#the arrival of the homemade links

[lynelsscareme]

Many of the Links are mature, steady, reasonable adults. And some of them like to cause problems on purpose. 3 guesses what kind of Link the Pink Mage is. Old Mate gets into fights with children willing.

[thewordswewrite]

Be My Guest

Pairing | Kate Carter x Tyler Owens

Summary | One time Tyler stays in Kate’s guest room and one time she stays in his

Warnings | discussions of trauma/injury associated with storm chasing, SMUT 18+

W/C | 6.6k

A/N | We wanted to hop into the Twisters fandom before it took ao3 by storm and this is *so far* what we've come up with. So...if you feel it... -smoe <33

AO3 | Link

Donations | Link 

Hers

She came home for safety, familiarity, to find her way forward but instead, she found herself more lost than when she’d arrived. 

It was only supposed to be a week. Sure, Kate thought it would be difficult to be back in the field but she hadn’t anticipated this. She hadn’t anticipated him. It shouldn’t matter. She had a job in New York, a life, a stable, safe job, her own apartment–everything she needed. But was it everything she wanted? 

What Tyler had said crossed a line but that didn’t mean it wasn’t the truth. It was just something she probably already knew, deep down, and hadn’t wanted to accept. She was running away from the storm but she should know better than most that it would always catch up.

With an aggravated sweep of her arm, all of her past research was on the floor, pages floating around her before finding a place to land. She almost immediately regretted the mess but it had felt good. For the last five years, she’s avoided risk but now it almost feels hypocritical to say that she misses it.

Kate bent to gather the papers but only grabbed a few before stopping at her Cloud Physics notebook which had fallen open to a familiar page. She sat down in front of it and traced the impressions of her writing on the pages. It was too much to retrace her steps, to consider what had gone wrong. She needed to get out of her head and she couldn’t do that without getting out of this damn barn.

She knocked lightly on the kitchen door so as not to startle her mom. Being an adult, Kate felt an aversion to putting these things on her mom. Her mother had always been supportive, even when knowing her daughter’s passion was actively putting her in danger. Maybe she just didn’t want her mom to repeat the same sentiments as Tyler but she also knew she wasn’t about to come to any decision without some guidance. Just like seeing her middle school science project again, she felt like a child standing in the kitchen.

“Kate?”

“Yeah, it’s just me.” She sighed and pulled out the chair at the dining table that had always belonged to her. The smell of whatever her mother was stirring made her stomach grumble. “Where’s Tyler?”

“Oh, he drove pretty far so he’s getting cleaned up.” Kate could tell her mom was trying to sound uninterested, maybe for her sake but still she asked, “What’s his story anyway?”

“He’s just some internet star from Arkansas,” She explained, picking at a stain on the table. For a moment she thought about leaving it at that but the fire he had lit in the barn was still burning inside her. Sardonically, she added, “He’s made a living as a so-called ‘Tornado Wrangler’ but so far he’s only shot some fireworks into a cyclone and nearly killed the reporter signed on to cover him and his team.”

Her mom chuckled and replied, “Sounds like a man looking for a thrill to me.”

Again, she felt like a child relaying the latest gossip from the schoolyard but she couldn’t help but continue.

“And his whole team is this ragtag group of people who’ve never been to school for this either!”

“I see.”

“I mean sure he’s studied meteorology but they could get seriously hurt.” Kate had busied herself by fiddling with a napkin she’d pulled from the homemade holder. The shreds of it were getting smaller and smaller.  “They’re no professionals.”

Her mom hummed, acknowledging her annoyance but countered with, “Well he doesn’t seem too bad to me, he did drive all the way here.” Although her mother graciously spared her the ‘for you’ that they both knew completed that thought, she felt its weight. It was easier to make him seem unlikeable than tell her mom that it was her that was in the wrong.

“You’d believe me if you saw the shirts he sells, his face all sprawled across them.” Kate laughed, thinking of the cheesy slogans. It wasn’t lost on her that she had assumed the worst of him. She thought back to what Lily had said and felt ashamed. “Though,” She conceded, “the money does pay for food for the aftermath survivors. They were handing it  out at the last town we were in after the tornado hit.”

“Not all bad then?” Her mother turned fully to face her and Kate knew her teasing expression said all she needed to know.

“I guess not.”

_ _ _

Dinner had been passable, if not enjoyable. Kate had figured it would be awkward, that the dynamic between her and her mom would be offset by Tyler’s presence but it had flowed easily. The only gripe she had was that her mother had gone over her head to invite him to stay the night. In her ideal world, she would’ve ushered him out right after dinner saying a quick thanks for his concern but sending him on his way knowing that she’d never have an obligation to speak to him again. 

Tyler had, of course, helped her mom with the dishes, leaving her to watch awkwardly so as not to take up unnecessary space in the small kitchen. She’d shot him a tight smile as he’d excused himself to his room for the night. 

“Well,” Her mom said from the doorway, “I’m off to bed. Shut the lights, will you?” She didn’t wait for an answer as she made her way past the living room to her bedroom. 

Kate tapped her fingers sporadically against the table, the sound echoing in the quiet house. She hadn’t been fully present for dinner. Every time she looked at Tyler she could only think about what she was doing wrong, what she was missing. As much as she resented the fact, there was no way she could make peace with the past couple of days if she didn’t get in another word with him.

She flipped the last of the switches off and made her way up the stairs, avoiding the ones she knew were extra creaky. At the landing, Kate considered just going to her bedroom but her feet kept their integrity and trudged her towards the guest room.

Her hand was poised to knock when the door opened.

“Kate?” The sound of his voice combined with the unexpected image made her jump. Whatever she had been prepared to say had left with her surprise but Tyler was already speaking again.  “Listen, what I said in the barn was out of line I shouldn’t have–”

“No you shouldn’t have…but you weren’t wrong either.”

Stepping back, he opened the door a bit more and though it wasn’t quite an invitation. It was a line she wasn’t sure she wanted to cross with his apology and her admittance the gist of what she’d hoped for. She promised herself that if he didn’t try to say anything else, she’d just turn around and walk away. He bit his lip, seeming to wrestle with something the same way she was.

“What’s the story behind you and Javi?” The question surprised her and she felt a vague excitement about his interest or rather the fact that he was interested at all. But the story itself was not something she was sure she could share.

“We met in college, he was friends with my…my boyfriend at the time.”

Tyler’s eyebrow raised in a silent question before he said, “And your boyfriend he was…”

She couldn’t stand in the hallway any longer where she was fully open to his scrutiny whether the story inspired pity or something else. Kate stepped past him into the room and started to explain,

“He was in the accident, along with two of my best friends.” She folded her arms across her chest, in a way trying to shield herself from the memories. “We were testing the polymer on what we thought was an EF1 but–”

“It was an EF5.” She nodded and his lips shifted into a sympathetic frown. Kate sat on the edge of the bed so that she didn’t have to face him head on.

She continued with, “So, I quit school and packed up to New York. Javi went back to Miami but because of the outbreak he thought he could use a second pair of eyes and invited me on.” From her peripheral, she could see the way he nodded along as she spoke, the genuine compassion still written in his features. She shrugged, unwilling to allow herself to feel the extent of the situation and the memories in front of him, “None of it matters though, I’ll be back in the city by the end of the week anyway.”

“You mean you’re giving up?” Tyler asked like it was somehow a personal affront to him or some greater injustice. Kate wasn’t sure what he cared. They’d only just met and he didn’t know her, not really. 

“I’m not giving up. I can’t live like this again, risking my life every day.”

“Because of the accident?” The way he said it, like it was only a passing moment and not something that monumentally changed not only her life but her, made her response sharp. 

“Yes, because of the accident.” 

He was unshaken by her hostility and placed a hand lightly on top of hers where it sat between them on the bed.

“Kate, I’ve seen people get hurt too, I’ve–” She couldn’t listen to this, couldn’t have him reduce her experience by comparison. If he thought this was the way to change her mind, he was sorely mistaken.

“Yeah, Tyler, well I got hurt. I watched people die, and I’ll bear those scars for the rest of my life.” Her body filled with tension of the memory as her breath began to quicken. She let the anger take over, the simplicity of it easier than the complicated truth. “I don't know why I even–”

 “Hold on–Kate!”

Kate could feel the air his failed reach created as he tried to grab her wrist to stop her. She was fast though, spurred on by the singular goal of getting the hell away from him. When she made it to the threshold of her room, she moved to shut the door. It almost slammed fully closed but groaned as the wood crashed into the foot he’d managed to snake in.

“Go to bed,” She demanded.

“So what, you’re going to help Javi line the pockets of Riggs for the rest of the week? The real estate shark that's directly profiting off the suffering of these people?” It seemed he couldn’t help, was adept at, pushing her buttons. If she were any bolder, she’d have already struck the self-righteous expression off his face.

“I didn’t know about that, I would have never–these are my people but this isn’t the way, the polymer didn’t work and people died because of it.”

“More will too, but only if you don’t do anything.” He tried to reach for her again but she shrugged away, “It could work. Together we could do this.” Tyler’s expression was pleading, his eyes urging her to make the right decision.

“Goodnight, Tyler.”

His

The flight was thankfully uneventful and much easier than her last flight to Oklahoma when she’d been dreading the very idea of her return. There were still memories that haunted the place she called home but now she could rest assured that they weren’t losses for nothing and that she may very well be able to save someone, hopefully many someones, from the same suffering she had endured for years.

Kate dragged her suitcases through the airport and the bustle of people coming and going made her feel oddly comforted. New York was easy to get lost in and for the time, it was exactly what she needed. But it had only ever been a place she ran away to and after a while she was running too fast to ever see it for what it was. Here, in Oklahoma, she was home.

She made her way out to the pickup lanes and was met with a calm blue sky, one that she knew–or maybe even hoped–wouldn’t last. At the five-minute mark, Kate was unbothered. By ten, she considered concern. By twenty, she was on the phone. It took three calls getting sent to voicemail before her mother picked up on the fourth.

“Hey, are you alright?” She tried not to sound too concerned but it wasn’t like her mother to forget an obligation or to not pick up the phone. 

“Oh, sunshine, I’m fine. It’s my truck that’s acting up,” Her mom replied. “I was on the road already when it decided to quit on me. I’m not sure how long repairs are going to take. You want me to call someone for you?” Kate sighed, more relieved by her mother’s well-being than bothered by the situation.

“No, don’t worry about it,” She answered, “As much as you don’t like it, I am a big girl. I can take care of it.”

“I know you can, baby. Don’t worry about making it here tonight, just take care of yourself.”

They exchanged ‘I love you’s before it sunk in that actually did have to take care of it. She found herself a spot on a nearby bench and tucked her luggage in beside her. Scrolling through her contacts, her thumb hovered over Javi before something urged her to keep going. Kate wasn’t sure if this was a bad idea but lately, she could handle a little risk.

“Hello?” She bit her lip, knowing this was her last chance to turn back. Still, he might not even be around or available to get her.

“Hey, Tyler?”

“Uh, yeah?” His voice was in performance mode, his uncertainty no match to his inherent charisma. Kate found herself filled with an urgent hope.

