. You don't think you'll get too much work done at all. Especially after the strange start of the day.

A/n: Pretty long. Pretty much all waffle. Please tell me what you think of it so I can improve and any plot ideas to <33

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

can you make one with matt murdock where they're good friends but one night they're drinking and having fun and then the reader kiss him but when they making out he ends up saying someone else name and the reader leaves, later on they talk and reader apologizes for misreading their relationship and continue to be friends but theres tension in it until bradley finally admits that he likes her and he try to make up for all the time lost

~Friends Don't Treat Me Like You Do~

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Reader

Word Count: 3k

Warnings: none really, embarrassment?? Alcohol consumption, mentions of injuries (nothing major)

Genre: mostly fluff very minor angst

Summary: You've had a crush on your friend for a very long time and when you finally make your move it goes terribly wrong; And that's why friends should sleep in other beds // and friends shouldn't kiss me like you do ... // my friends won't love me like you - Friends by Ed Sheeran

A/N: I know it's a typo of some sort but it's sending me to the moon that the name Bradley is jus thrown into this ask cuz I can't even figure out what it's replacing lmaoooo anyway thank you for requesting! I hope you like it anon! :3 (also I didn't edit this plz be nice)

***

Your friendship with Matt Murdock is in some ways rather unconventional. You've been friends for many years, but these days most of your interactions consist of him stumbling over to your apartment at odd hours covered in bruises you don't ask about- not because you don't want to know but because you're pretty certain you've guessed it and you're not sure what acknowledging it would mean. So you don't ask, instead, you give him food, and tend to his wounds, and talk to him about whatever comes to mind until he inevitably falls asleep on your couch for a few hours and sneaks out early enough to go back to his place for his day job as a defense attorney with his two friends. Both of whom you'd consider friends- although not nearly as close as you are with Matt.

Tonight Matt's invited you over to his place. Apparently, he's been feeling a bit guilty that most of the time you've spent together in recent days has been just him coming over in the middle of the night. As if you'd ever actually be annoyed with taking care of your friend. Your friend you feel for more than he can ever know. Still, he insisted you come over for dinner so you did, he ordered your favorite from a takeout place near his place and now you're eating and drinking wine you brought along with you. Well, you're drinking wine, Matt's been helping himself to the beers filling his fridge.

"Whenever you come over I do all that talking Matty so today you can do the talking this time. Tell me what you've been getting up to lately." You tell him once you've covered asking each other how your day was.

"I don't do anything interesting y/n- I go to work, spend all day reading or writing lengthy opening statements or discussing things with Foggy and our clients until ungodly hours according to Karen. Sometimes they drag me out to Josie's but- there's really nothing I 'get up to' and you know that."

"Why do you do that?" You frown.

"What?"

"Make yourself seem so dull when you're not."

"Excuse me?"

"I've known you for a long time Matt and I can't think of single period of our lives where you had nothing interesting going on and yet you always talk about yourself as if you're the color beige personified. It's like you're worried that if people think you're too interesting they'll," you trail for a moment "find out something."

"What does that mean?"

"Nothing in particular. You're just way more interesting than you want people to think. For some reason."

"And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"You're not exactly an open book either."

"You got something to ask me about Matty?"

"No." He shakes his head. You stare at him for a long moment.

"We should play a game!" You announce.

"I don't really- have games?" Matt says.

"There are tons of games that don't require having anything Matt we just have to pick one."

"Like what?"

"We can play 20 questions- the right way, last letter first letter, I'm not a fan of Ghost but we can do that too, or word replacement- to name a few."

"I'm- not familiar with those besides 20 questions?"

"Well, last letter first letter you pick a category and we name items except the last letter of one item has to be the first letter of the next one so like if we're naming office supplies and I say stapler you'd say something like ruler. And Ghost is a spelling game, kinda like hot potato meets Horse the basketball game- so like you take turns spelling a word and you don't wanna be the one who finishes the word- if you do then you get a letter from the word ghost- first person to finish ghost loses. And then word replacement is just a silly game where you pick a movie or show title and change one of the words to the silliest thing you can think of." You explain quickly.

"Let's do the title one. Requires the least amount of thinking and I don't have to compete with you." He says.

"Then I'll start. Fast and Constipated." You giggle.

"Fast and Constipated!?" Matt's laugh is incredulous.

"Yeah, fast and furious but not so fun."

"Okay um- John Tucker Must... Juggle."

"That's way less fun than him dying." You laugh.

"True."

"What a Chupacabra wants."

"Goats- obviously."

"Shut up." You giggle.

"Now you- resent me 2."

"Oh that's- why would you say that?" You chuckle.

"I dunno I'm too drunk to think of movies." He mutters.

"All I've got are rom-coms in my head and those titles are not nearly as fun to fuck with. Two weeks- paleontologist?" 

"Paleontologist!? What movie was that even supposed to be?"

"Two weeks notice. Duh."

"I don't think I know that one." He frowns.

"It's about a woman who ends up working as the PA for some rich businessman when she tries to protest something he's trying to build- I forget the details but he turns out to be a giant useless manchild and when he disrupts her personal life for something frivolous she tries to quit but somehow they fall in love or whatever. It's been a while since I've watched it honestly." You shrug.

"Rom-coms are such a curious collection of movies."

"True but that one is pretty average compared to some others I've seen."

"Do you watch a lot of them?"

"I like to laugh at them mostly." You say. "You know what's a weird one? The Notebook."

"Is that not like- a classic?"

"I mean yeah but like the guy gets the girl to go on a date with him by dangling off of a moving ferris wheel."

"And that works?"

"Somehow! I mean I guess she didn't wanna feel responsible for him dropping himself off the wheel in front of an audience but I dunno it seems like he was just looking for reasons to die in that movie." You explain. "Although I never finished that movie maybe he does die. Except then it wouldn't be a rom-com I guess. It would be more tragedy, like in the Shakespearean sense."

"You are always somewhere else." Matt laughs.

"Not always! Oh! I brought that CD you wanted to borrow. We should play it." You sit up suddenly and grab your backpack.

"Are you sure all you've had is that bottle of wine?" Matt asks sitting up slowly from where he's laying on the floor.

"Where's your player?" You ignore his question.

"Should be in the bookcase." He waves absentmindedly.

"Do you want another beer while I'm up?" You ask walking over to the radio to pop the CD.

"Nah. I'm good thanks." He says. Music fills the apartment, and you can't help but sing along to the upbeat tune from Matt's CD player. You dance, well mostly spin, around the apartment giggling as you go.

"Are you dancing?" Matt turns towards you with a smile on his face although you're not looking at him.

"Of course I am- I love this song. Do you wanna dance with me?" You ask walking towards him, still dancing but less now so you can get where you're going.

"No no- I'll leave the dancing to you." Matt says before you make it all the way over to where he's sitting on the floor.

"Suit yourself." You shrug but when you attempt to change directions you trip on your backpack still on the floor and go tumbling towards the ground. Matt moves quicker than you'd expect for a blind guy off several beers but his arms shoot out and yank you towards him before your head hits the hardwood.

"Careful y/n." He says softly as he settles you into his lap.

"Do I need to be if you're here?" You joke smiling at him as you toss your arms over his shoulders.

"Y/n-" Matt's tone is warning in a way only he could get away with using on you.

"Relax Matty, I know to look after myself." You say quietly. Matt frowns slightly as if he's going to protest, but you don't let him get the words out. Alcohol coursing through your system, you seize the opportunity of his closeness and kiss him before you can talk yourself out of it. Matt lets out a noise of surprise, he heard your heart rate spike sure but he couldn't have guessed this was why. His lips move against yours for a second before something catches his attention and he's gasping out a name. Except, it's not your name.

"Karen." He breathes and it reaches your ears like a bucket of ice water dumped on your head. You jerk back suddenly.

"Oh my god-" You say scrambling out of his lap. "I- I am so sorry. I'm gonna go." You grab your bag and b-line it for the exit before Matt can even get to his feet.

"H-hang on a second y/n I-"

"I'll- I'll see you around Matt." You force yourself to say before leaving his apartment. You feel sharper than the amount of wine you've had should allow as you walk the few blocks to your place. Only once you're back in the safety of your own home do you let yourself wallow over how absolutely embarrassing that was. You might have just ruined one of the most important relationships in your life only for him to call out for another girl. You stumble into the shower in hopes of washing away some of the embarrassment you feel, or at the very least distracting yourself enough that you can shelf it and get some sleep. You spend hours tossing and replaying the moment excruciatingly but eventually, exhausting wins out and you do fall asleep. The next couple of days you pretty much ignore Matt's calls and texts. You really bury yourself in work to avoid dwelling on that awful night but you know you can't dodge him forever. Evidently, two days is as much as Matt's willing to give you to do so because on day 3 of avoidance he comes knocking at your door late at night as he sometimes does.

"Look- I know you've been avoiding me and all but-"

"Whatever you're gonna say Matt no need. I'm sorry I overstepped, I- I totally misread things the other night but hey- alcohol will do that sometimes. I'm sorry. We're good though. I'm good. I just needed a minute to lick my wounds of embarrassment. Everything's fine. Come on let's see the damage tonight hm?" You lead him into your apartment ignoring the confused look on his face. You let yourself settle back into your routine with him, patching him up, giving him food, getting him up to speed on the last couple of days of your life, telling stories, and just talking until he falls asleep on your couch. You're determined to shake this stupid crush of yours off and go back to the way things have always been between you. And if you're gonna shake this crush step one is putting yourself out there. Which you do, and for the next few weeks you find yourself on dates almost every night. Tonight's date is going surprisingly well all things considered. He'd planned to take you somewhere that ended up being closed after a freak accident the other day that he didn't know about. It was around the corner from Josie's so you brought him here instead and the conversation has been well worth it- even in a place like this. The one downside is that it's Friday and Foggy and Karen usually drag Matt here for drinks on Friday. You had hoped they'd skip out on that tonight but you of course could only be so lucky. When the bell over the door rings and you turn to see Karen leading Matt into the bar with Foggy behind them you almost want to groan. Dating has been nice but seeing Karen and Matt so close is like picking a scab. You turn back to your date with a smile, intent on ignoring the trio, except of course it couldn't be that simple.

"Oh my gosh! Y/n! Hey!" Karen beams at you.

"Karen! Hi! Foggy, Matt, good to see you all." You smile.

"You didn't tell us you'd be here tonight." She says.

"Well I didn't plan on it otherwise of course I'd have let you know." You tell her. "James this is Karen and that's Foggy and Matt. They're friends of mine. They all work together we've- kind of crashed their spot tonight." You tell your date.

"Oh! Well, any friend of yours is a friend of mine. Nice to meet y'all." James shakes each of their hands. "Did you guys- wanna join us? Since it's pretty crowded in here you might not find another table."

"That's so nice of you James!" Karen says. Very nice indeed.

"I'll track down some chairs." Foggy says. You shift your seat closer to James to make room at the table since apparently they'll be joining you. You try not to pay too much attention to Matt's silence as everyone settles around the table.

"So y/n, you told James how we know you but you didn't mention how you know James. Are you guys work colleagues or something?"

"We have a mutual friend that set us up." James offers.

"Oh my gosh! We're crashing a date?! Why didn't you say so?" Karen shakes her head.

"No no no don't even worry about it, we've been here a couple of hours already. I invited you to sit with us so the night could go on." He says.

