#took like at least 9 tries to get the size right

[toxicmalysh]

Guys hear me outttt

Mommy Wanda with a belly bulge kink...

Word count: 1k+

Content warnings: Top mean mommy Wanda X GN!reader (I tried my best guys sorry) fingering (r recieving), strap on (r recieving), sadism, slight squirting, slight overstim, breeding kink, sexual punishments, ellusions to sexual manipulation. This is just pure filth guys

✧⋆✦⋆✧

Your eyes squeezed shut at the feeling of her fingers slipping in and out of your gummy walls. Wanda groaned at the way you throbbed around her…

“God you're so tight, pretty pet.. mommy will stretch you out..”

You swore she was talking to herself at the way she lowered her voice.

Wanda had wasted no time in getting you to your room after one of Tony's party's.

You had teased her for hours, thinking the most vulgar thoughts, knowing she would be listening.

You were now shaking against your shared bed, on the edge of your third orgasm…

You whined as Wanda spat on your clit,

“Such a pretty pussy…”

She gave it a harsh slap causing you to squirt a small amount, white heat filling your head.

“Oh you like that? You like when mommy spanks what's hers? What a dirty plaything I have..”

She pulled her hand away suddenly, seconds before your much needed orgasm.

“Mommy no-”

You immediately paused your protest as her green eyes pierced yours, a look of disgust on her face.

“Wait here… do not touch yourself.” her tone was cold and firm.

You nodded quickly as Wanda walked into the ensuite bathroom. You could hear the familiar sound of her strap fabric rubbing together. Fuck. The throbbing between your legs was unbearable, your cunt gushing as you tried to ignore your clit begging for relief.

You squeezed your thighs together, rubbing them slightly.. your hands found your stiff nipples, already red and sore from Wanda's sadistic tendencies. Your eyes shut slowly as you pinched and pulled at your breasts feeling your wetness sticking to your thighs.

“Ow!” You called out after a sharp sting traveled from your thigh up your leg. Your eyes shot open, admiring the harm print that was left. You then looked over Wanda stood to the side of the bed.

"What did I say?"

She was wearing her strap as expected but the attachment was new. You gulped as you processed the size of the toy. It was massive, at least 9 inches in length. How were you supposed to take that?

“Not so brave now are we?” You rolled your eyes as Wanda climbed onto the bed. Her knees spread your thighs as her hand wrapped around your throat.

“Mommy doesn't like punishing you. She likes rewarding her good pet, but when you misbehave like tonight I have to teach you there are consequences for your actions. And now you think it's acceptable to roll your eyes at me?”

It was a lie, Wanda loved punishing you, hearing the whimpers fall from your lips, listening to the squelching sound you pussy made especially for punishments, watching the tears roll down your cheeks and admiring the marks that were left on your skin.

She wouldn't admit it but she would find an excuse to manipulate you into thinking showing you when you'd done something wrong just to spank you a few times.

“I'm sorry Wanda I just dont-” you were cut off by a harsh slap on your right breast. She practically spat her words out as she leaned closer to you, her hand still squeezing your throat.

“That's not my fucking name.”

“Mommy I'm sorry..”

Your eyes took in the large dildo as Wanda began quickly lining it up with your sloppy cunt.

“If you want to misbehave and act like a brat, I will treat you like one.”

She didn't bother spreading you wetness or her spit across the toy, she simply slid it into your slippery walls, whilst simultaneously pushing your thighs to your chest into a mating press.

You both watched in awe as you saw the tip of the toy through your stomach. You moaned loudly, feeling the toy in your gut, your eyes fixated on the moving head as she moved back and forth slowly, the bulge moving with the strap.

“Look at that.. such a greedy pussy.. all for mommy.”

You nodded, your hum a broken whimper as you nodded, your lip between your teeth. Holy fuck you felt full.

Wanda wanted to take it slow, and allow you to get use to the size of the toy, but watching it move from your stomach, she gave into her needs.

She growled as she placed one hand on the bulge, you pussy making a “schlick” noise as your back arched,

“Oh my god~.”

Your moan was broken, and throaty as your hands naturally reached for Wanda's back.

You felt tears prick at your eyes from the stinging sensation and the added pressure from Wanda's hand. It hurt, so, good.

And this was Wanda's plan, to mix pain with pleasure. Force guide you into that fuzzy headspace you loved so much, and give you so much pleasure, whilst hurting you, you associated the pair.

You craved pain. Your masochistic side growing from each spank, stretch, and pinch. It was addictive.

Your eyes rolled to the back of your head and you naturally pulled Wanda closer to you. She pulled away suddenly, and you gasped as the toy was ripped from your gaping hole. Before you could complain, Wanda dragged you to the edge of your bed, she stood in front of you, with her hand still pressing your legs to your chest, the other pushing down on your stomach. Her left leg came up to rest on the bed beside you, as she slid the toy back into you. She was able to thrust much harder and faster.

Wanda was grunting as her eyes fixated on the moving bulge, you watched her eyes, her pupils blown and her mouth pulled into a sadistic smirk. The pressure of it all was sending you head first over the edge. Wanda's voice came out as a breathless, condescending tone as if she was asking a child the question.

“What if mommy did something to her cock?”

Your eyes looked down to her strap for a moment still memorised by the visible movement. You wanted to ask her to continue but your mouth opened in a silent moan as her hand moved to your swollen clit.

“What if mommy wanted to cum inside you hm? Oh you'd look so cute, all swollen, full of mommy's pups.”

A rush of red, hot, pleasure coursed through your whole body. You felt a flash of arousal leaking around her strap.

“You like that idea hm? Want mommy to fill your little tummy up?”

You nodded rapidly, your body paralyzed as you were seconds from falling over the edge.

“God, look at that.”

A red wisp of energy flicked your chin up forcing you to look at the bulge in your stomach once more.

You both moaned in unison, growling at the new found pleasure.

“Mom- mommy.. need to cum? Please? Cum?”

You couldn't even get your words out, broken from a consistent string of moans.

Wanda's eyes flickered up,

“Go on, cum for me, milk mommy's cock.”

You almost screamed as a throaty moan clawed its way from your lips. Your pussy spasmed around Wanda's cock, the toy slipping out slowly from the force of your orgasm. Your thighs vibrated uncontrollably as Wanda kept running circles around your overstimulated clit.

“I'm starting to think I need to come up with some new punishments…”

[paxaz535]

Green and Gold

love interest: pazzi

year one

CHAPTER ONE.

The streets of London smelled different — like rain and engine smoke and something old. Azzi stuck close to her mom as they wove through the station, dragging a trunk twice her size behind her. Her owl, Hopper, hooted irritably in his cage every time she made a sharp turn.

Azzi could barely breathe.

She still wasn’t totally convinced this wasn’t a prank. That the owl had delivered the wrong letter. That she’d get to Hogwarts and someone would pull her aside and go, “Oh, sorry — we meant the girl next door.”

But then she thought about the day in gym class when she’d jumped for a rebound, missed, and accidentally floated for a full second before crashing back down. The other girls thought it was a trick.

Azzi knew better.

———

They’d spent the whole day before at Diagon Alley, which was straight-up the coolest, weirdest place Azzi had ever seen.

She got her wand from Ollivander’s — maple, 11¾ inches, phoenix feather core — after three failed attempts. The first wand shot sparks that set a curtain on fire. The second made her hair stand up like she’d rubbed a balloon across her head. But the third?

It hummed in her palm. Warm and wild. Like it knew her.

She tried on robes that made her look like she belonged in a movie, bought a stack of schoolbooks with titles like Defensive Magical Theory and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and convinced her mom to let her get the most stubborn owl in the entire shop. Hopper bit the salesclerk and hooted like he was proud of it.

Azzi loved him immediately.

Still, the coolest part? Quality Quidditch Supplies.

She spent twenty minutes with her face pressed to the glass, gawking at the broomsticks, enchanted goggles, and moving posters of legendary players. There was something about the sport — the speed, the contact, the vibe — that called to her. She didn’t know the rules yet, but she knew one thing for sure:

She was going to play.

———

Now, in King’s Cross, all that magic buzzed just beneath her skin. Azzi gripped her ticket tight:

Platform 9¾.

This had to be a joke, right? There wasn’t even a nine-and-three-quarters anywhere. Just a regular brick wall between platforms nine and ten.

She looked up at her mom. “You sure this is legal?”

Her mom laughed, eyes warm. “Just run, baby. Like you’re going for a layup.”

Azzi took a deep breath.

And sprinted.

She expected impact. Instead, the world folded around her — soft and warm and full of steam — and then boom: there it was. The scarlet train. Students everywhere, owls hooting, trunks banging, voices loud and excited. Hogwarts Express.

Azzi stood there for a second, winded.

“I’m actually doing this,” she whispered to herself.

She didn’t let herself freeze too long. She adjusted her grip on Hopper’s cage, hoisted her trunk onto the nearest trolley, and started toward the train.

———

The compartments filled fast. Every time she slid open a door, it was packed — students shouting, sharing candy, already claiming seats. Azzi scanned faces, trying to find someone who looked friendly. Or at least open.

No luck.

She was starting to sweat. Not because she was nervous — okay, fine, maybe a little nervous — but because this damn trunk weighed a thousand pounds and her owl was being dramatic.

She pushed open one more door near the back.

There was a girl already there. Blonde. Pale. Legs stretched across the seat like she owned it. She wore all black — fitted jacket, shiny boots — and read a book like she was too cool for everyone around her.

Azzi hesitated. “Is anyone sitting here?”

The girl didn’t even look up. “They’re about to be.”

Azzi blinked. “Sorry?”

“You just walked in.”

Okay, what?

Azzi’s eyebrows shot up. The girl was giving attitude and hadn’t even made eye contact.

“You always this rude,” Azzi muttered, “or is it just early?”

That made the girl lift her gaze — finally. Her eyes were a sharp, clear blue. Not cold exactly. Just unreadable. She closed the book with one finger holding her place.

“Paige Bueckers,” she said like a dare.

“Azzi.”

“Just Azzi?”

Azzi shrugged and shoved her trunk overhead. “What, you need my résumé too?”

Paige smirked. It was slight, but Azzi caught it. Like she was amused. Like she’d already sized her up and filed her under loud Gryffindor type. Not that she was wrong.

“So what are you, then?” Paige asked. “Gryffindor, right?”

“We haven’t even been Sorted yet.”

Paige leaned back, folding her arms. “I don’t need a hat to tell me what’s obvious.”

Azzi narrowed her eyes. “Lemme guess — you’re Slytherin.”

“Obviously.”

Azzi snorted. “Figures.”

———

They didn’t talk much after that.

Paige went back to her book. Azzi stared out the window, watching the city blur into green hills and trees, her heart still hammering in her chest. She didn’t know why that girl irritated her so much. Maybe it was the calmness. The way Paige didn’t seem phased by any of this.

Like magic was just another thing she’d already conquered.

Azzi didn’t like being underestimated. She’d grown up proving herself — on the court, in classrooms, everywhere. And Paige Bueckers? She looked like someone who never had to prove anything to anyone.

Azzi already knew she’d hate her.

Which was wild, considering she also couldn’t stop thinking about her.

———

Azzi tried not to look at Paige.

Tried.

But Paige was annoying in that silent, unreadable kind of way — the kind that made you want to poke her just to get a reaction. She didn’t fidget. She didn’t check the window. She barely blinked. She just sat there, calm and still, flipping pages like the train wasn’t shaking beneath them and they weren’t about to start their first year at Hogwarts-freaking-School-of-Witchcraft-and-Wizardry.

Azzi, on the other hand, couldn’t sit still.

Her knee bounced. Her fingers drummed against the window ledge. Her owl kept shifting in his cage like he was anxious too.

“You’re giving me a headache,” Paige said flatly, not even looking up from her book.

Azzi rolled her eyes. “You’ve barely looked away from your book this whole time. Pretty sure you gave yourself the headache.”

Paige turned a page with surgical precision. “Some of us came here to learn. Not bounce off the walls like a Golden Snitch on sugar.”

Azzi barked a laugh. “You think you’re better than everyone, don’t you?”

“No,” Paige said calmly. “Just you.”

That made Azzi sit up straighter, mouth parting like she couldn’t believe the audacity. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough.”

Azzi narrowed her eyes. “Like what? That I’m not afraid to call you out when you’re acting like you invented magic?”

Paige finally looked at her again — really looked. Her expression didn’t change much, but her eyes glinted with something… sharp. Calculating. Interested, maybe, but in the way a cat watches a mouse.

Azzi hated it.

And hated that it made her skin warm.

“Relax,” Paige said, leaning back and crossing her arms. “You’ll survive one train ride. I won’t bite.”

Azzi scoffed. “Damn shame.”

That almost got a smirk out of Paige. Almost.

———

They sat in stubborn silence for a while.

Azzi pulled out a Chocolate Frog and unwrapped it slowly, more for something to do than anything else. The frog immediately jumped out of her hand and landed in Paige’s lap.

Azzi stifled a laugh as Paige startled, brushing the frog off her robes like it was contagious.

“Seriously?” Paige muttered, wiping her sleeve.

“Oops,” Azzi said, absolutely not sorry. “Guess it liked you.”

“Doubt it. Probably just wanted to escape you.”

Azzi shrugged, biting into the edge of the wrapper like she hadn’t heard. “Can’t blame it for having taste.”

She glanced at the card that came with it — some old wizard with a crooked hat and a long, disapproving beard. Azzi flipped it over and made a face. “Ugh. Gamp. Lame.”

“Who’d you want?” Paige asked.

Azzi blinked. “Why do you care?”

“I don’t.” Paige went back to her book. “Just trying to predict how basic your taste is.”

Azzi kicked Paige’s foot lightly under the table.

Paige didn’t flinch.

“Do that again,” she warned.

Azzi smirked. “Or what? You’ll hex me?”

“No. I’ll write your name on my list.”

“What list?”

Paige didn’t answer. Just turned the page.

Azzi stared at her for a second too long. Not because she was intimidated — definitely not because of that — but because there was something about her that didn’t match up. The fancy posture, the cold tone, the whole I’m better than you attitude… and yet Paige hadn’t kicked her out. Hadn’t asked her to leave. Hadn’t moved an inch, even when Azzi was loud, annoying, and definitely getting under her skin.

She could’ve chosen any empty compartment. But she stayed.

And Azzi hated that that made her curious.

———

The train rattled, the sky outside darkening into bruised blue as twilight stretched across the hills. Azzi was tired of pretending Paige wasn’t bothering her. Even more tired of pretending she didn’t notice how Paige’s eyes flicked up to her every now and then — like she was just waiting for Azzi to do something reckless again.

So she did.

Azzi reached into her pocket, pulling out the small, secondhand wand she’d picked up at Ollivanders. It was warm in her palm, itching to be used. She hadn’t gotten the chance to actually try anything yet — not real spells, anyway — and frankly, her nerves were beginning to buzz.

“You ever done magic before?” Azzi asked, a little too casually.

Paige didn’t look up. “Not like this.”

Azzi raised a brow. “Like what?”

“Unsupervised. Surrounded by idiots.”

Azzi grinned. “Good thing you’ve got me, then.”

She flicked her wand up without warning, whispering the only spell she’d memorized from the train ride over:

“Lumos.”

To her delight, the tip of the wand glowed. Not much, but enough to cast a faint white light between them, soft and pulsing like a tiny heartbeat.

Azzi beamed. “Yo, look! I did it!”

Paige looked up — just as the light suddenly burst into a short, blinding flash.

Both girls flinched. Hopper the owl screeched in protest from his cage.

The light sputtered once… then popped like a soap bubble, leaving behind a faint smell of burnt dust and something worse — like scorched hair.

Azzi blinked hard. “Okay… that was not what it was supposed to do.”

“No kidding,” Paige said, shielding her eyes and blinking like she’d stared at the sun too long. “What’d you do, punch the spell in the face?”

Azzi snorted. “You’re welcome for the entertainment.”

“That wasn’t magic,” Paige muttered, rubbing the side of her face. “That was a hazard.”

Azzi tilted her head. “Wow. You’re fun.”

“Not to people who almost blind me on moving trains.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, but before she could bite back, the intercom above them crackled.

“We’ll be arriving at Hogwarts in ten minutes. Please leave your belongings on the train — first-years will be escorted by staff.”

The excitement hit Azzi all at once. Her knees bounced again, but this time from actual energy. The castle. It was really happening. She looked out the window and caught the distant glint of lights reflecting off a lake. Her chest swelled.

Then Paige stood.

She stretched her arms overhead, her robe shifting to reveal a green and silver tie tucked into her coat pocket.

Azzi blinked. “You’ve already got Slytherin colors?”

“I come prepared.”

Azzi scoffed. “You come extra.”

Paige looked at her, calm and deadly as ever. “And you come loud.”

They stared at each other for a second, the air buzzing with leftover magic and irritation.

Azzi should’ve looked away.

But she didn’t.

———

Outside the train, the night air was cold and damp. A huge man with a lantern yelled something about first-years, and Azzi followed the crowd, heart thumping like a snare drum. Somewhere beside her, Paige moved without a word, silent and sharp.

Azzi glanced at her again as they rounded the hill.

And then she saw it — the boats.

Floating.

Waiting.

And behind them?

The castle.

Lit up like a dream.

Azzi forgot Paige existed for a second. She forgot her own name. The sight of Hogwarts, glowing against the night sky, made her breath catch in her throat.

This is real, she thought. I’m really here.

Her fingers curled tightly around the wand in her pocket. No more little flashes. No more guesswork. The next time she used it, she’d make it count.

Even if she had to outshine every smug Slytherin in the building.

Especially one.

———

The Great Hall was massive.

Like, Azzi-had-to-crane-her-neck-to-see-the-ceiling massive. Floating candles hovered in the air like stars, flickering just above their heads. The ceiling didn’t even look like a ceiling — it looked like the night sky had snuck inside and decided to stay.

Azzi’s jaw dropped.

She caught herself and quickly straightened up, hoping no one saw.

Except someone did.

Paige.

She was a few students ahead in the line, standing like she’d seen all this a thousand times already. Her arms were crossed. Her face was blank. Unbothered. Of course.

Azzi narrowed her eyes and muttered, “Try not to trip on your ego.”

Paige didn’t turn, but her ears definitely turned pink.

That was a win.

⸻

Professor McGonagall stood by a stool at the front of the hall. On the stool sat the ugliest, oldest-looking hat Azzi had ever seen. It looked like it hadn’t been washed since… ever. And then it moved.

The hat straight-up came alive, split open with a mouth, and started to sing a whole weird, rhyming song about the four houses. Azzi caught the part about Gryffindors being brave and bold and loud — that sounded like her. The rest of the song was a blur.

When the hat finally stopped singing, the Sorting began.

One by one, names were called.

Kids shuffled up to the stool, the hat got dropped on their heads, and the room waited. Sometimes the hat shouted out a house right away. Other times, it paused — like it was having a whole argument with itself.

Azzi tried to act chill. She wasn’t chill.

She wiped her palms on her robes.

“Bueckers, Paige.”

Azzi stiffened.

Paige walked up like it was no big deal. Calm. Slow. Like she was born for this. The hat barely touched her head before it yelled:

“Slytherin!”

Of course it did.

The table on the far left exploded into cheers. Paige slipped off the stool, walked toward them, and didn’t even glance back.

Azzi told herself she didn’t care.

But her stomach twisted anyway.

Suddenly, a cheerful voice piped up beside her.

“You look like a great person to be around!”

Azzi blinked and turned her head. A brunette girl, about her height, stood there with a bright, easy smile. Her cheeks were round, her eyes full of warmth. She looked like someone who always had something nice to say.

Azzi gave a small, cautious smile back.

“How come?”

The girl shrugged, still beaming.

“You give off an aura… A good one, though!”

Azzi wasn’t exactly sure what that meant, but it didn’t sound bad.

“Thanks,” she said.

“What’s your name? I’m Azzi.”

“I’m Caroline. It’s nice to meet you, Az!”

Azzi blinked at the nickname, caught off guard. No one had ever called her that before.

Caroline’s face went red immediately.

“Wait—can I call you Az? Is that okay?”

Azzi paused for a second, then nodded.

“Sure.”

It sounded… kind of nice.

Caroline lit up again.

“Yay! You can call me Carol. I hope we both get into Gryffindor!”

Azzi smiled for real that time — not forced or polite, but one that reached her eyes.

Something told her she and Carol were going to be really good friends.

———

Name after name passed. She was starting to feel like maybe they’d forgotten her — maybe they were going to pull her aside and tell her, “Sorry, huge mistake, you don’t belong here after all.”

Then:

“Fudd, Azzi.”

Her heart stopped.

She walked to the front, legs stiff, hands cold. Her fingers brushed the edge of the stool, and she sat quickly, afraid her knees would give out.

The hat dropped over her head, blocking her view of everything.

Then she heard it — not out loud, not exactly. But inside her head, deep and ancient and amused.

“Well now… brave, yes… fiery little mind… oh, you’ve got grit. You’d do well in Gryffindor.”

Azzi held her breath.

“But wait… clever, too. You like to win. You want to be the best.”

Was that bad?

“Not bad at all,” the hat said. “The question is… do you want to prove something, or protect something?”

Azzi didn’t know how to answer.

But something in her whispered: I want to fight for something. I want to matter.

The hat paused.

“Gryffindor it is!”

The hat was lifted from her head. Applause burst from the Gryffindor table. Azzi stumbled off the stool, dazed, but trying to walk like she meant it.

She sat down at her new table, heart pounding. She could hear Carol cheering from the table, she had went before her.

Across the room, Paige was watching her. Just briefly.

Azzi swallowed and looked away.

Let the games begin.

[kalpeavaris]

Totally for unrelated reasons, what are some more facts about communication drones? Like uhhh specific anatomy ect?

Prepare to get spammed with information! 👀

Communication Drones Infopost

Communication Drones (calling them CDs for short here) are a sub-type of Worker Drones fitted with antenna and special storage systems meant to analyze, store and transcrypt incoming and outgoing signals between Outposts, (human) landing pods and machinery.

CDs can also communicate with each other & Workers around them in a certain range which allows them to be very effective in sending out orders en masse to other Drones.

(more below the cut for their anatomy, specialities and more!)

Most CDs have two to four antennas fixiated to their head which are directly connected to their auditory entrance (or well, 'ears' as we would call it in human terms) which makes their antennas vital for their work and general hearing. Damaged or removed antennas may result in a CD losing their ability to hear or at least reduce it greatly.

Depending on the size of the antennas it's easy to see what purpose the CD served - long antennas are usually paired with long-range signals which put the individuals at use to distribute orders, arrange communication between ships & pods on their way to other exoplanets (when humans were still around) and to manage incoming signals from other planets & stations/outposts.

Short antennas usually indicated a more localized position for the drone in question - mainly within a singular Outpost or in ships to work directly connected to the local machinery and computers, sending orders in smaller ranged areas and storing security data.

Most CDs have secondary enhancers which work similar to a short-range antenna allowing them to switch between long and short range at will (mainly used for CDs that had flexible working places between ground & flight).

Generally, the antennas also function as "mood indicator". They can rotate around themselves and change position dependant on a fixed motion range around the head - similar to how e.g animals use their ears to indicate mood, CDs quickly took these habits from dogs that were around Copper-9 and video material of animals and copied them. Not all CDs did or do that, but alot of them do. For example if an individual is excited/attentive, the antennas would stick right up. If they're overwhelmed/annoyed/angry they'd usually be lowered down or pressed against the sides of the head.

They were expected to be very attentive and pay close attention to details. Their inner storage was designed to hold literal months and even years of auditory data that they recieved which was usually extracted every 4-6 months via the ports on their back which connected directly to the storage. Without these "clear outs" most CDs experience involuntary deletion of audio files which is out of their control and might result in them forgetting things they've heard/analyzed before.

Other than those two features their anatomy is fairly similar to that of normal Workers, height etc. as well.

After the humans disappearance alot of CDs lost their use as there... well, were no orders to share and no signals to analyze. Some of them struggled with this loss of "useability", some were fairly happy about this.

Lost/destroyed antennas cannot be restored by themselves (well, unless a CD is a Solver User like Kira) and CDs usually do not take well to losing or damaging antennas. Enhancers aren't as sensitive, but still hurt. Touching them might also cause disruption in hearing for CDs, it would be like someone rang a bell next to a humans ear for them. :'D (no touchie!)

CDs are generally connected to ECHO in the MD: Echo story (outside of that this plot point doesn't matter, just mentioning it here haha). Since Kira was the first CD Echo tried to use as host it developed an interested in them since CDs are great tools to be used for mass-ordering hosts.

Alot of CDs were destroyed while the humans were still around, especially if their warranty expired or they became damaged, to prevent sensitive information (such as orders and analyzed data) from leaking or being stolen by enemy forces/entities.

CDs infected with a Solver usually had enhanced auditory strenghts, capable of sending much stronger signals regardless of their antenna's natural range of reach - and they could also "ping" other Users & Hosts which makes them easy tools of manipulation. Luckily the only known CD which acted as AS Host was Kira who was "patched", so it couldn't spread for now (excluding Echo :'D)

[ragnarockz]

*rolls window down* Hi, hello! Can I have? Wait a minute, I have written it on my notes app, the menu was so extended, hehe

Okey, so it'll be an order of:

9. Don't hold back

23."Don't be gentle with me—I like it when you're rough."

