#where this is going and how it unfolds; like if i'm in charge i understand That at least so i will just Always be in charge'

[brittlebutch]

finding a character that grates against your nerves and eventually thinking, well, that's not fair, you haven't done anything; why do i dislike you? and then you dwell on this for a while and discover 'oh! you are like me when i was younger' and decide well, i'll simply learn how to love the both of you. power in this.

[dazedandconfused-15]

Heaven's in your eyes (Part 4)

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who took the time to comment and reblog this story, I'm really glad you're sticking with me on this journey!!

If you're enjoying it, a reblog would mean a lot to me and really helps get this fanfic out there! 🫶

Enjoy...

Summary: Life in Hawkins is dull and lonely, especially after your mom abandoned your family, leaving you even more isolated amidst school rumors. Already shy and with few friends, you find solace in your solitude—until Billy Hargrove, the intriguing new boy from California, comes into the picture. To your surprise, Billy seems to seek you out, finding ways to talk to you despite the odds. Never in a million years would you have imagined forming such an unexpected bond with someone.

Link to: Part 1 Part 2, and Part 3

@tatumrileyslover @littlenosoul @nocturnest @the-freak-cassie-313 @rainy-darling @nina-from-317

From then on, you become much more observant. Billy and you meet up after school to do homework, go for walks, grab some food or just hang out. You start noticing small details, like how sometimes his shirt is buttoned up a bit higher than usual, even in warm weather. Occasionally, you catch sight of a bruise on his skin. You refrain from bombarding him with questions, but it's challenging to stay silent when the wounds are obvious. Thankfully, it's never as severe as that night he showed up battered. You quickly understand that this topic is off-limits for him, so you let it go, hoping that someday, he'll feel comfortable enough to open up to you.

For the first time in what feels like ages, happiness seeps into your days. Suddenly, the world seems brighter, nights feel less daunting, and even the mundane surroundings regain a hint of color. But deep down, you know this fragile balance won't last. 

And just like that, everything shifts during a Wednesday afternoon gym class. You're deep into a basketball game. A teammate passes you the ball, and with quick reflexes, you snatch it and charge towards the basket. It all happens in a blur, catching you off guard, until a sharp pang shoots through your knees as they collide with the unforgiving, polished wood of the gym floor. Your heart races as you instinctively extend your arms, just in time to protect your face from the impact. Amid the chaos, the coach's whistle cuts through the noise, and through the fog of pain, a pair of trainers come into focus right before your eyes.

“What happened?” 

“She tripped, Coach,” says the voice belonging to the person in those shoes. Your gaze shifts upward, meeting the mocking eyes of Tina Williams. She stands with one hand on her hip, casually chewing her gum. A moment later, she steps aside as the coach kneels in front of you.

The contrast is stark—where there was once the commotion of squeaking shoes and shouts, there's now a hushed stillness. Half the class has gathered around, watching in silence.

"Are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?" the coach asks you, resting his hand on your arm. 

deliberately tripped you, sending you crashing to the floor. The pain in your knees isn't unbearable, but your skin is clearly scraped. The sting from where they hit the ground and slid across the floor is still sharp.

"Oh man, we need to disinfect these," the coach remarks, examining your peeling, reddened knees where raw flesh is visible. "I'm taking you to the nurse's office."

"No, no. It's fine." you say, your voice slightly shaky as he helps you to your feet. "It's not that bad."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, yeah," you murmur, catching the faint snickers of Vicky Muller and Carol Perkins as they whisper to Tina, their voices low but filled with amusement.

The coach makes you sit on the benches for the rest of the hour. As the game continues, you become a spectator in every sense—watching the game and the entire situation unfold, feeling completely disconnected from your own body. Your mind drifts, detaching from everything around you. You’re certain Tina tripped you on purpose, but the reason eludes you. Anxiety gnaws at you, leaving a pit in your stomach. When the game finally ends, you follow your classmates into the locker room, keeping your eyes downcast, avoiding any confrontations. All you want is to leave, to escape this uncomfortable situation.

But as you open your locker, you hear footsteps approaching behind you. Reluctantly, you turn, only to find yourself face-to-face with Tina. Vicky stands beside her, arms crossed, with an expression that clearly shows she's anticipating some entertainment, barely able to contain her laughter.

Tina nods toward your knees. “How are your knees?”

You want to snap back, to demand what her problem is, but instead, you choose the path of least resistance. Maybe if you play along, this will all blow over.

“It’s nothing serious. It’ll pass,” you say, forcing a small smile before turning back to your locker.

Tina snorts, and there’s a brief, tense silence. “What’s your deal with Billy?”

Your hand freezes in mid-motion as everything suddenly clicks into place. Slowly, you turn back to her, realizing there’s no avoiding this conversation.

You decide to play dumb. “What do you mean?”

“Did I stutter?”

You swallow, taking in her mocking expression. The locker room falls silent as your classmates stop what they’re doing to watch the scene unfold. In the background, Carol wears a wicked smile.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I barely know him,” you say, trying to diffuse the situation, not wanting any trouble.

You know that Billy had gone out with Tina a few times not too long ago. It was supposedly nothing serious and ended as quickly as it began. Rumor has it that after they’d hooked up in his Camaro, he drove her home and never called her again.

“Please. You think we’re dumb?” Vicky chimes in. “We’ve seen you hanging with him.”

“I…”

“Listen, honey,” Tina cuts you off, unfolding her arms and stepping toward you. Her tone is anything but sweet, almost aggressive. “I don’t care what the hell you’re up to. But stop it.”

“Wha…”

“You really think he’d be interested in someone like you? Take a good look at yourself,” she sneers, her gaze sweeping over you, making you instantly self-conscious. “Make sure you’re not carrying fleas before you get near guys like Billy. God knows what’s lurking in that cesspool you call home.”

“Or STDs,” Carol chimes in with a smirk. “Like mother, like daughter.”

The comment hits you like a punch to the gut, the pain in your knees forgotten as a deeper ache settles in. The room is filled with your classmates, yet you’ve never felt so alone. Some stand in silent shock, others hold back amused grins, enjoying the spectacle.

“So yeah, stay away from him. Got it?” Tina snaps her bubble gum, her eyes daring you to respond.

They don’t wait for an answer, turning away and leaving you frozen in place. As you open your locker and reach for your clothes, you realize with a sinking feeling that they’re soaked. Water drips onto the floor, soaking your sneakers, and panic rises in your chest. You quickly grab your backpack, hoping it’s unharmed, but find it just as wet, the contents inside ruined.

Murmurs and giggles fill the room as Tina’s voice drifts over again, soft but cutting. “Sorry about that. Maybe next time you’ll know your place.”

You leave school wearing your damp clothes, shivering as the rain falls down on you. The thought of enduring two more hours of English literature is unbearable. Despite your efforts to dry your clothes and backpack, the dampness clings to you, making the weight of it all feel heavier. The mile-long walk home feels endless as your mind replays the scene in the gym and locker room. You wonder how you could have been so naive, so foolish to think you could find a bit of happiness without something going wrong. The cold air stings your wet cheeks, and you wipe them with the back of your hand, your eyes fixed on the ground. Your knees burn, but nothing compares to the deep, burning shame inside you.

When you finally reach home, you’re grateful your father is still at work, sparing you from having to explain why you’re home early or why you look so miserable. You retreat to the shower, letting the hot water pour over you until the steam is so thick you can’t even see the tiles. Later, you curl up on the couch under a blanket, staring blankly at the TV, your mind far away. The phone rings, breaking the silence, but you don’t have the energy to answer it. Whoever is calling is persistent, though, and the ringing continues.

Taking a deep breath, you finally pick up the receiver, trying to keep your voice from sounding hollow.

“Hello?”

“It’s Billy.”

His warm voice is like a balm, soothing your frayed nerves, but it also brings back the harsh memories of the day. The ugly events replay in your mind, and guilt washes over you as you imagine him waiting by his Camaro, only to realize you wouldn’t be showing up.

“I’m sorry. Sorry about that,” you croak, clearing your throat. “I wasn’t feeling well.”

“What happened?”

“I’m just under the weather. That’s all. I think I’m getting sick.”

A heavy silence hangs between you as you twist the phone cord around your fingers, the tension in your grip turning your skin white. You can only hear your own breathing, and you hope desperately that he believes you, that he won’t push for more.

“You sure?” he asks after a moment.

“Yes, I promise. I just need to rest.”

“Alright,” he sighs. “See you tomorrow then.”

“Hey, Billy?” you blurt out, stopping yourself before your voice cracks. The knot in your throat tightens as you struggle with the urge to be honest with him. It doesn’t seem fair to lie, knowing this might be one of the last times you hear his voice. “Thanks for calling,” you manage to say once you’re sure your voice won’t break.

“Don’t mention it. Bye, sweetheart.”

You hang up before you can respond, the warmth of his endearment slicing through you, leaving you on the verge of tears. It’s not just him—it’s everything. The whole situation weighs on you. You glance at the picture of you and your mom on the hall shelf, taken when you were just two years old in her arms. Your dad still keeps it, a reminder of the past. Billy has managed to make your life easier, not by making you forget, but by showing you that happiness was still possible. But today, all those old wounds are reopened. The void left by her, and now by him, feels deeper than ever. That’s the risk of letting people into your life—they eventually leave, and all you’re left with is the emptiness they once filled.

You stay home for the next two days. On Friday, it still hasn’t stopped raining. The day drags on endless, each hour feeling like an eternity. You struggle to find the strength to peel yourself out of bed, your stomach tied in knots, rendering breakfast an impossible feat. As rain continues to patter against the window, casting a dreary backdrop, you find yourself lost in a numb trance, gazing blankly at the vivid greenery outside. Only in the afternoon does your hunger finally overpower the turmoil within, prompting you to rustle up a simple cheese toast to appease your growling stomach. Settling in front of the TV, you attempt to distract yourself from the weight of the day's events. By the late afternoon, as your dad arrives home, you force yourself to summon a facade of composure, determined not to burden him with worries. Then the doorbell rings, snapping you out of your trance, and you get up to see who's there. 

As you open the door, Billy is standing here, his hands on his leather jacket pockets, his gaze wandering off to the side, but turns to look immediately at you. He’s as pretty as the last time you saw him. His eyes lock with yours, making you weak in the knee. 

“Oh. Hey.” you softly say, completely taken off guard by his presence on your front door. 

“Hey.” 

“Uh, what are you doing here?” you ask, trying your best to not sound rude. You’re just confused. 

Billy shrugs. “You didn’t answer when I called. Figured I would come to you instead.” 

His response leaves you speechless. You’re struck by his persistence, amazed that he hasn’t grown tired of you, given his tendency to quickly lose interest in people. He says it so casually, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world, and it stirs something inside you that you can’t quite put into words.

Amusement flicks over his face. “You gonna let me in, or what?” 

You excuse yourself by straightening up from your position against the door, opening it wide to let him in. Billy wipes his shoes on the doormat before stepping in. A strange energy seems to be unleashed when your bodies are close to each other. It makes you feel electric. You’ve never believed in those things, but it’s almost like your auras are touching.

You look up at him, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear as you look at each other.

“Sorry, my dad’s here,” you say as you see him look up behind you toward the living room.

Although very subtle, you notice how his body tenses up when your father approaches him and you introduce Billy to him. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

Your dad shakes his hand, a warm smile on his face. “Ah, so you must be Billy. She keeps talking about you.”

Billy lets out a nervous chuckle, briefly glancing at you. You find yourself looking at the ground, cheeks flushed. "Hope she said good things."

“All I can say is that you’re good to her, son. Haven’t seen my daughter smiling this often in a long time. She never talks to me about her friends.” he rests his hand on your shoulder, squeezing it softly. 

“I’m glad to hear that.” you can feel Billy’s eyes on you, boring a hole through your skin. “She’s good to me too.”

Your dad gestures toward the kitchen. “Have you had dinner yet? We made some roasted chicken tonight, it’s delicious.”

Billy shakes his head. “Thank you, sir, I had dinner earlier.” 

“Come have a drink then.” your dad already walks backward to the kitchen. “What can I get you?”

“Dad…” you softly say at his enthusiasm. You never have people over. It’s been a long time since you had them. Not since…well. And you understand your dad lights up as a candle with joy. He’s getting too enthusiastic already.

“You look over eighteen. Beer? Some red wine?” 

Billy glances at you, his hand in his pockets, then slowly follows him to the kitchen. He looks like a wary animal taking in his surroundings.  “Beer is fine. Thank you, sir.”

You follow behind Billy, feeling suddenly so uneasy in your own house. Your eyes follow his broad back as he enters the kitchen, the air already smelling like leather. Like him. 

Your dad, with a casual wave of his hand, says, "Ah, don't bother with all those formalities around me.” 

Billy leans against the counter as your dad extends an uncapped bottle of beer, clinking it against his own. You notice how he stiffens slightly again when your dad mentions remembering his last name, knowing his father. His attitude becomes more reserved, and he answers with small sentences. Especially when your dad mentions how despite having talked to him only a few times at Melvald’s downtown and the bank, he looks like a tough guy. However, your dad is easygoing and his attitude warm, and slowly, throughout the conversation, Billy seems to ease up too. His shoulders relax, and a real laugh escapes him a time or two. You knew they shared some interests, but you didn’t expect them to talk about California for so long. Your dad recounts his younger years living in there, how he spent his days surfing and working in a garage for his own dad’s friend to get some money. Billy did the same back there. He tells your dad how you mentioned some of it to him, then how many more people there are since the 60s, how Will Rogers State Beach is now crowded with tourists. 

“You’re sure you don’t want anything to eat? Hell, there’s plenty of that chicken and it’s only the two of us.” you dad offers again. 

Billy settles the empty beer on the counter. “Oh, I’m fine. Thank you. I was hoping to take her on a ride, to get some fresh air if that’s alright with you.”

Your dad looks at you and you give him a small smile, though you didn’t expect or plan any of it. He nods in approval.

“Sure, kids. Be careful, yeah? It was nice to meet you Billy.”

“Same. Thank you for the beer.”

Your dad winks at him. “Anytime. You’re always welcome.”

At first, silence hangs between the two of you. Billy doesn’t mention it as he drives you toward downtown, and your mind is elsewhere. You’re there physically, but your thoughts are consumed by how wrong it feels to be in the car with him. Your plans to keep your distance have been shattered by his unexpected presence. His decision to come to you makes everything ten times harder. You’re unsure how you’ll find the right words to express yourself without offending him—or worse, hurting him. But then again, maybe you’re overthinking it. Perhaps he doesn’t feel as connected to you as you do to him. Chances are, you’ll be the one left hurting in the end.

Billy casually suggests getting a milkshake at the diner, then lapses back into silence, leaving you unsure whether to thank him or ask him to break the quiet. He doesn’t make it easy. When he parks in front of the diner, he opens the passenger door for you. Physical contact has become second nature between you two—small, almost unconscious gestures, especially on his part. But they always send your heart racing. This time, as he touches your back, gently guiding you inside while holding the diner door open, your heartbeat spikes dangerously.

You usually have a sweet tooth, and the milkshakes at Starlight Grill are delicious, but today, your thoughts have robbed you of your appetite. Billy insists you get something, and when you hesitate, he suggests sharing a milkshake.

When the waitress brings the milkshake along with the bill, Billy takes the first sip. You reach into your pocket for some coins.

“What are you doing?” 

“Just, paying.” You murmur absent-mindedly, counting the coins. Billy's hand appears in front of you, putting them aside.

“Put that away.”

You sigh, meeting his gaze. "Billy."

He casually slides the milkshake in front of you, his half-lidded eyes locked on yours, completely unfazed by your feeble attempts to resist. The purple lights of the diner cast a soft glow, highlighting his features and making his mustache stand out more than usual. You can't help but marvel at how effortlessly handsome he always looks. Meanwhile, you feel out of place in your loose jumper, with no makeup and your hair barely combed.

You notice that there is only one straw in the milkshake. “Oh, they didn’t bring another one.”

“It’s fine. Drink it,” his features shifting to an amused look.  “Unless it grosses you out.” 

“No, no! Of course not.” you hastily assure him before bringing the straw to your lips. The rich taste of chocolate floods your senses with a pleasant sensation, despite your lack of hunger. You resist the temptation to indulge in a bit of the whipped cream from the top of the milkshake.

“Feel better today?” he asks as he watches you, leaning back against the bench.

“Uh, yes. A bit better.” you lie, your eyes on the table. You’re unable to look at him.

You instinctively tighten your grip on the cold glass of the milkshake, startled by the sudden warmth of his palm on your forehead. 

“Yeah. No fever, anyway,” he says.

“How did you do on the test yesterday?” you ask instead, eager to change the topic.

Billy leans forward, resting his elbows on the table as he brings the milkshake closer to himself, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Eh, not bad. I think I passed," he replies before taking a sip from the straw. “Jesus, this shit is sweet as hell.” he mutters, peering down at the milkshake as if it personally wronged him.

You let out a soft laugh at his expression. When you sat down, he asked you what flavor you liked and ordered it without hesitation. You realize with a pang of guilt that you hadn't even bothered to ask him if he liked it. 

“Sorry… too much?”

“Nah, it’s fine. Just a bit sweet.” he pushes the milkshake toward you, your fingers brushing each other as you take the glass. “I’m more of a savory type of guy.”

"Oh," you sheepishly respond, brushing your thumb against the cold glass to clear away some moisture. “I’m more of a sweet type of girl.”

