#took the kid surfing and that when it all got a bit stressful for them

[captainclickycat]

Agreed but I sort of misread this and thought it was talking about like, a kid with separated parents spending one week at mum's, one week at dad's and one week with the sharks

[visionofhope04]

Here for the angst of neglected batsis, imagine or hc them of moving out if the house when they are 18 and let's say they meet some spirit and they have their memory wiped and transfer to the marvel universe to restart their life and more happy, then the dc/marvel merge together because of a big threat and batfam sees batsis is heavily pregnant and married to our favorite deadpool charater Colossus?

How would they reached if batsis just can't remember them and keeps on telling them they have the wrong person?

I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK. Guess who's back!! Sorry it took me so long to get this out, I haven't had the motivation to write until recently. Also OOC warning bc I don't really know him well besides the Deadpool movies. I almost freaked out bc I haven't used the tumblr website in so long and it got updated so I thought I lost all my drafts. So glad they're still here, whew. Not beta read so I'm sorry if there are any mistakes!

---

It's been a year since moving into your apartment and you couldn't be happier. College was going well and you were taking classes you enjoyed. However, you haven't made any friends yet which led you to spend your free time reading or surfing the web. Jason didn't come by much due to having his own life and vigilante things, which you understood. It didn't mean you couldn't be a little bit sad about it though.

Even though you were enjoying your life, you still felt as if there was something missing. You'd been trying to figure out why you had felt this way but nothing came to mind. Any time you tried to brush off the feeling, it came back stronger. You did your best to ignore it and continue on with life, but it was always there, nagging you.

It had been a long day. College was so stressful. Your professors kept hurling projects at you that had deadlines that were practically impossible to meet. You just wanted it to end already and be on summer break. Then, you’d be able to sleep how long you wanted to without the fear of being late for class or forgetting to complete an assignment.

You sat down at your desk and pulled out your laptop, preparing to continue an essay that was due in three days. Suddenly, you began to feel nauseous. Confused, you attempted to ignore the feeling in favor of completing the essay. A few seconds after trying to focus on your laptop screen, you saw a bright light.

"My child, you will be saved from this life." A strangely comforting voice said.

Then everything faded to black.

---

"Hello?!"

A voice. A voice? But you live alone and no one has the spare key to your apartment. You slowly opened your eyes, groaning and quickly shutting them again once a bright light blinded you.

"Oh you're alive, thank God. Can you speak?" Whoever this was seemed to have been panicking before, slightly less though now that you had indicated you were alive. You groan as you push yourself up off of what seems to be concrete. Concrete? You're definitely not in your apartment. You crack your eyes open again, this time with less difficulty, and come face to face with white lenses of a mask. Blinking again, you register that the lenses are attached to a red material with black lines.

"Ah!"

"AH!" The figure yells and jumps back, startled by your sudden surprise.

"What the hell are you supposed to be?" You asked, tilting your head slightly to the side.

"What do you mean? I'm Spiderman." His voice was a bit high pitched, he sounded like a teen at most.

"Spiderman? You've got to be joking. There is no Spiderman. Go home kid, crime fighting isn't a game." Sure, you may be a hypocrite, seeing as you are an ex-assassin who began learning how to kill at around 5, but at least you had training. What did this Spiderman have? From how startled he was, you assumed he had barely been trained, if at all.

“What? I'm literally Spiderman! I'm Queens' hero!"

"Queens, New York?" You thought you'd still be in New Jersey at least.

"Uh yeah. I don't think there are any other places called Queens that have a Spiderman."

"Again, Spiderman? Seriously? You couldn't think of a better name at least?"

"Hey! There's nothing wrong with Spiderman!"

"Sure kid, keep telling yourself that."

He was about to protest when suddenly, someone else dropped into the alley.

"Hey Spidey, who's this lovely lady?" A person in an all red with black suit with two swords on his back and guns strapped to his waist called out. The person seemed to be a male, around 30 years old.

"This 'lovely lady' is very confused. Who are you?" They keep multiplying, and you'd never seen this person either.

"Did you hit your head or something? You've never heard of or seen Deadpool? The most handsomest, most awesomest, funniest, killer crime fighter?"

"Uh nope. Also, I'm from Jersey, how did I end up here?"

"Good question. What's your name?"

"Oh, it's-" You stopped in confusion. "I actually don't remember. It was just at the tip of my tongue but I don't remember."

"Oh great! Amnesia! Just what we need. I'll let you handle her Spidey and I'll go stop some bad guys, 'kay?"

"What! No, don't leave me here!" Deadpool was already sprinting away.

"Let's get you to the base. Colossus and the others will know what to do."

---

They did not, in fact, know what to do. Colossus sent Negasonic and Yukio to contact Professor X, while Spiderman went to contact Tony Stark (I'm still emotionally scarred from Endgame so no, he won't be dead, this is my fanfic and I can keep him alive if I want to) and Deadpool went back out to patrol. You were left alone with Colossus.

Uncomfortable silence sat between you. Just as you were beginning to get antsy, Colossus broke it first.

"Do you remember anything at all?"

"I'm... a college student. I live alone in an apartment in New Jersey, I think. I used to fight crime until... I don't know, it's fuzzy. I'm an ex-assassin who has been training since I was 5. That's all I remember."

"You can remember that but not your name?"

"Look, I don't know okay? I don't know what's happening or why I can't remember anything else. I want to remember who I am, but I can't. And it's so... so frustrating! Your suspicion is understandable, but it is not helping."

"I apologize. This is a stressful situation for you. I will be more considerate."

"Thank you."

---

They could not figure out what happened to you or why you suddenly appeared in Queens one day. Your memory remained fuzzy, so you were stuck. As time passed, you and Colossus grew closer. You became so close that he told you his real name, you became a couple, and you got married. Seven years passed, you were 25 and you'd been trying for a baby. You both felt the time was right and that you'd be able to handle parenting.

Colossus came home from work one day, spent and tired. There you were, waiting for him at the door as usual.

"Hi my love, long day?" You fiddled with the positive pregnancy test behind your back.

"Yes darling, when is it not?"

"Well, we're going to have to figure something out, because there's no way I'll wake up every night to take care of our baby."

He looked confused, then realization hit. "You're..?" He looked so happy and hopeful, you couldn't contain your happiness. A huge smile lit up your face.

"Yes, we're finally going to be parents!" You pulled out the pregnancy test and held it up to him.

He laughed a joyful laugh, tears began to fall from the corners of his eyes as he embraced you. It must've been infectious because you began to tear up too. You remained in each other's embrace for a while, just existing in the moment. Time felt irrelevant as you basked in your shared delight.

---

8 months later, your belly had swollen and grown. Everyone was happy for the both of you. You and Colossus were both eager for your little one to arrive. You'd both decided to wait for birth to find out the gender. It didn't matter to you whether it was a boy or girl, just that they were healthy (gender's a construct anyway). The pregnancy had been going great so far, but this time of easy-going was about to get ruined by your husband's job.

---

Your world had merged with another because of some cosmic threat. Great! Your husband would be preoccupied trying to fix the situation, which meant that you'd be alone. Selfishly, you wished that they could let your husband stay with you so close to your due date, but you knew he had a role to play in saving two worlds.

Seeing your loneliness, Colossus decided to bring you with him to the Avengers' base. He hoped you'd be able to befriend some of the people there. You entered the compound and your eyes were drawn to some men standing beside a set of double doors. They all had suits on, black hair (one guy had two white streaks in his hair) and most had blue eyes, except for one man who had green eyes. He was also noticeably the darkest of the group. They felt familiar to you, especially the man with green eyes. Have you met them before? Who were they?

As your husband was discussing some details about the meeting, you couldn't help but watch the group of men. Not knowing why you thought you knew them annoyed you. As if they could feel your eyes on them (they could), they turned around in sync and locked eyes with you.

Their eyes widened and they all exclaimed your name in various degrees of disbelief. They rushed over to you and your husband protectively stepped in front of you

"How do you know my wife?"

"Wife?!" Some of them shouted. They were beginning to cause a scene.

"You're pregnant." The one with green eyes observed. He seemed to be having some sort of crisis.

All their eyes darted to your belly, making you uncomfortable. You placed your hand over your stomach and attempted to discretely hide behind your husband. This did not go unnoticed by them.

"You don't remember us?" The shortest of them questioned.

"No, I've never met you guys." You were very confused.

The man who appeared to be the oldest said your name. You stared at him as he studied your eyes, presumably to see if you were lying. It made you feel vulnerable and unsettled, couldn't they leave you alone?

"We're your family."

The guy with the white streaks in his hair scoffed. "You didn't treat her like she was family. I was the only one who cared for her when she was younger while you all ignored her and let her suffer. I'm glad she doesn't remember what you all did to her. She's clearly living a much better life without you lot in it."

This was getting more confusing by the second, although you felt there was truth to his words. Did you forget these people? They seemed very convincing if they were lying.

"I'm sorry but I really don't remember you guys. Maybe you have the wrong person?"

"No we don't! You disappeared one day and now that we've finally found you, you're saying you forgot everything!"

"That is enough. Please leave my wife alone, she does not know you, and she does not need the unnecessary stress of trying to remember people she's never met. Do not approach her anymore." Colossus guided you away from the men, who stared longingly at you. The heartbroken expressions they had after your husband's speech would follow you often. Were you sure you'd never met them before?

---

Words: 1,847

[blissfulparker]

Wipeout⇔ Surfer!Dad!tom

Parings: surfer!dad!tom x surfer!reader

Summary; You and Tom spend your whole relationship in the water. Surfing under the summer sun and competing in summers biggest surf competition. To a surpise, you and Tom take on the biggest challenge nature could throw at you. A baby.

Wc: 9k

Warnings: mentions of insecurities durning pregnancy, fluff

A/n: I know this isn’t a birthday themed fic for Toms b-day but I hope you all enjoy! My little spin on a summer fic with dad!tom 🥰

June.

The summer breeze rose goosebumps to your skin. Your hands coming up to rub your arms as the water was only a bit colder today.

it was summer, the best part of the year when you lived with a beach in your backyard. Spending your whole life surfing you now prepared for the summer tournament that happened only weeks away from now. Surfers, fans, media come in from nearly all over the world just to compete.

To feel a wave under their boards and the adrenaline that rushes through your blood when you finally get on top. The same competition that lead you to Tom, Tom who was now your boyfriend of two years. At first, you laughed at the boy.

Pale, shy—yet so cocky and from London of all places. The most water they got is from the sky. You wanted to laugh with your friends for how confident he was acting, little rain boy wanted to have a chance in the big ocean and he did. To your shock, he scored better than you and scored to be in the top 10. Your laughs stopped after competition and maybe it was the slight momentary enemy thing or it was that deep blue bikini that made him find you after the games and get you out for a drink.

That drink was truly a shared basket of fish and chips as you talked more and more about each other. Pale, rainy London boy ended up being the best thing that ever happened to you.

“You wiped out twice!” He sits atop his board and your hands rub over your face.

“Maybe because I’m distracted!” You splash water in his direction. His toned abs always tanner during g this year and it was hard for the both of you to control yourself. “I’m just tired, stressed.” You shrugged it off truthfully.

“You fell asleep at 8:00 last night, grandma.” He teased and you rolled your eyes.

“Competition stress.” You point to him and he shrugs. If he’s honest, within the two years he’s known you, two years he’s loved and wondered where you had been all his life, he knew your stress. When you were stressed you oftentimes took long showers or wrote in your journal for hours on end but this time your stress was sleeping early/in late and a few times he’s caught you throwing up. All under the name of stress.

He didn’t push anything though, reminding you that he is there and you could tell him anything. But nonetheless, he left you be and just kissed your cheek and told you everything was okay.

“Race you to shore and whoever gets back inside first gets the leftover chicken from last night!” He starts to swim and you quickly flatten yourself on your board.

“What are we like five?” You call out but still push yourself to go faster. Pushing yourself to race him to shore.

Even though Toms board was definitely double his size, he still beat you into the house, already washed off and reheating the leftovers for lunch. After a morning swim you always had lunch before you went off to work where you would teach little kids how to surf. No matter what, you were always around the water.

“So I was checking the competition list this week, checking to see if there’s anyone new…” he trails off on a story. The two of you share the chicken and fries before you suddenly get a disgusted taste in your mouth. The chicken suddenly becomes sour in your mouth but you force yourself to swallow, Tom notices the change and he stops everything to make sure you’re okay.

“Darling, what is it?” He has a worried look but you shake your head.

“Nothing—it’s nothing. I-I just think this part of my chicken was a bit undercooked and it grossed me out. It’s nothing.” You smiled at him and he waited a second before continuing his story.

But that wasn’t the end of it, the next bite even more sour and this time you drop your fork and open the trash can to spit it out. The spitting then followed by spitting up all of your breakfast and lunch. Tom quickly coming to move any stray hair and rubbing your back as he tried to not throw up himself.

When you were done, he quickly closed the trash can lid and got you into the bathroom where he assembled the toothbrush for you.

“Peaches, I know that you told me not to worry but this is the third time this week.” He folded his arms as he leans against the wall.

“I’m fine.” You say through a mouth filled with toothpaste. Spitting into the sink and rinsing your mouth while also splashing some water over your face. When you look back up, just a bit, your eyes flicker to the untouched box of tampons.

One week late wasn’t so bad, one week late was just some built up stress and every women had been a week or two late before. But before tom can take notice in your distraction, you turn around to him who hands you a towel.

“But you’re not fine.” He argues a bit gently, not wanting to offend you.

“Tom, in school I would throw up during exam seasons all the time. It’s just stress okay? Better than losing hair or breaking out I guess.” You try and joke with him but he doesn’t exactly laugh. Just stares at you worried and you push back a few of his curls.

“Hey, look at me,” you tell him and his eyes meet yours. “I’m fine, seriously! Just a bit of stress and nothing the ocean water and you can’t fix.” You kiss his cheek and he finally smiles.

“Can you go see a doctor? For yourself and if not for yourself then for me, I want you to do good at competition and you know they won’t let you compete if you are sick in anyway.” He rubs up and down your sides and you sigh. Hating the doctors but you agree.

“Okay, okay. I’ll make an appointment but they will just tell me I just have butterflies.” You tell him and that’s when he grows a smirk.

“Aw, babe, I didn’t know after all these years I still gave you butterflies!” He teased and you rolled your eyes playfully nudging your body against him. Both leaving the bathroom, your eyes flicker over to the untouched box to tampons that just taunt you one last time before tom shuts the bathroom door. It was possible, you just didn’t want it to be possible just yet.

-

“I should’ve canceled, I should be there!” Tom speaks through the phone. You sat in an empty, cold doctors office waiting for blood results to get back.

Despite Toms over worrying, everything was fine. They couldn’t find anything physically wrong with you and agreed when you mentioned how it was just anxiety and nerves. Yet they still had to run a blood test to make sure it wasn’t anything they missed and couldn’t see with the naked eye.

Meanwhile tom had to be the most dramatic person out there. You always told him if he was not a surfer he would be an actor. It was impressive how every single night before bed he had a new condition to diagnose you with. Some so severe and outrageous you had to remind him that this wasn’t 1600s England and that you didn’t have the plague. That things were just from stress and if it was a stomach bug then let it run through.

Yet he would rant to you nearly every single night about how he’s always loved you and hated that this was the way to go. Always with that you would smack him with a pillow and tell him to go to sleep and with that he would kiss your cheek and hold you tight as he fell asleep.

“Tom, it’s fine. Seriously! They said they couldn’t find anything wrong, you’d be wasting your time to come here. The most you’d get out of this visit is maybe a sticker. Does Tommy want his girlfriend to bring him back a sticker?” You used a baby voice and you could practically hear him going red.

With a scoff he replies, “Ugh, no. What am I like five?” He pauses for a moment. “But what kind do they have? Were you able to check?” He asked in more of a quiet voice and you laugh.

“No clue. But the nurse told me the best thing I could do is just drink some tea and rest. Maybe they have some spiderman stickers or Sofia the first stickers.” You fiddle with the loose thread on your pants. Ending with a joke to calm both yours and Tom's nerves.

With a smirk, Tom Says, “you’ve been drinking some British tea for awhile—“ he jokes and you quickly cut him off.

“Tom!” You say and as if it was a sign, the nurse comes back in with a clipboard and a gentle smile. “Hey, I’ll call you back, the nurse has my results.”

“Wait! Before you go, ask them to check for tapeworms—“ before he could finish you hung up.

“He’s just dramatic.” You laughed a bit and the nurse laughed along before taking a seat across from you. She clicks her pen which makes you nervous for some reason.

“So your blood came back fine, everything is okay. I just have a few little things such as are you on any birth control?” She asked and you shook your head.

“Oh no, um...haven’t been for a while. But my boyfriend and I use protection and we’re safe. We only used planB once and that was a year ago.” You tell her but she looks up at you. Nodding as she purses her lips.

“Condoms only go so far sweetheart. We just have to ask patients who we find to be with a child incase of any birth control so we can remove it immediately, the birth control, I mean, remove that immediately.” With child. You were with a child. Pregnant. Your heart nearly falls out of your chest and the nurse says a few more things but they don’t register.

“Y-You mean there’s a baby inside of me?” You don’t know what color you look right now but you would assume pale, or green with the feeling of vomiting and this time not from slightly uncooked raw leftover chicken.

“Yup, about one month along it looks! We still will want to run more tests and…” she talks more and more but you don’t listen. Your brain foggy, you don’t know if you’re going to pass out or throw up or shit everywhere from how nervous you were. Hell, even all three seemed like an option as she talked. “So I’ll leave you to tell the important news?” She asked. This was apart of her regular day to day, she probably had hundreds of girls like you come in. Clueless and thinking of a stomach bug and then finding out they are pregnant.

“Y-Yeah.” You try to form a smile.

“Perfect, just meet me up at the desk whenever you’re ready. There’s a bathroom down the hall if you are feeling queasy and of course, help yourself to as many waters in the mini fridge in our waiting room. Congratulations!” She says before she turns out and all you hear is the door click shut. The white noise of the light and the taps of your fingernails against the cool metal bed.

You know it was professional and sweet of her to allow you space to call your significant other but you only stare at Tom's contact. Staring at the word ‘Tommy’ with almost all the heart emojis and his contact pictures of him with the biggest smile.

You have no guts to tell him right in the moment, but rather get off of the paper coated bed and grab your things to leave. Setting up a new appointment with your doctor to see more into the baby. Pregnant, with child, before competition. You and Tom were going to have a faimily.

July.

Tom still hadn’t known the news. It had only been a week but the guilt still ate you alive.

You didn’t want to worry or stress him. You yourself still tried to wrap your brain around it. A baby, every breath you took, every bite of food you ate, every drink you swallowed and every step you took there was a baby you shared it with.

You think about how every time tom had wrapped his arms around your waist this week he gently touched over the baby. Kissing your lying lips, you hated yourself for it.

As for competition, your mind nearly forgot. Still getting in the waters everyday with Tom but this time a bit more cautious. Everytime Tom worried for you, you quickly would cover his worry up with either a joke or kisses.

As for the throwing up, morning sickness was something that came in and out. You started hating the smell of bacon tom cooked in the morning but just waved it off. He noticed your decline in caffeine and beers and wines but you just told him the best athletes only had what’s best for their body before performing.

Tom believed all of it. Every single white lie you told—even though you hated yourself for telling them— believed them.

“How ya feeling?” Toms lips met your forehead as you cuddled up on the couch today. Extra tired and almost positive the baby was screaming at you for rest. You cuddled a bowl of popcorn and a water bottle.

“Mmh, just fine.” You give him a smile as his lips come down to meet yours.

Stealing some popcorn from the bowl, he heads over to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

“I’m thinking we do shrimp tonight?” He looked over and you made a face.

“Ew, no.” You shake your head and he gives a furrowed brow look.

“What? You love shrimp!” He responds and you feel yourself growing hot. Hiding deeper in the Blanket and not wanting to show your face.

“Well, I’m just not in the mood for it tonight.” That was another thing, lots and lots of emotions. Luckily Tom had plenty of emotions to match.