25."Fuck—uh! I love it when you touch me like that."

With Butch!Agatha, agent Vidal and a medium-sized strap, please? I can make it large for only $1? Yeah, sure, I think I can take it :D

Thank you very much, have a lovely day ✨️

*Rolls window up and drives away without paying*

Motherfucker didn't even pay! 😡🤬

ENJOY YOUR PROMPT, ASSHOLE!

I'm sure these two are at least 👀⬇ Callback to this post and, this song being the inspo for the room number!

Agnes pulled into the parking spot outside of their motel room, number 21, and parked the car. She reached over to the passenger seat, grabbing the 'have a nice day!' plastic bag with all her and Vidal's 'necessities' she had run out to grab at the nearest gas station. Most, if not all of it was junk food, a bar of soap and, a lighter since she had misplaced hers somewhere between this motel and the last. She grabbed her bag, got out of the car and locked it before pulling up to number 21.

She tried the knob, open, as Vidal said she would leave it just in case she was going to jump into the shower. Agnes didn't hear the water running. A quick turn to her right and she was face to face with Agent Vidal lounging on their bed in a emerald green satin teddy. Her hair was down; tousled as if she had just shaken it free from her claw clip. It looked soft around her, how it fell on her shoulders. She didn't look bothered by the head at all, not how Agnes looked and felt in her frizzy, messy ponytail. Vidal smiled wide when she saw Agnes back with their belongings, looking hot and sweaty from the late afternoon sun.

Agnes strode over to the bed, placing the bag down. Vidal didn't even glance at it, didn't even sneak a peek. She was too focused on Agnes; too focused on the bulge between her legs.

"What did they say?"

"Who?"

"Whoever. At the gas station. They say anything to you? Did they even notice?"

Agnes shrugged, tried to play it off cool but she was already turned on. She had left turned on. Drove to the gas station turned on. She had walked up and down the few aisles grabbing the stuff they needed and caught sight of herself in the glass of the fridge doors. Vidal had asked her to wear her toy out, to be ready for when she got back to the motel. It felt like a promise, a dirty secret. Sneaking around in a motel, just the two of them in between state lines. Time bleeding into itself as they spent another hot night together; the AC blown out in the room and the mini fridge not stocked.

"Don't hold back, Vidal...help yourself,"

Agnes whispered as she stood as close to the edge of the bed as she could so that Vidal didn't have to reach too far. Vidal reached her hand out, looped her pointer and middle fingers through the belt loop on Agnes' shorts and pulled them down with a hard tug. The deep purple silicone cock bounced free, stood erect for Vidal as if it was a true indication of Agnes' feelings. How many times did she wish she could get hard herself just so Vidal could 'see' her arousal for her? Too many times to keep track of.

Vidal's fingers wrapped around the base of the toy, grasping gently, running her nails over it. Agnes hissed, trying to soak in the possible feeling of it; what it would feel like if it was her own. She glared down at Vidal, clenching her teeth as she pulled her hips back in protest,

"Don't be gentle with me...I like it when you're rough."

It was Vidal's turn to clench her teeth, holding back a moan as she nodded her head. She got to the edge, sat over it with her legs hanging over and Agnes closed the gap. Vidal's face was basically touching Agnes' stomach; the toy almost touching her. She took the silicone back into her hand again, clutching harder this time. Her left hand found its way underneath the toy, trying to rub at Agnes' clit from behind the harness.

'Did you...ever think you'd...be getting a hand job from me? FBI Agent Vidal in a motel?"

Agnes moaned loudly, pushing her hips forward. Vidal kept the tension in her hand, deep and long strokes. She was pumping at the toy, applying pressure. She glanced down only once to see Agnes' legs shaking, trying not to buckle as she both felt the tug from the harness and the rubbing of Vidal's fingers in between her legs.

"God, Baby, you're so wet for me already...."

Vidal moaned under her breath as her fingers dared to push up inside of Agnes. She was soaked; completely turned on by everything Vidal was doing to her, for her. She prodded the two fingers that had grabbed the belt loop earlier into Agnes' pussy; embracing the warmth and wet, the arousal. Agnes moaned; trying to move even closer to Vidal, to the edge of the bed. Her right leg moved, thigh coming in towards Vidal. She was close enough to ride it but not at the right height; the mattress too high for her. Agnes moaned in frustration, her words coming out rushed, irritated,

"Fuck, Vidal...uh! I love it when you fucking touch me like that."

Vidal smirked, moving both her hands in a rhythm that only worked for her. She was staring up into Agnes' face, seeing how she wrinkled her nose, the way her top teeth bit down on her lip and created that dent into the skin. It would be rough there when they kissed but Vidal didn't mind, knew it was that way because of her.

"When I touch you like what, Daddy? When I rub your cock or when I finger your cunt?"

Agnes pulled away completely, felt the spring of the toy between her legs, Vidal's fingers leaving her. Vidal giggled, crab walking backwards onto the bed so Agnes could get on, coming in between her. She loved when she could drive right home to Agnes' arousal, her libido. It was easy to make her ruthless, to get her to hone in on her desires. She thew away any formality, any manners. She was crawling now towards Vidal, cornering her between the pillows and headboard.

They smiled at one another, teeth and all. Agnes noticed how hot the room had become, sweltering with barely any air coming in from the open window. Vidal noticed how Agnes' hand had gone in between her legs, guiding the toy towards Vidal.

The smiley face printed bag laid abandoned on the bed; the contents no longer needed for the time being. Their necessity becoming more than an indulgence in the face of their desire; their utmost need for one another instead.

[burnwater13]

Sketch of Grogu sitting in the doorway of the cabin on Nevarro. It is raining and he can barely see the Mandalorian approaching through the rain. Sketch by me with help from my daughter.

The Rainbow

Grogu looked out through the open door and watched the rain pour down. It was unusual for this much rain to fall on Nevarro. It usually rained for a few minutes and then stopped, dried up and made everything feel too warm and wet without actually being wet. Today was different. It had been raining for at least half the day. It started right after Grogu’s dad took the speeder bike to Nevarro City to pick up some supplies. He was only supposed to be gone for a few minutes, but it had been hours since he’d left. Grogu was beginning to be concerned.

His dad disappearing for a few hours wasn’t unprecedented. His excuse was usually that he was shopping for armor polish and didn’t think Grogu would want to join for that. He was never wrong about that. Grogu thought armor polish comparison shopping was perhaps the worst possible form of shopping. First, all armor polishes contained the same ingredients. All of them. Second, the ratio of one ingredient to the next was always the same. Always. Third, even the tins you bought the stuff in were the same size and held the same amount of the hard paste wax. 

That meant that the only thing the Mandalorian was really doing when he was comparing one polish to another was testing his knowledge of ingredient synonyms and the claims made on the container itself. Was it really ‘Amazing!’, or was it a ‘Brand New Formulation!’, or was it ‘Preferred by 9 out 10 Bounty Hunters in the Outer Rim!’? That seemed very silly to Grogu. He’d tried to explain it to his dad once, but to no avail. 

“Grogu, I am telling you, the Bantha paste polish is nothing like the Krayt polish. It’s just cheaper.”

Grogu just shrugged at his dad. He hadn’t been the one who read the exposé on the manufacturer of the Krayt polish that showed conclusively that Krayt dragons would have to completely cover the surface of Tatooine for anyone to make that much polish out of their rendered fat. Grogu wasn’t surprised that someone on Tatooine was pulling that sort of con job on the armored wearing people of the galaxy. He was just surprised that it wasn’t Peli Motto.

But armor polish shopping aside, Din Djarin didn’t really like leaving Grogu alone for long periods of time. Too many things could happen. Grogu might invite every frog he met to spend time inside the cabin so they could play a game of hide and peek. That had been largely ignored until one frog decided to hide in the privy and the Mandalorian found him peeking. His dad had delivered a lecture that he’d never forget as long as the galaxy still held frogs or any frog-like creatures after that game.

So Grogu had to wonder what had happened. He’d reached out with the Force a couple of times to check and make sure nothing actually bad had happened to the bounty hunter. He was very attached to the tall human and didn’t want to take his presence for granted, even when he was just running a quick errand. But despite his various attempts to locate his dad, the best he could do was verify that Din Djarin was living and had no injuries. Which was annoying. Just a little bit. If you were going to be late returning from errands you should at least have a good excuse for it and not just ‘I thought I’d eat at the cantina once the rain started and I didn’t want to get my armor wet, so I stayed for a couple of ferments, a game of darts, and a rather challenging game of chess with the Mythrol. He’s really improved since the last time we played’ kind of excuse.

So Grogu sat at the doorway and looked out at the rain and wondered what the heck had happened to his dad. Had he decided to go fishing? No. That was ridiculous! Din Djarin and pools of water got along like Jedi and Sith, which was to say, not at all. So it couldn’t be that. Maybe he’d gone up to the hot springs spa and resort that had just opened? The High Magistrate had always encouraged the bounty hunter to learn to relax and recommended that he visit the spa where the galaxies best and most discreet Twi’lek massage therapists would help him work all the kinks out of his back. 

Grogu had agree with the High Magistrate about that. His dad was always complaining that his back hurt, but he wouldn’t even let Grogu heal it for him. He just complained. Grogu supposed it was because his dad was afraid that Grogu might get carried away with healing him and find that he was 12 centimeters taller or suddenly able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, even without the flight pack. 

While Grogu had definitely found that tempting, he wasn’t going to do anything to his dad that he wouldn’t let another Jedi do to him. If he happened to grow 12 centimeters overnight, well, he wouldn’t complain about that. 

“Hey, Buddy! Sorry, I’m so late. On my way back I came across a new family who’s home was getting flooded out by the rain. I stayed to help dig some trenches and redirect the water so they could get everything dried out. Turns out the mom was from Ac Vetina. I didn’t know her, but she was taken in by the Mandalorians the same way I was, so we got to talking while we worked. Her husband is from Ordo, so he’s been some of the same places we’ve been. I invited them to stop by with their kids once everything is sorted out. By the way, can you get out my armor polish? I’m pretty much covered in mud and sand. That stuff get’s everywhere.”

Grogu smiled at his dad and then jumped to his feet and ran out into the rain and hugged the first part of the Mandalorian he could reach. His boots. Now Grogu was wet, covered in mud, and much, much happier. Even though he couldn’t see it, Grogu felt a rainbow blossoming somewhere over Nevarro and that also made him happy.

[weom000]

heres a rant about Vi's fighting style, coming from a boxer

okay so starting with her fighting when she was younger, in the clip where she is boxing against the like "game" machine as a kid; her style is very fast and relies on the opponents punching first, and her speed and agility in dodging. you can see her slipping and rolling quite often, as well as stepping back but not as often. Within this, her fighting style would take advantage of her size, using her at the time smaller frame to slip not only around but between the punches and hitting in the small weak zones that would be hard to get to if the opponent had not punched. This style is incredibly defensive, relying on agility and the other opponents most likely anger to get fast "stinging" hits in as opposed to hard heavy ones. 

In contrast, her fighting style is INCREDIBLY different when we see her fighting Sevika later. you can see from the earlier scenes of them going around the undercity that she has regained her agility while in prison, and has not lost her quick maneuvers, however during the fight with sevika one crucial part of her fighting style has changed, instead of dodging and using her speed to her advantage she instead uses Sevikas own fighting style against her by blocking instead. She still relies on defense, but it's in a much more offensive style, taking the hits or stopping them with her own fists to block them instead of dodging in between them in search of an opening. her fighting style has changed DRASTICALLY, but you can still see glimpses of how she would fight as a child in the way she waits for her opponent to strike, and then in the small gap in when the arm is extended before she can bring it back in to block, she uses her speed to her advantage to punch between that gap. She has (in my opinion) (def not because it's also my fighting style) the best and most successful fighting style when it comes to actual defense (not so much in the ring) because she is letting her opponent get tired out. Her blocks are solid, and if you have the capability to withstand it (which she definitely does) it's a rather painless style as well, taking blunt hits to the sides and fists will ALWAYS hurt less than smaller points with the same amount of force. something about the surface area idk but it's the same reason why my face isn't black and blue right now after having a 9 pound weight chucked at me but a baseball gave me a full black eye. She repeatedly tucks in her elbows, covering her ribs while holding her chin close to her chest to protect the side of her face with her fists and her throat with her chin. Her fight with Sevika may have seemed like a rash decision but in the way she fights you can tell she is prepared for the fight and had thought it through before. However, as the fight continues and Sevika talks more, as well as begins to gain the upper hand, and showing off her new metal arm, her fighting style becomes sloppier, and she takes worse hits than before, failing to block or dodge them in time.

 I say her fighting style is my personal favorite but a fatal flaw in it will always be that you NEED to block the hit properly, because if you took the hit full force without blocking, then it really would knock you down a peg in terms of fighting endurance, your general strength, and oftentimes since you usually block hits to the body it messes with your breathing pattern as well. it disrupts the flow of the fight and will mess up your endurance; which is exactly what starts to happen as the fight continues. Sevika says something i can't remember, and Vi gets sloppy and Sevika begins to hit harder and brings her metal arm out for more hits than blocks. HOWEVER a sad and incredible detail is that when Vi takes the hits that she cant block, she unconsciously returns to the fighting style she had as a child, or at least tries to. She puts her fists back up, but doesnt block her ribs so closely, similarly to how she would as a child. this, while offering less protection DOES give you more mobility and leeway in dodging, which she tries to do for the next few hits but the ones she sustained from sevika before limit her making those moves impossible, so she keeps trying to block the heavy shots while wanting to get out of the way but being unable to. 

BUT what's interesting to connect is Vanders fighting style, and how it relates to Vi's. Vander would be a heavyweight in boxing, and it's clear that the way he fights is heavy and hard, the same way his style evolved to be. He takes the hit, and hits back even harder. In the beginning of Vi's first fight with Silco's people on shimmer, she adapts to that fighting style when it gets tough. She stops dodging so much and starts to calculate which hits she can and can't take. obviously child Vi doesn't go taking heavy hits from the grown adults trying to fight her but she stop slipping into the gaps and finding weak spots, instead beginning to divert punches and hit them out of the way while getting in to her opponents personal space, limiting the area they can hit her with be getting into spaces you couldn't punch to with force. WHICH is just like what you would do in a heavyweight match, the goal is to take the punch and hit back even harder, OR to get them in a place where they can't properly fight. In my personal opinion I think this means we can readily glean that Vander definitely taught Vi how to fight, and encouraged her to develop a style different from his own knowing that she wouldn't be able to take hits like he could, and hoping she would never find herself in a spot where she had to. So, in her training she would fight fast and light, dodging everything and prioritizing avoiding getting hit above hitting back, trying to tire her opponent out. However when it came to the actual fight and saving Vander, she went to what she knew worked, which was Vanders fighting style. get hit and hit harder. Which is what she continued to do through prison, and how her fighting style developed into what I mentioned in the fight with Sevika, but you can see glimmers of what Vander must have taught her to shine through when she gets scared. 

[fjsjjgnnfjdjf]

Size allergy (1/?)

Wow, 9 interactions in three days! I didn't think this writing I do for fun would be so well liked. I know I said I was taking longer to update the stories, but these days the stars aligned and I got the time and the inspiration to continue with this, in this chapter starts the interesting part hehe 😈

I forgot to clarify in the last chapter, that this story is located near the end of season 2 of the series.

Warnings: In this chapter there is more angst and a slight panic attack.

English is not my mother tongue, if you see an error, please feel free to comment.

PS: The next chapter will take longer to come out, as I have college work to do.

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

The next day after the camping; the boys were already at home, doing their usual activities after a Splinter training, when Donnie started complaining of an unbearable headache. Leo was the first to discover it and decided to take him to the medical area, not wanting to alert Rapha. 

“Okay, let's see if you have the flu” said Leo putting on a stethoscope while looking for a thermometer. 

“It's not the flu Nardo... Ouch...” he said while pressing his head “It hurts more than that... And if I really had the flu, I'd be sneezing and sweating all gross” he was going to keep talking, but Leo interrupted him by putting a thermometer in his mouth. 

“Yeah yeah, but it's not bad to rule out... You know what happens when we all get the flu” he walked over to Donnie's plastron and placed the head of the stethoscope where his heart should be and concentrated on listening. 

“Ow... It's not the flu!” he complained, he was starting to get dizzy. 

“Shhhh... You won't let me hear!” after a moment of silence, he pulled his head out of the stethoscope and then took the thermometer out of his brother's mouth to examine it “... Mmmm well you don't have the beginnings of a fever and I can still check that you have a heart, even if it doesn't look like it” he smiled at him with a mocking tone. 

“Ha-ha very funny, he said totally sarcastic” he grabbed his head again, starting to sway a little from the dizziness “I feel like my brain is being scrambled” 

“Donnie... Have you been abusing caffeine again?” he folded his arms “You know Raph won't like that” Leo also started to feel a headache, but he tried to fake it in front of his brother. 

“No...” he felt more and more dizzy, feeling as if he was going to faint. 

“Wow, take it easy!” exclaimed Leo as he held his brother and made him lie down on the medical area bed “You might have some dizziness... I'll go get something for your head” 

He turned away from the bed and headed for the exit, turning for a moment to look at his brother. 

“Heh... You're very dramatic, you know that?” he only received a grunt in response that he barely understood as “shut up Nardo”, something that made him smile slightly, at least he hadn't lost his bad temper. 

As soon as he was out of his brother's sight, Leo started to press his head, it was hurting him a lot too, did he have the same thing as Donnie? He hadn't even figured out what it was, but the softshell turtle was right about one thing, PAIN IS UNBEARABLE!  

Quickly, he went to his room where he had a first aid kit, his idea was to get some painkiller pills for his brother. He went to the kitchen for water and took the opportunity to take a couple of pills himself, hoping that it would ease some of the discomfort, luckily his older brother wasn't there when he came in with the first aid kit. He took a glass and headed for the medical area, while he was also starting to get dizzy, he was somewhat worried about the situation, but it is better to act than to stay still. 

When he was just in front of the medical area, he was surprised by Raph. 

“Leo, what are you doing with the first aid kit?” the red-eared tortoise stood still as if he had been caught committing a crime “... And why are you in the medical area? Is someone sick?” he folded his arms and watched with a sharp look as the boy gave him a smile of feigned innocence. 

“Raphael! Hermano! What brings you here?” he smiled trying to show his most confident look, despite the intense dizziness he was having “Nothing serious, just Donnie being dramatic as usual” he felt his eyes starting to cloud over. 

“Is he alright?... not the flu or something?” while he believed his little brother, something smelled fishy, and this time it wasn't him. 

“Nooo, I... checked” the last word came out a little lower than the others, Leo was using all his strength to keep his eyes open.  

“Leo... You look sick too” he moved closer to this one, while the boy tried not to look bad “What is it, is that what Donnie has?” he tried to put his authoritative tone so that his brother would stop joking. 

“Hehe... Maybe?” he laughed as he kept trying to smile to keep his alarmist brother calm “But relax... I... I have... Under... Control...” at that moment he felt he no longer had the strength to hold on. 

Leo dropped the glass of water he was holding, while Raph grabbed his brother when he noticed he was losing consciousness. 

“Wow Leo!” he exclaimed as he knelt down to try to lay him down, he was panicking “What's wrong?!, talk to me!” he moved him so the boy wouldn't close his eyes. 

“Ow... I don't know...” he was trying as hard as he could to stay awake, but the dizziness was strong “Haha... Now... You have two heads” he said under the last while closing his eyes. 

“Wait wait wait!... Leo!” he tapped him a few times, but nothing seemed to wake him up “I'll take you to the medical area with Donnie... And I'll tell pops and...” he was getting ready to pick him up when another strange thing started to happen.  

Suddenly, Raph felt his brother become lighter; at first, he thought he was hallucinating, but after a moment it was evident that Leo seemed to weigh less than he did a few moments ago. Then he realized why, he was getting smaller, HIS BROTHER WAS GETTING SMALLER!  

It was slow, but steady. Within a minute, the red-eared turtle was closer to the size of a child than that of his brother, AND he still wasn't stopping! 

Raph was much more than just panicking now, he lifted his little brother off the ground as he continued to shrink, still unconscious. 

“Wh-what...! Wh-what is this?!” he could barely say, trying to keep himself from screaming, now barely three feet tall “Leo? LEO?” his brother didn't seem to answer. 

His mind was racing a thousand alarms a minute; his brother wasn't answering, he was literally shrinking in his arms and he really didn't know what to do. It seemed as if an ancient nightmare was materializing before him, How long was this going to last? Would his brother just shrink away? He would wake up eventually, right? 

Just as he thought the latter, his brother stopped shrinking, he now fit perfectly in his hands as if he were an action figure. It was amazing and unsettling in equal parts, plus it felt strange, of course in the past he trapped his brother with his mystical giant, but this was completely different. He was nervous beyond words, though a small relief settled over him when he took a closer look at his brother and found that he was still breathing.  

Should he try to wake him up? He was afraid of scaring him, or dropping him if this one moved too fast. He had always been the biggest of his brothers, but this was ridiculous, he had no answers to what had just happened and he really didn't know what to do. 

It was then that he felt Leo move slightly in his hands, as if he was waking up. “Damn, Wait! What do I do?”, he wasn't ready yet to face his shrunken brother. All he could manage to think was that he had to try to look as unthreatening as possible so Leo wouldn't end up slipping out of his hands, he curved his fingers upwards, just in case. 

~~~~~ 

Leo didn't know what had happened, he just remembered being dizzy and suddenly everything went dark, whatever it was he had, it was more than just a headache. As he struggled to wake up again, he felt something strange, he didn't seem to be either in a bed or on the floor, no, the surface was different; it was uneven, a little rough and (somehow) familiar. It was then when he sat up and opened his eyes that he saw in front of him the face of none other than his older brother. But something was wrong, he looked huge, and he was so close! 

“Wow! What the-?!” he interrupted himself, because he realized that the strange surface he had felt before was in fact Raph's hands, he began to fret. 

“Hey... Easy Leo...” the snapping turtle tried to speak in a whisper so as not to scare his brother any more “You're all right...” he was not so sure about that; he curved his hands to keep him as protected as possible. 

“B-but what... Raph?” the boy held on to one of his brother's fingers and watched his brother's face with a deep strangeness “W-what happened? Why are you so big?” 

“Uh... Actually...” he looked away for a moment, he was uncomfortable with this whole situation “Raph is normal” 

Then Leo looked around; everything seemed significantly bigger, the door of the medical area, the walls, even the small details, everything looked gigantic, but it was proportional to his big brother... 

“Wait wait wait!” he repeated the same word raising his hands, looking back at his brother “I... I shrunk?” he pointed to himself, Raph nodded with concern “But how!” he exclaimed raising his hands. 

“How should I know?” he answered a little louder than Leo would have liked “You started to shrink after you fainted...” he was now more nervous than before. 

“Give me a moment Raph!” exclaimed Leo placing one of his hands on his brother's face to push him away “You're talking too loud...” the boy looked in another direction as he frowned trying to think. 

Raph turned his face away a little, this was all wrong, he didn't know what to do and he didn't want to make his brother more uncomfortable either. For his part, Leo observed his surroundings again, the impression of the moment didn't make him think clearly, but seeing the first aid kit lying on the floor (as big for him as his bed at the moment) and the glass with the spilled water he started to tie up ends. 

“Hey... I was here for Donnie...” he saw his brother and his concern increased. 

“Yes” he answered, but interrupted himself when he felt he was talking too loud again “Sorry... Yes, you said he was sick...” he didn't like Leo's worried look. 

“Raph... He... He felt the same way as me...” the realization on both of their faces was pure panic. 

Raphael then quickly entered the medical area with Leo in his hands, while the red-eared tortoise tried as much as possible to get used to being carried by his brother's hands. On the bed where Donnie was before there were now only his things; his battle shell on one side, his wrist communicator and also his protective glasses... But the softshell turtle was nowhere to be seen. 

Raphael started to search everywhere with his eyes, especially on the ground (he didn't want to end up stepping on his brother without realizing it), but there seemed to be no trace of him. It was then that Leo, from his position, noticed something moving under the battle shell, so he lightly tapped his brother's palm to get his attention and pointed to the bed. Raph nodded and moved to the side of the bed. 

“Let me on it!” the boy asked. 

Raph nodded and let Leo hop off his hand onto the bed. Leo rocked a little on the soft surface before he started to move forward, he still wasn't quite used to this crazy situation, but the important thing now was his brother. He made his way to the battle shell (huge now) and stepped into the space between the bed and it; though it was dark underneath, he could make out a figure moving, no doubt it was Donnie, as small as he was now. And he was sitting up, hugging his knees, “Well, at least he's awake”, he ran to stand beside him and knelt down in front of him. 

“Hey hey... Donnie?” he placed a hand on his shoulder, his twin saw him, but he could tell he was somewhat dissociated from the stress, he was breathing agitated “Easy... It's okay, I'm here...” he smiled at him as he began to inhale and exhale slowly, while motioning for him to mimic him. 

The softshell turtle watched his brother, the only thing that seemed normal since he woke up, as he tried to mimic his movements. He was so upset that he couldn't talk to him, so he just listened to his brother's directions; he stayed that way for a couple of minutes until his breathing calmed down. 

“That's it buddy... Slow down...” Leo's voice sounded soft and calm, when he noticed that his brother wasn't hyperventilating anymore, he tapped him lightly on the shoulder and smiled at him “Back in the present time big eyebrows?” 

“Nardo...” he answered a little low, rubbing his head a little, while he tried to pull himself together “By Bohr's atom!” he suddenly shouted, making Leo jump “What happened and what does it have to do with you?!” he pointed at it, realizing that it was the only thing around him that didn't look like an alien environment. 

“Hey, I'm just as lost as you are with this situation!” he exclaimed pointing at himself and his surroundings “Although I admit that you were right... This wasn't the flu” he said scratching himself. 

“Wow, at least you realized that, feigned surprise” he said waving his hands “But... What could have done this to us?” he placed a hand on his chin. 

“That's what I want to find out with Raph” said Leo, noticing that maybe he had been under the shell for a long time. 

“Wait a second... Did Raph shrink too?” he asked with a certain dismayed tone. 

“No, he's normal, he's at the side of the bed now” he said as he stood up and held out his hand to his brother “And I have a feeling that, if we don't get out soon, he'll go crazy” Donnie grabbed his hand and followed him. 