"You are," he says, his voice carrying a subtle warmth that catches your attention. 

You lift your gaze toward him, struck by the underlying tone in his words. Billy dips his pinky in the whipped cream and brings it to his mouth. Red lips suck around the skin, his tongue licking the whipped cream away. You take a sip of the milkshake to distract yourself from the stirring movement in your lower belly. 

“So what’s your favorite?” he then casually asks, as if he didn’t just do the most provocative thing ever. 

“My what?” you ask as if coming back to reality. 

“Your favorite dessert.”

“Oh uhm, I guess my mom’s tiramisu,” you stop to think about all the summers spent eating your mom’s tiramisu in the back of your house in the garden, the happy memory becoming bittersweet. “I didn’t like it when I was younger, I used to make all of those faces when I tasted the coffee.” Billy snorts a soft laugh as he looks at you. “She used to make it all the time when it was warm outside.” you say as you play with the straw.”

“You know how to make it?”

“Yes. She taught me.” 

“You’ll have to make me one, someday.” 

You meet his eyes, still intently on you, and you lower your gaze while stretching your lips into a small smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes. How you wish there was a chance to do this. 

“What’s yours?” you ask instead, ignoring how your heart is aching.

Billy hums thoughtfully, dragging the milkshake toward him. “I’d say the tacos from the Mexican joint in Mission Beach. Hands down.”

“What do they put in them?” 

Billy sucks on the straw before setting the glass aside. “Okay, so picture this,” he leans his elbows on the table. “They have this way of cooking the beef, it’s tender and juicy ‘cause they dip it in the stew, and it’s seasoned just right." 

A smile slowly spreads on your face without you realizing it as he gets enthusiastic about it.

“Then they sprinkle some lime on it.” he mimics the sprinkling, his eyes squinting a tiny bit. "And then there's the crunch of the shell, just crispy enough to contrast with the beef. Then they top it with cheese and jalapeños. Man,” you giggle as he lightly slaps his palm on the table. He turns his head to the side, momentarily lost in thought as he contemplates. “It’s something else.” 

“It sounds delicious.” you nod, a laugh escaping your lips.

As Billy looks back at you, his face is closer to yours as you leaned on the table too. His blue eyes bore into yours. “It’s five-star type of food, babe. Unmatched.” 

His voice is warm like dripping honey and your stomach flips, his half-lidded gaze trapping you there is both charming and dangerous. You’re scared of the things your body is feeling.

“I wish I could try it.” 

“You will. Told you I would take you there.”

He scans your face, catching each of your reactions from up close as your breath hitches in your throat. “I thought you were joking.” 

“I never was.”

You wonder what would happen if you just listened to your instincts right now. If only he lifted the sleeves of your sweater, he’d see the goosebumps on your arms. If he could press his ear to your chest, he’d hear your heart racing. But following your instincts feels too risky. A little voice inside reminds you that all this chemistry between you two might just be in your head. You're building castles in the air; your deluded heart is playing tricks on you. Tina’s voice chimes in too: “What would a guy like him want with someone like you?” So, you pull away, and as you do, your heartbeat slows down a little.

You clear your voice, grabbing the milkshake. “Anyway, I better get home soon. It’s almost ten.” 

With only a little milkshake left, you finish it without meeting his gaze, deciding to switch the topic to how you caught up with homework while staying at home. He doesn’t comment on it, biting into it and telling you about the history test on that Wednesday.

“Are you gonna tell me what’s going on?” he asks you once on the drive home.

He lowers the volume of the radio, Eagles’ ‘Take it Easy’ reduced to background noise. You hesitate. You don’t know how to tell him. You’ve never been good at cutting ties with people. You’ve never been ready. You never will be.

“I’m just not in a good place right now.”

"Yeah, I gathered that much," Billy responds, his voice low and steady. "But what's got you feeling this way?"

You figure that the best way is to be straightforward, though. 

“I know this might sound weird," you begin, already feeling a pang of regret for how you're about to phrase it. Your nails press into the palm of your hands as you twist them together, your eyes locked on the shifting scenery outside. “You’ll probably don’t understand it. But I think we have to stop seeing each other. Hanging around together.”  

At first, your words hang heavy in the air, met only with silence that feels like a weight on your chest. You can't help but replay what you just said in your mind, wondering if you came off too harshly. It's a familiar feeling, the aftermath of saying something you can't take back, and in this moment, it feels far too aggressive.

As you battle with yourself, searching desperately for the right words to soften the blow, you find that every script you rehearsed in your head falls short. Billy's silence only adds to your internal turmoil, leaving you mentally slapping yourself for the brutal way you phrased it.

Billy licks his lips. “If I did something wrong,” he starts.

“No, it’s not that.”

“...Or if I made you feel uncomfortable, you gotta tell me.”

“No. Billy, please don’t think that. You haven’t done anything wrong.” you interject quickly, reaching out to touch his arm in reassurance.

He glances at you briefly before returning his gaze to the road, his expression unreadable. The tension in the car is palpable as he waits for you to explain further.

“I just…” you begin, running a hand through your hair in a nervous gesture. “I don’t think it’s good for you to be around me."

"Huh," he responds, his tone indicating he finds your reasoning perplexing. "What does that mean?"

You begin cautiously, choosing your words carefully, "I'm just not... I'm not exactly the embodiment of happiness, you know? And I don't want to bring you down with me."

"You think you're gonna bring me down?" 

You nod slowly, unable to meet his gaze. "I just don't want to drag you into my mess," you admit quietly. “I have a lot to deal with myself. Please believe me when I say that it’s not a good idea.”

"That's it? That's why you think we should stop hanging out?" Billy's voice carries a blend of disbelief and skepticism as if he's attempting to peel back the layers of your explanation.

His response catches you off guard. Shouldn't your reason suffice? After all, it's what led to the end of friendships with Nancy and Claire. They understood and let you go. And deep down, you understand that too.

“No, it’s not just that…” you feel increasingly frustrated with the situation, it feels harder than you anticipated.

"Hey, if I'm not your cup of tea, or if I'm making you feel awkward, just say the word. No hard feelings. We can't all be everyone's favorite flavor. But let's keep it real, yeah?"

"No, it's not that at all, Billy!" you blurt out, your voice rising slightly with surprise. "I like you. I really do," you continue, your voice softening as shyness creeps in at the urgency of your confession. As you speak, Billy pulls the car to a stop in front of your place. "More than anyone else in this whole town."

Billy doesn’t talk for what seems like an eternity. You don’t dare to look at him. After almost a minute, he finally breaks the silence. “Okay, what is it, then?”

“It’s just…wrong.”

“Wrong?” he says. “Look, it’s not like I have a girlfriend and I’m ditching her to hang out with you or something.”

“Well, Tina doesn’t seem to be on the same page,” you mumble to yourself out of instinct. 

Billy frowns. “What?”

That’s when you realize you talked out loud. You sigh, looking out of the window. You really hoped to avoid this conversation. It just feels wrong to use a lame excuse. You don’t wanna do that. It’s not working, anyway. You figure the best way to put it without having to unravel the whole thing. 

“I don’t know what you guys are to each other-…”

“I fucked her once. That’s it.” 

You wince at his words, carrying on. “...but she made pretty clear that I should stay away from you.”

At first you’re met with silence, but then Billy's reaction is a mix of disbelief and irritation. He scoffs, shaking his head in disbelief. “She's nuts," he mutters, his tone laced with frustration. "Can't believe her. Jesus."

As you fidget with your hands in your lap, a sense of resignation washes over you. That doesn’t change things. You made up your mind already. They succeeded pretty well in making you see things for what they are. In a very sadistic way, that’s for sure. It is the reality nonetheless.

“Listen, don’t pay attention to her.”  

You let out a bitter chuckle. “It’s kinda hard, she’s really committed to making my life a living hell.”

Billy's expression shifts, his gaze now fixed on you with newfound seriousness. “What do you mean?” 

“Nothing, just…” you sigh. “It’s just what I said. Bottom line is, I’m not good for you, Billy. I’m messed up and I can’t give anything good. You should be spending time with people who are stable, who have something to offer.”

Billy turns his attention back to the trailer ahead. You can practically see the gears turning in his head as he pieces together the puzzle. Before you can prepare yourself, he's already connecting the dots.

He scratches his chin, then looks back at you. “Does it have to do with you ditching school for the past days?” his tone calm but unwavering.

Your answer is instinctive and almost too immediate. "No, that's..." you start, but Billy cuts you off with a knowing look.

“Don't lie to me.”

You know if there’s one thing he doesn’t like, it’s when people lie to him. He told you that before. There is no way out of this. If anything surprises you about Billy, it’s his emotional intelligence. His ability to understand what you feel just like that. How he easily and often picks up what’s on your mind. You explain everything that happened to him, noticing how his face hardens progressively as you recount the events that have weighed heavily on you. From that moment Tina deliberately tripped you up in gym class, sending you sprawling to the ground in front of everyone, to the tense confrontation in the locker room. You feel drained after talking, the weight of your words hanging heavy in the air. 

“Fuck those bitches.” he growls, his voice thick with anger. 

“They’re right though. We really are different.”

“Different in what? I’m a guy, you’re a girl. But then?” 

“It’s not about that,” you mumble, your eyes fixed on the window.

“Well, tell you what, I like spending time with you. That’s all I know,” you turn in surprise at how bluntly he said those words. “Did we ever argue or anything?”

You think back on all the times you've spent together. Whenever you were with him, it felt like everything else faded away, and it was just the two of you against the world. There was never any arguing or discord between you; instead, he had a knack for making you forget about any troubles or worries you had. Being with him was like finding a safe haven, a place where you could just be yourself and feel at peace.

“No,” you admit, feeling a knot form in your throat.

“Do you feel any different when it’s just you and me?”

“No.”

“Are you ever bored when we hang out?”

“No, never.” you breathe out, shaking your head.

“Me neither. So it’s sorted.”

“Billy, I’m…I’m complicated. My life is complicated.” 

He shrugs, shifting in his seat. “I like complicated.” 

Billy's stubbornness despite the doors you're trying to close between you is overwhelming both in the best and worst way.

“I just don't think you really know what you're doing," you protest weakly, unable to shake the nagging doubts that linger in the back of your mind.

“Pretty sure I do.”

“Billy,” heat rises in your cheeks as shame gnaws at your insides, your heart weighing heavy. It's hard for you to acknowledge it, let alone put it into words. “Look at me,” you point at yourself, your throat burning.

Billy's eyes scan your face, a hint of amusement dancing in his features. “I am.”

You shake your head, your throat feels ready to burst from how much it hurts. “No. Look at you, then look at me. Look at this,” you gesture toward the darkened trailer.

“You serious?”

“I am. Trust me, you don’t want to…”

“Hey, hey. Sweetheart. Come on, now. Look at me.”

You realize Billy has leaned over the console as he gently grasps your chin. “I don’t care. All I know is that I like you, alright? I don’t give a shit about the rest.”

His words cut through you, threatening to shatter the fragile barrier holding your emotions at bay. His thumb delicately traces the curve of your chin as his piercing blue eyes search yours. Frozen in place, you dare not move or speak, afraid that the slightest exhale might betray the storm of emotions raging within you.

“You hear me?” he drops his head slightly, as he softly shakes your chin to get your attention, his eyes finding yours. “I don’t care.”

You content to nod, a tear breaking free and running down your cheek. Billy licks his lips, his face inching closer to yours. “C’mere.”

He leans in, his lips meeting yours in a kiss that feels as ancient as time itself, as though you've shared this in a thousand other lives. It's tender, lingering, filled with an unspoken longing that resonates deep within you. As you lose yourself in the kiss, his breath dances with yours, and you taste tobacco, mint and something distinctly him on his tongue, sending a wave of euphoria through you. Your hand instinctively rises, fingers curling gently around the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer, yearning for more. Your heart is beating so fast you swear it’s going to explode. As you break the kiss first in search of oxygen, you’re vaguely aware of his mouth seeking yours, his face tilting forward, his half-open eyes unfocused. His fingers travel on the back of your neck, curling around it and pressing your lips more firmly against his. It’s so good that it doesn’t feel real, your body is the only thing you're aware of. It's ablaze, your heart thundering in your chest, your breath resonating in the car. But he’s here too, he’s real. Real as one can be when you feel his hot skin against your fingers where you’re holding his shirt, as his mustache tickles your mouth, then your cheek, your neck.

He’s certainly real when his voice comes as a muffled and open-mouthed whisper against your skin, buried between your neck and your hair between kisses.

“God, baby.”

It’s a soft plead, a gentle need that swells your heart. Your fingers are tangled through his curls at the nape of his neck. They’re as soft as you imagined them. You could’ve never imagined one day your fingers would run through them. His mouth finds yours again, your senses filled with the scent of him and you can’t help yourself and rest your hand on his cheek, wanting to feel him more. Time is not something tangible anymore. You don’t know how long elapses. It may be minutes, it may be hours. You just can’t seem to get enough of each other to finally break apart. Nothing has ever made you feel so good in a long time. That’s why you don’t question your tongue tangling with his, his hand searching for skin as it ventures beneath your jacket and settles on your waist, warm and big. 

The loud thud of thunder outside makes you jump slightly on the seat, and with the realization that you must get inside, you slowly but finally break apart from him. 

“I have to go.” you manage to say as his lips kiss your cheek and the corner of your eye instead. 

His breath fans against your skin, a gentle caress that makes you shiver. Billy's eyes, still glazed with desire, slowly refocus as he registers your words. There's a flicker of disappointment, but he nods in understanding. 

“Yeah. Yeah, you better get inside,” he replies in a husky voice, his eyes roaming over your face. 

His lips are red and swollen with your kisses, you can’t help but steal another kiss which her eagerly accepts, planting a couple more against your mouth. They’re not as deep but full of meaning, resonating in the air. 

“Call me tomorrow, yeah?”

“Yes, I will,” you mumble, your cheek feeling red as you internally wish you could stay with the boy forever.  

As you leave the car, the cold rain immediately envelopes you, sending shivers down your spine. The rain soaked through your clothes as you navigated through the darkness. As you reach the door, you steal one last look at Billy's car, watching as he drives away into the night, the memory of his touch still lingering on your lips.

[dreamonseems]

Please do one where erling gets surprised by the reader in the dressing room after a match and the reader wants to "reward" him for his goals, things get dirty and anytime somebody could walk in

Reward

Erling Haaland X Female Reader

Summary: Reader gives Erling a nice reward.

I feel like all my shuts sound the same, but I have fun writing them. I'm going to try and get better at it, lol 😆

Today, I had the pleasure of witnessing Erling's exceptional performance on the field. I was not expecting such a remarkable game to unfold, with the final score standing at a staggering 5-0. The match was truly a spectacle, and Manchester emerged victorious. Erling's impeccable skills were on full display as he scored some truly breathtaking goals.

It never ceases to amaze me how he captivates my heart with his talent, charm, and undeniable handsomeness. He possesses an extraordinary skill set in football and continues to leave me in awe. The fact that he is my boyfriend still feels surreal, and I am grateful to be part of his incredible journey.

Because I was overflowing with pride for him, I devised a special surprise as a token of appreciation. That's why I find myself waiting backstage in the boot room. I sent him a text to join me there, and when he finally arrived, he peeked his head in and asked, "My love, are you in here?" Without hesitation, I playfully pulled him inside, unable to contain my excitement.

Giggling, I replied, "Something exciting awaits you, babe. I thought we could indulge in a little adventure." Erling appeared slightly taken aback at first but quickly reciprocated with a smirk, his anticipation growing.

"Right here? What if we get caught?" he asked, his voice filled with exhilaration.

"That's part of the thrill, babe," I responded, biting my lip. Dropping to my knees, I gazed up at him and whispered,

"I know you want it," my warm breath grazing his shorts, where I can already discern his growing arousal.

I pause, my heart racing, as I savor the captivating sight before me. Erling's piercing gaze meets mine, and in that moment, a fiery connection ignites between us.

"Fuck, baby," he murmurs, his voice laced with desire. Closing the distance, he takes a deliberate step closer, his eyes never leaving mine.

We both become consumed by the intensity of the moment, the air charged with anticipation. The playful glimmer in his eyes fuels a flame within me, urging me to fulfill his deepest fantasies.

Driven by my own excitement, I proceed without hesitation, slowly pulling down his shorts. My hands tremble with a mix of nerves and eagerness. As I do, his hardened length springs free, pulsating with an undeniable craving. My fingers glide along his velvety skin, tracing the contours teasingly, all while maintaining an unbreakable eye contact, savoring the intimate connection that binds us.

I indulge in a tempting lick before fully enveloping him in my mouth, causing Erling to inhale sharply and a gasp to escape his lips. The warmth of my touch engulfs him, sending waves of pleasure coursing through his body. In need of support, he leans against the wall, his grip tightening on a nearby shelf.

Bobbing my head back and forth with a steady rhythm, I playfully flick my tongue against him, heightening Erling's pleasure with each deliberate movement. As I continue, one of my hands ventures to play with his balls, adding an extra layer of stimulation. Erling's breath grows ragged, his grip on the shelf tightening further, as he surrenders to the overwhelming waves of ecstasy crashing over him.

Desiring more of him, I attempt to take him deeper into my mouth, causing a momentary gag, aking both of us let out a moan. Erling's free hand finds its way into my hair, gently pulling my head back, allowing his throbbing member to slip out of my mouth.