"Asking me, also would have worked." You smile.

"You guys are just the cutest." Karen sighs.

"I'm guessing this is a first date since- y/n's never mentioned you before." Matt says.

"It is. Not that I have to tell you about every guy I see." You say.

"You tell me everything." He scoffs.

"That's not true and even if it were that doesn't change the fact that I don't have to."

"So you keep things from me?"

"Am I missing something?" James chuckles.

"Matt and y/n have been friends since they were teenagers. They fight like they're siblings sometimes." Foggy explains.

"Sorry about that James. Matt's just-"

"Like a brother- I get it. I have siblings so I definitely know what it's like." He nods.

"Exactly." You smile.

"Like a brother." Matt quirks an eyebrow at you.

"As good a way as any to describe us." You nod. Matt hums and raises his glass to his lips without another word. The five of you sit and talk over drinks for another hour before you're ready to leave and James is happy to walk you out.

"I had a lot of fun tonight." He tells you.

"Even with the date crashers?" You ask with a goofy grimace.

"Heck yeah! Your friends are great." He laughs. "Next time I'll have my friends crash us. How about that?"

"Next time?"

"If you're willing. I'd really like to see you again."

"I- I'd like that." You nod.

"Cool. I'll- start coming up with second date ideas."

"Hopefully this time the place you pick doesn't impromptu have an incident." You laugh.

"I will quadruple check." He tells you. When you reach your block, but not your building, you stop and turn to him.

"Sounds good. I'll see you around James." You smile. He leans forward and kisses your cheek softly.

"Goodnight y/n." He says and walks away. You make it up to your apartment, kick off your shoes, and take a long shower. You enjoyed talking to James and you actually are interested in seeing him again for sure. Soon you're showered and pajamaed and pretty much ready for bed but before you can flop into it there's a knock at your door. Who could be knocking on your door right now? A quick check shows you it's Matt standing in your hallway.

"Matthew?" You open the door with a frown.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Well- right now I'm wondering what you're doing in my apartment."

"Like a brother to you?! Seriously? Last time I checked most people don't make out with their brothers."

"Depends on where you are I suppose." You shrug. "But regardless Matt that was a mistake we both know that." You shake your head.

"A mistake? Is that how you feel about it?"

"How I- I'm sorry did you forget calling out Karen's name while I was kissing you?! Cuz I've been trying to so if you've got tips to share on how that'd be great."

"Goddammit y/n." He sighs dropping his head.

"Matt you really should go. I know you worry or whatever but- James is, nice and it's late I'd like to go to bed."

"Screw James." Matt scoffs.

"Um- it was only our first date- you're skipping a few steps."

"That is not what I- it's like you do this on purpose."

"What are you doing here Matt?" You sigh. 

"I don't like you dating him. I don't like you dating anyone for that matter. How could you kiss me like that and just... move on like nothing?"

"I dunno it's pretty easy when you call me the wrong name." You say.

"That was not what you think."

"I'm sure."

"It wasn't y/n. I'm serious. I could-" Matt stops and lets out a breath. "I'm Daredevil." He says.

"I know." You nod.

"What? You know?"

"You come in here at the witching hour every few days covered in bruises Matt how many explanations could there possibly be for that?" You roll your eyes.

"You never asked."

"I figured you'd tell me when you were ready." You shrug. "Why tell me now?"

"Since I can't see- my other senses make up for the loss. They're like- very developed. I heard Karen scream somewhere in Hell's Kitchen, she sounded like she was in trouble that's- that's why I called out her name. I thought maybe one of Daredevil's many enemies managed to connect her to me. It wouldn't be the first time, I'm always listening for her and Foggy these days and I just-"

"Well was she in danger?" You ask.

"Nightmare." He mutters. "But by the time I pieced that together you were gone."

"Of course I was. Having a man say someone else's name when you kiss him is not something that encourages-" Matt cuts off your snarky remark by cupping your face in his hands and kissing you. You react quickly, kissing him back, your hands wrapping around his wrists. By the time you pull away from him, you're breathing heavily.

"I'm in love with you. I have been for as long as I can remember. I'm sorry I wasn't clear about it." He says.

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"Well in my defense I've spent the last few weeks trying to get over you-" Matt kisses you again, hard, possessive, fiery.

"Don't." He says.

"Obviously." You grab the collar of his shirt and kiss him again. You spent years thinking you'd never get to kiss him, now that you know the truth you fully intend to take advantage and Matt has years of pining he wants to make up for.

***

[xsweetcatastrophe]

You Broke Me First

Part 25

"What time will you be home? I want to show you this house I made an offer on today," Cillian said into the phone as he drove down the street. "Then we can pick up dinner on the way back? Wanna try that sushi place that opened up a couple blocks away?"

Zoe smiled. "Look at you getting the lay of the land and knowing new neighborhood restaurants opening up," She teased.

"I like food." Cillian said simply. "Anyways, what time?"

"I'll be done at 4"

"Soooo I'll see you at 4:05?"

"Cillian," Zoe said, laughing. "with traffic, maybe 4:30."

Cillian pouted, and Zoe could swear she could hear it through the phone, if possible.

"Fine. I'll see you then."

"Don't be a pouty baby," Zoe said.

"I'm not... I just miss you," Cillian replied.

"Cill, you saw me 3 hours ago," Zoe giggled.

"So?"

This was unchartered territory for Zoe. She was never on the receiving end of this type of infatuation. She was usually the one to give it, and it never ended well for her.

She had mixed feelings about how the meeting with Heather went. She loved how Cillian stood up for her and didn't take no for an answer. She was almost turned on by the way he took control of the situation, and they laughed about it on the way home making bedroom jokes the entire way.

As annoying as it was, something still felt off about the meeting. Cillian swore everything was fine, and they were going to be together and everything was going to be just like how it was. But something was eating away at Zoe, was it intuition? conscience? but something felt off with the way Heather carried herself in the meeting.

Maybe she was just paranoid.

"Hey, do you have the outlines done for next week?" Mia said, walking into Zoe's office.

"Uh.. what?" Zoe said, quickly hanging up the phone. She'll text Cillian apologizing later.

"The outlines. They were due on Friday but we got an extension."

"Oh. Uh, shit. I didn't finish them, I can have them by the end of the day today," Zoe said, only being half sure of what she was talking about. Outlines sounded familiar, but she couldn't remember exactly.

Mia sighed and bit her lip. "Donna's gonna flip. Can you have them by the end of the day for real? I personally don't care, but I'm the one who has to break the bad news to Donna and she wasn't happy when I asked for the extension last week for you, and I don't feel like getting the brunt end of that again."

Zoe smiled. "They'll be in her inbox by 4. I promise. Sorry Mia, next time I won't put you in that position."

"Thanks Z," Mia said, turning around to walk out the door. "Let me know if you need help with anything."

Mia closed her door and Zoe sighed as she slumped against her chair. She couldn't remember anything about outlines.... maybe there was a conversation last week that she missed?

She took out her phone and there was already a text from Cillian.

Cill: :(

Zoe rolled her eyes.

Zoe: Sorry, boss walked in. Let me get some work done so I can be home sooner. I'll text you when I'm on my way home.

Cill: See you later, Bunny.

"Keep your eyes closed!" Cillian said, finally pulling the car to a stop.

Zoe had rushed through an outline that turns out she never started to begin with and submitted it by 3pm. She tied up some loose ends at work and left promptly at 4. She pulled up to Cillian waiting outside, meeting her at her car door and practically pulling her out of it to give her a kiss and pull her into his car.

"They've been shut!! I'm thinking about what my neighbors might think if they saw you drag me out of my car and shove me into your car, they probably think I got kidnapped" Zoe laughed.

There was a moment of silence, then "Ok yea maybe that was a little aggressive," Cillian said, coming to the realization of how it might have looked to someone just casually walking down the street and witnessing it.

They both burst out laughing and Cillian reaches over and squeezes Zoe's thigh, leaving it there for the remainder of the drive.

"Ok, we're here. Wait here I'll help you," Cillian said, pulling the car over and putting it in park. he shut it off and hopped out and ran to the passenger side, opening the door and helping Zoe out.

"Can I open my eyes yet?" She said, getting anxious.

"One second, one second," He said, standing behind her and putting his hands over eyes. "Just take a couple steps more... okay. perfect. Ready?"

"Ready for what??"

Cillian removed his hands Zoe opened her eyes. She waiting for her eyes to adjust as she squinted to what stood in front of her. A huge house, with hydrangeas along the front of the pristine white brick of the exterior. Large trees stood tall on the sprawling lush green lawn, which made the red brick walk to the front door stand out. Black double doors with gold hardware shined in the evening sun, matching the black shutters that surrounded the exterior windows.

"Wow," Zoe said, looking around. There was a good distance between the neighboring houses, with trees lining the street along with old fashioned gas lamps as street lights.

"I... feel very broke," Zoe said, still looking around in childlike awe.

"You? Ha, i'm the one who just wrote the check for the deposit," Cillian said, smiling.

Zoe spun around and stared him down. "Is this... Cil, is this yours?"

Cillian smiled. "Made an offer on a couple today, this was the last one. I fell in love, offered more than asking, they accepted right away, I wrote the check and immediately called you," he said.

"Oh my god!" Zoe exclaimed, running into his arms, throwing hers around his neck. He caught her, picked her up and spun her around.

"I couldn't wait to tell you, do you see why I was bugging you all day?!" He said laughing, pressing his lips to hers. He put her down, lips still on hers, holding her as close to her as possible. "Let me show you inside," He whispered against her.

He took her hand and guided her through the front door, which opened to a big lobby with a sprawling stair case. Everything was open concept, fresh and clean. The sellers kept it in pristine condition so it was move-in ready.

"I want to show you my favorite part," He said, guiding her past the staircase into the gourmet kitchen.

"Wow," Zoe exclaimed, her voice echoing and bouncing off the walls. Half of my apartment can fit in this kitchen." She said, looking around and running her hand along the white marble countertop.

"This place is very... clean. I feel weird being in here. I'm too dirty," Zoe joked.

"Yea you are," Cillian said, wiggling his eyebrows. Zoe rolled her eyes and Cillian walked to her and hugged her from behind. "I saw this kitchen and I thought about being in here, cooking and dancing around with you," He said, half mumbling into her neck. "I see me and you in every room here. And maybeeee......" He drew out, kissing her neck and squeezing her tighter, "When your lease is up... you can NOT renew and, maybe, move in here... with me."

Zoe's eyes went wide; she spun around in his arms and looked at him.

"What?? Seriously?!" She said, half excited and half in shock.

Cillian nodded. "Only if you want to. I just... I want to be close to you," He said, resting his forehead against hers. Zoe sighed and rested her hands against his chest. "We're crazy," She said, shaking her head.

"No, we're not," He replied, placing his hands over hers on his chest.

"Cill, we contractually dated for 3 months and you're asking me to move in!" She laughed.

"I don't care. I don't care about any of that. I want you. I want to be with you. You make everything better, you make me better," He said, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips and kissing her knuckles. "And, Scout is gonna miss you. He told me," He added.

Zoe laughed. "Well... Tell Scout that I'm month-to-month"

Cillian raised an eyebrow. "Scout doesn't know what that means."

Zoe rolled her eyes. "I'm not in a year long lease. If I want to leave I just have to give a month or two notice."

