#start shopping and tick all the boxes in your wish list at one go.

[sergiovinazzi]

Stolen - Lando Norris x Reader (Chapter Two)

2.9k words, rated E for everyone :)

Lando’s voice, amplified by the TV speakers, echoes around the humming Red Bull garage. “I’m fine but I’ve been better. I can say that I’m not in perfect condition, I’m not gonna lie. Some work to do mentally of course. I talk about that a lot, and mental health and mental strength is very important. I’ve not been sleeping that great and so on… not ideal and I’m feeling a bit sore, but I’m not the guy in the worst position after Wembley. I’ll work on it, I’ll make sure I’m in the best shape possible, and I feel like I can still go out and focus on what I need to do, and that’s the main thing.”

Your mind races as you listen to the boy plastered across the many screens revisit his experience at Wembley. He sounds awful; something about his cadence making it even more obvious that he is really, truly shaken up. The wavering pitch, awkward pausing, fumbling for words; everything about the way he presents himself is serving as a brutal reminder that being physically unscathed is no indicator that harm was not dealt. Even as the interview moves past the topic of last week’s Euro Final, you notice the shift in demeanor and your heart aches. You worry that bringing the watch to him is a bad idea, that it could prompt unbidden memories and disquieting feelings. You understand how big of an event Silverstone is from your dad’s tangents alone, especially for an English team with an English driver, so you reevaluate whether your decision to come was selfish, one made solely to alleviate your own sentiments of guilt rather than to verily right your believed wrongdoings.

On the journey to Silverstone, your dad had made multiple attempts at lessening your stress, even opting for variations of the if he steps out of line I will put him right back in his place father speech. Unfortunately fruitless, your father’s attempts mean you remain just as anxious as when you had first discovered that you managed to obtain a stolen wristwatch.

You’re not sure whether it’s the crisp morning air or your nerves that sends chills across your flesh, but your attempt to ground yourself subtly doesn’t go unnoticed by your dad as he passes you in the garage.

“Time is ticking,” he informs you, a smirk playing on his lips. “No pun intended.”

You roll your eyes in an attempt to downplay your apprehension, but your voice gives away any and all signs of the false confidence you hope to portray. “Can you do it for me?” you plead.

“I can’t just stroll on over to the McLaren garage without an invitation or proper reason, especially not a couple hours before free practice starts. It doesn’t look good.”

“It’s not like me walking in there instead would look any better,” you retort, gesturing to the Red Bull logo plastered across the chest of your black polo. “Your branding isn’t what I would call subtle.”

“Look, the McLaren team are a good sort. They’ll help you out if you just explain the issue and show them the watch. I’m sure Lando will understand too, he seems like a pretty nice bloke,” your dad reassures you.

Sighing, your eyes meet the floor, fingers intertwined with each other as you fidget incessantly. Before you can speak up in further defiance, however, an additional set of footsteps grow nearer and you freeze at the voice which speaks up.

“Christian, how much longer until our media slot?”

You lose your breath momentarily, locking your gaze onto your shoes as you wait for the person to pass by.

“About five minutes, Max,” your dad replies. “We were just about to head over.”

When you hear the footsteps grow fainter, you risk looking up, thankfully being met with only the observance of your father. You don’t even realize that you’ve tensed your body until your dad points it out.

“Relax,” he says. “He’s not going to say anything here, especially not on a race weekend.”

Nodding, you feel your shoulders ease up but you remain quiet.

“Anyways, like I said, our media briefing and interviews start soon and we’re after McLaren this weekend so they should already be back in their garage,” he says, realizing that you still appear troubled by the task ahead of you. “I promise you, everything will be fine. Just go over there and I’ll meet you back here when we’re done. The quicker you head over, the quicker you’re done with it and we can all move on." With that, your dad walks away and you reluctantly leave the Red Bull garage, adjusting your shirt as you straighten up.

You take a brief glance at your phone, turning it off after you try one last time to keep the picture of the boy imprinted in your mind. Eyes darting rapidly, you attempt to scan the paddock for anyone looking remotely like him while you make your way towards the bright orange and blue indicators of the McLaren garage.

The frequency of orange-clad individuals grows the further you stray from the safety of Red Bull’s garage, and you feel your heartbeat begin to increase. Worried that someone would stop you before you could approach the one person you had traveled all the way to Silverstone for in the first place, you quicken your pace.

You’re mere meters away when you spot him. Pushing past a few people while trying to keep your eyes trained on him, you watch as he turns around to talk briefly with the woman next to him.

Huffing, you muster up the little confidence you have and tap him on the shoulder.

His confusion is evident and the blonde woman next to him does not look pleased to have been interrupted. The silence is palpable as they stare at you, expecting an explanation for the abrupt ending of their conversation.

“Hi,” is all you can deliver. You’re at a loss for words while the woman next to him seems to lose what little patience she has with you. Everything you had rehearsed beforehand, gone. Your mind is foggy and your mouth feels dry as you try to compose yourself. “Um, can I talk to you for a second? It won’t be long, I promise.” Your voice breaks at the end and you wish you had never agreed to get on that stupid red-eye to Silverstone in the first place.

Lando offers a look of sympathy and then turns to the woman next to him. “Charlotte, could you just give us a second?”

Pursing her lips and turning on her heel, the woman walks away, heading towards the mouth of the McLaren garage. She’s far enough away that you’re out of earshot, but close enough that you feel her gaze linger as Lando turns back to face you.

“Hey, don’t worry,” he tells you with a smile. “We can take a picture if you want or I can sign some stuff for you.”

“What? No.” You shake your head, mentally slapping your palm against your forehead and forcing yourself to get a grip. Idiot. “Fuck, sorry, that sounded so rude! It’s just-” you rush to explain.

“Oh no, it’s okay!” he stammers. “I should’ve guessed from the Red Bull shirt anway.”

You both share an awkward laugh before you compose yourself and reach a shaky hand into your bag.

“This is going to sound so weird, but I was online shopping for a new watch the other day because I lost mine, and I’m pretty sure I bought the one that was stolen from you. I didn’t know anything about it, I swear. I just...well, here,” you say, offering the watch and its temporary box to Lando.

He looks at you, taking the box only to go wide-eyed at the contents inside.

“I have all the information that I was able to get, but the ad was taken off of eBay and I really wanted to do the right thing and give it back to you. Please don’t be mad.”

“What the hell?!” he exclaims, earning a few looks from people passing by and catching Charlotte’s attention once more. “Sorry, sorry. How did you get this?”

Amused, you laugh quietly while he studies the watch intently. “That was my dad’s reaction too. Basically there was a listing for it on eBay and it was sort of an impulse buy,” you explain. “I didn’t see the news coverage of what happened until afterwards and I felt awful. I’m really sorry you had to go through that, I genuinely had no idea.”

Shrugging, he plays it off. “Nothing I can’t handle.” It’s hard to miss his sudden change in attitude from the interview you watched moments ago and you can’t help but wonder whether he has your or the watch’s presence to thank.

There is a brief moment of silence between you both before he continues. “How much did you pay for it?”

“It was so cheap, honestly,” you say. “Nothing compared to the original price, I’m sure.”

Charlotte, alerted by Lando’s attention-grabbing reaction to being reunited by his watch, returns to where the two of you are standing. “Oh wow, did you find a replacement watch for him?” she asks you, clearly impressed by the apparent likeness.

“No, Charlotte”, he corrects her. “It’s my one. Look.” He hands the watch to his PR manager, who receives it so gently you think she’s afraid it might shatter in her hands. Flipping the watch between her fingers, she studies the small engraving on the underside of the face.

“Oh my god,” she whispers.

Lando nods. “It’s the exact date it was given to me, there’s no way anyone else could know that and make a copy of it.”

You feel the need to justify yourself to her. “It was listed online and I bought it before I knew anything about the situation. I didn’t even really know who Lando was until I saw what happened on the news, I swear.” You anticipate her anger or disapproval, preparing yourself to withstand the lecture you’re about to receive and mentally promising that, as soon as it’s over, you can run back to your dad and tell him you just want to go home.

But it doesn’t come.

“I can’t believe it!” she exclaims. “We all thought we’d never see it again and you found it on accident.” The smile she gives you sets your mind at ease. “Technically, this is a police matter now, so I’ll have to hand it over to the right people, but this helps us tremendously. Did you get any information about the seller?”

You explain the situation to her, about how the listing was taken offline but you have a printout of the messages and address the seller gave you, which you hand her from your bag. She lets you know that someone may get in touch soon to ask questions but not to worry, that it’s only a formality. Eventually, she asks if you’d like to watch free practice from a spot in the mobile hospitality unit, but you politely decline, explaining that you needed to get back to your dad in the Red Bull garage instead.

Charlotte smiles fondly at Lando and presses the brim of his cap down over his eyes. “Come on, you, we have to go and get ready now anyway.”

He takes off his hat, cheeks flushing as he makes an effort to quickly brush the curls lining his forehead, placing it back on and dismissing Charlotte with a wave of his hand. “Okay, just give me a minute.”

Once the two of you are alone, he pulls out his phone. “Do you have Venmo? I’ll pay you back, it’s not fair that you had to waste your money.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it.”

Lando seems unconvinced. “It’s really not a problem.”

“Seriously, it’s all good.”

“Well,” he continues awkwardly. “I have to go, but are you here for the whole weekend or...?”

You shake your head. “Just today. I’m not into Formula 1, I find it a little bit boring.”

“Seriously?! The fastest cars in the world and you’re calling it boring? Why even come to something like Silverstone if it’s so boring?” he feigns offense, doing air quotes as he imitates your apparent disdain for the sport.

Laughing quietly, you shrug. “I have family at Red Bull, so it was basically just luck and convenience that you were in the U.K. this weekend,” you clarify. “I don’t really understand Formula 1, that’s all.”

“Fair enough, it’s not for everyone I suppose,” Lando replies. “So who in your family works at Red–” The end of his question is drowned out by the sound of his name called by an evidently disgruntled, impatient engineer.

He sighs. “I’m sorry, I’ve really gotta go, but, um,” he exhales with a nervous laugh. “I still feel like I need to repay you in some way. Do you want to go get a drink after the race on Sunday? I’m busy for the next few days but Sunday night I’ll be free. Only if you want to, of course, I don’t want to, like, pressure you or anything.”

You laugh, appreciative that the nervousness was shared. “That– Yeah, that sounds fine. I’ll give you my number.”

He types your details into his phone before apologizing once more, thanking you again, and rushing off into the garage.

——

On Sunday, you let your dad believe he’s the one who convinced you to stay for the entire race weekend, but it’s the promise of Lando’s company later that night and the endearing text messages on your phone that prompts the desire to see this weekend through. You had spent the previous nights on your phone, going through driver and team Instagram accounts, as well as the F1 website, to get an idea of what to expect. Typically, it would pain you to look through motorsport news pages, especially with so many of the reports centering around Max and his vie for the championship as of late, but you manage.

You notice almost immediately while settling into your spot at the back of the garage that the energy does not match your own. You are enthusiastic and eager, while the rest of the team is stressed and rushes around you. Presumably, it’s because race day impacts their livelihoods and paycheks whereas it only dictates your family’s dinner topics, but, nevertheless, your excitement refuses to simmer.

Unfortunately, if it was weird for you to be seen at the McLaren garage before the first free practice, it would be infinitely more suspicious for you to be lingering around on race day, so you were not able to catch Lando at all since your initial meeting on Friday. However, you made sure to message him good luck beforehand, to which he thanked you and expressed excitement for your upcoming night.

“If you need anything, just ask. I’ll be on the pitwall,” your dad says, snapping you out of your whirring mind. He notices your obscure behavior, quick to comment on it. “Is it weird? Being here after so long?”

You nod, shrugging. “Unusual, for sure. So much has changed since the last time I came and watched, but I’m excited, though.”

“Well, it’s always good to have you here.”

Reciprocating your dad’s grin, you silently send him on his way. He exits quickly and leaves you to your own devices. Though, your own devices look to consist of impatiently waiting for the race to start and scrolling absentmindedly through your phone. Ironically, your boredom with pre-race antics appears to create quite the dichotomy against the chaos exuding from the garage you find yourself encompassed in.

Regardless, your attention is regained when frequent cuts are made to the drivers in their cars, and you recognise that the race will be starting soon. You are temporarily startled when the cars begin moving without hearing an official announcement, but quickly realisee that it is merely a formation lap and no one else around you seems to be paying all too much mind to it.

When the cars return to their positions on the grid, you watch eagerly as the lights flash and the announcers begin yelling. You keep your eyes trained on the orange car towards the front of the grid, watching Lando so intently that you almost miss what happens to the cars in front of him.

Your eyes go wide as you watch the events unfold: the Red Bull car out front collides with what you identify as a Mercedes, spinning and slamming into the barrier. Gasps chorus across the garage as the screens replay slowed clips of the crash as an announcement states that the safety car has been deployed. They replay it from every conceivable angle, your astonishment at the severity is present upon your first viewing, but it’s only after the sixth clip that it clicks in your head that the person in the car is Max.

“For the second time this season, Hamilton and Verstappen clash and tangle on the opening lap, but, this time, it is ending in dramatic consequences for the championship leader.”

If you had perceived the pre-race behavior in the garage as chaotic, this was a whole new level of absurdity.

People rush around you while orders are shouted and frustrations are verbalised.

Your dad is angry.

The last time you recall him behaving like this was when your younger sister had broken the wine glasses he had bought for your mother on their honeymoon. You, however, ignore his yelling and remain encapsulated by the TV, releasing a breath you didn’t know you were holding as the events unfolding finally, finally register in your brain.

Car number 33 is in the wall and out of the race, and your ex-boyfriend is inside, silent and unmoving.

____________

tag list @lovebynorth @its-astrotea-love

[softhairedhotch]

Here's headcannon idea: domestic!Hotch!! <3 I lowkey feel like this man loves to do housework (its actually cannon in the Fisher King episode!) We already know he loves cooking, but I also imagine he like to put some music on and do some laundry, water some plants, make the bed, go to the grocery store, maybe reorganize a bookcase. He loves to feel helpful and likes a clean house, its a double win. :)

-💚

omg this is adorable tysm <33

also i just wanna say to you (💚) that i have seen and read each of your asks, and i will eventually get to them!! there's some where i have started lil fics for them and all that, so don't worry i'm not ignoring them!! just taking my time!! but thank you so so much for everything you've sent and will (hopefully) send in the future, i'm forever grateful <33!!

aaron hotchner finds peace in doing housework

as a kid, he had to do most of the chores around the house

he hated it at first, but once he realised it'd get his dad off of his back, he found himself appreciating it

it was, and still is, nice and peaceful and allowed him to calm his racing mind

eventually it was something he'd do without being prompted--washing the dishes, cleaning the kitchen, washing the bath out, restocking items they were low on

this carried on into his adulthood, and it was a surprise to haley at first

she knew he liked to clean and cook, he often offered to help her parents when he was over, but she wasn't expecting him to be so... maid-like?

not that there's anything bad about that of course, she got to occasionally relax instead of doing housework when aaron was home

but it was surprising

she once found him humming along to the radio, swaying side to side, as he folded up the newly dried clothes she'd thrown in the wash

she found it adorable, walking over to him and wrapping her arms around him from behind, swaying with him

he also finds grocery shopping peaceful

he feels like a normal, unassuming person when he's wandering around the aisles in casual clothes and no weapon to hold him down

he loves to get everything on his shopping list, ticking the boxes off one by one, and he loves to pick up new items or a toy/sweet that jack would enjoy

and then he loves to go home, put everything where it should be, and cook something with his recently brought items

after he cooks and finishes eating, he gets to wash up, and he lets the radio softly play as jack watches his favourite cartoons in the living room before he goes to bed

he'll scrub at the plates in time with the music, humming along and allowing his mind to wander over whatever it pleases--books he's read/wants to read, cases he's worked, stuff to do with jack, gifts to buy the team for their birthdays... anything

it upsets him that he doesn't get to do this as often as he'd like, but he has a job to do and he finds that way more important that any housework

but that side of him sometimes bleeds into his work life

he always, always, makes the bed, no matter where he is

it's just polite

so when the team have to double up at a motel, he'll make both of their beds in the morning without really thinking about it

david finds it helpful, spencer finds it sweet and innocent and assumes it's a habit he can't break from his childhood, and derek teases him about it (although he secretly finds it adorable, and he's determined to keep that a secret)

he makes sure the rooms are always left as they were found, clean and presentable, a habit that jj can't help but smile at when she enters his room to give him information on the case

aaron wishes he could keep a plant but knows that he would never be home enough to take care of it, so he has a few plastic ones around his apartment

he did try and take care of one at one point though, jessica convinced him

she told him she and jack would look after it too

it went well!!

...until day 5 when aaron came home and it was shrivelled up in the corner of the room

it was a sad day that day

his bookshelves are always organised, whether that be by name of author, name of book, when they were released, or just by colour

it settles his mind, allowing the whirring gears to come to a halt as he figures out the best way to organise his shelves this month

(unless he stumbles onto a book that he loves and he ends up leaning against the shelf with his legs drawn up to his chest, book in hands and head down against the pages to not miss a word--he can do this for hours, only pulling away when jack wakes up or someone needs something)

jessica likes to tease him--"how you gonna organise them this month, hotchner? by the time you bought them?"--but she often offers to help him if she's available, revelling in the peace and calm it brings

and it allows for them to discuss anything and everything--the books themselves, their past, haley, when aaron will next probably be gone and what she can do with jack, their favourite meals

she also lets him vent about the harshest cases he's faced, or ones he's recently solved/hasn't solved, because she knows him and she knows he doesn't have an outlet for this type of stuff, even if it does cause a shiver to run up her spine when he recounts some of the truly gruesome details

he likes the keep all desks and counters clean and tidy, wiped of any dirt or crumbs lying around, it just makes him feel much better

this is all increased tenfold once he became a single dad, of course, but he never once forced jack to help him (although his son sometimes did because he found it enjoyable too, and the two of them have fun with music or the tv on in the background, laughing and joking about random stuff)

[all-might-can-smash-me]

Dating Game

Taishiro Toyomitsu/Fatgum x Reader

Summary: you pick up your son’s best friend form his first day of hero work studies and meet Fatgum, the two of you chat up and head to a date...but someone ruins the after mood of the nice date by eavesdropping

Sorry for typos

Masterlist

A far off ticking of a clock seemed to annoy the silence of your apartment as you sat at the cleaned surface of the island counter in your kitchen, a note pad before you as you scribbled items down, pausing to get up and look into the fridge or the cabinets to make sure you wouldn’t forget to add anything to your weekly grocery list. You knew that if you didn’t have it on that trusted list that rest on the counter, it wouldn’t have been bought until the next time you would prepare to go shopping again. Though your scrounging around in one of the cabinets was cut short as your phone began to blare with some corny ringtone that your son had set for you and you didn’t have the heart to change it, but the sudden loudness still gave you a fright, your body seeming to start to fall downward into the floor, but you had caught yourself before the activation of your permeation quirk.

“I need to ask Mirio to set that thing lower..” you huffed out as you rushed over to the counter space where your phone sat, grabbing ahold of it and quickly answering it, though the voice on the other end didn’t give you a chance to say hello.

“Hey mom! Can you pick up me and Tamaki from our work study agencies? It’s raining and Tamaki is coming over anyway today and I also may have forgot my umbrella......” Loudly spoke out your son through the phone. “And I also may have not packed a jacket either like you tell me too....” Upon looking out the window, you gasped as you had finally seemed to notice the downpour of rain outside.

“Mirio! When will you ever get that head screwed onto your head! Your first day and you aren’t even prepared for a rainstorm?” You teased as you had reached your free hand down to push in the stool you once sat on, already shimmying into a rain coat, keys jingling within your hands, umbrella tucked away under your arm.

“Thanks mom! Love you mom!” And an over dramatic kiss noise was made and the call was ended, leaving you to only let out a laugh as you shove away your cellular device. Though you let out a little gasp as you rushed back to the kitchen, grabbing a few juice boxes and snacks before finally making your way back to the front door, shoes placed onto your feet and umbrella at the ready.

Tamaki was first on your list to save from the downpour of rain. You always adored the sweet, shy boy, from when he was just a mere child until now. You could recall those days where Mirio and him would have their sleepovers and he would be too shy to ask for a glass of water or where to hang his coat or place his shoes out of the way. Over the years though he pushed a bit out of his shell, grown a bit more comfortable around you thanks to all the years of knowing you, not all the way completely, but it was enough for you, but most importantly Tamaki was just simply perfect the way he was as a person for Mirio to consider him his best friend and most prized confidante. That was a beautiful thing to know and to see. You were pulled out from your memories of the young boy now turned young man as you finally parked outside the agency. Thankfully you were familiar with the two boys’ agencies by the constant chatter that was always going on within your home about it and Mirio made sure to write them down for you and placed it on the fridge.

