#we’ve got frozen pipes

[venture-through-the-mist]

Tennotober 2024

My collection of works based on the Tennotober 2024 prompts.

Hi all! I wanted to take part in Tennotober 2024, but I also knew that I wouldn’t be able to draw 31 art pieces, so I’m doing some fics instead!

The Warframe Tennotober 2024 Prompt List can be found here: https://forums.warframe.com/topic/1412660-official-tennotober-2024-megathread/

Day 10: Graffiti: Some Things Can Just Be

Operator Mag is tasked with helping the Ventkids. Their ‘quest’ proves to be a little out of her comfort zone.

TW: None for this chapter.

As always with my Operator POV fics, this is in first person POV.

With that out of the way, the fic begins under the cut.

I climb through the vent, emerging in the large room on the other side. The clanging sound of Skeg rattles through the vents, and as I walk forward, two of the kids stop talking, turning to face me. 

“Howzit, Glinty. We’ve got somethin’ that could use your help, if you’re up for it.” Roky’s comment has me curious, and my head tilts slightly. My voice  comes out slightly metallic because of my Warframe, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to get her to clarify what she wants.

“Yeah, sure. What’s up?” She gestures to the massive mural on the wall, though there’s a blank spot that draws my gaze.

“We’re outta ideas for this. Mind lendin’ a hand? I can knock a bit off your next board.” The offer isn’t that tempting, given the fact that me on a K-Drive is like a baby Virmink learning to walk on those long legs of theirs. But, I rationalize, I don’t have anything else to do. Plus, it’ll be fun. So, I nod.

“Okay, sure. What do you want me to paint?” She huffs, and Boon tosses me a can of paint.

“Whatever your muckin’ heart desires, mate.” I catch the can, a solid thunk ringing out as it hits my Warframe’s hands, and nod. I stare at the wall, frozen for a moment.

What if I mess it up?

What if it isn’t right?

I see the others watching me, and as I listen to the thump of the music, I tentatively spray a bit of paint at the wall. It leaves an uneven streak across the once-vacant space. Nerves rush through me for a moment, but as I notice the Ventkids and their intrigue—none of them are mad at me, I didn’t ruin it—, I take a breath.

Okay, this isn’t that hard.

I get an idea, and with the press of a couple buttons on the arm of my Octavia, music starts emitting from my Warframe, melding with the Skeg tunes being drummed out on the pipes behind me. I dance along, spraying uneven strokes of paint across the wall. It doesn’t have to be perfect, I tell myself, it just has to be. Roky and Boon watch, though they quickly get distracted by their own work on other ends of the mural. We work alongside each other, letting the music and our emotions guide our arms as we paint. The spray-cans hiss, and eventually I step back. There, on the wall, next to larger, more elaborate paintings, is a small, bright pink Kavat, about the size of the nose of a K-Drive. It’s a little wonky-looking, but I grin as I look at it.

This was fun, I realize. No stakes, just hanging out with the music and some paint. 

I should do this more often.

[jjmichie]

In Too Deep - Chapter 7

Fan Fic Friday - finished another chapter today. Usual disclaimer, this is totally FICTION, just my imagination, nothing real. In case you missed Chapter 6 you can find it here

***

“Don’t look now, but Mark just came in . . .” Jeff warned, and ducked behind the bar menu he was holding. He pretended to study the draught beer selections even though Stone knew he had them memorized by now.  

“Is he coming this way?” Stone asked, holding his head very still, but grabbing a handful of peanuts and jiggling them in his hand. 

Jeff peaked above his menu. 

“Ummm . . . no, looks like he’s stopping at the bar.  He doesn’t see us.”

“Whew,” Stone slapped the peanuts into his mouth. 

“Jeez you guys,” Andy rolled his eyes.  “Just go say hi!  What’re you hiding from him for? ” 

Jeff shrugged.  “I dunno.  It’s just awkward.  It’s like, after you break up with a girl, you just don’t want to like, run into them – it’s the same when your band breaks up - oh fuck.  He saw me.”  

“Heyyyyy, friends!” Mark’s familiar slender figure appeared at the edge of their booth, his blonde hair drooping over one eye, despite his nonchalant attempts to flip it away.  “What’s up?”  

“Oh hey Mark!” Stone feigned surprise.  “What are you doing here?”

“In Seattle?” Another hair flip.  “Uhh, I live here . . .” 

Stone promptly gave him the finger. 

“I hear you guys got signed . . . that’s cool.”  

“Yeah!” Jeff piped up.  “We’ve been working on the record.  Should be out this spring.”

“Awesome . . .”

Everyone nodded. 

“Playin’ any gigs soon?” Mark continued.

Everyone looked at each other.  They weren’t playing any gigs soon. 

“No, I guess not,” Stone said, taking a swig of beer.  “How about you guys?”

“Yeah, we got a few lined up.  But I’m sure they’ll be duds.  No one cares to see us without the illustrious Jeff and Stone.  No one cares to see a band that hasn’t been signed . . .”  Mark sighed loudly. 

“Life’s unfair sometimes,” Stone smirked. 

“Guess it’s not who you know, but who you blow, huh Stone?”  Mark flipped his hair out of his eye long enough to give Stone a long deliberate wink.  

Stone felt a rush.  What the hell was THAT supposed to mean?  He felt Jeff staring at him, his eyes narrowing.  

“Okay, well, I’ll let you whores get back to whatever you were doing.” 

“Good to see you too!” Stone raised a toast to Mark. 

Mark clinked his bottle against Stone’s and they both drank.  Then Mark sauntered away, still smirking. 

Everyone at the table was quiet. 

“Okay . . .” Andy finally said.  “Now I see why you hide from him.  Oh well, I guess us whores will get back to our drinking! You guys want another round?”  

But Jeff was staring at the table, his arms crossed. He was chewing on the inside of his cheek.  

Andy glanced at him, and did a double take as he noticed Jeff’s brewing mood.  Then raised his eyebrows at Stone. 

Stone noticed it too.  He watched Jeff carefully, waiting for some indication on which direction it was going to go.  He had seen Jeff’s moods turn abruptly before.  He returned Andy’s look with an equally confused shrug.  

“I’m . . . going . . . to . . . get . . .” Andy had turned his attention to the beer menu.  “I don’t know.  Jeff, what do you think I should get?”  

Jeff huffed loudly in  Stone’s direction.  He opened his mouth, about to say something, but then apparently reconsidered, as he closed it again.  

Andy and Stone both waited, frozen. 

“You know . . .” Jeff finally said, gazing upward.  “It might be funny if he wasn’t serious.  And it might be funny if it weren't . . .” Jeff bit his cheek again, then shook his head. “No.  You know what?  Forget it.  I’m outta here.” 

“No!  If it weren’t WHAT?  What were you going to say?” Stone prompted.

But Jeff had already gotten up and left the table.  He continued straight out the door.  Stone felt it proverbially slamming with his exit. 

He and Andy sat still for a few moments.  

“Wow.”  Stone finally stammered.  “What the hell was THAT?”  

Andy bit his lip. 

“Does this make any sense to you?” Stone continued.  “I mean, yeah, that was a shitty thing for Mark to say, but I feel like Jeff was mad at ME!”  

Andy abruptly went back to studying his menu. 

“. . . Andy?”

“Hmm?”

“Is there something going on here?”

Andy put the menu down and looked Stone directly in the eye.  He sighed. “Well . . . umm . . . I don’t know if this has anything to do with it, but I know some people have been seeing you out and around with Molly, and . . . I think there’s been some . . . talk.”

“Ohh fuck, are you kidding me?” Stone groaned.  “Talk?  Seriously?”

“Well, y’know, maybe more like speculation, just some stuff I overheard, I don’t even remember who . . .”

“Well that’s bullshit!  What’s the deal with people!  Can’t a man and a woman have a professional relationship?  People see us out for coffee and they right away assume we’re fucking?”

“Umm . . . you ARE fucking . .”

“But – but – that’s beside the point!  And we only started fucking, like, a few days ago! And so what if we are? That’s nobody’s business.” 

“Well . . . it’s just that people . . . make connections where they shouldn’t.  They see you and Molly together,” Andy raised his right hand, palm upward.  “People know she’s pretty important in the music biz . . . you know, and then they see Love Bone getting a record deal . . ” Andy raised his left hand as a counter weight, and winced in Stone’s direction. 

“Oh Jesus Fucking Christ!  You’re not serious!  People are actually SAYING THAT?  Who?  I want names!”  

“Stone, just, shhh, shhh, shhh, keep your voice down.”  Andy glanced around the bar.  People were looking in their direction.  

But, people were always looking in their direction.  

“So THAT’s why Jeff is pissed . . .” Stone reasoned out.  

Andy sighed a deep breath and nodded. 

“Were any of you planning to TELL me about this . . . this this. . . TALK?”

Andy bit his lip.  “I don’t think it’s really anything to worry about, honestly!  I mean, Mark thinks everyone is a whore.  Mark’s just being Mark.”   

“Well Jeff is obviously worried about it!” 

“And Jeff’s just being a pissy fuck. I wouldn’t worry about that either.” 

But Stone looked at the door where Jeff had exited and relived the slam it had made.  He felt it again, felt it over and over, shuddering as each shockwave hit him.    

* * *

“Molly?  We have to talk.  Are you there?  Pick up if you’re there . . .”  he spoke into her answering machine. 

He paused.  

“Okay, so you’re not there. It’s, uh, Stone, gimme a call when you get this. If I’m not here I might be at Jeff’s so you can try there, otherwise–” 

“Stone!” 

Her lilting voice interrupted his message and he heard the clack of her machine shutting off as she picked up the receiver.  He pictured her cradling the receiver to her ear and how her hair would tumble across her cheek and . . . 

“Hi . . . I didn’t think you were going to pick up . . .”

“Sorry, I just stepped in.  Had to stop to pick up something for dinner.” 

“That’s okay  - what are you having?”

“Oh, I just grabbed a baguette, and some salami, and then some fresh pasta and marinara.” He could hear her taking each item out of the bag and setting it on the counter as she spoke.   “And . . .a bottle of chianti.  What are you doing for dinner . . .?” 

Stone was planning on having dinner with his parents.  He could hear them in the kitchen below him, the TV spewing out the local news, the smell of salmon wafting up the stairs towards him.  

“Umm . . . I don’t really have any plans . . .” 

“No?”  Molly suddenly sounded so innocent.  

