#the world will be playing catch-up and we'll all be like “we knew all along”

[teambyler]

What we'll see on the internet when Byler becomes canon:

SCREENRANT.COM:

"Stranger Things fans finally know that Mike loves Will back after Volume 2, but there were signs throughout the series pointing toward this. It was indeed a slow arc that was built up over five seasons. Fans entered Season 5 knowing that Will was gay and loved Mike, but thought that Mike only saw him as a friend. But there have always been hints that Mike sees Will as more than that.

"'We planned them to be a couple from the beginning,' said Ross Duffer, the show's co-creator. 'Many viewers just didn't see the clues, especially in the early seasons, because they were kids and especially because they're both boys.' Looking back, it is clear that these two have always had a special bond not shared by their other friends.

"Here are twenty-seven hints that these two lifelong friends were destined to become the couple whose love, despite all odds, was strong enough to help save Hawkins."

-teambyler

[shitsndgiggs]

Can you do one where the reader also plays professional football and is with Kenan and they try to keep the relationship private ?

You write very well thanks for the stories 🫶

UNSEEN AFFECTION - KENAN YILDIZ

In which Kenan and his girlfriend, a star player for FC Barcelona, has to keep their love and affection hidden from the world

Kenan Yildiz x professional football player! reader

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿

Keeping our relationship a secret wasn't easy, but it was necessary.

Kenan and I had both agreed that our careers should come first, and being in the public eye was already hard enough without adding the complexity of a high-profile relationship.

While he played for Juventus, I played for Barcelona Femeni. The distance was hard, but the moments we shared made it worth it.

After a particularly grueling match against Real Madrid, I was exhausted.

The locker room was bustling with post-game chatter, but all I could think about was Kenan. We'd planned to meet up in a quiet café later that evening.

It was one of the few places where we felt safe enough to steal a kiss or two without being spotted by fans or paparazzi.

I quickly showered and changed, eager to leave. My teammates were still celebrating, but I slipped out, texting Kenan on the way.

Meet you in 20. Can't wait to see you. x

I arrived at the café first, settling into a corner booth that offered a decent amount of privacy.

Moments later, Kenan walked in, his face lighting up when he saw me. He slid into the booth beside me, his hand immediately finding mine under the table.

"Hey," he said softly, his eyes sparkling with the kind of joy that made my heart skip a beat.

"Hey yourself," I replied, squeezing his hand. "You look good."

He chuckled, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. "You always look amazing, especially after a win."

We spent the next hour catching up, laughing, and exchanging stories about our teammates

Despite the secrecy, these moments made everything feel right. Kenan was my rock, my confidant, and being with him felt like home.

Let's get out of here," he whispered after a while. "I know a place where we can be alone."

We left the café, hand in hand, until we reached his car. He drove us to a secluded beach, the moonlight reflecting off the waves. We walked along the shore, the cool breeze ruffling our hair.

Kenan stopped suddenly, pulling me into his arms. "I hate that we have to hide," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "I want the world to know how much I love you."

"I know," I replied, resting my head against his chest. "But it's safer this way, for now."

He sighed, kissing the top of my head. "One day, we'll tell everyone. And they'll see how perfect we are together."

"I can't wait for that day," I said, looking up at him. "But for now, let's just enjoy this."

We kissed, the waves crashing around us. It was passionate and desperate, filled with all the love we had to keep hidden from the world.

A few weeks later, Juventus played a match in Barcelona. It was the perfect opportunity to see Kenan again.

I watched from the stands, my heart pounding every time he touched the ball. He was brilliant, as always, and I couldn't help but feel proud of him.

After the match, we met in a quiet corner of the stadium. He pulled me into a tight hug, kissing me fiercely.

"I missed you," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

"I missed you too," I replied, my fingers threading through his hair.

We didn't have much time, but every second was precious.

"I love you," Kenan said, his eyes locking onto mine. "And I promise, one day, we'll have our happily ever after."

"I love you too," I said, my heart swelling with emotion. "And I'll be waiting for that day."

For now, we had to be content with stolen moments and secret kisses. But I knew that our love was strong enough to withstand anything.

And one day, the world would see just how perfect we were together.

[lixiepixiedust]

"You work just as hard as me"

pairing — idolbf!jeongin x fem!reader; established relationship

word count — 3.2k

warnings — she/her reader, hurt/comfort, angst, fluff, lots of kissing and cuddling, mild cussing, insecurity themes, reader is depicted as being really smart

summary — jeongin has always been insecure about his academics. ever since he met you, he knew you were the smartest girl he's ever met. you also always made it feel like he learned more from you than from school itself and he admired you for it. he never really attended high school and barely ever had good grades. due to this, jeongin always told himself he was just stupid and never deserved someone like you.

As you anxiously logged into your student portal to check your midterm results, your heart raced. Jeongin, being the supportive boyfriend he is, sat beside you, his eyes filled with anticipation. You both knew how much effort you had put into your studies, and the results would finally unveil the fruits of your hard work.

As the grade appeared on the screen, your eyes widened with disbelief. You had not only passed but had excelled beyond your own expectations. A brilliant smile broke across your face as you turned to Jeongin, who was watching you with eager eyes.

"Jeongin, look!" you exclaimed, pointing at the screen. "I got a 96! Can you believe it?"

Jeongin's face lit up with genuine joy as he took in the fantastic news. "Wow, that's amazing, Y/n! I knew you could do it!" He enveloped you in a warm hug, radiating pride. "I'm so proud of you."

You couldn't contain your happiness. You leaned back, gazing into Jeongin's eyes. With a beaming smile, Jeongin cupped your face in his hands and planted a sweet kiss on your lips. The excited bubbled up within you, and without thinking, you jumped onto him in sheer joy.

Jeongin, caught by surprise, chuckled at your joy. He playfully tickled you, his fingers dancing along your sides as you giggled uncontrollably. The room echoed with the sound of your laughter. Jeongin's laughter mingling with yours made the celebration even more special. As the tickling subsided, you found yourselves catching your breath, still enveloped in each other's warmth.

"I'm so, so happy, Jeongin!" you exclaimed, your eyes shining with delight.

Jeongin grinned, his eyes reflecting the shared happiness. "Oh, Y/n, I can tell! I'm thrilled for you. I love seeing you this happy."

Suddenly, your phone rang, and you quickly grabbed it, excitement still coursing through your veins. It was your best friend, and as soon as you answered, both of you screamed into your phones simultaneously. Jeongin watched with amusement as you and your best friend shared your excitement.

"I got above 95!" your best friend exclaimed.

"Stop it right now, same. I knew you'd do good, I literally told you," you shouted back, a wide grin on your face.

Jeongin smiled fondly as you and your best friend screamed at each other over the phone.

After the call, you turned to Jeongin, still beaming. "Can you believe it, Jeongin? We both did so well!"

Jeongin's eyes softened with pride. "I never doubted you for a second."

"Oh yea and she wants to go get food together tonight. Wanna come? It's just gonna be a few friends."

Jeongin thought about it for a moment, his expression shifting between contemplating the invitation and the commitments he had. He had literally rushed over to your apartment from practice earlier to be in time to see the results with you.

"I'd love to, Y/N," he said with a warm smile. "But I might need to head back soon. Practice and all."

You nodded in understanding, "No worries, Jeongin. Thanks for being here with me though. You really didn't have to,"

Jeongin gently cupped your face, placing a tender kiss on your forehead. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Go enjoy dinner with your friends, and we'll celebrate properly after, just the two of us."

A grin played on your lips as you asked, "So, you're coming back after practice?"

Jeongin's eyes sparkled with affection, and he replied, "Of course. When you come home, I'll be waiting right here for you."

You couldn't help but break into a wide smile, and you wrapped your arms around him in a tight hug. "I can't wait, Jeongin."

As you pulled away, Jeongin's phone buzzed with messages from his fellow members. He chuckled as he read the texts, realizing that he had overstayed his initially planned break.

"Looks like they want me back," Jeongin said, showing you the messages. "I told them I'd be away for only half an hour, but turns out I went over time."

You playfully shooed him away, "Go, go! They need you. We'll have plenty of time together later."

Jeongin grinned, giving you one last kiss before standing up from the couch. "I'll see you soon, Y/N. Save some of that happiness for me."

As he made his way towards the door, he slipped on his shoes. Opening the door, Jeongin turned to look at you, his eyes filled with fondness.

In a soft tone he said a little "Bye," with a smile. With that, he stepped out into the hallway, closing the door gently behind him.

Once Jeongin was out of your view, the smile that had adorned his face began to fade, replaced by a subtle expression of sadness. He had known all along that you were going to get a good grade, it didn't surprise him one bit.

His mind wandered to the times you rambled about your college experiences—the late nights filled with assignments, the tiring study sessions, and the challenges of balancing academics and life. Those were moments when he wished he could have experienced the college life, as difficult as you made it sound.

Yet, deep down, Jeongin knew that he willingly chose the path of an idol. The wide stage, the love of fans, and the thrill of performing were what he aspired to. It was a choice he made with full awareness, and yet, he sometimes longed for a different path.

What has always troubled him the most, however, was his insecurity about his academics. Ever since he met you, he could tell instantly how bright and insightful you were. When you'd explain concepts, like the intricacies of human behavior or the subtleties of psychology, he admired you. You had a way of teaching him that made it feel like he learned more from you than from school.

Jeongin always believed you were smarter than him, and that thought weighed on him heavily. He didn't really attend high school and barely ever had good grades. Due to this, Jeongin always told himself he was just stupid. But the truth was, he had been a trainee since he was only 13 so it wouldn't have been easy to leave room for school.

In his mind, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was lacking compared to you. Your achievements made him question his own worth. The occasional longing for the academic experiences he missed out on only fueled his insecurities.

However, he never dared to share any of these feelings with you. Jeongin kept this internal struggle hidden, not wanting you to bear the weight or feel like you're the reason he's insecure. He valued your successes and happiness and didn't want them tainted by his own self-doubt. Instead, he chose to navigate these emotions privately, wanting to be the supportive boyfriend you deserved.

Jeongin arrived at the JYP building, the familiar surroundings enveloping him as he scanned his keycard to gain access. The glass doors slid open, and he made his way through the lobby, swiftly heading for the elevators.

As the elevator ascended, Jeongin's thoughts lingered. The elevator doors opened on the designated floor, and Jeongin walked down the corridor, passing by various studios and offices. Finally, he reached the door of the dance studio where he was practicing initially. He could feel the bass of the music from outside.

Jeongin opened the door and as he stepped inside, he found the members taking a break, scattered around the room, catching their breaths.

Lee Know, catching sight of Jeongin, approached him with a stern expression. "Jeongin, please don't stay out too long next time. You know it's bad habit," he said, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Jeongin, feeling a pang of guilt, quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, hyung."

Lee Know's stern expression softened, and he patted Jeongin on the shoulder, saying, "You're fine. Just try to be on time, okay?"

As the conversation shifted, Minho asked, "How did it go?"

"She did good, as always."

However, despite his words, Lee Know noticed Jeongin expression. "Aren't you happy for her?"

Jeongin immediately forced a smile. "No, I am. I guess I kinda zoned out."

Lee Know's expression remained uncertain, but he decided not to press further. "Alright, if you say so. Just remember, we're here for you if you need anything."

Jeongin nodded gratefully, appreciating Lee Know's understanding. He reached for his hoodie, pulling it off and revealing his practice attire underneath.

"Okay, we should wrap up. It's been like five hours, that's enough." Chan declared.

Jeongin, too caught up in dancing for the past few hours, checked the time and was surprised to see it was already 10 PM. His eyes widened.

He quickly grabbed his belongings and bid a quick farewell to the members. "See you guys tomorrow," he said with a tired smile.

Exiting the building, Jeongin was met with a sudden realization as he saw that it was pouring rain outside. He hadn't anticipated the weather, and the absence of an umbrella made the situation less than ideal. However, with your apartment only a few blocks away, he figured it could be worse.

Pulling his hood over his head, Jeongin braced himself for the rain and started to briskly walk along the sidewalk. The sound of raindrops hitting the pavement filled his ears, and with every step, he could feel himself getting more and more soaked.

The once dry sidewalk turned into a glistening path as the rain danced around him. Jeongin's clothes clung to his body, and his hair became a mess of damp strands.

Upon reaching your apartment building, he tried his best to dry himself off but he made his way inside. He quickly climbed the stairs, his wet footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. Unlocking the door with the spare keys you had given him, he stepped inside the familiar space.

In the entrance, Jeongin wasted no time. He removed his wet shoes, placing them on a rack to dry. His clothes clung uncomfortably, and he surveyed the living room, noticing the warm glow of lights.

As he made his way into the living room, he saw you. There you were, perhaps caught up in a book or lost in thought, unaware of his drenched arrival. He wanted to get home earlier than you and he cursed to himself knowing you beat him to it.

"Hey," he greeted.

Still absorbed in your book, you didn't look up immediately. "I assumed you weren't gonna show up after all. With the rain and everything."

Jeongin felt a pang of guilt. "Sorry, we got too caught up, and time flew," he explained.

"No, no, it's okay," you responded with a smile. Then, finally looking up, you noticed Jeongin. "Oh my god, you're soaking wet!"

A sheepish grin spread across Jeongin's face as he nodded. "Yeah, the rain got me good. Surprise, I guess?"

You couldn't help but chuckle at his unexpected entrance. "Surprise indeed! Let's get you out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold." The concern in your voice was evident as you motioned for him to follow you, warmth in your eyes. "Go to the bathroom, Jeongin. Change out of those and take a warm shower. I'll get some dry clothes out for you."

Jeongin nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, Y/N."

As he went into the bathroom, you headed to your wardrobe to retrieve some clothes for him. It wasn't unusual for Jeongin to stay over, so he had accumulated a fair share of his clothes at your place. You selected a comfortable set and laid them out on the bed, making sure everything was ready for him.