Cillian's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Zoe sighed. Internally, she was screaming. This was a HUGE step, for a relationship that was only 3 months old. Moving in and giving up her safe space, the one place she can call hers, made her feel nervous. But she never felt like this before. She felt so happy. She was so incredibly infatuated with Cillian. She'd do anything to chase this high.

And yet, there was still a pesky alarm still going off in the back of her head.

Just ignore it. Right?

tags: @lau219 @borntodiemp3 @shopgirl6us @cillianmurphyvevo

[aphrodite1288]

Admins keep changing here 😶. The previous admin wrote that they have no connections and sources when it comes to KaDi and updated stuff with old news. What is the current situation? Do you have reliable sources and contacts again?

That means you're from the old group, because this is something that was said only in the old group. And this is actually sad that no matter what you've been given there form info and stories Admins genuinely shared you're still never grateful. And that is the reason why they left but mainly because they're busy because they have a life unlike you.

They said it's hard to get info about Kadi because of Ji's enlistment but mainly because Exol whom are closer to Exo are kinda tired it's been 12 years they've been working hard to follow and get infot about Exo and kadi, honey longtime ago they hit the truth they've been looking for and they're no longer that excited because they see Kadi all the time and it became something normal, let alone many don't even like them being together and don't want to share anything about them when they go out on dates or meals or get seen traveling together, to protect their individual image and the Group's image and not ruin the Exo career. They're not as excited to see Kadi as you because they've been seeing them for 12 years it became Normal.

And let me tell you what they call you and us guys here, they call you "Commoners aka the international annoying fans who think they know their idols on a close personal level, they be laughing at you for babying your idols and making them this pitcher perfect image that they're saints who never sinned or smoked or fucked or hooked up, I used to hate it when they called us " annoying newbies who think they know their idols" but now I know why. They laugh at you and say " These mfs are so annoying they believe they can argue with us and that they know shit about their faves but most of them if they ever get to know what their faves are doing and that they're not virgins on that perfect pedestal they've put them on, I bet they'll turn their backs on them asap." They always said " Never give them anything! They don't deserve to know anything about Exo, they're always gonna find something to criticize and bark about"

I use to feel sad when I see or hear them saying this, but now I know why. You an never be grateful.

Our sources did warn us to not share anything because no matter what the Kadiists will never feel grateful and they told us something really deep " Humans are greedy creatures, they'll always ask for more, never satisfied with what you give them, and at a certain point they'll bite the giving hand that feed them and say that the food's gone bad and boring".

And because of what old admins shared here to you and the backlash they got in return from haters and from Confused Kaisooists who really want to believe but don't want to, they got warned by their sources because their insiders saw what you all were saying, and they told then " we told you leave them hungry they'll never be grateful" and this is why they moved to a private group, which was also closed because of the same reason: ungrateful Patricias.

I don't know how it is hard for you guys to just take what you've been given or Leave it and leave!? Really is it that hard?

If you don't believe, leave 🫴🏻

[oatmealdaydreams]

Ferns & Flowers

Guess who finally rewrote and revived a lost fic? Very excited to post this because it got yeeted into the Aether by Tumblr, but I revived it. Hurt/Comfort because I am weak. Enjoy!

This is also made for this year's @intrualityweek (2023)! Day 5, Gifts. The alternate used to combine with it is Flowers. I only wrote for one of the days because I have too many other projects to finish and get out.

Part 2 coming soon.

(a lil present for @rataticaisdreaming)

Pairing: platonic Intruality, gen

Trigger/Content Warning: intrusive thoughts, gory commentary, sexual humour, past domestic violence (mentioned), gun

Description: A florist and a botanist work in similar fields of study, yet they've never became acquainted. Who knew one little trade-off would begin such a strange friendship?

[Masterlist] | ao3 link | Next

[Read under the cut]

Remus never once thought he'd be so interested in plants, not until he learned about the poisonous ones and took up a career in Botany.

As a botanist, and as Remus, he'd named his own little shop after one of his favourite hyperfixations. Dahmer's Plant Hoard definitely attracts a variety of people, but who would Remus be to judge? Some come for the poisonous plants to study. Some come for the non-lethal ones to add to a gift for someone. There are even the times when Botany students will come in and ask to study a plant for a paper.

Supply usually outweighs demand in his field, but there's always outliers. A few of the more popular plants need to be restocked every now and then. Luckily, his shop is across the street from a florist, who seems to have every flower imaginable. He hadn't met them yet, though they work in similar fields. It's about time, anyway. Remus needs more moonflowers for an order due in a few weeks, and the florist would be the perfect person to buy them from.

This florist owns their own shop, and they tend to have lower prices than most places do. That, and customers always talk about how kind and generous they are. At least, from what Remus has heard.

Remus closes up his shop. It's been a slow and boring day, and perhaps meeting this florist will give him some excitement. He goes through a last-minute mental list. All his plants are watered, his cash register is secured, and the spare gloves are put away in their respective space. Everything is locked up as he leaves his plant business, wondering how the florist will be. Maybe they'll be as eccentric as he is! Or they could be a murderer in disguise. That'd be funny. As long as they aren't boring.

Crossing the street, he swears he can almost hear a dolphin whistling in the distance. He dismisses it as the wind.

But there's hardly a breeze blowing by.

~~~

The flower shop is called Pawprint Florals, written in a pretty blue font on the sign.

Remus can see the pastel colours from outside through the display windows. Blue, green, and some other colours decorate the walls. There's puppies and baskets of all kinds of flowers painted neatly, giving the inside quite a kiddish look. It's bright and vibrant, almost to an annoying point. Still tolerable, though. I mean, Remus isn't one to shy away from obnoxious colours and things. He literally dyed his hair radioactive green during his entire high school career; he couldn't care less about 'annoying'. 

Walking in, a small bell chimes. A donation box sits on the counter, where the florist messes with a bouquet of ferns and forget-me-nots. The donation box is decorated with pawprints and tiny penciled hearts. It says something about a local animal shelter needing funds for maintenance and food upkeep. It smells like an assortment of flowers, Remus notes as he spots a glass door behind the counter. It reads 'employees only'. Probably leads to the greenhouse. Where else would you get all those flowers and flora? Shipments take forever, ya know. Better to grow and store what you've got. 

As soon as Remus comes up to the counter, the florist abandons the bouquet and sets it down somewhere safe behind the counter. They flash a cheerful smile, pushing up their round-framed glasses on their nose.

"Hi, and welcome to Pawprint Florals! How may I help you today, kiddo?" they say just as cheerfully as their smile.

Remus blinks for a second at how utterly joyful this person is. Of course, before he leans against the counter in his chaotic glory and flashes a toothy smirk.

"Did ya know if you made moonflowers into tea, it would kill anyone who drank it?" is Remus' response.

The florist pauses, a little hesitant with that kind of information, but keeps their smile on their face.

"Are... are you looking for moonflowers?" they ask.

Remus hums, nodding his head.

"Oh! Well, I may have a few in the back," the florist pulls out a pen and a notepad. "Who are they for? I can make you a note for them."

They look down briefly to scribble something- probably about the moonflowers- before looking back up and changing their smile to a softer kind one. It's less than their previous smile, but it captivates Remus nonetheless. This florist is very pretty. And cute, considering their outfit.

They wear light blue overalls with a white-greyish undershirt. There's a floral-themed sticker nametag right above where their heart is, the name Patton written in a fun font. The florist- Patton, Remus' brain corrects him- has freckles all over their face and what he can see of their arms. Sandy-blonde curls. Dirt smudged on one cheek. Their nametag has the italicized pronouns they/them right under their name. 

They are so adorable.

Remus must've been staring at this human version of a golden retriever because Patton makes a concerned head tilt at him.

"Are you okay, kiddo?"

They frown slightly, and Remus wishes the smile would come back.

"Absolutely! As okay as maggots eating a cadaver."

Remus' grin convinces Patton of the truth, though they cringe at the mental image of a bug-infested corpse.

"Uh, alright then... for your order, who do you want it dedicated to?"

"No one! I need it for my shop 'cross the street."

"Oh, you're the botanist! I've been meaning to run into you. This is perfect, actually."

Remus watches as Patton waves him to come behind the counter, following them over to the greenhouse's door. They unlock it, shoving the key into a hidden pocket on the inside of their overalls. The duo heads into the greenhouse.

There are shelves upon shelves of potted flora, ranging from common roses to even a few rare Chocolate Cosmoses. Fairylights hang across the ceiling, glowing with blue and green and white. They illuminate the entire greenhouse in pretty mood lighting. There's a hose near the back surrounded by a couple of watering cans. A brown door, labelled 'storage', sits at the end of the elongated space of nothing but flowers and occasional succulents.

"I don't have a lot of moonflowers right now, sorry about that. I do have a shipment from a friend coming in soon, though. Uh, but that could take about a week or two," Patton explains as they lead Remus towards the back.

Remus is only half-listening, however, gawking at the flowers and how many of them are poisonous.

They could kill me swiftly and horribly, omg.

This florist is starting to grow on him, quite a lot.

"Aside from that, I was hoping you could help me? There's a flower here... not that one. Um, somewhere in here that I'm a little stumped on."

Remus perks up at the sound of a challenge.

"What kinda flower are we talking? Poisonous? Toxic? So lethal ya can't even touch it?"

Patton just nods.

They end up in front of a singular potted flower, a couple pairs of gloves sit nearby the pot. Patton hands a pair to Remus before taking a pair themself, though Remus half considers tossing the gloves away. There've been plenty of times where he hadn't used gloves when he should've and still lived. A few times his friend had to call poison control and banned him from handling certain plants for a few months. But eh, he always survives.

But when he goes to just throw the gloves in a random direction, Patton gives him the most paternally safety-first look he's seen in a long while. He decides to just put on the gloves for now. He can f*ck with toxic plants later.

"Safety always, kiddo," they start, tugging on their gloves and gesturing to the flower. "This little guy keeps wilting and I don't know why."

Patton frowns. Remus takes a glance at it.

"That's because ya gotta keep 'em outta the Sun, duh," Remus playfully rolls his eyes at the florist.

"Oh."

Remus snorts at Patton, causing them to smile and chuckle at themself.

"Good to know, thanks."

"Eh. Now, moonflowers?"

"Oh, right. Like I said, not a lot- keep the gloves on, please."

Patton gives him another pointed look, and Remus scoffs but listens. They head a little further towards the back to the moonflowers. True to Patton's word, there isn't a lot. Just a few, looking lonely in their pot. 

Damn, they weren't kidding.

Eat the flowers.

Maybe later.

"Like I said, I'm getting a shipment of them in about two weeks. Sorry it's not sooner," Patton says. 

Remus hums. The moonflowers that are there, though few, are well taken care of. They reach for the sunlight flowing like a waterfall into the greenhouse. Their blossoms are full and vibrant. Patton is definitely a good florist, keeping these flowers healthy. 

"Welp, I got an order I need some for... but I'd need more. You said f*ckin', uh, two weeks? Right?" Remus asks. 

Patton gives him a frown at the cussing, but they nod anyway. 

"My order's in three weeks, so maybe... a trade?"

Patton considers it for a moment, admittedly not expecting to be offered a trade. 

"I don't think I have anything I'd need, though. I don't mind just giving you some of the flowers."

Remus raises an eyebrow but says nothing. They're pretty and kind and selfless? Not wanting or needing anything in return? He highly doubts that. No one is completely selfless. True Altruism is absolute bullsh*t.

"Oh, cum on. Nothing? Nothing at all? Not any more help with some toxic plants?" 

Patton hesitates. 

"Well... it feels weird to ask for something in return."

"Butt?"

Remus snickers to himself at his own joke. The florist doesn't even catch it, fidgeting with their gloves for a second. They sigh, stilling their hands. 

"I do need some help with a few other no-no flowers..."

"Then it's a deal! Give me some of your moonflowers in a couple weeks, and I'll help ya with your lethal poisons," Remus offers his hand to shake as he speaks delightfully. 

"Okay..."

Patton extends their hand and shake Remus'. They offer a smile, and Remus returns it with a cheeky smirk. 

"Neat! Now, how do ya think moonflowers taste?"

"...what?"

