#we'll laugh until our ribs get tired

[jonathanbyersphd]

THINKING ABOUT THEM AGAIN

[creative-kny-fics]

Hi! I'm not sure if you take requests but could you do a Ler Obanai and Ler Mitsuri and their children?

I say this because of the last image you published being a family where it would be the modern era according to me. Please (T^T)

.... Yes *internal scream*

(Artist's name in Twitter: @paperandpen_mei)

Lee: Iguro Obanai

Lers: ObaMitsu children and Mitsuri Kanroji

'Come on kids... It's time to sleep, mommy and daddy had a very hectic day and we need to rest...', Obanai yawned as he leaving his children's room. 'But dad, we're not sleepy! It's barely 10 at night, please, 5 more minutes!'

'I don't think it's a good idea... You start with "5 minutes" and then you never fall asleep! Besides, you have school tomorrow, you guys should be asleep by now...'

Obanai and his children had a little 'arrangement', one that Obanai didn't agree to, he was exhausted.

It had been a long day at the restaurant and although he longed to spend more time with his children, unfortunately he couldn't. After some pleading and puppy eyes, Obanai agreed, plus he had to help Mitsuri with the baby.

'Okay, it's been almost 10 minutes. It is time to sleep!' 'But we are not sleepy! If we keep playing we'll get tired!', Obanai sighed and smiled. 'So... If you keep playing you'll get tired, eh?'

Obanai's son nodded until he saw his father approach and hug him, it was obvious that he would also apply Mitsuri's methods to give them 'sweet dreams'. 'Nohohoho!! Dahahahahad plehasehehe!!'

'What's happening? Are we playing or not? You're not going to deny that mommy doesn't do this too~'

'Yehehehes shehehe do buhuhut-!! Ehehehehehehe!! Thihihis is chehahatihihing!!', Obanai laughed watching his little one squeal, but, he not only has a son... 'Calm down brother! We will help you!'

'Oh yeah~? Let's see if you can!'

'And done! Who is the cutest baby~? You are, you are~!', Mitsuri sang for her baby, she had not been able to sleep because of some noises.

Mitsuri knew who the creator of those noises was, so she carried her little girl until she reached her older children's room. 'So, what do we have here?'

'Daddy and we are playing! And we are winning!'

'NO, thehehey nohohohot!! Thahat's nohohot fahahihir!! Hehehehelp me!!'

Mitsuri laughed, she was trying to avoid saying "I told you so" to her husband, she knew it would end like this. 'Obi, I think they won't stop until you let go of our son hehehehe... I thought you could take care of children!'

'I cahahan!!'

'Oh really? It seems like they're giving you a little trouble~', Obanai shook his head, he could do it!

Mitsuri sighed, asking her children for permission to show them how to truly keep Obanai in line. 'Look children... Your father is not that ticklish, you should know where to squeeze or tickle him!'

'WHAT?! Wait Mitsuri don't tell them!'

'You can try to put pressure on your ribs, more precisely on the lower ribs! Ooooh and behind his knees is a good spot! And well, judging by his position... You can try his toes!'

Obanai sighed, it was the last thing he needed that night, now he would not only have his 4 children tickling him, but also Mitsuri or maybe not?

'Okay, I think we're already past bedtime, kids-! EHEHEHEHEHEHE!! WAHAHAIHIT!!' 'Ooooh mommy was right! We have you now daddy!'

'And I'm still missing~', Obanai shook his head, it was the only thing he could do after all

His children were on top of him, if he moved too much he could hurt them and that's what he never wants to do

'N-NOT NECESSARY!! AHAHAHAHAHA!! MY LOHOVEHEHE!! PLEHASEHEHE!!'

'Awwww but I'm only using one of my hands~ shall I tell you something? Your sensitivity was one of the many things I love about you~', Obanai looked away embarrassed, he didn't know if it was because of how nice what Mitsuri said had sounded or because of the meaning that said sentence had.

'What a good idea! The children are asleep now, congratulations~'

'Yehahahah... Oh gohohosh...', Mitsuri kissed her husband's cheek before going to leave the baby in her room.

After tucking his children in and turning off the lights, he followed her, he was exhausted. 'All good?'

'Yeah... I enjoyed this moment, it's been a while since we did that ahahaha...'

'And it's been a while since you indirectly mentioned that you liked tickle fights with our children~',

Obanai sighed and nodded, that little guy time made him forget for a moment about his busy day. Mitsuri approached him and hugged him, looking out of the corner of her eye at her husband's cute smile.

[sercophe-sinderwidth]

Wednesday:

My wife wants to go out so we'll go out. I got us sky box tickets to the Hip Hop Icecapades. There's a booth for pictures and all photos are signed and sold off, proceeds going straight to youth art and dance programs in the neighborhood.

She said she wouldn't get cold, but I brought two burly coats in anyway and lo and behold we're snuggled up by the second performance. Later, the performances amp up and we are up dancing with close friends and family in the booth and the audience below is just as turnt. At the end we are able to come down and greet the new emerging talents and ofc donate to their professional dancing/skating journey.

My wife is still in the dancing mood so we locate a local block party by the water with night vendors serving tacos and ribs and fries. Our outfits don't last but we make do and enjoy the night with the folks we brought along.

She tires out close to 12am (thank goodness) and begrudgingly accepts the end of a great date night out. I agree to a night dip in the Jacuzzi before bed and we toast up above, talking until about 12:55am. Tapering away from one another in our respective towels, she throws a wink over her shoulder and I blow a kiss back.

I turn towards my bedroom door with a smile teasing the corners of my lips when I hear her laugh echo down the hall.

1am.

"Good Morning." 💋

[aberrant-webnovel]

Chapter 5 - A Kind of Guy

Content Warning: Needle used for medical injection

Chapter 5 - A Kind of Guy

"I can't believe Auntie really broke three of your ribs just to prove a point."

Silva stood at my side, looming over me and studying my bruises.

I laid in a bed in one of the medic offices. I'd been brought here after my "final test" to get an examination for injuries. I was stripped of my shirt and helped into the bed by Silva. She never left my side after I got beat.

Time to see how the Vault Breakers take care of their own, I guess.

The one door in the room creaked open and in walked a tired man in a lab coat. Dark brown hair, tan skin, hazel sunken eyes, rough stubble, and deep laugh lines creasing his face. He held a clipboard and flipped through the sheets on it.

"Ymir Sorenson, you got off light. Heard the Chief even removed her limiter to give you a beatdown. Surprised you don't have any ruptured organs. Just minor internal bleeding and your broken ribs. Should be a quick fix."

He walked slowly to a swivel chair next to a desk in the corner of the room as he spoke. Once he sat down, he turned away from us and then pushed himself backward until the chair rolled over to the bedside. Then he swiveled to look at me.

"We'll have to give you one of our lower grade stims for a quick fix. You're supposed to start training in a few days and this won't heal naturally in time if we give you a civilian procedure. You're also not augmented so a stronger stim isn't advised. The more you integrate tech into you, the more you need."

"Heard those stims of yours just start repairing you on the inside the second you get it. That true?"

"Yeah, kinda. It's an injection of nanites, really. They're designed to mimic your blood cells, no matter your blood type, and then travel through your system to locate damaged areas. They'll then seep into those areas and start to piece back together torn tissues and repair bones as well. Should take about two days to fix you up entirely with this stim. It's tech from a Vault that we got maybe some forty years ago."

"Sounds pretty cool, really."

"Yeah, it's pretty cool."

The doctor smiled at me with a chuckle. A nice smile. Felt friendly. Warm.

Silva then asked a question.

"Um..? That's really all the damage that happened, though? Just a few ribs and some bleeding?"

"Bruising, too."

"That's not what I mean."

"Sorry. But look, this kid is tough. Last person to fight the Chief hand-to-hand was augmented and still ended up needing to go out on a stretcher. Both of his lungs got ruptured and his femur was snapped. Either she still held back or Ymir here is a monster like the rest of the Sorenson bloodline."

"Auntie Harper really did that to someone?"

"Huh? Yeah, it was routine training but a Runner got a little too excited and challenged the Chief. She hates cocky Runners so she beat him and shipped him off to my office. But wait, Auntie Harper? Who are you?"

"Oh! Sorry, I'm Silva Dirge. Varun Dirge is my father."

"Really? Varun's a good friend. I'm glad to meet his child. I'm Doctor Eugene Atom."

"Atom? So are you related to the Founder?"

"That's right. But he lived a long time ago. And my family isn't as dedicated to the Vault Breakers as both of your families. I'm just a D-Ranker in the Medic Corp."

"Even still, it's nice to meet you, Doctor."

"Likewise."

Eugene turned to look over my bruising and then address me.

"I'm sure you want to get fixed up sooner rather than later. I'll prepare the stim and then return. Sit tight for a bit, yeah?"

He stood up and slowly sauntered out of the room, the door creaking as it shut behind him. Someone should replace the hinges.

"So, you're a C-Ranker then?

"That's what Auntie said. Still gotta put it in writing somewhere, I think. I actually have no idea what to do after this."

"You're the first in history, you know."

"That's right."

"Don't let it get to your head."

"I won't."

"I know you won't. You're not that kind of guy."

"Oh yeah, what kind of guy am I?"

Silva pulled the swivel chair over to the bedside and sat next to me. I saw her grow a warm smile as she looked at me.

