#the only person biking is nick for some reason

[dirtwatching]

i know it really doesnt matter, but why do we never see link, who canonically used to have a bike shop, ride a bike. you dont see him with a bike helmet, teach his son how to bike nothing. is the anti-biking lobby in america that strong?

[d1xonss]

Desert Rose

Chapter 12 ~ Cherokee Rose

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 2

✧ Word Count : 3.4k

In this chapter ~ When the rest of the group was informed about all the recent events, it was clear they became fearful, wanting to formulate some sort of plan. After reuniting all together at the farm, they are left with the anticipation if Rose would pull through. Meanwhile, the search for Sophia continues.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ THIRD PERSON POV *~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lori and Maggie eventually made it back to the farm just in the nick of time, jumping off the horse in a hurry before jogging inside the house to see Rick and Carl. Seeing the short haired girl was telling nothing but the truth. Unimaginable relief filled Rick's chest the moment Lori walked through the door, safe and unharmed. However, the reality of the circumstances circled back quickly, knowing that Rose's life continued to be on the line depending on what the future held.

Lori didn't need to be told twice when offering up whatever amount of blood they would allow. Just seeing how pale she had gotten, how terrible this all escalated in just a few hours, it was a lot to process.

Although the woman hadn't interacted much with Rose after they had first met, she was still a part of the group, and had kept her son safe countless times since she stepped foot in their camp. And because of that, Lori knew she could trust her. And if giving her blood helped her stay alive, she would do it in an instant.

None of them strayed too far from the bedroom as Hershel continuously checked on her more times than any of them could count. It had been hours since Shane and Otis had set out in search of the supplies and still hadn't returned, which only caused the tension in the house to spike. Though there wasn't much they could do but keep their chins held high. Even if the minutes were slowly ticking away at her fate.

"Shot? What do you mean shot?" Dale asked the group as they made their way back over to the RV, briefly explaining why only a third of the group emerged from the woods.

"God, I don't know Dale. All I know is that some girl rode in on a horse, telling us my best friend got shot and took Lori so she could give her a blood transfusion...I think. It all happened too fast, they kept talking about blood...stuff..." Glenn rambled as he ran a hand stressfully through his hair.

Dale stood there with wide eyes and his mouth slightly parted, not knowing what to say as they all dumped this information on him. But he couldn't get a word in even if he tried, Daryl already beating him to the punch as he gathered himself.

"I dunno about you, but m' headin out. Gonna make sure she's okay." he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder and heading to his bike, not sparing them a second glance.

"Right behind you." Glenn muttered as he fell in step with him.

Carol stuttered, "W-Wait! We can't just leave; Sophia is still out there." she said before they were able to take off. 

"Yeah, well y'all can stay here and wait but m' not." Daryl argued.

"Okay, wait, hold up Daryl," Dale said to catch his attention, "This group is split enough as it is, we have to plan this. How about we wait until tomorrow morning, and if she's still not back we'll leave her a sign, some supplies. We can come back every day afterward to see if she made it back, before we head to this...farm.

"You guys can do all that." he gestured, "I gotta get to Rose."

"Jesus Christ Daryl, she's going to be fine. Why are you being so damn persistent about it anyway?" Andrea asked with a hand on her hip.

Daryl's eyes narrowed at her as he seemed to clam up, not knowing what to say. He knew the reason he wanted to get to her so badly, but he didn't want to admit it out loud. At least not yet. He could barely even admit it to himself. It was a tough pill to swallow that his redneck ass had actually formed a schoolboy crush on her.

Andrea scoffed at his silence, "Oh okay, yeah I get it." she said in a tone that got under his skin.

His jaw seemed to involuntarily clench, "Look, that girl is a few miles away from us dyin for all we know. Why ain't you people more concerned?!" Daryl snapped.

"We are!" Dale defended, "But someone has to be thinking clearly right now, and I think splitting us up even more isn't going to do us any good. Besides, it's already getting dark."

Daryl only scoffed, fed up with the whole conversation and the constant back and forth that was only wasting more time.

Though Glenn stayed quiet during the heated discussion. Both of them had good points and although he didn't want to be left in the dark about what was happening on that farm, his logical thought process seemed to make up his mind. He knew what Dale was saying was undeniably the right call.

He dreadfully stepped closer to Daryl to speak in a quieter tone, hesitant on what he was about to say, "Listen, they...they might be right."

"What?" Daryl asked sharply.

"Look, I want to get to her just as bad as you do," he stated, causing the man to glare daggers at him from the subtle assumption.

But Glenn was quick to scoff, "Don't look at me like that, I've seen the way you treat her versus how you treat anyone else around here. My point is...I want to get there too, but let's just wait it out and then first thing tomorrow we can head to the house all together. Avoid the fight, you know?"

Daryl stared at him for a moment as he took in his words. Had he really been that obvious at his growing feelings for her? Were the others just as aware as he was? Though regardless of the fact, he still felt the need to protest further, feeling as if no one was even listening to him. But Glenn however, cut him off yet again before he could speak.

"Do you really want to sit there and watch her be in pain? Hear her scream? I don't know what they have to do to help her, but it must be pretty bad if she needs blood. And I know damn well I don't want to watch her go through that." he admitted.

The truth was that's what Daryl feared as well. It genuinely scared him a little at the idea of finding out just how bad of shape she was in, he dreaded it in fact. He just wanted to picture her like the last time he saw her. Having a small smile on her face, and a light behind her eyes which he could only assume was hope to find Sophia.

He didn't say anything, but he nodded once, finally giving in to stay just one more night.

Carol watched as he stepped away from his motorcycle and sighed in relief, "Thank you, thank you both." she said to the men.

Daryl just nodded again, hoping she couldn't see the slight annoyance that filled him at the idea of waiting. He hated waiting. He didn't have enough patience to wait around for something, and his skull throbbed with the number of thoughts that constantly clouded over his head. And this was no different, in fact it might be worse.

But he swallowed his pride for once in his life and respected Carol's wishes seeing as she was going through enough already. He just silently headed into one of the nearby abandoned cars to sleep, hoping that tomorrow would come faster that way.

However, the truth was, the next morning couldn't come soon enough and both Glenn and Daryl were itching to get there as fast as possible. Daryl didn't sleep hardly at all that night, and it felt like days before the sun finally began to rise. But the second everyone was awake, they all gathered their things, left a sign for Sophia along with some food and water, and headed towards the house.

They raced down the many dirt roads in the limited vehicles they had left before taking a sharp turn towards where they were instructed. Daryl kept repeating the directions in his head, the woman's voice echoing through his ears as he kept an eye out for the mailbox that she mentioned. And when they had finally spotted it, it wasn't long before a white farmhouse peered into his vision from over the grassy hills, only causing him to pick up speed.

The vehicles piled through the metal gates and toward the entrance, managing to catch sight of Rick and Lori standing on the porch as if they had anticipated their arrival eventually. The remainder of the group collectively raced up the small dirt path and Daryl nearly ate shit trying to get off his bike, jogging up to the couple before anyone else could.

"How is she? She okay?" he asked them, trying to hide the panic in his voice.

Rick smirked slightly to himself, "She's okay...she's going to be just fine." he confirmed.

Daryl sighed a bit quietly in relief, hearing Glenn do the same from just a few inches behind him as he caught up, a pressure being lifted from his chest at the news. The rest then started to come up and greet them on the porch with hugs and relieved smiles, though Daryl just stepped aside. A part of him wanted to go inside the house already and see her, but he was nervous. He wanted to prepare himself to see the state she was in. His mind could only imagine so much as to what she looked like after everything that had happened to her.

But it seemed his decision was made for him as Hershel then came outside to introduce himself to the new people, explaining a bit more of what happened to Rose as he had just finished her surgery only hours ago. She was apparently resting, but he didn't expect her to wake up for at least a little while longer as her body had clearly been through a lot of trauma. Perhaps that was a good enough excuse to stay away for a while longer.

The older man then asked everyone if they would want to gather around to have a small ceremony for a man they'd recently lost. Otis had sacrificed himself in order to save Rose according to what Shane told the group, died from a herd of walkers that somehow tore through the high school where they searched for the medical supplies. The group didn't hesitate to agree and slowly trailed out to an open field, standing quietly while Hershel said a few final words for him, finishing it off with a bible verse. 

Patricia, Otis's wife, turned towards Shane after a few moments of silence had passed, asking if he would tell the story of his very last moments. Wanting some kind of closure. And he did, not wanting to deny as he felt he didn't have a choice.

The story that he told was long and drug out, as the man wasn't able to look at a single person in the eye when reciting what had happened word for word. He was sweating bullets, constantly wiping his forehead all while rocking back and forth on his feet as he spoke with hesitance. It blew Daryl's mind that these people actually believed the things he was coming up with.

He knew the man was lying straight through his teeth, but somehow he managed to keep his mouth shut, choosing not to comment on the fairytale he told. He knew in the back of his mind that no one would believe him if he were to speak up about it anyway. And the only person who would, was currently unconscious.

After the service for Otis, Glenn didn't waste any more time as he made his way up to the unfamiliar house, his eyes searching for the place she stayed before stumbling across the nearest bedroom. She laid there oddly still and peaceful, her face ghostly white at the amount of blood she must've lost in the process of events. His eyes widened a bit at her state as he slowly walked over to the side of the bed, sitting down on the edge before gently taking her hand, moving some baby hairs off of her face.

He started talking to her as if she could hear, even though deep down he knew she couldn't. It was as if he wanted to get everything off of his chest as he felt such sorrow for seeing her in here to begin with. He didn't know why, the events had nothing to do with him, yet he still continued to feel terrible that she was put in this position. Perhaps he should've protested about her leaving when he had the chance to, knowing it was never a good idea to split up. Although he knew it was wrong to think like that, he almost couldn't help it.

"I'm sorry about your girlfriend."

Glenn's head suddenly snapped back up towards the doorway, seeing a younger woman standing there with obvious sympathy.

He was taken off guard at the assumption as he quickly shook his head, "Oh no, no, she's not my girlfriend. We're just...friends. Well...I think she's my best friend. But don't tell her I said that." he spoke lightheartedly.

She laughed a little with a slow nod in understanding, "Well, sorry to assume. I just noticed you were real worried about her. And the...guy with the crossbow. Seems like a tight knit group y'all got going on." she said with a gesture of her hand.

Glenn's mind reeled back a bit at her comment, taking it upon himself to pick up on the obvious concern Daryl was showing for his friend. He couldn't help but smile to himself at the possibilities. But in the end he didn't say a word, only nodding in appreciation to the girl before turning his attention back to Rose. 

Back outside the house Rick, Daryl, Shane, and Hershel were all looking at a map on the hood of an old pickup, trying to figure out the best course of action to find Sophia. They all quickly realized there was a lot of ground to cover, and with how long she had been missing, it would probably take a lot longer to track her down than they had originally hoped.

"How long has the girl been lost?" Hershel asked.

"This is day three," Rick responded, looking back towards the piece of paper, "This is perfect, we can finally get this thing organized."

"We'll grid the whole area and start searching in teams." Shane nodded.

But Hershel was quick to shake his head, "No, not you. With the way you hurt your ankle, push it now and you'll be laid up for a month. No good to nobody." 

"Alright, then it's just us today." Rick said to the archer.

"Nah, we should split up. I'll go East a little ways and you check around this area." he said pointing north.

Rick furrowed his brow, "You sure?"

"Yeah. M' better on my own." he insisted.

Rick nodded his head before they continued discussing about sending more people out tomorrow so they could actually start doing this right. The large setback they had was bad enough as it was, but now knowing that the girl could've gone farther was the thing now weighing them down.

But Daryl found himself volunteering to go out on his own simply because he needed the distraction. He couldn't bring himself to go in and see Rose just yet, not with not knowing exactly what he'd be walking into. So, instead he decided to make himself useful and help look for Sophia for the time being, wanting to be able to finally bring her back safe.

But the man wasn't fooling anyone, even if he thought he was. Rick easily picked up on Daryl's worry the moment he stepped foot onto the farm, how he so clearly cared without even fully realizing it himself. But in the end, he was only left confused as to why he hadn't just gone up to see her for himself, not making much of an effort to check on her though it was clear he was itching to.

So, when the group eventually split after they were done talking out the details, Rick took the opportunity to get some answers out of him.

"Hey," he called after Daryl before he had a chance to get away. "Did you go in and see Rose yet?" he asked.

Daryl hesitated for a moment before shaking his head, "Nah."

"Well, why not? You seemed pretty concerned when you first got here." 

He shrugged, "Just wanted to hear she was okay. Now come on, we ain't got all day, we got a little girl to find." he spoke bluntly before walking away a bit quicker than usual.

Rick smiled to himself knowingly, but turned around and went on pretending like he didn't know a damn thing.

The minutes had slowly turned into hours since Daryl left to be on the lookout for Sophia, and since then he hadn't found so much as a trace. He was searching high and low for any type of sign that she could be nearby or maybe passed through recently, but was left with nothing as he continued his expedition. He felt defeated under the scorching sun, growing more tired than he was ever willing to admit as he continued to push himself to the limits.

But suddenly, he came across an older white house, barely coming into view across the large field and decided to check it out just in case. Clearly, he wasn't up for taking any chances.

He walked up to the front door, trying to listen for walkers inside before kicking the door open with a loud bang, signaling the corpses towards the noise if there was any in there to begin with. When there was only silence that followed, he slowly stepped in and walked down the long hallway, searching room after room he came across. Nothing quite caught his eye as he scanned around every inch thoroughly, just a trashy house that was abandoned long ago.

Even the very last room didn't leave him with a lot of hope, only a bunch of cans and wrappers surrounding the floors. That is until something managed to catch his attention. A larger cupboard tucked in the corner of the kitchen was left adjacent, just enough for him to catch a glimpse at what was inside. It was small, maybe nothing, but he managed to spot a pillow and a blanket on the floor along with some opened food that had been picked apart recently.

To him it was a sign. Maybe it wasn't Sophia that was hiding in there, but it was still a sign to keep looking. 

After checking the whole house, with no evidence of the girl, he hesitantly walked out the back door with the intention to head back to Hershel's farm. He knew it would be dark soon, not wanting to get lost in the area that was still unknown to him. That is until something else caught his attention out of the corner of his eye.

From a good few feet away, there sat some flowers blooming fairly close to the house he just cleared. His head tilted a bit in curiosity, walking over only to find that they were Cherokee roses, to which he knew quite well. These flowers were very beautiful and had a backstory behind them that he would never forget, which only caused the wheels to turn in his head. He immediately thought of Carol, how these flowers must have bloomed for her daughter they were still searching endlessly for. In the end he decided to pick one off to take back to her and share the story he had come to know. To give her a little bit of hope that she needed.

He turned around with the intention of leaving to head back, but then out of the clear blue, Rose suddenly crossed his mind. He turned to look back at the flowers again, debating if he should take one to her too, or if he should just leave it be. Maybe she would appreciate it, love it even. Or maybe she didn't even like flowers at all, thinking it was pointless to receive something that would only die in just a few days. Daryl didn't know her thoughts behind something like this...but he knew her. And that was good enough for him.

So, after stalling a bit, overthinking it for far too long, he walked back over to quickly pick another one before heading towards the farm again, his steps quick and determined as if he feared he'd change his mind.

~ Thanks for reading!

[scrumptiousstuffs]

Only Friends, Episode 5 - The Extra Hour

In which we get Sand’s backstory (and proving once and for all he is the best boy ever, even P’Jojo said so!) before petty Boston ruins everything (again 😩)

Sand and Ray

Gosh…these 2 are everything this episode. We start with a montage of how mundane and boring Sand life is - study, working his multiple jobs, exercising, counting his finance and repeat…until Ray comes beaming into his life, and really give some much needed sunshine (heh, see what I did there?) to Sand’s life - and as per Sand, “his 25th hour.���

I love the domestic scenes we get - from Ray pretty much moving in with Sand (I suspect some time has passed by from the previous episode), to their domestic horny stuffs, to Sand catering Ray’s every whim. But as much as Sand spoils Ray, Ray actually does the same - he could have chosen not to go on the bike with Sand (after whining how hot and dusty it will be), he could have chosen not to model and indulge Sand’s desire for him to wear Sand’s style of clothes (after again whining halfheartedly it’s not his style).

I believe Ray is gradually but surely moving on from his unrequited love for Mew. He likes getting to know Sand - from all the above, to following Sand to the makeshift concert (and the song choice!! It’s from one of P’Jojo’s list for Sand’s Spotify!). And the fact that everytime Sand is with him, they are in their own world (I mean, poor Summer - she never stood a chance with Ray 😂…are we sure Ray is a playboy? So far, all I’m getting is him being hyper focus on one person when he likes someone - previously Mew, now Sand).

I also love the serious conversations these 2 have surrounding their births and their respective relationships with their parents - it makes such a good foundation for their blossoming friendship (and hopefully relationship). Gosh, the parallel of both being born from unexpected pregnancies - but Sand’s mom (and her gaggle of go-go women, I LOVE THEM) deciding to embrace him and raise him right (just look at how independent and self-reliance he is! P’Jojo tweeted how Sand is someone you want as a boyfriend in University, and I agree wholeheartedly) while Ray’s mom unfortunately fall into post-partum depression and spiralled into alcoholism (and the way Sand’s hand shook when he poured the alcohol drink for Ray, before the camera zoom to Sand looking at Ray to the bottle while Ray looked somehow bitter and sad - yes, FK again showing their supremacy in acting 👌)

But urgh, their blossoming relationship is now in tatters because of Boston being bitter and petty. I think Boston being informed by Mew that the latter is giving up his virginity to Top put him at edge. (And him yet again using Nick to forget about the fact, hence the reason he asked Nick whether he could stay the night at Nick’s place, when it’s usually the opposite)

And so to see Ray moving on, being happy with Sand - it snapped him. Boston is the type of person who can’t stand not winning, and I also think he has the mentality of “if I’m not happy, nobody can.” 😫

I still do not believe Ray and Mew slept together, so whatever Boston is spouting “are you two timing him?”, what does that even mean? Also, Mew called to say he was giving his virginity to Top…and even if they did slept together, it was TWO years ago. And now Ray knows Boston took pictures of RayMew kissing each other…gawd, Boston just sounded delusional during that whole scene.

In whatever case, the damage is done. And we see Sand guarding his heart again, despite Ray genuinely trying (for the first time) communicating by stating “If there is something you want to know, ask me, I’ll answer them.” Unfortunately, Sand is weary and it didn’t help Ray kept saying they were just friends each time someone asked what their relationship are (cause you know, Ray is a disaster muffin who won’t know he is in a relationship eventhough he basically did couply things with Sand). Urghhh…my heart just breaks for them 😭😩😫…and to end the episode with Sand shedding a tear and feeling alone (despite Ray lying next to him)…I don’t think I can forgive Boston for breaking their newfound happiness.

Nick and Boston

Which brings me to the toxic relationship of these 2. We see Nick trying to become more like Top. He exercising regularly to shape up and dress more smartly to capture Boston’s interest. But urgh…Boston as usual, plays it enough to make Nick happy (and the poor boy, Boston paying attention to the changes and commenting it, Nick thinks these are all positive things).

We also see Boston stating to Nick he wants to stop sleeping around (really?? When hell freezes over) because one of his conquest took video/photos of them together and Boston having to threaten said conquest to delete the incriminating footage (if that is not foreshadowing of what may happen to Boston in the future, I’m not sure what is. Also, Nick still has the recording of TopBoston….)