“No . . .” Stone pouted. 

“Well . . . I do have a LOT of pasta . . .” 

Stone’s heart skipped a beat. 

“And I can’t drink all this chianti by myself . . .” 

Another beat. 

“STONE!  DINNER’S READY!”  The shrill holler of his mother’s voice permeated the room, sneaking into his phone receiver and through the line and into Molly’s receiver and undoubtedly into her conscience.  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.  

Stone slapped his hand over the mouthpiece and yelled “Just a sec, I’m on the phone!”  

“Umm . . . sounds like someone else has plans for you?” 

“No!  No!  They just . . . they always make a huge dinner, and if I’m around, you know, they just, uh, offer me some.  I don’t like really NEED to join them!” 

He could hear her smiling. 

“Well . . . if that’s the case . . .”  He could picture her pink lips forming the words. “Would you like to come over?” 

* * *

He pushed her shoulders firmly down into the mattress, watching her open mouth panting and her cheeks flushing deeply as she came.  

He was about ready too.  

“Ohhh Molly, Jesus fuck . . .” 

She wrapped her legs around him and squeezed as he thrust his naked pelvis against hers, penetrating as deep as he could, feeling the softness and wetness and tightness convulsing against him.  Seeing that she was coming a second time, he kept it going as long as he could, but when she reached up to pinch the shit out of both his nipples he let go, slamming his cock into her as hard as he could, feeling himself spewing inside her, the unbelievable pleasure engulfing them both.  He heard her whimper his name, and heard his own voice moaning something unintelligible before they both melted into each other, Stone still on top.  He gave her forehead a long soft kiss.  Her breathing slowly returned to normal.  

The lingering scent of basil and oregano still filled the space around them.

Continue to Chapter 8

[lamppostss]

"Fevers" [1/3] (Disc)

“These mountains fucking suck. We should’ve gone around.” Concludes the woman with a mild coughing fit following her words. “M-maybe it’s… Malifex.” Quietly peeps the bard from behind everyone’s back. “Shush, ye eejit, stay quiet.” Interjected the staunch dwarf, pensively running his stubby fingers through his luxurious, dark beard. “We’ve seen malifex. It did nae look like this.” An awkward pause followed suit, as everyone stood frozen in place, contemplating one thing or another. They have been going through the mountain pass for the last week or so. The endless myriad of afflictions one could easily catch in those lands couldn’t be ruled out easily. Not without a medical specialist on hand. “Wizard.” Grumbled the dwarf, turning to the gaunt figure propped up against the wooden wall. “We need diagnosis.” The quiet, thin man, slightly titled his head to the side. His icy eyes were filled with anything but positive emotions. “Me? A doctor?” he scoffs. “You must have mistaken me for someone else. I am no expert on lizards. You should get a veterinarian or something…” “Crouton-eating smartass.” Hisses the young woman, still in bed, turning her head away from the pale mage. “Hope your nuts freeze off…” “Children. Silence.” Interjects the dwarf. “For now – everything points to the Mountaintop Fever. Which…” “Which sounds like a good title for a song!” pipes up the bird musician, before almost getting a good heavy-handed slap from the squat warrior. “Told ye to shush, Lavender. As for you two…” he turned to the wizard and the rogue. “Vallarys – you will stay in bed for the next few days. Soleil – you will also stay and watch over her. Got it?” The reception of such plans was… mixed, to say the least. The fair-headed young man let out a noise that can best be described as a growling sigh. “Merde de chien et gravier…” The scaled rogue, meanwhile, seemed conflicted. “I am not some doddering hag! I can still…” the words of protest were interrupted with a series of heavy coughs. “Fucking hells… Sure. Baguette-boy, fetch your mistress some coffee. And more pillows. And scratch my back while you’re at it.” she adds, with a smug snicker.

“Master Dwarf, is this… really necessary?” with a sheepish annoyance to his tone mumbled Soleil. “Yes. You are the best cook out of us three. Besides – those books of your must have some notes on basic care of sick people.” “Hey! I am not sick! Just… under the weather, that’s all. If only my callboy was more responsive…” interrupts the dragonborn, theatrically leaning back with her hand over her eyes. “Mhm.” nods the dwarf. “Me and Lavender will go and talk to those diggers from the camp ahead. And you two will stay put.”

The warrior left the room, with the bard following and giving the other two a slightly absent-minded hand-wave. As soon as the heavy footsteps and claw scratching quiet down, the young rogue tries springing back into action. “Well, so much for my coffee and pillows. You’re a shit nurse, has anyone told you that before?”

Having finished her defiant rant, she gets up from the bed, adjusts her armor, stands fully up, takes a step… Falls forward onto a single knee. Wide eyed. Scared. What kind of fever is this? Her whole body felt like it was made of papier mâché – weightless, empty, with nothing to put behind it. Shit. And that wizarding rat was staring. She had to put on a brave face, she had to… “Are you hurt?” suddenly asked the pale man, crouching before her and trying to get a look into her eyes. “ME? Hurt? No? I’m fine. What’s it to you anyway? I am not a child, I don’t need you to kiss my boo-boos or whatever…” “You are an ass.” Concluded Soleil. “Get back to bed. I’ll get you your coffee and breakfast. And some clothes too. You won’t be needing armor right now anyway.” Vallarys tries to look as prideful and stoic as possible, all while the dastardly academic awkwardly, but gently helps her get onto the bed again. “Don’t forget a dessert.”

“Well, right now I can offer you a sugar sandwich or sweet nothings. Be right back.” The wizard folds his black robes into a neat square and pushes them aside, walking out of the room as well. “Loser…” she mumbles, stacking pillows under her head. Maybe, a part of her did prefer the company of a poncy bookworm to the company of literally no-one. Maybe… The kitchen in this particular house was a rather old, brick-and-wood type of deal. The stench of dust and soot assaulted the wizard’s senses as he got around to making breakfast for himself and his newly acquired patient. Lighting the stove with a finger click, he pondered to himself about a great deal of things. First of all – the rogue was right in one thing, the mountains did fucking suck. Second – what did he do to deserve being left alone with a free-spirited verbally abusive glorified lizard? The bitter aftertaste of being told to serve. Bring that, place this, fuck off to a closet until called. So ever familiar. So ever suffocating. Blue-blooded know it all. He should spit in her coffee. Lock her in a dark room like THEY looked HIM. And almost forget to put the food on the stove. Again… He wouldn’t. He was above such pettiness. Besides – what kind of monster responds to banter with actual abuse? She was at her most vulnerable. And despite his anger – the thought of hurting her alone made the fair-headed man wince in disgust. As the fire crackled under the newly set frying pan, Soleil let out a heavy sigh. It will be difficult. But he will endure. He’s been through worse. Being dramatic about a spoiled bed-ridden frog is… Unnecessary.

[justsomeguycore]

i’m in a shared patio of several restaurants and they’re all pumping music separately. to my left out of the frozen yogurt shop, we’ve got all of me by john legend; behind me, fried chicken and house of the rising sun, playing so goddamn loudly that i can’t make out what song is piping out of the pizza place. sounds like pop punk. this is what america means to me

[dansnaturepictures]

22nd January 2023 post 1 of 3: Lymington (The wildlife) 

We came back here today and saw three species it’s a good place to see for the first time this year; a dinky Ringed Plover on an island in a frozen Normandy lagoon, imposing Spoonbill distant in the estuary and a fine view of a smart Spotted Redshank. All very welcome additions to my year list and ones I admire to take my year list to 127, pipping last year by two to already mean I’ve seen more birds after one month of a year than ever this year which I am thrilled to achieve. It has been a whirlwind of a month already and an amazing birdwatching one with so much seen. Having seen Greenshank and Common Redshank standout birds today also earlier in the walk at the point where we saw the Spotted Redshank by the bridge we had the amazing moment of seeing Spotted Redshank, Redshank and Greenshank all wading near to each other. One of those birding moments out when things align perfectly to create a textbook in the mudflats to compare the features of the three waders which was really interesting and brilliant to see. It was quite interesting also that in 2018 the same day we went to see Hawfinches at Mercer Way (which we did yesterday) I got Greenshank and Spotted Redshank as year ticks here and saw the two side by side at this point by the bridge. I took the sixth picture in this photoset of the Greenshank earlier in the walk and final two pictures in this set of the Spotted Redshank.

There were strong connected moments to nature this afternoon seeing Avocets seeking new sanctuary on bits of land out to sea with their usual Normandy lagoon haunt frozen always elegant birds to see I enjoyed seeing one flying today which is always great too, immersive sights and sounds of Brent Geese especially flying over birds I love, the stunning sound and sight of Mute Swans flying ahead and magical sounds from Curlews’ wings as some flew over. There was also an astonishing moment as a Curlew flew into an area the other side of the sea wall to the path further up and as we walked by it stayed put surprisingly, meaning we uncharacteristically for this species got some sensational intimate views of the bird. What a special species to observe so closely, I took the second and third pictures in this photoset of this bird. Other highlights today were Goldeneye out to sea, Little Egrets including close views of one which I took the seventh picture in this photoset of and one flying by a pipe where another emerged from near and chased it which was great and Little Grebes including four at once near each other on Eight Acre pond where there were a few so this was great. I am thankful to a kind couple we got speaking to as the gentlemen walked back towards us after walking on after the conversation to show us the Spoonbills and ensured we’d noticed the Curlew too.

It was also fantastic to see and get to photograph a Kingfisher on the icy moat like channel around Normandy lagoon, it was atmospheric to see this bird probably the one that was our first of the year here three weeks ago today to the back drop of the frost and ice of the lagoon behind, and I cherished some powerful and cracking views of this colourful bird. Obviously these were the star of our Winnall Moors visit yesterday and with this being somewhere we’ve seen them so much over the years and this year already I had a funny feeling it might be in the script for me to see and photograph a Kingfisher again this weekend. I took the first, fourth and fifth pictures in this photoset of it. It is always an honour to see them so this was a big moment and I possibly saw another flying over the sea. 

Charmingly on the way in and out where we had seen Roe Deers three weeks ago on New Year’s Day and before we saw Roe Deers in fields, eight of them which is more than I’ve seen at once before I believe. In flower gorse especially to the backdrop of ice was a nice floral sight today I took the eighth picture in this photoset of some gorse with cleavers seen nicely in the lane.