"You're the type of guy who always thinks he's not doing good enough, but really you're doing a lot better than everyone else. You just do things better that others don't think about. You're better at paying attention, understanding other people, and lots of stuff. Not to say you fall behind everywhere else, either. You might be average at doing a lot of things, but that should be good enough.

You're also the type of guy to spend an extra three years studying to get into the Vault Breakers because you thought you couldn't do it at the age your dad did. Everyone knew you'd make it in once you tried, but instead you showed up more prepared than any civilian ever has been for the testing."

"Hey was that teasing?"

"A bit. But you still did that. And it's something I'm proud of you for."

"Says the Amazing Silva. When did you start training enough to handle that test in the pool? I know we were both beaten up by those waves, but you really pulled through better than I thought you would."

"A year ago, maybe. Auntie Harper started training me a bit. Nothing too serious since I didn't want to fight once I enlisted. But she still thought I would need another year of training. I snuck out to enlist with you once I heard you were going to give it a shot today. I thought I'd have a decent chance if we went together."

"I feel like having you here for this was what I needed, too. You always pull through for me, Silva. I rely on you a lot."

"Exactly."

The door creaked open again and in walked Eugene. Silva started to stand up from the chair, but the doctor gestured to her and stay.

"No need to rise for me. I'm going stand up while treating the patient, anyway."

I laughed a little bit at his mild joke, but my body felt a sharp pain spread rapidly from my chest. I coughed twice, which didn't help the pain, but then calmed myself.

"Whoa now, don't do anything to hurt yourself. I've got the stim here. I went over your data that we got in your testing and cleared you of any risk with this treatment. After I give this to you, I'll need to keep you here and examine your reaction just to be sure. Give it twenty minutes, then I'll send you home. Most of the repairs occur while you sleep so just get a bunch of rest and drink water at home. Sound good to you?"

"Sounds great, Doc. I'll be sure to take it easy."

Eugene approached the bedside and started to examine my arm. He gripped it and started tapping around with his free hand. He was looking for a vein. Then I saw him pull out a silver container, about the size of a cigarette case. He opened it, removed a short plastic cylinder, and looked at it closely. I didn't know what he was checking, but as long as I was safer because of it, then keep doing what your doing Doc!

"Alright, this here is the stim I'm gonna use. You're gonna feel a pinch once I inject it."

Eugene pulled off a cap from the injector to reveal a small needle. He prepared my vein to receive the injection. Then I felt the pinch.

A half-second of pain and then nothing. I watched the injector drain of fluid. It wasn't much at all. Will it really be enough?

"Okay. We're all done."

Eugene removed the needle and swabbed the spot with alcohol. A small bandage was placed on it right away.

"I'll be finishing some paperwork at my desk. If there's no issues in the next twenty minutes, come see me and I'll just have you sign out of treatment. All costs are totally covered for Vault Breakers, by the way."

"Thanks, Doc."

"Silva, you can keep the seat for now. I've got another chair in here somewhere."

With that, I watched him walk over to his desk area and pulled a foldable metal chair out from behind a cabinet. Can't be comfortable, but I guess he's a really nice guy for choosing that seat over his normal desk chair right now.

"Hey, Silva. When are you supposed to get your results?"

"Oh? I didn't tell you, I guess. Commander Vasquez let me know that I've been evaluated as an E-Ranker. I'm going into the R&D corp."

"Yeah? That's great! We'll have to celebrate once I heal up."

"Oh that sounds great. You and Auntie Del should come over for dinner."

I talked with Silva for a bit about this and that. Some things we haven't been able to catch up about yet. We see each other frequently, but we both have our own lives still. We both study all the time. Both of us because of our passions. That becomes a lot of what we talk about.

Twenty minutes went by in a flash. I didn't feel any weird side effects from the stim at all. Moving around still hurt. It was obvious that I wasn't going to have fully repaired ribs in twenty minutes. But something surprised me.

All the bruising on my body had disappeared. I didn't see anything wrong with me on a surface level. This stim stuff is crazy!

Silva helped me up from the bed and over to the desk. Walking was actually pretty awful.

"Hang on."

Silva left my side and went out of the office. She came back pretty quickly, dragging a wheelchair.

"Don't push it. For today, I'll help."

"Y'know, that sounds like a good idea."

I waited for Silva to bring the chair over and I sat down. I got my feet up on the rests just fine and sat in the most comfortable way I could fit.

The chair wasn't the best seat. It was a general use one that the Medic corps provides for patients. Still, it beat walking home with broken ribs.

Silva pushed the chair and walked us over to the desk. There I saw Eugene scribbling through various forms on his desk. He didn't look up at us right away.

"No issues since you took the stim, I take it?"

"Nothing. My bruising is gone already, though. Is that normal?"

"Not normal. Let me see you."

Eugene was seemingly shocked by my answer. He shot his head and looked over at me. I still hadn't put my shirt back on. Figured he might wanna see the bruising, too.

With a few invasive pokes and prods, he checked over my torso and didn't find a single bruise. He tested some of the areas that he remembered were especially dark with more pokes.

"No pain in these areas?"

"Well when you poke me a bunch, my ribs still hurt. Other than that, I don't feel the bruising."

Eugene sat back on his metal folding chair and closed his eyes. He hung his head back and remained silent for about a minute.

"Come back once you're fully recovered. Even if that's before your training day."

"Something wrong, doc?"

Eugene lowered his head back down and looked me in the eyes.

"I don't know yet. Bruising should have gone away after a few hours. I was expecting it to take until the evening. Especially with how badly you were beaten. I need to see about running some tests. I'm gonna be running this through the Chief directly."

"Well, uh, yeah. I can be here once I'm healed. You sure I'm fine to leave?"

"Can't hold a patient for healing fast. Plus you should get going home, yeah? I'm sure you need to tell your family about today."

"Sure thing, Doc. Thanks for taking care of me so far."

"It's what I do. Oh, and please sign over here."

I was handed a clipboard with a blank sign-out sheet. I filled in my name and the time of my departure.

Silva had walked away for a moment and came back with my shirt. I slipped it on with some discomfort, but easily enough. We both said a goodbye to Eugene before Silva wheeled me out of the office and into the hall.

We chatted while she walked us both through the Medic corps building. She took us towards a connecting hall to the main building.

This place is really built like a bit of a maze, but most things are pretty easy to find if you familiarize yourself with the layout. It's almost like this place was designed with a Vault layout in mind. Keeps the Runners and Scouts on their toes.

Silva has been here plenty of times with Uncle Varun. She always told me that they'd hide away in one of the labs and look at crazy things that were being researched. She never met people since Varun was breaking so many rules by doing that. Silva had no problems telling me all about it. We kept all of each others secrets.

Finally we arrived at the main building. We left out the entrance together. Time to go home.

[crazy-writer-101]

Old Fashioned Love

I want to fall in love. 

I want to fall so madly in love with someone. 

Even if it makes me nervous, I want to make eye contact with you. 

A lot. 

The butterflies you give me are beautiful. 

I want to have secret handshakes and lots of inside jokes. 

Can we laugh our asses off together? 

I want matching bracelets, 

and kissing in the rain. 

I want to act like idiots together, 

talk about the most random stuff, 

and never get tired of each other. 

I want to be myself around you. 

Let's fall in love, 

and we'll tease each other. 

Let's fall in love, 

and I'll steal your hoodies. 

Let's fall in love, 

and you can buy me flowers. 

Let's fall in love, 

and you can tell me corny pick up lines. 

Let’s fall in love, 

and I can write poems about you. 

Let's fall in love, 

and take cute little selfies. 

Let's fall in love, 

and I can fall asleep on your shoulder. 

Let's fall in love, 

and sing our favorite songs at the top of our lungs. 

Let's fall in love, 

and my siblings will love you. 

Let’s fall in love, 

and I’ll read books to you. 

Let's fall in love, 

and fall asleep in each other's arms. 

Let's fall in love, 

and you can wrap your arms around my waist, 

and I'll wrap mine around your neck, 

and we'll slow dance to old school music. 

We can always text because I'll be here for you. 

Tell me about your day. 

Send me pictures of what you're doing. 

Spam me if I don't answer. 

Tell me what's bothering you. 

You have my number. 

I want us to be patient with each other even when things get rough. 

I want to learn your fears and goals, and all your dreams. 

I want to hear about your family.  

I want to remember your small details, 

and you can remember mine. 

I want you to call me when you see something interesting, 

and wanted to tell me all about it.

I want to be chaotic with you, 

and then fall asleep listening to your voice. 

Make me become a blushing mess, 

by just calling me pretty. 

Compliment me non-stop, 

and I'll do the same towards you. 

Tell your friends about me, 

and I'll tell mine all about you. 

Let's go on silly little dates,

like bike rides and arcade days. 

Let's have long conversations late at night, 

and watch the sun rise. 

Let's hold hands as we drive for hours, 

listening to music. 

Let's play fight, 

and laugh until our ribs hurt. 

Let's go buy our favorite food, 

and eat in the parking lot while we mess around. 

Let's play video games, 

and I'll get mad at you for winning.

Let's go to each other's family events, 

because you would become a part of my family and I'll become a part of yours. 

Let's fall asleep together, 

while I listen to your heart beat.  

I'm no expensive girl. 

Buy me lilies and my favorite candy. 

Write me love letters with little paper hearts, 

and I'll think about it all the time. 

Buy me cheap jewelry,

and I'll wear it everyday. 

