#this piece gave me soooo much trouble

[quirkle2]

calling all witsu enjoyers 🗣️🔊📣🔊🔉📢🗣️🔊📢📣

[tenshouining]

Day 2 - Transition. A conversation with your future self. colourless ver. under rm !!

[suddencolds]

sending u a star!! ⭐️ sorry i wanted to go thru and pick a specific fic but im too sleepy lol but any yvescent piece u had thoughts on :D

[from Fanfic Writers - Director's Cut]

hello!!! THANK YOU N, IT MADE ME REALLY HAPPY TO RECEIVE THIS 🥹🥹🥹

I also realize am responding to this like 2 months late :') I thought for a long time on which fic to comment on, and now that I've posted Atypical Occurrence pt. 2, I thought I might as well write out my thoughts on it while they're still fresh and bc it's close to my heart (I hope that's okay hehe)

—

⚠️❗️ Warning that I will be attaching snippets from my deleted drafts below!! Please read the published installment before you proceed to read this post. This is a little embarrassing... all I can say is that those drafts were deleted for a reason 🥴

—

There’s a grocery store that’s a ten minute drive from Vincent’s apartment. 

I rewrote this scene... 3 or 4 times? It gave me sooo much trouble 😭 I think in the first draft Vincent actually tears up tasting Yves's cooking. (I know, Vincent, I want Yves to cook for me too 😭❗️)

Terrible (ugh 😭) first draft screenshot under the cut (screenshot = old draft, indented quote = current draft):

(Yves pulling up a chair at the end... you can tell he is totally at a loss on what to do 😭 and I, too, was at a loss on what to do)

I wrote this ^, and I was like... this moment just feels unearned? I personally despise outlining + I love going in (mostly) blind. Sometimes the first draft works out of the box, and in this case, the first draft (and the second draft, and the third draft) were all soooo bad that I literally had to take a month-long break to regain my confidence 😭

Anyways! I knew right away that Y was going to cook something for V (it's mentioned here and there throughout the series that he is a really good cook 😭 And in part 3 of Fool Me Twice, Yves promises to make Vincent something more ambitious than hot chocolate. He's finally kept his promise now, 12 installments later 🙇‍♀️ )

From draft 2, there was only one scene which I was sure I was going to include in the final draft, aka, spared from the recycling bin. (But I just checked the final draft and it's nowhere to be seen?? Interesting.)

I would have managed fine on my own.

On this (deleted) scene, and more broadly: I think it's important to me that Yves recognizes that Vincent is self-sufficient in many ways: when Vincent says he will be fine alone, he is telling the truth. Yves doesn't have to stay—he recognizes this too, when he heads for the door in the published draft.

Still, Yves stays, of course—initially, because he insists, and later, because Vincent asks :)

“…You won’t leave unless I eat, then,” Vincent says. He says it evenly enough that it barely registers as a question. Yves smiles at him. It’s not a wrong conclusion. “Exactly,” he says.

It was really, really fun writing the differences between caretaker!Vincent (in Fool Me Twice pt. 5) and caretaker!Yves 😊 I usually don't like to say too much on the end of character analysis, bc I like my work to be interpreted as it is: the text is canon, and everything I'm saying here is just me yapping on about my headcanons. (I have been roasted for saying this by a dear friend of mine, probably rightfully so:)

With that disclaimer: Vincent to me (I can only speculate, etc) is a very no-bullshit caretaker (he likes to enforce whatever will lead most directly to the person's recovery; he actually worries a lot, but his worry often manifests as frustration/snappishness), whereas Yves is a lot more permissive and, for the most part, manages his stress—he is the eldest sibling, after all! I think he does what he can to make it a more tolerable experience :)

“So this is just a Yves thing.” “What? Showing consideration for my friends?”  “Showing consideration is one thing,” Vincent answers. “You could have left after dropping off the files. You would still have been showing your consideration.” “I guess that’s true. But at that point, I was already here,” Yves says, with a shrug. “It seemed logical to check up on you.” “Well, now you’ve checked up on me,” Vincent says. “So you can go.” Yves supposes this is true.

Vincent takes things very literally (and I think he's actually quite aware of the social niceties around these kinds of things, which is in part why he is so skeptical to assume that Yves means anything more.)

There’s a hand on his sleeve, tugging. Yves goes very still. When Vincent notices what he’s done, alarm flashes through his expression, and he pulls his hand away as if he’s burned.  “Sorry,” he murmurs, again. And just like that, he’s back to how he always is—his expression perfectly, carefully neutral, in a way that can only be constructed. “I’m sorry.” But Yves doesn’t forget what he’s seen. “You can go.”

This scene means a lot to me!! It took a loooot of editing to hammer into place (the doc I wrote it on is titled "fixing this scene would FIX ME" haha). I think this is the first time Vincent has actively sought out Yves's comfort 😭 And he regrets it almost as soon as he's said it, because he does not do things without a good justification, and wanting something—even wanting it badly—does not feel like a sufficient justification to him. But give Yves an inch and he will take a mile!! He will take a hundred miles!! That is just the kind of person that Yves is.

I was talking with some friends previously about how I wanted to write Vincent reaching out for Yves. How I wanted Vincent to, through the haze of fever, cross a line that he'd previously not allowed himself to cross :') I think it is a time-old trope to have someone, in their feverish delirium, utter something embarrassing and utterly uncharacteristic of them, or divulge something that has been difficult for them to say.

This whole time drafting, I was thinking, how can I set up a moment like that and have it feel earned? How badly would he have to be feeling? What kind of setup would justify getting past his 590859 mental defenses? (I do not like to outline, but sometimes I do have an emotional beat that I have in mind, and then I have to work backwards to figure out the setup. This took SO much working back from, and I really thought about it for very long). I was almost sure that Vincent would regret it immediately after too 😭

Yves opens his arms out in offering, tries on a smile. “I’ve been told I give good hugs. Good enough to cure all ailments, obviously.”

Ahh, so Y offering V a hug is inspired by a fic I read 6 years ago, where a character offers another a hug as a joke and then the other character surprises them by taking it. Yves is really offering here, but I think he recognizes that joking about it will make it easier for Vincent to accept 😭

Yves has hugged a fair share of people in his life. He doesn’t think he’d be able to list them all if he were asked to. It’s different, though, being so close to Vincent—so close that Yves can reach out and let his hair fall through his fingertips. He can lift up his palm and feel the rigid line of his spine, the slope of his shoulders; he could reach out and trace the dip of his wrist, the form of his hand. Vincent’s chin digs slightly into his left shoulder. His nose is turned slightly into Yves’s neck—like this, he is almost perfectly still. Yves can feel the warm brush of air against his neck whenever Vincent exhales. He is so close that Yves is afraid, for a moment, that he might hear how badly his heart is racing.

I have nothing to say about this paragraph except that I edited it for like 40 minutes straight.

Last thing!!

“We had a habit of keeping the heat off, in the winters, and closing the windows.”

The scene near the end (where Vincent tells Yves about his childhood) is actually the scene which came the most easily to me. I also did not write it last; I jumped around. It took me around 1.5 hours. (By comparison, simply editing the scene before it took 11 😵‍💫)

I did always intend for Vincent to disclose... well, /something/ about himself. (You can tell that when I plan, that's really as far as I plan LOL)

Anyways, when Vincent wakes Yves up (after Yves falls asleep at his desk), I initially wrote it so that Yves wakes Vincent from a nightmare.

But (as direct a link to vulnerability as that might have been,) Vincent would not talk about his nightmare 😭 So I switched gears.

I also specifically wanted to write about Vincent's experience being cared for growing up. I think something that's culturally resonant with me (as an Asian American, and the eldest daughter to immigrant parents) is like, the ways families can and cannot say I love you—the quiet things that are done in place of a more direct expression of it. The way that while unspoken consideration can speak volumes, it can just as easily be invisible. But even now, writing this post, I feel like it's difficult for me to untangle the feelings and experiences I've had into something that feels sufficiently multifaceted.

Vincent has a different childhood from I do (it is probably worth noting that I do not project onto any of my characters, nor do I use them as a vessel to get my own experiences across). I think I'm just drawn to writing tricky/non-straightforward expressions of love, in general :) Sometimes that is the kind of love that resonates with me most.

[hurtcomfortficstilltheend]

When a Counterspell Backfires, Part 1.

Nancy Drew x gn! Reader

Summary: After not taking it seriously for some time, breaking the curse Temperance casted on you and Nancy proves harder than expected.

Warnings: angst, deteriorated health mention, passing out.

Word Count: 1.3k

“Nancy! Guess what I found?” you called, in a singsong manner.

“My car keys?” The redhead turned around to look at you from her place at her desk. 

“Well, of course, but also something else…” You shook the keychain in your right hand, but kept the other behind your back. Nancy raised her eyebrows expectantly and a half smile appeared on her face. “The map of the forbidden catacombs! With the entrance spot and everything.”

“No, you didn’t!” Nancy jumped from her chair and, in mere milliseconds, stood in front of you to engulf you on a rib-breaking hug. She was beaming, just like every time something went well on an investigation.

You wrapped your arms around her as best as you could with the items on your hands, being extra careful to not tear the ancient piece of paper. “Yes I did! Don’t ask me how though, I don’t think you wanna know.”

“Ha, ha, you are soooo funny.” She rolled her eyes. “We both know you wouldn’t dare break middle school rules, nevermind the actual law.”

“What can I say? Maybe being around you so much is starting to rub off on me.” You sported a mischievous grin when she rolled her eyes once again and leaned in for a kiss, which you returned gladly. You gave her a last peck on her cheek and stood beside her, offering your arm to link with hers. “Shall we?”

“We shall.” Sporting huge smiles, the both of you walked to the blue car outside her house and you tossed her the keys. She really was looking bright today, all happy and excited. You love to see her like this.

—

That was long ago. The ghost you were looking for ended up being part of a cluster case, something very new to the crew. Still, you managed, as always. After days of research, a messy and exhausting hand-to-ghostly-hand combat, and a bunch of salt bombs, it was all over. You had gotten an awful purplish slash on your back that wouldn’t quite heal, but it was fine, it acted as a normal scar anyway.

Thinking back to it now it felt silly, a fun little supernatural mystery to solve. Now everything is complicated, personal. Since Temperance casted the curse on you and Nancy nothing is the same. You haven’t seen your girlfriend’s smile in a while. 

“The universe will do everything in its power to prevent you from enjoying the time you are in each other’s presence. Accidents, missteps… death? But you will be in love forever, unable to move on, unable to be distant. Until death do you part.” Had been the sentence. 

When Nancy told you this, you didn’t believe it to be such a bad thing (except for the dying part, of course), you thought you could get through it. At that time, all that had happened was you kicking a table leg right on your pinkie toe at The Claw, and your girlfriend spitting coffee from her nose. It surely had been unfortunate, but you had laughed about it. Ace had even jokingly started calling you trouble couple. Also, the being in love part you were already counting on, so what was the issue?

Things had escalated though. First it was breaking glasses, pumping your knees on furniture, burning skin on the stove. “Accidents happen”, you had said. You were actually known for being a little clumsy, no biggie. Then came the misstep on the stairs that had ended in a concussion, the falling into the sea from the docks and almost drowning, the car crash… You had tried taking a break from each other, moving away for some time to see what happened, but it had made you both awfully ill. Nancy had ended up in the hospital.

Being together was dangerous, and so was being apart. So you took the offensive. You were a witch, and so was Bess, you’d figure something out.

It has been months now. Nancy’s health is deteriorating, her face paler each day, dark circles under her eyes, new scars and bruises adorning her body; you are in no better shape anyway. 

“Baby wake up please…” you whispered. Your girlfriend was curled up in your arms, her sleeping face so soft despite everything. “Today we are trying the counter-spell Bess found, remember?”

After a few seconds, she stirs awake. For a moment she looks at you like she used to, shimmering eyes glad to feel you with her. Then the heaviness takes over, she nods in agreement and gets up to use the bathroom. You worry she might cut herself with her shaving machine, or slip on the tiles and hit her head on the toilet. 

That’s all you do lately, worry. Maybe that's what will finally kill you.

She comes out of the bathroom safe and sound, and you feel like crying in relief. “So, are they all coming here?” She asks while looking for a clean shirt to put on. 

You swallow the knot on your throat. “Yeah, Bess said it was better if we didn’t move too much. They are bringing the supplies too.”

“Good.”

-

You hear three firm knocks on the old wooden door. You look at Nancy, place your hand on her knee reassuringly, and stand from the couch to greet your friends. A string of curses can be heard when the door handle gives you an electric shock, but everything is fine. Nick, George, Ace, and Bess have their hands packed with bags and boxes, and they all look ready for war. You are gonna end this, once and for all.

The pitying looks from everyone in the last few months annoyed the fuck out of Nancy, so she shut off almost everyone in her life. You had tried to talk some sense into her, only managing to get her to meet up with friends and family once a week in small gatherings or movie nights you organized. 

“Here goes nothing.” Nancy lets out a heavy sigh, you have a feeling she doesn’t believe this is going to work out. You squeeze her hands and conjure a calming smile on your face, as much to appease her nerves as yours.

Everything is set up, Nancy and you are standing face to face in a salt circle. The studio is flooding with lit candles, the flames waving with each breath you take. Your friends are standing in each of the four cardinals, a few feet away from you, holding a set of obscure antiques you know nothing about. You should get back to researching soon.

Bess starts chanting in latin, the others mimicking the phrase over, and over, and over again. Your body feels heavier, a buzzing sound in your ear. You look up to check on your girlfriend, and she looks weirdly brightened. Her eyes seem more attentive, her expression more alive, her cheeks are flushed as if she just came back from a short run. You are glad she’s already doing better, and would love to stay and enjoy the moment with her, but you feel yourself slipping away. 

She doesn’t notice, her eyes are too focused on the light smoke coming out from your chests, and you don’t blame her, it really is a show to see.

The second Ace, Bess, George, and Nick stop chanting, darkness engulfs the space. The candles release their iconic burnt-wick smell. The only noise is everybody’s quiet breathing. Nobody dares to speak, but the same question plagues their minds: Did it work?

Your body, that long ago stopped feeling yours, collapses. Nancy barely manages to soften your fall by getting a grip of your arm. The moment breaks, your girlfriend is screaming your name, but you can’t hear her. Nick is checking your pulse, George fishes her phone from her bag and is already dialing 911, Bess wonders what went wrong.

You see, from somewhere above your body, how Nancy holds you in her arms, gets a strand of hair out of your face, tells you that everything will be okay. She's crying, screaming to no one in particular to do something to help you. You are unresponsive, every single muscle limp, you wish you could just tell her how much you love her.

.

.

.

.

A/N: There is not enough written about this show!! It's my guilty pleasure to be honest, The level of angst the show manages to put out is outstanding.

Tell me what you think! Feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated!!

[rachi-roo]

-----------{ ☆°•○•°☆ }------------

Moriarty the Patriot: To Break a Gargoyle - Act 1

I'm soooo excited to post this!!!! Me and @giggly-squiggily have teamed up on this fic to make a two-part tale!!! Squiggles you're so cool 😭👏 I had so much fun writing and planning this with you!

Summary: After hoating a successful tea party, William is still sour over Morans betrayal in his time of need and seeks revenge! Only things don't quite go to plan. Lee!William, Ler!Moran.

Act 2 here by the brilliant Giggly-Squiggly!!!

Tw: None.

-----------{ ☆°•○•°☆ }------------

It had been a couple of days since the Moriarty household had finished up with hosting the dreaded tea party, and everything had settled down once again. Everything, except the troubles that swirled in William's mind.

The family of three brothers sat enjoying each other's company, along with Fred and Moran whilst Jack was busy elsewhere. William turned the page in his newspaper looking up as Moran stood, pulling his coat over his shoulders.

"Right. I'd best be off then. Got a few errands to run before dinner." He announced, tugging gently on Fred's coat sleeve to get him out of his seat. "Thanks for the tea, Louis. William, Albert." He gave a nod to each brother before turning to leave.

As he did, William stared, an image flashing in his mind. Moran left him. That day, at the tea party. He turned his back and left him to flounder at the mercy of those desperately flirtatious women. He left him. How dare he!

On the surface, William was calm. Composed. He even offered a friendly smile as his friend left to continue his duties, but beneath that cool exterior, a storm was brewing. A plot for revenge. No one betrays William James Moriarty. No one.

-------

Later that same evening, before dinner was prepared, William approached Moran in the hallway, a look of seriousness on his face. "Moran. I have something to discuss with you in my private study if you could meet me there in five minutes, I have something important to discuss." He spoke quietly, earning a professional nod of acknowledgement from the other.

"Am I to bring the others?"

"No. Come alone. This only requires you." William gave a reassuring smile, heading off towards his study to prepare.

-------

Exactly five minutes later, Moran arrived outside William's study, knocking on the door. "William. It's Moran... I'm coming in." He opened the door, seeing William sitting at his desk inside.