“It's Kate, Kate Carter.”

“Kate!” She could hear the smile in his voice. It was the first time she’d called him since he gave her his number and she was just beginning to regret not using it sooner. “What uh…what's going on?”

Her stomach flipped at the realization that she had to explain herself, that she wasn’t just calling him. Oh god, was this a mistake? Kate had thought there was something there when they were saying goodbye but maybe this was pushing it.  

“Are you in Oklahoma by any chance?”

“I am actually,” Tyler replied before he, with a hopeful tone, asked, “Are you here?”

“Do you think you could pick me up from the airport?” She fought the urge to cross her fingers like a little girl. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if she had to call Javi but she couldn’t help but want to see where this path led.

“Of course!” Her chest tightened, a mix between excitement and worry. “Is everything alright with your mom?” Kate’s cheeks flushed, touched by his concern. 

“Yeah–truck just wasn’t starting, don’t worry,” She said, hoping she sounded nonchalant.

“Alright then, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” In the background, Kate could hear his keys jingling already and she smiled to herself.

“Thanks so much. Bye.”

_ _ _

Kate had been inside, sitting at a cafe when her phone buzzed in her pocket, Tyler letting her know that he’d made it. She tossed out her empty coffee cup before regathering her things and taking a deep breath. If she was being honest with herself, she was excited to see him but she didn’t want to endure the inevitable teasing she’d be subject to should she seem too eager to be in his presence.

The sliding doors opened and it took her a minute to spot the familiar red truck. Her eyes followed the path to where Tyler was busy basking in the attention of an adoring fan. What more could she expect?

“And did you want this signed cause I could definitely sign this for you.”

He didn’t notice as she siddled up, even with the rumble of her suitcases on the concrete. She shook her head at the display of his ‘Tornado Wrangler’ persona and thought better than to let him off the hook.

With the exaggerated voice of a dedicated fan, she implored, “Oh my goodness! Is that Tyler Owens? I am your biggest fan!”

“That’s me darlin’, what can I do for–Kate.” He cleared his throat and straightened out his posture, putting on the real Tyler at the sight of her. Kate bit her lip, sparing him the laugh that threatened to escape her.

“Tyler,” She said, “You look good.”

“Well, I feel good.” Tyler stood with his hands on his hips, the two of them alone now and it seemed neither of them knew just what to say. She laughed at his remark and began to heave her luggage into the bed. Before she could lift the larger of the two bags, Tyler was stopping her with a hand on her wrist. Kate looked up at him, confused. 

“Don’t make me make you get in the truck.” She glared at him, gauging whether or not he was serious. He only matched her expression. “Get in the truck,” Tyler repeated.

Kate rolled her eyes and climbed into the passenger seat. She couldn’t help but lean over toward the shift, running her fingers across the buttons. Her pointer finger landed on the tape labeled, ‘Kate’s Barrels’ and traced over his writing. When the driver's door opened, she jumped at the movement and tore her hand away. 

“Headed to your mom’s?” Tyler asked, fingers tapping a rhythm onto the wheel.

“Uh, no actually just any motel close would be good. Home’s a bit far and the flight was long. I just want to go to bed.” She reminded herself that that was the only reason.

“I’m close,” He told her. Since when was he close? “I mean you could stay in my guest room and I could take you back to Sapulpa in the morning?” The idea sounded as equally dangerous as it was appealing. With a motel, she was in control of the situation but his place? There was no knowing.

Clearing her throat she answered, “That…sounds fine.”

Tyler tipped his hat toward her and then he was making his way out of the parking spot. For a little while, they sat in comfortable silence, the radio filling the empty space between them. Once they were outside the city, it was comforting to watch as farmland made up her view. The word rattled in her head again. Home.

“So, how did it end up going with the investors?” He asked. “Good, I assume since you’re back in Oklahoma.” Kate couldn’t help but smile knowing well enough already how happy he’d be to hear. Not to mention how happy she was to achieve something she’d been chasing since the possibility entered her mind.

“Yeah, it went very well actually. We uh–we got a lot of people interested and the offers were so good…I quit my job and sold the apartment. I’m back, back.”

Tyler’s smile grew to a million watts as he exclaimed, “Kate! That’s amazing!”

“Thank you, we’re really excited.” She thought she saw his grin falter a bit but she couldn’t pin down why. Still, after a moment he let out a whoop, honking the horn at the expense of the car in front of them. Kate laughed, placing her hand over his to keep him from doing it again.

“So, where you planning on living? With Javi?”

“Actually I’m not sure yet. Javi has this new girlfriend from back in Miami and they’re pretty wrapped up in each other.” His eyebrows raised and she continued, “My mom's kind of out of the way too. Plus, she’s thinking of selling since seed prices just keep going up. Says she’s sick of the weather.”

Tyler’s jaw went slack, exaggerating his shock. “Sick of the–Sick of the weather?”

“What can I say, she doesn’t appreciate the beauty of the storm.” Kate sighed theatrically. Her hand went to her forehead in a ‘woe is me’ gesture. He chuckled, punching her playfully in the arm.

“On the topic of prices though, she is right.” Tyler sighed as he turned onto a new street.  “That’s why I bought land and started from the ground up.”

“Land?” She repeated. It hadn’t been that long that she’d been gone. When and more so why had he decided to put down roots and outside of Arkansas for that matter.

“Yes, ma’am.” His mouth quirked up in a prideful smirk.

“And here I thought I’d be sharing some shitty motel room.”

They pulled into a long dirt driveway, the grass surrounding it still young. While the house was clearly new, the style had a nostalgic feel to it. It was painted a fresh shade of cream and the white wrap-around porch just screamed summer nights. If she didn’t know better she’d think she was going to visit some sweet old lady.

“Here we are, home sweet home.”

Tyler opened her door for her like a proper gentleman and she stepped out into pleasant fresh air. The whole thing was picturesque. Kate supposed she shouldn’t really be surprised considering she didn’t really know his tastes but the whole thing surprised her nonetheless. 

She followed Tyler through the front door as he carried her bags inside. The interior was just as sweet as the exterior had been but Kate could see the signs that were uniquely him. There were various piles and pieces of gear strewn about that she recognized from having filled her mother’s house with. Even with the classic style, the appliances and layout were tastefully modern. She was impressed.

Kate stepped into the kitchen which seemed to be the most lived-in room. There were pictures of the Wranglers and what she assumed was his family stuck to the fridge. Her eyes drifted to a bulletin board hung up next to it and tacked up in the center of it was a page ripped out of their article from Ben, one with a picture of her. She could feel her cheeks flush even with him still in the other room. Though she wanted to, Kate knew she wouldn’t mention it.

“You hungry?” She jumped at the sound of Tyler’s voice.

“No, I couldn’t–” The same look that urged her to ‘get in the truck’ painted his face and she reconsidered her answer. “Starved.”

Tyler seemed satisfied. He pulled out a seat at the kitchen island where she could have a clear view of him whipping something together. The whole thing felt unnervingly domestic but she enjoyed it all the same.

“This place is really nice, Tyler,” Kate said. Gesturing toward his tricked-out home office–that was maybe a little too nice for a YouTube star–she pointed out, “Got a nice setup too.”

“Yeah, the team has pretty much paired off and they live here and there but we come back for a warm meal more often than not.”

“Not you though?” It had crossed her mind that maybe the sudden home ownership had been a response to some sort of serious relationship. She tried to sound casual since it wasn’t really any of her business.

Tyler smiled and shrugged. “Nah, a fearless leader has to hold down the fort.” Kate rolled her eyes and laughed at his cockiness. It was better knowing that it didn’t run deep. She thought better than to push it but still, she wanted to know what this whole thing was for.

“No, but seriously, why a house?”

“Oklahoma is the past, present and future of tornadoes. That’s no secret,” He replied like it was some well-known slogan. Yeah, the outbreak they experienced had put Oklahoma back on the map but Tornado Alley spanned a wide area, including Arkansas. 

“How do you figure?”

“Well you’re here, aren’t you?” Her stomach sank, trying to decipher the meaning behind what he said. His focus was trained on the pot in front of him like what he’d said was no big deal. What was she supposed to say to that?

Without an answer, Tyler clarified, “You’ve got better instinct than anyone I’ve ever met, better than any Doppler too.”

He’d turned to her and winked in her continued silence. Kate nodded with a smile like it was casual to her too. She shifted under his intense gaze and thought it was an apt time to break the tension with something she’d been tossing around in her mind. He laid a plate of spaghetti in front of her before sitting down himself. She cleared her throat.

“I was going to wait to bring this up but…I was wondering if you would consider being partners.”

“Really?” The excitement on his face was genuine and Kate could see the surprise too. It made her feel secure in her decision. 

“Javi and I both have stakes in it but he’s avoiding the field as much as he can right now. He’s got the business side under control but, like I said, he’s got someone at home who’d prefer he didn’t get blown away.”

Tyler stayed practically frozen in place. Maybe she’d overstepped her bounds after all. She could tell herself all she wanted that she wouldn’t be hurt if he didn’t want to partner with her but that didn’t make it the truth. 

“What do you say, me and you?” Kate asked, bracing for his answer.

“You and me,” Tyler replied genuinely and with what she hoped was a hint of awe.

They ate silently, half from hunger and half in consideration of their future. As much as Kate didn’t want to admit it, there were other questions lingering between them. When her plate was cleared, he insisted on taking care of the simple cleanup himself leaving Kate to sit idly at the kitchen table, unable to get anywhere else without his direction anyway.

With the dishes washed, Tyler turned his attention back to her but it seemed he had just as much of an idea of how to proceed as she did.

“So, uh…” She began, uncertain where she was going.

“I bet you probably want to get cleaned up. There’s an en suite in the guest room.”

“Yeah, great.” As much as she wanted to bolt, Kate got up from the table slowly as if she were as calm as could be. Still, she didn’t wait for any instructions as to where to go. She didn’t turn back to look at him as she climbed the stairs, internally cursing herself for adding to the awkward atmosphere.

“First door on the right!” Tyler called after her because, of course, she hadn’t asked.

_ _ _

The warm water had been just what she needed, especially paired with the time away from Tyler to think. As much as there had been a sense of tension between them, her feelings had settled on contentment and maybe even excitement. They were partners now and they had plenty of time to figure everything and anything else out. They’d been through hell already and he would help her through it again.

She stepped out of the shower, her feet hitting the plush bath mat, and reached for a towel. Her hand grabbed only air. Upon further inspection, the towel rack was completely unoccupied. Shit.

“Um, Tyler?” Kate called. She waited a few minutes for his response and when it didn’t come she yelled louder. “Tyler!” She let out a breath when she heard his footsteps on the stairs.

“Yeah?” 

“There are no towels in here!”

“Shit. My bad, no one has used that bedroom yet,” Tyler explained. His feet were already causing the wood floor to creak when he assured, “I’ll grab you one, be right back.”

Kate couldn’t believe this was happening. There was a good chance that she’d expose herself in the exchange. She’d even left her clothes on the bed, choosing to strip before going to the bathroom.

A few minutes later there was a hesitant knock on the door.