Wildlife Sightings Summary for Lymington: My first Ringed Plover, Spoonbill and Spotted Redshank of the year, Kingfisher, Great Crested Grebes seen nicely, Shelduck nicely seen flying over, Brent Geese, Little Egret, Canada Geese seen nicely, Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Shoveler on Eight Acre pond which we’d not seen before possibly driven there by the freezing of the lagoon water which I could say about Redshank on that pond too, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull, Curlew, Lapwing, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, probable Turnstone, Stonechat seen really well, Pied Wagtail seen well, Greenfinch seen nicely in the lane at the start, Robin and Roe Deer.

My next two posts are about the landscape at Lymington and bits at home and on journeys today.

[coopershortcut]

Frost-Proof Your Journey: Essential Winter Maintenance for RV Owners

Winter is here, and while the idea of a cozy RV adventure through snow-covered landscapes sounds dreamy, the cold weather can bring a unique set of challenges for your rig. Frozen pipes, chilly drafts, and dead batteries are just a few of the headaches that can pop up if your RV isn’t ready for the frost. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! With a little preparation, you can keep your RV…

[impulsivewcrewrite]

Chapter 11: Familiar Ties

Crossing camp, Rusty was reminded of his first time climbing out of camp. The rock slide had seemed impossibly tall. But now, he could easily scale it in a few bounds. After watching him climb, Juniper eagerly threw herself at the rocks. With great effort, she pulled herself up onto the ledge. 

“You’re doing great,” Rusty called down. On her own, she’d made it about a fourth of the way up! At this rate, the sun would rise at the same time she reached the top.

While Juniper continued her ascent, Sandy leapt over the apprentice and joined Rusty at the top. Sniffing around, she took off through the undergrowth. Rusty raised his own nose and inhaled. A gray squirrel was close. Just as he suspected, when Sandy returned, she carried a squirrel in her jaws. She placed it down, and scraped some leaves over it. After she finished, Juniper scrambled over the final rock. Knowing how exhausted she must be, Rusty sat down patiently. 

“Welcome to ThunderColony’s forest, Juniper,” purred Sandy. 

In response, Juniper panted and rolled onto her back.

“Don’t worry, with practice, climbing gets easier,” Rusty added. He gently ruffled her head with his paw. “Let’s head to the sandy hollow first.”

Exhaustion forgotten, Juniper jumped to her paws.

The sandy hollow was the closest landmark to camp, and where Juniper would spend most of her time training. When Rusty was being trained, the sunlight that danced on the forest floor was warm, but now, cold light dappled their pelts. As they walked, Sandy quizzed Juniper on the different bird calls they could hear. 

“That’s a… woodpecker up in that oak tree!” 

“Right, now what’s the one that sounds like a mouse’s squeak?”

“Um… is that a dunnock?”

“Close! But also… not close. Goldfinch.”

As Juniper cursed under her breath, Rusty glanced up at the trees. As a kittypet, he only knew a few bird names. But now, as a warrior, he was expected to know the differences between a gray wagtail and a pied wagtail! Had he chosen to be a druid, he’d have to learn the differences between things like barberry, blackberry, and bearberry. Suddenly the task of teaching Juniper felt overwhelming. Was he truly ready to do this?

“The sandy hollow is where Goshawk told Snowstorm that she loved him,” Sandy piped up. Walking across the hollow, she flicked her whiskers. “The stream and pond aren’t too far from here. They’re usually dry in Green-leaf.”

“I wanna see the stream!” Juniper, without waiting for permission, rushed to the top of the rise. Dashing after her, Rusty felt a renewed sense of youthful wonder. She let out a small gasp of amazement.

“It’s all frozen!” she cooed.

“Y’know, humans can create ice even in the heat of summer,” Rusty recalled. 

“Can we do that too? I want to learn how!” his apprentice jumped excitedly. Then, distracted by a leaf, she batted at the falling leaf. With a single paw, she pinned it down. 

“Don’t you know? Cats from the Place of No Stars taught humans their dark magic,” Sandy mewed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “If any living cat tried to turn water into ice, their whole body would freeze over!”

“Alright, enough human talk,” Rusty cut across Sandy. It was comforting to hear someone besides himself say ‘human’ instead of twoleg. Briefly, his heart yearned for the neighborhood again, and the comforts of kithood. But he was a warrior now. “Let’s keep going. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover today…”

. . .

“Wow! I… I can’t believe… believe the territory is so big!” Juniper panted. While she had done well maintaining Rusty and Sandy’s pace, it was clear she was exhausted. Above them, the sun was just barely past noon. This had done little to warm the forest up. A cold wind blew past the small patrol as they walked along the border between ThunderColony and the neighborhood Rusty came from. They’d encountered Stag leading a patrol the other way, but other than them, the forest was empty.

“And that was only half of it. I’ll take you to Sunningrocks, Fourtrees, and the bridge tomorrow,” Rusty promised. Juniper’s enthusiasm was rejuvenating. So much so that even seeing the thunderpath had Juniper whooping. On their way to Snakerocks, Rusty had chased down a chipmunk, and the group had compared its stripes to Bracken’s pelt. Sandy ran ahead and made sure no adders were out sunbathing, and Rusty had shared the time when Raven had caught one. He and Juniper had then engaged in a contest to see who could imagine the most prey they could catch in one patrol. After Juniper explained how she would defeat a dog, she was named the winner.

“Keep your nose open, those rogue kittypets could return at any moment,” Sandy mewed, jumping Rusty back into the present. 

“I think I smell one!” Juniper suddenly hissed. 

“I see one right now. Get down!” Rusty meowed sharply. The trio slid back into the shadows. Sandy took a defensive stance in front of Juniper, and Rusty pressed himself gently against her. Ahead of them was a large black and white tom, half concealed by a bush. It seemed he hadn’t noticed them yet. While he didn’t seem to be afraid, he was at least apprehensive. But he remained in his hiding spot.

“Should we like chase him or something?” murmured Sandy. 

“I don’t know,” Rusty shot back nervously. “He looks familiar to me. Maybe we can resolve this-”

He broke off as the fence in front of the trespasser rattled. A fat ginger and white tabby perched at the top of the fence, and then clumsily jumped to the forest floor. Strangely, around her neck was a thin band of fabric. Unlike her black and white friend, her fur was smooth and glossy. This was a kittypet. Immediately, the tom rushed towards her. He also sported a collar, although his was ragged and torn. Was he a kittypet too? But his fur was patchy and ragged, and his ears were frostbitten and tattered. He was living life rough. So what was he doing around a delicate kittypet?

“A kittypet? What’s she doing in the forest?” Juniper whispered, slightly too loud.

“Shh! Let’s see what they’re doing,” something inside Rusty told him these cats meant no harm. One step at a time, he slowly crept forward. Behind him, Sandy dug her claws into the ground. 

“- meeting here?” the ginger molly asked.

“Darling, it’s just not safe in the city yet,” mewed the tom. His voice was familiar. Had he been the one Rusty had seen with Smudge? The one who’d attacked him? He braced himself for a fight.

The molly frowned. Something about her glittering yellow eyes made Rusty pause. Did he know her from somewhere?

“I miss you. You should stop by and see your kits,” she pouted. “They deserve a father.”

Oh, these two are spouses? Rusty surmised. But why are they meeting out here, in the forest? It seemed the more time he spent with ThunderColony, the more secrets he uncovered. He risked a glance back at Sandy and Juniper. The pair were staring back at him with equal interest. Motioning with his tail, he called the two towards him. 

“Well? What is it?” Sandy quietly demanded. 

“They’re mates, or something. I guess they just want to meet somewhere private,” he answered. 

“Why does the lady look like you?” Juniper chimed in. “Is that your mom?”

“I don’t know…” Rusty frowned. Then, with a growl, he jumped out of hiding. “Hey!”

With a gasp, the kittypet made a break for the fence. The black and white tom watched her struggle up the fence, and then growled back at Rusty. Before anyone else could move, the black and white tom raced off. In a few leaps, he made it onto the fence and into a different yard. 

“Who was that?” Sandy’s ears were red, but she didn’t seem mad. 

“Some kittypet…” Rusty answered. “She… might be my sister?”

He heard Juniper giggle. “Sounds like Sandy has a crush.”  

“Do not!” Sandy snapped back. “C’mon, let’s tell Tiger about this.”

The trek back to camp was quiet. All the while, Rusty was wracking his memories. Yes… of course he had a sister! He could clearly see the face of his mother looking down at him. Around him was the warm smell of milk. His mother cooed gently, but a second kitten was mewling. In his mind’s eye, he turned. There! A second kit! Clear as day, he knew that the kittypet he’d seen was his sister. Remembering what she’d said, she had kits of her own. Rusty had family!  

Heart leaping in his chest, the walk home felt surreal. He vowed to find his sister, and meet his family.

[informative-blogger123]

A Reliable Solution for Every Household

When it comes to maintaining your home, few things are as important as a well-functioning plumbing system. Whether it's a leaky faucet, clogged drain, or the need for a complete water heater replacement, plumbing issues can arise at any time, often when you least expect it. Fortunately, having access to professional plumbing services can save you from the stress of handling these problems on your own. In Utah, the importance of reliable plumbing contractors cannot be overstated.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding the best plumbing service in Utah. From common plumbing repairs to more complex services like sewer cleaning, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re ready to dive in, let’s get started!

Why You Need Professional Plumbing Services

Imagine waking up to a flooded basement or a clogged kitchen drain right before hosting guests. It's not just an inconvenience—it can be a costly repair if left unchecked. That’s why having access to professional plumbing contractors is essential. They not only have the tools and expertise to handle the problem but can also ensure the issue is resolved quickly and efficiently.

The Benefits of Hiring Plumbing Contractors in Utah

Utah’s unique climate, with its cold winters and hot summers, can cause additional wear and tear on your plumbing system. From frozen pipes to water heater issues, you’ll want a local expert who understands these conditions. Plumbing contractors in Utah know the ins and outs of the state’s weather and how it affects your home’s plumbing. This makes them the best choice for both regular maintenance and emergency repairs.

Common Plumbing Problems Homeowners Face

There are several plumbing issues that homeowners commonly deal with. While some of these problems are minor, others require immediate attention from a professional.

Leaky Faucets

A dripping faucet may seem like a small nuisance, but over time, it can lead to significant water waste and even higher utility bills. Addressing leaky faucets quickly can save you both money and the headache of a more complicated plumbing problem later.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common reasons people seek plumbing services in Utah. Whether it's in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, a clogged drain can disrupt your daily routine. Professional plumbers offer effective clogged drain cleaning services to ensure your drains flow freely and prevent future blockages.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to shower or wash dishes. The cause could be anything from a clogged aerator to more serious issues like a leak in the pipes. Professional plumbers can diagnose the problem and restore your water pressure to its optimal level.