“Okay...tuna?” He offers and you shook your head. “Steak?” Once again and no. “Chicken?” No. “Okay, love, you’ve gotta help me out. I know you’re not feeling well but I’m helpless in here.” He says and your eyes start to water. He notices and immediately comes over.

“Hey, hey, hey,” he comes in front of the couch and crouches down to you. “What’s wrong?” He stroked your cheek and you shook your head.

“Nothing, it’s nothing.” You sniffle. “Seriously, I’ll help you. I’m thinking pasta.” You smiled and he did too.

“Yeah that’s not too bad.”

And so you two made and ate dinner completely normally. No tears from you, no sickness from you. Tom only talked about the waves out today and how much you would’ve loved it. Now you two spent time washing up.

“You think that one girl with red hair will be there like last year? She was so annoying.” You laughed as you got excited again for competition. Tom grew tense as you mentioned it. You noticed that. How he didn’t talk much about competition anymore. It went from the only thing you two talked about to now nothing. You knew how excited he was, the both of you were but suddenly it was like that excitement was put in a box to rest.

“Yeah...she was.” He kinda laughed but then just washed harder at the dish.

“Everything okay? You’ve kinda stopped talking about competition.” You put down your plate and that's when he took a deep breath.

“It’s nothing, I promise.” He tells you, pressing his lips into a lying smile that you knew.

“Baby, you can tell me anything you know. I’m always here for—“ and with that, he cut you off and told you the words you hated to hear.

“I-I took you out of the competition,” Tom sighed, dropping the dish rag on the counter in defeat. He watches as your face goes from annoyed to shock. Anger builds behind the eyes he find peace in. “It was wrong me me to do so—“

“damn right it was wrong of you to do so!” You slam your hand on the counter. “W-why would you?”

“You were sick! You were so sick for so long and what was I going to let you do? just make yourself worse—“

“it was the stress! I told you it was the—“

The built up ignored tension between you both finally caused him to snap.

“Is your period being late stress too?” His words caused the room to be silent. You take a sharp breath as you stare at him with anger but not at him anymore, at the fear of your new life.

“I’m just late, it’s normal for a woman like me to be rhis stressed and late...” you trailed off and this time he had the red face.

“Bullshit. What happened at that doctors appointment.” He demanded. You didn’t say a word at first which only angered him more. “Damnit (y/n)—“

“I’m pregnant.” You finally cry out and he knew his thoughts could be true, he knew they had to be but the moment those words left your mouth his whole body froze. He went pale with fear and shock, his hand no longer gripping the counter out of anger but out of support in case he passes out. The tears that left your eyes were uncontrollable as you let out a sob, the first sob that snapped tom back into reality.

He didn’t think twice, his arms supportively wrap around you as he tells you sweet nothings to try and calm you and himself.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He mumbled into your hair. You swallowed hard as you pulled back, your face wet with tears and you sniffled. His thumbs come up to wipe away each tear and each trace of mascara.

“Because I wanted to be normal still! I wanted to compete, I wanted to surf! I can’t surf anymore tom, i'm going to be a mom and I won’t have time for surfing.” You sob more and he only pulls you back into his grasp.

“I’m so selfish and stupid to even think to compete but I just want to n-not—“ you can’t even spit it out anymore.

“Who said you can’t surf when you’re a mom?” He moved back to hold your face. You didn’t look at him, he wasn’t going to force you to either. This was your decisions right now, he just wanted to listen.

“When you’re a woman and a mother, everything is for your child. You will have time to surf because you’re a dad but no one wants a mom to do anything but take care of their kid and I’ll love this baby so much, I will, but don’t want to lose myself. I’m young, you’re young and you’re about to be the next big thing.” You punch his shoulder playfully trying to lighten things up. “I—i-W-we’ll—“ you start again and he shakes his head.

“Don’t even say it. Sweetheart, you’re having a baby, our baby. I will make sure you still surf, when it’s safe, Of course. I-I don’t even have the words right now, my heart is racing, feel it.” He placed your hand over his chest to feel his pounding heart. “You will be (y/n) Holland, the infamous surfer that beat Tom Holland twice last year and you will be the mother to our kid. Their badass mom.” He cracks a smile as his hand goes to your stomach.

A shared moment where he only touches the stomach as he learns about it. You look at him softly and he looks at you as if you were the entire world. As if he was a little kid at sea world for the first time, he looks at you with beauty and hope and a hint of thankfulness

“For a minute,” you speak again. “I thought you were completely calm about this.” You chuckle and he shakes his head.

“No, I actually think I’m going to throw up.” He held his breath for a moment before he moved to the trash can and emptied his worried stomach.

This time it was you rubbing his back and wiping his mouth. Maybe you wanted to roll your eyes at the Irony but you just knew he loved you.

Holland. He used the last name Holland on you for the first time you’d ever heard it. He said it so confidently as if you two were already married. Holland. You can get use to that.

-

Day of competition

there was this sort of shock in everyone’s face as they watched you walk in shorts and a tee. Joining the crowds of people instead of getting ready for the waves of water.

This year was no wetsuit with your board, slathering sunscreen on your face as you got ready but rather taking a seat in that sand just like everyone else. Carrying a baby no one knew about except you and Tom and a few friends and family.

Your body was warm with nerves, hundreds of cameras here usually captured the sea, interviewing the surfers afterwards. Although it was not like Hollywood, there was no TMZ or dailymail, but there was enough interest and news casters to tilt their heads for why they infamous (y/n) (y/l/n)—soon to be (y/n) Holland—took a seat with the friends and family. Cheering on from the sand.

“Hey.” Z snaps you out of your constant looking around, how your eyes never focused on one thing.

“Ease up a bit, babes, no one even knows.” She knew, you knew you had to explain to her when you were sitting out. Just as Tom explained to his brothers and the two of you both would explain to his mother after competition. For he knew the women would get so excited she would explode

“Right.” Was all you said as you started clapping with the rest of the crowd when the games begun. It would be a moment for them to get to tom, they always let the younger ones go first, you and Tom were in that fine middle where you had to wait just for the middle of the games.

“Do you want a boy or a girl?” Z asked with a hint of excitement to her voice. She kept it quite enough to where it was just you.

“I’m okay with either.” You didn’t ever care much for gender, although a girl would be nice to balance out the male testosterone you’re always around. “A girl would be nice though.” You smile at Z.

She gives a smile back, leans back on the towel as she soaks up the sun. “And Tom?” She asked and you shrugged.

He had talked about almost everything but a boy or girl, when you asked if he cared he told you,

“as long as they have two arms, two legs, a torso, a head, comes out of me with no trouble, then it’s a perfect surfing buddy.” You quote him exactly, smiling at his words from a few nights ago.

When he found out, his hands never left your stomach, even though you reminded him the baby was only the size of a grape. That well...it was just a bunch of cells forming up in the moment that couldn’t exactly kick for it had legs the size of your pinky nail. He still waited, he waited and waited, you didn’t even know what he was waiting for at one point for he would pause between his words at the baby or when he asked you a question he looked down at your stomach as if they would reply for you or before you.

“I know hes nervous as hell, but he’s so excited, I know it. The other day Harrison told me he cried when he told him. Tom, crying.” Z laughed a bit and you did too.

“If you think I’m the emotional one...turn on coco or inside out and see what happens to that man.” You chuckled as you turned your head back to the waters to watch tom with a smile on his face blow a kiss in your direction before getting on his board. Paddling out to the sea you watch him get ready to take the first wave, the crowd goes wild and your hand rests over your stomach.

This time, next year, you would sit on these sands with a smaller version of the two of you.

August.

Being early in your pregnancy but far enough to show was not as glamorous as people made it be.

Your shorts no longer fit, shirts started to get loose at the top and tight at the bottom and for the love of heaven you slept so much. Tom liked the idea of endless naps, somedays you wondered if he was the pregnant one instead of you. As he slouched around, ate just as many snacks as you and started to even complain about some of the same things you did.

Maybe it was the impact your moods had on him or the fact he stopped drinking caffeine since you no longer could have it and he didn’t know what his life was before morning coffee was with you. He was almost the same as you were durning the pregnancy.

“What are you doing?” Putting on a bikini for the first time since you told Tom. For the first time in about a month. You didn’t like the fit much anymore, the bloation you constantly had and the extra weight you now carried in your thighs, arms and breasts made you insecure. The top that used to fit perfect now had you grunting to tie. But you had to wear what you had to wear to get you in the water.

“I’m coming with you to the beach.” You say innocently and he shakes his head.

“You’re not picking up a board, you know that. Besides, the waters have been rough lately, there’s that storm coming in and one hard wave can hit you and I don’t want that to happen.” He exaggerates and you look at him with a dead stare.

“Tom, I haven’t touched the water in over a month, I’m pretty sure my skin cells are changing because of it.” You exaggerate as well and he comes up to you.

“Well, I’m not letting you in the water. It’s too dangerous.” He was serious, at first you thought he was just being dramatic, he was still going to let you swim but he was 100% serious.

“Tom, you’re kidding.” You scoff a bit and he shakes his head.

“I’m sorry darling, I know a lot is happening—“ he starts and you move back.

“The doctor said I am healthy enough to be physically active and I—“ before you could finish he cut you off.

“The doctor said you could do some squats, leg workouts, lift a 5lb weight, that was the type of exercise he said. The waters are too dangerous, please don’t argue with me.” He pleads but your emotions get the best of you. Anger starting to build and your body heating up.

Tom had learnt one thing so far; don’t upset the pregnant women and that’s exactly what he did.

“You’re telling me to not argue with you when you are the one holding me hostage in my own home? God, Tom, I have a life still too! A month ago you said you understood what it was going to take and now you’re treating me the way I specifically asked not to! I’m getting in the water, I haven’t been in the water for months it feels like and that’s all I know—“ your rant continues but Tom isn’t looking at you anymore. He’s looking at your side view in the mirror.

Your bump is showing, the bump he swore he could kinda feel but not see was now showing. Almost like it grew overnight.

“Fuck, Tom! Look at me while I’m—“ you start to yell again but he steps closer.

“Look.” He stares at the mirror and comes closer to your bump.

“Oh my…” you see exactly what he’s seeing. The small curve outwards that is your swollen stomach. Your bump.

“May I?” He asked and your mood went from angry to overfilled with happiness. Your eyes starting to tear ss you nodded.

“Tom, it’s your child too, you can touch.” You told him and he did. Your hand even went to your stomach as you rubbed over the bump that was barely forming.

“It’s like it happened overnight.” He laughed a bit and you did too.

“I swear it wasn’t there last night when I got out of the shower. I swear.” You let a few tears fall and he peppers soft kisses.

“I’m sorry.” He gently stroked at the stomach and you sniffled.

“I’m sorry too. I know you just want what’s best for us but I’m just…” you sniffle some more not being able to finish.

“I know baby, I know.” He gets up and wraps his arms around your back. Pulling you in for a hug for you to cry on his chest. So emotional over everything but he was right there. Right there with you.

“We can call the doctor about you surfing, we can call him right now if you want. But I just can’t lose you.” He gives a smile and you nod as your lips meet with his.

“C-can you order the chicken from the place I like?” You finally regain your composure and he nods.

“Of course, anything else?” He looks down at the stomach and you shake your head.

“No, not for now.” You smile down at the small bump forming. “Wait!” You stop him as he’s leaving to grab the phone. He turns to face a guilty looking you, “and mozzarella sticks.” You rub your stomach and he nods. With a faint smile he goes,

“always.” As that was your constant craving. Leaving you in the room for a moment and coming back to see you dressed back ins sweats and a tee shirt, Tom smiled and gladly cuddled up next to you, rubbing and talking to the bump about the future. Maybe you couldn’t surf, but you had Tom right by your side.

December.

Christmas cookies and sweetly salted popcorn occupied your side as you spent a snowy Christmas in London. No beach, no blazing sun even during the day, Tom took you home where you were now five months pregnant.

Heavily showing and to even think you wanted to go surfing months ago was laughable. You hated getting up to shower somedays for it was too much work.

“Darling, Angel, my pretty girl,” Tom sat next to you nervous with his next words. “I know you’re pregnant but there are only so many Christmas cookies.” He told you and you smacked his shoulder.

“Thomas, she’s pregnant! She’s allowed as many cookies as she wants besides there are more in the oven but pregnant women gets first pick as she is carrying my grandchild.” His mom immediately came to your defense. Taking so much good care of you while you were here, Tom doesn’t even think he got this much affection as a sick child.

“I wasn’t saying it’s a bad thing for her to eat cookies, I just want one!” Tom defended himself and you handed him a cookie and you felt your baby kick.

“See? They don't even want you stealing our cookies. I’m eating for two, I’m eating for your baby. You eat a lot by the way! Remember that summer you went through the whole fridge in a week? Yeah, now I’m eating for a tiny version of that! And myself! It’s hard out here for me and what did you do huh? Take two minutes!” You snatched the cookie back from him and rubbed your stomach. His brothers stifled a laugh and Tom grew red in embarrassment.

“I last longer than two minutes.” He says is a mumble.

Rolling your eyes, You rested your head on Toms shoulder and moved his hand over to the kicking stomach. “She says thank you.” You smile as you take a bite from the cookie.

“A she?” His mom perks up and the rest of the family does.

It was a mistake, you and Tom had a battle of the sexes. It seemed as if you didn’t want to know the gender right before your winter holiday. Or really the gender at all. The gender was available for you guys now but you both didn’t see it as a big deal. The baby’s room would be filled with ocean themed toys and a gentle blue wall Anyways. And besides, whatever they decide to be they would make the perfect surfing buddy. Although it was still fun to think of, You thought a girl and Tom swore a boy.

“No, mum, we still don’t know I promise. (Y/n) is just messing around.” He swore and the family relaxed again.

“He’s right, I am just joking. Tom is probably right with his assumption, thinking it may be a boy. With all this moving and eating, just like Tom.” You poke his cheek and Tom again flusters in embarrassment.

“Hey, I have a fast metabolism.” He told you and you kissed his temple.

“I know baby, I’m just teasing you. My man knows how to stay fit and sexy.” You playfully rub his stomach and suddenly the stifled laughs from the boys turn into disgusted noises.

There was everything to indicate a boy, well, mostly just a gut feeling. Tom's mother described her pregnancy with Tom to you and it was nearly the same. A baby boy, you could see that. You would need another fridge and a lot more paper towels assuming the babe will be like Tom and eat yet spill everything. You liked the idea of a boy. Plus, Tom had been playing a stupid game where he asked the baby questions making it kick for an answer. When Tom asked if it was a boy or girl, it kicked the moment he said boy.

The ding of the kitchen timer went off, more cookies fresh out of the oven and Tom was quick to jump up.

“Let me help m’lady up.” He grabs your hands and you grunt as you stand up. You walk with Tom at your side and once you are alone eating more cookies in the kitchen your hand rubs over your stomach as you feel the baby kick in excitement.

“Off the topic of gender, I think they miss the ocean. They kick so much just when I sit in the bath like they are having fun in the water.” You mention water and you feel a kick. They couldn’t understand, but they could hear and a smile rose to yours and Tom's face.

“Then they’re just like their mama.” He leans in and kisses your cheek.

“Who knows, maybe once we get back I’ll get in the—“ before you can finish your sentence about surfing, a sharp kick to your bladder causes you to hunch over with a pained face. Tom worried as he held you panicked but you got back up with a deep breath.

“Nevermind, little one didn’t like that idea.” You hold onto his arms tightly.

“Everything okay? Just a bladder kick?” He panicked and you just nodded.

“Yup.” Your face scrunches up again. “Just the bladder.” You suddenly have the urge to pee. “Now shoo, I’ve got to pee.” You tell him and he looks at you in confusion.

“You just peed like—“ you give him a look making him think about how he’s finishing his sentence. “Right, my darling.” He moved out of your way to let you go. Snatching one more cookie from the tray, he smiled as he thought how next year at this exact time, you would be holding a little baby.

April.

One week. You were one week late and as any normal pregnant woman would be resting in bed and rubbing over her swollen belly and anticipating the child’s arrival. Although that was not what you were doing.

Against Tom's wishes, you went back to work to see the kids start up their surfing lessons. Although there would be no swimming for you, no waves for you just yet, seeing the kids happy to be there was something that sparked joy to your heart always. Helped ease your nerves and turn them into excitement.

“Mrs. (Y/l/n)-Holland, look what I learnt how to do!” One of the kids calls out. You had a smile for not only did they call you by both yours and Tom's name, but that they had always been excited to show you new things.

“That was amazing Ryder!” You clapped at the boy who did a handstand. He had a big smile with teeth missing. Your hand went over your stomach again, an aching pain that was noting but a false labor.

The doctor said it was fine. Women always experienced this right before birth and just take a deep breath but don’t waste your time rushing to the hospital just for them to send you home.

It was normal to be late and that you had a stressful year so it was okay. The doctor mentioned that you still felt contractions which meant you were close. But when it was Tom, every slight indicator of pain you felt meant a freak out where he rushed around the house to get the baby bag and try and get you in the car when in reality, you just had to pee. 

“T-That’s really cool.” You wince and the boys face goes from excitement to worry. Within the luck, Tom comes jogging from the parking lot with lunch for the two of you. Hoping to get in the water with the kids and keep an eye on you.

“Hey Angel.” He kissed your cheek but noticed your pain. “Everything okay?” He panicked and you nodded.

“Yeah, yeah, Ryder here was just showing me how he can do a handstand now—“ you can’t even finish as the pain was strong.

“(Y/n)?” Tom needed to be calm, your face scrunched up as you held your swollen stomach. “Darling, Angel, pretty girl, look at me.” He used all the pet names you liked and you looked up at him with worry in your eyes. “I think it’s time for us to meet the little one.” He nods with a trying smile and you feel an even sharper pain.

“Mmh, I can’t do this.” You breath heavily as you hold onto the stomach. “Yes you can, if you can surf a wave that is 12 feet with no wipeout then you can birth our baby.” He promised and also got the little boy who was so excited to show you his new moves a moment ago to run and get another adult.

“Tom, I-I can’t.” You felt yourself tearing up and he shakes his head. Your heart pounding and mind swarming with worried.

“You can, you will. You are the strongest women I—“ before he can start his motivational speech you cry out in pain.

“Get me in the goddamn car!” You cry and he nods and gets you up before anything worse. He rushes to the hospital as quick as he can, holding your hand and trying to not crash as you hold your stomach and scream.

When he gets to the hospital, he’s still in a wetsuit. They take immediate action into getting you into a room where you are laying with your legs up waiting for a doctor. Holding Tom's hand as you cry.

“Uh sir?” The doctor walks in and looks at the man in the wetsuit. “We’re going to have to ask you to put on scrubs...helps prevent any ourside clothing germs getting on the baby...are you wearing anything under that?” She asked and he immediately started unzipping.

“Jesus tom, not here, she wants you to get changed in the bathroom.” You shake your head as you run your hands over your face. In pain but want to laugh at your worried boyfriend for how he was acting in the moment.

“Right! Right!” He quickly changes from the wetsuit into the scrubs. The doctors look at him funny but let it go as you’re clearly in pain and needing the baby to be out.

“You got this love, you’re doing so good—“ he starts again but you don’t even want to hear it.

“was this really worth two minutes! I’m getting my fucking tubes tied!” You scream at him and he flushes a deep shade of red as one of the nurses giggles.

After one more big push you heard the sound of a cry filled the room. For just a second, all the pain you felt went away as you see the body of your baby, baby boy. You both were right, a beautiful little boy.

“A boy.” Tom breathes out in awe.

“Dad you wanna come cut the cord?” He looked at you for approval and you nodded. He cut the cord with shaky hands, couldn’t focus for the life of him as he just stared at the boy. You only got to hold him for a second before he’s taken off to a bath. Tom following them before they bring him back in a bundle of blankets.

“Oh my…” you hold the beautiful boy. His little lips open just a bit to make a sound while his eyes flutter to adjust to the light. “Look at him tom.” You feel yourself cry and Tom does too.

“Wow, look at you.” He touched the boy's cheek who immediately tried to take the finger into his mouth. “You did that.” He tells you as the two of you admire it.

