#trying to currently wrap my head around.. ANY PART OF THE STORY OUTSIDE OF JUST THE MAIN STORY ATM AND TRYING TO PIECE TOGETHER THE INTRO

[just-some-friendly-fun]

WAIT... So.. Are some of the Earthrealm characters just--- able?? To like... Travel to Outworld, without relying on Liu Kang to get them there? Like... Bi-Han or even any other people? Because I vaguely remember in an intro dialogue with Li Mei, he mentioned having operatives in Sun Do, and in a different dialogue with Scorpion and Li Mei. Kuai Liang mentions that his brother's trail has lead him to Sun Do, which is a village in Outworld.

Do the Lin Kuei have their own respective access to Outworld or is there someone like aiding them???

[maylovesfiction]

A few hours ago, I sat down to write down some simple thoughts about Mihawk and a Reader. I'm currently trying to get myself into writing again by writing about people with different personalities. Cross guild is just perfect for that one. It was supposed to be something short, a few hundred words... yea. That worked (not)

So: Enjoy my spontaneous, not planned, thing I just wrote.

___________________________________________

Mihawk hated how you invaded his space. He was hardly ever able to deal with Buggy, but another colourful, cheerful and lively person was too much for him. Whenever you were around he couldn't concentrate on any task he was doing. Your happy laugh that would light up your whole face was the worst. Mihawk couldn't look away. You were going on his nerves. 

Mihawk wasn't able to grasp why everyone you interacted with seemed to instantly like you. You were just insufferable. The way you could entertain a whole room when telling a story, the way your face was so expressive when you talked or intently listened to the people around you, the way you seemed to always remember what everyone liked or didn't like, just unlikeable. It seemed like he was the only one around who could see clearly.

Mihawk did his best to dodge you, he really didn't want to interact with you, because everytime he did you smiled so sweetly at him that his head started to hurt. He watched you the whole time anytime you were in a room together under the pretence that he had to keep an eye on you in case you tried something funny. He also wanted to understand you, how you could infatuate so many people at once, not him though. Mihawk would never notice the wrinkles around your eyes whenever you laughed, or how happy you were for the whole day after someone had put your favorite snacks down outside of your room. How would he know, because it was definitely not him putting the snacks there and hiding in the shadows watching your face go from confusion to delight upon looking down and finding the food. 

If someone would ask him if he liked you, Mihawk would scoff, not even giving an answer before just leaving the room. 

Mihawk didn't like anything about you. Not how your hair sparkled in the sunlight, not the colour of your eyes, not your smile or the way you danced when the band played their music. He didn't like how you didn't seem to care what the world around thought about you when you did something crazy.

And yet... the moment he heard your scream echoing through the halls his body was the first to move. Hand on his sword he busted through the door of the bathroom to find you standing on a small stool, only wrapped in a small towel. A mouse... you were not in danger, it was just a mouse. Mihawk huffed in annoyance as he went to put an end to the little creature. "No! Don't hurt him!" he heard your voice. His eyes met yours. In the background he vaguely noted the arrival of Buggy and some of his crewmates. Mihawk just turned to leave, leaving Buggy in charge of catching the mouse. After he stepped out into the hall, he turned one last time. You were still wrapped in the towel, illuminated by the sunlight coming through the window behind you, looking like a goddess, while ordering Buggy and the white haired man with animal ears that was part of Buggy's former crew around to catch the mouse alive. He hadn't bothered to remember the man's name.

Mihawk once asked Crocodile what he thought about you joining Cross Guild. Crocodile barely had looked up from his paperwork "I don't have a strong opinion on that woman, but she's not unpleasant to be around." 

Mihawk found another thing he hated about you as he was lying awake at night. You wouldn't leave his thoughts. For the last few months every night he would have trouble falling asleep because he disliked you so much. Tonight it was that mental picture of you in the towel. He couldn't stop thinking about you. A scar on your right knee, he wondered what happened. Painted toe nails, why would you paint your toenails if you always had shoes on? Was there someone in your life that you painted them for? The thought had Mihawk sit up in his bed, clearly frustrated. He had never bothered to find out if you were dating anyone. Why would he care?

The thought of you in someone's arms, someone that was not him made him angry. But why? He couldn't stand you.

Mihawk got up, it was clear to him, that he wasn't getting any sleep tonight. 

Mihawk walked towards the kitchen. It wasn't like he didn't have any wine in his room, but tonight he didn't feel like drinking a fancy and expensive wine. Tonight he needed something else. He didn't bother turning on the lights as he blindly rummaged through the cabinets to find some cheap booze, stuff that Shanks would drink on occasion. Mihawk needed this to numb his thoughts. He whipped around when he felt a presence entering the kitchen. The light was turned on and you let out a surprised scream, dropping the empty plate you had in your hands. You flinched as the plate hit the ground and sprang into a million pieces. You jumped again as you noticed Mihawk was suddenly standing right by your side. "Sheesh! What are you doing here in the dark?! You scared me!", heart still beating hard in your chest. "You should clean that up, so no one steps in it" Mihawk sad with a cold tone, before walking past you out of the kitchen. 

Somehow this irked you more than it should. You turned to face his back, yelling "Not even a 'Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you'!? You know what you are? You are an asshole, Mihawk!" The swordsman stopped in his tracks, your words had hurt and surprised him. He had never seen you get angry. He turned his head to see you get a broom to sweep up the mess with a sour look on your face. 

He sighed as he walked towards you and took the broom out of your hands. "What are you doing?" - "I apologize for scaring you and for handling this as badly as I did. It is only fair that I clean up the mess, since you wouldn't be in that situation if it weren't for me", he simply replied. "Oh, so you CAN be nice", you said quietly, but with a sharp undertone. Mihawk furrowed his brows, still collecting random pieces of the smashed plate. "What does that mean?" - "That means that I try my best to be nice to you, but you're always so cold. I feel like you hate me. I always wonder what I did to make you dislike me like that. Is it something I can change?", you wondered. "No." Mihawk had finished picking up the shards and there was no trace of the accident left. "No?", you looked at him puzzled. 

He forced himself to say the words "I don't hate you, neither do I dislike you." - "You have a weird way of showing that."

You stood right in front of Mihawk looking up at him into his yellow eyes. He held your gaze seemingly with ease, but his heart betrayed him as it started to beat faster. "Very well... I wish you a good night." He left, leaving you standing alone and confused in the kitchen. "What the hell was that about...?"

The next day you found your favorite snacks lying in front of your door, but this time there were also a few flowers. "Huh, weird timing", you thought, but still smiled at the sight. You paused as you picked up the flowers, you could have sworn you had already seen them somewhere. As you went about your day you didn't think too much about it. You were busy trying out a new makeup style on Buggy, playing with Richie, listening to Galdino talking about his candle devil fruit and dancing and singing along to the songs the band was playing. As always you felt eyes on you, but you had never found out if it was your imagination or if someone in the room was just quick to avert his gaze whenever you looked around.

This time was different, though. And you could already feel it. As you turned around you spotted him almost immediately. This time he didn't look away, his yellow eyes meeting yours.

You shot him a smile yet his stoic expression never changed. Although you could swear he was blushing ever so slightly. You continued what you were doing and after a while you noticed Mihawk had left the room. 

It was already late, so you wished everyone who was still up a good night and went back to your room. A breeze made you pause. Some fresh air before bed would certainly be nice, so you followed the breeze beckoning you outside.

The night air was cool but it was not cold. You took a few deep breaths enjoying the silence and the wind in your hair. As you turned to get back inside something in the corner of your eyes caught your attention. Mihawk had made himself a little flower bed on a small patch of grass and earth. It was his little retreat that was off limits to anyone. You had marveled at the colourful flowers he had managed to grow recently and now you noticed some of them missing.

Suddenly it hit you, Mihawk was your secret admirer. And now you felt like an ass. Sure, you didn't know back then that it was him to cheer you up with your favorite snacks every time you had a hard day, but still... now that you knew you felt bad calling him out in the kitchen the night before. You had to make things right. For tonight you had a mission and you knew exactly how to do it.

Another sleepless night. Mihawk was slowly losing his mind. Not many things could rile him up that much. That smile you had graced him with that day was embedded into his head. He had slowly come to the realisation that lying to himself wouldn't make the feelings he had for you go away. It only made them worse. He sighed heavily. Suddenly there was a knock on his door. Who would knock at this hour? Usually he'd be mad at the interruption, but tonight he was glad he could take his mind off his problem.

Mihawk didn't bother to put on his jacket, he opened the door shirtless only in his pants. The hall was seemingly empty, but he could feel a presence looming in the shadows where the small ray of light coming from his room didn't reach. He took a step forward only to stop and look at the thing he had just bumped into. On the ground in front of his room was a bottle of red wine and an arrangement of snacks and foods he liked, like crackers with grapes and a special type of cheese.

His eyebrows rose at the sight of it. "I figured it out. It was you who surprised me with my favorite snacks and the flowers, wasn't it?" you asked, a smile audible in your voice. Mihawk just nodded, watching you as you stepped out of the shadows. "And here I was thinking you didn't like me. I'm sorry for my outburst in the kitchen", you apologized. "It's nothing, don't worry about such things." As he said this, your smile widened and made his heart skip a beat. 

"I would like to get to know you better, Mihawk", you spoke softly, "but only if you're interested, of course." 

Mihawk picked up the tray with food and the bottle of red wine. “By the looks of this, you already know me quite well." 

"Pfff, that was easy. That's not what I was thinking about." - "I know, come in", he simply replied and it sounded more like a statement than an invitation. Mihawk went back into his room, setting the food and wine on the table. You shyly followed him, closing the door behind you. Mihawk set two wine glasses on the table and got another chair for you to sit on. You were a bit unsure of what this was supposed to be, but you just went with the flow. 

After he had made sure you were sitting comfortably and after he had poured some wine for the both of you he looked at you "So, what do you want to know?"

Time was flying by as you talked. You noticed how Mihawk tried to talk a bit more than usual. He wouldn't answer all your questions, but most of them. You tried to tell yourself the warmth you felt in your chest was from the alcohol, but deep down you knew better. Sadly the night was coming to an end, when you couldn't keep yourself from yawning every few minutes. "It's really late, we should head to bed", Mihawk said. Only listening to what he was saying with half an ear, you simply nodded "Yea".

Mihawk helped you get up from the chair, he paused for a moment, looking between you and his bed. Now, as you still held his arm from when he helped you up, the words slowly seeped into your consciousness 'we should head to bed'. 'We'... 'We'? Oh. The realisation made you blush.

You looked up at him, noticing a conflicted look on his face. 

You tried to defuse the situation "I mean... I could if you insisted, NO, no... that's not what I wanted to say,.. I mean I would if you want me to... I..." you were stumbling over your words not knowing how to bring your point across, but you were silenced by a pair of lips softly pressed on yours. It was like a lightning striking your body. For a brief moment your body tensed up only to relax into the kiss. When Mihawk broke the kiss, you had found the words "I will stay the night."

As the both of you settled into his bed, your heart was racing. This was NOT how you expected the night to go, but this outcome wasn't unpleasant. Mihawk had been awfully quiet since the kiss, and yet you didn't think about it as something bad. He seemed strangely content and he openly showed this. 

He was lying on his back, his left arm pulling you close to him, as you snuggled up against him. Your hand tracing circles and shapes on his bare chest as you listened to his heartbeat. Even though you were still excited and nervous, you noticed your eyelids getting heavier by every passing second. "Good night, Mihawk", you mumbled. "Good night", he answered.

Mihawk had never felt so relaxed and content before. You - snuggled up so tightly against him - made him feel safe. It took him a little longer to fall asleep, but the sleep that followed was the best he ever had.

[countrymusiclover]

15 - Moving to the next Level

Part 16

It’s About Time

Some mature content is in this chapter just as a heads up

Tags just ask - @lover-of-books-and-tea @bvbwestfall @bubble-bluee @liesanddreams @bethanymccauley @skeletonontheroad @ashsallyblue2 @kmc1989

School usually seemed to drag onward throughout the day. And currently at the moment this day felt especially long. I had nervously been tapping my feet on the floor for the last hour not being able to wait any longer. When the last period bell rang I sprang from my seat and outside the classroom finding that Georgie had already found Ryker and Marlowe standing by his locker. “Did you already tell Hannah and Ashley to meet us here too?”

“I simply told them you needed to tell them something and nothing else.” Georgie raised his hands up in surrender.

I heard footsteps coming up behind me in a fast manner. “What did you need to tell us?” Hannah and Ashley both said together.

“So you know the plan I told y’all about where Marlowe and I would fake date to make him jealous and realize his feelings for me. Well I’m happy to report that it actually worked for us.” I moved to stand over to Georgie and he draped an arm over my shoulder mirroring the same grin that I had on my face.

Ryker gasped in shock. “Are you playing with us, guys?”

“Cause you haven’t been telling me anything. You said that he came over to your house to talk.” Marlowe throws his hands around away from his chest.

Ashley wraps her arms around Hannah. “Who cares he talked with her about unless it was to say he has feelings for you.”

“Okay, okay, all of you stop talking so I can tell you the story.” I cut them all off knowing if they kept asking me questions we’d never get anywhere. “So he came over to my house in the middle of the night and basically apologized that he didn’t realize he had feelings for me after all these years.”

Georgie throws his hands up like he was surrendering. “That’s the whole deal so now y’all can freak out or whatever you want.”

“It only took 16 years for you two to realize what we all saw back in 5th grade.” Hannah slapped her hands on her thighs.

Ashley smirked at Georgie and I. “So when should we expect it to be Mr and Mrs. Georgie Cooper?”

“Oh I - um not for a while I’d say.” I felt my cheeks heating up at her question.

Georgie nervously answered. “Eventually we might. I ain’t trying to rush her since we just told her parents but my family doesn’t know yet.”

“Oh I think they already know.” Marlowe chuckled with a smirk crossing his face.

Ryker cursed at his statement. “Damn, he probably ain’t wrong though.”

All our friends had valid points about his family. Missy had definitely already figured out what was going on between us. But my mind certainly wasn’t thinking of marrying him yet since we had only been on one date. “Hey y’all, there’s some stuff I gotta take care of. So I’ll see ya later. Bye darling.” Georgie kissed my forehead waving bye to our friends before he headed out to the parking lot.

Ashley patted me on the back a few seconds after he had gone out the door. “So do you know what he has planned for the next date night?”

“Nope. He wants to keep it a surprise.” I replied to her.

Ryker gave me a raised brow when Hannah came up to me holding me by my shoulders. “Do you know what that could mean?”

“He might want to sleep with you.” Marlowe finished her sentence.

Even though my face turned a little redder again I wasn’t worried about that happening. Hannah and Ryker had done it in the past. In fact she told me and Ashley about it the very next time we were together, just the three of us. “Pfft I’m not all that worried about it. I mean Georgie wouldn’t force me into it.”

“That’s not the point. Y/n the question is would you want him to take your virginity?” Ryker asked almost bluntly but I knew he meant well.

I smiled looking down at my shoes for a minute taking it all in and they all waited for my response to what he had just asked me. “He’s the only guy I’ve liked for a long time. So yes.”

“Well you better tell us what happened the next time we’re together.” Ashley gave me a hug and I fist pumped her. That was our own little agreement between us.

Finishing up my homework and getting done with my shift at Dale’s sporting store I parked my truck in the Cooper driveway seeing Georgie leaning against the driver door of his Mustang he had finally saved up enough money for. “So do I get to see whatever you have set up for tonight now or not?”

“Get in the truck and I’ll show ya.” He tilted his to the side as a gesture and we got in the car together where he drove us out to the old tiny cabin that we had found. He parked the car as close as he could, helping me out and covering my eyes when we walked to the front door.

“Don’t let me trip, Cooper.” I chuckled until he stopped and he pushed the door opened walking me inside, not uncovering my eyes till we stopped walking. He dropped his hands smiling when I gasped at what he had done in front of me. “Georgie, I - I can’t believe you did all this.”

The fold out couch was covered with pillows and some blankets we had brought here when we would camp out with the gang. There were a few fairy lights hanging on the back wall by the old metal stove and a lantern hung above the bed providing more light.

“So what do you think?” He asked, shrugging his shoulders while wearing blue jeans and a red tea shirt tucked inside his belt buckle.

Spinning around on my feet I quickly hugged him and he slowly hugged me back until I pulled back from the embrace. “It’s really cute. Thank you.”

“Good I was worried you ain’t gonna like it.” He smiled resting his hands on my hips moving one to point to a cooler in the corner. “Before I forget I also scored some of my Memaw’s leftover brisket that we can heat up in the stove cause I found some matches too.”

I giggled, wanting our lives to always be like this. Not regretting that it took us away to get to this moment. “You’re the best boyfriend ever.”

“So do you wanna eat?” He asked me.

“Actually I was thinkin’ we could do something else first if you’re up for it.” I lightly smirked up at him.