Water Heater Replacement: When Is It Time?

Hot water is a luxury we often take for granted—until it’s gone. If you’re frequently running out of hot water or notice strange noises coming from your water heater, it may be time to consider a water heater replacement. Older units become less efficient over time, leading to higher energy bills and inconsistent performance.

Signs You Need a Water Heater Replacement

Water is not getting hot enough

Unusual noises from the water heater

Rusty or discolored water

Frequent repairs

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s best to call a professional plumber to assess whether you need a repair or a complete replacement.

Plumbing Repair Services: More Than Just Fixing Leaks

While leaks are the most common problem homeowners face, plumbing repair services encompass much more than that. From installing new fixtures to repairing broken pipes, a professional plumbing contractor can handle a wide range of issues.

Pipe Repair and Replacement

Over time, pipes can corrode, crack, or burst due to changes in temperature or general wear and tear. If you notice water stains on your walls, ceiling, or floor, it could be a sign of a hidden leak. Professional plumbers can locate the source of the problem and repair or replace the damaged pipes.

Fixture Installation and Repairs

If you’re remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, professional plumbers can help install new sinks, faucets, toilets, and showers. They ensure everything is properly connected and functioning smoothly. Even if it’s just a minor repair, like replacing a worn-out faucet, it’s always best to leave the job to the pros.

The Importance of Sewer Cleaning

Sewer line problems can be disastrous if left unattended. Slow drainage, foul odors, and backed-up water in your sinks or toilets are all signs that you may need sewer cleaning. If you're looking for "sewer cleaning near me," you'll find that many plumbing contractors in Utah offer specialized services to clear blockages and maintain your sewer line.

Why Regular Sewer Cleaning is Necessary

Sewer lines can become clogged with debris, grease, tree roots, and other materials over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent major blockages, which can cause sewage backups and extensive damage to your home. Sewer cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your plumbing system and should not be overlooked.

Emergency Plumbing Services: Why Timing Matters

Plumbing emergencies can strike at any time—day or night. When a pipe bursts or your toilet overflows, you need fast, reliable service. That’s where emergency plumbing services come in handy. Many Utah-based plumbing contractors offer 24/7 emergency services to address these urgent issues.

What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?

Burst pipes

Major water leaks

Sewage backups

Overflowing toilets

These types of issues can cause significant damage to your home if not addressed immediately. Having a trusted plumber on speed dial can save you from a potentially expensive disaster.

Clogged Drain Cleaning: DIY or Hire a Pro?

It’s tempting to try and fix a clogged drain on your own using store-bought chemicals or DIY tools. However, these quick fixes often don’t address the root of the problem and can sometimes make things worse. Professional plumbers use specialized tools like drain snakes and hydro-jetting to thoroughly clean your drains and prevent future blockages.

The Risks of DIY Drain Cleaning

Many over-the-counter drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes over time. Additionally, improper use of drain cleaning tools can lead to accidental damage. Hiring a professional for clogged drain cleaning ensures the job is done right the first time.

Finding Reliable Plumbing Services in Utah

When searching for reliable plumbing services in Utah, it’s important to look for a contractor with experience, good reviews, and a strong reputation. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete water heater replacement, choosing the right plumber can make all the difference.

What to Look for in Plumbing Contractors in Utah

Licensed and insured professionals

24/7 emergency services

Positive customer reviews

Experience with both residential and commercial plumbing

Doing a bit of research ahead of time can help you find a plumber you can trust.

The Role of Plumbing Contractors in Utah

Plumbing contractors are essential for both homeowners and businesses. They offer a wide range of services, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged drain or need a new water heater, plumbing contractors in Utah have the skills and tools to get the job done.

Why Choose Local Plumbing Contractors in Utah?

Local contractors understand the unique challenges that Utah’s climate presents. They know how to handle frozen pipes, water heater issues, and other problems specific to the region. By choosing a local plumber, you’re not only supporting a local business but also ensuring that your home is in good hands.

How to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues

Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding costly plumbing repairs down the line. Regular inspections, drain cleaning, and water heater maintenance can extend the life of your plumbing system and save you money in the long run.

Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing System

Regularly inspect pipes and faucets for leaks

Clean out drains to prevent clogs

Schedule routine water heater maintenance

Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet

By following these simple tips, you can keep your plumbing system in top shape and avoid major issues.

The Importance of Water Heater Maintenance

Your water heater works hard every day to provide hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. Regular maintenance can help it run efficiently and extend its lifespan. If you’ve noticed that your water isn’t as hot as it used to be, or your utility bills have spiked, it might be time for a checkup.

How to Maintain Your Water Heater

Flush the tank annually to remove sediment

Check the temperature setting to ensure it’s not too high

Inspect the anode rod for corrosion

Routine water heater maintenance can prevent the need for a costly replacement and ensure you always have hot water when you need it.

Conclusion

Your plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your home. From clogged drains to water heater replacements, having a reliable plumber on hand can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for plumbing contractors in Utah, need a quick plumbing repair service, or are searching for "sewer cleaning near me," the right professional can save you time, money, and stress.

Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to strike—invest in regular maintenance and build a relationship with a trusted local plumber. By staying proactive, you can ensure your plumbing system stays in top condition for years to come.

FAQs

1. How often should I have my plumbing system inspected? It's recommended to have your plumbing system inspected at least once a year to catch any potential issues early.

2. Can I replace my own water heater? While it's possible to replace a water heater yourself, it's always best to hire a professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

3. What are the signs of a clogged drain? Slow drainage, gurgling sounds, and foul odors are common signs of a clogged drain that may require professional cleaning.

4. Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners? Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes over time and should be used sparingly. Professional drain cleaning is a safer option.

5. How long does a water heater typically last? Most water heaters last between 8 to 12 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

[sosplumbingdrainage]

Winter is fast approaching, and you know what that means – frozen pipes, blocked drains, and potential chaos for your home! Don’t let the cold weather catch you off guard. At SOS Drains, we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you prepare your drains for the winter freeze, ensuring a hassle-free season for your home.

[atlanticcanada]

The Big Thaw: Burst pipes, water damage wreaks havoc on Maritime homes

After one of the coldest days in years for most of the Maritimes, temperatures were up significantly Sunday.

Now, after the big chill came the big thaw -- and a flood of calls for local plumbers.

Trevor Wheatley started his work day early. He received 87 texts Saturday night and almost 50 phone calls Sunday morning. With frozen pipes now defrosting, many in the Halifax area and beyond are calling for help.

“I’ve got people from Windsor crying out because they can’t get anybody to service them and they’re willing to pay extra travel time and extra money,” said Wheatley.

It wasn’t just plumbers dealing with broken lines. The city’s water utility had to fix another broken main Sunday, after dealing with a number of them Saturday.

Fire crews were also run off their feet.

“It’s been a large volume of calls, probably four times what we would normally see during this time span,” said Chief Robert Hebb, District 3 Chief of Halifax Firefighters.

A representative of the firefighters union says it’s responded to 173 incidents between midnight and 2:30 a.m. Normally they see about a thousand a month.

Calls Sunday included fishing a vehicle out of the Bedford Basin after it slid down an icy boat launch. No one was hurt.

Hebb says many of the calls were about broken or leaking sprinkler and piping systems, along with some fires associated with heat sources to both residential and commercial properties.

“Today is pretty much a record day. We had well over 100 calls before 6:30 a.m. this morning. Most of those calls have involved sprinkler systems and alarm systems.”

It was also a busy day for power crews trying to reconnect more than 25,000 customers knocked off the grid. By 4:00 p.m. Sunday, the number was down to less than 3,800 across the Maritimes.

Frozen pipes are also an issue in the Moncton area, with water damage forcing two people from their apartments and the closure of Riverview Middle School on Monday and Tuesday.

A similar story in Charlottetown, where burst pipes forced two people out from a townhouse complex on Park Royal Court. The Red Cross also aided them with emergency lodging and meals.

“We’ve assisted more than 40 people over ten different communities. Several of those were house fires. Most of those were burst pipes and the resulting flooding.”

A short cold snap leaving a flood of clean-up work in its wake.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/MEQnDNK

[heyyoufathead]

Monday 12/26/2022

My best friend’s favorite holiday was Christmas. The Friday before Christmas marked 10 months since she died. Today would have been her 4-year anniversary with her partner - who has been destroyed by the loss of her AND has a really nasty bug.

Today, the day after Christmas, makes 1 year since we had our old man dog put to sleep. His heart had been failing and at the end he could hardly breathe.

My oldest child’s significant other had a family emergency last night. Her dad had a mild stroke and is in hospital.

My face lady’s studio was flooded and there’s no power (I assume frozen pipes due to the deep freeze we’ve been in) so I’ll be turning into a werewolf.

Talking with my elderly parents has become more tiresome than normal. Or maybe it’s just that I started my period on Christmas (I asked for menopause but got Aunt Flo...fuck me) and my patience is depleted.

I’m physically and emotionally worn out. I’ve laid in bed for 3 days and it’s still not enough.

The cherry on the anxiety-and-sadness riddled holiday is that I stepped up on my weekly diabetes injections and even Zofran can’t completely fend off the nausea.

[niccage]

Do you think the fact that ive called my mom crying no less than 12 times this week will make up for the fact that im about to bring a second uninvited dog to Christmas tomorrow morning

[aching-tummies]

5 Days of Upset....

Literal last-minute holiday guests as well as unexpected gifts of food have been stressing me out and doing a number on my digestion.

I found out while at work one day that we'd be having a last-minute guest stay at our place for 2 weeks. I was at work--far away from the house--where our guest-room was filled with boxes and piles of my old clothes as I took my time sorting out what to donate, what to store, and what to keep. I rushed home, foregoing my plans to get food and fill my starving tummy. I had ended up unwillingly skipping breakfast too that day when the bus had skipped. I had planned to find, buy, and eat breakfast in the area once the bus got me there--meaning I left the house and planned to be on a bus a full hour earlier than the one I'd usually take to get to my workplace. The bus skipping on me meant I spent an hour shivering at a frozen bus-stop, feeling my stomach begin to wake up and start grumbling at me, wondering why I had yet to fill it.

