#we gotta beat this kid down a bit before he starts to grow...

[loveinhawkins]

Steve’s bat bites start to bleed again during the drive out of The War Zone.

It’s a slow realisation, a creeping dampness on his skin.

He stays as still as he can, keeps his movements small and contained when turning the steering wheel; he thinks he mostly gets away with it, manages to park the RV and pitch his voice on just the right side of normal as he tells the kids to scram.

Awareness of his surroundings grows a little fuzzy around the edges, but he senses enough to know that he’s alone—the silence feels heavy, makes his ears ring.

He lifts himself up out of his seat, one hand clinging onto the headrest for balance. The ringing gets sharper, more high-pitched; he shakes his head to try and clear it.

One step forward, then another, and another.

There’s a slight rocking motion under his feet. It feels a little like he’s in a boat that’s docked, constant movement even in the gentlest of waters.

His palms brush against the bathroom door.

“Okay,” Steve whispers to himself.

He hangs onto the sink to keep himself upright—feels the room sway, as if the waters underneath have suddenly become stormy.

With one hand, he finds the knot in the bandage.

“Okay, okay…”

Pulls.

Steve doesn’t think he blacks out, not quite, but there’s a shift, a dizzying tilt… and then, somehow, he’s sitting on the closed toilet seat.

And…

The bat bites must cause hallucinations or something.

Otherwise, Steve cannot explain why Eddie—who notoriously threw up and passed out during a dissection in Biology—is currently pressing a clean bandage against his stomach, staring down at the blood like he can’t look away.

“You’re good, you’re good,” Eddie’s saying.

He’s clearly trying to sound calm, but it’s just coming out strained, like what he really means is this is all a fucking nightmare actually, but we’ve gotta find something to be optimistic about.

“Think it just needs some more pressure,” he goes on. “Yeah, there, see? It’s stopping. Oh, thank God.”

Steve feels more gauze getting wrapped around his middle—if he wasn’t injured, it’d almost be a nice sensation, Eddie’s touch somehow the perfect mix of both firm and gentle.

As he works, Eddie hums nervously.

“Talk to me Harrington,” he says in a shaky sing-song. “Come on, don’t leave me hanging, man, gimme some awkward small talk. Got any hopes? Dreams? Anything I should know?

Oh, so many things, Steve thinks, still light-headed.

But then he really does mull that over: his mind goes to The Upside Down, to belatedly telling Eddie about the hive mind, and oh shit.

“Hey, weird question,” Steve says, “but I’ve not been, like, asking you to make it cold in here or, um, anything like that?”

Eddie blinks. “Uh. No?”

“Okay.” Before he lets the relief of hearing Eddie’s answer sink in, Steve adds, “If I ever do, you need to lock me in here and get out. Tell Nancy.”

Eddie’s staring at him like he’s grown a second head. “Sure. Cool. Cool! Uh, for any particular reason or—?”

“Just in case—like, I don’t feel any different, but—one time, Will Byers, when he was in The Upside Down it, like, infected him? Like a virus. Except more… possession. And they had to kinda… burn it outta him.”

“Ha,” Eddie says. A beat. “Oh fuck, you’re serious.”

“I really don’t have the energy to be messing with you, dude.”

“Sorry. Sometimes you all just say things, y’know? And if I don’t get it, I’m like, well, they’ve been living through this for a while, maybe they’ve got a code going on.”

“I mean,” Steve says, “we kinda do.”

Eddie shakes his head. “So when Buckley said she dealt with a human-flesh-based monster, and the one before that was smoke-related, that wasn’t just, like, a really fucked up metaphor?” Eddie’s eyes are wide, pleading. “Please say it was a metaphor.”

“Sorry,” Steve says sincerely.

Eddie sighs through a lacklustre chuckle. “You’re fine, Steve. As for, uh, being possessed, I don’t think so. You’re no weirder than usual, but—”

“Wow, thanks. Means such a lot coming from you.”

“—you were a bit, like, out of it for a few seconds, but it just looked like you were gonna faint on me. Um. How’re you feeling now?”

“Good,” Steve says. When Eddie raises an eyebrow, he tacks on, “As good as I can be, I guess. Still.” He groans slightly as he stands, goes back over to the sink. “Better check.”

“Check? What?”

Steve runs the water as hot as it will possibly go, until the steam is evident. He sticks his hand right into the stream, hears Eddie hiss as the water scalds his skin.

“Okay, yup. Not possessed.”

“Fucking fantastic. Now I want it cold,” Eddie says.

He takes control of the faucet, nods for Steve to put his hand under the now cold water.

After a minute or two, Eddie sighs and collapses onto the toilet seat himself.

There’s a squeak as Steve turns the faucet off—his skin’s probably not had the good of the cold water for nearly long enough, but it’ll do.

Eddie’s tipped his head back so he’s facing the ceiling, eyes closed. Steve watches him with sympathy; he really must hate blood.

“Eddie. You can go.”

“Mm, nope,” Eddie says without opening his eyes. “I’m fine right here.”

“Suit yourself.”

Steve turns back to the sink, frowns at the tiny mirror above it; there’s black spots on the glass, but he can make out enough. Christ, the bags under his eyes are horrific.

“Relax, Casanova,” Eddie says, almost as if he’s heard Steve’s thoughts. “You look good.”

“Uh-huh. Think your brain’s fried from being on the run.”

Steve leans against the sink with one hip, finds Eddie looking at him with a small smile.

“Yeah, probably. Or maybe being on the run just suits you.” Eddie’s eyes flicker down. His smile falters. “You know, in an ideal world,” he says conversationally, “you’d be in a hospital getting stitches.”

Steve scoffs. “In an ideal world, I’d be in bed sleeping.”

“Amen to that,” Eddie says lightly. But he still looks sombre. “Seriously, though. If it gets… you know. I’d drive you.”

“To the hospital? What are you gonna do, Eddie, wander up to the front desk? Sounds like a real interesting way to get arrested.”

But Eddie doesn’t leap at the chance to make a joke.

“Steve,” he says softly. “I mean it. I wouldn’t care.”

“That would sorta ruin the whole priority of hiding you.”

“That’s—” Eddie huffs. “That’s not the priority.”

“Huh, that’s funny, cause it is in my book.” Steve nods at the door, to his whole world just outside. “One of many.”

Eddie’s eyes narrow. “And your name better be right at the top, Harrington.”

Steve hums.

“In bold. Underlined.”

“Whatever you say.”

Eddie groans quietly, runs a hand down his face. “You worry me, man.”

“I’m not trying to.”

“I know. Just…” Eddie hesitates. “Don’t go off alone. You know?”

Steve thinks it over. He steps forward and offers Eddie his hand.

Eddie takes it.

When Steve pulls him up, he stumbles a little, as if he feels like he’s on a boat, too.

“Oops, sorry.” He grabs onto Steve’s forearm for balance. “Think this should be the other way round, man.”

“Hmm, I don’t think so.”

Steve leads the way out of the bathroom—doesn’t mention the fact that, really, they’re both holding each other up.

There’s a bottle of water left in the back. Steve twists the cap off. Drinks.

“You too,” he tells Eddie.

“Huh?”

Steve considers him—thinks of the little flare of panic he felt when watching Eddie walk through the woods, tiptoeing around vines. How he had a sudden instinct to catch up to him, to make sure he wasn’t alone.

“I’m making a deal,” Steve says. “I won’t go off alone if you don’t.”

He lifts the bottle up as if making a toast—drinks again then passes it over to Eddie.

For the slightest of moments, their fingers brush; Eddie’s rings skim over Steve’s knuckles.

“So what’s this?” Eddie asks. “Legally binding magical water?”

Steve shrugs. “Cool metaphor,” he replies.

You say you just turn heel and run, Eddie. But sometimes I think if there was a fire, you’d run towards the flames if it meant no-one else got hurt.

Eddie smiles. Tilts the bottle towards Steve.

“Guess it’s a promise, then,” he says.

He drinks.

Steve prays that it holds.

[scarqn]

Ken Sato Drabble: Picnic anniversary

Pairing: husband!Kenji sato x wife!fem!reader

Summary: it’s yours and your husband, Kenji’s 5th wedding anniversary, and he has a surprise for you.

No warnings, just cute stuff.

A/n: nothing too big, but enough. Sorry for being away for so long, I’ve been very busy with life🫡

Not proof read btw guys😂

Wc:??idk

For @dokyeomkyeom 🫡🫡

Today marks yours and you husbands wedding anniversary. This morning you were blessed with no screaming children jumping on your bed you share with Kenji. In fact, you were also blessed with breakfast in bed.

Ken had told you once you are done with your food, to get ready for something he has planned this afternoon. You had looked at him kinda surprised, “What have you got planned?” You had asked. Kenji winked at you, “It’s a surprise.” He replied before leaving you in your room with breakfast.

Once you were finished and ready, Kenji got the kids ready, packing a bag each for them for their grandpas, Kenji’s father. After many kisses goodbyes from you two mini you and Kenji, you and Kenji had finally started your journey.

The ride was 30 minutes long, your husband told you to relax for a while until you guys get there. And you did that, window down, your favourite music playing. You hum along to the music as Ken puts his hand on your leg, tapping a finger to the beat and grabbing your hand to peck it.

Half an hour later, you arrive at your destination. A wooded area? You have Kenji a confused look. “It’s about a 10 minute walk from here to where we actually need to be.” He tells you, pecking your lips. The walk wasn’t long, but you could feel you legs growing tired. No matter how much you chase around the children, you still can cope a ten minute walk.

Kenji stops in front of you, holding out a blind fold, “Gunna need you to wear this, baby.” He tells you. You eyebrows raise, “What’s this?” You hum. He shrugs and puts the blindfold over your eyes, “Gotta wait and see.”

He puts an arm around your waist, guiding you- and to make sure your dopey ass doesn’t trip and fall.

You stop and you feel your husband taking off the blindfold. You were greeted with a beautiful view of the landscape. “Wow.” You managed to say, only in a barely whisper. You were stunned and in awe.

You turn to Kenji and smile sheepishly, “What’s this?” You question. He kisses you, “Picnic.” He grins. Out of happiness and excitement you pull him in a bear hug, squeezing him tightly. “I love it.” You kiss his lips.

Both of you make your way over to where the blanket with a basket is laid out. You help him set everything out. Plates, wine glasses, food and the wine.

You notice it’s all of your favourite foods and snacks.

You both dig into the food almost immediately, “Oh my gosh I’m so hungry,” you moan as you stuff your mouth with a sandwich. “You had breakfast not even two hours ago.”

You glare at him, “Yeah, and?” He laughs at your reaction. You continue to eat the food, drinking wine on the side. It then comes to dessert; ice cream, a small chocolate cake with strawberries on top.

After you finish eating, you and Kenji chill out a bit, talking about your next vacation as the sun starts to set.

Kenji suddenly perks up, “oh, I almost forgot.” He says as he digs into the basket, “I got you a present.” You look at him with wide eyes, you didn’t even get him anything. “I didn’t get you anything.” You say almost boldly.

He chuckles lowly, “That’s fine, baby. But I got you something, here open it.” He hands the small box over to you. You shyly open the box to reveal a beautiful necklace. “Are those your initials?” You laugh out. He nods. “You’re so adorable,” you say before kissing him.

“I love it, thank you.” You take it out of the box, it’s white gold, since you hate gold with a passion. He helps you put it on and you admire it.

“Thank you, Ken. Seriously today has been perfect.” You hug him.

He looks at you with a smudged look, “What?” You question. “Did I tell you that the kids are staying at my dad’s for the night?” He grins.

I shake my head until I realise what he means, “We haven’t finished yet, let’s go home and finish this perfect day off with the most perfect sex.” He smirks.

“You know you can just tell me if you want another kid.” You say jokingly.

[idkwhatever580]

Country Girl

Masterlist

Pairings: Natasha romanoff x singer!reader

Prompt: One night a drunken Tony forgets y/n’s Texan roots and dares her to sing something different.

Warnings: dumbass Tony, songfic, swearing

A/N: okay guys. I usually dislike country but it’s growing on me. Yes this is low key a vent lol but in a good way? Idk I know the people that I’m linking the songs to. Like I literally know them. (Well the second one I know know and the first one I know her kids better but I know her too lol)

Disclaimer: I do not own these songs. The first song in the fic is not going to be y/n’s but the second one is. I would like to preface this by saying it’s like a face claim but for a song lol idk how to describe it 😭

Y/n’s Pov

I just finished my last song of the night and I am saying my goodbyes to the drunk people of the infamous Stark party.

Then suddenly Tony walks onto the stage (more like trips) and slurs

“You can’t sing good! Only good singers can sing every genre”

I chuckle at him and say

“Tony I can sing every genre. I just don’t.”

He smiles at me like he’s about to win something.

“Prove it. Sing a country song.”

I smirk and look over at Natasha who is on one of the couches watching me from afar and she gives me an eyebrow raise so I say

“What’s in it for me?”

He thinks and says

“You know how you always want me to make you your own iron man suit?”

He waits for me to nod and when I do he continues

“I’ll make one for you if you can sing a country song with no lyrics”

I hold my hand out immediately saying

“Deal”

He pauses and says

“But! You can’t sing one of the popular ones that everybody knows like before he cheats okay?”

I keep my hand out firm and say

“Deal”

So he takes it and we shake on it. I make it a point to look at the crowd and say

“Y’all are seeing this right?!”

They all nod and I once again give Natasha a little smirk knowing I’m getting an Iron Man suit.

So I go backstage for a second and grab my guitar and then I pull up a stool and adjust my mic.

I take a breath and say

“Here goes nothing”

Making the crowd laugh a bit. Honestly anything can make a drunk person laugh.

Either you can listen to this or just read the words. Idc. It helps if you listen. (It’s only part of the song btw)

I start strumming the guitar like my teacher taught me. I learned how to play on this song so it’s in my heart.

But it doesn’t matter. I’m still nervous as fuck. I might have learned how to play with this song but I never had to perform it.

I never stay in one place too long

A dirt road's singing me a siren song

I smile when I start to feel the music. I can see a couple people recognizing the song. But not many since it’s only like half way popular.

I gotta find a field

I need to spin my wheels

I got a hankering for four wide tires

And I can't help it it's the way I'm wired

'Fore you get too close

At the last minute I decide to change the words since I’m gay and I don’t like boys. Don’t wanna send the wrong signals.

Girl you need to know

I got a heart like a truck

It's been drug through the mud

Runs on dreams and gasoline

And that ole highway holds the key

It's got a lead foot down when it's leaving

Lord knows it's taken a hell of a beating

A little bit of love is all that it's needing

But it's good as it is tough

I got a heart like a-

“Hold on hold on hold on!”

Tony cuts me off so I stop playing. I give him nasty look and everyone in the crowd boos him since he literally cut into the song I was singing. But before I can say anything he says

“I know this song. I wanna hear something I haven’t heard before.”