“Here, I brought you a few. I don’t know what you prefer,” Tyler said.

She had to assume that he was smart enough not to look. He’d been nothing but polite after all. When she opened the door, his eyes were covered by the palm of his hand, and his other arm was extended out to her. Kate tried not to laugh at the look of him.

“Thanks.” 

Kate wrapped the largest towel around herself and used another to dry the excess moisture from her hair. She pulled the door back open, assuming he was gone but she was met with his figure, eyes still shielded. Nearly bumping right into him, she let out an involuntary sound something between a squeak and a groan. Tyler echoed the sound and quickly flipped his hand so he could see her. She had to assume that his subsequent turning around was motivated by her state of undress.

She didn’t know what else to do besides starting to dress. It seemed he wasn’t done talking to her just yet. After a moment, he spoke.

“Uh, Kate…I, uh, realized I didn’t say thank you just then for considering me.”

“Who else could I possibly consider?” She winced at her own words. By no means did Kate want to sound like she was unhappy, she just didn’t want to make it a big deal between them.

“Well, right, I guess there’s not many storm chasers to begin with and especially not ones who’ve studied meteorology.” Kate could hear the slight hurt in his voice even as he tried to tease and she couldn’t blame him. She’d said the wrong thing. She quickly finished pulling on her pajama pants so she could focus on the conversation before she said something else she regretted.

“Tyler,” She said softly. He still had his back considerately turned to her. Like a kid trying to pass notes in class, Kate tapped his shoulder to get his attention. Tyler smiled as he faced her and it gave her the boost she needed to say what she wanted.  “You’re the reason I’m doing this in the first place. You believed in me even when I didn’t. We’re going to be helping people and that’s because of you.”

He was shaking his head before she’d even finished.

“You can’t believe that, it's your polymer, your idea–”

She took a confident step forward, the action effectively shutting him up. The closer Kate got the more she angled up at him, his height towering over her. Her hand found its way to his jaw, cupping it gently, her thumb brushing over the stubble of his skin. Before she had the chance to close the distance, Tyler took his chance to capture her lips with his own.

It started slow, hesitant to the possibility of too much too fast but quickly gained momentum as they threw caution to the wind. It had been years since Kate had done this, never quite feeling able to move on from Jeb and the accident but now with a sense of closure and Tyler’s guiding hand she felt ready.

His mouth was eager as their kiss deepened, Tyler’s tongue painting the inside of her mouth, almost as if he was committing it to memory. Their heavy breaths filled the air and neither of them seemed willing to break the kiss as the minutes went on. It wasn’t until her fingers played at the hem of his shirt that he broke off, looking down at her through hooded eyes, his mouth swollen and flushed.

“Kate…”

The sight was too much and she couldn’t help but bring her lips back to his skin. They found purchase at his pulse point, kisses littering his neck as she made her intentions known to him with every touch.

Taking a step back, Tyler’s hands cradled her face and he searched her eyes, looking for what she wasn’t sure but when he seemed to find it a smile broke across his face. It was the same smile he sported every time the wind picked up and the radar lit up red: a man ready to face a challenge.

“You still wanna stay in my guest room?” He asked, though his joking town was limited by his heavy breathing. Kate knew he was teasing but he was just as eager as she was.

“If you keep up with that attitude I just might,” She replied, smiling ruefully.

“Honey,” Tyler beamed, “all I’ve got is attitude.”

A chuckle escaped her lips and his face turned from cocky to sincere before he leaned in to steal a kiss once more. His hands moved from her face to grasping her own as he led her to what she assumed was his room.

Kate struggled to keep up as he held his hands behind him for her to grasp. She held them awkwardly as the unusual position did not grant her a good grip. The playful air gave her butterflies but also made her feel a sense of safety, knowing that things didn’t have to be heavy between them.

Tyler turned, pulling their hands over his head so that Kate twirled around with him. He used the momentum to guide her backward into his room with his hands on her hips, attempting a cheesily seductive smolder. She used her heel to kick the door shut behind them.

Kate walked ahead of him to go sit on the edge of his bed. She could tell he was watching her closely to consider his next move but she enjoyed the idea of playing coy with him. Ignoring him, she took in the space which was surprisingly sparse especially compared to the ground floor.

“Wow, real homey in here,” Kate joked, feigning awe at the blank walls

“Oh, hush,” Tyler chided, “It hasn’t been that long since we finished construction.”

She put up her hands in surrender and replied, “Sure, sure.” He rolled his eyes at her and then his expression became soft again. Tyler walked forward, kneeing her legs open and standing between them. With just a tilt of her head they were kissing again and this time when she grabbed his shirt, he let her take it off of him. Kate paused a moment to take him in, the image one she intended to commit to memory before pulling her own shirt over her head.

The rest of their clothes came quickly but when it was time for her to remove her jeans she hesitated.

“We don’t have to do this.” Tyler reassured her, misreading her reluctance. Kate shook her head.

“It's not that it’s–” She huffed in frustration and rather than continue to overthink, pulled her pants down in one swift motion, hoping he’d move past the interruption rather than linger on the issue.

Instead, his eyes moved immediately to her lower half and zeroed in on her leg…her scar. Kate’s stomach began to churn. She knew that he knew the story but she hated that it had to be part of this moment between them. He had been part of making it possible for her to redeem herself, to make sure the losses were not worth nothing. Still, the memories and the physical signs would never leave her. It made her insecure but if he had a problem with it, this wasn’t worth continuing.

“Is this from…”

“Yes,” Kate replied flatly. She didn’t have anything to prove and she wanted more than anything to move on from this as soon as possible. Tyler looked up from the marred skin on her leg and cupped her face with one of his hands. His eyes were filled with pure admiration.

“You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.”

Tyler’s lips were on hers again as he leaned her back into the bed, his body sculpting to hers. She felt a hand trail down her body, over her ass, before he hoisted her leg over his shoulder, his face turning towards her thigh and kissing over her scar as he lined himself up with her entrance. He looked at her until she realized he was waiting for her cue. She grabbed onto his upper arms and nodded, making it clear she was ready.

He was slow with her, caressing in all the right spots and making sure she was comfortable until he was finally fully inside her and they moaned in unison at the feeling. She hadn’t felt like this in a long time and when he took a moment to brush the hair from her face it made it all that much sweeter so much so that she laughed. Tyler looked at her, concerned but when she kissed him, he smiled into it catching her drift.

As he began to grind into her, he coaxed mewls from her lips, her hips meeting his instinctually at the pleasure. The way he watched her carefully for her reactions made her heart soar. He made it evident that they were in this together, that he cared about making her feel good. One of Tyler's hands still held her leg while the other found her clit, circling it while keeping pace and she couldn’t help the words spilling from her mouth.

“Tyler,” Kate pleaded, “Don’t stop.” He listened to her demand but she could see how it made him falter. His expression was that of awe as if he couldn’t believe that he was here with her, that she was enjoying what he was doing for them. She curled an arm around his neck and played with the hair there in a way that caused him to flush.

“I gotcha,” Tyler promised, somehow pressing them closer together, “I gotcha.”

She could’ve been embarrassed at how fast she came but Tyler didn’t give her a chance, instead riding her out through her climax and continuing to thrust even after. It was almost too much as tears of pleasure pricked her eyes and her moans filled the room. Her hands gripped the sheets, his arms, his hair, anything that she could reach to keep hold of her senses as they were overwhelmed. All she could think or comprehend was Tyler.

“I–I’m close,” He stammered, the tremble in his voice radiating throughout his body, “Kate, I–”

Her vision went white when she came again, though she could hear Tyler moan her name like a mantra, his head buried in her neck. One hand reached into his hair while the other traced absent circles on his back. It took him a minute but eventually, he came back to her.

“Hey,” He said, letting out a breathy laugh. 

“Hi.”

Tyler pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, clearly savoring the moment. Kate didn’t want it to end either but she was confident that it was only beginning. They both let out their own versions of a disappointed noise as he pulled out.

When he disappeared into the ensuite, she pulled his comforter up around her, the scent of him enveloping her as well. He came back with a damp towel and once helped her clean up, he flopped into bed beside her, pulling her into his side.

Kate placed a hand on his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat under her palm. Tyler pressed a kiss to the top of her head. She wanted to bask in the moment a bit longer but before she knew it she was beginning to yawn. 

The last thing she remembered before she fell into a peaceful sleep was the sweet kiss they shared and the soft rumble of his voice.

“Goodnight, Kate.”

[annasofthe11thdimension]

Pictured: Loop being extremely normal as they lay in their shallow (homemade) grave as they meditate on existence and also if they have annoyed the Researcher enough THIS time for her to murder them and bury them alive.

(Spoilers - they did not annoy her even CLOSE to that much.)

And there is the required reverse image of Odile arriving - she's had a LONG day (i.e. previous loop), and due to this it will take ten minutes before she even acknowledges the shallow grave Loop is laying in, as she was distracted complaining about what Siffrin just did to annoy her.

----

I'd say there's context for all of that, because like...there IS context? Here's the link to the series of fics that HAS that context even! But also...even with context...can't say that it's going to make any of this less weird.

Mostly Odile is looping because due to Loop's wish the universe got rewritten to make Siffrin's repression and emotional issues (the ones bad enough to get him stuck in a time loop in the game) 'someone else's' problem...or at least that's Loop's best theory atm!

Regardless, context or not, I'm quite happy with how the pics came out, and figured I might as well post them here too.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Linkrot

For the rest of May, my bestselling solarpunk utopian novel THE LOST CAUSE (2023) is available as a $2.99, DRM-free ebook!

Here's an underrated cognitive virtue: "object permanence" – that is, remembering how you perceived something previously. As Riley Quinn often reminds us, the left is the ideology of object permanence – to be a leftist is to hate and mistrust the CIA even when they're tormenting Trump for a brief instant, or to remember that it was once possible for a working person to support their family with their wages:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/27/six-sells/#youre-holding-it-wrong

The thing is, object permanence is hard. Life comes at you quickly. It's very hard to remember facts, and the order in which those facts arrived – it's even harder to remember how you felt about those facts in the moment.

This is where blogging comes in – for me, at least. Back in 1997, Scott Edelman – editor of Science Fiction Age – asked me to take over the back page of the magazine by writing up ten links of interest for the nascent web. I wrote that column until the spring of 2000, then, in early 2001, Mark Frauenfelder asked me to guest-edit Boing Boing, whereupon the tempo of my web-logging went daily. I kept that up on Boing Boing for more than 19 years, writing about 54,000 posts. In February, 2020, I started Pluralistic.net, my solo project, a kind of blog/newsletter, and in the four-plus years since, I've written about 1,200 editions containing between one and twelve posts each.

This gigantic corpus of everything I ever considered to be noteworthy is immensely valuable to me. The act of taking notes in public is a powerful discipline: rather than jotting cryptic notes to myself in a commonplace book, I publish those notes for strangers. This imposes a rigor on the note-taking that makes those notes far more useful to me in years to come.

Better still: public note-taking is powerfully mnemonic. The things I've taken notes on form a kind of supersaturated solution of story ideas, essay ideas, speech ideas, and more, and periodically two or more of these fragments will glom together, nucleate, and a fully-formed work will crystallize out of the solution.