Georgie asked curiously. “What did you have in mind? - oh yeah we can do that.”

I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my lips against his.

He kissed me back passionately and he gently dropped me down to the bed. My back hit the soft silk sheets before I rose up from the bed staring at him softly and brought a hand to his cheek stroking it softly. He leaned into my touch and he lifted his shirt over his head and threw it to the ground.

“I'll go slow with you.“ He reassured me, grabbing my hand with his. “We can stop anytime if you want. I know we’ve only been on one date.”

“I want to do this.“ I said, wishing my heart would stop beating so rapidly like I was scared.

My best friend still silently looked at me, slowly kicking his boots off. “You’re sure you wanna do this?”

“Yes. I want you to be my first.” My hands started to trace his form, I began to run his fingers up and down his chest softly while I began to feel his hand start to crawl underneath my shirt. He lifted my shirt off my head, throwing it to the ground only once breaking the kiss

He hovered over me and brought his lips down upon mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and embraced more into the kiss. I felt a hard rock positioned at my lower religion, he placed his member at my center and looked up at me. “Darling, this will hurt a little. Just tap my shoulder twice if you want to stop.”

He nodded and aligned himself against me before thrusting into me softly , I hissed out in pain as I felt him breaking through my wall, tears began to well in my eyes. “If I’m lucky enough I’m gonna marry you someday.” He moved slowly against her, I bit down on my lip hard trying to bear through the pain.

Within moments I felt the pain suddenly vanish and began to feel pleasure. I began to move against him and leaned up pressing my lips down upon his. I came moaning out loudly as I felt a wave of pleasure come over me. He came seconds later as I felt him emptying inside of med, both moaning and groaning until we fell back onto the mattress together.

“I’d say yes if you proposed.” I whispered cuddling up into his chest and we fell asleep under the camping blankets he had put on the bed.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[vqrtualheartss]

Across the multiverse, Love Beyond Dimensions —𝑬42 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒙 𝑭𝒆𝒎!𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌!𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓

Here is part one linked. But before starting off anything, I have to say and give a major thanks for the support on part one, I almost cried fr fr.

Part three

Lemme be informative:

I am in no way, shape or form trying to villainize Gwen, everything is just for plot. Infact, I love Gwiles, my only point of interest is Miles G.

As you're reading this best believe that I am currently working on part three and four so bare with me

The day in the story you are currently acting out until any indication of a change is Saturday, you got brought into the dimension, rescued by Miles and woke up in the same day

The purple "liquid thing" is Gentian violet, it's something used for minor cuts and injuries

At one point, you're gonna be like " why did I cry over that?" Listen, it's like because of how your body reacted to suddenly being harmed, kinda like how you'd cry if you experienced shock suddenly, or long answer short you just did

My eyes flickered as they opened, eyebrows knitted at the fact that I couldn't recognize where I was, completely ignoring the state of my body. At the time, I was laid out on a bed centered infront a mirror, framed on a rectangular shelf around it's perimeter was a collection of Nike Air's and Jordan 1's -sneakerhead much?- but that's not the point. Looking at myself I saw bandages wrapped around my limbs , specifically my left elbow and shoulder. Multiple small cuts around my body patched up with band-aids layering over a thin sheet of oils and some purple...liquid thing? I didn't question it. My lips had some type of balm on it to accommodate the swelling and bleeding, a big white patch secured to the right side of my neck.

Looking in the mirror, I noticed that my hair was tied up in two puffs and not just the one that I had before, assuming it was to place another bandage I felt around my head until my hand stopped at a soft material, I patted it, it didn't feel big nor did it place any pressure onto my scalp. Looking at my reflection once more, noticing the change in my garments, I tugged at the oversized shirt I had on, amazed at the difference in space between my body and the shirt. Attempting to get closer to the mirror to examine myself more, I put a foot infront the bed standing on it to ensure my balance. Steadying myself, I walked closer, the other half of my body was covered in grey sweats'. I saw my phone on a bedside table, a few cracks on the screen

I stood, contemplating if I should wonder around the place or not, -I mean , wandering was what got things done to me in the first place- but I am inside nevertheless, it can't be that bad.

Going against my self-judgement, I walked outside the room, going down a short hallway, I heard the sound of.. punching?

"Just how much violence is in one universe?"

Following the sound I was led upstairs to a door seemingly going up to a penthouse level, I could say that it was hidden well -given that the house was big- but you could easily find it cause of all the ruckus. Knocking on the door I heard the combat stop when the door creaked open revealing a boy behind it. To say that he was handsome is an understatement.

This man was a work of ART, God truly has his favourites and he is one- no doubts, with two braids climbing down the length of his neck, it accentuated his face shape so..perfectly? -Is there anything sharper than his jawline HELLO? - His eyes rested low, probably a result of beating the shit out of whatever it is in there, it didn't make him any less attractive though, can guarantee that. Leaning on the door frame, he still towered over my body at about 6"1 When I tell you this man has body, believe me, his abs legit looks like they were chiseled out of stone, whoever is his girlfriend is living THE life.

"Didn't your parents teach you that it's impolite to stare?" I narrowed my eyes at him, -there's something nagging me well, besides him. Is there's something I should be paying closer attention to.?- Suddenly it hit me

"MILES?" We both looked confused, he looked so similar yet different from the one I knew . I suddenly wanted to scream, cry, everything, but, I knew it would be so wrong to take out my emotions on the boy that didn't do anything to me. That surely didn't stop my face from expressing my sadness.

"Okay one, how do you know my name? That's some real stalker shit. Two, what's with your face.. Come in"

Should I be offended or what-, I walked inside observing the space as he closed the door behind me. There was training gear on shelves and randomly spread across the floor, barbells organized by weight size, a treadmill and other machines lined up around the room, a punching bag in the centre of the area. I sat on a bench facing three giant windows showcasing the sunset outside, I smiled at the scenery as he put his other boxing glove on.

"You're not very bright are you?" no manners. He started to perform another round combat on the bag but not as hard as before, decreasing the volume of his hits.

"Excuse me?"

"Everyone knows that Brooklyn is basically Gotham city at night. , so he's the hero

"Thought you knew that with your big ass forehead".

I covered my mouth and forehead, eyes widening in pure shock as he laughed, taking off his gloves he sat himself beside me on the bench, setting them on the floor.

"I'm not from here...worst first day ever in my opinion" I looked at my body once more, getting more curious with each passing second.

"Just be careful, I won't be around to save you everyday. Give me your hand" I obliged, looking down at him as he squeezed it.

"Does that hurt?" I shook no, if anything I wanted him to hold my hand, I fought myself from crying in the moment in all honesty

My heart missed him, even if it wasn't technically him

I knew it wasn't safe here for me, being from and in another dimension and all, but I didn't want to go back either. Even so, there was one place I knew I had to go to get home, I couldn't risk getting hurt until then. -Jinxed it- I started to convulse, bright flashes spreading across my body tearing me open as I fell to the ground. Tears uncontrollably started to fall as I layed on the floor holding onto my torso, waiting for the glitching to stop.

I felt Miles' grip on my hand tighten as he held me close on the floor, a worried look drawn onto his face as he wiped my cheeks. "What the actual fuck was that? Do you need anything? Man talk to me" His bitchy attitude slowly disappeared as his concern grew, as much as I wanted to answer, I couldn't. I buried my face into his chest, slowly sitting up being wary of any aftershocks that might happen. "Start talking so I can help you" "Yea, you're right , sorry." I tried to lift myself to get up off him but, my body was too weak. He put a hand on my shoulder "You can stay there", I weakly said thank you, as he smiled at me before starting off my explanation

"Thing is"

Time-skip, about 40 minutes. You've explained the multiverse and what it is, reason why it's so long is because y'all keep going offtrack and talking. Here's some convo glimpses

"So basically in all the universes there are we exist in every one of them?"

"Mhm, that's right and you might be somewhat similar or completely different in each one. And, logically, there might be two of me here"

"What's your name? I think I can find out for you" I was confused at his proposal but gave him anyway

"It's (y/n) (y/l/n)"

"That's a pretty name, " . I replied with a 'Thank you' before we reverted to silence, comfortable silence. My head was now laid in his lap as he played with my hair, finger coiling and twisting it. "So how'd you get here? Being in another dimension and all"

I toyed with my fingernails, examining each one as I answered "Long story short, there was this inter-dimensional villain that came, caught me, I fell into a hole leading to a different dimension. And that dimension is here"

I pointed towards the window at the end of my sentence, adding exaggeration. "I see. Think I know what can help with the glitching, well something, but that's for tomorrow. Right now, I want you to answer some questions for me" I narrowed my eyes, curiosity skyrocketing at his offers to help in the situations I had -the really wierd situations I had-, my gaze softening to the end of his sentence. "Okay, go on"

"Assuming that you knew me before, cause you know my name. What was I like? Be brutally honest"

If I went brutally honest I'd go ballistic

"Since we're being brutally honest. You cheated on me with a white girl" .

I tried to contain my laughter as his eyes widened almost comically.

"Stop playing with me" I stayed silent, my hand draped over my mouth, still trying to restrain myself. "I fumbled a bad bitch.. for a white girl?? Not even a Latina?? A WHITE GIRL?"

I shook my head as I finally let out my laughter, covering my face with both hands.

"That's whack..on behalf of the other Miles's we DO NOT claim that nigga"

"Ayee, 'preciate it. What's probably the worst part about it is she wasn't even from our dimension"

He dragged his hand over his mouth, dramatically expressing shock. "That is foul. He needs his head in the game ASAP". He snapped his finger, placing emphasis on the last word.

"It's cool" I started to lift my body off his, sitting beside him to watch the last stages of the sunset.

"Does that mean that we were together?"

"I mean yeah, but not us as in me and you. Kinda like a twin"

"I could never be related to that jackass" I chuckled slightly, eyes never leaving the scenery.

"It's getting late, and you haven't even eaten. I'll slap upside your head to take care of yourself" I looked at him, with an intentionally creepy smile "I can't cook" he looked at me blinking slowly "I'll cook for you if you stop smiling like that. please. It's creepy" I smiled widely at his offer to help me out. He got up, walking to the door "waittt."

"Ughh, what is it"

"I want a picture of the sky"

"Then take it"

"I want you to be in it" the creepy smile returning to my face to unease him.

His face screwed up, "Stop with that smile" frowning, I pouted my lips as I pointed jis phone camera to focus on the sky as I stood Infront it. The password was still the same

"What am I going to do with you" Miles walked over beside me, smiling as I took the picture. "Definitely my new wallpaper"

He rolled his eyes, smiling slightly "Come on" extending his hand as he walked over, leaning onto the wall next to the door. I held onto his hand, as he led me outside onto the corridor. He stopped, looking at me, hand resting around his chin other on his neck. The wind was blowing hard, the clothes basically acting as a parachute

"We need to get you some clothes". Looking down, I pulled on the shirt tilting my head as I looked up "Who changed me? " His face flushed bright red as he pointed at himself. I blinked about 6 times in a row slowly. "Oh." "Uh, let's get going shall we?" I shook yes, holding onto his hand again before he walked off, intertwining them as he looked down at me

"For someone with a big ass forehead you're cute"

"Do you have to mention my forehead every time?"

"Do you have to complain every time or can you just say thanks" I scrunched up my nose as he led me towards a kitchen island releasing my hand. "Thank you Miles Morales" "You're welcome (y/n) (y/l/n)" I stuck my tongue out at him "Don't make me cut that off" retracting my tongue,I raised my hand to flip him off , he used a double tooth fork to point at my fingers "Or those either"

Placing the utensil on the table he reached for an apron latched onto a hook.

"What do you want to eat" I shrugged in response.

"Anything you're allergic to"

"No, I don't think I have any allergies"

"You're sure" I shook my head yes "

Very sure? I'm not taking the blame if you die"

"Very sure" I repeated his words putting up two thumbs.

"I think I have something in mind for you" he turned around, grabbing different utensils and pots from shelves, racks and cupboards. I was told to grab different ingredients from the fridge and shelves to make the food.... and a fool of myself.

"Get that bottle of powdered sugar (y/n)" he pointed towards a shelf, looking at its height I was skeptical at first but I decided to try and reach it. I was jumping for a good minute trying to reach. "What's taking so long?" I suddenly heard laughter behind me, then the sound of footsteps coming. Reaching for it himself, he looked down at my face, narrowing his eyes as we made contact for a few seconds "I'm embarrassed for you" I sucked my teeth "It's not my fault I'm short" "Sure, but we should probably get talking to ensure your safety and all that" As he said that he returned to his position, and I to mine behind the table. "Talking about what exactly?"

"Well, for one, I'll be out early trying to get something for your glitching. If you can't tell, I hate hearing you cry" Reaching for a knife on the counter he cut a piece of a fried dumpling, taking it up with a fork he brought it up to my face. "Eat this" as my mouth touched the food, I immediately retracted my face, fingers pressing against my lips, my eyebrows furrowed as tears welled. "You're too soft" he laughed before starting to blow on the dumpling before handing it back to me. "Here, I'm sorry" smiling taking the food, I started to analyze it, shaking my head in approval.

"I like it.. what is it?" Miles turned around to flip the rest in the pot

"They're fried dumplings, my mother taught me how to make them" my expression stayed same as I digested, the answer was expected

"Hm, expected, is Tiá Rio doing okay?" He turned around with an inquisitive expression, leaning on the counter

"Tiá Rio?"

"Yea, your mother?"

"She'd love you for calling her that " he chuckled before continuing "She's always complaining that oh 'this generation has no manners, they're even calling parents by their first names.. it's shameful' "

"I can just hear her saying it" I laughed as he plated the food, it was about 2 pot fulls of dumplings.

It was nearing midnight now and somehow I found myself seated on the ceramic table top, Miles' arms draped on both sides of my legs, which were swaying freely under his body.

The things I'd do to stay in this moment.

The plate was finishing as the time went by.

"Look, here's a heart one." I blankly looked at it before deciding "It's too cute I can't eat it"

"I'll eat it for you" "You wouldn't dare" I looked down at him with wide eyes

"I'll make more heart-shaped ones for you" Hugging him, well .. his head, I pulled back "When?"

"Friday" "That's too long" "Stop counting the days then" I turned my head away.

"Goodnight Miles" he turned my head by the chin, "Come on estrella, don't be like that"

I tilted my head at the sudden Spanish, confused. His accent was definitelymore prominent than my Miles. "Estrella?" "Tch, you don't even know basic Spanish? Estrella means star"

I held my hand close to my heart, "That is the sweetest thing- yawn" I awkwardly folded my lips, using my index finger to scratch my head. "I believe it's wayy past your bedtime now is it"

I narrowed my eyes glaring at him, before I could use the stool as a step, Miles took me up in his hands carrying me around the room running. That resulted in both of us laughing and smiling as we laid down in his room. I was on the edge of the bed and he was on a small couch that was at the end of it. My hand wrapped around a finger of his as we talked.

"So depending on how tomorrow goes, your stay here can go one of two ways. If that thing can stop your glitching then we could take our time in sending you home, if not we'd have to find another way and fast" I hummed a 'mhm' in response, being too weak to move my body anymore

"In the case that you can stay longer we can enroll you in a school before the end of summer, change your appearance-" I held up a finger Infront his face to stop him before mumbling a "How so?"

"Well, you don't pay anything for my school, just pass the hard ass entry exam and that's it"

"If there is two of me there wouldn't that bring up suspicion?" I bent completely over the edge of the bed searching for his hand which he raised up noticing my actions.

"That's what I'm getting to, you'd have a fake name, new style, probably dye your hair-"

"Nuh uh"

"What you mean by 'nuh uh?'" I stretched over the bed looking at him.

"For 16 years I have had virgin hair, I'm too scared of damaging it"

"Temporary colour could work and I'll make sure we don't fry your hair"

"Thank you Miles, really-" -well shit- I started to glitch again, the sensations coming on worse than last time, he ran up onto the bed being cautious of harming me. B waiting for it to end, my body felt extremely weak, overstimulating as I uncontrollably shook afterwards, crying

" I think I'm dying"

" Shut up. I didn't let you in the first place I certainly won't now" I sat up as he layed down, climbing upwards he grabbed me, holding my body so close to his. I felt as if not even the universe could separate us.

Sunday 6:35 AM

As expected, Miles was nowhere inside the house, I know because I checked. Though, walking around something caught my eye a purple post-it note attached to a pile of clothes on the couch, written on it was:

''Here's some things for you until I get back. I'll be back late so I left food for you. Here's the thing to help your glitching, it should work. Lock the doors and stay safe mi estrella"

-I'll keep the note, it's cute - I took the clothes upstairs into a bathroom, bathing and putting them on. There was a plain white short sleeved top, (blue draws), brown cargo pants and a varsity jacket that looked dangerously close to the one I had on yesterday, I decided that it must've been a coincidence and moved on from the thought. There was an unusual bulk in one of the pockets so I pushed my hand in it, searching for the cause. My hand stopped at some type of bag, I grabbed at it, pulling it out. Inside was multiple pieces of jewelry, namely

two pairs of earrings - knobs and star-shaped

a gold barbell for my industrial piercing

a chain with my initial on it.