I roll my eyes and say

“Stark, you actually only asked for a not super popular country song. I’m singing a half way popular country song.”

He shakes his head and says

“Okay me something you know I’ve never heard before.”

I smirk and look over at Natasha and she nods her head.

So I run backstage and tune my violin so I can play the bridge and then I set it on my stand and oick up my guitar again.

“You wanna hear something you’ve never heard before? I’ll give you just that”

He narrows his eyes and says

“What’s the song name?”

I sigh and say

“Leave Texas Dry.”

He folds his arms and sways a bit. He’s still drunk as fuck

“Who’s it by?”

I smile at him sweetly and say

“Y/n motherfucking Y/l/n”

His face goes white knowing he just lost and I say

“You seem to have forgotten my roots Anthony. I was born and raised in Texas. In other words you just lost a bet with a country girl.”

He scoffs and says

“Not yet. The song has to be good. How do I know it’s not chicken shit?!”

I smirk and say

“Let me fucking play and you’ll see”

The crowd low key goes wild and I sit my happy ass back down and start playing.

I’ve only played this song for Natasha, but I sure as hell practiced so many times that I memorized it. I was not about to get it wrong in front of my possible girlfriend at the time.

I remember asking her to be my girlfriend after singing it.

Once again I am NOT Kay O’Neil. I am simply an acquaintance that loves her music and also happens to write fanfics lol.

Here’s the song if you wanna listen before reading.

She’s like summer rain

Takes my cares away

Drives me insane

She’s all I need

Just for her to stay

Is all I plead

While singing I start thinking of her. I am only looking right at her and I think of the first time I met her. Before we dated I could not handle myself. It’s almost funny how clumsy and awkward I got around her.

‘Cause when she smiles

My heart can’t take it

And I’d go miles

Just so we could make it

‘Cause I’m startin’ to see

How hard it would be

To let her pass by

And leave Texas dry

I was just a girl from Texas that ended up with powers. I had no idea what my life was to hold.

She’s pourin’ down

And I can’t get enough

Wanna keep her ‘round

I remember the first time we danced in the rain. I was sad and sitting on the roof. She, being my best friend, had come out and sit there with me. Then it started raining and she pulled me up to go inside but I stopped her and asked her to dance with me.

I stepped on her foot a few times but she didn’t mind.

‘Cause when she smiles

My heart can’t take it

And I’d go miles

Just so we could make it

‘Cause I’m startin’ to see

How hard it would be

To let her pass by

And leave Texas dry

I pick up my violin for the bridge and start playing with all my heart.

Then I look at Natasha and smile seeing her bright smile on display. She can make me melt from one look. And I start singing the bridge.

It’s hard lettin’ go

When her love is all I know

But I want her to do

What she wants to

I wrote that because I was terrified. We had a situationship, but she was scared of love. And I was scared of life without her. But I wanted the best for her so I was ready for rejection.

Then I slow it down for the last chorus.

‘Cause when she smiles

My heart can’t take it

And I’d go miles

Just so we could make it

‘Cause I’m startin’ to see

How hard it would be

To let her pass by

And leave Texas dry

She blows me a kiss and I send her a dopey smile and I suddenly remember the black box in my pocket. I kept it on me for any time that was perfect. And honestly. What a better way to do it?

So I move my hand to signal her up here and I give Wanda a look to make sure Tony doesn’t get in the way of it.

She immediately understands and nods her head having her mission set out.

Then Natasha makes it onto the stage as I sing the last few lines.

Oh don’t leave Texas dry

Leave Texas dry

I stand up and look at her and she has a surprisingly watery smile.

I hand her my violin since the stand is behind her and while she turns around I shush the crowd and get down on one knee while getting the ring box.

She turns around and gasps.

I give her a loving look and say

“Natasha. You have been there for me from the very beginning. I remember my first day here and Clint was showing me around telling me not to get hurt if you didn’t like me. But you surprised everyone by volunteering to help me get my things and you were so kind. I knew in that moment I wanted you. I have known for so long I love you. I love you so so much and I will never stop loving you.”

She has her hand covering her mouth and her eyes are watering. The crowd, thankfully, is dead silent except for the few coos from them since the mic is still on. I have my head mic on today instead of using the normal microphone.

“I asked you to be my girlfriend three years ago with this exact song. And when you said yes I almost passed out. I completely expected you to reject me by punching me in the face. I honestly am surprised you haven’t punched me even now. And I thought, what a better time to ask this question than doing it like I did in the beginning. So please. Make me the happiest woman alive and marry me?”

I look hopeful and she pretends to think about it like she did the first time but ultimately she nods and says

“Yes y/n I would love to marry you”

After that I break and let out a sob and shakily place the ring on her finger. She actually had to help me because I was so shaky. But she pulls me up to stand and kisses me in front of everyone.

And then our moment is ruined by Tony patting me on the back.

I look at Wanda and she sends a sympathetic look that says ‘I did all I could’ and then I smile knowing we at least got a moment. But Tony says

“Look at that ladies and gentlemen and everything in between”

I smirk knowing I rubbed off on him. And he continues regardless

“All of this happened because of me.”

I roll my eyes and instead of fighting with him I just let him have his moment knowing he won’t remember this in the morning and say

“Whatever helps you sleep at night. But you still owe me a suit”

He groans and runs off to get another drink. I turn to Natasha and say

“Let’s go to our room fiancé”

A/N: I hope y’all liked it!!! I def let my country out a bit. But not a lot. You can tell I’m from Texas from the y’all

Taglist comment or message me to be added to Taglist!!!

@ilovesnat @ihartnat

[fhatbhabiee]

Cuz I Loved You | Part 2

DBF!Joel Miller x Reader

word count: 1.4k

warnings: very light smut, joel being an ass, pregnancy, dad lectures, flashback, break up

part 1

It was quiet. Almost a bit too quiet. Your eyes scanned the small waiting room, glancing over the faces of the other people there.

Guess what they say is true- you really aren't alone.

The nurse opened the door and called out your name. When you walked back with her you could feel the world moving in slow motion. All the sounds around you were muffled but you could sure as hell hear your heart about to beat out of your chest.

It didn't take as long as you thought- in and out but you left with a souvenir. You smiled at the black and white photo, admiring the tiny little bean growing inside of you.

“We're gonna be just fine, bean. I promise you.”

— • —

They both stumbled into Joel's house and up to his bedroom. He flung his t-shirt off the same time she pulled her skirt down and kicked it somewhere in the room. Joel had picked her up at the bar, wanting- well more like needing something to stick his dick in and he was getting tired of his hand.

She was about to drop to her knees but he grabbed her wrist.

“Bed.” he demanded. She finished getting undressed and laid down on his bed facing him. He walked over and quickly flipped her on her stomach, grabbing her waist and flipping her over.

He thrusted into her, groaning at the sensational feeling he missed so much. It wasn't you but it'll do.

Fuck. Why did he have to think about you? He shook his head trying to get your face out of his mind but it wasn't working. Your smile was burned in the backs of his eye lids, the sound of your voice echoed through his ears. No matter what he thought of, your face popped up.

“Get out.” he let out a frustrated grunt as he pulled out and tucked himself back in his jeans.

“What?” she asked, confused

“I said get out!” she quickly got up from the bed and got redressed. She grabbed her shoes and left without saying anything else.

—

“Joel, we gotta go!” Tommy yelled out as he knocked on Joel's bedroom door. Joel jerked awake, headache hitting him like a truck the second he opened his eyes. He slowly got up and opened the door, the smell of alcohol hitting Tommy in the face.

“Jesus…” he muttered under his breath. “What did you do last night?”

Joel shrugged his shoulders as he walked back over to his bed. “Remember kicking a girl out of here last night. That's about it.”

“Why did you-”

“Can't stop thinking about her.” Joel muttered, cutting Tommy off. Tommy let out a small sigh and sat down next to Joel. He knew exactly who Joel was talking about.

“Brother I hate to break it to you but you can't get all sad and upset about missing her when you were the one that broke it off.”

“You don't get it…”

Tommy scoffed. “Joel, I know you better than anyone. Things got too serious between the two of you and you got scared- scared because the last time you had something serious she left you with a kid to raise on your own.”

Joel stayed quiet. He knew Tommy wasn't wrong. He really did want a life with you, he just let his fears get in the way. He hoped that after your dads birthday party he'd hear from you but it's been months and still nothing. He pushed you away and that's his own fault.

“Get dressed, we gotta get to work.” Tommy said before walking out of his bedroom.

— • —

“This damned thing.” you grunted, struggling to clip the baby seat in the back of your car. You felt a strong hand on your back, grabbing your attention.

“Let me get it.” Your dad said, reaching over the car seat and clipping it in within seconds.

“I totally had it.”

“Mhm.” he muttered as the closed the back door of the car.

“So…” Your dad started, leaning against your car. “I told your mom I wasn't gonna say anything but-”

“Dad if its about Joel-”

“He deserves to know.” You let out a sigh, annoyed that he's about to give you the same lecture again. “This is his kid too.”

“Yeah and he's the one that said he didn't want to start over. He's the one that broke up with me.”

“You need to stop being selfish and think about what that kid is gonna think when it grows up without a father. Get it through your head.”

“I'm being selfish? Joel wants nothing to do with this!”

“How do you know if you haven't even told him?”

You stayed quiet, secretly hating the fact that your dad was right. You still haven't told Joel and if you're being honest you hadn't planned on it. He made it clear when you broke up; he didn't want to start over. So why tell him?

“I gotta get going…” you muttered before getting in your car. Your dad grabbed the door before you closed it all the way.

“Do me a favor and think about it.” he muttered before closing the door.

—

After leaving your parents you decided to stop by the baby store and browse around- bit of retail therapy. You were walking around the store, searching for new clothes for the baby when you heard a deep voice call out your name.

You turned around and there he was.

“No way…” he muttered, eyes going straight to your swollen belly.

“Tommy.”

“H-How far along are you?”

“Almost 7 months.”

“Almost time then huh?”

“Yeah… Tommy I don't mean to be rude but what are you doing in a baby store?”

“Maria’s pregnant.” he smiled.

“Oh congratulations.” you said pulling him into a hug.

“Thank you. I'm so nervous but excited.” he chuckled, hugging you back.

“Oh you're gonna be a great dad Tommy don't sweat it.”

“Speaking of…” he trailed off, eyes going back to your belly. You crossed your arms over your chest, taking a step back from Tommy.

“It was good seeing you Tommy.” You flashed him a quick smile before walking away. The entire car ride back to your house you knew that Tommy was gonna tell Joel. Only thing is- what was Joel gonna do when he did find out?

— • —

“Wanted to talk to you about something.” You said as you sat in Joels lap and wrapped your arm around his neck.

“Talk to me baby.”

“Have you ever thought about maybe… having another baby?”

He chuckled. “Honey I'm 54, I tossed out that card a long time ago.”

“I know but maybe-”

“There is no maybe. I'm not having another kid.” He snapped. You gave him a small nod and got off his lap, walking up to the bedroom.

Joel didnt speak to you the rest of the day, until later that night when he walked upstairs and found you typing away on your laptop.

“What's with the baby talk earlier?” He asked. You closed your computer and set it on the nightstand.

“It was just a question Joel.”

“Okay, well then, do you want a baby?”

“Yeah.” You paused. “Not right now but I'd love to have a baby somewhere down the line.”

“It's not gonna be with me sweetheart I can tell you that now.”

You felt the familiar lump form in your throat- sensing a feeling in your gut on what was about to happen.

“So is it a deal breaker?” You asked, scared to know the answer.

“Yeah.” He muttered. “It's a deal breaker.”

—

Joel sat back, processing everything that he was just told. “How far along?” He whispered.

“7 months now.”

Joel looked over at him and gave him a small nod. “Thank you for telling me.”

“You deserved to know.”

beta'd: @dancingtotuyo & @clawdee thank you so much 🤍

divider: @saradika-graphics

Masterlist

[littleadaline]

Best Kept Hidden [F.L16]

[Brother’s best friend trope]

Warnings: bit of a make-out sesh.

Word Count: 2.4K

A/N: I have been strugggggling with uni finals… All this work for what..?

—————————————————————

“Grab the popcorn! I’ll be right down. Just gotta grab some blankets.” You yelled out to Aurora.  

Before you could move, the front door opened, revealing a soaked Gavi and Fermín. Gavi cheerfully greeted you, but Fermín’s face fell silent, choosing to dryly greet you with a wave. You waved back, turning your back to him and climbing up the stairs. Despite Fermín being friends with your brother for years, you felt like he never warmed up to you. He often avoided being in the same room alone with you, choosing to leave or put in his headphones. Although, in front of your family, he seemed fine. You always thought that maybe he was a shy kid, but these habits were starting to follow him into adulthood.

“Gavi, Fermín, you guys need to change before you soak the floors. I’ll grab you guys some towels.” You shouted from upstairs. Heading into the bathroom, you grabbed some towels before throwing them from upstairs to the boys. The towels landed with a thud before Gavi grabbed them and handed one to his friend. As for you, you grabbed the blankets before rushing downstairs back to Aurora.

“Nuh uh, I saw you grab a handful of popcorn!” You called out Aurora.

“Hermana, you were taking way too long! I got hungry.” She defended herself, pouting.

The movie ended a few hours later, and you were left lounging in the living room, bored off your mind.

“Chicas!” Gavi interrupted, turning on the light in the living room, earning a groan from both you and Aurora. “Fermín and I had the brilliant idea to go to the arcades. Are you in?” You glanced at Fermín who had a sudden interest in his feet, or more like, his socks.

“Yeah, I’ll just grab my sweater. Are we taking your car?”

“Fermín drove his car here, so we’re gonna take both cars. Ride with whoever you want. We leave in 5 minutes.” Gavi said, putting on his shoes and tying the laces. As you made it to your room, you heard the sound of the front door close behind you. Outside your window, you could hear Aurora and Gavi laugh, although the subject of their conversation was unknown. You grabbed your sweater and applied some perfume before heading back downstairs. Fermín was sitting on the entrance bench, on his phone, legs spread out. You couldn’t lie, he looked good. Especially with his cap and black t-shirt.

“Am I-?” Fermín interrupted you.

“Riding with me? Yeah. Gavi said so.” His tone was slightly off. You weren’t surprised by the lack of warmth, but you were surprised by the rude behaviour.

Not wanting to spend the next 20 minutes being a victim of his grumpy behaviour, you slid yourself between his body and the door before he could open it.

“Go sit.”

“Why are you asking me to sit? We gotta leave.” He said, his voice growing more annoyed.

“We need to talk and we are going to do so before we leave for the arcade.”

Your heard him groan before taking off his shoes and sitting down on the couch. You sent a text to Gavi letting him know you would be leaving later and they could beat you to the arcade. Locking your phone, you shifted your attention back to the grumpy blonde on your couch.