"Fuck, can I?" he asks, his intentions clear. I nod in response, understanding his desire. He takes a moment to trace my lips with the head of his swollen shaft, smearing the glistening precome, eliciting a moan of anticipation from me. Finally, he pushes his pulsating member back inside the wet heat of my mouth, commencing a firm and forceful thrusting motion. With each powerful movement, I find myself gagging and drooling, completely consumed by the intense pleasure we both share.

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, a distant symphony of approaching footsteps reverberates down the dimly lit corridor, instantly jolting us with a surge of adrenaline. Our eyes remain locked, a whirlwind of emotions coursing through us—excitement, fear, and arousal mingling in a potent blend. The tantalizing possibility of being discovered only serves to intensify our desires.

Driven by the heightened thrill, Erling thrusts with an unrestrained force into my mouth, his movements growing harder and more fervent. The wetness between my thighs becomes an undeniable testament to my own arousal.

Without hesitation, I slip a hand beneath my skirt, seeking the pulsating heat nestled within. My fingers find their way into my core, sliding and exploring as I simultaneously tease my clit, the pleasure building exponentially with each stroke.

As Erling's gaze catches sight of my intimate self-exploration, our eyes lock once more, conveying a profound understanding of our shared passion. We can sense that we are both teetering on the precipice of ecstasy, on the verge of surrendering to the tempestuous currents coursing through our bodies.

With a few final thrusts, he succumbs to the irresistible tide of climax, releasing deep into the recesses of my mouth. The convulsions of his release cascade through me, triggering my own cataclysmic release.

Our moans blend harmoniously, a harmonious symphony echoing through the confines of the room, transcending the boundaries of pleasure and desire. In the aftermath, we find solace in each other's arms, sinking into the depths of profound satisfaction.

As we bask in the aftermath of our shared climax, we allow ourselves a few precious moments to catch our breath, our bodies still humming with the intoxicating aftermath of pleasure. Erling, with a renewed sense of urgency, pulls his shorts back on, his movements displaying a sense of grace amidst the disheveled allure of the room. Extending his hand towards me, he helps me to my feet, his touch electric against my skin.

Passionately, he captures my lips in a fiery kiss, his desire evident in the fervor with which our mouths meld together. Breaking the kiss momentarily, Erling's voice is laden with satisfaction as he utters,

"That was so hot, baby. Thanks." I respond with a playful giggle, a mischievous glint sparkling in my eyes.

"There's plenty more where that came from. Let's hurry home," I tease, my voice laced with a seductive promise. Without delay, I lean in for another quick, fervent kiss, savoring the taste of him on my lips, before pulling back and offering him a teasing wink.

In response to my suggestive gesture, Erling's primal instincts take hold. A low, rumbling growl escapes his throat as he seizes the moment. With a display of raw strength, he effortlessly lifts me off my feet, slinging me over his shoulder, an act that fills me with a thrilling sense of surrender.

"We are going home right now," he declares, his tone a mix of determination and desire. The anticipation of what awaits us fuels the fire within as we embark on our journey, our bodies entwined in a powerful blend of passion and affection.

[evilscy]

i'm stressed and i nd to ask, what do you think will happen now with megumi and yuji?

Death.

But joking (or not) I believe we have no way of knowing for sure, Akutami is a box of surprises with each arc we experience reading. I think what we have to do now is absorb the possibilities, understand every minute tip he left in the previous chapters to understand and arrive at something that can give an indication of where the text is heading.

And, well, I think saying my opinion about everything that's going on is almost wanting to keep hope lol I only read the leak in JP and therefore my translation and interpretation could be wrong. Anyway, I ended up slowing JJK again early on and, I can tell you, everything that happened in this new chapter didn't shock me. I mean, every detail between itafushi and the dialogue that Megumi exchanged with Sukuna implies what Gege would do, I just didn't know the moment or how it would be then, about the way it happened, I'm surprised.

Since I saw the spoilers, I questioned myself a lot about things like: Will Yuji make it out alive now? Megumi is the only death in the end? (I'll focus on both because the question is about itafushi, ok?)

We know that at that moment his (Yuji) death is unfeasible, not because he is the protagonist because that doesn't save him, but because of his relationship with Kenjaku. Akutami still has work to develop and Yuji needs to develop even more, even if his end is death he has a way to go. And despite the angst, I am very satisfied with the chapter because Megumi is always Yuji's cause and will be his motivation to have strength because one wants to save the other. One wishes the other to live a long and fair life. And Yuji will not allow Sukuna to disgrace Megumi's integrity.

Of course it might be something that will take chapters to come to pass, but I like to think I'm right about that because Megumi is important to Yuji and we've already had enough proof of how much Yuji gives himself for those he loves. And gives his life per people, as he also “understands” his place in this world. He will know what to do.

Megumi is like that too, he also gives of himself and doesn't think when it comes to the people he loves: Yuji and Tsumiki (not that Gojo or Nobara aren't important). He fights for them and we had that punctuated in this chapter when Sukuna takes control of Yuji's body and Megumi doesn't think twice and acts on it. And it is very logical for Sukuna to act now, because now Megumi is vulnerable enough to question whether the curse in charge of her body is worth fighting.

And just like Yuji, Megumi has a purpose in all of this.

After all, how hurt will he be if he has the notion that he will possibly hurt people he loves? I believe Akutami will say something about this, about Megumi and Sukuna arguing at some point (or not). My only certainty is that Sukuna will make Megumi responsible for her sister's death. Hana may also die if Angel x Sukuna occurs. And maybe Megumi/Sukuna and Gojo will face each other at some point if everything unfolds as I believe it will.

Yuji vs Megumi/Sukuna is a possibility, as I mentioned above given everything that happens between them, but will it happen now? Or much later? Sukuna is unpredictable, it might torture Yuji if he acts at this point on the fact that Megumi is now the vessel. If no one shows up to help Yuji, I'm sure he'll be very hurt physically because, as I mentioned, I don't think Yuji is going to die. Not now.

Obviously these are speculations. However, I trust Megumi's strength a lot although I find it very interesting for Akutami to release this now, even if predictable in a way, because he simply paved the way by showing Megumi's emotional decline in this arc. I mean, how mad and impatient is he here?

How agonized is he that he can't allow Yuji to get away? Megumi isn't stupid, but the uncertainty of Sukuna's plan made him believe that he and Yuji could handle it. They are children, after all. They trusted their convictions and hoped that everything would go well just by being together. Even Yuji's fear of something happening, he didn't completely go against Megumi's decisions about sticking by each other's side in this mess.

And yes, maybe we don't even have Megumi's perception anymore, he might be gone for good. However, despite considering it a possibility, I don't believe it. I know that to dramatize it further, Akutami will voice Megumi at some point to bring Yuji to his peak, as he and Megumi have a very strong bond from the beginning.

Their death is a possible reality not to be ruled out because of all the possibilities out there, I can't see itafushi coming out alive in the end, since the beginning I was introduced to the manga: either the two die or one of them dies. The cloud of death just constantly hovers over their heads at all times.

They will sacrifice themselves to try and save each other.

Anyway, regardless of the direction they take, I'm completely ecstatic and more in love with everything that involves itafushi and the entire jujutsu kaisen text because every dialogue and every exchange of words makes this moment, this harrowing event, even more poetic.

[pure-garbage]

Oppressive Power! Erase The Tracking Mark!

Chapter Warnings: Violence

Corrin's ability to find Lana wasn't owed to coincidence or sleuth work. Her former captain possessed devil fruit powers that allowed him to place a mark on anyone or anything. This enabled him to find the mark no matter where it went in the world. His ability worked like an unfailing internal compass, pointing him in the direction of his scattered marks.

Lana knew that if she ever truly wanted to be free of him, she needed to make him remove his mark from her wrist.

She faced him down while he snarled at her and Zoro made light work of his cronies.

"Take the mark back?" he demanded. "The only thing I'm taking back today is you!"

"Over my dead body!" Lana hissed. She leveled the sword at Corrin, squared her stance and charged.

'Decent stance, sloppy form,' Zoro mused. He cut down the last man and turned his attention to Lana's fight. 'She's reckless... though with no knowledge of attack patterns she has no way to plan a follow-through. All she can do is attack or react. She has resourcefulness and a willingness to be guided by intuition... but intuition without experience can only get you so far.'

Lana traded blows with Corrin, but quickly fell behind in the face of the Seeker captain's ferocity and greater strength. He locked swords with her, preparing to disarm her. Zoro saw it coming, but Lana on the other hand...

'She's going purely off instinct, but instinct will tell her to step back!'

"Lana, drive forward!" Zoro urged. "Don't lose ground!"

"Huh?!"

Lana didn't understand until it was too late. Corrin locked his blade against hers and twisted hard.

"Ah!"

Lana shouted and Zoro sighed in disapproval. Her cutlass went flying... but to the surprise of the onlookers, the rest of Lana's body followed.

"What the..." Corrin's shock left him frozen for a second.

'Her grip is good, stronger than I'd have guessed from looking at her,' Zoro realized.

Lana twisted through the air and landed hard, but didn't let go of her weapon. She struggled to breathe, wind knocked clean out of her from the impact of her body on the deck.

"Not bad," Zoro noted. He took a seat on two of Corrin's collapsed henchmen, settling in comfortably to watch the fight unfold. It was getting interesting.

Corrin didn't give Lana time to recover. He bore down over her but didn't use his cutlass.

'Of course,' Zoro thought. 'He wants her alive. He's pulling punches. If she's smart, she'll see that and use it to her advantage.'

"Give it up, Avariya!" Corrin spat. He trapped her wrist beneath the heel of his boot, driving down cruelly with his weight in an attempt to force her to relinquish her weapon. She cried out, but held on stubbornly. Zoro scowled at the display, but restrained himself, staying put to see how things would play out.

Lana grabbed hold of Corrin's leg with her left hand, but he crouched and dealt her a harsh smack across the face.

An enraged growl built in Zoro's throat, but he bit back his fury and remained still. One of Corrin's men stirred by his side and he swiftly whacked him back down with a scabbard. The small act of violence did nothing to placate him as he abided by Lana's request.

Corrin wrapped his fingers around Lana's neck, leering down at her while she choked.

"You never had the gall to pick a fight with me before," he snarled. "Don't tell me your new friend's been a bad influence on you."

Corrin spit in Zoro's direction.

"Did you think he would protect you from me, is that it? Well look at him! He's just watching! Enjoying the show! Some friend you've managed to find!"

"Lana, this guy's starting to piss me off," Zoro warned. "Hurry up and kick his ass, or I will."

"Don't... interfere," Lana managed to gasp. She swung left at Corrin and he took his hand off her neck to block the blow. Lana swiftly smashed her forehead into his face, matching his shout of pain as they scrambled on the deck. Lana emerged from the struggle atop Corrin, cutlass at his throat, but...

'The back of the blade?!'

"I never challenged you before..." Lana panted, "... because I never once thought I'd be able to beat you!"

"You can't- argh!"

Lana pushed the blade down harder, silencing Corrin. His hands hovered below the blade, hesitation keeping him from grabbing it. Fear of pain and the belief that at her core, Lana was too weak to truly hurt him, kept him confident, even as he wheezed past the cold steel of the blade.

"I thought you were the worst monster in the world! I thought I would live under your thumb until the day I died!"

'All this determination just so she can get it off her chest?' Zoro thought, somewhat derisively.

"I thought that because I was a dumb, scared kid who didn't know any better! What did you think would happen to me after you showed me the world, huh?! Did you think that scared little girl would live forever, cowering in the hold of your ship?!

Lana cackled and her expression changed. The savage grin that spread across her face like wildfire was unhinged enough to set Zoro's hair standing on end. Instantly, he reevaluated her intent, realized he'd misjudged the trajectory of her state of mind.

The look in Lana's eyes was absolutely murderous.

"She's dead, Corrin! You're the one who killed her, so I have to thank you for that! Because now that she's out of the way... I'm going to avenge her!"

"Avariya! Quit your rambling!" Corrin grunted. The crazed aura rolling off the lockpick in nauseating waves finally forced him to admit that she was serious, and perhaps even capable of making good on her threat. He made a grab for her wrists, realizing that if he didn't wrest the cutlass away from her she would end his life on its edge.

Lana moved faster than he did, raising the sword high above her head with a broken, feral scream that drowned out the fearful shout Corrin loosed as he stared down death.

Lana swung. Zoro intervened.

Steel clashed and sparks flew inches over Corrin's terrified face as Yubashiri intercepted Lana's borrowed cutlass. The force behind the blow was impressive enough to make Zoro grit his teeth as he held her blade at bay. It would have halved Corrin had he not stopped her.

Eyes ablaze with wrath found Zoro's. He held Lana's glare, gaze cold and firm as the steel he wielded. He knew at once he'd made the right call. Lana was nowhere to be found behind the fury screaming at him from every fiber of her being.

'This is a complete loss of control. It needs to be a choice.'

"Are you sure?" Zoro asked aloud.

His words were calm, his demeanor close to soothing despite the grate of her steel on his. It was enough to give Lana pause. She understood his intent perfectly, understood what he was really asking.

'He's not presuming to tell me I shouldn't... he's not trying to talk me down or even reason with me. He wants me to think twice before I commit.'

Lana realized why a millisecond later when the shadow of regret passed over her heart. If she killed Corrin here, the mark it would leave on her would be more than skin deep.

Zoro saw something settle behind Lana's frenzied eyes. The blinders of vengeance fell away enough to let him see the girl behind the beast that had threatened to consume her. Satisfied, he drew back without waiting for her answer, taking Yubashiri with him. He settled against the mast to watch the outcome unfold.

Corrin whimpered, still processing the fact that he was still alive while Lana regained some semblance of poise. She rested the tip of her blade over Corrin's heart, letting him feel the cold sting of it's steel biting into his skin through his clothes.

"Fine. A choice, then. Take the mark back or die. Well, Corrin?"

Lana's composure was somehow even more chilling than her loss of control. Corrin knew he'd only cheated death by her hand once because of the swordsman who now reclined as lazily as if he were watching a play. He didn't fully understand why he'd been saved, but he was painfully aware of the fact that it wouldn't happen a second time.

"What a choice," he scowled. "You hate me so much, Avariya... but I'd say you took more than a few lessons from me."

As he spoke, subtly shifting colors drew Lana's gaze to her wrist. Corrin's mark faded away, leaving behind unblemished skin.

'I did it. I'm free... completely free...'

The exuberance that washed over Lana was unlike anything she'd ever felt in her life. It was more overwhelming than falling in love, more rewarding than catching the most breathtaking sunset, more relieving than sleep after an eternity of wakefulness.

She collapsed back, putting some distance between herself and Corrin as he sat up, clutching the shallow cut on his chest where her cutlass had begun to pierce him.

"Now that's settled, get the hell off our ship," Zoro commanded Corrin. "Don't come looking for my crewmate again. She's been generous enough to let you buy your life with her freedom. I get the feeling you already know what'll happen if you try to go back on the deal she just made you."

Zoro's grin was hell incarnate, a silent promise to act both as witness and enforcer of the newly forged contract between the lockbreaker and her former captain.

Bloody and crushed, Corrin and his men slunk back to their own ship. Lana watched, high on victory as they sailed out of her life for good.

"Go clean yourself up," Zoro instructed her, breaking through the stupor of giddy gratitude surrounding her like brilliant rainbow mist. "I'll keep watch... since it seems like you're too much of a space-case to handle look-out duty."

Lana would have been irritated with him for a comment like that the day before, but now...

"Zoro, I... thanks."

He knew she wasn't thanking him for taking the watch. Even so, he wasn't about to let it become a big scene.

"No problem," he replied, nonchalant.

Lana only smiled and started for the cabin. The least she could do, she figured, was be gracious enough to reciprocate the tone he set.

__________________

<== Previous Chapter

Next Chapter ==>

== First Chapter ==

[heartofspells]

Hello, it's AMA with heartofspells! Tell me about a universe where Sirius survives OOTP. How do the rest of the books unfold with Sirius alive? (And beyond, if you want!)

Hmm, is that what this is? Yeah, okay. AMA with Holli, everyone! Come one, come all! Except I'm not that interesting.

BUT then here's Imp, starting things off with a bang and making me use my brain. That's a bit evil and I love it.

Let's just pick up after the DoM battle, shall we? Sirius survives (duh, no other universe exists), he's cleared of all charges after a bit of struggle, but he was there fighting against those he was suspected of aiding, so there's not much denial at play. No Order of Merlin, though, because the Ministry are salty bastards and he's still alive. They don't care.

Skip ahead to right before the summer. Free and clear, Sirius leaves Grimmauld Place (good riddance, too many bad memories now, as though there weren't before) and he returns to Remus' little cottage surrounded by woods, fresh air, loads of room to roam and run. They set up a room for Harry, and then Sirius begins his battle with Dumbledore, the one he never got to truly have all those years ago. Harry is his, belongs with Sirius, a right bestowed onto him by his best friends. Legally, there's nothing Dumbledore can do. The only power he has at play is the blood protection, but Sirius only scoffs at that. Harry's coming home.

He spends one day, only one, with the Dursleys, Padfoot present the entire time. And of course Sirius doesn't have to be the dog, but it's more fun that way, though he does take his chance when Vernon becomes particularly enraged over something to shift back to himself, very intimidating, causing the man to choke on his own tongue.