~~~~~~ 

Raphael stood at the edge of the bed, watching Leo crawl under Donnie's battle shell; if he had to guess, his other brother must be down there, but he and Leo were taking too long. He knelt down beside the bed (all for trying to look less big) and placed his hands on it, he was so tense his neck hurt, Donnie's okay, right? He cowered like Leo and woke up, right?. The boys must have been under the shell for at most 5 minutes, but for Raph it felt like an eternity. Finally, both boys came out, Leo was holding Donnie's hand and Donnie seemed fine, although he still wanted to make sure. 

“Donnie... Are you okay? Are you in pain?” despite trying, he couldn't hide his anguish and loud voice, when he got too close, Donnie recoiled in surprise. 

“Pancakes!” he exclaimed “Yes Raphael, beyond the obvious, I feel perfectly fine” he approached his brother again, although with some caution. 

“Phew... That's a relief” he exhaled some air “You don't know how scared you had me” 

Again, he tried to take some distance from Leo and Donnie; it wasn't so obvious in Leo, but Donnie was certainly nervous about his presence. He didn't like this, he didn't like being, in a sense, the reason for their little brothers' (literally) discomfort. 

“Let's try to be calm brothers” said Leo trying to conciliate “At least the worst is over” 

However, just as he said that, the three of them heard a loud scream, which they recognized immediately. 

“MIKEY!” exclaimed the three of them at the same time.

Prologue / Next

[emwritesstuff]

DYNAMO | Steve Rogers x Reader | part 9.

HYDRA has made their share of human experiments. You're just one of them. One of the least successful ones. One of the least functional ones. At least your life in the facility gave you a few things: unwavering resilience, cool(ish) superpowers and a great sense of humor. Steve Rogers would strongly disagree with that last one. A single chance encounter with him reluctantly brings you into the Avengers Compound, and you're determined to make his life as miserable as you can. Feeling's mutual.

AO3 | Masterlist | Playlist (coming soon!)

notes: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. (warnings: diving deep into humans as test subjects in this one. heavy self deprecation, pstd, panic attacks, a lot of apologies for some reason?) (6,670 words)

9: THE THIRD LAW OF NEWTON

It’s Friday morning. The Wakandan Princess arrived earlier in an airship that resembled something like a flying Bugatti and made the Quinjet look like a bicycle. Two spear-wielding female warriors - the Dora Milaje, you’ve recently learned - flanked her as she came out of it, which you thought was a little overkill. Royalty treatment, you suppose.

They’re now guarding the doors to the room you’re having your first deprogramming session in, pretending they don’t see you stare.

You’re nervously bouncing your knee up and down as you wait; up and down. Up and down. Up and down. One of the warriors flick her eyes in your direction.

It makes you stop. The movement resumes involuntarily when she looks away.

You’re hoping you won’t regret this. Like every other decision you make, it was an impulsive one; stemmed out of the need to delete every trace of HYDRA that was still in you.

You were born for the use of HYDRA.

That day, when you were showering your frustration away, you took a bath sponge and for the first time in your life, tried to scrub the numbers off.

7463000195.

The skin on your arm is still a little raw, their mark still inked deeply on it.

This procedure has to be the next best thing.

“Try not to look too excited, Shuri might get self conscious.”

You look up suddenly; Bucky is hovering above you, a smirk countering the usual exhaustion in his eyes.

“I just can’t contain myself,” You say, getting up and past him. “What are you doing down here?”

Bucky shrugs. “Moral support?”

Steve walks in just as his best friend says the words, and you hold back a groan. He’s been supporting your decision since you made it; of course he’d be here too.

You just have to pray Shuri is truly the genius people have been raving about.

The room Stark has assigned for the Wakandans is right down the hall from his own lab - and if that one was high-tech, then you didn’t have an adjective for this one. Shuri’s sleek, white and silver equipment now lined the walls, and holograms occupied the space physical screens would be.

“Impressive, no?”

“It’s a little flashy,” You grimace once you realize who you’re talking to; out of the corner of your eye, one of the warrior women tightens the grip on her spear. “Sorry, my…my lady. Your highness?”

The princess laughs. “Please, let’s end the formalities. I’ll be rummaging through your head for the next hour, it’s only fair you just call me Shuri.”

You hold back the urge to say As you wish, Your Highness and bow. “How exactly is this going to work?”

“Essentially the same process we’re doing to Sargeant Barnes. Find the source of your triggers. Unravel the memory and sever the connection to the problematic behaviors.” Her choice of wording makes you frown. “In generic terms.”

“You’re wiping me.”

HYDRA has never wiped your memories - at least you don’t think they have - so you don’t really know how it feels. All you know is that is not a fun time.

Your eyes find the two war veterans just outside the room, two armoire-sized men who could drag you right back in if you made a run for it. You’re almost certain they would never.

But still. They could.

Shuri speaks again as your breaths shallow, “We’re not taking any of your memories away. They will still be in your head, but have no effect on present you. This will be more like… unplugging a cable from the port.”

“Like disarming a bomb.”

It’s not exactly comforting. But it’s not wrong.

“Exactly.” Shuri shifts in place as if you’re making her self conscious. “Not that you—”

“Oh, I am.” You shrug. “Let’s do this, Your High— Shuri?”

Shuri hands you a sort of metal headband and leads you to something that almost looks like a tanning bed, but with all glass casing and soft padding inside. You try not to think of how it looks like a coffin, or a fancy cryopod, instead focusing on the memory of the machine that made Steve Rogers into a super soldier. That one’s a little better.

The contraption you’re getting into looks like all of these combined, with the sci-fi makeover all over it. Shuri takes her place behind a multitude of hologram screens and out of the corner of your eye, you see Rogers on the doorway.

Good to know the Dora Milaje let him walk about like that.

“I’m going to ask you a few questions so we can narrow in your trigger memories,” Shuri says, and you nod. There’s some beeping around your head. Your fingers flex at your sides. “Try not to move too much. We’ll begin when you’re ready.”

“Yeah… alright. Fuck it. I’m ready.”

A second passes.

“Where were you born?”

“I… I’m not actually sure.”

There’s a pause. It’s brief, but you notice anyway. You can’t really see anything from where you’re laying down, so you just keep your eyes to the ceiling.

“Where did you grow up?”

At least you know the answer to this one.

“The Brutkasten. 18 miles south from Erda, Norway.” You still remember vividly the trek through the snow during your escape, how you reached the tiny town in less than adequate clothing and with a bullet wound to your side.

You’re sure your raggedy, unexpected appearance raised many questions, but you couldn’t provide answers: mostly because you don’t speak Norwegian.

HYDRA made sure you were made into an island.

“Who was in charge of your programming? Who trained it into you?”

You pull a breath in - no wonder Bucky needed his quiet time after this. The questions are precise and equally invasive, and even if you tried skirting around the spoken answer the memory was already in your head. No running from it.

“Baron Von Strucker. Wolfgang Von Strucker. Head of all of HYDRA’s enhanced human projects, including mine.”

Shuri pauses again. “That’s… are you sure you remember right? I’m having conflicting results.”

Your hands are starting to sweat.

“Strucker trained the programming into me. He was always there to activate—” You interrupt yourself, as something in your head clicks. It makes you consider her question again, and chase another memory instead. “Steiner. Hermann Steiner said he made me. It has to be him.”

“That’s it. Keep going,”

“He…he tampered with my DNA to give me my powers. He said I needed an off-switch. A fail-safe. The-the whole purpose of the words is to keep them under control, I think. If they’re not activated I can’t use my powers properly, and if they are, I’m HYDRA’s perfect weapon.” Your lungs feel empty, and it’s suddenly hard to get them full again. It’s strange to echo Steiner’s words like that. It takes you back to that conversation.

To the warning.

You can hear something beeping and can only guess it’s to do with your vitals. “Maybe we shouldn’t be doing this. I don’t—”

“You mentioned something about activation words. Can you recite them for me?”

Your fingers tighten against the soft padding you’re laying on. You need to get through this.

You must. “…and blood-black nothingness began to spin, a system of cells interlinked within one stem.”

“Shuri, perhaps we should—”

“One second, Captain Rogers. Just one second.” Shuri’s voice feels distant, and you can see her turn to someone out of your line of sight. Steve, maybe. The glass upper-half of your pod is open, but it weighs on you all the same.

“Vernetzt. Vernetzt. Change of momentum with change of time. Noether-Theorem. Hail HY- HY—”

“Got it.”

Your voice dies inside your throat. They’re talking, you can hear the muffled voices to the left of your pod. You’re buried under the snow, icy rubble burning your skin as your nails dig into cotton fabric and foam. “…not a fail-safe. I’d call it a muzzle.”

Getmeoutgetmeoutgetmeoutgetmeout

The words don’t come. Your limbs are stuck. You’re a vicious dog, too terrified to leave its cage.

You have no idea the damage you can cause—

The light dies for a few seconds.

Tony Stark’s wail travels from down the darkened hall: the Pac Man.

Not again…

“He really needs to get a no-break for that thing,” Steve’s voice cuts between your frazzled panting, pulling you back into reality all the way from Norway. The lights are back on. You make a pathetic little sound that should have been a chuckle.

Something warm and sturdy helps you sit up, and you realize too late it’s a pair of very muscular, very patriotic arms. “Can we take a break? I need… a minute. Maybe ten,”

“Of course. Let’s do fifteen,”

“I think we can call it a day here. It’s lunchtime anyway.”

“Lunch? It’s 11:30, Captain.”

“That’s lunchtime if you’re retirement home age.” You say matter-of-factly, hopping off the pod. “And he is way past that by this point.”

Steve rolls his eyes, and you shrug. “I’m not saying she’s right, but…” Bucky walks in as the Dora quit guarding the door. “Look I’m not saying retirement but—”

“C’mon, not you too…”

“A vacation! You really need it, bud.”

Steve protests. You nod your head solemnly, stifling a laugh. You push through jellified legs in order to leave the room, fully embracing the lunch time excuse.

“What, you’re not comin’?”

You bite your lip. You want to say it - you really want to say it.

“Where?”

“Lunch. The diner,” Bucky raises one eyebrow at Steve. “You didn’t invite her?”

It’s your turn to raise your eyebrows. “Oh, I see how it is.”

“I was going to—” He pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Was just going to make sure you’re okay first. You know, to go out.”

Bucky waves his metal hand between you and Steve. “Please. This isn’t a date. I’ll be right there.”

Motherfucker.

“Barnes—”

This isn’t a date.

Bucky is right there, across from you and Steve.

And you’re not making out with anyone except this cheeseburger.

They took you to a place named Nemo’s, a diner in Brooklyn that is traditional in every way: burgundy booths made out of that are cracked in places. Silver metal tables. Checkered floors, low lighting even though it’s barely noon.

It’s apparently almost as old as they are, and they’ve been coming here since they were teens; it doesn’t surprise you at all. Creatures of habit, these two. Not to mention the food is to die for.

“Easy, tiger.” Bucky says, making you look up from your sandwich. He tosses you a napkin. “Here. You got grease all over yourself,”

You roll your eyes, but wipe your mouth anyways.

“Let her be, Buck.” You look at Steve in surprise, but he only shrugs and takes a bite out of his own burger. Old-school, with the sliced bread loaf instead of buns and everything. Too many pickles for your taste though.

Bucky’s response is to slap the brim of Roger’s baseball cap, eliciting a laugh out of you.

This is nothing like you’re used to. You’ve been to dinners and Pizza Night at the compound, but those are different. It’s more crowded. There’s more pressure. Even Steve seems at ease here, his shoulders relaxed despite his disguise being flimsy at best. A baseball cap, that’s it? Not even a mustache? Even Bucky’s singular glove is more inconspicuous.

You realize you’re staring when he meets your gaze, a hint of a crooked smile curling his lip upwards. Maybe you should’ve shared the seat with Barnes instead.

“What?”

You breathe in. He looks awfully good under this awful lighting.

Get it the fuck together.

“There’s ketchup on your cheek.” It’s a lie.

But it works: Steve swiftly moves to grab a couple of napkins. The other super soldier is eyeing you suspiciously.

You have to resort to stuffing your face of his fries, which causes enough commotion to allow your cheeks to return to their regular temperature.

“Is Stark not feeding you enough? Jesus,”

You shrug. “These are just really good, and mine are gone. See?” You show him your empty basket and Steve mumbles something about ordering more. “Thanks for bringing me here by the way. I know it’s you guy’s thing.”

“Figured it could lift your spirits after this morning. Like ice cream after the dentist,” Steve says, and you nod. Your spirits are indeed lifted. It feels easy, to just be around them like this.

Because despite your resistance, these two know all of the terrible parts of you. They think there’s hope for you yet, which is the sort of optimism you’re still working on.

“Yeah. If you stayed back you’d just be overthinking yourself to death. And that’s not allowed here.”

You sigh. “It’s just a lot. You guys saw what happened today and it was only the first ever session. If Steiner’s right about me it could be a huge disaster. What if I lose control? What if—” A french fry is flung in your direction, turning concern into vexation.

“No overthinking at Nemo’s.”

“Dick.” You throw the fry back, and he pops it into his mouth with a grin.

“Buck’s got a point, actually. We need to take one step at a time and suffering by anticipation won’t help.”

It’s Bucky’s turn to look surprised. “You’re agreeing with me? Who are you?”

You chuckle. “Seriously, Steve? Not even him?” Bucky makes a face of resignation, shaking his head.

“Besides, you’re one to talk…” He added, quietly.

Steve exhales. “You two gangin’ up on me now? This friendship of yours is really something,”

“We’re the cryo-crew. The HYDRA… rejects. The frozen guinea-pigs?” You and Bucky do a high-five as Steve pinches the bridge of his nose.

“You’re both in remission now, the nicknames can stop—”

“I like cryo-crew.”

Steve groans. “I can’t believe this.”

Cryo-Crew it is.

Your body stiffens once you notice a man standing slightly northeast to your booth. He’s looking right at you; eyes too focused to have anything but recognition in them. You should’ve known your reprieve wouldn’t last. The months living in the compound made you forget how it felt like, to live on high alert. Bucky is next, frowning at your body language and turning towards your gaze. Then Steve. He streches his right arm across the table in front of your chest. The light bulb right above you flickers.

The man approaches the table, but he doesn’t seem nearly as tense as either three of you. Steve stands. Bucky remains seated but with a tight grip on the back rest of the booth.

Fight or flight, practical demonstration.

“S-sorry sir, Captain Rogers, sir. It’s so hard to find you out on the town like this, I couldn’t help it. Michael Lawrence. VP of the Sentinels of Liberty.” Steve lets out air through his nose, him and Barnes relaxing at the same time. He takes Michael’s hopeful, outstretched hand and shakes it, clapping an amicable hand on his shoulder then towing him away from you and Bucky.

“What. Was that…?”

“Must be ‘nother one of his biggest fans,” Bucky chuckles, pulling the strings of his hoodie. “He’s got a few devoted fan clubs, I always tell him the baseball cap is not enough.”

You scoff. “Right? Like, look at him. He can’t be thinking that’s making him anonymous.” Bucky grins. You’re still on edge, but the tension is dissipating slowly. You can see Steve’s back from here, shaking another few hands and displaying his signature Captain America smile. “I thought it was trouble for a second. Geez.”

“As much trouble as civilians can be. Buncha’ nerds geeking out over a bigger nerd,” He shrugs. “You’re off the hook, Sparky. Relax.”

“Look at where we live, Buck-o. ” He makes a face at the nickname, and you shrug. A Buck-o for a Sparky, it’s only fair. “We’re never off the hook.”

“You got that right.” He sighs. “Even if it was trouble. Those fuckers are not laying their hands on you, or me, ever again.”

You nod. The reassurance makes your chest tighten. You’ve been getting a lot of that lately. You didn’t know you needed it. “It’s not just them though. It’s… S.W.O.R.D. General Hoss, Fury. I feel - I know - they’ve got their eyes on me, just waiting for the moment I slip.” Even Stark. He was funny and he seemed to care, but his initiative towards the Sokovia Accords made it clear he held a high standard for fuck-ups. And you were a big one.

Your knee starts bouncing, making Bucky land a kick on your shin. You send him a glare, but he just smiles fiendishly.

“The Compound situation is… complicated. It’s Hoss’ kennel. The longer we stay, the more strings they got on us.” You nod again, slowly this time. Bucky drums his gloved metal fingers on the table, looking around the diner before speaking. “Won’t be our permanent residence for much longer, though.”

“What? You plan on running off into the sunset with Steve or something?

“Please. He’s not my boyfriend,”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“I see the way you look at him. And vice-versa.” You roll your eyes.

“I don’t look at him any sort of way, Barnes. Except maybe disgust. Okay?”

Boyfriend. Some bullshit.

Bucky shakes his head. “Sure thing.”

“…he tell you anything?”

“Nah. He doesn’t kiss n’ tell. Should I ask?”

“No.” You refute quickly, and he narrows his eyes.

You’re not sure why he’s acting like this. Rogers wouldn’t have much to tell anyways.

“Right. Think you fool me with this act—”

You hold back the urge of pulling his hoodie strings and choking him with them, mostly because this place is public and because Steve is now back, shoving the cap back in his head like he’s not six-foot-four and super-soldier shaped.

He slides back beside you, and you scold yourself for relaxing when he does. Dammit. 

Bucky gestures vaguely at the both of you.

“Sharin’ a booth and everything.” Now you really want to choke him. With his own arm, maybe. He shrugs. “Alright. I’m gonna go check if the bathroom stall has that poem we wrote still.” Bucky says, leaving you and Steve at the table with a wink.

Fucking goddammit.

“What’s he on about?”

“Nothing.”

“Didn’t seem like—”

“It’s nothing, Rogers.” You grit your teeth. You can’t have him noticing how transparent you are, too. He’s now got a hurt look in his eyes, making you sigh. “He’s a shithead. What did uh - Michael - want with you, anyway?”

“He’s got this World War reenactment event, and he wanted to know if I could make an appearance. Gave him an autograph and a picture and sent him on his way.”

Your jaw drops. “What?”

“I know, I know. I don’t really do autographs. But he asked for one—”

“That’s not— he wanted you to do war reenacting with him and his buddies?”

“Yeah. It’s not the first time someone’s asked me that.” Steve shrugs as you shake your head incredulously. “They wanted me to play myself in a movie, too.”

“That’s fucking twisted. Wait, you have a movie?”

“Yes and no. They got some bodybuilder to play me instead. ‘S coming out in a couple months.”

You let the fact sink in for a second.

“Can we go watch it?”

He glares at you. “Absolutely not.” Then laughs. You join him, imagining how ridiculous it would be to watch some action-hero-esque Steve Rogers next to the real thing. “Plenty of better things to watch instead.”

He leans his elbows on the table, looking back at you. The cap conceals most of his expression, but surprisingly you can still see his smile clearly.

It kinda sounds like flirting, even though you know it’s not. Your heart does a somersault regardless.

“Deal.”

Keep it together.

A waitress approaches you after a few minutes. “Can I get you two cuties anything? A milkshake, two straws?”

The table becomes a cacophony of - Oh, no; we’re not—; not like that - as the poor woman stands there with an awkward look on her face. You scoot away from Steve quickly - you hadn’t realized your elbows were brushing this entire time - while he looks around for Bucky.

“He’s been gone for a while, hasn’t he?”

“Yup. Think he got stuck in the toilet?”

“Dunno. Maybe he’s outside already. We should probably vacate the table anyway,” He says, getting up.

Reality sets in as he does, the blood that had rushed up to your face settling back where it’s supposed to be. You watch him drop a couple fifties on the table and half-cover them with his plate. “One for bill. One for tips.”

“I don’t think you know how tips work,” You quip, not at all surprised by his generosity.

Turns out Bucky was not outside. And neither was the car you rode into town.

You’ve been robbed. Three Avengers, actually maybe one and two halves, robbed. You’re 60% sure it was Michael, Cap’s Biggest Fan #37.

You’re staring exasperated at the empty spot on the narrow street you’d parked when Steve comes out of the diner. “Can’t find Bucky anywhere.”

“And we’ve been robbed! Look,” You cry out, pointing at where the Jeep should be.

A look of realization crosses Steve’s face and he groans, rubbing his face.

“What?”

“We weren’t robbed. Bucky took the car and left us here.”

“What?!” Your voice bounces against the brick walls of the buildings around you. “How? Why? You gave him your keys?”

He shook his head. “Must’ve swiped it off my pocket at some point. He’s good at that.”

Goddamn him and his nimble metal fingers. You’re more alike than you thought.

You were about to ask the universe why when the answer chimes in on both your phones.

Have a nice date. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do! J.B.

“J.B. Fucking ridiculous.” You read the date part again and turn to Steve, showing him your phone screen as if he doesn’t have a twin message on his. “Did you plan this?”

He scowls. “Plan this? Bucky leaving us stranded in Brooklyn?”

“Yeah.” You don’t explain it’s because of the date thing. But you know he’s got it, because his scowl deepens and he suddenly looks offended.

“No. I didn’t plan this.” He takes a step forward, getting right on your face. “You think I couldn’t get myself a date if I wanted one?”

The mention of how easily he could score himself a piece of ass makes you see red for some reason. “Mr. D’Artagnan over here! Good on you,”

“That’s not— do you mean Casanova?”

“Please, don’t act like you’re the king of pop culture.” You cross your arms against your chest. “So you didn’t tell Bucky anything?”

“No. I didn’t.” He breathes out. “I didn’t ask for his help, either. He’s a shit wingman.”

“Can’t argue with that.” You feel betrayed, somehow. There’s no better way to explain it. Like this has been a trap, even though Steve has had nothing to do with it, but his best friend had and he wasn’t here to receive the brunt of your blows. “It’s just— he’s been an ass about this whole date-not-date thing all day, I’m sick of it. And now this.”

Steve sighs, running a hand through his hair that leaves it all over the place.

“I thought it was obvious there was nothing like that. This was his idea. A stupid wingman move, that’s it.” The way he says it makes you grit your teeth. “I just don’t get why you’re so angry about it— why do you hate me so much?”

“Because!” You explode. “Because you annoy the shit out of me. Because of you wake me up at 6 a.m. to run. Because you beat my ass during combat training every time, as if letting me win would give you hives. Because you’re too fucking nice and then you’re the Captain again and it’s fucking confusing!”

Because the idea of you dating Steve Rogers is fucking preposterous and you don’t get why suddenly everyone is bothering you about it.

“I’ve done nothing but try and help you. We were fine 10 minutes ago—”

“I can’t tell if you want to help or just sanitize me. You tell me I’m enough when it’s just so obvious I’m not. Just tell me you hate me back, Rogers.” He shakes his head, and you hit his chest, fruitlessly trying to shove him away. “Come on! Be angry back. Say it. I hate you.”

“Stop.” He grabs one of your arms, then the other when you don’t relent. He’s so gentle about it that it makes your eyes well up. “Stop—”

“You hate HYDRA. And you hate me. Just fucking say it—”

“I can’t! I don’t hate you. I don’t. I’m sorry.” His words finally do the trick; you slack on his hold, nearly collapsing into his chest. “I care about you and you— you need to start dealing with that.”

You suck in a sharp breath - the weight of today’s events crashing down all at once - and you finally understand the reason behind your mood swing. Despite Nemo’s rule, you have been overthinking non stop. He cares, even if you don’t deserve it. You only hate his guts some of the time. And you have to deal with that.

The reason why you can’t fucking stand all the nagging is because you know can’t allow yourself to want a silly, normal thing like a date. Not yet.

Steve splays a large hand at your back, the other resting at your hair as your breathing returns to normal. His steady presence helps - you even let a tear or two fall, but you’re composed again in a few minutes.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to freak out on you. Thanks for— everything you’ve been doing. And sorry.”

