yoursfirfun

[aeolianblues]

Aaahhh, I'm so nervous, I'm packing for London, and my whole family has spooked me out about the cultural differences between dressing in North America and the UK, going all 'oh Brits and Europeans, they really don't appreciate North American slacker dressing, they dress less casually than you guys so you better pack your best clothes especially for when you go out' and I'm like... ?? Are you thinking of Victorians, European socialites or telling me that Brits don't wear jeans and a tee, what's going on.

Like my look for the last few weeks has been 'rockstar at a photoshoot' (kinda taken from Razorlight's mid-00s shoots ngl), the look of mildly interesting graphic tee with jeans or trousers tucking in the shirt and a sorta smart jacket on top, which works great with the weather getting colder. And just because people rarely ever see me without one, a scarf (I just think they're neat). I'm not sure I'd call that slacker, like I sure as hell shouldn't need to go for 'jaw dropping backless strapless dress with rhinestone-encrusted pencil heels' in order to look formal, UGH. I am 100% cis but I really struggle with 'smart' dressing expectations for women.

Being away from home for a few years for uni was one of the best things I did because suddenly there was an option, that I could set a hard boundary that wearing dresses wasn't for me, that I didn't necessarily need to turn up in perfectly smooth, waxed legs and a skirt, masterfully pulling off some impressive heels and smiling the right way with a big smile on my playfully, youthfully sparkly lip-glossed lips. Suddenly, I could simply exist outside of that if I wanted to. The push and pressure to have appropriate 'evening wear' and an evening wear-appropriate body have been guns to my head for like a decade now. And I have never once looked comfortably, confident or happy in one of those.

Being on my own, going out to shops without my family, slowly my own taste began to emerge. I found my styles, I found my layers. My 'bad, slacker American' look (we're not even American). I found the scarves, the quarter zips, the military-style/Libertines jackets, the open shirt tied around your waist, a neckerchief, cargos with a billion pockets, bell bottoms, cuffed jeans, bold coloured jackets. Long sleeves under tees. Cool sunglasses. Boots. I've been approached by actual strangers who have only come up to tell me that they love my look (thankfully when my friends were around because I could literally never talk about this unprompted) (cheers 'Graham'!!) I can't or won't talk about it, but after 25 billion lectures by my mum, my grandma, my dad occasionally, like of course I'm going to remember someone saying that and it's going to be a big counterpoint in my mind!! Is that not 'smart' enough for you???

It's unfair, really. I'm not a fashionista. I'm not a stylish person just like that. I have actually had to think about what to wear, and I'm sure I've made like, colour faux pas and fashion no-nos, but that's the best I can do! I do not give a fuck to do more! It shouldn't be my job to do more than this! I should not have to be a fucking princess-in-training with my graceful walk and red-carpet-woman-dressing sense available on speed dial. That's not my world. Why are the expectations on women so fucking high.

Or just absurd, I think I could show up in a cute lil black dress, my legs horribly red in places from imperfect and probably painful as hell attempts to get rid of any semblance of hair, untoned as you were, odd colourations and probably even dry ngl, and look very awkward and uncomfortable, and my grandma would beam at me approvingly for 'attempting to look like a girl' but I could be the fucking coolest person in the room absolutely killing it in trousers and a smartly layered white band shirt that's the conversation opener that I'm just winning the room with, and still my grandma would take me aside, point to my cousin in a cocktail dress and go, look at her, can't you at least try to make an effort? For me? Look, girls look so nice :) in a dress, you should wear one too. And it'll be so awkward and I'll want to die in that moment and I'll be thinking, did you not see any effort in this?

And it won't fucking matter, I'll be dealing with this shit until at least one of us is in the ground. It's going to be this non-stop for the next two weeks that we're on holiday. All I was largely mindful of was that the UK (for some reason) seems to despise the puffer jackets that North America (on account of being COLDER) cannot do without. Now I don't own a coat of the sort a chic Londoner would wear because it was 0 degrees here last night. When do you want me to wear a thin, formal coat, two days in October? It'll be -3 soon enough. That coat won't do, I'll need a sweater, I'll need a windproof jacket on top that's not wool. By mid-November, it'll be -7 that gets colder as the wind blows. Your coats from even up north in the UK would be useless there! You've got to dress for where you live, it's much too cold up here for that, unless you're gonna add another layer over that. It's not 'slacker American casualness', it's that the closer you get to the Arctic, it gets colder...

So like. Apologies, United Kingdom. I have to bring my ugly puffy jacket with me, when I go back home in January it's gonna be -21 degrees. I can't care what five people at the airport think then.

I'm just nervous about the packing, but it's possible I'm also just nervous about my family's expectations. I am pretty confident you'll find the word 'jeans' in the Oxford English Dictionary.

[figjelly]

Imagine if Shadow High didn't immediately go downhill after series 1 and instead they focused on giving the SH line just darker, edgier, and more muted fashion. Rainbow High could have focused on more colorful and whimsical designers (think Vivienne Westwood) and Shadow High could have given us more serious, dark, and edgier (I'm thinking specifically of Gareth Pugh but the world is bigger than that).

Look at this!!! These pieces are just as complicated as anything else they've put out and do like like something high school students could be seen out in.

[transmechanicus]

this is. probably a very personal question.

Is it worth it? Transitioning? In spite of it all?

Completely, utterly, and absolutely. I’m one of those ppl who knew i was trans since i was like 8. I found out when i was probably 13/14 what transgender meant, but recoiled from it because i could not imagine a world that would accept me or where i would be happy with the result. At 15 i met my first other trans person, and they became my friend and partner and the first person to ever know i was trans. Being around them, known by them, was such a colossal psychological relief and source of joy unlike anything i had known before. It made separating from them after graduation all the more excruciating to lose that one person i had trusted with that truth.

Sometime over the next two years i came out to my Mom, but nothing really changed, and i had more or less resolved to rot and die under the identity i had been born into. I let my undergrad studies chew me up, neglected all but the most necessary body maintenance, and spent every moment outside work or class buried in video games or books. At some point something snapped out of place, or perhaps back into place. I knew i didn’t want to die like this. I wanted something more for my life and my flesh than being a half dead servitor stocking yogurt. I wanted to transition, and however slowly, however long it took, that’s what i resolved to do.

It took a while. I had no real finances, no privacy, and little independence. I was coming from a white low-self-expression, high-control household. I “messed up” while base coating warhammer models one time and gave myself black nails. My dad berated me about it for days before trying to pin my hands down and sand the paint off (didn’t work, thank you automotive primer). When i was ~22 i got my ears pierced, basically the first permanent part of my transition, and i had never known as much joy as i did driving home knowing the pain was a step of permanent progress. Around this time 2019/2020 i started being out online, more vocal about being transgender as opposed to just having a relatively inexpressive fandom blog with no info beyond my name.

When i was 24, two years ago i came out to my dad, and a week later i left for grad school halfway across the country. I had an apartment all to myself, and my own source of income. I spent my spare change building up a wardrobe of new clothes that i actually liked. I got my first year of grad school done mostly without anything remarkable. Went to some queer events at my school. Found a partner. Got loved to bits for a while. Re-came out to my parents over the summer, and this time it stuck. Started HRT that fall, 2023. Came out to my classmates and coworkers and was rewarded with support and acceptance. Lost the partner. Devastated. Resolve to get even hotter and cooler. Smash out 3 piercings and a tattoo inside a week. Develop personal fashion sense. Attend research conference. Get better at makeup. Go to some concerts. Increase HRT. Tiddy Arc. Buy bra with a supportive bestie. Start weekly therapy. Increase HRT. Cosplay at a major convention. Schedule another tattoo. More HRT. Bra no longer optional. Present day. Tattoo on Wednesday. 90% of progress packed into the last year or so. Undeniably hotter, happier, and more self-expressive than anything in the last 24 years prior.

Transitioning is more than worth it, it brings me so much relief and joy every day no matter how shitty my day is otherwise, and while i have known doubt, i have never for an instant known regret.

There is still time🖤🏳️‍⚧️💕

[lqveharrington]

Is It Over Now? | V.

summary: Alastor coming back after a seven year absence revealed what was underneath your 10 year relationship with Vox.

pairing: vox x wife!reader

includes: VERY MANIPULATIVE VOX, cursing (duh), toxic behavior, alastor not realizing he’s a home wrecker, Vel and Val being somewhat decent, (let me know if i missed any !!)

a/n: i’m on major hazbin hotel brain rot 🤷‍♀️

You were seething by the end of the extermination. All Vox would talk about was Alastor. It seemed like for the past six months all he could talk about was the Radio Demon. You were fine for about five months of it, but you started to realize it took a toll on you as well.

You were fine when Vox missed your wedding anniversary because he found out Alastor was back. You were fine when Vox missed your fashion week shows for Velvette. You were fine when he missed your birthday. But forgetting your past as extermination was coming up? Forgetting how you would break down every day before the extermination? You were done putting up with his actions.

“Doll, where are you going?” Vox slipped an arm around your waist, oblivious to the faces Velvette and Valentino made. “We’re celebrating here.”

“You’re celebrating.” You pulled away from him, walking up the stairs to your shared suite with Vox. “I’m leaving.”

“Wait, what?” Vox whipped his head over to you, slightly glitching. “What do you mean you’re leaving?” He asked but you were already up the stairs, causing him to use the electricity to summon himself to your shared room. “Doll, what’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” You push past him, grabbing your already packed suitcase. “Everything that happened in the last six months is wrong.”

He pulled you by your bicep, claws slightly digging into your skin. “Everything has been the same—“

“No, they haven’t.” You frown, trying to pull yourself out of his hold. “All you’ve been talking about is Alastor. But what about me?”

Vox scoffed, “What about you? I’m with you every fucking day!”

“You’re never with me, Vox!” Your eyes flash red, your free hand emitting red wisps. “Do you know how many anniversaries and dates you missed? Do you know how my days have been going?”

He stayed quiet but felt the rage bubbling up in him.

“You missed our wedding anniversary!” You glare at the ring on the hand holding onto you. “You missed all my shows, you missed my birthday—“

“I didn’t forget them.” He pressed his claws harder into your arm which made you wince. “You should’ve reminded me.”

“I wanted to! But you were so busy that I would just make you even more upset!” You bite your tongue. “Even Velvette and Valentino greeted me with happy anniversaries and a happy birthday. And where were you?” You practically shouted at him. “You were busy picking a fight with the demon who was the best man at our wedding!”

Vox’s eye swirled black and red, “Nothing is ever my fucking fault. You’re the one who wasn’t there for me!”

You flicked your hand which removed his hand from your arm, claws indented on your skin. “Bullshit. I was there every step of the way! I constantly have forgiven and forgiven, but you just keep hurting me!” Your pent-up stress and anger came out as your full demon form as tears welled from your eyes. “You were the one who wasn’t there for me! I cried to Velvette when I started retaining dreams of exorcists killing my family! I begged Valentino to not tell you that you missed any of our anniversaries! You haven’t cared for me since Alastor came back! I’m not playing this game anymore.”

“Where are you going?” He snapped his fingers, locking the doors and shutting the building down. No power was on, which meant everything was locked despite the missing locks. “I doubt anyone would be out during the day of the extermination.”

You paused but kept your composure as you remembered the only demons out. “Yeah, but the hotel is being rebuilt as we speak.”

Vox glitched again, “You are not going over to that shitty hotel.”

“I think I'll be fine since you keep forgetting about me anyway.” You shove him aside. “Unlock the doors, Vox.”

“Doll,” He let out a sigh, watching your every move. “I’m not unlocking the doors.”

“Why the fuck not?” You turn around, tears streaming down your face. “You’ve hurt me too many times! What am I supposed to do when you're too busy with Alastor that there’s no more time for me? Vel was the one who calmed me down this week!” You took a breath and looked up at the ceiling, staring at the glow-in-the-dark stars you and Vox put up years ago. “I can’t pretend like we’re fine anymore.”

“Then don’t pretend, tell me.” He smoothed his claws on the arm he previously maimed, the silver wedding band cold against your skin. “When was the last time we fought like this? You were the one to tell me to talk things through.”

You bit your lip, wiping a tear. “I know, but it’s been a constant. Every day all you talk about is Alastor. When have we ever had time for ourselves in the past six months?”

Silence fills the room as no one dares to speak. Your quiet sniffles and Vox’s whirring are the only things keeping the room from being completely silent. Vox continued to rub the marks on your arm, trying to meet your eyes.

“Can you look at me?” He tapped your arm, earning a hum of acknowledgment. “Doll, look at me.” You shifted your gaze toward him, meeting his red eyes. He let a small smile slip, “Hi, gorgeous.”

You roll your eyes, “Yes?”

“Listen, if you want to leave…” He hesitated for a bit before snapping his fingers. “You have the choice to, but not the hotel. Just come back and let me make it up to you, I promise.”

Your eyes flickered between his eyes, the red streaks from his mouth becoming more prominent when you didn’t reply.

He took his free hand and ran a claw down your cheek, making you shiver from the contact. “You could easily take me down and leave. So why not?”

“I don’t know.” You mumble, letting him pull you into him. “I’m sorry.”

Vox grinned sinfully as one of his red eyes turned hypnotic again. He stroked your back, “It’s okay, you’re alright.” The blue chain connecting your wedding rings appeared. The same one that solidified your marriage in Hell. “How about we just stay here? We’ll relax and talk, okay?”

You nod, letting him guide you toward the bed. “I didn’t want to yell.”

“I know, you’re okay.” He set you down on his lap, stroking your cheek once more before tilting your chin up with a singular claw. “You know I love you, right?”

You let a sad smile slip through and peck the corner of his screen. “I love you too.”

Vox pulled you into him again, red streaks appearing down the side of his screen for the last time. “Good.”

©lqveharrington - all rights reserved. do not copy, translate or share my work on other media platforms

[breadnauppercrust]

some designs i came up with for the girls in miraculous. the idea was 'what if they could have multiple outfits like sailor moon, as told by ginger, or totally spies?' and 'what if their clothes reflected their story arc?' however, i kind of gave up on them because i no longer have time to work on it as much as i would like to, so below this are copy+paste from my wip instagram account. lowkey its fanfiction-y lol

Alya:

Alya redesigns! tbh don’t know if they’re cohesive but 🤷‍♀️

S1: dresses for comfort & is geeky - think DrWho/Marvel/Tumblr. Obsessed w superheroes & has dedicated blog for each one, & that includes LB. Beginning of her & Maris friendship, starts to dates nino halfway s1.

S2: Mari influences her way of dress, still geeky but experimenting w clothes. Ladyblog becomes popular, interested in finding out her secret ID. Is also investigating akumas, HM, The Who/what/where/whys. Lowkey figures out who ladybug is but doesn’t say anything. Has been given fox miraculous at least a couple times.

S3: notices changes in Maris behavior & confronts her. Becomes fox miraculous holder full time, helps LB figure out who HM is & shares all the info she’s found. CN lowkey pushed to the side, causing friction, bc wrapped up w finding out who HM is ig. Constantly wears a Fanny pack now for trixx. Goes w comfortable but stylish clothes (ig lol idk) also at this point is BFF w Mari

Chloe:

S1: wears preppy designer brands to impress mom, despite living in diff countries. Basic mean girl, her only friends being Sabrina and Adrien - whose a childhood friend & lowkey helped him attend school. Both know how it feels to “lose” a parent & Adrien has seen a softer side of her. Probably has a crush on him ig. Maris bully, jealous of her talents at sewing & making friends easily, & prob her knit tight family.