~~~

It's been about a week since their initial deal was made, and some sort of chaos-filled routine comes to be. 

Remus visits Patton and their greenhouse every evening, making obscene and mildly sexual jokes that the florist doesn't always catch. He tells them unsettling facts or just asks these off-hand questions that are completely unrelated to the duo's current discussion. It throws Patton off, which Remus finds all the funnier. As the week progresses, they slowly become mildly used to it.

They talk about many things during their visits. As Remus helps Patton with their poisons, the florist will start a random topic and they two go from there. It always goes in nonsensical directions. One minute they talk about some weird movie they've both seen, and suddenly it turns into epic tales of their youths or how they're coping with the Horrors™ (aka: life situations). They grow closer rather quickly, both liking this little agreement they've made.

Now it's a week since the deal, and Remus visits again in the evening. He welcomes himself in the closed shop, having a spare key Patton had lent him for the time being. He goes behind the counter, into the greenhouse. The fairylights are on as they always are. Only one problem.

Patton isn't there.

They're always there before he is, considering they own the shop. So them not being there, or even being first, is... well, a first.

Few things unsettle Remus. This is one of them. 

Where could they be? 

Dead in a fire? Buried under the ground? Imagine if they were crying out for help, no one there to hear them scream.

Remus winces at his thoughts, but he doesn't entertain them. The florist is probably just late, for whatever f*cking reason, and they'll be there soon. Yeah, they're fine. Definitely fine. 

A door opening and the bell chiming at someone's arrival startles the botanist out of his head. He tenses, freezing in his spot. Remus doesn't think he heard key, which means it can't be Patton. Who else could it be? An intruder?

A murderer, come to take you like they took Patton?

He grabs the closest object, a trowel, as he ignores his thoughts. Raising it to attack (if need be), Remus creeps out from the greenhouse and back into the storefront. He crouches behind the counter as he hears footsteps growing louder. His heart beats against his chest, his legs burning with anticipation of might-get-killed. As soon as the intruder is close enough to the counter, Remus pops up and aims the trowel at the mystery murderer. Said mystery murderer yelps in surprise, and Remus hears the pistol get cocked before he sees it. He immediately raises his arms up, not wanting to get shot. He processes who it actually is as they sigh in relief. 

"Oh god, I'm so sorry! Are you okay, Remus?"

It's Patton. With a gun. Patton has a f*cking pistol. 

Jesus, just when I thought I figured this motherf*cker out. 

Patton stares at him with very guilty and concerned eyes, uncocking their decorated pistol and taking the magazine out. They flip the safety on, pocketing the gun and the magazine in separate places under their trench coat. Remus lowers his arms and sets the trowel on the counter, exhaling from all the adrenaline. 

"...Remus?"

Remus looks at Patton, the pretty and lethal florist he hopes to never piss off, and cackles lightly at the situation. 

"I'm great! Most fun I've had in while," he grins. 

Patton's shoulders ease, and they exhale their own breath from the tense moment that just happened. 

"Good, good..." 

As Patton trails off, Remus takes a better look at them. Their trench coat is dotted with rain (their glasses the same), they have tired eyebags under beautiful eyes, and their face... their face holds tear streaks hidden amongst freckles. Actually, their eyes do look a little red and... oh. Oh, they've been crying. They're upset. 

"Pat-Pat, what's up?"

"What?"

"Who do I need to maim? Ya look like rainclouds."

"Oh."

Patton sighs deeply, sounding older for a moment. They hesitate, shifting their feet. Looking away from the botanist, they join him behind the counter. 

"I'll explain while we sort out some flowers," their voice sounds small and soft, and god.

It hurts to hear them like that. It hurts Remus' chest, and he wants to shove whoever hurt them into a woodchipper. 

He follows his friend into the greenhouse, the pretty fairylights making them look sadder instead of cheering them up. Usually, such colourful lighting brings a smile to their face. Tonight is different. 

Patton tugs on gloves absentmindedly, and so does Remus. He doesn't want to worry them right now. They both head towards the middle section of the long hallway of flora, stopping in front of a pot of many buds. Remus vaguely recognizes the type of flower, but he's mostly focused on the florist. 

"Um... so, I'm not sure what these ones do. I'm also not sure why they're taking so long to- to bloom," they speak softly still. 

Remus nods along, keeping an eye on his fellow plant enthusiast. They sigh again, putting their hands on the shelf by the pot and lean against it. They hang their head. 

"I don't know how to talk about this."

They're not referring to the poisonous flora in front of them. 

"Well, no one's forcing you if it's too much," Remus offers a chance to back out, to try distractions instead of conversation. 

"I know, kiddo. Thank you," Patton offers a sad smile as they turn their head to look up at him. "I just... I like to think there's a good side to everyone."

Remus stays there by their side, a steady presence. 

"Some people get mistreated and get angry at how they've been treated. It's not their fault that someone hurt them. And- and some people are wary because they're not sure who is genuine. Some people are good outright, some aren't. I don't want to judge what I don't know."

A fond gaze appears in Patton's eyes.

"Some people are unsettling or weird, but they remain just as good as everyone else."

Remus' heart feels warm. 

Patton turns to stare at the toxic flower, their gaze hardening.

"Some people prove me wrong. Not everyone is good, not really. My friend always says there's always outliers to every data collection, and he's right more times than I can count."

Remus raises a worried eyebrow, starting to catch on. 

"So, an outlier...?" he prompts.

Patton nods, glaring now at the damn plant in front of them. 

"My mom raised me and my siblings on her own, even though she was married. I'm the oldest, so I always helped her with the littles. She's the strongest person I know, and I love her more than anything." 

They grip the shelf.

"And he never stopped hurting her. It didn't- it didn't matter if we were there or not. He'd relish in the pain he caused her. Sometimes, it was like he wanted us to watch. A frickin' sick bastard."

Tears prick at Patton's eyes, angry. Remus stared in genuine shock at hearing the florist call someone a bastard. This b*tch sounds like a real piece of sh*t. He'd love to bury them alive on Patton's and their family's behalf. 

"I haven't seen him in years. No contact, per court order. Mom doesn't know, but... he called me. He has my frickin' number."

Angry tears fall and hands shake. Patton trembles with emotion as they speak, a sharp edge has taken to their voice. Their breathing picks up slightly. 

"He has no right to be in my life. He hurt my mom. I'm going to poison him and put him under the frickin'- frickin' ground. I just- he- god."

Patton stands up, no longer leaning on the shelf nor glaring at the poor plant. They hide their face in their hands as they cry quietly, taking in shaky breaths. Remus immediately gathers them in his arms, hugging them tight as cry out their distress. He's going to kill this motherf*cking jackass, but Patton needs him first. 

"If you're gonna poison someone, then you'd have to hide the body. It's too much effort. Do ya know how much dead bodies weigh? They're f*cking heavy," Remus says. 

Patton grips his hoodie with their gloved hands, trying to focus on breathing in. Remus smells like fresh soil and some odd concoction of flora. It's calming, and Patton takes another deep breath to take the smell greedily. 

They eventually sag in Remus' arms as they calm down, and the botanist holds his florist close. 

"D'aw, tired little florist. Do ya think if your flowers had legs, they'd pole-dance or something?"

Patton snorts at such an absurd image, causing Remus to smile. They both stare at each other for a moment before bursting out into laughter. It makes the fairylights seem cheerful again, basking them in pretty blue and green and white light. 

"I bet they'd have hairy human legs-"

Patton gasps, "That's worse."

They giggle at the thought of human legs attached to stems and flowers, imagining them in a cartoonish way. 

After a little bit, they both settle. Patton easing themself out of Remus' arms, and he lets them. They glance at the flowers they were supposed to sort out. 

"It's getting late, Pat-Pat." 

"Yeah, but the flowers..."

"-will be here in the morning. Cum on, why not tell me about this mom of yours. She sounds badass."

Remus offers his hand, and Patton smiles as they take it. 

They leave the greenhouse, completely forgetting that they're both still wearing the gloves. They forget about the trowel on the counter, the gun under Patton's trench coat. They leave Pawprint Florals, locking the door behind them. Patton makes a decision, since Remus hasn't seen their home before. 

"Come to mine? It's out of the rain," they offer as the rain persists. 

Remus lights up at the offer.

"F*ck yeah! Now maybe I can see where the f*ck you got a gun."

Patton chuckles at him as they get in their car, the florist in the driver's seat. 

"By the way, Pattie? If ya ever need someone to off your bastard," Patton glances at Remus as he speaks. "Well, it goes unsaid."

Patton knows what he means. They give a fond look.

"Thanks, Rem."

"Anytime, Patio." 