"Close the door, please. And have a seat." William ordered, smiling softly as he watched Moran do so. So far, it didn't look like his friend suspected a thing. Why would he? William was his trusted boss and friend.

"So, Moran, I trust that you enjoyed your time at the tea party we hosted a couple of days back?" He asked, standing up once Moran was seated, moving to pour the two of them a drop of whisky. Moran watched him, smiling fondly at the memory of all those lovely ladies gathered in one place, not to mention the few who were fawning over him as he stood in the garden.

"Aye, sir. It was an entertaining affair." He chuckled, taking the drink as William handed it to him. The blonde hummed, taking a sip of his own.

"I'm glad you found it so enjoyable. I do hope the job you were given wasn't too taxing."

"Of course not, William. It was a piece of cake."

William set his drink down, standing behind his tall friend as his tone changed. "Piece of cake, you say? Then, do tell me, friend, why is it that you neglected to assist me in my time of need?"

"Sir?" Moran raised a brow, not quite catching on.

"When that woman was viciously flirting with me during my advice hearing. You saw my suffering and turned your back on me. Did you not?"

Moran froze up. How could he forget. "I-I't wasn't meant to be malicious, sir. I just-"

"Just what? You weren't actually fit to help your boss when required and lied to me about your capabilities? Or is it that you left me to undergo such torment on purpose? Mutiny, essentially." William cracked his knuckles as Moran gulped.

"No sir, I wasn't intending to-"

"You really did turn your back on me, Moran. Which was your first and last mistake!" In a flash, William dove upon Moran's sides, squeezing a massaging his fingers into the well-toned muscle, a wicked grin on his cheeks.

"Now you will-... Wh-?" William's smile faded when he got no reaction from his attack. Not even a flinch? How is he not laughing? It's like he just turned off all his nerve endings. Like he's made of stone or something! "How- Uh!" His blood ran cold when he looked up, seeing Moran's playful, smug grin and vengeful side-eye.

"Oooh, you are a scary one. Ain't ya, Lord of Crime?" He grinned, standing from his chair and calmly leaning over William to put his drink on the desk behind him. "Yep, you sure taught me a lesson."

The smaller blonde took a step back, bumping into his desk as his hitman towered over him. "I-I was only having a laugh, Moran. You know I would never truly be hurt by something so trivial." This was true. Of course William was only playing. But Moran didn't look satisfied with this excuse.

His grin softened as he grabbed Williams's wrists, holding them over his head with ease. "My turn~" He jeered, bringing his free hand to William's stretched-out ribs, starting to lightly pinch up and down his slender frame.

Each squeeze earned a hiccup-like squeak from the Lord of Crime as he flinched and jumped at the tickly zaps that sent shivers down his spine.

"Wait! Mor-Aha! I didn't Hah! Let me explAHAin! Stahap!" He blushed, embarrassed by how easily he was reduced to a giggly mess, with the defence of a wet napkin. He was so glad he shut the door, lest some prying eyes fall upon the scene. "Stahap it, Moran!"

His pleading only seemed to egg the hitman on, switching from small squeezes to continuous drilling between and on the sensitive bone. "Oh come on now, William. You should know better than to try something like that on me."

"I-I'm sahaharry! Ahaha! Nohoho!" Will gasped as he managed to slip his wrists free, making a break for the door. Just too slow. He felt the large hand of his attacker grab his shoulder, pulling him back before wrapping his arms around William's stomach, lifting him clear from the ground with ease.

"Pardon my roughness, Sir. But I can't let you go just yet." Moran grinned, shaking his fingers into William's sides, chucking as he listened to his loud, boyish laughter.

"Wahahait! Oho lord- Ahaha! Mohoran! AHA!" He grabbed and pushed on Moran's python-like grip, desperate to wriggle free from the ticklish prison. It was no use, nothing could escape the gargoyles grasp once you became ensnared in it.

"Plehehease! AHAHA!" His laughter turned to bubbly, chirping, giggling as Moran's hands started shaking into his tummy. "Ehehehe! N-Not thehere!"

"Not there?" Moran raised a brow, shifting his hands further up and sinking into the poor man's underarms instead. "How about here? Is this better, sir?" He teased, gasping as he narrowly missed a kick to the bollocks as William flailed.

"GYAHAHAHA! Nooo! AhahaAHA! P-Plehease! Oh lohord!"

"Tickle, tickle, tickle, William~ To think, you would have me suffering the same if you could. How cruel of you." Morans mocking tone only made things worse for William.

"AHAHAHHAHAAA! P-Please forgihihive meee! HAHA!" That was twice Moran almost had his jewels booted, time to change again. He set William down, quickly straddling his hips, pinning him on his back.

"No! Nononono! Wahait!"

William fought off his hands with his killer precision, but the ghost tickles were too much of a distraction and he was soon under attack again. This time Moran pinned one arm up, clawing mercilessly at the sensitive underarm as William tried in vain to defend himself.

"AAAAH! Moran! I-I'll do anythihing! Plehehease!" The boy's cheeks were red as the roses that bloomed in the garden, and wet with mirthful tears as he howled with laughter.

"Oooh, anything? Hmm... Nah." This man was evil. He just wanted to make William regret trying to attack him. His hands switched back to William's sides, shaking in vigorously as he smirked teasingly.

"Morahahan! Th-This is ridihiculous!"

"You started it!"

"A-Ahalright!" William snorted. "I-I give in! Plehehase!"

"Well, since you asked nicely." Moran smiled, patting William's cheek as he stopped his attack, still sitting upon his boss's lap. "Hehe, look at you." He smirked, referring to William's tangled hair and wrinkled shirt collar.

"I-Ihihi... I'll have to tidy... mysehelf before... Dinner."

Moran nodded, starting to poke at the tired assassin's tummy as he spoke. "Look, William, you know I respect you. Hell, I'd give my life for you. But I'm afraid when it comes to tickling, I just can't let you walk away from an attempt on me like that." He chuckled, watching him twitch and bat at his poking hand.

"Ohokay! Stop, stop... Haha... I'll remember that..." William chuckled, taking Moran's hand as he helped him up.

"There is only one man who knows how to beat me in a war of tickles. And I'm afraid he ain't you. Better luck next time though." The large man grinned, patting his friend's hair before leaving the room, winking as he shut the door behind him.

William thought for a moment. One man who knows how to beat him. Who could that be? The cogs were turning in William's mind again. There was definitely going to be a round two.

[tinyinvadr]

New chapter’s up! So obsessed with this fic right now.

Borrowed Family

Chapter 3

Dib came back a few minutes later with the waffles. They smelled soooo good! He noticed me staring longingly at the plate, and he chuckled.

“You must be hungry. I’ll cut off a piece for you, let me know if you want more.”

He put the plate down on the desk and sat down in his chair. Then he cut a piece off of the waffles and pushed it towards the edge of the plate with his fork.

I kind of just stood there and looked at it for a while. Was I really allowed to just take it? Was this a trick?

“Oh, is it too hot? Sorry, I didn’t think about you not having utensils. Just give it a minute, I’m sure it’ll…”

He trailed off, noticing how nervous I looked. Humans never offered borrowers food. This wasn’t normal.

“Hey. Is everything okay?”

“Are you… Are you sure I can have this? It doesn’t bother you that I’m taking your food?”

He shook his head. “No, I don’t mind sharing. And you’re obviously hungry, so I’d be kind of a jerk to not let you have anything.”

Even though I could hear my parents’ voices in my head telling me “no,” I couldn’t hold myself back any longer. The waffles smelled so good, and Dib was being so nice. It wasn’t likely I would ever have this chance again.

It was like there was an explosion of flavor in my mouth the moment I took a bite. I’d never had anything like this before, and it was amazing!

“Heheh, I guess you like it, then?” Dib asked with an amused smile.

“Yesyesyesyesyes! Oh, where have you been all my life, waffle?”

After we both finished eating, Dib pushed the plate aside, then leaned against the desk on his elbows.

“Hey, Recap. Is it okay if I ask you a few questions? I’m not trying to be too nosy or anything, I just… what ARE you, exactly? I know you said you’re a borrower, but I don’t know what that means in this context.”

I froze up. Our existence was supposed to be a secret. Of course, it was already too late for that, but I was hoping he wouldn’t ask for more details. I would get in so much trouble if I let too much slip.

“Oh, sorry, was I prying too much? It’s okay if you don’t wanna tell me.”

I sighed. “I just don’t wanna mess things up again.”

He looked at me sympathetically for a second, then glanced at his watch and got up from his chair.

“I have to go to skool now. Are you gonna be okay here by yourself?”

“Yeah. My Dad should be here soon, so I should be fine. It’s… also probably for the best that you’re leaving, since I don’t think he’d like it to see me with you.”

Dib gave me a concerned look, but nodded in understanding as he cleaned up the empty plate and grabbed his coat.

“Alright, well, I don’t know if I’ll see you later, but it was nice to meet you, Recap. Maybe sometime we’ll be able to hang out again. I’ll be sure to make waffles!”

With that, he went downstairs and headed off to “skool,” whatever that is. All that was left for me to do was wait for Dad.

I waited and waited and waited and waited and…

Before I knew it, the sun was setting, and Dib came back home. When he entered the room and saw me, he smiled at first, but then he remembered why I was waiting in his room in the first place.

“Your Dad still didn’t show up? Recap, I’m sorry, I know you don’t want him to see me, but this is starting to make me nervous. Please, let me help you look for him.”

I thought it over. There had to be a way for him to help without my parents knowing. Then, it hit me.

“I don’t know where my Dad is, but my Mom’s probably still at home, and I bet she knows where he is. If you drop me off outside the house next door, I can go home without them seeing you.”

He nodded. “Alright, I can work with that. But first, we should get you something else to eat. I didn’t expect you to still be here, and I’m assuming all you had today was that waffle.”

“Heheh… yep…”

Dib paused for a second, staring at his hands.

“I’m gonna have to pick you up again. Are you okay with that?”

For some reason, it didn’t register in my head right away that in order to get me outside, he had to pick me up. He didn’t hurt me the last time, but I was very shaken by it. A human’s hands in the eyes of a borrower is a symbol of impending doom.

He placed his hand palm up on the desk, giving me a patient smile.

“You can climb on whenever you feel ready. There’s no rush. Though, I really do think you should be getting home to your family soon.”

I took a deep breath as I walked towards the awaiting hand. This was fine. This was the same human that introduced me to the joy of waffles. I could trust him.

As I took the first step onto his hand, I could feel it twitch slightly. He was also nervous.

“S-Sorry. Not used to… holding people. Wow, this is weird.”

I sat myself down in the center of his palm, then looked up at him. It wasn’t so scary this time around, since we were both taking things slow instead of him scooping me up out of nowhere.

“Alright. I’m gonna lift you off the desk now. Ready?”

I gave him a nod as he slowly raised his hand up. I focused on his face so I wouldn’t be tempted to look down at the floor. Have I mentioned I REALLY don’t like heights?

Soon, I was at eye level with Dib for the first time. It was impossible to ignore how small I was compared to him. I just… fit in his hand.

We were both kind of awestruck for a while, just looking at each other as we tried to wrap our heads around what was happening.

I finally broke the silence as I smiled and waved at him.

“Hi!”

He snapped out of it, and let out a little laugh.

“Okay, you’re adorable. I think you’d better stay in my pocket while we’re downstairs, though, since my family’s home. I’ll get you something from the kitchen, and then drop you off next door.”

Still moving as slow and steady as possible, he lowered me into his coat pocket. I immediately curled up the moment he put me in there. It was like my own little soft, dark space. I could probably take a nap, if it weren’t for the fact that we didn’t really have time for that.

Dib went downstairs while I stayed hidden, and I could hear the voices of other humans. I could only assume this was his family.

Before I knew it, we were seated at the kitchen table, and Dib pulled the pocket open slightly to slide in a few crackers for me.

“Uh… what are you doing?” Asked one of the voices. Dib’s sister, from the sound of it.

“Oh, just saving a few for later.” He replied, trying to sound as casual as possible.

There was a moment of silence, and I was afraid to start eating my crackers, worried I would make too much noise. Luckily, it wasn’t long before his sister spoke again.

“Weirdo.”

I sat and listened as Dib and his family ate dinner together, talking about their day. My family usually didn’t have much to talk about. When all you do is focus on survival, you don’t really do much else. Just from listening, I was able to learn so much about each of them.

Dib’s sister, Gaz, really likes these things called “video games.” They sounded exciting, whatever they were.

Their Dad is a scientist, and he’s always creating new machines to help humanity. He’s a bit like a borrower, in a sense, since my Dad’s always building stuff for the family, too. Of course, his inventions aren’t anywhere near as complex.

Dib’s story was the most interesting, though. There’s an undercover space alien at his skool that’s trying to take over the planet. The thought of that is really scary, though his family doesn’t seem as worried about it as he is. Even if he’s not that much of a threat to humans, I still wouldn’t want to encounter him.

Soon enough, dinner was finished, and the sun had fully set. Dib’s family went off to do their own thing, and when the coast was clear, he slid his hand into his pocket to scoop me out.

“Alright, Recap. You ready to go home?”

There was a part of me that wanted to stay longer, but I knew my parents were worried sick about me. I couldn’t keep them waiting.

“Yep, I’m ready!”

We went outside, and Dib set me down on the neighbor’s lawn.

“Okay, this is the place, right? Can you get back from here? I don’t wanna get too close to the property. I might get yelled at. Again.”

“Yeah, I can walk from here. So… I guess this is goodbye…”

He knelt down, looking at me with a sad smile.

“I guess it is… But, feel free to visit whenever you want!”

I frowned. There was no way I’d be allowed to visit him again. My parents would get suspicious right away if I asked to go back to the house next door.

“I… don’t think I can…”

We both stayed there for a minute, letting it sink in that this was the last time we would see each other. Then, Dib stood up, with a smile that I could tell he was forcing.

“I understand. I’m really gonna miss you, Recap. But hey, this is your family. You belong with them.”

He turned around and headed back into his house. I stayed and watched him leave, trying to stall for time. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye, but I knew this was the right thing to do.

With a heavy sigh, I walked up to the house I called home, and crawled underneath the door.

[tsukioreo]

I heard you were having some troubles with devices breaking for you and so you’ve opted to doing commissions? I’m unable to pay for a big commission but I was wondering if you have a patron so I could support you there? I’d love to be able to support you but as I said I currently am unable to pay a large sum for a commission sadly, though I would love to one day as your art is magnificent. Thank you and have a nice day! <3

Oh wow that's like... so damn adorable and sweet ?? I don't have a patreon sadly tho I have a ko-fi ( https://ko-fi.com/tsukioreo ) but it's just for donation so please don't worry about it, my laptop and phone are not related to my art, not completely so I feel kinda not legitimate to ask help about it...

Tho I'm taking the opportunity to rant about my current situation cause it's just blowing my mind and I am so super exhausted on a daily because of it.

I have (well had now yeay -_-) a lenovo legion laptop which was my everyday useful, very good for staying at anytime with my rabbit in the living room and playing some games here and there, photoshop, the basic. Tho I had a crack on the top lid and because of that I was scared to close it and decided to repair that issue since the cracked appeared to get bigger. I gave it to a repair shop ( just remindind that I live in Japan so shops with english speakers is a bit rare, I speak japanese tho for some technical issues I prefer to be able to understand everything fully and since no one speaks french, english is somewhat possible to find ). They gave me a diagnostic with so many problems in the laptop : a fan which was broken, the lid, another crack in a screw hole or whatever that was and the hinges which had to be changed. The shop has good review so I didn't question it and I got pics so yeah alright I accept to repair it for 55.000yen, which is a lot of money considering it's more than half of my salary. But I want to repair it, my mom gifted me this computer and I love it. After I got a call from the shop that the replacement pieces have arrived I gave the machine and I was told that I could get it back the same day or the next. I didn't have any news the next day so I decided to call and on the phone "Oh yeah, thanks for calling, well bad news your computer isn't responding anymore" well great my computer worked absolutely fine, never had any issue. They said that probably the fan they installed fried my motherboard so it's just... dead. The repair service killed my laptop.

To make it even better, the day I gave my laptop to them, the same night I noticed my phone back camera had ceased to work... How great right. In Japan, it's like COMMON to use QR code to order at the restaurant etc so I absolutely need it. It's an iPhone, and it's not under warranty so I can't go through Apple or it'll cost way too much in here, I decided to go to an electronic shop, with again a lot of good reviews, to handle it. They don't speak english but we understand each other well enough. I was told that the new camera would arrive in 2-3 days and here I am a week later still waiting. They also scared me by saying that there is a risk the screen would crack while opening the device and if it happens I'd have to pay extra 30.000yen for the new screen, dude isn't it your job to repair things without breaking those further ?? What is going on, is it so normal what the hell.