I was happy but confused at the fact he knew I had that many piercings, I mean it was obvious for my lobe and upper lobe but not the industrial. I shrugged it off putting on the jewellery, placing the knobs in my upper lobes and the stars in the bottoms. Looking back I saw some type of watch? Assuming that it was the device to help with the glitching I put it on looking at its structure, written on its screen were the words 'E-42'.

"That must be where I am" I decided to not interact with it too much knowing my luck , before heading back downstairs I went into Miles' room searching for my phone which I found on the bedside table. I looked at the phone screen before turning it on, my reflection looking back at me. "Well shit, I forgot about my hair" I sucked my teeth returning back to the bathroom, putting my phone in my pocket.

Looking around the shelves and drawers for any type of comb, product , something to do my hair with, I found some stuff in the sink's cupboard. Damn it's neat in here. I saw some gel, a few brushes and wax, I set out the items on the countertop "what would I tie my hair with?" I went back into the bedroom , grabbing my shoes from yesterday under the bed to take out the lace, heading into the bathroom I used soap and water to disinfect it. As usual, I did my hair up into a puff making sure to check underneath the bandage searching for any bleeding, there wasn't any, instead I felt two stitches. He really took care of me

I smiled at the thought while putting away the products, heading outside I finally took out my phone, securing the note from earlier with my other hand. My smile dropping instantly as I turned it on

Thu, 3 Aug - 2:35 PM (keep in mind it's nearing mid August so time is flyin')

I didn't have to look at the reminder underneath to know what date it was, It would've been my 2 year anniversary with Miles. I tried to not think about it but how could I? Walking downstairs I placed my phone face down on the countertop heading into the fridge, in it I saw two tupperware plates with the same purple note. It read:

"Por mi estrella" Alongside a little cartoon figure of myself.

Believe me when I say I didn't think twice before taking up the note. I tore the little cartoon off, placing it inside my phonecase ensuring to not turn it on. Nah ruin my owna mood.

Anyways, inside the plates there was pasta and in the other there were dumplings. Nah nevermind, I'm marrying him I smiled taking the second plate out, placing the cover underneath it I took my phone carrying myself up to Miles' room. Sitting down I opened my phone, scrolling through my feed. After a while I started to feel drowsy so I quickly went downstairs to put down the plate.

"Maybe, I can just sleep here for a couple minutes" Referring to the island and countertop I laid my head a top it, just for a few minutes tho. Hopefully

8:39 pm

I didn't know what time it was but judging by the view outside it was like really, really dark out. and I was getting worried. Good news though, I haven't experienced any glitching... I think I might stay here, I mean it's no way home right?

But seriously where is Miles, I looked all around for him and I can't find him. I was walking back down to the kitchen when I heard the main door start to open I stayed where I was, peeking around the corner of the wall. The door opened and I saw Miles come in, a taller man (Sisqó dupe) behind him I walked back into the bedroom, deciding to not eavesdrop this once. I went up to his training room instead, catching a glimpse of the sunset, rubbing my sore neck as I walked. Unfortunately the sky was pitch black already so I went back to Miles' room trying to make as little noise as possible, once in there I decided to take off the jacket, carefully placing it on the bedside table.

After a while of watching YouTube you heard knocking, a familiar personnel entered the room.

"Like the stuff I bought for you?"

"Like it?" I scoffed before continuing "I love them, but how'd you know I have my industrial pierced?"

"Anyone can see that from a mile away" I folded my lips, narrowing my eyes

"What's with your face?"

"Okay one, that's not nice and two, I got these pierced without my parents knowing"

He lauughed before answering "No way you can go home now"

"I mean, wasn't planning on leaving since this thing stopped the glitching" you pointed to the watch. He raised his eyebrows, face contorting into a smug smile.

"Is that the reason or is it because you don't want to leave me?" He folded his arms then dropped his eye lids slightly. "I know how you look at me"

You pointed at him "Touché nigga , don't think I didn't see you all over me yesterday and last night".

He used his hand to push away yours, pointing at you.

"You did not see shit"

"Tread carefully" you looked at him, eyeing him up and down before burstinginto laughter. "But for real though, thank you for everything"

"All good, I was raised right afterall" "Can back up that"

"You talk too much, the wickedness is astronomical let me remove your bandages"

A/n: I don't know how to end this

©vqrtualheartss 2023 ©dae 2023

[gunilslaugh]

Bitter Dislikement

I actually got inspired to write this while writing Another Member Dislikes You, so if one part seems very familiar it’s because it is lol.

Oh Seungmin and Kim Jungsu

Summary:Seungmin was your boyfriend and his member Jungsu didn’t like you, or so you thought.

WC:2.2k

Warning:grammar, bit more angsty than I thought it would be.

photo not mine credits to owner.

Seungmin was sure that introducing you to his members would be a simple thing. He couldn’t foresee any reason why something would go wrong. He loved you and they would too. At least that’s what Seungmin thought. He was right, the member seemed to click with you right away. You attentively listen to whatever story Gunil was telling. If anyone saw you and Jiseok and Jooyeon playing games together they probably would have thought that you’ve been friends for years. Even Hyeongjun and you were having conversations with minimal awkwardness. Everything appeared to be going smoothly. However, that was until it came to Jungsu. He was polite and exchanged a simple greeting with you, but after that he seemed to be a little cold towards you. Whenever you tried to have a conversation with him his answers were short and he didn’t seem like he was interested in talking to you, so you strayed away from him. 

“Was Jungsu feeling a bit tired today or something?” you asked Seungmin as he was walking you back home.

“I don’t think so, why?” Seungmin responds, turning to look at you.

“I just thought he seemed a bit tired when we were talking, that's all,” you say, trying not to make a big deal of it.

“You know now that you say that he did seem to be keeping to himself. He probably was a bit tired,” Seungmin states. You tried to brush off the uneasiness you felt. Seungmin just confirmed it, Jungsu was probably just tired. There was no need for you to overthink things. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, maybe you should overthink things. You’re currently in one of the practice rooms with Xdinary Heroes waiting for them to finish up. At first you told Seungmin that you would just wait outside, but he insisted for you to wait inside. It’s your third time interacting with Jungsu and he’s still just as cold. It’s not like he’s mean to you though. He’s just…civil with you. If you talk to him he responds back, but he never seems inclined about conversing with you. This leads to you and Jungsu having an odd, avoiding without actually avoiding each other, relationship. There was a sensible rift between the two of you.

Jungsu doesn’t like you and you're not sure what to do about it. You know that you didn’t do anything to him, but there must be a reason for why he’s acting this way. You don’t want to concern Seungmin about it either, because it might put him in an awkward situation. You suppose that you should try talking to Jungsu about it, although getting him alone to do that may prove to be difficult. 

“Hey you ok?” Seungmin checks on you, breaking you from your thoughts. 

“Yeah, I was just thinking about work,” a bitter taste landed on your tongue.

“Aw, is it giving you a hard time?” Seungmin questions, eyes filled with concern.

“Just a little stressful lately, but it’s nothing that serious,” you provided a fake smile. The bitter taste in your mouth growing stronger. You hated lying to Seungmin, but you didn’t know how to tell him the truth either. 

“My poor baby,” he pulls you into a hug. You wrap your arms back around him, heart feeling heavy. You look over his shoulder only to lock eyes with Jungsu. You guys hold gazes for a moment before he quickly turns away. Jungsu’s face was unreadable. Weird. You think. 

“Thanks, you ready to go?” You asked Seungmin, pulling away from the hug. He nodded, grabbing your hand and exiting the practice room. You turn your head back one last time when the other members call out their goodbyes. You call out your own goodbye, offering a wave as well. Just before you turn your head back around, your eyes lock with Jungsu’s once more. Again his face is unreadable and this time you're the one to turn away. You really need to talk to Jungsu. 

Today is the day that you're going to bite the bullet and talk to Jungsu, or at least try to. Seungmin invited you to the studio to hear some of the songs he’s been working on. If luck was on your side you hoped you would be able to catch a moment to talk to Jungsu. It seemed like luck was on your side because you caught Jungsu walking by the studio room, through the glass window slit in the door.

“My colleague is asking me about work. I’m gonna step out and call them quickly,” you told Seungmin while holding up your phone. That bitter taste returned to your mouth again.

“Ok, take your time,” he smiled sweetly at you and it only made your heart weigh heavy. You stepped out of the studio.

“Jungsu!” You called out to him and you hurried to catch up with him in the hallway. Jungsu stopped walking, turning around to face your direction. “Can we talk?” you hesitantly asked, fiddling with your hands.

“About what?” He plainly countered.

“...Nevermind,” you backed out. Things between you weren’t that bad anyway. You were both civil, so that’s enough right? Jungsu sighed.

“I didn’t say no. I just asked about what y/n,” Jungsu tells. His voice is gentler now. 

“Why do you hate me?” You questioned, unable to meet his gaze. 

“Let’s not talk about this in the hallway. Follow me,” he states, beginning to walk again. You trail behind him. He led you to an empty studio and motioned for you to enter. You walked in and sat down in a chair. Jungsu sat in the chair next to yours. 

“I don’t actually hate you,” Jungsu revealed. You finally looked up at him after hearing his words. 

“Then why do you act so…cold towards me?” You pondered. Jungsu let’s out another sigh. Seemingly trying to gather his thoughts before responding. 

“I’m sorry,” he starts. “I didn’t mean to make you think that I hate you. I just….” Jungsu trails off. 

“You don’t have to tell me. I feel better knowing that you don’t hate me, so let’s just-”

“I like you,” Jungsu cuts you off mid sentence. “I like you, but your Seungmin’s girlfriend and I could never do anything that would hurt Seungmin. I thought if I just distanced myself from you that these feelings would go away, but it’s been months and I still like you. I feel jealous when I see you two being coupley. Anytime Seungmin talks about how much he loves you I feel so guilty. I’m so sorry,” Jungsu breaks down tears spilling from his eyes. The information is a massive shock to you, but comforting Jungsu seems more important right now.

“Jungsu it’s ok. You didn’t do anything wrong, it’s not your fault,” you grabbed some tissues, walking over to Jungsu. You hesitated a bit before letting one hand rub his back. You handed him the tissues with the other. “I’m sorry too,” you told him.

“You have nothing to be sorry about y/n. I’m the one who caused this,” he tells you, wiping his tears.  “Please don’t tell Seungmin. I don’t want him to feel bad,” Jungsu pleaded. There’s at least one thing you and Jungsu have in common, worrying about Seungmin’s feelings.

“I won’t, I won’t tell him, so don’t worry. Let’s just keep things civil between us ok?” You reassured him. The bitter taste on your tongue is there again and stronger than previously. Maybe you should just get used to it. Jungsu nodded his head in agreement. “I’ll get going now then,” you said.

“Yeah, yeah you should,” Jungsu responded. You feel bad for leaving when he’s still upset, but you’re part of the reason why he is upset, so it’s probably for the best that you leave. On the walk back to the practice studio where Seungmin was, you felt numb. Jungsu didn’t hate you, he liked you and he’s been beating himself up about it for months. You arrived back in the studio.

“Sorry that took longer than I thought,” you said upon entering.

“It’s ok I’m glad you’re back, I missed you,” Seungmin said, opening his arms. He can tell that something is off, but he brushes it off thinking that it was probably something work related.

“I was gone for what? Ten minutes?” You laughed as you walked into his arms. The bitterness still hasn’t left your tongue.

“I missed you the second you walked out the door,” Seungmin stated, readjusting his grip around your waist.

“How cheesy,” you sassed lightheartedly, quite contrary to how your heart actually felt.

“You like it though,” he retorted. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Agreeing to keep things civil may not be working the best as you and Jungsu thought it would. The members were beginning to pick up on the uneasy tension between the two of you. 

“Gunil asked me if you and Jungsu had a fight,” Seungmin brought up. The two of you were eating dinner together at your place.

“What?” You questioned. Thinking that feigning ignorance would be the best option.

“He said that there’s this weird tension between you guys and I’ve noticed it too,” Seungmin explained. 

“Weird tension?” You laugh slightly. “You know me and Jungsu aren’t the closest, that's all. I guess we still feel a bit awkward around one another,” you answered, hoping Seungmin wouldn’t ask anymore questions. 

“Maybe you two should try talking more then,” he suggested. We already talked and I think it made things worse. You thought to yourself.

“Yeah maybe we should,” you agreed. Once more that bitter taste filled your mouth.

After a few more weeks of things between you and Jungsu not changing, it seems like Seungmin had enough and decided to take matters into his own hand. He invited you over to their dorm. That’s how you found yourself seated at the kitchen table across from Jungsu, Seungmin on your right side.

“What exactly is the issue between the two of you?” Seungmin tentatively brings up. You and Jungsu exchange a look at one another.

“Some people just don’t get along,” Jungsu states.

“Me and Jungsu are two of those people,” you noted. 

“Look Seungmin, we wished we got along too. We’ve even talked about it before,” Jungsu revealed. 

“You have?” Seungmin questions. He never knew you talked to Jungsu about it.

“Yes, we came to the conclusion that we’re just oil and water, we don’t mix. We don’t have any ill feelings towards each other though,” you informed. 

“Yeah we’re…..neutral,” Jungsu states. Now there’s a doubt in Sungmin's mind that there is something the two of you aren’t telling him, but he’ll leave it be. 

“When did you and Jungsu talk?” Seungmin questioned you. He wanted to leave things be, but there was this feeling in his stomach that he couldn’t shake. He asked you about when you two were laying in bed ready to go to sleep. Your heart drops. How were you supposed to answer? Your mouth began to feel overwhelmingly bitter. You sighed, deciding to just tell the truth. You sat up in bed facing Seungmin. He sat up too mirroring you.

“That day you invited me to hear the songs you were working on,” you paused before continuing. “I had a feeling that Jungsu didn’t like me since the first day you introduced me. That’s why I asked if Jungsu was tired, cause I thought I was just overthinking, but the way he acted towards me didn’t change. I didn’t want to not get along with your bandmate. I thought that it could put you in an awkward position if we didn’t get along, so I decided that I would talk to him and sort it out. That day I didn’t call my colleague. I saw Jungsu walk by, so I went to confront him. Then we talked,” you came clean. The bitter taste finally left your mouth.

“So Jungsu really doesn’t like you?” Seungmin carefully asked. A pained laugh escaped from you.

“That’s where you have to talk to Jungsu. It’s not my place to say anything,” you responded.

“I’m sorry,” Seungmin suddenly proclaimed, arms collecting you in a hug.

“Why are you sorry? I’m the one who kept something from you. I’m sorry,” you apologize, arms wrapping around Seungmin.

“For not noticing. I could tell that something was bothering you, but I just thought it was work related, but this is it right? You’ve been stressing over not getting along with Jungsu?” He rubs the back of your head lovingly. You nodded, relaxing into his arms. It’s been so long since you last felt relaxed. 

“You really need to talk to Jungsu though. I think that’s the only way this can be solved,” you said, pulling away.

“I will, but that’s for me and Jungsu. You don’t need to worry about it anymore, just relax now,” Seungmin tells you, changing positions so now you’re laying down with his head on your chest. A part of you is scared that Jungsu might actually hate you after Seungmin talks to him, but the bitter taste in your mouth is finally gone and your heart feels lighter. Now you can only hope that things will finally begin to get better.

[bunnyboysrus]

Yan Space Pirate (OC AU)

Ok so this is 110% because I'm currently obsessed with no mans sky, and i havent even gotten around to writing Dex a formal introduction fic but essentially he's a monster hunter, that's (one of) his big secret(s) that's implied in the short piece I dropped.

i have a dozen drafts that I just cannot finish for some reason that i should finish first but i cant sleep until i write about space criminal dex getting up to space crimes. him meeting his darling because his starship gets shot down and he crashes on their home planet and they fjdskhgusihek

i wanted this to be a teensy bit longer but i think maybe ill just make a part two and post this for now. i feel distinctly self conscious posting this as a yandere thing without there being any yandere content in this at all but i swear it'll be in the second part ywy

i'm trying to improve my writing so critiques, suggestions and requests are welcome ♡

Maybe going into a hostile Euclid system without spare shield batteries wasn't the smartest idea after all. Dex was definitely regretting it now that he was spiraling out of control through the burning atmosphere with both of his pulse engines spewing smoke. He took the moment before impact to curse himself internally for letting cockiness get the better of him yet again, exactly the way Roman said he would. He was more bothered by Roman being proven right than by actually getting shot out of space by those nosy ass Sentinels. They wouldn't get mad about him having a ship loaded tip to top with illegal contraband if they didn't randomly scan his cargo without asking, now would they?