“What is up with you?” You sat down on the other end of the couch.

“Nothin’… Why do you care?” He angrily responded, his gaze avoiding yours.

“I care because you’re my brother’s best friend, and because… I feel like you hate me. All these years and you always have acted like I was a burden in my own house. Goddam. I mean, did I ever do something to you?” You scoffed, sitting further back into the couch.

Fermín crossed his arms on his chest, a tell he had since he was a kid. You knew he wanted to get something off his chest, but something was holding him back.

“No.”

“No? No, what?” You pressed.

“No, I don’t hate you. And no, you never did anything for me to hate you. It’s just…” he sighed defeated. “Forget it. Can we get to the arcade?” He ended the conversation.

You obliged, not wanting to widen the gap between the two of you and soon locked the door behind you before climbing into his car. The drive was cold, not only the weather, but the atmosphere. Neither of you said a word, opting to gaze at the passing streets instead.

From [The Yellow Card Merchant]:

We just made it to the arcade and it’s closed. So we’re gonna head for some drinks instead. I’ll text you the address, please tell Fermín.

“Gavi just texted me to say that the arcade is closed. He and Aurora are heading out for drinks in the same neighborhood. It’s on the same street as the arcade, at the beginning.”

“C’mon man, can just one thing workout tonight?” He lamented.

“I’m sorry…” You mumbled under your breath.

Fermín took off his eyes off the road for a quick second, glancing at your slumped body against the car seat, arms crossed under your chest. His heart tugged at the sight of you. Pulling into the parking, you spotted Aurora and Gavi waiting for you by the door. You jumped out of the car, waiving to your siblings. Fermín was behind you, his attitude slightly better than earlier, a pout still adorning his lips. Making your way into the bar, your eyes quickly adjusted to the lack of light. This place hadn’t been updated since the late 90’s based on the decoration, the smell of old cigarettes and sandalwood, and the Green Day poster hanging above the staircase. Aurora led you to a small, round table hidden in the corner of the place.

“Look, they have some arcade games!” She happily exclaimed. “I can finally claim my air hockey queen title back.” She said, Gavi rolling his eyes at her antics. You chuckled, followed by Fermín, who cracked a smile for the first time since your attempted discussion.

“Let’s order! Aurora? Fermín? What are you guys having?” Gavi asked, already knowing you were going to ask for a cola.

“I’m driving back, so anything without any alcohol… actually I’ll just come with you.” Fermín got up from his seat, following Gavi to the bar. You felt like he was avoiding you, avoiding have to talk to you. You turned back to Aurora, not wanting to be seen as a creep for staring down at Fermín.

“Does Fermín seem odd to you?” Aurora choked on her gum, her eyes widening at your question.

“Odd, how?”

“Um… I mean he’s always been cold and distant with me. But…” you sighed. “Promise me you won’t tell Pablo…”.

“I promise. Is Fermín okay?”

“When I went upstairs to change, Fermín was waiting for me downstairs. And when I asked him if I was riding with me, he interrupted me before I could finish and he sounded super annoyed. So I told him to sit on the couch and I tried to ask him why he hated me-”

“He doesn’t hate you.” Aurora interrupted you. “We will talk about it at home. The guys are back.” She nudged you with her elbow.

“One mojito, extra lime. One strawberry daiquiri , and 2 sodas.” Gavi slid the drinks on the table. Fermín sat across you, his gaze glued to the ground, mindlessly sipping on his soda. The conversation gravitated from one subject to another, Fermín not chiming in once. You weren’t the only one who had noticed.

“Fermín? Are you okay hermano? You haven’t talked once.” Aurora spoke up.

“Mh? Yeah, just got…um a lot on my mind. School and football.” He said.

Two other hours had gone by, Gavi and Aurora were battling for the ultimate title of air hockey king or queen… that meant you were sitting at the table with Fermín. You were debating opening a conversation with him when his voice pulled you away from your thoughts. You were tired, finding it hard to keep your eyes open. Fermín noticed this, finally speaking up.

“I’ll drive you home… If you want.”

“What?”

“I said I’d drive you home if you want to. Gavi invited me to sleep over anyways.”

“I’ll grab my stuff and tell Aurora we’re leaving. I’ll meet you in the car.”

Fermín nodded, and went out the door. You found your siblings and quickly briefed them in before giving them a peck on the cheek and heading out. Fermín was waiting for you in the car, his mood more positive from earlier. He unlocked the door from you, taking your bag from you and throwing it in the back seat. Once in your driveway, Fermín parked the car, his eyes lingering on his hand holding yours as he helped you get out. Inside the house, you quickly parted ways, opting to get ready for the night instead of risking a talk with your brother’s best friend.

“I’m… I’m off to sleep Fermín. Do you need anything? Blankets?” You stood in the doorframe of the guest bedroom.

“No, I’m good. Thank you. Sleep tight, Y/N.” He said, his eyes glazing over your silhouette. You noticed a new kindness in his eyes. Unbeknownst to you, you were growing a soft spot for the blonde.

Wishing Fermín goodnight, you made your way back in your room, slipping under the covers for a well deserved night of sleep. As you were falling asleep, you heard the front door open and the giggle of your siblings as they went up the stairs. Aurora was hammered but Gavi was sober enough to get the both of them home. You finally fell asleep, only to be woken up an hour later. Frustrated, you pulled the covers off and sneakily went down to the kitchen for a glass of water. A sniffle coming from the living room stopped you in your tracks. Peeking over, you caught a glance at Fermín’s slumped figure, his arm quickly wiping away the tears.

Grabbing a second cup, you filled it up and brought it to him.

“Are you okay?” You whispered, still standing in front of him.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He wiped away more tears.

“You want to talk about it?” You grew concerned.

Fermín shook his head, his body sinking further into the couch. Your mind flashed back to that time when he was 8 and his coach had berated him for a simple mistake. The slumped figure, puffy eyes, and quivering lip made your mind dizzy.

“I… I just want to be held.” He confessed.

You looked back at him, not wasting a second in wrapping your arms around his torso. You felt his breathing slow down, and his heartbeat become more regular.

“Do you want me to pull aw-”

“Please don’t.” He pleaded. “I’ve just been so stressed. With school and wanting to perform well on the first team. I never felt this way before.”

You stayed in a comfortable silence, entangled in each others’ arms until he spoke up again.

“I.. I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I just wanted to apologize. I’ve been an asshole to you… for some years now. Truth is, I don’t hate you. I never have.”

“So… Why have you been acting this way with me?” You looked back at him, your eyes getting lost in the beauty of his. “It hurt me to see you walk away, ignore me, for reasons beyond my comprehension.” You confessed.

“Don’t freak out, but when we were younger, I told Gavi that I liked you.” He scratched the back of his neck. ”He blew up at me. Wouldn’t talk to me for days. I mean, we were…8? But I got so scared of losing his friendship that I never brought it up again. I tried distancing myself from you, by being cold and distant. I was hoping that by doing this, you would naturally grow to dislike me, and I wouldn’t have to worry about my crush on you.” He blurted out.

You were shocked, to say the least. Your gaze softened. Your hand reached out for his, slowly wrapping your fingers around his.

None of you dared to say anything, choosing to simply sit in the comfortable silence you had created. After a few minutes processing his words, you broke the silence.

“We have a lot of catching up to do. I’m sorry Pablo was… well, Pablo.” You giggled. “Do you… still feel this way about me? After all these years?”

Fermín simply grabbed your chin before shyly placing a kiss on your lips, waiting for your reaction. Grabbing the back of his neck, you pulled yourself closer, almost straddling him. His lips molded to yours, tongues fighting for dominance. Heavy breathing and soft moans could be heard coming from the room.

“Does this answer the question?” Fermín asked you.

“Absolutely.” You answered, going back for a second kiss.

After a heated make out session, which left you hot and sweaty, you both laid back on the couch, your body laying on top of his. Your head was placed on his chest, while your hand was tracing patterns on his bicep. His right hand was tracing circles on your hip, while his left hand held you closer to him, making sure you didn’t roll away.

“Can we take it slow?” He asked.

“What do you mean?” You raised an eyebrow.

“Maybe keep this a secret between us. Without telling Aurora or Pablo.”

“I’m okay with this. I want this to be just us… no external influence. No pressure. Just two teenagers falling in love all over again with one another.”

“Alright preciosa, just the two of us.” He kissed the top of your head, his arms tightening their hold on you, bringing you closer to his chest. “Maybe something did go right tonight.” He smiled to himself.

The two of you fell asleep, waking up a few minutes before your siblings came downstairs.

“Fermín? Y/N? Up already?” Aurora asked you, grabbing an aspiring for her head.

“Yeah, Y/N forgot her bag in my car and I woke up to retrieve it.” He lied through his teeth. “ I’ll hit the shower before breakfast.” Fermín loaded his glass of water in the dishwasher before running upstairs, suppressing the urge to kiss you in front of Aurora. Once he was out of earshot, Aurora whispered to you.

“Next time you want to make out with him, make sure we cannot hear you do so.” She winked before turning her back to you.

[mx-julien]

weird little guy Jay was a little too bright and clever and inventive as a kid, for most people. Ed and Edna loved it, of course, but other kids at his school and other adults he talked to weren't sure what to do with him. from his personality in the pilot, it seems like he's not used to others liking him

it's a common issue for any kid (especially ND kids) with a strong sustained interest in something. using my credentials *gestures to childhood* I will hypothesize what Jay's social life growing up might've looked like:

a curly little mop of auburn hair ran home from the bus stop, waving a messy technical drawing and yelling. Ed lifted up his welding hood, "what's goin' on, Jay?"

"Dad! Dad! I know how to- how to make-" Jay plopped down next to his dad, sending a little puff of dirt into the air, "I know how to make it go smooth! we use ball bearings!"

"kiddo you're exactly right- but first you gotta drop your backpack by the house and tell your Mom about school," Ed went to pull his hood down," and I'm nearly done with this, okay? we can get started right after"

"make sure you look at these," Jay carefully flattened his wide ruled notebook paper with hastily done technical drawings, using some nearby scrap to hold each corner down, "I explained everything here," pointing to a mass of scribbles, "okay?" peering up at his Dad, Jay's curls obstructed more of his vision.

"I promise, kiddo," Ed patted his son's fluffy head, "you worked real hard on them."

beaming, Jay slung his backpack on and ran back to the house bent down partway with both arms extended behind him. kids, Ed shook his head with a smile, always finding ways to do new silly things

~*~

excited shouts were a regular occurrence at the Walker home, Jay frequently came back from school with new insights and ideas to tell them. since his latest project was with Ed, Edna got to talk to Jay about everything else. they switched off so that one of them got to spend hours with their son while the other took care of most of the business and cleaning.

speaking of her son, the trailer door rattled before flinging open, "Mom!" Jay ran over to give her a hug at the kitchen sink, where she was doing dishes.

"hi dear, how was school today?"

"good. I drew for me and dad's project and we did some more multiplying and I'm really good at it" he rattled off more activities as he pulled out his lunchbox and homework for that day.

everything he talked about involved teachers and classwork. Jay only mentioned other kids when they commented on his drawings or played with him at recess, which was not as common as they would've liked. when she and Ed last met with his teacher, she remarked on how bright Jay was and that he loved speaking to all of his teachers- even at recess and during lunch.

he had friends, but most of them didn't talk to him as much at school as they did when they came over. she could tell Jay was trying very hard to not take it personally, but he was just a child.

it wasn't malicious, of course, the other kids weren't trying to be cruel- they wanted to have a lot of friends and Jay wasn't joining the other kids at recess; he found sticks and things to make little cars and catapults. no one could keep up with him and he never cared to race the cars or use the catapults to hit things. he just wanted to make them better and better.

he is so similar her and Ed were as children: bit with the invention bug and always pushing towards making everything better than it was before. except Jay didn't have a close friend to share that with. he asked her once, in between sobs, why everyone else had a best friend except him. it broke her heart, knowing that Jay felt that everyone was friendly with him, but not friends with him.

"Mom, can you help me with math tonight? I need to practice my multiplication tables up to 12"

Jay's request pulled her back to the present. taking a beat, she made sure he wouldn't be able to read the sadness she felt, "of course, dear, I'd love to," smiling, she ruffled his curls and glanced at the kitchen table. all his homework was in a neat stack, he'd emptied out what was left in his lunchbox, and set the tupperware onto the countertop. her son was bouncing up and down on his toes, waiting for her permission to run outside.

Edna bent down, taking Jay's head in her hands and placing a light kiss on his forehead, "good job, dear, and thank you for unpacking everything. make sure you take a glass of water out for your father and come in once the sun goes down, okay?"

"okay!" making a mad dash for the door, Jay suddenly diverted to grab the glass, and then started a more careful walk over to Ed, valiantly trying to not spill a drop.

their precious son would find his people, she was sure of it. and in the meantime, she and Ed would be here for him.

[kiibichio]

STATE FAIR ❤︎ C. STURNIOLO

OVERVIEW ;; you and chris go to the state fair for a date <3

CONTAINS ;; fluffy fluff fluff. use of y/n, im sorry 😭. smoochies, holding hands, MUSHY SHIT

mora speaks ;; so i was watching the 3005 mv by childish gambino and thought about being on a ferris wheel, holding hands and kissing chris. UGH i love that man.

date posted ;; 02.18.24

proofread !!

——————————————————————————————

6:26 pm.

“c’mon y/n! we only have a few hours let’s make it worth our while!” chris exclaims, dragging me in the direction of the bumper cars.

me and my boyfriend of 5 months, chris, were at the california state fair with our friend, madi and his brothers, nick and matt. we had been begging matt to take us, but every time we brought it up, our schedules just wouldn’t match up. so, today was one of the only days we could go before it ended.

once we arrived, we bought our wristbands and started walking around all together until matt told us, “listen. i know you guys have been dying to come here, but..” matt starts to speak, but i tune him out, making jokes with nick and madi.

“…so since im the only one who knows how to drive, you have 5 hours. meet back at the ticket stand at 11. if you guys aren’t here, im leaving you all. dead ass. you guys got that?” he announces.

me and chris nod at him in sync.

“alright, you can go.” matt says, shooing us away.

chris almost runs away from his brother, dragging me along with him.

MATT’S POV ;;

“i feel like im raising some damn kids with those two.” i sigh, looking at madi and nick

“just let them be. they’re in loveeee” nick laughs, making kissy faces at madi.

“now im raising four kids.” i chuckle

YOUR POV ;;

and that brings us here,

“c’mon y/n! we only have a few hours let’s make it worth our while!” chris exclaims, dragging me in the direction of the bumper cars.

“chris, 5 hours is more than enough time to enjoy ourselves.” i breathe heavily due to him pulling me all the way to the other side of the fair just to get to the bumper cars.