So for the laptop we decided that they would order a computer (used one) to replace mine, almost identical except for the CPU, and that they'd refund me 10.000yen of the price I paid, which isn't so bad and actually I don't have much choice. But still they need so many days, it's been like what, 4 days the other laptop got delivered and I got a call about the keyboard cause japanese keyboards don't have as much symbols as french ones and I need those to write in my language.. And that'd take another 2 days to just change the keyboard.

I am just soooo tired of the situation, especially cause I am finally going to vacation with my SO next week and they don't make the problem they created a priority... and the phone shop keeping to say everytime I ask for news on the phone "yeah it will arrive tomorrow or the day after tomorrow" for a week now...

So sorry for the rant but I am so damn stressed, it has nothing to do with you guys and I am so happy to have your support, honestly it's my only fuel right now. I haven't drawn for a week and getting that commission helped a lot, tho messages and love will always remain the best.

I appreciate all of you, thank you always

❤️

[yyclivin]

Back in Business

Hello! My name is Buster and I love my family! My morning starts with a big stretch after my sleep. I have to go to the bathroom so I make my way over to mom and dad’s bedroom. Mom had been away for a few days and we missed her so much but she’s back now and dad is so happy! I have to whine a few times, a couple scratches at the door but mum comes to the door. I am soooo happy to see her open the door, I barrel my way down the hall and almost knock over a plant. She opens the door and I run around for a bit, do my business and start making my way back when all of a sudden… SQUIRREL! I smell him and go running towards the trees! Barking to let it know I mean business and we don’t want him here. I never see him, but I am certain he is afraid of me and has run away.

Next thing I hear is my food bowl hit the floor. So I run to the back door and mom is standing there with a big smile on her face and she always say’s I am her ‘goodest boy’. I wag my tail really big and fast when she says that cause I feel happy.

After I eat my breakfast, mom and dad both notice I am a bit wet and gross from running around outside so they have to dry me down before I am allowed to walk through the house, but I hate being dried down so I play hide and seek with them for a little bit, but they’re really good and they find me and grab me. Annoying. After that I get tired so I go to my dog bed and hit the hay.

(Credit to Pinterest)

Next thing I knew, I smelt something yummy coming from the kitchen! I see mom and dad cooking and it always smells good but this time, it smelt super good. I try and do my puppy dog eyes on mom but she doesn’t budge.. so I go to the weaker link.. and dad gives me a piece of MASHED POTATOES. I think I got dad in-trouble because mom said something about how it’s gonna make my stomach upset.

I lay down in the kitchen watching them finish up and then I hear the best words ever. “WALK”. BEST TIME OF THE DAY! I book it to the front door where I patiently wait for mom and dad… I even grab my leash for them.

(Credit to Pinterest)

We make it out of the house and we head to my favourite park ever… I am so happy, I even brought home a big stick.

When I get home I am cleaned off again because I am icky, but mom and dad spelled out a word together and I cant understand but the next thing I knew.. They were washing me! How rude! I hate this tub. PLEH.

(Credit to Pinterest)

Dad fed me dinner after my bath while mom was getting ready to go out for dinner. They always leave a tv show running for me, and they even gave me some treats before they left. Both of them gave me a BIG KISS before leaving. I love my mom and dad, and I love when everyone is Home.

(Credit to Pinterest)

[auroracalisto]

lotus flower

summary: escaping an abusive relationship was difficult.  rushing to a camp in the middle of nowhere to escape your husband shouldn’t have been as terrifying as it turned out to be.

pairing: xavier plympton x reader x chet clancy, reader x abusive husband named roger

word count: 1.5k words

warnings: abuse, physical abuse and mental abuse, mentions of abuse and physical depictions of what happened, ahs 1984, canon typical situations 

a/n: idk if i’ll actually continue this bc idk if it will do well.  however, i wanted to see the response i would get and i really liked writing this in general soooo.  also, for the title, just look up the meaning of a lotus flower :) you’ll understand if you don’t already.  

You were running.  From him.  From your past.  From the nakedness that now adorned your ring finger.  And that’s how you ended up at Camp Redwood, as a counselor.  It was a job, far away from Roger.  As much as you had wished you could have stayed and not uproot your entire life, you knew that staying there was dangerous.

The fading bruises on your stomach were proof of that.

You had heard about the position through the newspaper—the only survivor of the 70′s massacre wanted to open it up to try and create some good memories there.

Miles away and deep in the forest was your best bet of avoiding your abusive husband.

So you called and inquired about the job—you weren’t even interviewed hardly.  The woman asked your name and said you were accepted.  All you had to do was show up the day before the kids were supposed to be there.  It would be you and a couple other counselors, but there weren’t that many kids—you wouldn’t be bombarded by everything.

You had hardly been out of your car for five minutes when Margaret led you over to Bertie.

“While we wait for the others to arrive, maybe you can help Bertie,” she said, giving you a smile.  “I’ll be back.”

She didn’t wait long before she rushed off, leaving you alone with the chef.  You gave her an awkward smile.

“Hi...”

“Hi, sweetheart,” she said, balancing her cigarette between her teeth as she talked.  “Here,” she moved to grab a crate full of bread.  “Take this inside for me?”

You immediately did as you were asked, taking the crate as soon as she handed it to you.  She took notice of your shakiness, but she didn’t comment on it, much like she didn’t comment on the multiple scars you had lining your bare arms.

Bertie took in a couple more things with you, only taking a break to light another cigarette.

"And this is Chef Bertie," Margaret said, walking up alongside of quite a few other people. You stood by her truck, looking at the people as they all came around. "A Camp Redwood veteran."

"Dibs," a man with blonde hair and a blue shirt quickly spoke. He smiled over at his friends, clearly joking.

"You wouldn't know what to do with it if you got it, handsome," Bertie spoke, smirking over at the man.

You couldn't help but laugh at Bertie, quickly placing a hand over your mouth.

"And who are you?" the blonde quickly asked, raising an eyebrow.

You averted your gaze.

"She's another counselor. She got here earlier in the day. [Your name]'s car was the one you parked beside of," Margaret said.

"Oh, so the one Xavier here almost hit with his door?" a blonde girl grinned, crossed her arms over her chest.

Xavier's eyes widened and he looked back at her. "I did not!"

Bertie rolled her eyes, holding up a crate of eggs. "Put those scrawny arms to work and help a lady fill her pantry. All of you, grab a crate. This heat is a killer," she spoke, sighing softly as she removed her cigarette. "You don't have to carry anymore, [Your name]—"

"—I can," you smiled over at the woman. You moved to take a crate which looked as though it had been filled with bottles of spices, sugars, and flour.

The man beside of Xavier had taken the crate of eggs.

A guy with brown hair came up beside of you, his arm brushing against yours as he grabbed a crate himself. He blushed but couldn't help himself from smiling at you.

"Sorry," he said.

You gave a hesitant smile, moving to walk back into the dining hall when Margaret began to speak again.

"Chef Bertie here worked here when I was a counselor. We are so blessed to have her with us."

Bertie continued to talk while everyone else carried in crates. You stayed inside, putting things where they needed to go—it wasn't that hard to figure out things. Of course, you avoided putting up things like spices. You didn't know if she liked them organized a certain way. As you walked back out, you couldn't help but overhear Bertie.

"I'm sorry that one bad apple ruined it for everyone. Minute I heard Margaret was reopening this place," she said, waving her hand, "I was the first to volunteer."

Margaret looked at everyone and breathed through her nose. "Alright. Let's continue with our tour. [Your name], come along with us. You haven't seen everything yet."

You gave a small nod and hesitantly followed along, looking at the group of people. They all seemed pretty friendly with each other.

The lot of you walked along towards the showers. Margaret was set on showing you all everything.

"Girls shower in the AM, boys in the PM. Same goes for counselors, too."

Eventually, your walk lead you to the cabins.

Margaret eventually left you all alone, and you stayed in the girls cabin.  The boys ended up sticking around, talking with the girls that they clearly knew.  You sat on your claimed bed, looking through your suitcase.  You purse your lips, half-listening to their conversation, half-not even paying attention to what you were looking for.  

“Hey,” the same boy who bumped into you earlier spoke.  “[Your name], right?”

You looked up, seeing him standing right in front of you.  Your eyes widened but you nodded.  

“Uh, yeah.”

“I’m Chet,” he grinned.  “Mind if I?” he pointed to the spot beside of you.  

You nodded in response.  Chet sat down beside of you on your bed, handing you an unopened can of beer.  

“Uh, no thank you,” you said, shaking your head.  “I’ve... seen enough alcohol to last me a lifetime.”

“Seen—“ he stopped himself, nodding slightly as he watched you.  “Alright.  Well, why don’t you come join us?  I promise, we don’t bite,” he chuckled softly.  “We’re gonna turn on the TV.  Don’t be a loner,” he said.  “We’ll be here all summer anyway.  Might as well get to know each other now.”

You nodded, knowing he was right.  “Uh, okay,” you said, nervously biting the inside of your cheek.  

Chet continued to smile in your direction.  He stood up, holding his hand out to you.  “Come on,” he said.  

A feeling in your gut was screaming at you to just stay put.  But you reached out to take his hand, knowing that for the first time in several years, you could do so without someone waiting to ridicule you for it.  

Chet smiled even more once you took his hand and he lead you over to the couch.  

Everyone introduced themselves to you, making sure they knew your name correctly as well.  

The flirtatious blonde looked over at you, his eyes set in a glare.  

“You better not think about stealing Bertie from me.”

Your eyes widened and you felt your cheeks burn.  “I would never—”

“Mhm,” Xavier rolled his eyes.  “I saw how you looked at her.  If I were her, I would have looked at you the same way.”

“Wow, Xavier,” scoffed Ray.  “Give it a rest, will you?”

“What?” Xavier laughed, keeping his eyes on you.  “I mean it, though.  You’re like super fucking hot,” he said.

You averted your gaze, guilt swelling in your chest.  This was wrong.  You were married.  To a piece of shit asshole, after all.  Your marriage to him didn’t matter.  Especially now that you were so far away.  You didn’t have to feel guilty.  You didn’t have to feel like you were going to get in trouble.  No one here knew of your past, and they would never know as long as you never said anything.  

After a moment of thinking of what to say, you looked back up at Xavier with a smile.  

“You’re not too bad, yourself,” you said.  

Xavier let out a triumphant laugh, grinning.  “Sweet,” he breathed out, looking you up and down.  Montana slapped his arm and he leaned back where he sat, rolling his eyes at her.  “Can you not hit me again?  Please?  That kind of hurt.”

Chet cleared his throat as he looked at you.  You quickly turned to face him, hoping that he didn’t think it was wrong of you to say so.

“He’s definitely not lying,” Chet spoke.  “You’re super fucking pretty.  I, uh, don’t want you to settle on him just yet,” he grinned, leaning against his hand as his elbow rested against the couch.  

You couldn’t help from your own laugh escaping you.  “Don’t worry, Chet.  He’s not the only cute guy here,” you said, locking eyes with his.  You noticed his blush right off the bat, but you didn’t say anything about it.  

You were glad you were here.  This was good.  It would be good.  It had to be good.  But what you didn’t know was that your hopeful thoughts were far too good to be true.  

[jordanstrophe]

A Cinnonmon Bun to Pure for this World, 8

Maslterlist

CW: recovering conditioned whumpee, PTSD,  stabbing, physical fight, manhandling, soooome medical whump at the end

“Mister Richard!” Cin ran into the kitchen.  “Hey! Good morni-”

“How do I make money!?” He cried, jumping into his lap and grabbing his coat collar. 

“Woah woah woah, slow down there, tiger...” Richard chuckled, lifting him back onto his feet. “What on earth do you need money for? If you want something, you can always ask. You know I take care of you here.”

“Of course you do, Mister Richard! And I am very appreciative. I owe you my entire life, work, blood, dedication and soul!” He chirped. 

“Uhhhh.”

“Anyway! I need money for that nice man I met in the alleyway.”

“Cin... Cin no.”

“Cin yes!”

“Cin we don’t give money to... People we meet in alleyways. Especially when they have knives and threaten to hurt you.”

“But Mister Richard! He was so kind about it!” He swayed around on his feet.

Richard tilted his chin up to make sure he had his attention. “Just because someone is charming, doesn’t mean they're good. Sometimes the bad people are the good-looking ones.”  

Cin’s head tilted in bewilderment, then his eyes narrowed as they darted left to right. 

‘Oh what I would give to know what was going on in that head of his," Richard thought.

“Why don’t we go for a walk today? There’s a dock not far from here I think you’ll like.” He smiled. Cin’s face halfway disappeared underneath his sweater, but he reluctantly nodded. 

-

Richard purposely took the route that had elegant stores. Cin stared at every window he passed with wide twinkling eyes, muttering a tiny ‘woah’ under his breath after passing each one. 

“Let me know if you want to go in anything.” He said, but only silence answered.

 He felt a presence missing from his side.

“Cin?” He turned around to find him frozen, staring blankly at a window. “Cin!” Richard called, walking towards him. He noticed his hand twitching violently, the closer he got the more he could see his trembling. 

‘Oh dear…’ 

He gently took Cin’s arm to pull him away from whatever was triggering him. The window he was standing in front of was an appliance store, the display covered in knives and tools. 

“Oh Cin…” Richard took his shoulders and steered him away. He crouched down till they were face to face. “Look at me, you’re alright.” 

He still didn’t move. His face was blank, but his eyes were wide with horror. Richard reached to touch his hand, his fingertips just grazing as Cin flinched back and cried out like he had been struck. 

“Hey hey hey! It’s okay. You’re okay.” He turned on his calm coaxing voice. “No one is hurting you, you’re safe.” His hand hovered just inches from his shoulder, but he didn’t dare touch him. A high pitch sound was coming from Cin’s throat, a whining, maybe crying. He didn’t know, it was almost inaudible.

“Hey, come walk with me.” Cin twitched slightly in his direction, his eyes unblinking, but he obediently gave his hand. “There you go, that’s it.” He encouraged. 

He walked him to the next window, a toy store with a display of colorful stuffed animals. Cin didn’t seem to see them as he stared dead ahead. Richard turned his hand until his body turned with it, the only thing in front of him now was the colorful display.

“My mother took me here when I was a child. Told me I could pick one thing of whatever I wanted.” He gently wrapped his arms around him from behind. “But she was a cruel woman who wouldn’t let me buy the 500$ lego ferris wheel.” He chuckled. 

He could see Cin give off a small smile in the reflection of the glass. “I guess what I’m trying to say is… Do you want to pick something? I know it’s a bit childish, but you can never be too old to have fun, eh?” He rested his chin in Cin’s hair. He felt a tiny nod. 

Before he could take his hand, Cin was the one who took his, and led him into the store. Richard was surprised, but went along with it.

They silently walked the isles, Cin’s eyes darting to study every single thing he passed. He still clutched Richard’s hand behind him, pulling him along. His eyes locked on to something as he stopped.

It was a stuffed octopus with a happy smile. Cin pushed his hand into its soft head as it sunk in. “Oh! I think that’s the reversible ones.” said Richard. Cin looked down at his hand to try and figure out how to do it without letting go of him. He ended up locking his elbow around his arm so he could use both hands. 

He flipped it inside out, the color changing from dark purple, to red with a tiny mischievous face. Cin started to laugh, flipping it back out.

“Is that your pick?” Richard chuckled.  “...Yeah.” Cin murmured with a smile. 

-

Cin held the octopus close to his chest as they walked the dock. “You like your octopus?” Richard asked. “I love it! Thank you, Mister Richard! Its name is Fishsticks.’’ He smiled proudly.

Richard didn’t question it, he just hummed in acknowledgement. A wave underneath them passed as Cin cringed and pressed his body against his side. Richard wrapped an arm around him for support. 

“Mm… M-Mister Richard, may I please go ahead to the car?” Cin whined. 

“We’re almost there, stay with me.” He soothed. “Bu-but it’s right there! I’ll go straight to the car, plleease?” He begged. Richard really, really did not want Cin on his own again.

“I’m sorry, hon. But I would really be more comfortable if-” Cin turned Fishsticks to the angry face, cranking it’s mischievous eyes to stare at him. Richard started to regret letting him have that thing.

“Cin, I-” He peeled his eyes off the octopus's face to see Cin’s sad devastated one staring up at him.

“Ugh! Okay fine! But straight to the car, young man. Got it?”

“Got it, Mister Richard!” He cheered, running off down the dock. 

“How on earth am I going to keep this man alive…” He muttered, burying his face in his hands.

Cin made it to the end of the dock, hopping off with a relieved sigh. 

“Wait… Cin?!” A voice called. He froze as he glanced around. “CIN!” The voice shouted angrily. He spotted a white vehicle parked nearby, the window rolled down with… 

Nathen.

The door slammed open as he crawled out of it, burling towards him with his hands extended with confusion.