“We did that.” You tell him and he smiles a bit. “Although yeah, it was mostly me.” The boy stares hard at Tom, Tom who was still in just swim trunks and scrubs.

“Hey, I ate a lot with you during this pregnancy. Even had my own morning sickness.” He teased and you only laughed.

The room going silent for a moment. Hearing the little cooes of your boy as you held him. Toms finger tracing over his cheek when you finally spoke, “Caspian.”

Tom had mentioned how he liked the name for a boy, more than once. It had connections to the water and to Europe so the child would have a bit of both. You had to admit to yourself that you liked it but just wanted to stick with a more casual name. But looking at how he looked at you the moment you said that name, you knew it was the one.

“Caspian?” He repeated and you nodded.

“Caspian Holland.” You told.

He smiled as he kissed your forehead. “Holland? Just that?” He asked as well and you nodded.

“Yeah, yeah just like that.” You smiled. A perfect moment in the perfect situation was interrupted by a small nurse who held a tee shirt.

“Uh sir?” The nurse looked at the two of you and both of your attentions were caught. “So unfortunately we have to ask you to wear a shirt, we got one from the lost and found for you hoping that it would fit.” The shirt read “I’m not as fun as mom” and Tom's face dropped. A proud smirk rises to your face as you look at Tom who’s flared his nostrils just a bit to show his embarrassment.

“Yeah Tom, put on the shirt.” You encouraged and he looked at you. His eyes telling you that you’re going to regret that but you can’t wait 15 years into the future to tell your son.

Sighing as he took the shirt from the poor nurse and sat back down on the chair in a huff.

“You’re never letting me live this one down are you?” Shaking your head you look back down at the boy,

“no, I don’t think we will.” You brought your dry cracked lips down to the boys forehead, you had no water within the past hour and screaming with crying seemed to make you as dead as possible. “Caspian. Caspian Holland.” He whispers again. “Thank you.” He looked at you and you furrowed your brows.

“For everything.” After months of no surfing, months of pain and aches, instead of saying anything back you looked at him and said

“sushi.” Was all you said and he furrowed his brows.

“W-what?” He questioned.

“I need sushi, please.” You sigh and he smiled. Months of being unable to eat any fish that was all you wanted in the moment.

“One California roll coming up.” He kissed your cheek and then the boy's cheek. Calling in the nurse, sending for a California roll and tuna.

Caspian was sleeping soundly in Tom's arms while you ate and rested. Everything was worth it, from the moment he stepped on a plane one summer to Hawaii he knew it was worth it for he found a family in the end.

June.

Once again the sand was squishing under your toes. Feeling each and every grain as you held your baby boy tightly bundled in blankets against your chest as you walked out to the beach. He was freshly bathed, you and Tom took turns. You were so eager the moment you were cleared to get back in the water after birth that the day the doctor cleared you for physical activity, you did it.

But tonight wasn’t you getting in the water, it was you greeting Tom and telling him to come back inside.

“Dinner is done.” You call out to him as he jogs back to the two of you. The baby boy cooing as he sees the ocean and his fathers dripping wet figure coming towards them.

“Hey, look who’s out.” He immediately leans in and kisses all over the pretty baby boy's face. “My sweet boy is so fresh and clean.”

You and Tom had argued about who he had looked more like,You or Tom. he had Tom's nose for sure and his big brown eyes that you knew were going to be trouble. If you had a hard time saying no to Tom when he batted his lashes and gave a glossy look, it was going to be impossible to say no to your beautiful boy.

“He just took a bath. But it wasn’t the ocean.” You smiled and Tom pressed a kiss to your face too.

“Mmh, did you?” He looks at the boy who was yawning in his mother’s arms. “Want to swim a bit?” He asked and you shook your head.

After birth, Tom did a lot of the work. He loved it too. He claimed you needed rest, in which you did, but you would often find him just sitting in the nursery staring at the baby boy. Telling him stories to sleep and kissing his face. He would let you surf, bathe, sleep, all while he took care of your beloved boy.

“No, I’m so tired I think if I use my legs any longer they will snap.” You give a pout and Tom immediately kisses it away.

Tom started to gather his stuff, the beach towel and the bag he normally carried and the moment he started to pack up your baby boy let out a wail.

Within the two months of his birth, you were able to identify each cry. When he was hungry it was more of a gurgle, when he was sleepy it was more strained and forced, when he craved touch it was a whimper sounding cry and then there was this. He was simply upset something did not go his way. May you or Tom stepped away for a moment, the bottle gone too early, but now it was his father packing up his stuff that makes him scream a cry that makes heads turn.

“What’s the matter bubs?” Tom pouts as he sets the stuff down and comes over to him.

Once the stuff is set down the cries settle just a bit, settle enough until tom takes him out of your arms and presses him up against his body.

Still wet from the surf, you both think the baby liked it. While Tom occupied little Caspian, you picked up the towels and his bag for him and once again the boy let out a wail cry which made you and Tom furrow your brows.

“I-I don’t know what it is. I-I changed him and I bathed him and he was perfectly fine and—“ you start to panic and as you panic you drop the stuff which calms his cries. Tom immediately took notice and grew a smile that made his heart flutter in his chest.

“(Y/n),” he stops you and you look up at him with a worried look as if you’ve done something wrong. “He wants to stay. He wants to stay on the beach.” Tom says in a calm voice and the boy was now only cooing in Tom's arms. He bounced gently but mostly cooed as his daddy smiled at him.

“H-He knows we’re leaving the beach.” You sigh and come over to the boys. Petting your sons head as he relaxes in his fathers arms.

“Like I’ve always said, just like his mama.” Tom smiled up at you and you caught his lips for a kiss. “Well…” you rub your hands on your thigh, wiping off the sand you got stuck all over your hands. “Since Caspian always gets his way, I better bring dinner out here.” You smile as you poke at the sweet boys face and Tom moves and has a serious face.

“(Y/n), no, you can’t just whip out your boob in front of—OW! I’m kidding!” You smacked his arm for the stupid comment he made that at first had you worried.

“I hate you. I’m bringing out the dinner.” You start to walk off and he smiles.

“You love us!” He shouts back.

“Just Caspian! You? Not much you. remember...you’re not as fun as mom!” You call out to him, sending him a wink and he wants to say something back but he holds his tounge.

Looking down at the baby boy he says, “when I teach you how to surf I need you to beat mums ass a few times while you’re out there. Just for her little comments.” Tom spoke to the boy and he cooes. “Atta boy.” With that he plots down on the sand towel.

Setting caspian down on the towel for just a moment so he can strip from his wetsuit and be closer to him. You come back out balancing the plates of food for you and Tom as you seat next to them and eat. Leaning your head on Toms shoulder and kissing at it.

You never knew that one competition, one amateur British boy and one shared basket of fish and chips could lead you to the best moments of your life. Could lead you to the best family you’ve ever had.

Please leave feedback! It helps me grow as a writer and lets me know what more you want to see!

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[mayraki]

✧ feel seventeen again - jj maybank

summary: because you and your best friend jj maybank feel like the teenage years are coming to an end, you both decide to spend the night doing stupid teenage things like the old days. but you didn’t know that at the end of the day, the stupidest thing you’d do is kiss your best friend.

masterlist

rue-bennet’s gif

“I hate work.” You said when you dropped your body next to JJ on the couch at the Chateau. He turned to you after letting the smoke come out of his mouth. “Do you want to hang out tomorrow? I really need to let some stress out.”

He shook his head making the messy blonde hairs on his head move alongside with him. “Can’t. Have to work with my dad.”

“Fuck.” You let out softly closing your eyes. “We haven’t hang out in a long time, dude. What about surfing the day after tomorrow?”

“As much a I want to kick your ass again, I can’t. I have to work with Pope, I’m helping him deliver some stuff.” He let his arm go around your shoulders.

“Kicking my ass? In your dreams, Maybank.” You smacked his hand and moved his arm away from your shoulders, gaining a little grin from his lips. “How about the day after that day?”

“Working with my dad again. But I’m free that morning, are you?”

You slowly shook your head. “No, I got a job as a babysitter. Have to take care of the kid that morning.”

“Then I don’t know what to do now-”

“Fuck!” You let out more loudly this time, making JJ slightly jump by your side.

“Dude! Are you good?” He asked but you didn’t respond to him, instead, as a big sigh came out of your mouth you got up from the couch and started to walk around the room, with JJ following you with his eyes, confused at your sudden change of behaviour.

“Can’t you see what’s happening?!” You asked waving your hands around the air, frustrated. “We’re turning into adults!”

“Adults? We haven’t even started our senior year yet.”

“That’s my point! We haven’t even started our last year of high school and we’re already too busy to hang out! This is getting out of control!”

“Y/n!” JJ got up from the couch and grabbed your shoulders, stopping you from walking around the room. “Calm down!”

“I can’t calm down! I feel like our wild days are ending!” You grabbed his cheeks to pull him a little bit closer to your face. “Don’t you remember when we used to don’t give a shit? When our only problem was the police finding our weed?! Or when the only consequence of our stupid actions were our parents yelling at us?!” As I was talking JJ was slowly opening his eyes wide open. “Aren’t you worry that we’re never going to have that again?!”

“Well now I am!” He said lifting his arms into the air before taking a step back. “We can’t lose that! You’re right! I want to do stupid things forever!”

“Well,” I said quickly shaking my head “we can’t! We have to do something about it.”

“What are you thinking?” He asked with his eyes glued to yours, and when a smile appeared on your lips, he nodded. “I like that smile.”

“Are you free right now?” He nodded. “Then, c’mon. I know the perfect place to go.”

The moment that you and JJ entered your old car you drove away from the Chateau and it didn’t took you long to arrive at your destination. You parked the car by the side of the road and let out a smile when your eyes were following the bartenders going in and out of a house, with drinks on their hands.

“Y/n.” JJ called your name. You turned to the side to face him and noticed that he was confusingly looking around the house. You understood, if he took you to a place where there was people with fancy dresses going into a white big house you were probably going to be confused as hell as well. “What are we doing here?”

“The Kooks have a party here, I saw it as I was driving to the Chateau.” You replied. “And we, are going to steal alcohol from them. Go to the beach, and drink it until we’re drunk and we can’t stand up anymore. Stupid enough.”

He let out a smile when he locked eyes with you and nodded, letting you know that he liked that plan. “How are we gonna get in?”

“You, Maybank, follow my lead.”

As you two got out of the car, you wrapped your arm around his the moment he arrived next to you. Looking around to the people attending the party, they were wearing long and expensive dresses, suits, and the people working had bows and clean cuts. And... well, you were wearing an oversized shirt and your old black boots, while JJ since he had been working all day with his dad he had an old dirty shirt with his usual boots. Clearly, it was obvious that you two didn’t belong there. But that wasn’t something that could stop you, you were extremely motivated and the desire to have a fun and stupid night, getting inside the party made it seem the easiest thing in the world.

You turned to the side to give a quick look to the security guard checking the invitations but you went back to JJ again, ready to pull him to the side of the house without gaining any looks on you. As fast as your feet allowed you, you walked towards the fence as you heard the music getting louder each step you took.

Arriving at the tall fence, you were about to climb it but JJ grabbing your waist and pulling you to the side, hitting your back to the fence while he placed himself in front of you made you open your eyes wide open at the surprise. You were never this close to him, it was weird, since you knew him since you were a little kid, but still, you never had JJ this close to your face. Trying to ignore the speed of your heart you looked down to his hand on your waist but that didn’t help you, it made your stomach turn and make you wonder why was he making you feel so many things.

Going back to his eyes you noticed that he was no longer looking at you, his head was facing your side and that’s when you noticed two bartenders walking by the side of the house to the truck that was parked a couple of feet away from you. As they were talking and organising some stuff, you took the opportunity to stare at a very focused JJ. Every girl in Outer Banks knew that he was attractive, he would always have girls around his arms and ending up the parties with some tourons, and that never bothered you, you sometimes asked yourself how come girls wanted him so much. To you, he was just your annoying and chaotic best friend. But for some reason, having him so close to you made you understand why those girls went so crazy for the famous JJ Maybank. He was extremely attractive, and the poor moon light hitting his face, making him shine, didn’t help you get rid of those strange thoughts.

Hiding yourself well from the bartenders, after they did what they came out for, they walked back to the house while following their conversation. Letting out a big sigh, JJ came back to you and tilted his head to the side as you felt how his breathing was hitting your skin. “You’re welcome for saving your ass, Y/n.”

“What?” You asked quickly as you tried to take your heart back to its normal speed, but his hand was still on your waist.

“Are you deaf or something?” He asked furrowing his eyebrows looking at you and your strange behaviour, as a little smile escaped his lips. “I said you’re welcome for saving your ass, Y/n.”

“Oh, right.” Noticing that JJ wasn’t moving and was too focused on you, you moved to the side while you grabbed his hand to take it off your waist. “That was a close one, dude.” You let out a tiny laugh looking at the fence.

“Are you alright?” He asked and you quickly nodded.

“Yeah, why?”

“I grabbed your waist and you didn’t yell at me or something. I mean, I know that I did it unintentionally and I saved our asses, but still, it’s weird that you didn’t insult me.” He shrugged his shoulders and before you could think of your next actions, you quickly moved your hand to his crotch area, making him take a step back and placing his hands to protect his dick, but before hitting him you stopped your hand, as a smirk came out of your lips.

“Don’t do it again or next time I won’t stop.”

He let out a grin after letting out a big breath out, taking his hands out of his private area. “Yeah, there she is.”

You smiled with the thought that what just happened to you, your heart speeding up was nothing more than just not wanting to be caught. JJ had nothing to do with it, he was your best friend. Nothing more.

You grabbed the top of the fence and turned to the look at JJ. “Are you gonna give me a hand or not?”

He quickly nodded walking closer to you. “Oh, yeah, you’re definitely back.”

Placing both of his hand in front of you, you placed your foot on top of it to push your body upwards and cross the fence. Since JJ was taller, he didn’t need help so seconds later of your feet touching the ground, JJ was by your side trying to take the messy hair out of his face. You smiled again lifting your hands into the air celebrating that you were inside the house and nobody was around that little corner to see you two sneak in. You nailed it.

“Hello?” Fuck.

You quickly turned around like JJ to see a little girl standing with a pink dress and a toy between her hands. She was staring at you and JJ repeatedly as a thousand of excuses where running through your head.

“Hello little girl.” JJ said before you could say anything. He kneeled down and pointed at the toy. “What’s that?”

“What are you two doing here?” She asked as a sweet innocent smile appeared on her lips.

“What are you doing here?” He asked back and you looked at him furrowing your eyebrows.

The girl tilted her head to the side as she crossed her arms on her chest. “Really? I’m ten years old, that doesn’t work with me anymore.”

“JJ.” You grabbed his arm to pull him back and whisper close to him. “She’s a kook, they’re a different kind of kids.”

“I’m not different!” The little girl yelled. “For the way you two are dressing tells me you’re the ones that are different and that you shouldn’t be here!”

“Hey! Hey! Hey!” You tried to calm her down.

“You hey!” She pointed at you. “I’m telling my mom that you two are here!” She turned around quickly, making his long and blonde hair fly around her body as her tiny feet stumbled with strength towards the party.

“Wait wait- how about if I give you twenty bocks?” JJ asked her and you pushed his arm.

“Dude! Did you really tried to bribe a rich kid with money?!”

“I don’t know!”

You slapped yourself and then turned around to face the little girl, but unfortunately, she was long gone. “Shit.”

“We really need to go, that little kid looks innocent but I’m pretty sure she works for the Devil.” JJ grabbed your arm so you both could make your way towards the bar.

The moment that you started to hear the sound of people talking you both made sure to not have any eyes on either of you. The long and tall plants that the patio had became your best friends since you didn’t even step away from them to hide behind for a second. You looked around hoping to see the little girl playing around, meaning that she forgot about you and JJ, but your eyes couldn’t locate her anywhere. As you were walking, accidentally you hit JJ’s body so you turned your head to face him but before you could ask him why he stopped, he grabbed your hand and quickly turned you around to head another way.

“What the fuck JJ?” You asked but when you noticed that his fingers were wrapped with yours, you shut your mouth. Your body was quickly following him, but your mind was somewhere else. Why am I not pushing JJ’s hand away and telling him to fuck off so I could lead the way?

While you were walking behind him you couldn’t stop staring at your hand touching his. Your heart, just like before, started to beat faster but what cut you so off guard and made you shook your head immediately, was the fact hay you unintentionally bit your lower lip as a tight nod appeared on your chest. You needed to take your hand away from JJ’s but nothing was making you do it, your brain didn’t want you to. And for some reason, your hand felt like if he left yours, you were gonna miss it.

“Again! That was a close one.” JJ said once he stopped. You were now at another part of the patio but you didn’t look around, your head was still confused. “Oh, sorry-” JJ said the moment he noticed you were staring at your hands together. He let it go and placed his hands in front of crotch, preventing you from hitting him in the dick.

“Yeah,” you nodded looking at his eyes “don’t do it again.” You let out before you could think your words. Without giving JJ the opportunity to respond, you turned around wanting to leave all those thoughts behind and focus on what was important, stealing the alcohol.

“What now?” JJ asked behind you as you stopped behind a plant. You looked around and noticed the bar full of people and bottles of champagne on top of it on the other side of the patio so you pointed at it with your head.

“There.”

“We have to make sure nobody sees us-” JJ was saying but you didn’t hear his words, instead, you left the plant and started walking confidently towards the bar. Soon after, you had a very confused JJ by your side. “What the fuck are you doing?�� He asked in a loud whisper.

“If we hide, we won’t get caught.”

“Isn’t that the point?” He asked but you slowly shook your head. Before he could let out another word, you speeded your walk and soon after your body was next to the bar. As you were gaining a lot of eyes on you, you made your way to the front and grabbed a bottle of champagne. A woman opened her mouth offended once you turned around and opened it, to then took it to your mouth and feel the liquid entering your body. Once you took a long sip, you turned around and grabbed another one, still, with every single eye on you.

“Young lady-” a woman said in front of you but you didn’t stop, instead, you walked towards JJ who was looking at you surprised, but with a proud smile on his lips. “Hold on!” The woman yelled again, but you lifted the bottles to the air and yelled: “I’m on top of the world motherfucker!” To then proceeded to give JJ the bottle and grab his hand to run away from the house after hearing the little girl from before yell: “Those kids are weirdos!”

“Fuck yeah!” You yelled back after taking your tongue out to her and gaining a lot of gaps from the people around you, but you didn’t care, for the first time in a long time, you felt like that stupid little kid again.

“Go after them!” You heard the woman yell but it was too late, you had already made your way to the front door and, after winking at some old white rich guy, you left the house running with loud laughs coming out of your and JJ’s mouth.

It seemed that the shook of you stealing the alcohol made your run out of the house like you never did before. Feeling the cold air hitting your face you turned back to see if anyone was following you, but lucky for you and JJ, the only ones left of the street was you and him.

“We left the car!” JJ yelled while you and him were still running.

“Who gives a shit! I’ll pick it up later!” After letting out those words you quickly stopped realising that the beach was a couple of streets away from you and JJ, but it wasn’t your normal side of the island. “Wanna go for a swim?” You asked him once you faced him and immediately noticed the smirk coming out of his lips, to then grab your hand once again and walk together to the Kook side of the beach.

As soon as you felt the cold sand with your feet the moment you took off your boots you felt a slight shiver in your skin, but it completely disappeared when after leaving the champagne bottles beside your shoes, JJ grabbed your waist and legs, lifting you up with the intention to walk towards the water. “JJ!” You yelled the second a laugh came out of your mouth but he didn’t respond, he quickly ran to the water and as soon as some drops of the waves hit your skin you wrapped your arms around his neck for the sudden feel of coolness running through your skin.

“C’mon Y/n!” JJ dropped your legs making half of your body get completely wet. He didn’t let go of your waist when you stood on the ground, instead, he grabbed it with his two hands pushing you more deeper into the water. But you were quick too, the moment that he let go of your body you grabbed his arm and pulled him with you, ending up under the water and immediately feeling the water surround your skin.