While Jeongin was in the shower, you went to the kitchen, deciding to prepare some tea to help him feel warmer. The comforting aroma of the tea filled the air as you carefully brewed it. Once ready, you carried the mug upstairs, hearing the shower turn off as you reached the top.

Setting the tea down on the nightstand, you took a seat on the bed. Moments later, Jeongin emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. His wet hair clung to his forehead, and droplets of water glistened on his skin.

You motioned for him to sit down beside you on the bed. Reaching for a bottle of moisturizer, you squeezed some onto your hands and gently started rubbing it onto his face. The subtle scent filled the room as you continued, your touch a soothing gesture.

Jeongin closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax under your care. As you worked on his shoulders, you couldn't help but smile at his tranquility.

"Thank you for taking care of me," Jeongin said with a sincere smile on his face.

Setting the moisturizer aside, you picked up the mug of warm tea and handed it to Jeongin. He took a sip, the comforting warmth spreading through him as he enjoyed the soothing effects of both the tea and your touch.

You then handed him the pile of dry clothes and Jeongin nodded appreciatively, proceeding to change. As he did, you subtly looked away, giving him the privacy he needed.

When he was done, Jeongin sat back down next to you. "I'm 100% sure I won't get a cold now," he declared with a satisfied grin.

"I hope so," you replied, returning his smile. Then, with a playful twinkle in your eye, you added, "Also, did you know that the rain itself can't actually make you sick? But if you stay wet and cold for a long time, it can lower your body temperature and weaken your immune system, making you more likely to catch a cold or flu."

"Way to go, Smarty," he responded with a teasing smile.

Your laughter filled the room as you playfully pulled him down, laying next to you. Leaning on him, you enjoyed the closeness, reveling in the comfort of the moment. Jeongin, not one to miss an opportunity, gently brought your chin up, and with a tender kiss, your lips met.

The initial softness of the kiss soon deepened into a passionate moment. Jeongin loved the sensation of being close to you, and the intimate connection sparked a desire for more. As the kiss continued, he gently teased, parting your lips. With a bold move, he inserted his tongue.

His hands, fuelled by a growing intensity, moved to your waist, feeling the warmth of your skin beneath his fingertips. In response, you reached under his shirt, your fingers tracing the contours of the milky skin on his chest and abs.

The moment, charged with desire, took an unexpected turn as Jeongin pulled away. His eyes, reflecting a mixture of emotions, met yours. "Y/N, you're so, so beautiful," he began, his voice filled with sincerity. "You're smart, you're caring—you're literally perfect. I'll never deserve you."

You looked back at him, a soft smile playing on your lips. "Jeongin, you're all those things too," you reassured him. "Smart, caring, and incredibly beautiful. What do you mean you don't deserve me? I feel like most people would think it's the other way around."

Jeongin's frustration and insecurities tugged at him, and he began to ramble, his words stumbling over each other. "It's just... I see you, and I see everything you are, and it's like you're this amazing person, and I'm just me. You're achieving so much more than I ever will. And I'm sorry that I can't measure up to what you deserve. That I'll never be enough for someone as perfect as you."

"Jeongin," you interrupted gently, reaching out to hold his hands. "I'm not perfect, so stop thinking that. And you've achieved so much. You're well known worldwide, you get to travel to these wonderful places. Sometimes, I wish I could do that too."

"But," he interjected, his frustration evident, "I feel bad when I can't help you with studying like your other friends do. I went into high school late, never even attended it much even after and you literally skipped a whole grade. I feel so stupid compared to you."

You squeezed his hands gently, "You do help me study, Jeongin. Just having you next to me while I'm studying helps me. That's why I always drag you to the library with me because you're my support. Your presence is more than enough."

Jeongin smiled slightly at the comment, his frustration easing a bit.

"And you know," you continued, "I learn a lot from you too. About different cultures from the countries you've visited, how you manage to sing trot, how to act, how to dance, how to get your perfect skin, and most importantly, how to tolerate seven guys who are constantly trying to baby us. You bring so much into my life, Jeongin. It's not about who's better or smarter. It's about how we make each other happy."

Jeongin looked at you, a hint of doubt still lingering. "But what about what other people think? Everyone will think you're so impressive, and I'm just a guy who wasn't smart enough to do anything else but music."

"Don't beat yourself up about what others think," you asserted. "Plus, nowadays, who cares about how well people do in college? They all know idols work their asses off to be what they are. Everyone admires you, Jeongin."

"But, Y/N," Jeongin began, "you work just as hard as me."

"And that's exactly my point," you replied, a warm smile on your face. "We both work hard in our own ways, and that's what matters. It's about the effort we put in, not some standard of success. You're amazing just the way you are, Jeongin."

Feeling the sincerity in your words, Jeongin buried his face in your neck, his arms wrapping around you in a tight embrace. "I love you so much, Y/N," he mumbled against your skin.

Smiling, you ran your fingers through his hair. "I love you too, Jeongin," you replied, causing him to hum contently against your skin. The two of you stayed in that comforting embrace for a while, the world outside seemingly fading away. However, a practical thought crossed your mind. "Wait, let me put your wet clothes in the washer," you suggested.

Jeongin, with his eyes closed, murmured, "Baby, no, stay. I was about to fall asleep."

You couldn't help but chuckle at his half-asleep endearment. "What did you just call me?" you teased. A soft, content smile graced Jeongin's face as he kept his eyes closed. "Okay, Innie, I'm staying," you replied, using the playful nickname his members often used.

In response, Jeongin shifted, scooting up to become the big spoon. His arms wrapped around you, squeezing you gently as if you were his favorite teddy bear. A chuckle escaped your lips as your legs tangled together, finding a comfortable position. He rested his head on yours, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest creating a soothing lullaby.

[screamingatanemptyroom]

The Healer Pt 4

The story continues. I'm still enjoying this one, so we'll keep going!

Part 1 / 2 / 3 linked here. (If I get to 5+ parts I'll make a master post)

Enjoy!

___________________________

ONE YEAR EARLIER

“Natalie! You’re here!”

Jack shouted with excitement when he saw me. Garrett and Rita trailed behind him, their expressions happy, if a bit mild and unenthused. I was still sitting on the ground, catching my breath after my first battle in this strange world. The corpses of the monster flowers had faded into the grass, leaving little evidence of my fight behind. I waved to them, feeling a strong sense of relief in seeing familiar faces.

The three of them had been my teammates in Fantasy Realm, even if they weren’t the kindest people I had ever known. While playing together they were often inpatient with me, unforgiving of mistakes, and constantly pushing me to spend more time and money improving my character when they knew I had very little of both. I had always given in, and disliked myself for doing so, hoping it would improve their opinion of me, knowing deep down it wouldn’t. I might call them friends… and I would be shocked if they called me the same.  But after waking up in this weird real world of the game, I was just happy to know anyone at all.

I was afraid to be alone.

The group reached me, and with a grin, Jack reached out and helped me to my feet. I brushed the dust off of myself and looked them over. They all looked like they had in our old world, the only difference was their clothing. Jack was dressed in leather armor, reinforced my metal along the chest and back. Garrett had a large sword strapped across his back, with scant coverings over the rest of his enormous frame. Rita had a simple cloth robe and a large wooden bow.

“We all chose our familiar classes.” Jack saw my studying look and informed me. “Seemed the safest thing to do given that we don’t know what happens if you die in here.”

Rita rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you guys are taking this seriously! This can’t be real. We're still in the game! It’s just some hoax, someone hacked the game. Eventually my dad will tear the VR company apart, sue them into oblivion and then we’ll be let out!”

I paused at that. “We weren’t playing the game when this happened though.”

“We just forgot.” She answered forcefully, her gaze annoyed as usual as she met my own.

Rita had always disliked me. Our parents knew each other, her father was a well-known lawyer who had pushed her to follow in his footsteps. As someone who had struggled with the weight of parents’ expectations, I sympathized. But she had quit law school after a week, turning to full time gaming instead. She didn’t do well enough to make any money, but fortunately her mother paid her bills.

Her father was disapproving to say the least. He apparently used me as an example to her of someone successfully “taking over the family business,” never mind that I hated the pressure, resented my parents’ strict expectations and escaped whenever possible. It didn’t matter. Rita despised me, and no attempts from myself or from Jack could smooth the rift between us.

Garrett looked me over from head to toe, confused. “You don’t have a weapon.”

I froze at his words. Garrett had a large sword, obviously a barbarian type class. Jack had a one-handed sword, a fighter or swordsman. Rita was an archer with her bow. But me…

There was only was class in the game that couldn’t use weapons.

“No…” Rita started laughing, so hard that tears were forming in her eyes. “No… you DIDN’T do something so STUPID….!”

Garrett was shaking his head, frowning disapprovingly. I ignored them, my entire attention was on Jack. We had been friends since freshman year of college. He had helped me find my first class, I tutored him in chemistry. We had supported each other through ups and downs, told each other about our fears and dreams…  

And he was looking at me with hatred in his eyes.

“You are a Healer.” His voice was quiet, but the lack of emotion in his tone made my hackles raise. I started to back away.

“Jack… I…”

His hand gripped my throat, and I was lifted off the ground. I gasped, unable to get air, and struggled against him, but with a strength stat of -10 I knew there wasn’t much hope. I wouldn’t be able to cast my healing spells either, without being able to speak the activation word.

I need to be able to cast without speaking. My brain focused on that, almost desperately avoiding dealing with the situation I was currently in: My friend was killing me.

**The Healer enters an early hypoxic state - 10 damage for each second that airway compression remains in place. **

**The Healer takes 10 damage. **

I had only seconds to live.

** The Healer takes 10 damage**

I grabbed his hand, focusing all my desperation into the need to cast my only spell: Small Incision.

** Through sheer force of will, The Healer has discovered Wordless Incantation**

**The Healer casts Small Incision. Jack the Hero takes 1 damage.**

As the messages floated across my vision, Jack yelped in pain, clutching his bleeding hand, dropping me to the ground. I laid still for a few moments, focusing on breathing, the pain of my neck and in my lungs a reminder of what had just occurred. I stared up at Jack, hoping to see remorse on his face.

There was nothing but rage.

“How DARE you pick a useless class like healer?” He snarled, holding pressure on his hand to stop the bleeding while staring down at me. “Our lives could depend on doing well in this game, and you seriously chose a class with minimal fighting potential, whose healing abilities are worse than any potion that can be purchased in a shop?”

He stepped closer, and I flinched back, my heart beating wildly. “You are so obsessed with your parents’ disapproval, that even in a life-or-death situation you had to pick being a doctor? Are you really so messed up?”

I opened my mouth to explain. I knew this class well, the strengths and weaknesses. I could use it to the team’s benefit. I had been a good teammate, one of the reasons we had placed so highly in the last tournament. I wanted to say all this and more.

But as I stared into the disappointment in his eyes, I felt myself slipping into old habits. Of staying quiet and nodding. Of keeping the peace and letting myself take the blame. I hated it, despised myself for it… but kept silent all the same.

“Should we just leave her behind?” Rita asked, giving no concern to me as I struggled to catch my breath after Jack’s strangling attempt. “She’s useless after all.”

“She used to provide good support.” Garrett spoke up. “We can keep her on the team until we find someone more useful…”

“I am not giving a spot on our team to a healer.” Jack closed his eyes and rubbed his temples for a moment, as if trying to calm himself down. Finally, he looked down at me coldly. “You can tag along with our team, without an official spot. You will do your best to be useful. Otherwise, we will leave you to die.”

Leave them! My heart screamed at me. Being alone is better than this! You didn’t commit some great sin by becoming a Healer! You just chose the best you could! Tell them!

Slowly, I nodded. “Fine.” My voice was still hoarse from the pressure he had placed on my throat. I adjusted my tone with the ease and familiarity of practice. “I’ll follow along.” I pushed the screaming voice in my head back, along with my pride. I knew I was worthless, a failure. I had been told that every day by the two people on the planet who were supposed to love me the most. Jack was only the latest person to say it out loud.

This was what I deserved.

The first month passed quickly. We went on multiple quests together, and settled into a comfortable rhythm. Jack would take the lead, with Garrett beside him to tank. Rita picked off far away opponents, and supported from the back. And I…

I did everything I could.

Outside of fights, I was cooking, keeping inventory, asking for quest information, and keeping the gear repaired and functional. Many nights I stayed up late, sharpening swords or repairing gear, only to have my hard work receive a nod and no other recognition.

In fights, I demanded even more of myself. Slipping in between enemies, causing damage. I delved down most of the “surgical” pathway of the healer ability, which allowed me to cause a diverse array of damage. I built up my MP until I could activate Wordless Incantation, as I found the group's irritation was a lot less if they couldn’t hear me. I immobilized enemies and allowed the others to finish them off. Because I had a hand in almost every single enemy’s death, I received a good amount of XP and fame from each fight, which angered Jack to no end.

“Stop stealing our experience!” He snapped after a fight, reading the notification that stated the rewards and experience given out.

“You asked me to immobilize them.” I answered quietly, feeling tired. “Do you want me to stop?”

“…” He glared at me silently for a few moments before answering. “Figure out a way to do it without taking my XP.”

“…sure.”

“I mean it, Healer.” From the moment he heard my class, he had never called me by my name. Our friendship, the time we had spent together… none of it meant anything next to the weight of the one undeniable fact:

I was a Healer. And therefore, in his eyes, I was a burden.

I kept my head down, trying to help out as much as possible. I learned not to ask for recognition. To not expect thanks. And I thought things would never change.

And then came the day we met Winter.

________________

PRESENT DAY

“Ouch!” Stephanie yelped as I carefully placed the needle through her skin, placing a simple suture across the wound on her calf. I didn’t hesitate with her cry of pain, tying the knot and moving on to the next stitch.

“The area has been numbed with magic, don’t pretend it hurts.”

“Yeah, I was just messing with you.” Stephanie laughed stuck her tongue out. “How did you know?”

“Because I know how it feels to sew my wounds shut without the local anesthesia spell.” I kept working without looking up. “You wouldn’t just be saying ‘ouch.’”  

“Uh…Well, thank you.”