Patton starts the car as Remus buckles up for once, heading down the road as they laugh to Remus' random comments. 

~~~

It's two weeks. Remus and Patton have grown a whole lot closer, especially after the thing with Patton's murderous intent. Amazing how fast you can get attached to new friends, huh?

It's their last visit, this time in mid-afternoon. Patton had apparently closed shop early, eager to finally give their friend the moonflowers. He'd been waiting a while for them. 

Well, 'eager' isn't exactly right...

There's that underlying worry of him disappearing after the trade is made. They're no stranger to friends leaving as soon as they aren't useful anymore. Patton's excited, they are! But it's just... what if Remus leaves after this? What if, deep down, all he wanted were the flowers?

A bell chime announces his arrival, and Patton puts a smile on their face. Though they're worried, it's a genuine smile. It always makes them smile to see Remus. 

"Hey, Pat-Attack! Ya got my poison?" Remus is cheerful as he walks in, lighting up as he spots the florist. 

"Yep! I brought the bouquet out already." 

Patton, with gloved hands, grabs a big bouquet of moonflowers and hands it to Remus. There are more than plenty of flora for what Remus needs. He looks up from the beautiful poison, catching a sad glint in his friend's eyes. They smile, but it seems to be the smallest bit sad. 

Well, that won't do.

"Oi, what's with the sad? I can f*ck someone up," Remus asks.

"What- no! Remus, I'm fine."

Remus instantly raises a doubtful eyebrow at them. 

"Try again, Patio."

Patton stammers for a second before closing their mouth. They huff. 

"It's nothing. I just... will you come back?"

Remus looks at them, confused.

"To your shop? Probably. You work here."

"No, not- that's not what I meant."

"If I'll come back... after the trade?"

Patton nods sheepishly. Remus' face softens. 

"Ya couldn't get rid of me if ya tried! And many have tried. They fail every time, heh."

That eases the florist and the sad glint goes away. 

"Now, wanna see my shop? Someone's gonna have to help me with these babies," Remus gestures to the moonflowers with his eyes.

Patton smiles wider, bouncing on their feet. 

"Yes! Omg, what kind of plants do you have?"

"Anything you could possibly imagine! C'mon."

The friends head out from the flower shop, crossing the street. The air is crisp, windless and pleasantly chilly. They both wear some form of warm layer to avoid getting cold. 

As they enter Dahmer's Plant Hoard and into Remus' greenhouse, they chatter excitedly between each other. The gifts of flowers and becoming friends bring them to smile fondly as they do so. 

[twiceasfrustrating]

The Best Laid Plans

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: M/M

Fandom: Shall We Date?: Obey Me!

Characters: Mephistopheles, Satan

Relationships: Mephistopheles/Satan

Additional Tags: fluff

Summary: Mephistopheles has planned the perfect date for Satan.

A/N: My ship. My love. My everything. I need more content for them, I swear.

It was the perfect plan. A day that would get him out away from any of Satan’s annoying brothers and bring a smile to his boyfriend's face. Mephistopheles knew his planned day out was better than anything else. Plus, this particular cat café was brand new, so it meant he could be the first to introduce Satan to it.

The only hitch in his plan was that he had clearly underestimated his boyfriend's ability to find every available cat in the Devildom. An underestimation that made itself evident the moment they walked through the front door and a grey, fluffy, long-haired cat came bounding over to them.

"Hello, Muffintop," Satan said as he picked up the fluffy grey cat brushing up against his leg. It meowed softly as he cradled it close to his chest to support its weight. "It looks like you've lost some weight. Soon they'll only be able to call you Muffin."

Mephistopheles crossed his arms and cleared his throat, trying not to show his genuine surprise on his face. "You've already been here, haven't you?"

"Not since the grand opening two weeks ago." 

Of course Satan had already been here. Mephistopheles knew how much his boyfriend adored cats in all their forms, so it only made sense that he'd rush to any location where they freely scampered about. He felt foolish for thinking for even a moment that Satan wouldn't know every single cat in the café already.

It was time to tweak the plan.

Mephistopheles swept a strand of his purple hair to the side with a confident smile. "Then this is the perfect time to reacclimate yourself. We'll order drinks then get some toys to entertain these adorable felines."

Satan listened with a smile as he softly scratched the underside of Muffintop's chin with a single finger. "I get the feeling Mayonnaise will be your favorite, if he decides to join us today. He's a pure lap cat through and through."

"That name is…" terrible. Just the thought of such a low class, fatty, oil ladened food made him feel nauseous.

"There are a limited number of foods that start with the letter M."

"Is that really the theme?"

"It is called Cat Kitchen M."

Honestly? Mephistopheles had simply assumed it was a strange name for the sake of being a strange name; a mismatched puzzle piece that didn't quite fit into your regular schema so you would constantly come back to it out of curiosity for where it fit in; an attention grabbing headline that peaked the reader's curiosity without giving away the content of the article.

But, no. It was apparently more akin to the picture on the front of the box that showed you exactly what the end product was.

Satan set down the grey cat in his arms so he could grab Mephistopheles' hand instead. 

"We should grab a seat before they get busy."

Again, Mephistopheles had to contain his feelings lest he make a fool of himself due to his joy at holding Satan's hand. This man was testing every ounce of noble composure he'd cultivated since young.

"Thank you for bringing me here," Satan said with wonder in his eyes as he looked up at Mephistopheles. Not at the cats around them, but at him.

Mephistopheles cleared his throat, his face no longer able to hide the faint red blush slowly spreading across his face.

"What do you expect when you leave such plans to me? I know exactly what kind of outing will be best."

"Of course," Satan said without protest. Mephistopheles deserved to be proud of himself this time. As a treat, he also wouldn't say anything about his obvious blush.

Instead, he led his loving boyfriend deeper into the café with an excited smile while Muffintop trotted after them.

[montammil]

Request time: Lawrence dressing Marshall up for a walk outside/an outing with his friends pls ♥️ I bet he would hate that huh...

Sorry this took forever, I've been going through writer's block. I hope this is okay!!

CW: Parental whumper, slight infantilizing behavior, sensory issues mentioned, bugs mentioned

When Marshall heard that Lawrence was going to see some friends for a couple hours, he was relieved. Escaping wasn't the first thing on his mind (much to his own surprise), but rather he just wanted some time to himself.

Until the next morning, when he wakes up to Lawrence gently shaking him awake, some clothes in his other hand. He usually lets him wake up on his own unless he overslept to the afternoon, and he doubts he did that.

"Good morning, Marshie! You ready to meet some new people?"

Marshall sits up instantly. "Huh?"

"Don't tell me you forgot. We're going to see some friends!" Lawrence seems oddly enthusiastic.

...which just makes Marshall more annoyed. "I thought you said you were just going."

He laughs. "No, I definitely said 'we', kiddo. I picked out two outfits for you, you can choose which you like more." He ruffles his hair and leaves, giving him one last smile before closing the door behind him.

Marshall stares at the closed door with disdain. He's not even trying to escape anymore, and if Lawrence trusts these 'friends' enough to be around him, he can assume it'd be a death wish. Well, he doesn't think Lawrence would actually kill him, but he knows the man isn't against stabbing him. Not only that, he doesn't know what these friends of his are like. For all he knows, they could be just as demented as he is.

When he gets up to look at the two outfits chosen for him, there's another flicker of annoyance in his expression. Both options aren't infantilizing as they usually are... in fact, the opposite. They're both expensive-looking suits, one is a dark navy blue, and the other is gray with a red tie. He hates wearing anything remotely fancy because of his sensory issues, but he settles on the navy suit. He doesn't want to be seen in childish clothing in front of other people.

After he dresses into it, he finds he has no idea how to tie a tie. He gives up on it pretty quickly, and trudges into the kitchen with his jaw set. He's never felt this annoyed, but he isn't the biggest morning person, and he was really looking forward to being alone for a few hours.

Lawrence smiles at him, just as he's putting a plate down on the kitchen table. "Looking very dapper! How does it feel? Does it fit fine?"

Marshall sits down, feeling along the suit. "Yeah, it fits fine. Why do I have to wear this?"

Lawrence takes a seat across from him. "Everyone else is dressing nice. I assumed you didn't want to be the odd one out. If you want to wear something else, I won't stop you, kiddo."

"It's... fine." Marshall picks at his food with his fork. "Why is everyone dressing nice? Are we going to a banquet or something?"

"It's more like a small party. Don't worry, all the people there I know personally."

"O...kay." Marshall worries more about that. If these people are people Lawrence trusts, he sincerely doubts they'll try anything to help him out. He's lost his motivation, so it isn't like he cares that much. He just hopes they aren't as strange as him.

After they finish eating, Lawrence leaves to get dressed into a suit himself. Lawrence comes back just fifteen minutes later with a nice navy blue suit on as well, maybe just a shade or two lighter. Marshall sighs, knowing he looks ridiculous next to the man. Lawrence slips his feet into some shoes, then ties a nice matching tie. He adjusts the collar of his shirt, then pats his pocket to make sure he brought his wallet.

Lawrence chuckles when he looks down at Marshall. "We'll get your hair combed on the way there." He sets a pair of dark loafers on the ground next to Marshall's feet and ties his tie for him. "That should be good. Is it uncomfortable at all?"

Marshall honestly shakes his head. "It's a little itchy, though..."

He laughs. "It'll feel like that for a couple of minutes, but you'll get used to it. Now get your shoes on, we don't wanna be late."

"Okay." Marshall slips them on and finds they aren't as uncomfortable as they look. The last time he wore anything like this had to have been when he was at least thirteen. He wonders how much these suits cost.

When they get outside, Marshall is relieved to not see any kind of limo, but Lawrence's white BMW. He gets in the front seat, but not after Lawrence puts sunglasses on him.

"How long are we gonna be there?" Marshall asks as soon as Lawrence starts the car.

"Not too long, I promise. Two hours at most."

Though that still sounds like forever to Marshall, it could definitely be worse. He wishes he just had a phone or something to make this more bearable. He never liked socializing, this situation does not help one bit. He wonders how these friends of Lawrence's are. Are they normal? Do they even know about his situation? No, they definitely do, or else Lawrence wouldn't be doing this.

Marshall sits back into the leather seat and closes his eyes tiredly.

...

"Wake up, buddy. We're here."

Marshall yawns and stretches before realizing where he is. He sighs and gets out of the car, taking in the sight around him. They look to be in a nice neighborhood, all the houses around them are fancy, either looking like old mansions or modern contemporary houses. The one in front of him looks to be contemporary, with lots of large windows.

He follows Lawrence up the stairs to the door, noticing the cameras on the walls. Lawrence presses the doorbell and they wait a moment.

The door opens to reveal a woman with long ginger hair and gray eyes. She's wearing an expensive-looking blue dress.

"Hi, Lawrence! It's so nice to see you, and--" She gasps when her eyes meet Marshall, "and Marshall! Oh, your dad talks so much about you! It's nice to finally meet you! My name's Charlotte." She grabs his hand and shakes it vigorously.

Marshall doesn't know why he's surprised at her statement. He doesn't know what else he expected. "Um, nice to meet you too. I'm Marshall, but I guess you already know that..." He chuckles sheepishly.

Charlotte coos. "Oh, Lawrence, he's adorable!"

He smiles at her. "I told you."

As much as Marshall hates the attention, he'll admit it's nice to interact with someone who isn't Lawrence for once.

She leads them both inside, and Marshall takes in the interior. The grand foyer is elegant in the extreme-- the floors are marble, the windows are stained glass, and the chandelier is a shimmering work of art. In short, Marshall has never been in such a nice house. There's quiet jazz playing in the background and it smells oddly like soap.

Lawrence takes Marshall's sunglasses off for Marshall with one swift movement. "Everyone knows who you are, so you don't need to worry about that here."

Great...

There Marshall meets three more people, but none of them leave the same impression Charlotte did. They all have one thing in common, which is their snooty rich attitudes. Marshall never liked rich people, and the fact these rich people can just shrug off the fact that Lawrence kidnapped him says his clear distaste is valid.

Marshall sips on some apple juice Charlotte given him while sitting in the corner of the room. He watches Lawrence talk with the people there, how they're laughing like he isn't even there, staring at them. Occasionally Charlotte will give him a large grin, so will Lawrence, but the others seem to act like he isn't there.