“Fuck! It’s so cold!” JJ yelled when you two went over the surface and you let out a loud laugh, slightly shivering under the cold wind that gently blew around you.

The moment that felt your feet touching the ground instead of the water, you hugged yourself with your eyes glued to JJ. Neither you or JJ knew what to say, it was like your eyes and his were experiencing something for the first time. His blue eyes felt like they were putting a spell on you and you couldn’t stop staring at them, wanting to feel them on you until your brain could come up with something to say. But after the seconds passed, a strange wave of safety ran through your veins, no matter what could happen next you were gonna be alright, and all because he was staring at you.

A strong wind moving the water around you, pushed JJ’s body closer to yours. His eyes went wide open at the surprise of having your face now close to his, feeling how his breathing was mixing with yours.

You two didn’t know what was happening, or why, but knew one thing, you didn’t want it to end.

You never expect JJ to make you feel like this, and JJ didn’t either. You knew each other since you could remember... why now? He was just your annoying boy friend, who would tease you with things that he knew would make you mad or ask you to help him get girl, or even be proud of you when you went out on dates with guys.

As confused and weird as everything that was happening felt, JJ, without thinking, grabbed your waist and pulled you closer to his body making you feel his hotness over your skin. Your body was numb under his action as a thought appeared on your mind: two best friends don’t do this. What are we doing?

“We better drink that champagne...” you said swimming away from him with his eyes glued to his. “We don’t want it to lose the cold.”

“Yeah.” JJ nodded while scratching the back of his head. “We don’t want that.”

The moment that you turned around once you had the champagne on your hands, you handed one to him so you two could open it at the same time. For a moment, you noticed that JJ didn’t want to make eye contact with you, and you knew why, but didn’t want to admit it since that could lead to something even bigger and maybe... ruining your relationship with JJ.

At the end, this was just a one time thing... the night and the stress making you feel all those things. And probably, hopefully, JJ thought the same as you.

“To this crazy night and many more to come.” You said lifting the bottle to the air and JJ did the same as little smile escaped his lips. You took the bottle to your mouth to feel it enter your body and enjoy every single second of it, but still, even if you tried your hardest, your new feelings for JJ were all that consumed your brain.

“Was this night what you wanted?” He asked when you sat down and he following you, sitting down by your side almost making your shoulders touch.

“I don’t know.” You replied taking a deep breath in. “Even if yelled motherfucker in a party full of Kooks, that moment is long gone, I can’t keep the feeling in me.” JJ nodded as you two were looking at the water move in front of you. “The feeling of being seventeen, when nothing else matters... just living.”

“We’re growing up, man.” He said. “It sucks.”

“Tell me about it.” You let out a laugh before locking eyes with JJ. He had a little smile on his lips but when his eyes slowly went to yours, you could feel your heart beating faster again.

“We can’t stop it.” He said going back to your eyes.

You didn’t respond immediately, staring at his eyes you took a moment to process the need that just appeared in you. “Maybe we can.”

“Dude! If you have so magical powers that you never told me about, please, do tell.”

“What? No!” You said as loud laugh escaped your mouth. “It’s just- we kind of did it tonight. It isn’t like we used to do it back then, but... it’s something.”

“I have to admit,” JJ said getting closer to you “watching you drink that champagne in front of everyone and then yelling motherfucker was the coolest shit ever.”

“I’m never going to hear the end of it.”

“No you won’t!” He said and let his hands hold his body while they rested behind him. “We kinda did it, huh? Stop time.” He said and you nodded, proudly.

“Yeah, we did. But still- I don’t want it to end.” You turned to face the water and let out a long breath out. “I just feel like, because we have to be so worried about our future, thinking about what the hell are we gonna do after we graduate that we’re missing our last days of our teenage years.” JJ got closer to your body wanting to hear your words more clearer, making you face him and see those blue eyes once again. “I wanna do something stupid. The stupidest thing ever. Something that I’ll regret later, tomorrow, maybe for the rest of my days, or maybe not! I want to do something so stupid that afterwards I’m like ‘what the hell was that?’ but while I’m doing it, it’s the best thing ever.”

JJ stared at you but you went back to his lips when that thought came back to your head. “And what is that?” He asked softly.

You stayed put. Your head knew what it was, but your brain wasn’t giving you the opportunity to do it. So, shutting it off, without thinking you closed the space between you and him and united his lips with yours. You immediately felt the hotness of them, they were still salty from the water but in you lips they felt like nothing but sweetness. Your actions caught JJ so off guard that I took him a couple of seconds to fully process what was happening, with his eyes still opened he stayed still while you waited for him to give in into the kiss. You were about to step back and realise that this, indeed was the stupidest thing you could ever done, and like you expected it, regret it. But before you could, JJ grabbing your waist and pulling your closer stopped you from finishing the kiss.

Even if you kissed many people in your short life, nothing compared to whatever JJ was making you feel while he took control of the kiss. It was clear that he had experience, you knew that, but living it with him was a complete other story. His lips were gently playing with yours as the wind was blowing around, his hand was strongly placed on your waist pulling you closer and making you feel the hotness of the kiss grow each second. But when you felt like you couldn’t breath anymore, you pulled away and found those blue eyes staring at you surprised.

“Wow.” That’s all he said and you let out a tiny laugh.

“Wow indeed.”

You two stayed silent trying to process what just happened and how to carry on... you just kissed JJ Maybank, your best friend, the guy you found disgusting not even a day ago. But before you could give that much a thought, JJ spoke before you. “Was that the stupidest thing you had in mind?”

“Maybe.” You slowly shrugged your shoulders.

“So that means you’ll regret it tomorrow?”

“I-” you stayed quiet. Were you? “I don’t know.”

“Was it... good?” You quickly turned to JJ with your eyebrows furrowed but an uncontrollably smile escaped your lips. “I mean- you said it, you wanted to do something that while you did it, feels like the best thing ever.”

“Right, I said that. Well, in that case, it wasn’t that bad, Maybank.”

“What?” He opened his mouth offended. “Wasn’t that bad? Come here, let me do it again.” He jokingly grabbed your arm and pulled you back to him, but you quickly pushed him away.

“Fuck off!”

“She’s back!”

You let out a tiny laugh as you stared at him. Were you back? Now you didn’t saw JJ as your annoying best friend, he was something different to you. But you had to keep those thoughts to yourself, what if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if he sees me as the same girl to annoy? Just like best friends... this is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions.

“You did respond to my kiss, though.” You said without thinking about it.

“Well, Yeah.” JJ said scratching the back of his head. “I did. It was good.”

“Did you actually like it?”

“I-” he stopped himself and that made your heart speed up, he didn’t like it? “I never thought I would say this, but I liked that you kissed me.”

“What?” You asked quickly, surprised at his words.

Neither of you said anything since after a couple of seconds of staring at each other, you both couldn’t control it and bursted out in laughter. “What the fuck is happening?!” You asked loudly shaking your head.

“Dude! We better drink the champagne.” He said handing you the bottle and you quickly took it, trying to calm yourself down.

No... but seriously, what the fuck is happening?

Maybe the kiss was gonna change some things, or maybe not, but one thing was sure, that was the stupidest thing you could have ever done.

>>>

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[miramei]

Alolan B&B Shenanigens

Studio of Annie presents: newest Pokemon idiots! Sponsored by my growing pokeplush collection.

Featuring, in order: Tricia, Eden, Squeakers, the B&B itself (which needs a name, pls help me name it)

Team Tricia

Alola born and bred, she grew up in the Hau’oli Outskirts.

Was taught to surf as a small child by her grandfather. He was also the one who helped her catch her first Pokemon: a sleek Lapras who similarly enjoys riding the waves.

Although she likes traditional surfing with a board, she’s only ever entered competitions where the surfing is done with Pokemon. She and Lapras have managed to win two of them, both with substantial cash prizes. The trophies are among her most prized possessions.

She’s also competed in Mantine Surf competitions, but finds enjoys competing with her own Pokemon more enjoyable. The waves are bigger, and the bonding experience is unmatched.

Picked up her Pikachu pair at a Mantine Surf competition on accident. One of the Pikachu actually surfed out into the competition venue and quite literally crashed into her Mantine. She finished the rest of the run with a sparking hanger-on. Once the initial stress wore off it was actually quite enjoyable.

The Pikachu actually started out following her Lapras, wanting to surf on her back. It took several months of persistent squeaking to convince Lapras to try, and then several months more to train her to be comfortable with the two electric mice.

Only one of the Pikachu knows Surf. Both, however, can surf on actual boards. Tricia got a pair custom made for them when she officially adopted them.

The Pikachu are a male and female bonded pair.

Worked a summer job in college as a receptionist at the Alola Tourist Bureau. She ran the Loto-ID desk.

After graduating college, she used her surfing cash prizes and an inheritance from her grandfather to buy a fairly spacious property along Melemele’s North Shore. Originally, she just had the property renovated to include an in-law suite and was intending on renting out the remainder, but after a lot of deliberation and discussion with her family it was decided that they should move to grow a bed & breakfast business.

It was rough going and very frustrating for a few years as she tried to get her feet under her, but now she loves the place.

Picked up her Clauncher after she had her B&B up and running. The shrimp was fished up by local fisherman, ate all their bait, was tossed back because he was too small, and then let himself get caught (again) because the free food was a great draw. Was making a cheerful menace of himself in the crab traps.

Tricia managed to lure him to her with a biscuit. She thought he was pretty mild-mannered if not a bit gluttonous. She was right on both accounts.

His name is Gumbo because he has been threatened with the stew pot on various occasions by various people and continues to remain blissfully unperturbed.

Gumbo is very small. Very rotund.

Is in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend Eden. They’ve been living together for about a year now, which she definitely was not expecting after his disastrous first impressions.

Team Eden

Moved to Alola as a kid with his family. His father is a geologist, and settled the family in Malie City, Ula’Ula Island.

They moved to Alola from Sinnoh, so everything was a shock to the system, least of all the climate change.

His grandparents sent him a Turtwig as a gift when he turned 10 and could start legally owning Pokemon in his own name.

Wants to be a Cool Kid and by all accounts looks like one of those Cool Jocks but he’s a dork and stupidly earnest at heart and in practice.

His interest in trees started when his Turtwig evolved and has since only gotten worse. He currently works as an arborist.

Despite going to the gym and looking like he clearly works out (and he does actually work out) his only real physical skill that he brags about is his ability to climb up a tree very fast.

Half of his closet is devoted to increasingly garish and neon-bright colored shirts.

An ex-girlfriend liked to have their dates in Ula’ula meadow which was where he caught his Roselia.

He knows absolutely nothing about Water Type Pokemon. He also, while on a beach trip with several college friends of his, decided to catch one in order to impress a cute girl (Tricia)

He set his sights on a Qwilfish

Predictably, it did not go well

Became rather attached to his poisonous blob of fish after he recovered from the embarrassment and actually learned more about them. Surprisingly, release never crossed his mind, because he’s of the type to think that one ought to be responsible for a Pokemon after obtaining them and actually try everything at their disposal before resorting to release/rehoming.

Frankly, his serious and earnest demeanor in learning more about his Qwilfish was the first step in actually winning Tricia over. Before that, she thought he was just your typical frat boy tourist.

Might have been overwhelmed with joy when their relationship turned serious enough for them to discuss and then actually move in together.

Squeakers

A BABY

No, literally. He is a baby, and is still bottle-fed, although recently he’s started to branch out and try solid foods.

Tricia and Eden found him on the beach on one of their evening walks. He was alone. Since that stretch of beach was fairly close to their house, they monitored him for a day or so just in case mom came back.

She did not :(

Dropped him off (squeaking all the way) at a local rescue and figured aside from maybe a progress report, that was that. They were called a few days later about possibly fostering him until they could arrange a more permanent placement for the baby.

Is quite attached to them, Eden more so than Tricia.

Very round, Very squeaky.

Accidentally learned Powder Snow mid-sneeze and scared himself.

Apparently came with two egg moves inherited from his parents: Yawn (more cute than effective) and Fissure. Thankfully, he has yet to try demonstrating the latter.

The Inn

A cozy 5-room bed & breakfast on Melemele’s North Shore. This property is Tricia’s pride and joy. The property boasts a recently renovated patio-space and a small swath of private beach. The garden were originally planted by the previous owner but expanded upon in earnest by Eden, as it was one of his pet projects around the house after he moved in.

There are three guest rooms in the main building and two detached private suites that were added later on.

Tricia and Eden live in the original in-law suite that is attached to the main house.

They primarily get their electricity through a set of solar panels installed on the roof. Their back-up generator gets much of it’s electricity through Pikachu-power

The business is primarily run by Tricia herself, although they have a housekeeper and a couple part-timers to help with bookings and other day-to-day activities. Eden also steps in occasionally when he has the time, usually to give Tricia an opportunity to pop into town for shopping or a quick breather.

The official “mascot” of the inn is Tricia’s pair of surfing Pikachu. The unofficial “mascot” is Gumbo.

This is because Gumbo can frequently be found on the counter, parked next to the water dispenser or waving next to the welcome sign. He is somewhat of a receptionist shrimp.

He is also capable of dragging over a “Yes! I can take treats!” sign and conning guests into loving on him. He does not need extra treats. He is already quite rotund.

He has his own special pulley system to help him get onto the counter.

The surfing Pikachu pair like to hand out travel brochures when guests ask about local attractions. They are partial to the beach and surf guides.

They also enjoy stamping their paw-prints on the little welcome cards that Tricia writes for the guest rooms.

Eden’s Roselia likes to handle floral decorations for the guest rooms. She also knows aromatherapy, learned from the housekeeper’s Comfey, so sometimes will help out in final room checks.

Because Eden and Tricia own several small Pokemon—one of which is a traditional prey species—in addition to having a baby Spheal running around, there is a size limit rule in the inn for guests who wish to have one of their Pokemon out and about while on the property. This is outlined clearly on their booking websites and printed as one of their first rules on many of their reminders. While most guests respect this, they’ll occasionally get guests who demand to be an exception.

Tricia used to refund them their visit and point them towards other accommodations, but nowadays she just points to their rules, points to other hotels that allow bigger Pokemon to be free-roaming, and keeps the down-payment. The rules were laid out really clearly and she also reinforces it when calling to confirm the booking. She has no more sympathy to give these people.

Squeakers is not allowed outside. He will try his hardest to get outside. There is a sign taped to both the main and patio doors to expressly remind visitors and staff that the baby is not to go outside. So far he has been successfully thwarted on every attempt.

This means that you can frequently see him smooshing his little round face against the glass of the door or a window though. It seems to be quite popular with the guests.

One of their promotional videos is titled “A Tour of the Amenities” and it’s just a montage of Squeakers getting up to various shenanigans in each of the property areas and Eden in the background, yelling “SQUEAKERS” in progressively exasperated and hysterical tones.

On that vein, they’ve had some guests leave entire reviews just about Gumbo and Squeakers.

[ofmatter]

{  MICHIEL HUISMAN | 40 | CIS MAN ﹜  welcome to san francisco, RHETT HAGEN! just to make sure, you go by HE/HIS, right? okay, great. i just have a few questions for you before i can let you go..  how long have you been here for? 35 YEARS. where are you currently living? PACIFIC HEIGHTS. what’s your current occupation? DJ at CAT CLUB but what’s your dream occupation? AUDIO ENGINEER FOR HOLLYWOOD FILMS. wow! interesting. is there a secret that we can keep between you and i? HE GOT DRUNKENLY MARRIED IN VEGAS IN HIS 20’S AND NEVER GOT IT ANNULLED. lastly, this is a bit of a random question but … what’s your favorite song? PSYCHO by METR & that’s all they wrote, friend! we can’t wait to see you around the golden city!

--- quick stats. ---

birth name: rhett hagen. nickname(s): none. age / d.o.b.: 40. may 8, 1982. gender, pronouns & sexuality: cis man, he/his, demiromantic heterosexual. hometown: amstelveen, noord holland, the netherlands. occupation: dj at cat club. education: bachelor’s degree in audio engineering. relationship status: married ... but single. children: none. positive traits: agreeable, confident, fun-loving, observant, passionate. negative traits: aloof, devious, extravagant, faithless, selfish. character comparisons: ferris bueller (ferris bueller's day off), richard castle (castle), donna meagle (parks and recreation), shawn spencer (psych), samanatha jones (sex and the city), lucifer morningstar (lucifer), frank abagnale (catch me if you can), jesper fahey (shadow and bone), rusty ryan (ocean's 11), neal caffrey (white collar)

--- quick tl;dr. ---

i. born in amstelveen, noord holland, the netherlands. his mom split and left him with just his father when he was about three, and it was a very stressful situation. most stories revolve around kids growing up with their single mom and a deadbeat dad that disappeared, rhett’s is the opposite. when his mother booked it, his father took up multiple jobs to keep them afloat. one such job took them to san francisco when rhett was five ---a big move, but his father was looking forward to leaving behind bitter memories. they packed up what was was worth taking and split to the west coast.

ii. it would be a lie to tell you that rhett was an exceptional child. his grades were always passing, but somewhere in the b to a minus range, possibly higher if he actually gave a damn. it took a long time for him to discover what he wanted to do ---his childhood was spent floundering through hobbies where none of them really stuck. sports were a joke, and the one time he tried surfing he got yanked half a mile away from shore in a riptide. (he finds the whole ordeal hilarious, honestly, but his father made him promise not to do it again, so he promised). the only thing that really ever stuck with him was his carefree attitude, and his ability to make a joke out if anything. aloof. when he graduated high school he was appointed class clown, and it followed him everywhere.

iii. somewhere around 17 he discovered his love for the technical side of music. he took an elective of music theory as a joke and completely fell in love with it. his father was ecstatic that something seemed to stick, and when college rolled around he took care of the first two years of a general liberal arts degree at a community college before transferring all of his credits to a university for audio engineering. his father had set aside enough money for him to pay out of pocket for the two year’s associates, but after that rhett took out student loans. (he’s mostly paid them off now, thanks).

iv. and he took after his father with the work ethic. college was met with working at least two jobs, three during the summers. money was sorted evenly to a saving’s account, bills, and immediate necessities. his father let him live in their house in outer sunset for the duration of college until rhett got his own place after. at first it was a dingy little studio but he graduated into his current home in pacific heights after some time. primarily he works as a dj for the cat club (and has for many, many years) but has taken many freelance jobs on the side engineering (mixing, mastering) for up-and-coming musicians. he’s even worked on the sound for some small-time indie films, which earned him the ability to have a nicer place. he’s always been frugal with his money, a smart spender.

v. ever the joker, he never quite grew up. somewhere in the middle of it all he forced himself to keep in touch with his inner child. while it might appear that he shirks adult responsibilities, the reality is that rhett keeps that side to himself, and very private. the largest case is taking care of his father ---he visits their outer sunset home (his father refuses to move, despite rhett offering multiple times) at least four times a week, if not every day. his father still insists on working ---you can catch him gardening at a local cemetery (he likes to make sure that the flowers for the deceased are nice and pretty) and offering a kind word to the mourning, or a nice chat to a jogger, if you know his schedule. rhett himself has that kind streak in him, but mischief takes over. he learned how to appreciate life from his father, and refuses to let any negativity sway him.

-- fun facts. --

i. is very much a cat person. he has a pet cat presently, alastair, that rules his house. to that end, he doesn’t like dogs, even so far as having a slight fear of larger dogs (though he’ll laugh it off as anything but that).

ii. has no memory of his mother, but really doesn’t think fondly of her at all. there’s no good reason to abandon your husband and child, and rhett thinks every lifetime movie that praises a mother as a lone hero is a joke. to that end - he’s fiercely protective of his father, who he understands and always saw as sacrificing part of himself to ensure his child had a good upbringing.

iii. god, he loves music. it’s why he dj’s, primarily. he likes a little of everything, and keeps an open mind. his set lists are primarily drum and bass, edm of many varieties, and synthwave but he like to mix some of everything in there. he hates country music. and while he can appreciate some of the modern pop stars, he also hates taylor swift. don’t ever try to convince him otherwise of anything else.

iv. he might appear as a slacker (he kind of is) or aloof (he really is) and uncaring (depends) ... but he’s actually very observant and quite intelligent ... especially when it comes to music. he loves the technical, mathematical and theoretical side of it. he loves to make his own synth sounds in his spare time, and he loves a good rave to get lost in the feeling of music. he thinks in music, hears in music, sees in music.

v. has never has a serious relationship, largely in part to seeing how broken his father was upon his mother leaving them. he knows his father had other girlfriends, but he kept them quiet and never paraded them around the house, and now as an elderly man his father is happily alone. rhett is afraid to open himself up to someone, to ultimately be left alone ... so he never gives anyone the chance.