“Fatgum agency.....” you mumbled out as you leaned forward to peer up at the building through your windshield through the heavy splatters of rain that pelted your window, but you took now time to brace yourself with your umbrella at the ready, hood pulled over and tightened onto your head as you shoved the car door open, umbrella now over your head as you slammed the door shut and raced for the entrance, bursting in through the doors with a sigh of relief, umbrella drawn closed. Right there standing off to the side, with someone else who strangely looked like the front of the building, seemingly trying to slouch away from the world was Tamaki. A grin crawled onto your lips as you stepped up to him, giving him a tight squeeze “How was your first day? Look at you all grown up...” you gushed out, pulling away to see the bright blush that was upon his cheeks, already twiddling with his fingers “Don’t worry, you can tell me on the way to get Mirio.” You said assuringly as you handed him the umbrella in your hand.

“Is this your mother?” Soon spoke up the man that was with him, a shocked look upon his face as he looked to you. Tamaki only nervously shook his head no, looking expectingly to you. You were all too familiar with that look in his eyes. You took it upon yourself to explain.

“Oh no, but I wish I was! He’s such a sweet and talented boy. He and my son are long time best friends and I’m here to simply pick him up and along with my son from his work studies to avoid that storm out there.” You said, vibrant smile plastered onto your face, your words ended with an equally vibrant giggle as you wrapped an arm around Tamaki’s shoulders, he only giving his shy nods to your words. “We don’t want our future heroes getting sick!” You said as you looked down to Tamaki and soon back up to the other. Tamaki seemed to gulp down a bit of his nervousness and fear to finally speak out quietly.

“Ms.Togata...this is Fatgum, the hero of this agency....” He finally got out, you letting your hand softly pat his back in encouragement and of also pride at him overcoming his nervousness and fear for that single sentence. You gave a little bow to the hero upon the introduction, he returning it back, but that almost shocked expression seemed to still bit etched upon his face. He probably would have been more fearful of you though if you were Tamaki’s mother because of the fact he found your drop dead gorgeous. It was shocking to say the least, to have someone such as yourself standing before him and the absence of a ring also only made matters worse for his nerves.

“Nice to meet you Fatgum, but I really need to go pick up my son and plus I got you and Mirio juice boxes and I don’t want them to get hot and sweat everywhere.” You said with a glance to Tamaki before looking up to the humongous hero before you, but despite him towering over you....he was cute along with the grin that now stretched across his face. With that you were guiding out Tamaki from the agency, now running back to the car, Tamaki taking the liberty to sit in the front seat, which years ago he would have NEVER even thought about doing such a thing, juice box already in his hands, sipping away. What can he say....a juice box shall forever be greatness within his eyes.

“Fatgum and I went on patrol earlier...he eats a lot...” he spoke out quietly as he watched the windshield wipers move back and forth in their fast rhythms. You glanced over at him before looking back down to the street.

“Oh yeah? Well, I guess then the two of you kind of have something in common.” You pointed out with a laugh as you turned down a road, soon the crinkling of a bag of crackers sounded as Tamaki took the liberty to grab one to eat, years ago though he would have been simply too nervous to do so.

“Yes....but all I’ve eaten with him are octopus takoyaki...” he said as he brought up a hand, finger turning into a tenticle before it quickly transformed back into his finger. “Nothing else...but he says the octopus aspect can be useful...” and with that he want back to eating his snack, you only humming along to the soft music that played to the radio. You finally pulled up to Nighteye agency, but you didn’t even get the chance to get out of the car to retrieve your son before he was already running excitedly out of the building, car door yanked open as he flung himself inside, door now shut behind him. It didn’t take long for Mirio to find his juice box and snack, already spilling every single detail of his first day, Tamaki listening intently.

Though as the days went on, Fatgum was left wondering when he would ever see you again. He prayed for rain, but the rain never came. He prayed for anything to get you back into his agency again so he could at least get your number or something. It was too weird to ask Tamaki about it as well and the boy was too hard on himself, shy, nervous, and fearful of everything, but Fatgum new patience was key to guiding him down the right path. Finally the rain did come, which that rain brought you back along with it. Fatgum couldn’t help but let that iconic grin of his stretch across his face as he watched you push through the doors and into the safety of his agency. Tamaki was already scurrying to meet up with you at the doors to leave, but already a voice boomed out.

“Hey! Wait a second!” Shouted out the Hero Fatgum as he made his way over “I got to ask you something!” He said, finally slowly his quickened pace as he got closer. Tamaki took it upon himself to take the car keys from your hand, already rushing out the building and to the car, getting a feeling in his bones that Fatgum was going to try and flirt with you. All the ‘subtle’ questions about you while out on patrol or sitting around in his office didn’t fly over the young adult’s head, so Tamaki already knew he DID NOT want to be standing there to listen to the hero he was doing his work studies with flirt with his best friend’s mom that was basically a mother to himself for the many past years of his life. It was just....ew?

“Yeah, sure, fire away.” You said with a grin as you pulled down the hood that was tightened upon your head, hands smoothing away the frizzy mess that was your hair. If only it wasn’t raining so hard or if only it wasn’t so humid.

“I was just wondering if maybe I could get your number?” He asked, a sheepish smile over powering that grin he tried to keep stretched across his face. He could already feel that blush flood his cheeks, but you only let a laugh out as you nodded your head, tugging out your phone from the depths of your purse.

“Yeah! Of course, look, type your number in mine and I’ll send a text to you.” You offered, handing the phone, a contact already pulled up and ready to be typed in. Relief flooded his insides as he took the phone from your hands carefully, typing in his info before handing it back, which you instantly took ahold of you phone once again, thumbs quickly typing away before that iconic ‘whoop’ noice sounded out to signify a text message had been sent, his own phone within his pocket now chiming.

After that, text message upon text message were sent and received between the two of you. All those text messages combined could probably make the 5th book of Harry Potter look puny. It felt like you were back in high school again, texting away, a little flirt here and there, laughter, etc. Every now and then a phone call would happen, but those always happened away at night where you knew your son was knocked out from sleep and Fatgum was free for a few hours. Until finally...the text you were anticipating was sent.

‘Would you like to go out with me this evening, let’s say at 7:30?’

Which you of course excepted, which led to now, you were slipping a dress over your head, now standing before a mirror, hand smoothing out the material, sooon leaning in close to inspect the makeup that you had placed on before heading in the living room kitchen area, Mirio and Tamaki looking up from their school work and to you.

“Where are you going?” Mirio asked as he watched you nervously look down to your phone as you were beginning to make sure you had everything you needed in your purse. Though you were now fishing out some money from your wallet, placing it down on the counter.

“I’m going out tonight, I’m leaving money on the counter in case you two boys want to order food or pick something up.” You spoke out as you looked over to them. “And since it’s Friday, you two can order a few movies too off of amazon to watch as well, don’t forget to lock the front door and I shouldn’t be too late.” You told them, Mirio only looking to you, confused look on his face.

“Wait! Going out? With who?” He was soon asking excitedly from his sprawled out position at the coffee table that sat in the living room between the tv and the couch, Tamaki staring down to his work, though his head soon shot up, it finally connecting together within his brain that he indeed already knew the answer to that question. You were about to answer it, but the doorbell rang, you rushing over to the door to open it, though your brows furrowed together as you looked to the man before you. He was indeed talll, but he was handsome and you were pretty sure those were muscles under the sleeves of his dress shirt, but that iconic smile that stretched across his face made you wonder.

“Uh I....got a few days off from the angency because I used all my energy during an attack with a villain...this is what happens when I do that, so they give me time to build it all back up.” He said as he gave a little nervously laugh as he scratched the back of his head. You only gave a grin as you stepped aside to let him in.

“Really? Well then these next couple of days I’ll make sure your feeding yourself properly.” You said with a little laugh, closing the door behind him. “Just give me a moment, I still need to go pick out the shoes I’m wearing.” You said as you rushed off, living him to slip his shoes off at the front door to step further into your home. Though he froze as a gasp sounded out.

“Tamaki? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to see you here.” Fatgum said with a litttle laugh as he looked to the two boys, school uniforms disheveled from when their hands undid their ties and untucked their shirts the firsts moment they got back from school.

“Wait...” Mirio hummed out as he looked to the man and to his best friend, who seemed to be nervous and a bit embarrassed, before a look of adoration was brought upon his face. “You’re Fatgum?!” He gushed out excitedly. “Mom! You are going out with Fatgum!?” He shouted into the house, your laughter faintly responding from somewhere within the house, you appearing soon with a pair of heels in hand as you grabbed your purse from the counter.

“Yes, I am, why do you sound surprised? You think I’m too old to have a date or something?” You questioned, your son only responding with a laugh, now sitting up from his sprawled out position on the floor as you stepped up to the two boys, teasing kisses and hugs placed onto both. “Also....no rated R movies.” You said as you pointed a finger to them as you and Fatgum were now placing your shoes on at the front door, gaining a groan from Mirio as he let himself flop back onto the ground.

The date was going well, he was exactly the man he had portrayed himself to be through those many text messages shared between the two of you and those late hour phone calls. Now the two of you walked arm and arm throughout the area, watching the weekend groups of people weave in and out through small shops and food stands and through the sidewalks and streets.

“I haven’t had this much fun in a long time.” You said as you let your head lean up against his arm with a content sigh exiting from your lungs. “And then look at you, you could have at least warned me! I hardly even recognized you...” You pulled your head away from his arm, giving him a playful punch to his arm.

“You still recognized me then? Tell me, what gave me away.” He asked with a laugh as his arm soon wrapped around you, hand resting upon your side.

“Your smile....it is kind of the most iconic feature about you as a hero and it looks the same even when you look like this, Fatgum.” You pointed out, leaning into his grasp around you.

“Hey....you know, you can call me Taishiro...” he soon said with a soft smile as he looked down to the ground, watching his feet moving with each footstep he took. “That’s my name, I think I can trust you knowing that.” He said as he looked to you, those words with that soft look upon his face only made your heart skip a beat, a blush now upon your cheeks as you gave him a smile. Soon, a kiss was shared, the both of you now blushing messes.

Two of you were now silently jogging through the hall of the apartment building you lived in, Taishiro’s hands upon your hips as the both you surpressed your giggles and laughter, his lips leaving kisses against your head and cheek as he stood behind you, hands rested at your sides, watching you pull out your keys, unlocking the door and stepping in, he coming in right after. The two of you soon peered out from entrance and into the living room area, seeing a movie, of course it was a horror movie that you were pretty sure was rated R, and the two boys on the floor, wrapped up in blankets and snoring away. You motioned him to follow you after your shoes were taking off along with his, quietly tiptoeing further into the apartment, opening a door to reveal your room, letting him in before closing the door.

“I know I told those two no rated R movies.” You said with a little laugh as you let yourself sit down in front of your vanity, hands already pulling the hair pins you placed in your hair earlier, Taishiro taking it upon himself to let himself sit down on the edge of you bed behind you, watching your reflection in the mirror. Watching your hair falling from their pinned places made his heart throb, the soft glow upon your face from the lamp on the vanity turned on just made him star struck over you.

“Oh they are big boys now, they hardly even seemed bothered by it, they are fast asleep out there.” He commented, watching you only shake your head in disapproval as you removed your jewelry next, soon turning around in the chair you sat in to look at him.

“I’ll wait for the day you have your own children, I’m sure your mind will be changed.” You said with a grin, turning back to look in the mirror. “Can you get the zipper?” You questioned as looked to him through the mirror, which he nodded his head, standing up and now behind you, fingertips gently brushing back your hair over your shoulder to finally gently pull down the zipper, finger tips leaving a soft graze upon the skin on your exposed back as he moved your hair back in place.

“You know....they are asleep...we could go back to my place for a bit...” he said half jokingly as he leaned down, lips gently pressing a few kisses to your cheek, you only blushing and shook your head. “With two kids here? I’ll have to pass you on that offer.” You said as you reached a hand to caress the back of his head, though his head soon shot up, looking to the door.

“What the fuck!?” He soon shouted, you worriedly looking over to where he was looking at, though your worry turned to anger as you looked to your bedroom door. Mirio’s face was poking through, the look of fear plastered on his face as the door now jiggled around.

“Tamaki! I’m stuck!” He shouted out, the whispers of ‘I don’t know what to do’ soon followed along with a tentacle or two poking from under the crevice of the bottom of the door. “What are with the tentacles?” He soon asked, panicking as he look to the tentacles crawling from under the door. Mirio’s face soon slid down to the floor and disappeared with him sucking a huge breath of air in.

“I don’t know! I’m panicking.” Soon stuttered out Tamaki’s voice at Mirio’s question. “Your clothes!” but you were already whipping the door open, revealing a cowering Tamaki and your son who was desperately trying to shove his clothes back on from activating his quirk. Taishiro could only stand behind you, a bright red blush upon his face in embarrassment of the whole situation on his face, but you were only fuming before the two boys.

“You were eavesdropping?” You accused, Mirio finally having his pants on properly, now finding himself in fear of your rage.

“Well....yeah....I just wanted to know if the two of you were going to plan on going on another date or if the date went well because, Uh...it’s cool that you’re dating Fatgum and I’m just really nosy....” you rambled on, Tamaki only seemingly trying to hide behind Mirio.

You only sighed and pinched your brow. “Go on the two of you, back to bed, I’m going to go show Fatgum out...” you said, the two boys quickly disappearing into his room and behind the safety of his door, you now standing in the living room, remote in hand to turn off the tv, the lights now on in the room.

“I am so sorry about that, I don’t know why my son thought that was a good idea.” You apologized, now looking over at him who now helped you by folding the blankets that were scattered on the floor, placing the pillows back onto the couch.

“Actually now looking back at it....it was pretty funny and plus why wouldn’t he? I would try to eavesdropping on the guy my mom is dating.” He said with a shrug of his shoulders as he followed you to the front door, his shoes being slipped back on. “But still....my place is still open.” He said with a tease, you only letting out a snort before pressing a tiny kiss to his lips.

“Another stunt like that and I just might.”

[latibulx]

your muse gets a surprise day off of work- walk me through their day! (muse of your choice)

Despite not setting an alarm on his phone, Anjell wakes up early in the morningㅡ six in the morning when the sky is still mostly dark except for a bright thin line by the horizon that grows larger as the seconds tick by. Almond-shaped eyes squint tiredly at the ceiling, then at the phone that had been left charging on his nightstand for the whole night; the first thing Anjell does is look at his emails and text messages but no replies are sent. It's his first day off in god knows how long, and even though his fingers itches to type a quick reply to confirm an appointment with a famous fashion brand, he forces himself not to and instead gets up from his queen-sized bed, phone left behind.

Coffee is disregarded in favor of a tea because he doesn't need the extra-caffeine today. If he feels sleepy, he'll just take a nap. However, a quick glance in the empty contents of his fridge has Anjell being unable to ignore the obvious: he'll have to go grocery shopping at some point during the day if he doesn't want to end up ordering take-out food until he decides to actually buy some food to cook. What people don't know about the CEO is that he greatly enjoys cooking but never takes the time to do so. Work has always - and most likely always will - come first.

Not today though. So, after breakfast is eaten watching cartoons (a guilty pleasureㅡ news channels annoy him), Anjell goes to shower and once more takes the time. He takes his time because, usually, there's always something to do, someone to call, a business partner to meet with, but also because it's still early in the morning and he highly doubts that the grocery store has opened. It leads him to wander around his luxurious apartment in a fluffy bathrobe, a towel around his neck to gather the drops of water that remain at the tip of his hazelnut colored hair. He briefly considers changing his hair color. After all, why not?

One hour later sees Anjell pushing a shopping cart lazily among every single aisle of the grocery store, grabbing whatever catches his interest to drop it in the cart. And, of course, at every food tasting stall, he stops and shoots his most charming smile at the old ladies so he's given more than one sample; he is all too aware of his handsome features and the way his eyes crinkle prettily when he smiles. Without much surprise, they gush about him and it cheers him up. He buys lots of food, even if he lives on his own and very rarely (read: never) has guests over.

One would think that a work-addict such as Anjell wouldn't know how to fully enjoy a day off. But people don't know him. The real him. They know the ambitious, hard-working, passion-driven CEO whose contact list contains the biggest names of the industry and more. They know the strict yet talented young man who seems to be sleeping fashion, eating fashion and breathing fashion all year long. And he does, that isn't a lie. That's all he has ever known ever since he has fallen in love with the way clothes could make someone look so beautiful.

They don't know though that Anjell prefers hot chocolate over coffee. Or that his favorite animal is the panda. Or that he wishes, deeply, secretly, for someone to see the real him and stay.

Instead, once he is back home and that his fridge is full with fresh food, Anjell changes into comfortable clothes that are not to make a fashion statement but instead to give him comfort. That's what clothes are about, whether it's a luxurious gown or a stained hoodie: it gives comfort to whoever is wearing them. It's barely eleven in the morning and before he begins to cook lunch (seafood pasta - he hasn't been able to resist buying some shrimps and abalones), Anjell heads back to his bathroom where a box of purple hair-dye is staring right back at him. He probably should go to the hair salon instead but, well, days off are also made for silly decisions, aren't they?

Purple hair, an empty place on the coffee table, an anime playing at the lowest volume on his large television screen, Anjell naps the afternoon away on his couch just like that, wrapped up in a fluffy comforter and, when he wakes up, it's only because of the rain pounding hard against the floor-to-ceiling windows of his living room. He doesn't mind the rain much, when he's not at work. Otherwise, he hates how it can potentially ruin a month long work.

Anjell has the brief thought of going to look at his phone for a while but, for an unknown reason, it doesn't sit well with him. So, he turns the television off to instead play some musicㅡ he doesn't have any preference, it's just a random playlist with singers he doesn't even know the names of. Wine is poured into the first glass his fingers find and he momentarily thinks about a book he has wanted to start reading for a while now but he discards the idea, preferring to do nothing at all. Rain, wine and music. Adding more seems superfluous, just like adding an accessory to an already perfect outfit.

It was a good day, even if it isn't over yet. He'll probably have difficulties to fall asleep because of the long nap he has allowed himself to take but, strangely, it doesn't bother him. Not as he expected it anyway. Yes, Anjell thinks as the sweet taste of white wine fills his mouth, it was quite the good day.

(And yet, something's missing. Something's always missing in this too large apartment that he desperately tries to fill with sounds to not be left alone with his own self and the irremediable truth that he is utterly lonely.)

[strongsassysexysloane]

Seventh Day of Twelve - A Soundtrack to your Curious Mind

See below link for previous days drabbles

When it's a quiet day at home surely they couldn't get away with sneaking another gift under your nose.

. . . .

For a Monday morning it really didn't feel like one. First, you got to sleep in, second was that there actually wasn't a call in, nothing. It was sweet, the kind of morning where when you wake up with the feeling of being late for something and then realising you have nothing to worry about and roll back over. And that's exactly what you did. You didn't fall back asleep however, just laid there thinking over the past week, a smile curving your lips with the memory of each present.

The chocolates were amazing, the flowers were surprisingly wonderful, you'd never say no to free coffee or food. The gloves were sweet but necessary and the photo was special, the perfect addition to your desk. Everything was personally picked and picked especially for you. There was that warm and fuzzy feeling again.

You rolled out of bed with the feeling that it was finally the weekend. Putting on a pot of coffee to brew you wondered around the house. Taking in the morning rays mixed with the icey chill of the new layer of snow over night.

While the coffee was dripping you opened the front door to retrieve your paper. The wide grin appeared on your face once more as you found a small brown box lying on top of the morning News with an envelope attached. You ripped open the envelope to find a typed letter.

Dear y/n,

Here's a little something I thought you'd like. I hope your CD player still works.

Thinking about you,

Insert who you hope it is here.

You laughed at the last part. There was no hint to point you closer to the person you hoped it would be. Although one thought came to mind, this was hand delivered so it couldn't be Jack.

Your heart dropped a little at the thought.

You put the letter aside and looked at the gift inside. The CD was in a paper sleeve with hand written list of songs. It was a mix of everything from P!nk, Walk Me Home to Wonderwall by Oasis and a few you hadn't heard of before. It was an interesting mix, you hadn't gotten a mixed CD in we'll ever so this was a bit special. The handwriting on the sleeve didn't look familiar, you could pick Jack's handwriting up easily. It was cursive but messy, this was cursive but neat and less slanted than her's.

You sipped your morning coffee and had a piece of toast while examining the letter and CD more closely.