“yea.. but we have to go on every ride and we gotta eat. duh.” he rolls his eyes playfully

“okay okay,” i giggle, “so i’m guessing you wanna go on the bumper cars first, huh?”

“you know me too well, baby.” he smiles, giving me a sweet, soft kiss on my lips, “let’s get in line before it gets too long.”

“wait! i forgot something!” i urgently say.

“what is it, mama?” chris asks, turning around to look at me with a bit of worry in his voice.

i pull his face down to mine and make his mouth meet mine, giving him another soft peck.

“just wanted to kiss you again.” i speak, a smile growing on my face

chris smiles back at me before walking into the line for the bumper cars.

we spent the next four and a half hours riding rollercoasters, goofy kiddie rides and other things. of course we took a snack break and shared a funnel cake with a snowball, but other than that, we were running each other all over the fair grounds, trying to figure out what to get on and what games to play next. chris ended up winning me a gigantic, fluffy, stuffed animal while i beat him in a water gun game, winning a luigi plushie. although i gave it to him anyway since i felt bad for beating him.

but as we approached 11 pm, we had one last ride to get on.

“baby, my feet are wearing and it’s almost 11, can we go wait in the car for nick and the others?” i groan

“just wait, ma. we got one more ride to go on.” he smirks, walking towards the ride, holding my hand like he has been the whole time.

we end up getting in the line to the ferris wheel and surprisingly, there only four people in front of us.

“see? it won’t take us too long, baby” he explained, “it’ll be like 30 seconds.”

“chris, i don’t care how long it takes as long as im with you and as long as we get back to the others by 11.”

he smiles at my reassurance and waits for our turn to get on the ride. once it’s our time to hop on, we do so. we get in the cart and wait for it to start. i lay my head on chris’ shoulder, a comfortable silence between us.

“hey, y/n, baby?” he speaks up

“yes, chris, my love?” i respond, my head still on his shoulder, the ride moving now. we were nearing the top, the view of the fair and the highway below us.

he brings my chin up with one finger to meet his face. he kisses me, slow, soft and passionately. it’s perfect. he’s perfect.

i giggle, “that’s all you wanted to do?”

“no. i also had to tell you this.. i love you, y/n” he announces genuinely.

i quietly gasp, he’s never said that before.. is he serious? “do you mean that, chris?” i ask in disbelief.

“im so serious.” he answers.

“i love you too, chris.” i say, leaning in for another kiss.

only to get cut off by the ride jerking to a stop.

“uh oh..” he murmurs

“CHRISTOPHER OWEN STURNIOLO. ARE WE FUCKING STUCK?” i yell at him

“oops.. SORRY!” he quickly apologizes.

i sigh and rub my temples. just wait until madi and the others hear this fucking story.

——————————————————————————————

mora speaks (again) ;; i thought this was really cute and funny 😭 or maybe im just cringe and unoriginal 😔 BUT LMK IF U LIKED THISSS BC I DID 💪🏾 also requests are officially OPEN so ask away my lovesss. toodles !! (p.s. this is my second fic EVER go easy on my pretty please)

tag list ;; @sturniolos-blog ��

[lunajay33]

Change Part.7

•🩰🎀🩷•

Summary: Y/n is a loner but loves ballet but her family doesn’t have enough money for her to dance at the studio, Daryl is a redneck who hates people and prefers bikes, until one day these two run into eachother and their lives change drastically, will Daryl toughen her up? Will y/n soften Daryl? Or both? How will things go when people start coming back from the dead

Pairing: Young Daryl Dixon x f!reader

A/n: This is going to be a series, it’s gonna start with how they met eachother and their lives before the apocalypse, eventually it’ll blend with twd story line!!

Part.6

•Masterlist•

“Where’s Merle?”

They explained the situation, how Merle was going to get everyone killed and what happened, now I’m just waiting anxiously for Daryl to come back from tracking that deer, Merle’s always been a hard ass and a problem to deal with but he is Daryl’s brother this was going to be a hard one to deal with, how was I suppose to tell him Merle’s handcuffed to a roof and the incident with Ed?

The kids screamed alerting the rest of us somethings was wrong, I got up running through the trees to where a deer was being eaten by a walker, this must be the deer Daryl’s been tracking, Shane ripped the walker back beating on it until it was weak and in pieces but obviously still alive, Daryl and I have noticed the group are still not quite clear with how to deal and kill walkers

“Come on guys, gotta get the head” I groaned driving my knife through its head, the bush ahead rustled alerting everyone’s attention

Daryl comes out groaning as he sees the dead deer

“Damn it! I’ve been tracking this thing for miles, do you think we can just cut around chewed up bit?”

“I wouldn’t risk it” Shane said

“Shit” when he saw me he lightened up a bit, I held my hand out for him

“Come on we need to talk” we get back to the camp and he calls out for Merle

“Where the hell are ya Merle?”

“He’s not here Daryl” I say feeling my bottom lip tremble, I’m not usually this emotional but with the pregnancy and after everything that’s happened today I can’t help it

“What do ya mean?” He asks worried as he notices my reaction

“We need to tell you something?” Rick said as everyone started to circle the scene

“And who the hell are you?”

“Rick Grimes”

“Ya got something ya need to tell me Rick Grimes” I can tell he’s growing more agitated

“He was a danger to us all I had no choice but to handcuff him the roof”

“Hold on. Let me process this. You're saying you handcuffed my brother to a roof and you left him there?”

“Yeah” Daryl was fuming and went to lunge at Rick but Shane gets behind him and gets him in a choke hold

“Ya best let me go”

“Let him go Shane come on” I yelled pushing him away helping Daryl up

“Choke holds illegal” I tried to calm him down by rubbing his back but he shooed me off

“It wasn’t Rick’s fault, I had the key and dropped it” T-dog intervenes

“Ya couldn’t pick it up?”

“I dropped it down the drain, but if it helps I chained the door shut he’s probably still up there”

“I’m going to get him, just tell me where he is” Daryl groans as he gets him crossbow

“Rick will show you, won’t you Rick” Lori says as she steps out of the camper

“Yeah I’ll show you”

A few people got together preparing to go back to Atlanta

“Daryl I’m sorry but….but I’m scared I don’t want you to go” he went to say something when his eyes landed on my jaw gently raising his hand to caress it

“What the hell happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“Yer bruised and it wasn’t there this morning”

“I…….ill tell you when you get back, because you will be coming back to me Daryl Dixon” he sighs dropping his hand

“Okay, and I’m sorry fer pushing ya away earlier”

“It’s okay I understand just don’t risk your life if Merle doesn’t want help”

“I’ll be back for both my ballerinas don’t worry”

“What if I come with you, as you said I’m a ballerina after all I’m good on my feet”

“Nah Angel yer pregnant can’t risk it”

“You’re pregnant?” I hear Rick ask from behind us

“Umm yeah, so you better make sure he gets back here in one piece”

“I will, you have my word” everyone filled into the cargo truck and were about to leave

“I love you Daryl”

“Love ya Angel” they drove off and it feels like my heart is driving off with them

I went to sit by Dales camper since he had the most comfortable seats and god I need that right now

“You alright sweetie?” Dale asks as he takes a seat beside me

“I’m just tired, it’s been a hectic day”

“You know when my wife was pregnant she got these awful emotions out of no where, she’d be fine one moment and then crying her eyes out the next and it always overwhelmed her”

“You know” I look at him shocked

“I couldn’t tell at first but Daryl seems really protective and I’ve seen him hold your belly when you think no one’s looking, it’s quite sweet actually, seeing that side of him”

“Is it obvious? Daryl and I don’t really want everyone to know just yet”

“Oh no I just got an eye for things” he smiles

“Thanks Dale”

“So how far along are you?”

“About 4 months now I’d say”

“Do you know the sex?”

“No but I have this feeling she’s a girl”

“Mothers intuition” he laughs

“Daryl likes to call us his little ballerinas”

“Whys that?”

“When we met I was obsessed with ballet, specifically Swan Lake, we got paired up as partners in class and he came over, my room was decorated like a ballerina would have it, he was interested and he even bought me little slippers, I still have them”

“Did you dance?” He asked intrigued

“Sadly no, I didn’t have enough money, I did a few class when I was in Atlanta, Daryl paid for them as a gift for me, but after school and everything I never got to peruse it, but in the end I got Daryl and that means more to me than being a ballerina”

“He’s a good man isn’t he?”

“He really is, he just has walls it’s not his fault, but he really is a wonderful man, I’ve never loved anyone more” I smile at him rubbing my tiny bump

“Come on let’s get you some supper”

The evening went on and there was no sign of Daryl and the others and it was driving me insane, it was dark now what if something happened and now I’ll never see him again

“Where are you going?” Andrea asked Amy

“I gotta pee, geez can’t a girl get some privacy?” She said making everyone laugh

“How’re you feeling sweetie?” Lori asked from across the fire

“Oh I’m fine, just anxious I want Daryl back”

“I still can’t believe you’re with a man like Daryl Dixon you guys are complete opposites” Shane says

“We’re more alike than you know”

“How so?”

“It’s personal”

My face throbbed in pain and I could feel the blood trickle down my face, disoriented I tried to steadily make my way to Daryl’s house without falling or passing out

I finally made it walking around the house to Daryl’s window, knocking on the door and waking his dad late at night would be stupid of me, his window slid open and he rubbed his eyes tired

“Y/n what are ya doing here it’s like 2 in the morning” it must have been too dark for him to notice

“Can you help me Daryl” I could hear the whine in my voice

“What’s wrong?”

I slumped to the ground leaning against his house, he jumped out the window and kneeled infront of me shinning a light in my face

“What the hell happened who did this?”

“Jackson, he had friends over and they…..they got rough with me, slammed my head……against the wall”

“I’m gonna kill em” he got up

“Please don’t leave me”

“Come on I’ll get ya cleaned up”

He brought me in the house and sat me on his bed, getting a cloth and some supplies, fixing up whatever needed fixing, finishing with patching me up

“What about your dad?”

“Don’t worry he’s been gone for like a week, yet staying here tonight”

“Are you sure?”

“Ya, ain’t going back to that asshole”

“Thanks, I’ll take the floor”

“Nah yer sleeping on the bed”

“Can you sleep with me, I just don’t wanna be alone”

He didn’t say anything and just climbed in behind me, I rolled over and laid my head on his chest, his arm holding me closer

“Thank you Daryl”

“Anytime Angel”

That was the first night we shared the same bed, and it was like I was really feeling love for the first time ever, Daryl’s always been there for me like I’ve always been there for him

“Where’s the extra toilet paper?” I hear Amy ask from the camper before she lets out a blood curdling scream, we all shoot up noticing walkers swarming the camp, I take my knife out ready for any that comes my way, everyone is screaming and trying to dodge any walkers, I turn hearing one behind me and lodge my knife into its brain but the knife sticks and I go down with it

“Y/n watch out!!” I hear Lori scream I turn around and another one falls on me, I lay on my back trying to hold it back from snapping at my flesh and ripping me apart, it’s strong though, too strong and I’m getting weak when suddenly it goes limp with an arrow through its head

Throwing the body off me I look up to see Daryl running towards me holding me close as the others finish off the remaining walkers

“Thank god you’re back” I sigh gripping his shirt

“I’m sorry, shoulda never left”

Part.8

Taglist: @pinchofthetwd @bigbaldheadname @strawberrykiwisdogog @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @l0kilaufeys0n7 @deansapplepie @severelykinky @tesfayera @daryldixmedown @secretsicanthideanymore @mordilwen-of-mirkwood @secretsicanthideanymore @superbowlisgay @pollito-chicken @absssposts @writer-ann-artist @dgeckobones @twisteduniverse5 @heidiland05 @lettersfromyourlove @minnie-min

[dragon-business]

Kiryu and socialising

Kiryu’s desperate love ventures in 0 look a lot like compulsive heterosexuality. Majima was more honest with himself back then. But then again, Majima didn’t grow up in a yakuza orphanage, and is not socially challenged. Kiryu started with some setbacks.

Nishiki tried helping him, but he socialised Kiryu from his own point of view. Nishiki liked parties, girls, bars, all this loud shiny stuff… with Kiryu they probably went to a bit more quiet locations of the Champion District, though. Because at some point Nishiki probably started to catch on to Kiryu’s level of discomfort. Kiryu probably likes to spend time in some creative way, and talk to people, but we’re not sure about his social battery.

And it’s hard to gauge Kiryu’s mood, because on these outings he probably tried to mask and engage with everything “like people do”. Like, this is what you’re supposed to do, right? So he’s gotta try. Also, it's quality family time, so he can’t let Nishiki down.

But we all saw the smalltalk mini-game. Engaging with people on their terms is… challenging for Kiryu. Gotta re-translate all the stuff in his head into the proper way of saying it. And figure out the right tone of voice, and phrases that won't seem rude… Autism moments .__,

Really want to pat him. All his rare tune-ins in conversations are hard won. For him it’s either this or monologuing about some topic, so he can say stuff uninterrupted. And it’s usually on something he understands well enough, and the rant has a clear conclusion in the end.

So yeah. Thinking about what a nice and fun time Kiryu had at mesuking. Not talking about pocket circuit here, there was the whole love triangle saga, and Kiryu nearly got beat up by the little girl's dad back then. Because, again, context is hard to grasp for Kiryu. But hanging out with the kids playing mesuking, talking with them on their level clearly was a very healing experience. Kids are more direct and honest, can have talks about friendship with them, about honesty, and how exciting the game is. And if there’s conflict – everyone can just say what’s bothering them, and fix it. No mind games.

– before / navigation / next

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1228: A Fun, (Un)fair Game of Paintball Wars (Kingdom Hearts X SSBU)

3:49 p.m. at Twilight Town's Local Paintball Battlefield.........

'Ratatatatatatatatatatatatatatatata'

Riku: (Running Away from the Various Paintballs Coming to his and Kirby's Direction While Desperately Looking For a Hiding Spot to Take Cover In) Come on......There gotta be an spot lurking around somewhere......

Kirby: (Searches For a Hiding Spot While Riding onto Riku's Back) Hmmmmm......('Gasps') Poyo Poyo! (Points Riku to the Closet Spot)

Riku: Good eye, Kirby. Let's roll.

Riku flips and dodges through every paintballs flying at his and Kirby's path before sliding himself over to the very hiding spot Kirby picked out for the both of them. The duo then silently shush one another as let they listen in on their opponents hunting for them in the distance..

'Boots Walking Noises'

Sora: Riiiiiiiiikuuuu~

Kairi: Come out, come out, wherever you are~

Pit: You too, Kirbyyyyyyy~

Viridi: If you come out right now, Big Sis Viridi will bake you lots of yummy,delectable sweets tonight!~

Kirby: (Happily Comes Out of his Hiding Spot) Poyo?