Buy me a stuffed animal that reminds you of me, 

and I'll hold onto it forever. 

Maybe it doesn't have to be handmade, 

Maybe all I want is a hug from you. 

Listen to me rant about my feelings for hours, 

and I'll listen to you forever. 

Let's fight and argue, 

and talk things out in the end. 

We'll check up on each other, 

and make sure everything is okay. 

We’ll be there for each other when life gets in the way. 

We’ll lift each other up when life pushes us to the ground. 

Tell me about what you're passionate about, 

and I'll listen to every word. 

I'll support you in what you love to do, 

and you can support me. 

I can feel safe when I'm with you, 

because I trust you. 

Your smile will light up my darkest days, 

and your laugh will be music to my ears. 

Your eyes will stare into mine,

even after I look away. 

Your hair can be perfect and I'll mess it up, 

and you can do the same to me. 

You have no reason to be insecure, 

because I fell in love with you, 

and in my eyes, 

you're perfect. 

I'll fall in love with you,

you'll run forever in my mind, 

you'll become tangled in my soul, 

and you'll be housed by my heart. 

You won't only just be my love, 

but my best friend too. 

Yes, I will admit it. 

I get jealous when I see you talking to another girl. 

Maybe she'll love you, 

Maybe you'll love her. 

But she won't ever love you like I can. 

We can film our own corny rom-com, 

We can sing a hundred love songs, 

We can write a love story like no other. 

We can have our own old fashioned love. 

[lavendarneverlands]

There’s just something about love, and time differences, talks in person, and long distance, that aches so much like this: like when Billie Eilish said “midnight for me is 3:00 a.m. for you” or when Shawn Mendes said “I’m three hours back seems like your always six ahead” or “All it’d take is one flight and we’d be in the same time zone” or Taylor Swift said “Words, how little they mean when you’re a little too late - We wake in lonely beds, in different cities” or Lizzy McAlpine said “Someday we could be in the same city.” or Lorde said “It drives you crazy getting old. - I want 'em back, the minds we had - You’re the only friend I need, sharing beds like little kids, laugh until our ribs get tired, but that will never be enough.” Head and the Heart said “A year from now, we'll all be gone. All our friends will move away. - Been talkin' 'bout the way things change, And my family lives in a different state.” or Avery Lynch said “I wish I could remember what it feels like, to touch your skin. And what your voice sounds like in person, I know FaceTime can distort it, and I miss it. I wish I'd fall asleep with you. - I know I'm more than lucky just to have you. If you're here or not. But it's hard to comprehend the amount that I would give, To have you in my arms, just in my arms. And I'm sick of kissing you in my head. Tell me, when can it be real instead? 'Cause I would do anything to be close to you again… And it's hard being here half empty. When somewhere different is my favorite part of me.” or FINNEAS said “I was strung out in Austin for nearly a week, Anxiety like we were kids. I've been thinkin' too much and it's ruined my nights, But it's hard when it isn't, to let yourself slide - And my heart doesn't slow down when you kill the lights - I never learned to call it quits. If I could see the future, I never would believe her. - I'll wait for years, but I won't wait alone. - Can I take you out? To a concert Six months from now?”

[tsc-clave]

TSC characters as some of my favorite songs from my favorite artists, a self indulgent post to re-emerge from the shadows

Nola 1, PVRIS • Simon

"don't know where I went wrong, don't know where I went, no, but I keep singing"

it reminds me of how resilient Simon is, especially after CoHF and his memory loss, he knows how life can change fast and tries to make the best out of it.

Delilah, Florence + The Machine • Cordelia

"and my feet are spinning around, never knew I was a dancer 'till Delilah showed me how"

"drifting through the halls with the sunrise (holding on for your call)"

the first lyric reminds me of the scene in which Cordelia dances and acts, shocking herself after her performance.

the second one represents the longing she feels for James, she's usually quiet about it but her feelings are strong through it all.

I'm not a woman I'm a god, Halsey • Charlotte

"I'm not a woman I'm a god, I'm not a martyr I'm a problem"

Charlotte is a very powerful woman, she's the first female Consul and she commands respect from her male peers. her strength and boldness are what enabled her to pave the way for more inclusiveness in the Clave.

Glory and Gore, Lorde • Isabelle

"no one 'round here's good at keepin' their eyes closed, the sun's startin' to light up when we're walking home, tired little laughs, gold-lie promises, we'll always win at this, I don't ever think about death"

these lyrics make me think about Isabelle, Alec and Jace going demon hunting, pre CoB. she's so fast forward, full of audacity, but soon things will start to change. if you re-read these lyrics thinking about a more grown up Isabelle, you'll find her caustic side, how she tends to downplay what worries her; the dangers of being a Shadowhunter and her loved ones.

Queen of Peace, Florence and The Machine • Emma

"like the stars chase the sun, over the glowing hill I will conquer, blood is running deep, some things never sleep"

this song always makes me think about chivalry, I don't know why, but Emma is as stubborn as these lyrics. some things never sleep indeed, like her passion and the need to find answers about her parents. plus, she wields a mythical sword, like a knight; now the chivalry thing makes more sense.

Dead Weight, PVRIS • Julian

"I can't take it over and over, dead weight hanging off of my shoulder, nothing changes I'm getting colder"

Jules always had a big weight weighing down on him, from an early age, that progressively became bigger. he got through it all, but sometimes he can get as cold as ice and he needs some cuddles.

Hold Me Down, Halsey • Matthew

"saying that I want more, this is what I live for"

Matthew has this way of seeking solace in autodestructive habits, like drinking and enjoying the finest mundane things, so he just continues searching for more while struggling to cope with his problems.

Only If For A Night, Florence and The Machine • Clary

"and the only solution was to stand and fight, and my body was bruised and I was set alight"

Clary never thought of backing off a fight, never. she understood what needed to be done, she understood her pain and just did what was best. I always admired her for having both heart and guts.

Devil In Me, Halsey • Will

"I won't let anyone down if I crawl tonight"

Will struggled a lot with his supposed curse, when he was young, he would never let that be the cause for someone's pain, so whenever he felt down he just picked the pieces up on his own.

Snakes, PVRIS • Jace

"you're a snake, you're a snake, just like the spitting image, fate how's it taste it's your own medicine, make no mistake got 20/20 vision, if I see your face don't think I'm forgiving"

Jace is the best Shadowhunter of his generation, come on, he beat every bad guy and made no mistake. these lyrics just give me his vibes.

Ribs, Lorde • Cristina

"and I never felt more alone, it feels so scary getting old"

"laugh until our ribs get tough, but that will never be enough"

the first lyric makes me think about the last moments in Mexico after her fight with the Rosales brothers, how she feels things changing and the effect time has on people.

the second one is about how she misses being close to Diego, but now she has the clarity to understand that they both grew up and chose different paths.

Is There Somewhere, Halsey • Tessa

"is there somewhere you can meet me? cause I clutched your arms like stairway railings, and you clutched my brain and eased my ailing"

this reminds me of Tessa feeling alone after Will's death and her subsequent distance she took from her family, the only person she has is Brother Zachariah and how he, even though they see each other once a year, helps her cope through the decades.

Homemade Dynamite, Lorde • Christopher

"blowing shit up with homemade dynamite"

need I say more?

[aki-mochi]

Levi x Reader: New Life

WARNING: contains language and mentions of prostitution.

This takes place in the Underground.

Being a teenager wasn't easy, especially if they lived in the Underground City where you had to fight to survive. Literally. Levi huffed as he wiped the blood off his cheek from beating another man to tried to talk shit about his late mom. As he turned down into an alleyway, a few men were seen hovering around something as they talked as he got closer, he could hear their conversation and decided to hide behind a barrel to eavesdrop.

"Think we should sell this little girl in the black market to pay for our next meal?"

"Nah, we should teach her a lesson for stealing from us" he partner said as his knuckles were cracked in the process, ready to beat the shit out of the girl they had cornered.

"You pigs didn't need all that food since you're already fat enough!" the girl yelled as she tried to stay brave.

"You little bitch!" the man yelled as he raised his fist as it made contact to her cheek.

The girl fell to the ground due to the force as she held her cheek in pain. Tears welled up in her eyes but refused to let them fall. She shakily got back up to her feet and glared at the men in front of her. "Y-You punch like an old lady! That didn't hurt at all! You're weak!"

"This kid just doesn't know when to stay down. Very well, you'll get what you asked for" the man growled as he went to punch the girl again.

She just stood there, waiting for the impact but it never came as a knife had been thrown into the man's head, killing him on the spot. His body collapsed onto the ground while his partner's throat was slit open by another blade. She watched in horror as blood splattered all over her clothes and face. Backing up to the worn down wall, her legs gave out as she slid to the ground, terrified of the bloodbath she had just witnessed. The person's shadow came closer to her shaking form before it appeared under the streetlight.

"You ok, kid?" Levi asked.

All she could respond with was a nod.

"So, you stole their food?"

"Th-they had a mountain of food on their plates....and I haven't eaten in days...." she whimpered as she held her hollow stomach.

At that, Levi finally got a good look at her form. She looked no older than ten. Her frame was all boney and sick looking, her ribs were probably showing under that oversized tattered shirt, hair all matted, dirty and probably overgrown. He looked just like he did before Kenny had found him after his mother died. He couldn't let her suffer the way he almost did, and based on her appearance, she doesn't have any parents either. With a small sigh, Levi knelt to her level on the ground and offered a hand.