Later you found the CD player was tucked away in a cabinet along your hallway. You grabbed it out when a thought came to mind. You weren't quite sure why it hadn't earlier, which made you put on another pot of coffee to get the brain ticking quicker, but they knew you had a CD player. The last time you had it out was at your 90's themed birthday party. There was a lot of people from work there that night so now your options were a little more varied. Your mind, more like your heart, kept pointing out that one of those people was Jack. However Jack was in NOLA, was it such a crazy idea that she had gotten someone else in on the plan?

No, she wouldn't do all this.

You slipped the CD in and blasted the tunes while you did a few chores to get your mind off the mystery person. Music always helped getting the hard jobs done and the songs were really good. Some you hadn't heard in years.

It wasn't until around lunch time that you finally texted Jack.

- How's the food coma going? :P

You didn't have to wait too long.

- Almost comatosed but the case keeps distracting us. How's your day off? Got any new surprises?

- Sounds like you might be there for longer than you thought. It's good, got the chores done and dusted while bopping along to my new tunes that my secret Santa left me.

- Secret Santa hey? Thought you had a secret admirer.

If only. You kept that thought to yourself and the one question that you really wanted to ask her and went with...

- Trying not to get my hopes too high. Still can't figure out who it is.

The replies stopped, along with your heart but you got on with the rest of your day which consisted of nothing much more than checking your phone every other minute even though you turned the volume up. You popped on a movie while flicking through your phone.

Half way through the movie your phone started to vibrate and you got all excited thinking it was a certain blonde. It wasn't but you weren't complaining either.

"Hey Kase, what's up?" You smiled, pausing the movie and getting up for a drink of water.

"Jimmy and I are going for breakfast tomorrow and thought you might want to join. It's all good if you don't, being your day off an all." Her tone was chipper, you knew she was at work, she'd helped with the case on Saturday but got an early mark and had to come back in today to wrap everything up.

"Work or no work a woman's gotta eat."

You heard a chuckle through the line. "You sound like Bishop and Jimmy."

"He said a woman's gotta eat?"

"Something like that. Meet you at the Diner around 7?"

You held in the sigh of being up so early but agreed and said your goodbyes. It was early for a weekend for you but seeing two of your favourite people outside of work made it worth it. Taking your tall glass of water, you sat back down on the couch and continued the movie. The next vibration on your phone came through minutes later.

- Sorry, got a lead. If this pans out I might be home sooner than expected but don't get your hopes up. I still need to find Ellie a present that's allowed on the plane. Dwayne doesn't think I'll be allowed his gumbo.

You laughed at the thought of Jack trying to carry a bowl of gumbo onto a flight just for Ellie. If she could take it with her she probably would.

- That's exciting, my hopes are under control. I can only wish for one thing at a time right now. I'm sure Ellie will be happy with a candy bar from the airport.

Ellie would be happy with any sweet she got. You both knew that but you knew Jack wanted to get her something specific. Something she couldn't get in DC.

- That's understandable but it is Christmas time. Miracles do happen, looks like I'll be home in a day or two. Looking forward to seeing you...

You over thought the last sentence for too long and now felt weird about what you might send as a reply. You were looking forward to seeing her too but could you say that? You wanted to kick your brain for this.

- I like this kind of miracle. Hope everything goes to plan and I can see you at work in a few days. It's quiet without you.

Simple but had meaning if you read between the lines which you know Jack does.

The texting continued on into the night. She even sent you another picture of her dinner which only made your sad salad even more sad. You would definitely need to do some grocery shopping tomorrow but nothing you could cook would live up to anything Jack was eating down south.

. . .

This one didn't seem to flow as much as I liked but I have work early and wanted to get it up at the usual time.

Hopefully you all like it :)

[tamakiamajikistentacles]

Disappearance 6: The Rescue {Katsuki Bakugo}

A/N: Please be sure to reblog, comment, review, and like if you enjoy! Feedback is what keeps me motivated! Chiasa has been THROUGH it and writing this rescue felt like the least I could do for her.

Disappearance Masterlist

None of them slept that night except the boy. Jiro’s lullabies had worked wonders on him and it was nice to see him so peaceful. He was curled into the corner of the sofa with his face smushed against the backrest, the fabric’s pink imprint visible on his nose when he shifted.

Katsuki spent more time in his office than necessary just watching over him. He didn’t want him to be alone if he woke and he had of course come to care about the boy in the few hours since he’d been brought back to the agency. Any extension of Chiasa had a piece of his heart.

He could only hope that their plan would allow for a reunion of the two, though he wouldn’t be surprised if it was more of an introduction on both accounts.

His shoulders had been tensed for hours as he watched the clock tick closer to their departure time and they felt even tighter when Jiro came into his office to stay with the boy when it was time for the rest of them to move out. She offered him an encouraging smile.

“We’ll be waiting for you and Chiasa to get back. Been too long since we’ve all been together.”

That burned the fire in his eyes even brighter—he wasn’t just bringing her back for himself or for the boy, but also for the friends they both shared for so many years. The friends who missed her too, who helped him search for her when she first disappeared, and who apologized for giving up on her even when he never did. The friends who were stepping up when it mattered most.

He adjusted his grenade belt as he wordlessly left the room. She knew she had his thanks whether he verbalized it or not.

Passing one of the smaller offices he saw Mina and Sero sharing a box of Pocky and he rolled his eyes. Leave it to those two to be eating snacks so early in the morning.

He finally met the rest of the raid team in the lobby where Hikari was handing out the known layout of the antiques shop. They’d already gone over it extensively in their planning session earlier in the night but he knew damn well who he was teaming up with. Deku was already muttering the plan under his breath as he traced his hand over the small map.

They all looked up as he cleared his throat loudly. With their attention caught, he looked each of them in the eye before declaring, “It’s time to move.”

It was still early when they arrived in Nagoya and met with the officers who would be assisting them for their raid and serving the warrant to the shop owners. They also had to be questioned about their involvement with the League, though that wasn’t the highest priority for the morning.

The police chief was in attendance and happily shook Katsuki’s hand with a slightly starstruck look in his eye as he glanced around at the other heroes behind him. He chattered about their plan to evacuate the owners as soon as the shop opened before the hero team could move in.

Everyone was alert and ready as they watched the shop from their vantage point within an empty pffice building directly across from Niwata Antiques.

“T minus five minutes,” the chief called out.

A chill ran up his spine as he considered how close he was to seeing Chiasa. Even though he was afraid to know what state she was in from her time as a captive he was eager to see her alive and in front of him.

“Kacchan.”

He turned to see Deku behind him, chin pointed defiantly.

“You’re going to leave Shigaraki to me?” he asked.

“I said I would, didn’t I?” Katsuki sneered.

Deku didn’t back down at his bite. “For what he’s done to Chiasa I understand if you want your chance at him, but you have to leave him to me. I can’t face him if anyone else is around to get hurt. I need to be able to go 100%.”

“I said he was yours you fucking nerd!” he hissed. “I’ll take down anyone in my way of finding her but you dance with that musty asshole all you want.”

“One minute!” the chief called, and the two heroes turned their attention back to the front of the building, understanding passing between them as time ran out.

The next few moments went very quickly as the officers crossed the street and entered the shop to serve the search warrant to the owners and escorting the elderly couple out.

Immediately, Todoroki realized their problem. “The son is still inside.”

“Move!” Katsuki ordered, the six heroes rushing out of the office door without the chief’s signal.

Kaminari and Kirishima led the charge into the shop and headed straight for the basement with all but Uraraka, who stayed to canvas the upstairs apartment, following them down. As soon as they found the control panel Kaminari cut the power to the entire building in hopes of preventing any additional alarms or signals to the villains that they were there. He stayed at the panel to divert as much energy as he could to prepare for a largescale discharge should they need it.

They broke through the small door beneath the stairs that lead into a small hallway before opening up to a dingy kitchen that narrowed into another longer hallway.

Even more chaos erupted then as they were met with Spinner and Toga advancing towards them with swords and needle ready to attack. They launched themselves forward to keep them back in the kitchen area, a flash of white hair over their shoulders just barely visible.

Kirishima crossed his hardened arms in defense of Toga’s needle, the metal chipping against his skin, and Todoroki blocked the oncoming sword attack with his ice, small shards flying off to the side.

“You two go!” Kirishima shouted towards Katsuki and Deku, holding off the small blonde as she continued to attack.

They didn’t need told twice, both of them darting through the two fights to follow the long hallway with several doors lining each side. Ahead of them they could see Shigaraki dart into a room on the right and a faint white glow began to emanate from the room.

“He has an escape!” Deku snarled as he sped into the room.

Katsuki was half a step behind him and entered the room just in time to see a bald man glowing brighter by the second as he touched Shigaraki’s forearm, their silhouettes beginning to fade out. Before he could register what was happening he saw Deku lunge towards them and fade with them until all three were gone.

As angry as he was that he couldn’t reach them as fast as Deku had, he realized this was likely for the better. After all, Deku wanted Shigaraki without any of them in the way, so what better way for the confrontation to play out?

“We’re clear!” he heard shouted through his comm, the words staticky and slightly muffled.

“Shigaraki and Deku were taken via transport quirk to an unknown secondary location,” he radioed back. “Shoto, Uravity, you two see if you can find his location and secure the scene. But let them fight.”

With an affirmative sent back he turned his attention to the most important part of his mission and recalled the information he had been given at Tartarus.

In a concrete room on the far end of the villain’s safehouse is where he found her, no windows to let in any sun just like Dabi had described. The light from the hallway illuminated the shadowed room with an eerie glow as he saw her for the first time in over four years.

She was sitting upright on a thin futon and leaning against the wall with her arms wrapped around herself. Her skin was pale in the low light and she seemed to be asleep, not giving any indication that she knew he was there. He could see how much thinner she looked and her hair looked greasy and matted just like the little boy.

His heart ached in his chest as he took his first hesitant step into the room, kneeling down once he reached the futon.

“Chiasa,” he called softly, not wanting to startle her awake. “C’mon baby, I need you to wake up.”

She let out a sigh, still asleep, and curled herself closer to the wall.

“You have to wake up,” he said again, this time a bit louder. “Chiasa, its Katsuki. I found you, you’re safe now.”

Stirring slightly, her eyelids fluttered before blinking open lazily. Pulling away from the wall just a bit her head lolled to the side as if it were a great effort to hold it up. He wouldn’t be surprised if it was. She was only half-conscious and he didn’t know if it was because of just waking up or a number of other far more sinister reasons.

She hummed when she saw him. “Not again, Toga.”

Bakugo’s brows furrowed. She thought he was Toga? Had that little freak been using her quirk to fuck with her? But where the hell would she even get his blood?

“Won’t fall for it,” Chiasa murmured, closing her eyes. “Not again.”

“It’s not a trick, baby. I’m not Toga trying to mess with you. It’s really me.”

Her eyes blinked open again to get a better look at him. He held still to give her time to recognize him as himself.

“Yeah, you’re Katsuki,” she finally said with a chuckle.

He let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and smiled.

“Wish you were real.”

His heart sank.

“If you were real…” she started quietly, “I’d probably cry. Savin’ me because you’re a hero is enough.”

Enough?

“Chiasa—”

“Know it’s too late,” she interrupted. “Been too long and I’m... I’m not the same. Not like I was. Dunno if I ever could be again y’know?”

Every putdown she listed made him angrier. Why the hell would he ever give her up now that he’d gotten her back?

“Not worth it now, I don’t think,” she whispered sadly.

That was what made him snap, ripping his gloves off and tossing them aside. With a quick swipe of his palms against his costume, he reached out and lightly tugged her arms from where they were still wrapped around her. When they were free he grabbed her hands in his.

“I’m real. I’m right here, in front of you in this shitty League safehouse. I’m here to take you home, back to our apartment. You and your boy—he’s okay, sittin’ at my agency with Jiro—I’m takin’ you home where you belong, okay? I’ve spent too long without you and I ain’t letting you go again. You’re too damn important to me.”

Her eyes widened and dropped down to where his hands held hers. She freed her hands from his hold and he watched as she hesitantly ran her fingers over his palm. A hitch in her breathing startled him and he realized that she had started to cry, but a smile was forming on her lips nonetheless.

“Katsuki,” she whispered. “You really came for me?”

“’Course I came,” he chuckled. “Now let’s get you out. Can you stand?”

She nodded, her legs wobbling slightly as he helped her to her feet. His hand went to the small of her back once he had retrieved his gloves and he led her out of the room, frowning when she grimaced at the lighting and her fingers dug into his bicep weakly. He tucked her under his arm to keep her close and somewhat shielded from the light as they moved through the safehouse.

Her legs were shaky and it made her stumble every few steps, but they were soon in the main room of the house where Kirishima and Kaminari were waiting for them. Both of them smiled when they saw her, their mission completed.

“It’s so good to see you,” Kirishima said with a relieved sigh. “We missed you.”

Trembling next to Katsuki, exhausted, she grinned. “I missed you guys too.”

Her eyes fluttered closed as she leaned more into the blonde at her side, silent darkness engulfing her as she passed out on her feet.

A/N: Please be sure to reblog, comment, review, and like if you enjoy! Feedback is what keeps me motivated!

Disappearance Masterlist

[rainbow2023]

A TALE OF TRADITION

You are driving to work or sipping coffee at Starbucks and a lady enters wearing a beautiful hand painted dupatta, stomping your greed glands and you wish you had a similar one that would go with almost all your dresses. All our products are hand-picked and unique with highest quality. And our designs are sophisticated, fresh and exciting. Indians love celebrations and we incorporate an element of celebration in our designs striking a perfect balance between subtle and statement. So, if you are looking for something with an electric vibe, log in to The Loom, start shopping and tick all the boxes in your wish list at one go. Happycustomer

[starrynite7114]

things you never knew: two

A/N: And I’m back! So excited for things you never knew. The story is progressing well and I cannot wait to take you all on this journey with Ailee and Angel along with Olivia and EZ. This is going to be so fun and I hope you all will enjoy it. Hope you all will like the update! 

I also posted the characters of things you never knew, link is below!

Still working on Misconstrued and Body Art request, hoping to have it up in the next two days! 

Thank you all for the support for not only this story, but all of them. I really enjoy reading the comments and seeing the likes! <3

TYNK:  Characters one

Masterlist

tagged list: @justahopelessssromantic​ : @ifoundmyhappythought : @woahitslucyylu : @enamoured-x​ : @encounterthepast : @marvelmaree : @thickemadame : @carlaangel86 : @iambabyharry : @claytoncardenasbabymama : @sadeyesgf : @elcococruz : @chibsytelford : @everyhowlmarksthedead : @agirllovespasta : @jadert15 : @trulysuccubus : @whyisgmora : @briannab1234 : @summertimesadnesswithadashofsass : @gemini0410 : @briana-mishell24

GIF: CREDIT TO ORIGINAL CREATOR

Ailee opened up the box of coffee beans that was sent from Columbia, her favorite type of roast. She could already smell the goodness and her mouth watered. It’s been two weeks since she was released from prison and she could see the MC staking out across the street at Carniceria Reyes. She honestly was a bit ticked at Olivia for picking the shop across from the carniceria, but Olivia stated it was the only thing available, which she was almost certain was a lie. Olivia has been trying to get her to speak to Angel, stating that he was miserable without her.

And she was miserable without him too, well was, but they all had to move on. 

She couldn’t risk Angel and the club. If they believed she was angry, they would stay away from her. But she knew Angel would be coming around soon. If there was one thing about the Reyes boys, they were stubborn. 

Ailee heard the footsteps behind her even though she could tell that the person was trying their best to remain quiet. She heard the door open, always hyper aware of her surroundings. Her eyes glanced at the reflection at the glass door and saw EZ making his way towards her with Olivia trying her best to not laugh behind him. 

“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” EZ grabbed her from behind causing Ailee to squeal.

“I could have killed you.” Ailee informed him when he let go of her. 

“Why didn’t you?” He saw the box cutter in her hand and understood what she meant. 

Ailee nodded her head towards the door. “Reflection and I heard the door.”

“Jail made you hyper aware, I get it.”

But EZ didn’t get it. 

She wished he did.

“Sure,” she gave him a tight smile, nodding her head. Her eyes landed on the kute he was wearing, whistling. “Prospect. I’m sure you had other opportunities presented to you besides prospecting for the Mayans.”

“Killed a cop, Lee, there’s not much I can do.” EZ understood what Creeper meant now. Ailee did look like she just went through some hardship, but the scars on her hands, the hollow look in her eyes. The spark that he used to see in her eyes was no longer there. She was very guarded.

“You’re right. Well, if the MC doesn’t work out for you, you can work in the shop with me.” Ailee saw Olivia give her a look, shutting the idea down. She didn’t want EZ to be part of Maquina either, but it was a legit question regarding the shop, he didn’t need to become a part of Maquina.

“I’m surprised that you opened up shop again.” EZ helped unbox some of their items.

“It’s what I do best.” Ailee shrugged. 

“Your phone is ringing.” Olivia pointed out. Ailee has a bad habit of silencing her phone, not even turning on the vibrate option. She had an Apple Watch to alert her for calls and Olivia noticed it wasn’t around her wrist. “Are you avoiding someone?”

Ailee shook her head. “Don’t start, I took off my watch cause I didn’t want it to get scratched.” She walked over to her cell phone and saw a few missed calls from Alex and her Tio Jin. Then she saw a few messages from Alex as well. 

“Lovers quarrel?” Olivia teased.

“I said don’t start.” Ailee narrowed her eyes at her.

“You’re already seeing someone?” EZ was confused. Ailee just got out two weeks ago and he was almost certain that no one was allowed to visit her, per her request. “What did you do? Have a penpal?” 

Olivia gave her an apologetic look as Ailee quickly thought of a way to get herself out of explaining complicated matters to EZ. “No, it’s Alexander.”

EZ knew of Alexander. Her European best friend, the one Angel never met, but loathe. Angel was always selfish with his relationship with Ailee. If anyone threatened his position in her life, he didn’t like them and the one person who he felt constantly did was Alexander. Ailee and her family always went to Europe for the summer to visit her half-brother Theo and that’s where she mostly saw Alexander. She always had endless stories about Europe and in all those stories, Alexander was always present. EZ was also aware that Alex was in love with Ailee due to Olivia. She always spoke highly of Alexander and how Angel was lucky that he somehow sunk his claws into Ailee already and she didn’t even consider anything with Alexander. And it always seemed to EZ that Alexander respected Ailee’s stance regarding their relationship. 

“Alexander, did you let him visit you or did you close him off too?” EZ knew this was going to open a can of worms, but he wanted to help Angel fix things with Ailee. Maybe it would take the guilt weighing on his shoulders how he’s betraying Angel with his deal with the DEA.

“No, he visited me often, he didn’t let me take a fall.” Ailee smiled, but EZ could see it didn’t reach her eyes. It was a tight smile and she saw the wall going up. “If you excuse me, I have matters to attend to. It was nice seeing you Ezekiel, I wish you well with your prospecting.” Turning to Olivia, “I have business to handle in San Diego, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Olivia and Ezekiel watched as Ailee made her way out of the coffee shop. The two looked at one another, with Olivia letting out a sigh.

“I told you not to mention Angel.” Olivia sat on one of the chairs that was on the floor since the majority of the chairs were still on the tables. “You and your brother are just so hardheaded.”

“You’re lucky I’m the one who came. Angel has been itching to confront her.” Olivia had called EZ while he was at the clubhouse with Angel and Gilly. She was requesting some assistance at the shop and Angel and Gilly offered to go. EZ shut the idea down, but had to fight Angel of, he knew Angel could just stay away for long. “Fuck.” EZ watched as Angel’s bike pulled up across the street in front of his father’s carniceria. “I’m so glad Ailee left.”

“I concur, cause I do not want to be here for that fight.” Olivia grimaced. “So, have you spoken to Emily?” She didn’t mind Emily, always thought she was a nice girl, but things were different now. She was part of the cartel, regardless of what EZ wanted to believe. 

“No, I’ve seen her around town, but I haven’t spoken to her.” EZ wasn’t sure how he felt about Emily. The nostalgia was there, she was his first love, but after he pushed her away, how he treated her, he didn’t blame her for closing him off. 

Olivia nodded her head. “You’ll find someone EZ, I’ll set you up a Tinder profile.” That pained Olivia to say, she wished EZ would look her way, but she kept telling herself the ship had sailed and she really needed to put herself out there. Maybe she should make a tinder profile. 

“I’m good.” EZ chuckled, shaking his head. He groaned when he saw Angel knocked on the door, but he opened it anyway. “We talked about this.”

“Yeah, well remember, I don’t listen.” He looked around. “She isn’t here.”

“She just left to go to San Diego.” Olivia answered.