But what truly devastated me was when Boston spewing all the nonsense to SandRay that led to the massive fight between Ray and Boston; Ray warned Nick about Boston’s callous and selfish nature, and Nick just resignedly acknowledged it, fully aware he is too in love with Boston, and can’t seem to find a way out of it.

I’m sorry, but I can’t see any redeemable qualities in Boston 😭😭😭 (I love you, Neo and your acting in this series, 👌 - but urgh, Boston makes my blood boils)

Top and Mew

I can’t pinpoint it exactly but there is something not quite right with their relationship. On one hand, Top is sweet and attentive to Mew (I can see why Mew fell in love with Top). But twice now in this episode, 2 strange men stared (and smiled almost creepily at Top - with both time Mew clocking it? But not really addressing it). And Top genuinely doesn’t seem to be aware of the staring itself (or are we meant to think it’s all in Mew’s head? And it’s just Mew being insecure? 🧐🤨. I mean Mew did warn Top in the first episode he can become obsessive). I also do not believe one bit Top has given up on his drug habits plus his side eyeing Boston while shading both Boston and Ray in front of Mew (albeit subtly), is he slowly trying to manipulate Mew and isolate Mew from his group of friends?)

Nonetheless, Mew and Top did fall in love (or at least we are led to believe they are in love) and well, Top popped Mew’s cherry. What I cannot fathom is WHY Mew called Boston (of all people) to tell him the news. I can understand why he didn’t call Ray (so that he doesn’t rub on Ray’s unrequited love), but why not Cheum? Who from the get go rooted for TopMew. I’m not sure whether Mew has an ulterior motive or he genuinely thinks Boston will be happy for them as one of his bestie. Either way, Boston is NOT a happy camper (as we are aware) and took it out on SandRay newly found happiness.

Ray, Mew, Namchuem, Boston

Now more than ever, we are seeing cracks in their friendship. Ray and Boston don’t seem to get along without Namchuem and Mew. Ray and Mew (for obvious reasons) are probably talking the bare minimum with each other (and the fact that Top clocked on Mew and Namchuen basically doing the bulk of their hostel project tells you something). I feel the most sorry for Namchuen who has to deal with 3 sorry excuses of boys (cause let’s be honest, all 3 are disastrous in different ways)

Anyway, as usual, each episode makes my head spin and this is just me trying to figure out what’s happening. The preview from episode 6 seems wild with Mew’s birthday and Mew punching Ray? Oh dear…it’s going to be more heartbreak 😩😫😣…but onward and forward, is it Saturday yet?

09/09/2023

[rora-ish]

its like 5 in the morning and ive woken up crying. i have a stalker at work, he comes in every day and today everyone actually saw for the first time as he followed me down an aisle when i tired to get out of his way. im scared, its so real, i had hoped i was just being dramatic, but grown men i work with had to step between us before i could get to the back office.

hes like 6’5, and honestly very intimidating, and the guard - maybe the only person i could rely on to actually save me if i need it - is saying ‘oh, hes arabic i think, theyre always very intense, it will be fine’ it will not be fine.

id say 40% of the people i deal with daily are foreign, and alot of them arabic, none of them have done this or made me so scared.

the first time he came in, last friday i think, it was late and i was alone on self checkout, no workers no customers, and i made eye contact with him as he came in (immediately thinking from the way he was looking for where i was, that he was trying to steal) only for him to walk right to the tagged alcohol at the front and crouch there. i carried on cleaning, watching him in the reflection of the window and seeing that he was staring at me every time he could. i got that gut feeling, the fear, the flight, and called bekkie down to come stand with me, and she saw first hand what he was doing. it seemed to scare him away quite a bit so he went to the other end of the store and eventually bekkie moved away - and he came back, did it all over again, bought a pack of beer and left. even as he was leaving he turned around to look at me a few times, which my manager vaguely saw.

the next day, he came in again, earlier, and i was on a till. bekkie was on self checkout and immediately spotted him. watching him, it was very clear he was looking for something (which i now think was me) and when he somehow didnt see me he very quickly bought beer and left - only to then see and stare at me as he passed me on the way out. we’d been kind of watching him the whole time between us, he hadnt stopped to look twice at anything the whole time, but looked like he was searching for me.

yesterday he came in again, around 4:45 i think, and i was on self checkout, but a few other were on bread and close by. as soon as i saw him come in, i watched as he spotted me and did a full change of direction to head for me, so i immediately walked onto bread and gave the fobs to emily so i coukd run to the warehouse and get out of his way - to which he visbly changed his course again and followed me, which she saw, and then called me out of his way and to the offices to go hide behind a locked door instead. i obviously didnt see but i assume she saw him try to follow me again based on the look on her face. i went into the offices and spoke to adam( the manager) and we pinpointed him at the back of the store looking at nothing, trying to waste time like he had the first night, and pointed him out to the guard again. adam came and ‘worked’ with me to see him for himself, and as the guy walked back past he stared at me again. i didnt stick around to see him leave or let him stare anymore, but jay said he left on a bike past the window.

so now im crying, wondering if he’ll come again tomorrow (based on badically three days running im assuming yes) and praying i wont be alone without a headset when he does, and that nick will take me seriously and help me. when i mentioned the situation after the first day he made some crude jokes aboit not bending over in front of guys - very lighthearted, the kind of jokes we all share honestly, and hes been good at taking me seriously in the past when i need him to, but im scared still.

this guy is tall, he seems to always wear a black cap and backpack, and if he wanted to do anything there is no way in reasonable hell i would be able to stop him. as odd of a detail as it may seem, i also know he isnt muslim, since he buys alcohol - the guard said he might be and hdnt really been around women in tight clothes and hair out before - but again, i see thousands of people a day, and hes the only one in 7 months there that has made me this uncomfortable.

im so fucking scared, and im considering quitting

[xtruss]

'The year 1947' Artist B.

Back In The USSR: 15 Minute Cities Have Unleashed a Wave of Conspiracy Theories, But the Concept is Borrowed From a Soviet Idea

The concept of a comfortable living area with all the infrastructure on hand has already been tried

— 8 March, 2023

2023 already has a flourishing conspiracy theory involving a covert plan to close citizens off in their districts and take away their freedoms. There are, as always, believers and skeptics. The latest controversy revolves around the “15-minute cities” debate, and it’s spreading across social networks and in the media. Still, experts point out that the idea itself is not an entirely new one. Similar projects have been explored by urbanists from different countries during the 20th century, and the concept was used by Soviet architects as well.

15-Minute Cities Scare

The theory itself is actually not scary at all. It was proposed by Carlos Moreno, a professor at Sorbonne University, in 2016. According to Moreno, the large distances of modern cities take too much of people’s time. So, it would be very useful if everyone could obtain everything they need within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.

When officials in England's Oxford decided to implement their version of the concept, things got out of hand. The idea was to install traffic filters – cameras that can read car license plate numbers – to monitor traffic. Those without resident permits or a certain exemption would be fined. The reason behind the initiative, according to authorities, was to facilitate the functioning of the bus network and reduce traffic jams. However, residents didn’t welcome the idea. Some even imagined that the filters would become physical barriers and that locals would be confined to their districts. The debate became so heated that, according to Oxford City Council, “staff and councillors… have been subjected to abuse.”

Reports about the Oxford plan went viral. The story even reached Canadian author and psychologist Jordan Peterson, who wrote on Twitter, “The idea that neighborhoods should be walkable is lovely.” But he added, “The idea that idiot tyrannical bureaucrats can decide by fiat where you’re ‘allowed’ to drive is perhaps the worst imaginable perversion of that idea.” Closer to home, British Conservative MP Nick Fletcher, meanwhile, asked the House of Commons to address the “international socialist concept” designed to “take away personal freedoms.”

For Kirill Puzanov, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Urban and Regional Development in Mosow’s Higher School of Economics University, the outrage of Oxford citizens seems very logical. “If you take away a car from a driver, they would be protesting, and it would be a typical reaction for any city,” he told RT. “There’s nothing new in the 15-minute concept. Something similar always existed, together with the concept of ‘monofunctional districts’ – here we live, there we work, and another one serves for leisure.”

A protester holds a placard against 15-minute cities following the announcement of plans for Oxford during the demonstration. © Martin Pope/SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images

A City Inside Moscow

In the Soviet Union, such a place for living, including all possible infrastructure, was constructed for the government elites in the center of Moscow. It was an outstanding project of its time, and the plan itself looks astonishing even today. The fate of the project was terrible though – due to political reasons.

In 1918, the Bolshevik government decided to move the capital from Petrograd (currently St. Petersburg) to Moscow. The latter seemed a safer place for the new authorities. So, not only the top officials, but scores of state servicemen had to find a place to live. It is believed that the number of officials in Moscow increased to 281,000 people.

The new capital had been devastated by the revolution. There were not enough available places to house such a huge apparatus. Initially, the government officials lived in the Kremlin itself, as well as in several major Moscow hotels, palaces and mansions. However, it was obvious that people needed apartments to live in permanently. At the same time, the capital needed its hotels for tourists.

In 1927, Soviet authorities decided to construct a special house for the government not far from the Kremlin. The project was developed by Boris Iofan, an Odessa-born architect who had studied in Rome. The construction started in 1928 and though planned for two years it actually lasted four. It also cost four times more money than was initially allocated.

Iofan’s creation was not just an apartment block, it was an autonomous complex featuring a maximum level of comfort. Inhabitants had nothing to care about. All 505 luxury apartments had hot water, central heating and a telephone. They had wooden floors with painted ceilings, and the apartments were already furnished. The complex included a cafe, a grocery store, a laundry, a kindergarten, a barbershop, a sports gym, a library, a medical facility, a hall for concerts and a cinema. By 1932, over 2,700 people inhabited the incredible building. The apartments were designated for top officials, military chiefs, scientists, writers and famous figures.

© Wikipedia

The House of Preliminary Detention

The complex had several official names, but commonly, it’s known as the “House on the Embankment”. Its name is attributed to a book by Soviet writer Yuri Trifonov, who lived there. His father Valentin Trifonov was a Red Army veteran, who played a significant role in the revolution. In 1938, Valentin Trifonov was arrested and executed. His grim fate was shared by hundreds of inhabitants of the House on the Embankment. Some 800 of them became victims of Joseph Stalin’s repressions. The sense of horror surrounding the complex was so strong that locals called it the “House of Preliminary Detention”.

There was a vast number of staff working for the House, including security guards and porters. Agents of the NKVD (the country’s internal security service at the time) utilized these staff members to easily access the apartments and make arrests. The stories of the witnesses have since merged with city legends. The apartments had a special cargo elevator connected directly to the kitchen and it is said that the agents used the elevator to enter apartments and take their victims by surprise. Sometimes it was used to prevent a person from commiting suicide. There’s also a legend about a woman, who refused to open the door to the agents and promised to shoot anyone who would try to break in. It is said that she was permanently walled up inside.

© Dnnmuseum.ru

Inhabited Monument

Since 1997, the House on the Embankment has been considered a historical monument and is protected by the state. Despite the tragic pages in its history, the building remains a symbol of Soviet progress and industrial achievements.

Unfortunately, the history of the building has little to do with the original idea itself, which was to create a comfortable complex with infrastructure. Kirill Puzanov explains, “Take, for example, the main building of the Moscow State University: It was designed according to the same idea of a comfortable territory equipped with all the possible infrastructure. You can stay inside for years without leaving.”

View of the MSU building from the observation deck 'Only Love is Higher' of the Oko tower of the Moscow-City MMDC. © Sputnik/Svetlana Shevchenko

The Moscow State University building – one of the famous ‘Seven Sisters’, or ‘Stalin’s High-rises’ – was aimed to symbolize Soviet quality education with all its achievements. Designed by the aforementioned Boris Iofan and architect Lev Rudnev, it was finished in 1953. Inside, there was everything that a student or a lecturer might have needed: A concert hall, a dining room, lecture halls and scientific units, and a library. Student housing and apartments for academic staff were also built.

Another two of the Seven Sisters were also designed as luxury apartment blocks for scientists, athletes, actors and famous Soviet citizens, and had all the necessary infrastructure on the ground floor.

A high-rise on the Kotelnicheskaya embankment in Moscow. © Sputnik/Maxim Blinov

Actually, the idea was not about creating special conditions for the elites – it was about facilitating solutions for Soviet citizens’ everyday problems, who could then better contribute to the construction of a “bright future” for their country. For example, the concept of “scientific cities,” which emerged to support certain research institutions was developed. The city of Obninsk is among them. Launched in 1954, it is where a nuclear power plant was connected to a power grid for the first time in the world. The same idea lies behind Dubna, which was officially inaugurated in 1956 together with the Joint Institute of Nuclear Research.

However, it is important to mention that some of those cities functioned in secrecy. These “closed” cities needed independent infrastructure because it was difficult to move quickly in and out of the city's territory.

A panorama of Dubna. © Sputnik/Alexander Batanov

Several Soviet architects envisioned a future where everyone would live in a district which resembles the current 15-minute city concept. From 1975-1982, such an “experimental” complex emerged in the southern part of Moscow. All the residential buildings were connected with underground roads. The car parks were also underground, with car washes constructed at the entrances. It was intended that the yards would be traffic-free, providing unhindered access for emergency vehicles. Shops and services including a laundry were located on the ground floors, which were all connected. Children could walk to school via huge corridors without needing to go outside. The complex also had a vacuum waste management network.

It was planned that such districts would emerge in different parts of the Soviet capital. Unfortunately, the construction was too complicated, and the idea was scrapped.

A play ground in Moscow's Severnoe Chertanovo area. © Sputnik / Artem Zhitenev

Comfort or Restrictions?

It’s not a surprise that some ideas, which were completely forgotten in the past, occasionally resurface under different conditions. Recently, Covid-related lockdowns forced people to look around and evaluate the comfort of their living conditions. At the same time, the fear of unexpected movement restrictions is now deeply rooted in people’s minds.

The current online panic about 15-minute cities is related to a lack of awareness, says Associate Professor Ivan Mitin, from the HSE’s Faculty of Urban and Regional Development. In the modern world, contradictions are often used by politicians and the media for the sake of their own interests, while digital services are intensively surveilling citizens, he explains. So, people may be frightened by the initiatives, which affect their every-day life and which they don’t quite understand.

“It’s important to explain that the 15-minute cities concept should not be taken literally,” Mitin told RT. “The experience of the cities in Europe and Asia shows that it’s more about an intention to create multifunctional and comfortable city districts. Modern people are always on the run, they hurry home from work and back. They have no time to look closely at the district they live in, they think that there’s nothing interesting there and that entertainment can be found only downtown. The example of modern Moscow is quite demonstrative. It’s important to make people feel the uniqueness of their districts, so it will become their own desire to make the surrounding area as comfortable as possible.”

According to his colleague Kirill Puzanov, the only possible danger of the 15-minute cities is that they would become too comfortable. “In this case, people would prefer to always stay in their district, rarely getting outside,” he explains. “So, the big cities will lose their diversity, as they would split into plenty of small ones.”

— By Anastasia Safronova, RT Editor

[randoauthor]

As the Caged Bird Sings (P.M)

Pairings: Young!Maverick x Fem!Reader, Platonic!Goose x Fem!Reader, Platonic!Carole x Fem!Reader

Warnings: mentions of death, swearing

Word Count: 1k

Author's Note: Okay this one is really cute and I am very proud of it! I hope you enjoy it!

Nick was your best friend. You were the reason he met Carole. After all, the two of you girls had been roommates since your freshman year of college. On one of the rare weekends that Nick had free he decided to come to visit you, he was like your big brother after all.

"(y/n)! Nick shouted from across the courtyard of your school. It had been months since you had seen him last. Except for this time he had someone with him, someone new.

"Nick!" you say running up to him and pulling him into a hug. Carole nudges you a little from behind. "Oh! This is Carole." Nick extended his hand for her to take it and you swear for a split second you see his gaze linger. You make a mental note to give Carole his information later. Turning your body to the young man next to your best friend you smile, Nick seemed to be too deep into a conversation with Carole to even realize that you and the young man hadn't actually met yet.

"(y/n)" you say with a welcoming smile and an outstretched hand.

"I gathered that," he said taking your hand in his, "Pete Mitchell." You look at your feet and feel your cheeks heat up. Pete Mitchell definitely wasn't a bad-looking guy and once again you make a mental note to ask Nick for his number or something later.

You thought it was gonna be good to see Nick and Pete again. It had been four years since you saw them last, and Bradley was getting bigger, he was like an actual person now.

"God Carole he's so precious!" staring lovingly down at the bundle of baby in your arms. "He looks exactly like Nick," you were gonna continue your sentence but Pete cut you off, "he is way cutter than Goose." you smile.

You weren't gonna lie, you had developed feelings for Pete Mitchell. Nick had given him your number all those years ago and ever since you two have been calling close to every night. Nick, Pete, and Carole were there for you when your parents died. You held Carole's hand while she literally birthed a human because Nick and Pete were out on a mission.

And today was finally the day, after close to four years of helping out your best friends you were getting to see the boys again.

But first, you had to keep a toddler occupied for an entire plane ride, but it seems incredibly worth it to see Carole run full speed to the love of her life, and then watch Bradley waddle to his dad. Only to be scooped up into his arms and peppered with kisses.

"It's good to see you again (y/n)." Pete appeared literally out of now where and you pull him into a tight hug, "God I've missed you," He chuckled hugging to tighter.

The boys were in some kind of special program for the top navy pilots, and the next few days were filled with such joy that you almost couldn't believe what you were hearing.

Nick was dead. Goose died while running a drill.

Carole tried to talk to you but all you could muster was a soft "I need to find Pete" before taking off, leaving your best friend and her son in the admiral's office on base.

And you looked everywhere.

Searching barracks rooms and hangers and the tarmac. You drove everywhere to find him, but you count it a win finding his bike. Parked in a spot in front of the beach. All it took was a few minutes of walking to find him, just laying there

"Do you mind if I join you?" He nodded, you didn't have to look at him to tell he was crying. You could hear him sniffle every now and then. You lay down next to him on the sand.

"He was a good friend Pete." You say softly. He nodded in agreeance slowly moving his hand to cover yours.

"He introduced me to you," he said calmly. "Actually I introduced myself to you but yeah we can say it was Nick." You and Pete both laugh. The two of you talk for a bit longer before he follows you back to his bike and then back to base.

Nick's funeral was beautiful. You sat between Pete and Carole holding both of their hands. And during the reception you kept Bradley occupied, unaware that Pete kept his eyes on you the whole time.

That night you and Pete each took a broken person, you taking Bradley seemed easier because Pete couldn't look at him without crying. He looked like a small Nick, he looked exactly like Nick did when you two first met.

And after you settled Bradley and Pete settled Carole you two climbed onto his bike and took a drive to the beach, where you find yourselves now, laying in the sand holding each other's hands.

"You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain." You sing softly,

"Too much love drives a man insane." Pete continued,

"You broke my will," You smile softly.

"Oh what a thrill," he says a little louder.

"Goodness gracious great balls of fire!" You two broke out into a fit of giggles

"Nick loved you, (y/n)," Pete said softly, looking between your eyes and your lips.

"Nick loved you too, Pete," you said softly back, leaning it a little bit more.

"I laughed at love cus I thought it was funny," Pete started back up again, making you laugh.

"He wanted to see us together you know," Pete started beginning to close the distance. "Maybe we should give him what he wanted." You nod a little before kissing him.