S2: still preppy but w 60/70s inspo. Given bee miraculous a couple times, has resisted akumas - info she uses to help others later. Helping ppl & being somewhat nice makes her feel good & likes the appreciation from others+LB. Maybe Mom moves back to Paris w half sister, Zoe - might be significantly younger than Chloe idk. Didn’t like her at first but warms up to her as season goes on. Sees lil sister copying her & their mom, has an epiphany ig. Connects dots on akumas & feelings & tries to be better.

Should Zoe exist tho??? idk

S3: preppy but more casual. She’s nicer but still sarcastic, has made a few new friends, treating Sabrina better. Still trying to get moms approval tho & follows her around, even to fashion things w the Agreste. Notices Gabriel is acting strange, more distant towards Adrien, doesn’t notice what he’s doing or where he’s going. pt queen bee ig, probably given towards the very end of the season tbh by Adrien/CN after being ignored by LB bc of RR involvement w finding out HM id. AND noticing Chloe change significantly in the past several months (?) does Adrien reveal to her IDK he is still loyal to LB but eH

Mari:

1st Mari is shy, her outfits are safe & she kind of disappears in a crowd. She just became 🐞 & isn’t 💯 with her role yet. She’s designed and made her own clothes but doesn’t wear them outside of the house bc Chloe, oof

2nd she’s now comfortable being 🐞 & that boosts her confidence as Mari, she’s wearing more bold colors & outfits that she may or may not have designed herself 👀

3rd 🐞 is now the guardian of the miraculous box, has bigger responsibilities & problems to deal with. Being 🐞 has creeped into her daily life. Doesn’t have time to design/make clothes so wears w/e, but tries to appear happy.

Kagami:

i like the idea of kagami being prim and proper looking all preppy at the beginning, but after making friends she starts to rebel by modifying her school clothes w accessories but eventually wears w/e she wants w a punkish vibe. lowkey worried about falling into a trope so idk

[lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom]

I’d love to request a fic with a female reader and a angsty/comfort storyline with the Bad Batch.

For a broad storyline I was thinking something by along the lines of a female reader joining the Bad Batch (per Hunter’s idea) and Crosshair and/or Echo not being very happy about it. However they eventually they come around to having another girl in the group.❤️

Winning Approval

Clone Force 99 x Platonic!Reader

Summary- You felt as if you were living a purpose-less life, so when Hunter asks you to join his crew, you say yes! Not everyone on the force is as happy though... Takes place during and after Season 1, Ep. 2.

A/N- Thank you so much for requesting! I appreciate it so much, but I think I'm done writing platonic xD. This was sooo hard for me to write. I love the challenge, but i'm not sure how great my platonic writing skills are!

Word Count- 1,454

Growing up, helping people seemed natural. You remember discovering this when your old friend Kaiya fell and scratched her knee. It was second nature to dress her wound and comfort her. You were nine at the time.

Your mother enrolled you in medical classes as much as she could, you learned how to set bones, stitch holes, and treat infections. Amongst many other skills.

The city you lived in was soon taken over by the empire, but you found a way out before it was too late. That's where you found yourself- living with Suu and her husband Cut. The two had taken you in when they found out your home had been destroyed.

It didn't hurt when you found out you and Suu's parents knew each other in their youth.

When you had stumbled onto Hunter- he and his crew had set off a trap you had set in the fields. Your gun raised at him was lowered by Cut, claiming he knew them.

Things blurred together since then, everything moved so fast. Having to relocate away from the empire again was not something you fashioned. You were tired of running, and expressed your concerns.

Hunter initially suggested dropping you off at the planet of your choice, (a repayment for taking care of one of Omegas wounds).

Crash landing on a moon wasn't on anyone's roster, but it happened nonetheless. It did, however, give yourself an opportunity to prove yourself to them.

You helped Tech repair a part of the hyper-drive, earning his favor.

You shared your rations with Wrecker, earning his approval.

You played and entertained with Omega, earning her and Hunters trust.

Last was Echo. You wanted him to like you, as you enjoyed everyone's company. They were so kind to you, and didn't pay any mind to flaws. They knew themselves that they were defective- what was one more defect?

Maybe you were in over your head, would they really accept you as a member of their squad? They just met you a week ago. For all they knew you were an Empire spy... You couldn't deny that you wanted to stay though. You felt like you belonged- finally.

When Echo still avoided you like the plague and the ship was ready to fly again, you felt like you had run out of time. You sulked around the ship for awhile, waiting for Hunter to ask where you wanted to be dropped off.

That was until you noticed- he hadn't asked you. It had been hours and he had said nothing about you leaving.

This made you crack, anxiety like ice through your veins.

"Hunter, I mean this in the least selfish way possible. But, why haven't you asked where I wanted to go yet? What planet?" You thought you messed up when his face fell. He looked dissapointed?

"Well, we were hoping you would want to stay. We were going to formally ask, but Wrecker and Omega are still making the poster." He rubbed the pack of his neck and chuckled a little bit. "Would you like to join us? If not, that's completely understandable. Just name the planet and we will be headed there." He stated, making sure you knew you had options.

"R-really? You guys want me to join you?" You wanted to smack your head at how cliche you sounded. Though, you didn't have time to think on it, as Hunter started talking again.

"We don't have an official medic. While Tech possesses all the knowledge needed, he doesn't have a, uh how do I put it? A steady hand when it comes to medical means." He reasoned.

"You are more than capable as we've seen, and between Wrecker and Omega we need a medic- bad." You smiled at this. You felt a purpose. Someone needed you! You would be able to help your squad and civilians you came across on any journey.

Before you could respond, Omega and Wrecker barreled through the mid-section of the ship. Omega held a small banner in her hand, and Wrecker a large sheet of paper. It was full of colorful pictures, drawn by the two.

Your heart warmed at the effort they put in, all to make you feel welcomed.

"How could I say no? You guys have been so perfect to me, and I want to help you guys as much as I can." You smiled up at Hunter, he patted you on the shoulder. His way of officially letting you on the squad.

After that day, things started to move more smoothly. Yeah, you had some bad run-ins, almost got captured a few times, and had many near-death experiences. But, you were with your family through it all. The only problem was Echo.

Maybe 'problem' wasn't too nice of a word. Echo never did anything wrong. He just, never seemed to like your company. You guessed he didn't have to like you, not everyone would. Because of this, you pushed back your guilty feelings surrounding him. That was until you over-heard a conversation between him and Hunter.

"Something feels off about her." Echo told Hunter. You couldn't see either of them, and didn't want to expose your position by moving.

"Yeah, and what's that?"

"I can't place it. I don't understand how everyone can just accept her, no questions asked." Echo sounded confused.

"She's shown us many times that she can handle herself. Plus, Omega needs another female on the ship.'' Hunter defended you, but still wanted to hear Echos concerns.

"She's not a clone. She doesn't think like us!" Ah, so that's why he's been so put-off by you. It was because you weren't a clone. You assumed he was so used to clones, that of course you were an odd piece in their clone family.

You slowly moved back to your sleeping cot. You sunk down slowly. It wasn't your fault, really. You can't control where or how you were born. Thoughts surrounded you. Was it that obvious? Were you that different from them?

As much as you wanted to pack your bags and not burden anyone else, you decided to talk to Echo first.

After landing on a planet to resupply, you asked to speak to Echo alone.

"Uh, sure." He replied, skeptical. You both exited the ship, though keeping close.

"Echo, I didn't really know how to bring this up. I figured I should just get straight to the point?" You asked, not wanting to waste his time.

He nodded, looking straight to you.

"I overheard you and Hunter talking last rotation..." You nervously picked at a nail. He still stared, not wavering.

"I can't help that i'm not a clone. I'm not sorry either, but I do want to know what I can do. To gain your trust." You dropped your hand, eager for his response.

He licked his lips, thinking. "I'm sorry you heard that..."

"Echo, I don't care. I just- I want to be a part of this family..." You mustered out. Now or never!

This surprised him, "What are you talking about. You already are!"

He seemed, mad? Was he really that disgusted by 'normal' humans?

"I can't help that i'm not a clone!" You regrettably yelled, throwing you arms up.

"That doesn't matter, everyone accepts you anyways!" His words were strained, like he didn't want anyone to know.

"Why don't you?" You whispered.

He sighed and took a step back. "When I first joined force 99, it wasn't as easy."

You couldn't imagine what he was referring to. You knew he was a regular clone before joining Hunter, but what did that have to do with anything?

After seeing your confused look, he continued. "I wasn't born a defective clone, I became one. It took a lot of time to understand how to use this. But you fit in so easily." He gestured to his mechanical arm.

"I had no idea you felt that way... I wasn't trying to mean anything-" He cut you off.

"I know, and really, we do need a medic. I was just being resentful, I'm sorry."

"I'm not trying to take anyone's place. The team wouldn't be the same without you. Besides, Omega adores you, and I think Hunter will do whatever it takes to keep her happy." You laughed, he luckily gave out a chuckle as well.

"Thanks. I think It'll just take some time to get used to the difference." He said, honestly.

"I get that, just let me know if there's anything I can do... Ya know, to speed things up?" You smiled up at him. It was then that you knew everything would be fine. That you really had found your family, and nothing could take you from them.

A/N- Thank you so much for reading! I am sorry if this isn't what you had in mind! Feel free to send in another request if you would like a more specific plot! Again, sorry that my platonic writing skills aren't that sharp! Tags- (lmk if you want to be tagged as well!) @thethreeeyed-raven @knight-of-flowerss

[pondslime]

what have I done (to deserve this)

bo sinclair x afab!reader

rating: explicit

word count: 4k

Bo POV. It’s the day before Valentine’s. Bo goes shopping at a bargain outlet. In true romcom fashion, you’re there too. 

Chance encounter meet-cute. Except it’s with the worst man this side of Baton Rouge. Sucks! But you get to make out with him! Hope that’s worth the incoming pain and misery, bestie!

Crossposted on AO3 here. 

Very self-indulgent and GOOFY. A heaping dose of humor and general dumbassery. Big warning for Bo being Bo. We’re in his head and he is, as always, so stupid. Reader does not have a car for porn reasons. That’s it. She’s a public transportation whore for roadhead purposes. She’s also kind of annoying. And a bratty bimbo. 

The title of this fic comes from the song “What Have I Done to Deserve This” by Pet Shop Boys. It’s just a jazzy lil 80′s track that I could 100% picture playing in a bargain outlet over shitty speakers. Bo’s on his Gen X shit.

I just wanted to write about Bo encountering a chick who immediately wanted to hoover him down. Ambiguous ending with some unsettling implications.

This fic is a birthday gift for @raccoonspooky​! 🦝💝👻 MWAH!!! I LUV U!!! HAPPY BDAY!!!! HAPPY BIRF!!! DAY!!!! HERE’S STUPID!!!! 4 U!!!

The bargain outlet stretches out in front of him, large yellow signs hanging from the warehouse ceiling. Sales down every aisle, 25% off on all kitchenware. Music blares out of loudspeakers, spitting out a song that Bo hasn’t heard since high school.

He’s thinking of his mother again.

Packed into the family car, bumping down the road to the department store. Just the two of them. Mama would tell him that it was because he couldn’t be left alone, that he wasn’t trusted like Vincent was—up at the big old house, drawing his pictures and staying out of the way.

Time seemed to drag on days like that, plodding along ungainly as Trudy slowly perused shelves. It always felt like he would be stuck there indefinitely, rotting away in front of the floral baking sets and printed potholders. When people congregated around the racks, Bo would reach up and grab her hand. Surrounded with onlookers, she’d let him hold onto it.

Sometimes they’d pass by the toy aisles, but she never gave them more than a passing glance. These trips weren’t for him, after all. Despite that, he looked forward to them with an odd giddiness.

Bo couldn’t be alone, but Vincent couldn’t get this.

Vincent didn’t get to watch himself reflected in the shining glass of the displays that their mother stopped at, tutting over bottles of perfume. He didn’t get to see the chrome and glossy mirrors, the array of beautiful women with long nails behind the counter tops. It wasn’t for him.

Bo would return home smug, carrying Mama’s bags. He always made sure to catch his brother’s eye.

Look. Pay attention. This is mine, it’s all mine. It isn’t yours.

He got in trouble one day. He couldn’t remember for what. Whatever it was, she got angry, and the trips stopped.

That department store had long since been razed. There weren’t a lot of things that stayed the same. Tradition was lost and paved over, turned into this.

Picking up a basket, he makes his way to the back of the store.

The hardware section is pitiful. It always is.

Tools are strewn everywhere, each one emblazoned with illegible clearance stickers. They never have the shit that he needs here. He sifts through the pile of haphazardly stacked tools, pulling a wrench out. It’s a twelve-inch, decent weight. He wraps his hand around it and knocks it against his palm. It’ll do.

On his way out of the aisle, he snatches up two rolls of duct tape and a pack of braided nylon rope.

There are some things you can never have too much of.

He cuts through the clothing department.

A store display looms overhead, announcing another sale. A woman pouts out of the ad, the heaving curve of her breasts spilling out of black lace. He feels something under his foot. Bending down, he plucks a bra off the ground. There’s a boot print across the front, dirt smeared across the polka dots.

“Good afternoon, shoppers!” A voice crackles over the intercom. “Two-for-one deals comin’ in hot this holiday season—”

Trudy would hate this place, with its messily stacked piles of clothes and the incessant beeping of the registers. That’s part of the reason he’s here.

“Um. Excuse me.”

“Huh?” He blinks, jerking his head up.

“Sorry, I just…” You look at him quizzically, your lips pursed. You’re holding a bra that looks identical to the one in his hands, sans dirt. “Need to get…uh. Behind you.”

“Yeah, of course.” He shuffles to the side. “Go on.”

He flicks through the rack, shoving the ruined bra unceremoniously to the back.

“You buying a bra?”

“Yeah.” He says absently. “For my sister.”

“…You’re buying your sister a bra?”

He turns to look at you. Wrenched away from the padded curve of the bras, he finally has a chance to assess you. Cute.

“Sister-in-law.” He amends.

Your brow scrunches in confusion and you nod slowly, fidgeting with the bra in your hands.

“I’m just messin’ with you.” He smiles.

“Okay.” You huff out a perplexed laugh.

He’s rummaging through the detergent when he sees you again.

“We just keep running into each other.” You remark.

“Seems like it.” Gesturing at the duct tape and utility gloves in his basket, he flashes you a smile. “Gotta get some stuff for work.”  

“You a plumber?”

“Uh, no.” He’s unable to hide the flicker of indignation that twitches his lip up into a sneer. “Mechanic.”

Your lips curves into an open-mouthed O and he glances down at your left hand. Finding your ring finger conspicuously bare, he files that away for later. It’s not like he gives a shit, but less collateral is less collateral.

“I run a station not far from here.”

“That’s cool.” You pick up a lint roller. “Well, nice to meet you.”

Bo finds you in the Valentine’s aisle. Or you find him. He can’t really tell.

“Are you followin’ me ‘round here, girl?” He shoots you a bemused smile. “You gonna tell me your name, stalkin’ me like this?”

“Maybe. What’s yours?”

“Bo.”

“You buying that for your sister-in-law too?” You nod towards the box of conversation hearts he’s holding. “Can’t imagine your brother likes that much.”

“Now, that’s where you’re wrong. We share everythin’.”