“Preciosa,” Angel smiled, walking over to give her a kiss on the cheek. “Looking beautiful as always.” He took her hand and spun her around.

EZ rolled his eyes and lightly pushed Angel away. “Alright, alright enough flirting for the day.”

Angel chuckled at his brother’s reaction. He knew how much EZ hated it when Angel flirted with Olivia, but if it was going to get his younger brother’s head out of his ass, he didn’t mind.

============

Ailee unlocked the patio door, slipping inside the apartment. The lights were off after she cut the electricity. In her ear, was her older brother, Vince, guiding her through the layout of the now darkened apartment.

“Stay there, his men are on their way up.” Vince warned her as Ailee twisted the silencer on the muzzle of the gun.

 “Got it,” Ailee whispered as she slipped on her goggles to enable her to see in the dark. “How far are they?” She was behind a couch, looking at the reflection on the glass.

“Count to ten.” 

Ailee began the countdown. She checked her magazine to make sure it was full. Once she was assured, she pushed it back in. She cocked the slide back as soon as she reached one. Looking at the reflection provided to her by the doors, she saw their flashlights and counted out five guys. She stood up and immediately eliminated the two guys on the left, causing the other three to scramble. Ailee hid behind the couch once more. 

She shot two bullets, so she had eleven shots left.

She heard the footsteps from beside her and immediately raised her gun, shooting the guy in between the eyes. Rolling towards the fallen body, the shot the other guy released missed her. Quickly, she stood up and shot that guy, leaving her with one more left. She looked up and didn’t find him, but knew he was most likely hiding somewhere.

“Are you okay? How many have you taken out?” She heard Vince questioned. 

“Four, I just need one more,” she replied. Looking around, she looked for any sign of the guy and saw the bar in front of her that had shelves of liquor and a mirror behind it. She shot the mirror, causing some of the glass shelves to break, and the pieces of glass to fall behind the bar. She heard the groan then and Ailee was about to finish him off when she heard the shot go off beside her and the indescribable pain radiating from her side. She fell on her side, the shot causing her to fall. Looking to her side, she saw her target, who looked absolutely shocked that he shot someone. She took advantage of his disbelief and shot him, before placing her hand on her wound. 

There was absolutely no hesitation and she was angry the target was even able to shoot her; she was better than that. She didn’t forget about the other guy and saw that he stood up and was about to shoot at her. She crawled behind the front of the bar and cussed under her breath as the shots passed her.

“Were you shot?” That wasn’t Vince’s voice. It was John’s.

Ailee chose not to reply and noticed that the bar was made out of wood, so it wouldn’t be hard for the bullet to penetrate it. Not wanting to stay any longer, she placed her gun against the bar and opened fire, moving her gun in a line, hoping that one bullet at least got the guy. There was no sound and she ran out of bullets. She unloaded her magazine and reloaded with another. With her hand pressed against her side, she stood up and cautiously made her way behind the bar. Luckily for her, three of the bullets got the guy and he was lying motionless behind the bar.

“Ailee,” she heard John hiss.

“I’m fine, going to the extraction point. Send the cleaners.”

Ailee grimaced as the pain worsened. She was going to get an earful from Vince and John. Getting shot was a sign of carelessness. She wasn’t being careless, the guy caught her off guard, big difference. But they would tell her to be observant. She wasn’t a child, but they had a horrible habit of still treating her like one. 

Taking off her goggles, she ripped off her sleeves to put pressure against her wound.

Gun shot wounds always sucked. The pain never lessened, it was always terrible.

============

“You got the job done, but you were careless.” John placed the folder down on the table as their medical staff tended to Ailee.

“I got it done and that’s what matters.” Ailee cringed at the feeling of the needle that was going through her body. Even though she was given anesthesia, she could still feel it. For someone as tough as her, she absolutely hated needles. When she would get an examination, she couldn’t look at them taking her blood, it was too much for her.  

“That’s not the point, what if he shot you in the head? There’s a reason why you’re taught to be cautious, to anticipate every move.” John scolded. “Recklessness causes gunshot wounds.”

 “John, I didn’t know he was going to come out. From his profile, that I studied extremely well I might add, it stated that he would be staying in his panic room in the event of an attack.” Ailee could be a bit stubborn, which was a characteristic John knew so well. His baby sister had always been stubborn, she always had something to fucking say. “And in his profile, it clearly stated that he had horrible aim and had no experience with guns.” 

“Don’t be a smartass.” Vince warned as he entered the medical ward in their building.

“Learned from the best,” she threw John a smirk, which he returned with one of his own. “Come on, I got the job done, it was a mistake, it’s not going to happen again.”

“It shouldn’t happen again, but this has happened before. You have to think of all the possibilities, you can’t just assume and pray it doesn’t happen.” John reminded her.

“Papa!” John’s son, Caleb, and his wife, Jamie, interrupted the three.

“Hey baby,” John picked him up, dropping a kiss on his cheek.

Once Jamie made it over to John, she gave him a kiss on the lips before turning to Ailee. “Ah, the devil does bleed.” Jamie and Ailee had a good relationship, but they couldn’t help pulling the other’s string every once in a while.

“Does that mean you bleed then?” Ailee slipped her shirt back on, thanking their doctor, Alexa Jordan.

“You’re not invincible, can you stop getting,” Alexa looked over at Caleb who was busy talking to his mother and father. “S-H-O-T.”

“You know he can spell right?” Ailee gave her an amused expression making Alexa roll her eyes.

“I swear you are literally the clone of John, but worst. Ah yes, the sprinkle of Vince.” Alexa shook her head. “Where’s DeAndre?”

“With your daughter.” Jamie replied, taking Caleb from John. “If you’re done tending to the spawn, you can meet them in your office.”

“Thanks again Lexa.”

“You know I got you,” Alexa smiled. “But next time this happens, I’m not using anesthesia when I give you your stitches.”

“Great motivation.” Ailee smiled.

Alexa walked out of the medical ward. Ailee looked at her brother, who had a folder in his hands. It was most likely her newest mission. Alexa and John were both retired from Maquina. They were once the top dogs and now, Ailee claimed that spot. It was hard to achieve, but she was able to do so in less than three years. Ruthlessness was a part of her game. Jin was incredibly proud of her, to climb the ladder that quickly, but he also knew it was due to her desire to prove a point. 

They wanted a monster, they got one. 

Maquina was a government agency that was based in the United States, but was now branching off to Europe, working with the government in order to stop certain people from coming to power. It was a government’s loophole to diplomatic measures. Maquina also enabled them to work without the need of getting approval from Congress. The President and a cabinet that the President hand selected made the decisions for Maquina, at least that was before the current President. They made changes and picked unbiased high ranking officials to man the Council. Usually, Jin, the head of Maquina, was the one to contact the government. Maquina has free reign and the government gives them the assignments. It was up to Maquina to do whatever they needed to do, but of course, there were protocols. They had to get approval from the counsel in order to do certain missions. There were times they could act independently, but usually that was only when they were hired by an independent contractor for a hit.

In other words, Maquina was basically a company for hired guns, but was protected by the government in which they operate.

“So, I think we’re going to have to take you out of the field for a while.” Vince informed her, making Ailee’s eyebrow’s furrow in annoyance.

“Why? This has been my first incident,” Ailee paused and gave her brother a sheepish smile after he shot her a look of irritation. “After some time.” She added.

“It’s not about that,” Vince shook his head. “Uncle Jin wants you to take on a security detail.”

“Security? Are you joking? You’re going to make me a babysitter?” Ailee groaned. “Listen, adults should not be taken care of as if their children. You want me to babysit cutie over there, fine, but adults, I don’t think so.”

“Ailee, this isn’t babysitting, you have to make sure these people are protected. You’re not going to be the only one there.”

“Who exactly am I protecting?”

“Los Olvidados and the Mayans.”

Ailee gave her brothers an incredulous look shaking her head. “Protect the Mayans? They kill people on a weekly basis, I think they can protect themselves.” Ailee did not want to be involved with the Mayans, it was the last thing she wanted to do. “When have biker gangs and small rebel groups been our concern?”

“Word on the streets is that Theo has set up shop in Mexico.” John handed her a folder. “It’s the reason why we have you back in Santo Padre.” He knew his sister was not exactly happy that she was back in Santo Padre, back to where her fondness memories were. 

“And if he hasn’t?” 

“Then another dead end.” 

For an organization that had a far reach as Maquina, it was pissing Ailee off that they couldn’t pinpoint Theo’s actions. It’s not like he was in hiding. Theo’s weapons company was in full force, selling low grade weapons to Eastern Europeans groups along with third world countries. He wasn’t exactly getting much business from first world countries due to his father’s tarnished reputation. 

“How long do I have to stay in Santo Padre?” Ailee didn’t want to stay long. The longer she was there, the more opportunities Angel would have to speak to her. If anything, she felt that she shouldn’t have to stay in Santo Padre. Once they got a hit, they could call her back and she would handle it then. Honestly, she was hoping it was nothing so she didn’t have to stay in Santo Padre. She kept her bargain of her deal with Theo, she stayed away from Santo Padre.

“Think of it as a break, you have to stay in Santo Padre, you just got out of fucking jail.” Vince reminded her.

“Language,” Ailee, John and Jamie scolded Vince.

“Jesus Christ, sorry.” Vince chuckled. “I didn’t think you would mind staying in Santo Padre.”

“You know, for people who worked hard to get me out of Santo Padre, I’m shocked you’re pushing me to go back.”

John and Vince looked at one another. They weren't proud of their actions. If it was up to them, Ailee would stay in Santo Padre and live whatever happily ever after she achieved with Angel. She would stay away from Maquina and she didn’t have to live through the childhood they had. 

In all intents and purposes, their parents weren't the worst, by certain standards. They provided for them, gave them things they wanted, celebrated their birthdays, so in some ways, they knew it could have been worse. But they were adopted, that much they knew. They never tried to search for their real parents, thinking they would fare much better there since they were given up. From what John and Vince understood, they all had the same parents who decided to give them up each and every time. They weren’t sure why they never asked questions, but they never did. If they didn’t want them, they didn’t care to know about them.

But their parents, Cecilia and William Rivera, were hardly the epitome of good parents. They were kind, but they pushed them to do things that no kid should have to do unless it was their own choice. For example, they all basically had a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Jiu Jitsu, and Karate. They had them learn four languages by the time they were ten, the first four was English, Spanish, German and Japanese, from there they learned Mandarin, French, Portguese and Korean. They don’t remember even going to Disneyland with their parents, but they did go with their Uncle Jin, their father’s younger brother. Jin was the only one who truly showed them how it was to be a child, along with Felipe and Marisol. Whenever their parents were gone for months at a time, they alway stayed with the Reyes’. 

It was the reason Ailee was so close to Angel. 

Their bond started when they were young and it just never went away. 

Vince and John did their best to protect Ailee, but there was so much they could do. They remembered celebrating her birthday with a cake they got Angel to get for her. They would go to the treehouse they built and sing her happy birthday at midnight. It was a tradition they did till Ailee was sixteen years old. 

But things changed. They grew older and John was shipped off to Washington DC to begin training as a Maquina agent, then Vince was sent. Ailee was alone and they couldn’t protect her. They knew their parents would never hurt Ailee, but they still worried. 

“We didn’t want this for you either, but you know why we’re doing it. Our parents wanted us to become a part of the organization. It’s the least we can do after they took us in.” John knew it was a bullshit ass reason, but it’s kept him going all these years, he couldn’t let go of it now.

“They’re dead, John. We don’t owe them anything. They stripped us of our childhood to start the process early. Do you know how insane that is? Would you want that for Caleb?” Ailee argued.

“This isn’t the time or place.” John shot her down as he always did. It’s not that he couldn’t discuss it. He knew everything about this was wrong, but he has been loyal to Maquina for so long, he didn’t know what else to do. They weren’t the ideal agency, the world wasn’t black and white, but he was happy to do what he could to help save millions of people. At least, that’s what he always reasoned. 

“Of course not,” Ailee sighed, stepping down from the examination bed. “It says here that Los Olvidados might be Theo’s play. Why? They’re a group against the cartel, doesn’t Theo supply the cartel with weapons? And as far as I know, Theo went to university with Miguel Galindo.”

“What better way to sell weapons than support the cause of what the weapons would be needed for? Don’t overthink this, you know why Theo would want to support a rebel group. He’s done it to plenty of groups all over the world.” John explained.

“But why take out the cartel? I’m pretty sure he uses Los Olvidados to move something.” 

“From what we gathered from Joshua, it’s mostly messages to his allies in the States.”

“Emails don’t do the trick anymore?”

“They’re being monitored, you know this. We’re the ones monitoring his email.” 

Vince watched as his two siblings discussed the schematics of Theo’s moves. It was crazy to him how they ended up in two different spectrums. Well, not really. He never cared much for Theo. He was always an asshole and ridding of him wouldn’t do much for Vince. But what he could never forgive was what he did to Ailee. 

It was unforgivable. 

“If you’re not comfortable because it’s Theo, I can take over Lee.” Vince offered.

“No, it’s fine, I can handle Theo, I just don’t like staying in Santo Padre.”

“Why, cause of Angel?” John grinned. 

“And that’s my cue to leave, bye,” Ailee bent down and gave Caleb a kiss on the cheek. “Wo ai ni.” 

Caleb giggled. “I love you too,” 

“Please keep John busy, I would appreciate it if he wasn’t on my tail all the time.” She teased her sister in law.

“We had an agreement, we passed him back and forth cause god knows I can’t take him either.” Jamie reminded Ailee.

“Haha, you two are a hoot.”

The two women laughed. Ailee walked out of the medical bay, looking at her watch, it was midnight. She would get back to Santo Padre around two and she could finish unpacking. She was certain Olivia finished a majority of things earlier, but she just wanted to check in. 

She arrived at the coffee shop, unlocking the door and closing it behind her. Taking off her jacket, she winced due to the wound she recently sustained. Gunshot wounds were a bitch and you never got used to it. 

Ailee began to unbox the plates and mugs, placing them in the kitchen counter. She was unboxing the next box when she heard the door open. It was three in the fucking morning, no one should even be around unless they were looking for trouble. She cussed under her breath since her gun was behind the counter and she was by the window. Gripping the box cutter, she held onto it, waiting for that person to make their way down the small hallway. Quickly she turned and hurled the box cutter towards that person and she gasped when she saw who it was.

“The fuck, are you trying to kill me?” Angel stuck to the wall, looking at the box cutter that Ailee hurled at him.

“No, but this is why you shouldn’t sneak up on people.” Ailee felt those familiar butterflies and she was annoyed. Fuck Angel Reyes. “What do you want Angel?”

To hold her. To kiss her. To be able to be with her again, but that was asking for too much, for now. Besides, he was angry, angry that she closed him off. He understood why she did what she did, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have the right to close him off. 

Ailee was annoyed that he was here. No one else was here but them two and no one roamed the streets of Santo Padre once it was dark. It was safer that way. 

“You.”

“What?” She turned then and gasped when she realized how close Angel was. This was the problem. He made her weak, inadequate. She was usually good at this, but all her senses were heightened when he was around and not in a good way. She didn’t know where to start and where to end. Her mind was clouded. It was obnoxious. 

“You closed me off. Every attempt I made you blocked off. I know you were angry, but what you did wasn’t right.” He spat out.

“You can’t come in here telling me what’s wrong and right when I took the fall for your stupid MC.”

Angel’s face softened then. “I, fuck querida, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even know you went to jail till I got back from Vegas. And when I did come to you, they said I couldn’t see you.”

“What do you mean you couldn’t see me? I wasn’t in isolation.” Ailee scoffed. She never blocked them off, well her first two weeks she didn’t. She was surprised when Felipe went to visit her, since no one visited her besides Theo and Jin. “Look, I don’t care, just please leave me alone. You did a great job for five years, let’s just keep it that way.” 

Turning away from him, she continued to unbox the mugs, when Angel turned her to face him.

“Tough shit Lee, we don’t always get what we fucking want. Now be a fucking adult and talk to me. You don’t get to be angry that I didn’t go to see you when you blocked every attempt I made.”

She narrowed her eyes at Angel, taking her arm back. “First of all, I didn’t block anyone from seeing me. Second of all, you have some nerve to come here and accuse me of shit you asshole.” She winced, the movement reminding her of her wound. 

Angel saw how she winced and he frowned. His eyes roamed around her, checking for any wounds, but there was none. 

“What’s hurting?” His voice was so soft that it brought Ailee back to those times that she would come home to him, battered from training or a mission. She didn’t like coming home to him in that state since it brought so many questions she couldn��t answer. It could have been full disclosure, but she didn’t want to further involve Angel in this mess.

“Nothing, I’m fine.” She moved away from him, taking the mugs over to the shelves behind the counter. Turning around to grab the rest, Angel was right behind her and placed the rest on the counter. It was awful to be in such close proximity to Angel. 

For years she yearned for his touch, his kisses, his hold and his smile. And with him right in front of her, all the feelings she buried along with the memories have resurfaced. 

“Where is it hurting?” He questioned her again, boxing her in against the counter.

“Angel, I’m fine, please.” She wanted to push him away, but his scent was intoxicating. 

Angel’s hand landed on her hip, his finger slipping under her shirt, he leaned towards her. She felt her breath hitch as Angel’s fingers creeped closer to her gunshot wound, causing her to suck her stomach in.

“There’s blood on your shirt.” Angel lifted up her shirt before she could even stop him. “The fuck? Is that a gunshot wound?” He assessed her wound and noticed a few scars on her stomach. He tried to touch her wound, but Ailee moved away, pushing him off of her. “Who shot you?”

“It’s not important.”

“The fuck it’s not.” Angel was hot on her heels. “Your uncle has always been suspicious, but this, this is ridiculous.”

“Look, don’t pretend like you care about me now.” 

Such the wrong thing to say, which she noticed when Angel’s eyes darkened.

“I’m the only fucking person who cares about you!” Angel was distracted by seeing her again, but now, the frustration set in. “Do you have any idea how difficult it was to not be able to see you? To know you were paying the price that I should be fucking paying? To top it off, you wouldn’t fucking see me. I love you, I’ve loved you since I knew what love fucking was. So don’t fucking tell me I don’t care about you.”

Angel and Ailee stood there, watching one another. Ailee never thought she would see Angel again and Angel was determined to see Ailee once she was released from prison. Angel’s eyes drifted over to Ailee’s lips, watch as her chest heaved up and down. Her dark brown hair was now a lighter shade of brown, tied up in a ponytail. Her eyes were a shade darker due to her annoyance, something he always noticed. They were usually a hazel green hue, but whenever she was angry, or in the throes of passion, her eyes were hazel. Whenever she was happy, or sad, it was green. It was odd how he noticed that but he knew everything about her. He wanted to kiss her, to make everything go away. 

“Fuck it.” As he was about to pull her against him, a voice interrupted.

“Standing a little too close, aren’t ya?” 

They both turned towards the direction where the voice came from. Angel looked at the man before him, unsure of who he was. Ailee, gave him a small smile before walking over to him to get away from Angel. It didn’t help matters that when Ailee reached the guy, he kissed her quickly on the lips and wrapped his arms around her.

“Who the fuck are you?”

“I’m Alexander Leon, Ailee’s boyfriend.”

Alexander Leon. 

The bane of his existence as a child. The other man in Ailee’s life. He’s seen pictures, but he’s never met Alex. Seeing him in the flesh, it made him real, it made him a threat, it made him, Angel paused.

“Did you fucking say boyfriend?” Angel turned to his stare to Ailee. “Isn’t this cheating? We never fucking broke up Lee.”

“Under the circumstances, I thought it was just assumed that we’re broken up.”

Angel snorted, shaking his head. “We’re not done.” His eyes moved to Alex. “I don’t care what you’re dildo says, we’re not fucking done.”

Ailee and Alexander watched as Angel made his way out of the coffee shop. Ailee wasn’t going to lie and say his words didn’t bring some heat in her. Hearing Angel say that, it was hot as fuck, but she had to remember that he was the thing of the past. 

“Did you have to say that?” Ailee pushed away from him.

“Oh, I’m sorry, you didn’t want your boyfriend to find out you have a fake boyfriend?” Alexander teased Ailee. “Thought he was a thing of the past.”

“What are you doing here?” She chose to ignore his comment, continuing her task that she was doing before Angel came. 

“You just got out of jail, I figured I should visit my girlfriend.” Alexander sauntered over to her, helping her with her task. “How does it feel to be back?”

“Just peachy.” Ailee looked around then. “Where’s Sierra?”

“Dropped her off at your house, she was exhausted.”