“..N-Nathen?” Cin took a step back. Nathen’s face twisted even more when he saw his defiance.

“Where have you been!? I’ve been looking all over for you!” He hissed. He grabbed his arm and yanked him forwards as he grunted. “Please don’t tell me you got into any trouble out here. I swear if you talked to any cops.” He jerked him up by his arm so he could growl in his ear.

“You were… looking for me?” He looked up at him with gleaming eyes.

“Of course I was, you idiot! You wouldn't last five minutes out here by yourself! ...Unless you got adopted by some pack of wolves of course. Now into the car, let's go.” He nudged.

“But! But Mister Richard!” Cin pointed in his direction. 

“Who the-.. Whatever, just get in the car.” He roughly started dragging him by his arm. 

“W-wait! Nathen! I can’t go!” He cried, weakly struggling against his grasp. His cries and pleas were ignored as frustration built in his chest.

“I... Said… NO!” He shouted, twisting his arm as he broke free. “Wha-?”

“I-.. I don’t want t-to go with you an-anymore!” Cin squeezed his eyes shut, crossed his arms and stood up straight. His posture died a little when he peaked an eye open to see murder written on Nathen’s face.

“I erm, I mean… No... P-please?” Cin returned to his self conscious posture, shying away. 

-

Richard had caught up, coming to a stop when he found Cin talking with a stranger. Great… What did he get himself involved with now?

That... That was no stranger.

“CIN! Come here now!” Richard commanded, his pace increasing. He could see Cin glancing fearfully between the two men, taking a step back. 

Nathen’s eyes shot to Richard, finally piecing together what had happened. His face turned soft into a charming smile. “Sweetheart, it’s me! You know me, I’m family! Come home, little one, I missed you.” He gently reached a hand out. “If you come home with me now, you won’t be in any trouble, mmkay? Everything will go back to the way it was. Don’t you miss me? I’m the only one who can take care of you, remember?” He smiled.

Cin whimpered as he his arms hugged himself, visibly trembling. 

I should go home.... I wanted to go home so badly this whole time! 

He wants me.. Still.. After all the trouble I caused.

Trouble follows me everywhere, he’s… He’s the only one who can put up with me.

“Cin, please! Don’t listen to him! I know what he’s saying is temping, I do! But do you remember what I said this morning?” He begged.

Cin wiped his tears away, his eyes falling to the ground. 

“Just because something is charming, doesn’t mean it’s good…” 

Richard smiled with a proud sigh at his words. Cin took another step away from Nathen, but not before a hand snagged his hair. “Aah-!” he cried.  

“You! What have you done to him!? After everything I did, everything I taught him, you unravel it!? Do you know how hard it was to get him that way?! Nathen barked. 

“You didn’t teach him anything! You conditioned and abused someone who depended on you!” Richard grabbed Cin’s arm, ripping him from Nathen’s gasp as he fell backwards into the grass. 

“You don’t own him, Nathen! Not anymore…” He growled, stepping between him and Cin. Nathen raised a brow.

“So he still talks about me, hmm?” He crossed his arms. “He must miss home so, so much. I’ll tell you one thing, work has been soooo much harder without him being the lil distraction. So I’d really like my baby back.” He shrugged.

“Oh, over my dead body!” Richard yelled. “Round two then.” He smirked, pulling a knife from his belt. 

-

Cin struggled to sit up, finding the two fighting over a knife against the car. Nathen was shorter and less built compared to Richard, who had his wrist pinned to the window. He took his hand and slammed it against the glass, shattering it as Nathen let out a grunt. The knife fell from his grasp, causing Richard to ease up a bit, forgetting he hadn’t quite won. Nathen used his free hand to grab his hair, slamming his head against the car. 

He hit the ground, dazed, but surprised Nathen wasn’t immediately on top of him after his fall. He blinked up to find Cin on his feet, Nathen behind him with the knife to his throat.

“M-... Mister Richard?..” Cin whimpered, tears silently falling down his cheek. 

“N-no! Nathen please, do-don’t do this! Don’t hurt him!” He begged. 

“Ehh, it’s a little late for that.” He shrugged. “Looks like I won again, ‘Mister Richard’.” He chuckled. 

“Oh yeah?” He huffed, twisting his body till his back was against the car. “You-.. You forgot something this time.” Richard grinned, the hand behind his back revealing a phone that had been dialed. 

“...No.” Nathen gasped, as approaching sirens blared in the distance. “D-dammit…” He scoffed, his grip loosening. 

“I’m not letting you leave here, ‘Mister Nathen’. You lost.” 

Nathen’s eyes fell, his brain wracking as he weighed his options. His face slowly turned into a deathly smile. 

“We’ll see.” 

Cin let out a gasping choke as the knife was plunged into his chest. 

“NO!” Richard cried. 

Cin crumbled on his knees at Nathen’s feet. His hand dug into his hair to push him over on his side as he stepped over him. 

“No no no no no no no!” Richard crawling over to him, pressing the palm of his hands into the wound. Nathen had climbed into his car, hitting the gas to fade down the road.

“Cin! Stay with me! Keep breathing… Please! Keep breathing! Hey!” Richard sobbed. 

His every breath was a light wheeze, but at least it was a breath... 

Fishsticks laid nearby, its blood-spattered mischievous face blankly staring at the blue sky.

(CIN IS NOT DEAD, I REPEAT, CIN IS NOT DEAD.)

@milk-carton-whump @whumpasaurus101  @happy-whumper @as-a-matter-of-whump @alien-octopus @unicornscotty  @yesthisiswhump @flower-whump @whitebluebell @shokuhoemisaki

ʕっ• ᴥ • ʔっ  Thank you for reading!

Special thanks to @milk-carton-whump​ and @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi​ for helping me pick one  ( ◕◡◕)っ ♡

[hongjoongtrasher]

the beauty and the beast (chapter 2)

word count: 5k around

angst, fluff, smut

triger warnings: mention of child abuse, violence etc.

series masterlist

Synopsis:

When you move to a new city due to your father's job, you don't expect to stay for a long and so decided not to get attached to the world around you.

But still, you are "the new girl", unwillingly attracting people's attention because of your family's background. Your strict father expects a lot from you, not to say perfection. And when you are sit next to a certain Jung Yunho, you didn't expect your life to take a radical turn

Yunho always have been hating wealthy people. Or just people who were boasting about all the damn money they had and he hadn’t. Oh maybe it was childish to hate richer than himself, but he didn’t hate them for no reasons. He always felt disgusted by their pity, the way they would just «burn some cash » because they could, because they had too much. He concluded every rich guy was like this, and you weren’t an exception. At the very moment his eyes landed on your person, he could instantly feel this familiar aura. A daddy’s girl, probably richer than everyone’s parents in this school. And just the fact of you sitting next to him was driving him crazy.

He ignored you all the time. And he was glad in a way you didn’t try to talk to him, because he would have snapped all his hatred he was feeling towards people like you. But for a fact, he could admit that you weren’t acting like other rich kids around. The way you flinched when his friend was about to lift his hand at you, also the fact you were lonelier than he thought. Oh yes he indeed noticed you being the silent girl around, and at first he thought it was because you were the new girl, and that it was just a facade and soon or later you would just boast like the others.

It’s already been two weeks since you arrived here and yet you were as quiet as usual. You tried to acclimatize to every thing but as the good girl you were, your father thought it was a good opportunity for you to get into extra classes. Last night, you came back home near midnight, exhausted by this long day after studying like crazy. That’s why you didn’t even care to look at Yunho this morning when you sat down, as usual not peeping a word to him since the incident on the rooftop. Actually you tried to flip over and over again the same problem. Why he hated you this much ? But after some days, you understood he was hating every one the same way. Skipping classes, or when he was making act of presence just sleeping on his desk became the routine but today he was here. You quietly opened your bag to settle your pencils and workbooks. Yunho’s back facing you while he was probably taking a nap. Your English teacher came and when she started the class, she stated. « Alright guys, today you’ll be paired up. I want you to improvise a short sketch with what you learnt this past week. Just pair up with your neighbor. You have fifteen minutes »

Your eyes widened at her statement as you felt your heart throbs violently into your chest. Being in a team with Yunho was probably the last thing you thought which could become true today. And speaking of him, you heard a groan next to you, making you freezing as he slowly turned to you before staring at you.

« Just telling you, I don’t have a clue of what she said, so don’t expect me to do well »

How nonchalant he was at this moment almost made you scoff.

« You should have been here then. » you groaned back while opening your notebook.

His brows quirked at how you answered to him.

« Someone got more brave huh ? » he said before straightening on his chair and looked at the textbook of yours on your desk and took it to read the last two pages to your astonishment.

« Didn’t bring it, so I’ll just use yours. » he explained as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

« Great. » you answered and just scribbles some words on a page. You didn’t want to waste your time for such a jerk like him? At least you would have done your task by yourself, just for yourself and not him. You couldn’t let Yunho drag your grades down…You couldn’t just relax yourself.

Some silence installed between you two while others students were trying to do the task your teacher asked, but instead, Yunho took time to actually look at you. Somehow you looked exhausted, non to say to the verge of fainting. Your lips were pale, and dirk circles could be seen under your eyes.

« Didn’t sleep well last night ? » he asked randomly as he pretended to read the book under his eyes.

You badly wanted to ignore him. What the heck ? Just few weeks ago he openly said he hated you so you just accepted this fact and now he was chatting like you as nothing happened ?

« Studied late » you answered drily.

« Ha, I see you went to those extra classes which are costing your butt’s skin. »

You offered him a dark glare, making him look into your eyes. If course he wasn’t attending any of this, so he couldn’t really understand the situation you were in.

« And ? Is it going to change your life ? »

He shrugged.

« No, but I guess you’re a hardcore student » he hummed before he took his pencil to write down some words on his own paper. « Must be so boring » he added mockingly.

You wanted to answer back to him and spit how rude he was from the first place. You acknowledged the fact your life was boring as fuck, you were the first one to say it, but there were limits to making fun of this matter. Soon your teacher clapped her hands to catch everyone’s attention.

« Alright guys, it’s time. Who want to go first ? »

It was the usual game of « I don’t know what you’re saying », essentially based on avoid your teachers’ eyes and doing as you was busy enough not to make her choosing you. Your teacher smirked. « I see everyone’s eager to go, soooo…Y/N and Yunho, you go first. »

You panicked a bit, because except this little conversation you both hadn’t talked at all about your coed work. But Yunho didn’t seem bothered by this at all and stood up with his paper and just nudged your shoulder so you could stand up and go to the front with him. What was he playing at ?

Actually you thought Yunho was someone who didn’t give a shit to studies. His consecutive absences were not helping for his case but surprisingly, he opened the sketch with a good English. So good that you were surprised, making you go blank for a second. He looked at you before moving his lips silently « Y/N. » You shook your head and continued this weird play. At the end, your teacher seemed satisfied by your work and allowed you to go back to your sits so the next pair could go on.

When you sat down again, you looked at Yunho again.

« I thought you would’t do well » you mumbled.

He laughed lowly and it troubled you. It was the first time you heard him laugh. The first time he wasn’t showing hostility to you.

« You may think I’m a lazy ass, but I got some things stocked in this » he whispered, pointing at his head before leaning back on his chair.

Classes ended soon for the usual lunch break. Yunho got up and got out of the room without a word for you, as usual. Today you decided to stay into the classroom to eat. You never went back on the rooftop since you met the three boys. As you were unpacking the lunchpack you got from Sookja, you just took some time to think about this morning. Was Yunho being nice to you a sign to be more suspicious of him ? You were into your thought when you heard a voice calling your name.

« Y/N ? »

You looked up and saw a girl standing at your desk.

« Huh…Yeah ? »

She smiled to you and said.

« I’m Jisoo, erm…we’re in the same class and…I…Would you like to eat lunch with me ? » she asked shyly.

You were flustered by this sudden proposition. It was the first time someone was reaching out for you since you were in this school. Jason was a petite girl, with shorts hair and pink round cheeks. She looked nice so you couldn’t say no.

« Of course, but…mh, are you sure ? I’m not a good company » you confessed, embarrassed by this.

« I figured out you were eating alone every day and mhhh, I…just want to know you better you see ? I mean, don’t get me wrong ! I’m not approaching you because you’re the newbie or rich girl around ! »

You chuckled at her answer and made some space for her to eat your lunch on this tight desk.

« Thanks…actually I don’t feel like eating with a lot of people » you mumbled, peeling a boiled egg.

Jisoo looked surprised by your statement.

« Why not ? Well, people aren’t trying neither but…It would be a pity to let you out right ? You seem nice, so… »

Jisoo unpacked her own pink lunchbox where cherry tomatoes and egg roll and others nice things were lying inside.

« That’s cute ! Are you cooking it yourself ? » you said, trying to make a conversation.

She nodded with a proud smirk.

« Yes ! I like cooking, but since I’d pack too much I’m doing basic things. You ? Looks good as well. »

« Mh…Actually I don’t know how to cook » you answered uneasily.

« Oh must be your mom then ? »

It was a slippery subject, but since Jason made the genuine effort to come and talk to you, you didn’t feel like making up lies.

« I don’t have a mom…Huh, I mean I have one, but my parents divorced when I was little and…never seen her since » you mumbled, eating piece of kimchi.

Jisoo’s expression went bad and you could easily know why, so you quickly said.

« It’s fine, don’t worry, I don’t try to see her neither so I’m used to. Instead we have a housekeeper. She’s making my lunch every day, so I guess it’s like a mom. »

« Oh…I’m sorry still. I didn’t know »

You gave her a comforting smile as you two ate your lunch peacefully, getting to know each other’s better.

« Say, I saw you this morning with Yunho… Is he nice with you ? » asked Jisoo out of the blue.

You almost had forgotten about your gloomy classmate, so you hummed in hesitation.

« He’s a jerk, the first day I arrived he just openly said he hates me » you groaned, packing back your empty box.

« He hates every one outta here » Jisoo added, not seemed surprised. « But…there are a lot of rumours about him » she said lowly as if she was scared someone would overhear her words.

You arched a brow, curious about those said rumours.

« What kind of rumours ? »

« He’s fighting a lot with other people, basically a bad boy. You’ve seen it already, but he’s skipping classes a lot and no one really knows what he’s doing. » Jisoo explained. « I’ve never seen him hitting someone myself, but …be careful ? I don’t want him to hurt you or anyone else around »

Was he this terrible ? The image of Yunho laughing this morning was still lingering into your head. So you just nodded at her advice. It was almost time for classes again so Jisoo left you and friendly waved her hand at you before going back to her desk while other people were coming back. You expected Yunho to skip class again, but surprisingly his tall figure appeared before the bell rang. He got back to his desk and again laid his head on the desk, ignoring you in the process.

It was Korean history class, and it would be a lie to say it was boring as hell. Although you were still taking notes of every thing, Yunho was still acting like a dead body. He didn’t say a word to you for the rest of the day. And at 5pm sharp, you got out from school to go to your extra classes. You’re still drained from your day, and the idea to study more was giving you a headache. By chance, you were allowed to go alone there, taking the bus.

That’s how Yunho saw you walking to the bus stop while he was going to his motorbike, helmet in his hand. You were a weird girl. Never before he got interested into a girl, all being the same when it comes to approach him for his bad boy vibe like. Bullshit. He hated those childish girls, but surprisingly you didn’t have this side into your attitude. Again, Yunho was shocked to think about you from time to time. « Get yourself back Jung Yunho » his conscious told him before he saw the bus passing by his eyes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Days were flying by and your first mock exams were coming at the corner. You had worked like a slave for this days, sleeping few hours a night to study more and more, the menacing shadow of your father planning above your head. Jisoo was eating lunch with you every day since. You girl got closer after few days and you considered her like your friend. She was the first person to hear about your familial situation and the gape, or more the ravine between you and your father. You must say it was a relief to be able to confess every thing to someone exterior to your house.

Jisoo seemed pissed off when you told her you were used not to get attached to people due to you moving almost every year to another city.

« That’s so awful ! » she cried, grabbing the carton of fruit juice you got from the machine.

« Yeah…My father is a stone cold asshole » you mumbled, the straw between your lips.

« Girl, when exams are over, let’s have fun alight ? Fight me if your father says no ! »

Jisoo was so cute. You couldn’t imagine this little girl tossing her fists at your father, but somehow the image was funny. That’s how you promised you would.

This day again you had to go to extra classes, and today was really a day you wished someone would ditch you from this living hell. Waiting at the bus stop, you were spacing out when you heard the sound of a roaring engine before it stopped right before you. The man on the moto lifted the smoked visor on his helmet to reveal his face. You heart stopped when you recognise Yunho. You didn’t know you he could drive such a thing but he seemed proud of it as he smirked to you.

« Need a drive ma’am ? » he asked.

What the fucking hell ? One day he was ignoring you like a ghost and another day he was talking to you and now proposing you to ride his moto ?