"Come with me. I'll help you get your strength back but you gotta help clean and help me hunt when you do, ok?"

She stared at his hand before shakily reaching her own boney hand out to take it. Once she did, Levi helped her onto his back and started to carry her back to his place.

"You have a name?" he asked.

"(Y-Y/n)....it's just (Y/n)..." she whispered tiredly.

"(Y/n), huh? I'm Levi. Go ahead and sleep, it'll take a bit to get home."

'A home...? Sounds nice....' (Y/n) thought before she drifted to sleep.

Levi glanced back at her sleeping form before sneaking into alleys and back roads to keep out of sight, wondering what his life will be like now that he has a partner to survive with,

~Several Years Later~

Years have passed and Levi and (Y/n) have done well surviving the hell hole they live in. The constant struggles of earning money, stealing food when they couldn't afford any, kicking other thug's asses. It's hard, yes, but they have each other's backs and company when all felt wrong. Levi comes in the house and finds (Y/n) asleep on the loveseat with her legs hanging over the armrest. Lately, he's noticed how tired and sore she'll be during the day and how she would go earn money at night. One day, she went to bend over to pick up a cup that she accidently dropped but had hissed in pain while placing a hand at her lower back. Going to help and ask what was wrong, she waved at him saying she had lifted too many crates for an old man. Levi knew she saw lying since her lips always moved when she does but didn't say anything else.

Walking over to her, he shook her shoulder. "Oi. (Y/n). Wake up, lazy brat."

(E/c) eyes fluttered open as a yawn escaped her mouth. She stretched her stiff limbs before sitting up and rubbing her neck "Do you have to call me lazy everytime I take a nap?" she mumbled.

"Yes, I do. Now get up. I brought food and it's your night to cook."

"Damn it....alright alright. Just give me the bag already." she sighed as she took the bag from his hands and went to the kitchen to see what all he had brought. As She was sorting through the ingredients, Levi stood and watched in the doorway with his arms crossed before hearing her speak up while her back was turned to him.

"So....Kal s-said there's an open spot at-" she was cut off by a fist punching the wall.

"I don't want to hear it, (Y/n)! You promised that you wouldn't sell your body to disgusting men and be a prostitute!"

she turned to him "But Levi-"

"No buts! You're not doing it! I forbid you!" he seethed with a dark glare.

An audible gulp was heard and nothing else was said as she continued to figure out what she could make in silence. Sudden footsteps made their way over to the young woman before stopping right behind her as arms made their way around her waist.

"L-Levi...?"

"I know you want to help but I can't let you do it. You know about my mom and how she died. I don't want it to happen to you too." He said softly with his chin on her shoulder.

(Y/n) sighed but rested her hands on his arms, rubbing her thumb on his skin. "Alright....I won't do it."

"Good. Now, finish dinner while I get cleaned up." With that, his gave her cheek a soft kiss before letting go of her waist and leaving to clean up the non-existent dirt off of him. (Y/n)'s cheeks went ablaze as she held a hand to the cheek he had kissed. She felt happy but she knew that he will find out about her secret job soon and it would tear him apart.

~A few weeks later~

(Y/n) knew that once Levi had cleaned and put away his knife he goes straight to bed. As she watched and made sure he wasn't going to come out anytime soon, she grabbed her bag and quietly sneaked out of their house, making sure to lock it so he wouldn't get on her ass about 'forgetting to lock the door before bed'. Looking around for any stalkers, she quietly made her way down a street, unknowing of a person hiding in the shadows watching her every move.

After turning a few corners here and there, she finally arrived at her destination. She looked up at the sign and cringed in utter disgust, loathe, and regret.

Kal's Prostitute Service.

With a deep breath, (Y/n) reached for the doorknob only for it to be roughly snatched away by a hand. With a gasp, she was forcefully turned around and now staring into the fuming eyes of a very pissed Levi.

"L-Levi, I can explain-"

"You're damn fucking right you'll explain. You're coming home. Right. Now."

At that, he forcefully dragged her by the arm, ignoring her whimpers and protests of how he was hurting her wrist. He was fuming. Raging with anger. He didn't know where to start. She promised him she wouldn't do it. Why the hell would she break her promise?

When he got there, he slammed open the front door and tossed her inside. She landed on the hard floor with a gasp before turning to look up at him. She's seen him angry before, but fucking hell, he was terrifying right now. With a gulp, she sat up a bit with a small tremble of fear.

"L-Levi please let me explain..."

"Explain what?! You went behind my back and did things you promised you wouldn't do! What fucking reason do you have for going back on your word?!"

"I had to! I couldn't stay at home while you did all the work anymore! I wanted to help!"

"You knew how I felt about you doing this shit! Why did you do it?!"

"B-Because..."

"Because what?!"

"Because I did it so we could get our citizenships to live up on the surface instead of this shithole!"

Levi stopped in his tracks and just stared at her. That was her reason? To help get the both of you to the city above them? Tears watered her eyes and spilled down her cheeks as she continued.

"I-I had to....I hate seeing you struggle and come home tired and dirty....I couldn't stand it anymore....s-so I took the job of being a-a prostitute.....only until we got the money to get out of this place and have a little extra to get the things we'll need....I couldn't stand being useless anymore, Levi. I-I'm so sorry...!"

She curled up on her spot on the floor and sobbed into her knees with her hands in her hair as Levi watched her, hearing her apologize over and over again through her hiccups. His anger burned out like a fire without air and carefully went over to her shaking form. When he kneeled down to her height, his arms encircled her form, making her tense as her sobs suddenly paused.

"How much...?" he asked softly.

"H-huh...?"

"How much do you have saved up?"

"M-More than enough to get us past the gate a-and to get our citizenship....I've asked around...and someone told me the prices......I saved twice as much than what we needed..." she explained.

He held her closer. "I'm sorry for getting so mad. I was just worried that I would lose you just like mom. I'm still not happy that you went behind my back....but I'm happy that you and I will get to live a better life up there."

(Y/n) blinked before she smiled through her tears and hugged him back. They both stayed like that for a small while before Levi pulled back with his signature glare. "Now, I'm all dirty."

That made (Y/n) laugh.

~Timeskip~

A few weeks had passed and Levi and (Y/n) had finally settled in their new home on the surface after buying some new furniture for it. And, of course, brooms. Levi couldn't forget the brooms. While Levi spent the days cleaning and organizing their new place, (Y/n) ran a small stand in the market. She had a big surprise for Levi. As the sun was starting to set, all the other stands were closing down, meaning (Y/n) could go home and have the day off tomorrow since her boss knew of her surprise. As she quickly packed up her stuff, she ran down the familiar street she takes everyday and soon made it home. With a smile, she went inside and placed her bag in its normal spot that Levi made just for her.

"I'm home~!"

Levi peeked his head from the kitchen and hummed before walking over to her. "You seem happy. What's the occasion?"

"You'll see tomorrow. Boss gave me the day off because of it."

"Oh? Then it must be a big surprise if you get an entire day off for it."

"Mhm! You'll love it~" she smiled.

"I enjoy everything that you give me, (Y/n)" he said as he ruffled her hair, making her whine in protest. Levi only chuckled and went back to the kitchen to finish the food he was preparing.

The next day, everything went smoothly until she had suddenly finished all her cleaning early before noon and had told Levi to get ready for his surprise. With a grunt, he got up from his spot on the couch and slipped on his boots as he waited for the woman to grab whatever she needed. Once she was back, the two headed out and began to walk. When they turned down a specific street, (Y/n) went behind him and covered his eyes, making him mumble a few curse words.

"Calm down, I'll make sure you won't fall. Just trust me." she smiled.

"Alright, fine. Hurry up, though. I don't like not seeing where I'm going." he huffed.

(Y/n) only giggled and carefully led him to a specific building before uncovering his eyes. In front of him was a small tea shop. And it wasn't no ordinary tea shop either. Inside was clearly cleaned to where it shined and several different types of tea was displayed neatly behind the counter with a good few table sets were evenly spread out enough where people can walk. He noticed that no one was here so he turned to her.

"You brought me to a tea shop with no one here?"

"Nooooooo. I brought you to your tea shop! You said you've always wanted to open one so, Ta-da~!" she grinned.

Levi was flabbergasted. The tea shop is his? He looked at her before suddenly pulling her in for a sweet kiss. (Y/n) tensed and turned a dark shade of red before slowly returning the gesture as her arms found themselves around his neck with his around her waist. The kiss lasted for a minute before Levi pulled back.

"I love it. And I love you. Thank you for everything." he smiled.

"You're welcome. And I love you too, Levi."

"I'm glad. Now, let's go see what kind of tea we have."

(Y/n) laughed at this but followed him inside as their new lives have only just begun.

[nwmo]

YOU'RE THE ONLY FRIEND I NEED (YOU'RE THE ONLY FRIEND I NEED) SHARING BEDS LIKE LITTLE KIDS (SHARING BEDS LIKE LITTLE KIDS) WE'LL LAUGH UNTIL OUR RIBS GET TIRED (LAUGH UNTIL OUR RIBS GET TIRED) BUT THAT WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH (BUT THAT WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH)

[huntertheblackwolf]

The Morning After

(2.0k) Thank you guys for waiting! (a whole month 👀) Also, shout out to @eisukevint ! They were really nice to help me out, so an extra thanks to you!!💕 Alright, let's go!