Then, the fact that all these fragments are also database entries – contained in the back-end of a WordPress installation that I can run complex queries on – comes into play, letting me swiftly and reliably confirm my memories of these long-gone phenomena. Inevitably, these queries turn up material that I've totally forgotten, and these make the result even richer, like adding homemade stock to a stew to bring out a rich and complicated flavor. Better still, many of these posts have been annotated by readers with supplemental materials or vigorous objections.

I call this all "The Memex Method" and it lets me write a lot (I wrote nine books during lockdown, as I used work to distract me from anxiety – something I stumbled into through a lifetime of chronic pain management):

https://pluralistic.net/2021/05/09/the-memex-method/

Back in 2013, I started a new daily Boing Boing feature: "This Day In Blogging History," wherein I would look at the archive of posts for that day one, five and ten years previously:

https://boingboing.net/2013/06/24/this-day-in-blogging-history.html

With Pluralistic, I turned this into a daily newsletter feature, now stretching back to twenty, fifteen, ten, five and one year ago. Here's today's:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/21/noway-back-machine/#retro

This is a tremendous adjunct to the Memex Method. It's a structured way to review everything I've ever thought about, in five-year increments, every single day. I liken this to working dough, where there's stuff at the edges getting dried out and crumbly, and so your fold it all back into the middle. All these old fragments naturally slip out of your thoughts and understanding, but you can revive their centrality by briefly paying attention to them for a few minutes every day.

This structured daily review is a wonderful way to maintain object permanence, reviewing your attitudes and beliefs over time. It's also a way to understand the long-forgotten origins of issues that are central to you today. Yesterday, I was reminded that I started thinking about automotive Right to Repair 15 years ago:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2009/05/right-repair-law-pro

Given that we're still fighting over this, that's some important perspective, a reminder of the likely timescales involved in more recent issues where I feel like little progress is being made.

Remember when we all got pissed off because the mustache-twirling evil CEO of Warners, David Zaslav, was shredding highly anticipated TV shows and movies prior to their release to get a tax-credit? Turns out that we started getting angry about this stuff twenty years ago, when Michael Eisner did it to Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 911":

https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/05/us/disney-is-blocking-distribution-of-film-that-criticizes-bush.html

It's not just object permanence: this daily spelunk through my old records is also a way to continuously and methodically sound the web for linkrot: when old links go bad. Over the past five years, I've noticed a very sharp increase in linkrot, and even worse, in the odious practice of spammers taking over my dead friends' former blogs and turning them into AI spam-farms:

https://www.wired.com/story/confessions-of-an-ai-clickbait-kingpin/

The good people at the Pew Research Center have just released a careful, quantitative study of linkrot that confirms – and exceeds – my worst suspicions about the decay of the web:

https://www.pewresearch.org/data-labs/2024/05/17/when-online-content-disappears/

The headline finding from "When Online Content Disappears" is that 38% of the web of 2013 is gone today. Wikipedia references are especially hard-hit, with 23% of news links missing and 21% of government websites gone. The majority of Wikipedia entries have at least one broken link in their reference sections. Twitter is another industrial-scale oubliette: a fifth of English tweets disappear within a matter of months; for Turkish and Arabic tweets, it's 40%.

Thankfully, someone has plugged the web's memory-hole. Since 2001, the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine has allowed web users to see captures of web-pages, tracking their changes over time. I was at the Wayback Machine's launch party, and right away, I could see its value. Today, I make extensive use of Wayback Machine captures for my "This Day In History" posts, and when I find dead links on the web.

The Wayback Machine went public in 2001, but Archive founder Brewster Kahle started scraping the web in 1996. Today's post graphic – a modified Yahoo homepage from October 17, 1996 – is the oldest Yahoo capture on the Wayback Machine:

https://web.archive.org/web/19960501000000*/yahoo.com

Remember that the next time someone tells you that we must stamp out web-scraping for one reason or another. There are plenty of ugly ways to use scraping (looking at you, Clearview AI) that we should ban, but scraping itself is very good:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/17/how-to-think-about-scraping/

And so is the Internet Archive, which makes the legal threats it faces today all the more frightening. Lawsuits brought by the Big Five publishers and Big Three labels will, if successful, snuff out the Internet Archive altogether, and with it, the Wayback Machine – the only record we have of our ephemeral internet:

https://blog.archive.org/2024/04/19/internet-archive-stands-firm-on-library-digital-rights-in-final-brief-of-hachette-v-internet-archive-lawsuit/

Libraries burn. The Internet Archive may seem like a sturdy and eternal repository for our collective object permanence about the internet, but it is very fragile, and could disappear like that.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/21/noway-back-machine/#pew-pew-pew

[mariasont]

DAY ONE — CHECK-IN

welcome to the official start of our beach week! today the bau is arriving at rossi's luxurious beach house — here's everything you need for the perfect vacation kickoff!

road trip tunes — maria's beach playlist

💌[click here to listen!]

what's in everyone's bags?

reader archetypes

shy!reader -> lots of suncreen, oversized cardigan, retro sunglasses, huge straw sunhat, polaroid camera (may or may not be discreetly taking candids of spencer...)

sweeetheart!reader -> homemade baked snacks, extra blankets, her favorite tumblr, her cute planner that she takes everywhere, customized friendship bracelets

bimbo!reader -> sparkly lip gloss, tanning oil, giant heart-shaped sunglasses, fluffy slides (impratical as hell), two full bags of makeup

translator!reader -> kindle loaded with international books, comfy linen shirts, minimalistic sandals, travel-size aromatherapy diffuser, pocket size trivia cards

bau team

hotch -> plain black swim trunks, spf 50, extra cash for emergencies, aspirin, noise cancelling headphones (only essentials)

reid -> clean organic sunscreen, a dozen books, waterproof playing cards, ocean-life travel guide

rossi -> premium wine selection, designer swimwear, expensive cigars, a backup wine opener, monogrammed beach chair

garcia -> themed swimsuits and matching accessories (think pineapples, flamingos, cherries, etc.), emergency snack stash, colorful floaties

morgan -> speaker, portable workout bands, extra towels, multiple water guns (don't ask)

emily -> like three flasks, thriller books, do not disturb oversized sunhat, pictures of sergio

jj -> extra hats, bandaids, portable cooler, multi purpose wipes, bug bite relief cream

BAU BEACH HOUSE SPRING BREAK GROUP CHAT

Penelope: helloooooo my sun kissed angels ☀️✨ how are we doing? status reports pls and thx

Morgan: On the road. Spencer is riding with me. Genius here is explaining ocean tides. Again. 🙄

Reid: I'll smother you in your sleep.

Reid: That is, if you don't kill us first by texting and driving.

Penelope: derek. DONT do that.

JJ: Emily and I just picked up the rental car. ETA around noon! Emily has road-trip snacks covered :)

Emily: Correction JJ brough healthy snacks. I brought road-trip essentials. AKA chocolate and caffeine.

Hotch: Dave and I flew ahead to finalize the rental paperwork and get the keys. House looks good.

Penelope: oh thank goodness, mom and dad are already there to welcome us. hotch, i trust you'll put mints on our pillows? 💖

Hotch: Not exactly on my priority list, Garcia

Rossi: Priorities aside, the house is gorgeous. Fully stocked kitchen, perfect ocean view, and most importantly a wine fridge big enough for my personal stash. We're all set.

Emily: Wine fridge? Rossi, you truly get me.

JJ: Wait send pics! I wanna see!

Penelope: im sending the airbnb link !!! prepare yourself for some serious swooning 💖🏖️ [click here to view house]

[mpchev]

Update on fanbinding dissertation: we now have textblocks!

The folded signatures spent the night in the makeshift press (under heavy books), looking very crisp, making me very happy. Ordered the missing supplies (cutting mat, knife, metal ruler, muslin instead of mull, a big sketchbook with black pages that will hopefully become endpapers) from HobbyCraft, because the bookbinding shops’ shipping fees are no joke. Waiting for that to arrive, I sewed the signatures together!

Used my wonky homemade cradle to punch the holes, following a guide I made out of whatever cardstock was in the recycling. Was originally debating the necessity of the awl, very happy I had it.

Sewed everything together following the instructions from How to Make A Book and this youtube video by DAS Bookbinding, which covers both French links and kettlestitches. As expected, sewing was really fun, very relaxing, and paired quite nicely with the ongoing supernatural rewatch.

Been trying to figure out how to add the title to the cover (I sadly don’t have the time/supplies to get into stamping / HTV / letterpress printing), and was inspired by this amazing bind by @celestial-sphere-press to try and do a half dust jacket thing, so I gave it a go while waiting for the last missing supplies, using a small hardback to see what it will hopefully look like. I like it a lot, but should probably find a white pen or pencil to draw with (didn't have anything paler than a yellow pencil on hand).

Next up: macgyvering a book press, glueing the spine, cutting the boards, sewing the headbands. Looking forward to three out of those four things.

[outerwilds-events]

Well, Campfire Fest was an absolute blast. We had 18 participants and 65 submissions. This is a huge accomplishment that all of you made together! Thanks again to everyone who participated, it wouldn't have been such a great event without you. Major kudos to @noofl, @poisonhemloc, and @sawyer-is-eepy for submitting something for every day of the fest week during fest!

Honorable mention to @unnamedpebble for submitting something for every day of the fest week with the late submission period. Links to each days works are below the cut. If you haven't had the chance to peruse everything you really should. Everyone did such a great job and I continue to be so impressed with how talented this fandom is.

Be on the look out for more information on mod applications and on the winter event!