And goddamn did it feel amazing. It felt like everything you have been dreaming of your the past eight years, and for once since Nick died you felt at peace.

Clearly, Nick was happy too because as the two of you pulled away what appeared to be a meteor shower above the two of you, almost as if Nick said fucking finally.

From then on you followed Pete everywhere, wrote to him on every mission, and kissed him on every homecoming from then on out.

Taglist!

@itscheybaby, @turningtoclown, @daryldixonstorm, @Dilfsandtherapy, @Nickie-amore, @malindacath, @luckyladycreator2, @sadpetalsstuff, @Shanimallina87, @Wishingwell-2, @Xoxoloverb, @Majormaybe1, @Mizzy-pop, @Saramaple, @Hope-love-equality2, @toothhurtyam, @beaner-life-23

[real-jane]

nftn: if it weren't for you

(bucky barnes x female!reader, shield)

summary: just the thought of what your combined future could bring has bucky seeking deeper intimacy with you.

warnings: do i 'warn' you that this is 70% smut? mmkay, smut. reader yelling at steve rogers for a second, the 'm' word coming up, sweet and awkward first time sex, sex toys, p in v, oral (f receiving), bucky is remembering what intimacy can be, reader being self-assured sexually and prepared, we love a prepared queen

word count: 7,112

a/n: part six of ‘nostalgia for the new’. let's pretend for the sake of fiction that all SHIELD agents, of any gender, have some sort of personalized birth control implant to prevent de bebes. sex can be awkward and sweet and silly, and our babes deserve it. this took me like twenty hours to write. enjoy!! (my sibling follows me on tumblr. ignore this, sibling!)

series masterlist - now featuring a playlist!

Steve Rogers didn’t run. Nobody could mistake what that man did around a track for a morning jog or even a light sprint (and you had a sneaking suspicion that the only benefit he got from doing a zillion laps every morning was impeccably blow-dried hair, as his body didn’t even break a sweat)... and yet, he stood next to you in his white New Balance sneakers, like the centenarian he was, and waited to join you for your walk, in Bucky’s place.

“How’d he do out there?”

The question rankled.

Steve had this habit of gauging Bucky’s status by asking you, and it was getting to the point where it seemed like avoidance… like the closer you got to Bucky, the less time Steve spent with his best friend. And it had been a week since your trip off compound, so. This man had reported to Director Fury about how he did out there. This should have come up sooner, or at least he should’ve spoken to Bucky about it instead. But, Bucky wasn’t here, he was packing to spend a few days in Wakanda for a routine check-in, and you had left to give him some space.

You tied your stubborn shoelace, the one which had become Alpine’s favorite toy. You didn’t have the heart to rob your furry kitten of such delights, so… stubby strings would have to do. If only you had worn thicker socks. It was as chilly as an early November morning could reasonably be, without inspiring precipitation.

“Y/n?” Steve pressed, reminding you he had asked an annoying question.

“Who’s asking?” One glance at Steve and you realized… he was frowning. You sat back.

“Me.”

You snorted. “You, as in… Captain America, Nick Fury’s mouthpiece? Or… you as in, Stevie, the punk kid from Brooklyn, known for picking fights in dark alleys?”

The corner of his mouth turned up in an excellent approximation of his best friend’s smirk. “Number two.”

You sighed. “Well…I think he was fine.”

“And the panic attack…”

“He trusted me to keep him grounded; it only took him a few minutes to get back to zero. He didn’t lose his appetite, which--” you laughed, and Steve couldn’t help but let down his shoulders from where they had hitched themselves to his earlobes.

“He’s been so happy not doing that stupid paleo-bullshit Shaw had him eating. I could’ve cried when he let me feed him cinnamon roll.”

You stood and nodded towards the track, which was always empty this early in the morning. Steve fell in step beside you. Your ankle wasn’t physically ready for a run just yet, but this was the start of your new training regime, and apparently Cap was along for the ride.

“How’d he do with the bike?”

“Like it was an extension of his body. I know he only gets to ride that thing around the test track normally, but it purrs for him. Even in the rain, he was steady. With a kitten in his jacket, in a lightning storm. Steady as a--”

“Tin soldier?” your companion offered lightly.

“Sure…” You shrugged. “I don’t know what else you want me to say, Steve.”

“No, no… that, um.” He stopped for a minute, finding his words carefully. “That’s enough. I was expecting the worst, and I see that I had no reason to.”

You blinked at him. “...are you inviting my opinion, or--”

“Mmm. Don’t know if I can take it.” His ears turned pink with the admission. His old man sneakers squeaked a little with each step on the slightly damp rubberized track.

“What are you asking?”

“What do you want with him?”

“Wow. Direct--”

“I don’t mean it like what the hell do you want with him, just… what kind of future do you think about, for you two?”

How do you say everything?

You’d been dreaming the last few nights of a small house with light filtering through the windows in the early morning, and coming into the kitchen to find Bucky making something on the stove. He’d smile at you--the one that was all teeth and wrinkled nose--and the dream would filter into little domestic moments, in a place of your own.

You could have that with him, anywhere.

“I think he’d do well near the sea, in someplace with buildings no taller than two stories,” you said softly. “I don’t know how well vibranium does with sea salt, so… maybe further north. Maine, or something. He’d make a great lobsterman.”

Steve breathed out slowly. “Sounds nice.”

“Or maybe sharing a third floor walkup in Brooklyn, in your old stomping grounds. Or New Mexico. Become art collectors.” You glanced at Steve. “I don’t really know what kind of future we’ll have. Whatever we do, we’ll find our own kind of happiness. Is… is that what you were looking for? I can whip you up a PowerPoint when we’re done here.”

Steve didn’t speak for a moment. You counted out the beat in measured footsteps. It took fifty-three before Cap could speak again.

“There was a time when I was envious of how everything just came so easy to him--the Army couldn’t get enough of him!” he said finally, wincing a little to mention such a thing to you, but he shrugged. “They made him a sniper, a sergeant--you’ve never seen a more dapper guy than Bucky in his uniform.”

“I’m sure.”

“Suffice to say that he was the paragon for everything my life could be, but wasn’t...”

“Awfully high pedestal you have him on.” You looked at him pointedly.

He reddened. “Right... And I had to look his mother in the face and tell her that he fell from a train car in the Alps.” Steve shook his head. “I thought he was dead for over half of my life.”

The very thought was choking--thinking that Bucky was gone when he had been everything to you. “That must have been hard.”

“I… god, kid. If you could’ve seen me when he died. I think there’s still a hole in me that is Bucky-shaped.” He stopped walking, grasping your elbow. “Please, don’t… don’t tell him that I miss who he was, it’s not like that.”

Something about Steve’s tone made your blood rise. You frowned, tugging out of his grasp. “He’s a different man, Steve.”

“I know.”

“And… you’ve been operating like he’s still gone, or… like he’s going to disappear again if you don’t help keep him reined in. Does that pretty much cover it?”

Steve said nothing, but you knew the arrow had landed. You crossed your arms.

“Bucky is a sweet man trying to figure out where he belongs in this world, but he is also capable of so much more than what he’s being allowed to do. He’s smart. Brave, focused. One day on a date off compound with me doesn’t invalidate or prove that. But if you’re waiting for him to explode again… he might. He’s human.”

“We can’t afford what happens when he explodes, Y/n.”

“Oh boy,” you breathed, “don’t ever let him hear you say that. You’ll break his fucking heart.” That stung, right between the ribs. You couldn’t take any more of this conversation, not when Bucky was packing to spend a few days with Shuri in Wakanda--the place where he was freed from the risk of detonation. You could be with him.

“Y/n--”

You held up a threatening finger. “No! Listen to you! Blubbering about him as if he’s not a flesh and bone person, a part of your life right now!.”

“You see a side of him I don’t get to--”

“The night I met you, you seemed so surprised to learn that your best friend was miserable. It’s no wonder you didn’t realize that the testing was going on.”

“That’s not fair, it's a complex issue--”

“Ten minutes in his company was enough to see how he was suffering, but here you are martyring yourself on behalf of your friend who died--He did. Let that version of him go before you miss out on this one.” You took several steps backwards and held up your hands as he made like he was going to follow you. “Thanks for the help getting him out last week. I’ll take it from here.”

“Wait. Y/n.” His voice was solemn, but firm. You paused with your back to him. It seemed like eons before he finally said… “You’re right.” Steve touched your shoulder.

You stiffened. “I know.”

He huffed out a sad laugh. “I’m so sorry my failings fell to you. He’s very lucky you’re in his life.”

You looked over your shoulder at him. “He chose me.”

“Yes, he did. And I’m glad, even if you make me feel like an idiot.”

That made you smile, against your will. “Yeah, well. Go with the feeling.” He looked positively cowed, and you couldn’t help but think he deserved to sit with that. For a bit. “God, Steve. I could be distracting him from packing right now, you know.”

He nodded. “I’m sorry.”

You knew it was hard for Steve to admit when he was wrong, especially when it came to Bucky. It was a hard-won victory to hear him apologize for it, but. Still felt like a breakthrough. It’s not that Steve’s way of loving Bucky was invalid, it was just outdated. If he wasn’t careful, he was going to miss out on the best version of Bucky.

“How did things get to this point?” you asked. “You used to bring him books and try to get him into the gym. When was the last time you spent some decent time with him? And don’t use my presence as an excuse, I don’t own his time.”

“God. It’s been a while,” he admitted. “Maybe I’m just… scared to lose him again.”

“There’s people with expensive degrees you can talk to about that. Unless you want to pay me for this conversation…”

Steve laughed, then, scratching his cheek. “Back, uh. Before he broke through, when…”

“When he was the Asset,” you finished for him.

“Right. Nobody understood why I wouldn’t fight him. Even Sam told me once that Bucky wasn’t the kind of guy I could save. I mean--we did have several confrontations, but every time, I saw him in there. I had no idea how it would go, if he’d ever come around--”

“But he did.”

Steve nodded. “Every time.”

“Couldn’t fight his true nature.”

“He has always had that goodness rooted deep. And… going forward, know that I’m open to accountability for wavering in that belief.”

“I have one ask.”

“Shoot.”

“Anticipate that you’re going to fuck up again,” you said gently, “and don’t put the work on me to fix it for you, or absolve you. I do things for Bucky because it’s the right thing to do, and because we’re in a partnership with mutual benefits; I don’t want the man I love to suffer anymore. I can’t control his recovery, but I certainly can ask questions of the people around him who seem to think they can. The bottom line is... I’m not the person you should be apologizing to. I think he would like to hear from you how good you believe he is.”

“I’ll… I’ll talk to him.”

“Good. Before he leaves today?”

“Yes.”

Steve opened his arms in a silent request. You stepped into his embrace. His hug was brief, but he held you tight. He nodded to the track. You took him up on finishing your walk.

It was good to see the human in Steve, even if he was still figuring out how to balance the right level of concern with his duty as Cap. He was far more answerable to the machinations of the Avengers, and even SHIELD, than just about anyone--especially to the public. But his duty often clouded his judgment where his friends were concerned. You had seen it a few times since getting closer to the small group he considered family, and it was evidenced by his disconnect from Bucky.

Bucky would surely wave off the apology when it came--and say something dismissive to let Steve off the hook far sooner than you were willing to. But he’d think about it all the way to Wakanda, and that was good enough.

Most of the laps passed in relative silence. The air had lost its dewy crispness, so it was just plain chilly. Even bundled as you were in Bucky’s hoodie, a jacket over the top, hat, etc… you were shivering. Steve, on the other hand, seemed perfectly content in a long-sleeve t-shirt. He also had, peeking just out of his collar… something that looked awfully like a love-bite.

“So. Help me win a bet.” You bit back a conspiratorial laugh which threatened when he narrowed his eyes. “How long have you and Nat been a thing?”

Cap groaned. “I knew you knew.”

***

He was only going to be gone a few days, but Bucky had still begged out of your morning walk to at least try to pack like a reasonable person. He’d need activewear for the physical--Shuri liked to make him catch heavy things falling from heights, so he would require clothing with some stretch. And then something… more formal, because His Majesty insisted on a dinner every time Bucky came for a routine check-up. He’d have to settle on a tux jacket he’d only worn once, and a pair of black pants with the fewest holes. Suddenly, this felt far more like a business trip than the tune-up it was. Bucky sighed.

You’d be better at this. You knew where all of his clothes were, anyway. He should just ask you to come along with him, Shuri would love you--and then she’d stop trying to insinuate that anything should come of the time he spent with Ayo. It was easy to forget that Shuri was still a teenager when she was programming his arm and deprogramming his brain. And you were just the kind of woman who would earn her respect.

No patience for idiots. You and Shuri were alike in that way.

A quiet knock echoed through the mostly-empty suite; all Bucky stored in there anymore was his extra clothes. He slept, bathed, lived in yours. He opened the door to Captain America.

“How’s packing going?”

Bucky stepped to the side and let Steve in. “Slowly. None of my clothes seem good enough to have dinner with the Wakandan royal family. I should’ve planned better. Ramonda insinuated that I have no fashion sense, last time I was there.”

Cap snorted. “You don’t.”

“You punk.”

“Jerk.” Steve put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the desk. “So, uh. Y/n had a lot to say to me this morning.”

Bucky crossed his arms. “Really?”

“Yeah. Um… I haven’t been doing right by you, Buck.”

“...what do you mean?”

“All the stuff she’s done, getting your surveillance dialed back and the trip off-compound. I could’ve done that.”

“Nah, Steve--”

“Please, I gotta get this out while it’s fresh in my mind. I spent so long trying to get you back, and once I finally had you… I stepped back, I stopped fighting, because at least you were here. Which meant you were fairly miserable and isolated, which was in my power to change. And since I didn’t, you suffered. I should have been better than that, and I’m really sorry.”

“You don’t gotta do that,” Bucky murmured. “You did the best you could.”

“I’ll do better. Yeah? You’re a good man. You deserve it.”

Bucky blinked back a heady rush of emotion. He beckoned his first, best friend to him. Steve sniffed, too, embracing Bucky tightly.

“I didn’t realize Y/n felt like that,” Bucky said.

“Y/n’s got more clarity than most people,” Steve sighed. He patted Bucky on the back. “She did say something really interesting.” Steve pulled from the hug and squeezed his friend’s shoulder. “Not to put pressure on you, or anything.”

“Christ, what?” Bucky sat on his bed, subtly wiping his eyes in his sleeve.

“Well, after relentlessly roasting me about you, and then about Nat and me, she may have suggested marriage was in our future. So, I asked her if she would marry you.”

“...and?”

“I believe her exact words were ‘what wouldn’t I do for James Barnes?’”

Bucky rubbed his hands over his face. “You’re serious.”

“Have you thought about it?”

“No,” he said honestly. “It’s never been a blip on my radar, why would it? If she weren’t so persistent, I’m not sure I’d ever have given any woman the time of day.” He stared, not really at anything in particular, as he thought about it. “God. Me, married. Can you imagine?”

Bucky hadn’t ever thought about himself and marriage in the same universe, but as the thought infiltrated the folds of his brain, some little flashes came through.

This is my wife, Y/n.

My wife loves that movie.

How’d I meet my wife? Funny story…

Oh, you like it? My wife picked it out.

Wife.

Total-body warmth blossomed outwards from the center of his chest, where an idea so special as to be phenomenon implanted itself. You. His wife. Bucky Barnes’ wife. Forever.

“Maybe I should be thinking about it,” he breathed.

“Certainly proved she’s committed to every vow, without the formal recitation.”

“Where’d she go when you left her?”

“To hers. Said she was gonna clean up before your flight leaves tonight.”

“Great. Great.” Bucky stood and shook Steve’s hand vigorously. “Great. I gotta go.”

“You gonna propose to her right now?” Cap laughed. “You haven’t finished packing!”

“T'challa will forgive me for wearing a leather jacket!”

Bucky burst out of his room and bolted for the elevator. As soon as the doors closed, Bucky chuckled. He felt lighter than air. What the hell was happening to his body?? It didn’t matter.

He turned his key in the lock and let himself into your room. Alpine mewled in delight to see him from his cozy nest amongst the blankets on the bed. The sound of the shower running was all that could be heard in the tiny suite, except for the faint hum of your voice. He knocked on the washroom door.

“Love?”

“Hey,” you called back. He opened the door a crack and the foggy steam swirled around his face. “You finished packing?”

“More or less,” he chuckled. “Can I… join you?”

Immediately, your face popped out from behind the curtain with wide doe eyes. “You sure?”

His heart swelled. “Yeah.”

You nodded, and a little smile crept in. “Far be it from me to deprive you.”

You disappeared behind the curtain again and Bucky felt the prickle of anxiety in his muscles. He shook out his hands to dispel the feeling and quickly stripped.

He curled his fingers around the curtain and stepped into the shower. Your back was to him, and you seemed to be washing some soap from your face. The curve of your back, the way it gave way to a vast and beautiful softness--Bucky breathed out hard. He had seen you naked before. He knew you were a masterpiece. And even though his nerves were threatening the integrity of his knees, he wanted you to know it.

Bucky raised his hand to your bicep, and smoothed down your arm, stepping closer tentatively. You peered at him with your mouth in a pleased moue.

“Hi.”

He pressed his lips to your temple. “Hi.”

“This is new.”

“Mmhm.”

“Not a complaint.” You shivered when his vibranium fingers found your waist. Bucky wrapped his arms around you fully, and nestled his face in your neck. “As long as you’re comfortable.”

“‘M always comfortable with you.”

You let your head fall against his shoulder. “I missed you on my walk.”

“Sounds like it was interesting,” he murmured.

“Yeah?”

“Apparently you had a lot to say.”

“Baby, he loves you, but…” you sighed. “I’m sick of him pretending like he’s powerless to help you. And I told him that.”

“Mhm. He apologized to me.” Bucky felt the chill of being near water but not under it. “Switch me?”

“Sure.”

But he didn’t let you step away--Bucky just lifted you, and turned around to put his back into the spray. You laughed.

“Oh my god, Buck.”

“What? I didn’t wanna let go.” He tilted his head back so the water could rush over his head.

“What did Steve say to you?”

He sighed. “That he’s sorry he didn’t look out for me, that he will do better.”

“Hmm. Good.” You sagged into his hold, and Bucky made little circles on your tummy while he carded the other hand through his hair.

“Yeah?”

“I really laid into him.”

“Apparently you said nice things about me too.”

You giggled. “Oh yeah, told him you’d make a fantastic lobsterman.”

Bucky shook with laughter. “How kind.” He kissed your cheek, but then he took a long moment to just nuzzle your hair and the fresh lilac scent.

You turned in his grasp, and wrapped your arms around his waist, looking up with those piercing eyes of yours, which always made Bucky feel like you saw through whatever facade he had put on that day. Your cheeks drew in subtly as you felt him stiffen against your stomach. Oh. Bucky let himself just… linger, running his hands along your back.

“Baby,” you whispered.

“Hmm?”

“Steve pressed me a little, about what kind of future I see with you.”

The sensation of your fingers tracing where metal met flesh in the deep tissues of his chest made Bucky shiver, but he didn’t miss the way you blushed. Your lower lip disappeared between your teeth as you found some bravery.

“I want you to know,” you murmured. “I would do this forever. I think it’s silly not to say it when you feel it, so. If you want to live here for ten more years, or become a lobsterman in Maine, or get married, or whatever, I will.