Chapter III: The Meeting

‘Hey Hunter? Do you think it's possible for the dead to surround the living? Cause I do.'

  Hunter jolted, gasping for air, hands going up to claw at his throat. 

"Easy Hunter, easy! Shh shhh, it's alright man, shh, it's alright. That's it. Good boy." Someone said, gently scratching his head, allowing him to breathe and relax, letting him get himself together. Looking up, he saw Silviya and Conner, his eyes having discoloration, but the swelling coming down, looked at him in concern.

 "Hey man", Conner whispered, "how are ya? You really took that hit." 

Blinking, Hunter reached up to feel for a bump or something, but instead, he felt cotton bandages wrapped on his head. Finally looking around, he noticed the white walls and smelled something sharp. 

'Rubbing alcohol. The hotel's clinic then.'

 Tilting his head, he looked towards Silviya and let out a small croon, seeing as she was upset. Closing her eyes, Silviya sighed and crossed her eyes. 

"What the hell Hunter? I thought you were the most sensible out of all of us? I do have to give you credit though, you really want all out." Sighing again, she added, "I can't really be mad with you though. We would have done the same thing." Shaking her head, she started to chuckle. "I can't believe you took a glass bottle to the head for a guy you don't even know." 

Conner, who was busy checking Hunter's head, nodded and smirked. 

"Feel in love with him when he defended you? Is that it?" 

Rolling his eyes, Hunter snorted and shook his head. He started to sign his response. 

"He wore Sam's colors. I reacted on instinct and took the blow. That's all there is to it." 

Rubbing his eyes, he asked a question."What time is it? How did you find me?" 

 Leaving Hunter's bandages alone, Conner answered, pulling out his phone to check the time. 

 "It's currently 11:48 in the morning." He put away his phone and continued. "I'm guessing those men who saved you from last night, brought you here. We knew it was you when someone mentioned a guy wearing sweatpants and a black silky looking nightshirt being dragged out of the bar. That was about 30 minutes ago give or take. I'm guessing they put you up here and left you here in case of the risk of a head injury developing later on." Conner finished. 

Silviya snorted and spoke. 

 "I think we've overstayed our welcome. The nurses have been giving us nasty looks after we barged in. You alright enough to get out of here Hunter?" 

He nodded, ready to leave and get this thing over with. Grunting, he got up and immediately started to tilt sideways before catching himself. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Opening them, he started to walk towards the doors, following after Conner and Silviya who held out his hoodie from last night.

Placing it on, he pulled up the hood as they walked towards the elevator and waited for it. Getting on, Silviya pushed for their floor. It was quiet for a while until: 

  "I still can't believe you did that Hunter. Like holy shit man!" Conner laughed, jabbing Silviya by her side. She rolled her eyes playfully until she snorted and barked out a sudden laugh. 

 "Fuck! I just realized that was the first time in a while you got into a fight!" She snorted, as all three exited the elevator, going to Hunter's room. "What was it like?! The adrenaline? The way you beat that man up! No remorse! I-" She stopped, taking notice of a man from last night. Hunter looked up, but faced away, too tired to even converse with a stranger. He let Silviya and Conner do the talking as always. 

"Oh, hello there! You're the man from last night who helped Hunter out. The one Hunter took the blow for, from last night. Thank you for that!" Silviya said, stepping forward, a smile on her face. "We also", she nudged Conner, who looked at them and smiled, "want to apologize for the inconvenience. We didn't think he would do it in such an open area. Again, apologies for the inconvenience, but thank you for helping him." She finished off, bowing her head slightly, Conner smiling. 

 "It's alright, really. Actually, I wanted to invite Hunter to dinner, to thank him for protecting me. As well as all of you of course. Think of it as an apology for what occurred last night." Said the man, dressed in purple. 

 "Oh! Don't worry about that!" Silviya said, shaking her head.

"I insist. I would feel horrible if you didn't."

"We would love to then! It sounds wonderful as well to be honest. " Silviya responded, Conner nodding along.

 "I also wanted to give this back." The man continued, holding out a cellphone as Hunter looked up. 

 Checking his pockets and hoodie, he found it to be missing. He grabbed it, bowing his head, subtly poking Silviya in the ribs. 

 "He says thank you." She grinned. "Where do you want us to meet you at, Mr.-? 

 "Apologizes, my name is Eisuke Ichinomiya. A pleasure." He said, looking away from Hunter, smiling at Silviya, reaching his hand out. 

"Likewise Mr. Ichinomiya. My name is Silviya." She said, shaking the man's hand and then letting go. "This is-" 

"I'm Conner! Nice ta meetcha man!" He waved, before shaking the outstretched hand. 

"It's very nice to meet you as well." Ichinomiya replied as Silviya playfully rolled her eyes. 

"And you've already met Hunter. He doesn't really talk, so you'll have to make do with silence on his end." Silviya said as Hunter simply nodded his head towards Ichinomiya, who smiled at him. She coughed politely."So, where would you like us to meet you?" 

"There's a restaurant that I think all of you would enjoy. I'll be sending a car at 7 if that's alright with all of you?" 

  "Sure, we'll be ready by then. Uh, is it formal?" Conner asked. 

  "Yes." 

  "Alright, then we'll get ready. Thanks again man!" 

  "Of course. I'll be going then and I hope to be seeing all of you at 7." 

  "We'll be ready by then, thank you." Silviya responded, smiling at him. 

  Eisuke smiled back before walking away, towards the elevator. 

"Well, that took a turn." Conner said as soon as the elevator doors closed. "First, you get beat up and next you get invited to dinner. This place is fucking looney. It's my type of hotel!" He finished, chuckling. 

Silviya chuckled with him as she walked towards her room, Conner trailing behind. "I want everyone to be ready by 6:30 or 6:50 at least." She said, opening the door, letting Conner in first. "We'll see you later Hunter. Hopefully you're still up for it by then." She said before waving and entering the room, closing the door. 

  Hunter nodded and entered his room, planning to at least rest for a while, before even thinking about getting ready at all.

             ˏ 𓏧 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓋒 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏧 ˎ 

"And where are you going Boss?" Baba asked. "Another dinner party?" 

Eisuke huffed, clasping on his cuffs. "None of your business." 

"You're going to the casino then? We'll go with you! Can't imagine what ladies you might attract this time around!" Baba enthusiastic said, not minding the harsh response, Ota nodding along, grinning. 

"No. You will all stay here. I'm not your babysitter or your entertainment. Go somewhere else, I don't care." Eisuke said, straightening out his jacket. 

"Oh, come on Boss! You know we just want to be there with you. And have fun, but that's besides the point! It'll be fun!" Baba responded back, Ota stretching next to him. 

 "What will? Never mind. With how you fools act, I'm almost certain it's something that you alone will find entertaining." A voice said, coming from the balcony as they entered the room. "I am curious; however, on where you're going Eisuke. You normally don't enjoy doing business on the weekends. Even if you do go to parties, you'll let them know what's going on." Soryu asked, putting away his phone. 

Eisuke rolled his eyes. "If you must know Oh, I'm going out to Misoguigawa for dinner and I've invited the man from last night who saved me and his group of friends, as an apology for what my hotel didn't do. I still can't believe-" He muttered under his breath. "Anyways, I'm meeting them at the restaurant. Now, if-". He was cut off as Ota butted in. 

"You know, I think I'm good friends with the restaurants owner, especially after I donated an art piece of mine. I think it'll be fun if we visited them. Don't you think so Baba?" 

"Oh, absolutely Ota! Should we go with Boss? I don't think he'll mind us going. After all, he does owe us-" 

"I don't owe anything to you fools." 

"-from last night, after helping him with those men. I think I was almost injured during the fight too." 

"You're absolutely right Baba! I think I almost broke my nose when one of the men was throwing his arms around." 

Soryu hummed and then smirked. "I think you owe us dinner Ichinomiya. After all, we did help you, especially kicking out those men for you. Don't want to stain your reputation, now do we?" 

Eisuke was quiet, glaring at them, before turning away. "Do what you will, I don't care. The car is waiting." He said as he walked away. 

Soryu walked after him, the other two grinning towards each other as they followed him 

out.

             ˏ 𓏧 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓋒 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏲 𓏧 ˎ 

Conner gave a low whistle as he caught a glimpse of the restaurant as the usher showed them the way to the table Ichinomiya had reserved for them. "Damn, this place ain't have bad." 

Silviya nodded along as Hunter trailed after her. As the usher started to slow a bit, she noticed the group of people already there. "Hey, isn't that the group of people who helped out Ichinomiya?" 

"Hm? Oh yeah! I guess he invited them too?" 

With the usher coming to a stop and showing them their seats, he spoke. 

"A server will be here shortly." He said, smiling, before quickly leaving. 

Eisuke stood up and smiled, reaching his hand out. "Thank you all for coming. I hope the ride was up to your standards?" 

Silviya shook his hand and grinned. "Oh yes! It was lovely! Thank you." Letting go, he reached out his hand for Conner to shake. "Thanks for the ride man. It was joy." Conner smiled as he let go. Eisuke nodded and smiled back, reaching out towards Hunter next. Hunter nodded his head, face expressionless, as he shook Eisuke's hand. 

"These are my acquaintances." Eisuke continued as Hunter let him go, nodding towards the rest of the table. "They wanted to join me. I hope you all don't mind?" 