“Oh yeah?” You grab a box of chocolates off the shelf, placing it in your cart. “Seems messy.”

“She’s a lucky girl.”

“That depends.” You quip. “What’s your brother look like?”

He angles toward you, resting his hand on the shelf.

“We’re twins.”

Your eyebrows raise.

Couple months ago, he had one downstairs that kind of looked like you. Same hair color. He has a lock of it in one of the gas station drawers. Her ID’s in there too, but he doesn’t remember her name. He couldn’t place it at first, but that’s who you remind him of. Another version of you, maybe. You’ve got the prettier mouth, though.

“Surprised this one didn’t sell.” You pluck a card off the wire rack. A goose peers off of the paper, surrounded by hot pink lettering.

VALENTINE, WON’T YOU LET ME GET A GANDER…

You flip the card open. With a sigh, you hold it up so he can read it.

…AT THEM HONKERS.

“That’s a good one.” He nods appreciatively.

The food court is tucked into the corner of the store, a collection of neon signs and scuffed tables. The whole area smells gray, strings of cheap cheese and the lemony reek of industrial cleaner.

As he appraises the menu, he notices you at the drink fountain. When you turn, your eyes go wide.

“This isn’t what it looks like.” You exclaim.

“Huh.” He sighs. “Darlin’, you keep this up and I’ll have to call the cops.”

You open your mouth once, close it.

“You hungry?” He gestures toward the menu.

“You’re not from ‘round here, are ya’?”

“I’m just passing through.”

“Hmm.” He murmurs out his acknowledgment. “You should stick ‘round for a bit. Nothin’ like Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge. Family vacation?”

“No, it’s just me.”

He hides his laugh around a forced cough. Pinching at the bridge of his nose, he clears his throat.

“Sorry. Cigarettes.” He smiles at you. “I’m thinkin’ ‘bout quittin’.”

You chew idly at your slice of pizza, your eyes drifting over his face. He arches a brow.

“You like what ya’ see?”

“I’m not sure.” Your lips twist into a smile. “I’m still trying to figure that out.”

You have a lot of damn nerve.

“You do this a lot?” He fixes you with a pointed look.

“What? Go shopping?” There’s something so hopelessly dumb about your expression. You’re blank and brainless, an assortment of curves and painted-on prettiness in front of him.

He imagines paddles whacking the careening Ping Pong ball of your thoughts across your brain. A thought misses the paddle, ricocheting off the side of the board. Game over. Fiddle with some buttons, start over. Another one comes to take its place, bopping uselessly in your skull.

He’s met enough of your type that it shouldn’t surprise him, but somehow it always does. Someone this stupid shouldn’t be allowed to wander too far. And yet, here you are, all by yourself. Just you and your flimsy hold on rational thinking, wandering around his state.

If he hadn’t have met you here, lord knows what trouble you would’ve gotten into. You’d probably have wandered out into the bayou. Blinking all pretty, getting stuck in the muck. Wrenching open a gator’s mouth and stepping into it just because you were curious how many teeth it had.

He’d pay good money to watch that.

“Don’tchu act all shy ‘bout this. You know what I’m askin’.” He tears the straw wrapper into tiny pieces, his gaze trailing down your neck and onto your breasts. “Ya’ make a habit of goin’ ‘round and propositionin’ men in stores?”

You choke out a laugh, your eyes going wide.

“I’m not propositioning you!”

“Whatchu doin’ eatin’ my pizza, then?”

“What am I…doing…” Your eyes twinkle with barely contained glee. You muffle a laugh around another bite of pizza. “…Eating…your pizza?”

“Yeah.” He leans back in the chair. “Ya’ seem pretty happy to be sittin’ right there. Eatin’ my pizza.”

“You’re very cute.” You wipe your mouth off with a napkin, staring pointedly at his hands.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” Grabbing a slice of pizza, he takes a bite.

It’s awful. Grimacing, he manages to swallow it down. Glancing down at it in disgust, he lets it fall limply back into the box. It takes him a moment before he remembers to readjust his face into one of tranquility, winking over at you.

“You know what.” You deliberate for a second, your eyes darting to his lips. “I think I am propositioning you.”

“There’s a theater next to my shop.” He smirks. “You wanna catch a movie?”

“I don’t wanna interrupt your work.”

“I got all the time in the world, honey.” He winks. “Truck’s outside.”

“You’re not gonna kill me, are you?” You rest your chin against your palm.

“Not yet.” He shakes his head. “Hardly know ya’ yet. That’d be jumpin’ the gun.”

“Alright. Fuck it.” You grin. “Let’s go.”

Standing in line at the register, he reaches into your cart and snatches out the box of chocolates.

“Hey!” You put your hands on your hips. “What are you…”

“Ya’ think I’m gonna make a girl buy her own chocolate? What I look like to you?”

You move to say something, your eyes glittering.

“If ya’ say plumber—” He gives you with a sharp look, narrowing his eyes. “I’ll tan your hide.”

“Is that a promise or a threat?” You stage-whisper, loading up the belt with items.

“Goddamnit, girl. Let’s get you outta this fuckin’ store.”

Pulling down a side road, he parks the truck.

“Hand me that, would ya’, baby?”

Rustling in the bag, he pulls out the box of chocolates. Ripping the plastic off, he tugs the lid open. He takes a bite of one. Cheap, shitty chocolate. Puts it back in its slot. Picks up another one and takes another bite. Caramel, but it’s still—

“You wanna give me my chocolate back?” You tap on his arm.

“Sorry, darlin’. I bought it. It’s mine.” He smirks at you. “Maybe if ya’ ask all pretty, I’ll give ya’ one.”

Your mouth falls open in shock and you let out a frustrated huff.

“That’s not fair!” You exclaim. “You lied.”

“Lyin’? Nah. Just omittin’ some details, sugar. It’s how we do it down here in Louisi—”

You clamor into his lap, making a grab at the chocolate. Popping one in your mouth, you bug your eyes out at him.

“Bad girl.” He tosses the box onto the dashboard. Reaching up, he grabs your chin, pulling you closer.

You taste like chocolate when he kisses you, his hand slipping down your jaw to tighten around your neck. You hum happily into his mouth, your hands on his shoulders. He can feel your breath under his fingers, the pulsing hammer of your heartbeat against his palm.

You’re always so close to death, to all that red and heat underneath, and you don’t even notice. He could press down a little more, constrict your airflow. Make it hurt. You need that, don’t you? You don’t have any fuckin’ structure. Leave you with your throat burning, your eyes swollen with tears. Make you thank him for that.

“I don’t really do this.” You murmur against his lips.

“Whatchu doin’ right now, then?”

You laugh, a breathless little noise. He reaches back and gathers your hair together at the back of your head. When he tugs your head back, you gasp.

“How bad ya’ want it?”

“I—” Discomfort flashes over your face. “Wait, um. Hold on. This is really awkward, but—”

You readjust yourself in his lap and he drops his hand, watching as you reach under your shirt. Biting down on your bottom lip, the strap of your bra slips down your shoulder. Working it through the sleeves of your shirt, you blow out a huff of relief. Stretching your arms to extricate the loops, you tug it free, tossing it onto the floor of his truck.

You turn back to him with a bashful smile.

“Movin’ fast, girl.” 

"The wire's been digging into me all day.” You shake your head, glancing over your shoulder at your discarded bra. “I needed to get a new one, but—I got kinda distracted."

"And whose fault is that?"

You look at him curiously, as if his question is strange. You lean forward and flick at the brim of his cap, smiling.

"Well, yours, technically."

“Don’t see how that tracks.” He leans back onto the headrest. 

“You distracted me.” Your voice goes high-pitched and melodic, a sing-song lilt that makes his hand tighten into a fist at his side. 

He exhales, snorting out a laugh. 

“You know what?” 

“What?” You tilt your head, raising your brows.

“I changed my mind. I’m killin’ ya’.”

You blow a raspberry at him, rolling your eyes. 

“Not yet, c’mon.” You whine, dropping kisses down the bridge of his nose. “It’s like you said. We haven’t even gotten to know each other yet!”

“You’re tryin’ my fuckin’ patience, girl.” 

“Good.”

You’re a bratty fuckin’ thing. Untrained, not an ounce of discipline in you. You rock your hips against him, wetting your bottom lip. Tart and wild, a stubbornness coasting under your skin.  He wonders how long you’ll be able to hold onto all that sass. What he’ll have to do to make sure you lose it. He can’t wait to see you cry—you’ll taste sweeter then, curled up inside yourself.

What kind of fuckin’ coincidence. 

“Look at’chu.” He shakes his head in disbelief.

“What’d you say? Take a picture, it’ll last longer?”

“Oh, don’tchu worry, baby. I will.” He grins. “Gotta get you all warmed up first, though.” 

Slipping his hand between your legs, he rubs at you through your jeans.

“You’re not fucking me in your truck.” With a giggle, you still his hand, tugging it back onto your hip.

“You gonna try to stop me?”

“Um, yeah.” A shriek of laughter spills out of your mouth and the movement rocks your body against his lap. “Anybody could see us!”

“Ya’ gonna tell me that’s what you’re worried about?” He squints at you, squashing down the glare that threatens to darken his features. Not yet. “After grindin’ on my lap like that?”

“Look, I’ve got a better idea.” Shimmying off his lap and onto the passenger seat, you grin at him. “When’s the movie?”

“The movie?” It takes a moment before the realization hits him. Scrubbing a hand over his mouth, he clears his throat. “Oh, uh—an hour.”

“And how far away is it?”

“Uh, twenty, thirty minutes.”

“Well. I don’t wanna miss it.” You tilt your head, raising a brow. “What if there’s a line?”

“There ain’t gonna be a line.” He says definitively, a wave of exhaustion settling over him. 

“You don’t know that.” You laugh. “Anyway. I think…you should drive us there. Now. So we have time.”

He’s barely started the truck back up when he feels your hands at his belt, undoing the loop.

“The fuck you doin’?”

“Trust me.” You unzip his fly, pulling him out of his boxers.

You could be sweet if you wanted. All sugar. It’s easier that way, but you won’t want it easy. You’ll make him fight you for it.

You work your hand over his cock with a sigh of contentment. Your thumb teases over the slit, rubbing precum over the head of his cock. He feels a spike of irritation at you for wasting even an ounce of his spunk on your hands. As if to apologize, you bow your head, running your tongue up the underside of his cock. You’ll have to do better than that. Licking up the sensitive skin of his frenulum, you tease your mouth around him, letting him twitch against your tongue.

“Ya’ gonna suck it or not?” He snaps, keeping his eyes locked on the road. He doesn’t need to look down to know that you’re smiling.

“Don’t be grumpy.” Your voice floats up from his lap. “I’m just taking my time. You’re just so pretty.”

Pretty? Anger rushes through him. Calling him that—thinking you can, thinking that there wouldn’t be any consequences. Who raised you? For all your pathetic staring, you haven’t even seen what’s in front of you. 

The lack of respect is sickening, making his balls feel heavy and tight. He needs to be down your throat, if only to shut you up. Give you something else to focus on. Every moment you’re near him, you’re signing yourself away. Doubling back, going over the contract in bubbly cursive.

You’re entirely unaware of how many marks you’re tallying up. Every swirl of your tongue sinks you deeper in debt. He wonders if you’d laugh if you knew just how many apologies you’re setting yourself up for.

With a hum, you take him into your mouth, swallowing your lips around his cock.

“Take it deep. Don’t you stop.”

A noise erupts from your mouth, but it’s garbled around his cock. He can’t tell, but he could have sworn that was a laugh.

He stops the truck abruptly, the movement thrusting him deeper into your mouth. You gag around him, a disgustingly wet noise at the back of your throat. With a wet pop, you pull your mouth off of his cock. The sudden loss of sensation draws a frustrated growl from his lips.

“Be careful.” Your lips are back on him. Mouthing kisses down his length, your nose bumps against his skin. “Don’t crash the car.”

“I’ve been drivin’ this truck for longer than—” You wrap your lips around the head of his cock and the sentence falters in his mouth.

He pictures you standing in the theater lobby. Confusion in your eyes, a slackness to your jaw. It’s odd and you’ll know it, right away. But you won’t do anything about it. You’ll second guess yourself. You think you’re so smart, don’t you? With that sweet little twist of your lips, batting your eyelashes at him, resting your hands on his shoulders. He wonders how long it’ll take for the confusion to lift. The realization settling over you, chilling you to the core.

You’ll look back at him and you’ll know.

A lifetime of mistakes all falling into place, your scream lost under the palm of his hand.

You should be fucked there. That’s how it should go.

He can’t wait. Not for anything, ever. Mama was always saying that. And with the wet clasp of your mouth around his cock, patience isn’t manageable. How could it be? You’ve taken up all of it, trapped it in your smile. He doesn’t have any more to give.

You bob your head up and down, resting your hands on his thigh. 

“Good girl.” He mutters. You moan and he clenches his jaw, tightening his hold in your hair. “Just like that, c’mon.”

You raise your head off his cock again and murmur out his name, and his grip on the steering wheel turns his knuckles white.

You better be enjoying saying it. Let it live in that slutty mouth of yours for a while. It’ll be off limits soon.

There’ll be other things to call him. Later. He can see several of them in his head, stacked fifty feet high in neon. He probably won’t even have to tell you which one he wants, you’ll come up with it on your own. It’ll bubble up in your little head and you’ll drool it out helplessly, stuffed full with cock. Makeup smeared down your cheeks, caked under your eyes. He’d like to see you when you’re trying to fold into yourself. When you’re trying desperately to be anything but pretty for him.

He’s ready to take the shiny veneer of this personality off. It’s slipping now, he can feel it. 

“Ain’tchu glad you met me?” He grunts out, his breaths coming out shallow.

You’re going to hate him soon enough, and he’ll be able to remind you that you didn’t before. That you can’t fool him into believing you don’t love his cock down your throat, that you don’t want his hands on you—he knows better, and you do too.

You moan your agreement against his cock. Glad, you’re fuckin’ glad. You’d better be.

He bucks up into your mouth when he cums, smacking his hand down on the steering wheel. You’re choking around him, making desperate little huffs through your nose. For your credit, you keep him in your mouth, tightening your lips around the base. He eases his foot off the accelerator, wetting his lips. 

The truck slows to a crawl as he pants, leaning into the steering wheel. He shudders when he feels your lips tug off his cock, swirling your tongue around the oversensitive head.

“We there yet?” You cough a bit, carefully tucking him back into his boxers.

“Christ, girl.” He whistles through his teeth, glancing over at you. “Actin’ like I didn’t just fuck ya’ throat.”

“You didn’t fuck me. I fucked you. And no one saw.” Wiping your mouth off with the back of your hand, you giggle.

“Little cocksucker.”

“You loved it.” You chirp smugly, winking at him. It takes everything in his resolve not to grab you by your hair and slam your forehead into the dashboard. He can’t get blood in his truck again. Shit’s unprofessional. And he’s nothing if not a stickler for appearances. There’s a way to do these things, and you’ve forced him to rewrite his script halfway through the scene. He’s almost impressed with your lack of morals.

He can only imagine how wet you must be, soaking through your jeans. With the way you were moaning around his cock, your pussy must be aching for it.

He should lay a fuckin’ towel down. Protect the goddamn seats—he can’t get your blood on the upholstery, and you know that. 

Tryin’ to leave your mark some other way, ain’tcha?

“Is this it?” You ask brightly, peering out the window.