Day 1: Hourglass Twins, Angst, Slate, Locating the Eye

Tugging the Tether by @sawyer-is-eepy (fic)

Hour Glass Twins Warp Tower by @660percent (art)

Okay Maybe There Was One Death From The Space Program by @poisonhemloc (fic)

A Ship In Need of Repair by @carolkinopf (comic)

Bitter Medicine by @noofl (comic)

broken window by @tippertot (fic)

Campfire Fest 2024 Day 1 by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Assurances by @merrydock (fic)

The Arrow of Time by @spitzyyyy (fic)

dropped in a canyon (help has now arrived) by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

Post Feldspar's Disparition Slate by @unnamedpebble (art)

Time Stops for No One by SpaceMange (fic)

Day 2: Timber Hearth, Fluff, Hornfels, Music

Revelations by @sawyer-is-eepy (poem)

Hornfels - The Astronomer by @unnamedpebble (art)

What if Hornfels Didn't Know How to Whistle by @noofl (comic)

If You're Going to Play around a Campfire (You gotta have a Fiddle in the Band) by @poisonhemloc (fic)

Technically Kazoos are after Mirlitons Timeline-wise But by @poisonhemloc (fic)

a favorite of the formerly deceased by @spitzyyyy (fic)

Campfire Fest 2024 Day 2 by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Child of the Stars by spacemange (fic)

Artistry by @merrydock (fic)

anti-fall tarp by @tksfandomhellhole

Day 3: Brittle Hollow, Hurt/Comfort, Gossan, Warp

Gossan by @unnamedpebble (art)

Gossan by @noofl (art)

Good Thing No One is Watching the Black Hole and About to Freak Out by @poisonhemloc (fic)

Brittle Hollow/Warp by @660percent (art)

warp to me by @tippertot (fic)

Untitled by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

Campfire Fest 2024 Day 3 by @jellyfish-grave (art)

you're lucky they won't remember this by @spitzyyyy (fic)

Day 4: Giant’s Deep, Humor, Prophy, Sap Wine

Porphy and the Good Stuff by @cobaltbluesu (art)

Small Doodle by @noofl (comic)

This is a Speed Running Strat by @poisonhemloc (fic)

it do go down by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

Porphy Tasting their Favorite Batch of Sapwine by @unnamedpebble (art)

Humor, Porphy, Sapwine by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Behold! Sapwine! by @sawyer-is-eepy (comic)

Reflection under stormy green skies by CrimsonQuill086 (fic)

Thanks for Being my Time Buddy by SpaceMange (fic)

Day 5: Dark Bramble, Horror, Solanum, Ghost Matter

Noooo Hatchy by @unnamedpebble (art)

Our Friend with Ghostmatter by @noofl (art)

I Like to Think They are More Salamanders Than Fish by @poisonhemloc (fic)

The Horrors of Basic Biology by @tippertot (fic)

Solanum by @jellyfish-grave (comic)

Horror by @sawyer-is-eepy (comic)

Horror by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

The Day After the End of the World by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

Day 6: Space Station, Romance, Hal, Time Loop

White Hole Station by @unnamedpebble (art)

Hal and the Hatchling by @noofl (art)

Space Station by @660percent (art)

Space Station, Hal, Time Loop by @lutiaskokopelli (art)

River Chats by @poisonhemloc (fic)

If You Can't Talk Someone into Being Your Weighted Blanket Homemade is Fine by @poisonhemloc (fic)

Romance by @2isted-chocol8-art (comic)

Hal the Pal by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

My future is in the forest of the stars by CrimsonQuillo86 (fic)

Day 7: Open Prompts

Time Buddies for the Soul by @unnamedpebble (art)

Don't Worry Guys They're All Fine by @noofl (comic)

Trailblazer 1 by @cobaltbluesu (comic)

Just a Weird AU Started by a Fall Out Boy Song by Fallout Boy (@poisonhemloc) (fic)

Universe by @2isted-chocol8-art (art)

Let's Walk Together by @jellyfish-grave (art)

Final Day by @eldritchcats (art)

Good-bye Campfire Fest by @sawyer-is-eepy (art)

The Divergence Hypothesis by @tksfandomhellhole (fic)

[gunilslaugh]

Winter Milkshakes

Lee Jooyeon Summary: Milkshakes weren’t a typical winter drink, but that didn’t stop you and Jooyeon from enjoying them. (non-idol au) WC:638 Warning:none

photo not mine credits to owner.

Your pulled down sleeves cover your hands acting as a shield from the cold milkshake in your already freezing hands. 

“Ahh!” Jooyeon suddenly hissed from beside you. His footsteps coming to a stop.

“Brain freeze?” you asked with a chuckle. To which Jooyeon nods, squinting his eyes close. “That’s what you get for drinking too fast,” you tease, shifting your milkshake to one hand. You bring up your now free hand to rub his head. 

“Ok, I’m good now,” he swats your hand away and shakes his head a bit. As if he was shaking off the last remnants of the brain freeze. 

The pair of you arrive back at Jooyeon’s place plopping down onto his couch and covering yourselves with a fluffy blanket. 

“Isn’t it too cold for milkshakes?” Jungsu, Jooyeon’s roommate, questioned once he entered the room and noticed the icy drinks in your hands. 

“Not at all,” Jooyeon replied. 

“As long as you don’t drink it too fast,” you chimed. Poking a bit of fun at Jooyeon’s earlier brain freeze.

“Aye,” Jooyeon glared at you. To which you laughed lightly and smiled at him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“These actually turned out really good,” Jooyeon states as he sips the homemade milkshakes the two of you just concocted. You take a sip and let out a hum in agreement. 

“It’s a good thing I saved them from going all over the kitchen,” you say. (Jooyeon may or may not have almost turned on the blender without putting the lid on first.) 

“They should just make blenders where they won’t turn on if the lid isn’t on,” he grumbled lightly, taking another sip of his milkshake. 

“That’s not a bad idea actually,” you go along with his statement. Jooyeon’s eyes widened. At first you think that he’s shocked you agreed with him but then.

“Look it’s snowing!” he jumped up excitedly from his chair and grabbed your arm pulling you up too and led you over to the kitchen window. 

“The first snow of the season,” you said admiring the falling snow. 

“You know what that means?” he looks at you playfully.

“That we can make a snowman?” you respond sounding a bit unsure. 

“No, well yes we can, but I mean that we’ll be together forever.” He links his hand with yours. 

“Not that that doesn’t sound nice, but what does snow have to do with that?” you questioned, unconsciously holding his hand tighter. 

“Cause couples who watch the first snow together stay together forever, silly.” Jooyeon affectionately knocks his head with yours. 

“Oh right, that’s what they say,” you laugh remembering the saying. “But even if they didn’t I’d want to spend the rest of my first snows with you anyway. Sharing milkshakes.” You lean up to peck a kiss onto his cheek as if you're sealing a promise. 

“Me too,” he agreed, also pressing a promise sealing kiss to your cheek. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jooyeon and you are back under the warm fluffy blanket as the ice cold milkshakes steal the heat from your hands. 

“Ah! Brain freeze! Brain freeze!” you hiss, bringing a hand up to your head. 

“That’s what happens when you drink too fast,” he playfully teased you. 

“Be quiet!” you scold as your brain freeze fades away.

“Isn’t it too cold for a milkshake?” Jungsu asked, sitting down on the couch. 

Your image fades away. Leaving Jooyeon to face reality. You weren’t there. You were gone. His hands holding the milkshake suddenly feel extra cold. Jooyeon leans forward, setting the milkshake on the coffee table. 

“Yeah…it is.” Jooyeon leans back against the couch. His eyes lingering on the milkshake on the table. His lips fall to frown. The flavor of the milkshake still haunts his mouth. He begins to wonder if he even likes milkshakes or maybe he just liked the memories of you they created.

taglist: @purplelady85 @gingerjunhan @chewednails @ezlynkisses @mon2sunjinsuver @mxlly143 @seungseung-minmin

comment or message me to be added!

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

Delayed package

Self-Aware! Fyodor Dostoevsky x GN! Reader x Self-Aware! Nikolai Gogol

Description: Right before BSD Cast got into your world, you ordered something. But, as it often happens, your package got delayed And, because of BSD Cast arrival and you moving out, you totally forgot about your package. Until one day, when it finally arrived.

Prequel to Two detectives in your bed

Warning: OOC. English is my second language.

You were mindlessly browsing the Internet. The room was dark and only light from your laptop screen illuminated the room. Thankfully, you were on vacation and have as much free time as you want. You yawn and glance in your phone screen. It was 3:00 am.

Three months before BSD Cast Arrived to this world

___________

You, probably, should go to sleep. But, you don't want to.

Many students left to visit their families. They will spend holidays with theirs relatives. Parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents and others.

You don't have a place to return to. You were talking with your relatives, yes. But, they do show you, that no one want to see you.

You were alone.

You don't have friends. Because of your insecurities, you were afraid of making friends. You were afraid of making a mistake. Of being laughed at.

But you want to have someone. You don't want to be alone anymore.

A single sob escaped your lips. Holidays were the worst. No one around. You couldn't even watch TV and cuddle with a pet, because your landlord isn't allowed pets in the apartment.

You glance at your bed. Full of pillows and few plush toys. So you can cuddle them to sleep. Pretend, that you snuggle up with someone. That you are not alone.

It was a poor substitute, but beggars can't be choosers.

You shook your head and return to the screen.

Maybe, you could watch something. Maybe, you can rewatch your favorite BSD Moments?

You nodded to yourself and start typing the link of the site, where you watch BSD. It took a few moments for it to open. And, of course, there were ads.

Premium account, new book, anime figures, dakimakuras... What?

You scroll up, looking at the small colorful ad with pictures of a few body pillows with anime characters on it. Out of curiosity, you click on the ad.

A new site was opened in a new window. It looked normal. Menu with catalog and FAQ. Search bar. Online shop cart. Contacts. Site looked good.

Just for fun, you search for BSD dakimakuras. You don't forget to choose SFW prints only.

In few moments you got your results. It wasn't much, but, all of them looked good.

You scroll down, and saw, that two dakimakuras were on sale. With Fyodor Dostoevsky and Nikolai Gogol. You click on them, taking a better look.

According to information and reviews, the pillows were big and soft, the prints were colorful. Both dakimakuras were good.

You wonder if you should buy one.

They looked good for hugging.

You cast another glance on your bed.

Body pillow would be better, that many simple pillows.

After a quick search, you discover, that site, where you saw dakimakuras, were a legit one and wasn't scamming people.

You return to the site. You... could buy both Fyodor and Gogol pillows without worrying about your finances.

But, should you?

You stare at the screen.

Your apartment was quiet. Too quiet.

You were alone.

You click on "Add to cart" option.

_______

First month... Second month... Third month...

Shop apologize for loosing package and return money. They also allow you to keep the package, if, one day, it arrived.

Then BSD cast arrived in real world...

With them came friendship.

New home. New memories.

Camping trip with ADA. Scavenger hunt with Port Mafia. Shopping trip with The Guild. Visit to museum with Rats in the house of the Dead. Laser tug with Decay of Angels. Sport competition with Hunting Dogs. Homemade theater with kids.

Walks, movie nights, game nights.

Breakfasts, lunches, dinners.

And no more loneliness.

And you completely forgot about the package.

_____

You, Elise, Mori and Karma were ready to go.

Karma and Elise need something for school, so, you all decide to go on a small shopping trip.

Right before leaving the house, you got a notification. You check it.

It was from your previous neighbors. The big package with your name on it arrived in your old apartment. And neighbors asked you to hurry up and took it from them.

You frowned. You didn't remember ordering something on your old address. Still, you didn't want to make your neighbors wait. They were good neighbors. But, you will do busy these days and your old apartment are far away.

It seems, your worried expression didn't leave unnoticed. You heard Karma's soft voice.

"[Y/N]? Is everything alright?"

You nodded mindlessly. Mostly, it was alright.

"Yes, it's just... My previous neighbors got a package with my name on it. Ask me to take it as soon as I can."

Elise tucked her hair behind the ear. She tried to give you her best puppy dog eyes.

"So, we are going without you? But, [Y/N], without you, Rintarou will be unbearable!"

Mori stands behind Elise. He also looked a tiny bit sad. Thankfully, he didn't try to make puppy dog eyes on you. You would not bear looking at Port Mafia boss, who tried to beg like this for something.

"Elise-chan, [Y/N] will decide for themselves. And here I was planning to treat you all in a restaurant."

It is a blackmail!

You huffed. But, the problem still stands. Well, time to ask someone for help. You turned around and hurry to the living room.