I managed to quickly tidy up the guest room. My tummy was snarling at me the whole time and I definitely slowed down to comfort my starving tummy a few times. Being hungry and having a mess of random groceries in the kitchen as well as impromptu stuff being thrown in last minute in hopes of it defrosting in time for the guests...I planned to eat instant noodles, but I couldn't bear the wait (we boil 'em rather than microwave or dump hot water on 'em--so a pot of 'instant' noodles is actually 10-20 min noodles). I ended up digging out a forgotten frozen personal-pizza out of the freezer and nuking that. It was gone in maybe four bites--a record for me because I'm usually the type to take small bites and savour my food rather than swallowing piping hot mouthfuls. I ate the noodles too, once they were ready. I was still feeling hungry after it, but the pell-mell mess I'd so quickly swallowed had left me with a nasty upset tummy. My stomach-organ was bloated (I drank the broth from the noodles too) and a bit too stretched while my intestines were being gummed up by microwaved dough and cheese.

All of that went down 5 days ago as I write this. I'm writing on the morning of the 6th day since the guests arrived. I haven't had time to truly sit down and be mindful of the state of my tummy or to write about it until now. Yeah...my stomach's been upset for the entire 5 days with maybe only two times where I felt somewhat hungry...but the hunger was definitely muffled under "upset" even when it felt like my guts were empty. The bus skipped and even blew right passed me a couple of times throughout the last 5 days--days where water literally freezes in under 3 minutes when left outside. I'm not exaggerating--I was the one standing at a bus stop with my water-bottle in-hand--watching it ice-over in real-time before the song I was listening to had completed.

Aside from the first day stress, diet, and upset...we've had other things to throw my digestion completely out of whack. Lots of fried food because family decided to bring home fried chicken for dinner spur-of-the-moment while I was at work, eating fried spring-rolls that I had bought thanks to craving 'em for weeks. So that resulted in me having to join them for fried-chicken dinner when my belly was already a vat of oil from the spring rolls.

My coworkers have been supplying me with desserts and candy to bring home and share with my family--and that's more sweets than I planned to eat in a single month right there.

On my days off I'm told there are no plans, so I make and cook something for myself (instant noodles 'cuz with the guests here I have no clue what belongs to whom and what is safe to use in the fridge). Only to be told extended family have just invited us out for dim-sum, ass-in-the-car-in-20-min--and it'd be terribly rude not to attend. Off we go to dim-sum, my belly sloshing with noodles and broth and already churning away unhappily.

Due to how busy work has been and the random scheduling because every one of my coworkers is taking days off except for me...I haven't had as many opportunities to indulge in tummy stuff for the whole month. I decided to change that the last two nights.

My poor belly has been upset for 5 days in a row and I guess I haven't been giving it much TLC when I have a minute (usually before bed) to tend to it. I learned how to shimmy an elastic off of the suction toy to tie-off my pulled-out navel. Prodding deeply into my navel was my old trick to get my tummy to rumble--stirring it up and basically irritating my intestines via my navel was the old trick. With it popped out the way it's tied, I've found that even just rubbing the senstitive nub draws deeper growls from my upset tummy. Because the base of my navel is up and accessible, I don't need to rest my palm on my tummy like deep prodding used to require--this means that the squelches and rumbles aren't being muffled by anything sitting or pressing on my tummy. A combination of an upset, bloated, and fairly full tummy and the singular stimulation of teasing my popped-out navel resulted in a very loud upset tummy. It was like my intestines were twitching as a result of the rubbing (like how a ticklish person reacts to being tickled). Having my intestines twitching while there was still stuff in various stages of digestion in them caused such loud squelches and rumbles--it was glorious. I actually feel bad for not having a partner and for indulging alone because those noises were pure bliss and I feel like it was a crime to enjoy it all alone.

I'm pretty sure that the abuse I've been conducting on my navel has caused more upsets. My navel is sore and I guess my intestines around that area are also sore because of being sucked out and manipulated for 20+ minutes the last 2 nights. I made sure to use plenty of lotion to prevent chaffing and to prevent the rough edges of the toy from cutting into my navel like the first time I used 'em...but the lotion doesn't do much for the soreness left over from the fun. I've been walking around with a distinct soreness radiating from my navel area.

I just woke up on day 6. I feel hungry, but it's the kind of hunger that feels muted by indigestion. I've been feeling the small twinges that usually signal my tummy working up a hungry growl...but there's also a molten-lava feeling in my guts...like a veiled threat that swallowing anything is going to reveal the knots my guts have wound themselves into and that whatever I swallow is going to beat a hasty exit from either end of my digestive system.

I've been missing interacting with my followers. If you've got an RP-Ask or RP-Lite, or general comment on my posts or the state of my tummy--don't be a stranger. I know that I created this blog to be my own personal archive of stuff and that followers and interaction don't change that--but at times I do feel like I'm just sending this stuff into the void.

[waitimcomingtoo]

Give Yourself a Try

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader enemies to lovers

Synopsis: you and Peter hate each other, which becomes a problem when you’re given a group project

Part two and three

Masterlist

“Good morning Ned.” You kindly greeted as you took your seat in front of Peter in your first period physics class.

“Morning Y/n.” Ned said back, gearing up for what he knew was coming.

“I really like your makeup today, Y/n.” Peter smiled as he leaned forward in his seat. “Is it hard balancing your schoolwork with your job at the circus?”

“Not at all.” You smiled sweetly at him as you turned around. “I could get you a job there if you’d like. We’ve been needing something small to feed to the lions between shows. You’d be perfect.”

“Small? Darling, you must be mistaken.” Peter kept a sickly sweet grin on. “I’m bigger than your boyfriend of the week over there.”

“Silly goose.” You scrunched your nose at him. “Harry Osborn is not my boyfriend. And just so you know, steroids are really bad for you. I’m worried about your well being.”

“I’m not on steroids.” Peter hissed, dropping the act. “Stop trying to start that rumor.”

“Why not?” You shot back. “You had no trouble spreading the rumor that I was the one who killed Herbie the hamster when we all know it was you who left the door open after cleaning his cage.”

“Are you kidding me? That was fifth grade.” He whispered harshly.

“I will never forget it.” You snapped back.

“Ahem.” The teacher cleared her throat as she stared at you and Peter with an annoyed expression. This was an everyday occurrence in her class, and any other class you had with Peter. You hated each other and everyone knew it. You and Peter stopped arguing and slumped in your seats, giving each other one last look of disdain.

“Instead of a final exam this semester, I’ll be giving you a final project.” The teacher continued. “You’ll be working with one other student.”

“Nice. We can finally present our work on quantum physics.” Peter excitedly high fived Ned.

“Can you guys reschedule your virgin convention for later?” You asked seriously. “I’m trying to listen.”

“Because of the disappointing grades on the last project, I will be assigning your partners.” The teacher went on.

“Don’t worry.” Peter whispered to Ned again. “We could still end up together. We got an A last time so she knows we work well together.”

“We got an A last time.” You mimicked his voice and moved your hand like a puppet.

“Yeah. An A.” Peter said as he leaned forward in his seat. “You know, like your bra size.”

“What did you just say to me?” You snapped as you whipped around. He had on his infamous shit eating grin that you hated.

“Young man, can you please stop interrupting our conversation?” He said as he held up a hand. Your jaw dropped at the insult, face growing warm with anger. You decide not to give him the satisfaction of an insult exchange and turned around in your seat. Your teacher began to list off the partners for the projects.

“Leeds, Stacy.” She called out. “You’ll be working together.”

“Sorry, man. But also, not sorry man.” Ness frown quickly turned into a smile. “Gwen, over here!”

“Aw.” You snickered as you turned around on your chair. “I feel bad for whoever gets stuck with you now. That poor, unfortunate soul.”

“Parker. L/n. You’ll be working together.”

“What?” You and Peter screamed in unison. You gave each other an angry look before looking at your teacher in protest.

“You two are always holding up my class and I’m tired of it.” She held up a hand. “This project will teach you how to finally get along and stop disrupting me while I teach.”

“Mrs. Avery, with all due respect, I can feel myself getting more disruptive already.” You told her.

“I think that’s your STD.” Peter mumbled.

“You two need to learn how to be professional and amicable.” She ignored your protest. “You won’t always like your peers. But you will always have to collaborate with them at some point.”

“I understand that.” You assured her. “But if we do this project together, my fist is going to collaborate with Peters face.”

“That’s a threat.” Peter piped up. “I’d like to file a report.”

“And I’d like to take that report and shove it up your-“

“Enough.” Mrs. Avery cut you off. “You will be working together and that is final.”

You both shrunk in your seats, fuming with anger over the teachers decision. You didn’t cause any more disruptions throughout the class and quickly left once the bell rang.

Peter saw you at your locker, which was coincidentally next to his locker, spraying some perfume on.

“Darling!” Peter exclaimed as he stood next to you. “So good to see you! You know how much I love when you hog all the locker space and make the entire hallways smell like perfume.”

“Why, thank you.” You touched your hand to your heart. “As I’m sure you know, some of us prefer to smell like things other than Neosporin and baby powder. After all, that’s your signature scent and I’d just hate to step on your toes.”

“I didn’t know. Thank you for opening your gigantic mouth and telling me!” Peter said through a toothy grin.

“Oh, Peter.” You laughed airily. “You’re very welcome, you sad sack of shit.”

“Classy.” Peter faked a smile as he opened his locker. “Do you want to come over to my house after school to work on the project? I live walking distance from here.”

“What? No.” You scoffed. “You’re not getting me to a secondary location. We’ll work in the library.”

“Actually, we won’t, because it’s closed for maintenance.” He replied with a tight smile.

“I wish you were closed for maintenance.” Yoh grumbled as you zipped up your bag.

“Hilarious.” He fake laughed loudly. “Are you coming over or not?”

“Not.” You said in disgust. “I don’t know you or your parents. You might try to kill me as a part of some Parker family cult ritual.”

“My parents are dead.” He told you, unamused. “It’s just me and my aunt.”

“Is your aunt a cult leader?” You asked.

“No.” He groaned.

“Cult member?”

“No. All she does is cheat at cross world puzzles and shop at Whole Foods.” He said.

“So you lied.” You slammed your locker and looked at him. “She’s in the Whole Foods cult.”

“Can you try not to be difficult for two minutes, please? We need to get this project done.”

“Jokes on you, Parker.” You folded your arms. “Difficult is my lowest setting.”