“I--you’re my life, Buck. I know we haven’t been together that long, and I don’t say it lightly… god knows lesser men than you would run the other direction. Pretending the intensity of my feelings is any less than this would be doing you a disservice. I want you to be the last person to know my body intimately, and the first person I see every morning, for the rest of our lives.”

Bucky cupped your cheeks. He had to look up, look away--or tears were going to fall before he could speak. He shook his head. What was it with people making him cry, today? And how in the hell had he found this? Him, a sad sack with enough trauma to drown in vices innumerable, with no family to speak of and no home to offer a woman--just a motorcycle and a kitten.

“Can you say something? You’re making me nervous,” you peeped. Bucky folded, touching his forehead to yours.

“I want that,” he breathed. “All of that. Can I show you how much?” When you nodded, Bucky thought his heart was going to beat out of his chest. “It has been…” he trailed off and cleared his throat.

God. His muscle memory could be carbon-dated. He couldn’t even remember the last woman he held like his--no, never like this, at the edge of the rest of his life.

You stood on your toes and graced your lips with his, centering him. Little rivulets of water ran down the column of your neck, between your breasts, and he allowed himself to fully take you in. You smiled, grasped his wrists where they rested at your jaw.

“Discover me, then.”

Bucky nodded. “And... you tell me what you like.”

“You’ll be able to tell,” you said with a soft smile. “Maybe kiss me to start? Pretty good at that, already.”

“Here?” he smiled against your mouth.

“Wherever.”

He paused in the space where your breath commingled. Oh. Like. Wherever. First, he tested what your cheek felt like beneath his lips, and then your jaw. You tugged his wrist, trailing his fingers down the side of your neck, expanding his potential exploration. Bucky hummed into the skin behind your ear, but he didn’t… quite know what to do with his hands. Giving control to you in that regard seemed safest. Maybe he should tell you that…

“You, um. Can maybe put my hands wherever,” he mumbled.

“Okay,” you breathed, tilting your head back to give him better access to your skin. “Well, I--mmph.” Bucky froze at the base of your neck, in the hollow above your clavicle, where he had just spent a moment mapping the rise of bone and muscle. “No, no. Good. Right above that. Pulse point.”

“Here, love?” He nosed the spot.

“Mmm. Suck on that spot just a little.”

Bucky gave that little sweet spot a lav and noted how it made your breath come in slow, contained drags. When he did as you asked, your knees wobbled. You released his vibranium arm and he held you close, bearing your weight against his side. With his other hand, you guided his touch to the curve beneath your breast. He stretched out his fingers. The map of your skin gained form, and he watched your reaction. When he graced the back of his knuckles up the swell, you arched towards him. When he found your nipple, the skin pulled taught beneath his thumb.

“Can I… kiss them?”

“Be insulted if you didn’t,” you said.

You had found your way to the wall beneath the shower’s spray--how, neither of you could be absolutely sure, but Bucky reveled in the sight of your half-lidded eyes. He knelt… and got a face full of water, with the way it streamed over his shoulders and hair. He gripped your waist as he laughed, swiping the water from his eyes. He pulled you closer to him. You’d have to keep your own balance, but he wouldn’t let you fall. Bucky nosed your nipple. You gasped.

“I can’t believe I get to hear you,” he breathed, before testing what other sounds you might make if his tongue flickered against the rosy bud. That inspired your fingers to find his hair, tugging in a way that sent prickles shooting down his spine. If he wasn’t already absolutely straining, the swirling of your fingers against his scalp would’ve done the job. He closed his lips around your left.

“Mmm. No teeth, please. But touch this one.” You tapped his metal hand at your waist.

He released you with a peck. “Sure?”

“Just little tugs and circles. This arm’s cold, it will play with my senses.”

Bucky’s head dropped against your stomach and he groaned. “Oh my god.”

“What?” you laughed. “Overwhelmed?”

“Oh. Nothing,” he said, though his voice was muffled in your damp skin. “I’m in heaven. That’s all. Carry on.”

He allowed you to lift his left arm and position his fingers in just such a way--god, he could feel you, even through the vibranium. Shuri had wired it so precisely that this is what it was supposed to do--behave like his normal skin--but he never felt so well with it, not like this. Maybe it was in his head, or went back to his theory that the arm responded to you specifically. Whatever it was, the slip of dampness between your pebbled skin and the plates in his fingers gave him a rush.

Note to self: ask Shuri to up the touch-sensitivity factor…

“Baby? My knees are gonna give out. Can we--”

He was on his feet immediately. “We can stop. I’ll dry you off--”

“No!” you laughed, grabbing his elbow before he could bolt from the shower. “I don’t want to stop. I want to relocate. Bed?”

His ears pricked up, and Bucky reached around you to turn off the faucet. The spray ceased. He bent forward and braced his shoulder into your hips, and then looped his arms behind your knees. In one movement, he hucked you over his shoulder and booked it from the washroom. Alpine gave an indignant mewl as he was evicted from his comfy bed for the safety of the armchair by a large wet hand, but Bucky had no time!

“Bucky! Put me down,” you laughed, smacking his entirely unclothed ass. He jumped.

“I can’t believe you!” He tossed you onto the mess of covers and then launched himself behind, pinning you to the mattress. Which resulted in him realizing he was feeling absolutely every part of your skin against his, and immediately locking his lips over yours.

He wasn’t gentle anymore--he wasn’t quite sure how to be when you were responding so strongly. You arched into his chest. His tongue was demure in demanding entrance, but his lips worried your bottom one with desperate drags. He knew exactly how you liked to be kissed, and exactly what it did to him, and when you pulled your knees up on either side of his hips… he felt what it did to you, too.

He nipped your chin. “Can I touch you, doll? I feel you already, I’m--”

You let your knee fall to the side so you could guide his right hand between you. Any more he could have said died at the back of his throat because he felt how slick you were. So warm… god, you were burning just like he was. He dragged just one finger along your center.

“Wow,” he breathed. “Did I do this to you?”

You smiled, lips kissed so red and perfect and hair wild and wet on the pillow behind your head. “Do you like how it feels?”

He blew out a sharp breath. “Apparently I’ve done this before, but you are so perfect--I don’t ever remember it feeling like this.”

“It wasn’t us.”

“Wasn’t us,” Bucky echoed. He dipped the end of his finger further, seeking the spongy softness of you. Your passage gave him no trouble and he groaned. “Jesus, love. Another?”

You nodded and he tested the addition of a second finger. You clenched around him, breathing through the slight stretch, and he kissed you through a tentative thrust. A moan escaped between your lips.

“Curve them up,” you instructed. Bucky was a quick learner. He found the spot which made your mouth drop open. You slid your hand down between your bodies. “Thumb here.” You positioned his hand so that his thumb was flush against a swollen bundle of nerves. “I don’t--fuck, baby, that was the spot,” you laughed breathily. “Don’t usually come with just penetration,” you explained. “So. Touch my clit, not too hard. She’s sensitive. And--oh my god, Bucky, pause for a sec.”

He couldn’t help but grin because he felt you fluttering around his fingers, and he knew you weren’t far off from coming, and he did that. God, I’m going to be insufferable once she does, he thought. You shook your head with a faint smile.

“You’re amazing. Zero complaints, but… um. You are fairly… large. And it’s been a long time for me, so. You’re going to have to prepare me a little.”

“How. Tell me, I’ll do it.”

You patted his cheek. “Your dedication to the cause is inspiring, baby. Well... you can continue on course but add a third finger. Can’t speak to your hand’s stamina. Perfectly acceptable option, given that… your hand is already inside of me.” He gave you a languorous stroke to punctuate that, and also to wordlessly tell you that he would continue on said course even if his hand muscles atrophied, if that’s what you needed. Your eyes rolled back and you grabbed his wrist in warning.

“But, also, I have. A, um. Collection of other things that can help.”

“Collection.” He blinked.

“Yeah. Open the bottom drawer of my night stand.”

Bucky slowly removed his fingers from you and leaned down to do just that. There certainly was a collection of items there… some brightly colored, some less so. Several electrical cords. A few bottles. Not a heaping collection, but many of them… phallic. He raised his eyebrows.

“What am I looking at, doll?”

“Toys. For pleasure.” You rolled onto your side and pointed down into the drawer. “Grab that grey bottle with silver writing, and… that.”

“Okay… oh. It’s like. Squishy.” He handed you over the toy that you had requested.

“Yeah. It’s silicone. Synthesizes skin, sort of. So, if we use this--” you held up the grey bottle-- “it’s lubricant, completely safe for use inside the body, although…” You peered at the back of the bottle, where there was extensive writing. “Is coconut or sunflower oil bad for vibranium?”

Bucky shrugged. “Shuri oils my arm every time I get an upgrade. Probably fine.”

“Is this a very unsexy conversation?” The corners of your mouth turned up, but you began to look a bit worried. He shook his head rapidly.

“You brought this up because you want me to fit inside you without hurting you, doll. Do I look as if I’ve been turned off?” His cock certainly didn’t. He pointed to the toy. “Teach me.”

You beckoned him forward with two fingers and kissed him softly. “I really love you.”

“I love you. This is the best day of my life.” He meant it hyperbolically, but you gave him the sweetest kiss in return that he made a personal note in his head… hyperbole in bed is good. She enjoys that. Do that more.

You showed him how to prepare the toy, how it worked… Bucky thought he might come himself, watching you demonstrate. He settled between your knees and took over for you.

“So. This toy, plus this--” he thumbed your clit softly, in vague circles which floated the nerve endings just so. “You come for me. Yes?”

“God. Yes.”

“And then…”

“Then, I’ll be ready for you.”

Bucky started with two fingers as before--you were sensitive enough that he could feel how you relaxed, even as your body wanted to take more. Then, he tested the toy, dipping it into your opening while he gave your clit extra attention. An idea hit him--one he had a feeling you wouldn’t mind… he leaned down, watching your face for reaction, and kissed that sweet bundle of nerves.

“Swear to god,” you moaned. You bit your lip and he was home.

He mimicked the movement you had shown him for your clit with his tongue, offering a soft suck to the bundle every few strokes. You gasped, and he pushed the toy further into you. You took it so well, raising your hips in pleasure--Bucky needed you to come. He needed you to release so he could feel your core around him, already. He purposefully ignored his own issue but he was aching now.

He couldn’t take it. He ground his own hips into the mattress as he thrust the toy in and out, the taste of you and the lubricant mixing into a heady essence for his tongue. You gripped his hair when you were on the brink of orgasm. He moaned against you at the stimulation, and that was enough to send you over the edge. He sucked on your clit hard, flickering his tongue wildly to pull every last keen from you.

“Oh my god, you’re going to kill me,” you said, as he finally relented. He pulled the toy from you and wrapped it in a cloth you indicated in the drawer (by letting your hand fall to the side of the bed--there was no way you could make any coherent gestures for a moment).

Bucky sat back on his heels with a triumphant smile, wiping his mouth with his hand. “Was that okay?”

You opened your eyes to slits and glared at him. “You’re unreal. All I said was ‘I can’t do only penetration’ and you go down on me like you know my body better than anything. Christ, Bucky.”

He took in the sight of you--wet and sprawled, breathing heavy. “I’m an overachiever.”

“Cocky, too?” You gestured for him to lay beside you, and he did so readily. “Has a girl ever done that to you?”

He winced. “Um.”

You laughed. “So, yes.”

“It just didn’t seem gentlemanly to say.” He brushed your hair from your cheek. “But yes.”

“Where?”

“Doll--”

“In a car?”

He looked away and closed his eyes. “Yeah.”

“Hmmm. Hot.”

He put his hands over his face. He wasn’t embarrassed to be talking about sex but it felt so weird talking to you about women he did things with two lifetimes ago, especially things he didn’t really remember. Except… he did remember that one. But. Not well? And it had been awkward at the time, and here he was--fuck.

Warmth and wetness surrounded his cock, and Bucky just about hip-checked you off the bed. Your hand grasped him around his base--your hand was slick, maybe from the oil--moving up and down, giving special deference to the vein which ran along the base.

Your tongue was heaven.

“Seven decades is a long time without an orgasm, baby.” You ran fingers up the inside of his thighs and back down again, with the points of your nails sending thrills of awareness through him.

“Please, please--oh love. I won’t last two minutes if you do that.”

You pulled away, kissing the tip of him. He glanced at you out of one eye. “Next time?”

“Might kill me, but yes. Please just come up here.” He laced his fingers with yours to help you balance yourself on either side of his waist.

“I’m still really sensitive,” you said softly. “Can you wait a minute?”

“I waited seventy years for you.” He tucked your hair behind your ears. “What's a minute or two?”

You wrinkled your nose, and cupped his chin. “I’m… really happy, Bucky.”

“Oh, love. I don’t know how I found you,” he said firmly, though he wasn’t sure he was capable of any other coherent thought at this point. “Through all the guilt, and the nightmares, at least at the end? You. You’re here. That--” Bucky pointed to the chair where Alpine was so undisturbed by your machinations that he was wheezing a tiny kitten snore. “That is our cat. This is our bed.”

“Mmmm. Yes it is.” You reached down between you to feel him and Bucky hissed. “You ready?”

“Yes. Here--” he swiped the lubricant from the bedside table, dripping a little pool into your waiting palm, and some into his own. He tossed it to the side, causing you to laugh. While you prepared him with sweet, gentle touches… Bucky used the slick oil to swirl around your nipples.

“This stuff is brilliant.”

You bit back a groan and gave him a warning glare, before tucking the head of his cock right where you needed him. He plucked at your nippes as you worked yourself onto him, slowly--he could’ve sworn he saw stars in your eyes. He certainly felt them in his own, the way every nerve in his body stood at attention. When your hip bones met his, he left oily finger tracks from your breasts to your thighs as his grip switched to hold you still. He just needed you to pause, just for a moment.

“Baby-doll, I am going to go off like a rocket if you move a muscle, but I will make it up to you--”

“You made me come so hard I think I burst a blood vessel. I don’t care. You feel incredible. Do you want to come?”

“Can’t disappoint you--”

“Are you kidding me?” You pressed your chest to his and ran a hand through his hair. “You coming would be a victory for my ego.”

“If you’re sure, I just… move, please, fuck what happens to me.” Bucky pushed himself up to sitting, with his right arm around your waist. You clung to his shoulders for purchase, both of you seeking a kiss to center yourselves. Bracing his left arm behind him on the mattress, he rolled his hips upwards.

You followed his movement, pulled at his hair, scratched his skin and made him lose all touch with reality. It did not take long for him to find his release and you canted your hips to grind down over him. From what he could glean, behind the white-out behind his eyes, and the way your sensitive walls clenched him in a vice, you found a second release. He forced his eyes open enough to see you touch yourself through the tail end.

Then, he hugged you so tight, his arm creaked.

“I… shit.”

You shook, laughing against his neck with a breathy sigh. “How you holding up?”

“I think I time-traveled just now.”

“You… fuck. You have about an hour before your flight leaves. Shower?” You nodded to the little digital clock above your door, the standard issue clock in every suite in the compound.

Bucky kissed your jaw. “I don’t care if it’s freezing cold, if you’re there and still naked, I am in.”

“Come on, loverboy.” You disentangled yourself from his arms, but pulled off of him with such care that you pressed your forehead to his before the groan of loss. He kissed your brow.

“Let me use the facilities… then you can come in, once the water is running.” You walked on wibbly knees all the way to the washroom. “And then I’m gonna wash you, okay?”

“You don’t gotta do that!” he called back.

You peered around the door jam. “Baby. It’s called aftercare. Let me take care of you.”

His heart felt like it was gonna burst for the seven-thousandth time that day. “Okay.”

You disappeared again and Bucky laid back on the bed, completely spread-eagle. Holy shit. All this, because the thought of calling you his wife made him… oh. That made him shiver. He pinched the bridge of his nose. He’d go to Wakanda and show Shuri how much he had healed, and then… when he was back? Well. He’d talk to Steve about an idea that was brewing at the back of his mind, to solidify a partnership with you beyond the bonds of owning a rescue kitten together. He turned over and looked at the tiny white ball of fluff.

“Take care of your Ma,” he whispered to the little unconscious thing. “When I come back…”

“Babe, you coming?” He was shaken back to Earth by your voice calling through the crack in the washroom door. The shower water was running, and he was not about to miss another second to be naked with you.

Part 5

Part 7

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[vicea]

dream merch discord recap (june 12, 2021) - disclaimer: i may have missed some things or mistakenly heard other things, apologies in advanced for that!

he has not played the new minecraft update

dream “knows” the date george is coming to florida but he’s not saying it :p

dream doesn’t have anyone muted on twitter

dream guesses his favorite disney princess is belle

sapnap has seen dream’s feet before

he’s not actually connor’s dad in the dsmp lore

dreamnap do not have nicknames for each other D:

dream likes olives but especially black olives

his mother makes homemade pickles

he doesn’t have a phone case

he has dropped his phone from his ear onto concrete in the parking lot before and the screen didn’t crack

dream has six fingers /j

he pours cereal first not milk when making cereal

dream calls sapnap nick most of the time :D

what’s your dream car? “idk the one that gets me to point A to point B consistently”

he finally fixed his sleep schedule, woke up at 8 am today

mrbeast owes dream a tesla because he never sent dream the audio file

dream is a very analytical person - he thinks with numbers/data

creativity is one his strengths that he is the most proud of

3 to 4 years ago, dream used to say george looks like shawn mendes a lot, now he doesn’t resemble him as much

patches is currently sleeping <3

swimming is very relaxing to dream, he swam the other day!

many houses in florida have pools than other places, even the cheapest houses in orlando have pools

dream has merchendise defects (misprints on merch) + milestone merch and he wants to give them away to those who live in orlando (probably to anyone but the event will be held in orlando) though he doesn’t want it to be a covid super-spreader thing so once you pick up your item you gotta dip. just all an idea though

he has been donating them to charity too though :)

dream has likely read Heroes of Olympus before a long time ago

he says that he’ll do a give away of his childhood books with his signature on it

he was obsessed with the series (Percy Jackson) 

he really liked the Alex Rider series

has all of Maximum Ride books, 39 clues books

has read the legend series, the twilight series, and the maze runner

has all/read of the harry potter books, divergent, eragon

he would read all the time, to the point he would read more than one book a day (a book worm he says)

dream had a goal to read 200 books in a year and he wind up reading about 150

he doesn’t want to call it a library but- growing up he had something like that that had 600 or 700 or more books in it (privileged he admits it)

he has not read a book since he started youtube (about 2 years)

dream has a folder called Book that has his own writing in it

word count: 76000 words for one of his stories 

another one he wrote 5 chapters of

he sounds very excited/embarrassed talking about the stories he wrote he’s so endearing

the very first paragraph of one of his stories (he was young when he wrote this) “What exactly is darkness? is it the lack of light? is it a pit of nothingness? ... your mind is full of darkness...” then he couldn’t continue.

the story is about a kid who wakes up in a cell and has no idea where he is with other people who are in the same situation

dream has a world building document

he has a sequel to the first book he has ever written

he found a query letter that he wrote because he wanted to get his book published- he finds it very funny

he’s calling himself a nerd but idk it’s kind of endearing

“as you can tell i’ve always been incredibly cool and not a nerd at all! ever.”

he cringes at his own old videos

dream took a lot of inspiration from witches and wizards by james patterson for writing

the story is written in a way where the main character is actually writing the story so you’re getting input from the main character during it. there’s a lot of sarcasm in it and it’s making dream laugh

very first person narrator

he feels like it’d be very cool if he were to publish his works he wrote when he was 16 on amazon or something but he probably never would because he’d have to read through all of it and it’s just embarrassing for him

dream used to video call sapnap fairly frequently- even before youtube

he strictly remembers, a very long time (at least 7 to 9 years) ago he was at his old childhood house he video called sapnap. he was wearing a (technically) suit and he remembers specifically that he was giving sap a tour... 