"No, of course not." Silviya said as she nodded towards them. "A pleasure! My name is Silviya." She greeted as she shook hands with everyone, Conner falling swiftly. "The name's Conner. Nice ta meet cha'!" 

"Mitsunair Baba. A pleasure to be greeting beautiful women such as yourself." He smiled, winking at Silviya and grinned at Conner. "Hey, what's up!" 

"Ota Kisaki, nice to meet all of you!" 

"Soryu Oh. Good evening." 

'Why do they all look familiar? Especially the one dressed in all black?' Soryu thought as he finished introducing himself. 

"And this is Hunter. He doesn't talk, so you'll be hearing a lot of silence from his end." 

Silviya said as the other three men looked at Hunter expectantly. They all sat down as the introductions came to an end. 

"Oh, well. It's still very nice to meet you." Baba said, before reaching out to shake Hunter's hand, Ota doing the same. Hunter simply nodded his head towards them. 

'Hunter? I know that name…'

Soryu reached out to shake his hand and as Hunter clasping it firmly, a chill ran down Soryu's back. Narrowing his eyes, Soryu looked Hunter over as they released hands, Hunter doing the same. Spotting the fading bite mark on Oh's neck, and the yellow bruises, Hunter realized who it was. As did Soryu when he finally recognized the man from a few nights ago. 

'Fuck.'

'Shit.'

(My very good friend delivered this masterpiece yesterday, but I forgot to put it here! I'm so happy she made it though, so I hope you guys enjoy it!😊💕)

[ao3feed-thefoxholecourt]

we'll laugh until our ribs get tired (but that will never be enough)

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2E1QWJ9

by eeeva

nicky makes a group chat. chaos ensues

(tw for brief mention of alcohol, swearing, basically the aftg bundle)

Words: 436, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: All For The Game - Nora Sakavic

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M

Characters: Neil Josten, Andrew Minyard, Aaron Minyard, Allison Reynolds, Danielle "Dan" Wilds, Renee Walker (All For The Game), Nicky Hemmick, Matt Boyd, Kevin Day, David Wymack

Relationships: Neil Josten/Andrew Minyard, Allison Reynolds/Renee Walker (All For The Game), Andrew Minyard & Renee Walker, Matt Boyd/Danielle "Dan" Wilds, Katelyn/Aaron Minyard, Aaron Minyard & Andrew Minyard, Kevin Day & Neil Josten, Nicky Hemmick/Erik Klose, Nicky Hemmick & Andrew Minyard, Nicky Hemmick & Aaron Minyard, Nicky Hemmick & Neil Josten, Neil Josten & Allison Reynolds, Matt Boyd & Neil Josten

Additional Tags: hello this is my first ever fic please be nice, Fluff and Crack, how the fuck do i use tags, Self-Indulgent, Swearing, uhhhh, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fluff, Fluff and Humor

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2E1QWJ9

[no-pasaran-99]

you mean to tell me that the lyrics to 'ribs' are not 'we'll laugh until our ribs get tired'?????? it's 'tough'??????

[sirro85-blog]

Humans are Space Orcs

Part 5

Kneeling on the floor of the shuttle beside Kovac's body Wolf ripped open the medical kit and pulled out the TPAK needles and looked at the laminate instructions. He couldn't hear Panther over the screaming in his own head. Grabbing the first of the needles he unscrewed the cap and pressed his fingers into Kovac's chest, counting ribs, pointing his finger at the appropriate site he put the needle against the skin and pushed, it punctured the skin and drove into the muscle, once it was secure he drew the needle out and made it safe, nothing happened he checked the instructions again. Tissue embolus, snatching up the syringe he drew air into it and connected it to the needle. He depressed the plunger and when he detached the syringe he was rewarded with a prolonged hiss of air. He repeated it on the other side of the ribcage.

Knickers who had been trying to ventilate Kovac looked up with relief as Kovac drew a shallow breath. He drew two shuddering breaths and his breathing again started getting shallower.

Becca stared at the shuttle as it landed, behind her susserations passed through the unit as the whisper repeated themselves. "Kovac is dead?" "Kovac is dead!" Kovac can't be dead" "Kovac isn't dead!" "Kovac is dead" "Kovac..." "The Major..." her hands shook and she fought the urge to vomit. Her mouth was dry, her eyes burned, she had a metallic taste in her mouth and the tip of her nose seemed to tingle.

The doors to the shuttle opened, Wolf stepped out, a bound and gagged Flet chained to him and Panther. Gray, Ocampo Hemming and Richards stepped out. Then came a stretcher, beside it was Petra pale and tired looking. On the other side was Knickers who was staring at the Major's face till she stepped aside to let Dana and Staff King assess him. Then she looked up till she found Becca's face in the crowd.

"Massive left sided pneumothorax with resultant lower right atelectasis, hypovolaemic, query 2 minute episode of apnoea, sats 97 on 15 litres" Petra rattled off as Frank ran alongside the trolley.

Becca could still hear Petra talking as the doors swung shut on the med-bay. Wolf appeared at her side and gently steered her away from the crowd of soldiers into the side room. She managed two more strides before her knees gave way. Wolf guided her into a chair as she opened her mouth to scream and no sound came out. Trembling violently she felt Wolf's arms wrap tightly around her.

How long she they stayed like that Becca didn't know, but eventually she looked up to see Sergeant Panther, Captains Dorman, and Gillespie sitting in the room, standing leaning against the wall were Sergeants Fluke and Webb. Becca realised she was squeezing Wolf's arm with both hands, her nails had dug deep enough to draw blood from his wrist. Her fingers ached as she unclenched them. Wordlessly Panther poured her a glass of rum and passed it across, Becca downed it in one.

The door opened and a sombre looking Dana walked in, she looked at Wolf and then Dorman before crossing to stand infront of Becca.

"He's stable, we've repaired his lung but during the surgery...His heart stopped, he was down for nearly a minute. We'll have to run some tests when, if he wakes up."

Becca nodded numbly and tried to speak, she cleared her throat and tried again. "Thank you Dana, where's Frank?"

"Draining his last bottle of Courvoisier XO, I don't think he liked the part where the Major died." Dana's tone sounded angry.

"The problem with being the sort of man that earns love and loyalty like Kovac is people get upset when you die on them." Dorman said calmly, "I keep telling him he should try being unlikable like me."

"Does that mean I'm in command as senior officer?" Asked Gillespie, he winked at Becca and then Panther, "I think I'll reinstate prima nocta."

"Alright but Panther would break you little man," Becca said with a half-smile.

The officers began to talk and laugh, Dorman sent out the sergeants to talk to the men.

"She blames herself," Wolf said looking after Panther, "he was shielding her when he took the bolt."

Two days later Staff Sergeant King was glaring at the Major as he blew into a tube, "until I discharge you I am your commanding officer, I am emperor, king, high priestess and the Lord thy God, you can charm me all you want you mangy Scotch git, you are recuperating properly and doing your exercises."

"I'd tell you to get your oral fixation examined Frank but if blowing on this tube ten times a day will make you happy I'll do it. I will not be waiting over a month to heal naturally, now give me the AHMs so I can get on with my plan or I'll convince Angie to sneak me some, you know she'll do it too, and she'll take Petra down with her."

"If you have any kidney function left when this is all over I'll be amazed. Once this is resolved, I want you to come in for physio and a full medical check up."

"Once this is done I'll even let you check my prostate," Kovac grinned again.

The following morning Kovac laid in his bed while his officers sat around the room, Kovac asked about the prisoner.

"She seems willing to listen to us, I think she believes we can be manipulated." Dorman answered.

"I get the impression she is a little startled by the effectiveness of our raid and her capture. Our success has her worried."

"A huge success if you discount the Major's little problems," said Becca with a sneer.

"Everyone makes a fuss, i got injured. Hardly a fault of the mission, overall it was a complete success." Kovac replied.

"A complete success!? You fucking died!"

"Everybody makes a fuss," Kovac responded drawing a laugh from the others, Becca scowled.

Humans have a strange tendency to react to situations at a seemingly disproportionate level, small splits to their skin or a small shock can leave them "literally dying" an example of hyperbole. Kovac needing to be resuscitated on the operating table meant he said the injuries he had sustained, weren't ones he would reccomend.

The only thing bigger than a human's flair for the dramatic is a human's ability to down play something.

Kovac entered the room where the hostage was held, she eyed him as he crossed the room and as he sat in a chair she spoke.

"Major Radovan Kovac, formerly of the United Nations Galactic Defence Force then of the Galactic Council Defence Force and now leader of the human mercenary unit known as the Dark Horses, born Glasgow, Scotland in the year..."

"Impressive, you're Lorastayil claimant to the position of heir to the throne of the Flet Imperium, current prisoner to Major Kovac and judging by the speed of your heart, terrified of me no matter how calm you pretend to be," Kovac interrupted.

"My heart rate?" Lorastayil asked.

"The clip on your nose is taking measurements for us," Kovac raised a hand to silence the Flet. "Listen Kitty, we had a plan, it was simple, we use you to get to the rest of the royals and then we take all four of you out, we slip away into the darkness and watch as the rest of the royals fall apart trying to claim the top spot on the rubble, it would work. Believe me, I know how to topple governments I've done it before and Wolf, he's done it even more than me.

You know Wolf, he's the one that makes your heart skip a beat every time he glares at you, he has that effect on people."