“Yup.” He parks, turning to you. “Think you can do me a favor?”

“What?”

“Just gotta check on somethin’ with the truck. You wanna run into the shop and put this on the counter?” He grabs the chocolate box off the dashboard and stuffs it into the plastic bag. “Wouldn’t want it meltin’.”

“Sure.”

You hop out of the truck, looking at him expectantly.

“Go on, pretty thing. I’ll be right behind ya’.” 

As you push the door of his shop open, he stuffs your bra in the glove compartment. It’s cute. You won’t be needing it.

[immobiliter]

@apocryphis sent: "thank you for dropping by, furina. i was keen on finding a moment today in what i suspect will be a packed schedule for you..." the iudex has heard of clorinde's and navia's plans for their former archon - and far from him the thought of taking any time out of this very special programme indeed, but, he dares hope they will all forgive him a brief moment of selfishness. after all, all he wants is a moment of privacy to deliver his own gift for her in person. "i have something i wished to give you in person. just a moment..."

the iudex rises from the sofa and steps towards his office, upon which a small, square package carefully wrapped in blue and white rests. with a gentle (perhaps even pleased) smile, he returns to his guest, takes seat at her side once more, and hands her her gift - one of a somewhat special nature. "when thinking about what to gift you for your birthday, i remembered your many lessons about the meaning of fashion, clothing, and jewelry over the years - here is to hoping i applied them correctly, after all this time."

upon opening her gift, furina will find a brooch, in the shape of a lumitoile, just a little bigger than a coin of mora; its heart carved out of the pristine nacre of beryl conch, and adorned with intricate patterns made out of small, polished and glimmering transoceanic pearls, all held together by an elegant silver frame. "i must give credit where credit is due - while i may be the hand behind this brooch, the melusines insisted on helping me gather the finest materials to craft it." he dutifully reports. "and there is something else... please, go ahead and instill a fraction of hydro power in it."

and as furina does, the heart of the brooch glimmers; and a soft, delicate music begins to play gently at their ear. neuvillette's smile grows softer. "and this would be a gift from scylla... a fragment of a memory from ancient remurian times and their famous symphonies. it can only be played by fueling this brooch with hydro elemental energy of vishap or dragon origin... such as your vision." a gift from dragonkin, for fighting for five hundred years for them without even knowing it. a gift of gratitude, and of friendship, and acceptance. "happy birthday, furina."

        “ Of course. ” Furina smiled warmly at him as he rose from the sofa, casting her gaze idly around his office as she waited for him to retrieve her gift — unchanged, as always, but no longer a place that evoked in her such a debilitating sense of panic that she couldn't so much as walk through the door. No longer was the Palais Mermonia her gilded cage, a place she could only associate with the painful memories of centuries past. Now, it was a place she could come and go from as she pleased, a place where she could still find her Iudex hard at work — and while she no longer barged in uninvited these days, he was still always pleased to see her. “ You've been at my side for nearly every single birthday of mine — all the ones I can remember, at least. I couldn't possibly break that tradition. ” Though this year there were no speeches, or parades, or eleventh hour tempers on display because arrangements hadn't matched her exacting standards. “ I'm still trying to decide if I should call this my five hundred and... twelfth, I think? — uh, five hundred and something birthday, or my... first birthday. You know, seeing as I'm actually a year older this year. ”

       It was perhaps a strange thing to be happy about to those who did not know what the true significance of this day was, but she knew Neuvillette understood.

       As he returned to sit beside her, handing over his gift, Furina smiled fondly to herself. An initially challenging, though always extremely attentive, student, she had no reason to doubt the contents of the small, square box in front of her — thoughtfulness had always been something that Neuvillette had excelled at, in her opinion. Still, nothing could have quite prepared her for the intricate, detailed nature of the brooch that she unwrapped her package to reveal. She recognised the shape at once: a lumitoile, one of her favourite creatures populating Fontaine's beaches. Slowly, she ran her thumb over the shape, quietly marvelling at it for a moment. “ You made this, Neuvillette? ”

       His next instruction, surprising as it was, gave her his answer. Cautiously, Furina held the brooch in her open hand and closed her eyes, willing a small, controlled amount of hydro power to the surface of her gloved fingertips ( as she herself had been taught in return for her own efforts all those years ago ). She was rewarded by the start of a gentle melody, emanating from the small object in her hand. Furina turned to Neuvillette. Scylla. Remuria. She recalled Neuvillette telling her about Petrichor and the secrets contained in the seas beneath it not so long ago. Hydro elemental energy of vishap or dragon origin... such as your vision. Her eyes widened, realising just how deeply personal a gift this was. Not just from Neuvillette, but from one of his kin that she'd yet to even meet. A gift unique to her, the first to have been granted a hydro vision not from Celestia or via their edict to the Seven, but from a dragon sovereign.

       What had been done here in Fontaine for all of the dragons in Teyvat, the shattering of the order wrought down by her divine half, was purely accidental on her part... but had not gone unappreciated, it seemed.

       Words surely could not do such a gift justice, not with the rush of emotions that had currently rendered Furina a little speechless. She carefully placed the brooch and its box down on the empty sofa space beside her, before reaching up and wrapping her arms around Neuvillette's shoulders, pulling him into a hug. She expected him to tense a little in her embrace — after all, affection like this had never been their way, not in five whole centuries. But that did not mean that it couldn't be their way forward now, human as she was, finally unburdened by her last devastating secret as the two of them were. Either way, she needed him to know. “ Thank you. ”

[abyssmalice]

How could he forfeit to make something grand for his beloved sister's birthday? Absolutely not. Today, he is going full roundhouse with his birthday surprise.

Said surprise being a giant chocolate cake, covered in fruits of different kinds―but it is not just any simple cake: it dubs also as a giant chocolate fountain, spilling down the slopes and covering some of the fruit along it, impregnating the air with the scent of sweet cocoa.

Next to it there is a pack of sticks ready to be used for dipping fruits and cake into the melted chocolate. And right before it there's a little scribbled note, surrounded by familiar slime doodles in the fashion of her brother's artstyle:

"I hope you like this little experimental idea I commissioned to one of the local bakeries. Happy Birthday, Princess! I love you.

P.d: Once I'm done with my work, would you like to go have fun somewhere in the city? Think about it, and find me in my office once you're done with your cake. I finished all your work for you today, so feel free to take all the time for yourself."

IT'S STILL FEB 19TH 2K24 I PWOMISE / Not Accepting (ofc)

When Tonia wakes up, she immediately keys in on the faintest whisper of cocoa.

It catches her attention just as much as it makes her forgo the usual morning priorities of rolling around in bed, sleeping in, rolling around some more, squishing her toys, reluctantly getting out of bed, even more reluctantly brushing her teeth, or changing out of her nightdress. Instead, she practically bounces out of her blankets, bare feet quickly tapping out of the room and blindly honing in on the sweet smell and sweeter promise of sweet—!!

When she finally blinks, she's in a room with a cake. A giant cake. Made of chocolate, just as she hoped. But it was not just giant and chocolate - it was streaming chocolate, like some endless, magical, miraculous little cocoa volcano. Little smooth rivers of milk chocolate, the river banks occasionally splashing a tiny bit to fleck the strawberries and banana slices decorating the cake.

Truly, a chocolate and cake and sweet lover's dream come true. Tonia discreetly takes a second to pinch the skin of her cheek, feeling it pull too realistically to be anything but real, and she's half a second away from immediately pouncing on the cake in a figurative and potentially even literal way - not like anyone else's name is written on it! Her cake now!!! - before she notices the note on the side.

...She's half inclined to ignore said note frankly. But - there are slimes doodled on it...

Slimes are just as important as this amazing cake, her just-woken-up brain fuzzily determines. So, while one hand grabs one of the dipping sticks to make a little fruit and cake kebab for dipping into the chocolate, the other grabs the note for her to skim and keep in mind and then attend to whatever later.

Or well, she planned to skim it, assuming it wouldn't be anything too important beyond a quick read. Turns out, no, quite important. Just as important as cake and slimes. Maybe a smidge more important than those two things, actually.

Well, it's not like Tonia forgot her birthday was a thing - she had been incessantly badgering and being particularly annoying in the days leading up to it, in some roundabout logic of celebration = permission to be bothersome. So, she's not very fazed to find that the cake was one of her brother's absurdly lavish gifts for the year.

Just... Tonia squints at the note a bit, thinking, before she huffs and puffs her cheeks.

"I don't need to do any of that, you big dummy," she mutters to herself, before turning back to her in-process choco-kebab. She makes sure to skewer the smaller fruits along with a semi-misshapen chunk of cake before carefully dipping the whole thing into the streaming chocolate. Admiring her handiwork for a second, Tonia then turns sharply on her heel and rushes out.

The end result is that there's a slight mess of chocolate trailing down the corridors, and it's dripping over her nightdress, but she could care less when she has something super duper wooper important to do right now!!

Which is to slam the door to her brother's office open, walk in, ignore whatever her brother's reaction is to her sudden appearance, and shove the chocolate skewer into his mouth.

Once it's securely in said mouth, Tonia determinedly sets her hands on her hips - oh, wait, no, gotta rub some of the chocolate off her fingers first; her dress is looking even more of a mess but that's what laundry is for - okay, now she sets her hands on her hips, not quite frowning, but not exactly all smiles either.

"Dummmmmmmy!" She starts, loudly. "You can't just give me a giant cake like that and then expect me to just sit there quietly and make plans all by myself! That's so boring! And lame! Who wants to think that much on their birthday?"

"So, since it's my birthday, I've decided that we're not going to do much thinking at all." She wiggles a finger at him, slight smears of chocolate still on it. "We're just going to eat the cake. Yes, we. I've just decided now that I'm going to share it with you. We're going to finish all of the cake today itself! And you're not going to do aaaaany work, because that's lame, and it's my birthday, and I said so. And even if we have time after finishing the cake, you're still not going to do any work. We're going to have fun in the city, like you suggested. Maybe we can go buy a bakery together, or something."

She finally pokes his nose with the same finger, leaving a small dab of chocolate there. Tonia briefly feels her lips curling into a snort at the sight of Ayaks with chocolate on his face, but focuses hard to keep her you must listen to me I am being very serious big brother so don't laugh expression. "That is going to be the agenda for today, no changes or questions asked! And you can't regret this, because you allowed for this to happen, if you ask me.

"Especially with that dumb note of yours. Why write all that sappy stuff down when you could just say it to my face? Wish me a happy birthday when I'm awake, not when I'm still sleeping!"

Tonia looks on insistently for a few trailing seconds, awaiting the very words that she mentioned, but then remembers the choco-kebab she put into his mouth. Something sheepish twitches its way across her face before she huffs - "W-Well, afterwards! You can say all the stuff in your note to me afterwards. Is the chocolate good enough for me to eat first?"

[odetodilfs]

I'm trying to say friend that I wanna see Hopper head or heels for El's teacher to the point it keeps him up at night >:)

Hey!! Sorry for taking so long but here's my fic

Warnings: No real warnings, just smut :) I'm sorry that this got so romantic but I got VERY carried away and I was in a romantic mood when I got to request so uh yeah. Anyway here it is, you're El's teacher and he's head over heels for you. Pairings: Jim Hopper x male reader

Favorite teacher

You had been a teacher for about 6 months now, you were happy, it was not a bad life by any means and your class was wonderful, the parents were too. You had this girl El in your class, the daughter of the chief of Police, Jim Hopper. You’d been in love with Hopper for as long as you could remember, the way he always tried to help you, and it was almost impossible for you to not go crazy at the parent’s meeting when you saw him. This had gone on for about a year now, but goddamn you wanted the man desperately. What you didn’t know was how in love the chief was with you as well, he jerked off every night to the thought of fucking you, making you cum and moan as he fucked you rough, soft, the fantasy alternated every night, he went to sleep with the thought of cuddling you, telling you he loved you, he was obsessed with you. Ever since he had stopped hooking up and having small flings, he had had his gaze set on you for months. Your face in his mind keeping him up at night, how kind you were to El, his daughter came home smiling because of you, and he saw this as a sign you were good, and when he finally saw you, it was magical for him.

You were packing up for the day, after everyone had gone home, you had finished marking some tests and you were getting ready as you heard a knock on the door, “Come in” you said, you saw Hopper there, with the cutest smile and goddamn did he look hot, his uniform, god, you wanted to peel it off of him, “Hey” you said, “Hey” he said back, smiling awkwardly at you,

“Anything you wanna talk about? El’s grades and behavior are good, if that’s what you came to ask” “No, it’s something more… personal, he said, nothing to do with El” “Oh, I see, what is it then” “Would you uhm…” he was blushing, sweaty and blushing, velvet all over his cheeks, his blue eyes, looking at nothing, “Would I what?” you asked, impatient to see what he wanted to ask. “Go with me to Enzo’s tonight…” he blurted out fast, almost vomiting the word, christ, had Hopper asked you out on a date? “Absolutely, I’ll be there, what time?” “In an hour or so?”

“Fine” you said, you stared awkwardly at each other before he stepped closer to you and roped you in for a kiss, you just swirled your tongue against his, kissing him, never wanting to let go, but the need for air became more important and you broke apart, you smiled at each other and headed off. You decided to go with the most elegant, fashionable outfit, and Hopper just showed up in a Hawaian flower shirt with jeans and somehow you thought he looked better than you, the way it made his shoulders broader, lord, was this man hot.

You arrived almost at the same time and had an awesome date, you talked about more personal things, you held his hand as he told you everything in his life, from his divorce, to his daughter’s death… You realized this man was basically cursed, he had so much pain on his back, by now it had stopped being just physical attraction, you wanted to make this man feel love again and you were going to make it true.

He dropped you off at your house, he got off to say goodbye to you at the door,

“Well… El must be waiting for you at home, so…” you said, it was painful to tell him to go, “No, she’s staying with a friend tonight, and I figured I might as well leave the house for a night…” he said, you couldn’t do it anymore, you roped him in for a kiss, a kiss that was soon inside the house and with you grabbing desperately at each other, the love you two had had for each other for months finally releasing.

You stripped off each other’s clothes, your hands dancing around Hopper’s body, feeling the little lumps of fat that had formed, you remembered during your date that he had said he wanted to lose weight and you hoped he wasn’t for real, you wanted to feel his body like this,every day. Meanwhile, Hopper’s hand worshiped your body as he grinded against your crotch, “I’ve wanted to do this for so long” he said, with a smile, “Then let’s do this” Hopper laid down on the bed as you put your mouth on his tip, “Fuck baby… just like that…” he said, was he normally this sensual? You increased your pace after that, “Hmm, like it when I call you baby?” he said, almost teasing you, he had seen right through you. You nodded on his dick as he hissed from pleasure again. 

His dick kept twitching in your throat, “F-fuck- where’d you learn to do that-” he managed to moan as his head fell back again as you took him deep into your throat again, he moaned and you could see tears forming in his eyes from the pleasure. No one had ever been able to take his cock whole, and somehow you were doing it, “Enough baby, I wanna be inside you” he said, you instantly got up and you positioned yourself on your back as Hopper’s fingers grazed your hole, he carefully pushed them in one by one, “Is this hurting baby?” he asked, he cared so much about you he was so cute. He kept playing with your ass, enjoying the sounds the lube on his fingers made your ass make. 