“Why, because you had her handle everything again?” Sierra Ayala was Alexander’s personal assistant that Ailee adored. She was never shy to be assertive with Alex which was something he needed. And she always enjoyed watching the two banter, they were like an old married couple. 

“I resent that, I take care of her.”

“Right,” Ailee rolled her eyes. “Please stop referring to yourself as my boyfriend. I don’t need Angel breathing down my neck.”

“You have a boyfriend, he’ll back off.” Alexander took another box and placed it on the table.

“Not sure if you were here when he told me he wouldn’t back off, but you don’t know Angel, you’re out of your mind.” 

Alexander scoffed. “I’m not at all worried about Angel. He didn’t make any attempts to help you, not a big loss in my opinion.”

“Cross, it’s not like he could have seen me anyway.”

“What about in the hospital when you were miscarrying?”

Ailee froze and Alexander knew the mistake he made. He cussed under his breath and walked over to her, but she held up her hand.

“Lee, baby I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, please don’t mention it again. I can’t tell Angel I miscarried while I was in custody. It would break him.”

Alexander nodded his head. “And he won’t, I would never tell him.”

She had to finish her scouting and once she was done, she would leave Santo Padre behind for good. Too much damage, too much time has passed for her to go back to where she once was. The MC stupidly left the drugs and weapons in her former shop, which placed her In this position. She wrote Angel, every fucking day for a year and not a fucking word.

They were done.

Once she took care of Theo, if he was even behind Los Olvidados, she was going back to Spain and away from Santo Padre.

[theazkabandreamer]

The Lucky Birthday

A belated Happy Birthday to Harry Potter. Can also be read here.

___

Birthdays were supposed to be fun- At least that’s what Harry Potter was supposed to believe. But his birthdays were never fun.

To him, a birthday was just another day when he was chased by Dudley and shouted at by Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. This year for his birthday, he was stuck at batty Mrs Figg’s house for a week whilst the Dursley’s were holidaying in Spain.

Mrs Figg’s house was crawling with cats. Everywhere Harry turned, he would be greeted by the sight of one. He found them in the flowerbeds, hiding in saucepans and he got a shock many years ago when he accidentally sat on a cat that was hiding under the sofa cushions.

But Harry didn’t have time to relax; Mrs Figg made Harry clean the floors, empty the litter boxes and when he had nothing to do, Mrs Figg made him look at the photos of every cat she had owned.

Mrs Figg had a new cat called Winnie. Harry thought that Winnie was the strangest cat that Mrs Figg had owned. Far stranger than Tibbles, Snowy, Mr Paws and Tufty.  

Winnie would be constantly watching Harry as he did his chores for Mrs Figg. He had an impression that he had seen the cat before, but he couldn’t remember where.

Even though he was bored to death, at least he was able to watch what he wanted on the telly and the food wasn’t too bad. It may be slightly overcooked and the cabbage unbearable to eat, but at least he didn’t have Dudley nicking everything.

_____

On the morning of his birthday, he woke to the smell of cooking. He got up and made sure that there wasn’t a cat hiding underneath his camp bed and entered Mrs Figg’s kitchen to see her at the cooker.

Three cats were sitting on the counter, sniffing the air as Harry sat at the table.  

“Oh, good, you’re up,” Mrs Figg said briskly, tipping the contents of the pan onto a large plate. “You’ve got a busy day today. Eat up.”

She put the plate on the kitchen table and Harry looked to see something swimming in gravy. He wrinkled his nose at the smell.

“What’s that?” he asked, dreading the answer.

“Liver and bacon,” Mrs Figg said at once and Harry’s stomach did a summersault.

“I’d rather have eggs,” Harry said, pushing the plate back.

“Nonsense,” Mrs Figg snapped. “A skinny thing like you needs a hearty meal to start the day.”

“I like being skinny,” Harry said reproachfully.

Being the smallest and skinniest of his class, Harry found he had a manoeuvrability advantage which he used to get away from Dudley and his gang. It had been months since Dudley had punched him on the nose.

“If you’re not going to eat it, I’ll feed it to the cats and you can go without,” Mrs Figg said.

Several cats peered around the doorway and a fat ginger cat stuck its head from out of a flower pot. Harry groaned, admitting defeat. He couldn’t go a whole day without having any breakfast so he grabbed the plate and began eating.

It didn’t taste as bad as Harry feared, but he wouldn’t have it again. Dudley certainly wouldn’t have it- He would’ve screamed and knocked over the table.

After he had eaten all he could, he fed the leftover pieces of liver to the cats and jumped down from the table, but Mrs Figg called him back.

“Your Aunt has a birthday present for you,” she said, holding a rectangular package wrapped in brown paper. “I believe you’re seven today. You’re almost a big boy.”

Harry wasn’t particularly excited about his presents. Unlike Dudley-who was lavished with lots of presents- Harry’s presents always turned out to be disappointing.

Last year, the Dursleys got him a coat hanger for his birthday as Aunt Petunia was fed up of him leaving his clothes around the house.

As expected, Harry’s present turned out to be disappointing. It was a tube of toothpaste.

“At least they’re thinking of your teeth,” Mrs Figg said, looking at the scowl on Harry’s face. “Now, I want you washed and dressed. I have something I want you to do for me.”

Harry proceeded to Mrs Figg’s tiny bathroom full of dread. Whatever Mrs Figg wanted him to do, it wasn’t going to be fun.

Once Harry was washed and dressed, he entered the kitchen to find Mrs Figg present him with a shopping list and some money. He was told to get a bus into town and get the things on the list.

____

Ten minutes later, Harry found himself at the bus stop. It was a hot day and the sun glared down on him. He also had a funny feeling that he was being watched.

Once the bus arrived, Harry found himself sat between some irritable woman at the front and loud teenagers at the back.

The teenagers were ignoring him but the irritable women kept shooting him dirty looks and muttering under their breath about him.

“Who in their right mind would send a child on the bus all on his own?”

“Some women shouldn’t be mothers,”

“She could’ve at least dressed him properly. The state of his clothes!”

“The state of his hair! He needs to get down to the barbers and get himself a haircut!”

Harry ignored them and spent the journey looking out of the window, watching as the bus drove past his and Dudley’s school.

Harry watched the grim Victorian building with its red bricks, high windows and iron railings go past and he miserably reminded himself that he would see it again in September.

_____

There was a market taking place and the town was packed. Harry went from shop to shop getting the items on Mrs Figg’s list. He got the lamb hearts and liver from the butchers, the tins of cat food from the supermarket, the tuna from the fishmongers and the bread from the bakers.

After he got the items from the shopping list, he ticked them off.

At each shop he went to, he was met with stares and he heard people whispering about him and making similar comments to the women on the bus.  

As Harry headed to the greengrocers for the last items, he had a funny feeling that he was being followed. He looked up and down the street but it was full of people going about their business.

Maybe he was imagining it. It was a hot day and the heat did funny things to the mind.

He spotted Dudley’s friend, Piers Polkiss in the greengrocers and he hid behind the grapefruits in case Piers spotted him.

But Piers was too busy being embarrassed by his mother who was loudly telling her friend about the Polkiss’s summer holiday plans.

Harry was hidden for fifteen minutes and bored senseless as Mrs Polkiss gave her friend a complete itinerary of their travel plans. He wished the Polkiss’s would hurry up and fly to Paris- He was going to be late!

It happened suddenly; a pigeon flew into the greengrocers and Mrs Polkiss let out an almighty shriek as it landed on her head. Her friend fainted as Mrs Polkiss fell sideways, sending the coconuts rolling around the shop and causing people to trip over.

Piers jumped back knocking over the stand of raspberries and sending them flying. The pigeon flapped around the shop and the manager grabbed a broom and chased it out.

Harry- who was trying not to laugh- spotted a cat running into the shop, looking around for the pigeon.

It took him a moment to realise that the cat belonged to Mrs Figg. It was her new cat, Winnie. Was it Winnie who was following him all this time? Harry knew she was an odd one.

Not willing to explain to Mrs Figg why her cat was missing, Harry ducked out from his hiding place and approached the cat who was looking for something.

“Winnie,” he hissed, trying not to attract attention.

The cat gave Harry a sharp look and turned around and to Harry’s confusion, trotted out of the shop.

With his arms numb with pins and needles, Harry followed Winnie who stopped and looked back at him expectantly.

“You- you want me to follow you?” Harry muttered.

The cat sat down, eyeing Harry with a look reminiscent of a stern schoolmistress.

Harry headed out of the shop, past Mrs Polkiss who was giving the manager of the shop a piece of her mind and gesturing to Piers who was drenched in raspberry juice and looking thoroughly embarrassed.

Harry stifled a laugh behind his hand as he left the shop and followed Winnie up the street.

“Mrs Figg will be looking for you,” Harry said to Winnie who stopped and sat down again, staring at him. “We need to get you home.”

The cat continued to stare at him as Harry made his way to the bus stop. Harry could feel its eyes bore into the back of his head like one of Uncle Vernon’s drills.

“Why are you just sitting there?” Harry asked exasperatedly, turning around to face the cat. “We’ve got to go back to Mrs Figg.”

But the cat just sat there, staring at him expectantly. Harry had a funny feeling that he had forgotten something.

“But I’ve got everything,” he said out loud, attracting some funny looks from some passers-by.

Harry pulled out the shopping list that Mrs Figg gave him and looked at it. He seemed to have ticked off everything on the list:

He had got Mrs Figg her cat food, her bread, her lambs’ hearts and liver. He had gone into the fishmongers for some tuna. He had just come from the greengrocers with her fruit and cabbage. What could he be missing?

Then it hit him.

“Oh, yeah,” Harry exclaimed. “I’ve forgotten the eggs!”

The cat ran off at once and Harry had to run to catch up with it. He soon found himself outside a newsagent. He went in and bought the eggs.

As he left, he saw the cat eating someone’s discarded fish supper. Once the cat had finished, it licked its lips and followed him up the street.

_____

It was mid-afternoon and Harry was starting to get hungry. The liver and bacon seemed like a lifetime ago. Harry headed to the market with Winnie the cat following him. Mrs Figg had given him a lot of money and he still had some left.

As it was his birthday, he thought he could at least buy himself a present. He couldn’t buy anything that he could keep forever- Dudley would have it off him faster than you could blink. But it didn’t mean that he couldn’t have something tasty to eat.

There were cheese stalls, fish stalls, meat stalls and stalls that sold the beer that Uncle Vernon would dismiss as ‘foreign muck’.

The cat gave Harry a dirty look as he passed the beer stall.

“I can’t buy a beer, I’m too young,” Harry told it, feeling as if he had been told off. The cat sped up forcing Harry to jog to keep up with it.

Harry held his nose as he went past the olive stall and saw a stand selling fresh doughnuts. Harry’s mouth watered; The Dursleys never allowed him to eat doughnuts despite allowing Dudley to do so.

A minute later, he was sitting on a bench eating a large sugared doughnut and it was the most delicious thing he had tasted. It was even better than cake!

Harry sat on the bench, watching what was happening. Little Whinging was busy as people rushed about the shops in a constant state of hurry.

He always felt as if he didn’t belong here. People always looked down their noses at him as if he were a piece of dirt. But it wasn’t like he could get away from the place- He was stuck here.

Winnie the cat was sitting at a short distance from him and Harry had a distinct impression that the cat was guarding him. He could see the cat looking up and down the street as it was expecting something to swoop down and attack Harry.

_____

It was getting late and Harry looked at his watch, certain that Mrs Figg was wondering where he was. He got up from the bench and went to the bus stop. The cat followed him there and once he got on the bus, he looked out of the window to see that the cat had vanished.

Harry felt his spirits sink. He had no idea how he was going to explain to Mrs Figg that he had somehow lost her cat when it had followed him to town.

Harry spent the bus journey in a bad mood and stepped miserably off the bus, not noticing Winnie following him back to Mrs Figg’s house.

When he walked up to Mrs Figg’s front door, it burst open and he had to jump out of the way as seven cats came scurrying out of the front door. Harry gulped as he came face to face with a furious Mrs Figg.

“What sort of time do you call this, boy?” she snapped. “If you had been any longer, I would’ve reported you missing! Have you got my shopping?”

With shaking hands, Harry handed her the bags and she checked her list.

“I see you’re not as useless as your Aunt says you are,” she said. “Well, don’t just stand there. Come in and help me put the shopping away.”

“Mrs Figg, your cat,” Harry said panickedly. “Winnie followed me into town and when I got back on the bus, it disappeared. I swear I didn’t do anything to it, I promise!

“Calm down, boy!” Mrs Figg said sharply. “You don’t need to worry about Winnie. She’s always wandering off on her own. Here she is now.”

Harry was both shocked and relieved to see Winnie the cat sitting on the kitchen table, looking at Harry with those stern eyes.

The cat continued to watch Harry as he put the shopping away for Mrs Figg which wasn’t easy. Every cupboard he opened, a cat was hiding behind it. He got a shock when he opened the fridge to see a fluffy white cat tucking into Mrs Figg’s ham.

By the time he was finished, Harry was exhausted; His arms were aching from carrying the shopping and his legs ached from all that walking.

“Well, that’s everything,” Mrs Figg said. “I’m going to start preparing dinner. You can go and make yourself scarce. Have a look at what’s on the telly.”

“We’re not having liver again, are we?” Harry asked dubiously.

“I’ll think about it,” Mrs Figg said brusquely. “Now run along.”

Before Harry could move, Winnie the cat moved towards him, nuzzling her head on Harry’s arm. Harry scratched the cat’s head and it closed its eyes lazily, enjoying the fuss. The cat then looked to the kitchen doorway as if it was dismissing Harry.

 Harry headed to Mrs Figg’s cluttered living room, where he checked for any cats hiding in the sofa cushions before sitting down and turning on the telly.

After his busy trip, his body ached with tiredness. Today had turned out rather well. He managed to get everything on Mrs Figg’s list, saw Piers Polkiss completely humiliated and didn’t get punished for losing Mrs Figg’s cat.

Out of all of his birthdays, Harry had to admit that this was the best one. Maybe seven was a lucky number after all. With those comforting thoughts, Harry closed his eyes and fell asleep straight away.

 _______

Back in the kitchen, Mrs Figg gently closed the door. She was relieved that the boy came home in one piece. It was a good thing that she sent Winnie to watch over him. She glanced at the tabby who was still sitting on the table and approached it.

“It was a good thing that you were here today,” Mrs Figg said quietly. “I couldn’t have pulled it off it wasn’t for you, Professor McGonagall,”

Mrs Figg turned to look at the cat only to see that the cat had gone and a tall woman wearing emerald green robes stood next to the kitchen table.

She had a stern face, square spectacles and her hair was pulled up in a tight bun.

“No problem, Arabella,” Professor McGonagall said. “The boy was no trouble at all. It amazes me how he looks so much like James, but with Lily’s eyes.”

“I was startled by the resemblance myself,” Mrs Figg said. “Did he get anything for his birthday? I made sure to leave just enough money for him to buy a little something for himself.”

“All he was interested in was a doughnut,” Professor McGonagall said looking rather amused. “You should’ve seen his face, Arabella. I’ve never seen a child get so excited over a doughnut.”

“I don’t think his Aunt and Uncle allow him to have something like that,” Mrs Figg said thoughtfully. “They give him the bare minimum whilst letting that awful lump of a son stuff his face.”  

“I told Dumbledore that those Muggles were the worst sort imaginable, but he wouldn’t listen,” Professor McGonagall said disapprovingly.

“I don’t think I’m in a position to question Dumbledore, Minerva,” Mrs Figg said. “The best I can do is watch over the boy and make sure he’s safe.”

“I believe he gets bullied,” Professor McGonagall said sadly. “He was trying to avoid a boy his age in the greengrocers. He was a short boy, face like a rat.”

“Piers Polkiss?” Mrs Figg asked, frowning. “I believe that he’s friends with Dudley. I’ve seen them trying to chase Harry. That boy is a nasty piece of work. I never trusted him since ten pounds went missing from my purse. The boy said he didn’t do it, but Tibbles returned with the money. The Polkiss boy has been avoiding me ever since.”

“He was in there for such a long time, I had to cause a distraction,” Professor McGonagall said. “The Polkiss boy got drenched with raspberry juice in the process. Harry got a good laugh out of it though.”

“I would’ve liked to have seen that,” Mrs Figg said, smiling at the prospect of a happy Harry. “It’s about time that that thieving boy got his comeuppance. There are plenty of times when I wish I could give Harry a hug. I sometimes think I’ve been too hard on the boy, but I can’t break my cover. The best I can do is make sure the boy is safe.”

Mrs Figg’s voice cracked and Professor McGonagall whipped a tissue out from her robes.

“Have a tissue, Arabella,” Professor McGonagall said, patting Mrs Figg on the arm comfortingly. “I know it’s hard. I had to watch Dumbledore place the boy on his Aunt and Uncle’s doorstep that night.  It was a good suggestion of yours to get the boy out for his birthday. He’s very bright for his age.”

Mrs Figg blew her nose and gently opened the door and peeked her head in the living room to check up on Harry. She saw the boy sitting on the sofa fast asleep with three of her cats sleeping close to him. He looked as if all of his troubles had melted away.

Mrs Figg wished that he looked like that when he was awake, but orders were orders and Dumbledore trusted her to watch over him.

“How is he?” Professor McGonagall whispered.

“See for yourself,” Mrs Figg said and Professor McGonagall peered around the living room door.

Mrs Figg saw Professor McGonagall’s expression soften as she looked at Harry. She took a tissue from her robes and blew her nose.

“I’ll let him sleep for a while and then do his dinner,” Mrs Figg said. “The poor boy needs it.”

“I’ll leave you to it,” Professor McGonagall said quietly. “And for heaven’s sake Arabella, don’t go giving the poor boy liver again. There would be an almighty riot if we served it for breakfast at Hogwarts. If he wants eggs then cook him some for his birthday. After all, it’s not every day that you’re seven.”

“Four years until he comes to you, Minerva,” Mrs Figg said.

“I look forward to it,” Professor McGonagall said, smiling at Mrs Figg. “The day Harry Potter returns to our world will be a day of great celebration. Give the boy a biscuit for me.”

With that, Professor McGonagall turned on her heel and opened the front door before turning into a cat again and trotting off down the road.

Mrs Figg stood there watching her leave, pleased that she had done her bit in keeping Harry Potter safe.

[thotsforvillainrights]

~Getting Back on the Market (1/2)~

(It’s a 2-parter baby!!!!)

Au: Nemoto Family

Part: Five

Theme: Fluff/Comedy

The clock ticked away on the wall but he hardly noticed with the speed he was working at. A few minutes from now and he would be finished early. If he finished early then he would have time to pick up dinner instead of cooking it before he needed to pick up Naki from school. In fact, Shin began to almost get lost thinking of all the things he really had to do both today and tomorrow. Perhaps for today the best thing to do would be to play it safe and stick to the plan of picking up the dinner. Then tomorrow he’d grocery shop and-

“Excuse me, Mr. Nemoto?” A familiar voice rung out, effectively pulling him from his own thoughts. He looked up to see her. Kay, a woman with a sweet smile and fairly dazzling curves. Not to mention the entrancing curls that framed her head like a crown almost. Oh great...he was certainly distracted now. “I’m sorry to bother you with all this but I really have no idea  where to find this customer’s statement sheet for the month and they seem to be getting antsy.” She nervously pointed behind her. He curved to discreetly look around her at the grumpy customer sitting in front of her desk. “Ohhh...he looks like he might bust a blood vessel any moment now.” He quietly joked with her, helping to loosen the tension she must’ve been carrying. “Lemme me handle it, okay?” He reassured her as he stood up and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She hesitated for a moment before complying and letting him handle it. 

“Well it took a little longer than I intended, but he’s finally out of here. Good thing too because I thought I was gonna have to call security.” Nemoto joked with her and she laughed. “Thank you so much Mr. Nemoto for your help. I really owe you one.” She smiled at him and he could feel his world shift just a bit. “Oh it’s no big deal, don’t worry. Oh and you don’t have to call me Mr. Nemoto yknow. We’re the same age haha. Just call me Shin.”