I felt surprised at her words. After a year with the Hero’s party, I was so used to doing things without any gratitude or recognition. You’re not with them anymore. I let out a mental sigh of relief at the thought, and smiled at Stephanie. “You’re welcome.”

“YOU SMILED!” Stephanie tried to get up to hug me, but Alton reached over from where he was sewing cloth nearby and pushed her back down, shaking his head with a grin.

“Don’t interrupt her work.” Winter’s response was much colder, causing Stephanie to freeze in place.

“I’m on the last one anyways.” I squared off the last knot on the suture, cutting the tails and placing a clean bandage over my work. “Keep it dry for 48 hours, and then you can remove the outer covering and bathe.”

“Not to cheapen all the work you just put into repairing this cut for me…” Stephanie hesitated. “But wouldn’t a healing potion be easier?”

Alton shook his head, but before he could say anything Winter spoke up. “Stupid human.”

“HEY! I’m not stupid!” She glanced at me. “Right?”

“No, you’re not.” Raising an eyebrow at Winter, who settled down with a grunt, I continued. “Have you noticed that over time you’ve had to use more powerful healing potions?”

She thought that over. “Well, yeah, but… I’m higher level, and have more HP… Isn’t that normal?”

“Have you tried to use a basic potion recently?” I pulled one out, and tossed it to her. “Here.”

Stephanie caught it, clearly confused. “I’m only missing 5 HP… I don’t need something that heals 10…”

“Try it.”

“Okay.” She shrugged. “If you insist…” She drank the potion quickly, and then flinched at the notification. “…It didn’t work? … Not even the cut healed.” 

Alton continued to sew, but spoke up. “The more you use healing potions, the less they work. Fortunately, this seems limited to healing potions… mana recovery and other types of potions such as detoxification seem to not develop the same resistance. It’s also a slow process, but it’s becoming a universal issue. If you check the world chat this is a heated topic of discussion. Most people believe the that it’s related to level… but that’s not the case.”

“How do you know that?”

“They still work on me.” I answered quietly. “That’s why I carry the basic ones around.”

“Foolish humans… these potions were meant for true lifesaving emergencies… a basic healing potion should be enough to recover up to 50% of your health… but you drink them like water until they are worthless to you.” Winter sighed, looking over at me with a small smile. “That is why the Healers are such a vital class. In a world of constant danger and battle, of destruction and pain, only they have the power to heal and preserve. They are a noble, selfless light that protects those around them… someone to be protected at all costs. There should be a Healer in every party… but instead Nat is the only one left.”

“You did save me before!” Stephanie did get up unobstructed and hugged me. “Thank you!”

“And me.” Winter added, staring at the ground. “She saved me as well.”

“Hey, I distinctly remember passing out in front of her and being saved too, guys!” Alton spoke up, tying up his thread and checking the repair on his cape before looking at me. “I guess we are all indebted to you.”

I stared at all of them, feeling disturbed in my heart. “You guys… I’m…”

I’m worthless. Weak. And my weakness was used to destroy countless lives.

“… Thank you.” I silenced the words in my heart, and spoke a simple thanks instead.

“…” Winter was staring. I always felt he could see more than I wanted him too, as if my hidden thoughts and feelings were on display in front of him. But instead of commenting, he simply bent down, plucking a blue flower from the ground, and handed it to me.

“That’s so cute!” Stephanie clapped her hands, before freezing. “Wait! Are you two…?”

Alton paused in packing up his things and stared in our direction.

I shook my head silently at her before turning back to Winter. “Thank you. The mountain wild flower’s petals have strong anti-inflammatory properties. I’ll dry it out and process it for medication at our next stop." I pressed the flower carefully in one of my books and packed it away.

Winter nodded at my words. “You’re welcome.”

“It’s for medicine?” Stephanie frowned, disappointed. “Well, that’s boring. Where’s my drama?!”

Alton smiled widely. “Oh, don’t worry, I got your drama! Look in the world chat!”

Pausing, all of us pulled up the chat, excluding Winter, who leaned on a tree nearby and watched the display over my shoulder. The top topic in the chat was skyrocketing with engagement… and seeing the title it wasn’t hard to understand why:

___________________________

“TROUBLE IN PARADISE? HERO’S PARTY SEEN ARGUING WITH NEW MEMBER REBECCA THE SORCERESS! IS THE USELESS HEALER MISSED?”

There was great discussion today among players as a loud disagreement broke out among the Hero’s Party after their last quest line. Although it is unknown the exact nature of it, it seems to be surrounding the recent addition to the party.  Rebecca the Sorceress is the newest member of the Hero’s Party after the departure of the much-despised Healer. Many had cheered her arrival, as well as supporting the apparent budding relationship between the Hero and his new magical lady.

___________________________

“And you guys ask why I think humans are stupid.” Winter muttered as he read along with me. I shushed him and continued on with the post.

___________________________

But is there a fracture in the once iron-strong team? Words such as “Useless,” “Hiding” and “Potion sponge” were heard shouted by Rita the Holy Archer, with the Hero defending and Garrett the Giant siding beside Rita. Rebecca appeared to be in tears. Is this bullying the newcomer? Is Rebecca actually dragging the team down? What does this mean for the plans to attack the forty second gate in a few days?

Discuss your thoughts below!

___________________________

I sighed and closed the chat, seeing that comments were mostly just going back and forth over the juicy gossip. “What a mess.”

“You don’t sound surprised.” Alton commented with a grin.

“No. I’m not. Rebecca… she’s…”

“Useless?” Stephanie interjected.

“Full of tears and excuses?” Was Alton’s contribution.

“A snake who poisons those foolish enough to trust it.” Winter quietly added.

I laughed. “… I was going to say she’s a lot of drama… but I like your answers better. They are used to a certain standard of having everything done for them, even if I backed off quite a bit towards the end, when things had gotten really bad. I don’t think Rebecca will see my role within the group as appealing, though.”

“Oh well, their loss is our gain!” Stephanie cheered, hugging me again. “Let’s go hunting! I want meat for dinner!” She pulled out her sword excitedly.

“Yes, Natalie should have some meat to help her recover from all the battles we’ve been through.” Winter nodded, checking his bow and following.

Alton stood up and looked over at me. “Meat for dinner doesn’t sound bad… what do you think, Ms. Healer? Do you want to go hunting?”

“I don’t want to ruin their fun…” I started to say, looking at the backs of the two already moving ahead.

Alton’s voice was serious. “No. I’m not asking about them. I’m asking what YOU want to do.”

I paused, and my gaze met his own. After a few moments, I smiled. “Meat sounds great for dinner.” And I meant it.

“Then let’s go hunting with them.”  Was his answer.

And hunting we went.

With only two days left before we would face the forty-second gate.

[forever-rogue]

I love Halloween a those prompts are so good!

“I’m not easily scared, but right now I’m terrified.” + “do you want to go to the corn maze?” With bf Steve 🥰💕 maybe the kids see you going to the maze and decide to scare you both.

AN | But just how wonderful and fun would fall be with Stevie? 🥺

Warnings | None

Pairing | Steve x Fem!Reader

Word Count | 2k

Masterlist | Steve, Main

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You stood in front of the house and admired your handiwork - you’d decorated the front porch with everything fall and spooky. It was the first year that you and Steve were spending in your new house - the place you’d decided to call home after getting married. Naturally, that meant that you were going to go all out. Steve had been at work all day but would be home soon - you wondered if he’d like your handiwork.

“Wow,” you’d been so wrapped up in your own little world as you’d decorated and hadn’t even heard Steve come home. You turned around to find your husband standing behind you, hands on his hips as he looked everything over. You moved closer to him and wrapped your arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his cheek, “that’s a lot of pumpkins. How many pumpkins did you get?”

“Mind your business and don’t worry about it,” you were giggling as he took your face in his hands and pressed kisses to your cheeks before softly pressing his lips to yours. It was ridiculous just how giddy and excited he still made you feel, even after all this time together, “hi.”

“Hi angel,” he dropped his hands to your waist, giving you a gentle squeeze, “it looks wonderful.”

“You really like it, Stevie?” you took his hand and started to pull over to the door to show him all the small little details and decorations. You watched his smile grow and light up his entire face as he looked over everything, “I think I went a little overboard but once I started I just didn’t stop. So here we are!”

“It’s not overboard at all. It’s perfect,” he promised and you relaxed into him, “and it’s the first day of fall - it’s all perfect. I love you.”

“I love you too,” you did. You really, really loved him. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Every year, the lot of you had the tradition of going to the local fall and Halloween fair. There was everything and anything fall related that you could have ever imagined. 

It was a fun way to spend the day with your friends and get all those pumpkin treats you liked. You swore that one day everyone would catch onto them. Regardless you still have fun playing the games, going on a hayride, picking apples and pumpkins and getting to let all the animals.

This year one big thing remained yet to be done - 

“Do you want to go to the corn maze?" You squeezed Steve's hand and tilted your head towards the entrance of the maze. You saw the kids standing in line, eager and excited to go in. 

"I feel we have to, right? Like it's tradition," he nodded as you made a small sound of excitement. You were tugging on his hand in the direction of the long line, motioning for Nancy and Robin to follow along and to bring Eddie and Chrissy with them. 

"It's definitely tradition," you agreed softly, "along with getting caramel corn and cotton candy before we leave!"

"Yes," he laughed softly, leaning his head on top of yours, "you just love the fall fair, don't you?"

"I love fall most of all," you agreed, before pausing for a moment, "but not as much as you, of course."

"Well that's reassuring to hear," not that he ever had to doubt that. He knew just how very much you loved him, "we'll get whatever you want before we leave."

"Can't forget some pumpkins," you were eyeing the big pumpkin patch where others were already hunting for their favorite pumpkins. Meanwhile Steve was staring at you with a confused expression, "what? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"More pumpkins?" He asked incredulously, "more?"

"Duh," you grinned, "we need ones to carve! They'll go right along with the others. Please Stevie?"

"I…of course," he shook his head with nothing but affection. As if he would ever say no to you for anything, "we'll carve the best pumpkins ever."

"Yay!" You bounced on your heels, "best friend and husband ever!"

"Mhmm," he stood behind you as you moved forward along with the line, "I better be since I'm doing this maze with you!"

"It'll be fun! It always is," you snorted in amusement, "we always get through it."

"Let's hope the tradition continues!"

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

By the time you made it to the front of the line to go into the maze, it was already getting dark. Darker than you’d have liked it. You weren’t about to admit to Steve that the darkness made your nerves spike up; instead you gingerly took the flashlights that were proffered to you. You handed one to Steve and stepped inside of the expansive rows of corn.

“Let’s make this a little more interesting,” Eddie piped up and looked between your small group, “let’s split up and see who can get to the end first. There’s lots of different paths but they all lead to the end.”

“You dinguses are so on," Robin exchanged an excited look with Nancy who eagerly nodded. The two of them were like peas in a pod, "let's do it."

"Hell yeah," Eddie high-fived Robin before he turned his attention to you and Steve, "what about the two of you, huh lovebirds?"

"Yeah," you sounded unsure but looked to Steve for confirmation only to be met with just as unsure of a look, "totally. Let's do it."

"Alright gang," Eddie illuminated one of the paths with his flashlight, "Robin and Nance can go this way. We'll go this way and the two of you go down that path. See you all at the end!"

Before you could say anything else the others had already started to run off. You swallowed thickly before turning your attention back to Steve. You stood closer to him as if that was somehow going to make everything better, "so, ugh, I'm not easily scared as you know, but right now I'm terrified. What if we get lost here forever Stevie?"

"I promise that won't happen," he looped his arm through yours as he started to lead you toward the path you had been assigned, "as long as we figure out a way to mark where we've been it'll be fine. We can break a stalk or something. That way we'll know where we've been."

 "Okay. Its just that we've never been in here this late before and its so dark," you felt unsure suddenly, "promise-"

"I swear it," he whispered, "we'll be out of here in no time. And then we'll get all the sweets and pumpkins."

"I'm holding you to it!"

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"It feels like we've been doing this forever," you cracked another stalk and looked at Steve with a huge pout on your face. He was tempted to kiss it away, but decided against it at that moment. He'd make up for it later and give you all the kisses. 

"It's only been about an hour," he reassured you softly. It had been a long hour nonetheless and meant bent stalks of corn and much backtracking. It was reassuring however that there were still lots of other people around you. In a way it was almost kind of eerie hearing all the different sounds around you but not seeing the people, "I'm sure we've gotta be close to the end."

"You're right," you agreed, smiling when Steve reached for your hand and laced your fingers together, "I'm sure it'll - ahh!"

You and Eddie screamed at each other as you clutched at your now wildly beating heart. You'd just turned a corner just as he had; only he was also missing Chrissy.

"I…what happened?" Steve looked between the two of you before trying to figure out where Chrissy was, "where's your girl?"

"I…don't know," he scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, "we were just walking around and the next thing I knew was that Chrissy was gone."

"I'm sure we'll catch up to her at the exit," someone had to be the voice of reason and apparently that was going to be you. You gulped as you heard a shriek from somewhere else in the maze, "let's just get going so we can escape."

"Good idea," the two friends agreed in union as you looped your free arm through Eddie's. You hoped that with the two of them at your side things wouldn't be as bad. 

But…you were still in the middle of a corn maze in the dark, cold night with nothing to help but measly flashlights.

You were definitely getting as many pumpkins as you wanted after this.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"I've never been happier!" Eddie threw up his arms as he ran through the exit of the maze. You spied Robin, Nancy, and Chrissy all standing at the side as they chatted away. Chrissy's face lit up at sight of her boyfriend and he almost knocked her over in his excitement, "I've never been happier to see land!"

"You've been on land," Chrissy was laughing however as you shook your head in amusement, "I can't believe you got lost!"

"At least you made it out," Robin crossed her arms over her chest as she looked around at your small group, "great job all, but Nance and I are the clear winners."

"I want a rematch!" Steve playfully glowered at her before he realized what he'd said, "next year."

"That's what I thought," and she was so smug that it caused you to laugh, "great job team!"