He moves as if he’s not going to let you step away, but his hands fall at his sides. “It’s okay. You’ve had a tough day.”

You scoff. “It’s not okay, Rogers! God. Stop being so… understanding.” You say, putting your hands on your hips but doing your best to keep your attitude at bay. Apologies are not your strong suit. “I’m sorry for a reason. So you have to say ‘apology accepted’ so we can move on.”

Steve raises one eyebrow. “Apology accepted,”

“Great.” You nod. “What now?”

He blinks, finally averting his eyes from you as he looks back to the main street. “There’s a station down two blocks away. Or we can… get a cab.” You make a face, and he nods in agreement. “I could hot wire a car. Maybe not the best idea.”

“You want to steal a car?” You frown. “You know how to steal a car?”

It’s not like the idea isn’t exciting. But the image of Steve Rogers hot wiring a car seems a little surreal to you. Then again, he’s been in the army. He probably knows how to do a lot of illegal shit.

“I’d just return it tomorrow.” He chuckles when you deflate. “Guess we’re taking the train. We can ask Nat to get us at the Compound station.”

“God, this is so humiliating.”

“Sam, then.”

“That’s not better.”

“Better than walk—” His words are cut off by the screeching of tires next to you.

It’s the Jeep.

It’s James Buchanan Barnes.

“Yeah yeah, I was nearly at the Interstate but I felt bad. I think it’s gonna rain. Get in.”

You don’t waste any time. He’s here and it beats asking for Sam, or Nat, to rescue you. Even though you’re itching to get home, to barge into her room and tell her all about it.

“Fucking hell, Bucky. You’re an asshole. Fuck you.”

He grimaces. “Deserved that. Sorry.”

Steve is still out of the car, bracing his hands on the passenger window. “Get out. Let’s switch.” Bucky tilts his head. “You don’t have a license.”

“I’m 93 years old. I know how to drive.” He pauses, then entering a glaring contest with Steve. “I’m an Avenger - sort of. Doubt my lack of license will be their first concern when pulling us over.”

Steve just stares. Your eyes flit from him, to Bucky, and back. Finally, Barnes just sighs and allows the other nonagenarian to take the wheel.

“I could drive.” You’re also an Avenger - sort of.

They both turn to you at the same time. “No.”

Jesus. Okay then.

You don’t go back to the diner on next Friday’s deprogramming session - Steve couldn’t make it, so you and Bucky decided to not go without him despite his protests. Neither of you have valid licenses, after all. Instead you two lounged under the sun and Bucky made you a rum and coke so large that kept you drunk for three hours.

It’s for the best. You went for the intensive program - between two or three sessions a week - and you were in need of something to take off the extra edge.

Shuri’s prodding at your brain is showing results - if those are good or bad, it’s yet to be decided. Your powers have been slipping out of control more often. Tony finally got that nobreak for his Pac-Man machine. You’re running through electric toothbrushes faster than a piranha, but - strangely - you haven’t had a headache in days. The crossroads approaches, you can feel it; you’re gonna have to make a decision soon. Finish the job and lose the little control you had, meaning learning to use your powers from like a baby deer learning to walk, with imminent risk of causing more damage than you can afford, or cutting it short and dealing with a possible head implosion.

It’s great.

You already know what Steve’s opinion is, but you’re yet to make up your own mind about it. You appreciate his faith in you - and everyone else’s. But the more faith they have, the more disappointment you can cause.

It’s getting increasingly harder to detach yourself from them, and if you’re being real honest, you’ve already stopped trying. Whatever plans you’ve had of figuring out your faulty powers and bolting, fading back into anonymity, has been crushed way before the media started calling you Dynamo.

It’s terrifying, because even if bleak, that was a known path forward. And now, you can’t see anything clearly ahead. Just that crossroads.

You’re not fully healed from your old ways, though. Steve Rogers is on national television, back under the limelight and the scrutiny of a bleached blonde host wearing a brightly-colored skirt suit. And you made watching the interview a personal form of self-flagellation.

Holed up in your room, eyes fixed on the screen of the tablet Stark had lent you - you didn’t go for the big TV because Natasha would chastise you for doing this. But you can’t help it. It makes you feel better. It makes you feel… even.

You mute the TV when a picture of you is shown on screen. You look serious, geared up, menacing. The kinda side of yourself the mirror never shows. The question the host asks Steve makes him look to the floor, and you’re glad you can’t hear his answer. Something akin to the one he gave about the risks of allowing Bucky to walk free, you’re sure. You catch the twitch of his lips, the tension in his knuckles. But he takes it in stride, flashing a charming smile when he’s done. Of course he does. He’s Steve Rogers, and the people love him.T

hat’s why he goes to that stuff and not you, or Nat, much less Bucky.

Truth be told, you’re dying to break this cycle, maybe burn the Compound to the ground and throw Captain America’s shield in the garbage. It would cause havoc, for sure. But it would set you all free.

He ends the interview with some heartfelt speech about everyone’s part in keeping the peace. The audience claps.

You wrap your arms around your knees.

You half-watch-half-look at a couple of episodes of Survivor before getting up, headed towards the big kitchen on the communal floor below. There’s a hole in your middle that can only possibly be fixed with food.

And there he is.

Leaning over the balcony, with a glass of whiskey in his hand. He got back quicker than you expected, no doubt taking the motorcycle or a helicopter to the CBS News Headquarters.

“Does alcohol have any effect on you?”

You expected him to startle - he doesn’t.

“No. This is mostly wishful thinking,” Steve says, swirling the amber liquid in the glass.

“All this pressure and you can’t even be an alcoholic about it. Shame.”

“Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.” He shrugs. “What are you doing up this late?”

You give him a look. You’re positive it’s barely past 11 p.m. “What am I, fourteen?” You retort and he flashes you a sheepish, tired smile. “I wanted a snack. Then I saw you were back from the interview, brooding and trying to get yourself drunk.”

“I wasn’t brooding. I just… needed some air.” He clears his throat. “The interview went well, I mean. But it’s a whole thing. Wardrobe, hair, microphones, shaking hands. The commute.”

You raise your eyebrow, wondering why he can’t bring himself to say the word tired. “As well as something can go when Kaitlyn Holloway and her pink blazer are trying to get you to say something compromising.”

“You watched it.”

“Don’t tell Nat.” You nod when he does. “Figured I should. I put it on mute when you were talking about me though.”

Steve sips his drink and makes a face. “Only good things.”

Laughter escapes you, getting him to raise his head to look at you. “Right, I forget. You’re Steve Rogers and you’re incapable of hating anyone.”

The things he told you last week have been carved into your head. You couldn’t stop mulling it over, and over.

He shakes his head. “No, I hate plenty of things. Like crude language. Wet snow. Bullies.” You knit your eyebrows. Wet snow is new. “…I hate HYDRA and I hate what they’ve done to you. To Bucky.”

Your hands tighten against the railing. “And I hate what the army did to you. What S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hoss are doing.” Your vision goes blurry, and you have to close your eyes.

He puts a gentle hand on your shoulder. “I volunteered for all of that.”

“It’s still—”

“Bullshit?”

You draw in a sharp breath. “Yeah. But no. It’s not fair.”

“Maybe not. I just never saw it that way I s’pose.” His eyes are focused on the horizon, and then his gaze lowers. You shift on your feet.

He doesn’t have to say it. It’s duty. To him, it’s what all of this has always been about.

“Can I ask you a question?” You suddenly feel cold and under dressed, especially comparing your large T-shirt and shorts to Steve’s more formal attire. But that is not unusual. He looks at you, so openly that it makes you shiver. Maybe it’s just the cold wind. “About what you said that day… at the gym. That you can’t, you know—”

He blinks, the memory probably resurfacing. It’s kind of been a long time since you had sex. “Yeah…it’s a bonus effect of the serum apparently. Once you have a family, your priorities change. Serving the country is not your biggest concern anymore, so they went ahead and made sure to kill any chance of that happening.”

Your mouth parts. “You didn’t know,” It comes out in a whisper.

He shakes his head. He’s looking at the whiskey like it’s the most interesting thing in the world. “Found out after I was thawed out. Routine check-up.”

You clench your fingers. You’re not sure what to say. It makes you want to punch someone – not him this time – but someone.

It’s not fucking fair.

It takes you a moment to answer. “So stubborn as you are, you went and got yourself a family anyways.” You say, gesturing vaguely at the place the Avengers made into their home and trying on a lighthearted tone. You can only hope it works. “And now they’re your biggest priority instead.”

“Pretty much.”

“That’s why you gave up the shield to Tony, isn’t it? And that you have to do everything S.W.O.R.D. tells you to—”

“Not everything—”

“But a lot.”

He nods.

“So they let you get them out of the Raft and come live here.”

He nods again.

“I don’t think they’d want this if they knew, Steve.”

“They know and they don’t.”

You stare at him for a second.

“So just—pack your bags and get out of here! Retire or something. Get out of character.”

“I can’t retire. I can help people for a long time still. Besides, people don’t like me out of character. They want Captain America,”

“I don’t.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, fair enough. Is that why you’re always trying to make me lose my temper?”

“Maybe.” You smile coyly. “I’m not saying I like you for you or anything. Just that what I see behind the mask – the shield – is better. ‘Cause it’s real.”

“Look… I’m not two people in one, darlin’. There isn’t this interior battle, or mask, that you think there is. The Captain is me. I’m not sure I know how to not be that anymore. It makes things easier.”

“For who?”

“For everyone,”

“I’m not everyone.”

“Yeah, you’re definitely one of a kind.”

“And you make my life very not-easy.” Understatement of the century.

He chuckles. “This place… might not be paradise, but it has a purpose. Look around you. Controlled environment and plenty of support for Bucky, amnesty for Natasha, a safe place for Wanda… it’s not like you’ve done any differently. You’re using this place and its resources as much as I am.”

“It’s different. I’m doing this because I wanted to. I’m selfish. I was reluctant at first… but it was my choice for my own benefit.” He doesn’t seem to agree, but you only shrug. “I just think you should start doing what you want for a change.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Steve leans in, and it’s like he’s captured you with nothing but his eyes. So, so blue. And grey. Like the sky, that is sometimes clear, sometimes cloudy. Tonight, you can almost see stars in them if you look hard enough. While you were caught, you hadn’t noticed his hand come up to tuck your hair behind your ear, stopping when it cups your jaw.

“What are you doing?” You whisper, like it’s a secret. Because it might be.

“I’m doing what I want, for a change.”

His nose brushes yours before he kisses you, much less urgently than last time. It’s tender. So much so it leaves you paralyzed, your fingers tingling.

You don’t know what to do; this is a one of a kind thing to you. He kisses you like he wants you to sigh when you think about him. Like he wants you to write his name on your notebook and circle it with a heart. Like… like he wants you.

When he pulls back, your eyes are still closed. He’s smiling when you finally open them, a crooked thing. None of that poster-like shit.

“Goodnight, darlin’.”

You stand there, shell shocked, willing yourself to move and to affirm that you hate him. You can’t.

Steve Rogers picks up the empty glass and starts making his way back inside, stopping to look at you before closing the sliding doors. He stays there for a bit, nodding as if he’s decided something, and then holds the doors open, half inside and looking back at you in invitation. You hesitate for a split second. Then, your legs begin moving, half on their own accord, and he smiles like the sun.

[enjoyjellime]

Choco Fin | Chapter 7

Chapters: {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7} {8} {8-2} {9}

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A pained whine faintly escapes his chapped lips, bleary eyes struggling to open through the fatigue. (“How long was I out?”) His joints ached as he stretched out from the scrunched position he took note of himself in, feeling only the hard floor beneath his body. “Yashiki..?” He mumbles, eyes dilating to adjust in the dark before widening at the lack of the other man's presence. With some effort, he moves his arms to support himself as he rises up to rest on his knees. Rubbing the corner of his eye with the heel of his palm, he tries to recall what had led up to being in a dark room that reeked of cleaning solutions.

(“The jellyfish….. running…. crushing….. that sound….being lifted….ah.”)

So they had managed to make it after all. At least he thinks so…. Where was Yashiki?

Using the wall to push himself up, he feels around for the doorknob, the sound of it rattling as his hand smacks into it, making him suck in a quick breath through his teeth in reaction before wrenching it open. “I've had about enough of this place…”

He peeks his head out to scan his surroundings for any potential threat before just walking out blindly, that could be a death sentence. Sensing none, he slips out of the doorway, closing it behind him as quietly as he can. Deciding to go the direction they hadn't explored yet, he limps his way down the dark hallway using the wall as support, jittery shocks pulsing up his legs with every step, being upright after so long. Just his luck.

“Yashiki?” He calls out before standing still, waiting for any kind of reaction, friend or foe. A few seconds go by of nothing, letting him know it was safe to start walking again. Then he hears it.

“Mashita? I'm in the Deep Sea room. It's safe for now, don't worry!”

Letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, he starts hobbling faster, feeling vulnerable in the hallway. By the time he rounded the corner into the Deep Sea room, the numbness had completely faded, letting him walk properly again. Peering into the dark depths of the room, he spots him.

The room felt much colder than the others they had gone through, with only a couple of tanks dotted around this time, the only lights within the room being from said tanks. Speckles of bioluminescent light blinked like tiny stars, mostly from anglers and other similar fish. A huge vertical tank snuggled into the corner holding within it the elusives like oarfish, coelacanth, and japanese spider crabs who were slumbering inside.

Crouched down in front of an illuminated tank was Yashiki, who looks over towards the entrance and beckons him over with a slender finger, the light from the tank reflecting off half of his face. Mashita obliges, sauntering over to share with him a piece of his mind.

“What the hell Yashiki? Don't just walk off by yourself, who knows what could have happened while I was still unconscious.”

Yashiki at least has the decency to throw him a sympathetic look. He grabs the sleeve of Mashita’s jacket and lightly pulls him down to the same level before pointing towards the glass.

“I want to show you something, it's really neat.”

Mashita switches his sight from Yashiki to the tank, eyebrow raised at what could possibly be so important right now. Within the tank are multiple white and orange pinky-sized creatures that look as alien as they do elegant. Along with them are what look to be snail shells fluttering by on squishy wings, coming close to bumping into the other beings, blind to their surroundings.

“What are these things exactly?” Mashita tilts his head just slightly, his eyes doing the work to glance over at Yashiki.

“Sea angels, they're really neat to watch. Oh look, a sea butterfly is about to get close to one.”

Together they peer in as an angel makes contact with the sea butterfly flapping its appendages through the water, looking for its next meal. The orange glow inside of its gelatinous head splays out into multiple bioluminescent tendrils, snatching the butterfly in its place and curling around it. Its translucent body shows every step of the way for it to remove the defenseless butterfly from its glassy shell, letting it slowly sink to the bottom of the icy enclosure. The orange glow of the angel's stomach fades, having been satisfied with its catch. The entire act, done within a matter of seconds.

“An innocent name for something so vicious.” Mashita doesn't want to say it, but for once he's actually impressed by a creature he could so very easily squish - not that he'd do it, of course.

Yashiki merely hums in agreement, eyes raking in the graceful movements of the merciless slugs. They stay basking in each other's presence for a moment longer, finally having an ounce of reprieve all to themselves. They'll take what they can get at this point.

Mashita blinks back into focus when the sudden feeling of slightly rough skin touches his hand, looking down to see that Yashiki had taken a hold of it within his slightly larger one. He looks back up to face him, Yashiki giving him an expression filled with enough warmth to heat up the entire room if he wanted to. He slowly stands back up, pulling Mashita up with ease and into his embrace, smoothly lacing their fingers together, his other hand firm on the small of his back. They're bodies pushed flush against the other, of their own volition this time.

“There’s something I need to tell you Mashita, it's… something I've felt for a while now, but I just want it to be known while our time is certain.”

Mashita raises his empty hand to Yashiki's cheek, who in turn presses himself more into the feeling of it, eyes fluttering closed. He speaks in a low tone, a cadence mixed with adoration. “I have a confession for you as well.” Mashita begins to pull lightly, indicating for Yashiki to lower his head some more. He complies, mouth parting slightly as he dips lower. The feeling of plush lips doesn't meet him however, there's nothing but air as Mashita instead tilts his head to the side, close enough to murmur into his ear:

“I know you're not my Yashiki.”

Yashiki's eyes snap open in confusion, slowly backing up to where he can see Mashita's face again as he processes the words. “Wha-”

“I'm not stupid. You aren't him.” He growls out, silvery eyes glaring with the sharpness of a blade.

Yashiki stares for a second, before slowly releasing him from his grasp. Closing his eyes, he smiles in acceptance with a quick exhale through the nose, defeated. When his eyes open once more, they are no longer his regular obsidian, but an otherworldly electric orange that brightly beamed within the absence of light.

“What gave it away?”

Mashita crosses his arms, eyes still sharply locked onto the imposter partner. “Please, he's not that bold. He's the most awkward man I know.” He doesn't keep the look for long though, his eyes turning soft and flicking away at the revelation he thought he'd never let out, his ears now a lavish shade of carmine.

“......it's what made me fall in love with him in the first place….”

The imposter smiles wider in empathy at what he reveals, nodding earnestly.

“That's all I needed to hear. Thank you.”

He glances up at the words, just in time to witness the expression on Yashiki's face droop as the orange eyes melt away to black once more before closing, listlessly falling forward unable to stop himself. Eyes blown wide, he throws out a quick curse before his reflexes kick in, launching his body forward to catch him.

Wrapping both arms around his thin frame, he slowly lowers him to the ground, his knees buckling in the process at the sudden deadweight. Once firmly planted, He lets out an audible sigh as he calms down from the exertion, leaning back on his arms. He looks down at the sleeping beauty peacefully resting in his lap, and with no one there to witness, he cracks a genuine wide smile for once, his eyes shining with fondness.

“Whatever am I going to do with you?”

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Poor Mashita, it's just one thing after another. At least he got to look at some slugs. Won't be the first time with him. :)))))))))) iykyk

Anyways, I hope you enjoy it! :D

AO3 link:

Choco Fin

[jadedrrose]

Sooga is not 10 feet tall…

Ok. I keep seeing posts on here mentioning that he’s anywhere from 9-12 feet tall and because I am a loser that has nothing better to do, I am presenting my evidence that proves he’s actually around 7’1”/215 cm or so.

Age of calamity just…. Sized everyone up/down in weird ways. Idk. I’m assuming they did it to make Sooga feel more “scary” or like a big boss character, if that makes sense. So anyway, Sooga is the same height/scale as the blademasters in AOC. Really, he’s sort of a “reskinned” one but with extra stuff (his hair, collar, swords, etc). The game even refers to him as a blademaster sometimes. Now… because I don’t know how to do render/model stuff, I tried to take a screenshot of him and a blademaster side by side in game. That… did not go well. Even on easy mode, the blademasters would not sit still for even a second so, this is the best I could get:

And here’s Sooga compared to Link (in AOC)

Now if we look at the blademasters in BOTW/TOTK, you can clearly see that they’re much shorter than they are in AOC. Here’s one compared to Link:

Now as for how I got my estimate of 7’1/215cm. It’s not the greatest method (and I suck at math so there’s no way I can figure it out through the render sizes). It seems people generally believe that Link is around 5’2”, and considering the amount of npc’s who call him short, I think that would be about right. So what I did was get on one of those height comparison websites and get a 5’2” guy and then put in different heights until I got one that matched where Link stands compared to a blademaster. And keep in mind, I’m not including the hair on Link or the blademaster in their height estimates. That and, the blademasters wear hoods, so I took a couple of cm off for that too. Another thing: obviously I can’t get the exact shape of Link/the blademaster so while it may look a bit off, I’m like 99% sure it’s not.

And there you have it. So while I can’t “confirm” Sooga’s actual canon height, I can at least prove he’s not 10+ feet tall, lol.

[somestorythoughts]

Eldritch Echo Pt. 9

I was wondering if this would be the last part, but then I wasn't sure how I'd wrap it up and just getting the twins back together and the Batch meeting Fives took a little more than expected so there will be at least one more part. Also it's irrelevant but I had the thought earlier that regarding their eldritch-ness, Fives is the one who watches action movies and tries to pull off the crazy stunts (sometimes this is aiming blind and sometimes this is trying to turn into a fish) while Echo is the one who watches horror movies for ways to spook anyone wandering around in the middle of the night. @mezmatch , new part! Enjoy!

Edit: Masterpost

Torrent makes it to Coruscant a few hours before the Bad Batch. Fives finds himself buried under vode and being lectured by Kix with incredible efficiency. Rex, knowing better than to get in the way of either Kix’s checkups or lectures, waits his turn before shaking Fives like a rattle and ordering him never to do something like that again.

“The two of you are giving me so many grey hairs.” Rex grumbles once the vod pile has arranged itself comfortably. Fives has doubled in size, the better to cuddle the other troopers and act as a pillow. Before they grew comfortable enough to join Torrent’s cuddle piles, Jesse used to find Fives and Echo cuddling, Fives nearly twice as large as a regular vod doing his best to smother Echo. He wonders absent-mindedly if the annoying vode are comfortably smothering Echo, or if he found that uncomfortable after so long in a stasis chamber. He shoots up suddenly, dislodging Kix who smacked his arm.

“Fives – ow stop that Kix – Fives you gotta greet the Bad Batch like this they’ll be so confused-”

“Why? And more importantly, Echo’s alright?”

Kix yanked Jesse back into place as his pillow as Rex responded. “We found him Fives. Not long after we thought you died. He’s been working with a group of enhanced clones since then.”

“Tell me more?”

“Fine but don’t think you’re getting out of your own explanation.” Rex said, poking his menace of an ARC before he settled into explaining how’d they found Echo.

A little to the right there’s another vod pile, this one mostly made up of Corries, the 121th, and 187th. Blood and Bones are curled in the middle of it, Blood deeply asleep while his twin holds him and listens to Helix quietly updating him on the status of the 212th they’d had in the medbay. Having been on planet at the time, Cody and Ponds’ men had lept into the task of making sure the Corries were comfortable and fed, and making sure they slept. Blood had only left the medbay after reading every vod’s sheet and with the condition that he be allowed to stay close. The room they were in was near the Healing Halls, and Blood had cried red tears into his twin’s shoulder before falling asleep, carefully shielded by Corries and politely ignored by the rest of the troopers. He’d left with Bones during the day to check on everyone but returned after dinner and been cuddled back to sleep. Fives made a note to check on the medic later before he froze.

“What is it?” Rex asked as Fives tensed beneath him.

“Echo’s here.” He whispered, his twin’s proximity humming along his veins. “I need to go.”

There’s some teasing grumbles but no one really complains as the vod pile is dismantled, allowing Fives to bolt out of the room. Rex and the others follow him at a much slower pace; Fives has made some adjustments to his skeleton that have him literally leaping off the walls above the Jedi and the troopers in his way and they don’t need to keep up with that.

On one of the Temple’s landing pads the Bad Batch disembarks, Echo out of his seat and moving to the door before anyone else is even unbuckled. They pick up the pace, Crosshair grumbling as Tech helps him.

 “Fives!”

“ECHO!”

The Batch walks towards to two troopers near the bay’s doors, no longer seeing the need to rush. They don’t look like they’ll be moving soon.

Echo and another reg are wrapped around each other. The unknown trooper is crying blue tears, and his arms seem to wrap much further than they should around Echo, who’s holding on so tight Wrecker would have trouble prying them apart.

They’re still holding each other by the time a small group of Torrent troopers reach the hanger. Hunter glares at Rex and pointes to the blue lines dancing under exposed skin. “A heads up would have been nice.”

Rex grins without regret. “Where’s the fun in that? Besides, it’s nice to know he causes trouble for people other than me.”

The twins snorted in unison. “Who us? Cause trouble? Never.” The other twin – Fives – laughs, a moment before Echo shakes him, fanged and much taller.

“Fives you just faked your death and assassinated the Supreme Chancellor and you did it all WITHOUT ME you force-damned bastard–”

“That’s what you’re mad about? You got blown up! I thought you died!”

“I survived for the express purpose of kicking your ass for getting into this without me–”

“Should we stop them?” Wrecker asks, staring at the two vod who with multiple eyes who are gripping each other’s arms with wide clawed hands marked with blue fives.

“Let them get it out of their system.” Kix replies, giving Crosshair the suspicious look medics give injured vod when they don’t know if they’ve been cleared to leave the medbay. “What happened to you guys?”

“Mission went sour. Echo got us out.” Hunter replied.

“He went all twin huh?”

“What gave it away?”

Kix snorted. “You’re not the first troopers I’ve seen rescued by a pair of twins. They tend to keep the changes small most of the time, so something drastic leaves an impression.”

“You think it’s funny, don’t lie.” Echo says as he leads his twin over to them. They’re back to regular size, each with an arm around the other’s shoulder. Echo seems brighter, and Crosshair remembers when Wrecker lost his eye and how hearing that he was alive wasn’t the same as seeing him and thinks he understands. His twin has those same golden violet eyes. “Fives, this is the Bad Batch. Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, and Crosshair. Guys, this is Fives, my twin.”

“Nice to meet you.” Hunter says, shaking Fives’ hand. “Echo’s mentioned you before.”