“Ooo. Scary.” He mocked you. “What’s your highest? Because I’m pretty sure I saw it last Tuesday when your backpack got stuck on the door handle and you decided to blame me.”

“I know that was your fault. And I go from difficult to hooligan to the step mom from Parent Trap.” You shrugged.

“And they said women aren’t funny.” Peter replied as he slapped his knee. You raised an eyebrow at him, judging him for his material.

“I’m sorry.” He mumbled.

“You’re gonna be sorry.” You told him. “Where do you live again?”

“Waking distance from here. I said that less than five minutes ago.” He rolled his eyes at you.

“Well I didn’t hear that because I tune you out when you speak. You know, like most people do.” You said sweetly.

“Wow, you’re so funny.” Peter said sarcastically. “If I meet you here at the end of the day, will you come home with me?”

“Fine.” You huffed. “I’ll go home with you. But if I start detecting any cult shit going on, I’m leaving.”

“Fine by me.” He scoffed. “I’ll see you later.”

~

“Are you ready to go?” Peter asked after the last bell had rang. You shouldered your backpack and shut your locker, feeling unusually anxious around him. You could deal with Peter for 40 minutes at a time when all you did was trade insults. Something about walking to his home together and spending time alone knocked the confidence right out of you.

“I’m ready.” You nodded.

“What, no insult?” He asked. “No mocking of my voice?”

“We were assigned each other as partners so we could learn to be civil, right?” You shrugged. “I guess I’m just mature enough to give it a try.”

“There she is.” Peter smiled as you began to walk in the direction of his apartment. “There’s my girl.”

You looked to the side when you heard him say this, unsure of how it made you feel. You often called each other pet names ironically, but this felt different. There was a change in the dynamic between the two of you and it was clouding your judgment.

You let Peter do all the talking as you walked home, thankful that he lived so close to the school. He spewed out ideas for the project the entire elevator ride up and didn’t stop until you were standing outside his bedroom door.

Peter stopped talking and opened the door, gesturing for you to go inside. You made a face at him before walking, staying in one spot as he shut the door and sat down. You were frozen as you looked around his room, not liking how human it made him. He had notes from classes you didn’t have with him strewn around and an open first aid kit on his desk.

“You can sit.” He chuckled when he noticed how stiff you were.

“I’m scared to.” You admitted.

“Why?”

“I don’t know.” You answered honestly. Something about sitting on this boys bed with him seemed finalizing, like you’d be opening a door you couldn’t close.

“Just sit down.” He repeated. “I didn’t rig the place with boobytraps, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“That’s what someone who rigged the place with booby traps would say.” You replied as you took a hesitant seat on his bed.

“There. Isnt that nice?” He asked sarcastically.

“No.” You said immediately. “Am I the first girl to ever sit on your bed?”

“Psh. No.”

“I’ll take that as a yes ma’am.” You mumbled.

“Whatever.” He replied. “What do you want to do the project on?”

“How about micropenises?” You suggested. “You won’t even have to do any research.”

“Haha. So funny.” He rolled his eyes. “You are so annoying it’s actually impressive.”

“Please.” You laughed. “You so have a crush on me.”

“What?” His entire face went red. “No I don’t.”

“No I don’t.” You mimicked his voice. “Yes you do. That’s why you’re up my ass all the time.”

“That makes no sense.” He scoffed.

“It makes total sense.” You insisted. “You know I’ll never like you back, so you made me hate you. That way, you still get to talk to me all the time. Genius, really. I applaud you.”

“That’s a nice little fantasy you’ve created for yourself. Is that what you tell yourself to help you fall asleep?” He teased you.

“Yep.” You smiled brightly. “Right after I finger blast myself to the thought of you in your Catholic schoolboy sweaters.”

“Oh my God.” His cheeks turned even redder at your inappropriate joke.

“And they said women aren’t funny.” You used his words from earlier.

“They were right.” He said, making you laugh.

“God, I love it when you talk down to me.” You fanned yourself. “Can you tell me how to change a tire?”

Peter began to laugh as well, looking at you as you both laughed. You quickly stopped laughing when you realized you just gave him a genuine smile and looked away.

“Do you want to do the project on tensile strength?” You suggested to break the tension. “I know you’re weirdly into that.”

“How’d you know?” He wondered.

“You almost popped a boner when we talked about in last month.” You teased him. “It’s just rope, dude.”

“It’s not just rope. It’s the force-“

“-the force required to pull something until it breaks. I know.” You finished his sentence. “I’m smart too, you know.”

“Oh.” He was dumbfounded that you knew something he was interested in. “I didn’t know.”

“Yeah.” You nodded. “Women use brain sometime. Woman say smart thing like man.”

Peter laughed again, realizing you were actually kind of funny when you wanted to be.

“I’m not a misogynist, you know.” Peter said after a beat. “You don’t have to make jokes like that. I may not like you, but I respect you.”

“You respect me?” You raised a skeptical eyebrow at him.

“I respect all women. The strongest person I know is my Aunt. Plus, I’ve still never met anyone who was as smart as my mom. I wouldn’t be half the man I was if it weren’t for the women who raised me.” He shrugged. “But it would be ignorant and naive of me to only respect woman who are related to me in some way. So I respect all of them unless they give me a reason not to.”

“Have I given you a reason not to?” You batted your eyelashes at him.

“Not yet.” He chuckled to himself. “You’re annoying, but you’re brilliant. I know you would never admit this, but we’re basically the same person. You’re just more extroverted so you have more friends and popularity. And you’re smart but you don’t make that your whole personality, so it impresses more people when you let your intelligence show.”

Your body language shifted when you realized he was actually a nice guy. He clearly paid attention to you and was impressed by what he saw. You didn’t say anything, so Peter kept going.

“People lean in to listen when you start speaking instead of tuning you out.” He brought up your insult from earlier, and you felt bad. You didn’t realize he admired you in any way and you felt guilty for always teasing him. Peter’s kept his eyes down, playing with his fingers to distract himself.

“You’re…you’re kind of every thing I wanted to be.” He said quietly. You smiled softly at him, but he didn’t see it. It was the first time you had a nice moment with Peter, and you didn’t hate it. You could tell he was beginning to panic for sharing so much, so you reached forward and tilted his chin up to look at you. His wide eyes met yours and you gave him a small smile.

“How did your parents die?” You asked quietly, immediately ruining the moment.

“Damn.” Peter pulled away with a shocked laugh. “When was your first period?”

“All right. I get your point.” You rolled your eyes. “That was a little abrupt.”

“You’re telling me.” He teased. You sat in silence for a moment, neither of you sure where to go from there. You knew Peter was still processing you touching his face, so you talked first.

“My parents are dead too.” You said without looking up at him.

“They are?” He asked, scooting a little closer to you on the bed.

“Yeah.” You looked up and gave him a sad smile. “But if you think we’re gonna take a turn and fall in love because we have similar trauma, you’re wrong. I can’t stand orphans.”

“But you’re an orphan.” He reminded you.

“And?”

“Never mind.” He shook his head. “I have a feeling I won’t be getting through to you.”

“Probably not.” You agreed. “Tell me more, though. Did your parents die doing something cool?”

“I don’t really know.” He shrugged. “It was a plane crash. That’s all I’ve been told.”

“Oh.” You nodded. “Sounds lame.”

“What?”

“A plane crash?” You raised your eyebrow. “That’s so boring. Yawn.”

“Excuse me?” He laughed in shock again. “Fine. How did your parents die?”

“Firefighters.” You said proudly. “Died saving three children.”

“Wow.” Peter sat back, stumped.

“Yeah.” You nodded. “I was one of them.”

“Seriously?” His eyes widened as he fought the urge to hold your hand.

“No. I’m fucking with you.” You began to laugh as he let out a groan.

“Why would you do that to me?” He whined. “You had me, for a minute there.”

“What can I say? I’m an actor.” You flipped your hair ostentatiously.

“What actually happened?” He wondered. You stopped smiling and bit your bottom lip.

“Drunk driver.” You told him. He didn’t fight the urge this time and reached over to take your hand in his. You stared at your interlocked hands, wondering if you should pull away or not. On the one hand, he was your enemy. But that didn’t make his warmth any less inviting.

“I’m sorry.” He said softly. “That must have been really hard on you.”

“You know the feeling, don’t you?” You asked with a sad smile.

“I do.” He nodded. “And I know how much it sucked to not have someone who knew how it felt. You don’t have to feel that way anymore. Neither of us do.”

You opened your mouth to speak but quickly shut it, not wanting to ruin the moment again. The guy holding your hand was not the same guy who sat behind you in physics. This guy was someone you actually liked.

“I might have misjudged you, Peter Parker.” You laughed shyly. “You might not be as unbearable as I remembered.”

“And you might not be the frigid bitch I thought you were.” He matched your tone.

“Watch it.” You warned.

“Sorry.” He mumbled.

“You were right.” You said after a beat. “We are pretty much the same person. I never realized that before.”

“Maybe that’s why we don’t get along.” He shrugged, rubbing soft circles into your hand.

“I’d be willing to give it a try, if you were.” You said sheepishly. “Who knows? I might just like you.”

“You want to give this a try?” He asked, eyes lighting up in excitement.

“Why not?” You shrugged. “What do I have to lose?”

“Okay.” He nodded eagerly. “Then we’ll try.”

“Cool.” You smiled.

“Cool.” He said before leaning in for a kiss. Your eyes widened as his fluttered shut, making you realize you were on different pages. His lips made contact with yours for a few seconds before you pushed him off.

“What the hell are you doing?” You asked as you covered your mouth with your hand.

“Kissing you?” He asked in confusion as hurt flashed in his eyes.

“Why the hell would you do that?” You exclaimed, still in shock. You got off the bed and backed away from him, trying to process what just happened.

“You said we were giving it a try!” He was shouting now too, but not out of anger. “I thought we were finally admitting that we like each other.”

“I meant giving friendship a try! I never said anything about a relationship.” You shouted. You quieted down when you saw the upset look on his face. “You... you like me?”

“I thought it was obvious.” He said quietly. “I-I thought you knew. You said it before and I just…I thought you knew.”

“Peter, I was joking when I said all that stuff.” You calmed down and sat back on his bed. “I didn’t actually think you liked me.”

“Oh.” He blinked a few times before looking down. “I…I do.”

“Peter, I’m sorry.” You reached for his hand again but his withdrew it.