"C'mon Stevie," you leaned up and kissed him softly, "let's go and get those pumpkins and treats before they close. It's always getting late anyway."

"Okay," he half puffed but relaxed as you started to pull him towards the illuminated pumpkin patch, "hey - my promise came true! We made it out alive!"

"My hero," you beamed at him, "I love you so much, Stevie."

"I love you too, angel," he brought your hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to your knuckles, "you and all your pumpkins."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"I had a lot of fun today," you climbed into your side of the bed, lying down and immediately reaching for Steve. He'd beaten you to bed and was currently reading his book. He bookmarked his page before setting the book down and pulling you onto top of him. You grinned at him before gently pulling off his thin, silver wire framed reading glasses and putting them on the nightstand, "you're so handsome."

"You just love me for my looks, huh?" He was teasing and you scoffed at him.

"I love you for everything," you promised sweetly, "the fact that you're ridiculously handsome doesn't hurt either. Did you have fun today?"

"I did," his large, warm hands settled on your waist as you relaxed into him, "I had lots of fun too."

"And you like the pumpkins?" You might have gone a little extra…but another five pumpkins seemed necessary. 

"I know them," he insisted, "we've got the best looking house in the neighborhood easily."

"That's what I was going for," you pressed your forehead to his and sighed wistfully, "thanks for always putting up with me."

"I've never putting up with you," he peppered your face in soft kisses, causing you to giggle softly, "I adore you."

"I adore you, Steve Harrington," you whispered, "so much."

[ordinaryschmuck]

It's been two years since Anne visited Amphibia. Two years since she came back, unable to return. And in those two years Anne had...changed. But not just changed for the better. She was less careless, more responsible, and seemed more certain about what she wanted rather than moving along directionless. That was all well and good, but there were days where she seemed distant. It wasn't common, but there have been days where she'd just sit on the couch, staring at nothing without even focusing on her phone or the TV. And there was this hint of...something in her eyes. Was it sadness? Anger? Fear?

Oum wasn't sure. Whenever she saw her daughter like this, it made her worried because there was something clearly wrong and she wasn't sure what. Oum assumed at first it was because Anne missed the Plantars, but she noticed a bit of a distinction with that. When Anne thought of them, she'd cry and practically demanded to be held. With this? Her face was just blank, with nary a tear in her eyes.

Even now, as Anne laid in her bed, staring up at the ceiling and eating marshmallows with that same exact expression again, it made Oum beyond concerned. Call it a mother's intuition, call it common sense, but she could just tell that Anne needed help with something. Yet all Oum can do is sigh and walk away, leaving Anne to deal with that something alone because there's nothing else she could do.

Oum made her way to Bee's computer room, catching him in the middle of what looks like another video game.

"Honey--"

"Hold on." Bee held up a finger for quick silence. "I'm watching a walk-through on how to find all the hidden cyber-ducks in Mega-Mecha-Man Plus. There's this one in level twenty that's really--"

"Bee, I'm worried about Anne," Oum said clearly. It was enough to get Bee to pause the video and spun around in his chair to face her.

"Is this about her...episodes?" he guessed.

"It just feels like it's happening a lot more now," Oum said, rubbing her arm nervously. "At first it was like every two months, sometimes three, but now it feels like she's going through this once a week. And I don't know what to do when it happens every day."

"Well, I've actually been researching that," Bee said as he opened another tab. "It could be a result of PTSD. I mean, she had to go through some traumatic stuff in Amphibia. Her best friends...did bad things, she was chased a lot by giant bugs and birds, and apparently something happened in their last visit to Amphibia. It wouldn't be too far to assume that it's post traumatic stress."

"Are there any suggestions on how to help her with it?"

"As far as I can tell, the best course of action is therapy."

"So it's a no, then," Oum huffed. "We can't just send her to a therapist. She says one thing about the frog world and she'll get thrown into a padded cell."

"And Mr. X said keep it all hush-hush," Bee added. "So, can't really have her say any of that Frog-vasion stuff was real."

"To anyone. Meaning that Anne's got all this trauma bubbling up inside her and there's nothing we can do to help..." Oum started to tear up, both out of frustration and heartache, with Bee being there to get up and hug her.

"I know, it's a lot," he softly said. "But remember what our therapist said when Anne went missing? We can't just focus on a problem that seems unsolvable. We just need to approach things step-by-step and take time to focus on ourselves when we can. Which is what I'm doing. I'm researching whatever solution I can find and having fun with Mega-Mecha-Man Plus to let my brain relax. Can't help Anne with a burnt-out brain."

"I guess not..." Oum muttered.

"We'll get through this, don't worry." Bee kissed her and returned to his chair, as well as his video. Once he pressed play, he got about ten seconds in before an ad started to play. "Aw, not another ad! And this one's unskippable?! I knew I should have gone with ad block..."

Once the ad buffered, it started with a close up of a woman looking over her shoulder with brown hair and a blush to her cheeks.

"Hey," the woman said. "You lookin' at me? Are you seriously looking at me? Because if you are..."

The video zooms out to reveal that the woman's wearing a graduation gown with a party popper in her hand as she spins around with a bright, wide smile.

"Then you're looking at the new graduate of UCLA's psychology program!" The woman cheered as she pulled the popper, its POP transitioning to her now holding up a picture of a twelve-year-old girl wearing a sweater.

"Hi, I'm Mabel Pines!" The woman said. She then booped the girl's nose in the photo. "And this little angel was me twelve years ago! Can you believe how adorable I was? Well, can you believe that this little girl also suffered from a little something called trauma?"

The video transitions to Mabel now laying on a couch.

"It's true," she said with a sigh. "Some really bad stuff happened to me at that age. Stuff that no one but my brother, Grunkles, and best friends would believe. While talking to them about my issues was fine enough, none of them could really give the insight needed to recover. And it's not like I could go to a therapist about any of it. They'd think I'd be way too crazy when I told them about my biz. That's when I remembered something my Great Uncle Stan once told me: If you can find a professional..."

The video cuts to a new angel of the couch, showing a split-screen shot of two Mabels, one sitting on a chair while the other still laid on the couch.

"Be your own professional!" both exclaimed.

"That's right," the one on the couch said, "The best way I approached my trauma was to learn how to fix it myself, basically becoming my own psychologist!"

"And a great one at that," the one on the chair said with a wink, making Couch Mabel blush.

"Oh, STAWP!" she said as the ad transitioned to her gesturing at a degree. "After figuring out my own issues and crying a whole lot when I did, I realized I could do the same for other kids like I was. Kids who think their issues are too crazy to fix can come and have a chat with good ol' Doctor Pines! You can lay down, have some tea, and even pet a pig!"

The video quick cut to Mabel petting an old pig. "That's right, I said, 'Pet a pig!' And do all of that and more as we go through what's really going on in the center of your brain! Just call this number or visit this address!"

Both a phone number and address zoomed in on the top and bottom of the screen respectfully.

"So come and visit Dr. Pines, and remember: There's nothing too crazy for a woman who probably experienced crazier!" Mabel then winked to the camera just as the ad ended, going back to the walk-through.

"More like there's nothing too crazy for a woman that's already crazier," Bee commented. "That lady sounds like a nut."

"You want to know the best thing about that though," Oum said from behind him.

"What?" Bee turned around again and saw Oum dialing a number into her phone.

"Crazy people are too crazy to believe if they blab someone's secrets," she said, putting the phone to her ear.

"Hang on, you're not serious, are you?"

"I'm seriously desperate," Oum said with a scowl. "Anne needs to talk to somebody, and it might as well be someone who might be too insane for--Hi! Is this, uh, the therapist lady? From the internet? Uh, Doctor Pines, yes. I think my daughter could use your help..."

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias x Reader - City Girls Part 7/8

Yeah this is a mess I can't fix 😅. Had fun writing this chapter tho since it ft Kyle Walker whom I am very fond of 🤣

Reader plays for the Man City girls academy. She struggles a bit but gets Ruben to mentor her. The the two don't hit off despite having many things in common. It all gets worse when Reader eventually catches feelings for Ruben.

Enjoy!

Cityzens Day.

It was mainly for the club sponsors but alot of players brought along their families and friends as the day was filled with fun activities, football challanges and the ever so popular guided tour inside the Ethiad campus.

It was your first time attending, although it was mandatory for all City players. A little sad, that you weren't able to bring your family from Brazil. They would have loved it, especially the chance to play football at the Ethiad Stadium. Apparently that was the highlight of the event, a friendly game between players from all levels, men, women, girls and boys, and of course their families. The game would be broadcasted on the teams website and it usually brought alot of laughs to alot of people. You couldn't wait to play, but until then you wandered the campus alone, watching other players enjoying spending quality time with their families.

"Hey Y/N, come here!"

You were observing a very intense juggling contests between an academy player and someone's kid, when coach spotted you in the crowd, waving you over.

"Meet my family." He stood next to a beautiful red-haired woman and young boy with a toothy smile. "This is my wife Trish, my son Ethan and that over there..." He pointed towards the crowd, to the center of it, where the juggling contests was happening. "That is my daughter Lucy." He said.

"Wow, she's really good."

She was definitely bruising the ego of the young academy player. He would certainly up his juggling game after this.

"You know, she reminds me alot of you." Coach smiled. "I can't get her to stop juggling the ball either."

"Seems like her talent won't go to waste today, the price is a Playstation 6, no?"

You shared a laugh. Coach had a lovely family who had flown all the way from Australia to see him. Cityzens Day was really the best time for that.

A food truck pulled up to campus just in time for lunch. You bought a taco bowl so big that you had to share it with another player as she saw you struggling.

"So when are you coming to play with us again." She asked, you knew her as Alison Bennett.

"I dunno?" You sighed. "I don't think I fit into the kind of squad your coach wants."

"Are you joking?" Alison frowned. "But you played so well with us."

It was strange really, but since it happned more than once now, that you got excluded from playing with the first team, you simply assumed the worst. Even though Ruben told you not to worry about it, you couldn't help but to. Your development as a player was at stake. And the fact that Ruben's diet helped you put on a few pounds was not a constellation. Perhaps the coaches on the first team had noticed, that you were getting fat?

"Speaking of playing, are you on for the game this afternoon?" Alison asked.

"The game against cityzens?"

"Yeah?"

You smiled. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Great. I really hope you're on my team. I'm the captain. We're gonna need...."

Alison got tuned out as you sighted something in the distance, or better yet, someone. It was Ruben, walking side by side with a woman just as tall as him only thinner. She was wearing a Man City jersey, sporting the number three, Ruben's number three. He held a hand to her lower back, guiding her around, introducing her to his teammates.

"Speaking of players I would like on my team." Alison took notice of where all your attention had gone. "We could surley use a defender like Dias."

"Ruben?" You asked, your voice a bit strained.

She nodded "He's like the best defender City's got. We'll never concede goals with him on our team."

You turned back to look at Ruben and the woman he had brought. Could it be his girlfriend? In that case Ruben didn't have a type, because you looked nothing like her.

"He used to coach me, you know?" Alison leaned in and whispered.

"Who, Ruben?"

She bit her lip, nodding her head.

"B...but you're a forward?"

"So? Aren't you one too? Nevertheless,  Ruben used to teach me how to improve my skills. You know, help me get past the...."

"Defenders." You said, finishing of her sentence.

"Yeah, exactly. He's a really good coach."

"I can imagine." You ignored the painful beating of your heart. "Tell me..." You asked. ".. did you used to go to his place to, you know,"hang out"?"

She snorted. "No, why would I do that?"

"Oh."

A slight relief.

Alison stood, having helped you finish your meal. Her smile was devious. "No, Ruben used to take me back to the infirmary. We used to"hang out" there."

Your heart sank.

It was the realization that perhaps you were one of many.

********************************************

The afternoon sun was setting over Manchester City, but Cityzens Day was far from over. The game of cityzens was still on the agenda.

You laced up your cleats and stepped onto the football pitch at the magnificent Ethiad Stadium. It was truly breath taking playing in front so many people. Although the game was for fun, you were determined to showcase your talent, and even more determined to win against Ruben and his team. That's right, he was the captain of a squad containing lots of good players from all divisions. Players that made your teammates look like freaking toddlers.

"Alright! Ladies, fellas, huddle up!" A man urged for all the players on your team to gather around him. He was big, but funny looking, with a voice that did not match his brutal appearance.

"I'm Kyle Walker, but you can call me your captain for this evening."

"Captain?" Alison frowned. You were lucky to have her om your team, however, she did not look happy to find the captains armband handed to someone else. "We never voted for you to be our captain." She protested.

"Well, you should have. I have the experience when it matters and feel confident that I can lead this team to victory." He said.

"How?" A young U21 player squealed. Like the rest of you he was glaring at Ruben and his team as they warmed up on the opposite side of the pitch. The majority of Ruben's squad were players from the men's first team, including their assistant coaches.

"They're gonna eat us alive." The boy said, to which everyone agreed.

"Well that's not the spirit. Come on guys, hands in." Kyle ordered for everyone to stretch out a hand towards the ring you formed. "Victory on three, alright. One...two...three...VICTORY!" Kyle shouted, whilst the rest of you mumbled the words. Nevertheless you personally were not intimidated. You had played against tough opponents before, and you knew that you had a team that could give it their all, because Manchester City was arguably the best football club in the world.

The whistle blew, and the game began.

The first half was a blur of sweat and noise, as the two teams battled it out on the field. You dribbled and ran, dodging and weaving around your opponents, but Ruben and his team were tough to beat. They were bigger and stronger, and they had a few tricks up their sleeves.

"Whatta fuck!"

You ate dirt as Ruben ordered his players to tag team you. You stood no chance as Ruben was well aware that you rather go on your own than pass the ball.

"I'm sorry Y/N."

Ester pulled you up from the ground, having helped her teammates knock you down. She was playing for Ruben but seemed genuinely sorry for how he was running his play.

"Just give me the ball." You scuffed, as coach blew the whistle, handing your team a freekick for the offense made against you.