There was no more time to be bitter about it though. Despite the steam obscuring everything around him, the result of a superheated rainstorm judging from the planetary temperature reading displayed on one of his few remaining functional screens, he was pretty sure was about to make impact any-

💫💫💫🚀☄️🪐💥

You're awoken by a cacophony of crashing water, ripping metal, and falling trees, your home shaking on its very foundation. Almost as abruptly as it came, the sound stops, and you sit in your bed a moment to calm yourself, nerves scattered from being ripped awake. You had been enjoying a particularly nice sleep too, listening to the peaceful pattering of the boiling rain that was so common on your planet. After a few minutes spent shuffling into the exosuit that would keep you from burning alive outside for at least a little while, you quickly made your way outside to find the source of the noise. Admittedly, this was a bit dangerous but if there was some kind of accident and someone was hurt, they could be killed getting cooked alive if they were trapped outside, so you had to at least see if anyone needed help.

Your home was settled a short way away from a small settlement, not close enough to visit without a short bit of travel, but close enough to visit every day if you so chose. Nestled at the edge of a crater lake, your small but well stocked and fortified base was built with a single-story home unit, a small basement lab and a separate greenhouse that you had lovingly fitted with skylights and tall, floor to ceiling windows. You often wait out the heatstorms in your greenhouse, tending your plants peacefully as the steam and rain rages around your protected little bubble of tranquility.

You turn your head as your visor scans your surroundings through the steam better than your eyes could in all the tumult, soon landing on a crashed starcraft, wedged into the bank of the lake at the bottom of the crater. You hastily skid down the side of the crater, hopping over wreckage and broken tree branches to make your way to the ship. After clambering up the side of the ship to the windscreen, you wince to see that its partially shattered, exposing the pilot inside to the harsh rains. You have to act fast. You pull a compact tarp from one of the pockets of your suit and wrap it around your arm before smashing out more of the screen. After much struggle while carefully avoiding broken glass and sweating buckets inside your exosuit, you manage to wrap the pilot in the tarp, drag him back into your base and lay him out on a sofa.

Looking down at the pilot now without anything to obstruct your vision, he's clearly not from around here. While humanoid like yourself, he is incredibly tall, probably part of what made him so difficult to drag around. His height is added to by the long, ivory horns standing straight on the top of his head, however, one of them has been broken off near the base. Judging from the fresh blood dripping from the stub, it likely snapped off during the crash. The white of his horns contrasts greatly with his inky black curls and dark tanned skin, and after a few moments of observation, pale blue sparks run up their length; you hurriedly put a plastic cover between his head and your very flammable sofa.

You go to run a medical scanner over him but stop short when you see the iron rosary around his neck, sturdy enough to survive a crash from space apparently. You remove it to get it out of the way of your treatment. You quickly realize his injuries aren't immediately life threatening somehow, despite the intensity of the crash, but they are severe. One leg broken in two places, four broken ribs, several deep wounds and too many scrapes and bruises to count on top of the broken horn.

You take a deep breath and start cutting away his suit to get to work.

���️⛈️⛈️🔥🔥

Fuck... Everything hurts so much.

Dex floats just on the edge of consciousness, barely breaking through the burningly painful haze covering him head to toe. It hurt to be awake, he just wanted to sink back into blackness but giving in to such moments of weakness would only get him killed.

Suddenly, he feels hands on him, followed by an even sharper pain in his leg where they touch. He tries to open his eyes, to move, anything, only to be hit with a wave of nausea that has him reeling, blood rushing so violently through his ears all he can hear is shrill ringing. He can't see, the lights overhead are doubled and swirling, obscuring everything around him, bright, blinding, confusing. He groans, every movement compounding his pain as he tries to get away from whatever is touching him, panic rising. He can't see or think, the panic is churning into a bitter terror, fear itching like insects up his spine and down his limbs as he thrashes-

"It's okay- you're safe." A voice, soft, worried, kind. The hands move to cup his face and the spinning stops, the nausea recedes; their skin is cool against the feverish burning that covers him, soothing. It takes a moment, but he grows still, occasionally twitching in pain. He tries again to open his eyes, focusing now on the being hovering over him.

"I'm going to help you, just be calm."

The light that had just been so harsh and blinding was now a glorious halo that shone gently around their silhouette, casting most of their face in shadow. He can see their eyes, though, the depths of them are all he can see, glowing just as brightly as the halo around them, filled with a worry that seemed... personal, affectionate. Intimate, even. He stills further, not even aware of his body relaxing against his will. He's startled into confusion once again, but in a different way, rather than panic he's struck motionless by sheer awe.

Beautiful.

This... Was Roman right about angels? Would an angel really come for someone like me..? Am I really deserving of salvation?

Considering everything he'd done, the kind of life he's lived since he lost his sister... He'd never thought it possible. Despite Roman insisting on Dex wearing the rosary he had given him soon after they'd first met, he didn't care to seek God's protection or embrace, in this life or the next. According to that stupid book, he was hellbound, so why waste time praying for salvation that would never come?

"An.. Angel..." The words come out in a daze, spilling straight from his dizzy, muddled head out of his mouth. He could barely even tell if he was actually speaking or if he was hearing things, the darkness at the edge of his vision is creeping further, covering his vision with black again, the ringing in his ears crescendos into a shrill chorus.

This must be how the heavenly gates sound as they screech open to welcome home the blessed, underscored by the singing of cherubs.

He feels at peace.

✩ εꨄ︎з ✩ εꨄ︎з ✩ εꨄ︎з ✩

The pilot stops thrashing and finally goes still and quiet as you lower the syringe. This poor guy, the fear and panic in his eyes had been so real, and intense. Sleeping through the treatment process would be best for him. You spend the next few hours pulling shrapnel from his skin, setting his bones and binding everything securely. Finally, once you're sure you've done everything you can, you sit back with a tall cup of water and finally breathe a sigh of relief. Before you head back to your room to sleep through what remains of the night, you glance out your window to the lake where the crashed ship rests.

What in the galaxy was this guy doing that made him crash?

In the morning, you're awoken by yet another clatter, this time coming from inside your home. You jump out of bed and run to the main room to find the pilot sprawled on the ground in the frame of your front door, several things having been knocked off your table in his journey. You sigh and move closer.

"What are you doing?"

He freezes and slowly turns his head to look up at you. His eyes are a startlingly bright electric blue.

"You really shouldn't be moving yet, you're in worse shape than you probably think you are." You move a step closer to him but he scoots away with a pained wince. You stop and hold your hands up placatingly. "It's okay, I promise I won't hurt you. Why would I bandage you up otherwise, right?"

He seems to consider this for a moment before closing his eyes and nodding stiffly.

"You're right.. 'm sorry for the trouble." He sighs.

You smile lightly and move closer, and this time he doesn't move away when you reach to help him up from the floor and back onto the sofa. He spends a moment adjusting to the least painful position he can manage, looking around the room in a sort of haze. You feel a bit worried looking at his dazed expression, maybe he has a concussion after all... He suddenly fixes his electric gaze on you. You try not to squirm at his intensive attention.

"Er, so, what's your name?" You start. He blinks at the question, thinking.

"Dez... Uh, no.. Dex. Dex for sure." His head tilts to one side, his balance wavering for a moment. "What's your name?"

"It's (y/n)."

"(y/n)..." He repeats it a few times like a mantra before getting distracted with inspecting the room again.

"Can you remember what galaxy we're in? Are you from this system?"

"Hm?" His head droops further to the side, his eyes never leaving yours no matter how far he leans.

You repeat your question.

"Uh... I'm from Adaestria 7...." He scrunches his face. "777-AYK. That's where I'm from."

"Uh-huh, and..?"

"Aaaaand... We're in a red star galaxy." He smirks, clearly proud of himself. He lifts his head, but it droops right back down to the side after a few seconds.

You can't help a small chuckle. It's worrisome, likely indicative of an internal head injury, but it's just a little cute too... A spark runs up his horn at the sound of your laughter and he perks up, grinning dopily.

"Do you remember the name of this galaxy?" You prompt again.

"Zeta Asshole Robots Galaxy." He harumphs, crossing his arms with a scowl, right before the droop finally brings his head down against the side of the couch. "Can't ever min' their business..."

"No, that's definitely not it."

"Hmph, that's what I'm callin' it." He reaches one hand up to scratch at the base of his broken horn, looking shocked when his thumb catches on the broken end. He sits up and feels around it for a bit, looking horrified.

"Ohhhh ssshit... Oh man, that's why I can't see."

"Huh?"

"My horn... It, uhh... When it breaks off I get real fucked up, in the membrane. Insane, in the membrane.." He leans back giggling.

"Can it, grow back?"

"Ohhh yeeaaahh sure sure, 'f course. It jus' takes a few."

"A few...?"

"Weeks." He fixes his hazy eyes on you again, a light, dazed grin fixed on his face. "Is anything else in this galaxy as nice to look at as you two?"

You blanche at the strangeness of the question, which only seems to enthuse him more as he giggles again.

"Two?"

"Oh, is there not supposed to be two of you? Ugh, man.." He leans his head into his hand, sparks popping erratically from the stump of his broken horn. "My head hurts."

"Is there anything I can do? Does anything help while it grows back?" You can't help but put a hand on his shoulder in concern. One of his hands drifts up to cover yours, squeezing lightly.

"If you have, a refiner... You can make a carbon fiber cap." He mutters between his fingers, eyes slipping closed. The goofy confusion is gone, replaced with exhaustion and pain. You nod and move to pull your hand away but he clings to you. For a moment, you think you'll have to pry yourself free, but he lets you go after a long, quiet moment.

You dash down to your lab and after a bit of tinkering, you manage to produce something you deem suitable. Your patient is still slumped over when you return; it looks like he drifted into unconsciousness. You pull on a thick pair of rubber gloves and carefully fix the cap around the broken end of his horn, containing the errant electricity. As soon as it's secure, some of the tension in his face eases.

He opens his eyes again after a moment, visibly more lucid than before. And grumpier. He casts another appraising look around your home, looking distinctly less than impressed, before his eyes land on you once again.

"How long ago did I crash?"

"Oh, about five hours ago. You got caught out in the boiling rains?"

"Boiling rains... A superheated rainstorm?"

"Yeah, that." You plop onto the table next to him, since it's been so conveniently cleared off. "You seem a bit more clear headed now."

"Yes, unfortunately when my horns break it impacts my mental cognition and physical balance. I apologize for any inconvenience I've caused."

"Oh, no it's not really a problem, all you've really taken up is the spare carbon I've got lying around and some bandages." While it's definitely easier to talk to him now, you almost miss the loopy, dazed version of Dex. It was a little adorable.

You both spend some time exchanging questions and answers, now that you can more easily converse. Dex tells you about the recent expedition he'd been on for certain rare materials on another planet in your system, one that you know is perilously radioactive. He admits, with a touch of embarrassment, that he underestimated the equipment he'd need and ended up getting knocked out of hyperspace early and straight into an asteroid belt that knocked out his engines and sent him hurtling to the surface of the nearest planet. He gets very vague when you ask him specifics about the collection job he mentioned, but he does mention collecting plants of some kind. He laments that they've most definitely been destroyed, if not by the crash than definitely by the boiling rains they'd have been exposed to, along with the rest of his cargo.

At this, you excitedly tell him about your own collection of plants and the research you conduct with them. He listens indulgently as you spend more than a few moments regaling him with the fascinating details of your cross pollination experiments and all the exotic and beautiful plants you've grown in your collection. At some points during your ranting, he even cracks the slightest of smiles.

It isn't much longer until he's insisting to go out and see the state of his ship, broken leg be damned.

"You're in no shape to even get near the ship, it's at the bottom of a crater, and the ground down there isn't exactly paved."

"I'll manage." He insists. "Just get me a crutch or something."

You stand firm, arms crossed. "What if I said no?"

His eyes snap to yours, narrowed in challenge. The silence thickens as you stare each other down, before Dex suddenly moves to force himself to his feet, and you rush forward to stop him. It's incredibly distressing to tussle with him like this when you're trying to avoid hurting him further, but his injuries wear him out quickly. He only manages to struggle with you for about a minute before he's laying back on the sofa, jaw clenched and brow furrowed.

"Fine, you win. Just swear to me that you won't go poke around the wreck anymore by yourself. I have a lot of volatile substances on there and their containers have definitely been breached, it wouldn't be safe."

You scoff at the implication that you might be too inexperienced or ill prepared to properly handle dangerous substances, especially coming from the guy that fell out of the sky with said substances, but make the sage decision to not make a fight of it.

"Alright then, I promise not to poke around your ship. As long as you promise not to try to sneak out to it until you're not on the verge of death."

For the first time since he's regained his lucidity, he allows himself to smile broadly as he holds up a hand, pinkie finger extended.

"It's a promise."

✧♡✧♡✧♡✧♡✧

[myhauntedsalem]

A gravedigger/ groundskeeper shares his stories and experiences on the job

Sometimes spooky crap happens that you just cant explain. A man walked up to us as we were throwing the canvas over the dirt trailer and commented on how beautiful of a resting place it was. We assumed he was a part of the family that was currently holding visitation and told him we were sorry for his loss and agreed that it was a beautiful spot. Later on, when the crew walked through the funeral home to get to the lounge for lunch, we all saw the picture they had set out for the guy that had died. It was the same man that had just came to the burial site a few hours before. He didnt have a twin, and no one else in the family looked that much like him. That kind of crap stays with you. Chills you to the bone.

Sometimes spooky crap happens that you just cant explain. A man walked up to us as we were throwing the canvas over the dirt trailer and commented on how beautiful of a resting place it was. We assumed he was a part of the family that was currently holding visitation and told him we were sorry for his loss and agreed that it was a beautiful spot. Later on, when the crew walked through the funeral home to get to the lounge for lunch, we all saw the picture they had set out for the guy that had died. It was the same man that had just came to the burial site a few hours before. He didnt have a twin, and no one else in the family looked that much like him. That kind of crap stays with you. Chills you to the bone.

The only other time this happened to me. I was cleaning off some headstones and cleaning up the grounds when a little girl caught my eye. She was playfully wandering around and looked happy. But I didnt see any adults around so I figured she had wandered outside from the funeral home. I took my gloves off because I was about to go on break, and figured I would ask where her parents were on my way to the building. I turned around and set the gloves down. When I turned back around, she was gone. A few weeks later, I helped set a picture plaque onto a headstone, and it was 100% the same little girl I had seen. Again, another thing I can never explain.

If a grave is sloping down a hillside or sinking too much, we get permission to move them to more level and stable ground. This particular grave was one of the first that had been in the cemetery, and the dates read april 1871-august 1877. Back then they buried their dead in pine/wood boxes. We had to move this grave as it was in a bad flooding spot on the grounds and just kept sinking further down every year. When we got to the coffin. The top had caved in and you could see the remains of the little boy curled up into a ball. That gave me chills like nothing else. We figure they unintentionally buried him alive, and when he woke, didnt know what to do, and eventually just curled up in a ball and died. You could see his little skeletal hands wrapped around his knees. I’ll never forget that. Turns out this guy was pissed that he was left out of the will, and came to the cemetery to show his disrespect to his grandmothers grave. I dont care what that person did to you. If you try to kick anyones headstone over, im kicking you in the nuts and calling the cops.

Unfortunately, this happens more than you would think. We started the morning mowing the grounds. I went to mow the far end of the grounds first, but stopped when I noticed a person laying at the edge of the woods. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that the person had committed suicide (gunshot to the head) they did find a suicide note, but we never learned why he did it there. I assume he lost a loved one and just wanted out of the pain. Or maybe wanted to make sure he was found by someone other than family. Makes you sad, man.

Good ol’ Don. He’s a nice guy. He brings the crew lunch some sundays.

Because every sunday, he and his wife would go out to lunch after church. He is there every Sunday to read to her from the Bible and put fresh flowers down. He’s a sweet old man and has been coming there every Sunday for as long as I’ve worked there. he tells us stories about their life together and gives that sad, longing kind of smile when he’s done. True love man. You cant deny that good ol’ Don was truly in love with Mrs Margie.

This one freaked EVERYONE out. A teen who had been killed in a car accident (19 I believe) was being lowered into the grave when we all heard a thumping noise coming from inside the casket. You could of heard a pin drop it got quiet so fast. Of course the director Re-opens the casket. Turns out the family buried him in the jacket he was wearing in the accident (dont ask why, i dont know) and the thumping was a ringtone he had set for an alarm that day. They had been looking for his phone, and somehow the battery had lasted the whole damn time, but the phone was on silent. That is, until his scheduled alarm went off. The mother almost passed out, because she thought her son had come back to life or something. It was really heartbreaking to witness.

Not sure if its teens being stupid or if people actually perform rituals to try to bring people back or are doing some other crazy crap, but we clear off at least one grave a month.