“Do you have a condom?” he asked, snapping out of the horniness, “No… but I haven’t had sex with anyone apart from my ex 2 years ago and he was negative” you said, it was true but you needed to feel this man raw inside you, “I used a condom in all my hookups” he said, “So we can go raw right?” you asked, both of you smiling already “Yes baby” he said, hugging you and pressing his dick to your ass as he lubed it up.

“Fuck… so tight…” he whimpered as he felt your warmth inside you, you moaned as he probed your most intimate place with his dick. Your eyes locked together, he leaned down and kissed you as he slowly went inside you. His hips rocked against you and did all the work, you just had to lay there and let Hopper fuck you, his little kisses all over your neck were making this even hotter, “You’re taking my cock so good baby, keep doing that… fuck!” he said, as your tight ass clenched down on him, he leaned in to kiss you again, your tongues swirling as Hopper’s dick fucked your ass.

Hopper knew he was big so he fucked you slowly, the last thing he wanted to do was hurt you, you were his pretty baby and he needed you to feel good in order for him to feel that as well, he got lost in how your moans got louder until you blurted out the word that would break every single restraint he had: “Harder baby!” you yelled, that was it, he started jamming into you hard. Enjoying how your moans got faster and louder as he pounded you harder.

“You beautiful little thing” he said, you didn’t know why, but for some reason that tipped you over the edge, he sensed you were about to cum, “come on baby, say my name, say it” he had a huge thing for having his name said in sex, and you weren’t about to disobey him, “Jim!!” you screamed as your cum shot from your cock onto his bare stomach, feeling your release on his stomach tipped Hopper over the edge too, and his voice broke as he came inside you, it was such a huge load, he didn’t know if he’d ever stop cumming, it almost hurt due to how intense his orgasm was. Hopper removed his dick from your ass and watched it leak as it gaped in front of him, “Good job baby” he said as he scooped you up in his arms and started kissing you, both of you coming down from your high.

“That was amazing baby…” you breathed out, “I hope we have many more times” you said, “You.. want more? As in, a second date too?” “Of course” you leaned in to kiss him, “but what about El?” “El will be happy to see how her dad finally found someone, she’s been nagging me about going out there to date again for some time now” he said, smiling, “I’m glad to fulfill her wishes then” you smiled, as you both drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.

[nickineuw]

Hey everyone!! Work has kept me extremely busy lately, plus I had major surgery in the beginning of May so I haven’t had time for much. But….I decided to finally started writing a multi-chapter Rivamika fanfic. I’ve had this idea in my head for a while, and I think I’m finally somewhat happy with Chapter 1. I need to join AO3 so I can share it there, but for now here it is. I might modify it slightly before I share on AO3.

Brief summary….first of all, it’s an AU. the idea is that Levi, a successful and wealthy New York lawyer, and Mikasa, an up and coming fashion photographer also from NY, end up staying *very* close to each other while vacationing in a small town in Maryland.

Also, keep in mind I am a scientist. I enjoy writing and reading, but I am not a skilled creative writer like some fanfic authors are. I try!

Title: A Week in Oxford

Chapter 1: Much Needed Break

Levi - Lower Manhattan, New York

Exhausted but finally feeling at ease, Levi began to pack his documents from the trial into his sleek, black leather briefcase. After a long and extensive jury trial, his client, Dimo Reeves, was found not guilty for the crimes of securities fraud and embezzlement, but was found guilty of the misdemeanor of obstruction of justice. The client was more than pleased with the outcome, since the obstruction of justice charge was fairly minor and resulted in simply year one of supervised probation. The evidence against his client for the other two charges was overwhelming, but Mr. Reeves, a prominent Wall Street trader, hired Levi as his lawyer due to Levi’s impressive track record and tenacity for casting doubt on minute aspects of the crime and evidence. The prosecutors were pushing for 10-15 years of incarceration if he were to be found guilty by the jury. But, Levi had won, yet again. He was able to discover small details in the evidence and slight loopholes in the wording of the law to cast just enough doubt in the juror’s minds, and so they found Mr. Reeve’s not guilty. This is where Levi excelled. Over the last decade, he had proven himself to be a highly sought after attorney throughout New York. He had a mind that could easily find these small inconsistencies in both the evidence and the laws, and his skills in arguing and persuasion were second to no one. For all he lacked in stature, he made up for in his tenacity and cutthroat methods in the courtroom, willing to push the comfort level of the judge but knowing when to stop. To put it simply, in the courtroom Levi Ackerman was an imposing threat to the prosecutors that worked against him. This track record skyrocketed Levi as one of the partners of a now top legal group in New York, Smith and Ackerman. His partner and long time best friend, Erwin, glanced at Levi with a wicked smile on his face.

“What? I know that look. It’s usually never good.”

“Am I not allowed to smile? I am well aware of your amazing career history, but even I am impressed with how you managed this case, Levi. Two years and too many sleepless nights for you, my friend. This decision today was solely based on your impressive mind and work ethic. Choosing you as my partner four years ago is a gamble that has paid off well.”

“Tsk, what gamble? You act as if you haven’t been my closest friend for the last 12 years.”

“Even if you were my enemy, I would have chosen you. No one else can command a courtroom the way you can, Levi,” Erwin replied with a smirk. “Now that this case is finally over, I do believe you owe me a promise.”

Levi rolled his eyes, knowing that Erwin would not be one to easily let this go.

“Erwin, I’m fine. I don’t need to go on a shitty break to a shitty small town. Work keeps my mind occupied and you know how much I hate leaving the city.”

“Levi, you can’t continue to live like this. Trust me, your work ethic is above and beyond anything I could have imagined. But, you haven’t taken a day off of work in four years… and that was only because you had to attend your uncle's funeral. I’m convinced if I don’t force this, you would work everyday until you die a crippled, elderly man in a sterile apartment with nothing but career accomplishments to your name. You need a break. You need to interact with people, make friends and connections other than myself or Hange. It’s healthy to take a break and meet people. And you and I both know how much a change of atmosphere might help with your ongoing sleep problems -“

“What sleep problems? I sleep like a baby.”

Rolling his eyes, Erwin knew better. “ Hange says she has to know by this evening. Apparently someone has expressed an interest in renting the cottage during the same week as you.”

“Fine. I’ll think about it while I drive home and give Hange a call either way.”

Knowing that was as good as he was going to get from his cranky, small friend….Erwin nodded.

“Thank you.. Now, I need to get home and take a shower. This courtroom is stifling and I’m fairly certain it hasn’t been dusted properly in over a week.”

Erwin simply chuckled at his friend's quirks, knowing virtually all there was to know about the man who could intimidate an entire courtroom with just his glare, but who was equally as petrified of dust and dirt.

“Levi, as much as I would love to return home myself, there is a rather large crowd of members of the press waiting to speak to us. But, I know your distaste for them, so I will take the lead. The only thing I ask of you is to please behave and mind your temper.”

With another roll of his eyes, Levi began to walk toward the exit of the courtroom. He knew they meant well, but Erwin and Hange could be, well, imposing. They constantly nagged Levi about his workaholic tendencies and urged him to “get out there and meet people.” They asked about Levi’s sleep habits, knowing he suffered from insomnia, although Levi himself has never disclosed to his two closest friends the exact reasons why. The three of them met while attending Cornell University, although Levi was a freshman during the time Erwin and Hange were already juniors despite being the same age. Regardless, sharing an off-campus apartment together brought them close, and the three of them have remained friends since. While Erwin and Levi both attended law school and passed the New York State Bar exam, Hange received her phD in microbiology and works at New York-Presbyterian Hospital as a microbiologist.

Levi felt somewhat refreshed by the cool October air that encompassed him as he stepped outside of the courtroom, with Erwin and Mr. Reeves’s not far behind him. However, it didn’t take long for the hordes of journalists and cameras to force their way into his personal space, immediately agitating Levi and putting him on edge. He didn’t even do well with people he liked invading his space, let alone complete strangers. .

“Mr. Ackerman, how does it feel to be one of the top bachelor’s in New York City?”

“Mr. Ackerman, can you give us a statement on the jury’s decision today? What are your feelings right now?”

While Levi hated the press and attention, he knew this was part of his job. However, Erwin was much more cordial and well spoken, which made him better equipped to handle the PR aspects of their position, so Levi usually left this part to him. Levi’s temper flared though, when one particularly sleezy duo of journalist and cameraman would not relent, and asked Levi a question that went too far.

“Mr. Ackerman, do you feel guilty for willingly representing someone who scammed his clients out of millions? Especially given your own personal history of criminal acts?”

As soon as Erwin heard the question, he tensed. Before he could even react further, Levi had grabbed the camera from the man and slammed it toward the ground, smashing it into pieces. The crowd silenced, and Levi immediately felt every eye on him.

Without missing a beat, and with a broad smile reaching across his photogenic face, Erwin began, “Well then, with that I am glad to take any questions you have for my partner and I regarding the court’s decision in our case today.”

As Levi started to walk away, head down, he thought to himself perhaps he did need a break.

Mikasa - Murray Hill, New York

Mikasa was browsing through the results of her photo shoot today in Murray Hill. Graduating from Columbia University four years ago with a degree in photography, she quickly made a name for herself as a sought after fashion photographer in the city. Not only is it impressive that she was accepted into Columbia, with only a 4% acceptance rate, she was also offered a full scholarship. Of course, being named as the Valedictorian of her graduating high school class helped quite a bit. Mikasa had always been naturally smart, but when paired with her outstanding work ethic and participation in a variety of extracurriculars, she was a perfect candidate for selection for the highly prestigious scholarship Columbia offered her.

After chatting with her client for a bit letting them know when they would be receiving an email of edited proofs, Mikasa packed up her laptop and made the short walk from the studio to the parking garage. Unlike most New Yorkers, Mikasa insisted on bringing her car when she moved into her one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, New York. There was just too much to explore; too much to see. She usually spent weekends taking long drives outside of the city in search of any and everything she could photograph. Sure, she paid a pretty penny for the parking spot in her neighborhood, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Besides, her monthly rent of $2,500 was actually quite a steal for the modern, light-filled apartment that she always kept clean and organized. It had all of the necessities….a nice sized bedroom with surprisingly large closet space, a small but full kitchen, even a washer and dryer combo. The money she was making as a fashion photographer certainly didn’t make her rich, but she was more comfortable than she anticipated being at only 25. Plus, she was happy…at least as far as her career was concerned.

It was the middle of October, and the cool breeze and vibrant shades of leaves on the small trees dotting the sidewalks indicated fall had finally arrived. Mikasa loved this time of year, and it reminded her of growing up with the Yeager family in a suburb about an hour outside of the city. Although she suffered from an unimaginable loss as a young child, her years with the Yeager family were filled with love and support. Her second set of parents enrolled her in photography classes, supported her when she felt overwhelmed from her studies and duties as class president, and never missed a single one of her high school soccer games.

Her adoptive brother, Eren, was like a real brother to her in many ways, and she always found herself watching out for him due to his reckless ways. They were the same age, same year in school, and even went to college close to each other. Eren majored in software development and was now working in Philadelphia as a video game designer. He was never as studious as Mikasa was in high school, but he seemed to blossom in his college classes and seemed very happy with his career choice. Their close childhood friend Armin, who graduated as salutatorian right behind Mikasa, also attended Columbia and received his MBA. He also worked in Philadelphia and he and Eren were currently sharing a two bedroom apartment together as roommates.

The relationship between Mikasa and Eren wasn’t always healthy though, and she fears that her co-dependency on him has made it difficult for her to form bonds and friendships with others. One of the reasons Eren repeatedly pushed her away is her tendency to mother those she holds close. Even Armin had mentioned it from time to time. She was well aware of this, but why should she change who she is to please others? So what if she cared too much for people she felt close to? It was a part of who she was, and she didn’t see any need to change that fact.

Aside from Eren, Armin, and her college best friend Sasha, Mikasa didn’t really have anyone else she would consider as more than an acquaintance. Sasha often urged her to meet people and do things other than solitary drives to take photographs. At first, Mikasa dismissed those thoughts. Lately though, she has found herself feeling somewhat lonely, and aching for a connection and companionship. Part of her decision to work in New York and not follow Eren and Armin to Philadelphia was so she could give herself physical distance from the unhealthy relationship that developed between her and Eren over the years. Mikasa knew it was better for her to move on, to find someone who would dedicate their entire self to her and not just lure her in when it was convenient for them. Mikasa truly did want a companion and love, but with such a busy schedule and a small handful of friends, she had no idea how to go about meeting anyone. Plus, she craved for someone who accepted her, flaws and all.

About halfway through her drive home, her phone rang. She pressed the button on her vehicle’s control center to answer via Bluetooth.

“Hey Mikasa! Just wanted to call to check in, see how things went with your big photoshoot this week.”

“Oh hey Sasha! It went really well, the photos turned out amazing… I think the clients are going to be very happy with the finished product.”

“Mika that’s so great! I’m so proud of you! Wanna head out tonight to celebrate? There’s this new restaurant I’ve been dying to try, plus I hear the drinks are amazing too!”

“Actually, I decided I need to get away for a bit. I know it’s last minute, but I think I’m gonna book that AirBnB I was checking out in Maryland the other day.”’

“Seriously Mika? Wow that’s so awesome….damn I wish I could take off a few days and go with! You have to let me know how all of the yummy seafood is down there!!!”

Rolling her eyes, yet smiling, because Mikasa knew how food obsessed her best friend was, she replied, “You know I will Sasha…I always take pics for you too.”

“Yay! Mikasa I’m so happy for you. And who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone while you’re there,” Sasha said with a wink.

“Sasha….the town has a population of 600 people. I highly doubt there would be someone there I could meet.”

“You never know Mikasa! Okay be safe, love ya!”

With a smile, Mikasa replied “You know it. Love you too.”

The cottage was located in a town called Oxford, which had a population of only 600 people. Being a photographer, she was immediately impressed by the contrast of the red park bench which sat just in front of the grey cottage with its dark green shutters. Near the winding brick sidewalk, tulips bloomed in reds, yellows, and whites. She longed to take more photographs of it, and could only imagine how beautiful the entire town must be as well. The cottage had an open floor plan with only one bed and one couch, but this was more than adequate for her needs. Last week, Mikasa had sent a brief email to the host, someone by the name of Hange, and Mikasa was pleased to see that the cottage was available during the week she had in mind. However, due to work demands, Mikasa never had a chance to follow up on the email.

Upon entering her apartment, she decided to open her laptop and view the cottage again, as well as do some research on the surrounding area. She was excited to see that the small town of Oxford and surrounding area provided numerous opportunities for her photography hobby. Sitting along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the area offered opportunities for her to photograph not only the nature of the area, but also take photos of the hard working local people, known as waterman, who made their living fishing and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay. There were gorgeous Civil-War era estates to explore, state parks to hike, rivers to kayak, and top-rated seafood restaurants to indulge in. Nearby towns like Easton and St. Michael’s offered boutiques, coffee shops, and local artisan crafts.

Upon checking the website calendar, Mikasa saw that the week she wanted, which started the next day, was still available. Without thinking it over too much, Mikasa clicked on the tab to book her one week stay at the small cottage. Within minutes of making her payment, she received an automatic email from the host. She quickly opened her email app and read that the key would be left under the doormat, and it also provided the exact address. Under the doormat? Didn’t these rentals usually have lockboxes with access codes? Then again, she was going to a very rural place. Maybe things there were just done differently than they were in the city? She pulled her suitcase from her closet and began to pack, excited for her last minute decision to make something happen in her life. The next morning, she would make the drive from New York to the town of Oxford, Maryland.