“snazzy in a suit”

he had no reason to put on the suit (wow time is a flat circle huh)

drista is pretty close to sapnap’s height, she’s like 5′7″ but sap is still taller than her

dream filmed the whole thing when he and sapnap met but... it’s... gone because when he was clipping that one clip for twitter... it edited the whole video

he’s sure when they meet up with george they will film that too :D

DREAM IS PRETTY SURE THAT HE AND GEORGE WILL MEET THIS YEAR-- HE SAYS A 95% CERTAINTITY the five percent is like either restrictions or visa issues

dream does not play any instruments but he had a guitar hanging on his wall when he was younger...

dream is convinced they’re the same height but also sapnap is probably taller??

they had george compare his height to a door frame and dreamnap were googling for any doorframes to find any possible chance that george is taller than 5′8″ ... nothing came up

there’s a chance they’re both lying about being 5′8″

sap and george will literally just show up in stilts to prove they’re taller than each other /j

dream without shoes is between 6′2″ and 6′3″ with shoes he’s 6′3.5″

dream is talking about awesamdude’s fake height arc again LOL

dreamnap are very private people so they don’t bother each other but george doesn’t care and would just barge into their rooms and start bothering them- they were all joking about that over a voice call

he will visit europe

he thinks that greece would be a cool place to visit because sapnap’s family is from there :) so it’ll be like a nice “treat” to go back with sap :D

dream isn’t entirely sure that the dream team meet up will happen this year but he’s working out the details because he wants to make sure it’s safe

he’s talking to youtube about his face reveal

it’s up to george if he wants to eat healthy when they finally move in

dream just has a lot of meat and vegetables in his house

spinach with chicken is good

not much fruit (only apples and tomatoes)

“DRISTA IS 5″ is trending on twitter LOL (her height got cut off)

dream doesn’t want people flying to different places because he doesn’t want to encourage travel so he wants to do all of the meet ups with a two day heads up at most

he thinks that it’s awesome that ranboo and tubbo are meeting soon !! :D

it’s very cool to dream to see how far everyone’s has come since the beginning of the dsmp. everyone has done so much

dream finalized his youtube plan a couple weeks before he uploaded his video and he was talking to drista about how he was gonna be a big youtuber in a parking lot :”)

she was the first person he really ever talked to about it

dream would love to teach george how to drive it’d be really funny :D (a very good video or a livestream idea) 

dream knows how to ride a bike, he used to have to bike to school

he can’t explain dnf.gay he has no clue he is not responsible. sapnap was the one who found it LOL. he is adamantly exclaiming that it was not him

dream doesn’t worry about views/likes/dislikes a lot- mainly views but that’s for the new uploads

he hasn’t uploaded in like a month and a half (*cries*)

he wants to stream at some point but he doesn’t know when 

he wants to play geoguessr but not now... he doesn’t want to alt stream rn- maybe tomorrow!

he is insisting that the splash text on his minecraft home screen is by callahan

he asked callahan to send him bunch of text files that are dream team related so that the splash can rotate through it but callahan thought it was funny (it is) to put only dreamnotfound <3 so it doesn’t ever change at all and dream doesn’t even know how to change and he has asked callahan to change it but he said no (even though dream pays him LMAO)

the video referenced in the padilla’s video is still in the works, it might be handed over to sapnap though !

he has no idea if he will be in MCC pride yet

padilla got dream’s input for the video, dream found him to be a very nice guy ! :) it’s the first interview that dream did that wasn’t by a person with a negative opinion of dream

dream felt relaxed doing the interview with padilla 

?????? he’s blaming callahan for his “dnfisreal” nickname in bedwars 

he’s blaming callahan for a lot of dnf-related stuff

callahan runs the dream fanart account thus the liking of dnf content

he’s so insistent that it was callahan

dream admits that he was lying about the twitter and other stuff but for sure callahan did code the splash text in LOL

dream liking that tweet “the chances of george doing a hot tub stream is the same of dnf dating” was “funny” he wasnt trying to do any commentary...

the inside joke of “oh it’s all just a joke to you” originates from george and sapnap actually always fighting (like them yelling and shouting at each other) and george said something really mean and sapnap was hurt then geroge said “it was just a joke” and sapnap replied with that line and ever since then it’s been a meme LOL

he says that everyone does the hand-on-the-passenger-seat-while-reversing thing

dream is offline raiding with his chat with 6k people

dream appreciates us and will talk to us soon! 

[lupically]

#D6BB9E | BENNETT.

genre | fluff, best friends au, crush au

word count | 1777

warning | mention of burns (pyro slimes ;-;)

note | hello (〃＾▽＾〃) thank you so much for requesting from me, anonie! i hope this is what you are going for and happy reading!

request | from anon

your hands squeezed tightly around bennett's forearm before he fell too far from the peak.

"i–i got you!" you said through gritted teeth, not giving yourself a moment of spare breath as you grounded the tip of your shoes against the grass and pulled.

he was heavier than you thought. but bennett was always running and jumping around, fighting monsters and getting hurt, digging up vegetables and soiling his unclean nails. you should not be surprised if he packed some muscle weight on his shorter body from his daily adventuring.

but oh, lord barbatos, was he heavy! the effort you were putting into pulling him back to the grassy surface was made especially prevalent because of the near-death experience bennett once again put himself in.

"bennett! stop daydreaming and pull yourself up!" you hollered when you felt him slip slightly from your grip.

you had glanced at him; your shaky eyes darted from below him at the dark pit of the faraway ground to his face, which held a somewhat surprised and emotionless expression. it was not at all what you expected someone who almost fell to their death would look like.

he snapped out of his sudden trance, one that his mind inconveniently put himself under as soon as he saw your face pop up from the cliff edge. he had thought he was done for; it was probably bound to happen one day considering how he adventures with no backup nor help from anyone. your sudden appearance just served as a pleasant surprise.

"so–sorry!" he shouted, the light coming back to his brilliant green eyes.

reaching his other hand up, he grasped onto your forearm and tried to pull himself up just as you scooted your body further away from the cliff, using the ground as leverage to conjure strength and stability.

his hand was close to reaching the rocky edge, he could see. but before he could grasp the ground and hoist himself back on a surface, his eyes widened at the redness that emerged—jumped—above your laying body.

you could sense the panic in his eyes. furrowing your brows, you followed his gaze to look behind your shoulder to find a giant pyro slime that had jumped above your head. your gaze rounded at the heated creature—oh no. it would not squish you, you know, but it would definitely burn you with the heat radiating off its watery body.

ugh. watery pyro slime... what juxtaposition.

your fingers curled around bennett's forearm to prevent yourself from dropping him, which sacrificed your ability to utilize your catalyst. squeezing your eyes tightly, you turned your head to the ground and told yourself a burnt back would be much, much better than a dead friend. besides, barbara's water healing would counter with burns well so you should be fine!

the sound of a blade cutting through the air around you burst into your ear. you did not dare to look up from the ground, but bennett had instinctively unleashed his sword and carelessly stabbed upward at the pyro slime (fortunately not scraping you in the process considering both his bad luck and unprepared action). he pulled his sword away, his grip around the hilt losing when he saw that the slime was beginning to blame around its body.

it was going to burst.

quickly discarding his sword, he kicked himself up using his feet and the ample wind so he could finally catch the edge. you squealed from the impact of his motion, feeling yourself being pulled forward.

bennett hoisted himself up just enough that his arm could go around the back of your head, and in the nick of time, just before the pyro slime combusted with a hot explosion, he placed his hand at the back of your head and dipped you toward him as much as he could.

you winced at the heat that touched your legs and the small of your back, but most of the damage that was supposed to go to your uncovered skin landed on bennett's bare arm instead. he gritted his teeth at the pain, but anything would be better than you getting hurt because of his carelessness, so he endured and kept his arm around the back of your head.

looking up from the ground, the tip of your nose lightly bumped against his as soon as you faced forward. bennett took a second or three to access the proximity, as well as the other party sharing it with him, and he immediately panicked.

"i–i'm sorry!" he shouted for no reason, his cheeks beginning to flush red.

"woah–hey, bennett! stop moving, you're going to fall!" you scolded at the commotion he was causing in the air, your senses coming back to you as you helped pull him back up to the surface.

you let go of him when he got his feet on the ground. falling backward, you breathed out a relieved sigh as your back touched the grass. you spread your arms out slightly, just enough that your knuckles ghosted against bennett's hand after he mirrored your action.

"that was way too close for comfort!" bennett exclaimed as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. he looked up at the sky, controlling his breathing. "thank you for saving me. i got lucky for once, i can't believe you were around!"

you pursed your lips together and tilted your head then. turning to your side, you frowned at your best friend and reached out to poke his cheek for his attention. bennett turned to look at you, his brows rising and his cheek pinking from the sight.

"huh?" he asked as he blinked at you innocently.

"i'm mad at you," you grumbled. "you didn't wait for me this morning. you just left to dig treasures for yourself!"

you almost forgot why you were here—to scold bennett for leaving you in mondstadt and going to adventure alone. you had to find him by following trials of unusually burnt grasses, eliminating the guesses that it could have been the doings of pyro slimes.

"ah! pyro slime–" a sudden recognition of the recent event dawned upon you, and you looked down at your leg to find a patch of redness around it. "ah, it did burn me..."

bennett sat up quickly, his eyes widening slightly. your hand tentatively smoothed over the red spot, your wince obviously in his observant eyes.

he could not have protected you from that one, he had been rather far away. he already tried his best in the circumstance he was in, but still, he would rather take all the harm in your place if he could.

"i'm sorry," he apologized urgently, moving forward and reaching a hand out reluctantly.

you looked over, your eyes scanning his scarred arm that gained itself some new stories to tell this afternoon. but more permanently engraved in your beating heart was the same burnt redness, in a much bigger patch, that he has yet to complain about.

he took that for you, didn't he? the arm that went around the naked back of your neck. a vulnerable place; he protected it however he could.

bennett always protected you however he could.

the arm that put itself in front of you when you were being teased by other vision-wielding kids before you got your anemo vision, the bandaid that sloppily got stuck to your knee when you fell from the bike at five, the jacket that warmed you after you almost drowned in cider lake, and the hand that went behind your hand when the pyro slime exploded.

bennett has bad luck, sure. but he was the bad that surpassed the good, he was the hope that things will turn out for the better because he would always be there to save the day.

he was the foolishness of loving someone to a point of losing oneself.

it was the kind of foolishness that exists within bennett, the kind where you love someone so much that you are willing to hurt in place of them, the kind only bennett could flawlessly pull off in the most flawed way possible.

"bennett... your arm," you muttered as you moved to sit more comfortably on the ground.

he blinked curiously down at his arm, unsure what got you looking so damaged and upset. for a second, he almost got insecure about the way his marked skin looked as he wondered if the pain he had to endure had appalled you. but you took his hand, gently and firmly, and you placed it before your closed eyes.

"uh–what–what are you–what are you doing?"

"healing you," you muttered. "my healing won't work as good on the burns, but i can try helping you with the rest."

your concentration brought along with you a gentle gust of wind. it blew across the neverending grass field, it blew across the sky, and it blew around you two. it tickled bennett's skin carefully, the greenness flying like sparkles of dandelion petals, and it stopped at his arm to sew his skin back together.

your hair blew, dancing harmoniously with the wind that fell around your head. and the softness of your hand that touched his made his heart speed up expectantly. when you were done, the wind didn't go, but you looked up at him under the dying of the sun just to smile with golden dust on your cheeks.

and bennett could not take his eyes off you. his cheek blushed; the kind of boy whose face get red simply because the person they like looks pretty.

he opened his mouth impulsively, his mind urging him to do one of the scariest things he could ever do.

"i lik–"

"let's head back to the cathedral," you cut him off, not ready, "we can ask barbara to treat the burns."

was that intentional? bennett could not tell. he was sure the thought of it would haunt him for nights on, though.

with his luck, he would like to say rejection was almost a guarantee in his story. but, at the same time, he could feel hope bubbling in his chest when you stood up and dragged him along with you.

he followed suit, his arm extended as you guided him through the open road, your voice rambling about what to eat for dinner together.

there was hope. there has to be. lingering in your appearance when he was in need, in the wind that pushed your hearts closer together, and your intertwined hands as you two headed back home. there has to be hope.

bennett smiled to himself at the thought.

and that. that is foolishness.

[addictedtostorytelling]

If you could pick some things to have happened to GSR on screen, what would they have been?

another anon:

Do you have any sweet / tender moments you imagine happening between gsr that we don’t see ?

hi, anons!

i'm honestly pretty okay with a lot of the big gsr moments (i.e., them getting together in vegas, them deciding to move in together, them saying their first "i love yous," even the wedding, etc.) happening off-screen, as a) i like to imagine those occasions for myself, and, b) for me, a lot of the fun of gsr just in general comes from the fact that so much of their relationship happens “between the lines,” leaving us as fans to decipher and work off of context clues to figure out what’s going on with them.

that said, i wouldn't have said no to seeing a lot more just quiet little domestic scenes between them during the secret dating phase, a la the ones we get in episodes 06x24 "way to go" and 07x22 "leapin' lizards"—them taking hank out for a walk or folding laundry or cuddling together on the couch while they watch a movie, etc., etc.

my otp just hanging out at home, being chill with each other, talking about trivial stuff is my jam.

of course, i also would have loved to see more kisses—still salty about the cut kiss from the reboot—and handholds, particularly during the reboot, when there literally was no good reason for them not to be shown.

here's looking at the ring scene in reboot episode 01x08 “pipe cleaner.”

as for sweet/tender moments i headcanon, i've got about a bijillion of them, many of which i plan to fic someday, but just to name a few:

i think a lot about their quieter “pillow talk” type moments. personally, i imagine that sara (in particular) loves hearing stories from grissom’s past and especially from his childhood and adolescence because a) she loves knowing everything there is to know about him and b) she is aware that he doesn’t share that kind of stuff with just anyone, so she always feels very honored whenever he deigns to tell her biographical details. i think she’s really fascinated to learn about what it was like for him growing up as a coda and that she feels very tender at times when he opens up about his dad. particularly since she doesn’t have many happy family memories from her own life, finding out about his is something that almost seems sacred to her. plus, pretty much everything he tells her convinces her that he was just the darlingest little boy on the planet, with his dog and his bugs and his bike.

you know how in the reboot (episode 01x04 “long pig”), sara talked to nora cross about how after the events of episode 05x13 “nesting dolls,” grissom was “just there” for her? i think about that kind of stuff a lot, like how even before they were living together, after they’d work potentially triggering cases—that involved ipv or the foster care system—he’d just call her or show up at her apartment, asking if she wanted to talk; or how once they were together, on days when she’d have trouble sleeping, he’d hold her until she felt safe; and just how over time, he gets familiar enough with her reactions that he knows when something is going to upset her and the certain times of year when her cptsd is worst and goes out of his way during these periods to just take really good care of her.

i enjoy thinking about the ridiculousness that is the “secret dating phase” and all of the wacky hoops they have to jump through in order to keep their private life private. picturing all of the close calls they inevitably have (a la some of the ones we see in s7) is a riot. imagine them scoring a reservation at some swanky strip restaurant and then showing up only to spot nick there on a date with some random girl and them, like, having to practically turn tail and run out of the dining room before he sees them. the comedy potential is through the roof. (if you’re interested, i do have a fic that centers on the subject of how they manage to keep their secrets during this period here.)

the little stuff is my bread and butter, though. i like thinking about all of the times when grissom will say something just stupidly romantic to sara out of the blue or when they’re lying together in bed, staring into each other’s eyes, just absolutely over-the-moon for each other and whispering all sorts of tender things about how lucky they are to have found each other. i like the idea of them taking care of each other—how fond grissom feels every time sara knows exactly where his reading glasses are when he’s lost them somewhere on the boat and how delighted sara is when grissom goes all-out cooking some kind of gourmet meal for them. i love the mental image of them curled up on the couch together watching black-and-white movies, hank draped across their laps, drooling. i love envisioning all of their smiles. how much they make each other laugh. how well they work together when there’s housework to be done or repairs to be made. how proud they are of each other’s victories and how supportive they are during each other’s defeats. just the everyday substance of them solving crosswords and watering the plants on the windowsill, kissing each other just because. doesn’t even have to have any real plot or story. just like thinking about them.

thanks for the questions! please feel welcome to send others any time.       

[leupagus]

It's The Mileage pt. 2, aka you shouldn't have encouraged this

continuing from this, but to be super clear, it's still @robinade's fault:

*

Things got weirder from there, which honestly didn’t bother me that much. Talking foxes and trolls and people who can turn your beer into water if you piss them off aren’t really covered at Hendon but it’s not like they aren’t still Londoners. My grandfather’s ex-Job and he’s always said that you have to remember that they’re all people, even the ones who are hurting other people, and nine times out of ten the worst ones you’ll meet are the ones sharing the uniform.

But he’s also the one who said, 'What the fuck are you playing at?' the first time he met Tommy, which wasn’t really what I’d expected him to say.

Actually, I’d been trying to avoid the whole thing for almost a year. Tommy and I got on really well, but I think we both sort of kept our friendship to the clock, if that makes any sense. We’d go to the pub with the rest of the PCs, and he even came to one of my matches — the semi-final, where we only lost because Stacey Hardwicke got her ear sort of ripped off — again — but Tommy had a sort of barricade around himself. (Later on he told me that he felt the same way about me, which just goes to show that you should always ignore barricades.) So I knew his favorite team and his favorite beer but not the names of any of his brothers or sisters, or if he had brothers or sisters, or who his mum was or what the deal was with the beautiful bloke who still picked him up after shift on the regular, although sometimes it was a beautiful woman with short natural hair and a couple of times an even more beautiful woman with a cascade of dreadlocks and a permanently amused expression. And he didn’t know any of that stuff about me.

Which meant that when Grandad showed up at the nick to surprise me for my birthday, it was one of those birthday surprises that ends in disaster. At least I wasn’t wearing a prom dress and crying about everyone forgetting; probably no one was ever going to forget this.

'…hi,' I said, trying to get Tommy behind me. I’d learned in the past year that Tommy can take a punch, but it leads to him looking like rough trade for two weeks and we end up having to arrest people who come up and proposition him. Even with the uniform. On days when we’re really cold and miserable, we can just wander around Covent Garden until some middle-aged banker throws money at Tommy for a quick beej down the alley, and that’s a whole three hours in the nice warm station with some cocoa and our after-action reports. (Yes, it's still technically a crime in 2031. What can I say, the law is a slow-moving beast.)

Grandad glowered at me, which was new. He’s not exactly the mythic figure of legend that Tommy’s dad is, on account of my grandfather still being alive and able to turn down the offers of commendations and knightships and all, but he certainly had a reputation. (One reason I didn’t go round telling everyone about him; bad enough when you’re a girl stood a hair under two meters, without having to live up to the image of a bull in a teashop, or whatever the saying is.) But I got all the nice bits of him: teaching me how to ride a bike and telling me gruffly that he was proud of me and big bear hugs and not a lot of shouting.

'Me?' said Tommy, with the same level of outrage Grandad seemed to be harboring, just more expensively. 'What the devil are you doing here?'