Fives grins, friendly and sharp. “All insults I assume.”

“Only sometimes.”

Fives laughs, but his words are sincere when he says. “Thanks for taking care of him for me.”

“Lets find a room. You owe us a story Fives.” Rex orders, and Fives gives him a salute with that grin still on his face before the troopers turn and head into the Temple.

[gothethite]

Tired of people going 'all goth fashion is super easy to diy and everyone should do that instead' because like... yes a lot of it is but some very much not. So some thoughts on how much I'd recommend diying various goth fashion stuff as someone who does a lot of it:

Simple jewellery is definitely much better to diy and particularly chains and stuff. I remember going to dangerfield one time and they had a chain with a bat ornament on in for 20 dollars 🤣 ... you can get a bunch of chain from the hardware store pretty cheaply and the exact same bat pendant on it I had got like 20 off etsy for 5 dollars. It usually doesn't take that long and extra tools e.g. pliers are helpful but not necessary - 10/10 absolutely recommend for all goths or other people interested in gothic fashion

Same thing goes for distressed clothing/fishnet shirts there are tons of tutorials for that kind of stuff, and it generally doesn't require that much time, experience or materials 10/10

Minor clothing modifications e.g. some tailoring, adding/removing parts, mending damaged old clothing, changing buttons - this is something that is really useful in everyday life, usually doesn't take that long and is very useful for turning normal clothing into more spooky stuff 9/10

Designs on clothes or patches: if you get some fabric paint, screen printing ink, bleach or even acrylic you can paint designs onto clothing pretty easily. Personally I like dilute screen printing ink as it gives the nicest surface, but it can be a bit of a pain to use as you have to do a lot of layers, and it doesn't colour the fabric intuitively in the way that fabric paint or acrylic do 8/10 - would recommend very strongly to anyone who enjoys art, and recommend trying at least once to people who don't enjoy art as much (you can always make stencils), but it does take a long time and you need some materials. Also, for patches particularly for small bands it can be better to order them from the band to support the artist, but also lots of bands don't have patches or merch or international shipping to some countries makes it not accessible

Embroidery: often looks really good and professional in a way that painted designs don't, takes absolutely ages. 7/10 - would recommend very highly for people who enjoy textile stuff and maybe trying a bit for everyone but yeah if you don't enjoy it it's a pain

Smaller articles of clothing: I've made some waistcoats and shirts and stuff which have been pretty fun and it's really good to be able to do specific designs you wouldn't be able to buy (e.g. my skeleton one) and get stuff to fit right. They were all hand sewn and took a pretty long time (however you can also do it while listening to online classes or whatever), + a bit of time to learn techniques and stuff. Definitely a cheaper than buying them 6.5/10 - do it if you enjoy textile art stuff but will probably be a really painful experience if you don't and you're hand sewing. Also useful if you've got sizing or dimensions that mean you just... can't buy stuff that'll fit which is how I got into sewing

More complex sewing: I've made 2 (well, finished one and 98% of the way through another) long spooky coats and one cape with really complicated edges and embroidery and stuff. Coat 1 was entirely by hand out of not great fabric and took absolutely ages but was definitely vastly cheaper than buying it from the store, and it fit well and everything. With the cape, I got repetitive strain injury in my thumb that still is a bit of a problem 3 years later! With the final coat it was mostly by machine and then touching some stuff up by hand e.g. edges of the lining, making the eyelets and stuff, but it still took ages. Also, something I never see people talking about with diy goth clothing is how hard it is to get the materials - there were only 3 black brocade fabrics available in my city - One was really bad quality and I tried to make a shirt out of it, but it kept falling apart. One was 150 dollars a meter. The one I ended up using was really nice and reasonably priced, but I got the last 2.5 meters of it so it almost wasn't an option. So when people talk about diying clothing being cheaper it can actually not be that much because a clothing business can get fabrics in bulk + unless your city is really big there are probably not many options, so there's also shipping costs if you then need to order fabric. Out of curiosity I compared how much the coat cost in terms of materials to the price of a similar looking coat off dracula clothing which is a pretty well known and apparently quality materials and ethically made goth fashion shop and it came out a bit cheaper but not massively so (not counting shipping...) so 3.5/10 - fun to do if you enjoy textile art as a hobby, not even vaguely a practical alternative to buying a coat

And then there's other stuff like more complicated jewellery making and leather work which idk much about

[virgo-mess]

Silver Thread Chapter 8 Part 1

Hello all, I've nearly fully recovered from the flu and bronchitis ailment I was subject to save for a little congestion and a cough, I'm feeling much better! I'm sorry this took me so long to get out to you and that I'm splitting it into 2 parts. It's just what feels right for the pacing atm so forgive me for that abrupt cut off this part is already 12,288 words so we would've probably ended up in 20,000-word territory for 1 post and that's a little excessive, I should have part 2 done and dusted in the next few days!

If all goes as intended Chapter 9 may be the last official chapter for Silver Thread, with a small epilogue instead of a full chapter 10 since we be heading right into Silver Bells after I get this completed. I'm planning on only five or six chapters for Silver Bells and a decently sized epilogue with lots of fun adorable snippets of Veda and Terry in the years following Silver Bells! And then that might be it for the Silver Thread verse for a while, I don't fully foresee the events of Cobra Kai happening in this universe because of the Kreese side of things. But if they were to come to frustration, I feel like Veda will just be at a point where she's keen to be blissfully unaware and totally uninterested in whatever it is Terry and Daniel are arguing about now. At least until Terry gets arrested.....With all that being said I'm still aiming to upload all the chapters for Siver Bells on one day sometime before the end of the month, fingers crossed!

Trigger Warning for part 1: Fluff, romance, me living out travel fantasies through characters, Mild smut, consensual oral female receiving, consensual fingering, Terry and Veda have a lot of cute moments, Implications of Terry breaking into houses to torment Chad and Tommy off screen, Terry also beats Chad severely off screen, Terry destroys Chad and Tommy's property off screen and that's about it for this part!

Veda’s Pov

Veda went through the rest of the aquarium with Terry feeling a lot more relaxed. Terry kept his arms wrapped around her the entire time showering her with sweet words of affirmation and adoration as they looked at all the things the ocean had to offer. Anytime her mind tried to get away from her Terry was there to pull her back to earth and by the time they wandered back towards the boardwalk to get to the car, most of Veda’s fear of impending doom had dwindled. She believed Terry when he said he’d protect her because he already made her feel so safe whenever they were together. He was being especially attentive with her now that the weather had turned out to be hotter than initially forecasted, at around 1:30 LA county issued a heat advisory warning. Veda felt much better now but Terry insisted on making several stops for refreshments inside restaurants and on standing outside the restroom every time she needed to go. Veda didn’t mind as there were still fleeting moments when she would get startled by loud noises or felt like she was being watched. She knew she wouldn’t feel comfortable being alone for a long time and she was happy she didn’t have to express this to Terry, he just knew and was handling her discomfort with so much tender care she couldn’t help but love him more.

They spent part of the drive back to Terry’s house having one of their silent conversations, shared looks of contentment and soft smiles, with the soft sounds of Songbird by Fleetwood Mac lulling on the radio. Veda pulled her hair out of its confines and laid her head on Terry’s thigh, looking into his blue eyes she couldn’t help but feel the song reflected the self-sacrificial and reciprocal nature of their relationship. Veda couldn’t help the way she sang along while Terry stroked her hair in the same soothing motions that he always did, taking his eyes off the road every so often to mouth them back to her with a content smile on his face. Making the song another extension of their devotion to each other, it was theirs and there was nothing Dutch or Tommy or Chad could do to taint it.

“I love you” Veda breathed out as the song died down, gazing up at him with her heart full of pure unadulterated love and adoration, she brought the hand stroking her hair to her lips peppering it with kisses as she maintained his gaze with drowsy but content eyes. Terry smiled at her softly bringing her small hand to his lips to return the gesture, Veda didn’t miss the stray tear rolling down his left cheek and moved to wipe it away quickly. Terry gave her hand one last kiss and a reassuring squeeze.

“It’s a happy tear, you have a beautiful singing voice, baby girl. Thank you for sharing it with me, I’d love to hear it more often if you’d let me. I love you so much sweetheart, you can go to sleep. You’re safe now” he cooed, as he resumed the comforting passes through her hair, Veda relaxed giving him a dreamy smile as she felt he heart flutter the way it only ever did for him, she knew that she’d always be safe as long as Terry was here. Veda slowly drifted off to sleep feeling completely serene and deeply loved.

For you there'll be no more crying

For you the Sun will be shining

And I feel that when I'm with you

It's alright, I know it's right

To you, I'll give the world

To you, I'll never be cold

'Cause I feel that when I'm with you

It's alright, I know it's right

And the songbirds are singing

Like they know the score

And I love you, I love you, I love you

Like never before

And I wish you all the love in the world

But most of all, I wish it from myself

And the songbirds keep singing

Like they know the score

And I love you, I love you, I love you

Like never before

Like never before

Like never before

Veda stirred a while later to the feeling of Terry gently trying to shift her into his arms, hovering over her from where he stood outside the passenger door. Veda let out a breathy half yawn and sigh combo as she looked up at him with a dreamy smile and groggy eyes. Terry gave her a soft smile in return caressing her bruised cheek with his fingers gingerly as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“I’m sorry baby girl, I didn’t mean to wake you” he said in a soft sincere tone, Veda wrapped her arms around his neck letting him pull her into a sitting position. Veda beamed at him placing a sweet peck on the lips as she looked deeply into his eyes for a long moment. Remembering the moment, they had just before she drifted off to sleep in his lap and how perfect it was.

“That’s alright, I love seeing your face when I wake up, Romeo” she cooed tiredly, scooting to the edge of the car seat, she wanted nothing more than to be pressed against him right now. Terry chuckled softly sensing what she wanted, he eagerly guided her to wrap her legs around his waist and lifted her out of the car with ease. Terry peppered her cheek with adoring kisses before wrapping an arm around her back and placing his other just under her butt to keep her in place while he walked toward the house. Veda let out a happy giggle and nuzzled her face into the side of his neck breathing in the warm woodsy scent of his cologne, Terry knew it was her favorite and sometimes sprayed her pillow with it if he knew he couldn’t spend the night. She had come to find it so comforting; the way it engulfed her mind, body, and soul like a warm earthy blanket swaddling her like a protective shield. Terry rubbed comforting circles on her back and placed a few more kisses in her hair as he stepped into the entry way. Veda giggled into his neck planting a few kisses of her own.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Silver. I wasn’t expecting you back so soon but I’m assuming the heat got the best of us, huh. Would you like me to prepare some refreshments for you by the pool or is the little one in need of a rest?” came a warm male voice from the entry way, Veda couldn’t pinpoint his accent, but she felt him stroke one of her shoulders with the back of his knuckle affectionately. Veda felt her cheeks flush bashfully at another one of Terry’s employees using Larry’s affectionate nickname for her, all of his staff seemed keen on showing her just as much warm motherly and fatherly tenderness as they showed Terry. Treating her like she was already a part of their unconventional little family made her heart sing. Veda loosened her legs from around Terry’s waist, planting a few more sweet kisses on his neck before withdrawing her face to look at him, asking him a silent question. Terry chuckled giving her a playful pout as he removed the arm he had placed under her butt, using the arm around her back to gently lower her to the ground. Veda beamed at him again and eagerly held his hand feeling her excitement bubble at the fact she was finally seeing the house. Terry chuckled gently turning her to face the man that greeted them at the door, a kind looking older man with short hair black hair and a warm smile. In her excitement Veda tackled him in a bear hug without thinking about it and felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment. The man chuckled softly under his breath as he returned her hug and flashed her a reassuring smile when she pulled away timidly.

“Thank you for that warm greeting little one, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you everyone here says great things about you they simply adore you and I understand why. You are quite right Mr. Silver she is a darling and so beautiful, excellent choice, sir.” He said warmly, Terry beamed with pride as he wrapped both of his arms around Veda’s waist and pulled her into his chest.

“Veda, this is Milos, like Margaret he takes care of my every need and absurd demand without hesitation and while you’re staying here, he’ll be taking care of yours too.”  Terry said with a warm smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Milos” Veda said sweetly, flashing him a big grin, she had a feeling they’d be great friends. Milos returned it but Veda didn’t miss the way his eyes trained on her bruised cheek, seeming to just register what it was. Terry let go of her briefly, walking over to Milos to have a hushed conversation; Veda tuned them out and took the opportunity to admire some of the textile bricks in the short entry way of the Ennis house not wanting to think about anything that happened during her heat exhaustion or before their trip to the aquarium. None of it really mattered now that she was here with Terry anyway, the odds of Dutch and Tommy finding her here were slim to none. She was, however, dreading any trips she’d have to make back to her apartment or the evening hours she would have to spend on campus without Terry. She wouldn’t put it past either Dutch or Tommy to track her down there, the campus security wasn’t the best in the world, Cal Tech was a smaller school after all, and Dutch and Tommy blended in well with their school demographic.

“Milos would you mind fetching her bags and taking the car and inform Howard we will be having friends joining us for dinner this evening. While I give my sweet girl a long overdue tour of the house” Terry walked back over to her with a warm smile, as he wrapped his arms back around her and placed a comforting kiss on her cheek sensing her tension. Veda relaxed into his arms and gave him a reassuring smile.

“Of course, Mr. Silver “Milos said, giving her a courteous bow and another warm smile. Veda blushed again giving him a shy smile in return, she still wasn’t used to formal greetings and part of her felt like she probably never would.

“Mr. Milos, you don’t have to bow to me it’s really alright” she said timidly, stroking the backs of Terry’s hands with her thumbs feeling him kiss her shoulder tenderly and tighten his grip around her waist a bit. Milos chuckled softly under his breath throwing her a soft fond smile.

“Nonsense, little one, every lady deserves a gentlemanly greeting, and you may call me Milos. I hope you enjoy your tour of the house.” Milos said with another courteous bow before disappearing out the front door. Veda glanced up at Terry with an eager smile on her face practically bouncing with excitement at this point, Terry flashed her an amused sort of smile as he wordlessly directed her up the entryway staircase keeping an arm firmly wrapped around her waist as they ascended the stairs. Veda let out a soft gasp as they entered the large living room, the late afternoon sunlight was streaming through the large windows engulfing the room in a warm gold embrace with the Los Angeles skyline glittering behind them.

“You like it” Terry said, Veda detected a hint of hopefulness in his voice as he looked down at her trying to read her mind. Veda gave him a bright reassuring smile as she wrapped her arms around his torso.

“I love it Terry, you have a beautiful home, but you already know that don’t you, Romeo” Veda said in a cheery tone standing on her tip toes to capture him in a sweet kiss. Terry beamed at her lovingly, resting his forehead against hers as he brought a hand up to stroke her cheek.

“I’m glad you love it, baby girl because I have an idea to run by you” he said, still sounding hopeful as he looked deeply into her eyes. Veda gave him a reassuring smile as she looked up at him, trying to pinpoint what he might be proposing to her this time. She nodded her head in acknowledgment silently urging for him to continue, trailing one of her hands up his back to toy with the ends of his hair softly.

“I would very much like for this to be your home too, I know you like your independence, sweetheart, but after what happened this afternoon, I don’t feel comfortable with you living in that neighborhood or apartment alone. At least if you’re here I know there will always be someone looking out for you if I’m not available for some reason…” he trailed, stroking her bruised cheek with his thumb, and placing a kiss on the tip of her nose. Veda stiffened slightly letting out a shaky breath, as she thought about Dutch and Tommy, planning what she can only assume is her impending demise. Veda didn’t really have to think about it, she found it cute Terry was so worried about asking her this when she was wearing the promise ring he gave her, it glittered quite beautifully in the summer sun streaming in through the large windows. Moving in didn’t mean she had to get married and start a family right away, this was the modern era, she could still maintain some of her independence, finish school and have a career. Moving in would help ease both of their anxieties surrounding the whole situation.

“I don’t mind moving in at all, Terry. I don’t feel comfortable living there alone now either, but my lease doesn’t end until February and they’ll make me pay for the rest of the year up front and an extra penalty fee if I break it without giving them 30 days’ notice…” Veda trailed, part of wanting some independence steamed from her not wanting to use Terry’s money even if he was shoving it into her hands. She was more afraid of what would happen if she and Terry were to end up like her parents, she knew Terry wouldn’t leave her without a dime to her name but the prospect of being a struggling single mother was still terrifying. Terry shushed her, pulling her in for a brief kiss before giving her a reassuring smile.

“You don’t have to worry about that, baby girl. I’ve got friends everywhere, getting you out of your lease shouldn’t be too difficult, I’ll take care of it. Now, let’s get you familiar with the rest of our home, my angel. I want you to feel right at home as soon as possible” he said cheerily, as he eagerly tugged her to follow him. Veda gave him a rosy smile feeling her heart flutter at him using the word, our, she knew she’d have no problem feeling right at home because to her home was wherever he was, and she didn’t want it any other way.

Terry spent the rest of June working everything out with her landlord, Terry obviously had no problem buying her out of it if she had wanted to, but Veda thought doing things the right way would be better. Because at least then she’d have a clear record in case she needed to rent again in the future. Getting out of her lease the right way involved her heading to the police station to get a temporary restraining order in place, with Terry by her side they granted it quite quickly. However, they were only able to grant her one against Chad Johnson since he had been the one that actually assaulted her that afternoon at the pier, her bruise was bad enough and Terry was able to get the paramedic to attest to the fact she was in emotional distress when he treated her. She couldn’t get one granted against Dutch without them having to open an investigation and look at her hospital records from months prior because she had no evidence of Dutch contacting her since then. Without that they couldn’t determine if what Tommy said was actually a threat to her life. Veda was still afraid, she sometimes woke up from nightmares in the middle of the night, but she was less worried about it now that she had been basically living with Terry since that day at the pier.

Exam week marked the end of June and Veda’s summer classes, the restraining order had successfully terminated her lease agreement and a lot of Veda’s belongings had already found a place in the Ennis House. She was surprised Terry insisted on keeping her cheap décor and kitchen ware, Howard looked at him like he was insane when Terry told him to use Lucille’s hand painted Italian ceramics for serving, he wasn’t a fan of the colorful fish designs taking away from his masterful plating skills. Terry was making all the stops to make Veda feel like the Ennis house was just as much her home as it was his, he even encouraged her to redecorate his bedroom with him so it looked like something they both would like.

 They made a few trips up to Beverly Hills and West Hollywood to look for décor at some of the high-end furniture stores, though Veda was vaguely aware Terry was just trying to keep her mind off whatever he was doing to take care of her Dutch problem. She thought it better not to question anything, but she knew Margaret, Milos, and even Larry were working overtime to feed him information or to keep her occupied when he slipped out of the house. Terry would never be gone more than an hour when that happened, it was still hard for them to be a part for too long, living together only strengthened their relationship and their attachment to each other. Everyone at the office started calling them Terra like they were one solitary unit instead of two separate individuals. They still hardly everargued about anything, they never strayed from their playful teasing and flirting dynamic. Margaret often found them chasing each other down the central loggia, pouncing on each other in the pool, or having one of their tickle fights on one of the sofas. In a lot of ways, it felt like they were living in their own little bubble, set apart from the rest of the world in what Veda could only describe as their own little personal paradise.

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July-

July started with Veda getting notice she aced all of her exams which gave her a great head start to her freshman year. Terry set up an intimate candlelit dinner on the bedroom terrace to celebrate and even made her mom’s chicken cacciatore with homemade pasta and, he plated everything beautifully in her mom’s Italian ceramics. Veda kissed and praised him the entire night feeling especially lovestruck that the first meal he ever cooked for her proved how well he knew her and how much he truly loved her. Veda ended up snapping two polaroid pictures of the whole thing, one to give Lucille so she could see what an amazing job he did and one so she could cherish the memory forever. Terry was of course spurred by her reaction and promised to cook for her more since it made her so unbelievably happy. They ended that night in the bath giving each other a number of orgasms, Veda was grateful the master bedroom was a great distance away from the chauffer’s quarters that were separate from the main house because Terry had her shrieking in ecstasy most of the night.

Veda stirred the morning of July 3rd with her head resting on Terry’s chest. To the feel of him running his long fingers through her thick hair, the same way she’d been waking up and falling asleep since she moved in. Veda let out a content sigh, slowly fluttering her eyes open to see Terry already staring at her with one of his groggy content smiles plastered across his face. His dark curls were fanned out across his silk pillows and Veda couldn’t think of a more beautiful thing to wake up to as she reached up to run her fingers through the ends of his hair and run a thumb down his cheek. Terry let out a content sigh at the action as he bowed down to place a tender kiss on her forehead and then one on her nose. Veda giggled scrunching her nose up just for him loving the adoring smile he gave her in return.

“Good morning, my beautiful girl” he cooed, still running his hands through her messy black waves gently as he stared lovingly into her eyes. Veda swore she felt her heart actually melt as she beamed back at him capturing him in a brief sweet kiss. Terry smiled back at her happily before moving to sit up against the headboard and positioning her to sit across his lap so he could nuzzle his face into her neck. Both of them sat for a moment listening to the birds chirping as they stroked each other’s hair affectionately.

“Good morning, my love” Veda cooed in his ear as she placed a kiss on his shoulder, Terry placed a long kiss on her collarbone before leaning back against the headboard. Looking at her with the same smile plastered across his face and adoration swirling in his blue eyes. Veda loved the way the morning sun streaming in through the windows made his eyes sparkle for her.

“Okay, my sweet girl, how would you like to do things today. Should we have breakfast or brunch, we have an hour and a half drive to Santa Barbara and dinner reservations at the resort are at 6” he crooned, caressing her cheek with a thumb gently even though the bruise she had there had finally healed up a few days prior. Veda smiled at him reassuringly, the spot didn’t hurt anymore but she knew Terry knew she was having bad dreams about the event on a few nights though she did her best to hide it.

“Let’s do brunch, I’m not that hungry right now and I’ve got to finish packing a few things” she said still toying with his dark curls as she smiled at him, Terry nodded giving her another kiss on the forehead.

“Alright, baby girl, you finish packing while I got get us some coffee from Milos then I’ll start the shower and we can get going, okay” Terry cooed, lifting her out of the bed with him before setting her gently on her feet. Veda nodded excitedly, giving him a quick peck on the lips she watched him turn off all the Christmas lights he had strung up for her before heading towards the closet and searching for her duffle bag in one of the boxes they hadn’t unpacked yet.

 She had put off packing because she was nervous about taking a step further into Terry’s upper-class world, well two steps because when they got back from this trip on Sunday, they’d be heading to her first gala later that evening. Everything just felt a little overwhelming because she and Terry had been living out most of their relationship in a secure little bubble, forgetting about the rest of the world and their opinions. Terry had been dwelling in her safe space for some time now, but Veda couldn’t help but think they weren’t the same thing. Simply because Terry had dwelled in her world before, living among regular people for a set period of time when he was in Vietnam, he had even maintained friendships with some of his regular joe war buddies.

She understood why of course, you can easily latch onto people who have been through the same things as you have because there’s an overarching sense of fellow feeling between you. Veda and Terry had that affinity for each other, they both went through difficult things and were hurt by other people. They found their common ground in his car on her 19th birthday right before they confessed their love to the other. Veda had only ever treaded lightly in Terry’s world, the closest she ever got to it was having dinner at the country club in Encino with Dutch and look where that got her. That was why she was so hesitant to give a guy with Terry’s status a chance and although she trusted Terry and his judgement now, she couldn’t help but be afraid of the judgements people in his world made about her. Yet another way Dutch had ruined her sense of self-worth,

Veda fumbled through the closet pulling numerous pieces of clothing off the racks and shelves without packing them. Everything seemed like the wrong choice no matter what the price tag attached to it said, she thought his friends would see right through her charade and badger Terry to come to his senses. Even with all Terry’s efforts to make her feel like she fit into his life she couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t. She could faintly hear Terry venture back into the bedroom and turn the water on in the bathroom, Veda let out a frustrated sigh at her still mostly empty bag save for a selection of undergarments, swimsuits, and pajama sets, but she obviously couldn’t walk around a five-star resort in Santa Barbara wearing those. Packing for a three- and half-day trip shouldn’t be this hard, but she suspected a lot of her anxiety was also about the gala they were supposed to attend when they got back on Sunday. Having her first small step and her first big step into Terry’s world lined up back-to-back had her wanting to pull her hair out from the stress alone.

“Are you ready baby” Terry said, playfully wiggling his eyebrows at her as he leaned against the doorframe of the closet in only his boxers, Veda giggled blushing slightly as she gazed over at him nibbling on her lip nervously.

“No, I don’t know what to wear or pack. I want to meet your friends but I’m really nervous about them and the gala” she admitted sheepishly, as she pointed to the heap of clothes she had pulled from the shelves and off hangers. Terry’s eyes softened walking over to her and wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace and peppering her face with reassuring kisses.