“No, it’s my fault.” He shook his head and got off the bed. “I misunderstood the situation.”

“Peter, wait.” You caught him by the wrists and pulled him back down to the bed. He sat down again but looked anywhere but at you. You could see that his eyes were glassy so you put a hand on his face.

“You were right.” His voice wavered. “I did like you and I did think you’d never like me back. That’s why I always tease you. I just wanted you to talk to me.”

“Pete.” You whispered, rubbing his cheekbone with your thumb.

“I’m sorry. I really don’t want to be here right now. I’ll email you my part of the project and-“

You cut him off by wrapping your hand around the back of his neck and pulling him into a kiss. You both had your eyes closed this time and it lasted much longer. Your lips moved against his slowly and you could feel how inexperienced he was. Even so, it was perfect. You pulled away after a minute and looked into his eyes, feeling better now that there were no traces of sadness in them.

“You kissed me.” He said, dumbfounded.

“I can’t know I don’t like you back if I never give you a chance.” You shrugged as you withdrew your hand from his face.

“Well what did you decide?” He asked curiously. You puckered your lips and tilted your head, staring at him as if you were making a decision.

“I still think you’re super annoying.” You concluded.

“Okay.” Peter nodded.

“But it’s an annoying I’m willing to put up with.” You decided as you slipped your hand back into his. Peter broke out into a smile and nodded again.

“Okay.”

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[writertitan]

Sunsets

pairing: levi x f!reader (she/her pronouns used)

word count: 3.3k

themes: a little angsty at first but trust the process, fluffy ending, canonverse, levi is nervous

requested by anon

The first time you felt something was amiss was when you caught Levi scrambling to hide something in his desk drawer as you walked into his office. 

“What’s that?” you asked, more out of slight curiosity than anything else, as you closed the door behind you. 

“Nothing,” Levi responded curtly, and that was the end of it. 

For a moment, you wondered about pressing it, mostly just to tease, but it was forgotten the moment Levi got up and walked towards you to hand you a cup of tea. 

You stole a quick peck from him in the process, his sneaky little moment now completely wiped from your head, and you launched into a summary of your day with your squad. 

Levi listened as attentively as he always did. As you spoke, the two of you ended up leaving his office to take a stroll outside, sipping your teas as you chatted. 

It was no surprise that you ended up where you always did outside. A private spot - the one you’d dubbed your spot with Levi - in a quiet part of base, aware from prying eyes and the constant noise and running around. 

You looked towards the sunset that bled across the wall and sighed in content, clutching your teacup close to your chest as you took in the sight. You could feel Levi’s eyes on you but you didn’t turn to him right away, choosing to admire the warm colors before the sky turned inky. Still, that didn’t stop you from being cheeky. 

“What are you staring at?” you asked with a small smile tugging at your lips. Finally, your gaze flickered to Levi, catching his silvery eyes. 

He grunted a noncommittal response and looked towards the sunset as well, but you saw the faint pink dusting his ears. It made you smile wider, and you hid it behind your teacup before taking one last sip of tea. 

“We should go back inside soon, it’s getting chilly,” you said, and Levi nodded once, his eyes on you yet again when he noticed that you were getting closer to him instead of heading back inside. 

The evening was settling into a cool spring night, and you couldn’t help your desire to snuggle closer into Levi. There was no one around - you could hear the ruckus of dinnertime in the mess hall - which made it the perfect opportunity to find comfort in his sturdy, warm chest. 

Over the years, you’d noticed that your more unexpected advances, like this one, made Levi tense up less and less. The very first time you’d gotten cuddly with him, even in the privacy of his room, he’d frozen up and couldn’t respond. An entirely different Levi from this current one, who easily looped an arm around your middle and nuzzled his nose into your hairline when you rested your head against his shoulder.

“Let’s go back in now,” he murmured against your forehead, and you hummed in both agreement and disagreement. 

It was nice to be like this with him. It felt normal, weightless. You wanted to soak up in this moment forever. 

When Levi pulled away, you whined a little and leaned towards him again, seeking his warmth, but you stopped when Levi set his cup down gently on the grass to shrug out of his jacket and drape it over your shoulders. His warmth and his scent enveloped your senses and you smiled shyly at him, using your free hand to tug his jacket closer around you. 

He took your cup from you and then grabbed his cup from the grass, allowing you a few moments to snuggle up in his jacket and stick your arms through the sleeves. The two of you were settled in a comfortable silence as you walked back inside, straight towards your shared room. 

On the way back you passed by Levi’s office, door still ajar, and Levi asked you to stop so he could finish up a few things and lock it up for the night. 

“Mind taking these back to the kitchen?” he asked you as he gently handed you the empty teacups. 

“Don’t mind at all, I’ll just meet you in our room,” you said, turning back around to leave. 

You turned to look at him over your shoulder before closing the door behind you, and stopped when you saw him briefly peek into the same drawer he’d been so sneaky about earlier, the memory popping back up in your brain. 

Whatever he was hiding, he didn’t take it out, and you didn’t wait around to see if he would. It was probably nothing. 

By the time you got to your shared room, Levi was already there, and the memory was almost to the back of your mind again, to be completely forgotten the moment his lips touched yours. It wasn’t until you were drifting off to sleep, Levi’s hand stroking along your spine, that your mind conjured it up again in a dream. 

----

The second time you felt something was up was when Hange and Levi shut up the moment you stepped into the room. 

Hushed whispers cut off short the moment you walked in, and it was a little irritating. Whatever urgent matter you’d needed Levi for was wiped from your head for the moment, replaced with unease. 

“What?” you pressed, eyebrows knit together in confusion. “Am I interrupting something?” 

“No,” Levi said, a little too quickly for your liking, and you gave him a frown. 

“Then what were you talking about?” 

“Can’t tell you yet,” Hange piped up, which in turn made Levi glare at them. 

You pressed your lips together, trying to decide if it was worth asking for more information, but before you could make up your mind, Hange jumped up from their chair and gave you a bright smile, glasses flashing in the afternoon light streaming through the window of their lab. 

“Well, I’m off! Got lots of things to tend to this afternoon. See you for supper?” They didn’t want for an answer as they hurried past you, leaving you alone with a very on edge Levi. 

You hadn’t seen him this tensed up since you’d first gotten together. It was startling. 

It was scary. 

“Levi…,” you began, but couldn’t find the words. Finally, you decided on, “Is everything okay?” 

He softened at your question, which had come out quiet and clearly laced with worry, and in no time he was in front of you and smoothing some hair from your face. 

“Stop worrying so much,” he answered; his eyes were sincere and calming, and your heartbeat slowly went back to normal when he let you lean into his touch. 

You didn’t dawdle too much and eventually you pulled away from him, giving him a stern look when you remembered what you’d come to find him for. 

“One of the cadets tracked in...horse shit. And he doesn’t know how to clean it up. Honestly, he’s just spreading it around even more. We need you,” you explained, just about gagging even at the very recent memory of the poor boy trying his best to clean before his captain could find out. 

Levi’s eyes had widened the moment you’d mentioned anything about horse dung being anywhere other than in the stables, and then darkened as he processed the situation at hand. 

“This batch has got to be the worst we’ve ever had,” he muttered, referring to your newest recruits. “I think I’m gonna be fucking sick. Let’s go.” 

It wasn’t until you both heard Hange’s bloodcurdling scream that you sprung into action. Because for Hange of all people to get worked up about a mess, it had to be bad. And Levi knew that better than anyone. 

He had never left you behind as fast as he did right then. 

---

Though the sneakiness persisted over the next couple of weeks, what you couldn’t let go of was the way Levi was slowly tensing up again. 

What had you done? Had you done something that had set him off and made him uncomfortable?

Every time you tried to broach the subject with him, Levi was quick to change the subject. Then, for a while, he’d be sort of back to normal with you. He’d sneak a few affectionate touches in private, he’d take an evening stroll outside only for you to end up at your favorite spot, and then you’d feel your worries slip away. 

Only for those same worries to come crashing back when he’d tense up again. 

The final straw was after training, when you’d walked into his office to give him some paperwork, and had caught him pacing back and forth. He looked stressed out and it made your heart hurt for him. 

Apparently, he was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn’t hear you come in. As he turned his head towards the window, back to you, you walked over to place a hand on his shoulder, ready to comfort him. 

The way he cringed away made you stumble back as if you’d been slapped. The pain of rejection spread from your heart to your entire body as Levi whipped around to face you, grey eyes filled with surprise when he saw it was you. 

And then you just couldn’t help it. The tears that filled your eyes couldn’t be stopped, and Levi looked horrified at the sight. 

“I’m sorry-” he started, but you interrupted him with a whispered, “Stop.” 

It was then that the most horrible thought came to you, a thought that suddenly made the most sense. 

“Do you not want to be with me anymore?” you asked him, voice cracking at the end. 

The sneakiness, the tension he radiated, it all pointed to one thing: He was done with you. That had to be it. Just the idea of it made your heart simultaneously sink and beat hard in denial. Your body was just as tense as Levi’s. 

Somehow, somewhere along the way, maybe Levi had decided that a relationship really was too hard. Maybe you’d forced him to be too open. Maybe he was uncomfortable with you. It had taken a long time for him to come out of his shell and truly open up to you, but maybe he regretted it. 

Levi, for the first time ever since you’d known him, looked dumbfounded. 

“What are you talking about?” he asked, but your heart sank at that. 

Answering a question with another question. A telltale sign that he was avoiding the answer. 

“All of your sneaking around, Levi! You’ve been acting so different lately and I guess I get it now,” you said, voice still wobbly as the tears threatened to fall. 

Realization dawned on Levi’s face then, but you didn’t wait around for whatever he was about to say. You’d thought that maybe Levi had just needed some space before. Now it was you who needed space. If he was going to call things off, you needed a bit more time to prepare yourself. 

You left despite Levi calling out for you, tears finally trickling down your cheeks as you desperately tried to hurry off and find somewhere to calm down. 

You pushed yourself into the first supply closet you could find and locked it after you, settling down in the darkness as you wiped at your continuously falling tears. 

Maybe you were jumping to conclusions, but something was just different about Levi lately. And to have him tense up like that, when he hadn’t done so in such a long time...it hurt more than anything else. Even the thought of him not being in your life sent shots of panic through you. 

But you couldn’t face him just yet. You’d have to sort it out soon with him, whether you were right or not, but the fear and insecurity ate away at you in that supply closet. 