While Mikasa was excited for the chance to relax and explore a new area, she knew better than to get her hopes up about meeting new people. The town she was traveling to had such a small population, and even the surrounding area was mostly rural. However, the possibility still existed, right? Surely there was someone for her out there, somewhere. Someone who accepted her for who she was….someone who wanted all of her. Maybe she would meet someone special on this trip?

Levi - That evening, Tribeca

Levi pulled his sleek, black Audi into the parking garage under his apartment building. He knew he had royally messed up today, and he knew a lecture from Erwin was forthcoming. But, for now; all he desired was some calming music, a soothing cup of tea, and the view and ambience of his 20th floor apartment. He entered the elevator, hit the floor for 20, and exhaled loudly as he leaned back against the elevator wall. The elevator door opened, and he made the short walk to his door. He immediately felt a sense of calm wash over him when he entered his home. The sleek, grey and black modern furniture he selected contrasted beautifully with the exposed brick walls left after renovations. His kitchen had top of the line, chef grade appliances he loved using while creating new culinary dishes. He had a vast collection of various, rare tea leaves stored in metal tins in a cabinet which took up nearly an entire wall. Windows reaching from floor to ceiling provided a gorgeous view of the city skyline from the 20th floor. Levi wasn’t always fortunate enough to live this way, and while he did appreciate the finer things that his new life could afford, he never forgot his roots and where he came from. Perhaps that’s why he holds himself to such high standards in every aspect of his life now. He knows what it feels like to have nothing, and the fear of people seeing beyond the mask he has created for himself was always lurking. Even that sleezy journalist from earlier today took a low jab at Levi’s past, reminding him that he could never truly escape from who he once was.

While the material things were nice, Levi knew they didn’t make him truly happy. Sure, he had a successful career. He had two close friends. He was well known throughout the city as a tenacious lawyer. He had a gorgeous apartment, a shiny new car, and money to spare. But he wasn’t happy. Not the kind of happy he longed for….a romantic companion. Maybe even love. But, he knew he had a pretty shitty personality, and it was nearly impossible for him to open up to new people. He had no clue how he could find something as elusive as love when he could barely tolerate most people. Still, deep down, Levi craved the feeling of someone who he could call his. Someone who supported him, wasn’t after his money, and who loved him for him. Erwin and Hange were good to Levi, he knew that. He appreciated their friendship. But Levi had never truly experienced love before, in any capacity. Not any he could remember at least. Maybe that’s why he craved for it so badly? Levi didn’t even know where to start though. Hell, he had never even been in a real relationship. His experiences with women were limited to one-night stands and flings, and even those ended years ago as his career began to take up more and more of his time. He knew he had impossibly high standards, and he always seemed to find something wrong with women who were interested in him. Erwin and Hange encouraged him to try to have a more open mind, but when it came to something as important as a relationship, Levi didn’t want to settle. But, Levi was nearly 37 years old. It was high time he took steps to make this happen. Someone was out there, someone made just for him. Someone who wasn’t perfect, but who was perfect for him. Someone like that had to exist? Right?

For now, Levi thought he would start with baby steps. Getting away for a week seemed like a good place to start. His friend, Hange, inherited a cottage in a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She had been begging him incessantly to take her up on the offer to stay there for a week, knowing how badly her friend needed time to relax and decompress from his career. He didn’t even know much about the area, only that it was about a 5 hour drive away and was quite rural. As he pondered, Levi thought this was a healthy first step toward exiting his comfort zone, which was basically staying exclusively in the city, and addicting himself with work. Without thinking about it too much, Levi grabbed his cell and hit the contact button for Hange. She answered nearly immediately.

“Levi! To what do I owe the pleasure? Also, I saw that slight mishap on the news earlier….don’t worry, I think he totally deserved it!”

Grumbling, Levi decided that maybe calling Hange was a bad idea after all. The last thing he needed right now was to be reminded of his poor decision making skills earlier in the day. Hange never was one who fully understood boundaries, though. He decided to look past it for now.

“While I appreciate the sentiment, I’m actually calling to see if your offer to stay in the cottage is still good for the week..”

“What? Is this my friend Levi? Levi Ackerman? Willingly asking about taking a week off of work? Are you being held at gunpoint? Is there someone coercing you right now?”

“I’m serious, four-eyes. After today, I decided maybe I really do need this break. I know it’s last minute, but can I stay there or what?”

Without even checking her app, Hange excitedly exclaimed “Of course you can! Well, I did have someone ask about it last week for the same time slot, but I never heard back from her so it’s definitely available. And you know you don’t need to book through the website….this is on me!”

“Hange, I’m only taking you up on this if you accept payment. We’ve been over this before. And for the love of God, I’m only staying there if someone other than you has been cleaning it. Oh…and make sure you mark it as booked on the Airbnb site….last thing I need is some random showing up because you forgot to update the calendar.”

“Of course I’ll update it, I. I’m not an idiot. Yes, my friend Nanaba lives in the area and she cleans and maintains it for me. Well, the key for the cottage is under the doormat. I’ll send you the address. Bye!”

Under the doormat? Didn’t most people have lockboxes with access codes for these rentals? Levi thought his strange friend was a little too trusting at times, but he dismissed it. All he knew is he would be leaving the next morning, to make the drive from New York to the small town of Oxford, Maryland. Levi pulled his suitcases from his closet and started the process of meticulously packing his things.

Little did Levi know that his friend Hange went to sleep peacefully that night, never once updating the Airbnb calendar, never checking her email or app, and not noticing whatsoever how royally she herself had fucked up.

[silent-raven13]

Together... Again.

(AU: Kinda like It's Over- It's a breakup one-shot but a bit diff)

A few days ago...

Hobie breathes heavily in the restroom, he stares himself in the restroom's mirror. Seeing himself looking so upset, he didn't want to be here. There was a knock at the door, "Coming." He quickly dry his hands to find Gwen looking worried.

"You okay? Was this too much for you?" She asked with her blue eyes on him.

"Nah, nah. I'm good, I just needed a moment." He had his black trenched coat still one, his hair into look thick wicks. The sadness in his eyes said it all to his friend.

"Hobie, it's okay to not be here. I can tell Miles, you weren't feeling good or-" Hobie chuckles, "No, he will never live it down. I need to just get this over it." He pass Gwen before going back to the party seeing everyone, background jazz playing in the background and chatter as people eat snacks and drinks wine.

The Punker walks passing anyone he knew seeing his main goal in the middle of the room, his inky eyes on Miles. Beautiful Miles. His precious Sunflower that he let go so long ago.

Miles wearing gold and white silk color shirt with white pants and shoes. His hair kept in a short afro with a fade at the side. Hobie yearns to touch him, hold him. It's been so long.

"Hobie, my man!" Hearing Pavtri's voice on his right ear, the punker quickly felt the his Indian friend giving him a big bear hug! "I'm glad you could make it! Oh man, I miss you! Where have you been?"

"Ugh!" Hobie grunts, then gently pack his friend, "Umm, I've been good. Just busy being Spider-man, ya'know?" Clearly lying, he didn't want to see anyone, especially him!

Pavtri pouted having his short wavy hair covering on of his face, he bread a bread on his face and became a muscular buff male being almost tall enough as Miles. "Hahah! I get it." Being such a bubbly person, then turns over, "Miles! Hobie's here."

Miles finally turns from the conversation he was having with his guest, then he excuse himself going over to the two. "I've noticed, bae." Miles went over to kiss his fiancee on the cheek, then he gave a happy sincere stare at the punker. "I'm so glad you're here. It means a lot." Miles gave him a hug being so happy his ex/friend made it to his Engagement party. "Like the goatee, man."

"Yeah... um, heh. Been too long, Sunflower." Hobie intake his ex-partner's scent one last time, he hug him for what felt like an hour. He misses him.

Pavtri gave a small smile with a nod, "Well, glad you can make it. We have a large buffet from Indian to Puerto Rican! Have you ate?" Miles pulled away to hug his fiancee's arm as the two hold hands and smile at each other.

"Oh not hungry, mate. Just ate before. I've been very busy as Spider-man and stuff," His dark eyes landed on Pavtri and Miles holding hands being so close to one another. "Umm, sorry. Forgot to say Congratulations! How long you two been together?"

"Thanks, buddy! Um... I think we're going on five years." Pavtri grins widely at Miles being in love, "Right, Anbu?"

Miles happily kisses his soon-to-be husband with a chuckle, "Right!"

Hobie can say he hate it all of this. It felt so wrong! Never in a million years he would see one of his best mate and the love of his life being together! To this day, he pray they would break up so he can have a chance to be with his Miles again. He knew he regretted leaving his Sunflower, when they were in their late teens, he should've done better. To neglect the love of his like that, only to miss him so much.

Pavtri happily drag him around to meet their other friends, the punker didn't know what to do but endure it. He saw how many were happy with Pavtri's and Miles' engagement party, being super excited for the wedding.

When Hobie found out about their relationship, he had asked Gwen about Pavtri's girlfriend he deeply love for many years. Gwen had told Hobie that Gayatri left Pavtri to pursuit her career in the fashion industry, and wanted to explore herself. Somehow Pavtri and Miles find themselves falling in love, Hobie never understood the two's love. It was all odd, yet here they are about to get married.

It upset his stomach in the worst way possible quickly going out in the balcony of Mumbatten, hearing the busy streets, feeling the cold breeze against his face. After twenty minutes, Miles found him being along and brought two glass of wine. "There you are, man. Pav wanted you to see the ice sculptures."

"Heh, never take you to be the type for all of this." Hobie leans against the balcony rail being overwhelmed by everything.

"Ha, Pav always wanted a big wedding. I'm letting him have his dream wedding." Miles handed him a glass of wine, they both clink their glasses. They took a sip of their wine. "Mm, good, huh?"

"Yeah, wow. Excellent wine." Hobie took another sip at the bitterness.

"I know, I wasn't a fan but it grew on me. One of my favorites." His ex hums with his finger rubbing the rim. "Hey, I wanna say... I'm proud of you. I know this can be hard, but I'm glad that we can move past it all. It's been years, y'know?"

"Yeah, we're blokes in our early thirties..." The punker said as the two looking out the city and feeling the night's wind.

"Hah, yeah. You know, this means a lot to Pav, too. That you can accept us."

"Can or I have to?" Hobie finally asked before he finish the glass of wine, he saw the balcony door shut, "I... I still love you, y'know."

"I know." Miles sighs with his eyes sadden as he took a sip of his wine.

"Then why continue this?"

"Because I love him, too. Hobie, you and I were a thing of the past."

"I told you before you started dating him that I wanted a second chance, and you turn around and kept going with HIM!" He began with his heart hurting, "I am better, I realized I messed up! Why couldn't-" Miles cut him off, "Your too late, Hobie. I told you from the moment I told you about me and Pav. I don't want to be with you because you didn't love me enough to fight for us, to be with me, to love me! You forgot how much a jerk you were to me? I can't be with you. Pav makes me feel special, safe, he loves me from the moon and back and you- you were never capable of that."

"But I am better. I'm grown! I can be-" Miles finally faces him with his eyes filled with pain which made the punker stop ranting, "I... I'm sorry. I just... I'm happy for you that your happy, but... I still love you."

Miles frowns, "Hobie, it's too late for us..." Hobie could only feeling his heart shattered.

Moving forward to Present time!

Every well experienced Spider-hero was busy fighting off a variant of the Kingpin was inventing a machine to time travel. Miguel shouted, "Stop him! Do not let him finish the machine!"

Miles fought the large man seeing how strong he gotten. "You can stop! I will have my way!" Kingpin shouted in anger.

Then Gwen and Pavtri came tackle the large man down along with Peter trying to tie the man down. Hobie quickly took down several of the villain's goon, until he spotted the time-travel device, it's like a sleeker version of the Gizmo, and in black and gold.

"Wait, stop! Let me go! I need my family back! I need to change the past!" The Kingpin begs being pinned to the ground.

Family back? Hobie's dark eyes look at the watch being mesmerized by it as he hears the Kingpin talking, "It will get me another chance to be with my family. I need my family. I am nothing without them! My wife... my son!" He weeps on the ground.

Another chance!

Hobie quickly put on the Time Traveling watch on his wrist, he hears Peter said, "We'll let the cops handle him."

Miles turns to Hobie going over, "Hobie, do you have the device?"

"What?"

"Let's give the device to Miguel. He wants to study it before destroying it..." Honey-brown eyes squint as he slowly read his ex-boyfriend's expression. "Hobie..." He let his hand out to get the device.

The Punker took a step back, staying quiet. He could get another chance. He can fix this! He'll be able to be happy again! Him and his Sunflower forever together!

Miles's pressed his lips together taking his hand back with a serious tone, "Hobie, whatever your thinking... don't." Now the rest of the Spider-heroes around them heard.

The next thing Hobie did was type the date and push the button releasing a large Celestial Cerulean blue with electric sparks ripping through their reality.

"HOBIE!" Miles shouted as the portal release a large burst of powerful wind and loud swooshing sounds.

Miguel growls out loud, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, BROWN?"

"HOBIE STOP!" Gwen shouted.

The punker looks at Miles with sadden eyes, "I'm so sorry, but I have to fix this." His ex-partner's eyes widen in shock before he could stop him.

"HOBIE!" Miles shouted out loud for him being the last voice he hears.

Hobie jumps into the portal seeing time turning back with black and blue colors of space and time being static.

Back to 12 years ago; Hobie was 20 years old, and Miles being 19.

When the thirty two punker finally jumps into the past. Just before his young self is about to make the most stupidest mistake. The watch took him to HQ on Earth 928, he had to play off being another variant of Spider-Punk as he search for his younger self and young Miles.

He spotted them in a lone hallways by themselves. As he recalls this memory, this is where he and Miles fought about their last break up. He remembers they would say they were done only to be back in mere seconds. He stood behind the walls as he listens.

Young 19 year old Miles crying at his boyfriend, "Hobie, I'm telling you that I'm tired of waiting for you to come around. I'm tired of being treated this way. It's not fair to me. You don't love me."

"You sign up for this! Why couldn't you leave then?" Young 20 year old Hobie spoke coldly, "I never told you I wanted this!"

"But you and I were so good together from the beginning! What happened?" Miles sniffs trying to wipe his tears.

The young punker scoffs, "Sunflower, I've done nothing wrong."

"You're ignoring me! You don't love me the way I-" Hobie snaps at him, "Then break up with me! That's what you want, huh? I don't need you! I'm fine with-" Older future Hobie finally uses his web to shut the little punk off, never had he felt the urge to beat his younger self till now.

Miles' honey brown eyes widen as he saw his boyfriend being web. "You got a lot of nerve talking down to him like that." Older Hobie finally came out of the dark to reveal himself.

Young Hobie ripped off the web glaring daggers at him, "Oi, dis is none of your business. What are you? An older variant of me?" He snorted.

"Bae, stop. Let's just-" Older Hobie said in a stern voice," NO! You," He pointed at his younger self, "You and I need to talk."

"Pftt, no. I don't follow-" The older man didn't give a shit and yank younger Hobie's ear having to drag him off, he turns to Miles, "He loves, y'know? He loves so much but he got some fucked up demons he can't face. it's not you, Sunflower... it was never you. You were too good for him... maybe better but..."

Miles' big doe eyes gleams at him with hope as tears fell down his face. Younger Hobie shouted, "Oi, shut the fuck up, mate! I ne-" Older Hobie cut him off, "He will always love you and will never be able to move on... If you do break up with him, please give him a second chance, okay? That's all he would ask from you."