Riku: (Quickly Grabs Hold of his Partner, Revealing Himself as Well) Kirby!!

Sora/Kairi/Pit/Viridi: (Immediately Points Their Paintball Shooters at Two of their Preys) Gotcha!

Riku: (Summons his Keyblade) Warp!

Sora/Kairi: NOOOO!

As the gang begins to shoot at Riku and Kirby, bright blue light begins to surround the both of them before it causes them to disappear, unscathed.

Viridi: ('Sigh') They're gone.

Sora: (Stomps his Foot Down in Annoyance, Frustration, and Disappointment) Dangit, Riku! You just HAD to wimp out and break the "No Use of Magic" rule at the last second!

Pit: (Grabs his Chin) You know, I never really took Riku, of all people, for a rule breaker until now.

Kairi: (Crosses her Arms in (Cute) Anger) ('Hmph') I can. He always had this rebellious side to him growing up. Yet he has the nerve go around saying how much of a "Changed Man"!? ('Groans in Frustration') Oooh, I wanna kiss that dumb face of his so bad right now!!~

Sora: (Places his Hand onto his Girlfriend's Shoulder) Patience, Kairi. We'll both get our kisses and cuddles outta him as soon as we finally beat him at his own game.

Kairi: (Takes a Deep Breath as She Calms Herself Down a Bit) Yeah. You're right. The game's not over yet. (Puts on the Most Fierce, Determined Look She Has Mustered Yet) We will beat him at his own game and BREAK his winning streak if it's the last thing any of us do. (Pumps Her Fist Up to the Sky While Screaming Out......) RETRIBUTION!!!

Sora/Kairi: RETRIBUTION!!!!!

Pit: (Watches Two of His Friends Shouting 'Retribution' in the Mid Distance) Wow. Childhood rivalries are something fierce. (Turns to his Girlfriend, Viridi, Standing Next to Him) Either that or you were definitely not kidding when you say paintball fights could easily change a person overtime.

Viridi: (Casually Shrugs While Eating Gummy Wprms From Out of the Bag) Eh. It's entertaining to watch unfold either way. ('Mm') (Pass Pit the Bag) Want some gummies? They're pretty good.

Pit: I'll be judge of that. (Takes a Gummy Worm Out of the Bag and Eats It Before Falling in Love With It a Second After) Yummy~

Viridi gently pats her boyfriend's arm as she starts eating some more gummies for herself.

Meanwhile at the Other Side of the Battlefield........

A similar colored blue light suddenly appears at the destinated spot as it reveals itself to be Riku and Kirby before it wears off both of them and fades into nothingness.

Riku: (Panting a Bit Before Getting Himself Back Up) Okay.....I think we might've lost for them.

Kirby: (Pouts at Riku) Poyopoyo Poyo Poyopoyo!

Riku: ('Sigh') Yes, I know, I broke the magic rule. I panicked. It's not a good enough reason, but it's something. (Puts on a More Annoyed Look on his Face) Besides, if anyone you wanna chastise, it's Sora and Kairi for pinning the two of us against them, Pit, and Vi before coming here. Pretty one sided on their end, don't you think?

Kirby: (Shrugs) Poyo Poyopoyo Poyopoyo Poyopoyo. Poyopoyo poyo.

Riku: Well, yeah. You are a really tough cookie to cra- Wait. (Turns to Kirby) You did what now?

Kirby: Poyo poyo. (Takes his Phone Out From his Army Vest) Poyo?

Kirby then shows Riku a video clip of him participating in a Megaton Punch Champonship in the past, where he punched the two solid concrete blocks in half so hard that it caused the entire Planet Popstar to crack.

Riku: (Lowers his Hunter Shades, Surprised at What He Has Watched in Front of Him Before Putting Them Back on his Face).......That's insanely impressive. (Gently Pats on Kirby's Head) Nice job, Kirby.

Kirby: (Smiles Brightly by Rilu's Gesture and Praises) Poyo!~

Riku: But my point still stands. (Crosses his Arms) I swear, those two could've at least given us two more teammates if they really wanted a fair challenge that-

'SPLAT'

Riku/Kirby: (Suddenly Taken Aback by the Light Green Colored Puddle of Paint That Came Out of Nowhere, in Front of Them) Huh?/Poyo?

Before either one of them could say or do anything else, a duck figure suddebly pops out of the paint puddle, into the air while frantically screaming for dear life.

Kirby: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion at Everything That is Happening Right Now) Poyo?

Riku: Wait. (Eyes Widened Once More as He Instantly Recognizes the Duck Figure) Donald!?

Donald quickly starts flapping both his arms to keep him from falling down any further....only for that idea to be shot down in a few measly seconds.

Luckily for him, another figure suddenly jumps out the paint puddle, catches the short-tempered mage in her arms, and landed perfect and safely on the ground.

Kirby: (Complete Strucked in Awe and Amazed by the Catch and Save Displayed in Front of Him and Riku) Poyooooo~

Riku: The- (Raises an Eyebrow at Kirby) Squid Sister?

Donald: (Hugs The Squid Sister Still Carrying Him) You saved me.......

?????: ('Sighs in Relief') And just in the neck of time too. You holding up okay, Donald?

Donald: Yeah- (Instantly Realizes What's Currently Doing Right Now) I-I mean! (Clears his Throat Before Crossing his Arms in a More Mature Manner) That was nothing I can't handle.

?????: (Forms a Cheeky, Teasing Smirk on her Face) Really?~ Then how come you were screaming like a little duckling seconds before I caught you?~

Donald: I-I was just.....practicing my vocal chords.

?????: Is that right?

Donald: Yep. That's the reason. I'm a lot of things. COWARD'S not one of them.

?????: (Playfully Rolls her Eyes) Never said you were one, Donald. People freaked out in these kinds of situations all time, there's no need to be embarrassed about that. (Gives Donald a Bright Smile on her Face) You'll always be a great mage in my eyes regardless.

Donald: (Heart Begins to Melt in Genuine Happiness) Awwww~ (Hugs His Life Savior) Thanks, Marie~

'Clears Throat'

Donald: (Turns to See Riku Slightly Smirking at Him) Riku! (Quickly Gets Off of Marie's Arms and Back on his Feet Before Giving The Young Keyblade Master a Sheepish Smile] H-Hello! It's been a while.

Riku: Likewise.

Kirby: (Happily Greets the Fellow Duo) Poyo Poyo!~

Marie: (Let's Out an Excited Gasps as She Sets Her Now Sparkling Eyes At-) Kirby!~ It's so nice to finally meet you in person. (Squat Herself Down to Kirby's Height Level) Cal and I are really huge fans of yours.

Kirby: Poyopoyo Poyo Poyopoyo!

Marie: ('Gasps') No way. You're a fan of me and my sister's work?

Kirby: (Happily Nodded to Marie) Poyo Poyo Poyo!~

Marie: (Eyes Widened in Genuine Surprise) And I'M your favorite out of the two of us!? I-I don't know what to say- (Happily Bows to Kirby) I'm so honored ~ (Smiles Sheepishly) B-But let's keep this between us, yeah? My sister can get jealous really easily these days.

Kirby: (Happily Rubs the Back of his Head Back and Forth) Poyo Poyo Poyo.

Riku: (Watches Kirby and Marie Chatting and Giggling Among One Another Along with Donald Standing Next to Him) So, you're friends with an actual celebrity now, eh Donald?

Donald: (Proudly Nodded) Yep. I helped hid her away in a nearby coffee shop, rabid fans, chasing her all day while back. We chat and drank coffee for hours on end, have a few things in common and we became best of pals ever since.

Riku: Neat. She seems pretty nice.

Donald: (Smiles Softly of his Bew Found Friend) The nicest. She's really cool too. Even more so than King Mickey!

Riku: (Raises an Eyebrow at the Royal Mage While Smirking) Is that right?

Donald: Yep! (Points at Riku Without Even Looking at Him) Don't tell him I said any of that.

Riku: (Crosses his Arms) Lips are sealed.

Maria: Hey, guys. Ypu mind coming over here fpr a second? Kirby wants us to take a quick group selfie.

Kirby: Poyo!

Riku: Sure. (Walks Over to Marie and Kirby Along with Donald)

Donald: Where do you want us to stand?

Maria: (Motions Donald to Come Over While Carry Kirby With One Arm) You, stand next to me- (Points to Riku) While you can stand behind the rest of us. Maybe kneel down a knee so I could get the full shot.

Riku: (Gets Behind the Group Before Kneeling One Knee Down) Like this?

Marie: (Simply Nodded to Riku) Perfect. (Turns Back to Kirby's Phone She's Been Holding Up in Front of Her and the Boys) Now, we're ready to take the picture in three.....two....one-

Marie/Donald/Kirby: (Puts on Bright Smiles as They All Blurt Out) STAY FRESH!~/ POYO POYO!~

Riku: Stay-

'Click'

The group phone is now shown on Kirby's phone.

Marie: (Takes a Look at the Picture Itself Along with Donald) Hm. This came out a lot better than I thought it would.

Donald: Finally. A picture where my eyes aren't closed for once.

Riku: (Looks Down at Kirby) What do you think, Kirby? Looks decent enough to you?

Kirby: (Happily Nodded) Poyo Poyo. (Turns Back to Marie) Poyo Poyopoyo.

Marie: (Smiles Back at Kirby as She Gives him His Phone Back) No, thank you for taking the time out of your day to greet us in return. I'm eternal grateful. (Turns to Donald) Ready to go, Donald?

Donald: (Simply Nodded to Matie) You bet-

Riku: Wowowoah hang on. I need a favor to asked you two.

Marie/Donald: (Turns to Each Other For a Brief Second) Hmmmmmm.......(Turns Back to Riku With Raised Eyebrows From Both Sides) We're listening.....

Riku: Kirby and I are playing Paintball Wars with the rest of our friends right now and it's me and Kirby against the four of them, completely unbalanced match up if you ask me by the way-

Marie: And you're wondering if Donny and I could team up with you in the meantime.

Kirby: (Surprised and Impressed by How Quickly Marie Managed to That Exact Conclusion Along with Riku) Poyoooo!

Riku: Y-Yeah, exactly-

Donald: Sorry. That's a no-go, fellas.

Riku: (Eyes Widened by Donald's Quick Answer) What? Why not?

Donald: Cause this is war. Can't go around teaming any randos you meet and see around here.

Riku: Rando- Donald, we've known and fought alongside each other for years now. That's a good enough reason for us to team up!

Donald: True, but have either of you ever been in a paintball fight before?

Riku: Well......No. This is our first time do this kinda thing actuall-

Donald: Then, there ya go! (Crosses his Arms While Turning Away From Riku) We don't work with rookies out here.

Marie: (Gives her Duck Friend a Bit of a Disapproving Look on her Face) Donald.

Donald: (Shrugs at Marie) What? I'm just saying.

Marie: (Sighs Before Turning Back to Riku and Kirby With a Softer Look) What my loud, stubborn, hard headed partner meant to say-

Donald: (Glares at Marie) HEY!

Marie: -Is that the two of us has already done this kind of song and dance together for a good while now that we hardly ever think about teaming up with anyone out there

Donald: (Wraps his Arm Around Marie's) It's us against the world and we're sticking to it to the very end.

Marie: (Happily Nodded to Donald) That's right.

Other Container: (In the Distance) Keep trail on the squid and duck's footprints, boys! They can't be too far from here.

Donald: Well, whaddya know? Those palokas are finally on to us.

Marie: ('Scoffs') About time. (Forms a Mischievous Smirk on her Face) I think it's high time we give 'em a warm welcome, don'tcha think?~

Donald: (Forms Mischievous Smirk of his Own) I thought you never asked.

Marie: (Turns Back to Riku and Kirby) Sorry, boys, but we're about to be pretty occupied at any moment now. You'd understand, right?

Kirby: (Happily Nodded) Poyo.

Riku: ('Sighs in Defeat') Yeah. Give 'em hell or whatever.

Marie: (Smiles Softly) Thank you. (Turns to Donald) You heard the man, Donny. Let the chaos begin.

Donald: Ohh boy!

Both Donald and Marie let out their respectively loud battle cries as they run out to their potential victims with their paint guns in tact.

Riku: And now we're back to square one. Joy.

Kirby: (Gently Pats on Riku's Leg) Poyopoyo Poyo Poyo.

Riku: True. We made it this far without getting hit. (Smiles a Bit) Our chance of winning might be in the rise so long as we don't get-

'Clicks'

Kirby: (Gets Startled Before Quickly Hiding Behind Riku's Leg)

Riku: (Slouches his Upper Body Down a Notch With a Deadpinned Look on his Face at the Very Group He Was Running Away From) Caught.

Sora: (Pointing his Paintgun at the Duo Along with the Rest of his Team) Hiya, fellas!~ (Puts on a Sly Smirk on his Face) Didn't think we'd find you this soon, did ya?

Pit: (Happily Pulls his Phone Out of his Pants Pocket) It only took one, teensy tracking chip on Kirby's hat, to get to you guys.

Kirby takes his hat off his head and finds a small red light blinking inside.

Pit: H-He gets lost pretty easily.

Kirby: (Puts on an Annoyed Look of his Very Own) Poyo........

Viridi: (Gives Kirby a Soft Sisterly Glare) Don't get all moody with us, mister. You know this is for your own good. (Points at Riku) And don't you even THINK about summoning your Keyblade again, wise guy!

Kairi: (Glares at Her Boyfriend) Damn right or so HELP ME, I am going to cry my entire eyes out! And we all know how much you hate that.

Riku: (Simply Nodded in Agreement) Very true. Not a fan of seeing ypu and Sora sad in general. (Looks Down at Kirby as He Receives a Silent Nod Frim Him Before Turning Back to the Others) But before we all do anything rash, I must ask you all to calm down, relax- (Picks Kirby Up From the Ground and Holds Him In Front of Him) And bear witness to this adorable child before you!!

Kirby: (Puts on the Most Adorable Look Imaginable) Poyo~

Pit: (Eyes Widened in Fear) Oh no. He's using Kirby's cuteness against us!

Viridi: (Trying her Hardest to Resist Along With her Everyone of her Teammates) That conniving, clever jerk......

Riku: Yeah, that's right. Adorable, isn't he? You wouldn't dare shoot him down, now would you?

Kirby: Poyo~ (Let's Out a Cute Giggle)

Kairi: (Trying Her Very Hardest Not to Crack Under Pressure) Stay strong, people! Do not give in to the cuteness temptation!

Sora: Easier said then that! I wanna hug him already

Kairi: (Turns to Sora) We ALL want to hug Kirby, Sora, but we still have a prime objective to complete, remember!?

Riku: (,Casually Shrugs) No shame in giving in now. We'd understand.