Now, clever as Sirius is, as well as Remus, they connect a few dots based on what they've learned about Harry being linked with Voldemort. Dumbledore is keeping secrets, he always has, so as the summer progresses, Sirius and Remus work around him, do their own research about what could link a two people together, wand reactions, really looking into that night in Godric's Hallow and what happened to destroy Voldemort as he once was. And Sirius, with access to centuries of Black family tomes filled with the darkest of things, figures it out, consults a few others, somewhat experts, before setting to work.

While Harry is at school, constantly in contact with his two loving and attentive parents, attending to studies and finally, hopefully, feeling like the teenager he's meant to be, Sirius and Remus begin hunting down the Horcruxes themselves. They use their own contacts for the research they need, track down those that had interacted with Riddle and survived, learn whatever secrets he hadn't managed to bury. They find them all, every last one, gaining the ring before Dumbledore can, no curse there to set Draco's path into motion, squashing it before it starts. No reason for Dumbledore to act out of panic and begin showing Harry the memories relating to the Horcruxes. They take them back to their home, ward a clearing in the woods until it's safe, destroy them with Fiendfyre, Sirius understanding just how volatile it can be, how carefully it must be cast, how clear a person's head should be before doing so. And he does it all for Harry. For Harry and for Lily and for James.

It takes a long time, just the two of them working at it, fear clawing at them if the wrong person finds out, relays it back to Dumbledore. But they're not finished yet, the worst still to come. It's nearly the end of Harry's seventh year, NEWTs fast approaching, Harry exactly where he belongs, not traipsing all over the country, living rough, but warm in his bed every night. They've still been looking into that night when everything finally fell apart beneath their feet, sorting out the pieces, puzzling them together until they finally form the answer.

Harry is a Horcrux.

Now look, I could go into a lot of detail here and try to fix all the issues that are RIFE in canon, but I will not. Harry's a Horcrux, but they can't kill him, Sirius would never, wouldn't even risk it. So they corner Voldemort, blast him with the Killing Curse, trap his maimed soul, bury him in a cement block at the bottom of the North Sea (near where Sirius had spent SO MANY wasted years) and live happily ever after.

Harry lives his life, does as he pleases, roams a bit without a master, free to do as he wishes with his best godfather in full support of his choices. Remus gets to live a comfortable life with Sirius, working as he pleases, surrounding himself with books and whatever else he likes, and Sirius goes into training to be a Healer. He and Remus have an entire litter of babies with their big brother Harry always around to spoil them senseless until he's got his own kids to be rightfully spoiled by their grandfathers Moony and Padfoot (Moony always has chocolate in his pocket, but shhhh don't tell Harry)(he knows). They all grow old and lazy and Sirius finds that he really enjoys comfortable slippers with rabbit ears very much.

THE END

[geekyglimpses-nest]

2. I'm The One On Trial, Sir.

Warnings: +18 minor don't interact, slow burn, graphic language, humor, sexual content, physical trauma, blood (gore), bodies/corpses, death, drug use, guns, murder (atempted), PTSD, violence, english is not my first language.

Summary: Tensions rise as Delaney faces trial on charges of treason against her country. Accused of being a spy for HYDRA, she must navigate a legal battle that challenges her credibility and reputation. As the trial unfolds, revelations about her past and the inner workings of the scientific community come to light, shedding new light on the complexities of power, gender dynamics, and justice. With her future hanging in the balance, Delaney must confront not only the accusations against her but also the broader societal forces at play.

Words in total: 1,398 words

4 months later

Everything I gave to S.H.I.E.L.D was a lie and a complete waste of my time.

Most of my division was H.Y.D.R.A, Michael, Ron and I where the only ones that weren’t. When I got recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D I'd sweared I’d give my life for this and in a way, I did. I gave my everyday and night and now it feels like I’ve received a stab in back as compensation. I’m no longer the woman that used to work for them. I’m drowned in their secrets and treason. The weapons that where developed where a lie, the studies we made were build on a lie. It was all an evil plan directed by a psychopath like Alexander Pierce.

How many like him are still alive?

How many like him that we don’t know about that are still in the shadows?

I was part of the INSIGHT crew in a different division for a similar project that was suppose to be launched into space. We used the same information and research from the INSIGHT project with a couple minimal changes that had to be made for it to work on outer space. Picture it like an outer space helicarrier, the purpose of it was for it travel around certain delimited area of space to monitor activity and prevent possible dangers and attacks like the one a couple years ago with Loki Odinson. When I started on the project I faithfully believed in it because at the time I really needed something to believe in, and now it’s like I’m back there again, needing something to believe in. Most of the documents I’ve been reading serve to proof and show HYDRA’s plan.

Armin Zola was a Swiss scientist working for Red Skull, formally known as Johann Schmidt, during World War II. Schmidt was a Nazi agent in Hitler’s service, a loyal follower and believer of the Fuhrer, of course he simply used his power for personal purposes, among them Zola. Schmidt lost his sanity in search for the power of the gods. HYDRA was created under the belief that mankind could not be trusted with their own freedom, what HYDRA did not understand is that if you try to take away mankind’s freedom they will resist, so they came to the conclusion that mankind should surrender their freedom of their own free will, so S.H.I.E.L.D. was founded and Armin Zola was recruited. Operation Paperclip was a post World War II secret mission where S.H.I.E.L.D. recruited german scientists with strategic value, among them Zola, S.H.I.E.L.D. expected Zola to cooperate with the cause, but the reality was that Zola cooperated only to support his own cause. Captain Rogers went on ice thinking that with his sacrifice and Schmidt’s death, HYDRA would go down with him, but: “Cut off one head and two more will replace it”. Thanks to Zola the new HYDRA was born infecting S.H.I.E.L.D. like a parasite. For 70 years HYDRA had provoked crises, incited wars and when history didn’t cooperate, they altered history. Zola designed an algorithm that resulted in Project INSIGHT, a purification project that would allow the rise of a new world order because humanity was willing to give up that freedom in order to receive security. Project INSIGHT was eliminated by Steve Rogers during the Triskelion attack. There were rumors about a predecessor to Project Insight, a rumor, a myth and even an urban legend among the secret documents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The Winter Soldier project. Credited with more than two dozen assassinations over the past 50 years, the Winter Soldier was activated for very specific missions that required clean, professional execution. He is a myth because there was never any proof of his existence, his jobs were quick, clean and unwitnessed. His identity and background was revealed after the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D, so I assume the man is a fugitive from justice now. James Buchanan Barnes former soldier of the 107th Infantry Regiment, best friend of Steve Rogers, Captain America. Captured in ‘43 by H.Y.D.R.R.A., Zola experimented on him with one of the first prototype recreations of Dr. Erskine’s super soldier serum that gave birth to Captain America. During a mission Barnes along with Steve Rogers and the Howling Commandos had the objective of capturing Zola, Barnes fell from the train and was declared dead. But thanks to experiments performed on him during his capture he survived the accident, but lost an arm on impact. When he was recovered by HYDRA., they experimented again with his body until they perfected their perfect weapon, giving him superhuman abilities including a cybernetic arm; this was complemented by constant brainwashing that had the objective of erasing his memory every time the Soldier seemed to become aware of his actions and recover his memory of the past, with the passage of time the cryogenic state became part of the Winter Soldier’s routine, thus giving HYDRA a near-perfect weapon that could carry out all of their dirty work for nearly 70 years. With just 10 words HYDRA was able to activate “The New Fist of HYDRA”.

S.H.I.E.L.D. knew of the existence of the Winter Soldier and never said anything, just as it said nothing about many things. The Winter Soldier project was not the only attempt at human weapons developed by HYDRA in an attempt to dominate the world. Siberia was not only the temporary home of the Winter Soldier, but it also witnessed the birth of more Winter Soldiers. In 1991 the Winter Soldier was activated in order to retrieve the remains of the Super Soldier Serum then being guarded and transported by Howard and Maria Stark to a safe location, the couple was eliminated by the Winter Soldier and brought back the remains of the serum and from those remains was born the greatest group of assassins recorded in HYDRA history, worse than the Winter Soldier himself, capable of bringing down an empire. They speak more than 30 languages, can hide in broad daylight, infiltrate, assassinate, destabilize, capable of overthrowing an entire nation in one night and no one would see them come.

There was a rumor that not all the serum were used to create this other Winter Soldiers, HYDRA kept one container with the minimum required to recreate the Winter Soldier serum and they’ve kept it for years now, hidden.

So I now find the idea of “peace” extremely stupid, only man in places of power can determine what peace means, only these people have the power and resources to use this word to move the world for their own benefit and plans. Peace means everyone and everything moves exactly they way they need it to, no matter who’s hurt or how many. How can I ever trust anything this country tells me when the truth and the resources can be so easily manipulated by those who create this lies?

In true perspective and in the eye of the public, I worked for H.Y.D.R.A.

══════⊹⊱≼≽⊰⊹══════

“I would like to call Dr. Kingsley to the stand” says the persecution. I walk towards the stand and sit on the chair. My breath is shallow, I can perceive a light ringing in the back of my ears, my blood feels like fire, all my body is in flames. “Will you please state your full name?” he asks

“Delaney Alani Kingsley” I answer

“And you are a astrophysicist is that correct?”

“Primarily, yes from Columbia University”

“Primarily? What do you mean with that?”

“I have other studies and specialties”

“Are those studies the reasons why S.H.I.E.L.D recruited you?”

“I suppose” I answer

“We need a yes or no answers Dr. Kingsley”

“Yes, then”

“Before being recruited by them, had you heard from this organization?”

“No. Not officially at least”

“How so? Be more specific please”

“I’d heard about them after the 2012 alien invasion and attack on New York”

“How come? They were a secret organization”

“An ex girlfriend of mine worked for the New York police, she was a detective. She told me there was more than the media had been saying. We both investigated and found traces of S.H.I.E.L.D”

“What happened after that?”

“S.H.I.E.L.D agents visited us and threatened us to drop the investigation”

“Did you?”

“No, we didn’t”

“Do you think this might’ve also been a reason why you where on S.H.IE.L.D’s radar?”

“I wouldn’t know that. There was never a file or report of the visit”

“Had you worked for any secret or government organizations before S.H.I.E.L.D?”

I laugh “No sir, I hadn’t”

“Are you a HYDRA spy?” The question is so sudden and comes with no previous warning that it surprises me “Doctor?”

“N…no, I’m not a HYDRA spy”

“Why did you hesitate then?”

“I… I wasn’t expecting the question”

“You do know this is a trial against all HYDRA spies within S.H.I.E.L.D protection right?”

“Yes sir, I do”

“Then you know what the consequences are if it’s discovered you are indeed a H.Y.D.R.A spy?”

“Objection. Speculation” says my defense attorney

“I’ll change the question. Did you know S.H.I.E.L.D had been infiltrated by .H.Y.D.R.A?”

“No, I didn’t” The lawyer walks back to his desk and is given a piece of paper, he then walks back to me.

“Would you say you’re a difficult woman to work with?” he asks

“Excuse me?” I ask offended

“Your honor I’d like to bring up evidence number 1225. It’s an statement given by one of Dr. Kingsley’s co-workers, Dr. William Rheet. Dr. Kingsley would you mind reading the paragraph that’s been highlighted in the file in front of you please?” I grab my glasses and read the paragraph “Dr. Kingsley is the most competent female astrophysicist I’ve worked with” fucking misogynistic piece of shit “I would say she’s difficult to work with. She’s always very quiet, never smiles or laughs. She never goes for drinks with the rest of us, she always stays late on the lab, first one to come in, last one to leave. She’s very serious. She seems paranoiac and has a lot of mood swings.” I breath and take my glasses off.

“What would you say about this statement made by Dr. Rheet” he asks, I can see from a mile away his stupid grin

“I would say it’s a very misogynistic thing to say and I’m not surprised knowing who Mr. Rheet is. He constantly flirted with me at work even though I’d rejected him countless times alone and with witnesses and I can see by the date of this “report” that it was the exact date I’d rejected his sexual proposition publicly, I’m guessing he wasn’t very happy with my decision. I also filed a harassment complaint against him and I don’t see it as part of the evidence and within that file was the security tape of this day. I’ll tell to you the same thing I told to him when he made the proposition while cornering me against a wall. The fact that I’m usually a very anti social person has nothing to do with me being a HYDRA spy, for all we know he could’ve been a HYDRA spy himself but I don’t see him having a trial, or his career being put into question, or being publicly humiliated. Not being able to go to the fucking grocery store without being called names while walking in the streets, being followed home everyday, getting dead threats delivered to his door. You know who does? Me.” I can see my lawyer begging me to stop, trying to tell me that is not gonna help my case, if only it will give them enough reason to believe this bastard “No, he’s being treated as hero for trying to stop me thinking I was a HYDRA spy without no further proof and based of pure false accusations about my personality that he didn’t like because god help anyone who rejected that man. I remind you Mr. Johnson that my credibility as a human and as an astrophysicist is the one being put into question here and the fact I’m a single bisexual woman doesn’t make it easier. Because oh does this country love to villainize and laugh at single woman who have the courage to speak for themselves. How about we talk about the fact the list of people your citing first for this patriotic trial are all women” The attorney looks surprised and I can see him realize his fucked up

“No further questions Your Honor” he says as he goes back to sit in his desk.

I laugh.

The judge declares a recess for him and the jury to reach a final verdict about my trial. As I walk towards the nearest exit of the courthouse I can see numerous women seated in the large wooden benches that are spread all across the hall, I recognize a few of them, researchers, mechanics, tech engineers, agents, secretary’s, fellow astrophysicists. Each and every single one of them accompanied by their lawyers, they all have their gazes glued to the floor while their lawyers whisper to their ears. I push the doors open and the light from the sun makes me have to close my eyes briefly, in front of me is a river of people from the media trying to push through the fences to get to me, security does their best to stop them. I walk the opposite way were a benche is located and I sit, seconds after my lawyer Sarah seats next to me, she sighs as she puts down her briefcase and papers on the floor next to her.

“I don’t know if that was a very smart decision” she says as she drinks water “I don’t fucking care anymore Sarah. This assholes are trying to put in question my entire career, the career that took me years to build. These career has taken everything of me, nights, days, friendships, relationships, family, money. They have no fucking clue how much I’ve given of my life to my career, just for a fucker like Rheet to come and destroy it in a fucking second. I wish it was the first time this has ever happened to me but I’ve dealt with the this type of questioning my entire life all the way from male professors, academia and students, constantly wondering who did I sleep with to get to where I am today and every single time I’ve let my work to speak for itself, but now… it’s different. Throughout all this fucking circus I’ve been witness for the last two weeks I haven’t once seen a fucking man get in that stand if not to discredit every single fucking word I’ve said and done. I’m done… I’m done with his fucking trial, I’m done with S.H.I.E.L.D, I’m done with the justice system of this country that continues to let us down by leaving us alone. So I’m sorry if for once in a very long time I give this fuckers a piece of my mind, I no longer care if I come off as cold, heartless, neurotic, crazy. I just need this to be done so I can live my life and all I see is you doing absolutely nothing to defend or protect me, I gave you everything, every single detail, so I’m gonna need you tell me if you’ll be able to get me out of this, I’m gonna need you to do your fucking job and do the worst to this assholes cause I’m not about to let them continue to drag my name and my career like they’ve been doing it” I run out of breath and my voice cracks at end, my eyes are watery, I turn to look the opposite way of Sarah.

“I’m getting you out. When Ron got me in touch with you I told him I’d get you out and not only that… but these fuckers are paying for every single goddamn minute we’ve both have been sited there listening to their bullshit for two weeks now. Listen to me Dr. Kingsley, I know in your position I can’t ask you to trust me, I understand that I’m asking for a lot here but listen to me… I’m confident we’re winning this case. I haven’t pulled out anything yet because I want them to show me absolutely everything they’ve got because they have no clue what I already have ready to be launched as soon as they fuck it up and that just happened. They have nothing, no proofs of you being a HYDRA spy and the judge know it” she laughs “I’m about to humiliate them in way they’ve never been. I want you to look very carefully at that smug look they’ve been carrying this entire trial and see it fall as they realize they’re done. I’m a woman too, I know exactly what you’re talking about because we both choose our careers ahead of our personal lifes and that has consequences that I have yet to see a man live. We both choose male dominated careers, I know the struggles you’re telling me” I turn to look at her “I’m telling you I’m getting you out Dr. Kingsley”

...