Kyle took it and missed.

The game resumed.

"Come on team, it's not over yet!" Your "captain", encouraged. "Fight until the end!"

As the second half began, your team was down by three goals, the majority of players being tired, cold and dirty, ready to throw in the towel. But you refused to give up. You knew that you had to do something to turn the game around, and you were determined to be the one to make it happen.

The moment didn't reveal itself until injury time. During he last minute's of the game. Ruben misjudged a pass, and you saw your chance. Charging directly towards him you had no other intention than to dribble past him.

"Pass the ball!" Kyle shouted, pointing to Alison who stood open, ready to receive the assist.

Your heart was pounding in your chest, you had to do this, you had to try and get past him. However Ruben's braud frame made it nearly impossible for you to sight the goal behind him. He looked smug, aware that your chances of getting past him were slim to none. But you had prepared for this. Ruben had prepared you for this. As he lunged forwards, you did not hesitate to bring the fight to him. The two of you clashed together, with Ruben's strangeth throwing you off, however you had suprised him with an elbow to his lower ribs, the quick jab making him fold before your eyes. It was your chance to get past him. For that split second that you caught him lacking you managed to ship the ball in the air and leaped your body over Ruben's extended leg. It was the moment of the match, the crowd on their feet watching a 60kg girl go head to head with one of the world's greatest defenders, beating him to it, sending the ball into the back off the net.

The crowd erupted in cheers, and your team rushed onto the field, arms around each other's shoulders, grinning from ear to ear.

"That's what I'm talking about. That's how we play!" Kyle Walker was in the verge of tears. You may have lost the game, but you had proven that you were not to be underestimated. Not now, not ever. By anyone.

"Great game Y/N."

"Um, thanks."

Ester approached you as the pitch cleared of people, friends and family members heading their respective ways. Cityzens Day was officially over.

"I really mean it, you played amazing."

You were on the ground tying your cleats. Looking up at Ester you sighed. "What do you want?"

Her expression was hard to read, her eyes desperate to tell you somthing. "I..." She squealed.

You stood, hands on your hips. "Yes?"

She sighed. "I'm sorry it had to be this way...between us. You really deserve to play with the first team but so do I. I've fought all of my life for this position."

"And I haven't?" You gasped. "Ester if you've got somthing else to say to me I rather not hear it." You turned your back on her and walked away, however, she fought to catch up to you.

"Come on Y/N. At least now you get to be with your boyfriend. I mean it was his idea."

"Whatta hell are you talking about Ester. I don't have a boyfriend."

"Could have fooled me." She chuckled, to which you frowned. "Ruben practically begged me not to tell the club officials about you two. He told me that he would talk to the coaches on the first team, tell them how you were having problems settling into a new country, mental problems, that were effecting your performance."

"He did what?"

Suddenly you lost the sensation of your hands and feet.

Ester nodded. "It worked. The coaches on the first team didn't want to put pressure on you by calling you up to play for them and so they picked me instead. It's a win-win for both of us since you get to be with Ruben and I get to play."

You were lost for words, trying to make sense of her words that were like riddles to your ears. However one thing was clear, Ruben had betrayed you, and for what?

[mikachacha]

𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚃𝚘𝚘 𝚆𝚎𝚕𝚕 (𝙱𝚊𝚍𝚊 𝙻𝚎𝚎 𝚡 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛) 𝙿𝚝. 2

Synopsis: Your relationship with Bada is starting to get rocky, especially after that encounter with Howl.

Warnings: manipulation, gas lighting, love bombing, toxic relationships and behaviours, angst, some light fluff

(A/N: So yeahhh this'll be one hell of a rollercoaster ride)

𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚞𝚎 | 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 1 | 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 2 | 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 3 | Part 4 |

Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

You sat opposite Bada, the silence is deafening as you waited for her to explain what the hell just happened and why she didn't mention Howl to you. She sighs and drummed her fingers on the table as she could feel your gaze on her, waiting for her to speak up. Bada met your gaze, reaching to hold your hands and placing kisses on them.

"Baby.. You know that I love you, right? You know that I'm just so set on protecting you and your feelings and the thing with Howl.. I didn't tell you because I thought it wasn't too important. He's nothing, he was just a summer time thing. We dated a bit before I moved to the states but that was it. I cut all my contacts with him, didn't talk to him and didn't even see him until now.. Please don't be mad at me and forget him.. He's no one important." you looked at Bada, you wanted to obey her when she said to forget about Howl but then Bada has been acting really strange ever since you got to Korea. She's been weird and all the things that happened made it hard for you to process your emotions, her words. Everything overwhelmed you.

"I'm tired.. Can we just go home? I wanted to sleep." you told her and she nodded, calling over the waiter to order food to take out so she could take you home.

"I'm sorry baby.. This is all my fault. I promise I'll make it up to you, yeah? I'll make things better. How about we go home, watch some movies while eating the foods I ordered until you fall asleep? I'll even give you a massage so you can relax. We'll be watching your favorite movies or that series you told me about a few days ago. Anything for my baby to make up for everything that happened today and because she deserves it." Bada really knew to say the right words whenever you're upset. Knew how to push all the right buttons to sway you to her. She knew she succeeded when she saw that faint smile ghosting your lips and the excited nod you gave.

When the food arrived, she immediately paid for it before she stood up, wrapping her scarf around your neck as she said she didn't want you catching a cold from the cold autumn air. She grabbed the bag full of food and held your hand with the other before leading you outside and to her car. She opened the door for you before placing the bag at the backseat. She made sure that you're comfortable in your seat before she got on the driver's side and began driving back to her parents' house. It felt like everything was normal again, you and her singing along to the song playing as she drove, laughing along to some jokes and just having a good time trapped in your own little world.

Bada did everything she said she was gonna do with you. The moment you set foot inside her room, she immediately got to work on making the bed comfortable for you, she even grabbed some drinks and a few snacks from the kitchen before playing the series you were really looking forward to watching with her. She'd feed you food, place random kisses on your cheek and your lips when she found it too boring that got you giggling as you snuggle to her side some more. You felt like you're the luckiest girl in the world to have a sweet and very caring girlfriend. Bada even joined you on your skincare routine before you went to sleep just to make you feel so special since you've been practically begging her to do skincare with you.

The next morning, you were up early. You wandered to the kitchen and saw that Bada's mom was cooking breakfast. You asked if you could help her and she agreed which made you feel really happy. It was a bit of a struggle since you don't know Korean that well and she doesn't know English that much but the both of you had a great time talking and cooking together. After everything was done, you helped her set the table and knowing Bada won't be up for another 30 minutes, her mom took out the photo albums and showed you childhood pictures of Bada, even telling you some embarrassing and silly stories from your girlfriend's childhood.

"What are you guys looking at?" Bada asked when she walked in the kitchen and found you with her mom, looking through the photo albums. You just looked at her, a playful grin on your face as you mouthed 'baby pictures' to her. Her cheeks turned red upon realizing and tried to get her mom to stop showing you her childhood pictures but it was too late. You laughed and patted her back, telling her she was a very adorable kid.

Breakfast went by smoothly, you and Bada's mom got along really well. She even asked if you and her could bond over cooking meals which you happily agreed to. It's one way to reconnect to your roots and maybe if she likes you enough, she'd accept you as Bada's girlfriend. Bada told you to get ready for the day as she's meeting with some old friends and that she wants to bring you along. You were pretty excited and got ready after helping Bada's mom clean up after breakfast.

You put on the best casual outfit you could pull off and Bada couldn't help but snap some pictures of you together with you looking so pretty so she can send it to her group chat with her friends. You headed out together and she met with her friends at some restaurant downtown. They were very nice to you, especially Lusher and Tatter. There were some guys as well but you couldn't really remember their names.

It was good at first, all of you laughing together and just enjoying it but then they switched to speaking Korean. You could understand a little but it was hard for you to keep up so you just sat there awkwardly. You held Bada's hand under the table but she quickly took her hand back and went back to talking to her friends. You did your best to not cry there and just stayed quiet the whole time. You felt alone even though you're there with a lot of people. You barely knew them and your girlfriend could care less about you, she couldn't be bothered to check if you're okay or include you in some conversations.

You couldn't take it any longer so you excused yourself, saying you're not feeling well and told Bada you'll just wait in the car. You hurriedly got out of the restaurant and went to the parking lot to just sit in the car. It was much better than being inside there with them but no one is talking to you nor acknowledging your existence. Not five minutes later, you saw Bada storming towards the car and she didn't look too pleased.

"What the fuck was that for?! That was so embarrassing Y/N!" Bada blew off and you were taken aback. You were expecting her to check on you, see if you're okay but you were proven wrong. She's yelling at you for embarrassing her in front of her friends. You couldn't take it any longer, your tears fell as you got out of the car to face her.

"Oh yeah?! That was embarrassing?! You know what, fuck you! I don't know what your purpose is for bringing me here with you. I don't know why you thought it was a damn good idea bringing me with you to see your friends if you're just gonna discard me! I felt so alone there! I was sitting with people who are practically strangers to me and you didn't even give a shit if I'm okay, if I'm doing good or if I'm still comfortable while I sat there in silence not knowing what to do and you let go of my hand as you chatted with them!" you yelled back at her and Bada was a bit shocked when you raised your voice at her. It was like she was snapped back to reality before pulling you in a tight embrace. You tried to get away from her but you were too weak. You just cried and sobbed in her arms, her whispering sorry to you. You begged her to drive you back to her house to which she did.

The whole drive back was filled with silence except for your sobs and sniffles here and there. You feel like shit, you wanted to go back to the states and pretend nothing happened but you also didn't want to leave Bada. Even though your whole relationship is in shambles right now, you couldn't bring yourself to leave her. So with a shaky breath, you placed your hand above hers on the steering wheel which made her look at you for a moment.

"I'm sorry.." you told her, your voice a bit hoarse from all the crying and for yelling at her earlier.

"It's okay, baby.. I love you.." was her response. Not 'sorry' which you wanted to hear but at least she still loves you, right?

[batgirlsay]

Fallen Threads Across the Dancefloor

An Obiyuki Week 2024 Playlist for Day 7: West Coast Swing (Free Day) by @snowwhite-andtheknight

Been waiting to use these songs for over a year after remembering some perfect Postal Service songs and discovering some new Beths songs! The playlist started out with a “Red String of Fate” theme, but it also works for this swinging friends-to-lovers theme. There’s even kinda a swing beat in the title lyric track “Our Braided Lives” and maybe a few more. I actually used to swing dance for fun and I’m glad West Coast Swing was added to the prompt list, it’s perfect for Obiyuki!

Took a while to figure out a good order for this playlist without putting two songs by the same band next to each other… ended up starting with a night out and the consequences (and feelings) that ensued… ending in Obi style with his overwhelming doubts.

Fallen Threads Across the Dancefloor

A Tattered Line of String- The Postal Service Untangled Love- Brandon Flowers Our Braided Lives- Matt Pond PA Brand New Colony- The Postal Service Jump Rope Gazers- The Beths Sugar River- Matt Pond PA Just Shy of Sure- The Beths Glory of the Snow- Clairo Unraveling- Violents and Monica Martin Keep The Distance (Demo)- The Beths

Summary lyrics are cited after the cut (and bonus feels Obi):

A Tattered Line of String- The Postal Service

You've got a tattered line of string And you tied 'round everything That you want to call your own But it never seems to hold

When we walk, we agreed That we would not ever speak of of this night to anyone that we both knew

Then you said "Every time we kissed I felt something that couldn't exist"

Untangled Love- Brandon Flowers

Well let's say that now's the time to start Blessed all, the young at heart

I've been looking for untangled love But it's hard to get a handle on I always hoped I'd see the light Break the bad luck in my life

It's been twenty-one years since I left home I've been looking for a place to call my own I see the silver lining shining like polished gold

Untangled love I can see it in your eyes Untangled love You took me by surprise

Our Braided Lives- Matt Pond PA

Our braided lives At times I'm tied Fallen threads across The bedroom floor

Will this not end? Will this star claim us all?

The space between Our wandering hands I might not have to be Alone anymore The night could end The dark could leave us all

Far below the glowing Ceiling sky The night will end The dark will leave The time begins For us to see it all

Brand New Colony- The Postal Service

I'll be the phonograph that plays your favorite albums back As you're lying there, drifting off to sleep

I'll be the platform shoes, undo what heredity's done to you You won't have to strain to look into my eyes

I'll be your winter coat, buttoned and zipped straight to the throat With the collar up, so you won't catch a cold

Start a brand new colony Where everything will change We'll give ourselves new names, identities erased The sun will heat the grounds Under our bare feet in this brand new colony

Jump Rope Gazers- The Beths

I've never been the dramatic type But if I don't see your face tonight I, well I guess I'll be fine

Decipher the signs Like we're slowly coming together Yeah it's slowly coming out about us

Oh I, I think I love you And I think that I loved you the whole time

How could this happen We were jump rope gazers in the middle of the night Hide my heart behind a brighter light So you struggle straining eyes to find Why we made it this way

My hopes are prone to elevate But the way your mind and mine relate It breaks the patterns we make

I was just waiting for the grazes on my hands to mend I was afraid of the sting

And I wanna give it my best try How could this happen We were jump rope gazers

Sugar River- Matt Pond PA

Hollow hearts don't know their wrong from right The world we're waiting for won't disappear The world we're waiting for is all right here

Along the river bank the root stays strong Heart of hearts you know there's nothing wrong

The world we're waiting for will shake our dreams Move them through the dark and down the street

Reaching and rallying they merge every time Our ties become part of the way we survive To stare down the shadows Made up in the hollows We're safe in these seconds There's proof in your eyes

Sugar river rolling through the night Rushing under the midnight sky

Just Shy of Sure- The Beths

Love in memory Was a plague that consumed me Shifted all my priorities

I have kept the hurt buried deep into winter dirt I watch at night when the mound stirs This is not the burn I've known It's an ache in my every bone Maybe you want to be alone

When do things suffice? Can you be happy all your life? Do you think it can happen twice? Maybe that's a swing Hey, you can't win without entering Are you cool to lose everything?