“Okay...thank you Shin.” There she goes again with that damned smile. He watched Kay walk all the way to her desk before he gathered himself enough to clock out. “What was that Shin?” He talked to himself once he was outside in his own car. Time passed to quickly while he was in there helping out. Now he had to get Naki from school BEFORE he picked up dinner instead of after. He sighed and started up the car to head towards her school. By the time he got there, she was waiting outside on the steps next to that boy she keeps bringing home. Nemoto glared for a second before gathering himself with the memory that the young man hasn’t crossed the line just yet. “He’s in the green right now Shin, just relax...” He mumbled to himself as he gripped the steering wheel. Finally Naki looked up and noticed her father was there. “Alright Senzu, I’ll try to talk him into it but there’s no guarantee that he’ll let me go. Wish me luck.” She winked at the boy and he blushed hard as she walked away. Once inside the car Nemoto immediately pulled off, not even offering the boy a ride home in case he needed it. “Naki you’re still talking to that boy?” Shin furrowed his brows while his daughter groaned in annoyance. “Come on dad, he literally took me on a date last week. You’re not getting rid of him that easily, he’s been dating me for at least 2 months now.” Shin sighed and kept driving. “Well I suppose so. Anyway, I hope you don’t mind if I head to the grocery store real quick. I was going to pick up dinner and grocery shop tomorrow, but things ended up running over at work. I might as well cook tonight.” Naki nodded and began typing on her phone until they made it to the store. Once inside, Nemoto pulled out his grocery list, coupon booklet, and his pen. Naki knew the drill as she just walked alongside him, scrolling through her phone. “I’ll never understand how it’s possible for you kids to just scroll through your phone without looking in front of you. How can you see where you’re walking?” Naki sighed and kept scrolling while Shin chuckled. “Sheesh, dad doesn’t even get an answer anymore? Cold world. Teens are cold, cold people.” He joked when suddenly his cart slammed into another. 

“Oh no! My apologies!!!” 

“Shin?”

He looked up and his eyes met with that sea of gold he couldn’t dare look away from. “Kay?” Naki looked up from her phone and slowly smiled mischievously. “Oh shit...this is way more interesting than Snap Streaks...” She whispered to herself as she slipped her phone into her pocket. “I’m sorry I ran into you like that!” Nemoto apologized again and Kay simply rubbed the back of her head and laughed nervously. “Oh no! It’s mostly my fault! I wasn’t really looking where I was going haha.” Naki continued listening intently on the conversation before her. “Well I’d call that a simple mistake but someone else might ask for your shopping cart insurance ha ha.”

“Wow dad that joke was lame.” Naki leaned up to whisper in his ear, and he blushed from embarrassment. “Ha insurance! I certainly hope not!” She laughed until she snorted a bit and Nemoto’s lip turned up into a smile. “Listen Shin...I uh, I’m glad I got to see you again today. I was thinking about how to repay you for work earlier. Even though you said it was no big deal, I still want to repay your kindness so I was thinking maybe we could go get lunch at a deli downtown on me?” Kay scratched her arm and looked away shyly. “Oh I...I uh...well I...”

“HE’D LOVE TO! Say this Sunday even?” Naki butted into the conversation. “Sunday is a perfect day! Well...see you then.” Kay bid them a sweet goodbye and Shin slowly turned towards Naki to glare in annoyance. “Dad?! What? Oh my God, she’s totally got the hots for you! I mean, she laughed at your shitty joke and everything!”

“Okay Naki, One: That joke was not shitty. Two: Watch your language. And Three: I didn’t see that as a date and I won’t accept it as one.”

“Ugh oh my God dad why???” 

“Now you’re being the annoying one.”

“Dad!”

“BECAUSE OF YOUR MOM! ...because of your mom okay? I feel so bad when I think about ever being on the market again. I loved her so much and I could never cheat on her.”

“Dad no offense, and I love mom so much by the way, but she’s gone. She’s never coming back and it hurts me deep...just as much as I know it hurts you. At the same time though, I’ve never seen you even look at a woman the way you did with that lady earlier. It was like that face I make when I see my favorite band member go up on Instagram Live. You’re definitely in love with her.”

“I’m more in love with macaroni, now go to aisle 7 and get a box for me.” He grumbled and Naki rolled her eyes.

“Fine, but only if you actually consider the date.”

“Ugh...very well. Now please cooperate Naki so we can get home and I can start dinner please?” Nemoto asked in a defeated tone. Naki did a little victory shuffle before heading to aisle 7 and picking up dinner ingredients, leaving Shin alone to instantly regret his decision. 

»—————————–———————————————————–✄

Instagram: @pastelbattydraws & @pastelbattystore

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRNMJH7vHL7APNobUykhK4w?view_as=subscriber

[thatmultifandomhoe]

Strawberry Cream and BBQ - 24

Pairing: Hybrid Hoseok and Human Reader

Overview: Your best friend knows she can count on you for anything, so when she asks you to watch her hybrid while she’s gone for a study abroad trip for four months, you can’t say no. But when these four months are over, things have changed in a way no one expected.

Word Count: 5,076

Genre: Hybrid AU, Fluff, Future smut, Angst, Best friends to Lovers

Warning: Angst, sad stuff

Master List

Sneak Peak - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11 - Part 12 - Part 13 - Part 14 - Part 15 - Part 16 - Part 17 - Part 18 - Part 19 - Part 20 - Part 21 - Part 22 - Part 23 - Part 24 - Part 25 (Final) - Move in Day: A SC&BBQ Drabble

©thatmultifandomhoe Do not repost, translate, or use my stories without permission.

The old-fashioned clock on the wall that was behind the counter ticked in the silent bookstore. Without evening turning around – or glancing at the time on the computer or phone – you knew that it was only two thirty. It hadn’t changed in the last ten seconds since you last checked. Or the ten seconds prior to that. The music for the store wasn’t turned on. After your boss left when you came in for the afternoon shift, you had turned off the record player that had been in the middle of playing an old Queen album and didn’t even bother opening up a tab for YouTube.

Instead, with the exception of the soft thuds of the books the occasional ringing of the bell at the store’s entrance, you were working in silence.

You softly sighed as you gathered up the stack of books on hybrids. Your boss, after many years, finally relented to allowing you to put together a bookcase on hybrids. At the moment, the books that were making their way to she shelves were more informational and nonfiction instead of fiction novels, but you were only through the first box, there were still five left to sort through.

Settling on the floor, you organized the books by height, carefully shelving each book when the bell rang out in the shop. With a glance to the door, you nodded at Namjoon as he scanned the store, immediately spotting you at the partially filled bookcase near the entrance.

“Hey Namjoon,” you softly answered, going back to shelving the books. “Just let me know if you need any help.”

Namjoon’s eyes widened. Your voice had been completely empty of any emotion and soft to the point that if he wasn’t a hybrid, he wouldn’t have been able to hear to you. He tried to strain his ears for the music that you always had playing, even if it was just instrumental that was turned low, but he was met with a silence that clawed at him. He shifted on his feet where he stood, uncomfortable in the silence that seeped into the place he knew you loved to be in and filled with life.

Namjoon wasn’t blind to what happened between Hoseok, Sue, and you. The next day after everything occurred, he had received a text from Hoseok telling him everything that went down, which led to him telling Katie and their hybrid friends. Katie, like the angel she is in Namjoon’s eyes, immediately went to your side to be there while he met with Hoseok and the others at Jin’s café.

The effects of Sue’s decision were carved into Hoseok. The scent of his hurt, sadness, and the longing for his mate permeated the air once he walked into the café, sending the rest of their moods plummeting as they restlessly shifted in their chairs for the entire time. It had been so bad that Jin ended up having to close up for the rest of the day, or else the other hybrid customers would have felt run over by Hoseok’s emotions too.

Hoseok’s upbeat and ever hopeful personality had been diminished. Yesterday, he had worn jeans and a sweatshirt, black sunglasses hiding his teary and red rimmed eyes from sight until he removed them when he was inside the café. Namjoon couldn’t remember a time when he had seen his friend so distraught and hurt.

Even though Jin had given Hoseok his usual coffee, he only managed to take a couple sips before setting it down. The rest of the time he spent time tracing his finger around the rim and handle as he explained what happened.

Namjoon hadn’t gotten a chance to see you, this was in fact his first time since the fight happened a few weeks ago, but Katie had given him little updates on how you were doing. She had told him that you were, figuratively, down in the dumps and broken hearted over being forced to be apart from Hoseok.

When she saw Namjoon chewing on his bottom lip however, she mentioned that you were still talkative and giving smiles, which had eased some of his worries. But now…now he was wondering if Katie only said that so he wouldn’t be overly concerned, or if you had hidden the truth from her as well.

Like Hoseok, your grief and longing were thick in the air of the bookstore, and as Namjoon stepped closer to you, another wave of emotions hit him. His tail went down along with his ears as the sadness settled into his bones. He wanted to cry and hug Katie, guaranteeing that she wouldn’t be taken away from him like Hoseok had been taken from you.

“Hey Strawberry,” Namjoon gently greeted. Lowering himself on the floor next to you, he looked over the books that you were organizing. From this vantage point, he was able to see that you had stopped shelving books, and instead, you were clutching onto one particular book. Like the rest of the books had been so far, it was a nonfiction piece, but this one in particular was about hybrids – and despite your palm covering the last letter – and their mates.

Oh Strawberry, he thought to himself.

Sniffling, you rapidly blinked until the tears went back to where they belonged, and your gripped loosened on the book so that you were able to set it on the shelf among the others. “Anything in particular that I can help you with?” Unable to look at Namjoon, you went to continue placing books up, and when your hand went to reach the next one, it met air instead of a hardcover. The next stack was back over on the counter.

Namjoon reached up to rub the back of his neck. The wolf hybrid instincts in him were furious that two members of his pack were hurting, so much so that he wanted to go to Sue and personally fix this himself. Logically, he knew that this was outside of his boundaries and something that only the three of them could fix, but even when he first met everyone – over time as he got to know them and they earned his trust – they all became members of his pack, despite the fact that he was the only wolf hybrid out of everyone. Which meant, based on instincts from the wolf breed, he was the alpha. And as alpha, he not only took care of Katie, but everyone else as well.

To see only the shells of Hoseok and you, he wanted to do something, anything, to bring you two back together. Lacking the words, Namjoon glanced out the shop’s windows, the sun coming out from behind the clouds it had been hiding behind for the majority of the morning.

“Do you wanna tell me how you’re doing?” He softly asked, reaching his hand out to touch your shoulder. “And by that, how you’re really feeling? Because it seems like you’ve been hiding it from Katie.”

You bit down on the inside of your cheek, folding your hands together in your lap since the rest of the books you had to go through were back at the desk. “We’ve been texting,” you answered, spotting a loose thread at the cuff of your jeans. “Sue’s been having him run errands for her, and between work and the show coming up, he hasn’t been able to stop by.”

“Why don’t you go to the Dance Studio then?”

“Sue’s been making it a habit to go and watch Hoseok practice,” you answered, remembering that brief phone call. It had felt like the world had started spinning again when you received that call. All you wanted was to hear his voice, but he had warned you against stopping by the Dance Studio because of her visits.

“Baby, I want to see you so much,” Hoseok whispered. “And I wish you could come down, but Sue’s been coming to watch me practice and if she sees you here…I don’t want you to get hurt again. I’m so sorry Strawberry, I was looking forward to seeing and holding you again, but I don’t want to risk you being on the receiving end like last time.”

For the last week, the only forms of communication you had with Hoseok were texting, and Facetime. Even then, Hoseok had to have his earbuds in and kept his voice low incase Sue was listening. He didn’t want to throw it in her face that he was still in contact with you and make her angry again, but he still made it a point that he was upset with her and continued to give the cold shoulder. Whether or not that was working, he wasn’t sure. He had said she was acting indifferent to him not speaking to her, but he could feel her emotions unsettling when he never replied back to her.

While extremely happy to still be in contact with him, you really just want to feel him. To be wrapped up in his arms as he tightly hugged you to his chest, or to be cuddle him before falling asleep. You missed his loving touch so much.

“Strawberry,” Namjoon gently chided. “That’s not what I asked.”

Sighing, you slowly lifted you head to look at Namjoon. Unlike Hoseok, your eyes weren’t red – at least, they weren’t anymore – and the concealer that you applied this morning had faded, revealing the dark circles under your eyes from sleeping alone.

Sleeping alone had never bothered you before. Sleeping with Hoseok however, had been an experience that you never wanted to give up. He loved to spoon you, claiming his spot as the big spoon to hold you tightly to his chest as his arms felt like a barrier from everything negative that wanted to come in, only allowing the positive to reach the two of you.

In his arms, you felt safe and loved.

Having all those emotions ripped away from you led to late nights with the blankets tugged up to your chin. The loss of love and protection left the bed ice cold. It was like the sun had disappeared from the sky, leaving you to curl in on yourself to try and feel whole again.

Licking your lips, you leaned your head against Namjoon’s shoulder. His arm instantly wrapped around you in a friendly hug, and while you appreciated the gesture, it just wasn’t the same. “I miss him,” you admitted, grateful that no one had entered the shop. It had been emptied all day and despite it only being early in the afternoon, you were considering closing up and going home. “I miss him so much that it feels like a huge moment of my life has been ripped away from me. It’s…it feels empty without him.”

“It’s the mark,” Namjoon explained, rubbing your back as he wrapped his other arm around you. Usually he wouldn’t initiate so much physica contact with someone other than Katie, but you weren’t only his friend, or his friend’s mate. You were a part of his pack, human or hybrid it didn’t matter to him. “Because you and Hoseok were unwillingly split, not only are you feeling your emotions, but his as well.” Kissing the top of your head, he briefly squeezed your shoulder. “Hoseok misses you too.”

- - -

Hoseok panted when the music came to a stop, sweat dripping down his back as he bent down to place his hands on his knees. It was another late night at the studio and despite practicing, he wasn’t satisfied.

His timing was off, his movements were no longer fluid but jerky, and he was stumbling around, something that he hadn’t done in a long time. During the day he tried to hide it from the students and his coworkers, playing it off as a pulled muscle to explain why he was taking it slow. It was all a lie though.

Despite his love for dancing, his love for you was greater.

With a glance out the window, he wasn’t surprised to see that the sun had set. When it had done that, he wasn’t entirely sure, or really cared. He hadn’t cared about much except for when he was able to text and Facetime with you. Those were the only times that he felt like he could feel an emotion besides emptiness.

“Ready to go?”

Straightening up, Hoseok made eye contact with Sue in the mirror, his gaze becoming blank as he briefly nodded. To his displeasure, Sue had begun stopping in on his late-night dance practices. He had been surprised the first time she walked into the studio, only for panic to settle into his body when he realized that the night before, you had said that you were going to stop in to visit him. The thought of Sue walking in only to see you there with him brought of the memory of him as he failed to protect you. To see you in tears once more was something he couldn’t handle again.

With that image permanently etched into his mind, he had snuck off to the bathroom and called you, urging you not to come to the Dance Studio because Sue was going to show up. It was only a phone call, but he remembered that night.

Despite your obvious attempts to appear collected, he saw right through you every time you Facetimed with him. The smiles you gave him didn’t reach your eyes, and by then, the dark circles had just started appearing from sleepless nights. You never told him that you weren’t sleeping, but he knew. He knew because without being able to hold you to his chest, he wasn’t sleeping either. Hoseok spent more nights tossing and turning than he actually spent asleep.

How could he get a good night’s rest when you weren’t there? When you were hurting even more than he was?

Gathering up his gym bag, he headed out of the studio first, leaving Sue to catch up. The Dance Studio didn’t officially close until ten, so there was no need for him to lock anything up. Besides, the night guard would go around to close all the rooms up once everyone was gone.

The unusually warm night air felt good against his skin as he headed towards the sidewalk. He was in need of a shower and if he stayed outside, the chance of getting a cold increased, which was the last thing he wanted since the show was next month. However, he’d suffer through ten colds if it meant he got to see you again.

Across the street was the bookstore that you worked at. The lights were shut off, which didn’t surprise him, but he couldn’t help but hope to see you moving around the shop for even a few seconds. While he was going to see you tonight when he Facetimes you, it just wasn’t the same as seeing you in person.

“Hoseok,” Sue called out, a jingle coming from her as she dug through her purse for her keys. “The car’s over here. Let’s go.”

He didn’t move. Not right away at least. For those few extra minutes, he stood there, simply breathing and watching the store. He knew you weren’t there, but when he took a deep breath, he was able to pick up your scent in the air. What he would give for, to have one more chance to bury his face in your hair. To kiss and hug you all over again. He wanted you back.

Hoseok didn’t speak to Sue as she drove out of the parking lot. Once again, the car ride was silent with the exception of the radio host who was too cheerful at eight at night. To distract himself, he tried to imagine what you were possibly doing at this time. The most obvious one was you sitting at your desk, the bed, or the kitchen table and getting homework done with your music playing for background noise. But he hoped that instead, you were eating dinner or curled up under a blanket and just…relaxing. He knew that in stressful times you tended to overwork and forget to take a moment to just breathe.

Wrapped up in his thoughts, he didn’t realize that Sue had been glancing at him repeatedly until she pulled into the driveway. The clicking of the car locks recaptured his attention immediately.

Sue was leaned back against the driver’s seat, her hands sitting in her lap as she raised an eyebrow at Hoseok. She was wearing jeans and a floral blouse, but for some reason, in that moment, he remembered that she was younger than him.

“When is this going to end?” Sue asked, getting straight to the point. “This silent treatment. It’s not working.”

Hoseok sighed, scratching at the base of his ears as he shifted in his seat. “Do you really not see the damage that you’ve done?” He asked instead, looking at her. This time, he lowered his guards and instead of the blank face he’s given her, he let the pain show. “When did I just become a hybrid to you? When did I stop being Hoseok your friend, and became Hoseok, the hybrid you own?”

It still bothered him what Sue had said that night. Actually, everything about that day bothered him, but it especially hurt that she had physically taken out his ownership documentation out of his wallet and shoved it at him. He remembered the day he got it. Being able to hold that document and see his name along side Sue’s had felt like a dream. For the first time in so long, he was going to have a place to live for more than one night. No longer would he be sleeping on an uncomfortable cot or bench, but instead he’d be spending his nights on a bed that was his own.

Now every time he opened his wallet and saw it, he felt ashamed.

She uncomfortably shifted and looked away. Out of everything, Sue had expected Hoseok to bring up how she destroyed her friendship with you, so for him to quietly reminded of that was a surprise.

“Exactly, you’re a hybrid! Did you forget? I’m your owner, you have to do what I say.”

There were no words for her to say that would heal the wound she dug out in him. Knowing what he’s been through, and to still say that, it was a miracle that he didn’t hate her. Or hate her even more.

As the silence dragged on, his ears drooped and his eyes watered up. “Do you really have nothing to say?” He softly asked. “Sue, how many times to I have to say that I’m sorry? I swear, I never knew she was my mate until recently. There was no going behind your back, we were planning on telling you as soon as you came home.”

With a shake of his head, he pressed his lips together and glanced out the car window. He had been planning on face timing you once he got to his room. Maybe this time, he wouldn’t use his earbuds, or wait until he locked the door.

“You know, Colin hated me.”

Sue’s eyes widened at Hoseok’s sudden confession. Lifting her head, she watched a bitter smile appear on his face. “He…he didn’t hate you.”

Hoseok slowly nodded as if she was a small child who didn’t understand. “Yeah he did Sue. He never liked how close we were, and he was always looking for excuses for me to spend the weekends and nights at Strawberry’s. He thought I was in love with you for so long, and every chance he found, he made it clear that he didn’t want me around.”

To finally say this out loud, was a relief that had been weighing on Hoseok’s shoulders for the last three years. The only person he was able to tell this to in complete confidence, was you. He had been wanting to tell Sue for so long but stopped himself every time he had gotten ready to tell her.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” She asked.

Now that she was no longer with Colin, it was like she was suddenly seeing everything that she never noticed during their relationship with clear eyes. She realized how pointless her question suddenly was after she spoke, because even she knew the reason when Hoseok answered.

“Because you loved him,” he gently spoke. “Colin made you so happy Sue, and I didn’t want to come in-between that. You had taken me in when no one else did, gave me a home, food, a reason to believe that there were still decent people out there in the world. After all that you didn’t, it was easy to let Colin be…Colin. I could handle him because you were one of my best friends, and you loved him.”

Her bottom lip trembled as he spoke, the ache in her heart that she had numbed with the men she met while away, suddenly pulsed back to life. It hurt to remember how much she loved Colin. Walking by the places they used to go to was like a dagger in the back, and the memories of the way he always tasted like mint gum when they kissed, his lips lingering on her skin for another kiss that led to something more, made her feel like she was never going to find someone else. That there was no one else who could truly love her without feeling like they needed to have another woman on the side.

“How long?” She whispered.

Hoseok weakly smiled, his own eyes watering up as he caught her emotions. Guilt, sadness, grief, regret. He wasn’t enjoying seeing Sue like this, but for this brief moment, it was like the Sue that he met all those years ago at the Homeless Center for Hybrids, was making a reappearance. “Since the day you welcomed me into your home.”

With a quick tilt of her head, Sue looked up at the roof of the car, trying to blink her tears away as her fingers clutched her purse. Hoseok had endured this for the sole fact that Colin made her happy.