“It’s okay, baby girl, don’t worry. I will be with you the whole time and if anyone of them says anything out of line I will put them in place, huh. I told you about Ian and his girlfriend Gwen and about Simon and his girlfriend Anna, sweetheart. Ian, Gwen, and Anna are nice, but Simon is a bit stuffy just pay him no mind. Do you remember what I told you yesterday” Terry said, tenderly stroking her cheek with his thumb as he looked at her with sincere eyes.  Veda sighed nodding her head in acknowledgement pointing between their promise rings.

“No one can convince you not to be with me and if anyone at the gala gives me trouble you, Margaret, or Larry will take them out for me” Veda giggled softly, Terry nodded letting out a pleased rumble as he pulled her into a passionate kiss that left her weak in the knees and breathless.

“Yes, you’re my one and only, Veda. Okay, would you like me to help you pick out some things? I want you to feel as comfortable as possible, baby girl. There’s no one on our trip you have to impress, and you look beautiful in everything anyway, I only pick the best remember” he cooed, peppering her face with reassuring kisses and running his hands in soothing patterns up her arms. Veda relaxed into him feeling a bit more at ease as he helped her go through the pile of clothes settling on some floral sun dresses, dinner dresses, and a few short sets just so she had options. Veda let out a relieved sounding sigh as she picked an outfit to wear after the shower, a simple white mini dress with a blue floral pattern and blue Jimmy Choo wedges.

“That’s perfect, sweetheart and we can match, see.” Terry said holding up one of his white button ups and navy-blue shorts with a big grin plastered across his ever handsome face.

“You’re going to do just fine and we’re going to have fun. Let’s go get cleaned up and relax a bit, hmm” Terry cooed giving her another tender kiss on the temple, Veda nodded with a bashful smile on her face as he led her to the master bathroom. Terry gave her one of his giddy grins, Veda giggled raising her arms up for him, helping her get undressed was one of his favorite things these days and she was keen to let him do it as much as he wanted because she loved the way he looked at her like she was a piece of art in a museum. Terry gently tugged her top over her head giving her a playful kiss on the nose before slipping her shorts and panties off swiftly. Veda gave him another bashful looking smile as she returned the favor, gently sliding his boxers down his waist but never breaking eye contact. Terry cradled her face in his large hands for a moment before giving her a tender peck on the lips.

“Do you want me to wash your hair today, baby girl” he crooned with a soft smile tugging on his lips, Veda felt her heart flutter as she looked up at him rosy cheeks, she just loved the feel of his hands in her hair no matter what they were doing, and Terry seemed to really love cleaning her up during their showers.

“Yes, please” she said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck, Terry made a pleased sound before pulling her into the hot steamy water with him. Terry gave her one last kiss on the forehead before lathering her up in her favorite soaps with a warm cloth, Veda let out a content sigh melting into his tender motions. Terry chuckled under his breath as he scooped some of her favorite sugar scrub into his hands, gently rubbing the scrub all over her body as he gazed into her eyes. Veda gave him a dreamy sort of smile; she was keen to let him do this as long as he wanted to, and he knew that. Terry chuckled again giving her a playful kiss on the nose as he helped her rinse the scrubs and soaps off.

“Alright, baby girl, tilt your head back for me. Good girl” he cooed as she immediately threw her head back into the stream of water flowing from the gold shower head for a moment. Terry ran his hands through her thick hair a few times before gently guiding her head into an upright position. He lathered her hair up with some of his sweet-smelling shampoo, Veda repressed a giggle because he made it a point to use it on her all the time now, after she said it smelled nice passively one time in a totally obscure conversation. Terry guided her to tilt her head back again as he tenderly rinsed all the suds out of her hair, he added a drop of conditioner to sit for a few minutes while he cleaned himself up. Veda swatted his hands away from the warm cloth as she switched places with him.

“Alright, your turn Romeo” Veda said, grabbing another warm cloth she pumped some of his favorite soap onto it and reached up to run it down his broad shoulders and his muscled torso and arms. Terry flashed her a bashful smile but made no move to stop her as she proceeded to clean him up, taking her time as she moved around him to clean every spot she could reach.

“I can’t reach your hair up there, Mr. Silver” she chided playfully, Terry chuckled flashing her a mischievous sort of grin before scooping her up off the shower floor. Veda let out a surprised squeal and a fit of giggles as she clamped her legs around him tightly, Terry steadied her by gripping her ass firmly and wrapping his other arm around her back tightly. Veda gave him a playful scowl.

“You could’ve just bent down, silly” she giggled, wetting his hair under the gold shower head before leaning down to pump some of the shampoo into her hands. Terry chuckled with an amused grin plastered across his face.

“Now where’s the fun in that, baby girl, I’m combining a lot my favorite things. I get to look at you and hold you all while having you wet, naked and pressed against me. You’re spoiling me doll and it’s not even my birthday” he said teasingly, giving her ass cheek a gentle squeeze as he stared back at her with a hungry glint his eyes. Veda rolled her eyes, her cheeks flaring a brighter shade of red as she felt her clit throb eagerly at the action. She ignored her arousal as she started lathering his wet hair up gingerly, she tensed up a bit as she felt his hard cock brush against her thigh. Terry cooed a string of sweet nothings in her ear, caressing her back where his hand was still holding her against him.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, remember you’re always in control” he crooned reassuringly, as he tilted his head further into the water so she could rinse all the suds out. Veda dragged a finger along his cheek affectionately, feeling her heart swell in adoration as she tilted his back towards her.

“I know, Terry, I trust you completely it’s just a reflex and I’m sorry it happens, but I promise it’s not because of you. Do you want conditioner, my love?” she asked sweetly, Terry shook his head, leaning up to pepper her face in tender kisses before setting her gently back on the ground to quick rinse out her hair. When he finished, he wrapped her in a tight warm embrace, almost like he was trying to pry the reflex out of her, she really wished he could but they both knew it wouldn’t subside until Dutch was finally off the horizon.

“Veda, I know you’re not doing it on purpose sweetheart, and it isn’t your fault it happens, so you don’t need to be sorry. I promise it doesn’t bother me when it does because I love taking care of you, I love you always, okay” he whispered reassuringly in her ear, stroking her bare back with his long fingers and kissing her head more times than she could count before turning off the water. Veda beamed at him dreamily feeling like her heart might burst with how happy he made her, she let him lift her out of the shower and wrap her up in one of his big plush towels. Staring up at him as she silently made her decision, this trip would mark the solidification of their relationship and devotion for each other. Veda couldn’t remember ever being this sure about anything in her life, but she was sure about her feelings for Terry, and she was sure about his feelings for her.

“I love you too” she cooed back at him.

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They got dressed and finished their morning coffee before finally heading out for Santa Barbara around 10:30. They spent the whole drive laughing and talking about everything and nothing, all they really cared about was seeing the other smile. Veda even sang along to a few songs just to see Terry beam at her adoringly as he traced patterns on her thigh. They stopped for a quick brunch before nearing the San Ysidro Ranch around 1:30 in the afternoon. Veda gasped as she took in the sprawling greenery dotted with olive trees and French lavender swaying in the warm summer breeze against the lush foothills of Montecito.

“See, baby you fit right in my gorgeous little nymph” Terry crooned pointing to the outfit he helped her pick out this morning, now she knew why he kept gravitating to her floral pieces. Veda giggled placing a few kisses on the back of his hand as he pulled up to the reception cottage to check them in. Terry let Veda wander around the garden for a minute, watching her wander around in one of her child like wonder fixations, with an adoring smile on his face.

“Smile, sweetheart” he said holding up her polaroid camera, Veda blushed wondering where he had it stashed away, she misplaced it after snapping a picture of the Chicken Cacciatore he made for her, Lucille made sure to call and shower him with warm motherly praise after she got it. Veda giggled giving him a coy smile as she stopped to pose for him in front of one of the big rose bushes. Terry beamed at her as he raised the camera to his eye and snapped two polaroids of her, he shook them for a few seconds as he walked over to show her the end results with an adoring grin on his face. Veda blushed wrapping her arms around his torso as she looked down at them with a bashful smile on her face.

“They look good, Romeo, good work” she cooed, letting her cheek rest against his chest as she stared up at him with loving eyes, Terry placed a small kiss on the tip of her nose still beaming down at her as his blue eyes glittered in the warm summer sun.

“I didn’t do that much, my sweet girl, you’re just that gorgeous the camera loves you. We really have to start taking more pictures together though. To immortalize all our time together because I never want to forget anything and we’ll have photo albums to show our children someday” Terry said in a cheery tone, Veda gave him a shy smile at the mention of their future hypothetical children. They still hadn’t really talked about that possibility since she started the pill. Veda’s curiosity was piqued on the subject as they strolled into the reception cottage with her arms still wrapped firmly around his torso. Veda didn’t listen to much of Terry’s conversation with the receptionist as she stared up at him for a long while, Terry flashed her sweet smiles and placed kisses on her forehead during the pauses in his conversation. She hadn’t really thought about what Terry would look like as a father but seeing how much care and love he showed her on a daily basis had her thinking he’d actually be a great father. This she knew with absolute certainty, there were no doubts or second guessing, there was just the truth, and the truth was Terry would be every bit as much of a doting father to their kids as her own father was to her and Daniel. They say you often fall for people that remind you of your parents in some way and for the first time Veda could see her dad in Terry, maybe that’s why being with him felt like déjà vu, why their love felt like it had transcended time and space a million times over before they even met, and why she felt like they’d been together forever.

Veda was pulled out of her inner epiphany by Terry stroking her cheek gingerly, Veda gave him a dreamy sort of smile as she looked at him in a new way. Terry smiled back at her gently guiding her out of the cottage and back into the warm summer sunlight, she admired how the sunlight seemed to swirl around him as they walked back down the cobblestone steps and through the lush colorful gardens. Veda found herself wishing she could draw the scene unfolding before her in all its beautiful, serene glory, in their own little personal paradise once again, the world around her seemed to fade and the only thing surrounding her was him.

“Just making sure you’re still with me, baby girl, looked like I lost you to a memory” Terry said, his eyes still glittering in the light as he opened the car door for her flashing her one of his charming smiles in an almost carefree manner. And there she saw it again, a quick glimpse in the golden summer light, one of her father’s carefree laughs echoing distantly in the back of her ears like a lullaby. Veda smiled back at Terry swooping in to place a quick peck on his lips, her heart still swelling in a new kind of dreamy rapt as she stared back at him.

“I was just thinking of how you’ll be a great father someday” she said sincerely, Terry gave her an adorable, uncharacteristically shy smile as he gazed back at her with rosy cheeks. His eyes were still glittering like little pools of rippling water as he placed a hand over his heart at the compliment.

“That means so much coming from you, my angel, you’re so sweet. You’ll be an amazing mom, Veda, hopefully to my children.” he breathed out, Veda’s eyes softened as she reached out to stoke his cheek tenderly putting as much sincerity in her next statement as humanly possible.

“Terry, you’re the only person in the world I’d ever even consider having children with. If they’re not ours, I won’t be having them, can’t promise I won’t take someone else’s though” she said teasingly, hopping back into the car so they could drive back to the cottage they’d be staying in. Terry chuckled, relacing his fingers with hers as he restarted the car.

“Adopting is always an option, sometimes hand-picking children can be nice at least you know what you’re getting but I have a feeling our kids would be quite perfect no matter what” he crooned, slowly making his way to the back of the Ranch property. Veda giggled bashfully, peeling her eyes off the gorgeous scenery to look at him.

“Zoe thinks our children will be quite terrifying. How many children were you thinking about having anyway, Mr. Silver” Veda quipped playfully, though she was really quite serious because she didn’t think she could handle birthing more than two children, maybe even three if she was feeling particularly ambitious but difficult pregnancies tended to run in LaRusso bloodline and with her luck, she’d be the worst of them all. Terry gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as he looked at her with soft caring eyes.

“Oh, sweetheart, however many you want to give me of course. Your body and your comfort will always come first even ten years from now, okay. We can talk about it all when we’re closer to that phase which will be way after you graduate from college, preferably USC but if it’s CalTech that’s fine too. You should be enjoying this stage of your life without worrying about kids, sweetheart. I don’t mind waiting for you at all, you know” Terry said flashing her a sincere smile as he turned into the private driveway, Veda hadn’t thought much about USC with everything going on lately, but she was starting to come around to the idea with them living together now. It also helped that USC campus was a lot bigger than the CalTech campus, she had thought of how easy it would be for Dutch to track her down at such a small school. Veda beamed at him leaning over to pepper his face with kisses.

“I know you don’t, you always take great care of me, my love and I really appreciate you being so patient with me. You’re the most amazing boyfriend in the world and I love you so much. Where will we be staying” Veda cooed, accenting each word with a tender kiss, Terry put the car in park before capturing her in a loving kiss.

“I love you more than anything in the world, baby. We’re staying in two bedroom Kennedy Cottage, it’s where John and Jackie Kennedy spent their honeymoon. It’s got all the luxuries, a private hot tub, an outdoor rain shower, a great terrace overlooking Channel Islands, complimentary in room dining for every meal if you want princess, a great oversized claw bathtub and a little extra surprise just for you, sweetheart.” Terry said with a bright smile as his eyes glittered in the afternoon sun, Ved blushed smiling back at him with a newfound excitement at the mention of a surprise.

“Oh, I don’t mind it just being you and me of course but I thought the others would be staying with us. What kind of surprise could you have possibly planned for me and why, Romeo” she said teasingly, Terry chuckled staring at her with loving glittering blue eyes as he toyed with the promise ring on her finger.

“If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise now, will it baby girl. Ian is planning on proposing to Gwen, so he booked the Olive cottage which is right next to ours and I don’t like Simon enough to let him impede on our romantic getaway, baby. Let’s pop in and see your surprise before we meet the others for tea in the garden, my sweet girl” he said eagerly placing a kiss on her forehead, before hopping out of the car and opening her door for her with a gentlemanly bow. Veda giggled gently taking the hand he offered her to step out of the car, she gave him a quick courtesy with a playful smile on her face.

Terry chuckled as he opened the back car door to grab their bags, he lazily threw them over one of his shoulders so they could hold hands as they walked through the private gated entry into the private courtyard garden. Veda was practically bouncing in excitement when the stone cottage came into view looking like it was pulled right out of a fairytale, Terry always took her to the most romantic places imaginable.

“I really love this resort so far, Romeo everything is so pretty here, thank you for bringing me here with you. We have to get someone to take our picture in front of this before we leave, you know, for our photo albums” Veda said coyly batting her lashes at him with a knowing smile on her face, Terry’s whole face lit up just like she expected it would and she felt her heart swell with joy.

“Oh, sweetheart, you know I’d bring you with me everywhere if I could you don’t have to thank me, I’m just happy you agreed to come and escape some of the festivities for the holiday with me. We’re going to take so many pictures this trip, my sweet girl, don’t you worry, in fact I know exactly what picture I’m going to take of you next, come on” he said unlocking the front door, Veda felt her heart rate pick up in excitement wondering what type of surprise Terry had in store for her today as they stood in the doorway of Kennedy cottage. Terry set their bags down by the door and pulled out her polaroid camera as well as a Nikon F3 with a giddy grin plastered on his face.

“Alright, close your eyes for me baby” he crooned, giving her a playful kiss on the nose. Veda giggled as she placed her hands over her eyes for him, she could make out the sound of the door swinging open. Her body was still vibrating in excitement as she felt him gently place his hands on her forearms, guiding her through the front door carefully.

“Okay, just stand here for a second” he whispered placing a kiss on her forehead, she could hear the excitement in his voice as he let go of her forearms and shuffled about the room for a second.

“Alright, baby girl, you can open your eyes now” Terry said eagerly, Veda giggled softly under her breath, she found his excitement just as adorable as he found hers. Veda beamed slowly removing her hands from her eyes and let out a soft gasp as she took in the living area. Completely wonderstruck by all the vases filled with bunches of pink and red roses, lilies, peonies, and bunches of pink and white hydrangeas. She heard Terry snap a few pictures of her awed doe eyed expression from where he was standing by the open patio doors with a look of adoration on his face. Veda beamed at him again with rosy cheeks and a fluttering heart.

“Oh, Terry, this is so beautiful, thank you” Veda breathed out looking at him with adoration of her own as she moved to walk around the vases carefully. Terry met her halfway flashing her a warm adoring smile.

“Wait, you have to see the bedroom and bathroom, baby. They’re both set up of course you can decide which one we sleep in” he said excitedly, gently lacing his fingers with hers to guide her to one of the masters. Veda giggled with a blush spreading across her cheeks as they walked into one of the rooms to see more flower filled vases. The king-sized canopy bed was covered with pink and white rose petals with a bottle of champagne sat next to a plate full of fruit and chocolate covered strawberries. The posts had pretty fairy lights spun around them, Veda felt her heart flutter, after the incident at the pier she couldn’t sleep very well and would wake up screaming and sweating from a few nightmares. The nightmares were less frequent now but she still needed a little light in the room to keep her from being startled by the dancing shadows streaming in through the bedroom windows. Instead of getting a nightlight or leaving the light on in the bathroom, Terry hung a few Christmas lights over the headboard and along the windowsills for her because she had said Christmas was her favorite holiday.

“You spoil me too much, Romeo” Veda said breathlessly, wrapping her arms around his torso in a side hug looking up at him with unadulterated love and devotion in her eyes. Terry’s eyes softened a bit, returning the look in her eyes tenfold and giving her a tender kiss on her healed cheek. They had one of their unspoken moments with rosy cheeks and adoring grins before they ventured into the master bath, the graceful clawfoot bathtub was filled with more flower petals with unlit candles and more vases of lilies, her favorite flowers, surrounding it in a way that also made it look like he pulled it right out of a fairytale just for her.

“Seriously, how are we going to spend anytime with your friends with the room set up like this, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say Ian isn’t the only one proposing this weekend” she said pointedly, she couldn’t help but wonder what he meant by it given that this was one of the most romantic cottages on the property. Terry chuckled unwrapping himself from her arms he took a step back to snap another picture of her with the polaroid and then the Nikon before pulling her in for a sweet passionate kiss that had her head spinning. Veda moaned fisting his white button up in her hands in an attempt to pull him closer but the cameras in his hand were getting in the way. Veda grumbled impatiently trying to swat the cameras out of her way, Terry chuckled against her lips before pulling away and silently motioning for her to follow him back into the bedroom. Veda pouted up at him, playfully letting out an exaggerated groan as she rewrapping her arms around his torso and rested her cheek against his back. Terry chuckled again taking careful steps so she wouldn’t fall over him as he walked towards the bed.

“Hold on baby girl, I’m just setting the cameras down so we can play some more before we go meet the others for tea in the garden. I want you to be nice and relaxed” he said teasingly, setting the cameras down on one of the nightstands. Veda bit her lip, loosening her hold on his torso a bit so he could turn around without her having to let him go. Terry chuckled softly, turning around, and cradling her face in his hands as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“So, what’s all this for Romeo…” she trailed looking up at his curiously, Terry flashed her a sweet smile as he stoked her cheeks with his thumbs softly. Veda sigh contently as she leaned into his touch with a dreamy type of smile on her face.

“I hadn’t planned on proposing, I just like making you feel special because of how much I love and cherish you. And to show you how appreciative I am that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone for me, sweetheart. I know you’re nervous about meeting my friends today and about the gala on Sunday when we get back and I just want to remind you how special you are to me. I have a lot of time to make up for, if I had known this type of love was out there for me, that you were out there, sweetheart. I never would have wasted my time on anyone else, I wish you were my first everything, Veda. You will definitely be getting a proposal from me someday and it’ll be ten times more beautiful than this, trust me.” Terry said wholeheartedly, brushing a few of her stray hairs out of her face. Veda’s eyes softened as she smiled up at him coyly, feeling her heart swell with joy at him sweet words. He always knew what to say to ease mind and to make her feel so special, she couldn’t imagine what a proposal from him would actually look like if he considered this and her birthday ordinary surprises.

“You already make me feel so special, Terry, you don’t have anything to make up for, silly. You would’ve been waiting an awful long time unless you had hightailed it to New Jersey two years ago. This is a very beautiful surprise, thank you my love” she cooed leaning up to give him a sweet kiss Terry sighed deepening the kiss as he tangled his fingers in her hair. Veda moaned digging her nails into his back as a warm bubbly arousal spread through her stomach to her clit. Terry made a pleased sounding hum before pulling away to let her breathe as he looked at her with lustful blue eyes.

“Veda, you would’ve been so worth the wait, can I help you relax now, baby girl” He cooed placing soft kisses down her cheek, Veda nodded breathlessly tightening her hold around his torso a bit. “You know I like you to use your words baby” he said teasingly, running his hands down her bare shoulders gently. Veda blushed biting her lip as she looked up at him through her lashes.

“Yes, please help me relax, Terry” she said softly, Terry’s eyes softened the way they always did when she spoke like that to him, he let out another pleased hum before peppering her face with adoring kisses as he walked her backwards towards the bed.

“Lay down, my sweet girl” he cooed, lowering her onto the petal covered duvet gently before reaching to move the fruit platter and champagne bottle onto the nightstand. Veda giggled softly as she watched him grab a piece of fruit off the plate and pop it in his mouth, Terry smiled at her adoringly as he grabbed a second piece.

“Here baby” he whispered holding a piece of cantaloupe to her lips looking deeply into her eyes, he still jumped at the chance to feed her every chance he got. Veda blushed coyly opening her mouth for him with a smitten smile on her face, Terry smiled down at her setting the sweet piece fruit on tongue delicately.

“Thank you, Romeo” she cooed as she finished chewing, Terry smiled leaning down to capture her in a brief heated kiss, running his large hands over her bare shoulders and collarbones, settling them just above her dress as he hovered over her, his glittering blue eyes full of love and lust as he stared at down at her. An idea seemed to spark in his pretty eyes as he moved away from her slightly, sometimes his quick moves away from her still caused her to panic a little. Her hand clasped around his arm reflexively and Terry flashed her a reassuring smile.

“You’re welcome baby girl, I’m not leaving I’m just grabbing this, okay” he said softly, grabbing the polaroid camera off the nightstand, Veda gave him a timid smile as he snapped a picture of her sprawled out form on the plush mattress with her dark waves laced with rose petals.

 “I’m sorry baby girl, you just look so gorgeous spread out for me on top of flower petals. Like a beautiful little garden nymph, I’ll get right to work now” he said playfully, leaning down to place hot open-mouthed kisses across her collarbones and cleavage stopping just above her the neckline of her dress with a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Terry, stop teasing me” she whined, Terry chuckled finally popping one of her ample breasts out of her dress and closing his mouth around her nipple, sucking, and teasing it with his teeth until it was hard and sensitive. Veda let out a breathy moan watching him suckle on her breast through lustful hooded eyes, tangling her fingers in the ends of his hair just the way he liked her to, Terry moaned in approval. Sliding one of his hands up under her dress and unlatching his mouth from her nipple to speak to her.

“Fingers, mouth, or both baby girl” he purred, moving her panties to the side and running a long finger along her slit in a feather like manner.

“Both please” she moaned, spreading her legs for him eagerly, Terry let out another moan of approval as he captured her in another passionate kiss. “Do you want me to move up so you can lay down too” she cooed breathlessly; Terry smiled down at her stroking her cheek affectionately.

“No, that’s okay my sweet girl. You’re the only person I’ll never mind getting on my knees for” he cooed giving her another brief kiss before lowering himself to the floor. Veda gave him a bashful smile as she reached out to hold one of his hands, Terry laced his fingers with hers, giving her a sweet smile and a few soft kisses up her inner thigh. Veda moaned as he let a finger tease her entrance which was already dripping with her arousal. Terry made a pleased sounding hum as he replaced his finger with his tongue, lapping up her juices as he moaned against her heat. Veda whined impatiently, wanting him to close his mouth around her swollen clit and toy with her g-spot already. She felt his warm quick breathes against her folds and knew he was laughing at her as he looked up at her with amused eyes, Veda gave him the biggest pair of puppy dog eyes she could muster as she pouted at him, sitting up slightly to place her free hand on top of his head. He loved getting her needy for him.

“Terry, please” she whined, trying to position his head where she wanted it, Terry pulled his head back still chuckling softly, gently moving her hand towards the end of his ponytail.

“Okay, baby girl, okay” he chuckled, finally dipping a longer finger inside of her tight heat slowly, Veda moaned fluttering around him as he gently stretched her out.

“You have such a tight little pussy don’t you, baby girl” he coaxed adding a second finger as he stared at her with lustful blue eyes. Veda let out another moan, absentmindedly nodding her head in acknowledgement, staring back at him with needy brown doe eyes. Terry smirked at her cocking a teasing eyebrow as he stilled his fingers inside of her, Veda pouted with a furious blush on her cheeks as she remembered his teasing reminder a few minutes ago.

“Yes Terry, I have a tight little pussy…” she said, Terry bit his lip, as he resumed pumping and angling his fingers inside of her at a steady pace but still leaving her clit annoyingly neglected. Veda pouted at him again, tightening the hold she had on his hand sharply, Terry flashed her a teasing smile.

“Yeah, baby girl, such a tight perfect little pussy…” Terry cooed teasingly, Veda narrowed her eyes at him as she tugged impatiently on his ponytail. Terry continued his agonizingly slow pumps with the same teasing grin on his face, she knew he was only doing it because he found her getting needy for him adorable and because he wanted to hear her ask him for it. Veda flashed him one of her impish smiles as she batted her eyelashes at him just the way he liked her to.