Weak, but I'll pretend That you still want me I'm the one you adore But I'm just shy of sure

Glory of the Snow- Clairo

I can feel there's something in the between For a moment, I heard you talking to me

I pull on the string that binds me To memories of the way I loved you I push on the door, the one I've ignored The one that leads me to you

Glory of the snow I'm waking up and now I know

I can see there's someone looking for me For a moment, I heard the rustling lеaves

Sweeping under rugs, the one I was not gonna Gonna dance on again

Unraveling- Violents and Monica Martin

Wide-eyed wonder, where did you go? Pagan cynic, constant critic, friend to a foe I'm unraveling

I much prefer you the way that I found you And I hate who I am when I am around you But you're far away and I need you close to me A sad simple truth that's lost in the irony

Keep The Distance (Demo)- The Beths

We kept the distance Kept it at no one’s insistence Pushing against no resistance but ourselves It’s not complicated Lovers get humiliated I wanted you but couldn’t say it out loud

There's a hole in my memory It's widening with each new entry Blooming like a flower when everything falls through Each death and redemption Each second of increasing tension Every ounce of pure prevention we hеld to

If you’re heading out then I insist you make a move But if it’s not the moment Then bottle up the breath I’m holding Sorry to my serotonin Some bad news

We’re caught, torn in the fabric Enthrallеd, drawn like a magnet But we keep the distance Just an attempt to get by

[romanoffsbish]

A Worm in the Big Apple

Kate Bishop x Fem!Reader

Requested by: @rhayanm

Prompts | 1,796 Words

“I've loved you since the moment I first laid my eyes on you.” (3)

Kate's heart soared when she saw you from across the ice skating rink, that initial chance that you'd have to miss this date for work weighing heavy on her mind, but the revelation that you were able to work it all out made her ecstatic. Between your job, and her Avenging it's been hard to wake up in the same bed most mornings, let alone to have a date night.

"Ello love.," you playfully greeted your lover, briefly catching her smile as you promptly pulled her in for a hug. Kate knew that you were cold, if the unconscious shiver of your body was any indication, but she would never pass up on being in your embrace., "Honey, you've lived in New York for how long?," but that doesn't mean she won't teas you a bit., "When will you finally remember to layer?"

"Well, if I layer then how will I get to wear your jackets?," you teased right back, burrowing even deeper into her embrace, and breathing her scent in, and relishing in how all your stress from the week seems to melt away, like it always does when Kate's with you., "My love, it's 28 degrees, there's no way I'm giving you this jacket.," she softly, but sternly lies, not that she knew in the moment it was a lie, it's just the laws of her chivalrous nature that you'll soon be in the checkered overcoat., "We'll see."

———————

Within thirty minutes you were pouting, the chill from the ice you've now fallen upon multiple times having sent your body into a wave of erratic shivering. Kate didn't even question it, she was swift in her movements, slipping her outermost layer off, and onto your body instead. Then she eagerly pulled you into another hug, holding you tightly until the shivering subsided, and in doing so she missed your accomplished smirk., "How about some cocoa, hm?," you nodded against her chest, then pulled back to look into her eyes before gently kissing her., "Sounds perfect Kitkat."

Kate blushed hearing the nickname only you ever used for her, it was silly, but it always made her feel like the most sacred person in your vast circle of people. It was an obvious truth, but the feeling itself came in moments like this. Where the world seems to fade away, where you just stare into each others eyes, and share the sweetest of loving touches.

Whether it be a light stroking of your fingers over her cheeks, or a gentle kiss to her lips, it never fails to get her heart racing, along with having the opposite effect on her mind. You were always her place of calm, in this new world of hers, full of uncertainties, she always knew she had you to look to for grounding.

"Shall we go?," you broke the blissful moment, though you were enjoying the intimacy, you were also desperate for a warm cup to combat your gloveless hands dull numbness., “Let’s.,” her gloved hand interlocked with yours, filling your soul with envy, but you settled it with a reminder that you indeed played yourself.

As you strolled down the streets of Manhattan with your hands intertwined you pondered how Kate always fared so well with the cold. The brutal chill in the air never seemed to phase the native New Yorker, the one who was always prepared for your irresponsible nonchalance to the warned about weather. Which is why she had put on thermals for her first layer, and over that she wore a long sleeve with leggings, then over all of that, for optimal warmth, she put on a purple sweatsuit.

Kate’s hand slipped from yours, in a protective manner her hand now held onto your waist as she guided you into Caffé Reggio, and you sighed upon entry as the central heating of the establishment engulfed you entirely. The usual workers were behind the counter, nodding to the both of you in acknowledgment that your usual will be right up, so Kate escorted you to the booth the two of you coined as yours. The familiar initials carved into the aged wood an embodiment of that sentiment, and just like every time before Kate watches you with a soft smile as you trace over the faded markings.

The hot chocolate, yours with an overload of whipped cream and chocolate strips, were brought out within the first few minutes. A tingling sensation runs along your fingers, pulling a wince from you as you’re slowly regaining feeling in your fingers, and Kate shakes her head fondly., “You’ll never learn.,” her teasing laughter made you glare at her, but with the whipped cream on your upper lip and nose all the woman could do is laugh harder.

It warmed your heart, sure, you still kept up the angry facade for a brief moment longer, then she leaned over the table to kiss your lips, causing you to melt into her, then she pecked your nose, and pulled back with a wink., “There, all clean.,” you rolled your eyes, but your hand on the table was soon filled with hers, and the cafe with your shared laughter as you told one another about your weeks gone by over a plate of fries and shared UNO sandwich.

After two hours of nonstop conversation Kate noticed the way your eyes drooped, but your mouth continued on moving as if you’d had the energy of a hundred tiny kittens, when really you were more like a bear in the dead of winter. It was endearing to say the least that you didn’t want to express your tiredness, but if she was going to accomplish what she had planned for the night, then it’d be best to head home now.

Without needing to say anything she settled a $100 bill onto the table, stood to her feet, then reached down for your hand, and though you pouted indignantly up at her, she saw the overall gratitude in your stare as you accepted her offered hand. With the weather having dropped a few degrees there was an urgency in your walk, so much so that even with Kate’s hand in yours you were a couple paces ahead. Normally Kate would be beside you, keeping up with you an easy feat, but she actually appreciated the distance, because it gave her the element of surprise when she dropped your hand upon reaching the apartment complex.

"I've loved you since the moment I first laid my eyes on you.," Kate blurts, the nervousness she feels reverberates throughout the corridor, you turn around to give her a puzzled look, but as she drops down onto one knee you understand, and tears instantly brim your eyes., "In Miss. Jefferson's computer tech class our first year, when you flashed me that adorable smile, and nervously introduced yourself I knew you were going to wind up with my heart in your hands, and look at us now, I was right; like always.," the way you rolled your eyes only made her teasing smirk widen before her face became intimidatingly pensive.

"Everything has changed for us in this last year Y/N/N, I had a bit of a career swap here.," she winked at you, trying to lighten the mood and her abundance of nerves., "But through all of it we never changed, our love never wavered, and to be honest mine for you only ever deepened.," Kate could see you were eager to interrupt, her heart was eagerly hoping it would be with a yes., "Let me finish please.," her free hand grabbed onto yours for stability before she felt she could continue on.

"No matter where this life takes me, I don't see a reality where it's without you by my side.," her winter air chapped lips pressed softly to your ring finger, an expectant shiver ran down your spine as you felt the residual chill, and prepared for the lingering question in the air., "I hope I am not off base to assume you're on the same page.," you rapidly shook your head, and she softly chuckled., "Good..."

"Y/N Y/L/N—absolute light of my life, will you do me the greatest honor of my life and say that you'll marry me?," with tears running down your face you vigorously nodded, momentarily unable to speak you shoved your hand in her face instead, but she patiently waited for your composure to return, because she was desperate to hear you confirm her dreams aloud., "Yes, Kate, a million times over, now get up here damnit, and kiss your fiancé!"

Kate slid the diamond ring onto your finger in due haste, because within the next second she was jumping to her feet, and lifting you off the ground to spin around, the genuine nature of your giggling spread a warmth throughout her entire body. That euphoric feeling you inspired motivated her next movements, easily giving into your requests she gently pushed you against the brick wall of your apartments to press her lips to yours in a passionate kiss.

"I love you Kitkat.," she pulled away from your lips, clearly too busy smiling to maintain the kiss after your tender whisperings., "I love you too worm.," she grinned as she used the old nickname, her hands held you up by your lower back when you threw your head back with bellyaching laughter, but once you settled you narrowed your eyes at your now fiancée ., "Thought that nickname died with your education.," she playfully rolled her eyes at you before pecking your lips,, "Nope...."

The technical jargon might hold more of a negative connotation in the world of tech; to Kate though it held a more profound truth, if not for that introductory class, or the world of tech in general, she never would've met you, and then never would have had the pleasure of letting you worm your way into her heart.

Before you could rebuke the silly nickname that you secretly adored, Kate was throwing your body over her shoulder, and while she was carrying your squirming form through the door she chuckled., "See, you're a total worm.," the archer gently dropped you onto the couch then just as gently she crawled atop of you with a smirk., "At least now you know I'd still love you if you randomly shifted into one one day."

Her eyes were alit with a mix of amusement and accomplishment when you broke out into another fit of hearty laughter beneath her, it was a sound she had missed terribly, and while she's able to be home she'll stop at no expense to hear it, because truthfully, keeping you happy is the archers number one priority.

Because really, what is love without joy?

——————————————

For clarity:

Worm -- Just like when you hear a doctor use the term “worm” when diagnosing a problem you have, “worm” in information technology usually indicates a bad thing. As a cousin of the computer virus, “a software worm crawls across systems, either seeking specific data or exploiting vulnerabilities which can in turn be used to exploit other systems” 1. Yikes.

[maguro13-2]

Shattered Hero Rekindled ~ Origins of the Ink Demon : Episode Maka Pt.2 ~

*Somewhere in Japan*

[Outset Islannd's theme plays]

*people murmuring*

Lucy Heartfilia : *on the phone* Hey, listen. Look I know, that the Rave Master show was not good as it looks, but hey, at least your story finally ended. Oh, with Haru and...the carrot nosed dog? You mean the other companion? He had glory before he came across me, we'll do respect. But hey, I guess you are the greatest of the greatest, but you finally kept my promise. So that's why I decided to take your place and become the first duo that I ever needed to be. Hmm? Hold on, Elie. I got another call, it's this guy.

*Phone beeps*

Lucy Heartfilia : What do you want, Dragon Breath?

Natsu via Phone : Did you get the groceries like I asked you to? How come you buy all this stuff to your place that we are currently at?

Lucy Heartfilia : Because, Natsu Dragneel. My family's rich and I'm not called a rich, but I'm also affluent. You're just an outsider like I am. So we're good and that's how we get along.

Natsu via Phone : Yeah, Yeah, we'll get along. Just try not to do anything or we'll not do anything stupid, okay.

Lucy Heartfilia : That's good to hear, Natsu. That's the kind of guy I wanna know.

"LUCY HEARTFILIA : Heroine of Fairy Tail"

*scene changes to Lucy on a Moped*

Lucy Heartfilia : Oh that darn Natsu. He always eats me out of home everyday, I've got to make sure that he needs to get feed well, he hasn't been taking any showers, since he had first contact with me. But I dreamed that I joined the main titular guild that has ever swept the entire nation in the world of...

"FAIRY TAIL!"

Lucy Heartfilia : That's what becoming a hero is about, the world of Fairy Tail Isn't about weaponry or sorcery, it's about weapon and sorcery that is magic! My dream of becoming a hero is what I'm gonna prove that I will be the cool and better lucy, right after other Lucy who died back then. I wonder what happened to the original Lucy from Elfen Lied since Drawcia Family created two copies of her?

*cutaway shows Lucy from Elfen Lied in HIFL/Hell"

Lucy : Oh, I'm gonna kill that Kouta for dragging me here! I knew I should've gone back to earth.

Mariko : Oh yea!? Well kiss my Diclonius butt for no reason, sucker! *SMACK x2* HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT, TRAGIC VILLAIN WITH A BROKEN PAST AND A KILLER, BOY KILLER!?

Lucy : Oh, you're just asking for it!

Frieza : WILL YOU TWO, SHUT UP!? SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO GET SOME REST HERE!

King Cold : [To Frieza] Be nice to the new neighbors, will you?

Frieza : Yes, father.

*changes back to Lucy Heartfilia*

Lucy Heartfilia : I'm sure that the new Lucy of the anime manga world will be better and ever perfect, the new Lucy that is me! Lucy Heart...

*LOUD ROARING*

Lucy Heartfilia : Huh? What was that noise?

[Growl From the Wild Sky by Hideaki Kobayashi]

Lucy Heartfilia : Say...What the--?

*sees a De Regan roaring*

Lucy Heartfilia : Woah! A Dragon? But where did it come from? I better go check it out. Hmm? Is that...

*Elie is shown battling the De Regan*

Lucy Heartfilia : Elie!? Hang on, Elie! I'm coming!

*FIRING RAPIDLY*

Elie : Come on, you beast! You wanna go for another round? I'll show you making another round! Catch this! HUAAAAAAH!!!

*DBZ SFX : Strong Kick*

Elie : Woah! Looks like someone had a nasty appetite for someone losing their breakfast! Guess I'll won't fret like an omelette, cause you're about to be cooked!

Lucy Heartfilia : Hey, Elie! I'm coming for ya!

Elie : Lucy! What are you doing here!? This is Clear Heart Force business!

*De Regan roaring*

Elie : *gasped in shock* Lucy! Get away from here! This place isn't safe for you!

Lucy Heartfilia : Say what?

*De Regan charging*

Lucy Heartfilia : *yells in horror* Bad idea! Bad idea! Bad Idea! Bad idea!

*Lucy turns around*

Lucy Heartfilia : Bad idea! Bad Idea! Bad Idea! Wait a sec...I got another idea.