[star-sworn]

Kindred

Hello there! Here’s that Ventus/Kairi buddy fic I’ve been talking about for months now. I got up the courage to submit it to March Caprice, so make sure to check out that event! The full, 3 chapter work is posted here, and as always, you can check out my notes and my other fics on my AO3 page.

Happy early KH 20th, everyone :)

_____________________

Chapter 1: What’s in Your Heart

“Veer left!”

Kairi could hear Ven calling out to her from the ground far below as she soared high above the Land of Departure. From the view behind her helmet visor, the sky was clear and bright, dotted with white fluffy clouds. The air up here was cooler than on the ground, and she could see dewy beads of condensation forming on her keyblade armor as she flew. As Master Aqua’s first official student, Kairi had taken up residence here at the castle just a few months ago. Today, she was out practicing how to fly her keyblade glider—one of the perks that came with her shiny new armor—and she’d asked Ven to come along on their day off from training.

Though this was only her third time using her new keycraft, Kairi already felt quite competent. Once she’d gotten over her fear of the altitude, the rush of excitement was almost intoxicating. She put her knack for flying down to the design of her keyglider. Hers could be best described as a keysurfer: It was built just like the sailboards Kairi used to windsurf all the time as a kid on Destiny Islands. With a toss of her weapon into the air, the hilt of her keyblade would morph into a long, narrow platform that served as the board she was standing on, while the blade took the shape of a sail just a bit taller than Kairi herself, attached to the board at a perpendicular angle. Kairi held the rudder that ran along the center of the sail, expertly adjusting to the changing winds as she moved through the air. As much as she missed the waves of the ocean back home, navigating the air currents here was almost just as fun.

If only Sora and Riku could see me right now! Windsurfing—skysurfing?—like this, she couldn’t help but think back to the happiness of her childhood: The three of them had all spent countless summer days surfing and sailing and splashing in the waves off the play island. That all seemed so long ago now, Kairi had all but forgotten it. That’s why she hadn't understood it at first, when her key took the form of a sailboard the first time she'd summoned her glider: This must be what’s in your heart, Master Aqua had told her.

If only they could see me now… Kairi knew today Sora would think she looked so cool in her new armor, and Riku would be itching to challenge her to a race. Now, her sailboard and the precious memories it represented served as painful reminders of what she’d lost. Her heart stung as her thoughts lingered on her absent friends. And just like she always did when she thought of Sora, Kairi’s mind drifted to their last moments together—the feel of her hand in his, the light in his eyes, the sadness in his smile, until—

“Kairi! Look out!”

Oh yeah. What was Ven shouting about? She’d been so lost in the thrill of flying and the fog of her memories that she’d hardly been paying any attention to her surroundings, let alone her senior classmate. It only took a quick glance for Kairi to realize she was heading straight for one of the mountain peaks that rose up around the summit—if she didn’t act quickly, she’d crash right into the cliff face.

But Kairi wasn’t going to back down. Not anymore. Planting herself firmly on the board, she tightened her grip on the rudder, but didn’t change course.

“Kairi! What are you doing? Are you crazy?!” She heard Ven cry out in the distance.

Eyes locked onto the mountain looming before her, Kairi hurtled forward at full speed. The wind was howling all around her, the sail rattling under the stress.

Not yet… Not yet…

Now!

Just a few feet from the hard rock face, Kairi yanked on the sail’s rudder. Not a moment too soon, the keysurfer turned 90 degrees upward on a dime, and Kairi soared skyward along the cliff face, the board kicking up showers of sparks as it scraped along the rocky surface. Finally, she cleared the mountain’s peak, sailing upside down through the air in a large arcing loop.

“Woo-hoo!” Kari let out a wild cheer as she rolled through the sky, the whole world spinning around her. It was all a kaleidoscopic blur of colors: the bright blue of the sky, the lush green of the grassy summit sprawled out below her (or above her, at the moment) the white and gold tones of the castle off in the distance. Kairi kept up the pressure on the rudder until she’d fully righted herself, and was now approaching the plateau of the summit, where she could just make out Ven’s form as he watched her. Now all she had to do was—

Uh oh. It was only now that Kairi realized she’d have to land the keyglider, too. This was something her previous experience hadn’t really prepared her for: When she was windsurfing, all Kairi had to do was jump into the water (or more likely, fall into the water), and that was the end of it. This time, she was going to have to think on her feet—literally.

“Incoming!” Kairi shouted. Ven wisely heeded her warning and dove out of the way as her keyblade sailboard struck the ground, her teeth rattling from the jarring impact. Kairi held on for dear life as the glider tore across the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust and grass blades in its wake. She managed to turn the glider 90 degrees so she could use the full length of the board to slow her momentum—until it struck a rock hidden in the grass, and Kairi was thrown off altogether. Kairi felt the wind get knocked out of her lungs when she hit the ground, and her head rang with the clanking of her keyblade armor as she tumbled through the grass. When she finally came to a stop on her back, everything else kept moving, her ears ringing, the sky spinning wildly over her head. The helmet of her keyblade armor disappeared and Kairi groaned as her body began to register its many bumps and bruises. Her right shoulder in particular protested loudly in pain from taking the brunt of her landing.

“Kairi!” Suddenly, the shoots and blooms of a Curaga spell appeared over her head, and Kairi instantly felt better: the dizziness cleared, and relief flooded her aching body.

“Kairi! Are you okay?!” It was Ven kneeling over her, his eyes frantic, brow furrowed with worry lines. Kairi thought it was sweet how concerned he was for her—then a mischievous idea crossed her mind.

“Ughhhh,” She groaned, slowly opening her eyes to slits. “Ven…”

“Kairi! Speak to me! Can you move? Where does it hurt?!”

“Ughhhh…Ven…I think I’m…I’m going to…”

“Just hold on, I-I’ve got a potion here somewhere, th-then I’ll go get Aqua—”

“...be just fine.”

Ven’s eyes grew wide with confusion until an impish grin spread across Kairi’s face, and she burst into giggles.

“Kairi!” Ventus groaned. “That’s not funny!” But even as he chided her, Ven held out his hand, helping her to her feet. “You could have been seriously hurt!” Ven continued as the rest of the armor faded from Kairi’s form. “What if you’d fallen off the summit? What if you’d hit your head and forgot who you were? How could I tell Aqua—”

“Oh come on, Ven,” Kairi replied lightly. “I’m fine! So I need to practice my landing. Stop worrying so much!”

Ven huffed, and gave Kairi a look of what could only be described as loving exasperation. She sounded so much like he did when he first started training her under Master Eraqus, all those years ago. And I’m starting to sound like Aqua, he realized. It wasn’t that long ago that he was the one learning everything for the first time—and having everyone fuss over him. Even though he’d disliked being treated like a kid back then, when it came to Kairi, he just couldn’t help it sometimes. It wasn’t that he didn’t think she could take care of herself—he’d seen how she’d held her own in the Keyblade Graveyard, after all—but he had come to think of her almost like a little sister. Not that little, but still someone he wanted to look out for.

“Well I have to admit,’ Ven conceded, “you’re really good with your glider already. It took me weeks to figure out how to keep my balance—I’ve even got a scar or two to prove it.”

“I used to windsurf all the time back home,” Kairi explained with a shrug. ‘So it just feels… natural. Well, except for the landing part,” she added with a sheepish smile.

“You can take the girl out of the islands…” Ven mused, breaking out into one of his beaming grins. Kairi couldn’t help but return it.

“But seriously, Kairi,” Ven went on, growing sober, “are you okay? That was a pretty rough landing.”

As she met Ven’s anxious gaze, Kairi decided not to tease him any further. She could tell from the look in his eyes that he really was concerned—and if she were being honest, she was touched that he cared about her so much. And as much as Kairi hated people worrying about her, fussing over her—which most of the time just felt like they were doubting her abilities—with Ven, it was different.

“I was in pretty bad shape until you healed me,” Kairi replied truthfully, “but now I feel just fine, honest. I'm really glad you came with me today. Thank you, Ven.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said in his cheerful way. “Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? Try not to pull such crazy stunts. Being a keyblade wielder is dangerous enough!”

Kairi smirked. “I’ll try, Ven.”

“Then at least don’t do them when it’ll be my job to tell Aqua you squashed yourself like a pancake!” Ven shot back with a grin.

‘Okay, now you’ve got a deal!” Kairi said, and the pair dissolved into laughter.

After a quick scan of the summit, Kairi saw the splash of color that was her keyblade—now restored to its normal form—lying in the grass. Once she had retrieved it, she returned to Ven, who said, “I guess we should probably head back. Aqua will be wondering where we are. And besides, we start sparring matches tomorrow—gotta get a good night’s sleep!” Kairi agreed, and the two classmates began the long trek down the summit back to the castle, chatting happily as they went. The sun was beginning to set, the colorful horizon giving way to the darkness of night.

“What was it you said you used to do on Destiny Islands?” Ven asked as they crossed the stone bridge leading to the Forecourt. “Sail-something?”

“Windsurfing,” Kairi answered. “It’s like regular surfing, but the board has a sail attached to it. I guess my key transforms into a board like that because it’s what I’m familiar with—what’s in my heart,” she went on.

“So… you’re saying, deep in your heart... you’re good with a KEY-board?” Ven said cheesily, raising his eyebrows and giving her a goofy grin.

“Ugh!” Kairi groaned, making sure to shoot Ven a dramatic eye roll, which only seemed to make him even more pleased with himself. “That was even more painful than my landing back there!” But as he was beaming at her, laughing at his own joke, she couldn’t help the smile that pulled at the corners of her mouth. Kairi had never had a brother growing up—but she imagined it wasn’t far off from the way she felt about Ven.

Kairi and Ventus shared another laugh as they ascended the steps to the castle, the stars twinkling in the night sky over their heads. Good friends, surfing, cheesy jokes—though Kairi hadn’t been here long, this place really was starting to feel like home.

[batmanie]

Worth it - Batman TAS

Out of the few books available at the Arkham rec room’s otherwise empty bookshelf Professor Crane had chosen to read “Pride and Prejudice” today. He had read it about ten times already but the small book collection was not getting any bigger and it was still better than reading the Bible.

“Alice’s adventures in Wonderland” had been banned from Arkham’s library quite some time ago for triggering a certain inmate, and “Christmas Carol” had lately been decorated with obscene doodles by the Joker which Jonathan did not wish to see ever again. The nursery rhymes book was always an option but currently, Harley had her fun with that, giggling each time she read a funny one.

Crane was sitting on the couch with his nose in the book, not bothering anyone with his presence. Next to him, Tetch was staring at the TV. The poor man looked so bored, mindlessly channel surfing, probably too high on medication to be able to entertain himself with any Wonderland plots.

With Joker not around, the rec room seemed calm, almost as calm as the sky before a heavy storm. And said storm came unexpectedly in the form of Jervis Tetch.

The bored man on the couch had switched to the Gotham’s evening news channel, listening in to the street interview with one of the new candidates for the city council, and then, out of nowhere, he threw a massive tantrum – his outburst included flipping the coffee-table and accidentally hitting Harley’s head with it. That, of course, resulted in Doctor Quinzel’s aggressive response. Not much remained left from the unfortunate table after Harley had finished with it.

Professor Crane watched in delight how Mad Hatter fought against a guard twice as big as himself, while Harley attempted to smash both of their heads with a table leg before two other guards managed to tranquilize her.

After a few more minutes, the rec room was calm again and Jonathan got back to his book. But as much as he tried to ignore the incident and focus on the plot, a little voice in his head, the voice of the psychologist who he’d never truly ceased to be, kept whispering a very important question. “What exactly has just happened here?” The voice asked, teasing Jon’s professional curiosity. He cast another glance at the tv. The candidate from the evening news smiled at the camera, still explaining how much he was helping the community.

Professor Crane had his suspicions. And who would have guessed? Mad Hatter broke out of Arkham no longer than three days after that event.

David Colton was in his mid-thirties and he was a man in his prime, looking exceptionally professional today in his expensive dark-blue suit, white shirt, and striped blue tie.

“Smoother than Bruce Wayne,” he thought with a pleasant smile, checking himself in the mirror.

Oh, yeah, he still got it! Still looking as youthful and handsome as the prom king he had been back in his high-school days.

“Almost ready Mr. Colton,” the make-up lady told him, and put some more powder onto his already fluid-heavy forehead. “No glossy faces on TV, that’s my rule. Those spotlights know no mercy,” she joked.

David chuckled. “The only thing that is allowed to shine tonight, is my charisma.”

They would have laughed some more, if not for a sudden knocking on the door to his private dressing room.

“Come in,” David called and took a deep, calming breath mentally preparing himself for showtime.

He was ready to present his best self to Gotham again, and at this rate of him constantly being invited to interviews, the seat in the council was practically his already.

His father was right, the ability to make a good impression and a thing for charity was everything that mattered in this town after all.

The door opened and a short man in a trench coat walked in, not a staff member judging simply by the lack of an ID. Yet, the man seemed familiar – Colton just couldn’t quite place him.

“Can I help you, pal?” He asked the newcomer, hiding his irritation behind a polite smile.

The man smiled brightly and took a few steps into the room. “Oh, yes, yes. I think you can,” he spoke with a quiet yet excited voice.

Colton caught his fake British accent right away – and again, it felt like he had heard it before.

“However, I wouldn’t call you my pal.” The man continued grinning. “Would I? Won’t I? Would I? Won’t I?”.

“Listen, pal,” Colton cut him off, not bothering anymore to be that polite. “My interview is starting in a few minutes. Can we get back to this conversation later?”

“I’m afraid that later will be too late,” the strange man shook his head and took out a silver pocket-watch. “It will take only a moment…”

David sighed, the intruder was really hard to get rid of – he hated those nosy people who worked for the press.

“Very well then.” He stood up from his seat and turned to his guest to shake his hand and introduce himself properly. “David Colton,” he offered his hand to the shorter man.

The man didn’t take it, which led to a very awkward moment.

“Oh, but we know each other,” he explained, staring at David with an intense glare.

Colton, confused as he was, took a closer look at the stranger – his blonde, messy hair, big nose, and even bigger front teeth. Suddenly it clicked. “Gotham High! Jervis, was it? Jervis the Jerkface,” he laughed at the old memories of those past, glorious days of his youth. “How have you been, Jerv?”.

“Surely not as good as you.” There was a hint of fake sadness in Jervis’ voice as he put on the black, old-school top hat that he had held in his hand behind his back the entire time.

That single move made Colton recall some very disturbing stories straight from Gotham’s underworld. He cast a worried look at the make-up lady – she looked terrified and about to scream.

Slowly, he gazed back at the small man before him – the man who used to be just a nerdy kid from his high school, a weird boy that everybody had laughed at – Jervis the Jerkface, Beaver-man, Ratter.

“They don’t call me names that often anymore,” Jervis said calmly, as if he had just read his mind, a nasty grin creeping back on his face. He held a card in his gloved hand. “They simply call me the Mad Hatter.”

-#-

Like every other Saturday, the rec room was hosting the four lucky high-profile inmates who had earned their right to be in here, thanks to their good behavior. This time it was Doctor Isley, surprisingly enough, Nygma and, even more surprisingly, Croc who accompanied Professor Crane during his well-deserved book-time.

Everyone was minding their own business, Ivy was occupied taking care of a small flowerpot of violets, Edward played chess with himself and Croc, well, Croc was currently using his claw as a toothpick to get rid of the remains of his dinner.

Jonathan relaxed on the couch that he had the luxury of having only for himself for once. He had tried to bury himself in a book but couldn’t concentrate on reading – something was on his mind ever since Mad Hatter had disappeared half a week ago. It was this tiny, little voice again, telling him to put the book aside and turn on the TV instead.

Slightly irritated by his own decision, he did as his intuition had told him to. The evening news was about to end and an interview with some philanthropist politician was about to start right after commercials.

When the show began, the fat, jovial host greeted his enthusiastic audience, gaining some applause in return, then he introduced the main guest of the evening, David Colton – Jonathan recognized the guy – it was the same politician who had been talking about the importance of charity just a week ago on the news.

Colton looked a bit stiff, smiling unnaturally wide. As the applause died out and the first question was asked, he didn’t move for a good few seconds, as if he didn’t even hear it. Jonathan couldn’t shake off the impression that the man was either on some medications or very, very stressed.

“David?” The host tried again as the uncomfortable silence dragged for too long. “Will you tell us about your foundation? We are all dying to know more.”

“No, Sam,” said Colton with a strangled voice, his face still kind of strange – more like a mask with a very fake smile and a dead look in his eyes. “First, I want to talk about my teenage years.”

“OK, let’s hear your story,” the host agreed, happily, probably determined to get anything at all from his non-cooperative guest. “I’ve heard you were an overachiever. A football player, a class president and even a prom king. Isn’t that right, David?”

“No. I was a selfish bastard who tormented less popular kids. I called them unfair names, put them in a locker, and made other boys beat them up just for a sake of it.”

The audience gasped at this confession. The host’s jaw dropped for a good five seconds.

Jonathan smiled to himself, satisfied that his intuition had not failed him.

“I was a popular kid so I never took the blame for my misbehavior,” Colton continued with a very calm and steady voice, his face showing no emotion. When the camera took a closeup on him, Jonathan noticed a tiny little detail – a 10/6 card sticking out of his boutonnière.

“I never cared for others' wellbeing either, this charity-thing is just for show. I only care for the fame and attention. In fact, you may say I’m not even a human being. I’m an ugly, stinking, lying chimpanzee.”

As soon as Colton finished his last line, an inhuman howl escaped his mouth. The audience screamed in terror. Colton suddenly jumped onto a couch he previously sat on, and he started to act like a real monkey.

Sam – the host – went utterly speechless, he jumped up from his own seat and just stood there, stunned.

Colton, screeching and howling like a mad chimpanzee, grabbed a glass of water from the tabletop and threw it at the host.

“Help, somebody help!” the poor host started screaming.

Meanwhile, Colton was jumping up and down on a couch, making “Ooh, aah!” sounds.

Before the security managed to catch him, Colton already had taken off his pants and his white, hairy ass was revealed for all of Gotham to see.

After that, the show was hurriedly cut off and the weather forecast started.

Professor Crane didn’t even notice that all the other rogues had joined him on the couch, and were now staring at the TV like a bunch of little kids watching their favorite cartoon.

“Well, that was definitely one way to destroy someone’s political career,” Nygma commented with a hint of amusement.

“A few more minutes and he would have started throwing his own poo,” Ivy added with a disgusted frown.

“Poo,” Crock giggled like a five-year-old and everyone else had to roll their eyes. “I like monkeys, monkeys are so stupid.”

“Well, actually, chimpanzees are…”

“Oh, shut up, Nygma!” Both Ivy and Crane growled as one and Edward went quiet.

“Anyway, Tetch should be back with us any minute now,” Pamela concluded with all certainty. “I hope his little revenge was worth a punch in the teeth from the Bat and getting dragged back to Arkham.”

Professor Crane didn’t say a word but he knew from an experience that yes, it was totally worth it.

[up-sideand-down]

Not a date + vacation fic.

Rules: Send me two (2) tropes from this list + a ship and I’ll describe how I’d combine them in the same story.

47. Not a Date AU

34. Vacation AU

There was no ship in your ask, so I'm going to fill it in with one of my Otps: Clarret.