Is this how he’s feeling right now? She thought to herself, squeezing her eyes shut. He let me love a man who hated him for three years, and I ripped him away from my best friend hours after finding them together.

The car fell silent once more. Hoseok patiently waited, allowing Sue to take all the time she needed to collect herself. He didn’t know what was running through her mind, but he was going to be there for her. If he had the chance to be with her in Hong Kong when everything happened, maybe things would have turned out differently.

The person that Sue had been before leaving for Hong Kong, was no longer the person she was now. Hong Kong had been an experience for her that she would never be able to forget about, but despite how it ended, she loved every minute of it.  It was the place where she was independent and finally let loose to do the things she wanted, and not what she thought was appropriate and what she was supposed to be doing. She felt…free. It was trying to find a middle ground of both versions that felt like she was being torn apart.

Opening her eyes, she turned to look at Hoseok, noticing for the first time, that she wasn’t the only one who had changed. Three years ago when they met, he had been guarded and had barriers in his eyes. By the time he met the others, including you, he had relaxed and opened up. Now that she thought about it, the only two people he was ever one hundred percent comfortable with, was you, and herself. It took a little time of getting to know the others before he was at ease with them, but it seemed like a connection had been instantaneous with the two of you.

Now, he sat next to her no longer the guarded twenty-one-year-old who felt hopeless, but as the twenty-four-year-old who knew who he was and what he wanted from the world. He had a passion for dancing, the infinity to make others around him smile, and he had found the person he was destined to spend forever with.

“You love her,” Sue whispered, mimicking Hoseok’s position.

Hoseok simply nodded, looking out the windshield for a moment as a soft smile appeared when he thought about you. “Yeah, I do.” Licking his lips, he met her gaze and this time, reached over to gently squeeze her hand without looking away. “I’m in love with Strawberry, but I still love you, as my friend.”

There was no point in harboring hatred for Sue. He didn’t want to hate her, and he had been telling the truth about still loving her as a friend, but that didn’t erase the hurt she caused. It was going to take a long time for him to forgive her, because this was going to be a moment in his life that he wouldn’t be able to forget no matter how hard he tried. Just like his memories of being homeless and left and the Adoption Center when he was a child, they were never going to go away.

“She hates me so much,” Sue thought out loud. Without looking away from Hoseok, she noticed that he neither agreed, or disagreed.

“You hurt her,” he simply explained, speaking only the truth. “You hurt the both of us, Sue. You came into our bedroom unannounced, screamed, threw the paperwork at her feet, all without letting her speak more than a few words. It’s going to be a long time before she’ll be able to forgive you.”

Knowing that she had destroyed their friendship crushed her, but he was right. He was only giving her the facts and she understood that. It wasn’t just her fault, they all had their own moments where they could have done things differently, but Sue had done a significant amount of damage and she was finally willing to admit that.

“Will you ever forgive me?”

He sighed and ran his free hand through his hair. “One day,” he finally spoke. He watched as her eyes deflated, this wasn’t the answer that she wanted, but it was the truth. “Like I said, there was a lot of damage that we all have to recover from. But it’s going to be a long time.”

The silence that hung in the air wasn’t tense and suffocating, but it wasn’t welcoming either. Instead, an understanding appeared to be met, even if it wasn’t spoken. Maybe one day Sue would sit down and tell Hoseok what really happened in Hong Kong, and perhaps, you might tell her about what it was like to be with Hoseok in that way. For now, things were complicated.

“I’m gonna go up to my room,” he removed his hand from Sue’s and held onto the door handle, waiting for her to unlock the car. “I’ll be video chatting with Strawberry before going to bed, so my door’s gonna be shut.”

Sue hurriedly nodded, the car echoing as it unlocked, allowing Hoseok to get out. With a smile meant for her, he slipped his gym bag over his shoulder and for the first time, took his time walking up the short path to the house, leaving the door unlock for when she decided to enter.

He could sense that she wanted to fix what she had done, but that was just it. There was no fixing, and if he was being honest, he had no idea if you would be able to forgive her. A part of him hoped that deep down, maybe one day you’d be able to forgive her, but he understood if you couldn’t.

Closing his bedroom door and unceremoniously dropping his bag, it was only seconds until the dial tone was ringing in his room as he waited for you to answer. He had been changing out of his sweaty clothes when it stopped. With a curious gaze, he smiled when your face appeared on the screen, his heart cooing at the sight of you wearing one the shirts he had left behind.

“Hey baby.”

- - -

In the car, Sue wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her blouse, sniffling as she pulled the internet up on her phone. It took its sweet time since she wasn’t inside her house, but when it pulled up, her thumbs flew across the key board.

When she adopted Hoseok, she hadn’t really done any research on hybrids prior to that day. Afterwards, she had tried looking up information and had even read a few articles, but after a while it grew boring. Besides, why read from a book when he was literally living in the next bedroom?

She wasn’t sure of the name, but after searching Hybrid Laws, The Mate Act and the Hybrid Owner Act were the third link to pop up. When the webpage pulled up, she hesitated to continue reading but forced herself too. You had the paperwork for The Mate Act in your bedroom all those weeks ago, and as she read the information, a twinge of sadness appeared. Was she actually going to give Hoseok up? After everything they’ve been through?

“Please Sue,” you cried, “If you let us explain-”

Her bottom lip trembled as she remembered how devastated you were when she not only found you, but took Hoseok away from you. The mark on your neck stating that he was meant to be with you and no one else. His soul and yours belonged together, and she ripped it apart.

Saving the page, she locked her phone and removed the keys from the ignition, finally going inside her house. When she had a clear mind, she would make her decision. She was too emotional right now.

But as she walked by Hoseok’s room to get to hers, she couldn’t help but stop when she heard your voice, a bit broken due to it being through the phone, but she recognized it. And to hear him greet you with love in his voice – something you hadn’t expected to hear from the hallway – it  sounded like that was how Hoseok was always supposed to talk to you.

[cardandpixel]

RocketBook Flip - a rare review and it’s not a game!

Before I go any further, I feel I must point out that I don’t have any financial connection to RocketBook whatsoever – this isn’t a piece that was requested or courted by RocketBook or affiliates and I’m not receiving any reward or sponsorship either in product or direct payment for this article. I just like the damn thing and love it when an innovative piece of tech (in this case quite low key) just works. Hi I’m Paul, and I have a bit of a problem with notebooks – A4 lined, sketch, reporters, Black & Reds (ohhhh the sheer number of B&Rs), goofy ones, serious work ones, battered ones, pristine ‘for best only’ ones – and they all fill at an alarming rate. I make notes on everything. Working as a sound engineer and designer, there’s always mix notes, soundscape plots, ideas, VO notes and scripts, SFX ideas etc etc. At home it’s a very different story – it’s much worse. Game notes; blog notes; hurriedly scribbled quiz questions spurred by watching another episode of Mental Floss’ 500 facts about cheese; RPG notes and story ideas; my own script writing; world building; sketches; other creative ideas; song/music notes and ideas; and that’s before we get to to-do lists; and the dreaded ‘things I must remember’. So my journal life is many, varied and plenty. The usual issue is… ‘what frakking journal did I put that amazing idea in????’, and that’s way before we get to the utter horror that is possibly losing a whole journal or forgetting to bring one home from work. I’m 53, I forget more than I recall, and journals help bring some semblance of order to a massively chaotic and fertile brain. What I’ve needed for a long time is some way of organising all this info or centralising it in some way. Sure I’ve looked at apps – I used Things, Evernote, Notes, and One Note for years, and they are really, really good, but they relied on either having a charged device exactly when I need it (yeah – me too) or net access, which for a new-ish theatre, is surprisingly a bit of an issue at work. And the most important part – I actually enjoy the physical act of handwriting long-hand. I still write actual physical letters to people, it’s adorable and a bit creepy in this age, but I call it charming and leave it at that. Handwriting, for me, allows me time to think and process in a way that typing just doesn’t. Handwriting is slower, I rarely cross anything out, and so I always have the whole of the thought. So what I’ve ideally wanted for years, was a reliable way of organising all my notes and storing them electronically so I have access even without the actual journal, with OCR so they’re editable, and still being a tactile handwritten experience. I’m naturally a sceptic (I actually subscribe to Fortean Times – yeah – I card carry!) and so online ads and particularly FaceAche ads are a field day for critical thinking triggers. I don’t think I’ve ever received from Wish, exactly what I ordered from Wish. And so when an ad from RocketBook constantly kept popping up on my timeline a few weeks ago, I was naturally “it’ll never work” But their website looked legit enough – they had a dedicated UK shop, it was relatively steep to buy in but not so wild that if it didn’t work I wouldn’t be crying too much about the money wasted, and at the end of the day it was a 10th the price of a ReMarkable 2 which is actually what I thought would solve my problem. I’m furloughed at the mo and though I could argue the case for £300+ notebook (test me, I could), I just couldn’t justify it now. And RocketBook had a good summer intro offer. I ordered on the Wednesday, and the impressively glitzy and graphic-design-playbook poly package was dropped on my doorstep just 2 days later by my cheery postie who yelled up the drive “Package for ya, looks very exciting!!!!” I like that our postal service is still invested in the hopes and dreams of their customers. It was exciting. All the instructions for getting started with my new Teal RocketBook A4 Flip were right there before you even open it. The main body houses the pad and a cleaning cloth, and a clever little side pocket houses the supplied Pilot Frixion pen.

RocketBooks come in several models, all configured slightly differently. I have the Flip which is a top spiral-bound softback pad with 21 double sided ‘pages’ giving 42 pages in total. The Flip has lined paper one side, and dot paper on the reverse (great for D&D maps, impromptu tables, mixer channel plots etc)

DELIVERY & FIRST IMPRESSIONS The pads are nicely made, with sturdy covers (available in some really nice colours too) and a solid, thick plastic ring binding. Initially, The RocketBook does feel a bit odd. Its ‘pages’ are actually a synthetic polyester blend and feel quite shiny to the touch. The sort of surface you just instantly feel is not going to be great for ink! Each page is edge-to-edge lined or dotted with a heavy black border. At the bottom is a prominent QR code used for scanning and some very feint icons. These 7 icons are the key to the ease of use of the RocketBook series. But more later.

THE APP

The pads work with a companion app, that is absolutely free and available for Apple & Android. In fact, RB even do downloadable printable pages so you can try the whole system absolutely free before you buy – I didn’t, I just bought one, y’know. The app allows you to set up your destination locations, your preferences and does the actual scanning. Just one quick note, I have the app on both my phone and iPad and had to set-up the app the same for both, there appears to be no way of swapping preference settings between devices, though I can see why this may be intentional.

Currently, the RocketBook allows you to choose from the following locations to send files to: GoogleDrive, box, EverNote, DropBox, slack, OneNote, iCloud, OneDrive as well as simply to an email (or multiple) addresses and iMessage. Impressively, these are not fixed either, so you could choose your 7 destinations to be 7 email addresses of team members. These 7 locations are the icons at the bottom of each page. To select a destination for your file, you just make a mark in that icon box (tick, circle, something unsavoury) and that page will be sent to whichever you select. This makes the system very flexible indeed as not every page is necessarily sent to every destination. You always decide every time you fill a page. Change your mind on a second revision? No problem, add or change icons at any time and re-upload.

There’s a really handy table on the inside front cover for you to note what icon sends what where. This is also wipeable, so can be changed anytime.

I have mine set by default to:

Rocket > main email address (either as PDF, JPG, OCR embedded or as separate txt file)

Diamond > GoogleDrive (you can specify exactly what folder too)

Apple > iMessage

Bell > OneNote

That actually still leaves me 3 spare: shamrock; star; and horseshoe.

The app took me maybe 20mins to set-up, that included decision time for destinations and setting up a few target folders. It also included a few ‘test firings’. I didn’t get everything right first time and a few things didn’t send, but crucially, a tiny bit of digging revealed very simple troubleshooting (including the aforementioned issue with no sync’ing of phone and iPad), and all in I was finding the files in all the right destinations within about 30 mins. The website, FAQs and community are immensely helpful with any other issues as well. I had a tiny issue with OneNote seeming to take ages to sync, but I think that’s an issue with my OneNote settings, everything else was almost instantaneous. You can also handily set the app to auto-send as soon as it scans, or allow for manual review.

CLEAN UP ON AISLE ROCKETPAD The main reason I wanted to look at the RocketBook was the issue of reusability. My journal shenanigans are by no means the biggest ecological disaster on the planet, but if we are to believe Tesco (who probably issue as many receipts at our local Tesco Express in a day as journals I’ve ever used), every little helps. If I could find an ecologically better solution, I should at least take a look. The RocketPads work by partnering with Pilot pens called Frixion. The really clever bit is RB’s paper technology and how it works with the Frixion ink. At present, the pads only work with the Frixion pens – except the RB Colour which works with Crayola’s dry-erase crayons. When you write on the ‘paper’ with a Frixion pen, it remains wet for a few seconds and then dries pretty quickly. There’s no smudging whatsoever in transit, which is pretty cool. From then on, it may as well be permanent, until you have transmitted your page and decide you don’t want the text anymore.  To wipe the page clean, you can dampen the supplied cloth and just wipe the surface clean, it’s weird but it works! But then damp cloth in your bag? So I use kitchen roll to dampen, then wipe dry with theirs. Others even have an adorably kitsch spray bottle in their kit. RB reckon if you are not going to use the pad for a few months, to clean the pages as the ink can get trickier to shift after a long time, but for day-to-day use, I’ve tried writing and wiping well over 20x and the page hasn’t become discoloured or tarnished at all. The only pad different in the range is the Wave which cleans by microwaving! Do NOT do this with any of the others, bad things will happen. The ink doesn’t take scrubbing or any time to come up, I clean my pages in about 10-15s. The page can feel a little tacky when it’s damp, but leave a minute or so and the page will be back to normal. RB do say that odd things can happen if the book is left near a heatsource or in a hot car, vis-à-vis, the ink can completely disappear horrifyingly enough. They say that putting the pen or the pad in the freezer for a little while will actually restore the ink, but I’ve not tried it yet so can’t confirm or deny how that goes. Handy for spies in hot countries though, so there’s another target market. If you are always going to send your pages to the same places, then don’t erase the marked icons, and the page is ready for new notes straight away, otherwise, scrub them too.

I CAN’T READ YOUR WRITING – ARE YOU A DOCTOR? Initially, the RB pads send their files as scans of the pages in high contrast monochrome (colour is available) when you snap the page in the app (which auto-frames for you and takes maybe 10s to capture). The formats are either as images or PDF. If that had been it, I would have been quite happy, but the RB pads have another trick up their sleeve. Firstly, they have a function called ‘Smart Titles’ which allows you to name your files directly from the page by writing a filename between double hashtags ie ## this is my scrawl 24/8/20 ## and the file will pop up in your destinations with the filename “this is my scrawl 24/08/20” – this is insanely handy – there’s no protocol except your own and the hashtags, and it makes your files super easy to search. You can even send groups of pages as a single PDF. But the notebooks go even further. They actually offer full searchable OCR which the app can be set to send embedded in the PDF or image, or more usefully, as a companion separate .txt file. Now, my handwriting isn’t the neatest, but it’s not bad so I was prepared for some editing to be necessary, but impressively again, the OCR was about 90-95% accurate. In a page of text it missed maybe 3 or 4 words and even those not badly. This is all considering their full OCR is still only in beta! It gets confused with diagrams on the page, but that’s to be expected.

Text Generated by OCR: ## Blog post och test Aug 2020 ## This is a little demonstration of the OCR capabilities of the Rocket Book pads and app. I've told the lovely people that the hit rate is about 90-95% so please dant let me down here flip pad. Hopefully the file name will also prove another point further up in the section and not make me look like some charlatan or snake-oil salesman.Hope you enjoyed this demonstrahen, now go away and leave me to write the next great novella.Bye!

HOW MUCH? On average, I pay anywhere from £4-8 for a decent A4 notebook/journal, so at £30-37 (dependent on model), the RocketBook pads are not a whim purchase. That said, I get through a lot of journals in a year, and given that I would expect to easily get 2-3 years out of a RocketBook pad, then I’ve saved money. Will it replace all my notebooks? No. You need to be thinking of carrying this round as a kit: pad, Frixion pen (at least 2), and cloth.  RB do a series of portfolio sleeves for the pads but it does push the price up a bit still, but for a rep, engineer or salesperson, this still makes sense. They’re less bulky than a normal A4 pad too. What I would say is Tesco and Sainsbury’s currently stock Frixion pens and at much better prices than buying them from RB directly, I just paid £3 for 3 pens on offer at Tesco compared to £10 from RB. You get one pen with the pad, but you’re going to want more soon, so stock up next time you’re shopping for truffle oil crisps. If you use whiteboards a lot, RB also have you covered. Instead of the pad, £16 will get you a 4 pack of ‘beacons’ – little self-adhesive triangles that effectively do the same thing as the QR code in the pad. You don’t have the icon options obviously, but if you’re looking to distribute quick meeting or group notes, this would be a boon. CONCLUSION Considering this was a fairly speculative purchase on my part, my early experiences with the RocketBook Flip have been really impressive. The flexibility, the ability to store every page in a different location if you really wanted to make it fantastic for organising my notes, which can save me hours of finding the right ^^$&^$&$ notebook in the first place, then scouring that for the one paragraph I was looking for etc etc. The searchable text facility, in-app history for re-sending etc and last but no way least, functional handwriting OCR, makes the RocketBook not only novel, but actually useable! Would I buy another? As a second notebook – yes. I look forward to seeing what the actual longevity of the product is once I come off furlough and start cramming my day bag with all my junk and a notepad again, but yes, I’d probably just have one at home, and one for work, but make the last 5 mins of each day, scanning and sending work notes so I have them with me wherever. Impressively, the RocketBook Flip just works and it works well. ‘Er Across The Table has already sold several folk at her work on the idea and she doesn’t even have one herself yet! I love it. It’s taking a little adjusting to, but it’s all good. The most important thing though is the writing experience, and I have to say, the combination of the Frixion pen/ink and the polymer technology of the Flip, again, just works. It’s smooth, doesn’t skip or smudge for me (I know some right to left users and left handers have reported some issues) and feels great to write on. If anything I have to slow down a bit as the contact is so smooth that your writing can get a bit ahead of you! RocketBook have produced a cracker of a product. It might not seem like much, but if practical working journals are your thing (ie not create and keep things) then I can highly recommend the RocketBook series.

[mlovesstories]

You Know What You’re Doing Part 10

Tag List

Ask Box

Masterlist of Masterlists

Words: 1962

Warnings: Angry characters, self-esteem struggles, fighting, cussing, psychologist.  

SPN Bingo Square- none

“We’re going to keep the babies downstairs. Feel free to use our bathroom to soak in the tub or take a long shower. Exfoliate, shave, whatever. You’re in charge, okay?” Danneel smiled at YN. “The upstairs is all yours.”

“Thank you,” YN grinned at the prospect of time to herself. It had been a few weeks since Alex decided to ninja his way into her room. She had now moved rooms. Some nights she slept on a pad next to Jensen and Danneel’s bed. Danneel shut her door.  

YN got in the warm bath water and read a book. After reaching the end of a chapter, she put it away and shaved. Listening to calm music, she stayed still, but that didn’t last long. The memories came back, so she stood and wiped herself down, emptying the tub. YN sat on Jensen and Danneel’s balcony with the country music radio station blaring.

“What’s YN doing?” JJ asked. “It’s noisy.”

“It’s not noisy. You can barely hear it. YN is relaxing in Mommy and Daddy’s room. She needed some alone time.”

“But I want to see her!” JJ whined. “She needs to play with me.”

“No, she doesn’t. YN needs to have some YN Time. When you get older, you’ll understand.”

———-

YN called James to catch up while eating some chocolate that she had hid in her room. She let him know that she was okay, and that, yes, she was the main person in the news story. Since “Jensen Ackles’ House was Broken into” He asked her toms of questions, but she stopped him.

“Jamie, can we please just- I only have these two hours. Can we talk about what you’re doing for summer break?”

“I’m so sorry, YN. Yes. It’s been good. I’m staying with a college friend until I can go back to the dorms when school starts.”

“Where do they live?” YN hoped he didn’t have to travel far.

“College Station.”

“Boo Aggies!”

“I know, I know. But he’s letting me stay for free, so it’s worth it.”

“Well, that’s cool. Oh, shoot.  I only have a little time left.  I need to go write in my journal. I love you, Jamie.”

“I love you too, boogaloo.”

————

YN JOURNAL ENTRY

Great two hours. Feel better. I got to do what I wanted. J can’t take me from me.

Jamie makes me feel safe. He knows what it’s like.