One thing stood out though, as your tears subsided. 

Levi would never intentionally hurt you. He wanted you to be safe, to feel safe, like you made him feel safe. 

And, the most important thing you had to remember, was that you loved him. And you weren’t willing to throw it all away without doing all you could to repair whatever needed fixing. 

You had to be brave. You owed it to Levi to be brave, even if you were about to hear something you didn’t want to hear. 

So, after a deep breath, you dusted yourself off and slowly left the closet, quiet and a little anxious as you headed back to his office. 

Your footsteps were the only sound as you made your way down the hall. Nobody was around and, as you got closer to Levi’s office, you couldn’t hear him inside. 

Peeking your head in, your suspicions were confirmed when you were met with an empty space. You quietly shut the door behind you and looked around, as if Levi would randomly appear. 

The silence was uncomfortable. Though much of your time spent alone with Levi was in silence, it was comfortable and perfect, and made you feel as if you could continue on that way forever. But just you here in his office with Levi nowhere in sight, with only silence to accompany you, made you feel cold. 

You sat at his desk and sighed, rubbing at your face for a moment before leaning back in his chair and contemplating what to do next. Should you just wait for him here? 

But when your eyes flickered to the desk drawer that had started the first bouts of unease in you, your mind blanked. 

It was unlike you to invade Levi’s privacy. And truly, whatever he’d pushed into that drawer must have been taken out by now, right? 

But you were acting so unlike you today. 

Part of you felt bad to be opening up the drawer to peek inside, but the other part of you just needed to know, and needed to find answers. 

There were a few documents in there that looked standard, but the folded up piece of parchment at the back caught your attention immediately. 

You carefully pulled it out and shut the drawer, heart thumping as you unfolded it to look at the contents. 

Ring? 

At morning? At night?   at sunset, our spot

Write a speech

Memorize the speech? 

Or maybe just ask her Too aggressive. Say something romantic first asshole

Ask Hange for help on what to say even if it makes you want to die 

Be confident

Would she even want to marry you? 

Be confident

Where at first your heart had been pounding, it had suddenly skipped a few beats when you realized what you were reading. 

Levi’s normally neat and beautiful handwriting was more erratic here, with ink blotting through and so many things scratched out.

But even so, your eyes fell back to the word you couldn’t believe you were reading. 

Marry.

He wanted to marry you? 

And he was actually questioning if you’d want to marry him? 

All of your previous worries suddenly seemed so stupid. You felt so stupid. You’d jumped to conclusions, and your conclusion had been the complete opposite of what was going on. 

And now you had to find Levi. 

---

The best part about being with Levi for so long was gradually figuring out his thought process. And you knew, judging from how you’d taken off earlier, that Levi would try to think like you and run off to find you in the places where you’d most likely go to calm down and seek comfort. 

Definitely not a supply closet. 

Your feet guided you outside and you felt like you were on autopilot as you strolled the grounds, slowly making your way to yours and Levi’s spot. 

When the sight of him came into view, him sitting on the ground and leaning against the wall of the building, your heart fluttered and you breathed out in relief. 

He whipped his head in your direction once your footsteps could be heard coming towards him, and the conflicted expression on his face melted away at the sight of you. But at the sight of his little secret clutched in one of your hands, his eyes widened and a faint blush spread over his face. He got up quickly, hesitating for a moment before stepping towards you. 

“I’m sorry for going through your things-” you started, but were cut off by Levi pulling you into a tight embrace. 

“I do want to be with you,” he whispered in your ear, pulling away after a moment to look at your face with the most gentle gaze. He briefly nodded toward the parchment in your hand, looking even a little shy as he met your eyes again. “I want to be with you for as long as I’m allowed to be. But I was so busy being nervous about asking you that I didn’t realize I was acting like an asshole. I’m sorry. You deserve bett-” 

Your lips were on his before he could finish. 

Levi had the annoying habit of thinking you were too good for him. But now, it looked like you could spend the rest of your life proving to him that he was exactly what you deserved. 

When you pulled away, you beamed at him, tears sprouting in your eyes again. This time, of pure happiness. 

You turned to look at the slowly disappearing sunset and laughed a little; it was just how Levi had tried to plan it. 

Still, he looked flustered as he pulled you closer. 

“This wasn’t exactly how I wanted it to go, I don’t even have a ring yet,” he whispered, but you shook your head and cupped his face, pressing your forehead to his. 

You just wanted to hear the words. 

“This is perfect,” you assured him, and it really was. He could have asked you at any moment, ever, and you would have thought it was perfect. “Just ask me. I just want you to ask me.” 

Levi cleared his throat awkwardly, which made you giggle, but it died down when his thumb danced over your jaw sweetly, and you felt his words ghost over your lips when he finally spoke. 

“Will you marry me?” 

[liquid-luck-00]

Internet Friends

@maribatmarch-2k21 Day 4: Internet Friends

~~~~~~~~~~

You know the internet is a magical place. You can connect with people all over the world in a matter of seconds. You know what isn’t magical, your best friend enrolling you in a ‘coffee seminar’. Like seriously Adrien I love you like a brother so what the hell. I’m busy enough as it is without giving up my Saturday morning on the only day I have free for months.

Sure my school and social life is a flaming pile of garbage thanks to a little liar manipulating almost everyone who was my friend. So why, but if anything this little online seminar may just be the thing I need.

Okay not what I needed. The coffee seminar was apparently a coffee intervention workshop. Big surprise there, what was a welcome surprise was I wasn’t the youngest person there. Through out the entirety of the web seminar they sent private messages back and forth completely ignoring the speaker, only adding in when asked. Buy the end they decided to share emails, and that was how Marinette found herself a, hopefully, friend and at the very least a partner in caffeinated crimes.

She would mainly email Tim rants about school and the akuma. He at first tried to see how open she was to help, from the JLA, to come in and help the Parisian heroes. But she shut that down quickly by explaining how the villains powers work and how many of the heroes tend to be emotional when they fight even if they don’t show it.

He in turn ranted about his brothers and how they tried to hide his coffee and the stress of his work. Which sparked the conversation of what he did. Sure she was surprised when she found out her new friend was Tim Drake-Wayne so she decided to let him into her being MDC after he couldn’t find the designer and that he wanted a commission for a gala in a few months.

They ended up, either video chatting or messaging often to rant or brainstorm for their respective projects. Or just send each other dumb photos or memes to brighten the others’ day.

---

Mari doesn't know how this came to be but it did. She was walking along the second floor railing. She was going to meet Tim face-to-face as he was going to pick her up from school to do a fitting before sending out his suit.

He had messaged her that he was in front of the school. So she said to meet her in the court yard. To her dismay her classmates formed a half circle pinning her back to the railing.

"Seriously Mari, why would you do that?!" Alya screamed at her the eyes of the entire school and of a black haired blue eyed boy, now on their group.

"Do what exactly?" she questioned adjusting the straps of her backpack.

"I can't *sniff* believe you don't *sniff* remember, Mari. It was so mean *sniff*." Lila choked out burrowing her face into Kim's sweater, who looked disgusted with her.

"One, I still don't know what I supposedly did. And two, only my friends call me, Mari, and you aren't on that list." she turned to leave but they closed in on her. Unfortunately, Adrien and Kagami left earlier for a tournament. Luka was out of the country as was Chloe, so she didn't have anyone to break her out.

"You two aren't, but we are!" Alya shouted motioning to herself and the others In the class.

"We haven't been friends for years," she thought, unfortunately she said it out loud.

"What?!?" was chorused by the entire class.

So she took a breath. "There are only two people I consider friends within our class, both of which are not here. Why are you all surprised?" A tilt of her head and a perfect look of innocence crossed her features. "You all claim I'm a bully, why be friends with bullies. I'm just ripping off the band aid you are all to scared to touch."

"You're lying they are still your friends can't you see that!" Lila stopped sniffling and came to the class' defense.

"Really. I want them to think and think hard of the last time any of them sought me out to talk or hangout. Not tell me or accuse me of something, or demand clothes or sweets." They were all silent dead in thought. "The reason you can't is because it hasn't happened since Lycee."

"That's not true Mari, we are your friends," Rose piped in softly.

"DC we've been friends forever, this isn’t like you." Kim pleaded.

"Ya we were friends for a long time, so you should know I hate liars and I never lie." Everyone seemed to register her words.

"Oh get over yourself!" Lila snapped pushing her backwards.

The bad part, she was already on the edge so she was falling from the second floor. Fortunately for her, her time as ladybug along with being a gymnast since she could stand, her body reacted, her mind catching up a moment later. She grabbed a sprinkler pipe and turned a few times, held herself upside down and then swung again. Letting the bar go twisting in the air and shifting her backpack. Everyone on the first floor scattered to the edges of the courtyard to give her space to land without obstacles. As she finishes in a rollout to protect herself and her backpack now clutched to her chest.

"What was that!?" Lila screamed gripping the balcony railing, her facade completely dropped. Everyone else stood shocked silent, frozen in place, until one black haired blue eyed boy stormed up to the bluenette.

"Mari I swear the first time we meet up and you do that. God I am never going to leave you with Dick." Tim stormed up to her. "You are going to give me a heart attack."

"Hey Tim," she chuckled in response.

"That said I am sending this to him."

"Go ahead. Coffee?"

"You know me too well," he grinned as they began to leave the still frozen, still silent school yard. "So what are you going to do about them?" he jabbed a finger behind them.

"Dunno how much did you record?" she pointed to the phone clearly in his hand still.

"Since the first scream, but audio is kinda off from that far."

"I got that part covered," she took out her phone from her jacket pocket. Now her class started to move so both coffee addicted teens started to record again in case of anything.

"Who is this Mari?" Nino genuinely asked.

"He is a friend, and he can use that name unlike any of you."

"Best friend actually."

"You will have to fight Adrien for that title." she teased.

"I got Gami's approval. I can take Sunshine on."

"That was an acknowledgment and we all know it."

"Why haven't we ever seen him before then?" Alya snipped.

"I'm not from Paris, much less from France, if the accent didn't give it away. I'm visiting on a trip with my father and wanted to stop by." The two just walked away after that.

Who would have guessed that being forced into a coffee intervention seminar would result in gaining one friend and loosing a class worth of dead weight. And oh did it feel good to walk away from that toxicity. Unfortunately she still has to finish this last year of school before University. At least she has people she knows will stand beside her. All thanks to the magic of the internet.

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