Cloud and Barret were very busy men: first trying to rebuild after ShinRa, Sephiroth, that whole Meteor thing and after...they were busy. Cloud had a very successful business to run. Barret was working to find cleaner energy solutions. They had shit to do...and very little time for themselves. Their friends noticed. The kids noticed. Most of Edge noticed. As an intervention both of them were sat down and presented with tickets to an all-expense paid vacation to a private formerly-owned by ShinRa seaside resort in Wutai (courtesty mostly of Yuffie with the bribes and threats provided by Cid and Vincent). They are not thrilled with this. Nor are they thrilled that Tifa and the kids have already packed for them. There is a lot of protests from both men as they are ushered to the Highwind by Nananki. They don't make it entirely unsigned either. Tifa and the kids hug and kiss them goodbye. They grumble goodbye back, still not happy. They had shit to do!

They pass the flight mostly by bitching and grumbling to each other. It takes an embarrassingly long time for the thought to come to them: is this...a date set-up from the others. Is this a blind date vacation? No way. They're not interested. They're busy. They got shit to do back home, no time for love life and love interests. Married to work right? But then again...a few days off can't hurt. Right? I mean...Cloud sometimes falls asleep over delivery orders and Barret gets more sleep in transports than he does at when standing still. Are they...a little overdue. Just...some napping. Maybe read one of the books Marlene and Denzel said they liked. Splash in the ocean. By the end they've come around to the idea of a small, super tiny vacation. But it is not a date. No way. They agree on that.

The Highwind more or less abandons them once they disembark with all their luggage. They both scowl at Cid's wave goodbye. Their rooms are nice, a bit cozy, the Beach is lovely and has private chairs and umbrellas for them. The place is short-staffed, but Cloud and Barret don't really care. For a few hours...they have that teeny, tiny vacation they talk about. A nap, a book, a quick swim, another nap, a very strong alcoholic drink...and then it happens. The ultimate reason Cloud and Barret haven't had a vacation in years: they get bored.

They split up to find their own forms of entertainment. Cloud heads to the buildings to find shit to fix. Barret heads to the beach to pace up and down and clean the messes he finds up. In the surf and on shore...there's so much damn trash. He could fill up bags with the shit that washes on shore. Where the hell is it coming from? Cloud finds that short-staffed means a lot of shit just isn't being maintained well. He starts up fixing things, but there's so much just fine-tuning shit that he doesn't have patience for. He's a hit it until it works kind of guy. Or build something to take care of it. They're back to usual stress levels in under 20 minutes.

It takes complaining to each other that evening for problems to be solved. Cloud figures most of the trash is being washed in from inland. Maybe a river or stream. Find it and find a way to filter the trash. Good search and delivery mission. Right up his alley. Barret hears the list of maintenance stuff and realizes its all very similar to the problems he had with Seventh Heaven in Midgar. He's done it and it's all pretty easy. They make a deal to swap jobs tomorrow. The plan goes beautifully. Cloud finds trash river not far away at all. He rigs up a temporary netting system that a resort staff member can swap up and out with a pulley and winch. The resort handles it after that and Cloud goes trash hunting on the beach. Barret walks and fixes all the little things Cloud left behind. Water filters, tightening screws, a bit of plumbing to unclog some drains. Stuff he was beginning to teach Marlene back home. They're back out to repeat their tiny vacation plans again...until they get bored.

Their vacation follows that pattern for the week. Vacation, get bored, find job to do, foist job off to the other, and then get back to vacation. Their grumbles turn to jokes, crossed arms turn to pats on shoulders, and stress wrinkles turn into smiles. When the Highwind returns Cloud and Barret seem a lot more relaxed (despite only having about 12 hours of true vacation between the two of them) and a lot closer. No one says anything, but Cloud and Barret do hold hands as they walk back home. Marlene points it out but Barret and Cloud just say it's the risk the others took sending them off on a damn vacation. They had shit to do...and now that shit has to wait. But they say it smiling at the other.

[spacegoatart]

Hi! I've seen your post about Treasure planet headcanons, soo here is a bunch of mine:

• Silver speaks multiple languages; sometimes he mixes them up as he goes, especially when he's tired, and ends up with "wait what" moments. Some of those become inside jokes between him and Jim.

• Silver hums space shanties when he's working; sometimes he isn't really aware that he's doing that, and if someone (Jim or maybe Sarah Hawkins) asks him what song he is humming, he may not be able to answer right away. He taught Jim a bunch of them, and Morph learned them by constantly overhearing; sometimes the little shapeshifter would either copy Silver's humming or morph into a musical instrument(tin whistle, harmony, maybe a really small lute/guitar) and literally play itself, or morph into whatever lyrics say–tiny ships, aetherium sea monsters, you name it.

• The eye in the bonzabeast stew isn't an actual eye plucked from someone – its actually a fruit from Silver's homeworld, basically a really freaky looking space cherry tomato; it is tricky to industrially grow and harvest even in its natural range, so there is little export and not many people know about it. It is tasty, though, especially pickled, and Silver likes it. They are legally required to be sold in opaque glassware on some worlds, though.

• Jim really likes the texture of solar sails(I hc it to be similar to a really tough, but smooth synthetic, like an outer layer of clothes for winter sports–not stretchy and making nice crinkly/hissy sounds when rubbed against itself) also, solar sails are ironed together rather than sewn when repairs are needed, and when Jim gets his hands onto a real sail iron press for the first time and gets a feel of patching up a sail, he nearly cries with happiness(he put the sails on his solar surf together with homemade instruments, and it was a lot of trial, error and burned fingers)

• Jim has either inattentive or combined type ADHD(a good bit of projecting here, gotta admit); it added a lot of stress for him, both during his sailing on RLS Legacy and in the Academy; Silver is mildly confused, but supportive dad.

• Jim learned some really fancy cooking skills from Silver–he knew how to cook before, but had a pretty utilitarian attitude towards it, not a passion for it. Sometimes he stress cooks or stress cleans, and Silver has to remind him to drink water/stretch/take a break, kid, seriously, you've spent literally hours pacing around, you'll have blisters on your feet if you won't stop

I have more, but I feel like I shared a lot for the first time. Hope you're having a good time ^_^

yess thank u for these, i love all of these :D i wanted to talk about each one so it gets kind of wordy, i really enjoyed seeing these (sorry it took me a few days to finally answer, i meant to answer earlier but i got busy)

1. i love this one, this could be canon lol. its very resourceful to know multiple languages as a pirate so i’m sure he does know many, as well as mix them up. Jim would immediately tease him about it, Silver would laugh about it too.

2. UGH YES he totally sings, i was kind of disappointed that we don't hear him sing in the movie but whatever. morph loves his singing and would totally join along or find a pocket and fall asleep. Silver probably has a great voice making his humming/singing even more enchanting to listen to.

3. this one is really interesting, i hadn't thought about the fact that it may not be a real eye but that would make sense. it wouldn't be the first time nature has adapted visual defense mechanisms to stop things from eating them. the glass jar idea is really cool because yeah, you don't want to buy a jar of something and see eyeballs, as well as someone might put actual ones in, that's a hazard.

4. yess love Jim with sensory issues, he would totally just go up on the mast and touch them and loose his mind. Silver would tell him to get down, etc but he kind of gets it. solar sails are probably hard to care for, especially if they're supposed to soak up energy (i think at least, they're supposed to be solar panels but thinner and flexible) so they would need a special set of tools, ones i’m sure Jim couldn't afford at the time. i wonder if he bought his own or if Sarah and Silver got him one for a birthday or something

5. YES i hadn't even thought about mentally ill Jim but yes he 100% has ADHD (i also have ADHD so don't worry about projecting xD). he probably couldn't focus as well in school and with the stress of the inn and Leland leaving him, he got so frustrated and kind of gave up. while that sucks, he found something to entertain himself, solar surfing and it absolutely became his special interest. when he gets to the academy, he starts to struggle again but this time hes not as put off by it, since he really did want to go. he probably doesn't find out that he has ADHD until either a year or few months in, mainly because it isn't his behavior causing him to fall back. Sarah probably feels so guilty but Jim lets her know that its ok, even he wasn't aware. he starts using his diagnosis to learn what he can do to help himself and he starts getting motivated to keep learning. i was thinking about Jim in the academy, i think he’d become super interested in math, maybe it'd even become a special interest! i just think he’d love to know the way numbers make up the world and how you can determine events based on calculations

6. Jim probably knew how to cook before from his mom but Silver definitely sparked an interest in him. cooking became less of a known skill and became an art, watching Silver garnish dishes, make special sauces and create something delicious out of just the few things on the ship. i bet he’d come home and start stress cleaning, confusing the heck out of Sarah. she knew he was stressed but couldn't help but be a little grateful that her kitchen was completely clean. when Silver is around, he doesn’t really understand that Jim is stressed out, he just thinks he’s cleaning. once he DOES catch on however, he hangs around while Jim is scrubbing, handing him water, convincing him that he can talk about it if he wants and keeping an eye on him in general. it ends up stressing Silver out, watching Jim get so worried over a grade or an assignment, so Silver tries to get Jim to go on walks with him and relax a little. however, Silver knows he can’t make Jim do anything so when Jim insists he just wants to clean and think for a bit, Silver leaves him be. not that he doesn’t immediately go to Sarah to talk about how worried he is about Jim. i wonder if Sarah stress cleans to, maybe Jim gets it from her?

[moldisgoodforyou]

without you by my side

i thought i posted this already APOLOGIES !!! 

wordcount: 2.4k

_____

Sophie had barely talked to Rafe in the first two weeks she was in Spain, suddenly being consumed with a week-long orientation and then going straight into her internship, juggling her Spanish lessons and trying to just get by in an unfamiliar city. She’d texted him a few updates here and there, and had FaceTimed him briefly in her first week, but most of her spare time was spent getting to know her roommates and checking off random errands.

The time difference made things extra tricky, but Rafe made it a priority to talk with her, no matter where he was. When they finally got a chance to talk, she called him, grinning when the call connected. “Hi!”

He grinned to himself too, feeling warm just from the sound of her voice. “Hi, you. It’s good to hear from you.”

“I know, I know, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I’d be so busy.” She worried her lip between her teeth and he shook his head quickly, although she couldn’t see him. “It’s alright, I knew you had things to do. Don’t stress about it. I want to hear about Barcelona, tell me what you’ve done!”

Sophie beamed and launched into an excited description of everything - her students in her classes, her new coworkers, how she got assigned to a cool project and how she got drunk on a two dollar bottle of wine that was ‘the best she’d ever had.’ Once she told him everything, she paused, letting silence fill the air.

“That sounds awesome, Soph.” He smiled, then frowned hearing her pause. “All good?”

“Yeah, just. I wish you were here. Um, I wear one of the shirts you let me take to bed, and I just realized it doesn’t really smell like you anymore. Washed it too soon, I think.”

Rafe let out a small sigh and clutched his phone a little tighter. “I can send you another one.” His voice had a teasing lilt to it, but he was dead serious.

“No, I’m sorry, it’s stupid.” She spoke quickly and he could distantly hear a few sniffles, then when she brought her phone back to her ear, voice nearly cracking. “I’m okay.”

“Wait, are you crying? Sophie...” He trailed off and she could hear the frown in his voice. He closed his office door so he could talk to her more freely, without having to keep his voice so quiet.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m fine. I just miss you a lot more than I thought I would.”

He immediately pressed the button to facetime her, smiling when she picked up, then instantly dropping it once he saw her teary cheeks. “I can change my flight and come visit sooner. I’ll do it, angel, you know I will.”

She smiled a little at the pet name, swiping her sleeve over her cheeks. “I know, but it’s fine. Once I get into a routine I’ll be okay, everything’s just a little jarring.” She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. “I thought I knew Spanish and turns out all I can really manage is where’s the bathroom and hello. Everyone speaks so quickly, I feel like an idiot.”

He grinned. “You’re not an idiot, baby, you’ve been practicing for this for months. Just don’t go around telling anyone else te amo.”

She sniffled a little as she laughed. “I wouldn’t do that to you. Hey, how’s home? Have you gone surfing or something yet? Any big parties?”

He shrugged. “It’s alright. I think there’s a party this weekend, but.”

“But what?”

“I don’t know. Feels kind of strange without you by my side.”

“Aw, Rafe, you miss me.” She teased, fully aware she was in no position to poke fun, as she’d just cried over missing him two seconds ago.

He paused and glanced away for a second, not wanting to guilt trip her in the slightest. He just wanted to be sure she enjoyed her trip without having to worry about him. “You know I do.”

“I miss you too.” Her face dropped a little and she bit the inside of her cheek, trying to stop herself from crying again.

“I want you to have fun though, okay? I’m only a call away, and I’ll see you soon enough. Three months will fly by. Easy.” He told her, almost trying to convince himself. Just the last two weeks alone had dragged by for him, especially with how quickly he’d had to leave all his friends in Columbus once the frat house closed for the summer.

“Two months and two weeks,” she corrected. “We’ve made it half a month already.”

He laughed and flipped the camera briefly to show his calendar pinned up behind his desk, little numbers scribbled onto each square. “I know, I’ve been counting down the days.”

“That’s sweet.” She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and he frowned, narrowing his eyes. “Hey, where’s your ring?”

Sophie instantly blushed and grabbed her backpack, fumbling through it until she found the ring box lying haphazardly at the bottom (and brushed off a few crumbs before showing him). “Here! It’s right here, I have it, promise.” She quickly flipped open the box and slid it on her finger to show him.

“Do you not like it? I should have asked you before, I -”

“No! I love it, no, it’s not that.” She reassured him quickly. “I’m just really worried I’m going to lose it, like on the metro or walking to work, and I can’t have that happen. So I carry the box with me.”

“Oh.” Rafe sat back in his chair, thinking. “How about I get you a chain?”

“A chain?”

“Yeah. You can wear the ring on the chain, like a necklace, when you’re not wearing it on your finger. And when I come visit, we can take it in to Cartier and get it resized, if you need to.”

“No, it fits perfectly, I’m just nervous.” She smiled. “A chain sounds like a good solution.”

He nodded and wrote himself a reminder to order one and have it shipped to her apartment in Spain the second they were off the call. “You got it.” At a knocking on his door, he hesitated before glancing over for the source. “Hold on one second, okay?”

“Okay.”

Rafe stood and opened the door, letting his dad in. Ward strode in and dropped a stack of papers on Rafe’s desk, regarding him with annoyance. “You need to go to the printing company right now and get these flyers fixed. Half of them have the ink fucked up and the phone number’s wrong on all of them.”

“You said I got a half hour lunch break.” Rafe replied evenly, not glancing at the papers - that were the secretary’s responsibility, not his.

“You can get a lunch break when you pay closer attention to the details.” Ward fished his card out of his wallet and slapped it on top of the stack. “Grab me lunch while you’re out. Don’t be long.” He turned to leave, but paused upon seeing Sophie waiting on the facetime call, Rafe’s phone on the desk. “Who is that?”

She froze, hair hiding her face a little, and wasn’t sure if she should hang up or not. Rafe made the first move and flipped the screen over so his phone was facedown on the desk. “I was talking to Sophie. Remember, I told you she’s in Spain, so the time difference -”

“I don’t care.” Ward interrupted. “Don’t let some girl distract you from work.” (Rafe swore he hadn’t acknowledged that Sophie was his girlfriend once.) He left abruptly and kicked out the door stopper as he went, letting the door slam shut behind him.

Rafe winced and took a breath before flipping the phone back over. He looked defeated, “I have to go. I’m sorry.”

“S’alright.” Sophie gave him a small smile but her heart was racing, embarrassed about how easily Ward was able to dismiss her. “Call me later, if you want? I’m staying in tonight.”

He glanced at the door again and cocked his head a little to catch the sounds out on the hallway, just giving her a nod and a forced smile before ending the call.

___

Rafe only had a week back in Columbus before he had to pack up and head back to the Outer Banks for one last summer. He had resigned himself to the fact he’d be going home, but was mainly fine with it until he learned Sophie wouldn’t be coming home too. Ever since then, he’d been dreading it - the beach days, country club and even his friends at home weren’t worth the amount of time he’d have to spend with his dad at work.

His dad had been preparing him over the last few years to take a high position in the company, and Rafe had never protested it, just figuring he wasn’t meant for anything else. It wasn’t until Sophie sent him a few links for internships in downtown Columbus that he began to consider that maybe, just maybe, he was capable of more. He ended up applying to five internships in whole, not sure if he could handle too many rejections. Other kids in his major already had at least one, sometimes two internships under their belt, and Rafe’s resume with work at his dad’s company and a couple leadership positions in his frat didn’t exactly measure up.

He was rejected almost immediately from a couple internships, but interviewed for the three others based on a few strong recommendations from his professors. No matter what, he had to return to the Outer Banks and get some extra clothes and furniture to haul back with him for his senior house, so he settled on going back for a little while he waited to hear back from the other companies.

Later that night, he called her back after getting berated by his dad at work and taking the blame for two other interns’ mistakes. It was late, nearly one am for her on a Tuesday, but she picked up anyways, anticipating the call. “H’lo?” Sophie mumbled into the phone, half-asleep. 

“I can’t deal with this anymore. I’m sick of it.” He confessed immediately and she sat up in bed, concerned. “What? What’s wrong, baby?” 

“It’s my dad, I swear to fucking god. I have to get this internship, Soph, it’s the one excuse he’ll take for me not working for him.” Rafe huffed, trying his best to calm himself down, shaky fingers pressing the Facetime button. 

She picked up right away, the lag in wifi barely interrupting their call. “Breathe, Rafe.” 

He nodded quickly, taking a few shallow breaths, then frowned as he saw the pillow marks pressed into her cheek. “Fuck, did I wake you up? This fucking time zone shit -” He cut himself off, knowing he was just angry with his dad, not her. 

Sophie shook her head. “No, um, was just scrolling through social media and laying down.” 

It was a blatant lie, but Rafe accepted it anyways. “You need to sleep earlier.” 

She shrugged, not wanting to share that she couldn’t sleep that well without him sometimes. “I’m fine. Tell me what’s going on.” 

“It’s just.” He paused and propped the phone up, then pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes. “He puts so much pressure on me, all the time. I’m supposed to take over this company and I don’t even know if that’s what I want to do, I’m a business major just because he told me that’d be a good idea, it’s just -” Rafe took a breath, trying not to get himself more worked up. “It’s a lot.” 

Sophie frowned, catching herself reaching toward the screen for a moment in an attempt to comfort him. “You’ll get the internship in Columbus, I know you will.” 

“You don’t know that.” 

“I do know that. You need to think more highly of yourself, Rafe.” 

He sighed, chewing on his bottom lip. “Kinda hard when no one else is thinking highly of me.” 

“Rafe.” She caught his attention with a stern tone, frowning. “That’s not true, not in the slightest.” 

“A little bit.” 

“You’re a loyal friend, you’re generous, you’re smart. I know I can always count on you. You just need to be nicer to yourself.” Sophie encouraged, smiling when he gave her the tiniest hint of a shy smile. 

“You don’t need to say all that.” He countered, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“I know. But I mean all of it.” She got up from her bed, taking the phone with her. “Hey, go look outside.” 

“Why?” 

“Just go look outside.” 

He furrowed his brow but followed along, bringing his phone to his bedroom window and walking out to his balcony. “What am I supposed to be seeing?” 

“You see the moon?” 

“Yeah.” 

She flipped her camera briefly, showing the glow of the moon in the sky over the city. “It’s the same moon, okay? We’re seeing the exact same thing.” 

“Okay...” He trailed off, confused. 

“It’s almost like I’m there with you.” She paused. “Kind of. We’re not that far apart.” 

“Four thousand miles.” He argued, getting more miserable. “God, I miss you.” 

Sophie nodded with a frown, biting the inside of her cheek. “I know. I miss you too, baby. I’m sorry your dad is being so shitty.” 

“He’ll hear you.” Rafe half-teased, glancing around just to make sure he wasn’t down below on the deck or nearby. 

Her jaw set, stubborn. “Good. When do you hear back about the internship?” 

“In a couple days, probably. I had the final interview yesterday and they’ll give me a few weeks’ notice before I need to move back.” He opened his mouth, about to add another self-deprecating comment, but stopped himself. “It went okay.” 

“I’m sure you were fantastic. Model candidate.” She grinned and he just ached for her even more. “It’s late for you, isn’t it.” 