“Oh Terry, please make my tight perfect little pussy cum for you” Veda coaxed confidently, Terry groaned maintaining her gaze, he increased the pace of his long fingers were pumping inside of her wet heat.

“That’s my good girl” he mused latching his mouth onto her clit, Veda cried out arching her back and curling her toes as she threw her head back against the cushiony duvet covered in flower petals, against another expression of his love and devotion. Terry moaned against her, eating her out feverishly and giving her hand a squeeze to get her attention in her dazed state of ecstasy.

“I’ve got to see that gorgeous face when you cum for me, my sweet girl” he crooned as he halted his starved laps and sucks on her sensitive bud, Veda forced herself to raise her head off of the bed. “Hold on, baby, here” he cooed letting her hand go for a brief moment to move some of the pillows under her shoulders, Veda gave him a dreamy smile and a kiss on the forehead before leaning back to rest against them, lacing her fingers with his once more. Terry flashed her another adoring smile, he placed a few tender kisses against her folds before resuming his hungry laps and sucks, occasionally pulling his finger out of her heat to let his tongue thrust inside of her. Every action withdrew a mess of depraved moans and cries of his name until Veda came to a mind-boggling orgasm, her whole-body trembling as she entered another Terry induced stage of euphoria. As usual Terry replaced her panties gingerly and smoothed out her dress before pulling her into his arms, stroking her hair as he purred sweet nothings in her ear. Veda let out a sigh of contentment as she nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck, inhaling his comforting scent with ragged breaths.

“You’re okay, baby” he cooed, Veda pulled away to look at him with a dazed smile on her face, nodding her head animatedly.

“I’m very relaxed now, Romeo, thank you. Would you like me to return the favor” she cooed, peppering his face with kisses as her hands toyed with the button on his shorts. Terry chuckled, placing a kiss on her shoulder, and popping her breasts back into her dress gingerly.

“Oh, baby girl, this was all about making you feel special and showing my appreciation for you. I love worshipping you, seeing you completely spent for me is reward enough for me, you don’t have to return anything.” Terry said sincerely, Veda gave him a loving kiss on the lips.

“I know that, Terry, I want to show my appreciation for you too. You’ve been so patient with me when it comes to intimacy, I don’t mean to keep you waiting like this I know it’s hard for you and I’m sorry. So, returning the favor is really the least I can do” she said, Terry rested his forehead against her looking at her with a serious expression in his eyes.

“Veda, we’ve talked about this baby, waiting for you isn’t hard for me at all, I told you from the start sex and intimacy are completely your decision all I care about is being with you. When you do decide you’re ready, let me know, you deserve to have a special first time, sweetheart and I’d love to be the one to make it as special as you deserve, okay” Terry said with intense earnestness in his voice, still gazing into her eyes as she sat enfolded in his arms while he stroked her dark hair gently the afternoon sun mirrored them, streaming in through the glass door it danced across the flower petals and duvet encircling them in a golden embrace of warmth. Veda relaxed in his hold, her heart swelling with adoration in the purest form, her brown eyes brimming with blissful tears.

“Okay, I’m almost there, I promise.” She said sincerely because she was almost there, she was so close to letting go of all those formidable defenses she had put up those months ago and trusting Terry with her heart, mind, and body. Terry beamed at her, softly placing a kiss on her lips with so much love and tenderness she felt like she might fly.

“I know you are, sweetheart, I promise I’m not going anywhere regardless of if you’re ready to do that or not, okay. I’m afraid I’ve made us almost twenty minutes late for tea. Are you ready to head over to the garden, my beautiful girl?” he cooed, Veda nodded, letting him pull her to her feet. She laced her fingers with his almost immediately as she smiled up at him with rosy cheeks. Terry smiled back at her, giving her a quick but tender kiss on the forehead he grabbed the Nikon off the nightstand and gently guided her out of the cottage.

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Terry’s Pov

Terry couldn’t think of time he ever felt as happy as he had in these last few months with Veda by his side and the thought of anyone wanting to keep this from him, to keep her from him, made him unbelievably angry. His efforts to track down Dutch had not gone in vain, Chad as promised was the first stop on his on his spree. Terry started out slow with calculated minor inconveniences like having Chad’s Chevy Camero towed and impounded, stealing or damaging precious items in his puerile bedroom, cutting off half of his picture-perfect golden locks while he laid passed out on his bedroom floor, and totaling his families Princess 45 in the Marina del Rey harbor. All child’s play for Terry really, getting Chad kicked out of Berkley was the real cherry on top of his expertly crafted ploy to corner Chad in a Pasadena alleyway to pummel and maim him. Terry wanted to make Chad suffer ten times more than he made Veda suffer when she sat helpless and ill on a bench on the hottest day LA had seen this summer.

As Terry had expected, Chad Johnson was a complete and utter coward who only had the gall to assault and hit someone if they were a defenseless young woman. Chad was on the ground groveling for mercy before Terry even laid a hand on him, he sat on his knees and confessed his misdeeds like Terry was a benevolent priest who would just forgive his attempt to further traumatize Terry’s precious little angel. Terry quickly figured out Veda was just one of many pretty girls, Chad Johnson had forced himself on. Berkley showed Terry the upmost gratitude for helping them keep their prestigious reputation. Flashing them a copy Chad’s fresh restraining order and a picture of the mark he had left on an innocent doe eyed girl had the school board eating out of the palm of his hand. The dean even went as far as to call up Chad’s parents on speaker phone while Terry was still sat back in the cherry armchair in his office with his arms laying lazily over his lap with a deeply satisfied slightly sinister look in his blue eyes. By the time Terry had cornered Chad in the alleyway his father had kicked him out of the house and confiscated his Chevy Camero, Chad had been alternating between his friends couches for almost two weeks by then. Of course, Chad’s parents were more pissed off by him being kicked out of Berkley and tarnishing the good Johnson family reputation in Encino then they were about him assaulting Veda, but it had served its purpose at least. Aside from Terry putting him in the emergency room for a day, Chad wasn’t going to get accepted into another prestigious establishment with that on his record anytime soon, a real-world life altering consequence for hurting his sweet girl was sure to make the message sink in for him and for Dutch and Tommy. Terry was sure they got it too, but he still intended on taking them out one by one at a spine chillingly slow, calculated pace. Tommy was next on the list and like he had done with Chad, Terry started with minor offences like keying and slashing the tires on Tommy’s brand-new Corvette and damaging several of his mom’s priceless fine China after Tommy threw a little bash while she was out of town.

It was only a matter of time before Terry successfully got Tommy kicked out of Berkley too, he knew the suspense was eating away him and Dutch, Ben and Riley kept him updated after Chad’s unfortunate ‘mugging by a mystery assailant in an alleyway’ and Tommy’s new car being mysteriously damaged. Dutch and Tommy were finally catching to the fact they were being toyed with by someone, but they hadn’t figured out who it was since Daniel LaRusso was out of the country. Terry put his spree on pause to spend the holiday with the love of his life on a secluded romantic getaway before he introduced her into upper class society on Sunday. Once some headlines broke about Terry Silver’s serious committed relationship with a young, gifted beauty, Veda would be even more unobtainable to Dutch than she already was. She didn’t have to vocalize it; Terry just knew the only thing standing in the way of her giving herself to him completely was Dutch. Her fear of Terry abandoning her was replaced with a new fear of Dutch tearing them apart, leaving them to dwell in an existence of deep melancholy until they meet again in their next life or wherever they were going after this. In a true Romeo and Juliet type of fate, Terry was going to do everything he could to prevent that outcome and to erase her fears after this weekend. But for now, Terry was going to do what he did best, make her feel so loved and special Dutch wouldn’t cross her mind for a single second. He’d capture every rosy smile, every adorable pout, every fit of childlike wonder, and every loving doe eyed gaze like his life depended on it because she was his life now, she was his whole world. And she deserved a starring role in all the photo albums he only wanted to fill because of her, to hear her freely express that he was the only one she’d ever consider starting a family with and that she thought he'd be an amazing father to their children made his heart skip a beat just when he didn’t think it was possible to love her any more than he already did.

Terry and Veda spent that walk to the gardens enjoying each other and the beautiful landscapes San Ysidro had to offer. Laughing and practically skipping down cobblestone paths, they happily snapped as many photos of each other as they possibly could, seemingly ignoring the rest of the world in one of their blissful bubbles until they reached the lush colorful resort garden. He held her hand tightly as they walked along the winding cobblestone pathway under the dreamy wisteria laced pergola, he’d surely be taking multiple pictures of her here before they headed back to get dressed for their private group dinner at the Old Adobe. He picked it because he knew Veda would love eating in a California historic landmark even if she for whatever reason disliked his friends, if she said she did Terry wouldn’t hesitate to drop them in a heartbeat. Luckily, that was not the case when they finally strolled up to their tea table a fashionable twenty-five minutes late, Veda, Ian, Gwen, and Anna got along as well as he was expecting and hoping they would. She rightfully hated Simon after he undermined her acceptance into CalTech by vilely implying she must have laid down on the dean’s couch, Terry resisted the urge to knock him silly for Veda’s sake, he resolved to public humiliation. Reprimanding Simon in the middle of the resort gardens with a stony expression and sinister eyes for the all the other guests to see as he calmly told him to enjoy this trip because it would be the last annual trip he was ever going to be invited to. Simon was silent for the rest of the day, only uttering words to the wait staff during their private dinner in the Old Adobe while a very relaxed, happy Veda freely laughed and participated in all their discussions like she’d been a part of their friend groups forever. It was everything Terry had been hoping for and somehow so much more, he had no doubts the gala on Sunday would seem less imposing to her now and that made him happy in a way he couldn't explain.

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Veda’s Pov

Veda was relieved to find she actually quite liked Terry’s friends, Ian, Gwen, and Anna were exceptionally warm and welcoming towards her even more so after Simon had all but accused her of sleeping with the CalTech dean of admissions to get accepted. Terry jumped to her aid before he even got the last word out, forever her knight in silver armor always keeping his word. She hadn’t expected him to bar Simon from any future trips, but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t happy about it. Simon pretty much refused to speak to anyone after that and after dinner he silently retreated back to Acacia cottage while Anna joined them to watch the orange pink sunset on Kennedy cottage terrace and drink cocktails.

On the morning of the fourth of July Terry and Veda joined the others at the pool for more cocktails, a nice lunch at the Stonehouse restaurant, and another afternoon tea before going their separate ways around dinner time. Veda could tell Terry was getting a little anxious about the evening fireworks, so she decided it’d be a good idea to put their rose petal filled clawfoot bathtub to use, they drank champagne and ate their delicious appetizers while they waited for their room service dinner to arrive. They sat cuddled up in the warm bubbly water, feeding and holding one another with big goo-goo eyes, completely love-struck in a way that was more deeply romantic than overtly sexual.

“Here you go handsome, did Ian tell you what he planned out for his grand proposal” Veda cooed feeding him a mini quiche with a smitten looking smile on her face, Terry placed a loving kiss on her shoulder mirroring her smile back at her with twinkling blue eyes.

“Thank you, my gorgeous girl, Ian whisked her away to one of the hiking trails to see the waterfalls while the staff sets up their cottage for them with a great candlelit dinner and as many red roses as they can fit, I’m not so sure those two will end up heading into to town to see the fireworks after all. Anna told me she’s only taking Simon to see the fireworks so they can talk…” Terry trailed, Veda giggled knowing he wanted her to feed into one his adorable attempts at gossip.

“Waterfalls aw that’s so romantic. Oh, no, a talk. I’m afraid that’s never a good sign is it Mr. Silver, are we talking a splitsville talk or a honey, you forgot to take the trash out again talk” Veda quipped with amused brown eyes, Terry chuckled feeding her a piece of Canapes with an adoring smile.

“We can go see the waterfall tomorrow if you want, sweetheart. Oh, it’s definitely a splitsville talk, Anna has been putting up with Simon’s unsavory remarks and lackluster bedroom performance for a full four years and to top it all off he never popped the question.” Terry quipped; Veda gasped in mock outrage as she popped another mini quiche in his mouth with a playful smile on her lips.

“Four years and no ring, poor Anna wasted four years of her life on a total dud. I’d love to see the waterfall with you tomorrow, Romeo” she cooed happily, she could faintly hear the staff enter the living room to set up their dinner in front of the fireplace as requested. Terry captured her with a sweet tender kiss.

“We can definitely do that tomorrow before dinner at the Veranda. I believe they’re setting up our dinner for tonight, my angel, do you want to bundle up in the bathrobes or do you want a pair of your cute pjs” he cooed, Veda placed her finger on her chin in playful contemplation, she knew which Terry wanted her to pick but she was getting a bit cold.

“How about I wear the robe over my pjs until I’m nice and warm in front of the fire, Romeo” she said coyly, Terry chuckled placing a playful kiss on her nose as he gently moved the bath tray out of the way as he stood up to step out of the bath.

“That’s a great choice, baby, here” he said helping her to her feet, he tenderly wrapped a fluffy towel around her goosebump ridden body before gingerly lifting her out of the tub and onto the heated bathroom floor. “I’m going to grab your pjs, you stay here and let your feet warm up, baby girl” he cooed, wrapping a towel around his waist, and shuffling to the bedroom he came back shortly after wearing emerald, green silk pajama pants and his bathrobe still open and baring his chiseled torso. Terry gazed at her with a bashful smile tugging on his lips he held up a brand-new short silk emerald, green nightgown with lace detailing over the breast cups and matching panties. Veda blushed with a timid smile playing on her face.

“I don’t remember that being in my bag, Romeo.” She said teasingly, Terry chuckled giving her a soft kiss on the forehead his eyes still tinkling in the warm romantic bathroom lighting.

“That’s because it was in my bag, I like when we wear matching outfits, may I help you put them on…” he trailed with the same bashful looking smile, Veda giggled nodding her head eagerly in confirmation.

“Yes, you may, you may also carry me to the living room” she chirped, loving the way his face lit up Terry gently unwrapped her towel from her body and took a few minutes to admire her bare body aimlessly running a finger the curve of her left hip.

“So gorgeous” he hummed softly, bending down to help her step into the soft lace panties he slowly glided them up her legs and thighs, he his fingers gently caress her skin before settling them on her hips he drew a few soothing circles. Before repeating the action as, he pulled her arms through the nightgown armholes tenderly, letting his fingers dance upon her skin as he slid the rest of the gown over her head, the gown waterfalled over her breasts swiftly. Terry gave her an adoring smile as he helped her into her rope tying it securely around her waist, Veda mirrored his smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck, Terry scooped her off the heated tile floors with ease.

“Onward my noble silver steed” she cooed playfully, Terry rolled his eyes letting out a deep amused chuckle as he carried her out of the bathroom and into the living room where their dinner, a bottle of red wine, and a warm crackling fire awaited them.

“Alright, my princess, where would you like to sit” he cooed in her ear with a sweet smile playing on his lips. Veda smiled back at him with rosy cheeks and a beaming smile.

“On your lap of course, Romeo. So, we can keep feeding each other” she said sweetly, Terry eagerly sat down on one of cushions placed on the floor with a beaming smile of his own. He poured them each a glass of wine before getting to work, spearing a piece of her herb crusted lamb, he brought the fork up to her lips. Much like he did at the roof top place, it was hard for Veda to believe that was only a month and half ago because to her it felt like ages. Time seemed to move differently when she was with Terry sometimes, she couldn’t remember what her life was like before he was in it and now that she was so deeply in love with him, she couldn’t bear to think about what her life might look like if she lost him. She didn’t think there was any feasible way for her to exist in the world without him now that she knew what loving him felt like.  

“Here, baby girl” he cooed, Veda accepted the food with a beaming smile and rosy cheeks. Veda flashed him a sweet smile as she speared some of his honey glazed chicken, she brought the fork up to his lips and like always Terry met her halfway. They continued feeding each other as they shared one of their many wordless conversations between bites of food, sips of wine, and kisses on the cheek basking in the glow of the crackling fireplace in their own little personal Eden for a long time. In fact, their moment was so long they forgot what day it was, their comfortable silence was soon hindered by the loud rumbling booms of the intrusive warlike fireworks display over Stearns Wharf, a measly six miles away from San Ysidro Ranch. Veda could see the faint colorful flashes of light flooding in though the patio door windows for a second, she thought she felt the rumbles vibrate through the cottage floors but then she remembered what or rather who she was sitting on. Her eyes darted to Terry just as he dropped the fork in his hand, her heirloom beets left a deep purple red stain on the white bathrobe she was wearing but she was too concerned with her Romeo to care. Terry’s face had gone a ghostly shade of white and his eyes glazed over in a way that made her think he had left his still trembling body.

“Terry” she said in a soft but frantic tone as she reached up to caress his cheek gingerly, not wanting to startle him with the sounds of surrounding fireworks still aggressively flooding in through the cottage walls. Terry didn’t reply, still staring off in what she could only assume was the dark brooding jungles of Vietnam, his mind lost in a dark distant memory.

“Terry” Veda cried a bit louder this time, but it seemed to have much of the same effect or lack there off. Veda nibbled on her lip nervously as she reached behind him to pull his raven curls out of their confines, raking her small fingers through it in an attempt to bring him back to her, she’d read up on a few grounding techniques in case something like this happened. Simulating the five senses as a means to pull his mind out of a dark traumatic spiral seemed easy enough for her to manage if she could get him to a place where he was at least talking. The passes she was making through his soft dark curls seemed to help a bit because Terry’s blue eyes met hers, they were no longer glittering with happiness, instead they were now flooded with waves of anguish and melancholy. Veda was relieved to see at least a glimpse of some sort of recognition in them, his blue orbs softened a bit as they swept over her face in way that made her think he was trying to figure out if she was real. His left arm was wrapped tightly around her waist and his right hand trailed down the length of her cheek delicately.

“There’s an angel in here John” he said in the form of a meek sounding whisper, Veda’s eyes softened as she registered what he said, her heart was still heavy with concern, but she could at least work with what he gave her. Her fingers were still raking through his dark curls as she leaned in to place a soft peck on his cheek.

“No, Terry, my name is Veda, remember” she said softly, Terry’s body stiffened a bit as he stared back at her and let his hand drop from her face with a small flash of fear in his eyes. Veda calmly gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek and laced the fingers of her free hand with his.

“Veda are you here to take me to Ponytail” he asked in a shaky voice, Veda calmy shook her head, smiling back at him softly trying to handle this with as much care as she possibly could.

“No, Terry, I’m going to take you to the bedroom so we can cuddle, you’re safe with me. Come on” Veda coaxed, slowly rising to her feet and gently gripped his other trembling hand in hers, Terry looked up at her with hesitant eyes before slowly rising to his feet. Veda smiled reassuringly she walked backwards to maintain his gaze and draw soothing circles on the backs of his large shaky hands, guiding him gently into the master bedroom and over to the king-sized canopy bed. 

“Why don’t you lay down so I can make the room safe for us” she said gently urging him to lay back in the middle of the king size canopy bed and reluctantly let his hands go. Terry nodded in acknowledgment, seemingly more alert but still on defense, he watched her flick on the fairy lights spun around the bed post with wary childlike blue eyes. Veda sighed sadly, he almost looked at her like she was a stranger as she shuffled about the room at a slow pace so she wouldn’t frighten him further. She shut the bedroom and bathroom doors softly and flicked on the tv in an attempt to drown out some of the aggressive fireworks. Before lowering all the window and patio door shades and rushing back towards the bed. Terry’s eyes were squeezed shut as he laid upon the plush duvet his body still vibrating, Veda sighed softly, she swore she actually felt her heart break just seeing him this vulnerable.

“Terry, I’m done making the room safe for us so I’m going to lay down with you now. Is that okay?” she cooed, Terry’s eyes flew open sharply taking in her form at the edge of the bed with wary captivated blue eyes. Veda held his gaze while she peeled off her white bathrobe, tossing it lazily on one of the armchairs before sitting next to him softly on the bed. Terry’s eyes traveled over the dark green nightgown like he was trying to pinpoint where he had seen it before.

“Thank you for the nightgown, Terry. I like matching with you too, green is one of my favorite colors. It’s also very soft, like my hair, see” she said, gingerly guiding one of his hands to the ends of her hair Terry’s blue eyes softened a bit raking his fingers through her thick black waves on instinct. Veda reached out to mirror him, gingerly raking her finger through his soft dark curls while she stared at him intently his blue eyes were still trained on her face looking slightly bewildered. Veda smiled back at him softly, she had successfully tackled his sense of sight and touch, he was at least focused on her now even if he didn’t seem to know who she was at the moment, still lost in the jungles of Vietnam. She could think of a few things to say to get the gears turning in his head but maybe the best thing for right now was just to comfort him, luckily, she knew exactly how to do that now.

“Terry, I’m going to lay down by you now, okay. You can keep playing with my hair of course, Romeo” she cooed, she guided him to wrap his free arm around her waist before lowering herself to lay on part of his body like she usually did. Veda rested her cheek against his collarbone and tangled her fingers in his dark hair again, looking up at him with deeply loving eyes, she started singing to him just as the last hurrah of the belligerent 4th of July finale was rattling the walls. Terry, although still trembling, listened to her sing with adoration and recognition flooding back into his eyes and his arm tightened its hold around her waist. The harsh booming noises slowly died down and the walls stopped rattling as they laid tangled together in an intimate solace with Veda’s dulcet tune sounding over the dull chatter of whatever was playing on the tv and throughout the still room.

“Oh, my Veda” he breathed out, tangling his long fingers through her thick waves Terry bowed slightly to rest his forehead against hers. Veda continued her lullaby for him long after the fireworks stopped vibrating the cottage and Terry’s body had relaxed beneath her completely. Slowly slipping back into their personal bubble with loving gazes and tender passes through the other’s hair. Terry sighed in contentment, having finally come back to her after his trip through the haunting trenches of Vietnam he gazed at her with adoring devoted blue eyes as he placed a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose. Veda ceased her singing to pull him into a tender kiss still raking her fingers through his soft dark curls with great tenderness as she stared back at him with just as much devoted adoration.

“Thank you, my sweet girl. I love you” Terry whispered; Veda caressed his cheek with a soft smile tugging on her lips before she trailed her hand delicately down the length of his bare chiseled chest. Terry gave her a soft smile and another kiss on the tip of her nose.

“And I love you, you don’t have to thank me, my love. I’ll always protect you; I’ll always take care of you” she cooed his declaration back to him with sincere brown eyes. Terry caressed her cheek softly and pulled her in for a long, tender loving kiss before pulling away to gaze deeply into her eyes again. Veda smiled softly at him still gently trailing her hand up and down his chest in comforting passes. “How are you feeling, my love? Is there anything I can get you?” she cooed giving him a soft peck on the cheek, Terry shook his head with a sweet smile dancing on his face, his blue eyes were twinkling again, and Veda felt a wave of relief pass through her. She wished there was something she could do to keep that amount of melancholy from ever flooding his beautiful eyes again.

“No thank you, baby girl, you’ve done so much for me already, I’m just sorry you had to see me like that but I’m okay now, thanks to you.” Terry said softly, Veda shushed him looking at him as seriously as he looked at her yesterday, when she had apologized for keeping him waiting as she reached up to cradle his face in her small hands.

“That’s not something you have to apologize for Terry, it’s okay. I told you; you could tell me anything, that you could show me all your demons and open all your boxes and we would handle them together. I meant that, I love you, I love every part of you, and this is a part of who you are and that’s okay. It’s going to take a lot more than this to scare me away, okay, my love. You’re always safe with me” Veda said wholeheartedly, gingerly stroking his cheeks with her thumbs hoping he could see the love and sincerity swilling in her eyes. Terry smiled back at her dreamily, shaking his head in acknowledgement as he turned to kiss the palm of one of hands.

“I know, baby girl, thank you so much. Are you still hungry, I know I cut our dinner a little short, but I can have them bring us some fresh food” he cooed, finally sounding like his normal doting self. Veda giggled shaking her head at him she gave him a playful kiss on the tip of his nose.

“Terry Silver, I’m the one taking care of you right now, I want you to just relax, okay. So, are you still hungry, what can I do to help you get comfortable?” she chided softly, Terry chuckled under his breath at her with amusement swirling in his twinkling blue eyes.

“No, baby, I’m not hungry and all I want to do right now is snuggle up and hold you” he crooned, Veda smiled and gave him a quick peck on the lips before she let go of his face.

“That I can definitely do for you, Romeo. Here let’s get under the covers, hmm” she cooed, Terry chuckled standing up for a moment to help her roll down the duvet as he eagerly slides his bathrobe off, tossing it lazily on one of the armchairs before crawling into bed next to her. Veda smiled softly, gently urging him to lay down while she moved to pull the covers up and over them.

“How would you like to cuddle, my love?” Veda asked softly as she laid her head down on a pillow, Terry smiled rolling over on his side he draped an arm over her, gently tangling his hand in her dark hair. Veda rolled over and instinctively inched closer to him pressing her body against his she placed her hand on his cheek she rested her forehead against his.