« Wha- I don’t understand, what are you trying to do here ? » you groaned back as he stabilised himself and just throw at you another helmet.

« Wear this. » he ordered without answering your question.

You looked at him in hesitation. Was he serious ? Or was he trying to drag you into another salty problem ? As he could read into your head, he rolled his eyes.

« I won’t throw you over a bridge you know ? »

« Huh…So tell me what are you trying to do ? I’m utterly sick of your hot and cold game. One day you’re saying you’re hating me, fine. And another one you’re actually trying to convince me to ride on a motorbike with you. »

« Get on, we’ll talk later » he groaned, glaring at you which intimated you.

Soon enough you were at the back of the motorbike, and before he drove, he took your arm to make you hug his waist tightly.

« Don’t ever let it go. If we fall I’d rather you fall with me than the motorbike » he explained.

You were about to protest, but he drove, making you instantly hold him tightly. It was the first time you were being driven on a moto, and the air going through your hair, the warmth of Yunho’s back against your chest was a total discovery for you. You were scared, not to say terrified. But Yunho was really driving carefully, although he liked to make his engine roar when the road was clear. When you weren’t scared enough to focus on his back only, you tried to see where he was going, and soon recognise the way to your extra classes. How did he know ? After some more minutes of furious roars, he stopped in front of a building you could recognise. He waited for you to get off the engine so he could as well get off.

Taking off the helmet you took a giant breath, your heart beating like crazy.

« How was the ride ? » he asked in a tease, watching you regaining strength.

« You’re crazy. Absolutely crazy » you hissed, shoving his helmet in his arms. « And how did you know it was here I was going ? »

Yunho couldn’t tell you he once followed you until there. Actually, he didn’t know himself why he had followed you, but after some days when he came back there, he saw your figure through a window, totally exhausted almost dozing on your work. Something made him stay here for a while, just watching you from afar this day. You were the representation of what he hated the most, and yet you were just a normal girl, acting like a normal girl. Moreover you looked so tired every day, and he was just wondering until how far you’d push yourself to be this perfect student.

« I just figured it out when I came one the neighbourhood with Hongjoong and some friends. We are hanging out quite a lot here» he grumbled. It wasn’t really a lie right ? Hongjoong and Yeosang were living in this area, so they were meeting quite a lot after classes in the neighbourhood.

You rolled your eyes before staring at him in confusion. Why was he being nice all of the sudden ?

Anyway, you needed to go, having enough of this nonsense.

« Thanks for the ride, but don’t hope to get me on this bike from hell any sooner » you groaned before taking your lead inside the building, not paying a look at your classmate.

Yunho smirked and shook his head.

« Bike from hell… »

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hours passed, and when the clock showed around ten, classes ended. You sighed and rubbed your eyes from exhaustion, slowly getting out the building to see the motorbike was still here. But not Yunho. Looking around, you tried to see if he was around. Seemed he was not. While admiring his black shiny engine, you got lost in your inner thought again. It was so strange for him to act this kindly but none without saying dangerously toward you. And the fact he discovered where you were studying was still a mystery for you, not totally convinced by the total luck of him running on this place.

« It’s maybe a bike from hell, but still pretty right ? » a voice exclaimed at you, making you jump.

Yunho was back, a bag in his hand from the CU, the nearby convenient store. You crunched up your nose. Why was he still here ?

« I met the guys, and was about to go home. » he explained again as if he could read your thought.

« Oh what a coincidence ! » you mimicked still not convinced if he was lying or not.

« Y/N I’m not lying, Hongjoong literally lives two blocks away from here. » he said seriously.

You sighed and turned around to leave. But when you walked past way his position he asked in a relax tone:

« I got some ice cream, want some ? »

It was going from dumb and dumber. Seriously you couldn’t put a finger on his weird behaviour. With a suspicious look you were about to say no, but he cut you.

« Your brain needs sugar. It’s past ten, and you’ve been studying for four hours straight. I guess you didn’t have diner too huh. »

« And what does it concern you ? » you snapped, turning to face him. « It’s not as if you would be this concerned for someone you hate right ? I don’t understand Yunho, I don’t understand you and your attitude. »

Yunho bite his lower lip, knowing himself he got in a weird situation.

« Yeah I know I said I hated people like you, but I didn’t say I hated you » he mumbled.

There was this embarrassing silent again, only the noises of the city filling the icy atmosphere between you.

« People like me. What do you mean ? Did I do something wrong to deserve this attitude ? » you crossed your arms, decided to cleared this shit.

Yunho felt uneasy to talk about it, but somehow he didn’t want to stay in a bad relationship with you. Instead, he took a ice cream from the bag and handled it to you.

« Eat, I will explain it to you after. » he mumbled, looking away.

You gave him a glance but finally took the ice cream, your stomach making you remember you were starving at the moment. It was a vanilla strawberry ice cream. You almost laughed by seeing this.

« Didn’t know you had so girlish tastes » you said ironically putting the ice cream into your mouth.

« I got mine, what do you mean ? I knew you would maybe get out at this hour and I just felt like buying you this » he justified himself by taking his own ice cream, green tea flavoured.

You both sat down on the empty academy’ stairs to eat your ice creams in silence. There were so much questions you wanted to ask, trying to figure out how to deal with him.

« I’m living alone with my mom. My dad and her divorced when I was ten or something. He was violent dude and was hitting my mom, so he got arrested by the police when the neighbours got fed up by the every day fights. But the thing is…we always had financial problems because of this bastard. He borrowed money from loan sharks, an astronomical amount and got my mom in trouble even after he got arrested. » said Yunho, blankly staring at the floor.

All you could do was listening to him. Surprisingly, you never imagined something this horrible would have happened to him.

« My mom sold everything she had to give the money back, so we lost our house and now we’re living in a small studio. Even though she’s working, her salary is just enough to cover the rent and the rest is going to those loan sharks. »

His voice was weak, almost silent as he felt his barriers falling down. He looked so fragile, his broad shoulders shuddering slowly, his dark hair covering his eyes. You felt your heart sinking at his reflection.

« Of course I wanted to help her as soon as I could get a job, getting some part time jobs but she wants me to focus on school. » he laughed bitterly, watching his ice cream melting. « I’ve soon been taught that school wasn’t going to make things better. And people knowing about my family matters were just doing things out of pity for us. It drove me crazy. I hate people boasting about how nice it is to have money, how nice it is to be a normal happy family and just feel the others like shit. »

That’s how you figured out why Yunho hated rich people. And how he probably thought you were the same as the others he could have seen before. The bitterness you were feeling towards him vanished in an instant. How such a tough guy like him could appear so broken ? How hard must it have been for him all those years ?

« I…I’m sorry. » you muttered, not really knowing how to carry on.

« No, it’s fine. I’m aware you’re from a wealthy fam, but I figured out you weren’t like those bitches gossiping around. » he said, taking back some composure as he ate a part of the leaking ice cream.

« But…How are you doing ? I mean, are you eating correctly ? » you asked, genuinely worried about his health at the moment.

He chuckled and looked at you.

« My grand parents are supporting us. » he said, ruffling his hair with his hand. « The only time I worked during summer break, they refused the money. That’s how I got my moto »

There was another long pause, before you felt the cold liquid from your ice cream falling on your hand, making you yelp in surprise. Yunho smirked and laughed lightly, watching you fighting with your ice cream.

« Eat, I’ll drive you back home…If you let me to, I mean » he said, rubbing his nape after finishing his own snack.

« Alright, but don’t even think of doing the rodeo on the way back. » you grumbled and get on.

Once again on Yunho’s motorbike, you watched the city streaming before your eyes, neons of all colours leaving particular marks in the dark night. The cold air now hitting your body made you hug Yunho’s tighter. You didn’t know how to feel towards him. But you understood the situations he got through and up until now, you thought you’d have done the same if you had to be in the same game. But it wasn’t a game. You knew Yunho wasn’t a real bad guy. Things forced him to do tough tasks. You were ready to forgive him, as long as he promised at least to be this hostile to you.

When you arrived near your big complex, you made sign to Yunho to stop right before the actual building. He turned the engine off and let you get off his moto. Taking off the helmet, you gave it back to him but he stopped you.

« Keep it. »

« What ? But .. »

« It won’t be the last time you will get on this Y/N » he said with a smirk. « But anyway, why did you make me drop you here ? I could go to the right building »

« Erm…I rather not. My father could see this and…I guess he wouldn’t like seeing his daughter riding a motorbike with a boy he doesn’t know. » you spurred out.

Yunho raised a brow at your comment about your father. He barely saw him at your first day but he seemed like a strict man. He nodded.

« I see, well…See you around ? »

« Yeah…if you don’t skip classes » you giggled, relaxed by this friendly or at least less hostile conversation.

Yunho scoffed and ruffled your hair, which surprised you.

« Maybe. »

Then he sent you off, waiting for you to go inside the building before driving back to his empty home. He mostly had said the truth to you, but he voluntarily omitted to add his mom got admitted to the hospital weeks ago. And he didn’t want you to pity him furthermore.

When you stepped inside the silent apartment, you noticed your father’s shoes weren’t at the entrance, meaning he wasn’t home. You sighed in relief, hurrying yourself to hide the helmet in your room, under your bed. Only Sookja got a glimpse at you rushing at your room.

« Y/N ? Is everything alright ? » she asked while she was in the kitchen.

« Yes ! Every thing is alright ! » you shouted back at her before going back to the kitchen to eat the late diner she prepared you.

Sookja took a look at your face. You were indeed tired, but something had changed. She could feel you were less, stressed ? The old woman sweetly smiled to you watching you eat.

« Did something nice happen today at school ? » she asked innocently, aware you normally aren’t really openly talking about your school days.

You looked at her, enjoying the warm soup after the cold weather you faced on Yunho’s bike.

« Erm…Yeah we can say that » you mumbled, slightly embarrassed but yet excited.

Sookja was a confident. You could tell her anything, she would never repeat to your father. She waited for you to keep on.

« There is a ..classmate of mine. At first we were like cats and dogs you know ? But today we sorted things out and I guess it’s fine now »

« I’m glad to ear this sweetie » she said in pure relief and joy for you. « Have you made friends ? »

« There is Jisoo ! She’s a part of my class as well. She’s a really warm person » you said, after taking more bites of rice and others side dishes.

Your housekeeper was happy to know you were getting a better life than you have had until now. She hoped some day you would be free from your father’s influence and fly by your own wings. That’s how she was thinking and wished the most for you.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After this strange night, days have been more packed. The day of your mock exams, you gave it all, knowing that although it was only a mock one, your father wouldn’t let it pass. After giving back your sheets, you and Jisoo were talking at the cafeteria. The petite teenager stretched and sighed.

« Y/NNNNN ! What should I do ? I’m sure I’ll fail ! »

« Don’t say that Ji’, I’m sure you’ll do well »

« It’s easy for you ! You always have good grades. » she pouted.

« I wished I could have less than 100 believe me » you groaned.

From the corner of your eyes, you glimpsed the tall figure of Yunho with Mingi and Hongjoong. He was sitting with them with the same expressionless face he used to put on at school. But when he was sitting next to you during class, he didn’t ignore you anymore, nor tried to nap. He was surely warming up to you, but it seemed he wasn’t ready to let his friends see him this way with you.

« - today ? » you heard Jisoo’s voice.

« Mh ? Sorry, I wasn’t listening » you said, going back to your friend.

Jisoo pouted again before following your gaze and leaned near to your face with a teasing face.

« Guuuurl, it seems you and Yunho got closer or is it me ? »

« Gosh, Ji ! It’s not what you think ! We just sorted things out, but we’re not friends or things like this » you mumbled back, embarrassed by her behaviour.

« Well, that’s not really the impression I have. Did you remark he’s not skipping classes lately ? »

« Maybe he got enlightened by God to study ? » you suggested in a grin.

You both laughed and today, you felt relieved as you didn’t have to go to extra classes, the academy being closed for the spring break that was soon arriving. Somehow, you convinced your father to let you go to Jisoo’s house for the weekend, heavily pretexting she wanted you to tutor her for the real exams. He seemed suspicious, but since your school grades were good so far, he didn’t have any objections to make.

While for packing your bag, you received numerous notifications on KakaoTalk. Jisoo created a group chat with the others kids who were going to come at her house for the weekend. Mostly girls and maybe some boys, but it didn’t really matter for you only the fact you had the chance to spend time with your friend, making some other friends ?

You happily answered to the text saying you’d come by yourself at the indicated address and time before locking your phone again. When you were almost done packing, your phone vibrated again but this time wasn’t the group chat. « Jung Yunho » appeared at your screen, leaving you speechless for a moment.

윤호

Need a ride for this weekend ?

Taglist: @palegardenrebel @mirror-juliet @twancingyunhoe@yeosangmystar @dreamer95 @tinyteenieateez @yunsangoveryonder @tenebrisirae @ateezbabysitters

can't be tagged :@nz-pichbg ;

don't hesitate to ask for being tagged :)

[allthingsfangirl101]

Just A Summer Job Part 1–Matt Brody

Wattpad Request by violetartsybabe

Part 2

Summer and I used to spend every summer together. When we were able to drive, we'd go down to the beach and tan. After we graduated high school, we went to different colleges but still remained close.

We both ended up coming back to Emerald Bay. During the summer, she got a job as a lifeguard for the beaches and the bay as part of an elite division known as Baywatch.

While she worked for Baywatch, I worked at a surf shop on the boardwalk. On her break, she'd come by the store and we'd go to lunch together.

After months of being harassed by customers, I couldn't take it anymore. During lunch one day, I was in the middle of venting when she got an idea.

"I swear," I scoffed, rolling my eyes, "I kept asking them to either buy something or leave and they wouldn't. It took Evan coming and forcing them out before they finally left."

"You should quit," Summer sighed as she munched on her fries.

"But I'm paying my dues," I said my immediate response whenever she told me to quit. "And I'm trying to move to a better place. It's just. . . It's not a good time to lose my job."

"What if I could get you a new job?" She asked, with a knowing smirk.

"At Baywatch?" I asked. "I don't know about that, Sum. . ."

"Oh come on," she chuckled, getting excited. "I was just talking to Mitch, my boss, and he says we're down a man. This new guy he hired isn't taking it serious enough and Mitch is struggling to handle everything. He was just talking about hiring an office manager type person."

"An office manager type person?" I repeated, not bothering to hide my laughter.

"You wouldn't be a lifeguard," she sighed, slightly laughing. "You'll be in charge of our schedule, ordering supplies, making sure the jet skis are running. You'd be an office manager."

"For lifeguards," I clarified.

"Will you at least let me talk to him about you?" She sighed. "You've worked in an office before. You manage the surf shop. You wouldn't have to do customer service."

"Fine," I gave in. "You can talk to him."

                        * * * * *

"You got it!"

I jumped when the door was roughly pushed open and Summer came running in.

"What?" I laughed.

"I talked to Mitch about hiring you," she explained. "I told him about your experience and how you work here. He wants to meet you first, but he says the job is definitely yours."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously!" She giggled. "Soooo???"

I bit my lip, holding in my laughter when she waited for me to give her my answer.

"Oh, just say you'll take the job!"

"I'll take it," I finally agreed. I laughed as she ran over and wrapped me in her arms.

"It is going to be so fun!" She cheered as she pulled out of our hug. "I'm going to go tell him!"

I laughed as she turned on her heel and ran out of the store. I turned around and bit my lip when I saw Evan standing in the doorway to his office.

"I'm guessing you heard that," I said, clearing my throat.

"I hate to see you go, but it does sound like an incredible offer," he smiled.

"Thanks, Evan." I let out the breath I was holding as he laughed. "I guess I should give you my two weeks."

He nodded as he walked over to me. "Look, Y/N, if you have any trouble with those lifeguards, you come to me and I'll handle it."

"Thanks," I laughed.

                        * * * * *

I walked into the lifeguard shack, repeatedly messing with my sundress. I slid my sunglasses onto the top of my head as I closed the door behind me. I looked around, slightly taken back when I didn't find anyone.

"Hello?" I called out.

"Is that the famous Y/N I've heard so much about?"

I turned around to see a man who looks like he could snap me in half walk out of an office.

"Hi," I said, awkwardly tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

"I'm Mitch," he smiled as he reached over and held his hand out for me to take. I shook his hand before pulling my hand back and fixing the strap of my bag over my shoulder.

"Follow me," he said, nodding back towards his office. "This is the main lifeguard shack. We have a few spread out throughout the beach with water, first aid kits, emergency supplies, those sorts of things. The locker rooms are that way. One for women and one for men, but you won't have to use it. Summer did tell you this was just an office manager position, right? You won't be a lifeguard."

"She told me," I nodded. "And I am fine with that, by the way."

"Great," he smiled. "Now let me show you the office. Since we have limited space, you and I will have to share. Hopefully, that won't be too much of a problem for you."

"Not at all," I said, slightly shaking my head.