So, again, on the other side of the cemetery is where most of the early graves are. And it floods a lot over there. Another grave started sinking and sloping to one side of the hill. Same case with this woman. We hoist the wood box up and the lid slides off the top. And to our horror, there are claw marks. And I mean tons of them, on the inside of the lid of the coffin. This poor lady was unintentionally buried alive around 1900, had obviously woken up buried alive, and tried like hell to get out, but she didnt. Another one I’ll never forget.

[aith-art]

Yeehawgust 2023 - Day 9

Masked Bandit

Word Count - 786

Izzy’s POV 

The Mojave was warm. I mean, it was a desert, but it was a heat unlike any of the deserts on Pandora. The building we were hiding in was cooler than outside. A small apartment building in ‘fiend’ territory. Not that I knew what a fiend was, or why they were so problematic. Bed roles were laid out, a fire was started, rations were shared. 

Jules and Leroy had gone on a supply run, something about them needing to talk. I didn’t trust him. I didn’t trust any of them. Arcade and Boone, the two men who had stayed at the camp, both shared in the distrust of Jules and I. The robot caught my interest, but I haven’t been given a chance to study it.

Boone took watch through what was left of a window. His sniper rifle was simple. Though this was a world where the mega-corporations don’t exist. Where the fast fire of a Vladof gun of any kind didn’t exist. It looked closer to a Jakobs gun. Or I guess, Jakobs guns were based on his sniper rifle. His was old. Well used and loved. Held together with tape and wire. 

“We’ve got incoming.” His voice was measured and monotone. 

Arcade stood from his spot by the fire. His pistol in hand. “There goes the peace and quiet.” 

Both Boone and Arcade stood in the window. Guns ready. 

Izzy stood behind them, watching the people on the horizon. Hats, masks and guns. People coming on the offencive to take whatever we had. In this world my echo doesn’t work, I have no gun and I doubt any of my current company would willingly hand me a gun. The strangers got closer, with guns out and pointing in our general direction. Boone didn’t give the masked bandit leader a chance to speak before he lodged a .308 round into his head. Arcade took that as the signal to open fire and pulled the trigger. His gun was some form of energy weapon, green light in short blasts fired from the barrel. It was close to the energy blasters Atlas had been experimenting with. 

In the blink of an eye the bandits were gone. Bodies, ash and goop were all that were left of the groups of bandits. 

Jules and Leroy returned a few hours later, with a warmer atmosphere and a bag full of ammo. They’d also found some old food in an old building. I didn’t know what preservatives had been put into the food and I didn’t want to find out. 

As we all sat around the fire, Leroy took a perch at the window. He looked in enough to be part of the conversation. Discussions of the day's events came up and Arcade recounted the bandit attack. My mind thought back to the bandits of Pandora, crazed and broken by the corporations. The masks that they wear, stained with blood and branded with the vault symbol. The bandits of the Mojave were saner, though the people around me insisted on calling them raiders. Viper Gang members. Bandits seem more organised here. On Pandora they followed whoever hit hardest. Or whoever scared them the most. This led to many of the Vault Hunters becoming bandit leaders or cult gods (Long story). I thought back to all the bandits I’d killed with my Jakob’s Sniper and Dahl pistol. I considered how some would have defined me as a bandit, what had happened to me when I was considered a bandit by someone close to me. 

Staring into the fire, I let my thoughts of home consume me. Cause that’s what Pandora was to me, a home. A weird, deadly, mildly insane planet. I suppose it wasn’t too different to the desert I’d found myself in. 

Jules shuffled over to me. “You okay? You’ve been staring at the fire for a few minutes.” 

I smiled at them, pulling myself back into the moment, rubbing down my right arm to dispel the tingling sensation from the woulds I kept wrapped up and hidden. “I’m fine. Just thinking back to my home.” 

“I understand missing home. I… I don’t know what became of my home in this - world? Timeline? I don’t even know anymore.” 

“We’ll make it home. Somehow.” 

“I’m still trying to work out how. Big MT might have some answers. But if this world thinks I'm dead there’s a high chance they won't be willing to help.” Jules continued muttering under their breath about brains and a think tank. 

I observed the others as the sun set, knowing that I would find a way home, hoping that the men we were sharing a camp with didn’t betray us in the night.

[qnewsau]

Everyone is welcome at the PAX Together Lounge this weekend

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/everyone-is-welcome-at-the-pax-together-lounge-this-weekend/

Everyone is welcome at the PAX Together Lounge this weekend

Over 3 days this weekend, PAX Aus celebrates gaming and gaming culture as the PAX Together Lounge returns bigger than ever – because games are for everyone.

The expo has panels, tournaments, demos, and more under one roof at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

It’s a chance for people to interact with game developers, publishers and brands, but also make friends and connections.

Now in its tenth year, the PAX Together Lounge is a gaming space that celebrates various backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences within gaming, especially from minority groups.

“We had one very small room which was less than half the size of our current lounge in our first year.” Alice Clarke told us.

“We had the community rooms, did the panels, had the board games and the video games. But it was small.”

“When we had talks we had about 50 people outside in the hallway because there physically wasn’t enough space to stand in that room.”

“Now we’ve got the community booths in a large area kind of outside the lounge.”

“Our lounge is more than double the size of the old lounge and we’ve got our separate theatre.”

The PAX Together Lounge is located on the second floor of the Convention Centre near the Cosplay Lounge.

“I’m proud that we’re able to create a space that people seem to be responding to enough that we can expand on it and make it be what it is,” Alice said.

“The community creates this space with us, and I feel so lucky I get to be a part of it.”

Supplied aus.paxsite.com

A place to find your community

Games should be for everyone and also made by anyone.

Whether your game of choice is board, card, console or computer, there is a place for all at PAX Together.

With organisations like Transgender Victoria, Melbourne Gaymers and Checkpoint in the Community Lounge, PAX Together has also become a place for connection and information.

“I love how many parents come with their kids, whether they’ve kids recently come out and the parents are trying to wrap their heads around it,” Alice told us.

“Coming to the Lounge with their kids has also become a way that parents can make sure they let them know that they’re supported and have this community.”

“Having organisations like Transgender Victoria lets them know they are supported and safe and there are other people like them.”

“Now that I’m a mother, I’m excited that my daughter gets to grow up around this community and meet these people and know that she’s a part of so many more things.”

“You can experience so many different stories and so many different lives through gaming in ways that you just can’t in any other mediums.”

The Meet up Schedule at the Lounge is huge.

There is a place and space for every game and gaming tribe.

Where you can play along, learn something new or just find your people.

A packed schedule of gaming fun

From meet-ups to a host of talks and conversations, games and more, there is something for everyone as part of the PAX Together schedule.

“I’m excited about the whole program.”

“We have a lip sync roulette drag show on Friday night which will be pretty spectacular.”

“On Saturday, DJ Matt Frequencies is doing an RPG DJ show where everybody in the room is playing and you determine what happens to the music and the story.

“On a personal note, I’m posting the 10th edition of our Xena Nintendo 64 Fighting Game tournament.”

“It is the worst fighting game of all time in the best possible way, and I’ve gone massively overboard in the prizes this year, so  show up early so you can be a part of that.”

“And we are hosting Nerd Quiz again, which is always one of my highlights.”

“It’s a queer comedy trivia show which has segments such as ‘dead, evil, pregnant’.”

“It’s a mash-up of the queer female character and the trope she ended up in.”

You can check out the full schedule here.

Whether you’re heading to PAX  to meet old friends or find new favs there is something for all.

Be sure to check out PAX Together, which celebrates a space where everyone can be their authentic self when it comes to games and gaming.

Find out more about the PAX Together Lounge here.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[vamosaespana]

Mom time

I awoke to GB shaking me gently saying it’s 11:30. Holy guacamole that’s sleeping in😮 3 is awake and downstairs while 1 and 2 are still sleeping. 1 starts to stir and heads to the bathroom where you here the not so discrete slam of the toilet seat banging down on the porcelain. To which what quickly follows is 2 sticking her head out of her bedroom door yelling at whoever it may be to “keep it down some people are trying to sleep here!” Yup sounds like morning 🤦🏻‍♀️

As everyone starts to wake up, I have gotten accustomed to getting the clothes off the clothes hanger on the roof to fold and put away. I’ve gotten used to drying my clothes outside. There’s just something different about it that I can’t quite put my finger on it but I really do love it.

We all get ready for breakfast and as I finish getting ready GB lets me know that we are going to skip the ruins in Ithaca. After a late night and lots of running around, he thought it would be best if it was a chill day for the kids as we would have an early start tomorrow traveling on the train. The kids are all about it…tanning for 2, 1 lounging in the jacuzzi and 2 just chilling on her iPad and drawing. I agree but also wish I had been told sooner so as to not put on my full face but oh well. GB finds a little restaurant close to our house and we eat to our hearts content. I love the idea of tapas as you can try a sampling of all sorts of little apps as everything on the menu sounds amazing.

It’s at lunch I decide that I’m going to spend the day exploring solo. I return back to the house to grab my wrap so that I am church ready at any time. I had a tank top on with a long skirt so wanted to make sure I was respectful and had my shoulders covered. Normally this trip I have always been prepared but this time I forgot the shawl so had to head back quick to grab it. Once in the house, the kids split to their various ideas of relaxing and I head out.

There is a beautiful church just near our home from Our Lady of the Macarena. I’m so excited as it’s kind of a big deal. Apparently she is the patron saint of bull fighters and her statue is paraded around the city on her feast day. The story is a Lutheran threw a bottle of wine at that statue during one of the parades and it stained her cheeks red. Apparently the stain could not be removed no matter what they tried and her face is stained to this day. The man who threw the bottle of wine apparently carried the Virgin through the streets the following year as penitence for what he did the year prior. With anticipation I walk up to the gate to see its closed 😔 The church opens at 12 and 6 during the week and it’s currently 2:00. Oh well, at least I got to see the outside of it. I start out a main road and just walk. Not sure where I’m going or where this street will lead. I do have a paper map of streets on me so I can somewhat have my whereabouts but this is just going to be an adventure. I pass many churches, all closed unfortunately, but I do enjoy just looking at the outside’s beauty and imagining the inside must be even more beautiful inside. I take time to sit and enjoy little plazas with fountains to soak in the people and areas of Seville. There is no rush…it’s just me. It’s hot but I don’t mind it at all. I contemplated many a time stopping at a little cafe and having a drink or some tea but every time I think about it I think that maybe there will just be another one further down the way. I finally arrive at the Setas. This is a huge metal sculpture in the middle of a plaza that our renter told us at night they will put on a light show that is cool to see. Well it’s about 4:00 so won’t be seeing that but it’s cool that I’m able to see it in person and walk around.

I stop to take a minute to catch my breath and that is when on my map I notice four roman pilars. Apparently part of some Roman ruins…it’s not an Ithaca but at least I get to see something 🤷🏻‍♀️ Onward I go!

I then see on the map there is a huge tower nearby. Not quite sure why it’s special but it’s big enough on the map to make it look like a big deal so I’m on my way. It’s actually way closer than I thought and as soon as I turn a corner there it is.

Apparently you used to be able to go up the tower to the lookout point but it looks like it’s closed now. I take the obligatory picture and continue on my way. The cool thing is, without even trying to, I made a complete circle and am back on the street that has our house on it. Me for the Win!

Once back home, and someone eventually lets me in😒 I am soaking from sweat and totally gross. Time to hop into the jacuzzi. I pop in my podcast and just soak away, resting so quietly not even realizing my husband taking a pic of me with my mouth open dead to the world. I guess I may have slept for a bit 🤭

3 pops her head out and asks me if I’m hungry…this is a subtle way of saying “hey the rest of us are hungry but we realize you’re resting so don’t want to come right out and say it but in the end you really know what we are trying to do here…so can we go eat?” No worries I’m rested and ready for the next leg of eating extravaganza. As we walk to the restaurant GB picked out I see that the basilica of Our Lady of the Macarena is open!!!! I ask if I can pop in while they go check out the menu. It’s absolutely beautiful inside and there is a wedding going on during mass. So cool!!!! I say some prayers, see the beautiful couple getting married and then sneak out as other visitors did. Although I also saw many of the wedding goers also sneaking out and hanging out at the bars that surround the church 🤨 2 of them had the same pink/magenta dress…did the bridesmaids even sneak out 🫢 Anyway, the place GB picked was a no go so we keep walking around. We stop at this little bar to get snacks that were called “pollo Kentucky.” I don’t think you need to speak Spanish to know what that means…GB and the kids were stopping! As they snack on “pollo Kentucky” I find a restaurant that’s a hike but totally doable. As we start walking, we pass by our Ojalá place and definitely agree we will be stopping back here for the ice cream. We continue walking on and 2 spots a pizza place that looks so good. Well, pizza won and we end up mixing the restaurant and settle for pizza. It was perfect. We ended up playing our CLR game while we waited for the pizza and then enjoyed the biggest slices of pizza I have ever seen. The funny thing was I asked for a fork and knife and they just smiled and said we don’t have that here. So we made it work with our hands and had fun doing it.

We then made our walk back to Ojalá to cap off the night with ice cream and then walked home. The day was definitely not we had planned but it really worked out for the best for everyone. Another early morning tomorrow to catch the train to Valencia means packing up, doing laundry and making sure we are rested for the next half of our trip. Long train ride tomorrow means a day to chill and recharge so that we are ready to take on Valencia!

[onceuponastory]

speak now - bucky barnes x reader

Plot: Bucky (and Sam) go back to the same bar he met Y/N in. Hopefully, this time Bucky can actually work up the courage to speak to her. Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader (again, very slight) Warnings: A few mentions of Bucky’s past as the Winter Soldier (but nothing too graphic), alcohol, and the anxiety and negative feelings/self doubt about himself he has afterwards. As always, if I miss any triggers please let me know! Notes: This is a part two to my Bucky fic The Story of You, which you can read here. This is more of a small filler kind of part, but I hope you like it all the same. Thank you to @thesundrop / @astartothemoon for my divider! Not beta’d, so any mistakes are my own.

“Fancy getting a drink somewhere?” Sam asks, and Bucky nods. Sam’s visiting from Louisiana for a few days, and despite their teasing of one other, Bucky’s glad to have a familiar face around to talk to. Especially now, when he’s still so lonely. “Okay, but I get to pick the bar.”

“Sure, whatever.” Bucky shrugs. As he and Sam walk through the streets of New York, Bucky sighs, wrapping his jacket around him and hoping the leather protects him from the cold. Of course, it does little to help, but it was worth a try, anyway. If Bucky was different, wasn’t so fucked up, he could almost find it funny. A Winter Soldier who hates the cold. But then again, after the hell he’s been through…maybe he should try to find the happiness in the little things. And besides, it wouldn’t hurt anymore than what he’s used to, right?

“Oh! This place looks good.” Sam announces, cutting through Bucky’s thoughts. Bucky murmurs something in agreement, until he realises where he’s currently standing. His eyes widen, and he mutters an:

“Oh, fuck.” 

He’s standing outside Y/N’s bar.

The bar he practically ran out of almost a week ago, and hasn’t been back since, finding it too awkward to even think about going back after what happened. “You know, there’s other-”

“Ah, ah!” Sam shakes his head. “Guest’s choice. And I choose here. Come on.” He beckons for Bucky to follow, opening the door and stepping inside. Before following him, Bucky groans, hoping the ground will open up and swallow him whole. Of course, seeing Y/N again wouldn’t be a bad thing. Quite the opposite, actually. The issue is that Bucky has no idea what the hell he’s going to say to her when he sees her again. What if she asks why he ran? What if she’s pissed at him? He would be in her case, but still. Y/N’s a sweet girl. She doesn’t deserve to be hurt anymore by him. Hopefully she’s off tonight or something. Or at least, hopefully he can be subtle about it. 

But then, he notices Y/N standing by the bar, laughing at something a customer is saying. And something in Bucky’s stomach flutters. At the sound of the door, she turns around, spotting Bucky almost immediately. As soon as she does, her eyes light up, and the thing in Bucky’s chest flutters once more. God, he’s got it bad.

“Bucky! Nice to see you’re back. And you brought a friend!” Y/N calls. Bucky blushes. Well, so much for being subtle. 

“Hey Y/N. This is Sam.” 

“Nice to meet you, Sam!” Y/N smiles, holding her hand out for Sam to shake. “Any friend of Bucky’s is a friend of mine.”

“Yeah, likewise.” Sam nods, eyeing Bucky out of the corner of his eye, giving him a look that tells Bucky he wants to know every detail immediately. Bucky gulps. He’s in for a long night.

“Anyway, what can I get you two?” 

“Bucky, you’re staring at her again.”

“No, I’m not.” Sam raises a brow, murmurs something like “Yeah, right.” And goes back to his drink. Bucky takes another drink of his beer, letting the bitter tasting liquid flow throughout his body as he braces himself for the question he knows Sam is just dying to ask.