"Will be back in a minute!"

____

You run into Fyodor and Nikolai in the living room. Nikolai was telling a story to Fyodor, actively gesticulating. Meanwhile, Fyodor was nodding from time to time, showing, that he is listening.

Noticing you, Nikolai stopped talking and waved. His smile became even bigger.

"Birdy! Good to see you. Do you decide to stay home with us? Great! Come on, sit down, right between Fedya and I!" Kolya patted the sofa next to where he was sitting. "We will keep you warm and comfy!"

It seems, Fyodor also liked the idea of you staying home. Unfortunately, you are needed. You will be an 'anchor' for Mori. Without you, he will go overboard with shopping and at the end of the day, instead of one adult, one teen and one child, three piles of bags will return home. You shake your head.

"Sorry, but I still must go. But I need help."

You explained, in a few words, what you need.

"So, can you two, please, go to my old apartment and take the package?"

Fyodor and Nikolai looked at each other, the Fyodor nodded.

"No problems, Myshonok. Just in case, should we check, what inside the package? To make sure it isn't damaged?"

You shrugged.

"Why not? Thanks, both of you. If you need anything, just call me."

You left the living room.

And soon you, Karma, Elise and Mori left the house.

Fifteen minutes later, Fyodor and Nikolai left to your old apartment.

______

You finally were back from your shopping trip. All of you get what you need and had lunch in a small restaurant.

You were ready to go to your room, when noticed, that there was a note on your bedroom door.

"[Y/N], please, go to my room. I will give you back your package. Fyodor D. P.S.: It would be nice to spend time together. You, Kolya and I."

You smiled. It was good, that everything went well. You decide to agree to spend some time with Fyodor and Nikolai as a 'thank you' for getting the package.

You walk into your room and changed in a what you call 'shuggly clothes for Fedya and Kolya'.

You were wearing a mouse kigurumi and a scarf, that Kolya gave you.

After getting ready, you go to Fyodor's room.

______

Something feels wrong.

Fyodor was unusually quiet. He locked the door behind you. Kolya wasn't here.

And something was laying behind Fedya's bed.

Fyodor turned towards you. His expression was neutral.

"Myshonok... Your package is here."

You nervously gulped. Did someone send something bad to you?

Fyodor took a piece of paper from his desk and hold it towards you.

"It came with the package."

You read the text.

And you were mortified.

You remembered ordering two dakimakuras almost a year ago. And lost package. And the prints.

You whined and looked at Fyodor.

He was holding them in his hands.

They were soft. They were real. They were in your house, and you don't have any idea what to do with them.

Fyodor were holding two big dakimakuras.

You take a step back. Only to crash into someone else's chest. You don't need to be a genius, to realize, that you were trapped between Fyodor and Nikolai.

Fyodor nodded a little.

Suddenly, a blanket was draped over you. And Nikolai was wrapping it around you tighter and tighter.

Five minutes later, everything was over.

_____

You were laying on Fyodor's bed. You were wrapped in a blanket. Like a candy. And you were stuck between Fyodor and Nikolai.

Fyodor was laying in front of you. His hand caress your face, slowly massaging it

Nikolai was laying behind you. He was spooning you, nibbling your earlobe from time to time.

And you feel, like you were on fire. They were so close. They were so soft.

And they were teasing.

Nikolai let go of your ear and whispered right into it.

"Tell me, Birdy, will this pillow ever kiss you during cuddles?" he returned to nibbling on your ear. You whimper.

"N-no, Kolya..."

Nikolai laughed and start paying attention to the spot right behind your ears.

You felt Fyodor's warm breath on your face. You close your eyes and his fingers started massaging your eyelids.

"Myshonok, will this pillow ever give you a massage during cuddles?"

You whimper again.

"No..."

Fyodor didn't answer, but, instead, softly kissed your eyelids.

Meanwhile, Nikolai chuckled.

"So, one point to us. No points to pillows. Next round."

Position was changed.

Now you were laying face to face with Nikolai. You felt Fyodor's breath on your neck, before he starts leaving small kisses on it. Nikolai's fingers run up and down your scalp, massaging it.

And you feel even more embarrassed.

Fyodor spoke again.

"So, do you want to explain, what the deal with the pillows?"

Once again, without waiting for your answer, Fyodor continues to lightly kiss your neck.

You spoke. Your voice was trembling.

"I... I didn't know... that you were self-aware... Order them almost a year ago... Forgot about it..."

Nikolai playfully boops your nose.

"And didn't know about the bonus pillow cases."

You nod. You feel even warmer now. Fyodor and Nikolai laughed. Fyodor started nibbling on your ear.

"I am not asking about that, Myshonok."

You were pretty sure, that you became ad hot as desert sand.

"I... I was so lonely... Before you arrived. I wanted to... Pretend, that I have someone in my life."

They were quiet. Then you felt Fyodor's lips on your cheek.

"Than today we will show you, that you will never be alone again, Myshonok"

Nikolai kissed the corner of your mouth.

"Don't worry, Birdy, we will take care of you. Just enjoy the warmth. And forget about the pillows."

Nikolai's grin became sly.

"But, please, remember, did you order pillow with us with... Adult print?"

You let out a muffled scream, hiding your face in Nikolai's chest.

You had a feeling, that they will never forget about dakimakuras.

______

What came next, you can describe with only one word. Heaven. Almost.

Without teasing about prints on pillows, it would be even grater.

You were warm.

You were cuddling with Fyodor and Nikolai.

One moment you were laying on Fyodor's chest, and he was showering your forehead in kisses.

The second moment, you were pressed against Nikolai's chest and he was kissing your hands.

You were pampered. You were caressed.

You weren't alone.

You fall asleep between Fyodor and Nikolai.

Safe. Sound. Not alone.

[lick-me-lennon22]

Bug Boys X Reader who has to take exams on their birthday 🎂

(another request submitted by a lovely anon!! hope I'm not too late 💕 happy birthday, love!)

John

he'll try to talk to you while you're studying but realizes you're too engrossed in your books to even lift your head and acknowledge him

he decides to try a different approach, snickering as he scribbles silly (and often dirty) notes onto pieces of paper

he folds them into paper aeroplanes and sails them across the room, almost always striking you in the head

he loves to see the look on your face and hear your laughter fill the room when you open and read them, becoming red-faced and flustered

On the day of the tests, John arrives at your doorstep with a paper bag in hand. "Hey there, birthday braniac! Ready to conquer those exams?"

He hands you the bag and you examine it, realizing he's packed you a homemade lunch. It's just a simple sandwich and some crisps, but it's made with lots of love and he's done his best. He offers his arm to you and you link it with yours as he guides you out of the doorway and down the sidewalk. The two of you wander through the streets, John easing your nerves with playful banter the whole way.

When you reach the exam hall, he squeezes your hand and whispers: "You've got this, love. Knock 'em dead."

Not long after, you come to find he's slipped a note into the lunchbag - a small piece of paper with a shittily-drawn self portrait of him giving you a thumbs up.

☆☆☆

John arrives to pick you up after you've finished, beckoning you toward him and into his arms for a hug. When you pull away, he raises his hand to reveal two tickets to see your favorite band (other than the Beatles, of course) in concert. You squeal in delight and give him a kiss on the cheek. "Happy birthday, love" he says, before taking your hand in his and leading you to the venue to let loose and celebrate.

Paul

in the time leading up to your final exams, Paul ensures that you're well-fed and rested while you study

he knows it can be easy to forget or set aside self-care when you're so intent on cramming

with a gentle knock on the door, Paul enters your room carrying a tray laden with delicious goodies

"I made your favorite! Fuel up, love."

he'll play soft melodies on his piano to provide some background noise and hopefully help you focus

On the day of your exams, Paul pulls up in his sleek vintage car, the soft strains of a love song playing over the radio. With a charming smile, he opens the passenger door and extends a hand to you. "Hop in," he instructs with a flirtatious wink. You drive through the city streets, all the while Paul sings along to the radio and serenades you with sweet lyrics. As you arrive at your destination, he leans in close and presses a gentle kiss to your cheek. "You're going to do brilliantly, love."

☆☆☆

Once you're finished he arrives to pick you up, a bouquet of fragrant flowers in hand. You approach him, smiling softly, and he places a gentle hand on the back of your neck to pull you into a passionate kiss. "Happy birthday, darling."

You begin to notice he's taking a familiar route, realizing at last that he's brought you to your favorite restaurant for a romantic candlelit birthday dinner. You enjoy a three-course meal along with dessert, heading home to end the day with some cuddles and relaxation.

George

throughout the weeks leading up to your exams, George helps you stay centered and focused while you study

he'll enter your room in silence and sit down beside you, handing you a steaming cup of herbal tea

"Feeling nervous?" he asks softly, and you nod

"Remember, this is just a temporary challenge. Focus on the present and let your intuition guide you."

he provides a sense of calm and serenity amidst the chaos of cramming and deadlines

George doesn't "help" you study, per se, but tries to manifest a good outcome for you

in his mind's eye, he envisions you stepping into the exam room with confidence and determination, ready to tackle any challenging questions that may come your way

When the day comes, George arrives at your door with a single red rose in hand, a shy smile playing on his lips. "I thought you may need a bit of a good luck charm," he says playfully, offering you the rose. He takes your free hand in one of his, squeezing it gently.

Together, you walk through the quiet streets, George's presence a source of comfort and security. As you come up on the exam hall, he gazes into your eyes and speaks softly. "You've got this, dear. I believe in you."

☆☆☆

When George arrives to collect you after your exams, he walks up to greet you. With a gentle touch, he tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear and gives you a soft kiss. "Well done, gorgeous. Happy birthday."

As he walks, you fall into step behind him, telling him all about your experience and how you feel the tests went when the two of you come upon a strange dome-shaped building. He's taken you on a surprise trip to the planetarium! The calming visuals and dark atmosphere help you to relax as you fixate on the captivating show. George knew just what you needed to unwind and celebrate at the end of a long and stressful day.

Ringo

when you tell him about your upcoming finals, Ringo helps you to organize your study materials and create a schedule

he wants to make sure you still have time for fun and relaxation during this hectic time

he'll eagerly offer to be your study buddy if you need someone to read material aloud or quiz you

he makes the most adorable flashcards, complete with colorful pictures to help you remember complicated subjects

Ringo brings a sense of joy and lightheartedness to your study sessions that helps you destress and shift focus away from your worries

When the day finally arrives, Ringo pulls up on his motorcycle, the engine rumbling softly beneath him. With a cheeky grin, he offers you a helmet and gestures for you to hop on.

Together, you ride through the winding roads, the wind whipping through your hair. Ringo's laughter and singing fills the air, and his carefree attitude puts your mind at ease like nothing else can.

As you pull up to the exam venue, he smiles warmly and leans in close. "You're going to ace this, love. Just remember, I'll be waiting to celebrate with you after."

☆☆☆

When you're finally finished, you exit the building with a deep breath followed by a sigh of relief. Ringo speeds around the corner on his motorbike, coming to an abrupt stop in front of you. When he finally stalls and you're able to getter a better look, you notice that numerous bags hang from the handlebars, filled with colorful tissue paper. "Happy happy birthday, sweetheart!" he calls, offering the helmet to you once again and motioning you to take your seat behind him.