"This is us," he said as he opened the door and held it for me.

"It's beautiful," I teased.

"Funny girl," Mitch laughed. "My desk is over there. Yours in by the window."

"Love the view," I said, making him laugh again.

"So," he said, clapping his hands and slightly rubbing them together. "You get to sit inside in the air-conditioned hut, planning our schedules, and handling whiny lifeguards who think their swimsuit is stretching out. You're our glorified babysitter."

"Better than being hit on by cocky customers," I scoffed.

"Well, no promises about High School Musical."

"Who?"

"I thought you agreed not to call me that anymore."

We looked over to see a guy standing in the doorway. I held back my smirk as the guy leaned against the doorframe.

"Why do you call him that?" I asked.

"Well," Mitch started.

"Who's this?" The guy asked, changing the topic to me.

"This is Y/N," Mitch introduced us. "She's our new office manager. Y/N, this is Matt our newest lifeguard. He's the one you need to watch out for."

"What?" Matt scoffed. "Why me?"

"Because Summer, CJ, and Stephanie aren't going to flirt with her to get the better schedule," Mitch said, sending me a knowing look. "Ronnie wouldn't even stoop that low."

                        * * * * *

"Hey, Y/N?"

"No, you can't have the fourth of July off," I sighed before Matt could even ask. I looked up and didn't bother hiding my smirk.

"That's not what. . ." He stuttered but cut himself off when he saw the look on my face. "Fine," he sighed. "What shift do you need me?"

"Well, Summer and CJ have volunteered to take the night shift and I know how much you like to party," I teased, "so I got you working the morning shift. Now you have plenty of time to party."

"Thanks," he said, slightly looking away from me. "What are your plans?"

"Nothing," I shrugged.

"Nothing?" He repeated.

"That's what I said," I shrugged as I stood up.

"You really aren't doing anything?"

"Not everyone loves partying until they pass out drunk in a gutter."

"That happened one time," he defended himself. He cleared his throat before asking, "Why aren't you doing anything for Fourth of July? You don't have a family barbeque? Nothing?"

"Nope," I sighed.

"You should come out with me," he offered. His smile dropped when he saw the look on my face. "What?"

"Thanks for the offer," I sighed, "but no thanks. Partying isn't my thing. I'll probably just stay here, making sure everything's okay with the fireworks and parties."

"Y/N," he said, grabbing my hand. I gasped when he accidentally grabbed the spot I covered with makeup this morning.

"What?" He asked as he quickly let go of my arm. "Did I. . . I didn't mean. . ."

"It wasn't you," I said quickly. "I just. . . I have a bruise."

"From what?"

"Nothing," I said too quickly.

"Or should I ask; from who?"

"That is none of your business," I said, clearing my throat.

"Y/N," he said gently. "If someone. . ."

"Don't," I cut him off. "This doesn't concern you, so just leave it alone."

                        * * * * *

I walked into work after the weekend with my head down. When I walked into the shack, I greeted everyone but avoided Matt's eyes.

I've gotten close to everyone except Matt. The few interactions I had with him were either him flirting with me to get a day off or small pleasantries. I would randomly get glimpses of the real Matt Brody. Not the cocky Olympian people expect him to be, but a genuine and kind guy who actually cares about others.

Ever since he found out I hide bruises, he's been looking at me softer. Almost like he was trying to figure out why I'd hide bruises.

If only he knew about my father. The only one who knew about my dad being an abusive drunk was Summer. She knew that my dad lost himself after my mom died and only found comfort in bottles of liquor.

I got back from lunch and froze when I saw who was sitting in front of my desk.

"Shouldn't you be on patrol?" I asked as I walked in. I avoided his eyes as I walked around my desk and sat down.

"Why are you hiding bruises?"

"Matt," I sighed.

"Why are you hiding bruises, Y/N?" He asked again.

"I already told you. . ."

"Y/N," he cut me off. I looked up, my breath getting caught in my throat when I saw the way he was looking at me.

"What's going on?" He asked softly.

"It's. . ."

He reached across my desk and grabbed my hand. "Y/N," he whispered. "Talk to me. Please?"

"My dad's a drunk," I found myself blurting out. I sighed as I pulled my hand out of his and played with my fingers. "And when he's drunk, he gets. . ."

"He gets what, Y/N?" He asked like he already knew. I shook my head, struggling to hold back the tears.

"Oh Y/N," he sighed when I didn't continue. "I'm so sorry."

I took a shaky breath, forcing the tears down. I cleared my throat and stood up. I walked over to the filing cabinet, still struggling to go back to normal. I turned around and gasped when Matt was right behind me.

"What are you. . ."

He reached over and grabbed my hands in his. "If there is anything I can do," he whispered. "I'm here for you."

                        * * * * *

After Matt found out the real reason I refuse to wear a swimsuit, he's been acting differently around me. He's been nicer and started talking to me more than just to get out of work. Even Summer noticed his change.

During their lunch break, the girls liked to come into the office and have lunch with me. We always ended up talking about the cute guys on the beach. Today, we started talking about Matt. Well, the girls started talking about Matt. I just ate my burger silently.

"I've known Matt since he first started working for Baywatch," Summer laughed.

"Summer," I sighed.

"Come on!" She laughed. "We've all noticed him acting differently."

"Especially around you," Stephanie smirked.

"Ever since Mitch hired you on, Matt has been acting strange," CJ added.

"I wouldn't say strange," Summer countered. "It's more like normal. He isn't acting stuck up or his normal assholey self."

"Can we change the subject?" I sighed. "He is not acting differently around me."

"You guys talking about Matt?"

We looked around, the girls giggling when we saw Mitch standing in the doorway.

"No," I said quickly.

"Yes," the girls all said in unison.

"And about how he's acted completely different around Y/N."

"Oh my gosh," I groaned as I stood up and threw my trash away. "Can we please let this go?"

"Let what go?"

"Son of a bitch," I mumbled when Mitch peaked his head in. Before I could get sucked into this conversation any more than I already was, I excused myself and quickly left the hut to the sound of the girls giggling.

                        * * * * *

"You're here late."

I looked up to see Matt leaning in the doorway with his arms crossed. I shrugged as I went back to the schedule for next week.

"Y/N," he said teasingly. "Why are you here so late? You're never here past 5."

"I know," I shrugged again. "I wanted to get a jump on some paperwork."

"Or your avoiding going to dinner with your dad," he said knowingly.

"How the hell do you know that?" I asked as I finally looked up at him.

"Summer told me you had agreed to it," he sighed as he walked in and sat across from me. "Are you sure you should go?"

"Matt," I sighed. "I'll be fine. I can. . . I can handle him."

I started to walk away but he jumped up and stopped me by grabbing my elbow. As he spun me around, he slowly slid his hand down my arm until his hand got to mine and he intertwined our fingers.

"I don't think you should go alone," he said under his breath.

"I can handle my father," I said, not even convincing myself.

"Y/N, please. At least let me come with you," he slightly begged. "I won't sit at the same table as you guys, but I'll be nearby if he gets close."

"Matt," I sighed, pulling my hand out of his. "I'll be fine."

I ignored the unconvinced look on his face as I left the lifeguard hut. As I got ready, I kept thinking about the lie I told Matt. I wasn't fine. The entire way to my father's house for dinner, my hands were shaking. I couldn't calm down as I walked up his front steps. I held my breath as I knocked.

"Hi, Dad," I said when he answered.

"Hi," he scowled. He left the door open as he walked inside.

We never made it to the restaurant.

Part 2

[borkthemork]

Fanfic based on the Biker AU by @cnyicalnoodle on Twitter!

-----

The Thai Go Diner had always been busy at this time of day. Marcy had seen people go in and out, tipping the jar with their coins and dollars, lugging their take-outs for the daily grind, always with something new to eat and talk about. People loved this place; Marcy reasoned that it all came from the delicious Thai food, the quick word-of-mouth, and the fact tourist areas were always the rage with these places.

Knowing this, one would think Marcy Wu was a regular at Thai Go but she wasn’t.

Actually, she’d been antsy to even pass through the door. She didn’t prevent herself out of anxiety, of course, perhaps...not really. Maybe.

For Marcy, it was because the waitress from across the way — the one with the pink dress, the bright smile, and her tied chocolate hair, all frizzled with crazy curls — did a lot of stupid interesting things to her heart and it was hard to not look her way when she got the chance to. Or be in her presence without feeling like Marcy was waayyy out of her league.

And somehow Anne liked to talk to her, a lot. It might be because of the current strategy Marcy had, but whether that was the cause for her luck was up to debate.

The current strategy Marcy had in getting Anne’s attention was to first order food. If she ordered food weekly then she would become a regular, then being said regular would bring Marcy Wu the chance to ask about the waitress’s day — probably see if she liked the talk of mechanics or the current Space Race or insect biology — and go from there. Waitresses liked bugs, right? She hoped so.

Anne didn’t seem to mind. She didn’t seem to mind Marcy at all, except for the whole biking attire at first, but that was in the past.

Today was the now.

So here Marcy was, tapping the menu while she perused the contents. Her lips were itchy, jacket a little tight on the collar. She must’ve been nervous again, but before she could adjust herself to a more comfy position, the waitress had poured her a cup of coffee, giving her a lopsided smile. “Hey, it’s you again.”

“Yep!” Marcy leaned onto the table, putting on her best smile. “It’s me, how’d you know?”

Anne raised a brow. She plopped a few sugar cubes into the cup and stirred — the usual. “A waitress remembers every face that comes through the door, and I know my eyes, you must be pulling my leg.”

Sadly, Marcy wasn’t. Her mouth had blabbered out something stupid rather than something smart. Just like the previous twenty or so visits. Marcy chuckled nervously. “Haha, you got me. You know me, I’m always a leg puller. I need coffee or I’m gonna be pulling a lot of legs today.”

A tiny grin grew on Anne’s beautiful face. “Yeah, we don’t want that.”

With that, Anne left for another table.

A few seconds past by, then another, before Marcy fully eased back into her seat, wiping a quick swatch of sweat from her forehead. So far so good, nothing messed up in the last hour and it was nice to see Anne pleased to see her again. Marcy might even have a chance to ask her big question.

Anne returned with the panang curry platter. It wafted of spice, of sweet seasoned chicken, and Marcy couldn’t help but hum her praises when she plopped the first serving into her mouth. Didn’t help that Anne observed her a little, that warm smile of hers making Marcy’s heart wallop against her chest.

“Soooo,” Marcy started to drum her hands against the table. “Anna Banana.”

Anne blinked at the nickname. Not in an unpleasant way, at least Marcy hoped so.

“Do you have anything after this?” Marcy asked, and flinched at how dry her throat sounded. “I mean, anything after your shift, not the specifics of what you’re currently doing after you leave this table.”

Anne giggled. “Well, Miss Wu, if you really want to know, I’m going to go on my lunch break. And I’m not gonna come back for an hour.”

Marcy straightened up. “That’s—” She cleared her throat, quick to calm herself down. “That’s great!”

“And why you so interested today, hm?” Anne leaned more on the table, cocking her head in a way that reminded Marcy of an intrigued cat. Her smile though? Definitely fox-like. “Are you asking for a date or something?”

Marcy choked. “Nah, nah!” She gave a sharp inhale. “I’m just thinking, since I fixed my motorcycle after the...yknow, the incident, it would be cool to finally show you what the bad boy’s made of.” Just like I promised.

Anne whistled, all sharp and impressed. “Dang, it’s finally fixed? You’re pretty fast for a biker.”

“Why be a biker if you can’t even fix your own bike?” Marcy said.

“Fair point.” Anne placed her notepad down onto the table. Marcy saw the previous orders she’d written out, with Anne scribbling a border onto a clean corner. “Where do you want to meet up? In front of the diner? At the mall?”

Marcy rubbed her chin. “Hmmm. Front’s the easiest way to get to you. I can drive in, wait for you, and then we can zoom off to wherever you want.”

The smile Anne wore grew even more. The jukebox played some Louis Armstrong, the music drifting between them in a content silence. After a moment, Anne had written the location and some digits down, and ripped one section off — the one section being her number. “Here. If I get kidnapped or something, then you know how to track me down.”

Marcy beamed and took the paper off her hands. “Cool. I’ll not be late.”

She made sure not to.

Later that day, Thai Go would light up in hazy glow. The streets were cold, drifting with the trickling traffic as everything started to slow down, people now in their offices and homes, settled down for the night’s end. Not for Marcy, of course. She leaned against her bike in the Thai Go lots, and thumbed the folded piece of paper in her pocket.

The streetlight reassured her that no one was going to jump her, but she preferred not to be out at such a time without a friend. In a few more minutes, she wouldn’t have to worry about that.

“Have you been waiting here this whole time?”

Marcy spotted Anne walking toward her, still in her dining getup. “Oh, hey!” She folded her arms, trying her best at a carefree smile — the cool smile, just like Sash said. “You ready for a ride?”

Anne grinned. “I didn’t walk out in the cold for nothing, definitely!” Her eyes drifted upward, much to Marcy’s confusion. But before she could ask, Anne responded. “What type of gel do you use? I swear it’s been hours and it still looks good.”

Marcy’s cheeks flushed. “Oh, well. I use a strong source.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah, the kind that binds the strands together for ten hours.” Aka, she needed to thank Sasha later for the product recommendation. “When you’re on the road, anything can happen. Bad engine troubles, wheel problems, not looking...cool and getting bugs stuck to your hair. That kind of deal.” Smooth. “Best to be prepared!”

Anne smiled more. “Alright then, so how do we get started?”

“With what?”

“With riding,” she said, and patted the hub of Marcy’s motorcycle. “Do I just...?”

“Oh! Riding, yeah.” Marcy kicked the stand back in, remembering to scoot to the clear front of the seat, and patted the spot behind her. Anne hesitated. “Don’t worry, there’s enough space for both of us.”

“You sure? Doesn’t look comfy.”

“Trust me,” Marcy said. “There’s enough room. You can hold onto me if you’re worried.”

“Alright, if you say so.”

Marcy wanted to pinch herself. Okay, the last sentence just came out of her mouth but she couldn’t take it back. Not while Anne saddled on behind her, arms lingered now at Marcy’s waist.

Marcy took in a small breath. The engine growled to life below them, and the hold Anne had on her tightened even more as Marcy adjusted her hold on the handles.

This was the time to impress her. No going back.

Joe Sparrow, don’t fail me now.

“Okay.” Marcy stifled her excited giggle. “You ready, Anne?”

“Uhm, sure.” Anne sounded unsure to the fullest extent. “Hate to break the mood a bit, but how do you even sit on this thing?”

“Just hold on to me,“ she reassured. “It takes some getting used to.”

And if Anne didn’t get herself seated soon, she was going to endure the speed bumps in full force. Not like Marcy was going to go full throttle — she knew her driving limits...kind of.

“Alright, hold on to your seat, I’m about to break so many speed limits!”

“Okay I’l—WAIT WHA?”

The motorcycle zipped forward into the streets, Anne holding on all the way.

[the-bat-collector]

SUPERBAT Rec List!! AU NO POWERS ish PART 2

No Powers or No Capes (There are some minor exceptions but I think this still applies)

Soo it’s become harder to find these fics and I kept postponing making this list just in case I found moreeeee. After some time convincing myself I decided that If I find more I’ll just make a part 3.

Here is the link to Part 1 Post

So without further ado. Here you go!

Storge by ichikonohakko @ichikonohakko

G - 3,310

Storge (storgē, Greek: στοργή) is liking someone through the fondness of familiarity, family members or people who relate in familiar ways that have otherwise found themselves bonded by chance. An example is the natural love and affection of a parent for their child.

Or the story of how Clark Kent meets the Wayne family children.

So this was in my mark for later and I read it as I was making this list and it’s very cute and adorable and highly recommend it! 

don't you know an apparition is a cheap date by knoxoursavior  @clqrkkent

E - 39,385

Clark has been able to see ghosts since he was eight, just a few days before his Pa died in his sleep. Years later, after having moved to the city with Martha to pursue writing, Clark meets Bruce Wayne, who takes an interest in his work and Clark in particular. Not long after they meet, Bruce asks Clark to marry him and Clark moves into a mansion that has more ghosts than it has people.

So I couldn’t find more AUs for this list, I was about to quit looking and yesterday I ran into this one and it gave me so much hope that there might be more out there (part 3?maybe?) I think of this as Ghost Whisperer Clark 

Stories for the Loved and Lost by MatchaMochi @renaimori 

M - 9,681

The first chapter leads Clark to another, and another. He turns the pages, eating the words up hungrily and feeling them, pored over the story as if he was reading someone’s personal diary. And the thing was, he knows it, he knows this story. He remembers flashes of memory that aren’t his, thrown in yesterday’s weird dream or last night’s nightmare.

or in which Bruce is an author and Clark is his fanboy.