————

“Hi, doc.” YN stepped into his office that looked like a living room.

“Hey, YN. You doing okay?”

“I just did my two hours.” She sat down on the couch.

“Really? I’m very proud of you. And you brought your notebook. So were the two hours helpful?”

“Yes. I got to do things that I wanted to. I was listening to my music, cleaned myself up, talked to Jamie.  It was- peaceful? I felt like me.”

“Good that’s the point. I see the notebook has some wrinkled pages. Have you been using it?”

“Yeah,” she put it on her lap.

“Would you like to tell me what is in it, or do you want me to read it later, and we can talk about something else?”

“Can you read it later?” She cringed, ashamed she couldn’t speak to him face-to-face about these things. “I think I want to tell you about my two hours.”

He extended his hand to receive the now glitter-covered notebook with a demon protection symbol in the center. The doctor smiled. Once it was in his possession, he locked in away in a cabinet.

“So?”

“It was amazing, but I feel bad that Jensen doesn’t want me to. I really enjoyed it, but every time it comes up, he- I don’t know. He doesn’t think it would be helpful? But I really like it. I get to be me. Do stuff I like.”

“You’ve never really had that.” The doctor supported her statement.

“No. I get that he doesn’t understand. It just makes me feel bad when he says stuff.  Do I really need those two hours?”

“Yes. And I’ll tell you why.”

“Okay…?”

“You don’t get to just think. Ever.  Or just do what you want. You’ve never been able to listen to music only you like, or go where you want to go. You’re almost fifteen. You are allowed to enjoy stuff that not necessarily anyone else likes.”

“I get that. So what do I do when he does that? I feel bad saying anything.”

“I understand your trepidation, BUT you are entitled to the same amount of space that anyone else is. You should express how it helps you. Tell him specific things to show him that it is of benefit for you.”

“I’m scared.”

“I know, but those two hours are for you. You need them, don’t you agree?”

“Yeah.”

“I think you should write him a letter then. Hand write it or type it. For this, either is fine. It’s important for him to know that you want this, and you would like his support.”

—————-

Dear Jensen,

I need my two hours. I know you don’t like it. You groan every time Dee and I try to schedule it. It makes me feel bad. Please, I need this. I want you to be okay with me and my two hours.

I love you.

YN

—————

Her note rambled, but she thought it would work. YN placed it on Jensen’s desk in his office while he and Danneel were out on a date.

“Gen?” YN walked into the kitchen. The older female turned around to face her. “Thanks for staying with me. Sorry you have to babysit me.” YN looked away and pulled at her sleeve. “I wish I could stay by myself again, but-“

“But nothing. It’s fine.” Gen smiled.

“I want to go to bed, but I normally stay next to Jay and Dee’s bed since- ya know.”

“You wanna crash on the couch? I can sit with you.”

“With a light on?”

“Sure, if that would help. I’ll bring my book. Go get dressed for bed and bring your pillow,” Gen smiled at the teen.

————

“Hey,” Danneel entered the house with a whisper.

“Hi. She didn’t want to be by herself. Hope it was okay that she fell asleep on the couch.”

“Totally.”

“I’ll bring her upstairs,” Jensen dropped some shopping bags on the counter, and slowly raised YN off of the couch. Gen ticked her pillow under Jensen’s arm.

“Huh?” YN slowly awoke.

“Shhh. I’m taking you upstairs. Go back to sleep,” he whispered.

———-

“Good morning, YN,” Jensen knocked on her door.

“Hi,” she yawned.

“I, uh- got your note.” Jensen showed her the piece of paper

“It’snotabigdeal,” she spat out.

“I think the fact that I was belittling what you needed IS a big deal. You trust the doc, and I do too. If he says you need it, then I will stop making those comments. I didn’t even realize I was saying them, okay?”

“Okay.”

“You realize you slept alone last night?” Jensen’s grinned. “I’m proud of you.”

“I guess I did.”

“We wanted to reward you for your hard work in therapy so...” Jensen offered a sly smile.

“What did you do?” She tilted her head, confused.

“Well, I think you should go open the front door.”

“Okay…” YN stood up, and slowly walked down the steps. She reached for the door and turned the knob. “JAMES?!” She ran into his arms. “Jamie! What are you doing here?!”

“Mr. and Mrs. Ackles invited me to stay for a few days.”

“You did what?” She turned her body to face Jensen. “Thank you!”

————

“So, how have you been doing since…,” James started.

“Fine.” YN answered shortly.

“You are not, you liar,” he grinned as they sat on the couch while the family was outside.

“James,” she whined.

“No, talk to me.”

“Been going to therapy.  You know how it is.  You think you’re doing good, and then something messes it up again.”

“Yep.  I get that.  You know it’s going to be worth it, right?” James nudged her to look at him.

“Whatever, Jamie.”

“I’m serious.  The doc has helped me too.  It takes time, boogaloo.”

“I’ve been in therapy since I was nine, James.  That’s almost six years, and I feel like shit.”

Jensen was about to come around the corner to offer them chips and salsa when he overheard their conversation.

“Dammit.” He stood there for a moment.

“We went through hell, but you ARE better.  Believe it.”

________

That evening, the Ackles Family celebrated YN’s fifteenth birthday.  She was very excited to have James there with her, but she was nervous being around so many people.  At every noise, she turned her head.  

“Why don’t you go get those noise-cancelling headphones,” Jensen whispered.  

“I’m okay,”  she whispered back.

“You’re not.  Go.  They’re in my office in the desk drawer.” He stepped out of her way so that she would have a clear path to the house entrance from the patio.  She nodded and walked away.  The foster dad sighed in near defeat.  

When she came back out, he noticed a piece of cloth hanging out of her pocket, and one ear covered by a headphone and the other not.  Just enough to block out the noise.  

“How is she?”

Jensen turned to see his mom expectantly waiting for an answer.  

“Recovering still.  Comes in waves.  She’s on edge with so many people here.”

“That’s okay.  She’s here and she’s safe-”

Everyone heard a shrill come from the backyard patio door.

Jensen recognized the scream right away.  Leaving his mother, he ran to the sound.  

“What happened?”

“I ran into her on accident.  Scared her, I guess,”  Jared answered.  “You’re okay, YN,” he soothed.  

“Yeah,” she agreed quietly from the floor.  “Sorry.”

Jared helped her off the ground and pulled her into a hug.  “Breathe.” James came over to his friend.  

“She okay?”

“I’m fine.  Who knew I would get three bodyguards out of this,” she giggled into Jared’s chest.  Without her noticing, Jensen motioned for James to follow him.  James nodded and walked into one of the house’s hallways.  

“What did she tell you?  She’s anxious.  You being here may not be a good idea,” Jensen paced back and forth.  

“Wait, wha-” James didn’t understand.  

“She hasn’t been herself since you got here.  Did you force her to talk about it?”

“No!  We talked about Terry and Susan, but nothing anyone doesn’t know.  And besides, I wouldn’t tell you anyway, Superhero.  She’s my friend.  We went through this together, and I won’t break her trust,” James growled.  “She’s just bouncing back, that’s all.  Happens to me too!”

“Get your shit and get out.  Don’t come around.”

“I’m not giving up my friendship because some rich guy is trying to have a pissing contest with me.”

“GET. OUT.”

YN walked around the corner with her headphones on and dried tears on her face.  She looked up to see James running out of the house and Jensen’s jaw locked.  She ripped her earphones off of her head and yelled to James.

“Jamie!”

“Not now, YN.  I”m only hurting you.  Love you.”

With that, he rushed out of the house.

“What the hell?” She stomped over to Jensen.  “What did you do?” 

Tag List

Ask Box

Masterlist of Masterlists

You Know What You’re Doing 

@webcraft4eveh

Forever Friends (Everything):

@katymacsupernatural  

@unicornblood4ever  

@ellie-andthemachine 

@fangirl-moment-x  

@empirialwolf

@winchesters-favorite-girl  

@super100012  

@waywardnewcomer  

@percywinchester27  

@waywardsuns  

@supernatural-jackles  

@mcallmestiles 

@mandyreese 

@sdavid09  

@kingandrear  

@bellero

@rosie-winchester​​ 

@seality​​​​ 

@blogsnowflakeme​​ 

@jaycc7983​​ 

@luci-in-trenchcoats​​ 

@cherryblossom1997​ 

@because-you-never-know-when 

@lauren-novak 

@sleepylunarwolf 

@fainthearteddaisy

@choosemyname 

@internationalmusicteacher

@mersuperwholocked-lowlife 

@find-sammys-shoe 

@encounterthepast

@spn-tw-37

@torn-and-frayed 

@dreaminemz

@giggles1026

@xiumin-girl99

@bertiemaklinn

@encounterthepast

@strangedeerconnoisseur 

@sbcamp08

@mangueweaschester

@girl-with-a-fandom-fettish

@skylarraker

@monkeymcpoopoo

[magnumdays]

Magnum PI 2x09 - A Bullet Named Fate

Starting off with the title, which I, unlike last week, LOVE to DEATH. This is a proper good Magnum PI title. Only alternative title I’d be willing to accept is “I’m A Bad Influence”

Only that wouldn’t be quite right, because as of late, I feel like Magnum is actually the most mature of them all. We got Gordon punching people, we got Rick randomly quitting his job and buying a bar, Higgins throwing caution (and Britishness) to the wind to partner up with Magnum (for Higgins, that is full-on crazy), her being all passive-aggressively salty about Magnum taking a case against her wishes and now randomly opening a bottle of Robin’s wine. Also, TJ and Kumu getting arrested (for standing up for what they believe in, so I guess that’s good but still.) 

Meanwhile, we got Magnum asking Higgins to become his partner because she makes him a better detective, telling Abby they can make a long-distance relationship work (which she shut down in a second but you know, points for trying), him telling Higgins that they have to be honest with each other and talk about their problems and feelings, him trying to wine (and dine) a fancy client and then replacing a really expensive bottle of wine he broke.

Is Magnum winning at maturity this season?

I think he might be.

And I don’t mind. It’s just funny when you think about it, because Magnum keeps getting crap about how immature he is and stuff.

Anyway, on to the actual review. This week we start off with Old Guy Private Detective Harry stumbling around, bleeding, trying to reach out to Magnum. 

Serious start for an overall serious episode. 

Part of me I really loved the case this week. It was more clever and interesting than a lot of the cases have been lately. It hit all the right spots, we got poor Harry kicking things off, pulling Magnum into the case, then it twists around 100% when they find the super creepy kidnap room with the drawings and then again when we realize it’s another girl and not the daughter who is the kidnap victim. A sweet kiddy hug with Higgins and then little girl reunited with family cuteness. It ticks all the boxes for me. 

Except for the “internal conflict” (other than Magnum blaming himself we get very little of this) or emotional conflict between characters. There was no Miggy fight/ banter/disagreement. No TJ and Rick trying to get a loan/ lying vet/ moral dilemma. No worrying father figure might have cancer. So while I loved the case/plot, the emotional impact of this episode wasn’t as big for me. 

I feel like if they’d thrown in more of moment where Higgins was all “who would do this” and Magnum added “IDK, I was in isolation when I was at the POW camp, and can’t believe someone would do it to a kid” or Higgins revealing some situation where she had been in trouble as an MI6 agent and thought she’d go to jail, it would have resonated super well and added so much to the episode.

We do get some adorable Miggy moments in the basement, both at the start and at the end of the episode (I feel like this is a new standard, all episodes must now start with Magnum / Higgins and also end with them! It’s the law!)

But with all the amazing Miggy content, we’ve been getting in season 2 I think I’m getting spoiled. This was no nearly enough. If it had been any other show and my faves were all sweet and supportive (I mean this is basically Higgins give Magnum 20 hugs and telling him everything is going to be alright, in Higgins speak) after he lost a big client, I’d been ecstatic. But because I now feel entitled to at least 10 seconds of fond gazing and mixed with flirty banter every two minutes, this episode isn’t doing it for me (in the Miggy department). 

I can’t believe he actually replaced the bottle though...I mean, Higgy was maybe more shocked than I, but not by much. I feel like someone needs to write a meta (or whatever) on what the wine bottles + cellar throughout the series symbolize. Or maybe I’m overthinking it, but I feel like it’s something! I mean wine does mean happiness, friendship, and transformation (according to my two-second google search) which so totally connects with Miggy’s storyline.

As for the side-plot with Kumu, TC and Molly, I liked it, but it, as I said before, felt like it was lacking conflict between the characters. Sure, we had Molly’s mom being upset but who wouldn’t be, having to pick their 16-year-old up from the police station! but she was just som rando we don’t know (or do we?).

Who is this lady who plays Molly’s mother? Where do I recognize her from? Who does she look like? Please send help!

So while the side plot was cute and I kind of liked it, just like a lot of the side plots, it doesn't tie in with either theme or the case of the episode. I really would like to know if there is a plan for them or is it just fillers? I really don’t know what they want to do with them. 

If the focus had been all on the gang and their personal problems (like the bar getting on its feet, someone at the Cultural Center being killed and they investigate it a little each episode, Higgins making a friend at yoga or Robin master’s house having mold and now Higgins has to move in with Magnum...ooops, fan fic idea not likely show plot.) that’s been more interesting. 

The protest was a bit of follow up but I thought the construction guy was all fine and cool about the sacred site at Halloween? Now suddenly it’s being torn down/ built over? I guess people can change their minds, and also drama. This isn’t quite the connected plotline I was hoping for but at least it’s a little bit of one.

But what’s the point of side plots right now?! I know not everything has to have a meaning or come back but a little more would be fun. I mean even just something small like they’re adding a pool to Robin’s Nest, could be a fun side plot (the construction project where everything goes wrong! Also a fun FF idea).

That’s pretty much it for today! It sucks that we have to wait 2 weeks but I guess you all in America are going to be in food comas from Thanksgiving / out shopping next Friday so it makes sense we have to wait for a little! And once that one is done it’s over for this year (this decade really. Can you believe it’s 2020 in like a month and some change??)

Now for something else. Each week I tend to have a moment or two where I go um what? If it’s me being clueless, not being American or actual strange things, I don’t know. But if you know what’s going on/ have an answer, please write me a line!

Um what?

What sixteen year old is applying to college? Is this a normal thing? 

Can you arrest people for peacefully protesting? Is this a thing? What about Freedom of Speach and all that you’re semi-famous for America?

Where was the heir? The guy whose house Harry found? Magnum said at the end that they closed two cases but did they ever figure out where this guy was and why all that mail was piled up outside his house? I want to know! 

Why did you not start by checking empty listings/ properties? I mean seriously? Have you never seen an episode of anything where the bad guy is a realtor? They always hide out in empty properties! Geesh, Magnum, is it your first day on the job?

[singapore-movers]

How to Prepare House Moving Tips For Movers and Packers Company in Singapore

If you're shifting house soon, one of the finest challenges you would possibly face is the actual moving itself. From bulky furnishings to your electronics and collectibles, the technique of transferring houses mover in Singapore ought to be messy in case you don’t have a solid strategy to get packing and unpacking.

Plan Before Moving House

1. Keep An Inventory Things and Prepare Measurements The first step to shifting residence in Singapore could be to make a list and categorise your items. A notable way to start would be to walk through each room of your house and categorise the essential objects in every individual room to make sure not anything is missed out. While it might be tempting to take the entirety with you in your new domestic, take the opportunity to do some quick spring cleaning. Everyone has junk and old gadgets that do not have any use and need to be thrown away. This lets you now not simply shop time packing your gadgets, but also reduce down on your moving value as house movers mainly rate on the variety of items moved or based totally on weight. Professional movers company in Singapore first planning and packing your house accessories and furniture after moving. Taking measurements of your furniture portions is important to recognize if they can suit the ground plan of your new domestic and whether or not they can be transported in a lift in case you stay in a rental or a HDB flat. Delivering your fixtures up the stairs will incur additional fees, mainly if you stay on the higher floors!

2. Preparing The Necessary Packing Materials Start by deciding on the proper packing materials to store time and transport your property safely without any hiccups or damage. Here is a listing of 3 packing substances you will want to make packing simpler and more systematic:

Cardboard Boxes These may be the staple packing materials wished for your move. Getting cardboard boxes of various sizes can be vital, permitting you to segregate the heavy and fragile items away from gadgets usually less complicated to transport consisting of garments and books. Ex. Office mover Singapore packing all documents, pens and furniture with relevant boxes without any damages.

Plastic Boxes and Containers

Great to save your electronics together with your pc and laptop parts, these water-proof plastic packing containers assist you to without problems become aware of your items in addition to shipping them in an environment that is loose from water risk.

Bubble Wrap & Foam Peanuts If you've got gadgets along with porcelain, ceramics and paintings that want to be transported, protecting them in bubble wrap is right to shield their surfaces from damage. Foam peanuts are also beneficial when positioned in cardboard containers to cushion your fragile gadgets from colliding with every other for the duration of the transit. Once you are executed with those, prefer to percent your items yourself for a peace of mind – don’t get the moving company Singapore to do it!

3. Planning The Things Go Into Which Room & Label Your Boxes Planning which gadgets to vicinity in each of your rooms is essential and great executed from the start! Understanding where to place each item ahead lets in you to group your gadgets collectively and label your bins according to the particular room they belong to. For valuables which includes jewellery, watches or even a personal safe, if they aren’t too heavy, transport them yourself as depending on their worth, insurance on your property content may not cover their full cost in the occasion they get lost.

4. Prepare A Moving Day Pack Full Of The Essentials Moving residence is a process and will in all likelihood take you a few days to a week to complete unpacking. Having a moving day percent will assist you live snug and cover the dwelling necessities should the method be delayed. Include in your backpack or duffel bag:

A fresh change of clothes for the family

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Toilet paper

Your handphone charger and applicable adaptors

Your medication (if any)

Fresh mattress sheets and pillow covers

five. Get Quotes From House Moving Companies & Start Negotiating While you may have a recommendation from your friend who simply moved domestic a few months back, it's miles always higher to get as a minimum three charges from professional movers in Singapore. With their charges typically hidden, it's far essential in order to clarify the primary information of ways they charge that will help you move.

Here are four matters to appearance out for:

Understand how they charge (on a consistent with hour foundation, in keeping with ride foundation or flat rate)

Any extra costs present (stairs, distance, time of day, specific service, repacking)

Any coverage to deal with capacity assets loss or damage

Do not be afraid to allow them to know the alternative prices you have gotten from their competitors to see if they can match them and intention for having the bottom range of journeys to similarly save costs.

Don’t forget to check their online evaluations as well. If many humans are giving them the thumbs up with precise testimonials, it may be a credible corporation to consider!

Your House Moving Checklist To Move In three Weeks If you are afraid of forgetting tasks earlier than the circulate or just need a systematic plan to follow, then this tick list for shifting house mover Singapore is perfect for you.

Week 1

Start to sort out your home and donate or throw away junk and unwanted items.

Take measurements of your furniture, mainly your sofa, beds and dining tables.

Purchase and prepare your packing substances which includes your tape and marker pens.

Inventorize your objects and shop the listing online so that you can access it anywhere.

Week 2

Start contacting Singapore movers to start negotiating rates (get as a minimum 3 rates to compare).

Start packing and labelling all of your items beginning from your bedrooms and operating your manner to the kitchen and the living room.

Start cancelling all of your everyday domestic deliveries and newspaper subscription (you might be capable of arranging a later re-subscription for your new home to cope with when you circulate).

Notify your current carrier providers, from cable TV to Internet carriers about your house move and spot if you can set up an unbroken switch of services.

If you have pets or younger ones, set up for them to be taken care of all through moving day (get the grandparents worried or arrange childcare or a pet-sitter).

Week 3

Confirm your information and plans with your chosen transferring provider provider.

Arrange a cleanser to help easy up your old domestic after the pass for the brand new owners.

Consolidate all of your private home and spare keys and prepare them for the brand new owners.

Start to % all of your daily necessities together with your laptops, gaming systems and electronic appliances in the direction of the end of the week.

Finish ingesting all the meals and supplies for your fridge (and resist buying new groceries except you virtually ought to cook!)

Prepare your moving day percent.

On Moving Day

Ensure that your fuel and power meters have been studied and your smartphone landline disconnected.

Check through the relaxation of your own home to make certain the whole thing that you need to transport has been accounted for.

Turn off your home power, lock your front door and bypass the keys to the brand new owners (or go away them around as organised in advance with them).

Are you looking for a professional movers company for your Business, Contact Vincent Movers, your Singapore movers and packers expert at +65 9232 5581 or email to enquiry@vincentmovers.com.

Move your house moving, office moving, piano safe and secure by the experienced professionals in Singapore at the best price.

Visit: http://www.vincentmovers.com/