You arrive home to even more gifts scattered about your dining room table, a lone cupcake in the middle with a candle planted firmly in the center. A giant teddy, seated in one of the chairs, wears a striped party hat. The remainder of the evening is filled with hugs and kisses as you unwrap the many thoughtful gifts Ringo has picked out for you, cherishing each and every one.

[saltyteethbooks]

Tiny Books Bang 2023

Wheeeee so the Renegade Bindery server had a Tiny Books Bang challenge where there's a typesetter and binder exchange thing of books sized quarto and below, and I got a Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries epistolary fic typseset by @ashmouthbooks so OF COURSE I HAD TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE A LETTER. AN OCTAVO SIZED LETTER (I attempted to fashion the covers into an envelope closure but that took too much time and effort to pull off, so no)

Definitely did a 2-day deep dive into period accurate stamps, had to print out the stamp onto sketch paper, carefully sanded down the back side edges sit it sits nice and flush. Spine is just homemade black bookcloth. For the cover, I printed onto brown sugar paper, then gave it a layer of acrylic sealer before attempting to align it, poorly on one copy so I kept that one lol.

Inside, endpapers are these lovely chiyogami I bought a pack of a while back, and 78gsm cream paper. Made endbands by using the leftover chiyogami trimmings and gluing them around a core of leather.

Some in-progress shots:

Then I bubble wrapped it and sent it off nearly halfway across the world! Where it arrived safely! (was I mother henning the tracking link, maybe)

[lynelsscareme]

Sheikah!Link finally gets a name!!!

Bones.

Very creative, I know. But! For now, have the tidbit of character lore that is the poor bugger is really, really bad at keeping secrets. Really bad. Won’t possibly backfire when working on the same team as Pink Link, who is a professional at sniffing out secrets and dragging them out into the light.

Not at all.

Additionally, he gets to be the biggest flirt in the team, for all he has less than a 5% success rate. It will frustrate him when the Heroes who are completely oblivious start outdoing him in performance, but he’ll get over it. Eventually….

[breelandwalker]

Willow Wings Witch Shop - New Merch Drop!

September is here and it's finally time for some new additions to the shop! One is an item I've had on my market table for a while now and the other is a charm I've been working to perfect for several months. Let's meet the new arrivals!

New Home Powder

A formula tailor-made to assist with spells designed to find ideal or improved living conditions. The ingredients are chosen to attract the ideal property or circumstance, to avoid scams and deception, and to increase the chances of success once your offer is made. Pairs well with Home Blessing Powder.

Focus Mini Bottle Charm

This one's for all my witches who have difficulty quieting their minds or getting their scattered and busy brains stay on task. The peaceful turquoise crystal calls to mind a pool of still water, while the clarifying properties of rosemary and green tea help to keep you on task, whether it's magical workings or mundane matters. Yes, that's right - it's Hocus Focus.

Don't forget to use code HOCUSFOCUS for 20% off new and featured items all month long!

New entries in the Enchanted Items collection will now also be given their own individual catalog listings, rather than being variations under one entry. This will make things easier to find for shop visitors and new merchandise easier to spotlight for me. I'll be making updates to existing listings as I restock or feature items for the monthly showcase.

I've also added links to the podcast, Redbubble, and Patreon pages on the header menu to help customers find the show, buy merch, and support my projects. I'm also working on an ongoing Events calendar that will be added to the shop and my Wordpress once it's ready.

Speaking of events, CritWitchCon 2024 is coming up soon! I hope everyone has their tickets, but if you don't, there's still plenty of time to sign up with either the Full Access or Super Saver options. You can register and check out the full agenda here. Join us on Zoom on Sept 27th-29th for a weekend of magic and mayhem with everyone's favorite coven of common sense!

See you there!

[winterknights]

FIC: The Best Gift

Title: The Best Gift Author/Artist: tansyuduri Pairing(s): Merlin/Arthur Prompt: Arthur struggles to make a homemade gift for his boyfriend, Merlin. Word Count: 4723 Rating: Teen and Up Disclaimer: Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended. Notes: Calamity Talvi Summary As Yule arrives in the modern world. Returned Arthur Pendragon decides to make a handmade gift for the man he loves; Merlin. The Problem? He is apparently HORRIBLE at crafts. Set in the word of my "A land of Modernity, A time of Magic" between the second and third fics, this is a brief silly look at Yule in Modern Camelot.

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/60894586

[lucagray813]

The Tang Chronicles - Chapter 6

Rating: G

Word Count: ~3,031

Characters: Tang, Pigsy, MK, Pigsy's Grandmother

Summary: Tang has finally handed in his final assignment for uni and celebrations are in order! Unfortunately though, it's not just his course that's come to an end.

Additional Tags: Slice of Life, Pre-Canon, Pigsy's Grandmother is called Xiùyīng

CW: Mentions of alcohol, brief allusion to alcohol abuse

Link to AO3 Version

Chapter Navigation: First | Prev | Next

----

He had done it.

Through blood, sweat and tears - so, so many tears - he had submitted his dissertation and was now finally free from the horrors of academia!

At least, he was until he started his post-grad in the Autumn, assuming he got the passing mark he needed, that was. But! That was something for future Tang to worry about! Right now, he deserved to just feel relieved and happy that the hard part was over.

On his way back home, he'd stopped by Pigsy's to tell everyone the good news and apparently they had been waiting for him.

It wasn't often MK was found in the restaurant during opening hours but he was clearly on lookout duty. Stationed at the booth closest to the window, he was leaning over the back of the chair and scouring the streets.

Tang had to admit, it was quite nice to have someone's face light up so spectacularly when they saw you. MK quickly disappeared from his sight but he was there when he opened the door holding up a very colourful, homemade card and cheering excitedly, "Congat- Congatu- You did it, Mr. Tang!"

He'd managed to arrive just as they'd reopened for dinner and as such it wasn't too busy but the few customers that were here looked very taken with MK's antics. He wasn't sure MK really understood why congratulations were in order but his grin was wide as he took his card from MK.

"For me? Aw, thank you, MK."

On the front of the card was a tall and shining rendition of himself with balloons and streamers surrounding him. On the inside, there were smaller pictures of all the things that MK apparently associated with him - his glasses, his laptop, books, noodles. And in the middle it read, "No more homework!" With many happy faces and words like "Wow", "Yes!" And "Lucky!" all around it.

It was signed MK, Pigsy and Xiùyīng.

Well, maybe he did understand why they were celebrating. He laughed as he closed the card, "Thank you, MK. This is the best "No more homework" card I've ever gotten!"

That got some amused smiles from around the room but MK just beamed at him before hurrying him to his usual seat, "C'mon, we made something special just for you!"

Xiùyīng was there waiting for him and he allowed himself to be swept up in her mighty hug as she congratulated him, "Oh, well done, Mr. Tang." She let him go and smiled at him as she continued, "You must be so relieved, you've worked so hard."

He heard Pigsy snort but he ignored him as he thanked her, "I can't even put into words how glad I am it's over. But you really didn't need to any... thing... for...."

His eyes were glued to the glowing bowl of noodles that had just been sat down on the bar. He swallowed the unseemly amount of saliva that had just materialised and tore his gaze away to look at Pigsy with eyes full of teary wonder as he pointed to the dish, "For me?"

Pigsy rolled his eyes but he was smiling fondly as he pushed the bowl closer, "Obviously. Don't start with the waterworks - you'll ruin the broth with your tears."

He sniffled noisily as he composed himself and sat down. Gratefully he accepted the pair of chopsticks MK was waving at him but before he could take a bite, Pigsy pulled the bowl away from him, "I just need to check - did you actually hand in your dissertation or did you just throw it in the river?"

In the weeks leading up to his deadline, he had gotten increasingly dramatic, threatening to scatter this Heaven forsaken paper to the winds or to burn it and bury the ashes. He huffed as he pulled out his phone and showed Pigsy a picture of him handing in his dissertation.

Mǐnyǒng had also been sceptical of whether he was actually going to go through with it or not and had bullied him into sending evidence that the deed was done - his classmates had found this incredibly funny but they had obligingly filmed and photographed him.

Pigsy nodded his approval and let him snatch his well-earned prize back. He was vaguely aware of Xiùyīng lightly scolding Pigsy but it all melted away as he took his first bite.

"Oi! What did I say about getting tears in the broth!"

He couldn't even slow down long enough to savour it, just shuffled it into his mouth as fast as he could as waterfalls ran down his face.

Xiùyīng helped MK up onto the stool beside him before taking the seat on the kid's other side so they could both tuck into their own special bowls.

Xiùyīng muttered something about too much soy sauce but it was drowned out by MK's happy humming.

When he was finished he looked Pigsy straight in the eye, "Pigsy. That was the greatest thing I've ever eaten."

Trying to hide how pleased he was, Pigsy picked up his empty bowl, "That'll be your way of saying you want more then."

This time, he took the time to savour the food and Pigsy was practically glowing as he waxed poetry about every aspect of it, backed up by MK's enthusiastic nodding and his simple, but heartfelt, compliments like, "It's really tasty!", "It's so shiny!" and, "Even the vegetables are yummy!"

That had, of course, prompted some light-hearted arguing about vegetables but if anything it only added to the enjoyment of the meal.

Eventually, Xiùyīng wisped MK away to clean him up and he got some final congratulations as they left.

His eyes caught on the card MK had made him lying a safe distance away from the splash zone and he picked it up with a smile as he admired it, "What a sweet kid. And he's getting really good with his characters."

Pigsy coughed, "Well, he may have had some help with them."

He laughed quietly, quite charmed that this card had been a collaborative effort, "Well, that doesn't change how much I appreciate it."

Pigsy turned away with a grunt to do some dishes, "Yeah, well, you can show that appreciation by making sure to still come by and visit him. I don't think it's quite clicked that you not having homework means that you'll be round less. He's going to miss you."

He smiled as he propped his cheek against his hand.

MK's going to miss me, huh?

Out loud he said, "I'll be picking up more shifts at the museum soon but I'll still be here at least couple times a week. You know I need my fix."

Pigsy huffed, "You better be." He then turned and pointed a wet wooden spoon at him threateningly, "And I better not hear that you've been sneaking off to have lunch at that noodle shop around the corner from your work - that place is a disgrace!"

It definitely did the job if you were just in the mood for some cheap, greasy food though but still he put a hand on his heart, "I have a stomach of integrity. I would never betray you like that."

Pigsy clearly didn't believe him but he let it go and returned to his dishes before asking, "Uh-huh. You doing anything to celebrate finishing uni then?"

He nodded, "A couple of us are going out for drinks tonight. Nothing too crazy planned but everyone is desperate to cut loose after a month of pure stress."

Pigsy glanced over his shoulder, "You wanting to take something away for later then?"

Coming home drunk to Pigsy's noodles sounded like heaven on earth so he grinned, "Can you double it? Mǐnyǒng is coming out too."

Pigsy nodded and started throwing something together as he commented, "I'll make him his favourite - he deserves it for keeping you out of trouble."