He can't believe he wore a suit for this.

"You and Marshall should come spend the night sometime!" he overhears Charlotte exclaim, "I could use the extra company! I want to get to know my nephew better, too."

"That'd be great! I'm sure he'd love to come over!"

Marshall suppresses the urge to roll his eyes. He stands up and says to them, "Um, I'm gonna use the bathroom. Where's the bathroom... Miss Charlotte?"

"Aww, you called me Miss Charlotte!" She stifles a laugh. "The bathroom is straight down the hall and to your left. Do you need me to show you?"

He shakes his head politely. "I'm okay, but thank you." He quickly walks off, and finds the bathroom with relative ease. He knocks on it, only to hear someone call out, "Occupied!" He retracts his hand and decides to wait somewhere else than right outside the door. He doesn't want to exchange any uncomfortable eye contact or words with whoever's inside.

Marshall walks a few feet away from the bathroom and sees the side door to what looks like a garden. He contemplates walking out right now, maybe running off, but... no. He shouldn't... but... He puts his hand on the handle and is about to turn it, when...

A hand on his shoulder scares him. He whips around to see Charlotte.

"I was just making sure you found your way to the bathroom, I'm sorry if I scared you," she chuckles. "Were you looking at the garden?"

He nods. "Y-yeah, I was just waiting for someone to finish using the bathroom. You, uh, have a nice garden, by the way." He hopes he can compliment his way out of her getting suspicious.

Charlotte seems amused. "Thank you! Do you like gardening?"

Even if he did, it's not like he could. "Too many bugs."

"I know what you mean. I'm not a fan of most bugs, myself. It's still a fun hobby, I'm sure your dad would let you garden!"

"Yeah, I'm sure he would." Marshall tries to hide his discomfort. He hates how she keeps referring to him like that.

She pats his head. "Oh, the bathroom is free now. I just knocked when I went to go find you and it was empty." As she walks away, she turns and smiles. "I won't tell Lawrence about this if you won't."

Marshall is a little shocked at her sentence. At least she has enough knowledge about the situation to know he was contemplating about escaping. "About what?"

Charlotte chuckles and walks away.

...

Lawrence waves to Charlotte, as they are the last people at the party, which seems more like a small gathering to Marshall. He follows him to the car and gets in the front seat. He doesn't even realize he's smiling until Lawrence asks, "Did you enjoy yourself, marshmallow?"

"Oh, um, yeah. It was actually kind of fun." That's a lie, it wasn't at all, but he didn't dread it as much as he thought he would.

"Charlotte really likes you. I think you'll get along great with her."

"Yeah, she's... she's cool." Marshall wonders if she knows what's going on is wrong or if she simply doesn't care. She acts a lot like Lawrence, except maybe a little more outspoken.

He grins. "I'm glad you like her. We'll be coming over again soon, I promise you can wear some comfier clothes next time."

"Okay." Marshall isn't opposed to that. "Oh, um, by the way... could I try gardening?"

[squidthechaotickid]

saw a bunch of people doing an oc prompt thingy for @sonic-oc-showdown and thought it would be fun :)

Name: Pip the Jackal

Species: Jackal

Type: Speed

Alignment: technically evil

🏡 - Home:

imagine having a home lmao (She travels around wherever a mission is)

✨ - How did you come up with the OC’s name?

Pip - Pipsqueak. She's tiny.

🌼 - How old are they? (Or approximate age range)

15!!

🌺- Do they have any love interest(s)?

Nope!! Definitely had crushes before, but since the Jackal Squad moved around so much she never got to act on any of them.

🍕 - What is their favorite food?

I don't think she got to eat out all that often, so pretty much anything fast food. She got a McDonald's quarter pounder with extra pickles hold the onion once and has dreamt of eating it every day since (her standards are low)

💼 - What do they do for a living?

Steal lmao

🎹 - Do they have any hobbies?

Mostly artistic ones,, like drawing, painting, sewing, etc, but they'll try anything if it looks cool enough and she can get the materials!!

🎯 -What do they do best?

She's has particularly good hearing!!

🥊 -What do they love to do? What do they hate to do?

Love - Hanging out with her Squad, annoying her Squad, doing silly little hobbies, being on missions

Hate - Being annoyed by her Squad, being put on lookout alone

❤️ - What is one of your OC’s best memories?

Her first "real" birthday, I'd think. The squad found out about her birthday soon after they found her and had something close to a regular party when it came around. It was the turning point when she really started opening up to them and became the excitable bubbly person she is (was?) Today :]]]

✂️ - What is one of your OC’s worst memories?

Anything from when she was alone. There was a period between her leaving her birth parents and finding the others where she was left to fend for herself -- she still gets nightmares.

🧊 - Is their current design the first one?

Nope!! She had a different color scheme and an altered back story before

🍀 - What originally inspired the OC?

I saw those two shadowy jacakls in the background of the pre comic and went insane from there

🌂 - What genre do they belong in?

I!! Really don't know what this is asking. Um. Adventure?

💚  -What is your OC’s gender identity and sexuality?

Demigirl and lesbian but um. She was halfway through figuring out the gender bit when she died abdbsbfbdhdh

🙌  - How many siblings does your OC have?

She considers the whole jackal squad her siblings so 5 :]

🍎  - What is the OC’s relationship w/their parents like?

TERRIBLE. They were not very nice :((

🧠 - What do you like most about the OC?

Her personality! She's so nice and bubbly with absolutely NO repressed trauma none at all haha

✏️ - How often do you draw/write about the OC?

Like half the drawings I made for her were done this week

💎 - Do you ever see yourself killing off the OC?

Ofc not!! Why would I ever kill her?? That would be so terrible ahaha

💀 - Does your OC have any phobias?

Terrified of being left alone for long periods of time.

🎓 - How long have you had the OC?

Since at least late September last year,, only a couple of months :]]]

[iviarellereads]

Artificial Condition, Chapter 8

(Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For the link index and a primer on The Murderbot Diaries, read this one! Like what you see? Send me a Ko-Fi.)

In which someone's going to regret their actions, one way or another.

MB goes to the meeting, showing the contact a video Tapan recorded with it (while MB looked very uncomfortable) about how it could be trusted. The contact gives MB the data chip, no further questions except to ask if they should order food to look less suspicious. MB says nobody's watching, and leaves. If this wasn't the trap, there's another one somewhere.

The shuttle Tapan should be riding is now marked delayed. As MB reviews the footage of Tapan boarding, it sees the sexbot coming toward it. In the recording, two humans with Port Authority ID had removed Tapan from the shuttle.

MB asks the sexbot where Tapan is. It says, in Tlacey's private shuttle. Art asks why, and MB thinks, because Tlacey wants it now, not Tapan.

ART was quiet as we went past the private shuttle slots toward the bigger, more expensive section at the end. Then it said, Retrieve your human and make Tlacey regret this.(1)

At the shuttle, the sexbot turns to face MB, a combat override in its hand. It says they won't let it in the shuttle without installing it. MB knows now they intend for it to remove Tapan and then disappear into their bureaucracy.

MB asks if they'll give back its client if the module is installed. The sexbot whispers no in the feed, but says yes aloud.(2) MB allows it to place the override in its data port, with a moment of panic until Art says its MedSystem makes no mistakes, and indeed, the disconnected data port does not override it.

A human peeks out of the shuttle and asks if it's under control. The sexbot says yes. MB counts on nobody involved knowing what the result of the override is supposed to be, and keeps its expression calculatedly blank as they go inside, where Tapan is being held with a gun to her head. Tlacey says to take Tapan to a cabin, to talk later about her work. Tapan yells to "Eden" that she's so sorry, as they drag her off.

Tlacey asks the sexbot if it really thinks this is one of the units from the Ganaka Pit accident.(3)

MB, without moving a millimeter, tables the turns and says they both know that it wasn't an accident at all.

Tlacey asks who she's speaking to, and MB says it's cute she thinks it's a puppet, but she should know that's not how SecUnits work. Tlacey asks who sent it.

MB finally turns to meet her gaze, and says it came for its client.(4)

Tlacey sends a command in the feed, and the sexbot shifts into a combat pose. Art asks MB to let it in, and it does. The sexbot punches MB in the jaw, just enough to annoy it, while Art takes over the shuttle's systems. Then it frees MB to engage in combat, taking out the guards and the sexbot by popping several of its joints out of socket. Tlacey reaches for a gun, but MB says it will take the gun and shoot her with it if she picks it up, and instead she should order the sexbot to stop fighting.

When Tlacey ignores this, MB has Art cut Tlacey's feed, and tells her to give the sexbot a verbal command to stop fighting. MB privately doesn't want to keep hurting it for following orders. Tlacey tells the sexbot to "obey the crazy SecUnit until further notice"(5) and suggests MB get better threats.

MB tells the sexbot to stay down, which it acknowledges. Tlacey starts making a job offer, but she has nothing MB wants.

I said, “All you had to do was give them the fucking files and none of us would be in this situation.”

Tlacey shoots it an incredulous look, like she can't believe this is really a SecUnit speaking.(6) She goes to the closed hatch where her guards took Tapan, and says to open it.

The hatch reveals Tapan, blood blooming from her chest.

MB crushes Tlacey's windpipe, uses her as a human shield as the guard shoots for MB, then pushes the guard up against the wall and shoots with its energy weapon, point blank, up through the chin.(7)

It goes to Tapan to reassure her, asking Art for help. It says it's guiding the shuttle to dock directly with itself in 17 minutes, and MedSystem will be ready. MB takes Tapan's hand, and removes the redundant combat override.

I had made a huge mistake, which seemed blindingly obvious in hindsight. I had known the invitation to exchange the signing bonus for the files was a trap from the beginning and I should have convinced Rami and the others not to return to RaviHyral. The augmented human security consultant I was pretending to be would have done that. I was used to taking orders from humans and trying to mitigate whatever damage their stupid ideas did to them, but I had wanted to work with a group again, I had enjoyed how they had listened to me, I had put my need to get to RaviHyral above the safety of my clients. I was just as shit at being a security consultant as any human.(8)

=====

(1) I do believe that's the plan, ol' buddy. (2) Do you ever come across a line that you just want to examine under a microscope for all the nuance lying within? WOW. (3) So, do we think this is one of the same ComfortUnits from Ganaka Pit as well? I think the framing is implying so, but Tlacey could very easily have just confided in it, since that's what evil masterminds do in fiction when they think they won't get caught out. (4) Not the best action hero line in history, but I'll roll with it. (5) Yeah, because that flip choice isn't going to backfire on you real hard. (6) Callback to the sexbot admitting Tlacey thought all bots would just plot to kill humans in their spare time. (7) You do not ever fuck with Murderbot's humans. (8) On the other hand... Murderbot, you really are just a person. If you never fucked up, you wouldn't be nearly so relatable.

[soil-just-needs-water-to-be]

What is this 3 chapter in the space of a few days I haven’t done that in a while

Chapter 27

Word count :3169

Mentions: em thinking about it the mentions for this one would have to be , mention of drugs and addiction , coming out , inclination of suicidal tendencies and inclination to smut

Also a Cliff hanger

3 days later.....

Mattys POV

I stayed at Ross' for the weekend, so he could keep an eye on me, he said that's not what he was doing but I couldn't help but notice the side glances every-time I got a little jumpy or how he'd freak out if I was out of his eye sight for longer than five minutes. Despite being under close watch I enjoyed being here. I feel like I've eaten enough food to sustain me for like the next two years. Slept a lot and just basically chilled out. Ross hadn’t let me have a joint just incase and I'm totally itching for one at this point, Ross met George, we've all stayed up playing FIFA and GTA , Ross thinks he's quite great to be honest. I haven't really had time alone with George to speak to him alone to tell him what happened but I will when I go home. Ross' mum said that she'd told Denise some of what had happened over the last few days but I spoke with her and told her that I'd tell my mum myself about all of it. Which is we're we start I'm waiting for my mum to come and pick me up because as much as I love being here , Ross needs to actually get some sleep as we've got last week of school to finish then we're on Study leave and he's been awake the whole weekend keeping an eye on me. I'm sat with Ross in his doorstep just having a cigarette waiting for my mum to pull up.

"I'm shitting it Ross, how's she going to react?" , the smoke of the cigarettes is floating around us making Ross look like a damn god sent to save me.