'Kay, who do you think this is?' asked Grandad, which was such a weird question that I answered it.

'I think he’s my partner,' I said slowly. Maybe Grandad was having some sort of… old person issue. 'You remember? I told you about him.'

'Tommy. Of fucking course. I should’ve known that God would curse my family with this, too,' said Grandad, and pulled out his mobile, jabbing at it hard enough to crack the casing.

I turned to Tommy, who was scowling at my grandfather like he owed him money. And then I remembered all those propositions, and how my grandfather’s been a bachelor for over five years, and — oh God. 'Please tell me he’s not a john of yours or something,' I said.

Tommy reared back like he’d just stepped in vomit again. 'He most certainly isn’t,' he hissed. 'He’s an old… associate. But not like that,' he added with a comfortingly disgusted look.

But then I rewound what he’d said. 'How old an associate can he be? You’re nineteen.' He wasn’t, of course, but he was definitely younger than me, and had been hilariously cagey about telling me his birthday. Probably to avoid something like this from happening.

Whoever Grandad was calling finally picked up the phone. 'Grant, do you want to know where I am?' said Grandad, in that tone of voice that means all questions are going to be rhetorical and you'd best not try being clever with answering them. 'I’m at Charing Cross nick, picking up my granddaughter for her birthday, and her partner is standing here, and would you like to know who that fucker is?'

Over the tinny sound of laughter, Tommy blinked and seemed to be putting things together. 'You’re Alexander Seawoll’s granddaughter?'

[jjmaybanksbaby]

Where It Leads (Rafe Cameron)

Summer II

Part 03: Been A While

series masterlist | previous part

summary: Your second summer in the Outer Banks becomes a whole lot more complicated when you realize a year away from Rafe hasn't changed your feelings for him at all.

a/n: And we're back with summer two - the summer before sophomore year whoop whoop! Writing this gave me butterflies so I hope you have the same feeling reading it! I always love hearing y’all’s commentary so don't be shy to scream about your favorite parts back at me.

word count: 2.5k words

Your mom reached over and tapped you gently on the arm.

"Put your phone away please, y/n. You can text Evan when we land."

"We're not even moving yet." You replied.

As if on cue, the pilot's voice echoed over the intercom. "Good morning passengers. This is your captain speaking. Welcome onboard Flight 4B7 with service from Portland to the Outer Banks. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage..."

You stashed your phone in the pocket of the seat in front of you and closed your eyes, hoping that by the time you woke up you would be landing.

After the way last summer had gone, you were surprised when your mom announced that you were spending the summer in the Outer Banks again.

Frankly, you weren't that happy to be headed to North Carolina. Alice and Kensie, your two best friends back home, had opted not to go to camp this summer so the three of you had planned to spend every day at Alice's pool, biking to the Dairy Queen a few blocks away or begging of your moms to drive you to the mall.

Plus, there was Evan. Your boyfriend of six months. You'd both been cast as the understudies for the leads in the fall musical. Because of some freak food-poisoning accident, both you and Evan had to go on as Cinderella and Prince Charming in the final show. When he kissed you under the bright stage lights, it had felt like more than just a stage kiss. He'd asked you out at the cast party later than night and you'd been dating ever since.

Evan was great. He really was. He was thoughtful and cared about you. But ever since your mom had bought the plane tickets to the Outer Banks back in March, every time you kissed Evan you could only think of Rafe Cameron.

☼☼☼

You trailed behind your mother on the way to baggage claim, bent over your phone responding to the texts Alice and Kensie had sent in the group chat while you'd been in the air. Apparently, they'd bumped into Kensie's crush and need to analyze every detail. A feeling of jealously you hadn't anticipated crept into your chest, weighing you down. Even indoors, the muggy heat of the Outer Banks made it clear how far from Oregan - and from your people - you were.

You looked around the airport, searching for the baggage claim with your flight number and noticed an incredibly familiar head of blonde head of hair standing nearby.

"Sarah Cameron?" You asked.

Sarah spun around a joyful smile on her face. "Oh my god! Y/n!" She ran over, wrapping you in a hug. "Are you back for the summer?"

You nodded your head which elicited another excited scream from her.

"What are you doing at the airport?" You asked her.

"You'll never guess! We're getting a house in the Bahamas!" She gushed.

"Sarah!" A deep voice called. You looked up to see another older-looking version of Rafe headed in your direction.

Your mom froze beside you. "Oh dear," she whispered.

The man's gaze didn't leave your mom. "Heather," he said.

"Ward," she responded.

Oh, you thought. So that's Rafe's dad.

"It's good to see you," your mom continued. "You look," she paused for moment, "good."

"You as well," Ward responded.

The carousel behind you started to move and luggage streamed out.

"That's us," your mom said, pointing over to the moving carousel. "We should go."

"I'll tell Rafe you're back," Sarah whispered to you. "He's gonna be so excited."

You smiled down at her knowing that you'd already made a vow to yourself to avoid him all summer. You refused to let Rafe ruin what you and Evan had and the only way you could guarantee that was making sure you didn't see him at all.

☼☼☼

Sarah bounded in the front door of the Cameron's house. "We're home" she called out, her sing-songy voice echoing through the big house. Ward entered after her, carrying their luggage.

"Welcome home," Rose said, greeting Ward at the door with a kiss.

Sarah rolled her eyes at the exchange. It wasn't that she actively hated her step-mom, she would just have rather her dad not married her. Though he was buying her a house in the Bahamas as an anniversary present so maybe she wasn't all bad.

"Is Rafe upstairs?" Sarah asked.

"I think so," Rose replied.

Sarah ran up the stairs, skipping every other one, the way Ward always told her not to do. She came to a sudden stop in front of Rafe's closed door.

"Rafeeeeee," she yelled, knocking rapidly until his voice bellowed back at her through the wall.

"What do you want Sarah? Go away!" He yelled.

"Fine," Sarah said. "I guess you don't care that y/n is back in town then?"

The door swung open just a few seconds later. “What did you say?” Rafe asked.

“Y/n was at the airport. She’s back in the Outer Banks for the summer.” Sarah turned on her heel and sashayed her way to her own bedroom leaving Rafe in his doorway to process the information.

Maybe this summer will be a whole less boring, Rafe thought.

☼☼☼

The summer was going exactly how you'd expected. It was surprisingly nice to have your younger brother to keep you company and more importantly, keep you busy. You spend your days either on the beach, tanning, watching your brother splash in the waves, and making your way through the reading list of the Honors English class you had opted to take next year or at the Club's pool, eating chicken tenders for lunch and washing them down with the thick chocolate milkshakes.

Rafe's friends frequently made an appearance at the Club. You watched them sneak vodka from flaskes into cups of spirit from being your shaded sunglasses. So far, Rafe had yet to join them.

Currently, Phoebe was flirting hardcore with Sawyer, begging him to put sunscreen on her back so she wouldn't burn. It was all too predictable.

You turned your attention back to Nick Carraway and his descriptions of Gatsby's grand parties momentarily.

You heard Sarah's voice before she appeared next to you and plopped down on the chair your brother had been occupying before he decided he needed more ketchup for his fries and had ran off.

"Y/n," she started with the same youthful energy she always talked with, "has Rafe invited you to our Fourth of July party yet?"

"Umm," you hesitated. "No, he hasn't said anything about it."

"Ugh," Sarah threw her head back in a dramatic motion. "I told him to text you about it. He's useless. Anyway, we throw a huge party for the Fourth every year and you have to come. There are fireworks and everything..."

Sarah's monologue faded to the background as you looked up and noticed Rafe standing at the top of the steps that lead down the pool. Your stomach flopped in the same way it always did when you saw him.

Rafe started walking down the steps and a small panic set in. His own eyes wandered across the pool deck and it was only time before he recognized you. You shifted your body slightly, trying to use Sarah to block yourself from his view.

You turned your attention back to his younger sister, afraid that you'd accidentally make eye contact with Rafe.

Crap, crap crap, you repeated in your head. Rafe was for sure heading in your direction. Even as you forced yourself to focus on Sarah, you couldn't stop yourself from watching Rafe out of the corner of your eye and he was walking straight toward you. Your 'avoid-Rafe-all-summer' plan was going to be impossible now. With every step he took, you could feel your heart beating faster. It felt just like last summer.

Rafe stopped in front of the chair Sarah was sitting in and you couldn't stop yourself from looking up at him, a smile threaten to slide onto your face. The same warm but dangerous feeling you only got when Rafe was around took ahold of you.

"Sarah," he said, cutting her off mid-sentence. "Ward's looking for you."

She jumped up with a sudden spurt of energy, "Okay, I'll go find him!" She leaned down engulfing you in another hug. "See you around y/n." She said before running off.

"Bye Sarah." You replied.

"You know, you're like my sister's favorite person," Rafe said, still standing above you. "She mentioned you were in-town for the summer..." He let his sentence trail off.

But I hadn't seen you around. You finished for him in your head.

"Yeah, we got in about a week ago." You said. The tension that hung in the air between the two of you was exactly the reason you were trying to avoid him. The last time you had seen him he'd kissed you in a way you hadn't been able to get out your head for months afterward. It was a dangerous game. Nonetheless, here he was standing in front of you and you were barely holding it together.

Your phone began to ring and the photo of Evan kissing your check from homecoming popped up with the caller id. Rafe's eyes glanced over it and an unreadable expression crossed his face.

Right, it was 4 o'clock on Wednesday. The time and day you and Evan had decided you would call each other every week.

"Uhh, I gotta get this." You said to Rafe, reaching over and picking up the phone.

"Yeah, okay. See you later y/n." He replied before walking away from you and to his friends.

Your eyes followed him all the way even as you clicked answered and Evan's voice filled your ear.

☼☼☼

A feeling of nervousness set in as you approached the Cameron's, the absurd number of cars parked outside confirming you were at the right place. You glanced over each of your shoulders worried that your mom would pull up any second to drag you back home after you lied about where you were spending your evening. You felt decently bad about saying you were going to the Club to watch fireworks and coming to the Cameron's instead but you knew your family's stance on Rafe and his dad.

It seemed like the entire population of the Outer Banks was spread across the Cameron's backyard. Adults sipped festive cocktails as little kids, hyped-up onto much sugar, weaved in between their legs, chasing one another around. You looked around hesitantly, thankful when Sarah emerged from the crowd, frosting smeared across her face.

"You made it! I'm so happy you're here!" She screamed.

"Sarah," you laughed. "You have blue frosting all over you." You used your finger to wipe it from her cheek.

"Rose ordered the most delicious cake you've ever had. You have to try it. I can get you some. Do you want some?" She asked eagerly.

"I'm okay right now. Thank you though. Have you seen Rafe?" You asked. You were at his party, after all, it wasn't like there was any point in avoiding him now.

Sarah turned and pointed to the dock where Rafe and his group of friends were standing. "He's over there."

"Great. Okay! I'm going to go say hi."

"Have fun!" Sarah replied with a smile before running off in the same direction she's appeared in.

You made your way through the crowd to the dock, the groups' attention turning to you as you approached.

"Hey," you said, shyly.

Cleo and Riley jumped up from where they had been sitting with their legs dangling in the water.

"Y/n, right?" Cleo asked before leaning in for a hug.

"Yeah. Hi! It's good to see you guys again." You replied.

"You too! Rafe said you were back in town and I was wondering when you'd finally make an appearance." Cleo said.

You look over at Rafe to find him already watching you. He pushed through Cole and Milo and was suddenly in front of you

"Um, y/n and I need to get the fireworks." He said to the group. You watched Riley shoot Cleo a confused look but Cleo just shrugged it off.

Rafe grabbed your hand and pulled you along, leaving you no choice but to follow him. You walked in silence, other than the sound of your heart beating rapidly.

Rafe stopped at a small brick shed on the side of the house. He pushed the door open and stepped inside, pulling you in after. There were kayaks and paddleboards hanging on the walls and some old lifejackets littered the floor.

"Rafe-" you tried to start but he cut you off.

"Y/n, I seriously can't go one more minute without kissing you again."

Rafe looped his arm around your waist, cupped the back of your neck with his hand, and landed his lips on yours.

For a moment, you tilted your face upwards and leaned your body into his before your senses came rushing back to you and you shoved him backwards off of you. Surprise registered on his face.

"Rafe. No. I can't do this." Your voice broke, panic coursed through your whole body. "God, I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have come here today or followed you here."

"Y/n." Rafe said but held your hand up warning him to say quiet.

"I have to go. I have to go," you repeated. "Tell Sarah I'm sorry I missed the fireworks. I know she'll be disappointed. I have to go."

You turned to leave but Rafe grabbed your wrist and his eyes locked with yours, his expression begging you to stay.

"I have a boyfriend." You blurted out. The weight of those four words settled on Rafe's face and you jerked your arm out of his grasp. You spun on your heel and walked out the shed and putting distance between you and the boy making your life so complicated.

You crossed the Cameron's yard, trying to gather yourself and slow your chaotic, unsteady breathing. You hurried down the long driveway, making it to the road without any tears slipping out of your eyes.

Rafe had tried to kiss you. He hadn't tried, he had kissed you. And you sorta kissed him back. No, not sorta. You kissed him back. But then you stopped. You pushed him away. You realized it was wrong. You didn't want to hurt Evan. You weren't gonna hurt Evan.

The fireworks began to explode behind you, large booms thundered across the sky, their big colors illuminating the night. You didn't dare turn around watch them. They reminded you too much of Rafe: the boy pulling your head and your heart in two different directions.

taglist! @oreoenthusiast13 [drop a ☀️ in my inbox or messages if you want to be added]

[actualsunflower]

I didn't meant to be rude, but why is he fat? I mean, u have to bue quite Active to survive in the commonwealth, also he is kinda like a plant right? Photosyntesis n shit shouldnt make u fat i guess

How're you gonna say "normal not fat" to a fat person, about their oc that is based off them, and then say you didn't mean to be rude.... That is a very rude thing to say...

But back then, I was just learning how to draw, and didn't know how to draw fat bodies yet and to be honest, I wasn't putting much effort into learning. Now I do know, and now I do put effort into it. And if you've been around long enough to know what my very first drawings looked like then you should know how much my art has improved since then. At the time as well, I was just newly using art to ease and explore my dysphoria, and having him look more like what people expected men to look like felt ok. But just giving up and drawing him how he really looks and how I look has made me feel so much better about both myself and who I am as a man, and that it's perfectly okay (and sexy 😳) to be fat. And, it vastly improved my art skill.

There's a couple other reasons why he looks different in old art, 1 being that he's younger in those pictures and that's why his vitiligo is different too. I draw him at different ages depending on his age in relation to my fic which I don't plan on ever sharing any more of because of asks like this :) close friends are the only people I talk about this stuff with anymore bcs they aren't fatphobes, homophobes, or ableists

2nd, I am very active person, I walk and bike every day like, religiously, and I'm still chunky! Activity level doesn't equal weight. I do these things every day with my roommate who is very thin, and eats waaayyyyy more than I do. And I'm still fat and they're not! And again, he is based off me, so he is fat. We are both muscular and fat which just makes you look even fatter. Look up strongmen if you don't know what I'm talking about. He's that, but softer because I like belly. He's an old man, he stopped being thin with more defined muscles as he aged, just like everyone else

3rd, photosynthesis works by turning sunlight into glucose, which is sugar. Jay doesn't need to eat, but he likes to anyway. No matter how much you walk around if you're still 'eating' all day (by being in the sunlight) and then eating food on top of that, you're not going to look like one of those fake super models. Bodies just don't work that way, you're gonna be chunky. Plus some people are just big even without extra fat. Plus the dude is old as hell and has one leg, like... He isn't charging around fist fighting raiders and pretending he's Mr. Save the 'wealth like the game wants you to be. He just loves walking around with Nick studying things and farming at home. His story isn't the game's story and the game is super unrealistic in itself, I really would not base your idea of what bodies should look and be like off of gameplay mechanics.

And about surviving in the Commonwealth, you really don't have to be that active. You can just be strong, resilient, smart and resourceful and survive just as well or better than other people. I don't know why you think fat people can't walk around or whatever but we have a perfectly fine time doing stuff... I garden, walk, exercise, hike, whatever just fine and I'm still fat and I am not the only one so I don't really know why you think fat people would just like... Die off or not exist or whatever you believe

But most importantly he's fat just because I want him to be and that's it. There doesn't need to be any other justification really.

[avengersapology-vid]

Avengers during quarantine

steve: takes it like a champ, the 40s had absolutely no technology so he’s used to spending long periods of time doing nothing. takes advantage and watches all the movies and shows on his ever growing pop culture list, and upgrading his bike. is required to make infomercials. “remember folks; wash your hands, wear a mask, and social distance.”

tony: helps steve film his infomercials, and gets so pissy when steve doesn’t take his directions that he makes his own. “fine if you won’t do a full fireworks display, i will!” builds yet another array of suits (that aren’t murderous this time), and other completely tricked out gadgets and suits for the team. makes a city out of nats amazon boxes, and lives in it for 3 days before bruce accidentally hulks out and destroys it.

natasha: gets wine drunk and online shops. she’s the sole reason for the amount of amazon and other mail carrier boxes that start to pile up in the garage; you could build a miniature version of half of manhattan with them. buys masks in bulk, but they’re all different kinds. some are plain black, or regular medical grade. others are either weird cartoon mouths or super kawaii glittery sanrio type masks. the type of wine affects the type of mask she orders. bruce ends up hiding her mastercard.

bruce: he knows the severity of the pandemic, and is grateful for the stay at home orders. very big on cleaning constantly and wearing masks. he spends quarantine doing science experiments, and even tries to help find a cure or solution. almost hulks out when the home order is lifted prematurely, and he catches glimpses of the “bar lives matter” protests. spends time relaxing with natasha and tony. despite the obvious stress, its the most relaxed hes been in yrs.

clint: being the family man he is, obviously quarantines at home. he’s happy to have a prolonged break from the team, and more bonding time with his wife and kids. they play video games, make frog shaped bread, and he teaches his kids sign language. by the 4th month of quarantine they’re all almost completely communicating in sign. tony gets mad at him for not inviting him over to make frog bread.

thor: gets stuck at the avengers facility, and it is recommended that he stay on earth so as not to risk spreading to asgard. he sticks to playing fortnite and eating vast amounts of poptarts. he freaks out a little when his stash runs out and is the sole reason why the secret facilitys address gets leaked. makes friends with the grocery delivery person every time, and over tips.

loki: big time germaphobe!!! walks around with a mask and gloves at all times, probably showers several times a day. hoards lysol, wipes, and clorox, and only gives his stash to the others. although peter claims he saw him donating some to a women’s shelter. gets called out on a facebook mom group he was in (trying to keep track of stores with cleaning tings in stock) for hoarding. “sorry you refuse to get up at 5 am to shop jill. i am a god you dull creature, and i will not be bullied by a woman with a jersey duck nail!”

sam: baker affff, he shows up late to a meeting one day with a tray of cinnamon rolls and fury absolutely looses his mind. "HEHE I MADE CINNAMON ROLLS WITH A-" and nick is like "YOU’RE LATE! WE WERE SUPPOSED TO START 2 HOURS AGO! YOU CAN TAKE YOUR CINNAMON ROLLS AND SHOVE THEM RIGHT UP YOUR A-" "I PUT APPLES IN THEM" goes crazy spending most of his time in the kitchen. attempts to make thor poptarts.

bucky: he and steve are literally the kings of quarantine. bucky gets through the pop culture bucket list with steve, and actually tries to bond with his team mates. he falls into a rabbit hole of conspiracy videos (fully believes that paul mcartney died in the 60s, and if her brother didn’t kill her....then jon benet is definitely katy perry) and urban exploration videos and makes a list of places to explore when the stay at home order lifts.

peter: he goes absolutely crazy. he has to resume classes online, he feels stuck in his small room. eventually, may sends him upstate to the avengers facility where he has more freedom to roam around within a safe space. he can be found on facetime with MJ doing homework, or pranking the others with pietro and thor.

wanda: definitely spends time rereading popular series. i’m talking twilight, percy jackson, hunger games, vladimir tod etc. if you read it in middle school, it’s on her shelf. mostly orders through amazon, but as soon as the pandemic dies down a little shes at a book store stocking up. (side-note: shes team edward and definitely wants to be alice for halloween)

pietro: he rarely gets sick, but when he does it’s absolute hell! he panic buys toilet paper, lysol, and bath and body works sanitizers (specifically stress relief, noir, and warm vanilla sugar) he goes with loki to shop and speeds over to the tp and cleaning product aisle to shove things in his basket. he’s the sole reason why they start putting a limit on how much you can purchase. he doesn’t get sick at all, but definitely becomes a hypochondriac by month 2. he forms towers and statutes out of his massive collection of tp and sanitizers, and nick berates him and loki for hoarding.

vision: accesses different stan and fandom databases so he can carry a conversation with wanda about her interests. she's glad to be able to speak with someone other than peter and MJ about these things, cause she lowkey feels like she bothers them. he accidentally downloads a corrupt kpop file and can only speak in black pink and bts songs for a good two weeks till tony helps reboot his system.

nick: if you’re a covidiot, he knows. he has your name, ip, social security, list of allergies etc. and he’s not afraid to tell you he does. starts threatening people on social media under an anonymous account, and becomes very popular on twitter. his “stans” tell him to “dox” people but he doesn’t know what that means. not saying nick fury is anonymous but if the v for vendetta mask fits 👀

coulson: literally lives on tiktok, and becomes THE dad of tiktok. he dances, bakes, does “hey i’m proud of you kiddo” type povs, does tutorials on how to shave, change your oil/tire. he even helps a tiktok creator reclaim their sound from some pervy povs. refuses to tell nick what “dox” means.