"Okay..." His little Sunflower said in soft tone being surprised and confused.

"Now, me and you! Come on, lad. We got a long deep conversation to handle!" Hobie drags his younger self into a dark office room, harshly shoving the little punk into the wall.

Young Spider-Punk winced being slammed against the wall, "Aye, mate! Are you fuckin-" Older Hobie put both his arms side by side between his younger self's head, leaning over with a hissed, "Clean up your shit, bruv! You're gonna lose the only person worth living for! Act right, before it's too late or else I'ma beat the shit out of you till you come to your senses."

"Are you threatin' bruv? I ain't gonna do shit. If he wants to leave, he can fuck off! And ha- pretty cute telling him, he's the love of my life when he was nothing but a simple fuck!" He shoves back the older Hobie in anger, "Fucking try and fight me. I dare ya."

Older Hobie made a fist in anger, "Look, I know your like this because your using heavy drugs, you think your not loved. You're not worth it. You're trying to make the mess before it happens." He looks away knowing all of this.

Young Hobie cover his left arm covering the part where he injects drugs into him, looking surprised if not frighten. "How-How did-" Older Hobie finally looks at him with a serious tone in his voice as he walks closer to him, "Your afraid of things being too good, then it comes crashing down to shit! I know, you're afraid of it happening because you think it's you! You think your the reason things will go bad that's why your trying so damn hard pushing your Sunflower away. I'm here to tell you to get clean, go get therapy- not just for him but for yourself, too."

"Pfft, you're full of bollicks, mate! i-" This time the older man slams the younger Spider-punk against the wall hearing it crack, then gritted his teeth, "LISTEN TO ME YOU LITTLE SHIT! Do not let him go! If you do..."

"If I do?" Younger Hobie sneered with his eyes glaring murderous at the supposed variant. "Huh? What?"

"You'll regret it for the rest of your life! You will be all alone watching him fall for someone else, moving on while you're in the background watching over him with a bottle of whiskey!" Older Hobie lets him go as he turns away thinking about those sad years, "Your wonder how stupid to not listen to him, to change! Everything will be too late by the time you realize, he'll marry someone else while your forgotten like the mere shit on your boots." One hand cover one of his face.

Why was he doing this? His younger self is too stubborn. Nothing will change by his words, nothing will get through it. Was he meant to be alone.

Younger Hobie stood with a hard gulp, his dark eyes on the older Hobie variant. The more he study him, he looks too depressed, too different than the other Hobies he met. This one spoke so much truth about him like he KNOWS him! How? Why?

Stubbornness kicking him, wanting to make him to argue back, yet his Spider Senses warning him to stop. His gut begging to trust this man. His heart beating so fast like adrenaline or panic going high gear. "You're not a variant, are you?" He finally asked with another swallow of his salvia.

The older male finally face him with his eyes already telling him the truth, "What gave it away?"

"You speak a lot of truth like you were stalking me or sumthin'." Younger Hobie finally sighs with his hands in his pocket, "Either way you should mind your business."

"This business is my business, lad!" Older Hobie glares at him with a harsh tone, "I am you from the future! Look at this, bruv!" He shows him the black watch, "I time travel to warn you about the future, about us! How we will be completely alone and-" Then the door slams open revealing future Miles shouted, "DO NOT FINISH THAT SENTENCE!" Younger Miles follow behind him!

"Sunflower!" Older Hobie's eyes widen in shock at him, "What- how?"

"I jumped in before the portal got closed!" Older Miles scowls being too upset, "How could you do this? Do you realize you're messing with time?"

Younger Hobie quickly went over to younger Miles seeing the two grown ups. Young Miles look at his partner, "Crazy how they are our variants, huh?" Finally speaking to his boyfriend.

"They're not our variants... they are us from the future." His boyfriend took out a cigarette to smoke.

"What?" Miles' eyes widen then staring back at their future self.

Future Miles points his finger at his ex-partner, "You have no damn right to do this! You were the one that left! I moved on! I found love and your here to ruined it! You're one selfish man, Hobie Brown!" His voice shows signs of anger and frustration.

"I'm only trying to save us! You told me you still love me! Yet you're gonna marry PAV!" Future Hobie shouted, "I'm trying to fix this so we don't have to go back to our awful present!"

"Wait, Pav." Younger Hobie asked out loud being surprised.

Younger Miles only remained silent, because all of these reason were already the main issues on their relationships. Being marry to Pavtri was a bit crazy for him.

"Awful present! You only think that because you pushed everyone away. You became a loner! You pushed me away- the love of your life? The one you make all these fucking claims!"

"I did it to get better!"

"No, you did it because you thought you were ALL THAT! Now, you're lonely and a bum! I'm not playing with you, we're going back before you fuck everything up! I'm going to marry Pav and that's it!" Future Miles sneered in anger having hot tears running down his face, "No matter what I do you always come back to me like a fucking virus! Why? Why can't you just move on like you wanted!"

Younger Miles finally saw his future self so upset, so lost... this was there future. Him and Hobie all is pain and never happy? Will he ever be happy with him? Was there a chance to stay and fix it? He felt tears coming down his cheek, touching it to realize he's in pain.

"I can't because I love you! I'm a changed man. Why couldn't you give me another chance! You were the best thing that happen to me! I know I've neglected you! I treated you like crap but-" Future Miles shook his head, "No, I've moved on. You broke up with me! You and I were done the moment you said you were sick of me. Sick of us! That you claimed you can do better- that you found better! I work too hard to move on from you! I'm happy with Pavtri, he makes me feel safe, loved, our love is special! Nothing like us! We were toxic!" Future Hobie stare in disbelief yet so hurt. He to was shedding tears.

"Oh my god," Younger Miles finally said getting all their attention. Younger Hobie was busy trying to ignore all of this while smoking his cigarette, he only stayed to watch the drama. Then, Younger Miles turns to face his boyfriend being so shaken, "Is this what me and you will be?"

"What?" Younger Hobie looks confused.

"Oh my god, this is it! This is our future!"

Older Hobie looks up being terrified by his younger ex-boyfriend. Future Miles too look panicked, "Wait, no. This isn't what you think! You two, weren't supposed to see this! This- Fuck, you guys are supposed to break up from a few days from now-" Younger Miles started to breathe in panic as he took a step back from fear, he even got away from his boyfriend, "So we do break up! We-We are just stuck in this bullshit, huh? I can't move on, because YOU," He turns to his boyfriend, "You will come back to me after all we been through and YOU are going to leave me, even though I try! I try and TRY!"

"Wait, Sunflower. This is all bollocks You believe this will-" His Sunflower shouted out loud, "Get away from me! You and me are done! i can't- I need to move on! I- I have to get away! I can't- I won't!"

"Wa-wait!" His boyfriend looks in shock at the way his boyfriend looked at him. For the first time, his eyes opened at the realization of being alone and how his Miles' stare at him with pain and heartbreak. "Sunflower! SUNFLOWER!"

"NO, I CAN'T BE WITH YOU! WE'RE BAD FOR EACH OTHER!" Younger Miles stumble back having to cry.

"No, listen! Look at me." Future Hobie grab younger Miles to face him, "Breathe. Relax. You will be fine."

"Why did you have to come here?" Younger Miles broke down crying. "I'm so tired of trying to make this work! Why couldn't you just leave everything alone!"

Future Miles stood silent as he wipe his own tears, he noticed his engagement ring disappearing. Was their present already changed?

"I'm so sorry, luv. Understand that...-" The older man stood quiet, "I'm sorry." He hugs younger Miles, He thought he could changed the past, but this only prove nothing has changed. He's a selfish man.

Younger Hobie saw Future Miles' wiping his tears in silence. He's done with everything. The look of disappointment, hurt and frustration were all shown through his body language. This made the young punker's nervous- dare he say scared for the future. He didn't want to see this kind of Miles, this broken person who seems so tired and depressed.

"Hobie, let's go. We can't stay here any longer." Future Miles said in a serious tone.

"Fine." Future Hobie pulls away from young Miles, "I'm so sorry, luv. Don't cry no more, not even for me. You're a strong lad, you know? I always admire that from you." He wipes his younger ex's tears from his face giving a sincere smile. "Do what you need to do. I'm sorry for trying to change something for myself..."

Younger Miles nodded with his hand rubbing his other arm being quiet. He didn't go near his partner or try to look at him.

When the two future beings stood together, they open the portal to their timeline. Their past self watches them go.

12 years back to their Future

When the two came back, Miles saw a pissed off Miguel. "BROWN, YOUR IN BIG TROUBLE!"

"Yeah. Yeah. Suspend me if you want." Hobie tosses him the watch, "I don't care. Bunch of bollocks this doo-hickey!" Miguel caught the the time travel watch. "Morales control your partner!"

"What?" Miles asked in shock.

Gwen said, "Did you hit your head, dude? You and Hobie are married!"

"What!" The two said in shock. The two couldn't believe it, they were married for years! Gwen and Pavtri had to tell them that they broke up for a while until they decided to be together, again.

It left the two in disbelief by the mere conversation with their younger past had completely changed everything in their lives. Miguel had to explain to them that they were lucky nothing major had shifted the future, forbidding them to ever going back to "fix" it, again.

When they got to Miles' apartment back on his Earth 1610, he saw that it was no longer his space, but with him and Hobie. It seems like they share a long beautiful past. Miles stood being disbelief, "Looks like you got your way, huh?"

"I... I didn't mean... not like that." Hobie looks at one of the photos of him and Miles' wedding, "Do you- Do you remember anything yet?"

"No... not yet. Miguel said it'll come back or mix between OUR future and this future." Miles rubs his temples being so lost for words. "I... I'm trying hard not to be mad at you. I know, you wanted to talk with yourself seeing how in our relationship, not all of it was bad. I'm sorry for calling us toxic."

"I'm sorry for not letting you go when I know you needed it." Hobie turns to hug his ex or rather now, husband, "I never meant- I just wanted another chance to show I am a good man. If you want we can get a divorce and I'll leave you alone."

Miles looks at him for the moment, then sighs, "I... I'm willing to try again seeing how things are. I know, I've been harsh with you even though I still felt the same way with you. I always did love you, y'know."

Hobie let out a tearful laugh of relief a big smile on his face before he buries his face into his neck, "Are you sure? You want to take the leap with me, again?"

"I'm willing to be together... again." Miles hugs him tightly and kiss his head. The two dance slowly in a circle pretending to hear music as they wanted to be held by this. "I wonder what fixed us."

"We'll remember it." His now husband softly said, "I do love you, Sunflower. I will be the man you deserve."

"Oh I'm expecting it." Miles giggles, as they pressed their forehead togethers.

"I love you, so much." Hobie kisses him.

Back to the past.

A few days passed after the incident.

Young Miles sat by himself in a random spot in HQ, after meeting his future self he decided he needed time for himself. Leaving Hobie was a difficult thing to do, but this was greatly needed. Something about his heart and Spider Sense told him this was for the best. So struggling with his heartbreak, it wasn't too bad.

Maybe it was long over due in his opinion, though...

The reminder of his older ex-boyfriend telling him that he always loved him, it felt nice. To finally know somewhat that his Hobie did love him or loved at one point. It didn't matter now. All that matters is himself and healing trying to be himself. Maybe he should take on a hobby like writing or knitting? Eh, who knows! This was the journey of Miles G. Morales.

Just when he took a bite of his sandwich, he hears heavy footsteps. "Aye, Sunflower..." Hearing his ex-boyfriend's voice. "You got a minute?"

Big doe eyes meet dark inky eyes, then he nodded in silence. "Okay."

The Punker sat down next to him, he had his own lunch of fish n' chips instead he pull out his cigarette to smoke. He kicked his legs as the two sat in silence, then he gave a weak chuckle, "Hah, now I know how you feel when your being neglected, huh?"

"Get to the point, Hobie. I'm eating." Miles chews being busy trying to eat his sandwich and chips. "I got a lot to do today."

"Heh, right... always Spider-man." The punker inhale his cigarette then bite his bottom lips, "I'm hurt, alright?" His ex-boyfriend looks at him waiting for more. "And it's not because of the break up- well, it's part of it but, I think I got a lot of fucked up shit from my past that isn't helping me... I self destruct too much, y'know?"

That is true and Miles thought he could fix it with his love. "And you think you're the main reason- well, your not. A lot have to do with me mum, siblings, me being homeless- surviving... Anyone I met I had to study them, observe them. To know they're not shit. You, Gwen, Pav- everyone we knew and love help me make me own family, yet... I'm not happy- or I'm on edge all the time. Being with you was the greatest thing in my life, luv."

Miles set his food to the side to listen some more, his eyes on his ex. "You were the light I needed to keep going. Yeah, the beginning of us was so good- so amazing, but..." He shook his leg being nervous, his voice shaken, "I felt if I shown you my true self... you would hate me or if our relationship was too good then boom! Everything gone to shit... I rather cut it off before it starts. Seeing our future self- my future self, the linger smell of liquor and cigarettes- Fuck." He weeps with his hand on his face harshly wiping off his tears.

His Sunflower hugs him tightly, "Shh, it's okay."

"No, it's not. I fuck it all up because I'm too damn stubborn. Now I'm going to be alone while you're forced to be fucking depressed! Shit, luv. I'm so sorry." He weeps into his Miles' shoulder being so afraid and small. "I'm using drugs, luv. I'm an addict, I do shit to hurt me so I know I'm here- that I deserve it. I hurt you but I never mean too."

"Hobie, baby. Listen to me, I will always love you. Maybe this is good for us to find help. Fix what we need, to find ourselves." Miles cup his ex's face staring loving at him. "You know, I always love you for you even with your flaws. I'm sorry, I was never harsh to you about your addiction or put my foot down when I needed you. We're both at fault. Seeing our future selves should inspired us to do better, bae."

"But you're gonna be with someone else, luv. I-" Miles kisses him, "You know, we can still change the future. Nothing is set in stone, bae. Hobie, I want us to get better. Maybe this separation will help us and when we're ready we can be happy. I want to believe in us... in our happiness!"

"Luv, Sunflower, you're the best thing ever happen to me. I love you, so much. I'm willing to change for us. I want to be the man you deserve, I'll get better for us." Hobie hugs his Sunflower.

"Don't worry, baby. We'll be together, again." Miles said being happy for their future, all he knows it will be bright and perfect the way they always wanted.

[barbaracleboy]

Random, but I'm just gonna drop ideas I had for a potential backstory/potential headcanons for Mothiva (plus a little for Zasp too):

So, Mothiva was born outside of Bugaria, the youngest in a very poor family of Moths. One that would be lucky if each member got more than maybe one full meal a day. Mothiva's father passed away shortly before she pupated, so she mostly spent time with her older brother, her even older sister, and her mother. It was a bad time, Mothiva hated living the poor life, and she was very vocal in that hate. Her mother wasn't necessarily neglectful to her kids, she tried her best with taking care of them, but the woman was clearly stressed and she seemed to take some of it out verbally on her children (Mothiva claiming to have been targeted the most). Another thing about Mothiva is that she ended up becoming a decent fighter mainly due to her living conditions: her family back then didn't have a single, steady home, and the places they'd sleep would often be shared by things like Seedlings. As well, Mothiva fought with her siblings somewhat often, and it wasn't too uncommon for these fights to escalate to physical violence.