"I think it's your dad you have to worry about mate , you're your dads boy" , that sends a small shiver down my back because he's right, I hate upsetting my dad. My dads my best friend honestly and I hate letting him down.

"Don't...I can't tell him"

"It'll be okay man trust me they love you and they'll help you so much you know that", We both spot my mum coming down the road, we drop our cigarettes on the floor and stamp on them as we stand up and Ross tackles me into a hug "I love you bro, don't think about it to much okay , just be honest they'll understand"

I hug him back tightly and whisper into her ear "love you too man" , I say goodbye again and then jump into my Mums car as she waves to Ross and drives away, I start to feel immediately anxious as I get comfortable in the seat and strap myself in "hiya ma"

"Hiya love , did you have a good time?"

"Yup", I can already sense it's going to be an awkward conversation to have, I know Ross' mum told my Mum that I'd need to talk to her.

"Sooo , what's going on with you then love , Lisa said you'd need to talk"

"Mhm", my hand flies straight to my hair wracking my hand through it like always when I'm nervous, trying to find the right words to help me through this. "Where do you want me to start"

The car ride back from Ross' really didn't take much time since he's just down the road so we're already at ours sitting in the drive way, My mums looking at me but I can't really tell how she's feeling so in turn I can't really gauge what she's going to say which makes me kind of uneasy "maybe first off, how did you end up at Ross' and not back home like you said"

She didn't ask like she was annoyed but I still feel bad for not coming home like I said I would. "I really did plan on coming home , but then I just figured I needed Ross, he would be my best port of call in the moment"

"I thought you were just going on a walk to clear your head Matthew" , I really don't want to tell her everything is going to go to shit and I'm scared but maybe just , maybe, it'll make everything better if I do. But my hands are twitchy again and I'm nervous. Ross telling me "to just be honest" is running through my head on repeat.

"I need to be honest here, eh...I did go for a walk ...but um...it was for unlterior motives" , I take a moment to breath through and get myself together so I don't cry AGAIN , Jesus so much crying "I ....I...I went to get um ...went to get high"

"You smoke all the time Matthew , why did you have to leave for that , we know about that"

"Not that mum, I wish it was just that....but it wasn't just smokes, I think I have a drug problem" , I can feel the tears pricking at my eyes teetering on the edge of falling onto my face but I blink a few times to stop them. " I uh , I'm scared Mum , it's like I'm stood at the edge of a cliff and there's nothing there pulling me back to sanity until someone gives me something, I know it's bad but I'll take anything anyone gives me. It keeps me sane for a while until it dies and I slowly just feel the edge calling me back and i can't run from my thoughts and I'm not the person I want to be again, I swear I didn't mean for it to get this bad but it's just destroying me....." before I can finish my rant my mum is pulling me into a tight hug mumbling into my shoulder that's "she's going to get me help" and "that she wished she'd known sooner" and "that she's sorry" , the tears that I was holding start falling and I can't stop them and I hug her back. "You don't have to be sorry Mum , you did nothing wrong, Im scared and everything just sucks"

"Matthew love why didn't you tell anyone before , how do you feel , like really feel before you feel like you need to use again, try to be as honest as you can because this is very important and very serious"

"I can't tell you that Mum , I don't want to upset you" , I pull her closer to me to let her know that I'm not going anywhere and that I love her but I can't be that honest just yet.

"I'll never be angry at you love , you know that no matter what you tell me"

"I can't Mum , I wish I could but I can't, I just need help to feel better , feel sane, I don't wanna become that friend of a friend that people once knew you knew" , we were both just sobbing messes in the car but I really needed to tell her what happened last night so I can at least be prepared enough to tell George "but uh last night , I went out and got some stuff from a guy I know , we smoked and drank a little and we had some other stuff, but I think I took to much or something I'm not sure but...I had like a bad reaction to it I think....everything hurt and I had a really bad panic attack and I called Ross so I wasn't alone....I thought my brain was going to explode...I was so scared"

"Why didn’t you call me or your dad?"

"I thought you'd be angry at me and I couldn't deal with that in the moment , Ross helped and looked after me, I would have came home the next day but he really wanted to keep an eye on me"

"We'll I'll be keeping a closer eye on your from now on and I think, don't take this as me being angry at you but I will be grounding you but while we're home I would very much appreciate it if you talk to me more and tell me exactly what's going on in that overactive brain of yours alright"

"Yes Mum, I need to go lie down though my heads killing me still, We might need to get that seen to because I've had a headache for like a week now and it's not subsiding"

"We can get it checked for now just go in get some water and watch something on the TV, does that sound okay?" , we both get out of the car as my mum goes to the living room to set up the tv, I make my way to the kitchen to get a glass of water and at this I finally text George from my phone rather than through Ross or while playing games

Matty: hiya darlin , I know we've spoken a lot through Ross this weekend and I'm so sorry about that but I'm home now , I miss you loads though

Then make my way back down to sit on the sofa next to my mum "what we watching"

"Whatever you'd like love"

"Uh lord of the rings maybe" ,  I'm a massive nerd, I would never tell someone that I like this film on purpose but it really does bring me comfort.

"Alrighty", she sticks it on and we snuggle up to each other , as we're watching I feel like right now might be a good time to give my mum some good news about me rather than all the mess she's had to deal with over the past few days so I might just tell her about George

"Hey mum , can I tell you something, it's good don't worry" , she pulls me closer to her and we cuddle up on the sofa and I can feel her slightly nodding against my head. "I'm talking to someone, and there so lovely , they make me feel good and calm me down, and there so gorgeous, I also know that I shouldn't be with someone just cuz they make me feel good but I think I really like them and I'm really interested in them", I pause for a moment because I know my mum and I can sense when she's going to say something.

"Any reason we are avoiding name or pronouns ??" , I know she won't mind that hes a male because my grandad is a drag queen and all my family are very close with LGBT People. "Do they happen to be a boy by any chance love ?"

"They might be ", saying it out loud makes me smile and the hairs on my neck stand up and it gives me goosebumps. "Actually yes, he's a boy and his names George and I really really like him, he's so

handsome"

"I've never heard of a George before, what does he look like love ?", I pull out my phone as I search through my phone to find the picture I got of him while we were on call and when I find it I give her my phone to look. "He is very handsome love? , does he go to your school"

I shake my head a little "nah he lives in London , I met him on my game, and he's really helping me through some stuff , please don't go all mum on me though, I get your concern about meeting people online but I really trust him okay ?"

"That's okay love it's okay, if you trust him , I trust your decision, how old is he"

"He's 16, he's in year ten , so I'd assume he's nearly 17 but I'm not sure but that's okay right , I'm not 18 myself yet but it should be alright , right ?"

"It's alright my love, more than alright , he should come visit in the summer if you'd like ?" , this made me sit up right and look directly at my mum , my mouth slightly agape.

"Really?, would that be okay?"

"If you'd like that then of course he can"

"Oh my god thank you so much Mum , your the best" , I pull her into another tight hug and then we both get caught up in the film.

It was around 3 o'clock when the first film had finished, my mum got up and asked if I wanted anything to eat , I wasn't the hungry as I said earlier I feel like I'd eaten enough at Ross' that could last a century but I have to try so I asked for some soup while my mum was preparing lunch I pulled my phone out again

George: Hi love , it's okay you don't have to worry , Ross is a sound lad and he's your friend I'm glad he looks out for you , I miss you so damn much, how are you doing today though xx

Matty: I'm not doing too bad I think , Mums making lunch also you'll never guess what xx

George : that's amazing we'll done

George : what love ???

Matty: I told Mum about you and she said you can visit in the summer if you'd like? Would you like that?

George: omg no way , of course I'd love that.

I then got a Snapchat message through it's a picture of George and by Christ was I not ready for it, he's fresh out of the shower , just a picture of him in underwear water drops still adorning his chest and shoulder , he's so fit omg. I send him a text back

Matty : I'm going to be sat with my mum all day you can't be sending me that right now 🥵

George : whoops sorry 😉 , can't say you didn't like it though ay

Matty: you know I did, you know I like it when you get all flirty like that 😉

George: you gunna make me stop?

With that my mum enters the room and stops at the door slightly chuckling at me "what?"

"Is that him by any chance"

"How could you tell?"

"You face is the colour of a cherry and your nearly splitting your face in half with that smile"

"Oh , yeh that's him" , I chuckle a bit and turn my phone faced down on the sofa as she hands me the bowl full of chicken soup and I tuck in as we get the next film set up, just an afternoon of lord of the rings  and good company that's all I need.

"So, I was thinking I’ll book an appointment for Dr Adrian tomorrow and we can tell him about EVERYTHING and then we can see what he says yeh ?”

“So long as I don’t have to go to some stupid like , I don’t know rehab then yeh we can do that”

“He’ll just give us some advice on how to help you stop and we can get some general advice on how to help you , in anything not just the drugs my love and we can see where to go from there”

“Okay , can I go to my room after this is finished , I’m okay right now I promise, I just have to get some studying done”

“After this I’m sure that’ll be fine”

3 hours later the film was done the soup was discarded, I’d eaten most of it but it got cold so I couldn’t finish it , I’d gone to the bathroom as well and now I’m upstairs in my room looking over my history work while messaging George

Matty: nope I’d never ask you too stop that would just be crazy

George: that’s my boy, did you like what you saw then??

Matty: I very much did yes

George: what exactly did you like about it huh?

Flirty George was new for me and I found my self really liking it and it made me adjust myself in my seat because I suddenly felt really warm

Matty: I don’t know specifically, your just fit int’ ya

George: fit am I! , says you , what would you do if I was there right now

Matty : what’s gotten into you and what have you done with baby George 😂😂

Matty : also I don’t think you’d wanna know what I’d do

I got up from my seat and closed my door over making sure it was properly closed and flop down on my bed because I can feel this conversation taking a very sudden turn

George : Oh I would love to know , I really would, that’s why I asked

Matty: we’ll I guess you’ll never know cuz I ain’t saying.

The minute I see that George has seen the message the caller icon appears on my screen and he’s calling me so I swipe to answer and bring the phone to my ear, smiling.

“Nah man you can’t leave me like that” , he sounds a little flustered but I can tell he’s happy. Even at the sound of his voice I am immediately happy too.

“Hello to you too”

“Hi , but no seriously I wanna know what you’d do”, he chuckling a little on his end and it makes my heart melt

“Like the serious answer or the jokey one���

“Serious if your willing”

“We’ll first thing I’d do if you where here right at this minute is probably cry because you know what I’m like”, we both laugh at that because it’s honestly quite funny. “And then I’d kiss you, and I’d then ask you if it was to take your shirt off cuz I just have to see the body of yours and I’d then probably spend like ten minutes just admitting you , leaving marks on you so everyone knows your mine and yeh”

“Wow !, I’d very much into that, uh , what are you doing right now?”

“Why ?, is someone a little occupied ?”

“I just wanna …try something new…if it’s okay with you of course …I don’t wanna feel like a perv”

“Yeh?, what is it you’d like to try darlin”, I could just about tell where this was going and you know what I was so ready for it, I really wanted to do it, it might be a little weird for both of us but I’m nothing but eager.

“Uh…have you ever …ever uh…had phone sex or like done anything…while on the phone?”

“I can’t say I have no but there’s a first for everything”

“Would you like too….with me I mean?”

“Yes , I jolly well think I would”

“Jolly well , what are you 80?” , we both start laughing again because honestly sometimes with the words I use and people at school not understanding sometimes I feel like I am 80.

“Sorry go ahead, take it away?”

“Okay , are you lying down”, with that I lay down properly on my bed making sure I’m comfy and ready to start this .