[dramaticnerdwithanxiety11]

, LITERALLY WHO LOOKS AT NICK FUCKING RUSSEL AND GOES “mm yes, take my autism”

THIS IS AN ISSUE

WHY AM I LIKE THIS

whatever its too late now! you get to hear me talk about it to avoid writing it!!

So, i’ll be explaining the show for you newbs who dont watch power rangers like a smart person (as in the not watching it is smart). 

Power Rangers Mystic Force is, obviously, power rangers. It’s got the standard team of five with superpowers and weird biker-looking uniforms. 

If im honest, PRMF is literally just power rangers but with like fantasy magic.

It follows Nick Russell, the new guy in town. He’s a biker and he’s got this tragic bs backstory about how his parents abandoned him (update: they work overseas, they adopted him and like do not vibe with him)  and he travels, living with  family members and how he never sticks around long enough to make friends. We know he’s staying with his sister, and about nothing else. ~ Nick Russell is actually really important, of course, he is the Red Ranger and if we didn’t have the leader be angsty what kind of Power Rangers would we be, am I right? (i dunno i havent watched other power rangers in like ten years) ~

But we’ll come back to that. ~

There’s also Charlie “Chip” Thorn, a hyperactive hyperimaginative redhead with a love for fantasy and superheroes. He’s eager to join the team and loves the idea of quests and fighting villains and shit. He’s the Yellow Ranger, with Lightning Powers. ~

Vida Rocca, the ‘bad girl’. She has this one strip of her short hair that she dyes and may I just say when I finished the show a third time I couldnt not think ‘yO HER HAIR CHANGES TO SHOW HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT THE RANGERS’ but lets be honest thats probably bs lol. Anyways, she’s a DJ and she loves music, she’s the Pink Ranger (who hates pink for most of the show) with Wind Powers. ~

Madison Rocca, the ‘good girl’. She’s Vida’s sister, and she like following the rules and she enjoys recording her friends to make little videos for them to look back on when theyre older. She’s hesitant and cautious, but will do a lot to make sure her sister is safe. She’s the Blue Ranger, with the power of Water. ~

Xander Bly, he’s cocky and thinks hes all that, and flirts with women like every chance he gets. He thinks he’s super handsome and amazing and probably has a superiority complex for one reason or another. He’s the green ranger, with Nature Powers. ~

Not rangers include: ~

Koragg, one of the big bads who (SPOILERS) later turns out to be Nick’s father and Udonna’s long lost husband. Early on in the show he can telepathically communicate with Nick, which gives Nick these really really bad headaches, great for angst, it’s used as a bit of a plot device through a lot of the show and ngl I love it cause angst. ~

Uhh forgot her name but there’s the Vampire Queen who has bat wings on her hips and is in a full leather body suit. She’s kinda boring. ~

I forgot her name as well but the Vampire Queens daughter, who later goes on to save her mother because she realizes that the Rangers are the good guys and she’s on the wrong team.  ~

Udonna, the kinda ex White Ranger and a very powerful sorceress, as well as the Ranger’s trainer and Claire’s aunt. ~

Claire, (SPOILERS) who turns out to be the Daughter of Udonna’s sister, who was more powerful than her and sacrificed her life to seal the gate to what is essentially hell. She’s comedically bad at magic early in the show, and acts a lot like a comedic relief. ~

The Master, aka The Big Bad that the evil guys are trying to let free. Koragg before he became Koragg was trying to kill him and succeeded in trapping him further than all the others. He’s some weird tentical creepy muscles-showing no skinned weird i dunno i think i repressed this cause i forgot what he looks like lol.

Alright, so those are the characters. Now let me explain the plot.

Nick rides into town on his bike and is usually found set up outside the record shop that the rest of the Rangers (yet to be) work at. Btw, theyre all teenagers, but I think this takes place in summer cause we never see them go to school. 

Anyways, this old man calls for somebody to help him, and says that his brother and him were walking through the woods and somebody grabbed him, and he needed somebody to go looking for his brother. Nick, not being apart of the town to know they have rumours about dying in the forest, offers to help.

Xander tells him the woods are haunted, he ignores the man saying the man needs help so who gives a shit about some rumours, and then Vida is like “i’ll help too,” and Chip joins in cause he thinks its gonna be some awesome quest. They make it out to the forest, and Maddie and Xander join them, (”Xander I told you if you ever took my car I’d rearrange your limbs!” -Vida, episode one).

The man is like super ominous and her vanishes once they get into the forest, this creepy witch lady saves them from some bad guys attempting to attack them, and then throws brooms at them that they fly off on. 

Time skip not actually in the show but im losing steam so we’re moving on. Eventually, they make it to RootCore, aka the base of operations, and meet Udonna and Claire. Udonna is this super powerful sorceress and the White Ranger, and she trains them. Claire is her apprentice who is comedically bad at magic.

She hands out wands to them, they go to leave, get into a fight, all of them but Nick believe in and use magic, Nick leaves the forest, Udonna fights Koragg and loses her staff aka her White Ranger magic, and the Rangers are left in charge of saving everybody. In the end, Nick goes to leave and ends up showing up anyways to save the rangers from Koragg and embraces the magic, becoming the Red Ranger.

That’s the gist of the first episode, and the rest is kinda just “fight the bad guys, discover random secrets that make a surprising amount of sense for a show like this, fail a couple times, do some weird shit then end on a happy note”

WHICH BTW THE ENDING? FUCKIN WEIRD

The fantasy creatures integrate with Humans, Vida dyes all her hair bright pink, Nick fucking leaves town and this is the weird part. Because for one, Nick wanted to stay with his friends it was obvious, but for two; the way he left was w e i r d . He, Udonna and not-evil-Koragg who I forgot the name of, leave together.

The end scene is Nick riding up to the edge of the rode on his Motorcycle, then it slowly pans out to show Udonna and Nek (im just calling him Nek as in not evil koragg now) on bikes as well?? one of them asks if hes ready to go and they ~ride off into the sunset~

For one: THESE ARE AGE OLD SORCERERS WHO HAVE VERY LITTLE IDEA ABOUT HUMAN TECH?? HOW DO THEY KNOW HOW TO RIDE??

For two: dID THEY JUST HAVE THESE BIKES RIDING AROUND?? AND THE HELMETS?? DID THEY SHELL OUT A BUNCH OF MONEY FOR THIS?? LITERALLY WHAT???

anyways, great show! youve gotta watch it on some.. less than legal sites but shh its okay shhhh. It used to be on Netflix but like yaknow, its gone now. Either way, it’s a great show in my opinion! Like I mean it’s bad cause Power Rangers, so to most who are looking to critique there’s probably shit acting, and there’s a lot of not needed grunting in battle, the effects are shitty and the costumes are kinda depressing, but it’s still enjoyable! 

Random Facts-- ~

Vida hates Pink, despite being the pink ranger. ~

Chip, Vida, and Maddie have been friends since either kindergarten or elementary school, i dunno about Xander. ~

They all work at a Record Shop/Music Shop together, and their boss is an idiot but kinda entertaining. ~

Vida turns into a vampire for about two episodes, and Chip is the one to figure it out. ~

Maddie gets turned to stone because Nick essentially calls her useless and shy, and so she went out to prove otherwise, and got caught up in an attack. ~

Chip opens a weird black bottle he found after a battle and some weird thing comes out and attacks him, he spends the B Plot of that episode quite literally dying with his soul being eaten and climbing a mountain to get the cure. ~

Koragg has a really dumb moral code about how he only fights with Honor and refuses to kill the rangers most of the time because its “not honorable” for some reason or another. ~

There’s an episode where Xander gets this really really ugly and big zit right on the tip of his nose, and he uses this perfection potion Claire made for plants. He proceeds to turn into a literal tree and be depressed. ~

There’s a Troblin, the child of a Troll and a Goblin, named Phineas who’s very entertaining and I like this. By the end of the show, he ends up dating the daughter of the Vampire Queen which when you think too hard about makes no sense. ~

Nick turns into Koragg at one point late in the series. I completely fucking forgot how, but he does lol.

[primroseprime2019]

Speed Metal

On a dirt road, a familiar shiny red Aston Martini DBS V12 sports car with white decals was driving down one of the many back roads towards a local hot spot for street racing. The driver had the radio playing. "As metropolitan PD continues to crack down on illegal street racing, citing the danger to both drivers and pedestrians-" the new reporter was cut off as the driver switched off the radio. He was uninterested in listening to more reports of local cops attempting to put a stop to illegal street racing.

Oddly enough, the radio was switched off automatically, not by a person's hand. This car was known other than the Decepticon Doctor, Knockout. He knew that Ember would probably kick his aft to kingdom come if she found out about Knockout's activities. However, Knockout didn't care as the thrill of illegal street racing was too hard to resist.

Up ahead, three other cars were waiting, with the drivers revving the engines. The ref walked out in front of cars as Knockout pulled up. They were all waiting for the right time to start and for everyone to arrive. All the cars were built for speed and had many modifications that were illegal. The Decepticon car intrigued the large muscular, tattooed driver of the muscle car Knockout had pulled up next to.

"Not from around here." The driver commented, referring to the car model. "European design?" He asked curiously, only to get no response from Knockout. The driver didn't like being ignored like that. "Sure is pretty. Too pretty..." The driver said with a grin as he tightened his right hand into a fist. 'This race is for fully grown men, not prissy little boys with pretty cars.' He thought. Using his ring, he scratched the paintwork on the driver's side door.

Knockout used his side view mirror to inspect the damage. Then he turned to the driver, who just shrugged, satisfied with his work, and rolled up his heavily tinted window.

"Big mistake!" Knockout gritted as he changed gears.

The ref held the flashlight above his head and switched it on, signaling for the race begin. All four cars took off, eager to beat their opponents to the finish line. For Knockout, he was eager not only to be the first to cross the finish line, but also to obtain his revenge against the driver who scratched his paintjob. The race was mean and grueling. The driver had the lead. He looked in his rearview mirror and smirked at the other drivers behind him before going even faster. Flames were escaping from the engine through the exhaust pipe as the RPM meter read dangerously close to seven thousand.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of squealing tires. He looked in his rearview mirror once again and saw that Knockout was quickly gaining the upper hand in this race. He rammed himself into the car. It was time to make this human pay for damaging his paintjob.

"HEY!" The driver cried out in protest.

With one single ram as they turned the corner, the driver went over the edge, destroying the guardrail. The car didn't even tumble down the cliff face or see-saw on a particular ledge. It just headed straight to the bottom, upside down, and the sound of the car crashing as music to Knockout's ears.

"Dude..." The driver moaned.

"You scratch my paint, I scratch yours." Knockout sneered dangerously before driving away, intent on reaching the finish line.

◊◊◊◊

Paige walked down the stairs of the school and she looked around before she saw a boy staring at her. She stared back before she walked over to Jack and Arcee who was in her vehicle mode.

"You okay?" He asked. "I just wanna go to the base," she said quietly as she sat down behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head on his shoulder.

"Alright, alright," he said softly, reassuringly. He knew she'd be having some bad days where either she'd be quiet and try to hide in the back of the class or she would just start crying and clutching at her head. And this was one of the days.

"Turn on your music okay?" He said gently as he placed her earpods in her ears. She nodded and closed her eyes as she started to listen to the soundtrack from Collateral Beauty.

"Hey! Cherry moped!" Jack glanced at Vince who stood by his car.

"Um, this 'moped' has dual carbs and can go from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds," Jack boasted rather proudly before he drove off.

They soon pulled up to a red light. "Uh, Jack, a lady's vital stats are her own business," Arcee reprimanded him quietly. Jack almost rolled his eyes at that.

"Hey! Nick, right?"

He heard another female voice call out to him. He turned to face the corner and saw Sierra standing there with her best friend.

"Actually, it's Jack," he said. "Jack. Sorry. I'm Sierra," she said with a sheepish smile.

"I know," Jack said with a light blush that was concealed by his helmet.

"You once offered to take me for a ride?" Sierra reminded him. "Of course I did," Jack said instantly, "at anytime."

"I'm your guardian, kiddo," Arcee said quietly, "not your wingman." "So? How about now?" Sierra asked him hopefully.

"Uh...," Jack went to answer, but he stopped short when he saw Vince pull up next to him.

"Hey, hey! Small world!" Vince remarked.

"We're having a conversation," Paige spat.

"Cheer captain here might enjoy watching you take on four wheels of muscle car," Vince smirked as he gestured to Sierra and her friend who were standing there gossiping to one another quietly.

"Are you challenging me to a race?" Jack asked in surprise.

"You catch on quick, ponch. What do you say?" Vince asked impatiently.

Jack saw Sierra encouraging him to accept the challenge. He looked at Paige who was frowning at him. Honestly, she was caught in the middle and she thought it was a terrible idea. Optimus had set rules and for good reasons. Reasons like this one.

As soon as the light turned green, Arcee took off at lightning speed, causing Jack and Paige to yell in surprise at the sudden takeoff.

"You didn't let me answer!" Jack exclained. "Nope," Arcee said.

"But Arcee, we can smoke him!" Jack objected.

"Yep," she said, earning a frustrated sigh from her charge. "You just don't get it," he said.

"I don't make the rules, Jack. Optimus does," Arcee said, "and rule number one, in case you guys missed it: never abuse power for personal gain. And that includes horse power."

"Oh come on! I could finally get him to leave Paige alone!" Jack exclaimed. "As much as I would love to kick his tailpipe for messing with Paige, my answer is no," Arcee said firmly as Vince drove up beside them.

"Vince, maybe racing isn't such a good idea," Jack declined, causing Vince to laugh tormentally.

"Figured. You ride around like you're bike's something special. But it's just a chunky, lunky trike! And ugly!" Vince tormented before racing away as soon as the lights turned green.

"That's it! The yahoo's going down!" Arcee proclaimed before racing after Vince at high speeds.

"Whoa! What happened to rule number one?" Jack asked.

"Gets bent. Just this once," Arcee decided, much to Jack's excitement and much to Paige's dismay.

◊◊◊◊

"Yo, girls! Your pals, Darby and Kendrick, they're-."

"Ready when you are, Vinny!"

To Vince's surprise, when he turned his attention away from Sierra and her friend, he saw Jack, Paige and Arcee next to him all revved up and ready to go.

"Dirt road by trucker's ranch. One hour," was Vince's answer.

◊◊◊◊

When the hour had passed, Jack and Vince were on the dirt road at trucker's ranch ready to go. Sierra, Paige and Sierra's friend stood by the edge of the road eager to witness the showdown between muscle car and motorcycle.

"From here to the next mile mark. Ready. GO!" Vince yelled before taking off.

"Well, that was fair," Jack remarked sarcastically as Arcee took off after Vince.

As Vince and Jack rode past, Sierra and her friend had to place their hands on their skirts to stop themselves from flashing what they had underneath.

"That's why I wear pants," Paige said to Sierra and her friend.

"Uh...Arcee," Jack trailed off.

"Winning isn't enough, Jack. You wanna make him CRY," Arcee cut him short. Vince was surprised when he noticed that the motorcycle was no longer visible through his rearview mirror. He heard the sound of an engine next to him. He turned around and was surprised to see Jack and Arcee riding along next to him! Jack waved casually as Arcee pulled a wheelie and swerved past him at impossible speeds.

"Wha?" Vince gasped.

Arcee did a little honk in victory as they drove past the mile marker before Vince. Jack let out a whoop in celebration.

"OUTSTANDING!" Jack cried. "You know, now might be a good time to give Sierra just a quick ride around the block?" He asked hopefully.

"Don't push it," was Arcee's answer and he grumbled.

◊◊◊◊

"Ah, Breakdown, Comet. Has there been any change in Megatron's condition?" Ember asked as she walked into the medbay.

"Only cosmetic," Breakdown answered honestly as he folded the buffer back into his arm.

"Well, I am sure that you and the good doctor have been doing everything in your power. Where is Knockout?" She asked, looking around. As if on cue, the Decepticon medic walked into the medbay.

"Can you believe what some skinjob did to me?" Knockout huffed as he inspected the scratch on his arm.

"Have you been out street racing with humans again?" Ember frowned. "I'm not only an automobile, I'm an automobile enthusiast," Knockout said nonchalantly.

Ember frowned deeply, "we run a tight ship around here Knockout. I strongly suggest that you request permission from me next time you decide to disappear on your little jaunts."

"No worries, Red," Knockout said dismissively. Ember gave a low, warning growl.

"Mistress Ember," Knockout corrected. "The day our master emerges from stasis, I shall gladly relinquish that title," Ember huffed, "but I believe that outcome is unlikely something to do with the quality of medical care around here. So continue buffing as we do want Megatron looking his best for the memorial." With that, she turned and walked out of the medbay.

Knockout groaned, "buff this." Comet gave him a look, "Knockout."

"You hush," the Decepticon medic huffed.

◊◊◊◊

Arcee drove into the base. Jack and Paige dismounted Arcee, allowing the Autobot to transform into her bipedal form.

"Not a word to anyone," she said firmly. "Our little secret," Jack said with a wink. Arcee smiled and she walked away.

"Dude! Vroom vroom vroom! And the winner is...," Miko smirked at the two of them.

"Jack!" Paige finished as she and Miko performed their handshake.