“Any last statements from the accused?” asks the judge towards Sarah

“Yes sir” says Sarah as she stands, she walks towards the middles of the room and addressees the jury “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today we are here to decide the fate of Dr. Delaney Kingsley, an esteemed astrophysicist accused of treason against her own country. But before we pass judgment, let us not forget the cornerstone of our justice system: innocent until proven guilty. Now, the prosecution would have you believe that Dr. Kingsley is a spy, a traitor, simply because she is a woman who prefers the solace of her laboratory to the company of her colleagues. They have painted her as a villain, a mastermind working in the shadows for a secret Nazi organization. But I implore you to look beyond the stereotypes and prejudices that have clouded this case. Dr. Kingsley is not a spy. She is a dedicated scientist, passionate about her work and committed to the pursuit of knowledge. Yes, she may be quiet, reserved, even antisocial at times, but does that make her a criminal? Does her preference for solitude condemn her to a life behind bars? The prosecution’s case is built on a foundation of speculation and prejudice, lacking any shred of professionalism or concrete evidence. Where is the evidence? Where are the smoking guns, the secret documents, the coded messages? There is none. Because there is no evidence. They have failed to present a single piece of tangible proof linking Dr. Kingsley to espionage. Instead, they have relied on character assassination and baseless accusations to make their case. Furthermore, let us not ignore the broader context in which this trial takes place. The scientific community, like many other fields, has long been dominated by men. Women like Dr. Kingsley face immense barriers to success, constantly forced to prove themselves in a male-dominated world. Is it any wonder that she may prefer the solitude of her laboratory to the judgmental gaze of her colleagues? The prosecution’s case hinges on the testimony of a disgruntled male coworker who, let’s not forget, was accused of sexual harassment by Dr. Kingsley. Is it not possible that his accusations are nothing more than a vengeful attempt to tarnish her reputation? To deflect attention away from his own misconduct? So I ask you, members of the jury, to set aside your preconceptions and baseless assumptions. Judge Dr. Kingsley not on her demeanor or social habits, but on the facts of the case. And when you do, I am confident you will reach the only conclusion that is just: that Dr. Delaney Alani Kingsley is innocent of the charges against her. Thank you.”

══════⊹⊱≼≽⊰⊹══════

After the trial and after the D.A office couldn’t find any further proof of my being a H.Y.D.R.A spy, the government cleared my name and fully compensated me for my “loyal” service to this country. My hospital, physical therapy, medical bills, medicine, everything was taken care for. They also let me keep my D.C apartment as part of the agreement and I receive a monthly check from the government. They also offered a government job at NASA, which I declined.

None of this “compensations”, which were ways to keep me quiet and docile, will be enough for the physical and psychological trauma the attack created. The public slander I suffered after being accused of being responsible of Michael Anderson’s dead and betraying the country. Being constantly harassed by media, my face and life being public so that anyone could read it. Only after the final result of the trial was announced was I able to finally breath, but that didn’t take away the stares people threw at me, the way mothers would grab their children and walk faster when they passed me, the street harassment just kept happening, which is the reason I can no longer walk alone or walk long distances. I asked for a private driver and it was given to me for a couple months.

This was almost a year ago, and as I expected people soon started to forget who I was and what my face looked like. For a while everyone seemed to know who I was, expect me. I still don’t know who I’m now. I can only see I’m just the vessel of the woman I used and wished to be. So like I said no amount of money will be able to amend that wound.

“Dear most you really go?” asks Mrs. Durmaz “It’s almost been a year since the trial, people are moving on, so should you. If you do this is like giving them the win”

I sigh as I close the last box with my few belongings “Mrs. Durmaz this was never a who is gonna win situation. I came to D.C. because I was lost and I wanted out after everything that happened to me in New York and I’m starting to see a pattern here” I turn towards to Mrs. Durmaz “I’ll come see you often and I’ll send for you okey? You’re far more important to me that you think” she smiles and approaches me to give a short and brief hug “At least call me once a week so that I know you’re alive” I laugh “I will”

I grab the last box and close the door to my apartment, we both walk to the black SUV that is waiting for me, I open the door and Mrs. Durmaz holds it for me as I go in “I’ll be fine, don’t worry” I whisper, she nods and closes the door for me.

“Where to ma’am?” asks the driver

“Airport please”

Previous chapter | Series Masterlist | Next Chapter

Notes: New chapter! Hope you enojoy, let me know your thoughts about it in the comments please if it's in you to repost and like it would help me a lot! Thank you

[protokirby]

Had a really interesting dream.

I don't remember all the details because when I woke up, the surrounding temperature was so hot I just plain forgot a bunch of stuff but I will tell what I remember. I hate summer.

Anyhoo

Piers appeared in my dreams for the first time(I'm 99.9% sure this is the first time anyway. I can't recall any other time) and this one seemed to be from the same ... dream world(?) as the Leon who keeps avoiding me and has recently found a way to stop his Hop from visiting.

Except Piers somehow found a way to control parts of my dream. That was totally awesome and I should ask him for tips because I typically can't control stuff even though I usually know it when I'm dreaming (unless I'm in "protect these people with my life" mode. Then any creatures within a nightmare wish they never messed with me)

I was kind of just- chasing Piers around trying to keep him out of trouble (he didn't care) and we were going through different dream locations and stuff but he stopped at a place I didn't recognize and just started having fun.

He said to me "why is this place buried in the forgotten memories? This place looks cool."

And then I remembered. This dark spooky looking place full of highly terrifying monsters was a concept I had when I was around 9 or 10 years old that I might talk about in a future post but right now, this post is about a dream.

Piers was having a blast here. I removed his physical form(?) enough that all the monsters charging at him would just go through him but something tells me he already knew I would stop bad things from happening which is why he wasn't scared.

If only Leon could be satisfied with that. I miss when we were friends who did things together. And it's not as if my dreams are scary every time.

At some point I lost track of Piers but I got a visual of a scene where Leon appeared through a portal, presumably to "rescue" Piers.

Except Piers was having fun and didn't want to leave.

Piers, using the power of illusions that he learned on his own, called to Leon "get out of here!" before making it look like a monster picked him up in its mouth and gruesomely ate his entire upper body off.

Leon, understandably thinking Piers is dead and he might be next, has fled through the portal by the time I get there and Piers is just sitting on the ground chuckling to himself and I said "Really Piers? Really?"

A bunch of stuff that happened after that is kind of a blur but Piers just continued to have fun. At least I have a new friend who likes hanging out in my dreams. I wonder if Hop told him about me and that's how he already knew about how my dreams operate-

or 2 different Hops could have even been involved as to how Piers knew all this stuff

Because it was shown that the au Hop, (actually named Reaper) was watching all of this chaos unfold from somewhere else through some kind of dimensional viewer thing while eating cupcakes at some old guy's birthday party. Huh. I guess that would happen with how he's immortal but makes friends with mortals a lot- Side note it appears that Reaper favors chocolate cupcakes over vanilla but still likes vanilla enough to have 3 vanilla cupcakes when he's limited to having 8 cupcakes

[nex-ture]

Hey there!

Could you maybe write Naoto x male reader, how they met as kids and what they did as friends, just some sweet fluff.

And then future! Naoto married to reader, who is a like a Detective or smth just really smart, and him helping takemichi

And maybe then a short takemichi pov where he sees naoto with reader and just gushing over how cute they are

Smth like that, just pure fluff if that would be ok

Anon, You don't understand how excited I was for this request. I ADORE Naoto. I also had a little too much fun with this.

I'm not gay, I promise

Naoto x Male!Reader

"Hey Naoto, your friends here!" Hina called out from the house as you stood in front of the door. Naoto quickly rushed down the stairs and draged you up to his room. You could hear his parents yelling at him for running in the house.

"I got these new car, you wanna see Y/N!?" A 6 year old Naoto was very excited that you two finally got the chance to hang out at his house. You usually got to play at the park but your guardians decided you two could go to his house for a day.

Naoto pulled out all the toys he could find as you two play. You two quickly got bored when you had played with almost every toy in sight, that's when Naoto got a great idea. He went and grabbed his sister for you two to play games with.

You had somehow settled on playing fantasy. Hina was the beautiful and fair princess, Naoto was the evil man who jad he locked away, and you were the knight in shinning armor that came to save the dear princess.

"Stand down evil man, I have come to rescue the princess" you got in a heroic battle stance, ready to take down Naoto. "You can never defeat me prince!" Naoto pulled out some random staff he had and charged for you. Hinata sat there watching the whole thing unfold, every once in a while she would cheer for you.

"Why are you doing this evil villain!" You shouted at Naoto who was just about to defeat you in this heart wrenching battle! "Because" Naoto started all proudly, but soon dropped as he put his hand to his heart. "I'm in love with you beautiful prince."

Dramatic gasps could be heard throughout the room, even Miss and Mister Tachibana were gasping. A love confession, from a villian!?

Of course that's not what everyone was focused on, but it's what you were. "I love you too evil villain!" You exclaimed back as you shot up and hugged Naoto. Everyone watching was confused and convinced you two had no idea what you were talking about.

"I will let the princess go and our wedding shall be next week!" Naoto than went and let Hinata off his bed as a signal of her freedom. "Alright Y/N, it's already 6:00pm. I think it's time for you to get home." Miss Tachibana said ignoring the two boys disapproving faces.

"Say goodbye you two." You both hugged as Miss Tachibana lead you out of the house and to the car. Naota waved through the window as you drove away and back yo your home.

Naoto was so excited for your next play date, almost too excited.

The week past by so slowly, Naoto was off the wall by the time you came by for the play date. Today was the day you a 6 year old would marry Naoto, also a 6 year old.

Hinata had helped prepare for the wedding all day, Naoto had a blazer with a hot wheels shirt under it. And for when you walk the aisle (Naoto refused to walk the aisle) he bought a container of clingrap for the trail of your suit.

As soon as you walked in through the door Hinata rushed you upstairs to get ready. She got you some of Naoto clothes to wear, it was a hello kitty shirt witha dress shirt over it. Perfect for a wedding

Soon the ceremony started. Miss Tachibana walked you down the aisle as Naoto stood waiting for you. Mister Tachibana was in charge of keeping the trail neat. Once you mad it to the end the people that were there were cheering. The only people there were the Tachibana parents, Hinata, and Takemichi.

Hinata was initiating the wedding, though it was not done very well. "We are all gathered here this fine evening to witness true love sprout between a terrifying monster who once kidnapped me and a beautiful prince who could have been my husband" Hinata spit out insults to her brother during the beginning. "Hinata! Stop it!" Naoto was clearly upset at these claims.

"Fine fine fine, Naoto do you take Y/N to be your woefully wedded husband through holy macaroni?" Hinata said not really remembering what to say twords the end. "It's matrimony, and I do." Naoto corrected his older sister and sent her a glare.

"Do you Y/N take Naoto to be your woefully wedded other husband through holy matrimony?" Hinata finished the line grammatically correct but forgot words. "I do!" You exclaimed excitedly as Hinata handed you and Naoto paper heart rings.

"Than you may now kiss the...groom?" Hinata slowed herself down before she said bride but that's not what they two bots were thinking about. "Ew! We have to kiss!?" Naoto didn't know all that much about weddings, he definitely didn't know they had to kiss. Y/N on the other hand was more intrested in the cake and ice cream waiting to be given after the ceremony.

"Just quickly kiss him, or you two can't be married!" Hinata quickly yelled back at Naoto which got their parents ready to break up the fight. Though Y/N quickly grabbed Naotos cheeks and gave him a quick kiss. Erupting applauds and laughter left from the guest present. Even Hinata was laughing, everyone got up and walked over to the food table except for a very flustered Naoto.

Everyone started eating and enjoying the snacks and food Naoto saved up to buy for this very day. Naoto soon after realized what was happening and rushed over to get his fixing of food.

Who would have thought those same kids would be happily married and saving Tokyo at 25 years old. They both worked at the same job and did almost everything together.

They also still have their paper rings, but those stay in a protective case so they don't get damaged more than they already are. Now they have actual wedding rings. Though I will say Naoto bought You a cheesy heart engagement ring.

To think this whole relationship started with a playground friendship. Rest assured Takemichi was definitely in shock to find out you and Naoto were actually married. Hinata wouldn't stay with him throughout all of Middle school but Naoto kept someone since 5.

Takemichi was definitely going to need some pointers from both of you. Though Takemichi was jealous of your relationship he couldn't help but admit how adorable it was.

He may have not been able to witness your official wedding but he got to see the one that stated all the feelings you two have for each other. What he didn't like was when You and Naoto distracted eachother to the point where you weren't even listening to him anymore.

Maybe when Takemichi finally saves Hinata they can remake your 20 year old wedding. With the same rings, same people, same place, same love.

[halfmoonshines]

(3/3) Part 3! YAY! 3. Reader is pregnant and Fitz and Deke are extremely protective of her! I thought I would be fun to see Fitz and Deke work together without arguing, but if your uncomfortable writing about pregnancy I completely understand.

Finally getting around to part three! Been struggling a bit with my writing the past few days, but I hope you enjoy <3 Disclaimer; I've never carried a baby to term, so I have no idea how it feels to be late term pregnant but I hope I do it justice

Leo Fitz x Reader

Summary; You couldn't decide if it was aggravating or endearing that the men in your life were treating you like porcelain, so you bounced back and forth between the two.

The metaphorical bubble wrap started with the three positive pregnancy tests sitting on your counter. You had been in the bathroom, arms crossed contemplatively as you stared at them. That's where Fitz found you.

"You've been in here for a bit sweetheart, why is the door open?" He stopped just inside the door, mind taking a moment to assess everything.

"Are those...?"

"Yup."

"Are they...?"

"Yup." You confirmed, unfolding your arms and turning to him. You hadn't had time to think over how he may react, but you were suddenly very on edge about it.

It took him a moment, eyes flicking between the counter and your own before his face cracked into a wide grin. He came forward and brought you to his chest, arms wrapping around your back and a firm kiss placed on your forehead.

"You're pregnant! We have to baby proof everything."

You quickly realized he hadn't been joking. The team was told immediately, if only because he had guidelines to set. No field missions where they knew there could be active fire, no team meetings before 9am so that you could get at least eight hours of sleep, the list goes on.

Deke was just as insufferable. You were only three months pregnant and couldn't remember the last time you had opened a door for yourself. Even if you were just in the kitchen getting a midnight snack, one of your boys would suddenly be present, wrestling open the scary peanut butter jar. You started to think they had some kind of schedule in place, because one of them was always with you.

The first field mission that came up (that you were permitted to go on), Fitz had spent a whole half an hour going over 'emergency protocols' and Deke had accompanied you out of the compound.

Deke and you were in charge of some low level recon, and while you were in the clothing store you couldn't help but notice the literal death glares that he threw anyone who walked too close.

"Deke."

"Hmm?" He responded offhandedly, barely paying attention to you and more to your surroundings.

"We're supposed to be blending in, not acting feral. We're going to get made."

Your grandson scoffed and shook his head at you. "If anyone saw us they'd think I was a jealous boyfriend, which ew but they wouldn't find it weird. Besides, that's my mom you've got in there. Can't be too careful."

You rolled your eyes and replaced the sunglasses you had been toying with. "I'm going to the bathroom. Did you want to watch me in there, too?"

"Don't be weird, gam gam. Just hurry back."

When you and Fitz went shopping for maternity clothes two months later, you noticed he was quite the same. With every stranger who passed, he would wrap an arm around you. Whether it was possessive or protective, you hazarded a guess at a bit of both.

"You're acting like a guard dog, Leo."

"Well, they need to know that you're not to be trifled with."

You couldn't help but turn to smile at him. "I'm five months pregnant, shopping for maternity clothes with my husband. I don't think anyone is going to be picking a fight."

"Well, they better not."

The best (worst) times, were those when Deke and Fitz worked in tandem. Your baby shower being the most important tag team they'd ever done. You don't think you moved an inch the whole event. One of them would bring you your food, the other cycling presents through your hands.

You just sat there for a moment at the end of it, exhaustion wrapping around your very pregnant bones, your swollen feet aching even if you hadn't been the one to run around all day. While you sat, you just watched your boys work.

They were both on your right, breaking down one of the tables that had been set up.

"Did you remember to leave out the car seat so I could get it set up before we head back?" Fitz asked, holding one half of the tablecloth while Deke gripped the other side.

"Affirmative. I also left out those fancy chocolates that YoYo got in case gam-gam wanted to have some on the drive."

You perked up at that, forgetting the gift basket that Elena had given you. "Those sound good! Could I maybe steal some while we're packing up?" You pushed yourself up from the chair, a hand over your swollen belly and giving a low groan at the ache in your back.

"What are you doing?" Fitz all but shouted, shoving the table cloth into Deke's hands and rushing over to you. He put one hand on your lower back and the other on your upper arm. "You shouldn't be up."

"I'm seven months pregnant, Leo, not mortally wounded. I can grab my own chocolate."

He opened his mouth to argue when Deke appeared at your side, chocolate held out with a smile. "Why grab it when I can bring it to you, though? C'mon, what's the point of being pregnant if you can't get waited on a little?"

"Exactly, darling." Fitz agreed, taking the chocolate for you and urging you back into your seat. "You're growing a whole human, our daughter, you deserve all of the rest that you can get."

You plopped back in your seat with a sigh, smiling up at your husband and accepting the outstretched sweets. "Well, you've got a point."

[ohmygoodnessgraciouss]

could I request a story where Loki and the reader are both magic time variants captured by the TVA, and they become closer and plot to escape together, but even though the reader wants to help him they're afraid of getting too close or opening up about their past because in the past they had been really hurt by the alternate Loki in their timeline? I'm sorry that's very long, you don't have to write it if you don't want to I just love your work so much and Reality Check is so perfect :')

I'm sorry this took forever! Honestly, I should've just made this a whole miniseries to really flesh it out, but with MOM I wasn't sure if I wanted to dedicate all my time for that. Hope this is alright! <3

You watched the man before you smirk once he recognized who you were. "Y/N L/N, I never expected you to wind up here," He commented, scanning you. You scoffed, turning your head away to look at Mobius.

"You expect me to work with him?" You asked, pointing lazily. Mobius nodded.

"You two are the best of the best. He never seems to die and you have the ability to control him. Not many can say they can do that," He responded.

"I don't want to work with him," You replied, sharply.

"And why is that? I want a better explanation than he hurt your feelings a while ago," Mobius said. You rolled your eyes, knowing Loki must have grinned at his statement.