Kirby: (Happily Nodded in Agreement) Po-

'Ratatatat'

Kirby: YO!? (Gets Startled Before Realizing He Got Hit a Few Times on the Chest and Slowly Looking Up to the Culprit Himself)

Vantias: Whoops. (Casually Walks By) Sorry, my hands slip.

Kirby: (Eyes Widened in Disbelief at What Just Happened Before Jumping Off an Equally Suprised Riku's Grasps) Poy......Poyo Poy.......

The gang looks down at Kirby for a brief second before looking back at Riku, smirking at him again.

Riku: (Puts on an Awkward Smile) I-I'm.....that hit didn't really count, really? I mean, it can't possibly- ('Sighs in Defeat') Oh forget it-

Before Riku could even begin to finish his sentence, the gang wasted no time at all shooting him down with multi- four colored paintballs. It was a long time coming for sure, but after all these years of sulking, Sora and Kairi has finally beaten Riku at his own game for once.

@decibelcoatl

@italian-love-cake

@ma-lemons

@bestpony666

[uncl3badtouch]

📢 Spoilers if you haven't read it 📢

I read 📚 (full disclosure, I listened to this one and it took 44 hours) "It" recently and I'm still reeling. I finished it sometime last week, and there are still scenes that truly haunt me. My mind was also blown with the big finale, but that'll come.

It started off with a bang, the man getting bit 👌🏻 very scurry. But then there were a handful of things that don't get repeated today, and people know about that, so not to beat a dead horse, that's all I'll say. That there were so many slurs I actually learned one I've never heard before. 😅

Anywho, he's apologized and it's the last I will say of it. Soooo, getting back into it, the first chapter really sets you up for what's coming. Now, the next few chapters, I'm not sure if everything I'm gonna say is in exact order but I'm gonna try my best!

Everyone gets their call from Mike to come back to Derry, and suddenly, they remember. Bill had even remembered his brother who he hadn't thought about in years. Derry is a special place where you forget everything as soon as you leave it. ✨️ it is explained better in the book 📖 We catch a glimpse into everyone's lives and how different they all are after they grow up and leave.

Stanley kills himself because he couldn't deal with everything again. It's sad but also the worst because it weakens the gang 😕 everyone meets at the restaurant and they have the famous scene on the food becoming gross stuff and they have to pretend they don't see it. But that happens after they tell a majority of their childhood story, flipping between everyone's memories that are returning to them slowly.

We see some of the traumas the kids endure without It involved. These kids were soo tough. Some of the things they got through... 😔 but here we learn about all the other times that It had popped up too, some of the stories were crazy! And we don't see them in the movies.

The werewolf that the boys encounter is 👌🏻. 🐺 It's so scary and so... almost unexpected. It was probably one of my favorite memories discussed. They laughed and had a decent time then decided to head their separate ways for the evening, and regroup the next day to take It on.

They each run into their own monsters on the way to their shared destination, and each of those monsters is really cool in the way they appeared and who they appeared to. Personal favorite, Beverly and the witch in the candy house 🍬 🍫 🏠 (gotta read it to find out 😉). Soooooo fucking sick. I wish it was in the movies.

They all end up back at the townhouse they're staying at and Beverly and Bill go heels to Jesus in the most awkward way. Like, I was super uncomfortable with how Mr. King described the whole scenario, and it made me roll my eyes so hard people could hear it. He's not a romance writer, that's for sure. I also want to say that the scene after the kids all beat It for the first time, where they all have sex sith Beverly, super unnecessary and super inappropriate in my opinion and we didn't need it to push any part of the story forward. The worst part of the book in my opinion.

When Henry comes back is super eerie. It really made me tense and I really love the crazy of it all, but things didn't go how I had known them from the films and it was really dynamic in that evening leading up to the final fight.

Mike is barely hanging on at this point and the gang decides to get going. I believe it was early morning, I'm not sure the exact time so sorry about that. But the gang goes with Eddys arm broke again and they're down two members. But they make it to the lair of It.

It was difficult and gruesome and Bill's wife is missing, but they make it through all the obstacles. They perform the ritual of Chud and we meet the turtle. I get it and don't at the same time. I'm still thinking about it's significance days later.

Oh, also, I find out that It is female, and pregnant, and it blew my mind. So much so that I had to stop it and call my brother just to talk to him about it because it just blind sided me. Like, I don't know, it just shook me 🤷🏼‍♀️

There was a lot of the story that doesn't get very touched on in the movies. There's steampunk birds, talking moons, gay bars, and a lot of violence and hatred (It was involved in gang murders! Yikes!) And there's so many extra story parts that are sooo good to read about and I would live to see in the movies, but I'm not sure 6 hour movies are everyone (I mean, I could do it, cue lord of the rings) but some of the scenes would be super difficult.

King truly is a a beautiful story teller. He's famous for good reason and deserves all the credit he gets in creating these terrifying and amazing stories. I would never think about half the things he had, he's truly a creator of terror. All in all, I think I'd give It 7/10.

There was so much good 👍🏻 honestly and truly and I wish that more of the book was recognized, but there was a lot I thought could have been taken out. Not including the aforementioned things, there's a ton that I personally don't think moves the story forward in any good way.

Would I re read this? Probably not in its entirety, but I will go back and read read certain scenes

Would I recommend it? Yes, I really do. Take the time to read it or listen to it once in your life. It really is worth it.

What did you think?

[elekinetic]

hey i have a silly little question! i have 2k words of planning but no idea how to start translating them into actual writing and i thought i could ask you for help because you're obviously the master of scriptwriting lmao

i've written scripts before but i always struggle with trying to get my ideas onto paper in the form of coherent sentences :,) idk your scripts always turn out so gorgeously written so i thought it couldnt hurt to ask for a bit of advice <3

(i should clarify: i'm trying to start drafting a screenplay for this story i've been planning for months but i've been staring at a blank page for hours 🥲 if you have any tips on how to translate ideas into actual writing that would be super helpful)

AH you’re so sweet, i’m far from a master, but i’m happy to share the stuff i’ve learned as a third year undergrad.

so like, for me, i struggle with figuring out what to do in scenes and how to make them…useful? if that makes sense? in a good script and a good film, every scene moves the plot forward, the character arc forward, or both. (by forward i mean changes, set backs are obviously a very important part.) so when i sit down to write a new scene, i make a list of everything i want to accomplish.

i’m gonna use this scene of mine as an example. my list looked a little like this:

- primary goal: teens find out about will’s visions

- secondary goal: show how on edge mike and nancy are.

- secondary goal 2: establish the dynamics of the kids and teens working together.

ok, so how can we accomplish those goals? that second one should clearly be an argument since they get on each others nerves. and why don’t we make the argument about why the boys snuck out, bc they have to come clean abt wills visions to explain why they did. and to show that the teens hold more power in the dynamic and that the boys are struggling without their usual freedom, let’s emphasize that the boys did something dangerous the teens specifically told them not to do.

cool, so we have a general idea of what our scene is: nancy chewing the party out. but that’s just an idea. each scene is made up of a bunch of beats stitched together. here’s how i figure out what to put in a scene:

write down A) where everyone starts emotionally in the scene and B) where everyone ends emotionally in the scene. figure out what changes.

nancy is going to start annoyed and end resigned. so….she’s mildly annoyed and then decides it’s fine? that’s not particularly interesting, so how can we’re complicate it. OK, let’s make her get close to blowing up, and then see her be the bigger person and pull back. that way we’re ALSO progressing her character arc and seeing her grow from the hot-tempered girl we saw in early seasons.

i’m trying to kill as many birds with this scene as possible, so i’m ALSO going to add details about what the other characters are doing. it’s important to remember that if you’re going to have a character in the scene, you gotta do SOMETHING with them. here’s a breakdown of some of the choices i made for the other characters in the scene:

mike: very snarky, very on edge, very combative. this is bc he’s fresh off his fight with will, the party is in trouble, and they just failed to save el. i’m using this scene to highlight how upset that would make him and how that anger would affect the people around him.

will: stands up for himself. that’s the most important thing. he will not let himself be spoken over and takes responsibility, says yes, i know we shouldn’t of done this, but we did, and heres why. and we have to do it again. he’s coming into his own!

lucas: he’s defensive but he also kind of bends under the pressure and defaults to nancy. he tries to help will but it’s clear this is an unfamiliar dynamic for him.

dustin: show that he’s not as grounded as he probably should be.

steve: steve has four lines. FOUR lines, but we’re still doing something with him. he calls nance out, tells dustin to stop, but also tells the boys nancy is right. he’s very serious rn and it’s a good way to reinforce that his disagreement with nancy is not petty (never petty) and he’s always coming from a place of genuine concern.

jonathan: jonathan helps pull nancy back and dies everything he can to support her bc HES A GREAT BOYFRIEND and that was what i did with him. also expressing concern for not only wills safety, but the whole party’s. he also shows some leadership.

on that note, i also want to explore relationships in the scene:

jancy: they’re supporting each other without being asked. reinforce that this is a strong partnership, even through rocky waters

byler: will telling mike to back off and mike listening. mike being protective of will even though they’re still technically fighting.

dustin & steve: the dynamic between him and steve is shifting. steve is part of The Teens and dustin is not. steve tells him to quit it kind of sternly. this is new for them.

nancy & steve: mentioned before, steve will call nancy out but also back her up. no malice or pettiness in his heart.

the party: dustin and lucas try to cheer will up and defend themselves. they’re close.

basically you can accomplish a lot in a scene bc not every “accomplishment” has to be a massive thing. it can be as small as “dustin looks down” to show he feels chastised, which is new to him!

worst comes to worst, word vomit. Write the worst possible version of your scene ON PURPOSE and then edit from there. you just gotta get something down.

AH ok that’s all i have for now but if you have more specific questions please please please send them! I wasn’t really sure what to put here, so I just kind of word vomited. Hope this helps!

[pocketramblr]

Bakugou gets expelled following using his gauntlets during that first heroics exercise.

1- Aizawa intended for expulsions to be for 'little deaths' to scare his students serious. he didn't think he'd be using them for causing near death, just getting too close to one by not thinking. But when he hears Midoriya almost died again on the second day of school, he sighs and watches the video. He goes cold as he realizes Midoriya would have died, if he hadn't moved. That Bakugo deliberately disobeyed orders from All Might and fired when told not to. He remembers how it was Hizashi's shout, louder than it should have been and fired by someone else, that caused the collapse that killed Oboro. He writes up an expulsion immediately

2- Aizawa usually gives it three days to tell the kids they can come back to the hero program if they want to- and if they're really sure, knowing what it could cost. He's going to offer the same to Bakugo, though with heavy warnings about following orders and acceptable levels of damage. Unfortunately for him, that means he's going to offer Bakugo his spot back on Friday. On Thursday, USJ gets attacked.

3- Being knocked out in the hospital, he can't exactly call Bakugo up, but Nedzu knew the plan. He calls Bakugo to the school, and the brash boy who's been very shaken recently stalks in.

"Do you know why I asked you here?"

"Because my class got attacked, and you know I could have beaten the villains if I was there."

It's a lot of fake confidence, but Nedzu frowns. He decides he'll tell the boy its up to Aizawa if he still wants him back when he recovers- but he also quickly disabuses Bakugo of the idea that he'd have gotten through with no problem. or he tries to, at least. Bakugo doesn't really want to be convinced.

4- Bakugo is let back in on probation, his behavior monitored until the SF. That's when, not having experienced the attack like his classmates have, he's kinda with 1B on this one- though he still mocks Monoma for being whiny. But he hasn't bonded with anyone in his class (most are still so wary of him, or sure he'll get expelled for real soon) and he doesn't make it past the calvary battle, barely getting beaten out by the last second by Team Shinsou.

5- He storms out of the stands and sulks around the stadium, not wanting to watch the fights even though he knows he'll go back later, for tactical reasons. He knows he isn't going to get good offers, if he gets any at all. (He does, actually, get an offer. Manual's "future possible murder to avert" alarm went off twice during the festival.)

[depends-on-the-sellsword]

playing with fire || bronn

you and bronn get bored on guard duty, and you're both idiots who like a challenge. minor tw for fire, and minor self-harm. (but in an idiot-who-played-with-fire way not a depression way) no major spoilers.

Masterlist

-----

"Bronn."

You nudged him. As Tyrion's two sellswords, you two often had to sit around with nothing to do, guarding the outsides of doors that nobody even wanted to get in. Today was one of those days.

"Bronn."

Bronn ignored you, continuing to stare at the wall. You briefly considered leaving him alone, he'd had a bit too much to drink last night, and he could get snappy when hungover. But honestly, you'd rather get snapped at than keep sitting here in silence.

"Bronn."

Nothing.

"Broooooonnnnnnnnnnnnn."

He twitched, but otheraise showed no signs of acknowledgement.

"Bronn," you poked him, "Bronn."

Another slight twitch, but nothing more. You'd have to up your game.

You took a deep breath. "BronnBronnBronnBronnBronnBronnBronnBronnBronnBr--"

"THE FUCK DO YA WANT?"

Success. You grinned at him.

"I'm bored."

"You're also obnoxious."

"I know, thank you."

He just grunted and stopped looking at you.

"Oh come on, why are you so pissy today?" You crossed your arms.

"The better question is why aren't you? We woke up an hour ago, I'm hungover, an' we've gotta sit here and guard this fuckin' door for who the fuck knows how long." He groaned, pushing a hand through his hair. He really did look hungover. You once again considered leaving him be, but having nothing to do was killing you.

"Exactly, we have to wait out here forever, we might as well have fun." You shoved him gently, careful not to jostle his head too much, gods know it was probably pounding. "C'mon, why not play a game with your very favorite person?"

You stared at Bronn, making the stupidest sad-eyes possible. He looked over at you, then cracked a smile.

"Fine, but I get ta' choose the game." He said. He smiled wickedly, and you couldn't help but grow suspicious. Still, anything was better than sitting out here in silence.

"Fine. I'll beat you at anything, i bet." You stuck your tongue out. Bronn nodded, stood, and started back in the direction you'd come from.

"Hey, what're you doing, we still have to guard the door, dipshit!"

"Relax, love, ill be back in three minutes. I need something for the game."

Bronn returned exactly three minutes and twelve seconds later. With a candle and matches.

"Take off your bracer."  He said, sitting back down on the floor next to you.

You did as he said, albeit hesitantly. He did the same, then took your bare forearm and put it against his. Eyes widening, you watched as he placed the candle across both of your forearms, and struck a match.

"Sure you still wanna play, love?" Bronn smirked at you.

You smirked right back.

"Yeah, and I'll kick your ass."

"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn ya when ya lose." Bronn lit both ends of the candle, and the game began.

This was a game you grew up playing. Variations of it, at least. Not in this manner before, but other tests of prolonged pain tolerance or fear. You'd seen how many kicks to the shin you could take, how high you would jump from a tree, how long you could stay in the woods at night. And you had won. A lot.