He huffed, "Since when do I get into any trouble?"

Pigsy raised an eyebrow and Tang hastened to clarify, "Drunken troubles! Not weird luck trouble! I'm a perfectly sensible drunk!"

And it was mostly true! While alcohol generally robbed him of his ability to shut up, he didn't tend to lose his filter or feel the need to do anything stupid. If anything, Mǐnyǒng was the more likely of the two of them to get into trouble - very easily persuaded into doing dares and challenges when drunk.

Pigsy looked doubtful and Tang responded, "What do you know anyway! You've never even seen me drunk!"

Pigsy scoffed, "And I'm more than happy to keep it that way. Drinking isn't my thing."

A little surprised, he asked, "What? Like at all?"

He wasn't a huge drinker himself but he did enjoy going out now and then and he thought it was sort of a shame if Pigsy didn't drink at all - it might have been fun to go out together sometime.

Pigsy shrugged and he continued to question, "How come?"

With forced nonchalance, Pigsy responded with his back turned, "My mā drank enough for both of us."

A little thrown by his explanation, he awkwardly got out, "O-oh... Uh, yeah. I guess that could put you off..."

By the rising tension he could see in Pigsy's shoulders, he thought that he might have regretted being so honest but he knew better than to pry and tried to move the conversation on, "Guess that means you wouldn't want to go out sometime, huh? Ah, well. Probably makes you better role model for MK anyway. Oh! Which reminds me! I still owe you that museum tour!"

Pigsy turned to look at him, a little bewildered, "How did that remind you of the museum?"

He'd really just been scrambling for the first safe topic he could think of but he tried to retrospectively apply some logic, "Well, it's a fun day out and we said we'd arrange something when I finally finished my coursework."

Pigsy eyed him oddly before letting it slide, "Right... Well about that. If he'll like it as much as you think he will I'm thinking I might save it as a treat or something for him attending his first day of Summer School. Try and make it as positive experience as possible, y'know?"

Without really thinking, he wondered out loud, "Isn't that how they train dogs? Y'know, give them lots of treats for going to the groomers or whatever?"

Pigsy just stared at him for a moment before apparently deciding not to comment, "So what I was getting at is was that the trip to museum is still a couple of months away."

A little confused, he responded, "Y'know, he can go more than once, right? And the exhibits change all the time."

Pigsy muttered something unintelligible before responding, "Yeah, I know but this is just the way I want to play it, alright?"

Sometimes, there was no understanding Pigsy, and there was no reasoning with him either so he just shrugged, "Suit yourself."

They chatted about how MK was getting on preparing for school and about what his plans were for the rest of the week before Pigsy handed him over his food and warned him to stay safe tonight.

He rolled his eyes but promised to drink responsibly all the same.

----

Two weeks later, he found himself in his usual seat slumped over the bar as his tears cascaded off the bar to create a small waterfall.

Pigsy had set up a wet floor sign beside him just in time for Xiùyīng and MK arriving back from their trip to the park.

Xiùyīng immediately approached him, "Oh dear, what's happened?"

MK clung to her dress and looked up at him as his eyes welled up with empathetic tears.

Pigsy grunted, "He was dumped."

He sobbed louder in response.

Xiùyīng gasped, a hand coming to her chest, "No! Why? What happened?"

Pigsy translated his incoherent blubbering, "Mǐnyǒng got offered a job in Chéngdū. He's taking it."

Xiùyīng placed a gentle hand on his arm, "Oh, sweetheart."

He wailed, "H-He doesn't even want to try doing long- long-distance!"

To say he was devastated didn't even begin to cover it.

He'd genuinely believed that he and Mǐnyǒng were going to be together for the rest of their lives but Mǐnyǒng wouldn't even entertain the idea of having a long-distance relationship for the year it would take for Tang to finish his masters and then come and join him in Chéngdū.

Did he want to move to Chéngdū? No. But upon receiving the bad news, he'd been severely tempted just to ditch his plans to do a masters just so they could stay together.

His mother had swiftly nipped that idea in the bud however.

Because, of course, she had been the first person he'd called.

Unfortunately, his least favourite older brother also happened to have be visiting when his snotty face had appeared on his mother's phone and he'd zero sympathy to his plight.

"Oh no, māma! Your gay wedding!"

She'd slapped his arm and sent him away before giving him her full attention, "Oh, Tangy. Tell mamā everything."

She'd been exceptionally sympathetic but hadn't minced words when she told him that no man was worth abandoning your education for. No man was ever worth sacrificing anything for.

Unless it was one of her sons, of course, then that was a different story.

He'd no longer been bawling his eyes out by the end of the conversation but he had sniffled an apology about not giving her the gay wedding she wanted. She had shushed him, "Oh, don't you worry about that. You'll find another man and I'll get my wedding yet." She raised her voice, "It's your brother that I'm worried is never going to get married!"

Almost immediately after that call, his other, much more likeable brothers, had messaged him with their condolences. His eldest brother showing he cared by threatening to fly to out and do serious bodily harm if he dropped out of uni for some guy.

Arguments that Mǐnyǒng wasn't just "some guy" and was, in fact, the love of his life were not entertained.

After that, obviously, the next person he had to tell was Pigsy and he'd been crying at the kitchen bar since he'd got here.

Pigsy did not have his mother's gentle way with words and wasn't really in the habit of lying just to make him feel better. And so he refused to tell him what he wanted to hear and agree with him that Mǐnyǒng was going to realise his mistake and change his mind.

He didn't care how unlikely it might be, he was nowhere near ready to accept the truth.

Not when he still had another couple of weeks of living together with Mǐnyǒng to convince him to give a long-distance relationship a shot.

At least, Xiùyīng was better than her grandson when it came to this sort of stuff, even if all she was offering was the generic platitudes of "You'll find someone better." Or "You were too good for him anyway."

Poor MK had no idea what was going on but he was very upset by the fact that Tang was upset and eventually Pigsy had picked him up and taken him upstairs to try and explain the situation and calm him down while Xiùyīng stayed to try and comfort him.

He'd just about pulled himself together by the time the restaurant had opened but he couldn't shake the depressed funk that had taken over him - not even Pigsy's cooking could cheer him up.

And he could tell the way he miserably picked at his food was what really alarmed Pigsy more than anything.

But how could he enjoy anything when perfection personified was about to walk out of his life? How was he ever going to find anyone remotely like Mǐnyǒng?

What if he was doomed to be single forever and he never found love again?

Because as wonderful as his mother liked to tell him he was, he knew he was high maintenance. And he was suddenly ruminating on whether he was the problem and this had been a long time coming. What if Mǐnyǒng had just been waiting for the chance to dump him without hurting his feelings because he was nice like that?

Over the coming weeks Mǐnyǒng would do his best to convince him that wasn't the case at all and that it was all because they were young and had different ambitions and that he didn't want either of them to miss out on opportunities and blah, blah, blah.

It didn't stop the heart ache and it didn't stop his erratic mood swings either.

Pigsy had taken a very tough love approach to it all, enduring his emotional tirade but only offering him cold, hard facts in return. Sourly, he thought it was because Pigsy didn't understand the pain of heart break. Xiùyīng had complained hundreds of times over the years about her grandson's non-existent love life, after all. So what did he know about what he was going through?

In sharp contrast, MK was very empathetic to his mood even if he didn't seem to really understand what had happened still. But he could often be found sat as closely to Tang as he could get away with at the bar, drawing things and offering him various toys to try and cheer him up.

He really wished he would stop and just leave him to his abject misery but he didn't need Pigsy's warning glares to tell him that rebuffing MK's efforts would end badly for him.

Xiùyīng was somewhere in the middle of the two, although she, very unhelpfully, kept mentioning a friend's son or the nice man that always stopped by on a Friday evening for takeout. I mean, could she at least wait until Mǐnyǒng had actually left before trying to set him up with someone new?

But eventually Mǐnyǒng did leave and on top of being depressed about that, he now had the pleasure of experiencing single life for the first time in almost four years and he hated it.

Unfortunately, no-one was particularly impressed with his rebound.

--Chapter End--

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LMK Fanfic Masterlist

[eevylynn]

Tiny Spark, Mighty Flame

Sterek || eventual Alpha Werewolf Stiles [ao3]

Among born werewolves, it was common knowledge that the prime age for a human to endure the bite of an Alpha and survive was typically during their teenage or young adult years. In fact, the youngest recorded case of a bite resulting in a transformation and not death was previously eleven years old, so imagine the Hale pack’s astonishment when they learned of a small seven year old who was bitten and miraculously survived, challenging the known boundaries of possibility.

Chapter 3 - Friction's Inferno

The table was laden with sizzling meats and a medley of fresh ingredients. The savory scents of beef, chicken, and shrimp mingled with the aroma of grilled bell peppers and  onions, promising the delectable flavors of the homemade fajitas Elijah whipped up with Cora’s assistance.

As Claudia and Elijah set about helping Stiles and Cora serve their plates, Noah turned to greet Dr. Deaton who had arrived while they were upstairs. “I take it you’re a werewolf, too?” he asked with a resigned look on his face.

“Oh, no,” Deaton replied quietly. “I am as human as you are.”

Noah’s face scrunched up in confusion.

“Alan is our pack’s emissary,” Talia told them from the head of the table.

“Emissary?” Claudia asked. “Like, a pack ambassador or something?”

Deaton smiled mysteriously, “Of sorts.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Noah blurted out. He already felt out of his depths, which is something Noah does NOT like to feel, especially when it comes to his family. As this little boy’s dad, Noah was supposed to have all the answers and make him feel safe, but Noah hasn’t been able to provide that ever since his son was bitten by a real life werewolf , which shouldn’t even be a real thing. This little meeting was supposed to be for answering the questions he and his family had about this whole situation they suddenly found themselves in, and now this, apparently human, vet decided this was the time to be vague and mysterious? Fuck that.

Claudia, sensing his rising tension, reached over to put a hand on his.

“What he means,” Talia said, giving Deaton a swift look before making firm eye contact with Noah, “is that as pack emissary, yes, he is an ambassador for the pack with other werewolf packs and acts as our link to the human world. He helps to smooth over any issues the pack might have to deal with, and he works to keep the supernatural secret from the majority of humans.”

“Why does the supernatural world have to stay a secret from humans?” Claudia asked.

Noah didn’t like the looks Talia, Elijah, and Deaton exchanged with each other.

Elijah put his hands together under his chin and sighed, “People don’t always trust what they don’t understand.”

Talia put a hand on his shoulder, rubbing the back of his neck as the pair exchanged commiserating smiles. “There’s already an unfortunate number of people out there who already know that we exist and hate us simply for existing.”

“Hunters,” Laura muttered.

Noah’s heart clenched at the thought as he looked over at his son’s wide brown eyes. Claudia’s hand tightened in his grasp.

“Like, werewolf hunters?” Stiles’s little voice piped up. “That’s a real thing?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Talia said gently. “However, they live by a code,” she continued. “They are to only hunt those that cause harm to innocents.”

As a man of the law, that didn’t sit right with Noah.

[continue reading on ao3]