“Um...a little. But I can keep talking if you want. Any time.” She promised, hiding a yawn behind her hand. 

He shook his head, smiling. “Go back to bed, angel. I’m sorry I woke you up.” 

“Don’t be, I’m glad I got to talk with you again.” Sophie paused. “It’ll be okay, Rafe. I know it.” 

“Yeah.” He agreed just to appease her. The last thing he wanted her to be doing when she was in Barcelona was worrying about him. “Love you. Sweet dreams, Soph.” 

“Love you too.” 

taglist: @whoeveniskendall @kkmaybank @karsinner @outerbanksbro @outerbankspreferences @randomficsandshit @sunshineitsfine44 @jailcalledlife @tovvaa @moniamaybank @illbesafeforyou @dontjinx-it @freddymaybank @jjmaybankzz @g4bster @oopsiedoopsie23 @babygal-babygal

[blocksandbloops]

May I interest you in some fem!hermit!Tommy fluff for you in this trying time?

This is set in an alternative version of @redorich 's hermit!Tommy AU. Diverging from the Dream SMP's raid on Hermitcraft. All you need to know is that family trees are convoluted, Tommy's name is Clementine. She's trans, we love her, she has wings and has adopted Grian as her weird almost twin brother.

After the whole "Dreamon" and "invasion" mess the Dream SMP folk didn't expect to hear much from the hermits besides the ones who attended MCC. They thought that the two servers would just continue to exist, independent of one another. Just drifting through the void mere inches apart but never really touching.

Oh how wrong they were.

The hermits were friendly but they had absolutely underestimated just how friendly.

Apparently, the moment Clementine so much as breathed a word about how much she missed her biological family, Scar -ever the kind and helpful mayor that he was- decided to throw a beach party!

Since Clemmy's extended family was pretty large and they didn't want anyone to feel left out, it was an open invitation to everyone on the Dream SMP as long as they behaved.

That point was driven home when a few people, like Antfrost and his unhealed, dog bitten asscheek, mentioned how upsetting the Hermits was definitely not a good idea.

(Deep down they knew that the reason they were really doing this was because the hermits were worried about them. The Dream SMP was just a bunch of traumatized children according to them. They weren't wrong in that assumption but no one wanted to admit that.)

So, when the day of the beach party finally dawned, they all put on their least threatening outfits and packed up their supplies, (where Tubbo got the surf board nobody wanted to question) and entered the portal just like they had done a few months prior.

A few things were different though, the sun was bright and beaming in the sky, soft puffy white clouds rolled by, only promising gentle shade instead of the dreary air of yesteryear.

The shopping district had been rebuilt from it's smoky ruins and they finally all had time to appreciate the lovingly built shops and roads. It looked so beautiful and vibrant, you could practically feel the fact that summer was in full swing.

The smell of nectar and sea salt drifted through the air, sweetening even the sourest of moods. This is what peace was to the hermits. This was their everyday. They were so lucky and they didn't even realize it.

Some people were taking notes of all the different building styles with bright eyes, hoping to replicate some of it when they got home, others were suddenly hit with a feeling of bitter inadequacy of it compared to their homes. Is this what a world without war could look like?

But, no matter the gloomy musings of the few, they were all here to let go for a day! To celebrate the good times and to kick back for seemingly the first time in forever.

Their welcome party this time simply consisted of one person.

It was a strange sight, seeing the Hermits' admin Xisuma without a mask on, wearing a god awful hawaiian shirt that Keralis had thrown at him with glee the moment he mentioned that he didn't have something to wear, and again, were those, gods forbid crocks?

"'Ello everyone! Wow this is quite the turn up. Scar wished he could be here to greet you all personally, but he's still too busy helping the others preparing for the barbecue, so you're stuck with me for the time being.

Now, if you'll kindly follow me, we set everything up pretty close to here, so we'll be there in a minute."

The walk over to the beach was short, but just as scenic as the rest of the server.

Warm, golden sand, gently lapping waves and lush plant life. The sound of the hermits' laughter and soft music filled the air as the smell of the previously mentioned barbecue proved a welcome distraction from whatever the hell was happening on the far right side of the beach (the ZIT trio built a karaoke machine. It was Zedaph's idea. It was also a horrible idea but they didn't seem to realize that yet.)

As they began to debate a plan of attack, no wait. ... fun? enjoyment? eh whatever.

A tall man jogged up to the group. Some people recognized him as Mumbo Jumbo, that one british guy with the mustache. Others, however, as that semi-scary redstone wizard who managed to create extremely powerful potion launchers during the invasion.

He was dressed just as down to earth as the others, holding a tall glass of lemonade in his hand and wearing a (quite goofy) sunhat he borrowed from Ren.

He was explaining something to X in hushed tones (something or other about a minor fire at the barbecue table?) When he looked past the gathering of guests and out towards the path that they had come from, and screeched.

"GRIAN PLEASE I'M HOLDING LEMONADE DON'T!" X reached over and grabbed the glass from his hands just in time for a cackling, feathered ball of something to crash into Mumbo, knocking him into the water with an audible "oof".

There was wild thrashing as the two tried to orient themselves, Grian somehow climbing onto Mumbo's back.

"CLEMMY! COME HELP ME DROWN MUMBO!" Grian waved towards a cluster of trees to their left, underneath which a small gathering of hermits was enjoying a bit of a reprieve from the sun.

"NOT YOU TOO!" came the mustachioed man's scream of distress.

Clementine, the whole terrifying six feet and three inches of a woman that she was, took off running to the water at full tilt towards the struggling brits.

Mumbo, having already formed a strategy in his head, did a perfect T-pose and feel backwards into the water, bringing down a screaming Grian with him. Clementine did a graceful swan dive into the water (how she executed that shall be left for viewer interpretation) and happily joined the fray, even the distressed calls of Stress behind her because "Gods damn it Clemmy! I spent an hour on your hair! And now it's ruined!" couldn't persuade her to give up on her mission to cause as much friendly chaos as possible.

She climbed out of the water a few minutes later, her hair a mess and a bright smile on her face.

"Techie! Wilby! Tubbo! Thank you guys so much for coming! I'm really glad that you could make it." She hugged them each close, enjoying the comfort of having them all together again.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Techno relaxed his posture, trying not to fidget too much. He was getting better with crowds but it was still a lot.

"You may think he's joking but he literally dragged Quackity all the way to the portal because he was too busy doing his eyeliner and would've made us late." Wilbur snickered when she leaned in to hug him, earnings him one of her patented ear-splitting laughs.

"I got a recording of it!" Tubbo proudly announced, pulling out his video camera

while still holding an arm around her.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT! LET ME HAVE SOME DIGNITY MAN!" The aforementioned Mr. Fattest Ass in the cabinet screamed indignantly as soon as he got within hearing range.

"Quackity you never had any dignity. It's too late for that." Techno flicked the duck shapeshifter on the head, earning him even more annoyed rambling which he just chose to ignore.

"Well, I'm glad that that's settled, now, I have some people I'd like for you to meet."

She directed them towards the group sitting in the shade, which consisted of False, (a now soaking wet) Grian, Stess, Mumbo (who also looked like a disgruntled cat that was just given a bath), Iskall and Ren.

Meanwhile Doc and Cleo had a little cornered off area they'd nicknamed the "cool kids club" (it was because around this time the sun got strong enough to actually burn her and Doc just felt slightly iffy about the water, since he was, ya know, half robot.)

Clemmy threw herself down on a blanket in front of a grumbling Stress who set about actually making her hair look presentable.

Niki sat down next to them and began discussing the merits of different styles to put Clemmy's hair into.

Ranboo sheepishly sat down next to Cleo's lawn chair folding all of his gangly limbs under himself.

Wilbur happily plopped himself down next to Ren on a blanket and began to hum along to the other's guitar.

Techno lay dow his cape, deciding that a nap was the best course of action in that moment.

Fundy hesitated for a second before going down to the shore to relax and just put his feet in the water for now.

Philza, the awkward dad that he was, chose to sit down close enough to the girls that he'd be able to hear what they were talking about without intruding.

Tubbo placed his stuff down by Clemmy's feet and ran out to the shore with his surf board in hand.

Going through so many conflicts in such a short amount of time really tires a person out, especially ones as young as the ones from the SMP so getting this afternoon of rest truly helped ease some of the stress given to them by recent events.

(Beach episode pog?)

Of course, this little get together wasn't without it's faults. About two hours in Doc accidentally trampled False's sand castle, who in retaliation teamed up with Cleo to dump water on him while he was relaxing.

This little conflict evolved into a battle to see who could build the biggest and grandest sand castle between "Team Himbo" and "Team Women" (one of those was coined by Clemmy). Puffy and Stress set up a good system of transporting sand from point A to point B, allowing them to move faster. False got placed on detailing duty while Niki brought refreshments for the rest of the team. Alyssa was mostly helping out wherever she could, as Cleo worked her armour stand magic to make their castle feel even more alive.

Clemmy just shouted encouragements and bullied the opposing team.

(The member list of Team Himbo has been redacted to avoid any drama about who might qualify as a himbo in the given circumstances)

Somehow the guys managed to convince Techno to join them, which immediately stacked odds in their favor to which Eret and Iskall, being the non-binary legends they are, decided to side with Team Women, now renamed to "Team Prettier Than You".

Their building contest laated for another hour before X decided to try to stop them (it wasn't because of the time. It was because TFC and Grian started shouting things about structural integrity and adding stone parts to the walls and the contestants actually listened when he decided that it was getting out of hand.)

Then it was time to actually enjoy the barbecue. Techno surprised everyone with how delicious his baked potatoes ended up. Beef also got to flex his skills a little with, as you guessed it, beef.

Tubbo and Tango sadly had to eat further away then everyone because the moment they got within ten feet of the fire something mysteriously combusted.

After that, the ZIT trio busted out the karaoke machine and the night went from good to great.

The old Team Star was dared to sing a rendition of Hermit Gang and everyone younger than 25 felt physical distress during some parts.

The sleepy bois (+Tubbo) sang a cover of "Your new boyfriend" (Techno got surprisingly into it) and then Wilbur swiped Ren's guitar to sing some Taylor Swift songs (accompanied by Tubbo on a synth he seemingly pulled out of nowhere) in that one weird accent he can do which had most people wheezing on the floor from laughter after the first song.

Niki threw down a german cover of Say So by Doja Cat. Grian, Phil and Tommy were unconsciously doing the parrot dancing thing. It was great.

Quackity sang something in spanish and Karl and Sapnap made over exaggerated swooning noises.

Skeppy and Bad did a duet. It was as adorable as it sounds.

Some other people also came on stage, belting out songs in such horridly broken voices that I'll spare you the details. Let's just say, nails scratching chalkboards would sound better.

And that was most of the festivities over with.

The last thing on the agenda? A meteor shower. How did they set it up? Clemmy's weird star child thing. The aforementioned girl was huddled close together with her family as they watched the comets streak across the clear sky (all electronics and artificial lights were shut off for the night) and Melohi played from a jukebox in the corner.

Fundy was laying his head in Dream's lap, the other boy was softly threading his fingers through his almost fiance's orange hair while leaning heavily on George and trying not to let sleep claim him as it had the fox (no one knew how this happened, all they were aware of is that the three had disappeared sometime during the sand castle contest only to reemerge having finally talked things through and come to an agreement that they all seemed happy with).

Ranboo, Niki, Puffy and Eret were collapsed in a happy pile just vibing.

The sleepy bois, who were for once actually sleepy, all wore matching flower crowns braided together by Stress's experienced fingers (and Wilbur's rather clumsy ones). Phil and her had managed to come to an agreement of unofficial joint custody after he witnessed Techno embarrassedly lean down to let her place a crown of golden flowers upon his head and saw his internal beam of pride when she called him "handsome".

The boys never really had a mother he mused, maybe she could teach them kindness where he couldn't.

Another surprise addition to the family was the owner of the third pair of wings in the cuddle pile. Phil didn't expect to end up with any more children at this point in his life, but Grain and Clemmy were practically attached at the hip and it felt wrong to even think about separating them.

He only hoped that those two wouldn't cause too much chaos especially when teamed up with Tubbo.

In the end, everyone drifted off to sleep, one by one they closed their eyes on their most perfect day. Praying for whatever might be out there, that they'll have many more moments just like this.

Well,

almost everyone.

Callahan chuckled as he walked back up to his spot with Alyssa farther away from the others. shutting off his camera after cycling through the pictures he took of everyone looking goofy while sleeping (His favorite is the one where Clemmy was very visibly munching on Techno's hair). He may not use those as blackmail but he sure ass hell was going to tease them about it later. He fell asleep there on that hill, drifting off to comforting rest like the others.

After that? Life moved on.

It was chaotic sure, and not perfect.

But it was theirs. They grew up slowly, learning to be kind to one another, how to grow with one another.

Life wasn't always perfect but hey, they had each other. And in the end? That's all that mattered.

[destielhasmedead]

this is the first part to a story i started - thoughts?

It had been two hours in the Impala for Cas to suddenly crack, he cleared his throat,

“Uh, Sam.”

“Yeah?” Sam turned around to see the angel. Cas made a head-nodding motion towards Dean and pointed to his ears.

“What y’all playing charades now? What is it Cas?” Dean laughed and took his eyes off the road for a minute to look at the two passengers,

“What…..”

“Dude, we’ve been listening to the same song for the past hour, and the same album for the past two, even Metallica isn’t that good,” Sam said.

“You watch your mouth Sammy, I'm the one driving here!” 

“Dean, I do too thoroughly enjoy the melody, but perhaps we could hear something else?” Cas piped in from the backseat nervously. Dean moved his attention to the rearview mirror, took a good look at Castiel, then back to his brother, and with a deep sigh begrudgingly agreed. Sam grabbed something from his feet,

“An aux cord? You have to be kidding me”.

“Dean, unlike you I enjoy living in the 21st century. You should try it, upgrade from your cassette tapes.” Sam scoffed, but let out a soft chuckle. 

“Fine let’s see what garbage you listen to.” Said Dean annoyed and skeptical. Cas moved eagerly towards the space between the two front seats to get a good look at all the commotion. Sam plugged the wire into his cell and proceeded to scroll through till he found the playlist he was looking for.

Sam had always been a soft rock, jazz, and even pop kind of guy. Though, he was sure to always have a playlist that wouldn’t get him kicked out onto the side of the road. Soon, Lodi by Creedence Clearwater Revival came on through the speakers. Dean's face fell flat but remained silent. They were on their way to the beach, so Sam knew he had some leeway and extra room to play with, and Dean was fully aware of the opportunities Sam had. It had been years, decades even since they had a proper visit to the beach. The only times they’ve been there was on a case. Sure, when the boys were younger John had let them stay a couple of days afterward from time to time, but even then it was stress-filled and tense. 

A few songs in, Cas reached, sitting up higher, and pointed out the sign that read of the hotel they had booked. Cas had all the windows of the Impala opened, his hair flopped about as the salty air flowed around him. The hotel was located on a quiet street, just a short walk from the shore. It was nicer than the places they typically stayed at. 

Sam helped his brother find a parking spot, and closed the doors almost simultaneously. Sam stayed back for a minute grabbing their bags, while Dean and Cas ventured inside. It was quaint, a typical beach hotel. Whiffs of sunblock, the squeaking of damp flip flops, bright lights, and inspirational signs filled their senses. 

“Hi, we have three rooms booked.” Dean leaned on the counter and put down a credit card that wasn’t his.

“I see only two on the reservation list..” the clerk said clicking on his computer. Dean looked at Cas nervously, searching for a response to give to the man. Sam strolled in with their bags.

“What’s going on?” Sam butted in on the conversation.

“You only booked two rooms,” Dean said, glaring at his brother. Sam shrugged and turned back to the desk for answers.

“I’m sorry there’s nothing I can do, there aren’t any extra rooms” 

“We could stay somewhere else..” Sam started to say but was interrupted.

“No! The reviews said this joint has great water pressure in the shower and I’m not giving that up!” Dean exclaimed passionately. Suddenly Cas cleared his throat,

“Well, I could um share a room with Dean. I don’t sleep anyway.” Cas’s face grew flushed and he shifted his weight on his feet. 

“Ok, that works for me. I’m sick of sharing with you anyway, you snore real loudly.” Sam commented about Dean. Though Dean didn’t respond. His eyes had glazed over, staring at the wall deep in thought. He felt his heart in his throat as if he had been chasing a vamp. He gulped it down and felt a soft palm on his shoulder that pulled him away from his thoughts. 

“Are you ok?” Cas looked him in the eyes.

“Huh? Yeah, I’m fine just thinking” Dean gave him a smile, and Cas’s head straightened once again out of its tilt. Both of the men were visibly flustered from the string of events that just occurred. Sam cleared his throat,

“Ok, wanna find our rooms and get some rest, I for one would appreciate getting more than four hours of sleep for once in my life.” The guys nodded, now aware of the time. Dean bunched up his sleeves till they reached his elbows, and looked at his watch. It was eleven pm, which in hindsight made sense since they had arrived when the sky was darkening. 

They started towards the elevator and to the 4th floor. Dean had been iffy about not getting their usual spot in the corner on the base level. But Sam just poked fun at him saying,

“Dude quit overreacting, we aren’t on a hunt, and we’ve saved the world like 12 times. We can survive two nights in a room that doesn’t look at a parking lot.” But Dean had just rolled his eyes. Soon, he found himself following Cas into their room, and Sam walked down the other end of the hallway to his.

“Have fun you two!” Sam teased. The new roommates' faces reddened. Cas swiped the key card over the black square and pushed the door open.

“You have to be kidding me,” Dean said under his breath, yet still audible for Cas to hear. He tossed his duffel bag a few feet away from him and rubbed his hands through his hair until his nails dug into his neck. Before them, they saw a couch, a TV, other typical Hotel amenities (bathroom, mini-fridge), and one queen-sized bed. But, looking back on it, the man at the front desk hadn’t said there would be a second bed in that room. 

“Dean, I don’t sleep much anyway, you have the bed and I can hang out on the couch.”

“You sure Cas?”, Cas nodded. Dean felt his eyes getting heavy, he tugged at his duffel and got out his Men Of Letters robe, Led Zeppelin T-Shirt, and his hotdog pajama pants. Meanwhile, Cas had found the TV remote and started channel surfing. He paused it on a show called Lucifer, which he had found very amusing. Dean walked back in to find Cas hunched over in front of the screen pointing at the different characters and saying how inaccurate they are.

“You having fun over there?” Dean said through a smirk as he drew the blanket toward him.

“Though it’s ridiculous, it’s also very comical!” Cas nodded to himself with a smile, maintaining his focus. 

“Alright, well you two have fun, just turn the volume down a bit so I can sleep? We’ll come up with a plan for tomorrow in the morning.” Dean kindly shook his head.

“Alright goodnight, Dean.”

“Night, Buddy.”

--------

chapt 2 (not completed?)

It’s 9 am and Dean awakes to Castiel pulling the curtains open, letting the effulgent sunlight bounce around the room, filling Dean’s face with the brightness. He cups his hands by his eyebrows, grabbing at the covers while doing so. Once Dean’s eyes stopped ping-ponging and the static washed over, he grumbled “good mornin.'' and tossed around the clothes in his bag till he found what he called his “summer flannel” and shorts. Cas moved out from by the windows and shuffled over to Dean’s ill-made bed and began to meticulously tidy it up. 

“Alright, you ready? Sam’s meeting us downstairs for bacon. Well, he’ll probably have some fancy-schmancy healthy smoothie, but I’m having bacon.” Cas turned towards the bathroom doorway where Dean was still a few feet away from, nodded to Dean in agreement, and walked towards their room’s door.

“Wow wow wow there champ, you’re wearing that?” Dean held out his hand in a stop motion, running over to block the door from him.

“Y- Yes?” Cas replied, unsure of the question.

“Okay, I know it’s your outfit and stuff, but it's the beach! it’s hot outside!”

“But, you’re wearing your summer flannel, and this is all I have.” Cas gestured to Dean’s extra layer and then proceeded to look down at his overcoat.