Then again, this wasn't your average village kid that you were facing. This was Bronn, the only other person in the world that would do this kind of shit for fun past the age of twelve. And fire was uncharted territory for you.

It burned. Obviously it did, it's fire, but the sensation of burning was much more unpleasant than you'd originally expected. You suddenly felt stupid for underestimating fire.

Bronn must have seen you wince, because he raised a brow.

"What, are ya scared, love? Haven't played with fire before?" He snickered.

"You think I'm scared of a candle? I've been to the Eyerie. I would think you'd be smart enough to know that it takes more than a candle to scare me."

"Good. I'd be dissapointed if you lost so quickly."

You grinned, but it was interrupted halfway by a hiss of pain, a hot bead of wax dripping onto your skin. But you did not move your arm. It stayed firmly pressed against his.

You'd grown up playing and winning games of chicken, but you were used to it looking like a group of scrappy teenagers kicking each other in the shins. This version, though? It felt almost intimate. It was just him and you, your bare arms pressed together, and the candle flickering in the wind of your breath.

Bronn's arm twitched a little, as the burning wax met his skin, and you weren't doing much better. You clenched your teeth and forced your arm to stay put.

You found yourself staring at him. To distract from the pain, you told yourself. His sly eyes, his many-times broken nose, his stupid, smug smile. You'd never really looked at him like this before, really looked at his face and took in his features.

He was looking at you, too, you noticed. Staring, really. His arm pressed against yours a little harder. The candle flickered. The wax dripped. His eyes burned into yours.

This was no longer just a test of pain tolerance.

---

Bronn stared you in the eyes, biting his lip to stop from grunting as he felt more wax drip down his arm. He hadn't expected you to last this long. Longer than most, sure, but for this length of time? Maybe this wouldn't be such an easy win after all.

He watched you hiss, feeling the usual smug superiority he always did when he was winning. And yet, he hoped that you'd hold on for a little longer. This moment was to be savored.

Chances to be physically close like this, to feel bare skin on his, were rare. Save for screwing around with whores, but he hadn't done that in months. And that wasn't the same feeling as this, anyway. In a world where everyone walked around in armor, this contact was a rare luxury. This was a very strange and painful way to experience it, granted, but it was a luxury nonetheless. And even moreso because it was you.

This chance to look you over, too, to really stare at your face, without getting a whack in the head and a 'what're you lookin' at?' was a rarity. In truth, he found you quite beautiful, even if he'd never say it out loud.

And you were so close. All he'd have to do is lean in.

And he would've done it, if the door hadn't slammed open right at that fucking moment.

---

"What the actual fuck are you two doing?"

You whipped yourself away from Bronn, and he from you, sending the candle flying. Tyrion looked down at you from his spot in the elevated doorway. You looked up at him from your very unprofessional seat on the floor.

Tyrion looked at you, and then at Bronn, and then at the red on your arms, and then at the candle, which was now sadly rolling along the corridor, and then back at you and Bronn.

"Are you shitting me?"

"We were bored!" You protested. Bronn just shrugged.

"So you set yourselves on fire?!"

"It was his idea!"

"Hey, you're the one who kept botherin' me 'til we did something!"

Tyrion groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You two have got to be the worst guards I have ever met. Get up, we still have work to do."

You pulled your bracer back on, hissing as the tough leather scraped across your raw, burnt skin. Now that you weren't distracted by Bronn and the determination to beat him at something, you were feeling the pain a lot more. You got up anyway.

"Don't make that face, I'm not feeling sorry for either of you. You quite literally did this to yourselves." Tyrion said, starting back down the corridor, you and Bronn close behind.

"Next time, I'll beat you. As long as we don't get interrupted again." You nudged Bronn in the side.

"Wouldn't count on that, love."

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

the sellsword's taglist: no one here yet!

bronn's taglist: no one here yet!

(ask to be added to taglists! 'the sellsword's' is for all of my works on this account. Each character ive written for also has their own separate taglist, if you'd only like to be notified for certain characters.)

[itsallyscorner]

Baby’s First Heartbreak

pairing: marvel cast x teen!fem!reader, Scarlett Johansson x reader, Elizabeth Olsen x reader

prompt: the youngest member of the marvel cast experiences her first breakup.

warnings: not much—crying, a break up.

A/n: Tom is 19 here because this is set during Civil War. He was such a baby omg🥺

You were always a firm believer in having hope. No matter what the situation was, you knew that you had to at least try before fully giving up. You were only 18, but it was the mindset you grew up with. You were taught to face things with bravery and confidence, you faced things head to head with all your might. Though some things never went the way you planned, you were still the ray of sunshine you were, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, eager to learn and explore the world.

You had the same mindset going into your first relationship. Love was something you’ve always wanted to experience. Sure, you received it from your friends and family. But you wanted the different kind of love. The special one that was shared between two people. The one that made your heart skip a beat and made you breathless. Where staring into that special someone’s eyes felt like you were being transported into another world where it was just the two of you.

You’ve found that kind of love in a boy from your hometown. The two of you had been friends since pre-k, growing up along side each other, and being there for each other’s success and failures. You’ve known him all your life but the feelings didn’t come till sophomore year of high school. It all just clicked all of sudden; that one day where he said you looked cute in his jumper and the next moment you knew you were seeing him in a new light. Junior year, you were both beating around the bush; constantly pining over each other with longing stares and fingers always brushing against each other. Though you didn’t see him all the time due to your job as an actress. You spent half of the school year in your hometown and the rest at Atlanta. Of course he knew of your job and as much as he hated to see you go, he knew you were doing something that made you happy. So he spent as much time as he could with you before your time together came to an end. A few days prior to your flight to Atlanta, under the night sky of your backyard, he admitted his feelings for you. By senior year, the two of you had been dating for half a year. It had been the best moments of your life, you were in love and high on happiness, it was like nothing in life could ever go wrong.

Now here you were, in your trailer on the set of Captain America: Civil War, sobbing you eyes out. You knew loving could hurt, but not this much. You still felt your heart skip a beat, but it was clenching in heartache. You were still breathless, but because you’ve been trying to catch your breath after every sob that wracked your body. You felt broken. The boy you loved had ripped your heart out of your chest and threw it onto the floor, stomping on it till it stopped beating.

You hiccuped as you stared at yourself in the mirror. You were nothing but a fool. A fool who had hope in something that was never going to work. You sniffled as you snatched tissues out of the box on your bathroom sink, dabbing the material onto your eyes and blowing your nose. Your eyes were red and your cheeks were puffy. A sigh of frustration releases from your body. There was no way you could walk onto set without people asking you what was wrong.

You debated asking your assistant to ask your designated makeup artist to do your makeup in your trailer, you didn’t want to be a bother. But your thumbs were already shamefully typing away the request on your phone. A few minutes later Eleanor, your makeup artist on set, arrives at your trailer with her supplies in hand.

She doesn’t directly question you, but she has the look of a concerned mother once she sees your face. You lie to her and tell her you weren’t having a good day and chalked it up to being homesick.

You dreaded going on set. You weren’t sure if you could face anyone without bursting into tears. The moment you felt like you were okay, your heart would clench, reminding you of the ache it was feeling.

You were in your costume, sitting on the sidelines of the set while you rehearsed your lines. The dialogue from the script acted as a distraction from the current pain you were feeling. The tears had stopped but your eyes felt dry, making you blink multiple times to keep them wet.

“Hey, sweetheart.” You look up and meet the stunning blue eyes of Chris Evans. That typical goofy smile of his was etched onto his features. Usually you would reciprocate that smile, but today you just couldn’t find it in your heart to do so. His smile falters when he sees your face.

“Morning.” You greet him, forcing a smile. Concern shadows on his face as he shifts a bit closer to you. “You alright?” He asks, eyes softening at you. Being the youngest of all the Avengers cast members, everyone had a soft side for you. Especially Chris, who saw you as a daughter.

“Y-yeah, I’ve just got—allergies.” You lied, another fake smile forcing itself onto your lips.

“Well have you taken something to help your allergies? Do you need Allegra? Claritin or something?” He looked around ready to call one of the runners on set to get you some meds.

“No! I took some already, a few minutes ago! It probably hasn’t kicked in yet.” You tell him. He eyes you reluctantly, not knowing if he should believe you. He decides to let it pass and nods, “Ok, tell me if you need anything though.”

You hum in response and tilt your head down back to your script.

The day goes on and everyone had caught on to your lack of—being you. The infamous smile everyone knew you by was barely on your face. You didn’t crack jokes with Anthony or share a giggle with Elizabeth. Instead you were quiet, a frown was on your face as you stared blankly at the floor. You didn’t interact with anybody, keeping to yourself and walking off set whenever one of the Russos called cut.

Anthony and Sebastian watched as you walked off the set. You have all finished a sequence of the airport scene and the Russos had given everyone a break while they rewatched the scenes they shot. Anthony’s brows furrowed while he watched your figure go further and further away. He had tried to cheer you up, telling you a joke about how Seb’s arm lube kept leaking out his fake arm. Your response was nothing but a fake laugh—it wasn’t even a fake laugh, more like a huff of laughter.

“She didn’t laugh at my joke.” Anthony thought aloud. Sebastian quirked an eye at his friend, “Does she have to laugh at all your jokes?”

“No, but even if I tell her a corny ass joke, she’ll still laugh at it.” He expressed, throwing his arms up. Sebastian’s lip pouted as he thought back to your behavior on set. You were acting unusual. He turns to Tom (Holland) and asks, “Hey, has (y/n) said anything to you? Like anything bothering her?”

The Brit shakes his head, “Um, nope. Besides filming, I haven’t spoken to her today.”

Anthony crosses his arms, approaching Tom, “Have you tried speaking to her? We’ve been trying to figure out what’s been going on with her today and you’re the closest to her age here.”

“I—I tried to talk to her, but she didn’t seem in a talking mood. I thought I was bothering her so I just stopped.” Tom answered. He gestures to the direction of the trailers, “I could check up on her right now? Maybe I’ll get her one of her favorite snacks from crafties, it might cheer her up.”

Half of a smile makes it way onto Sebastian’s face at the boy’s efforts. Though you were clearly upset and he felt like they were all prodding at your privacy. “Maybe we should give her some time alone.”

Tom frowns at the older man, “But (y/n)’s upset. Shouldn’t we do something?” Anthony agrees with Tom and looks at Sebastian.

Seb raises his hands up in defense, “I’m just saying—maybe she wants to be alone. She went back to her trailer away from everybody. She probably doesn’t want us shoving our noses into her business, we should respect that.”

Chris joins the group along with Scarlett and Elizabeth. He had overhead the group talking and urged the two ladies to join him in on the conversation.

“You guys talking about (y/n)?” Chris asks, hands on his waist.

“Yeah, Seb says we should leave her be.” Anthony fills him in.

“She told me she had allergies.” Chris starts. “She’s an amazing actress, but kid’s gotta work on the lying.” He finishes. Elizabeth and Scarlett glance at each other.

“Well has anyone talked to her at all today? Besides Chris?” Elizabeth asked the group. Everyone shakes their head. Elizabeth sighs while looking around at anyone else who could’ve talked to you. She spots Eleanor hanging along the sides with her makeup belt on, ready for touch ups. Elizabeth calls her over. Eleanor has her brush ready to powder her down, but Elizabeth politely declines.

“You do (y/n)‘s makeup right?”

Eleanor nods, “Yeah, I do.”

“How was she this morning? We’re just a bit concerned since she’s been acting different today.” Eleanor sighs, knowing if she told them it would be an invasion of your privacy. Although, they were all concerned for you and so was she.

“I got a text from her assistant telling me to do her makeup in her trailer today.” She began. “I walked in and her eyes were red, cheeks puffy—“

Chris apologizes and interrupts her, “Because of allergies?”

Eleanor shakes her head, “No, she never mentioned anything about allergies. But she looked like she’s been crying. She was wiping her face when I arrived.”

“Did she give you a reason for why she was crying?” Scarlett questions her.

“She told me she was feeling homesick.” Eleanor answered. Scarlett turned to Chris and shared a look. Elizabeth thanks Eleanor then turns back to the group.

“We need to check up on her.” Anthony says. All the men nodded and began to make their way to your trailer. Suddenly, they were stopped by Scarlett and Elizabeth.

“But (y/n)—“ Tom said pointing to the trailers. Scarlett shakes her head, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Lizzie and I will go. You guys are gonna overwhelm her with all your questions.” Scarlett insists, much to the men’s dismay. They wanted to be there for you, but maybe a mother figure might help you open up with what’s bothering you. They agree and let the two women go to your trailer. Before they can get to you, they get some snacks from crafties for you.

As soon as you shut the trailer’s door behind you, the tears welled up in your eyes again. It only took a matter of seconds until they fell from your eyes and down your cheeks. You heard some people walk by outside and cover your mouth to muffle the whimpers that came out your mouth. You slid down the door and shoved your head into your hands. You leaned forward against your knees as you cried into your arms. You felt pathetic, embarrassed, anger; you were feeling so many things and the only way to let them all out seemed to be crying.

They heard your cries from behind the door. Scarlett sends Elizabeth an alarmed look as she rushes up to your door. She knocked on it repeatedly, causing you to jump from behind the door. Your cries come to a stop while you try to wipe away the tears as best as you can.

“(Y/n), honey, please open the door.” You hear Scarlett say. You remain silent, getting up and dusting your legs off. You stare at the door, debating whether you should open it or not.

“(Y/n), everyone’s worried about you. We just want to help.” Another voice coaxes you behind the door. Elizabeth. “Please let us in.”

Outside, the two women had their ears pressed up against your trailer’s door. Scarlett tries to get you to open the door again, “It’s only me and Lizzie. I promise.”

There was some shuffling heard behind the door. The door pushes open slowly, making Scarlett and Elizabeth back away. A worried expression appears on Scarlett’s face once she sees you. She cups your cheeks, her thumbs gently swiping away some tears that fell from your eyes. The two of them shuffle inside your trailer. You burst out into tears once again when Scarlett wraps her arms around you. She moves you both to sit on the couch that was in your trailer. She lets you shove your head into the crook of her neck while her hands smoothed your hair. Elizabeth sits behind you rubbing circles onto your back. Your cries broke both their hearts. You were a fairly happy girl, to see you in such pain and heartache was hard to watch.

Scarlett rocks you back and forth, trying to calm you down by whispering comforting words into your ear. She presses a motherly kiss onto your forehead once she sees you start to calm down. Elizabeth waits patiently beside you waiting for when you’re ready to talk. When your whimpers turned into hiccups, Scarlett pulls your face away from her neck to look at you. She frowns when she sees your tear stained cheeks.

“Are you going to tell us what’s going on or are you going to keep bottling it up to yourself?” She asks you softly, tucking strands of your hair behind your ears. Elizabeth chimes in from behind you, “You know, sometimes it helps to tell others what’s bothering you. You don’t have to keep it to yourself, (y/n), you could talk to us.” She gathers your hair together, splitting it into two parts as she began to fish tail braid your hair. 