"Miko, who told you?" Jack asked nervously.

"You kidding? It's all over school!" Miko told them.

"You beat the pants off that blowhard bully Vince!" Raf cheered, "And I'm sure he'll leave Paige alone now because of how protective her big brother best friend forever is!"

Raf and Miko let out yells of surprise as Jack and Paige suddenly pulled them into a group huddle.

"You guys have to keep this on the DL. Especially from Optimus," Jack hissed.

"Why?" Miko asked.

"Because that race totally broke rule number one: never abuse power for personal gain," Paige said, "and I'd rather not let the Prime know that I'm the target of bullying."

"What are you four doing?"

Jack, Paige, Miko and Raf jumped and yelled in surprise as they turned around and saw Optimus standing there with a curious expression on his face.

"Uh...nothing," Jack answered with a nervous chuckle.

"Just talking about...stuff at school," Paige shrugged.

"Top secret stuff!" Miko piped in.

"Stuff you don't wanna know," Raf added.

Optimus let out a hum and raised his optic ridge. He knew something was up. Thinking that the four of them would tell him eventually, he left them to their devices. As soon as he was out of earshot, they all let out sighs of relief and slumped against one another.

"That was close," Jack sighed in relief.

"I can't believe we lied to him," Paige moaned.

"I can't believe how robotic we sounded," Miko retorted.

"How did we manage to keep the secret so long?" Raf asked, causing the other three to laugh.

Raf was right. If they had trouble telling a lie to the leader of the Autobots, how did they manage to keep the secret of their existence for as long as they had so far?

◊◊◊◊

At school, Jack walked down the stairs, his hands stuffed in his pockets. “Hey. I've been looking for you," Sierra said as she came out of the school with a duffle bag, "The race! How great was that?! I was like, 'Yeah! Go Jack!'"

"It was no big deal," Jack shrugged.

"You got that right!" Vince agreed as he shoved his way past Jack, "If you think you can run with the big boys, The Circuit. 11 PM."

Paige walked towards Jack and she stopped when she saw Vince and Sierra. Jack was staring at Vince before he frowned, "...fine. If I win, you leave Paige alone."

Paige widened her eyes and Sierra smiled. Vince huffed, "deal."

◊◊◊◊

"You agreed to WHAT?!" Arcee demanded as she drove down the road with Jack and Paige.

"It was some kind of secret racing club. I don't know. I had no choice. Sierra was right there!" Jack defended himself.

"You always have a choice Jack," Arcee said sternly, "and what part of 'just this once' did you not understand?"

"I know, I'm sorry," Jack sighed, "but we're on right?"

"We are not on," Arcee said firmly as she drove into the base.

◊◊◊◊

Knockout was driving down the road when Breakdown called. "Knockout, Ember's looking for you. Where did you go?" He asked through the commlink.

"Oh, just out for a little drive," Knockout said, "I just roll from town to town sniffing around until...the next opportunity presents itself. He saw a car race past him and he changed gears to catch up with it.

◊◊◊◊

Back at the base, it was pretty quiet. Everyone was off doing their own little thing...except Raf who remained behind to play video games. He was actually doing well...until Jack distracted him and caused him to crash.

"Raf? Uh...is there any way I can borrow Bumblebee for an hour?" Jack requested nervously, causing Bumblebee to widen his optics in surprise. "Don't involve me in this!"

"Jack," Paige said in a warning tone. "Jack, you know racing's against the rules," Raf said, "what if Optimus found out?" "He'd be mad!" Bee exclaimed, his doorwings twitching with nervousness.

"But Raf, he's gotta get the girl!" Miko exclaimed, "and beat the bully!"

"Jack, I appreciate you protecting me but I don't need you getting into trouble because of me," Paige said.

"This isn't because of you, Paigey," Jack said sternly, "I'm doing this to protect you. And to prove a point."

"Well...," Raf trailed off, still unsure about letting Bumblebee race.

"Come on, Raf. Just this once?" Jack pleaded him sincerely. Raf looked both worried and unsure.

◊◊◊◊

The moon cast a luminous shadow over the circuit. Racers and their girlfriends lingered around the starting line of the track. They were conversing. Talking about how they were going to win the race against some of the best. So they were amazed when they saw a black-and-yellow muscle Camero roll up onto the scene.

But no one was more surprised then Vince as he waited patiently at the starting line for the race to start. He couldn't even HIDE how surprised he was when Jack rolled down the window so they could see eye-to-eye.

"Bike's in the shop," Jack shrugged.

Vince didn't say anything in response. He just turned to the track laid out before him. Suddenly, something beautiful blocked their view. Jack leant back into Bumblebee's seat in surprise at the sight. It was Sierra. She just stood there smiling and waving at him innocently.

"Circuit drivers, are you ready? Make it mean but keep it clean! Fire 'em up in 5...4...3...2...1!"

However, behind them, nobody noticed another car pull up. What was more important was the fact that Jack and Bumblebee didn't notice the new racer. And that is because the new racer is Knockout.

When the countdown had finished, Sierra threw her hands to the ground and crouched low. Then she turned and watched the drivers begin to race around the circuit. They didn't notice Knockout riding along a little too close to them.

"The Autobot they call Bumblebee," Knockout remarked. Knockout decided to make himself known. And to do that, he rammed himself into Vince's car and immediately took the lead from him.

"What's Knockout doing here?" Bumblebee buzzed when he spotted Knockout.

"What was that, Bee?" Jack asked worriedly before glancing in the rearview mirror as Bumblebee continued his concerned bleeps, "Wait. I know that car."

Jack yelled out in surprise as Bumblebee suddenly veered right and began driving along the wall. Knockout immediately copied his actions...with a gun popping out from near his cap for the fuel tank! Immediately, the Decepticon began firing shots at the young Autobot. Bumblebee did his best to avoid Knockout's shots. Vince breathed out his surprise as he saw Jack and Bumblebee drive up the wall and jump off the track. Knockout immediately followed suite.

"Can you lose him, Bee?" Jack asked nevously, earning bleeps in response, "What'd you say? ...I hope that means 'yes.' Cause I'd rather not call base for back-up."

◊◊◊◊

"Anyone seen Jack?" Arcee asked casually, causing Miko and Raf to freeze nervously.

"Not since we last saw him," Miko answered nervously.

"...they're racing, aren't they?" Arcee asked knowingly.

"Just this once," Raf piped in nervously.

"Did you know about this?" Arcee asked Nightwalker, WhiteRain, Bulkhead.

"No...maybe...a little," Nightwalker answered nervously. Bumblebee suddenly called in. "Bumblebee to base. We're being chased by Knockout. Require backup."

"You're being chased by Knockout?!" Raf repeated in disbelief. "Take evasive action?" Bumblebee asked.

"That sounds like a Decepticon," Miko remarked as she stood up with her first clenched.

"Bee, do not engage. Your first priority is to keep Jack safe," Arcee said firmly, "until I get my hands on him." "Arcee, let me come," Paige said.

"Paige, no. I'm not putting you in danger," Arcee said firmly. "Jack is my best friend and my brother," Paige said sternly, "and I want to kick Knockout's tailpipe for shoving me into that museum's glass last week."

"Anyone else scared of her right now?" WhiteRain asked, earning nods from Bulkhead and Nightwalker.

Arcee frowned at Paige before she sighed, "alright." She transformed into her vehicle form and Paige climbed on. Bulkhead, WhiteRain and Nightwalker transformed into their vehicle forms and drove after Arcee.

◊◊◊◊

Bumblebee and Jack continued driving along the road. They had a hard time shaking Knockout off their trail who continued to fire at them. So Bumblebee leaked some oil on the road behind him. The laws of friction didn't agree with rotating tires coming into contact with slick oil. So as the story goes, Knockout lost control of the car.

"Slick," Jack remarked.

Bumblebee drove himself back onto the track in the circuit and backed himself under a bridge. Knockout eventually regained his footing and began driving back towards the circuit. He came to a stop at the beginning of the bridge Bumblebee was hiding under. Sensing Knockout's presence, he shut off his lights and engine. Jack froze, trying not to make a sound or move. His internal sensors read no signs of any Autobot or Decepticon in the area. So he put pedal to the medal and drove right out of there.

"I think we lost him, Bee," Jack whispered. Then Jack was faced with another problem. And that problem was Vince. Vince came to a stop in front of the odd duo. His face was beginning to turn red in pure anger.

"Oh you've gotta be kidding me!" Jack groaned.

"Darby," Vince growled as he pounded his fist into his open hand.

Knockout just happened to hear that, having not fully left the facility at this present time. Burnt rubber made its mark on the road as the car suddenly activated its breaks and made a complete stop in the middle of the road. He used his sideview mirrors to look for a sign. ANY sign of his foe. So when he saw the colours of bumper lights, he immediately changed gears and reversed back to the bridge, another advantage of driving on an empty road taken by him.

"Vince! You have to get out of here, OK? You win! Congradulations! Now go!" Jack pleaded.

"No. No. Start and back-up, loser. We're finishing this race! Don't wanna take it to the finishing line? Fine! Then we've got something to settle right here! Right now!" Vince proclaimed.

Vince's rant was suddenly cut off by his own screaming. Jack was surprised and concerned as a giant black hand reached down and scooped up Vince into his palm. And that hand just happened to belong to Knockout. Vince yelled out in surprise as he was thrown into the air while Knock Out transformed into his vehicular mode. Vince landed in Knockout's passenger seat with a grunt. He protested as the sunroof slammed shut above his head and the seatbelt wrapped themselves around his frame tightly, preventing any means of escape for Vince.

"What's going on?" he demanded, afraid of what could happen.

An Energon zapper appeared before Vince's eyes. Energon sparks flew from the prong for his head. As he felt the sparks take their effect on him, Vince moaned and slumped forward into the seat as he passed out. Satisfied with the current state of his captive, Knockout switched on the ignition and drove away, putting pedal to the metal once again. Jack ran up the side hill onto the road in the hopes of stopping Knockout for getting away with the bully. But he was too late. Knockout was gone, disappearing in a cloud of sand and dust as he disappeared into the dark horizon.

◊◊◊◊

"Breakdown, you'll never guess what I'm packing," Knock Out gushed excitedly as he continued down the highway with Vince unconscious and bound in his passenger seat, "Bumblebee's human friend! And when the Autobot attempts to stage a rescue..."

"He has a...breakdown!"

◊◊◊◊

"Bee, he's getting away!" Jack cried as Bumblebee approached him, bleeping his idea to him, "I-I-I can't understand you! Look. I'm not Raf! Can't you just honk once for bad news and honk twice for good news?"

Bumblebee seemed to like that idea. Finally, he found a method of communication Jack would understand. So he honked twice, telling Jack that he had good news indeed. Jack virtually melted in relief at understanding the mute Autobot. Well...he did until he saw Arcee, Nightwalker, WhiteRain and Bulkhead arrive. And Paige was with them and she wasn't happy.

When Paige hopped off of Arcee's vehicle form, she marched over to her best friend/brother and whacked him on the head, making him flinch and rub the back of his head.

"Jack, we need to chat," Arcee said, placing her servo on her hip. "Later, Arcee. Vince got snatched by that slick sports car 'Con!" Jack announced.

"What would Knockout want with that guy?" WhiteRain asked, surprised.

"He probably mistook him for Bumblebee's human friend. I'm not even Bumblebee's human friend," Jack said, "Look. It doesn't matter why they took him! Vince is in trouble!"

"Oh well. Tough break for Vince," Bulkhead shrugged carelessly, making Arcee, WhiteRain, Bumblebee and Nightwalker look at him.

"Bulkhead!" Paige and Jack exclaimed. Bulkhead looked at them, "what? Hear the guy's a jerk. Even more so to Paige."

"Okay, no argument there but the guy's also innocent," Paige huffed, "he doesn't deserve to get hurt- especially by the Cons."

Arcee furrowed her optic ridges before she transformed into her vehicle form, "hop on."

◊◊◊◊

"They should have called by now," Raf said worriedly, "do you think Bumblebee's okay?"

"Don't worry Raf. Bulkhead and WhiteRain won't let anything happen to Jack or Bee," Miko said reassuringly. Then the two heard heavy pedesteps and turned to Optimus walking into the main hangar.

"We should just tell Optimus the truth," Raf whispered. "Absolutely not!" Miko whispered back, "we made a deal! Just act completely normal."

"Raf, Miko, do either of you know where the others have gone?" Optimus asked as he walked up to them.

"Why, no sir," Miko said nonchalantly, "we do not know."

"Miko is correct," Raf said with a nervous smile, "we do not know." "Why would we know?" Miko asked as she and Raf nervously smiled at the Autobot leader.

Optimus only raised an optic ridge at the two.

◊◊◊◊

The chase for Knock Out and Vince continued, despite the fact that it was – by now – the early hours of the morning. But they wouldn't give up. Especially since their secret was at risk. When they heard the sound of a car coming at an intersection, they stopped to allow the car to go through. The red and white car whizzed by. Jack, Paige and Arcee realized that it was Knockout. So they immediately took off after him.

"Bumblebee brought company," Knockout observed.

"On your guard, boys and girls. Could be a trap," Arcee warned.

"And remember. No shooting," Jack reminded the two boys.

"Speaking of safety, Jack, this is where you get off," Arcee said. Paige looked to Jack and flicked her tail.

She and Arcee took off. As they drove around the place, Bumblebee, Nightwalker, WhiteRain and Bulkhead saw a giant hole in the wire fence. Suspecting trouble, they immediately transformed into their bipedal modes and unfolded their blasters. Paige was climbing up the water tower, ready to attack from above in case trouble came.

Knockout turned his front lights on, temporarily blinding Bulkhead and Bumblebee. Then from the wall next to them, Breakdown and Echo broke their way into the fight. Breakdown's hammer hit the road between Bulkhead, Nightwalker, WhiteRain and Bumblebee, causing the two to flip away. Bumblebee stood ready to fight. But Breakdown easily knocked him out of the way. Eventually, he did the same to Bulkhead. Nightwalker and WhiteRain charged at Breakdown and Echo, taking out their weapons.

Vince was still in Knockout's passenger seat unconscious. However, Knockout's didn't care at the moment. His mind was occupied with another quest.

"Where's the two-wheeler and the little half breed?" he asked himself. Arcee and Paige dropped down onto the Decepticon medic's hood.

Arcee started punching at Knockout's hood. "Hey! Watch the paint! It's custom!" He snapped.

"Seriously?" Arcee grinned. Paige, as she was in her lioness form, dug her claws into the hood of Knockout's car.

The tires squealed as Knockout rolled out, with Arcee and Paige riding along on top of him. The fight between Breakdown, Bulkhead and Bumblebee continued, unaware of the situation with Arcee, Paige, Knockout and Vince.

Outside, Jack's attention was captured by the sound of squealing tires. He turned and saw Knockout attempting an escape with Arcee and Paige standing on top of him, trying to maintain balance. Eventually, Arcee and Paige lost their balance and fell off. But Arcee transformed into her vehicular mode and caught Paige before the two chased Knockout into the night.

"That's my girls!" Jack cheered to himself quietly.

◊◊◊◊

"Uh, Breakdown, in case you're looking for me, things got messy. So I hit the road. One scream is enough for today," Knockout said through the commlink.

No sooner then Knockout had said that, Breakdown turned around and found himself smacked in the face with a lamppost, sending him flying through the same wall he broke through before. And that hit was courtesy of Bulkhead.

◊◊◊◊

The chase between Autobot, Galatrian and Decepticon continued. Arcee and Paige were hot on Knockout's tail. So Knockout added more pressure to the accelerator and gained more miles ahead of them, causing Arcee and Paige to groan in frustration at yet another lost chance.

"Eat my dust," Knockout smirked at them. There was a loud truck horn and Optimus drove up beside Knockout. With a gentle nudge from the Prime, Knockout lost control of himself and drove into a ditch.

"Optimus, Knockout has a hostage," Arcee said. Optimus transformed into his bipedal form and he walked over to Knockout.

Optimus picked Knockout up and held him in the air by his rear bumper. Knockout screamed in pain as Optimus riped the driver's side door off of the main frame. Carefully, Optimus reached inside the interior of the car and freed the still-unconscious Vince from his current predicament. With Vince safe in his servo, he simply threw Knockout to the side as he transformed.

"Do you know how hard that is to replace?" Knockout had screeched after observing the damage to his arm. That was when he realized he was outnumbered.

Bulkhead, WhiteRain and Nightwalker aimed their blasters at the Decepticon medic.

'Scrap! If I'm not in trouble with these bots, then I'm in trouble with Ember!' Knockout thought before he transformed into his vehicle form and sped away.

Optimus turned to the others. Bumblebee drove up beside Arcee, Jack inside his vehicle form.

"Optimus... this is my fault," Jack sighed. "We must get this boy to safety. Explanations can come later...from all of you," Optimus said sternly.

Nightwalker lowered his head and WhiteRain's shoulders slumped guiltily.

"We're in trouble," Bumblebee said quietly.

◊◊◊◊

Vince came to hours after he was taken from the circuit by Knockout. Only, he didn't find himself in Knockout's car. He found himself in Bumblebee's passenger seat with Jack driving.

"How did? What happened?" Vince groaned as he sat up.

"Some guys jumped you under the bridge. They tossed you into their trunk. Must have been some kind of initiation," Jack shrugged convincingly.

"Really?" Vince asked, startled. "Yeah. Found you knocked out on the side of the road," Jack said before he stopped next to Vince's car, "Look. I gotta be honest. After what I saw tonight, I think racing isn't really my thing."

"I hear you, Darby. Hard to win a race driving a pedal car!" Vince sneered, causing Bumblebee to put pedal to the metal and drove away.

◊◊◊◊

Knockout walked down the hallway as Echo and Comet walked over to him. "What happened to you?" Echo asked, noticing the damage on his arm.

"Knockout, to the control bridge. Now," Ember announced through the commlink. Knockout lowered his helm and the three walked to the command center.

When the doors opened, Comet walked over to Breakdown and Echo walked over to Soundwave.

Ember turned to Knockout, her optics showing bridled fury. "You were supposed to be tending to Lord Megatron," she said sternly, "instead... you decided to go and defy my orders and pull a careless stunt like this."

Knockout flinched as he lowered his helm, not wanting to meet his leader's optics. Ember was no angle. As the alpha of the Decepticons, she would not hesitate in punishing soldiers. Even if those soldiers were her friends.

Ember looked to Starscream, "Starscream will be the one to give you a lesson you won't seem to forget." She turned back to the screens as Starscream walked towards Knockout.

Comet widened his optics and he stepped forward but Breakdown put his arm in front of the young mech and silently shook his helm.

"Not to worry," Starscream said to Knockout, showing a sharp claw, "your punishment shall be merely... cosmetic."

No! Not the finish! Anything but the finish!" Knockout pleaded before Breakdown, Echo and Comet cringed at the sound of screeching metal and the sounds of Knockout's screams.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

◊◊◊◊

The next day, Jack walked over to Arcee and climbed onto her vehicle form. "Hey, Jack. Do you have time for that ride?" Sierra asked hopefully.

"I'm sorry, Sierra. I can't right now," Jack apologized regretfully.

"No problem. I guess I'll just see you around," Sierra shrugged sadly before walking away.

"Hop on," Arcee invited as she pulled up next to him.

"Whoa. Really?" Jack asked, surprised.

"Just this once," Arcee emphasized.

◊◊◊◊

Jack smiled as he and Sierra drove down the road, enjoying the sights before them.