“So. You two have met before, huh? What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?” Honestly, Bucky does mind a little. Especially since it means he’ll have to explain himself and his anxieties again, something he hates doing. After being alone for so long and unable to trust anyone, not even his own mind, Bucky has learned he’s better off not opening up to anyone. Like he said, he’s better off alone. Deep down, though, he knows that Sam’s just trying to help. Not just as a therapist, but as a friend. And maybe that’s what he needs right now.

“We met a week ago, when I came in for a drink. We got on pretty well, actually.” Sam smiles, and Bucky sighs, knowing that what he’s about to say will only cause Sam’s smile to drop. “But um…I left, and kind of ran away.”

“You RAN?” Sam gasps, his eyes widening in disbelief. His expression does little to improve Bucky’s mood, or ease his guilt. 

“Yes. I did.” Bucky sighs, his gaze flickering down to his hands. Even though he’s around Sam, his only close friend since Steve left…Bucky’s hands are still gloved. Even surrounded by friends and after being deprogrammed, Bucky still doesn’t trust himself or his arm. And besides, that’s why he left. Because he doesn’t want to hurt Y/N the same way he hurts everyone else.

“Why?”

“Well, we started talking about ourselves and our lives, and I think I went too far, so….” Bucky doesn’t even need to finish his sentence before Sam nods.

“I see.” He sighs. But it’s not a disappointed sigh. In fact, it’s one that tells Bucky that Sam understands how he feels, and how much he wants to help. “Bucky, how does Y/N make you feel?”

“Well, obviously, she’s really pretty. But it’s not just that. She makes me feel so great, Sam. When we hung out, we laughed a lot, and it was really nice, despite my mind constantly telling me how I didn’t deserve it. Having someone treat me with kindness after everything that happened…” He trails off, a huge smile on his face. Sam grins. 

“There it is. Bucky, you don’t have to keep torturing yourself anymore. It’s okay to want to make friends and even find love again.” Bucky raises a brow, and Sam chuckles. “Dude, don’t look at me like that. You’re so obviously head over heels for her.” Blushing, Bucky glances over to the bar again, watching as Y/N busies herself preparing drinks. “That smile tells me everything I need to know. Hold on to that feeling. Go talk to her.” 

“I can’t. I don’t want to hurt her, or for her to be freaked out by my…my everything.” 

“You don’t have to ask her out on a date or anything, maybe just apologise for what happened and ask if she wants to grab a drink sometime. Make amends with her just like with everyone else. Start small. You can do that.” Gulping, Bucky stands up, taking a breath as he tries to hype himself up to be able to speak to Y/N. “Good luck!” Sam calls. When Bucky reaches the bar, his mind feels like it’s going haywire. Perhaps he should just run now, while he still can. Y/N turns around, smiling the second she sees him. There’s the fluttering again.

“Hey! What’s up?”

“I…” Bucky begins, unsure of what to even say. How the hell is he going to explain this? Why he ran? His past? “Come on. Just say it. Ask her out for a casual drink. That’s small, that’s easy.”

“Cat got your tongue?” Y/N giggles, and Bucky lets out an awkward chuckle.

 “I…I would like two more beers, please.”

For the rest of the night, Bucky still tries to speak to Y/N without stammering like an idiot. And every time, he can’t do it, retreating to the table for another pep talk from Sam, only for the cycle to repeat.

“Okay, it’s getting late, so we better get back. And that means it’s your last chance, Buck.” Sam points out as they gather the empty bottles and glasses to take back to the bar.

“I know.” 

“Look, I don’t mean to push you if you’re not ready, it’s just the way you look at her all the time, and the way you smile…there’s something special there Bucky, and after everything you’ve been through, it’s nice to see you so happy.”

“Aw, so you do care.” Bucky teases. 

“Don’t push it.” Yet, Sam’s words make him smile. Maybe he’s right. Maybe he does deserve some happiness after everything. If only he could find the confidence to actually say more than a few sentences to her.

“Leaving so soon, you two?” Y/N asks. For a moment, Bucky swears there’s a twinge of disappointment in her voice. However, it’s gone as soon as he notices it. 

“Yeah, early start for us two tomorrow.” Sam answers.

“Well, it was great to meet you, Sam, and to see you again, Bucky. Don’t be a stranger, alright?” 

“I’m sorry.” The words leave Bucky’s mouth before he even thinks about it. His sudden admission even surprises him a little. Maybe after so long being too scared to actually speak to Y/N again, his mind and heart are taking the first step for him. Y/N and Sam frown, and Bucky continues. “For running away last time I was here, and for prodding too far.”

“Bucky, it’s alright.”

“No, no, it wasn’t. I was going through a lot, and if I made you feel like you had done something wrong, then I’m sorry for that too.”

“Bucky, honestly, it’s okay. I’m not mad or anything.”

“I’d like to start again, if that’s okay. Maybe we could go for a drink sometime?” And then, Y/N’s frown turns into a smile.

“Yeah…yeah, that’ll be great. I’d love to.” Bucky breathes a sigh of relief, grinning. That wasn’t so hard. Maybe things between them both will be okay after all.

“About damn time!”

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[lemondropdancer]

Grounding Techniques

Mental Distraction Techniques

Pick a category of objects and try to think of as many objects as possible that fit within that category (e.g., types of dogs, cities, types of trees, crayon colors, sports)

Pick a letter and think of emotionally positive or neutral words that begin with that letter

Pick a color and look for things of that color. Notice differences in their exact shades

Say or think the alphabet backwards or alternate letters and numbers (A1, B2, C3, D4, etc)

Count backwards from 100 by 3s, 6s, or 7s or count up by prime numbers or perfect squares

Play "fizz-buzz" with yourself. Begin counting to 100 (or over!), but replace any number that contains the number 5 or is a multiple of 5 with the word "fizz" and any number that contains the number 7 or is a multiple of 7 with the word "buzz." For example, 1-15 would be "1, 2, 3, 4, fizz, 6, buzz, 8, 9, fizz, 11, 12, 13, buzz, fizz." When you mess up, compliment yourself and start over

Think of the words to your favorite song or poem or think of facts related to a specific theme

Pick a word or your name and see how many other words you can make from the letters in it

Describe an every day event or process in great detail, listing all of the steps in order and as thoroughly as possible (e.g., how to cook a meal, how to get from your house to your place of work or school, how to do your favorite dance)

Read something technical or meant for children or read words backwards to focus on the process of reading and not the words

Watch a children's television show or movie or watch cute or funny videos on Youtube; it might help to have a playlist already prepared for this

Look at a current news article that is not likely to be upsetting or distressing

Distract yourself with Tetris, Solitaire, Sudoku, word searches, or other puzzle games

Reorientation Techniques

Say or think to yourself: "My name is _________. I am safe right now. I am _____ years old. I am currently at _____________. The date is _____________. If I need help, I am with ________/can call _________. Everything is going to be alright."

List reaffirming statements ("I am fine. Everything is going to be okay. I am strong. I can handle this.")

Ask yourself where you are, what day of the week it is, what day of the month it is, what month it is, what year it is, what season it is, how old you are, and other present-focused questions

Notice things in your surroundings that indicate to you that you're safe or that you're in the present (e.g., locks on your door, electronics that didn't exist when you were younger, the presence of trusted people, a phone so that you can call for help if you need it)

Describe your surroundings in detail, including sights (objects, textures, shapes, colors), sounds, smells, and temperature

Name five things that you see, four that you feel, three that you hear, and two that you smell or taste, and then name one good thing that you like about yourself

Pick four or five brightly colored objects that are easily visible and move your focus between them. Be sure to vary the order of your gaze and concentrate briefly on each one before moving to the next

Think about a fun time that you recently had with a friend or call that friend and ask them to talk about it with you

Sensory-Based Grounding Techniques

Run cool or warm (but not too cold or hot) water over your hands or take a cool or warm bath or shower

Spritz your face (with eyes closed), neck, arms, and hands with a fine water mist

Spray yourself with your favorite perfume and focus on the scent

Feel the weight of your body in your chair or on the floor and the weight of your clothing on your skin

Touch and hold objects around you. Compare the feel, weight, temperature, textures, colors, and materials

Keep a small object with you to touch or play with when you get triggered. Good examples include a smooth stone, a fidget toy, jewelry, or a tiny plushy

Bite into a lemon, orange, or lime, suck on a sour or minty candy or an ice cube, chew cinnamon-flavored gum, or put a few drops of Tabasco sauce on your tongue. Notice the flavor, scent, and texture

Eat something or drink warm tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, and describe to yourself the taste and texture in great detail

Place a cool wash cloth on your face or hold something cold like a can of soda

Listen to soothing or familiar music. If possible, dance to it

Hum, sing, recite poetry, or make up a silly poem or story as you go

Pick up a book and read the first paragraph out loud

Hug another person (if interpersonal touch isn't a trigger). Pay attention to your own pressure and the physical sensations of doing so

Hug a tree! Register the smells of being outside, the wind, and the sights around you

Movement-Based Grounding Techniques

Breathe deeply and slowly and count your breaths

Grab tightly onto your chair or press your feet against the ground as firmly as you can

Rub your palms and clap your hands or wiggle your toes within your socks. Pay attention to the physical sensation of doing so

Stretch out your arms or legs, roll your head on your neck, or clench and unclench your fists

Stomp your feet, walk around, run, jump, ride a bike, do jumping jacks, or do yoga

While walking, notice each footstep and say to yourself "right" and "left" to correspond with the foot currently moving

Squeeze a pillow, stuffed animal, or ball

If you have a soft pet (dog or cat), brush its fur and stroke it. If you don't, brush your own hair slowly and without pulling too much

Color in an adult coloring book, finger paint, or draw anything that comes to mind without worrying about quality

Write whatever comes to mind even if it's nonsense. Try not to write about whatever is upsetting you until you're more capable of doing so without increasing the upset

Write a list of things that make you happy or look for cheerful pictures to make into a collage

Pop bubble wrap or blow and pop actual bubbles

Dig in the dirt or garden, jump on a pile of leaves, or splash around in puddles or mud

Rip up paper or stomp on aluminum cans to crush them

Imagery Techniques

Picture yourself breathing in relaxation, calm, positive feelings, or strength. Picture yourself breathing out whatever is upsetting you. It may help to pair this with imagery of breathing in soothing colors (usually blue, purple, or green) and out more intense colors (usually red or black)

If you need to relax, envision a soothing white or golden light slowly moving up your body, warming and relaxing every part of you that it touches. You can also think of it as protecting you from negativity or from harm

If the problem is intense or uncomfortable emotions, physical sensations, or memories, picture them being surrounded and neutralized by a bright and healing light, temporarily placed in a mental box to be stored for later, or dialed back by an internal controller of intensity

If you have a clear mental picture of what's upsetting you, mentally change it to something silly or harmless. If you're a fan of Harry Potter, cast a mental "riddikulus" to banish the negativity

Picture yourself calm, focused, and able to tackle whatever problems you're facing. Focus on how that would feel in the moment. What would your expression and posture be like? Make whatever changes you need to in order to make your reality reflect your goal

How to Make a Grounding Box

Get a box or basket

Personalize and decorate it with construction paper, wrapping paper, ribbon, stickers, drawings, paint, photographs, glitter, sequins, or anything else that you like

Keep within it:

A list of grounding techniques that you know work for you

A list of positive affirmations and happy memories

A list of the contact information of trusted friends or family who are willing to help and support you

Small sensory objects such as: scented candles, perfumes, or lotions; hard candies or gum; soft fabrics, a stress ball, a stuffed animal, or a fidget toy; happy pictures of you with friends; a CD with relaxing music or meditation tracks. Try to cover all of the senses

A list of possible distractions such as books to read or movies to watch

Small portable distractions such as a pack of playing cards, a small game, or a joke book

A list of comforting things to do such as taking a bubble bath, snuggling up in bed, or meditating

A small journal or notebook

In the Case of a Flashback

Tell yourself that you are having a flashback and are safe now

Remind yourself that the worst is over, and you survived it. What you're feeling now is just a reminder of that trauma and does not fit the present moment

Remind yourself of when and where you are, who you're currently with, and who you can contact if you need help (use the reorientation-focused grounding techniques)

Breathe deeply and slowly. Count your breathes and make sure that you're getting enough air

Use other mental, sensory, movement, and imagery techniques in order to distract yourself, calm yourself, and reorient yourself within the present

If possible or necessary, go somewhere where you can be alone or with a close friend, where you will feel safe, or where you feel protected or shielded

If there is anyone who you can trust or who will support you, reach out to them, let them know what happened, and let them know what you need, what would be best for you, or what they could do to help

Be gentle with yourself and take the time to really recover. If what helps you to recover is to color, take a bubble bath, hug a stuffed animal, or watch a children's movie and if it would not be disruptive to do such things at that point in time, embrace those options whole-heartedly

If possible, note or write down what triggered the flashback, what techniques you tried to use to disrupt the flashback, and what techniques helped

[edwardianmedusa]

Poto Fluff Week: Meet Cute

She’d been scolded about it by her father when she was a teen, years before he passed on. In her last job, there’d been a whole safety campaign around stopping people from doing it. She herself knew it wasn’t a sensible thing to be doing, and had been embarrassed in the past for it. And yet…Christine Daae was reading on her phone as she power walked through the old theater in her 2nd week at her new job. It wasn’t even a time sensitive text she was looking at. She was reading a story. And not a new story either, so dying to know what was going to happen next wasn’t even a valid excuse. She’d read this one over and over again. So when she smacked into someone just outside her tiny office, sheaths of papers flying everywhere, she had no way of justifying herself.

“Oh, god, I’m so sorry!” she said quickly, pocketing her phone and grabbing as many sheets of paper as she could to help the bony figure she’d collided with. She looked up and saw a man also trying to corral the mess. He was average height, thin to a concerning degree, dressed all in dark greys and black, (was that why his skin looked so yellow? Maybe it was just the lighting…) and his face was nearly completely covered by what Christine guessed to be a black leather mask. Weird. She didn’t remember any of the current shows having any parts that were masked in them. Maybe he was working on something that would be opening later on.

She handed him what she had collected, and met his eyes for the first time. They were very deep set and the mask made the shadows even more difficult to see into, but she thought they looked very light brown, almost golden, in the dimly lit hallway, and his sclera were black. Could they be colored contacts? She wondered. He reached out to take the papers, and his fingers lightly brushed hers. She gasped, instinctively wrapping his hands within her own. “Oh, your poor hands are like ice! Here, come into my office and get yourself situated, and I’ll make us some tea, and get you warm. This is a lovely old building, but even in May it’s drafty and cold.” He stood stock still, looking at her like she had two heads. “Come, I insist. It’s the least I can do after careening into you like that. I’ll help you get organized while the tea steeps.” Still clasping one hand firmly, she led him into her office. He came meekly as a lamb, and stared at her in something like wonder as she began to potter about in the tiny space.

“Have a seat,” she gestured to the chair at her desk. “I’m still moving in, so the place is a mess, but make yourself as comfortable as you can. I’m so sorry. I really should have been watching where I was going. Are you hurt at all?”

He shook his head mutely as he obeyed, lowering himself into the chair behind the desk. “Good. The tea will be ready in just a few minutes, and oh, here!” She grabbed a tiny ceramic heater and placed it in front of him on the desk. “Help yourself.” She then rummaged in a box on the bookshelf against the wall. “I have mint, green tea with roasted rice, black tea with black currants and roasted dandelion root tea. Do you have a preference?” She turned and looked at him expectantly.

He was silent for a moment, but then cleared his throat quietly. “Black currant, please.” His deep, velvety voice flowed over her like a wave. Wow, she thought, that’s a late night radio program voice if I’ve ever heard one. She realized she was staring at him with her mouth slightly open, and closed it with a snap.

“Absolutely.” She went back to the box she had been foraging from, put a teabag each in two mugs and set them next to a small, electric kettle that was already beginning to make percolating noises. “There, now we just have to wait a second for the kettle to work its magic. I’m Christine, by the way.” She turned toward him, and held out her hand with a smile.

“Erik,” he said, hesitating, but then took her hand gently in his and gave it a small shake.

“Good to meet you, Erik. With a voice like that, you must be in high demand here. What are you working on?” She immediately started organizing the mess of his papers into neat piles. Erik seemed struck completely dumb, but Christine was used to shy people, and it didn’t bother her. “Hmmm. This is quite an eclectic set of scores. Beethoven’s 6th, The Barber of Seville…and Sleeping Beauty. Anto-I mean, Madame Giry is being driven to distraction by this one. Apparently, the Lilac Fairy and Carabosse are in the midst of a very messy breakup. And you’d think, since they are adversaries, it would only help their playing against each other in the ballet, but…not so, she tells me.” She laughed. “Be a dear and hand me a few paperclips, would you, Erik? They are in the top drawer on your right, if I remember correctly.”