Really, one of the few things that made Mothiva and her family happy back then was singing: occasionally, when they were all bored or gloomy, the family would sit around and take turns singing songs. Everyone especially liked when it was Mothiva's turn, as even as a child she had a wonderful singing voice. The only time Mothiva remembers her mother smiling was when it was her youngest child's turn to sing. One time Mothiva was a bit away from home and sang, getting some Bugs to give her money. She brought it back home only to be berated by her mother for "begging". This ended up teaching Mothiva to keep secrets and put up facades: she didn't stop singing for money, she just never told her mom about it and tried hiding the money from her, lying about it if found out. Mothiva's siblings never cared about the money and never said anything to their mother.

Eventually, one Bug gave Mothiva not just money, but advice: they suggested she head to Bugaria, where it'd be possible for her to get as famous "as she deserves". The young Moth very quickly took this to heart, so she packed up her savings and anything else she'd want with her and left home, not even telling her family. Mothiva never brings up her life before Bugaria, she doesn't talk about that time to anyone except maybe Zasp, and she tries her damndest to bury or forget the memories of her life back then. Mothiva doesn't know and isn't interested in knowing how her family's been, she thinks that they think she's dead.

After getting to Bugaria, Mothiva started her idol career at around age 17 or 18. About a year in she felt she needed a bodyguard, so she hired Zasp, a Wasp she had met some time after her arrival; Zasp and his family were Solitary Wasps that moved to the Wasp Kingdom, but at some point his parents left while Zasp chose to stay. Zasp would later leave the Wasp Kingdom himself when he started realizing how the people there changed (after the Wasp King's takeover). This escape was dangerous and is how Zasp got the scar on his eye. Anyway, Zasp felt he needed work so he became a Bodyguard for Mothiva, and after seeing how well she could defend herself even without his help Zasp suggested they form an Exploration team. If nothing else, it would serve for more opportunities to get famous and find new audiences: Mothiva never, EVER wants to be poor again, so she likes having as many "safety nets" as possible (Singing, Acting, Fashion, Exploring). Truthfully, Mothiva's often not stoked to go on long, arduous adventures, but it's part of her image now and what's more it helps with training. Plus, more excuses to spend time with Zasp are nice.

[peerbear]

Where Currents Meet THE SHOOT

The much-awaited Where Currents Meet shoot was upon us and even though I had a week and a half between shoots it barely felt like enough time to gather myself, my thoughts and everything I knew I needed to bring together what Bethany wanted in the film. I was much more nervous going into this project because I feel less confident in camera than I feel in sound. I don't know what it is but my imposter syndrome strikes me with this every time. I think part of it could be the organisation aspect and getting to a point where I can see a shot in my head can take a lot of time to immerse myself into.

The shoot started off at Craiglockhart kit stores as usual where I went through equipment and organised it by department. Sadly I only skimmed it and there were some major issues I missed, this was in part due to being in a bit of a rush as I hoped to stick to the planned schedule of the day. Alex arrived after a previous engagement and helped me load up the car. I was very impressed by how he packed the car. Usually, I like to do this by myself but this time it was a pleasure having someone else who appreciated packing a car nicely too. We headed off and made our way to Broughty Ferry.

The next couple of days of shooting had to shift around quite a bit due to the weather. We were so dependent on ensuring that our ocean shoot day would be in the best possible conditions.

On the first day it was pouring so we filmed the bedroom scene (scene 7), which was our only indoor scene. This was quite the disaster because all of the dedolights were broken with frayed snapped cables. This was something I had missed in my quick scan of the equipment so instead of a three-point lighting set-up with a bounce fill, I had to use just two lights to do it, one of which was Tom's mini LED. At the time I was convinced we needed to reshoot it up until the last day, when I realised I had to let it go because it would not have been a logical thing to do. I was really happy because we redid the overhead shot that we had done in the test shoot and this time it made the cut.

That evening Tim and I, my 1st AC for a big part of the shoot fashioned a waterproof camera housing for the camera. It was more of a splash-proof housing but it ensured that I could keep the camera completely dry throughout the shoot. Only on the last day I filmed without it and this was a clear day on the beach where we only shot scenes outside of the water. Sadly I don't have any photos of us constructing the housing but this can be seen in detail in the photos above where I write about the fourth day.

On the second day first, we shot the scene in the woods (scene 5) where Iris trips. This went pretty smoothly and just about how we wanted it. The only thing was that it was raining so the camera housing stayed on. This meant the camera was safe and we could shoot regardless, but the reflections of the Polly Bag were difficult to see through at first. Later on that day, we filmed the bus stop scene (scene 3) and the pavement scene (scene 4). Both had different factors that were issues for us. For the bus stop scene, we had to make sure no one else was at the bus stop so we would have to wait and shoot around the bus schedule and the timings of people waiting at the bus stop. This worked out in the end. For the pavement scene, our main issue was continuity and lighting, the sun kept changing whether it was out or not. When it was out I embraced the flares as I knew Bethany would like and this ended up making it into the final edit. I was a little worried about continuity here but there was nothing we could do as the sun was going down quickly.

The third day was the big day. Here we shot our water scenes. For the first half of the day, we shot the opening scene (scene 1) where Iris is on her board in the water and Kallie is on the shore. This was really hard to shoot because we were running against the time of the tides, even though I believe this had been factored into our schedule we had to move set after every shot and it just wasn't attainable. We tried our best but Iris ended up being even more in the shallows than we had planned, which was good for camera and sound would not have made it further into the water. We tried to make this work for us as best we could and I don't think it is clear in the final film just how shallow we were. For the second half of the day, we had the second half of the final scene (scene 8) which is where Kallie and Iris are in the water. We had to shoot this very quickly because one of our actresses was very cold and was clearly reaching her limit but not admitting to it so we decided to call it a day even though we had a whole other scene in the water that we were going to shoot. Sadly the final scene that we did shoot did not make it into the final edit because the others felt the actress looked too cold in that shot to the extent that it took away from the scene.

On the fourth day, we shot our scene at the river and then at the bridge (parts one and two of scene 6). The river scene went pretty well, although, after three days of handheld, I was beginning to feel it so I struggled a bit with this scene as there was a segment where the actresses sit down and I tried to track this movement down. Otherwise, this scene went smoothly. We then shot the bridge scene which again went relatively smoothly even though it had a pretty complex choreography. When we were making the storyboard, Bethany and I had planned this through precisely so we knew what we were doing and Bethany knew exactly what she wanted. This went well and we managed to finish early that day.

On the final day, I removed the plastic protection, it was a bit frazzled and the forecast was no rain and little wind so the equipment was safe that day of course we were extra careful and I still had my protective lens filter on the lenses. That day we shot scene 2 which we had had to rewrite over the previous two days because we did not want to put that one actress in the water again. Instead, we made it look as if she was coming out of the water so we would spray her between takes. Again she got quite cold so we did not go on for very long, but we got everything we needed. I was happy with my shots here. Then we moved onto the first half of the final scene (scene 8) and I think I got my favourite shots of the whole film here. We had to filter the sunlight on their faces but I feel this worked really well in the end.

I have to say my camera team was super helpful and without them I would not have managed to do it. Tim was very meticulous and this was really helpful at times to get things correct. Tom was also really helpful, especially with his LED that saved the bedroom scene's indoor lighting set-up. Cal was my star and my rock in the camera department, he made me feel at ease and calmed me down with his presence when I was stressed. He was always helpful and had something positive to say, I'm so glad to have had this experience with him as we never worked together until now.

Here are some photos from when we wrapped:

Overall I felt the shoot went well and we got some good material. It was a big learning curve for me because I did not find it easy navigating some things amongst some additional crew and others, but I have learned to be more resilient and firm when it needs to happen for the benefit of my group members as well as myself. I'm also proud because I remember this time around in my third year I was considering repeating a year and feeling like I would never DOP again, and this year I have done it on a grad film that I feel suits me very well.

[studywgabi]

My Morning Routine with Body Dysmorphic Disorder

From the ages of 12 to 16, I spent 4 hours getting ready for school every weekday morning. First period started at 7:35 A.M., I woke up at 3:40 and usually arrived to class around 7:55 with an apologetic smile and a late pass. I said it was car trouble, or that my alarm hadn't gone off.

I spent the first hour-and-a-half of my day plucking my eyebrows, my temples, and my forehead up to my hairline, sitting side saddle on the sink and twisting around towards the mirror when I got tired of standing. I shaved the rest of the face from the eyes down: my cheeks, my sideburns, mustache, beard, and nose, my neck, and my ears with just water, no shaving cream. Then I spent another hour-and-a-half in the shower, turning the water on to rinse my razor and off again to shave repeatedly to try and stretch the heat as long as possible. I covered my entire body with shaving cream, painting myself white. I started with my stomach, then my breasts, my sternum, my nipples, then my sides, my underarms, my back as far up as I could reach and then my shoulders as far down, though I always missed a strip of skin above my waist. My hairline on the back of my neck, so nothing could stand up, even if I was scared. Then my arms, my hands, my knuckles, I wasn't very careful and I gave myself a few scars. Next my legs, feet, toes and pubic hair. When the water ran ice cold, I would turn it off, get out, and set up my makeup table while I waited for it to warm up again. I got back in, nicked myself a few more times, then washed my hair and body and used my prescription acne cleanser. My parents bought men's razors in bulk because I needed a new one every day. My clean skin only lasted a couple of hours, then turned into 11:00 A.M. shadow.

The next hour was makeup: sunscreen, moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, bronzer, contour, setting powder, blush, chapstick, lip liner, lipstick, eyebrow pencil, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. I wasn't very good at it; it always came out cakey or racoony. I listened to music, mostly Taylor Swift or Avril Lavigne, sometimes showtunes, while I worked. Then I brushed my hair, adding some brown eyeshadow to the bald spots to make it look fuller, got dressed in my school uniform, and packed up my lunch and books in a rush. No time for breakfast and I had the early lunch period at 10:35 anyway. I'm a girly-girl. I think I would have loved makeup the way I love fashion. I think it would have been fun to experiment with new colors, new styles, new brands, my favorite actresses' recommendations.

If I didn't do this, I couldn't leave my house. So I had the flu a lot. And I never went out on weekends. My one goal in life was beauty, or getting as close to it as someone like me could. It took up everything: my time, my energy, my focus. For the rest of the day, when I wasn't grooming, I was thinking about it.

Two years later, I don't do it anymore, but I miss it. If felt so good. It was so satisfying to destroy all those little parts of myself over and over again every day. I looked forward to it. I enjoyed the routine of it; it was so familiar to me. Mondays were my favorite, when I could free myself of all the evil that had built up over the weekend. I can't stand to touch my skin now and have to remember how smooth it used to be. I've scratched myself bloody trying to find some relief.

There have been setbacks. I snuck my mother's tweezers into the bathroom a couple of times, or she left her razor lying around after she thought I'd gotten over it. If I grow my nails out long enough, I can use them. I've tried other methods- new snake oil miracle razors, every depilatory cream, waxing, threading, bleaching, free consultations for expensive laser and electrolysis.

All the adults in my life were so happy and proud of me when I stopped. I don't feel I've made any "progress" as they define it. I don't perform those behaviors anymore, but I feel even worse. I hate myself even more, I feel trapped inside my own skin. I'm not any more loved or accepted now than I was then, which was all that mattered to me.

They have no idea what it is to be hideous. They could never, ever understand what it's like to have to exist in this world in this body. To have to live with yourself and sleep at night knowing what you are. To never be a woman, to never be young, to be inhuman, your own vile, repulsive species, something completely separate than everyone around you that should be kept locked in a cage away from society. Something that should be put down for it's own good. To be some kind of animal, or beast, to be born a monster. To want to gouge your own eyes out so you never have to see yourself, to want to die because you aren't strong enough to live this way. To know that you'll spend every last moment of your whole life alone.

It was so difficult for me to accept my BDD diagnosis. I guess I still haven't. I don't "fixate on my perceived flaws," other people do. I do my best to correct my very much real flaws so that other people don't have to look at them. I didn't come up with this on my own, I didn't choose to be ill, if that's what I am, and I sure as hell didn't choose this body. I don't want to look like this, I don't want to upset people with my appearance, I don't want it to be necessary for me to do all this to fix myself, but it's just what I have to do. I accepted that, and I couldn't understand why no one else did.

Is there someone who could prove me wrong? Is there someone who could wait for me, not mind that I'm late to everything, that I always cancel plans at the last minute? Is there someone who wouldn't mind that I'm a crybaby, that I'm too particular and too sensitive? Is there someone who wouldn't mind me? There wasn't then and there isn't now and I don't think there's going to be. And as hard as I try, I can't stop needing there to be, and I can't be that person for myself.

[firstkanaphans]

hi!! I just wanted to pop by and say your soulmate fic has been living in my head rent free since you posted it 😆 idk how im gonna survive the weeks between updates considering im already losing my mind at ch 1?? but the premise is fascinating and i also echo the other anon who mentioned that the kan line about how devastated he was about not feeling your soulmate stuck with me sooo much because it was so gut wrenching 😭 (how did you manage this, to pack so much top tier angst into one line and from a side character at that?!?! haha) i was stuck on that bit for so long! It breaks my heart that kan probably took comfort in his soulmate's touches like akk did too, but that brief panic at it being a boy and doing something irrational without thinking it through then suddenly kan realizing that one comforting presence he'd always had was gone with no way to tell his soulmate he was sorry :(( GODDD the Pain!!! (I am curious though, how a couple who are both not virgins might find each other if they don't have that psychosensory cue?)

annother thing about the kan part was that it made me think about aye - ohh i can't wait to see more of him in the next chapter because i'm so curious about where his headspace on soulmates is. because i feel like aye must have been SO yearning for anything at all from his soulmate but if he never felt anything back i wonder if he thought he just didn't have one/they were gone. which also breaks my heart to think about, poor aye 😭 especially added in with the fact that akk was so startled by the sudden absence of his soulmate's presence that he finally even reached out himself but by then it was too late or aye would have reached back.... aaaand now i'm aching all over again for akk because im thinking of him dealing with the idea of thinking his soulmate had died and grappling with the regret of not having reached out when he could have...and i wonder if aye is unabashedly thinking of akk directly, because he thinks he doesn't have a soulmate so he thinks its harmless... omg. this fic is making me feel ALLL the things and its only chapter 1?!? what kind of sorcery is this?????

also wooow so sorry for the unsolicited word vomitting essay spiraling about the fic in your askbox!! 😂 its not very coherent and its all over the place but this is just a horribly long winded way of me wanting you to know that i'm super excited about your fic and can't wait for the next update! thanks for your writing :) ❤️

Kan, my beloved 🥹. He really is a hot mess in every universe. Honestly, I may end up writing a companion piece about Kan and Thua because I have a lot of feels about them and I don't think I'm going to be able to include it all in the main fic.

As for how two people who aren’t virgins might find each other, it would just be the same as you and me. They’d have to go about it the old-fashioned way: through trial and error. Although there are some subtle signs that you might notice as the fic goes along.

Chapter two (which should be posted later today!) will focus very heavily on Aye’s feelings towards his soulmate, but I think you're definitely on the right track. Since he never really felt Akk, he didn't think he was there and made decisions accordingly.

And please never apologize for word vomiting in my inbox about my fics! This was an absolute delight to read. Sorry I didn’t respond earlier! It’s been a busy week 😅. And thank you so, so much!! I’m happy you’re enjoying it 💕