You take a moment to compose yourself before eyeying the two women. You knew you could trust them. Scarlett was like your on-set mom and Lizzie was like one of your aunts. If you could tell anyone on set what was going on, it would be them.

“He broke up with me.” You confess, eyes trained on your lap. Lizzie’s fingers stop braiding your hair, “What?”

“Peyton, he broke up with me.” You whined, not wanting to say it again. You fiddle with your fingers while a tear falls to your lap.

“Oh honey.” Scarlett cooes pulling you back into her chest. You sniffle and wrap your arms around her torso. Silently crying into her shoulder.

“Did he give you a reason why?” Lizzie asks softly. You move away from Scarlett’s hold and lean against the couch with your knees to your chest. Lizzie wraps an arm around your shoulder for comfort.

You glanced at your phone that was on the coffee table, “H-he texted me earlier this morning. He said he couldn’t do the long distance thing anymore and that he has feelings for somebody else.”

Anger flashes in Scarlett’s eyes, “He broke up with you over a text message?” You nod in response.

“What a dick.” She mutters glaring at your phone. It’s quiet for a few minutes. Until you ask them, “Am I not worth trying for a long distance relationship?”

Lizzie shakes her head, “No, don’t you ever think that because you are.”

You sigh and throw your head back, “Then why did he break up with me? Is there something wrong with me? Am I not pretty enough?” Scarlett interrupts your questions by shushing you.

“There is not a damn thing wrong about you. Don’t you ever let a man, let alone a boy, make you question your worth.” Scarlett advises you a stern look on her face. “You are the most sweetest and loveliest girl I have ever met in my life. You’re kind, you care about the people around you—you even laugh at Anthony’s stupid jokes.”

Lizzie snorts beside you and squeezes your shoulder, “And his jokes are the worst.”

Scarlett continues, “You are a talented young woman already making it big in the movie industry and you did it all on your own. You are beautiful inside and out. You’re perfect, there’s nothing wrong with you.”

“Then why did he leave me?”

“Because he’s an idiot that doesn’t know your worth.” Lizzie answers resting her head on your shoulder. “I know it hurts now but these things happen for a reason. He wasn’t meant for you and you weren’t meant for him. Maybe somewhere in the future you guys will meet and try again. Or maybe you’ll move on with someone new. That’s just how it is. It may sound harsh, but it’s the truth.”

Scarlett nods at Lizzie, “Take it from me, I’ve been married twice. When it seems like you found that special person, sometimes it’ll all come crashing down. And it’s not an easy thing to go through. It’s full of pain, heartache, self doubt and a bunch of other heart wrenching things. But in the end you come out a stronger version of yourself.”

You stare at Scarlett, “How did you do it?”

Scarlett softly smiles at you, “Well, I had lots of friends who supported me every step of the way. But most importantly, I valued myself. I did things that made me happy and took care of myself mentally and physically.”

You bite your lip in thought as you stare at the ground.

“Listen to me.” Scarlett urges you, “You’re young, (y/n). You’re going to meet so many more people in the future that’ll bring you so much happiness and love in your life. Don’t beat yourself up over one boy who decided to leave you because he wasn’t committed for a long distance relationship. You’re going to be okay.” She assures you, cradling your face. Your lips form into a tight smile while you nod in response.

“You have us and the rest of the people outside of this trailer to support you. We’ll always have your back, whatever it is, I promise you that. You’re not going to go through this by yourself.” Lizzie promises you, taking your hand into hers. You hum and rest your head on her shoulder. You pull on Scarlett’s arm to join you and Lizzie. She chuckles and hugs you from behind.

“Thank you guys.” You whisper, genuinely grateful that you had them in your life. Lizzie pecks your temple, “Anytime darling.”

[redrobin-detective]

In a Heartbeat

It was friday night and Superboy, Conner Kent, was stuck in Smallville. Having a real name, a place to crash and people who gave a crap about him was pretty great but the restrictions sometimes felt like a noose around his neck. He’d had next to free reign in Cadmus as their golden project and even in Hawaii he could go flying off to the beaches or jungles at a moment's notice. But Ma, Superman’s mom not his, insisted that a good night's sleep and some peace would help with his restlessness. He groaned and lifted himself off the bed and floated lazily above it.

He was half flipping through a comic book Bart had borrowed him, only half paying attention because he was so bored he could hardly think straight. Plus it was almost offensive now that he was sort of a superhero himself now? It was weird and required too much introspection so he just didn’t think and glossed over the brightly colored pages. Kon was tapping his left finger absentmindedly against his stomach. A soft, steady beat in the back of his head that he also didn’t like thinking too hard about. Didn’t stop him from drawing comfort from it though.

Kon was almost to the end of the comic and had finally sorted out what the characters were talking about when that reliable rhythm he’d come to rely on became suddenly, painfully erratic. He startled, dropping his comic book onto the bed and cocked his head to the side as he held his breath, putting everything he had on his super ears. This happened occasionally, it was nothing to worry about. It was fine, everything was fine.

For a few terrifying moments, that beat stopped but Kon wasn’t in any state to think about it. He’d already burst through his bedroom window, shattering the glass and the frame as he sped as fast as his stolen powers could take him. The parts of him not focusing on going faster, faster, faster were locked on the sound of that beat picking up again, unsteady and irregular. He had no idea what was happening all he knew was that he was going to find out.

XxX

“Eh uh Freddy?” Nick ‘the Bolt’ Bolton asked his partner in crime and also love because it's the 21st century and love is love. “We sure that was a good idea?” He was leaning over the side of the Gotham Life building, clenching and unclenching his fists nervously. It sure was a long way down with nothing but hard concrete waiting on the bottom. 

“Relax, Bolt,” Freddy soothed, tucking the taser back into his back belt pocket. “The kid’s a bit frazzled but he’s a Bat. He’ll be grappling away any second now and flying off to daddy bats right now so, come on ya big lug, we gotta skedaddle with our score before they come back.”

“I don’t know, Freddy,” Bolt muttered as he watched Robin continue to drop like a stone, his bright outfit growing smaller by the second as he got closer to the ground. “He’s not moving or nothing.”

Freddy had been prepared for Batman should he show up for their heist. The fact that the newest Robin had arrived instead had messed up their plan. They’d fought, the kid hit tough he had to admit, until Bolt had been able to grab him. He’d held the kid, just a little guy no bigger than his youngest cousin who’d just started high school, while Freddy had used his taser on him. His ears are still ringing from how loudly the boy had screamed. But the device had been wired for a man at least twice his age and weight. When Bolt had let go of the kid, he’d staggered like an old drunk until he tipped over the side of the building. And now he was watching the kid drop with no signs of slowing or stopping himself.

“Then we’ve done the underworld a favor,” Freddy said with a little whistle as he joined Bolt at the edge of the building and watched the probably knocked out Robin continue to fall. “We’re gonna have some serious street cred if word gets around we offed a Bat. Remember that guy, Sid the Squid I think his name was? The one who almost took out the Bat? That’ll be us, baby. Now come on, I don’t wanna be around when Batsy finds out his bird fell outta the nest.”

“He’s just a little boy, I didn’t want to hurt him,” Bolt frowned sadly before following after Freddy. There wasn’t much anyone could do at this point. If Batman were nearby, he’d have swooped in long ago. There was nothing or no one who could help Robin now. Bolt had done a lot of things in his life he wasn’t proud of but he’s pretty sure killin’ a kid, even accidentally, who was only trying to help people would be the top of that list. “Sorry Robin.”

“Hey,” Freddy said, stopping suddenly and causing Bolt to run into him. “You hear that, Bolt?”

“Hear what, Freddy?” Bolt stuck a finger in his ear, “my head’s still ringing from- from you know.” Actually, now that Fred mentioned it there was some sorta high pitched whining in the air. He’d thought it’d been Robbie’s screams but the sound was only getting louder, like a plane approaching only a hundred times faster.

“I don’t like this, get your keister in gear!” Freddy said suddenly, bolting for the door to get them away from the scene of their crime. A loud boom crackled in the air, like thunder only right next to them. There was a blur, one Bolt barely saw in between blinks but you couldn’t miss the roaring sound or how all the windows on the surrounding buildings shattered. Freddy was taking the stairs down two at a time but Bolt was curious, he had to know. He ran back to the side of the building and looked down, bracing himself for what he was gonna see. 

“Oh my god,” he said to himself as he took in the sight below before running after his lover for the stairs. 

XxX

Clark’s phone was ringing. He blinked sleepily at the clock. Clark’s phone was ringing at 2:49 in the morning.

“If someone isn’t dead, I’ll kill them myself,” Lois grumbled next to him, covering her head with a pillow. Clark fumbled for the device and answered it with trepidation. Lois had probably been joking but calls at just shy of 3 am rarely had good news.

“Hello?” He questioned.

“Superman,” Clark sat up straight. Bruce sounded rough, his voice raw and aching like he’d packed all of his suffering into his words. He also called Clark’s personal phone, not his separate JLA number. An easy mistake anyone could make, anyone but Batman. Something was wrong. Really wrong. “You’re needed in Gotham.”

“I’ll be there in less than a minute,” Clark said in a rush as he threw off his blankets and threw on his costume. Lois was sleepily blinking at him as she turned on the bedside light. Desperate for courage, he kissed her deeply. “I have to go.”

“I’ll put on coffee,” she said, slipping out of bed. “I’ll be here if you need me.” Clark was out of their apartment and in downtown Gotham moments later. He’s not sure what he expected, mass destruction and mayhem considering how destroyed Bruce had sounded on the phone. 

He was floating over an ordinary street, there were two police cars parked next to a tall building, the cops aggressively hauling out two handcuffed criminals. There was a ridiculous amount of broken glass everywhere, covering the streets, obviously from all of the broken windows on most of the block. What the hell had happened here?

“Superman,” he turned to Bruce’s voice, still as shaky and barely held together as he’d sounded earlier. The first thing he noticed was that B was over a block away from the presumed crime scene, not sneaking around on the edges as usual. The second was that Batman didn’t have his cape on. Clark isn’t sure how much he buys Bruce’s theory on criminals being superstitious and cowardly but he certainly looked so much more like an ordinary, vulnerable man without the dark, heavy cape. He sped forward and grabbed his friend by the shoulders.

“What happened?” 

“Robin,” Bruce said slowly, his throat constricting as he struggled to get the words out. “I was on the other side of town, near the Bowery. Robin was supposed to head back to base. It was late and he had school in the morning. He came across an attempted robbery on his way,” Bruce was practically shaking under Clark’s grip. Oh god.

It’s been only a few years since Jason had passed and Clark knew the scars that boy’s death left on Bruce’s heart ran deep. He’d been so thankful to Tim for stepping in when none of them had been able to, for saving Bruce’s life when he’d been at his lowest. Such a bright, brilliant boy. Batman wouldn’t recover from losing another partner, another son.

“They caught him off guard, tazed him into unconsciousness then tossed him off the side of the Gotham Life Building,” Batman growled. “It’s 102 stories tall.” 

“Bruce…” he murmured quietly. His friend took a long, deep breath and then forced himself to relax. He looked at something over his shoulder.

“Superboy caught him less than 2 feet from hitting the pavement at terminal velocity,” Clark stopped and took in the words Bruce just told him. He peeked over Bruce’s shoulder and saw Kon and Tim huddled under Batman’s cape, shivering and looking very scared and very young. The hands he’d set on Bruce’s shoulders in an attempt to offer comfort were instead used to steady himself.

For a few terrible moments, he thought he’d lost another nephew and his best friend in the process. 

“H-how, how could he have possibly-”

“Apparently,” Bruce enunciated sharply. In the background, Clark saw Kon drop his head deeper into the cape. “Your boy has memorized the sound of my boy’s heartbeat and listens to it sometimes. When Robin’s heart temporarily stopped from the tazing, Superboy raced over at supersonic speed, which shattered all the glass windows on the block. He used his telekinetic powers to grab ahold of Robin so the speed didn’t injure him. The sudden stop woke Robin and he hit the emergency alarm, alerting me to what had happened.” 

“Oh,” Clark said softly, looking over again at Tim and Kon with new eyes. He still felt kind of awkward around his clone, not really sure what to do with a teenager made of his stolen DNA. But he did know it took time and love to keep another person's sound in your head. Knew it like he knew Ma was pacing the farmhouse anxiously over Conner’s sudden disappearance and Lois was tapping her coffee cup on the counter as she awaited news. 

He didn’t know much about clones but he did know about Love. And maybe Conner did too. Maybe they did have something in common besides their powers after all. 

“You want me to take Kon home?” He asked quietly. 

“No, Superboy will be staying the night with us. My attempts to extradite the two of them have been so far unsuccessful,” Bruce said with the first hints of some emotion other than exhaustion and barely controlled fear. He sounded fond in the most exasperated way possible. “I wanted to update you on the situation so you can pass the word along to your mother about Superboy’s whereabouts. If she could call him out of school for the day, I’ll ensure he’s returned safely sometime later today after the boys have slept and recovered a bit.”

“Right, can do,” he said, finally allowing himself to relax since he first woke up to his phone ringing. “You know, you could have just called Ma yourself.”

“I learn from my partners as much as they learn from me,” Bruce reached up and gripped onto Clark’s wrist so tightly it would have bruised a normal human. As relieving as it was that Tim was alive and well, it had still been far too close a call for the Dark Knight. Poor boy was going to be absolutely drowned in Bruce’s paranoid fussing for the next week at least. “Robin has his Kryptonian here so it’s only natural that I called in mine.”

“Of course Bruce, anytime,” he smiled. “Kon,” he called over and watched the boy lift his head warily. “Good work, kid. Get some sleep and take care of your friend. I’ll cover for you back home though from what I hear Ma muttering about now, you did a real number on the window during your exit.”

“I’ll be paying for it,” Bruce interrupted, turning again to look at the boys. “It will be fixed by the time Superboy returns home. Money, a window, some things aren’t so easily replaceable.” 

“I know better than to fight you on that,” Clark chuckled. “I’ll let you get the boys taken care of. Keep me up to date about when we can expect Kon back home.”

“Of course,” Bruce nodded. “And in return,” he added, much softer. “I expect you to have a talk with your boy about privacy and how to properly court a young man like my son.” Kon started wheezing under the cape and Tim leaned closer to him, asking what B had just said. 

Clark snorted, he remembered being young and in love once. Kon sure had his work cut out for him. But if the kid was willing to fly halfway across the country out of fear for his friend, then Batman wasn’t going to be a problem. In fact, Bruce was probably secretly delighted to have Kon’s ears trained on Tim’s heartbeat. Love had a way of bringing the most unlikely of people together and that’s what kept the world interesting.