Erik opened the drawer and took out a small box filled with very pastel paperclips, and Christine fastened two onto each pile she had created. “There. Now, if you meet any other klutzes today, at least you won’t have to reorganize them again.” She handed him the piles she’d made.

“Thank you,” he said softly.

“No, please, it was my fault to begin with.” Just then, the kettle beeped, and Christine poured boiling water into their cups, and gave Erik his. “Here you are. It will need about 5 minutes to steep, but you can warm your hands on the mug until it’s ready, anyway.” Her smile was kind. “What do you do here? I assumed it was acting or singing, with that dulcet voice of yours, but as there’s no singing in Sleeping Beauty or the 6th… Are you in the orchestra?”

“In a way, he is, yes,” said an amused voice behind her.

“Oh, Madame!” Christine turned with an open smile to see her boss in the doorway. “I was just making some tea for Erik and myself. Would you like some? There’s just enough hot water for one more mug, and I still have some of that genmaicha that you bought me for Christmas.”

“That would be lovely, dear. Thank you.”

Christine kept talking as she prepared another mug for Madame Giry. “I plowed the poor man down right in front of the office here, and brought him in to help get him back on his feet. I hope you don’t mind?”

Antoinette Giry smiled. “Not at all.” Then, astonishing Christine, she began a rapid fire conversation with Erik in French. Christine, who didn’t speak the language, looked back and forth between them, not understanding a thing. And if she’d thought Erik’s voice sounded sexy in English, it was nothing to hearing him speak French. She resigned herself to confusion until Madame Giry let out a peal of laughter. Erik’s body language was positively sheepish.

“I’m sorry, Christine. The situation was so unprecedented that I simply had to hear it straight from Director Theroux’s mouth.”

“Director…Theroux?” Christine, new though she was, had heard a lot about the shadowy figure of the Music Director. It was said that he heard and saw everything, but was almost never seen, and he was possessed of an uncertain temper. He was the puppet master of the conductors, a genius and (some said) a tyrant. And this shy, soft-spoken man, currently drinking tea in her little office, was the Music Director. Of all people she could have barreled into…

She looked over at him, still looking uncomfortable, sitting hunched in her chair as though he wished the floor would open up and swallow him whole. Her heart went out to him. So the mask wasn’t for a performance then… did that mean that his eyes were naturally that color, too? It didn’t necessarily follow, but… He gulped down the entire mug of tea at once – Christine flinched, her own cup was still too hot for her to drink and his couldn’t be any cooler – and stood up. “Thank you for the tea. If you would excuse me, I’ll be going now.”

Christine intercepted him before he reached the door. “It was good to meet you, Erik.” She held out her hand and he gave her that strange look again, as though she were something wondrous he hadn’t realized existed. He shook her hand delicately, like she was made of glass. “Or should I call you Director Theroux?” she asked.

“No. Erik. Please.” Each word sounded as though he was forcing it out. But there was an endearing sort of earnestness in his beautiful voice that made Christine smile.

“OK, Erik. Come by anytime you’d like. I promise I won’t run into you again!”

He let out a breath of a laugh, nodded at the two ladies, and then he was gone.

“My dear, why don’t you bring the tea, come into my office and we’ll have a talk. I simply must hear your side of this, too.” Madame Giry’s smile was fond.

“Sure. Is something wrong?”

“On the contrary. I think something that has been wrong for a very long time may finally be going right.”

[the-atlas-sister]

Protector (Batsis Reader)

(This is from a chapter of my original story but I quirked the character to be the reader. The reader can teleport and turn invisible and your hero name is Viper. You're also part of the Teen Titan's and Connor Kent is your love interest, although it's not too evident in this chapter. Alexandra and Alex are original characters in the Titans based on my two friends. If you like this chapter and you want me to publish the book, let me know. I would make the original character the reader)

Y/N's POV

"I'm going on a walk!" I announced, opening the Wayne manor door.

"Alone?" Alfred asked, walking towards me.

"Yeah," I shrugged.

"You may want to have one of your brothers accompany you," Alfred said. "Or Ace. You are the daughter of the infamous Bruce Wayne. And you're injured."

"I'm also the Teen Titan Viper," I chuckled. "I can take care of myself, Alfred. But thank you."

"Do be careful," Alfred said as I walked out of the large mansion.

I looked around as soon as I was outside before teleporting into the city. I teleported to an alleyway next to Gotham City Park. I swiped a strand of hair from my face before walking into the park. I smiled at the kids laughing and playing on the playground, remembering when Dick would bring my brother and I there when our parents and Bruce were working.

That's when I heard the scream. I spun my head to see two men with penguin masks grab a kid and pull him into an alley, his parents and all other adults apparently oblivious to the kidnapping.

"Hey!" I yelled, running toward the child and his kidnappers. I stopped at the alley, noticing that the child and the men were gone. I furrowed my brows, walking further into the alley. "Hello!"

"Help!" the child's voice echoed through the alley. I continued walking, ignoring the fact that the echo was unnatural, due to the fact there was no building covering the alley or stopping the sun from shining down. "Help!" I noticed that I had found the end of the alleyway. "Help!" I looked down to see a doll, the size of a small child, it's mouth open.

"Oh no-"

"You Y/L/N," a voice said from behind me. "So quick to save the day." Before I could turn around, I felt a slight prick in my neck. I turned around to see the familiar plump and long-nosed figure of Oswald Cobblepot or the Penguin, as well as the men from before standing next to him.

"Cobblepot," I mumbled, feeling drowsy.

"Careful there," Penguin said as I stumbled towards him. "Maybe you should just... relax."

I reached back and pulled out the thing that had pricked me. It was a small tranquilizer dart. I threw it to the ground as I fell to my knees. Dad, I thought before everything went dark.

***

"Wake up!"

I groaned, fluttering my eyes open. I tried to move my hands, only to feel a coarse rope around them. My eyes shot open at that realization. I sat upright, trying to move my legs, only to find them each tied to the leg of the chair I was sitting in. I looked around, to find myself in what looked like an abandoned penguin exhibit. I sat on a makeshift iceberg above freezing water, I let out a breath, noticing it come out in a puff of mist.

"Good, you're awake." I looked up to see the Penguin, in his top hat, monocle, and usual penguin tux. He held a raw fish, biting off it's head. He leaned casually on his lethal umbrella, a blade sticking out from the bottom.

I stayed stoic. First thing Bruce taught me in a kidnapping. "Why am I here Cobblepot?" I asked.

"Just a playing card," Penguin shrugged, some of the fish spitting from his mouth.

"So you want my father's money?" I scoffed. "Spend all of your family's fortune on that disgusting fish or buying this run-down zoo?"

"We both know Bruce Wayne isn't your father," Penguin said. "Your father blew up." He pointed the fish at me some of it's gut splattering on my face. "But yes."

"Why do you need Bruce Wayne's money?" I asked, pressing the Titan's distress button on my bracelet.

"Why do any of really need money?" Penguin sighed. "I need to rebuild the Iceberg Lounge."

"You really think people would go to a club owned by a former villain and current psychopath?" I scoffed. "Built off of stolen money?" Penguin growled and slapped me across the face with the half fish, splattering more guts and blood across my face. I spit out the few that got in my mouth.

"Some people don't matter who owns the club as long as they can spend their money on booze and beautiful women," he said, swallowing the rest of his fish. "Now let's notify Bruce that we have his dear little girl here, shall we?"

Penguin pulled out a phone and typed in Bruce's number and turned on the speaker. I tensed as the ringing began.

"Hello?" Bruce's voice rang through.

"Oh hello Bruce," Penguin said into the phone.

"Cobblepot," Bruce said. "What-"

"I just wanted to let you know that I have your dear daughter here with me," Penguin said. "Here Y/N, say hello." He held the speaker towards me, but I stayed silent. I felt one of his henchmen, grab my hair and yank, making me let out an involuntary yelp. He used his free hand to press a gun under my chin.

"Cobblepot, don't hurt her," Bruce said.

"Bruce, I'll be fine don't'-" I let out a strangled scream as Penguin stabbed my bicep with his umbrella.

"Y/N-"

"Now Bruce, she'll survive, as long as you get 4 million dollars to the Gotham Zoo, by noon," Penguin said, his blade still in my arm. I glanced at the clock on the phone, seeing that was ten minutes to noon. "If not then..." He twisted the blade, making me bite my lip to keep in a scream, but a small whimper arose. He then hung up.

"You won't kill me," I said through pained whimpers.

"I won't." Penguin agreed, pulling the blade out of my arm hard, making me yell again. I felt thick, warm blood drip down my arm quickly, and heavily. "But he might." The gun was pressed harder against my chin.

I swear Alexandra if you don't hurry-

My thoughts were cut off by Penguin being thrown off the makeshift iceberg. I held back a smile upon seeing Alex fully costumed, standing in front of me. She grinned at me.

I heard a loud crash and felt the sun shine on my back before left my chin. I watched as the man was thrown into the cement wall.

"Are you okay?" I heard Alexandra ask from behind me.

"I've been through worse," I said. I turned to see Jaime shoot another henchman into the wall with his scarab's laser.

"Superboy, get Y/N free," Raven said, flying above me. She created a magic cage around Penguin.

I felt something hot between my wrists before feeling the ropes snap. "You sure, you're okay?" Connor asked, flying in front of me.

"Totally," I shrugged, placing a hand on my bicep to stop the blood. Connor looked unsure but quickly laser-eyed the ropes around my ankles. I stood up and turned around to see Alexandra toss another henchman into a pile she had created and Alex ran around them, tying them up quickly.

"How'd you super twits get here?" Penguin asked.

"Shut up," Alex said, making faces at him.

"We're just here to help any citizen in danger," Alexandra said, placing a hand on Alex's shoulder.

"Raven, get him to GPD," Jaime said. Raven nodded before flying out of the hole they had created coming in, the caged Penguin behind her. "And Superboy-"

That was when Bruce appeared. He dropped dramatically in front of me, Dick and Damian following close behind. All fully suited up.

"Guess they beat us to it," Nightwing said, grinning at the Titans. "Nice job team."

Robin rushed to me, pulling my hand from my arm. He glared at me as he noticed the gushing blood. He pulled out a bandage roll and wrapped my arm. I winced at the roughness of his wrapping skills. "This is why you don't go on walks alone," he said, flicking my forehead.

"Thanks for the love," I said, rubbing my forehead.

"Robin's right," Bruce said, narrowing his eyes at me. "You could've gotten killed and worse, you could've gotten out of this by using your powers."

"I couldn't have given myself away," I said. "They could have connected me to Viper, then to you and to Robin and Nightwing!"

"Your safety is more important than our identities," Bruce said sternly. "I don't want you to leave the manor this week."

"Are you grounding me?" I scoffed. "Over something that wasn't my fault?"

"Busted," Alex mumbled.

"Bats, that's not fair," Connor said, walking forward. Bruce sent him a classic Bat glare, a mix of intimidation and Dad guilt. Connor stopped. "Or you know, whatever. Your kid."

"You can't-"

"I am your father, Y/N Wayne," Bruce said. "We're going back to the manor and I forbid you from leaving."

First part 2 on my masterlist: https://mooskey.tumblr.com/post/661991989629304832/%F0%9D%9A%83%F0%9D%99%B7%F0%9D%99%B4-%F0%9D%9A%84%F0%9D%99%BB%F0%9D%9A%83%F0%9D%99%B8%F0%9D%99%BC%F0%9D%99%B0%F0%9D%9A%83%F0%9D%99%B4-%F0%9D%99%B2%F0%9D%99%BE%F0%9D%9A%82%F0%9D%99%BC%F0%9D%99%B8%F0%9D%99%B2-%F0%9D%99%BF%F0%9D%99%BE%F0%9D%9A%86%F0%9D%99%B4%F0%9D%9A%81-%F0%9D%99%BC%F0%9D%9A%A2-%F0%9D%99%BC%F0%9D%9A%8A%F0%9D%9A%9C%F0%9D%9A%9D%F0%9D%9A%8E%F0%9D%9A%9B%F0%9D%9A%95%F0%9D%9A%92%F0%9D%9A%9C%F0%9D%9A%9D

[xoxo-teddybear]

The Talk - Bakugou Katsuki

Bakugou x f!reader // ft. Bakugou’s daughter

Warnings: Crack, Fluff, Cursing, Sexual Mentions

BAKUGOU’S MASTERLIST

Summary: Katsumi has recently turned 8 and Bakugou thinks it’s time for her to receive the talk and tries to get Y/N to give it to her, however Bakugou finds himself doing the deed instead.

“Katsuki! Go!”

“No I just-“

“You have to-“

“But I don’t-“

“AH AH AH JUST GO!”

“nooOOO!!”

Bakugou and Y/N both spoke over each other saying those things until eventually Y/N pushed Bakugou into the room and barricaded the door to keep him inside. On the inside, Bakugou slammed his fist against the door demanding to be released.

“Y/N Bakugou! Open this door right now!” He screamed from the other side.

“Sure thing dAD,” she said dramatically, “after you do what you gotta do!”

“It’s DAD-DY TO YOU!” He screamed again. “LET ME OUT!”

“Suki! This was your idea!” You explained from the outside.

“Yeah but we’re a team! I thought we would be doing this together!” He said.

“Yeah well I didn’t wanna do it and since you insisted so bad that this just had to happen, you can do the deed!” You argued from the other side of the door.

“Y/N! You can’t keep me in here with that..that DEMON!” He screamed.

“Daddy?” Bakugou flinched as he quickly turned around with his back pressed against the door. He shook in fear as his smile trembled and his eye twitched as he looked at that thing on the floor. It was sitting in the chair holding a cup of hibiscuses tea while it wore a pink boa and tiara. It had an orange boa ready to go with an extra tiara on the other seat for the tea party that was currently happening in the girly princess styled bedroom.

“Yes princess?” He said to his eight year old daughter as she looked at him with a waiting stare. And yes we referred to her as ‘it’ before.

“You said you would join me for my tea party to give me the talk about something. What was it?” Katsumi said. Bakugou gulped in fear as he watched his daughter gesture to the empty seat. Bakugou slowly walked to the tiny chair and sat as his knees scrunched up to his chest. He cleared his throat as he put on the boa and tiara and looked around to see he was seated next to Mr. HoneyBear and Madam Unicorn. Katsumi poured him a cup of tea and he picked up the tiny ceramic, that was much too small for his large hands, until he heard his daughter clear her throat.

“Ehem,” she said. Bakugou stared and watched as she picked up her cup and stuck out her pinkie. His mouth formed an ‘o’ as he mimicked her actions and carefully took a sip. He placed the cup down as he placed his hands on his knees, making a small rhythm as he was nervous and didn’t know how to begin.

“Okay daddy! What did you wanna tell me?” She squealed. Bakugou looked around in nervousness. He didn’t even know how to begin the talk.

“Okay! Um...well. You see Katsumi..you are old enough to finally know where...umm...how...eh,” Bakugou stumbled over his words until Y/N poked her head in to help.

“Where babies come from,” she whispered and then shut the door again. Bakugou growled as he looked at the door.

“If you’re so good at this why don’t you come in here?!” He whispered yelled.

“Because you’re the one that wanted this to happen!” She whispered yelled back through the door.

“Coward!” Bakugou seethed. Y/N then opened the door again to give her two cents.

“Nice boa and tiara, PRinCeSS,” you teased. Bakugou threw one of the cookies on the plate at the door and it was going to hit you but you shut it before it could. Bakugou settled in his seat and tossed his boa to wrap around his neck and readjusted his tiara.

“Right Katsumi, it’s time for you to know where babies come from,” he explained to the eight year old. She stared at him with a raised brow as she sipped from her cup.

“You and Mommy already told me, remember? You guys said the storks bring down the babies!” She explained. Bakugou cringed at the memory of the time he almost slipped up and practically explained sex to his daughter when she was only 5. Luckily, Y/N saved his ass with the stork story.

“Right, but the storks just bring the babies..they don’t...create them,” he said.

“Oh! So then who creates them?” She innocently asked with the same doe eyes her mother had. Bakugou bit his lip in nervousness as he began to tremble again.

“Well you see...when two people..um, love each other..very....much....they Umm...at a certain time they’ll...” Katsumi began to get a little bored and yawned. Katsuki watched and just decided to rip the band-aid right off. He slammed his hands on his thighs as he spoke.

“You know what! Forget this! Katsumi! When a man loves a women, they’ll....” Bakugou trailed off as he realized exactly what he had to say. He stood up and put himself in the corner as he sat on the ground with his knees crunched up to his chest again.

“Daddy, just tell me! I’m getting bored and the tea is getting cold!” Katsumi whined. Bakugou sighed out as he returned to his seat.

“Katsumi, listen,” he exhaled before he began, “a man has this thing called a penis,” he cringed at his words, “and you know that a woman, like yourself, has a what?”