“Like this, sweetheart, I just need to see something good right now and you’re so angelic, Veda, so lovely, so beautiful, so sweet. I love you so much” he crooned, giving her a sweet kiss on the lips, Veda smiled melting into him as she felt her heart swell with an overwhelming amount of love and joy.

“I love you too, Terry” she said, looking deep into his eyes she began to sing to him once again, over the faint chatter of the tv. She didn’t stop until Terry’s eyes fluttered shut and his breathing came out in slow deep sighs. Veda placed a soft kiss on his lips before drifting off to sleep.

[halothenthehorns]

Chapter 9: Blitz Took Rachel Shopping At Some Point

Percy wasn’t happy.

But after a very brief argument with Annabeth, he’d had to concede that it was like trying to find a red needle in a stack of mortals.

So they were heading off to Boston. Argus handed the keys over, only blinking a few suspicious eyes at them as Percy showed off his license. Percy had sadly understood the confusion, the lady before him that day had smelled way to suspicious of illegal substances and it had lingered, he looked like he was trying to smile, breathe through his mouth, and show off his teeth all at once while forgetting the question he’d just been asked. It wasn’t a face he was happy to repeat on inspection.

 Someone had repainted the buses recently to draw in more business in the wintertime. They were now bright pink, the strawberries painted all over with adorable cartoon faces, some even had googly eyes jostling in place with sunshine smiles and green hats. Percy’s promise not to crash it had sounded like a lie to his own ears as he started the engine.

At least he got to drive, as the other two made no claims.

Jason had remained silent through the ordeal of them bickering over eclairs and coffee as the bus wound its way through mid-morning traffic.

“I’m going to rip that horn out if you do that again,” Annabeth groaned from the seat behind him, still swaying from the motion of his lane change. “The Harpies don’t use it half as much as you!”

“It was a valid call ref,” Percy shrugged, nearly taking the bumper off a little hamster car with him as he swerved behind to make his exit.

Jason waited until they were through the worst of it and the green tinge to Annabeth’s face had faded, as well as her cussing out half the universe to a dull mutter, to ask, “did you guys dream last night?”

“No,” Annabeth said with a miserable frown, toying with the beads of her necklace once more. There was a red coral pendent there that looked like a real ruby flashing about. He’d almost rather she finger the hilt of her knife strapped in place, that felt less ominous. Even though Jason had never seen them before, they looked right, made her look whole again.

“Nada,” Percy agreed, though he at least sounded relieved not to have any more twisted nightmares from his ‘not dad.’

“I dreamed I was back at the Wolf House,” it felt like a confession, though it was nothing to really hide. “I saw this enormous wolf, twice the size of any of them there. She promised me I was on the right path now, but she wouldn’t offer me any help.” He kept the craziest part to himself, worried they’d tell Thalia. She wouldn't take it well if she heard him refer to some animal as his mother, but that’s what he’d felt when he looked at Lupa. The she-wolf was the closest thing to family he’d had before he’d lost himself, he’d woken up sure of it.

“I’ve heard of Lupa,” Annabeth agreed, she’d already tried to get a bit of studying on Rome’s history in, if not as much as she liked. Curse her easy proneness to car sickness or she’d still be studying now. “It’s odd she got a message to you when the rest of the gods either can’t or won’t still.” Her nails ripped up some polyester when the bus went up on two wheels to make a hairpin turn. Neither of them looked out the window to see why Percy had made that decision.

They weren’t exactly sure what park they were looking for, and it was hard to believe anyone would be waiting there in this weather that constantly spat ice and rain down all day as they searched, but when they finally rumbled into the strange town of Boston, it only took them a few hours to hunt around all of them and find them. They sort of stuck out.

Percy barely took the time to throw the bus in park, and it still skidded a few feet on the ice and rested on the sidewalk anyways as he jumped out. “Rachel!”

She was in a downy teal jacket that somehow made her startling red curls a fashionable accessory for once, and the marker littered jeans seem artful instead of erratic. She was sitting on a duck statue just out of the stormy gloom and watching a stout man intently when she whipped around and went running to meet Percy.

They collided and went down in a pile of snow and laughter from the ice, but helped each other up quickly still hugging and trying to out talk the other, Annabeth and Jason smiling all the while.

“-found myself in Pakistan,” she was explaining, still a little breathless.

“What?” Percy asked blankly.

Rachel laughed again and clapped her hands together to chase the snow out of her matching gloves. Which was strange. She never wore anything matching unless she was in her school uniform. “So glad I still get to see that confused look, book or no book. It’s the largest dam in the world. I think Oceanus was aiming for the Hoover dam? Maybe he was listening in? Honestly Percy, who can say,” she rolled her eyes and didn’t seem particularly concerned at having found herself halfway across the world. “I only just got here this morning from all the flight connections I had to make.”

“Why are you here?” Annabeth asked with polite puzzlement, still studying her first elf with deep interest more than paying attention to the two; despite the fact she had half a dozen questions ready for Rachel on such a landmark in her back pocket.

“Don’t know,” she confessed. “I was making my way towards Camp, but I just had this hunch when I was at my last terminal.” She shrugged and looked back at the two. “I found them here, and we got to talking. They seemed to guess I wasn’t just another crazy art student somehow. I’m sure you’ve guessed, this is Blitz, and Hearth.”

“I’ve got a nose for that kind of thing,” the stouter of the two agreed, his dark skin and wild black beard hiding most of his face.

“Hey man, glad you’re okay, Magnus was pretty worried about you,” Percy grinned at Hearth. “Where’d you land?”

“Some all girls school,” Blitz answered, his voice remaining gruff as he studied Annabeth. 

Rachel barely smothered a giggle as she explained, “mine, to be exact.”

“I’m going to kill that Titan,” Percy sighed. They never would have found him there!

Hearth signed something else. Not one of them had a clue what, but it didn’t look like he was offering to bring them to a taco joint as far as Percy could tell to explain how he’d wound up here next.

Then he waved his hand impatiently at them, and Blitz reluctantly seemed to ask a question that he knew the answer to as he kept studying the three of them. His voice was bleak. “Where's the kid?”

Annabeth’s tears froze in the corner of her eyes, her voice choked on nothing.

“We promised him you’d have a safe place to call home if you wanted,” Percy said. “I’m making good on that,” he gestured back to the bright bus, he’d only lost one googly eye on the ride, glad his girlfriend had a strong stomach and it wouldn’t smell like vomit, or strawberries.

The two exchanged a look, and their hopes plummeted like those stone ducks would if they were dumped in the pond even before they shook their heads.

“Please,” Annabeth stepped forward, offering out her hand. “I’m sorry, I want to explain, and we want to help you.”

“We don’t need help,” Blitz said not unkindly. “He was under our protection, and I’m glad you two got a chance to get to know each other.”

Hearth signed something and pointed at the tree. Blitz nodded and went back to studying Annabeth. “Did he die with a weapon in his hands?”

Annabeth looked down at her palm in confusion, before she shook her head.

This clearly troubled both of them more than the obvious news he was dead. Hearth signed something else, and Percy and Jason knew one of those. He was asking something about Alex.

“Alex did,” Jason said firmly. “He died protecting one of our friends.”

“Then that’s where we’ll start,” Blitz nodded his thanks and turned to walk off.

“At least come to camp for a few days, just, just so you know where to find it,” Annabeth tried, but there was defeat in her voice Percy loathed to hear.

“Oh, we’ve got our ways of finding places we need to,” Blitz assured. “You look after yourself Annabeth.”

“How did you-” but she stopped and smiled at Hearth, who nodded and waved farewell. They walked towards the tree, and then like the world bent out of shape to mess with them, suddenly the two were gone. They wanted to blame their exit on the Mist, but somehow they felt it was something else, something different than what they could even comprehend. Just like everything else about Alex and Magnus since the moment they’d met.

“They’re going to try and find him in their afterlife,” Percy said, a chill running down his spine that had nothing to do with the tree dripping ice down his jacket.

“I hope Nico’s back by now,” Jason said grimly. “We’ve got way too many people going underground when they couldn't possibly be doing it at the worst time.”

Percy put his arm around Annabeth and turned to Rachel. “Nice jacket.”

“Thanks, Blitz picked it out.” Rachel grinned. “He’s got an amazing sense of style, though according to him he’s a special dwarf.”

Nobody even blinked. It really just made too much sense at this rate. “How many days you got left for your winter break?” He asked instead.

“A week,” she said in relief. “It’s high time I get to enjoy some of it!”

“Yeah, about that,” Percy sighed as they began trudging back to the bus. Annabeth kept sniffing and looking over her shoulder, but tucked her hands into his pockets all the same. “We didn’t exactly get early parole for good behavior…”

[finn-m-corvex]

Whumptober 2023 Day 9 - Shaking

Day 9, and the first day where I use a prompt substitute! I couldn't really think of anything that fit the original prompts, and I wanted to do something with hypothermia, so alas this one was born!

@splinnters you're almost to ten and at least it's over halfway!

Words: 2.2k

“Grab him!” he heard someone yell, maybe Nya. “Get him out of the water!”

Oh, was that what had happened?

Jay reflexively inhaled before coughing violently as the icy water stabbed at his lungs, his limbs weighed down like someone had tied lead to the ends. Everything was bearing down on him, the pressure only growing with every passing second. The light was growing dimmer and his vision was going dark as he tried to breathe in the water, finally recognizing the urgency of his situation and trying to fight his way back to the surface.

A frozen lake. They were still stuck in the Never-Realm, and he had been out fishing with the villagers and using his lightning when he saw the ice about to crack under a man’s feet. Without hesitating, Jay ran forward and pushed the man out of the way, feeling the ice splinter and crack and give way under his weight as he plunged into the depths of the lake. He didn’t think that any of the others had been close enough to see what happened, but he must’ve been mistaken if Nya was here.

Was she trying to help him out of the lake using her powers? Her powers hadn’t been working right since they had landed here, he didn’t want to be another thing for her to feel guilty about.

Everything was so heavy. Fighting against water and his old enemy known as gravity was even harder than he remembered. Jay fought twice as hard to make half as much of an effort as what he normally would’ve been able to give, and he desperately reached for the hand that someone had stuck under the ice. Cole’s, probably, judging from the size.

His feet were hurting and he couldn’t feel his toes after the water seeped into his boots.. His knees were locking up, making swimming much harder than it already was, and it took all of Jay’s willpower to keep his eyes open so he could try and see the top of the water. The hand was flexing and shaking, but Jay couldn’t tell you if it was because of the cold or Cole’s fear.

Hell, he was scared too.

With a final rush of adrenaline and a bit of a boost from his power, Jay grabbed the hand, barely able to make his frozen fingers clamp around it. Pain rushed down his arm when his fingers went completely numb, and Jay could see them turning blue. Cole’s other hand pulled on Jay’s wrist, and Jay only had a moment to prepare himself before he was being yanked out of the water and slamming into the ice.

Coughing up the water, Jay couldn’t see anything through the tears blurring his vision, finally making out his Yang kneeling next to his head. Nya looked distraught, hair messy from running her fingers through it and face red from exertion; she must’ve been trying to use her powers to pull him up to Cole. “Jay! Jay, talk to me, I need you to say something.”

“N-Nya?” he whispered, his teeth clacking together like someone whacking a xylophone. Working his jaw was like trying to move a boulder, and his tongue felt like it had been torn straight out of his mouth. The mental image of that made him shut his eyes from a sudden burst of nausea. “W-What happened?”

“You fell in the goddamn lake like an idiot,” Nya hissed, rushing to sweep his sopping wet bangs aside, and Jay felt more tears sting at his eyes. He didn’t mean to, and he knew that she wasn’t really mad at him, but his body wasn’t responding and everything hurt and he was freezing and his Yang was angry-

“Hey, hey,” she said softly, cupping his cheek. Jay flinched away from how warm it was even with the glove on. “I’m sorry, that was too harsh. We’re going to get you back to the village and get you some help, okay?”

“C’mon Sparky,” he heard Cole say, and he could hear the worry in his voice, “I’m gonna carry you, you ready?”

He didn’t wait for Jay to nod before lifting up his legs, Nya pressing him against Cole’s back so that Jay was riding piggyback style. The familiarity of the position made Jay’s eyes sting, his heart aching. Jay clung onto his brother’s gi with numb shaky hands, fingers a light shade of purple and bruised. Cole was so warm and he was so cold; surely he would be willing to share at least some of his body heat. He couldn’t be that greedy.

Flinching, Cole hissed as Jay pressed his face into the crook of his neck, starting to walk forward towards the village. “Shit, Jay, could you get any colder?”

“S-Sorry,” Jay stammered, his teeth chattering; he thought they might actually break. His gi was so much heavier than normal; logically, he knew that it was the water, but even just that line of thinking took up almost his entire brain capacity. He wanted to go to sleep.

“Don’t be sorry,” Cole said, “just keep hanging on, we’re almost there.”

Cole was a dirty liar, because it felt like a million years before they finally set foot back in the village, Nya’s hand warm on his back to keep him steady and Lloyd sprinting over from where he had been patching up one of the villager’s roofs. He skidded to a stop in front of Cole, immediately reaching for Jay’s hand and cupping it in a deliciously warm grip that Jay was instantly craving more of.

Lloyd’s face was pinched, and he quickly shouted for Kai. “What happened?” he demanded, moving out of the way so Cole could take Jay to the main hut. They were trotting at a brisk pace, one that had Jay’s head spinning from looking at his brother’s legs moving back and forth. Were Cole’s strides always this wide?

Nya took some new clothes from one of the villagers. “He was helping the fishermen and fell in the lake saving one of them. We need to get him warm.”

Kai opened the door to the hut with the firepit and took one look at the group, understanding immediately what had occurred and darting back inside. Jay only closed his eyes for a second, desperate for some relief before Lloyd was snapping his fingers in front of his face, not stopping until Jay forced his heavy lids open and stared at him with barely concealed annoyance. Lloyd wasn’t phased, continuing to keep an eye on him and make sure that Jay stayed awake. Nya did her own part, poking his sides and tickling the spots right under his bottom ribs (one of his worst spots) to make him giggle and squirm, and even though it was still annoying it was much preferred to Lloyd giving him a stink-eye.

The warmth of the fire washed over Jay and comforted him as soon as Cole stepped into the main hut, and Jay shivered like a dying man as he ached to get closer to the heat. Except instead of being laid down next to the heavenly amazing fire, Jay was plopped onto a stupid wooden bench, Nya and Cole both starting to strip off his armor and gi without any sort of fanfare.

“First Master,” he slurred, the feeling still not quite back in his tongue. His head was pounding like one of them was using the wooden mallets of the villagers to beat against his skull, “the least you could do is take me out to dinner first.”

“Jay,” Nya said, exasperated, “we’ve been dating for years. I don’t think I have to buy you dinner anymore.”

“T-That’s very sexist of you, and what about Cole?”

“We’ve been best friends longer than you’ve been dating, I don’t think I have to take you to dinner either.” Cole said pointedly, finally getting Jay’s boots off.

Jay only scoffed, letting Nya take his undershirt and throw it into the corner. “Chivalry really is dead. I deserve better than this.”

“Let me remind you of that the next time the others go out and we’re alone,” and Jay was suddenly beet red from the tips of his ears to the back of his neck; after all this time Nya still managed to get him all flustered? He really needed to get a grip.

He was finally half-naked, the two of them leaving him in just his blue boxers, and he smirked when he saw Nya look away with a light blush on her face. “Like what you see?”

“I’ll like it when I can’t see it even more,” she grumbled, and Jay felt a tinge of satisfiaction in knowing that he could still make her feel that way. Of coutse it was him that would be thinking about getting some action right after nearly drowning in a lake while currently on the verge of freezing to death.

There was a fake gagging sound in the background. “If you two are done being gross, then you can bring him over here now,” Kai said, and Jay saw that his brother’s top was off as well. The fire ninja laid down in a small nest of blankets that the villagers must’ve set up for them, tucking one over himself and leaving a nice and cozy spot wide open for Jay.

First Master, yes! He was saved!

Jay didn’t need to be told twice, and he would’ve moved himself if he had even the slightest control of his limbs. Lloyd noticed the longing look on the lightning ninja’s face, moving to help him down onto the ground since they were the closest in height. Lloyd winced at Jay’s freezing body temperature, but still held onto him long enough for the blue ninja to lay down inside of the blanket cocoon with Kai, who was quick to smother Jay with blankets made from various animal skins and wools. It had been so long since he had skin-to-skin contact like this with any of them, let alone Kai.

It was actually really nice. They should do this more often.

He hugged Jay close, hissing as his brother put his freezing hands directly onto his back. “Holy shit, Jay, could you get any colder?”

“Do you really want to find out?” Jay muttered, shoving his nose into the crook of Kai’s neck and nuzzling. Kai sighed, returning the hug and kissing the side of Jay’s head, activating the little firepower he had unlocked again and warming them up. The heat was contained in the blanket nest, and Jay was quickly lulled to sleep when he felt Kai’s hand start to play with his hair, Nya and Cole talking above his head and Lloyd crawling into the nest on Kai’s other side after kicking his boots off and into the corner.

“His hair is actually pretty fun to play with,” Kai commented, twirling the curls around his fingers and watching as they sprung back into place. He was sure that it wasn’t the first time he had ever said that about Jay’s hair, but it never hurt to say it twice.

Nya chuckled, reaching down to swipe the bangs out of her Yin’s face. “I know, you should tell him that more often.”

“Maybe I will,” Kai said, kissing his brother’s forehead and tangling their legs together. It had been a while since he had gotten some cuddles. “I forgot how cuddly he was. He’s like a koala.”

“That’s because I normally give him his cuddles,” Cole chuckled. “But it’s nice to let it be someone else for once.”

“Oh, don’t say that,” Nya lightly smacked his arm, “you wouldn’t be his first choice if you didn’t enjoy it too.”

“Yeah, I know. Wait, I’m his first choice?”

Lloyd cleared his throat from his spot next to Kai, pouting and hugging the fire ninja like he was a teddybear. “Why don’t I get cuddles more often?”

“Greenbean, you get tons. Kai handles you, Cole handles Jay, I swap between you both and Zane helps everybody,” Nya said jokingly, “although I’m sure Jay would be more than happy to join in your rotation. You could even have a Starfarer movie night.”

Suddenly, Jay began to squirm and whimper, and Kai looked down at his little brother in concern. He saw Jay’s face contorting in fear, swallowing thickly, and held him tighter when the blue ninja’s shivers ratcheted up a few notches. Rubbing his back seemed to help as it normally did, and Jay settled back down against him with a small sigh. Kai clawed his hand, using his nails instead of his blunt fingertips, and that drew a very satisfied noise out of his brother and a squawk from Lloyd as Jay threw his freezing leg overtop of his. Lloyd grumbled a little before reaching over Kai to lay his hand on Jay’s arm, tucking his head down between Kai’s shoulder blades and choosing to go to sleep as well.

Looking back at Lloyd, Kai shook his head with fond exasperation before turning to Jay again. “Are his nightmares always that quick to happen?” Kai asked quietly.

His sister hummed, thinking the question over. “Yeah, pretty much. It’s been that way for a while, but hopefully all of this,” she gestured to the mountain of blankets, ”should help.”

“Well, let’s just hope he sleeps a little easier tonight,” Kai said, preparing himself for a long night, “because we’re not going anywhere. And if he’s lucky, maybe he’ll get to keep all of his toes!”

[smimon]

Asking asks about giant k; consider me in 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀.

1. is there a piece of clothing that didnt grew and Jere is a bit a sad about? I was thinking that maybe that could also be a reason as to why häärijä wears the suit now.

2. how is he travelling? Planes trains and cars are not that big?

3. does he need more food than before since he is bigger?

4. how long did it took bojan and jere with the shoulder thing, where bojan sits on his shoulder without struggles? How did the first times go?

5. since jere is so tall he sure gets to put the star/ angel figure on top of the tree.

6. what was bojan's first reaction from last remembering Jere as being shorter than him and to next time he saw him Jere was a lot taller than him.

7. more details about the apartment? Is the entire building bigger or is it like the tardis where its bigger on the inside?

8. do they have comfy cozy movie and game nights? How would that go? 👀👀👀👀.

9. five things jere likes about being taller?

10. how does it feel to hold a cat in his big hands? 🥹🥹🥹

11. did he ever hit his head?

12. how is the day to day life?

13. more backstory? More lore? 👀👀👀👀

Ups, overdid it a bit, better stop now and leave some for others. 💛💛💛💛

That's quite a bunch of asks! Let's gooo

1. is there a piece of clothing that didnt grew and Jere is a bit a sad about? I was thinking that maybe that could also be a reason as to why häärijä wears the suit now.

Hmm the general rule is that all the clothes he wears did grow, and he does not wear the yellow suit, so it stayed with Häärijä. Also most of the gifts he received from fans did not change size, except for the few that he likes enough to wear sometimes again, like the crochet Bulbasaur hat from Ideapark gig 😊 it makes storing the gifts much easier.

I had however an idea for a story where K is a bit sad he can't wear the yellow suit anymore, and Häärijä encourages him to at least try, and when he tries the jacket, it suddenly fits! The forces of magic decided the suit belongs to them both equally so it changes size depending who wears it.

That's how they do that clothes swap thing from EU tour in giantverse 🤭

2. how is he travelling? Planes trains and cars are not that big?

Well! He can use public transport most of the time, but he needs two or three seats. Whenever possible, securityman takes the third seat, but when there are only two seats in a row, he sits in K's lap 🤭

For planes they can get him the seats at wings as they have more leg space 🙌

K technically could also squeeze in a passenger car's backseat, but he won't do that because he never travels without fastened seatbelts 😇 (ei vittu!) 😑

3. does he need more food than before since he is bigger?

Oh that's a question I wished I'll receive! XD This is certainly one of the first things he wanted to figure out, except instead of thinking about food, he enthusiastically wanted to test how much alcohol can he possibly take 😂

The rules of magic are not simple, and turns out his new limits in terms of alcohol or food or medicine are... Exactly the same as before 🙃 Must have been fun to realize this after he already had ten kaksi ananas lonkero...

(Forces of magic won't force him to spend more money on food, that would be rude!)

4. how long did it took bojan and jere with the shoulder thing, where bojan sits on his shoulder without struggles? How did the first times go?

They managed it at first try actually, Bojan just climbed there before K noticed and now K has to do all the balancing while Bojan holds onto his head for support. They could do it all day!

5. since jere is so tall he sure gets to put the star/ angel figure on top of the tree.

🥹 I love this vision. Of course he gets to put the star on top and he insists he is the one to decorate the top of all trees of his friends and relatives. He will visit them one by one and place the deco on the top. And when the top already was decorated, he takes it off and puts right back on saying "that's how it's done!".

He's helping! uwu

6. what was bojan's first reaction from last remembering Jere as being shorter than him and to next time he saw him Jere was a lot taller than him.

They did talk a lot since Jere grew so Bojan was not surprised, although until the last moment he was a bit suspisious this might be some elaborate trick or prank. But he was happy to see this is true. He has way too many silly ideas how to use this new situation 😊 Bojan will never feel bad about being shorter than K because everyone else is shorter too haha

7. more details about the apartment? Is the entire building bigger or is it like the tardis where its bigger on the inside?

When you look from the outside it looks like someone forced a way too big flat into the building side 😂 and on the inside it is even bigger too. Only the front door is the same size as always, and from the corridor you wouldn't tell anything is different about this flat! ✨Magic✨

8. do they have comfy cozy movie and game nights? How would that go? 👀👀👀👀.

🥹 well considering his apartment is now big enough to set a few tents in the middle, he probably invites friends over quite frequently.

And if he visits some friend in their regular sized flat, they have no choice but to get comfy and cozy. You know, since he takes up most of the space anyway.

9. five things jere likes about being taller?

First: money money money! Together with the crew they have lots of ideas how to monetize his stature. Everyone would pay for a photo with him!

Second: this is part of his brand now, and no one can imitate this. There is no one else like Käärijä!

Third: it takes less time to get places by walking. And it is easy to escape the paparazzis. (Tabloids started adding "experience in competitive running" to their job requirements.)

Fourth: he has always a great view at any concert or stage show 🥹

Fifth: he can now confront every single person who ever made fun of him for being short. He will find them one by one, point, laugh "who's short now?!" and walk away ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

10. how does it feel to hold a cat in his big hands? 🥹🥹🥹

When every cat feels like a kitten, it must be the greatest feel in the world 🥹

11. did he ever hit his head?

Ouch 😅 probably way too many times, but not on places you might expect (he takes care in everyday environments but then there is the backstage or airports or vehicles). Might be one of the reasons they hired the securityman

12. how is the day to day life?

Fun where it was boring before, weirdly unchanged in the serious parts. Most people are not that interested in him being a giant (maybe they are professional, maybe it's the stereotypical Finnish respect for personal boundaries and privacy).

13. more backstory? More lore? 👀👀👀👀

Uhh hmm maybe this: Häärijä actually knows a lot about the forces of magic, but he never explained anything because he hasn't even noticed K is now a giant 😂 (don't blame him, he was always shorter than him)

That would be all! Thank you 😊