"No hard feelings, promise! I'm not the same Loki you knew after all," Loki said.

"No, but the sacred timeline forces it to be exactly the same. I know you haven't done it yet, but you will. Eventually. If you ever decide to stop being a little shit and go back to your timeline." You walked closer to Loki, trying to seem intimidating.

"Ouch," Loki winced, stepping forward, "I see Midgard taught you some vulgar language."

"Seemed only appropriate for a man who killed 80 people in a matter of two days," You suddenly realized how close you were to him, eyes widening as you backed off. Loki rose an eyebrow at this.

Mobius chuckled. "This is going to be interesting."

~

"I need you two to go to a small town in Oklahoma from a few hundred years ago to inspect something," Mobius said, pulling up a file on the desk in front of you. You sat next to Loki (Though it was not willingly) and waited impatiently to hear more about the mission.

"Oklahoma?" Loki questioned.

"It's on Midgard. It's a lot of farmland. Prone to tornadoes." You briefly stated.

"Seems like you know the place quite well."

"I lived there for a while. Until the TVA decided that I messed up something in their precious timeline. I mean, really. Do you guys think another war would happen when most people don't even know this place exists?!"

Mobius chuckled. "See, that's why I like you. You're realistic. But, unfortunately, rules are rules, and the timekeepers aren't ones for breaking tradition."

You shook your head in response, leaning back in the chair. Loki leaned forward towards the desk to get a better look at the file. It had several reports scattered across it, all describing the deaths of several minutemen from the T.V.A. "What happened?" He asked.

"Someone supposedly time traveled to the 1800s and broke the timeline. When our minutemen arrived at the scene, they set fire to the surrounding grasses and burned them all to crisps. We suspect the variant is another timeline's you, Loki." Mobius explained, showing several photos of the scene.

Your eyes widened. "Another timeline of him is running rampant and you imbeciles can't catch them?" You asked.

Mobius shook his head. "Loki is hard to catch. This one," He pointed to the man before him, "Not so much. The other one? Different story."

"And you expect us to just find Loki and bring them back?" You asked, leaning your head against your hand.

"It's either that or being reset by the woman who wants your heads on a silver platter."

Both you and Loki looked at each other for a brief moment, nodding slightly. Looking back at Mobius, you spoke at the same time.

"We'll do it."

~

You arrived in Oklahoma with Loki, taking a look at the burned farmland around you. Several bodies laid around the area, their weapons scattered. "God, these men didn't stand a chance," You said, crouching down to take a closer look.

"And neither do we if we can't find a trace of myself," Loki replied. He used his magic to trace where the fire started. "Over there," He pointed.

You looked over, seeing nothing special. "Looks just like everywhere else," You said.

"No, it's an illusion. I must have cast an illusion to make sure only those with magic would be able to find it. Or, well, another me did it. Why would he have done that though?" Loki asked, contemplating it for a moment. You walked up to him, showing him the collar and remote you had stolen from the agency only moments before arriving in Oklahoma.

"If anything goes wrong when we see them, I've got backup."

Loki grinned. "You're always so dependable. That's why I love you." You knew it was a weak attempt to make you soft. You shook your head, walking away from him.

"Not the same Y/N you know."

"The Sacred Timeline makes you the same."

"The same to an extent, but for me you're in the past. A lot changes in the upcoming years." You mentioned.

"Oh come now, old feelings can't die that easily, can they?"

"No, but you sure can."

~

You made your way to the Loki pointed to. The spot seemed to be as burnt up as the rest until Loki unveiled the illusion. It didn't take much of his magic to lift it, probably because the universe recognized it as the same signature. When it was revealed, the area hadn't been burned by the fire at all. The grasses were tall, reaching up to your shoulders at times. One spot was completely flattened though, with a singular note on the ground.

You picked it up, unfolding the paper carefully. Loki stood directly behind you, looking over your shoulder. "What does it say?" He asked.

"Meet me where we once called home," You read it out loud. The note crumpled as you tightened your hold on it.

"What does that mean? Once called home?"

"It means this Loki is in fact my Loki."

"Please tell me I don't have any hard feelings that you clearly harbor for me."

"That depends on whether or not you forgive me for the incident."

Loki quirked an eyebrow at this. You shook your head. "Not here. Let's find a place to stay. I know where home is. We're not far from it."

"Then shouldn't we go there first?" He asked, placing a hand on your shoulder to ensure you didn't walk away. You shook your head.

"No, I can't go there yet. There's a lot to explain before you see Loki."

~

You found an inn close by and decided to rest there. Because it was the 1800s you had to be careful about what you did. In a different century they wouldn't have minded you being in a TVA shirt and jeans. Now, they would.

Luckily for you, Loki was able to cast an illusion so that only you two knew what you were wearing. He even had to cast an illusion on himself to blend in more. He used fake currency to buy the room, which was about as small and cramped as you expected.

With only candles to light the room, it would've been considered quaint and cozy by most. A single bed with comforters, a drawer and chest, and a small desk. It was all you needed for your journey after all.

You sat down at the desk as Loki sat on the bed, feeling the comforter. "Softer than I expected," He commented.

"You lived through the 19th century, you should know it wasn't as bad as history books make it out to be."

He nodded in response, relaxing slightly. "Well? You said you would explain it to me. I should know what's going on before we go face off against myself."

You sighed, fiddling with a pen you had found in your shirt pocket. "Time travel isn't as uncommon as people may think. You and I both know that."

"Of course. You've time traveled a few times yourself."

"Exactly. Well, in my timeline, after the events in New York in 2012, you went to prison in Asgard and were eventually freed during the Dark Elves attack."

"I know what happens there," He said, sharply. You knew he must've known what happened to his mother.

You looked down at your hand, placing the pen down on the desk. "Well, you know what happens in the Sacred Timeline. Remember, you're a variant in this timeline too. In this timeline, you ended up going back to the 1800s, to this time."

"Why would I do that?" He tilted his head.

"To see me."

"What were you doing in this time?"

"I was running. I got into some nasty trouble with not only the Avengers but the federal government as well. It was just easier to go back to a time where I wouldn't have to worry about it. Plus, I didn't know what I was doing, so I wanted to hang out in a place where I knew I would never run into myself. I didn't account for you finding out." You sighed, fiddling with your fingers.

"And what happens after that? We were just fine before I... Well," He hesitated, "Tried to take over Asgard and then Midgard," He said, sheepishly.

A soft smile graced your lips as you thought about what had happened next. "We shared a life together. We were married, secretly of course, but we were happy. We moved into an old farmhouse around here and decided we would start a family here. It was in the middle of nowhere. No one was going to find us after all. We could be happy here."

"What changed?" He asked, leaning in. He couldn't understand where it would've gone wrong.

"The T.V.A," A scowl corrupted your smile as you looked up at him for the first time in minutes. "We were variants. What happened between us should never have happened."

Loki shook his head. "I can't believe that's what divided us. What did they do?"

"You gave me a chance to escape. You kept them off me and I ran off. See, I ran off and you went into the T.V.A to be charged for your crimes. They were going to prune you. Unless you told them where I was," You scoffed.

"Did I?"

"You did. Because no matter what you would always do everything in your power to save your own skin. Even if it meant ratting me out when I was protecting the child we had just taken in." Your tone quickly turned to ice at the thought.

Loki stayed quiet at the revelation. He didn't know what to say. "What happened next?" He asked quietly.

You shrugged. "I went in, you got out. You were reset. I don't know how you became a variant again. I guess they couldn't wipe your memory if you were able to remember our home."

"I don't understand. I don't understand how I could do that," He said as he stood up from the bed, pacing the room.

"The version of you in this timeline is different. He changed after escaping. I just hadn't realized it until it was too late."

Loki stopped in his tracks suddenly, staring you dead in the eyes. "Is that why you're with the T.V.A? To get revenge?"

You nodded. "The T.V.A, while I despise them, are my one way of getting to him. I want to make sure the agency brings him in once and for all. I'll prune him myself if I have to. And then I'm out of there. I have a plan to escape."

"And what will you do after that?"

You looked out at the window, "Find my little girl, I suppose. Make sure she's okay."

"Then perhaps you would like a partner to join you," He grinned.

"No."

~

Making your way to the farmhouse, Loki decided to stay back a little. The plan was for you to make sure Loki was in a vulnerable state, giving you just enough time to alert the T.V.A. Then, your partner Loki could capture the criminal Loki using the collar and remote you brought. It wasn't much of a plan, but it was enough for you to feel comfortable facing off against him.

Loki stayed outside, watching from a patch of wildflowers that sat outside the house. They were your favorites.

The house was cold and creaking from weight and pressure it hadn't felt in years. It looked abandoned. No one must have moved in after you did. The sight sent shivers down your spine. All seemed quiet except for a single door opening across from you. There stood the man that ruined your life - Your version of him.

"Hello, darling," He greeted you, a small sheepish smile plastered on his face.

"Loki."

"I know these are probably not the circumstances you would've wanted for this-"

"Not the circumstances?" You interrupted harshly. "I never wanted this situation to ever happen. You're lucky I haven't tried to shoot you in the face with a magnum."

Loki raised his hands up in mock surrender. "What I had done was uncalled for."

"Uncalled for?! You exposed me which put our family in harm's way! I have no idea where Rose is! None!"

His expression softened at the mention of Rose. You knew it struck a chord in his heart. It had to. Rose was adopted just like he was. All he wanted was to be a better father to her than his own was. If he were a better person you may have cared about hitting a sensitive spot like this.

"That's unfair. I had no idea she would possibly be reset by them," He said.

"Oh come on! What else did you think would have happened?! They were after us and so they were after her too." You moved your finger slightly to the communicator in your jacket pocket, signaling for the T.V.A to arrive and for Loki to step in.

"I never meant for her to get hurt," He said, his voice shaking slightly.

"No, but you meant for me to get hurt."

"I never wanted either of you to get hurt. It's just that-"

"Just what?" You grit your teeth.

"I was scared. You know how I am. I'm a coward!"

"That's no excuse for what you've done," You glanced up, seeing your partner sneak up behind the man. He wrapped the collar around him and quickly backed away, holding the remote up.

"What are you doing?!" Variant Loki exclaimed.

"Getting justice. Revenge. Everything I've wanted for years from you," You glared at him. The other Loki smirked, proud of you for what you had done.

The minutemen from the T.V.A quickly stepped in, arresting Variant Loki as soon as possible. Mobius followed them, looking the man up and down. "So you're the one who's caused all this trouble. And all because of a girl you crumbled. Gotta admit, it's not a good look for you," He said. You nearly laughed. "Take him away."

The minutemen began to drag Variant Loki through the portals, though he didn't go through without one last word to you, "Y/N! I will get out of this!"

You scoffed. "Sure you will."

~

Mobius decided to allow you and Loki to stay behind, giving you a moment to examine the home around you. He trusted you two enough to have a few minutes of peace alone. "So what's the plan, love?" Loki asked.

"Mobius has given us this much. If we gain his trust for a little while longer then we'll be able to have far more time and perhaps even a way to travel through the multiverse on our own. I hate to say it, but I'll stick with the T.V.A a little while longer. The endgame is long-term here."

Loki nodded thoughtfully. "It's smart. But I'm smarter," He held his hand up, revealing one of the portal remotes in his hand. Your eyes widened.

"How did you get that?!"

"I stole it from one of the men as they went through. I'm sure they won't miss this, but if they find out we have this when we go back it won't be pretty," He said, walking up to you, grinning.

You stifled a laugh as you looked down at the remote in his hands. You shook your head looking back up at him. "You're insane."

"Perhaps I am," His grin widened, "But I know you want this as much as I do. So, what do you say?"

He held his empty hand out to you, waiting for your response. Instead of giving it a moment's hesitation, you held out your own, taking his.

And with that, you never looked back.

[hxneydreamers]

Hi! You really look like someone who truly lives by the law and if you wanted you could literally manifest the craziest of things, even things that defy the laws of nature and physics and I'm wondering how do you personally view life and existence if you can have everything now with just an assumption? If you are so above everything in the universe? Doesn't this make you feel lonely? Don't your desires feel meaningless? I'm always moved by great stories (most of which have something tragic or sad or bittersweet) and I love being moved by such things and I ultimately want my life to be a good meaningful beautiful story and my fear is that by buying the pearl of great price I'll have to give up on all that so now I find myself almost completely uninterested in my ideal life and I can't bring myself to visualise because I wouldn't feel a thing (btw do you think this will make the manifestation easier or harder?) but I still know deep down that I couldn't accept anything from life other than that perfect ideal I have for myself even though I sorta feel like cheating like... can I call this kind of experience authentic? Share some wisdom ma'am please. Can you also share some films or books or anything that inspired your idea of perfect life if you feel like it?

Hey! You make such an interesting and excellent point! Thanks so much for having such faith in me, hahah, it's extremely flattering!

I honestly have a pretty simple answer for you! Whilst I'm well aware of the law and how things operate and that I am the god of my reality, I am still human. We all are. That's what makes life so beautiful, colourful, and emotionally rich. I believe that the process of manifestation and conscious creation for many people is actually one of the most transformative and emotionally charged human experiences anyone could have, because they face their fears, overcome them, persist and stay determined, and ultimately win the best prize of all - and the prize is not just a material thing or a specific person - the best prize of all is happiness, contentment, and self-love.

I only consciously manifest in areas of my life that I feel have unfolded negatively as a result of low self-worth. The law has taught me that these things are a reflection of the way I treat myself and talk to myself and think about myself. The law has taught me that I should not let my happiness depend on a thing or another person, my happiness should come from within myself.

Our human experiences, the good and the bad, are what shape us as people, and I think that finding the law after we've experienced the ups and downs that human existence has to offer, can be really empowering. Yes, learning about the law helps us take control over our lives and create a happy and abundant life with our specific people, money, the right career, etc, but what I think the biggest thing that the law gives us is the lesson that we need to love ourselves and empower ourselves more.

I don't view life and my desires as meaningless. Just because you are the god of your reality and you have the power to shift into a new reality doesn't mean that the people around you are operating like robots. They are real people and they have thoughts and feelings. You aren't changing anyone or anything around you when you manifest, you are changing yourself and moving into another reality where the people and things around you reflect your new state of being.

The law of assumption has taught me how to speak lovingly to myself and get out of bad habits that ultimately diminish my power and worth. It has taught me to transform myself and my overall love and appreciation for myself so that I can be the best version of myself that I can be.

I personally don't subscribe to any particular religion, but I believe that somehow we were all put on this earth to have a human experience, but we are all one - part of the 'god' source, whatever that is. We all are gods and we all have the power to create the lives we want, but we are here to have desires, to feel all the emotions that come with it, and to experience life's ups and downs, overcoming them and learning from them. I don't know why, but we are all here, and we may as well make the most of it while we are. If we can learn to love ourselves fully and treat ourselves with kindness, we can experience the most lovely parts of life and live in realities where we are surrounded by a reflection of these amazing things.

Let's be real, just because I understand the law of assumption well, doesn't mean that I'm bothered to apply it to every part of my life. Who wants to have to affirm for everything in their life? With most things, I just sit back and enjoy the ride. If there is something negative in my life, I don't let it bother me because I know who I am and I know my worth. If something REALLY bothers me, then I know it's coming from an issue that I have within myself. If anything, it makes me look within and figure out what it is that is causing this.

Even when you know how to use the law of assumption to your advantage, life is still an adventure, and events still impact you emotionally and physically. Sometimes things pop up or happen in your world that come from some deep assumption you didn't even know you had. Life with the law of assumption is a journey of constantly learning about yourself on a deeper level and evolving, and to me, that is so awesome!

When you see people that have successfully manifested their desires, the story doesn't stop there! The new chapter of their lives begins following this, where they get to experience happiness, success, and everything that comes with it! Just because we have the power to change something if we can put our mind to it, doesn't mean that the things we experience aren't extremely real. They feel real, don't they?

Just because the 3D is a reflection of our imaginations, doesn't mean that the experiences we have aren't real. If imagination is reality, and the 3D is a projection of it, then that means that if we have thought of something and it is brought to life, then it is real on some level. We just have the power to place focus on what we want to stay and ignore what we want to go if we decide to.

Even though we manifest things, doesn't mean we don't feel the full weight of their reality. That's human existence. You can still feel your skin, right? You can still feel it when someone kisses or hugs you, right? So it is real to you. If you experience something that you wish you hadn't, you simply have the power to change it, doesn't mean you didn't experience it before, otherwise, where would the desire to change it come from?

Honestly, I can't think of any movies or shows specifically that have taught me anything about the 'perfect life', because everyone's idea of that is different. However, for manifesting and creation, I would recommend Neville Goddard's books. I have his complete reader, which I recommend, as well as Dr Joe Dispenza's books 'Becoming Supernatural' and 'Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself'.

In answer to your question about whether or not that perspective makes it easier or harder to manifest, it depends on what you believe, honestly. I would say that it if anything would make it easier for you to reduce resistance towards things if you truly feel and think that way. However, I encourage you to continue to feel life and to live it fully! The law simply means that things in your life reflect your inner world, and that should be the most real thing to you ever!

Don't let the knowledge of the law taint your view on life and the validity of your emotions and experiences. I, for example, know that the law is real, but I still feel every day and I still have doubts and negative moments in my life. I feel everything so real that sometimes it's too much. The law doesn't mean I won't ever experience hiccups and regular life moments again, it is very likely that I will, because I AM human, and humans naturally develop a mixture of emotions in various aspects of life. It just means that I'm on the journey of life and continuing to overcome these things, just like any other person. You can use the law to make it easier to do this, or harder.