Lorastayil stayed silent but her eyes never left Kovac's face, "however," Kovac continued, "while I'm sure pulling our plan off correctly would have been an end to this I'm not sure we would have achieved it without some losses and I've already lost one soldier over this, I'm not prepared to have another die to keep me alive, ironically it took dying to formalize my thoughts on this."

"The Flet Imperium," began the Flet.

"Oh do be quiet, the "Imperium" is barely two systems across and the only reason you get to keep it is because nobody wants it, everytime you've gotten expansionist the GCDF has slapped you down with one hand. You're a rogue state and the royal family makes you an easy mark to the sort of units that Wolf and I used to run, if I didn't care about collateral damage I'd break your little civilisation to teach you a lesson."

The Flet glared at Kovac and the Major held her gaze, "I have a plan however, one that keeps you alive, keeps my soldiers alive and puts an end to this."

Struggling to contain her anger Lorastayil stayed quiet for a few seconds before asking, "and what is this clever plan?"

"You take me back to Venita all the way to your capitol Genetry, we walk into the Royal Palace and you give me over to the Queen as your prisoner, you earn your place as heir apparent and the royal family win public support, I'm executed and my men are left alone. Now my men won't be happy about this, but because I'll do this voluntarily it'll hopefully take the edge off enough that they don't seek revenge."

"You'd die willingly?" Lorastayil asked her tone doubtful.

"No, not willingly but I'll accept it, better me than one of my men, that's the trick of being in command, my duty is to them, my leadership is the service I give them." He gave a sigh, "do you accept?"

"I have a choice?"

"Of course, I could always torture you till you agree to my first plan and we break your civilisation, not much of a choice but a choice none the less."

Kovac couldn't have successfully moved Lorastayil onto a shuttle secretly without assistance from Wolf, it appeared that Wolf was fully informed of the plan because as Kovac boarded the Shuttle I witnessed the two pause, shake hands solemnly and then part with a nod. An interaction I had never seen between the two of them before.

Unlike the human home planet, the Flet planet of Venita had developed as almost entirely a rainforest, since industrialisation much of the planet's growth had been cut back but it still retained it's verdant appearance. Even the capitol city of Gentry had a lot of green spaces. And in the centre, shining in the sunlight was the Royal palace, it's direct translation to human would be "glass" although the building was built from quartz.

Kovac walked with his head held high, for all appearances enjoying the view of the rain wet building gleaming in the sunlight. Kovac looked out of place in the light, bright building, wearing dark military fatigues his booted feet rang loud as he walked down the hallway. Around him walked his guards, soft footed and silent, despite their height and mass being greater than the human's they seemed diminished by him, or perhaps that was only my perception.

They paused before the great door to the hall, Lorastayil suddenly intense as she stared at Kovac.

"Do you want to die human? You seem at great ease."

"No, no I don't, I wish this could have worked out another way." He looked around, "it's beautiful here," he remarked absently, "I don't want to die but none of us choose how we die, even those poor souls who take their own life do so as a symptom of a disease often as not, the only thing you get a choice over is how you face your death. I'll stand on my own two feet and look it in the eye thank you." He gestured to the door, "shall we?"

The Flet Imperium is a culture devoid of much of the trappings of power that other civilisations cultivate. Pomp and ceremony; grandiose displays of power and privilege are not seen in the Flet royal court. In brief order Lorastayil was welcomed back, Kovac introduced and sentenced to death.

Kovac grinned up at the Queen and with a sudden movement had darted past the two large Kitty's that were nominally his guards.

"You know, I have read something of your culture and your laws, something the humans have known for Millenia 'know your enemy' a concept not respected by your finer military minds." Kovac stopped several feet from the throne, his guards closed in but hesitated to restrain him.

"For example, I know that Flet instinct will always be to trust in your claws not your hand held weapons, which puts the two guarding me at a disadvantage, while they are still suppressing the urge to resort to claws, I can instinctively fight with anything, in my reach...ask me about a pineapple sometime." As if to illustrate this point Kovac moved.

He sprang to his left into the nearest guard knocking it off balance, he butted his forehead into the side of its jaw with enough force to cause rotation of the head, the Flet spilled it's weapon and stumbled back. Kovac snatched up the dropped power lance but knowing he lacked the appropriate number of limbs to fire the weapon didn't pause in his movement but instead threw it hard as he could at the second guard who was still fumbling with its own power lance. The Kitty stumbled back and Kovac followed up with a flying knee to it's sternum knocking it flat.

As suddenly as he had moved he was still again, Kovac spread his arms wide as more guards converged on him.

"You see when I say I know you, I know you, so when I say I demand trial by combat, I know you are obliged to meet my demand and decide my fate inside the 'ring' as it were."

The Queen watched Kovac and gave a silent yawn, the Flet equivalent of a smile. "You may think you know us Major, however the demand for trial by combat is only something I'm obliged to honour if you are a subject, and that little display was designed to provoke me, provoke my anger but not all Flet are slaves to their rage." She raised two arms and then with another silent yawn gestured at her guards, "kill him."

Kovac backed up quickly out of the semi-circle of approaching guards, Lorastayil was watching him as more guards entered. Kovac produced a small curved blade, seemingly from nowhere and looked at the Flet heir.

"You know I rather liked the idea of meeting death while standing, but what I think I've always known is I'm going to go out kicking and screaming and fighting all the way." He looked around at the guards who were raising their power lance and I saw his weight shift.

Shots rang out, not the muted pop of a power lance but the sharp crack of human rifles. Several of the Flet guards dropped to the ground, Kovac was already moving towards the nearest Flet when Captain Wolf led the assault on the rear of the guard unit. From my vantage point of multiple awarenesses I saw Captain Becca kneeling just inside the entrance to the hallway and taking aim at the Flet queen. Sergeant Panther flanked by Barbie and Buckets closed in on one of the heirs, rifle shots ringing out everywhere.

Kovac my have been wrong about the precise laws and customs of the Flet but he wasn't wrong about their instincts, caught by surprise many of the Kitty guards dropped their power lances, instinctively wanting to use their own claws when provoked. Those that held onto their weapons were still slow in responding with fire themselves.

Kovac had already attacked the two nearest Flet his karambit knife slashing open throats and major blood vessels as he burst through the circle.

Captain Dorman led his troop in through the side entrance and more shots echoed through the hall. Kovac grabbed Lorastayil and forced her against a wall, the larger being letting the smaller human manhandle her. Their frantic conversation lost to the gun battle.

Moments later the hall fell silent, as the last Flet fell, two humans were down but both were moving, Petra and Angie moved between them and Sergeant Webb organised a stretcher team. Captain Becca began shouting orders and Sergeant Panther led the soldiers of 2 Troop out of the great hall.

Wolf reached Kovac and looked down at the dead Lorastayil, "She declined my offer of peace," Kovac said with regret in his voice. Looking up at his captain Kovac gestured around, "I thought you understood my reasons for not doing something like this?"

Wolf pulled Kovac across the hall his men closing in around them, "Oh I did, but the idea that a man was willing to lay down his life for the protection of his soldiers, well I have this feeling that sort of man is the sort I'd like to keep alive."

In the distance explosions boomed out as Captain Gillespie's mortar unit laid down sporadic fire across the military barracks.

"Your men were in agreement when I told them what you planned, apart from Staff King, he says he's saved you enough recently and stayed behind."

They hurried onto the extraction ship and as Captain Dorman counted his men back on Kovac looked around at his soldiers, his expression unreadable.

Captain Becca approached him and the ship went silent as she reached him and then punched him in the face.

"You bastard! She screamed, I nearly lost you and the first thing you did in response was try and get yourself killed!?" She drew back her fist again but Wolf and Panther restrained her, men laughed and Kovac pinching his bleeding nose approached his officers.

The time for awkward thank yous was later, they were still in Flet space now.

"The Frell sent us pass codes they...happened to have," Dorman said to Kovac's unasked question. "Once we were inside their airspace they have almost no security."

"Major have we started another war? What will happen next?" Gillespie asked, loud enough for the soldiers to listen in.

"Maybe, but I don't think so, I think the political powers will enjoy the loss of a faction from their halls of power and I think that whoever finally claims the empty royal throne, they'll be slightly grateful to us for getting them there and if not...they'll think long and hard before they decide to fuck with the Dark Horses again."

The End.

[lovehelpmewrite]

The People Who Love You [1]

A/N: This is very angsty, there's a lot of abuse!triggers, rape!triggers and the like. I was really in the mood to angst so yeah. Please enjoy at your own risk, triggers and angst ahead. Also, I didn't originally intend for it but its going to be 2 parts because tumblr only allows 100 blocks I guess... I don't know the word count because I'm on mobile, and I'm hoping my keep reading works but sorry if it doesn't. Its un-beta-d, and unedited and un-spell-checked, so all mistakes are mine. Anyways, read on.

"Yeah? Seriously? That's insane. Yeah. Yeah of course! Yeah I'll let him know. Thanks Sam. Yeah, you too. See you in a bit." I hung up the phone feeling happier than i'd been in a long while. Sam had called, asking for help on a werewolf out in Nevada. When he'd asked if I was still with Tyler I assumed thats who he really wanted on the case but I was excited to see them either way.

I walked out into the living room, seeing Tyler on the couch with a beer in hand. Out of reflex I grabbed another and set it next to his feet on the coffee table. He smiled in return.