“Well, that’s different.” Dean said, slightly defensive, and followed up with “We’ll ask Sam downstairs, but I for one am starving”. Dean swiveled, now facing the door holding onto the round silver knob, letting Cas walk through first.

Once the two arrive in the food court, they find Sam already set up with, as his brother had predicted, a bottled smoothie and eggs.

“Hey! Bacon’s over there, Dean.” Sam’s head tilted in the direction of the food. There were lifted metal container-looking platters lined up each with lids to keep what was inside warm. Excitedly, he grabbed a plate and piled on his food.

Castiel joined Sam at the circular table.

“So, how was last night?” Sam asked, showing genuine curiosity.

“It was fine. I did what Dean refers to as channel surfing, and I read all of the brochures on the table.”

“Oh yeah? Find anything interesting?”

“Not particularly, I saw a couple of different restaurants, there is an ice cream place down the street though.” Yes, Cas didn’t need to eat, but recently Rowena cast a spell for him so that he could at least taste it without feeling every single molecule. He hadn’t gotten around to trying Ice Cream yet though, he was still getting used to the sensations.

“What’d I miss? Oh, Sam! Cas refuses to change his clothes. The son of a bitch wouldn’t listen to me.” He had put emphasis on the word “refuses” to get his point across. Cas rolled his eyes at him, recalling the interaction and being fully aware that there hadn’t been anything he would refer to as a refusal.

“Cas only ever wears that trench coat though. And you on the other hand,” Sam turned to Dean,

“Are wearing your summer flannel which by the way does not exist.” Sam lightly laughed as Dean bites dramatically into his bacon.

“Well, this is a vacation, remember? So, if I even see your asses walking to the beach without wearing bathing suits, or at least not long sleeves, I swear I will shoot you.” He waved his fork in the air as he spoke. The men in question, who had been sitting next to each other, locked eyes. The two, without talking seemed to come to the consensus that Sam would in fact shoot them in the leg. Sam himself had been wearing dark purple swim trunks and a T-shirt. Having spent part of the night reading about the town, Cas mentioned a nearby store for him and Dean to walk down to. 

[zz-chikorita]

Unless it somehow gives spoilers for upcoming content in Jolly Rogers, could you tell us if your Leon and Guzma, or other characters, have an odd little hobby? Like does Leon secretly collect Pokemon cards, and Guzma is a pro shadow-puppet master or something like that?

Leon definitely collects Official Galar League Cards. When he was really little, his dad bought him a pack at the corner store and that's how he first became introduced to the concept of professional battling (since they didn't have a TV at that point). Leon was able to see his very first league battle because one of the cards had the Hammerlocke stadium in the background and it looked so cool he begged his father to take him there. It took a few months, but his dad saved up enough to pay for the train fare and stadium tickets.

In his adolescence, Leon's favorite card was one from Kabu's first few years as a gym leader. The picture was of Kabu post-workout wearing no shirt, his gym shorts, shoes/socks, and a towel on his neck. Leon just couldn't figure out why that card was his favorite.... or why he couldn't stop staring at it... maybe the lighting? Sure. We'll go with that.

And of course, Leon's big hobbies are running and playing piano. It's not really a spoiler because I've alluded to it, but Leon also likes going over to Piers' house to jam with him.

Guzma, just in general, loves music. He enjoys listening to it, finding new (and usually obscure) songs/artists online, sharing and discussing music with others... He even enjoys singing and he's actually not half bad.

(More under cut)

Anyone who's lived in the shady house will be able to tell you whether Guzma's in a good mood or not, cuz, if he is, he'll be humming or mumbling some little tune to himself, or drumming out a beat softly with his fingers or toes. It's the days the boss is still and silent that everyone knows to give him a wide berth.

He doesn't really do it anymore but, definitely as a kid, Guzma collected rocks (and shells, fossils, shark sharpedo teeth, a little bit of sea glass.... basically anything cool that might wind up on the beach). He still has a box of them somewhere... probably at his parents' house. There were a few from his collection he was always particularly attached to. There was one stone he carried on his person almost all the time as a good luck charm and because fidgeting with it/rubbing it's smooth outside was very soothing for him whenever he got stressed. He carried it everywhere until.... giving it Moon. He doesn't regret his choice.

And then, his other main hobbies, like discussed in the fic, are finding and reading scientific articles about bug Pokemon (although occasionally he branches out), swimming, and surfing.

Guzma's laptop is very old and runs very slowly, mostly to do the absurd amount of data he has stored in there in the form of PDFs. Not many people know this about Guzma, and he tries to keep it that way (mostly because of his own head game that he needs to keep up his reputation as this hard-ass punk so he can't be into no "nerd shit"). For this reason, the folder he stores all of these files in is titled "PORN"

Also, if one of the grunts walks in on him and he doesn't wanna stop reading he'll just say "get the hell out, I'm looking at porn" and technically he isn't lying.

I know you were probably joking, but the idea of Guzma making shadow puppets with the kids is absolutely adorable and I can definitely see them doing that at some point when they run out of power just to pass the time. Thus, I am absolutely making that a canon thing he does in this universe, I just wouldn't say he's a master of it 😂

[mysingularitybts]

Unexpectedly Expecting a Min Yoongi One-Shot

Pairing: Idol! Min Yoongi x reader 

Genre: angst, romance

Warnings: none

The paper in front of you didn't lie, yet you stared at it in disbelief. While you had your suspicions, you didn't want to accept it. It's not that it wasn't in your plans because it was, but not so soon. After all, it had only been a few months since you had married Yoongi and between him being an idol and you managing your growing business, how was it all going to work out? 

You read the paper so many times, staring at the bold letters spelling 'positive'. You were pregnant. How were you going to tell Yoongi? He was an amazing husband and a great person, but the thought of telling him still made you nervous because this was not in the plans. You could only hope he would react positively, and you were sure he would, but there was this pesky annoying voice in your head saying he would get mad or upset.

According to what the doctor told you you were twelve weeks along. One would think you would notice you were pregnant, but you have been so busy with work it hadn't passed through your mind that your period was late at least until a week ago. Realizing the situation you left work and quickly went to the pharmacy, bought a pregnancy test, and took it. It came out positive, however, you had to be a hundred percent sure so you went to the doctor. The wait for the official results had been agonizing and stressful not only because of the results, but because you went through it alone without Yoongi to support you.

Weeks have passed and every time you tried to tell him the words did not want to come out. They would get stuck in your throat, your heartbeat would quicken, your palms would get sweaty, and he just looked at you expectantly waiting for you to say something. When some words managed to come out of your mouth they were not the ones intended. Deep down you know you shouldn't be too worried because he loved you and while it was sooner than thought he would receive the baby with open arms. So, why were you so damn hesitant? It might be the fact that it was such a life-changing situation and it happened very unexpectedly might I add.

Sitting at home you were surfing through the channels looking for something to watch, but it was soon forgotten as Yoongi walked into the room.

"Hey babe, remember to pack your bags for tomorrow," he said as he sat beside you on the couch.

"Yeah they are almost done," you said unenthusiastically looking at him.

"What's wrong? You don't want to go camping?" he asked with a chuckle taking your hand into his.

It had become a habit for him to take your hands and play with your wedding ring. You had asked him about it once, and he said it relaxed him and that it was a reminder he had you by his side.

"It's not that it's just I'm not really in the mood," you sighed pitifully. Maybe he will let you off the hook this once.

"You'll have fun with the guys you'll see," he reassured, cuddling you and putting his head on your neck.

"There's no doubt about that," you laughed feeling his hair tickling you.

The boys were always fun to be around. Being with Yoongi for years now you have gone on trips with them and they never failed to amuse you. From losing passports to filming funny videos to getting matching shirts to getting drunk and blacking out. There was never a boring moment. But camping while being pregnant? It did not sound good at all. As of recently one of your pregnancy symptoms has been constant urination. Like every half hour. The thought of going into the woods constantly to pee didn't motivate you to go on that camping trip.

Yoongi and you were the last ones to get to the camping site. It might have been because you were dragging it out, sadly, you couldn't stop the inevitable. Getting out of the car the boys greeted you.

"Ah thank god you're finally here we need help with the tents," Jin exclaimed from his spot reading some instructions.

"Y/n, I'm so happy to see you it's been a while," Hoseok greeted you excitedly with a hug.

You couldn't help but let out a chuckle, "It's only been a week, Hobi."

"Yah that's too long," he complained, releasing a pained sigh.

Since you had taken so long to get there the sun was already going down and, surprise, you had to pee. Urgently. You peeked a glance to the woods, the trees were tall with big branches casting a darker shadow, you could faintly hear the rustling of the wind and the movement of small animals. Overall, the woods gave off a dark and scary look. Your mind started racing at all the things that could be out there, what if there were bears or you got lost? Thinking of what to do you had two choices: either suck it up and go alone or drag your wonderful and fearless husband with you. The latter was the way to go.

"Yoongi, honey?" you called walking over to where he was by a tent.

"Hmm," He was focused on assembling the tent.

"I need to go pee," you said sheepishly.

Seeing as he didn't react you nudged again, "I really need to go."

He only waved you off with his hand. You swear that man can sometimes be clueless. With an exasperated sigh you clue him in, "Come with me I'm scared."

Glancing up at you he understood. He got up and left Jungkook to finish building the tent. Jungkook will manage he thought to himself.

You walked far enough and did your business as Yoongi busied himself somewhere else to give you some privacy. Unfortunately for Yoongi, this happened many more times too many for it to be normal. Each time you dragged Yoongi along he got a bit annoyed but then he got concerned because while you tended to pee a lot it has never been to this extent. What if there was something wrong with you or you were sick? On one of the many bathroom breaks to the woods, he decided to ask you about it.

"Are you okay?" he asked as you walked back to the camping site.

"Huh?" you spoke at his sudden question, yet you saw it coming.

"You're peeing too much," he said with an obvious tone.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Maybe it's all the water I'm drinking," you mentioned nervously. You didn't know how much longer you could keep this up. It was suspicious.

"Hold up, seriously," He stopped walking and turned to face you, "What is this about?"

"Um-well there is something I have to tell you," The gig was up, it was now or never.

"Is this what you have been trying to tell me for the past few weeks," he questioned you as he raised his eyebrows. There was worry in his eyes but he didn't let it show in his stance. Typical Yoongi.

"Oh, so you noticed?" you asked with your eyes widening seeing as you hadn't played it as smoothly as you thought.

"Of course, I know you better than I know myself," he said with a serious look.

"I decided to give you time and tell me on your terms," Yoongi shrugged.

"This is why I love you," you smiled at him.

"So, are you okay?" he nudged again crossing his arms.

"Overall yes but I-" It was happening you were going to say it. Of all the scenarios in your head, you hadn't expected to do it in the middle of the woods.

"I'm pregnant," you announced, your eyes not leaving him waiting for his reaction.

"I'm going to be a dad?" he unfolded his arms and went slack.

"Yes?" you gave him a nervous smile.

With a simple gummy smile, the biggest you have ever seen, your worries went away, and relief flooded your body.

"You. Have. Made. Me. So. Happy," he exclaimed as he hugged you and pecked you in between every word. The happiness you were feeling was overflowing as you laughed. Needless to say that little voice in your head was wrong all along.

"So, you are not upset or anything?" you asked making sure he was okay with the news.

"Why would I be?" Yoongi said as he pulled away from you, not letting your hands go.

"When we talked about kids, we had agreed not to have any for a few more years," you explained.

"It doesn't matter. They were always on the plan," he reassured, "It happened sooner than we thought, but we'll make it work."

"Is this why you were so apprehensive about camping?" he asked thinking back about your behavior.

"Yeah, I didn't know how it would go down with the pregnancy symptoms I've been having," you mentioned.

"You should have told me. I wouldn't have pressured you into it," he scolded you.

"It's fine," rolling your eyes, you began walking once again.

"Let's go home," he said, swinging your intertwined hands.

"Home?"

"Yeah, I can't keep taking you to the woods to pee," he teasingly said.

"yah!" you exclaimed with a smile.

"Will the boys be okay with us leaving?" You hoped they wouldn't take it the wrong way.

"They'll be fine, they love you," Yoongi said.

On the way to the boys, you had both decided to tell them the big news. Yoongi tried acting aloof, but you saw through it. He was so excited he couldn't keep the news to himself and wanted to tell his brothers. You found it adorable.

"Hey guys we are taking off," you announced grabbing one of the bags.

"What? Why? We only got here a few hours ago," Jimin questioned from his place by the fire, his cheeks and nose red from the cold air.

The others looked in your direction waiting for the answer. It was unlike you and Yoongi to leave so suddenly.

"Yes, but I have to take care of y/n," Yoongi said dubiously.

"Why is she sick?" Taehyung asked as he walked over to you and placed his hand in your forehead checking your temperature. With a laugh, you swatted his hand away and he gave you a pout.

"No, but she is pregnant," he revealed the corners of his mouth turning up into a big smile.

"Makes sense," Jin said, not having processed the words, "Wait, what?" he suddenly turned around, eyes open in surprise.

The reaction of the boys was a mix of gasps and shocked looks. In a heartbeat, all of the boys stood up and went towards you and Yoongi to congratulate you. They were all very excited for you and the new family member to come. They even started planning all the things they were going to do with the baby.

It was a happy moment you were surely going to remember for the rest of your life. Looking around to take it all in one more time you saw Hoseok and Namjoon patting Yoongi in the back while Taehyung and Jin fussed over you. Jimin and Jungkook talked excitedly between them placing bets on whether it will be a boy or a girl. Yoongi caught your eye as he gave you a joyful smile and mouthed an 'I love you'. Everything was going to be okay, your unreasonable worries staying in the past as you looked forward to the exciting months to come.

A/N: As always if you guys enjoyed it please make sure to like and reblog. Let me know what you think!

What would you have done? Told him immediately or wait?

See you guys later ;) 💜 x

-Nikki Marie

[seattlesea]

Why is Piper McLean Annoying?

So, I see a lot of people saying that Piper McLean is annoying for a variety of reasons like ‘She’s too obsessed with Jason’, ‘She complains too much’, ‘She’s too jealous’, etc. (and I agree), but I also realize that barely anyone really explains why, which I think is a bit unfair to the Piper fans, cause I’m sure they want to see our reasonings. So, I thought it was only fair to explain why Piper McLean is annoying. 

First off, her obsession with Jason. I get that she likes the guy, but thinking about him every single paragraph gets really tiring after a while. It dragged the books and made them seem less of a hobby and more like a chore, like we had to get through the boring, tedious romance parts to get to the good stuff (which ended up disappointing). Of course Piper likes Jason, but her priority issues are what made her obsession with him so annoying. Like, doesn’t she have much more important things to do than sulk in her room whining about a boy? Like, I don’t know, train (which she only did in The House of Hades after Hazel told her to), plan for the final fight with the giants and Gaea, talk to her past friends and family in case she didn’t make it out alive, etc.? While all the other demigods were fighting for their lives, training their butts off, and working hard to make sure everything went smooth, Piper was sulking and whining about Jason in bed then complained that she was useless 💀 And I see a lot of arguments about why Piper’s obsession with Jason was fine, but let me make a counter-argument for each one- ‘She’s a daughter of Aphrodite’- You mean the daughter of Aphrodite who constantly claimed she hates Aphrodite and her children, is supposed to be the chill, down-to-earth one, and tries extremely hard to not be a typical daughter of Aphrodite? That one? I think the readers tend to forget that Aphrodite is the goddess of all love, not just romance.  ‘She’s a high school girl’- A high school girl who was given the responsibility of helping save the world, and yet her boyfriend is the number one thing on her mind? I can guarantee you high school girls do not only think about their boyfriends. That’s actually quite a rude stereotype that Riordan fell right into. ‘She wants normalcy’- And of course she’s going to get that with the guy who can shoot lightning from his hands and fly. If she really wanted normalcy, she would’ve gotten together with a mortal guy, not another demigod whom she’s questing with. ‘The people who claim she’s annoying for her crush on Jason are the same people who’ve had crushes on a million fictional characters’- But do those people let those crushes define their whole life, get in the way of their morals, and are the only thing they ever think or talk about? Liking multiple people and being creepily obsessed with another are very different things. 

Second, her jealousy over Reyna. I get that liking a guy and finding out another girl who’s known him for much longer also likes him is pretty jealousy-evoking...for a regular high school girl. But Piper isn’t a regular high school girl, she’s a demigod who’s supposed to concentrate on saving the whole world. Even in The Lost Hero, her jealousy and obsession was annoying (and creepy and honestly stalker-ish, like- wanting a guy all to yourself despite knowing your relationship with him was fake and completely dismissing the chances of any girl he might’ve known without ever getting to know him is pretty creepy) because even though she had just gotten introduced to the demigod world and had to adapt to it- she had just gotten introduced to the demigod world and had to adapt to it. How many people who just learned that gods, monsters, and myths were real and that they have to save their dad from a blood-thirsty giant and free a goddess from captivity or the world would end is going to think exclusively about a guy? That’s what makes it annoying. And even after The Mark of Athena when Jason and Piper were dating and Jason promised he wouldn’t leave her, Piper was still constantly worried about Reyna. Like, girl, don’t you have more important things to worry about? Like World War III between the Greeks and Romans? Or the literal end of the world? Or like, Armageddon? This also impacted the overall writing. During The Blood of Olympus, Frank and Piper were at a cave and Frank went in to get an ingredient for the Physician’s Cure, and the point of view was Piper’s, who sat outside waiting for him daydreaming about Jason and her friends. Frank was talking to his legendary shape-shifting ancestors and we got to read about a little girl complaining and sulking. That’s what makes Piper so annoying. 

Third, her complaining. Piper fans often argue that everyone is allowed to complain about their trauma and you shouldn’t compare it to others...but there is none for Piper. She’s literally complaining for nothing. ‘Oh, but her dad was neglectful and didn’t care about her!!!’ ????are we reading the same book??? Piper has had multiple flashbacks of her and her dad hanging out like going surfing, watching Tristan’s movies, reading Greek myths, discussing Cherokee stories, etc., and it’s obvious Tristan loves Piper very much. Everything he does is for her. It’s not even his choice to be busy, it’s his agent’s, and even though he’s super busy, he always makes time for Piper even though Piper constantly makes his life harder by getting herself in trouble despite knowing his job and life is already stressful enough. Plus the fact that no matter how much bad Piper did, Tristan never punished or got mad at her for it. The fact that she’s complaining about her private chef making her a gold-wrapped sandwich while a lot of the other characters spent their childhood having to wonder where their next meal was going to come from and complained about having things they didn’t have 5% of was what was annoying. There’s a difference between ‘comparing traumas’ and being flat-out insensitive (as Piper was). If I saw some spoiled rich kid complaining about their peanut butter-jelly sandwich being wrapped in fake gold by their personal chef right in front of a starving homeless kid, I probably would’ve thrown a rock at them. 

The last and most annoying part- the genre. The number one reason people think that Piper is annoying is that we didn’t read this story for romance. We didn’t pick up a Rick Riordan book to read about romance and jealousy, we did so to read about slaying monsters and saving the world. The entire Heroes of Olympus series was 80% dragged romance and 10% super-rushed, unrealistic, and horribly-written fights that mostly consisted of dialogue that never took longer than five pages but should’ve taken up a whole chapter or more. I- and multiple other readers- couldn’t care less about who gets in the way of whom and who gets together with whom and who likes whom, I care more about the battles and superpowers. Readers pick up action/fantasy/adventures stories to read about action, fantasy, and adventure, not romance. Piper ripped the readers from the fantasy world just to pine over her boyfriend, and the fact that that was what made up the majority of the books (along with other dumb, rushed romances) and Riordan spent like two pages- again, most of which consisting of dialogue- on the final battle against the second most powerful deity in all of Greek/Roman mythology (only surpassed by Chaos himself) after spending a whole book on just the Titan lord is what makes Piper so annoying. In Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the romance wasn’t even a subplot. It was a minor add-on, but all throughout HoO the romance was the main point, and Piper was the center of that. Plus she’s the center of a lot of racism and misogyny in the series. That’s what makes her annoying, my friends.

And yeah thanks for coming to my TED Talk.