The law is simply a reminder to stay in the state of loving myself and staying in my power so that overall I continue to experience true happiness, because that's ultimately what we all want, right? To be happy and to live in peace.

I hope I've somewhat answered your question and not just rambled on, talking nonsense hahah!

I appreciate the question because you got me really thinking.

All my love x

[pinkchanelbag]

okay okay okay okay how about having anxiety (like all bad bitches do) and goung friends to luvrs with levi? i KNOW pining after someone like that (a visible earth sign with gemini placements) would be intimidating as fuck becaus he's so reserved and stand-offish. which is why you're absolutely thREW when he rushes into the storage room you often go to retreat and be by yourself in. you're SHAKING from the deflation after a panic attack and currently on the brink of another one because wOT DI FEK is levi ackerman doing in ur hideout!??

the tears start rolling cuz now you're overwhelmed and he nearly backtracks, this wasn't how it was supposed to go. pero instead of leaving he sinks down in front of you (criss cross applesauce) and holds out his hands, palms up- "i don't know if touch helps but i'm here if you need me". his voice is calm, quiet and most of all; hesitant. because he doesn't wanna scare you! and at the back of his mind he's preparing for the worst but he really doesn't wanna leave you alone. he notices every time you disappear and this is the first time he's doing something about it. he wants to help 🥺 bitch istg i'd have the PHATTEST heart palpitation and pass out right there ksjxkdjdjjjx

please my heart hurts 

wc: 900

because he’s been through some of the worst things a human being can go through, and he’s seen how people respond differently. some people might perceive him as the type to scoff at something like anxiety but really he understands it better than anyone. 

and let’s be fr you’re not exactly slick in the way you start visibly breathing harder and clamp up and make some excuse to leave the mess hall, and levi knows where you go. the second floor hallway that’s generally pretty empty and that has a storage room with not much but a few cleaning supplies. 

he’s the captain. where he doesn’t judge how those in his charge feel their emotions, he helps them through it, typically for the purpose of going forward with their mission. but it’s different with you. with you, when he sees the way you press your lips together so tight to hold your resolve and the way your hands tremble, he wants to cross the distance between you and him and press you into a bone crushing embrace to protect you from everything around, and to will your heart to slow. 

he doesn’t know why he won’t help you, for awhile. for a long time the most he allows himself is making a shit joke that few other than you can hear after you’ve been silently panicking by yourself for an hour, or the occasional ruffle of your hair. then at some point he realizes it’s cowardice. that’s all it is. he’s scared to be vulnerable to you, scared to help you in a way that would so obviously display his care. and maybe he realizes how selfish that is. what does any of that matter when his subordinate, his friend, the person he thinks about when he’s trying to force sleep, is struggling alone? what does his fear matter when he can help, but won’t?

and that’s how you find yourself in an upright fetal position, back pressed against a package of paper towel, head shot up and expression like a deer in headlights, because levi ackerman has just opened the door to your one private place. 

the breaths you’d been trying so hard to contain revive their ridiculous pace. oh god, oh god, you’re screwed. but then levi steps into the cramped room and shuts the door, cutting off the outside light, and you can’t even see what he’s doing anymore, and your eyes well with tears because what the fuck?

for a few seconds, you can sense his standing presence in front of you, completely frozen. then your dark-adjusted eyes watch his silhouette crouch before you, and sit, and cross its legs. you’re dreadfully confused, and levi has realized just how out of his depth he is, because for all his wanting to help, he realizes how has no idea how to.

he thinks about what his own panic looks like, tries to envision it and what could possibly bring him down from it. his panic is loud. his panic is violent. it’s thrashing anger that hopes to cover up the anguish underneath. his heart aches for a moment, because he knows that’s not you. you don’t lash out. you don’t hurt others when you panic. the only person your panic hurts is you.

levi realizes this, and in an instant wonders if it might be the same thing. your fear quite literally attacks, the same way his does. it’s just the targets are different. he thinks for a moment, what could possibly calm him, and all he can think of is a presence of someone who knows what they’re doing. a superior. a friend. their voice, their touch. 

without thinking he unfolds his hands and puts his palms out to you. he can see you stare down at them in bewilderment, your arms wrapped around your knees still. your breaths and sniffles are the only sounds that come from you.

“i don’t know if touch helps...i’m here if you need me.” 

his voice breaks the silence, and its strength is so piercing that you can’t help but meet his eyes. and you see the hesitance. you hear it too, and your heart skips a beat, but this time it’s not for fear. it’s for the stoic captain who sits before you with extended hands and no real idea about how to help you, but offering himself to you in any way you’ll take him, just to see you okay. 

your tears start up again, but it’s different. you unravel yourself with choppy, trembling movements and push your fisted hands into his palms. your body weight is in your arms, it’s too much, but levi braces himself and holds his extended hands steady for you as you lean forward, painfully trying to open your fingers. your efforts towards sucking in air that your body denies you result in a soft whine leaving your lips, but finally your fingers are mobile, and they wrap around levi’s palm and squeeze so hard, so hard. he’s your only anchor to strength, to calm, and his steady, outstretched embrace is what will bring you back. 

[curiosity-killed]

Hi....If you don't mind me asking, who are your favorite MXTX characters (top 5 from each novel)? And why? I'm sorry if you've answered this question before.

Aw of course I don’t mind! Though I feel like my answer is going to be a disaster bc I love these casts so so much aha let’s see:

✨ SPOILERS AHEAD ✨

MDZS/CQL

1. Wei Wuxian

Ah so I feel like this is obvious based on the sheer quantity of things I produce and the effort I put into hurting him 😅 but yeah! I love how much of a classical tragic hero he is and I love how much love he has and how that gets twisted around and shaped into a collar of spikes around his own neck. I saw gif sets of wwx before I ever knew about CQL and my reaction was “fuck. I’m going to love him” and I do! And I love that he does learn from his past and I love most of all that he learns to accept the love he is given and is able to make a happy ending in a place of being loved and held in respect and appreciation

2. Wen Qing

On the other hand, I did not expect to be like “mine now” with Wen Qing. Don’t get me wrong, the sexy immortal look got me but it wasn’t really till I started writing fic that I was like ohhhhh Oh Boy. Wen Qing is brilliant and ruthless, fiercely loving and aloof and cold. I love that she gets the lose-lose challenge of balancing what is right for her family vs what is right in the world, what she owes to her sect and what she owes to individuals. The golden core transfer is my favorite dubious science experiment in p much all media I’ve consumed. She gets to be so human—prickly and tough and also achingly gentle and afraid and putting on a tough face and sometimes still crying. “I’m sorry and thank you” ! Im!!

3. Jiang Yanli

The first fic I wrote for this fandom was literally “Jiang Yanli died no she didn’t” lmao I do feel like I underserve Jiang Yanli in that I often fall prey to using her to further the complexity that the male characters are permitted while denying her the chance to be given the same space for development and breath — something to work on! But in that, I really genuinely love how tightly she binds herself to her family and how she tries so hard to be what others need her to be—and then she does make a choice for herself and for a single moment at least, she gets to be loved and to be happy and to have this, a husband and a son and a place, for herself. And terribly I love how much she permeates the story still after death. She is the unspoken voice, the face turned from the camera but always still present, carried in the hearts and names and memories of the ones left behind

She deserved better but—I am weak for the tragedy of it all

4. Jiang Cheng

Another surprise (tho hardly surprising in hindsight): Jiang Cheng is just...horribly understandable. He makes terrible choices and his greatest heroism is undone by a choice made for him or, in the case of “killing the Yiling Laozu” is a lie. He is such a youngest sibling who doesn’t want to be the youngest until all at once, he’s the one in charge and he doesn’t want it at all. He is full of anger and hurt and so much love he doesn’t know what to do with it, doesn’t want it anymore, has no place to put all of its terrible, overwhelming flood.

5. Lan Wangji

I almost didn’t put Lan Wangji or Jiang Cheng on here and then I realized that this is sort of a list of characters I’m pickiest about in fic and...yeah. I think what I love best about Lan Wangji is his journey of grief and healing and through that, his decision to step into world. Where Wei Wuxian’s decision to travel and be removed from the cultivation world (in varying degrees depending on your headcanon preference lol) is really, really important to me, Lan Wangji’s decision to go from being an isolated lone agent working apart from the systems of the world to being involved and invested in changing those systems and working to make them better is also really important to me. I’ve talked before about how relatable Lan Wangji is to me (esp with regards to our interaction with the outer world) and there is something deeply hopeful and comforting about post-timeskip Lan Wangji being in his like mid-/late-30s and still making decisions and growing and changing and choosing to invest himself in the world and the future

yeah. i have thoughts here that I don’t really have the maturity, life experience, or articulation to put into words but Lan Zhan Good basically

TGCF

1. Xie Lian

suuuurpriiiiise!! Yeah honestly mxtx’s mains in TGCF and MDZS really just hit all my buttons basically. What appeals to me most of all about Xie Lian is, fittingly, how he is humanity taken to extremes. His capacity for incredible kindness and compassion is equaled with his capacity for cruelness and ruthlessness. His heaven-shaking highs are matched with calamitous lows. He is the hyperbolic of what it is to be human—and he is also the small moments, the wildflowers and the maple leaves and the mundane chores and the comfort of whispered conversations late into the night. I could quite literally go on for pages about what I love about Xie Lian but I am not Hua Cheng and can restrain myself LMAO

2. Hua Cheng

of all the characters on these lists, Hua Cheng is the one I’m pickiest about tbh! When I say I love him for similar reasons as Xie Lian I don’t actually mean this as being similarities between the two but the fact that both of them so richly convey mxtx’s points about the nature of humanity and what it is to be human. Hua Cheng is both the boldest and most arrogant of all and also the most vulnerable, the one who shies away from the truth because he’s braced for it to hurt and isn’t sure he can take it. He is gory blood rain and an umbrella to shelter a fragile bloom; he is a blade whose wounds only heal if he permits it and he is a sacrifice that he brushes aside as a fit of madness. *pats his head* this boy can fit SO MUCH inside him that he refuses to acknowledge

3. Jun Wu

Definitely my favorite antagonist in recent reading. I was doubtful of him from the start (something something issues with authority something something probably should talk to my theoretical future therapist shhh) but the unfolding of his reveal was so delightfully painful and exquisite that I was like “YES!!!” reading all of it. About the epitome of a satisfying plot twist imo. But about the character himself, I love how he parallels so many — Xie Lian in his rise and fall, his glory and disgrace; Hua Cheng in his fixation and ruthlessness; He Xuan in losing himself to the plot and not knowing how to move forward. I love that he feels beyond human in a way the others don’t—he’s so old and has gone through so much and he doesn’t feel things the way humans do anymore, doesn’t remember right how love squeezes the heart or how hate can exist without acting on it. I love that he thinks he knows how to control everyone and that it’s such mundane things that fool him: Xie Lian’s absurd stubbornness, Hua Cheng’s foolish faith, Yin Yu’s...emotional maturity??? Not Sure how to verbalize that one. But in the end, he is defeated by both the humanity of others and by his own—he’s so tired. He’s exhausted in a way that gods and ghosts aren’t meant to be. He is, under the armor and the masks, the curses and the power, human—benevolent and cruel, evil and good.

4. He Xuan

I love my fish man! No but really I love how He Xuan is so fixed on his one goal that he refuses to acknowledge anything else in his (after)life—which doesn’t make it go away. I love that he is left unmoored, purposeless through the very act of completing that which gives him purpose. I love his long con and the ways he clings to himself but loses himself not in the act but in the telling himself it’s an act. I love that he tries to be a moral man and then becomes a ghost king, a calamity. His reveal is also terribly badass and I do love his bone fish wholly unironically. Like I’m not going to get a He Xuan tattoo (for one thing I’ve been meaning to get a tattoo for 5 years and still haven’t gotten around to it) but also. B o n e f i s h

5. Mu Qing

Of course! The Jiang Cheng of tgcf lol Mu Qing (which my phone desperately wants to autocorrect to my Qing) is so...gah he’s such a mess! And he so fully commits to the belief that no one will ever see and understand him as he is but will always view them through their own convictions about him and his actions — which is simultaneously heartbreakingly lonely and also. Sir You Are a Clown. I genuinely think he’s owed apologies from both Feng Xin and Xie Lian for their treatment and assumptions of him and think that he would be HORRIBLY offended at the thought (while secretly touched? But like secretly even to himself). He will never explain himself and will just clam up tighter the more people accuse him and it’s such a self-sabotaging behavior and also so horribly relatable. I love u sir, you’re a disaster

SVSS I have not read but I do really like the moshang art 😂

[curiousconch]

Scarlet Letters

Chapter 2 of Ricochet (An Open Heart AU)

Catch up here: Prologue | Chapter 1

Chapter Synopsis: Grappling with the aftermath of her breakup with Rafael, Heather is faced by yet another threat, forcing her out of her apartment. Bryce and her other friends come to her aide.

Pairings: Rafael Aveiro x MC (Dr. Heather Song) | Bryce Lahela x MC (Dr. Heather Song)

Words: 2.4k+ | Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Romance

Rating/Warnings: Mature (16+) / language, hints of violence

Author’s Notes: Majority of the characters are owned by Pixelberry, except the main character Heather Song. Please let me know if you want me to tag you in the next chapters. Comments and suggestions are certainly very welcome! Thank you for reading!

Heather can't remember how she covered the distance to her building, nor how she arrived in front of her apartment door. Grateful for the silence that embraced her as she got inside, she went directly to her room. Once the door shut closed, she finally let go of the flood that brimmed from her eyes. Crouching down on the carpeted floor, in that dark rainy night, she sobbed like never before.

What she can only remember is how hopeful she was tonight before it all ended.

She planned the surprise for him on the first day she landed in Maryland, coming to the realization that she was waging an unnecessary war against him and his efforts to comfort her. It never occurred to her that she will be too late.

She squinted at the picture of the bodies entangled in Rafael's living room couch. She can still vividly see it, along with the sound of the breaking bottle of wine she bought at the airport.

She heard rumors. That's all she thought it was - baseless whispers of people seeing Rafael with someone else. Even her friends Sienna and Elijah tried to warn her of what was happening, but she was so deep in denial that she didn't dare to listen. She trusted him that much.

Her sweet and charming Raf. Her savior. Her love. She never wanted to be so wrong as badly as she did at that moment.

The man whom she thought she exactly needed and wanted was the same person who wreaked havoc in her soul.

She wanted to forgive him, in her heart she wanted to give him another chance. But her brain screamed against it, her past life bursting in all shades of red inside her mind.

The portraits of her teenage years flashed before her eyes one by one, like horrific creatures escaping from her personal Pandora's box:

That fateful day she came home early because she was sick during her junior year in high school, the sound of voices in the master bedroom.

Her dad and a strange woman enamored.

The bags and boxes containing her father's belongings. The divorce and its fallout.

Her mom working night and day to put her through school, leaving her alone most of the time.

Cancer. Losing her mom because of it. The reason why she wanted to be a doctor.

It cost her half of her life to submerge those experiences in the trenches of her adolescence. But now, all of it was bursting over the surface, like large waves in the sea of her present. She felt like drowning.

Helpless, she wailed, wanting nothing but the indescribable hurt to fade away. But it didn't, instead, it stayed, for how long she have no idea.

With her ears ringing and her whole body sore, she fell into a troubled slumber. It wasn't until the next morning that she saw the scarlet letters painted on her walls.

***

Jordan huffed as he jogged away from the sidewalk into the alley nearby. His black hoodie cast a shadow dark enough to hide his face.

He discarded the plastic bags in the dumpster, a soft thump sounded as the spray paint canisters rattled against the bottom.

He found his way to his parked car nearby and jumped in, removing his leather gloves and shoving it into the compartment. He briefly looked at his watch - 10:36pm. He roughly had about 24 minutes before the meeting.

Backing up from the alley, he drove out to the main street and made sure he wasn't being followed. He took the next turn to the highway, flipping on his radio, humming along the music.

When he arrived at his destination, he found a nearly-empty parking lot. He found a solitary Lexus near the back fence and parked his car several meters away. He took a discreet path towards the black car and hopped inside, pulling the hood off his head.

"It's done," he spoke to a man in a suit at the back seat, and showed a picture of red spray paint on blue walls. "You'll hear it on the news tomorrow."

The man beside him silently nodded, sneering at the image. He withdrew a thick manila envelope from his side and gave it to Jordan.

"As requested,"

Jordan peeked into the contents, revealing a thick wad of cash and a glint of black metal.

Contented, he stepped out of the vehicle and got back to his own. Turning on the ignition, he thought to himself - Phase 1 check. Time for phase 2.

***

The sound of scrambling footsteps overlapped with the loud and panicked shrieks within the walls of Heather's bedroom.

Jackie came in first, ready to curse the abomination of Heather's screams as she came in to the apartment, after pulling an all-nighter. She stopped in her tracks darting at the direction where the other's frightened gaze was fixated.

After hearing Jackie's panicked shouts, Sienna and Elijah followed suit into Heather's bedroom. Upon entering, all their eyes shot across the pale blue wallpaper, a scene right out of a horror movie, coming to life in front of them.

LEAVE BOSTON NOW, OR ELSE.