"You're too good to me," he said, giving me he full attention for a few seconds before turning back to the TV.

"So, uh, Sam Winchester called. He and Dean have a case out in Nevada they wanted our help on. Werewolves. I told them we'd check it out, what do you think?" I asked quietly.

Tyler let out a deep sigh and I turned my eyes to the corner of the coffee table.

"I think," he paused, taking a drink of his beer, "that you should have asked before you went saying yes. And that I don't like those Winchesters, too fucking uptight, and Dean always stares at you." He threw an annoyed look my way before letting out another deep breath and finishing off his beer, getting ready to open the second.

"When do they want me?" He asked, tossing the metal cap onto the table. I watched as it skidded and slid of the edge onto the floor.

"ASAP. I told them we could be out there in a few days," I answered timidly.

Tyler let out another sigh of annoyance.

"Well, go back a bag, we'll leave tomorrow and I don't want to have to wait for your sorry ass to finish up."

I nodded and stood quickly, walking into the back bedroom and shutting the door softly. I let myself smile as I packed, enjoying the thought of seeing old friends again.

- - -

"Tyler, Y/N, good to see you," greeted Dean, pulling me in for a hug that made Tyler frown. Even so, I hugged Sam as well, enjoying their familiar embraces.

"So, where are you guys staying?" Sam asked, hands shoved in his jeans pockets.

"The Historian, on Gibson by the diner," I answered, unable to stop the smile on my face as I spoke.

This only seemed to annoy Tyler further. Quickly he drew an arm around my waist and pulled me to him.

"Yeah, she wanted to make sure we had a good view," he joked, Sam and Dean laughing as I cringed, remembering how upset Tyler was that the neon sign from the diner was visible through our window.

"You know me, only the best," I added.

Everyone laughed but I could feel Tyler's fingers on my ribs like knives.

- - -

"To a hunt well done," Dean toasted, plinking his beer bottle against mine and Sam's. We all drank and shared a small smile, me ignoring the fact that Tyler was dancing with some girl on the dance floor.

"I gotta ask," Sam said suddenly, after several tense moments. "What's with your boyfriend?"

I flicked my eyes momentarily at the girl grinding on him before turning on my stool to face solidly at the bar.

"He's just dancing, its fine," I said monotonely.

Sam and Dean shared a look.

I absent mindedly pulled my flannel sleeves down to cover the hand mark Tyler left from this morning, when I had taken too long to get ready so he gripped me by the elbow and shoved me at the door. My shoulder still stung but I could blame that on the werewolf at least.

"What thhe fuck?" Dean said suddenly. I looked at him oddly until he pointed out a still healing bruise on my sternum, visible with my shirt unbottoned. "What is that, Y/N?"

Nervously I shoved my shirt to the side so it wasnt visible anymore.

"Haven't you ever heard of a hickey, Dean?" I laughed anxiously, sipping my beer and hoping he'd let it go. He didnt.

"That's no hickey. Did he hurt you?" Dean asked seriously, his voice low.

"What?! No! He wouldn't! It... it was my fault. I was carrying the laundry basket and not watching where I was going and he accidentally bumped it into me a little hard. Its nothing," I shrugged it off.

It was from the laundry basket, from when he shoved it at me hard enough to leave a mark. "To remind me of my place," he said.

Sam and Dean just eyed me cautiously as Tyler came back from the dance floor.

"Hey babe, lets go, I'm beat," Tyler said.

I went to argue that i wanted to stay with Sam and Dean but I knew better than to speak out in public.

"Okay. See you guys later," I said, Tyler pulling me quickly away and out of the bar.

He yanked me out into the alley and shoved me against yhe grime covered bricks, pressing kisses to my neck and chest.

"Come on baby, lets do it right here," Tyler said, unbuttoning my flannel quickly.

"Ty, no, lets just go back to the motel," I said, gently pushing at his hands on my body.

"Come on, it'll be hot. You can scream for all the bar to hear," he continued, going for my jeans.

"Ty, I said no, stop it," I said more forcefully, shoving him off me.

He stood a foot away, bewildered for a moment while blood rushed in my ears. Suddenly his hand came fast and heavy against my cheek, knocking my head to the side. I held it in shock as it heated up. Tyler seemed to be gauging my reaction to it which was fear.

He sprung forward again and spun me around, pressing my shoulders against the cold brick as he undid my jeans.

"When I say I want to fuck you, I mean it you dumb prude bitch," he growled against my hair.

I stood, helplessly pressed against the bricks as he yanked my jeans and underwear down and pulled my hips back.

The only indication I gave that I felt him was the shutter as he slid into me. My whole body was numb, the slight rocking the only thing keeping me grounded.

When he was done, he came onto the ground and pushed my hips forward in disgust, making me stumble into the wall.

"Come back when you're ready to be an obedient whore," he spat, pulling up his jeans and walking away.

I felt the shake in my hands as I slowly pulled up my underwear and struggled to button my jeans. I let myself lean against the wall a moment, pressing cold hands over my eyes and smearing tears I didn't know I was making.

I sucked in a deep breath, cleared my face and stared dead ahead. Just another day.

- - -

I realized quickly I didn't want to go back to him so soon. I didn't want to seem that desperate for him. In a spur of the moment I walked to Sam and Dean's motel room, knocking on the door before I remember deciding to. Sam answered.

"Y/N? Whats up?" He asked, voice gentle and slightly tired.

"Hey, sorry to bother you guys, me and Tyler had a little fight so I just wanted to shower here for tonight if thats okay?" I asked timidly.

"Yeah! Yeah sure, whatever you need," Sam replied, letting me in immediately.

Dean was sat up on the bed reading something when he looked up and smiled at me.

"Hey, what're you doing here?" He asked, closing the book to give me his full attention.

"Just need a shower, me and Tyler had a fight," I explained. Dean grinned.

"Finally. You should really dump that douche bag," he commented, standing and walking over to his duffle bag.

"No... we just need ti work some stuff out. I dont know where i'd be without him, he's such a better hunter than me," I said absently, not thinking twice about the words coming out of my mouth.

Sam snorted behind me, Dean sniggered.

"Sure, okay Y/N," Dean said sarcastically.

"Really, I would have died on half my hunts if he hadn't been there," I tried, more to convince myself than them.

"You're ten times the hunter he is, he can barely shoot a sawed-off. But whatever you say, sweetheart. Enjoy your shower," Dean grinned, handing me one of his shirts and a pair of boxers.

As I stood under the steaming hot water and scrubbed my skin raw, I replayed what the boys had said. How could I possibly be a better hunter than him? All he talks about is how much easier it would be for him to do his job if I wasnt around.

I shook off the thought and went back to scrubbing at my thighs viciously.

- - -

I walked out in Dean's oversize Metallica shirt, picking at one of my cuticles, mulling over my options very carefully.

"He hits me sometimes," I mumble, watching Sam and Dean scrunch up their eyebrows before looking at me.

"Huh?"

"Did you say something, sweetheart?"

I turned my eyes up, forcing myself to back eye contact.

"He hits me sometimes," I said again.

I watched as Dean's jaw set and Sam's face turned to stone.

"Not often. I mean, not really anyways. Sometimes its worse than others, especially if he's been drinking," I said, finishing the sentance looking at the ratty carpeting as the nights memories came back.

"Its usually my fault anyways, I take too long, or I forget the laundry, or I get him the wrong beer," I added, trying to justify it in my head again. My face scrunched up as his words came at me as they always do.

"You'd be nothing without me. A dead whore in a ditch somewhere. You're lucky I'm here to teach you."

"He's dead," Dean said simply.

I jumped forward quickly.

"No, dont!" I said, gripping his arm tightly as he stood. "Its fine, I can handle it," I added.

Dean's hand came slowly up to my face and I winced as his fingers ran over the spot where Tyler had slapped me.

"You dont have to," Dean said quietly.

"I love him," I replied, eyes closed. Dean let out a slow breath and stepped back from me.

"Then you better get back to him," he said sharply.

"Dean," Sam interjected, eyebrows creased in disapproval.

"No, if she loves him she can head back to his room, and when he hits her again we'll come pick her up because thats what people who love you do," Dean spoke, eyes sharp and jaw set.

I stared at him a moment longer, my throat tight before I slowly grabbed my things and opened the door. I gave one last glance to Sam whose eyes were wet with unshed tears.

I shut the door behind me and let a few tears of my own fall before I made my way back to Tyler.

- - -

I woke up to the sound of beeping next to my head and throbbing in my ribs. I groaned as I turned my head, my neck stiff and sore as well.

As I looked around at the pale green walls and the bright florescent lights, I recognized the beeping as an EKG.

I panicked, trying desperately to sit up and pull out my IV's until a nurse came in.

"Sweetie, you need to relax, you're pretty banged up," she spoke, gently pushing my shoulder back and readjusting the IV tube on my arm.

I tried to relax, looking up to the ceiling and taking deep breaths to try and stop the tears burning in my eyes.

"Good news is your boyfriend's here, said he was worried when he found out you fell down those stairs. I'll send him up," the nurse spoke kindly, patting my hand before walking out and closing the door behind her.

My throat closed up painfully, tears falling back into my hairline as I thought about Tyler seeing me after what he'd done last night.

[aquasworldismusicsworld]

"We'll laugh until our ribs get tired, but that will never be enough"~Lorde-Ribs

[paintedonwater]

“It feels so scary, getting old”