“A vagina. You and Mommy taught me the big girl words so that if something bad were to happen, I can properly explain and get help without confusing anyone. It’s part of my no-no square.” She said while casually messing with her toys.

“Right..and uh...your no-no square can only be touched by...uhm...your doctors with permission and..uh, in the far future, the one you love.” He explained.

“Like you and Mommy?” She asked.

“Uh..no..well..not really. Only in certain cases but you can trust that me and Mommy will never hurt you,” Bakugou said.

“I trust that! But what do you mean ‘love’ then?” Katsumi once again questioned.

“Well..love..as in like a boyfriend or a husband-“

“Or a prince?” Katsumi excitedly asked.

“....uh..sure?” Bakugou said, “but eventually..you and your...prince, OR PRINCESS OR ROYAL MAJESTY.. whatever you’re into, will eventually want to experience...something called..uh..sexual interco-“

*DING!*

“Whats that?” Bakugou asked as he pointed towards the timer.

“My brownies are ready!” Katsumi said and excitedly got up to get her desserts. Bakugou raised his brow in question as he didn’t realize his daughter could bake.

“Brownies?” He questioned.

“Mhm! I made them in my easy bake oven!” She said as she brought the tiny tray containing six mini brownies over to the table. “Try one!”

Bakugou looked at the tray and saw burnt pieces and he’s pretty sure he saw a bubble on one of the slimy brownies pop. He silently and subtly gagged but covered it up with a cough. He cleared his throat before he used a shaky hand to pick one up.

“And what’s the number we use to call in emergencies?” Bakugou asked.

“1-1-0,” Katsumi said.

“Good girl,” he said and took a small bite into the brownie. He chewed and bit into some hard, crunchy pieces but felt something else running down his throat. “Umm..Katsumi, Princess-“

“You like it? I tried really hard because I know you’re a great chef Daddy!” She happily explained. Bakugou couldn’t hate on his little girl’s brownies so he just had to ask a few questions.

“They’re Umm..delicious! A little burnt but it’s still very....very...good? But uh..what did you put in these?” He cautiously asked as he continued to chew.

“Brownie batter, duh, and sequence, rhinestones, and just a pinch of glitter!”

“HAH!” Y/N laughed from the other side of the door.

In the middle of Katsumi’s explanation, Bakugou swallowed the piece of brownie and began choking, he tried to get his cup of tea to wash it down but it was too tiny to do any good. Katsumi just watched in confusion as her father choked and sat down as she sipped her own cup of tea with a confused and almost sarcastic face. Bakugou lifted the tea pot and attempted to drink out of it but saw it was empty. He ran to his daughter’s door and tried to open it but Y/N still had it blocked. He blasted it open with his quirk and Katsumi just laughed at the scene with her hand covering her mouth and Y/N stood infront of the doorway in shock.

“Katsuki!” She yelled at her husband for breaking the door but he only ran down to the kitchen sink and turned on the faucet as he jugged down the flow of water. He finally stopped choking and after he finished his symphony of coughs, he flopped onto the couch.

Back with Y/N and Katsumi:

“Hang on love, just enjoy your tea and then wait here. Mommy will be right back.” Y/N said and then ran downstairs. She found her husband face down on the couch and laughed at him.

“Umm.. Katsuki..are you, pfft..okay?” You laughed out. Bakugou just poked his head up to glare at his wife and flopped his head back down on the couch.

“She can wait a few years for the talk. I’m pretty sure the universe just gave me a big fat fucking hint at that.” He grumbled into the couch.

“Hehe..I told you so~” Y/N said in a sing-songy voice.

“I tOLd YoU sOoo- SHUT UP!” Bakugou complained. Y/N just continued to laugh at her husband’s whine and just rubbed at his back to comfort his pain.

—

After cleaning up the mess Katsuki made at Katsumi’s door and helping her daughter wash up, Y/N finally put Katsumi to bed and met her husband down stairs. He was still on the couch but this time he was sitting while watching some random channel on TV. He noticed Y/N and opened up his arms for her. Y/N joined him on the couch but laughed a little as she cuddled into his side.

“Umm..Suki?”

“Yes love?”

“When are you gonna take off that boa and tiara?”

[chrisevansjellybeans]

Undercover- Mob! Steve Rogers Part 2

Okay here is the highly requested part two to my Mob! Steve post! I had some technical difficulties posting it but hopefully you guys see it in the tags now :)

Warnings: swearing and smut

Word count: 2.8k

“When I said go undercover, I didn’t mean under his covers, Agent.” Director Fury slammed his hand down on his desk. It had now officially been twenty-four hours since your encounter with the mob boss and you had been waiting anxiously all day to talk with Nick Fury. The rumor around the office all day was that he wasn’t too pleased with how things went down.

“I did what I had to do, sir.” You stated boldly.

Fury scoffed but didn’t respond.

He was quiet for a moment, his eye scanning over the piece of paper in his hand. You fidgeted uncomfortably as your legs were still sore from your romp last night and you tried to hold it together as Fury gave you a weird look.

“Just sit down, Y/N.”

You muttered a thank you as you took a seat.

“Listen, this is all good and fine but I want more. This,” He waved the note in his hand. “Is just a drug felony. I want this bastard put away for life.”

“But what about Stark?”

“A slippery politician, nothing more. I want insight on just more than this. I want it all.”

You sat back in the chair. You understood where he was coming from, but he was also acting like you hadn’t just uncovered a huge piece of information.

“Sir-”

“Which is why you’re going to continue...seeing Rogers. Your undercover assignment has just been extended until further notice.”

“But, sir!” You stood up in protest.

“But nothing, Agent. You’ve made your bed and you’ve already lied in it. Now do it again.” He snapped.

“Are you pimping me out, sir?”

“You did that yourself, Y/N.” Fury snarked. “Anyway, as we speak I have other agents creating an entire new identity for you on the internet so when Roger’s does eventually look you up he’ll find everything we want him to find.”

You felt yourself sinking back down into the chair. He was being completely serious. You suddenly felt very hot as you processed all the information coming at you.

“And what exactly is it going to say?”

“That you are Y/N Monroe. You are the same age as you are now and a barista at the coffee shop just below your apartment. You went to the University of Minnesota and graduated with a business degree, but currently can’t find any jobs. Pity. Your parents died when you were young and you have no siblings-no need to wrap anyone else up in this. We’ve made an Instagram account since that seems to be the most popular app among adults your age. I pushed for no socials but apparently it’s weirder if you don’t have one.”

“Okay...but I don’t have a coffee shop below my apartment.”

“You do now. Your stuff is being moved into a safe house apartment on the other side of town. That’s where you’ll be staying for now. Don’t worry, I have Parker holed up in the apartment two doors down.”

You bit the inside of your cheek to try to calm down. There was nothing else you could do. Fury was right, you had made your bed. You reached over and grabbed the file that Fury had pushed towards the front of the desk. Your new life all put together in a Manila folder.

Damn you, Ma and your slutty advice.

“You can go now.” Fury waved you away, now totally focused on whatever file he had in front of him. You hesitated, wanting to say something but nothing came so you left.

“Y/N!” Peter ran up beside you as you stormed down the hallway. “Heard we’re gonna be neighbors.”

You smiled at how excited he was. “It’s only temporary, Parker. Don’t wet your pants.”

Peter blushed and gently shoved you to the side as you both continued walking. “I know that. But doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. We could have movie nights or something.”

“I suppose we could find some time.” You nudged him back.

“Oh here, before I forget.” Peter shoved a brand new iPhone into your hand. “Fury had me add some tweaks to the geo location so it’s more precise than what Apple has. My burner number is already programmed in there too.”

You studied the burner phone, impressed that they didn’t just give you another shitty tracfone like you were used to.

“Thanks, kid.”

“I’m not that much younger than you.” Peter grumbled as the two of you finally made it to the parking structure.

You smirked over your shoulder as you walked up to your Jeep Wrangler. “Young enough. ‘Night, kid!”

Peter flipped you off but was smiling the whole time as you drove off.

You punched in your new address in the GPS and followed along as it brought you to the older part of town. You had always loved this part of the city but never thought to move out here. Even though it wasn’t the new upcoming neighborhood, the rent prices had been driven up by the young kids moving in who just “adored the old time aesthetic” and the lofted buildings.

Your building was one of those you noted as you parked your car outside of your new address. The old brick building was tall, maybe six stories and had fire escapes littered across the front of it. The front door was a rusted green that you had to yank to budge to get open.

Extra security, I suppose. You laughed to yourself.

Your apartment was on the third floor and right off the freight elevator. You weren’t expecting much when you opened the door but you made a noise of pleasant surprise when you did.

The inside was warm and inviting. A plush gray sofa that resembled a cloud was center in your living room that you saw right away from the small entry hallway. As you stepped in further you saw a decent size tv mounted against the wall and two bookshelves on either side of it, filled with books and records that went along with the record player that was right underneath the television. To the left the living room was the kitchen. Nothing big, which you didn’t mind-you weren’t the best cook in the world. There was a small bar-like counter that had two barstools perched underneath. Down the small hallway you found your bedroom. A king sized bed covered in an off white comforter set with matching sheets. Small potted plants hung from the corner near the window and an array of makeup and perfumes littered the top of the wooden dresser.

Tentatively you opened the dressers to find a whole new wardrobe waiting for you. There were basics: such as t-shirts, jeans, bras and panties but there was also a whole drawer dedicated to skimpy lingerie that you knew was expensive. The walk-in closet was filled with dresses, some formal and some you wouldn’t let your grandmother even see hanging off the rack.

“Well done, Fury.” You mumbled to yourself as your fingers ran down the silk fabric of a long evening gown.

You were settling on to your couch, sweats on and a glass of wine in your hand when you heard a knock on the door. Slowly you got up, grabbing your gun from the plant next to the door. You looked through the peephole and let out a curse when you saw none other than Steve Rogers standing outside your apartment.

You shoved the gun back into the plant and ran your fingers through your hair before opening the door, but leaving the chain attached.

“Mr. Rogers, how can I help you?” Your eyes twinkled as the man in front of you rested his arm on the top of the door frame and leaned close to the opening you had created.

“You said I would see you soon, princess. Looks like soon is now.” The nickname again caused your stomach to flutter.

“I was just getting ready for bed. You’ll have to come by another time.” You feigned a yawn. Steve’s eyes blared as he stood up straight.

“It’s rude to keep your guests waiting, Miss Monroe.” Your heart jumped at the use of your alias. Thank god your team worked fast.

“And it’s rude to show up to people’s apartments unannounced, Mr. Rogers.”

“Open the door, sweetheart.” He hissed, but his eyes held anything but anger. He was intrigued. He never found a woman before who wasn’t afraid to dish back his sass. He wasn’t sure if he liked it or not.

“Say please.” You teased through the opening.

“Please.” He said through gritted teeth.

Chuckling you closed the door gently and undid the chain. Before you could reopen it though, Steve pushed his way through scooping you up in his arms as he did. You naturally wrapped your legs around his waist and your arms held tight around him as you squealed against his neck.

He walked you back into the living room and plopped down on the couch, holding you so you were still straddling him.

You pulled away but kept your arms hanging loosely around him. He smirked up at you as his fingers toyed with the hem of the tank top you had on. His eyes fell to the wine that was only half drank on your coffee table.

“Heading off to bed soon, huh?”

“My bedtime snack.”

There was a part of your brain that recognized him for who he was: evil. But another part of your brain saw him as the man who made your body feel things that it had never felt before and that had your heart racing like a schoolgirl with a crush. The part that recognized that he was so easy to talk and joke with. The great sex wasn’t a bummer either.

His smirk was replaced by a genuine smile as he pulled you down and gave you a kiss that had your toes curling. He moaned into your mouth as you slowly ground your hips against his, your fingers tugging at the hair by his neck. His tongue massaged yours, letting you know exactly who was in charge at this moment. His hands ran underneath your tank top, fingers tracing up your spine before reaching the front and giving your nipples a slight twist.

He moved his mouth from yours and peppered kisses along the side of your neck as he lifted the tank top over your head. He threw it to the side as his mouth attached to your protruding bud while his fingers pinched and toyed with the other one. Skillfully, and with his mouth still attached to you, Steve flipped you over so your back was on the couch and he was on top of you. He lifted his head, his blue eyes clouded with lust as he started kissing down from the center of your chest, down your stomach and down your legs as he pulled your sweats along with him.

He hummed as he spread your bottom lips apart with his fingers, licking a stripe from your hole to your clit. You wiggled your hips against his face but he responded with a smack against your core.

“Honey, you gotta learn who’s in charge here and who’s-“ he kissed your clit ever so slightly, teasing you. “Just a little cock slut.”

His tongue circled over your bundle of nerves while fingers toyed with your slick. Gently he pushed two fingers into your pussy. Your eyes fluttered closed as his steady rhythm and flick of his tongue brought your orgasm to the forefront.

“Shit, Steve…” you whimpered, gripping his hair and pulling him close. “Oh fuck, I’m close!”

“Let me taste you, princess.” Steve growled. You nearly lost it at the sigh of your juices dripping from his chin. “Give it to me like the good girl you are.”

“Oh god!” You called out as he hit that spongy spot that caused your thighs to tighten around his head. Your body spasmed as it rode out your orgasm. Your chest heaving and your legs shaking as he slowly pulled his fingers from you. A moan was caught in your throat as you watched him put his soaked fingers between his lips, a look of pure satisfaction covering his perfect face.

Steve leaned his body over yours but careful not to let his full weight fall on you. He ran his nose up the side of your neck, along your cheek before letting it rub against your own. You grabbed his neck, pulling him into a deep kiss. There was something so erotic about tasting yourself when your tongues met.

“Show me your bedroom?” Steve pulled away. You gave a weak nod. Steve stood up and hoisted you up, your legs weak beneath you.

“Poor baby.” He cooed in your ear. “Only one orgasm down and already can’t walk. I can’t imagine how you’ll be when I’m done with you.”

With that he lifted you and walked down your short hallway to the bedroom. In your hazy, post orgasm mind you hoped the mattress was comfy. You hadn’t even tested out beforehand.

Steve threw you on the bed and you sighed as you fell into the cloud. You leaned back on your elbows and watched as Steve unbuttoned the new shirt and trousers he had on. You stifled your laughter thinking about the wine stained ones back at his house.

“Something amusing to you, sweetheart?” He grabbed your ankle and pulled you towards the end of the bed. He lifted your foot up, setting it over his shoulder as he kissed the inside of your calf.

“No, sir.” You teased.

“You’re a bad liar.” He nipped at your knee.

Not as bad as you might think.

Steve made you come at least four more times that night. Your body completely spent when he finally rolled over and laid next to you, yours and his body covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

You rolled over and threw your leg and arm over his body, nuzzling your head into the crook of his neck. Steve’s fingers toyed with yours as he pressed a kiss to your forehead.

“Spend the night?” You asked into the darkness. It was nearly three in the morning and your eyes were slowly closing no matter how much you willed them to stay open.

“I have some business things that I have to take care of early in the morning.” He answered, his fingers running up and down your arm.

“Oh, okay.” You said sadly. Steve’s chest rumbled with light laughter as he brought your hand that was in his up to his lips and gave it a kiss. You were soon realizing that he was actually a very affectionate person.

“But I want you to come back to the house tomorrow. I’ll send one of my guys for you in the afternoon.”

“Really?” You sat up. Steve blindly reached for your nightstand and turned on the lamp that was on it. His hair was tousled from the numerous times you had run your fingers through it and his lips were red and swollen. He looked like the epitome of sex and it was fucking hot.

“Yes, really.” He chuckled. He grabbed your phone that was on the nightstand and held it out for you to unlock. You did quickly and he took it back and started typing. “I don’t give out my personal number to a lot of people.”

“So I’m special.” You wiggled in your spot, a grin covering your face.

“Yes. You are.” Steve looked back at you and you were taken aback by the sincerity in his tone. He handed your phone back to you and you laughed at the name he had for his contact: Steve Rogers and an eggplant emoji.

“You’re a child.” You giggled.

Steve rolled his eyes and got out of bed and you took the time to appreciate his bum as he walked over to get his pants.

You gathered the soft sheets in your hand and brought them up to your chest. Although you weren’t sure what you were trying to hide, he had seen it all.

Once he was dressed and you slipped on a robe that you found hanging behind the door, you walked him out. He stood in your doorframe, his large figure making the space seem very small. He smiled as he tucked a loose piece of hair behind your head and leaned down and gave you a kiss.

“Make sure to lock all the doors behind me. And text me when you wake up tomorrow.” He demanded softly.

“Mmmkay, I will.” You said hazily.

“Go get some sleep, princess.” He laughed as he pushed away from the door and walked to the elevator. You watched as he got in and gave you a quick wave before whipping out his phone to make a call.

Once he was out of sight you closed the door softly, making sure to bolt everything before heading back to your bed. You were too tired to even clean up before you passed out.