The characters were sloppily written in red spray paint, as if someone spelled it in haste.

Sienna was the first one to rush to Heather's side, sliding an arm around her in an attempt to comfort her. Elijah got out of the room to call 911, muffling Jackie as she cursed with a mouth of sailor.

Within 15 minutes, the police arrived.

Elijah also sent a text to their group chat, alerting Aurora and the rest of their friends as to what just transpired.

A flurry of replies came in right after. Bryce's was among those text messages.

His face crumpled with anxiety as he sat staring blankly at his phone. He was in his office, his oak desk was filled with case files, all of which he recently dug out from the records department to assist on the reopening of the investigation.

This recent attempt to terrorize his star witness made him speechless. The person behind this is getting bold, he observed.

He decided to abandon his attempt to work on a Saturday, unable to quell his worries. He stood up, got his leather briefcase and made his way to the parking lot.

He drove as fast as he could, plying through traffic effortlessly, navigating the familiar route using muscle memory. He ran into their apartment building, and practically raced to the closing elevator to bring him to the penthouse.

When the familiar door came into view open, he let himself in, his eyes darting around.

Gone was the serenity of the brunches he shared with the group. The scene he stepped into was just chaos.

A barrage of yellow markers were strewn in the apartment, while several people were trying to collect any traces of evidence left behind by the perp. Police tape marked one doorway, a few voices discussing possible theories as to how the events unfolded.

In the middle of it was a frail figure wrapped in a thick gray blanket, and he instantly recognized who it was. "Hey," he managed to say coolly as he strode towards her.

Heather looked up at the towering figure who just crossed the living room. She offered a weak smile, trying to hide the turbulent emotions inside her.

Bryce could see right through her though, but he just smiled back, understanding that she wasn't quite ready to open up yet. As he reached out to touch her hand, he was interrupted by the sound of Rafael's booming voice as he stormed into the room.

"I came as I heard, are you alright?" Heather's boyfriend said as he rushed in to kneel down in front of her, looking very much concerned.

"What are you doing here?" The hatred in Heather's quiet voice made Bryce's eyebrows shoot up.

He saw Rafael immediately retreat, an apologetic look in his face, as if he forgot who he was. He saw Raf's instantaneous shift, then went to leave them to talk to the police at the now cordoned room.

He gently nudged Heather, a wordless question in his face. She shook her head and frowned, peeking at her roommates and the CSI team moving about the apartment.

Clearly, she didn't want to discuss it with strangers around, Bryce figured. He nodded, his eyes softening as he realized that there was more events to uncover beyond what he can see.

After an hour, the deputy in charge motioned for the group to gather in the living room. Once they were all there, he began to explain that Heather's room will be a designated crime scene indefinitely.

"I strongly suggest staying somewhere else, we don't know the and exact nature of this, at least not yet. Choose a place that offers the the most security, but preferably somewhere nearby."

With this, Bryce saw Rafael about to raise his hand. Seeing the panic in Heather's face, he quickly blocked the other man's attempt.

"Keiki's in boarding school, so I have a spare bedroom. You can stay there temporarily," he winked at Heather, assuring her that he got her back.

"Why should she stay with you? Rafael's an FBI agent. She should stay with him," Jackie contradicted as she stood behind Heather, unable to see her discomfort.

"But that's what exactly the attacker expects. We have to get one step ahead of them." Bryce countered.

"But Rafael's her -"

"Enough." One stern look from Heather was all it took to shut Jackie up, her other roommates visibly confused. She shot them each a pleading glance, making all eyes shift to Rafael's tall figure across the room. He immediately hunched his shoulders as if in concession.

"I'm staying with Bryce temporarily. He's right, we have to be at least a step ahead if I want to stay alive." She mouthed a thank you to Bryce, then turned back to her other friends. "Sienna, can I please borrow a few of your clothes? I can't touch anything in my room, except the suitcase I brought in from my trip."

"Of course." Sienna left the room while the others still shared a puzzled look between Heather and Rafael.

Agreeing to her new housing arrangements, the deputy nodded and excused himself, stepping out the apartment. He beckoned the rest of his team out before leaving behind his card, asking them to give him a call if they remember anything new. Taking that as his queue to leave, Rafael left after, looking deflated.

When the group was all that's left in the penthouse, Heather told them about the breakup, clearing the awkwardness from the room. She told them everything - from catching an early flight to surprise Rafael, to her ending up being the one surprised, witnessing her boyfriend's betrayal.

"That son-ov-a-bitch!" Jackie cussed, Elijah only shook his head. Bryce's reaction was a mixture of speechlessness and confusion.

"I-I know I've told you about my suspicions, but I had no idea Rafael had it in him to prove them right," a meek Sienna told Heather, her firm hand rubbing against her arm.

"Well however you look at it, he fucked up. So bad." Bryce whistled, his mouth stiff with the effort to wrestle with the truth bomb Heather just dropped.

"For once in this life, I agree with you, meathead," Jackie nodded to his direction, her eyes softening as she turned to comfort Heather in her own way.

They each tried to console her, but Heather insisted she was fine. Bryce saw her defensive body language, so he made it his mission to provide Heather an escape route.

"All right people, don't you have sleep to get to? Gotta keep you all well-rested. Can't have you bitten off your asses by Dr. Ramsey, am I right?" Apparently, the mention of the infamous grumpy attending was more than enough to make them back off.

He grabbed the duffel bag Sienna produced and grabbed her black suitcase along. Heather removed the thick blanket around her and replaced it with her brown trench coat hanging on the couch.

After what seemed like endless hugging and assuring each of them that she'll be fine, she followed Bryce into the elevator to the garage.

They loaded the bags onto his silver Camry's trunk in silence, and got into the car. Heather instantly sighed in relief as she settled into the passenger's seat. Bryce navigated his way out of the basement and into the street, his amber eyes alternately darting from the road to his friend.

"Well, you look like shit."

"Thanks?" she smiled back at him, unable to stifle a chuckle.

"No problem. You know I'm not one to give false commentary." He grinned, before finally focusing in his driving.

It wasn't long before they arrived in Bryce's sleek condominium complex. She knew the building was newly-built and probably the most secure residence in the city money can afford. Bryce called it Boston's Fort Knox, so when he offered his place, it seemed to be the best solution.

It was initially a bachelor's pad, with enough space for a kitchen, a living area with floor to ceiling windows, and two bedrooms. But over the past few months, it transformed into something more homey, a place where the Lahela siblings can call their own.

It wasn't Heather's first time there. She spent many of her day offs there, all just to help him with his relationship with Keiki, Bryce's teenage sister. She also had the most hand in how it looks inside now.

As they stepped into the condo, Bryce couldn't help but notice how Heather's looked around. The sight of her in his place brought back fond memories.

After a few moments, he urged her to move forward, and led her to the bedroom across the hall.

He unlocked the door and let her in, a mixture of yellow, blue and white interiors welcomed her. It was a homage to the sun, sea and sand of their native state Hawaii.

"Do you want anything? A drink? Something to eat? Boxing gloves to punch someone with?" Bryce leaned on the room's doorway, watching her as she settled in.

As if on queue, her stomach rumbled, and he can't help but laugh.

"Do you still have a pack of ramyun here? I'll come out to cook once I don't look like the piece of shit you just called me." Heather rolled her eyes at him, grabbing a towel from the nearby dresser.

"Nah, I'll whip it up myself you just make yourself presentable to eat my majestic korean noodles." He bowed to her like a butler would before setting course back to the kitchen.

She snickered as she stepped into the shower. Leave it to Bryce Lahela to lighten up the mood.

Tags - @choicesficwriterscreations @eleanorbloom @ramsey-lahela

[binkysteebnpewter]

Of Paper Planes & Teddy Bears

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Fem Reader

Words: 2100+

Summary: Wanda has loved you since you trained her when she joined the avengers. However she’s too afraid to confess all because she’s sure you’re dating the Diner guy.

I used a divider a few times, they’re by: @writeyourmindaway 💗

Warnings: TW:Dissociation, TW: Anxiety Implications, explicit (?) detailing, conspiracy thoughts (just to add flavor 🤷🏻‍♀️).

Taglist: @softpeachbarnes @thejournalman

There was so much that I could say about her. So much good, so much praise, so many compliments that'd sound like Shakespeare had possessed my body to write an entire play solely about how her eyes stared into my soul with just a simple fleeting glance she'd give as we passed each other in the hall. There was so much I could say about her to show someone how much I love her and what I love about her, but that would take too long— even though I knew I could talk about her until my lungs failed to take in air and my heart failed to beat.

What I would utter out was that her attitude was what got me up in the morning, other than the fact she always made breakfast for everyone even though she didn't have to— and her cooking is absolutely blissful if I'm honest. However her coffee is downright dreadful. She liked her coffee way too strong for me or anyone other than Tony and Bruce, who refused to drink theirs any other way now. I didn't see how she could drink it, especially not black with just ONE spoon of honey.

There were those days where sometimes she didn't want to cook and everyone would sometimes go to the nearby diner, and today was one of those days. She had dressed down pretty casual and comfy, but oh— she looked otherworldly in her comfort clothes, dressed to no ones expectations as she held her favorite teddy bear

Sam drove while everyone else talked, but her? She sat playing with a few small paper airplanes, making them fly with psychokinesis. Making one fly out of her course, she stops them all and looks to me. She smiles and one of them unfolds suddenly, refolding quickly. Smiling at the blossom flower, my eyes widen when I moved over and rested in my lap. She smiles to me once more and focuses on her airplanes again, leaving me a storm of emotions.

The time passes like it's racing as we all ordered, waited, receivers, and ate. Some of us were still eating, some were just talking and relaxing. It was peaceful and the diner was never busy enough to draw a crowd to us, thankfully.

"How you gonna be like 'she gotta blonde, she gotta be thick, she gotta be tan'?" She asks, standing up to a guy sitting near us as he dissed his own girlfriend.

"You ain't got the right to be picky. All you packing is a tic-tac.. what you gonna do breath mint?" She asks and he flusters.

"What you gon' do Listerine?" She asks, giving him a look full of utter sass and confidence.

Smiling as the guy flustered and began ignoring her, I nodded and gave her a thumbs up as she turned back around. She smiles to me and laughs a bit.

"Yo! You're here today!" I hear and she turns.

"Mattie! What's up?" She smiles, standing and giving the guy a hug.

Him.

The one I wish I was. The guy who gets to call her baby girl, the guy who gets to stay up and talk on the phone with her for hours, the guy who gets to hear her sleepy voice say those three words I so desperately want to hear and say back.

I love you.

Wanda had left my origami flower in the diner, right on the table with her plate. Did she not like it? Was it the wrong color? I purposefully kept my airplanes folded neatly in the colors black and red, the colors I knew she liked. Was I overthinking all the subtle things? Was I imagining them? It was possible, maybe I'm reading too far into things.

I walked silently across the street from the cemetery, a hat placed on my head and tipped low as I faced the ground. My fingers played with the fidget in my hand, the puzzle fidget I had solved too many times to count now. I was long overdue for a new one, there was no combination of moves someone could do to mess up the colors on my rainbow ball fidget toy to make sure I couldn't return each colored ball to its respective hole too quickly. Wind whipped around me and chilled my skin, my thin jacket doing nothing to keep me warm.

The pigeons, I swear, are staring at me as I walk. Following me, I know it, as I took turns and they stayed right nearby with me from the start of my journey. I was a long way from the compound, that I knew for sure. I'm convinced one day they'll begin recognizing individuals, or that maybe they're not even real— robots maybe. Do we ever see them sleep? Do the power lines charge them when they rest upon them? Do they video people and record conversations? Is this how the government truly finds wanted people?

A bus loops around and around, passing through the old streets. The neighborhoods of old tenement houses, public schools, coffee shops, and candy stores. Sidewalks lined with cart shops, their goods ranging from street food to newspapers and tourist spots. I haven't seen the bus stop once as it's passed by one time after another, yet there are always less and less people aboard it with each pass. Has it even stopped? Why come down this road so many times? Is it forever stuck in this route? Is it in limbo— wait, can objects be stuck in limbo?

dO UnITs hAVe a SoUL??

I pass a hot dog stand, the grilled hot dogs looked oddly like fingers to my eyes and I suppress a gag. Do they bleed when you bite into them? Is the juice metallic tasting? Is the texture— Let's stop there, yeah let's stop there.

I head to subway station to realize I had been in the Brooklyn-Queens area, my numb fingers aching as I swiped my subway card. I stand as far from people as I could, the suffocating feeling of the subway closing in. The scent of the train car was musty and pungent, like old sneakers in a gym locker and rotten food found in the home of a hoarder who'd dropped their food and never found it to pick up and throw away. My fingers pause in the motion of scrambling my fidget as I realize the conductor was making an announcement, I caught on too late. Asking the man nearby if he'd heard the announcement, I shuddered when he gave me a simple rat-like smile and said nothing with a shrug.

I guess I'll never know.

I feel as though someone is watching me and Natasha's words play through my head. 'If you feel like someone's watching you, it's because someone is.' Do I look for them? Do I make eye contact and sass them? No, don't. Really don't, never trust a man or even a women on the train this late at night— I have no clue why they're up, or why I'm up even. I had woke with a feeling of dread and left without a single thought about it, the compound had felt too stuffy and small— despite its size.

The compound was... a mystery to me. It was large and spacious yet at times it felt like it closed in on me, suffocating like a 5x5 room. It made me feel like SCP 096 in his airtight steel cube room, watched yet not seen.

I step off the train at a random stop, heading out back into the chilly night air to continue an aimless walk through a concrete jungle shaped like a maze of looming buildings that wait— wait for the perfect moment to swallow me whole like a fly in the air, gone like I had never even buzzed in someone's ear.

Walking off the sidewalk and into a parking lot, I glance around. The parking lot may seem empty but I don't trust it, there are cars here— I know there are. They just don't want me to see them yet. They like to hide, spook me when I'm not paying attention once more. The building seems to expend as I enter with my membership card in hand, I'm sure I'll never understand how everything fits inside this place— just like I'll never understand where all the shoppers in here come from, even so late.

Are they even people?

I don't know how long I've been in here before I begin to become hungry, taking notice of the samples being handed out. Don't trust it, never trust it— you don't know if that person is sick or has done something to the food. Buy something and make it yourself, or buy a packaged snack— some fruit even. I cannot find check out, and the lady I had passed only gave me an eerie smile when I asked how to get to check out.

What is up with people and not knowing the answers to questions tonight?

I sit motionless, vaguely aware i was on the floor in the kitchen. I was also vaguely aware it was some time past 4am, when I returned from my late name wander. However something is wrong, something is staring. I do not know what nor do I think I want to know, yeah... I don’t want to know— I never will want to know.

It feels as if I’m staring at the back of my own head, watching as blurs vibrate and buzz off me and disappear into the air. I was staring, but staring where? At what? What color is it? What shape does it take? Is it smooth or textured? Is it decorative or a utensil?

I want to reach and touch myself, reassure myself that I am, in fact, here— that I am tangible and existing. So I reach up to touch my forehead, but everything blues— freezes. It was like something had stopped me from proving I was tangible, but I didn’t know what stopped me. I can’t figure it out, I’m sure at this point I don’t want to figure it out.

Do not touch my own face, that is asking for trouble. Something has warned me not to do it, and blindly I will take the unseen things advice.

My mind feels cloudy? No, it feels foggy. Not quite... It feels as if someone has steamed it, the moisture leaking out my eyes— I am crying with a dull expression as I sit on the kitchen floor, barely aware I even exist. This skin isn’t even my own, who’s is it? Did I steal it? Did I win it? Did we swap? How do I give it back? It is uncomfortable and suffocating, irritating like a sunburn.

Who am I? Am I a spectator? Am I a player? Am I winning? What am I playing? What am I spectating? Are others here? Is this a competition? Where are the controls?

I’d like to take the controls now.

It was a very faint and ghostly feeling of a hand touching mine that made me obscurely aware my hand had never dropped from moving to touch my own face. How long ago was that? The world was a blur, scratchy and set in black and white like a very old VHS tape. I didn’t know how long it was of those ghostly hands rubbing my upper arms and occasionally wiping my face and eyes, but the feeling of those motions became more prominent— heavier and more tangible.

Eventually, my world came into color and the first thing I could see was red. Brown hair that was lazily held in a messy ponytail, skin adorned with a pair of red pajamas, green eyes that seemed so soft and worried as they met mine.

“You’re with me, miere?” She asks softly and I touch her hand that was cupping my cheek.

She is real.

She’s here, tangible, existing.

So I am real, tangling, existing— because she is talking to ME.

“Miere?”

“Please don’t leave me alone...”

“I am not going to leave, Miere. I am right here, don’t worry.. I am always right here.”

“I love you..”

“Miere?”

Meeting her green eyes, they seemed so bright but so cautious. Why? Squeezing her hand that had been holding mine, the corners of my lips tugged up a bit.

“I love you Wanda..”

“I... I love you too, Miere. I, I thought you were dating... Mattie?”

“Mattie..?” I mumble, confused.

Who is Mattie? Do I know a Mattie? Surely I do, she wouldn’t have mentioned a Mattie if I didn’t and— Oh, the diner Mattie.

“No, I’m not dating Mattie.. He was my friend from school.” I admit, his face now fresh in my head.

“Besides, I don’t like guys.”

“Are you... are you gay?”

“Of course I’m gay.”