*Lucy converts into her Clear Hear uniform*

Lucy Heartfilia : I could go from this, to this! So I could win like this!

Elie : Now I understand where her uniform is.

Lucy Heartfilia [to De Regan] Hey, ugly! Get ready!

*DBZ SFX : Jump*

Lucy Heartflia : Take this!

*DBZ SFX : Meteor Flash*

*De Regan Roaring in pain*

Erza : And now, you're finished!

*DBZ SFX : SLASH+CUT OFF*

*DBZ SFX : Wall Hit/Crash*

Elie : Amazing work, Lucy!

Lucy Heartfilia : Yeah, Good work on...Eh, I didn't do that with a weapon do I?

Erza : Nice work, Lucy. You owe me a favor on stopping that dragon.

Curtz : That was some great skills, young girl. Your subordinates need to rely on your orders from Clear Heart Force.

Erza : Will all do.

Lucy Heartfilia : Hmm? Who are you?

Curtz : I am Fulyen Curtz, Captain of the 177th Counter-SEED Fleet.

"FULYEN CURTZ : Captain of the 177th Counter-SEED Unit"

Erza : Yeah we stopped a Dragon from ever burning a village. We just had get a little entourage that this thing came from another universe with a different setting. It's from the PSU. Get a load of the De Regan's body, his bodily fluids are full of paint or colorful substance of Ink.

Elie : Huh? What? Ink?

Lucy Heartfilia : So that thing's a fake? What this thing's made of...?

*De Regan melts into a pool of his remains*

Curtz : Like that we had to purify this area due to certain amount of quarantine from the infested areas.

Elie : So...Fighting that Dragon was literally a distraction, a decoy perhaps?

Erza : Just your luck, it's also stated is someone using Ink to create copies of us, but apparently, this would've look liked that it was the work of Drawcia Family. Just your daily fact that slaying a dragon right here is what we mirror the battle between the Samurai of Wano and the Dragon itself.

Lucy Heartfilia : Maybe it was some kind of orientation that the attack from this dragon is pretty superstitious knowing since that it has been a fake.

Elie : Yeah, it was only practice. So we need to get out of her and make sure we're all right.

Curtz : Will do. But just watch your back, If I see anyone trespass this area, all violators must be facing federal charges in violations against the law or those will have to be purified!

Elie : Fine! We're going then!

Lucy Heartfilia : Yeah, we're coming.

*the three leaves*

Curtz : You there.

Lucy Heartfilia : *stops for a moment* Hmm?

Curtz : I hope you have a good future in your life.

Lucy Heartfilia : Thanks for that matter.

*walks up with with Erza and Elie*

Erza : Well, that was strange, he gave us a fair warning about areas being purified, I bet that De Regan is such a pain that it came out of nowhere.

Elie : Yeah, pretty doubt that!

Lucy : Oi, Erza. I dedicated that we'd be thanking to you for saving the village. I owe the people of Japan our gratitude for helping them save the village prefecture.

Elie : Yeah, we'll be happy to know it.

Erza : Good. You two would make the best duo of being the top notch members of the elite forces of Cleart Heart Force, it's our duty to fight off the evil that lies within this planet.

Elie : Of course! It'll be easy! Lucy will definitely be hero once she's taking my place as heroine of Rave Master, oh wait. Rave Master went down bad since the show was no good.

Erza : Yeah, I thought so.

Elie : You got a moment?

Erza : Exactly. So I want you to let me know that as a proud member of Clear Heart Force, our job is to rid the evils that threatens the entire world and this is what I have been trained of being the elite member of Clear Hear Force. This is what we need for some serious training. I had years of practice.

Lucy : Same thing here, Erza. We'll be lucky that. Yeah, being member of the force is one tough job for you, Haru, that makes you...the rookie.

Elie : It's true. I am the rookie of the force. I'm currently still in training.

Erza : Indeed, you are the rookie of the Clear Heart Force. Which is why you joined me. You got a lot of ways if you want to stay alive, and focus on your skills. That goes to you, expert of Clear Heart.

Lucy Heartfilia : Expert? Oh, right, I did join the force to become a skillful girl force and I had the rights to be a hero I am today.

Erza : Certainly. And oh one more thing for me, Elie.

Elie : Yes, Erza?

*DBZ SFX : PUNCH X2+BOING*

Lucy Heartfilia : OW! What was that for!?

Elie : What gives? That hurt!

Erza : *angry vein icon* If I ever see you going into trouble alone, you're gonna regret the same mistake that you did. So if fighting dragon and doing someone else's work as a tough job for a Clear Heart girl, no one on this planet would save your sorry little asses. Now let's head back to headquarters. We got a ceremony to the entrance for the rookie.

[Dai 81 Kidou Fuhyoushidan 25 Ki Sei by Masamichi Amano]

"Clear Heart Force HQ"

Cleart Heart Force Leader : Fellow Clear Heart Force Operatives, thank you for coming to the ceremonial. We at headquarters have finally completed the rookie training. We want to congratulate on Elie welcoming to the force, as an elite and as a warrior for to be the most powerful hero in the system. A top notch graduate and the world's greatest martial arts champion. Those who are skillfull and powerful to become the newest recruits that defends the innocence for humanity's sake. Women of the organization must train hard and never fail the mission to complete your tasks! This is the given opportunity of save mankind from the forces. Now get out there and train some more. An without further ado, no hesitations asked. I want all of you to do the best for yourselves with diginity and respect.

*scene changes*

Elie : Hey, Lucy. I just wanna say congrats on me joining the force. It feels great to be a Clear Heart girl.

"Elie : Now Member of the Clear Heart Force"

Lucy Heartfilia : Yeah, you'll be great. Although you did say that you wanted to join the force, but hey, at least, you haven't forget that I am the #1 hero of all!

Elie : Right. Now that you have decided to take place. I guess I should see you again, ehh, Lucy?

Lucy Heartfilia : *nods* Yeah, you two!

Elie : Then I'll see you in the morning!

*fists bump*

*scene changes to Lucy's apartment*

Lucy : Hey, guys, I'm back. Wow...the place is cleaned. I wonder if I got back here in time to make sure there isn't a single spot?

Happy : Actually that was us.

Natsu : We cleaned it for you.

Lucy Heartfilia : Good. Good, I got home from the store to pick up groceries, but was in a pickle after finding that there was a dragon terrorizing the village.

Natsu : Oh that's clear of you, but when did you say anything about Dragons?

"NATSU DRAGNEEL : Hero of Fairy Tail"

Natsu : Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. Happy decided to get the groceries for you instead of you getting it to us.

Lucy : What? You mean all of that going to the store was for nothing? Phew...I guess it was all too worth it.

Natsu : All too worthy you say, I bet the main reason is that those guys from the Ohkuboverse have no qualms for being that crazy. But I am glad that the dreamcast is finally over and welcoming to the next generation.

Lucy : Yep. We're next gens.

"NEXT-GEN HEROES"

Lucy : Coolio! Well, since we got all the groceries. I just wanted to make sure everything neat, okay. Natsu.

Natsu : Splendid.

Lucy : This is not the first time you ever achieving of being the hero of yourself. But if that's what you do on your first time, but remember, if any one catches up to you, feel free to defend yourself. *walks off*

Natsu : Yeah, we got. Okay then...I wonder what's on TV?

*Turns TV on*

Man on TV : We now return to the One Piece Show.

Natsu : Sweet. This looks great to watch this show.

Happy : How about this one. *changes channel* There.

Natsu : You're watching Sonic X on 4KIDS TV, on LSD.

Sonic on LSD : Man, Chris. 4KIDS is just out our minds!

*TV BUZZING*

News Anchor : We interrupt this program with some shocking news. Arch nemesis and brilliant scientist, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, also known as Dr. Eggman in Japan, has been kidnapped! According to the eye witness new, Dr. Eggman Nega, the man last seen in the Rush incident, is revealed to be not from Blaze's world, but a man from the future who seeks revenge on Sonic the Hedgehog and is being followed by another hedgehog who is also from the future as well, Princess of the Sol Dimension, Blaze the Cat, has no further comment.

Natsu : A video game arch enemy of the world's greatest gaming hero was kidnapped again? But why on earth would that other mustache man wanted to do with him?

Happy : That could be a mystery, but didn't the man said anything about another hedgehog? But where did he come from?

[Messages by Michiru Yamane]

Natsu : That could only be one thing. That other hedgehog is a hedgehog that has a lot of fur and snow white, and does ESP. They call him "SIlver".

Happy : Silver who?

Natsu : Silver the Hedgehog. He comes from the future to chase down Eggman Nega. But how did that happened? It all began with one incident. [thinking] Where did I heard some incident happening in the year of 06 before...?

Happy : I bet that this one video game company has something to do with making a new Sonic title in the year of 06, that's where the Solaris incident will take place in.

Natsu : Of course, Happy. If only they made game to call it Shadow 05, they're title would be the 06. Wait a sec...06, that's an idea. They should make a game call it Sonic 06. But first...in spite of Sonic 06 with development, I heard that hedgehog is participating in a race of hoverboards called Extreme Gear, what would that be?

Happy : It could be you know who.

~ Level 01 : Welcome to the Next Gen ~

[alinalioness]

Alina and Singing Monsters 12 Chapter:Ethereal island.

Meanwhile, with heroes.

The heroes have just arrived on the ethereal island. The island was quite mysterious, making the characters surprise.

Wonder:It's like space.

Ghatz:There are three elements to this island. Plasmas, darkness, mechanics, crystals and poison.

Christina:And what element does Lula have?

Alina:There are only two, plasma and crystal.

Sanya:Quietly. I hear a familiar voice.

The heroes turned to the voice and followed. When they arrived, they were surprised to see Lula with female monsters.

Heroes:Lula?

Lula:(She noticed the heroes) Guys?

They both approached each other, still wondering.

Kayna:We are very glad to see you, but it is still surprising that you would not have told us about the past if it had not been for Alina.

Alina:This is when I met you and knew that you were afraid to communicate with anyone.

Lula was shocked that Alina knew her background from somewhere. She sighed sadly and raised her head.

Lula:She's right... When I was born, I wasn't like the other sox. Although my parents and others treated me well, I was afraid. I decided it was better to leave the world of monsters and never come back.

Alina:I am very sorry for this, but the main thing is that you were treated like us.

Rare Arackulele(Web):She's right, we're all different and we get along.

Lula:Thanks.

Everyone hugged Lula tightly as the other monsters came over.

Nebulod:Oh, we see that your friends have come to you.

Lula:Yes, I am very glad to see you again. But I do understand that we are being chased by hunters, judging by the number.

Ghatz:Yes. There are no hunters yet. We can play a song to cheer everyone up.

Alina:Good luck, Lula.

Lula:Thank you.

The monsters of the ethereal island including Lula lined up and started playing a song.

Song "Ethereal islands"

After the song, everyone clapped until Lula noticed the airship.

Lula:Airship!

The heroes also noticed and were scared.

Furcon:We're lost.

Krash:(Noticed the bubbles) And we can fly on bubbles.

When he got there, he jumped and the bubble burst. Fortunately, Humbug managed to catch him.

Humbug:You could have crashed. These bubbles are not designed to fly.

Alina:(A lamp appeared on my head from the idea) Guys, I know what we need to do.

In a minute.

Everyone was holding dolls that looked like them.

Squidward:Are you sure this is going to work?

Alina:Since they're close now, we'll throw them into a bubble and teleport to the Sanctuary of Magic.

Julia:They're landing!

Alina:It's time.

The heroes threw the dolls into the bubble and went into the portal. The hunters were on the ground and noticed the puppets.

John:They're here! Take them!

The hunters immediately attacked, not suspecting that they were dolls.

Ho:Yeah! Gotcha!

John:(I noticed and realized that they were dolls) We were deceived! These are dolls! (Viciously threw the doll)They are generally smarter than us.

To be continued...

[paradoxrealm]

A Return Worth Waiting For...~

The frown didn't go unnoticed, Astel just barely catching a glimpse as she approached the mantle to examine it. As usual for Moon's world there wasn't a speck of dust to be seen, save for a thin little clump of red fuzz that almost went undetected. It was from the doll's little red felt coat... The only evidence that the Moonjumper doll was even there in the first place...

She slowly turned to look at him, the concern from all three minds deepening at the increasingly troubling situation the Reality Check had left them in.

"...I don't like this, 'stel..."

"...Neither of us do..."

"...I know, I don't like this either."

"...What do we do?"

"...I'm working on it. Whatever the Reality Check did to Moon has seemed to have made him craftier, trickier, more dangerous somehow... ...We'll have to play our cards carefully here."

You... don't remember? The doll I made for you the first time I was here?

She stared at him for a beat, searching for... something in his face or his expression that would give him away. But she knew that would be too easy. Whatever game Moon is playing now, she's going to have to play along. Because the doll can't be the only thing that's missing...

She needs to know what else has disappeared...

So she'll play Moon's game, but if there's one thing that he's forgotten about her it's that she's a pretty damn good liar herself.~

She seemed to shake the thought of the missing doll out of her head, a smile forming on her lips as she looked to the puppeteer behind her.

...Please forgive me, that was rather rude wasn't it.~ I suppose the Mom Brain is finally catching up to me, y'know?~ How about a tour, Moon?~ It's been so long that I don't quite remember where everything is.~

—————

His face didn’t seem to do anything at the mention of the doll, only ever tilting his head slightly. “Why of course. Just my Wonders, or the whole house?” He asked, neglecting to say anything about the doll.