I WILL read every single SOULMATE AU FIC I CAN FIND CAUSE I’D DIE FOR THIS TROPE. This is beautifully written <3 <3

Ghastly Murders in the East End by dippkip @dippkip

T - 38,227

London, 1888. A vicious killer known as Jack the Ripper has begun haunting the district of Whitechapel. In light of Scotland Yard’s inability to solve the case, intrepid reporter Clark Kent has made it his mission to track down this fiend and bring them to justice, though he may find himself more deeply involved in the affair than he bargained for.

Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne, a seemingly irresponsible and eccentric duke, remains largely unconcerned about these atrocities. The Batman, however, has taken special interest, and spends his nights relentlessly hunting the new murderer at large. The paths of these men will converge as the body count begins to rise, and their investigations and growing affections will cement their bond, intertwining their fates with that of the most notorious murderer in all of England.

OKaaaay this is one of the exceptions, Bruce is Batman but it’s a different century and Clark is powerless, I think it compensates. Usually I prefer when they’re both “capeless” but this was such a fun read. 

As You Grow by dnawhite76 & Prubbs @prubbs​ 

M - 59,946

After the death of his wife and children, Clark returns to the United States after spending years abroad to reconnect with his friends and their families. And while trying to gather what little remains of his old life and possibly move forward in his grief, he ends up falling into old habits with his first love and best friend, Bruce Wayne.

A story about grief and acceptance.

So I want to point out how good this fic is. I hate sad and this story has a lot of grief and I felt it was very grounded on its depictions of feelings. I tend to avoid this type of fics buuuuut this was so good. I couldn’t stop reading even if the grief got to me. It’s very wholesome and does have a satisfying ending. 

A good start by BlueAlmond @discretocincel​

G - 1,253  

Clark loves being an elementary school teacher, but it breaks his heart to see any of his students hurting. So, when he notices Jason waiting over forty minutes every day for someone to pick him up, he decides to have a word with his father.

Absolutely love Professor Trope!!! Sooo you could argue this is ficlet but doesn't feel like one to me so I’m not putting it in the ficlet section. 

Engraved In Our Souls by Nixie_DeAngel @nixie-deangel​

T - 9,004

It started with pain, with warm blood and bold, black letters. How was he to know it'd lead to a pair of gorgeous eyes, shimmering with the promise of life long happiness and love?

Or, after years of waiting, Bruce finds his soulmate in the least likely of places.

Little cute soulmate AU<3  AS I SAID I WILL READ EVERY SINGLE SOULMATE AU OUT THERE CAUSE I LOVE THEM

Ghosts by ren_makoto 

T -3,067

Wayne Manor is haunted. Clark doesn't mind.

Here is another of the exceptions, this is neither No Powers/No Capes, but they’re not relevant to the plot or we don’t see them using them (I don’t think they are mentioned but its implied). The Fic’s whole focus is on the ghosts! and absolutely loved it I LOVE REN MAKOTO FICS

There is Little Danger by ren_makoto

T - 5,327

"It's tradition," he said, one inch from Clark's mouth. "Yes," Clark said. "Tradition."

Or, where Bruce and Clark are trapped in an elevator

another Ren Makoto cause I can’t help myself

Semi-Permanent Couplings by ren_makoto

E - 10,463

"So, Bruce, how do you feel about one-night stands?"

Ren Makoto <3 <3 <3 This fic contains Adultery soo Read the Author’s Notes

Hubris by ren_makoto

M - 20,197

"This is turning into a routine," Bruce said breathlessly. "What can I do for you, Clark?" "Please," Clark said hoarsely. "I just want to get some sleep."

I really like the writing on this fic, this is a 100% NO CAPES, Clark does have powers and he’s starting to process them. Ren Makoto stole my heart with this one.

Not so Perfect Afterall by tekowrites

E - 6,966

AU: High school, Senior year. Clark thinks his life is nearly, if not already perfect. Then he overhears a conversation that changes absolutely everything. Bruce is there to pick up the pieces.

Red, White and Blue by melmel_79

E - 3,639

He works for the Secret Service, and it's best that no one knows he is in a relationship with the president. At least he hoped no one would know...

He grips the envelope tighter and knocks on the door to the Oval Office.

This was a mistake.

Late Night Feelings by the_butler @the-butler-fanstuff

M - 9,283

It was a little past one in the morning, the phone the only light in his room. He glared at it, then threw it to his side on the bed, not caring to see where it landed. A few seconds after, he patted all along the side to find it and looked at it again. He pulled up the messaging app, scrolled down, and then sighed. He exited the app and threw the phone on the bed again. He repeated this several times until some minutes later the phone chimed and he hurriedly sat up and felt for it on his bed. He opened the messaging app again and finally breathed a sigh of relief when he read the reply he’d been waiting for the whole night.

“Be there in 30 mins.”

I LOVE CLARK HERE, GOOD FOR YOU. He’s such a good adult looking out for himself! self-loving and self-respecting Clark here everybody.

it took me by surprise (I know you felt it, too) by jessequicksters @jessequicksters​

G - 1,124​

In which Clark and Bruce fall in love in between study sessions, track races, grocery shopping at Whole Foods and romantic student dinner dates, burnt lasagna and all.  

FLUFF, could argue this is a ficlet buuuuut dont care, it goes here.

Towards You by tekowrites

E - 22,607

AU where Clark is a new transfer student at an elite high school, and he encounters Bruce Wayne. Clark doesn't fit in, not anywhere it seems, and his crush on the star of the football team? Only serves to shows how much. Jealous girlfriends, misunderstandings, hormones and lurking trouble are just some of the challenges he's going to face.

I LOVE THIS , basically this fic made want to make a PART 2, just had to find 15+ other fics to add to the list. 

Read the tags, this does contain some heavy topics towards the end

The Game (of Love) by KaizokuHime @kaizokunohime

E -12,288

In WayneTech VR Augmented Gaming, a guild of superheroes has arisen who volunteer to help police that reality. One of these superheroes, Superman, has had a crush on his fellow member, Batman, for many years, but thus far has had little success on asking him out, even as fellow guildmembers. How will their relationship progress? And how intimate can they truly become without knowing the other's identity offline?

A Game You Can't Win gave me hunger for gaming fics, then I found this one and I WANT MORE GAMING FICS

Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang by ShowMeAHero @andillwriteyouatragedy

E - 8,354

Clark Kent is a professor at the same university as Bruce Wayne. Not that it matters, because Bruce doesn't really speak with his co-workers - they're there to work with, not befriend. That is, until Clark and Bruce are assigned to teach a class together in the fall, and start spending more and more time together, and Bruce starts to realize, maybe, he just might need a friend - and maybe, he just might need something else, something Clark-specific.

YES YES PROFESSOR TROPE. They are the best together!

------------------------------------------------------------------

SORTA KINDA MAYBE FITS THE CATEGORY

The Gift by tmelange

E - 5,564

University student Clark Kent is on a field trip to Gotham City where he meets a creature of the night.

VAMPIRE AU, soooo Clark has powers but he is not superman so NO CAPES on his part. Bruce is a Vampire and I’m not really sure if he’s Batman but he’s some sort of vigilante. This felt very AU and sorta? fit the category, so I decided to add it anyways but it’s worth to mention this is an outlier on this list.

------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL MENTION CAUSE I HAVENT READ THIS ONE BUT IT WAS RECOMMEND TO ME by @just-add-butter​

Spoils of War by littlechinesedoll @cumdumpsterbrucie

“If I go with you as a spoil of this pointless war, will you leave?” Bruce stands his ground, terrified and shaking, but he keeps eye contact with the warlord.

“Excuse me?” Kal must be hearing things.

“If I go with you, if I serve you, will you let my people live? Will you let my brother live?”

This is not finished buuuut it’s a Medieval AU. I just need to get myself in the right mindset to read an unfinished fic but will get to it! love what llittlechinesedoll writes.

------------------------------------------------------------------

FICLETS 

This section was accidental. I like my fics long and rarely read ficlets but here are a few that came across my way when I forgot to set word count filters.

Snapping the Chats by littlechinesedoll @cumdumpsterbrucie

G - 2,278

Clark tries to use the Snapchat filters on Bruce.

General Check-up by littlechinesedoll @cumdumpsterbrucie

T - 906

One where Brucie is getting a check-up from Thomas Elliot and he touches Bruce more cause Clark is obviously jealous

Subway Providence by the butler @the-butler-fanstuff

G - 400

A short drabble about art I did of Clark and Bruce waiting for the train on a subway platform.

So my first list was me coming across and realizing I love this kind of AUs and this second list is me carefully looking for them! Even tho my 1st list has some of my favorites, I hold this one closer to my heart. Hope you Enjoy it. 

Also if you know of any that I haven’t included on these lists, please I beg you send them my way <3 

[slashermom]

That childhood friend ask had my heart, so how would it be with the other slashers? Like a friend Michael made at Smith’s Grove, a camper that stood up for Jason before he was thrown in the lake, those are just a couple of ideas. I’d love to see what you could come up with💕(just to shorten the list, it’s still kinda long, but they’re soooo cute Billy Loomis and Stu (separate) Brahms, Bubba, Thomas, Jason, Michael, and Norman deserves some love too) thank you so much❤️ I adore your writing btw

You already know the drill. Nothing spooky just big and didn’t wanna clog the feed. Enjoy!

Michael was only a boy when he entered what would become his personal hell.

He wasn’t really allowed too much time with other children in the ward but he did get some supervised recreational time a few times a week.

Which is where your story begins.

You never really told Michael why you were there but he could tell you didn’t want to be there any more than he did.

You typically kept to yourself but seemed kind to anyone who approached you. Even though you were nice enough you were quite reserved, so you can imagine the surprise he got when you came to him.

Michael wasn’t a big talker even back then but you talked enough for the both of you.

Michael wanted nothing to do with you in the beginning. I mean absolutely nothing to do with you but slowly you began to grow on him - a part of his routine.

Every once and a while he would mumble a one-word answer and make your whole day.

But as he grew older those treats grew few and far between. But you didn’t seem to mind.

Dr. Loomis definitely studied your interactions with Michael and tried to use it to figure out more about the young boy.

Michael even began to enjoy tolerate your company. But just as things started to blossom between you two - you pulled away.

“I’m going home Michael.”

You’re what? Did he hear you correctly? No. You couldn’t go home. You couldn’t just leave him here.

“This is my address... Once you get out you’re more than welcome to come visit anytime you like. You always have a place with me, Michael. “

You slid a small piece of paper across the table and then went to go reach out to put a hand over his but he yanked his hand away like he had been shocked.

You begged him not to be mad. But he was livid. How dare you leave just when he was about to let you in? When he did let you in.

Michael didn’t say a word but his eyes spoke volumes and you left feeling sick that you managed to leave and he didn’t.

Quite some time would pass before you two saw each other again.

But bet your ass one of the first things Michael did when he escaped was locate your residence.

He had every intention of watching the life drain out of your eyes and being done with you. Forget you as you forgot him.

But as he watched you, he remembered how much he missed you. Michael didn’t think there was anything to miss but boy was he wrong.

He noticed how you kept some of the routine Smiths Grove lays out for its patients.

You can take the kid out of the sanatorium but you can’t take the sanatorium out of the kid, huh?

These quirks that made you so recognizable in the sea of grey at Smith’s Grove. Things that grew on him like moss and sunk their claws in deep.

He watched you turn on the news and see the report on his escape. You stared a the screen with an unreadable gaze before shaking your head and turning to go to the kitchen.

Not before bumping into the Shape.

Taking in everything that the young boy had become, not that you could really see much with the mask and jumpsuit but he definitely had changed a bit since you had last seen each other.

“Michael.”

He knew what he should do, what he had to do, but he couldn’t seem to make himself move. Michael could only stare at you intensely and catalog your features.

Michael didn’t react when you slowly reached out and looped your fingers into his. Ignoring how the other hand was white-knuckling a kitchen knife that you suspected was taken out of your kitchen.

He only felt your warmth.

“I told you that you always had a place with me.”

And with that his mind was made.

Jason didn’t have any friends. Period.

He wasn’t expecting to find one at a summer camp he really wasn’t interested in being at in the first place.

You two never really played together per se but definitely acknowledged each other’s existence.

Always giving him a wave or a smile in the dining hall or across the field.

You even sat down next to him during downtime between activities and tried to strike up a conversation. He wanted to talk to you, he really did, but it was just a little hard for him.

Jason was working on putting something together for you to show his appreciation and willingness to be your friend.

Unfortunately, he never got to give it to you.

He remembers you running towards the end of the dock where he was about to be thrown into the water

“Stop! What are you doing?!”

The other kids laughed and explained they were just gonna dunk him.

“He hasn’t done anything wrong! Just leave him alone! You’re gonna get in trouble if you do this.”

As hard as you tried they still threw him into the water and scattered and as fast as you ran for help Jason still drowned.

You never forgave yourself for it.

Which is how you ended up back at Camp Crystal Lake as an adult.

Feeling guilty and some way responsible for his drowning, you returned to the summer camp in hopes to be the best camp counselor and somehow make up for the past.

It was an accident. You told yourself.

But you could never get the look of Mrs. Voorhees’ face out of your head. Poor woman.

Well, those plans were abruptly put on the back burner when your fellow counselors began being murdered left and right.

You didn’t know who was violently attacking everyone only that he was big, scary, and was wearing a hockey mask. That was more than enough for you to get the hell out of dodge.

Jason had managed to corner you into one of the old bunkhouses when he faltered just for a second.

Wait.

You looked familiar... Where had he seen you before?

“Y/N! Where are you? We need to go now!” The voice of one of your peers called from outside.

Y/N. That Y/N?

He flashed his gaze back down to your form across the hallway and seemed to come to the conclusion that it was, in fact, the same kid who tried to save him.

Each step you took back, he took one forward. You continued this dance until you were practically pushed up against the wall of the cabin.

Frantically looking for an escape or weapon you missed him reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of old construction paper.

His large hand held it out to your shaking form and waited for you to take it. Well, if you’re gonna die might as well see what the paper has to say.

It was old, wrinkled, and water damaged but still cared for in a way. You carefully unfolded the paper and felt your heart jump into the throat.

It was covered in colorful leaf rubbings and had flowers and pine needles taped all over surrounding a messy sentence in the middle that read:

‘My name is Jason. Do you want to be my friend?’

Billy was a little prick as a kid.

So not much has changed.

His anger always got the best of him and he had to always be king of the playground.

It wasn’t until you pushed him off the top of the jungle gym for messing with one of your friends that he really acknowledged you.

The rest is history.

You two were always picking on and chasing each other around the town.

That is until Billy formed his love for movies.

Always wanting to show you this new movie he got his hands on and get your opinion. He would watch your reaction and smile, especially if it was a scary movie.

You: That was kinda lame

Billy: Yeah... *flashback to last night when he was hugging his pillow and chewing on his fingernail* Totally!

Billy actually spent a lot of time with you or at your house.

He didn’t like being home.

His folks were always arguing or bossing him around and he wasn’t about that.

Billy would always brush it off when you asked if he was alright but it mattered a lot to him actually.

But he would sooner punch you in the gut before even hinting at the idea that he might be grateful for you.

He began to wish he told you more often than he did when you broke the news that you would be moving.

Billy was angry.

Not at you, he knew it wasn’t your fault.

He was angry at life for taking away what was supposed to be his rock. He didn’t have much and he didn’t need much but without you, what was the point?

But per usual, Billy’s anger got the better of him and he took it out on you. Claiming he didn’t give a damn where you went.

And that’s how things ended.

With Billy angry and you in new town.

Billy hated the way things ended and wished he could apologize but he wouldn’t even know where to find you. That is until he heard a new student had arrived at Woodsboro High.

He heard your name in a few different people's mouths but had failed to actually see you. He was beginning to think there was another person who just shared your name.

But as he came out of third period he just happened to look to his left down the hallway and find just the person he was looking for.

There you were. All grown up and still looking like a hurricane.

A smirk creeping on to his face as you met his gaze. It didn’t take you long to make your way over to him.

“Hey, jackass. You miss me?” It was meant to have more of a punch but he could see the fondness behind your eyes and words.

“You know it.”

Stu has been the class clown his entire life.

Which is actually how you two bumped into each other.

He was always up to some shenanigan or making things as difficult as possible for the poor teacher.

You two officially met each other when you were sent down to the office for something you couldn’t remember even if you tried and he was sitting outside the main office waiting to be called in.

Plopping down next to him and saying how you thought all his little tricks were pretty funny. But you also gave him some tips on how he could improve.

You began trading ideas back and forth, laughing about different things and exchanging stories.

From that day forward you were two peas in a pod.

Raising hell and having fun while doing it. Never a dull moment with you guys in the room.

It got to the point where you had to separated in class.

Which actually ended backfiring on the poor teachers.

Because this meant you guys had to resort to glances from across the room. You were practically able to read each other’s minds with just eye movements and facial expressions.