“Yes I am , are you ?”, I can hear some rustling from his end but after a couple of seconds he then tells me that he is in fact also lying down .

SORRY CLIFF HANGER IM GOING TO PUT THE SMUT IN THE NEXT ONE !!!!!!

[axvwriter]

A Gift for Deuce Spade

[This is a fanfiction of Deuce from the game Twisted Wonderland and me inserting my oc Bobo as the main character.]

Bobo had debated wearing the special outfit she always wore to Heartslabyul's unbirthday parties. Though she soon tossed that idea, she should use a different outfit for something as special as a birthday party. Bobo sighed, wishing she had thought about this before the actual day. Instead she had been so focused on preparing a gift for him, that she hadn't considered looking at her wardrobe.

"Enough standing around, Bobo! I don't want to be late!" Grim whined, entering their shared bedroom to collect the girl. Bobo sighed, turning to look at the direbeast.

"Sorry, I just wished I had something nice to wear..."

"What does it matter? It's not like Deuce would care. Come on, let's go or they'll serve the cake without us!" Grim impatiently went up to tug on her pant's leg. Bobo complied, closing her closet door to follow after him.

"I would be surprised if he threw a fit over me just wearing my school uniform, but it's fun to dress up for special occasions. Surely you can agree with that sentiment, after all you did like the ribbon I found for you to wear to the unbirthday parties." Bobo made sure to grab the present she prepared for Deuce before leaving the dorm building. She held it loosely behind her back as the odd pair headed to the hall of mirrors.

"Myaah, I guess so, but it's only expected for the great Grim to dress as an amazin' as I am!" Grim puffed out his chest, tail swishing slowly just like a happy cat would. Bobo held back a laugh, smiling as she eyed the raggedy ribbon he usually always wore.

"Indeed." Though despite the rips and holes the poor ribbon held at its ends, Bobo couldn't imagine replacing it. "You know, if you were willing to try saving up your portion of our allowance, maybe we could get you more ribbons."

"And miss out on tuna!? No way!" Grim instantly shot down the idea. He even shot Bobo a look, his face clearly showing how insane he thought she sounded. Not even looking back forward, Grim stepped through the mirror that would take them to the Heartslabyul dorm. Bobo shook her head, disappointed by his response.

"He just has to insist on spending all of his share on tuna... Not even different variations of food." Bobo muttered to herself before stepping through the portal. As she approached the rose garden, she caught sight of Grim briefly greeting Deuce. She could only guess he barely got out a "happy birthday" before running off to the snacks table.

"Wow, you've come to wish me a happy birthday? This day just keeps getting better!" Deuce brightened up upon seeing Bobo approaching. With how dismissive and speedy Grim was, he nearly thought Bobo had opted to not come. After all, the pair weren't inseparable. There were plenty of times that Grim would come to hang out all by himself.

"Of course I've come! Something terribly bad would have to happen before I miss one of my good friend's birthday parties!" Bobo gasped, somewhat surprised. As one of the first people to befriend her in this world, the idea of not coming sounded impossible.

"Oh, geez. I bet I've got the silliest grin on my face. I'm so happy I just can't help it." Deuce didn't want to admit aloud that he did think for a while that she would skip the event. For the past few days she had been keeping her distance from him and Ace.

"I'm glad to hear it." Bobo giggled and shifted her present to one hand so she could sling an arm around him for a brief hug. "Happy birthday, Deuce."

"Thanks a ton, Bobo! I'll do my best to keep being a guy worth celebrating." Deuce had returned the hug with both arms, causing him to bump the gift. He stepped back, surprise painting his face as a neatly wrapped box fell to the ground. Bobo bent down to scoop it back up, a bit annoyed that it was so easily knocked out of her hand.

"Worth celebrating? Deuce, you don't need to do anything to deserve having your birthday celebrated." Bobo chuckled as she held the box in front of her, brushing off any dirt that may have gotten on it. "Simply being born is enough of a reason to celebrate... well.. anyone."

"Is that for me?" Deuce couldn't help how the present was consuming his focus.

"Oh? No, it's for Trey." Bobo joked, even laughing as Deuce seemed to believe her as his face fell. "It's yours and it's from me. If Grim tries to claim it's from him as well... you should know he only signed the card." She pushed the box into his hands, causing him to light back up.

"Can I open it right now?" Deuce asked, his fingers twitching against the thin ribbon tied about the box.

"Well... I suppose you could if you don't want to wait. It's your birthday, so I say you get to choose when you open your gifts." Bobo gave an easy-going smile, but didn't wait to watch him open it. Instead she gave his shoulder a pat before heading in to make sure Grim wasn't causing a ruckus at the snacks table.

Deuce hesitated, uncertain if he should wait or not. Eventually he gave in and started ripping the wrapping paper and ribbon off. Bobo did say it was okay for him to open it. The first thing he saw was a birthday card which was just a piece of printer paper folded in half. It looked like Grim had tried to draw some sort of fish cake underneath the big printed letters saying "Happy Birthday, Spade!". He unfolded the paper to see what was written inside.

"Dear Spade, I haven't attended many birthday parties before, but from a few I've been to back home I have witnessed a bit of a small tradition. Some would grow a specific type of mushroom that the birthday person would remind them of and gift it to them. Though if the mushroom was of a dangerous kind to handle, they'd instead give a drawing, photo, or even a crafted version of the mushroom. I doubt anyone here would do such a thing so I hope you don't mind me thinking to do this for you.

I would have grown you some myself, but I couldn't find spores to cultivate and I'm not sure if you would really want them. So instead I spent some time making a charm of one. It doesn't look as great as I would like it to, but crafting and painting isn't something I've ever had time to do before. To make up for how bad the charm looks, I decided to make a little game. I've written three different meanings for the mushroom that reminds me of you. Two of them are lies, one of them is a common true meaning back in my world.

-This mushroom symbolizes someone who is physically slow and really quiet.

-This mushroom symbolizes someone who is cowardly yet pretends to be brave.

-This mushroom symbolizes the heart and soul of a knight. One who cares greatly for their loved ones to the point of becoming their sword and shield. It's usually given to those who have become official knights. Because of this custom, this mushroom has been nicknamed the "Knighthood Shroom".

After your birthday interview I'll tell you which one is true if you can't figure it out.

Signed Bobo Mycelind and Grim the Great!"

Deuce looked back in the box, noticing a roughly cut wooden charm with messy paint depicting some sort of white and blue mushroom on it. He lifted the small piece up, smiling as he contemplated what he should attach it to.

[vanya-imyarek]

The Third Train

The time is whenever you want, really. I recommend early morning: you have a long trip in front of you. But really, there is no limit.

The place is the fringes of a small country town, with a trainstation nearby. You have to find the last houses, and a railroad right next. There is a house with a couple of annoying dogs: if they are barking at you, everything is normal. Keep this in mind for later.

So, the railroad. Cross it. On the other side, you will find three paths.

The one on your left has a small temple near the start. It's a perfectly normal, safe path you can walk for a relaxing stroll, just be mindful of wandering goats.

The one on the centre leads to a farm, close enough you can see it. On a windowsill of that farm, someone has placed a set of figurines of clowns, all colorful and with smiles that nobody who has ever seen a human being thinks are funny and friendly. Never, never go past that specific window.

The path on the right is the one you need. It will go parallel to the railroad; once you set foot on it, your trip has officially began.

Walk until you reach a small station. It's not the 'official' one, it's not one that is usually seen when taking different perspectives other than the one of the path. It will be made of bricks, almost lost among the trees, so you need a keen eye for it. Meanwhile, check the train passing by. The first train will be an impressively old model - sometimes even a locomotive, in any case something that seems ready to fall apart. The second train will be a more modern one, white with red doors. The last train will be a perfectly normal train, of the model most common where you live. This is the train you have to board, and it will always arrive a few minutes after you have reached the station.

Now, listen carefully. Up to this point, you can decide to stop, turn around and go home, and nothing will happen to you. You can even decide not to board the train when it arrives, and you will be able to go back as if nothing had happened. But if you choose to step on the train, then you have to follow my instructions very carefully.

The inside of the train is likewise normal. You can get any free seat that you like. The other passengers will be likely minding their own business. If you like to chat with random strangers, you can go right ahead, but it's not guaranteed that they will know your language or be in a mood to speak. After all, they have their own reasons to go on this trip.

The ones you have to be cautious around are the personnel. Don't be impolite, of course, never be impolite. But there are rules.

The ticket inspector will pass by shortly: when they'll stop by you, tell them, calmly and confidently, that you don't have any ticket, and you don't need one. They will leave you be.

Someone, at various points during the travel, will pass by with a food and drinks cart. Never accept anything unless it comes prepackaged and it's from a brand you can recognize with certainty. But you have to be careful: sometimes the design on the package can be very similar to one of a recognized brand, but it's not the same. If you aren't absolutely certain you can spot even the tiniest differences, it's best to play safe and refuse everything.

As for the train driver: whatever happens, never try to go and talk to them. They have a very delicate job, and they will not take kindly to any distraction.

Now, you will also have to be careful about the outside of the train. Wherever you are seated, be sure you can keep an eye out of the window: when you see two trees at the sides of the railroad forming an arc abote it, close the black curtain over the window, and be sure those seated next to you have done so, too. Don't pull back the curtain until the ticket inspector will pass by again, to announce that the first stop is near. You mustn't be visible as a real, flesh and blood human. What observes ouside must think that you are shadows.

The trip up to the second stop will be uneventful. When you reach the third stop, you will notice that reality is a little more blue outside the train. Don't question it, and don't ask the people stepping out at that station or those boarding. It doesn't do anything, it's just a note so that you don't confuse anyone.

A pack of wild dogs will start following the train around the fourth stop. Even if you are scared, don't show them. Don't show them anger either, don't do anything they could see as threatening. They will disperse by the time you have reached the sixth stop, otherwise you have done something that upset them. If that is the case, don't disboard the train, even when it reaches your stop, and wait for the personnel to reach you for instructions.

Your stop is the seventh. If you have followed all of the instructions, you will be able to disboard safely. You will find a station built in stone, with a small building nearby. Knock on its door, and when someone inside asks who it is, politely ask for your delivery.

A package will be pushed outside, and the door will close back immediately. Pick it up: it contains something you desperately need. Careful here: need, not want. It might well not be something you expect. However you may feel, don't ever throw it away or try to give it back: its utility will be clear in the future, and it is not right to toss away such a gift.

Now, go back to the train: it will have waited for you. Return to your seat, draw the curtain once again, and relax for the moment. You will have to disboard again at the next stop, and it will take you back to the small brick station among the trees where you had started the trip.

It's likely you will find that several hours have passed, hence why I told you to go in the early morning. Go back through the path you took to get there.

Now, here comes probably the most trying time of the trip: verify that you are there for other people. Those dogs I have mentioned in the beginning will be useful: if they don't bark at you, and instead act as if you weren't even there, it means something went wrong. You disobeyed some of the rules, didn't you? You didn't pull the curtain, you accepted the strange food from the cart, you threw away your package. All you can do at this point is go back, and take the train again - that will be your world now. If you didn't pull the curtain, run, because what noticed you were an human being will already be on your tracks.

But if the dogs bark, it means that everything is normal. Go back home with your package, and go on with your life. It will soon come a moment where you will have to use it, and then, something will improve. Don't worry. You will have earned this.