[all-pacas]

SOME MORE

so one time they go on vacation together? accidentally? 13 is trying to travel the world and live it up, and she's like, i've never been to australia! should ask local expat where to go! and it turns out chase is simultaneously planning his like. once per decade trip home, so they're like haha let's go together no that would be dumb...unless... no we'll just meet up for coffee once while we're there won't that be funny

they spend like an entire week doing tourist shit. they have a great time. chase puts on an awful american accent most of the trip.

chase and amy are friends. like they're not close. definitely a "we are friends because we have 13 in common" situation, they don't hang out. 13 tries to send them on friend dates sometimes because she thinks it would be great if they could be one another's support network when she's gone. they get along ok but they're just playing along.

chase has a whole thing where "if you care about people it hurts worse when they abandon you," but he's not actually very good at being Cynical And Dark. just vaguely closed off. but that's why he doesn't let 13 do him favors. so she bullies him instead. "jokes" about statistics of addiction in children of alcoholics if he's drinking more often. "jokes" about setting him up with people. she hates feeling like she needs the help and support and to be "taken care of," and she can't open enough to go "hey i want to take care of YOU" so she retaliates by trying to bully chase

they drink coffee the same and weirdly specific way. idk what. it's nothing super weird it's just specific. like they both like blueberry vanilla shots or something. everyone finds this strange except them.

they both absolutely seem like Soccer/Football Kids. chase absolutely played as a teenager. 13 definitely played youth soccer. she has some old trophies. not sure they ever have played together but they both definitely were and they both knew it about the other at a glance.

they like to tease one another and i feel like generally 13 trolls more than chase. but she is definitely more protective too. like he'd defend her if need be, but he just has such a soaked dog demeaner he gets bullied so much more. very "i'm allowed to bully you, but not that guy" vibes.

they will easily go like 2 weeks without contact, just because they get busy, and then launch immediately into a "so i've been thinking about the purpose of empathy" insane philosophical debate. it's been a month, let's grab a drink to catch up, spend 6 hours arguing about the purpose of faith from an evolutionary standpoint. they think this is normal

chase doesn't actually find 13 all that "mysterious." he probably makes fun of her for it. but he's Weirdly Sharp when he wants to be he's just like ??? no she's easy to read???

something something they know one another's worst secrets and so are completely transparent to one another. 13 definitely doesn't buy chase's shrugging easy-going apathy either

at least once 13 solved one of Chase MD's cases from a text he sent her. it was deeply embarrassing for him. she will never let him live it down

foreman fundamentally does not get it and does not want to get it. he's not jealous or like. possessive of 13 being his ex or anything. he's happy they're friends. it's just also Super Weird. like he and chase will be talking and chase will get a text from 13 and he's just Vexed. how did this happen. why did it happen. do they talk about him (yes)

stupid chase 13 self indulgent sibling shit:

13 is the first one to jokingly refer to chase as her brother. except she calls him her younger brother. chase is like super touched but also hi i'm older than you "sure you are buddy". it's like an ironic "haha we're not actually siblings" joke except secretly no. it's not ironic

13 also has made at least a couple "let's go find dad" jokes about house. she finds it funny and deeply annoying that house and chase don't seem to Get It. it's very obvious to her that chase's deepest dream is for house to pat his shoulder and say "i'm proud my son" but they deny it

at least once 13 has pat chase's shoulder and gone "i'm proud my son"

at least once though. at least one time. "i killed my older brother." "i abandoned my younger sister to rehab." like they know. all their darkest shit. they don't want to be siblings because they did terrible things to their families. but it's why they are

they text. she's constantly sending him photos from her greek island. the food. the beach. look how hot my girlfriend is. he's in the middle of some gross procedure and gets a text of a beautiful sunset. he sends back a photo of a urine sample or some gross wound

when chase quit at the end of s8 and 13 swung by the next episode to talk with wilson the next day? she was staying with chase while she was in town. they mostly just hung out and watched nature documentaries. when wilson called she was like "oh i just happen to be in new jersey, let's meet up" while wearing sweats and sitting on chase's sofa

chase offers to kill her since house is gone and can't. they come up with a rough timeline and plan and then never discuss it again. until it's time.

at least a few dark "oh, shit, i'm wilson now, aren't i?" jokes from her in return. shit, the new house has a dying best friend too! except with so much less sexual tension!! they joke because they can't bring themselves to be serious about it. she tries to set him up with new friends. big advocate for choreman

idk but i get the feeling they'd watch crappy reality tv together.

they'll sometimes just have the darkest and most serious 1 am conversations about morality and souls and what makes a person good or evil, and then the next time they see one another instead of following up it's just "did you see real housewives last night"

chase has never asked 13 for a favor. like he'll ask her little things or let her pay for lunch, but that's about it. meanwhile she can call him at 2 am and he'll show up no questions asked. maybe kind of grumpy about it tho. kind of pisses her off he never lets her return the favor and sort of shut himself off emotionally after s6. but also it's nice? not the "chase's turn towards cynicism" part, but having a standing no questions asked deal.

when he annoys her enough, 13 DOES call chase "robbie" or worse "bobby" but he's never called her by her first name and probably never will

he didn't tell her he got stabbed and she was mad about it because see above. that was a real bobby day

chase knows she doesn't want to fuck around with more huntington's trials but he reads EVERY article and EVERY journal, just in case some miracle comes up. 13 meanwhile follows fake african country politics with a weird intensity to make sure diabla's forces aren't regaining power. they never discuss either thing with one another.

first time 13 visited Chase MD office she forced him to pose in front of the door and took like 15 photos like it was bobby's first day of school. absolutely humiliating

chase goes to 13 and amy's wedding. he's the only one of the PPTH folks who do (taub sends a card. they forgot to tell foreman.)

once 13 was like "we're both hot and single and should do what hot, single people do!" "....have...sex...?" "no, go to a gay bar" they actually go quite a few times

[lessoneislessthannow]

What really just blows the most about this situation . . .

Is that you're my fucking best friend, the one person on this earth that truly loved me, invested your everything in, because you know me better than that, because you know that isn't who I am and that wasn't me at my greatest potential. . .

Having to accept that I played a very large role into forcing you to sink with me or leave and we'd both have to learn how to swim, or ultimately sink.

And baby you were my world, HELD always be my person, every time I force myself to learn something I know would come easily to you, I want to call you and just give you praises for all the really fucking hard shit I didn't fucking see right in front of me were things I needed to learn too?! Yeah HOLY SHIT MAN HOW'D YOU LEARN TO DO ALL THIS? I KNOW NO ONE REALLY HELD YOUR HAND AND TAUGHT IT TO YOU EITHER. FUCK THIS SHIT GETS ROUGH SOME TIMES!

I'm sorry I was so sick and so stubborn and so spoiled and too fucking stupid not to have gotten on the learning curve with you ... moving to the springs A LESSON THAT I NEEDED TO LEARN TWICE before I woke the fuck up, realized I'm almost thirty and not well versed in nearly any of the trillions of topics we used to coverse about when we were mere teenagers.

I caught up really fast, and I'm not claiming to know the answers or how to do this correctly but if anyone wants to shed some advice or any tips they're greatly appreciated and welcomed.

I had to wake the fuck up, get the fuck better, fix all the faulty wiring, that was hard to do when everything I ever knew of life was now no longer any semblance of what I was awoken to. . . And then it's just been me, the few useful tricks and hacks I've picked up along the way, and then the actual sheer motivation to be me again, to not give up cause I don't know how, fuck it I said I'll fucking learn how to. And at that point, there was no purpose in delaying the test. So I signed up, studied the fundamentals I'd need within the given week I allotted my time to brush up before the big day

I gotta say...

I'm pretty fucking sure I'm acing it

As a whole, without the lessons or the absolute lack of experience. I just keep relying on the fundamentals and keeping my head collected and focused.

The focus is hard because I'm still distracted by you every time you return another section up to the desk cause I'm proud of you, in awe of you, and your sexy ass makes it hard not to touch.

But i don't wanna fail us both again, so I'm still here answering the problems in my section. We'll catch up and chat when the break bell rings and I'll get your mind distracted for a minute or two. But you better believe we're not skipping sections and we're not cheating on this test, if we both give our bests, we are inevitably bound to break record scores when it's all turned in for grading.

I'm gonna catch up to you eventually there's nothing else to do. Hell for my sake just admit I'm scoring higher than you in a few of these.

Some of the problems tend to require more scratch paper than supply, and some of them are so obvious, in retrospect, I wanna beat myself up for wasting time tripping up. Then there are some I force myself to solve for the akalade of achieving but no actual points scored... you always knew how to spot those and skip right over them. I like that about you...

Hell I am itching to know what was going on inside that beautiful fucking mind. But I've got my own test to take, so I'll restimulate my mind on my own page for now.

Do I ever pop into your mind and get your thoughts a little of track?

Cause now that I'm focusing in again, I need to address my original topic at hand.

WHAT FUCKING BLOWS is that I was too sick, too stupid, too fucking knows wtf was going on there... we already aced half this fucking test when we signed up to take it as a team, together. We had it in the bag, but I blew that for us, and other distractions were messing with our minds and we just decided to flunk out together thinking that I'd be better or easier for us to to restart it alone?!

That's fucking insanity, I should have kept my smart mouth shut the fuck up, you could have been a little more patient at times, but we had this all in the bag together, and we were young, why did we decide to compete against another when we'll never actually get to see our overall score. But it feels fucking stupid to be over here struggling on stupid shit your mind calculates like addition and subtraction, why didn't I help you more with some of these questions... if we had worked them out together we woulda solved it simply. Well we decided to flunk out and go at it alone.

Now that the times passed it all seemed to happen so quick.

It just makes me fucking sick to wonder what if we both gave it a go together now that my scores prove my ability to compete at your level, they always were and have been I just kept getting test anxiety and was fucking around getting distracted. . . I keep telling myself, you'll never be able to ace yours to your fullest ability if you were to go at it with me again. But then I sit here sometime and think though, you're biggest obstacle is only ever you and I may have just used all my detective work you said was useless wasted time, but I kept searching shit kid I'm sorry but this is the secret, it's called happiness, you really can insist on nothing but true happiness for yourself and to be surrounded by it. But i found the cheat sheet, and were not gonna copy it down line by line but it is a guarantee to acing 50% of the whole thing. And with the knowledge I was wasting my mind away acquiring... I learned a whole Lotta other useful shit for these questions were gonna waste our lives away answering... what if we just tried it together in a practiceround. What if we're the missing part that is always somehow messing with our minds and getting us distracted again.

This is stupid I shouldn't be thinking like this... i had to redefine and learn an entirely new vocabulary in order to qualify to test on my own. So now happiness is all things I choose to distract me from memories I once felt so incapacitated by to even open up the books I needed to study, and those memories had to be reprogrammed in a faulty but functional foreign language... now our memories are Beautiful to me and they don't hurt to the point I can't keep up with the race, they just are beautiful years of my beautifully broken but big Shiney and new life...

Damn, sometimes you just can't teach an old dog new tricks. I gotta restart my mind and keep it off these thoughts.

Any way kid, I'm so proud of you. I hope you're hanging in there...

The break period bell is gonna ring real soon...

I'll catch you then.

Love you always

[callistomeadowforge]

There were really just three main parts to all her operations. The second part; the hook and the diversion. | Task 010: The Interview

1 / 2 / 3

Once again, put on display. Expected to perform a show. Because it was all this was to them; entertainment. River squinted against the bright lights. Was Perry sitting at the Square, watching her right now? He was. He had to be. The alternative was far too harrowing to contemplate, though contemplated it she had.

She sat down as the applause petered out. Calix beamed at her.

"Ms Mallory--River, welcome. You look exquisite! I have no doubt that this brand of rustic chic will be everyone's fashion inspiration around here for a while, thanks to you."

Of course, it wasn't really her he was complimenting. It was the dozen layers of clown makeup and the tree dress to match.

"But speaking of around here, you have to tell us. How has the city treated you?"

"Oh, you know," she chuckled. Like a fraud. "It's definitely been fun exploring the tower. For one, you have really good coffee here. I mean out-of-this-world good. For two, you have an excellent pool. To be fair, I don't think I was actually allowed in there, but you guys won't tell anyone, right?"

The audience laughed, way too self-satisfied about being brought in on the joke, way too into themselves. It didn't matter. River knew how to play dumb innocence extremely well. She giggled when Calix shot her a conspiratorial wink. This wasn't so difficult, after all.

"And did you do all this exploring on your own or did you make new friends? Will we perhaps be seeing you working together with friends later in the arena?"

In the spirit of coming off personable, there was probably no harm to answer this one truthfully. Or mostly truthfully. "Yes! You all probably know that I know Fitz from home, but I've definitely made new friends, too. The other tributes are great," because she hadn't interacted with the careers save for Smith and Mason "--we've learnt plenty from each other," one way or another "--and you will definitely see me working with some of them."

"That's always heartening to hear. We know, though, that training is not without its challenges, even with the help of friends. Did you come across any difficulty at all?"

"Absolutely." River admitted. "I mean, I'm from Seven. The skills of our people revolve around climbing trees and swinging axes, and look at me, I'm not strong enough to even lift an axe." The crowd bellowed with laughter once again. "So, yeah, I had quite a bit of catching up to do."

Calix nodded, looking a little solemn for a moment, as if he understood how difficult it must have been for her. She had no doubt in her mind that he didn't.

"Well, if axes isn't your thing, you must have other strengths. Care to give us a few hints, at least?"

The nature of her strengths was that they needed to remain hidden in order to work. She clearly couldn't say this, so what should she say? "Oh, no, I can't spoil it!" River giggled. "Maybe I have a few tricks up my sleeves. You'll see. Honestly, though, what I know for sure is just that I'm going to do my best. I want to go home--and I'll do everything I can to do so."

"We love to hear that! We'll definitely be looking out for these tricks. And who will you be going home to?"

Her time was almost up. It had probably been Calix's intention all along to wrap on this note. Her voice faltered a little when she spoke this time, but that should work in her favour. She certainly hoped it did. "My cousin, Perry. It's just the two of us, he practically raised me. He-- he suffered an injury recently. So, yeah, I have to go home, Calix. I have to."

Calix pressed a hand to his heart while the audience cooed with sympathy. River could've gagged at the supposed display of emotion. Did they not realise that Perry's beating had ultimately also been for their entertainment? Did they not realise that she would've been happier never having to leave home?

Another round of applause escorted her off stage. Maybe the same noise would carry her off to her death, too.