They basically just helped evolve your friendship to the next level of fuckery.

But you also shared some more tender moments.

Stu used to always confide in you. Expressing his frustrations about always having to act a certain way. It really got under his skin that nobody saw him.

When you told him you understood and that you saw him for who he really was he knew right then and there that you were a keeper.

But life always gets in the way.

Your family had found their dream home in the next town over.

Stu was heartbroken, to say the least.

He even offered to have you live with him. His parents have the money! He can take care of you!

You only laughed and promise that you would come back. You told him he could visit anytime he wanted and he told you the same.

But those sort of plans never work out and you lost contact.

Stu was actually just thinking about old memories he shared with you as he walked into the movie store where Randy worked.

Quickly finding his buddy at the checkout counter helping a customer, he had no problem getting into this person’s space while leaning on the counter to talk to his friend.

But what he didn’t realize was that the person at the counter was no stranger.

“Stu?”

His eyes flicked down to see who called his name and actually jumped when he realized who it was.

Stu took a step back in to get a better look at you and see if it really was you, all the while spreading a goofy grin on his face.

His features fell into a much softer smile as he opened his arms to give you a hug.

The partners in crime of Woodsboro were back in business!

You were actually friends with Emily Cribbs before you were friends Brahms.

Brahms believe it or not only had a few friends.

Emily Cribbs being one of them so it was only natural that you two would end up being friends.

Natural. Everything about his interactions with you seemed natural. Like it was always supposed to be this way, things always seemed right and just when he was around you.

And he felt this way almost immediately about you.

He would often invite you over to play games like hide and seek and listen to music while talking.

Brahms would often read you riddles or give you impossible challenges and you would beat almost all of them and ask him for a new one.

Brahms enjoyed your company more than anyone else’s and couldn’t quite understand why.

Probably because you never patronized or looked at him a certain way.

He found himself wanting to hang out with you more often than not.

But you had other friends. Like Emily Cribbs.

Brahms hated third-wheeling with you and Emily.

It could even be said this is one of the factors that drove Brahms to take his first life.

When you heard about the fire that broke out and snatched the lives of not just one of your friends but two, you were lost.

Even as young as you were you understood you would never see either of them again.

Or so you thought.

Many years had dragged on before you heard the name Heelshire again. After the fire, the couple kept to themselves and rarely went out in public.

You had heard of a nanny position at the Heelshire mansion through a friend of yours named Malcolm and decide to check it out.

Wondering if Mr. and Mrs. Heelshire had another child or adopted after Brahms’ passing.

But of course, it couldn’t be that simple.

You pitied the couple when they showed you the porcelain doll that looked about as close to Brahms as you could get in doll form.

We all cope in different ways you supposed.

The least you can do for your former good friend’s parents is to watch a doll for a few weeks.

But what you didn’t know is that it wasn’t just you and the doll.

The real Brahms had been patiently awaiting your arrival for days.

After his mother announced you would be applying for the nanny position he was ecstatic.

He wondered what you looked like after all these years.

Same smile? Same mischievous ways? Same ability to outsmart him in his own games.

All things he began to wonder even move as his heart hammered in his chest and his eyes moved over your figure from behind the wall.

Oh Y/N, welcome back.

Your father worked at the same slaughterhouse as the Hewitts which is how you and Thomas stumbled into each other.

You first caught a glance at him from a distance while your father was talking to the boss.

His mask is initially what grabbed your attention. Maybe he had it on because of the smell or he didn’t want anything to get on his face.

You didn’t know but you intended to find out.

But this innocent curiosity slowly grew into an interest in the boy and everything he was.

Thomas typically kept to himself and was skittish around anyone who wasn’t his family.

Hell, he was skittish around his family.

So it was some trial and error before you were even able to get a chance to get close to him.

But he did take note of your efforts. Thomas did wonder what it was like to have friends but he would never put himself out there in fear of being rejected.

You were able to catch him by himself hiding out back of the slaughterhouse.

“Hey!”

Thomas whipped his head up to see you jogging over towards him.

Thomas nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw you making your way over. Packing up what he had in his hands and turning to go back into the factory.

“Wait! Please stay! I won’t bite I just want to sit with you.”

Thomas stilled all his movements and waited to see what you were gonna do. You took slow steps over to him like you would a stray dog.

“Whatcha’ working on?” You sat down next to him on an old crate and looked at the piece of leather and needle he held between his fingers.

He didn’t reply. Only opening himself up from his hunched-over position and giving you access to see the piece of leather he was sewing to make a new mask.

“You think you could make me one?”

What would you want with a mask? There’s nothing wrong with you, at least not like Tommy.

He turned to make awkward side-eye contact with you to see if you were serious before giving a shrug. You seemed more than happy with the answer.

You two began to meet each other out back a few times a week where you would talk and Tommy would listen. Or sometimes you would go on walks down the road or through the tall grass.

He found peace in your presence.

No hatred, expectations, or ridicule.

Just peace.

But like most good things for Thomas, it didn’t last.

After your father was injured in an accident at the slaughterhouse you and your family could no longer afford the house you were living in and were forced to move.

There was never a formal goodbye between Thomas and you. Just a ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’

Hoyt definitely gave him hell for being a bit broken up about you leaving. So he kept all of that buried with the rest of his trauma.

Thomas thought he heard the sound of a car pull up from his hideout in the basement and quickly stomped up the stairs to deal with whatever poor son of a bitch that had wandered in.

Instead of Hoyt and Luda getting ready to nab the visitor, he saw them sitting down at the kitchen table having a conversation with someone he couldn’t see due to just being able to see the back of their head.

“-I’m sorry about what happened to your old man darlin’. He was a good man. Oh! Tommy! Look who it is! Y/N L/N! You remember them right?”

Remember you? How could he forget you?

You turned around in your seat and beamed up at him.

His peace had returned.

[the-hate-keeps-me-warm]

kisses and cuddles

wooooooooo time for some more fluffy shit yall i loved making this so much this sorta relted to my weed garden fic but you dont need to read it (be cool tho)

Ruby was sitting in the cafeteria with Oscar and penny she was too tired to pay attention to what the two were talking about penny sitting across from her and Oscar was excitedly talking about something while Oscar liens looking interested she’s unsure how he’s so put together they were both up late hanging out dreading comics and it’s only 7 am she leaned on Oscar and closed her eyes hoping to get a little more sleep before She had to do missions she had a relatively short one today only a search and destroy so maybe she could get home fast and take a nap Oscar nudged her shoulder and she lifted her head “hey don’t fall asleep if you don’t eat you’ll be grumpy” he says she fakes a pout and starts eating the gross cafeteria food she assumed that atlas food would be good sense it’s so many rich folks but no she’s actually had  better tasting mres or maybe she was just getting spoiled eating Oscar and rens cooking “ruby why are you so tired did you have trouble sleeping” penny says drawing circles on the table with her finger “no me and Oscar were up late last night and I only slept like three hours“ penny frowns “while I am happy you and Oscar are spending time together you require at least 6 hours of sleep for maximum field efficiency” ruby just nods “so why don’t you seem tired Oscar you couldn’t of slept anymore than I did” she says with a yawn he shrugs and says  “I guess I’m used to it I had to wake up early back home so I always didn’t get a bunch of sleep” penny raises a finger “actually according to my scans  Oscars brain is only running at 89% efficiency and his hear rate is faster from his normal 48 beats per minute to to 51 it is likely that he simply better at hiding his tiredness” Oscar slumps “penny do have everyone’s heart rates memorized” he says exasperated “yes I also have all of your medical charts on file and criminal records why” he raises a brow “criminal record?” Penny nods “yes several of your team have criminal records qrow having the longest with 22 counts of public intoxication as well as 3 of public indecency and” ruby raises her hands “trust me you don’t wanna know the rest they had to make a new law for one of the things he did but who else has charges?” she tries to wake herself with conversation and it sorta works she also learns some new and unsettling things about her friends but eventually breakfast ends and she starts to get her gear ready she’s loading rounds into one of crescent roses magazine when someone knocks on the door to her locker room “it’s open” she calls out and incomes  Oscar he’s holding a small Tupperware box and a small metal tumbler “hey I wanted to give this to you before you go” he says with a sheepish grin he sets the box next to her and hands her the tumbler it’s warm and smells good “it’s coffee, don’t worry I added way too much sugar for you and the other thing is a surprise you said you don’t eat a lot on missions so I made it for you it’s a bit of an experiment so tell me if it’s bad” she’s grinning ear to ear and stands up from her weapon bench and hugs him “you are the best and I’m sure it’ll be great” she gives him a kiss on the cheek she’s been slowly trying to work her way up to kissing him on the lips but nose and cheek kisses were enough for her he smiles and his cheeks get all rosey  and he hugs her back and says “be careful ok sorry I know you can take care of yourself but just you know“ she squeezes him a little “yeah don’t worry I know  I’ll be careful and when I get back we are so taking a nap mister I’m not that tired” he giggles and looks up at her with a smile  “you won’t hear me complain and uh before you go could I uh kiss you like um on the lips” he says nervously she leans down pressing her forehead to his and smiles she smells his breath it smells like chocolate and coffee she feels her cheeks heat up to match his and says “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now are you sure you want to ” he nods his head wordlessly she takes his hand and gently presses her lips to his its short and maybe a little clumsy but it makes her heart soar when she breaks the kiss Oscars breath shakes slightly  and a little panic starts to fill her did she mess it up did he hate it and then he smiles and it all fades away “that was really nice” he says rubbing her knuckle with his thumb then there’s a knock on the door frame she looks up and weiss and Blake are standing there weiss looks annoyed and Blake is grinning “time to go ruby morning Oscar” wiess says already turning to walk away ruby quickly gathers crescent rose and Oscars gifts and says “bye Oscar I’ll be careful byeee” and dashed out the door behind the others Blake nudges her shoulder “your lucky I made weiss wait  ,god you two are adorable” ruby squeaks “will you stop spying on us”  “we weren’t spying you two dolts left the door open” weiss says annoyed 

 The mission was boring as she thought it was gonna be how normal soldiers couldn’t handle this she’ll never know on the airship ride home she opens   the box Oscar gave to her a note on top says “have a great day and stay safe” she smiles at the note and sticks it in her ammo pocket  it looks like a brownie is some kind and yang leans over and says “where did you get that”

“Oscar made it for me” she says taking it out of the container it smells like a peanut butter protein bar “ooo come on share with me pleassss” yang says putting her hands together “ugh your lucky I’m a good sister” she breaks off a small piece and hands it to yang and takes a bite of her own and it’s amazing it Taste like a peanut butter brownie but somehow better it’s somehow not dried out or crumbly yang seems to have a similar opinion “god if you don’t marry Oscar i will his food is too good”yang says with a laugh  she kicks yang in the leg “I know right I can barely eat the cafeteria food anymore” her and yang chat a bit about food until they finally land Oscar is standing on the landing pad waiting for her she bounce on her heels excitedly despite how tired she is when the door finally opens she rushes out to hug him “how did it go” he asks wrapping his arms around her shoulders “oh it was easy but soooo boring I don’t know why they asked us to do it” she says leaning into him he chuckles “well I’m glad it wasn’t dangerous at least did you like it” he asks sheepishly she puts her head on his “yeees brothers it was great what was it” he unwraps his arms and looks at her “there’s no name for it yet but it’s kinda like a protein brownie was it too grainy or anything what about the after taste” he asks “I didn't even realize it was supposed to be healthy” she puts her hands on his shoulders “Oscar I’m gonna need more of that” he smiles “happy to make some more tonight” he says proudly yang walks past and ruffles his hair “make sure to make enough for me too kiddo” and walks off “how about that nap ruby my teams still on mission so we should have some time” he says taking her hand “yes please” 

They walk back to team alpns dorm room after ruby changes into something more casual Oscar was already wearing his normal clothing he sits on his bed and smiles “I’m gonna get to have two naps today” she sits down next to him and throws her arm around him "you and your team  sure like your naps huh" he smiles as they lie back on his bed "honestly who doesn't like naps I never use to be a huge cuddler but it’s nice to have someone close to you, you know” they lie back Oscar resting his head on rubies shoulder “well I do  wish my team took naps together sometimes yang is a big cuddler too but Weiss  doesn’t like being warm and Blake can’t sit still even so less than you” he snorts as he takes her hand running his thumbs along her knuckles  “well I’m sure the others wouldn’t mind you joining our naps if have to ask but i'll warn you ren sits up in his sleep  Jaune snores and i talk in my sleep” she raises an eyebrow “you didn't last time” she says “that's cause we were smoking  but if i take a nap or if im really tired you can actually talk and I'll talk back” she grins “well what do you talk about”  he rests his head on her chest “usually about my aunt or all yall but Nora has told me i say lots of stuff about you if i'm asked” he says his cheeks getting just a tiny bit rosy she grins and plants a kiss on his nose “well i hope i get the chance to ask but i'll probably fall asleep first im super tired” she rolls over and wraps herself around him oscar adjusting to lay on her arm pulling a blanket over them "well if you can get me to talk I'll answer any question just nothing to embarrassing please" he says  “i would like to know what you have to say tho so maybe i'll try to hold out just a bit longer” she says closing her eyes as oscar lets out his relaxed sigh about half of Oscars communication was nonverbal she liked to mentally catalog the things he does when he relaxes he lets out a long almost high pitched sigh it makes her happy to hear that and it helps her relax her thoughts starts to get fuzzy as sleep takes her she wakes up a few hours later laying on her back oscar laying on top of her them both having wrapped around each other she hears quiet murmurs  coming from him to quiet to understand "Oscar are you still asleep" she whispers no response "Oscar are you comfy" he nods his head "of course I'm comfy I'm cuddling with ruby" she snickers he was definitely still asleep "who's the coolest person you know" she she's "ruby for sure she's so good at fighting and everyone trusts her I wish I was more like her" she runs her hand through his hair "how do you feel about ruby " she asked "I'm in love with her she makes me feel strong and weak at the same time when she's with me I feel like I'm safe and that we could do anything together i want to be with her forever" she's crying now "oh shit I didn't expect him to be that honest" she thinks as tears run down her face "I love you too Oscar"     she kisses the top of his head “you know i never used to want like romantic stuff and all the fluffy garbage i just wanted to be a huntress and fight grim stuff like that but you  make me want that stuff i wanna take you on dates and like hold your hand and stuff there are a bunch of things i wanna do like” she pauses resting her head on his “i forgot you were asleep for a second i'm starting to embarrass myself i do love you tho i dont know when your supposed to say that we've only been i guess dating for what 2 and a half weeks my dad always joked that huntsmen relationships move really fast nothing like holy shit we might die to move a relationship forward right but you make me feel like i don't know amazing and I love being with you you make all my worries disappear even if it's only for a little bit and i'm rambling and your not talking back” oscar lifts his head “its cause im awake and i love it when you ramble” she feels her face light on fire “w-what when did you wake up” he hums happily “around we might die  i think it was nice that stuff you said you can ramble longer if you want what that new gun you saw in that magazine” she smiles “it's a roller delayed blowback sniper rifle its a smaller caliber than crescent rose but it has a longer effective range because of the way the bore is shaped i prefer bolt actions to semi automatics for a long range rifle semi autos have there merits and stuff it's a lot lighter than crescent rose as well on account of it not also being a giant scythe you know i was thinking about carrying a pistol too crescent rose is great but shes heavy and she's also really hard to conceal  even when shes folded speaking of i need to clean her gears a bunch of dust got in them today you said you wanted to learn weapon maintenance i could teach you today if you want” “sure i can learn there's a lot of things oz knows but it's like a big library without a librarian its all jumbled up” she scratches the back of his neck “well i do not understand the dewey decimal system but i'm happy to help” they both giggle at her joke ruby keeps rambling until the rest of team alpn return 

Oscar is walking ruby back to her dorm they come to her door and they turn to face each other and oscar rubs his hands together “so ruby uh I got permission with ironwood to leave school grounds as long as someone's with me so I was wondering if you’d like to maybe go out like on a date” she smiles and puts her arms around his shoulders “sounds amazing sweetie I’m free this weekend where do you want to go” he blushes and says “well I actually have something in mind but I wanna keep it a surprise if that’s ok” she kisses him on the cheek “of course casual clothes or should i dress nice” he shakes his head “i mean it's really up to you but were not going somewhere fancy just a place I think you'll like" she smiles and kisses his nose and he leans up a little so there lips are level "can i kiss you again" he asks just above a whisper her pressing her lips gently against his is her answer they  hold the kiss for a few moments Oscars hands drifting to ruby's waist when they separate  she says "i think we're getting pretty good at that" Oscar smiles avoiding her eyes "yeah um It's certainly enjoyable" they break the hug "I'll see you in the morning I'll make that stuff you like ok" he says "yes awesome you're the best Oscar good night" she says as she slips into her from her teammates giving her knowing smirks